Stirling Eye - Spring 2008

Spring 2008

Inside this issue...

Special skills feature Who does what in the Stirling area

Stirling Enterprise Business Gateway, property and training services

Business space new developments at Springkerse

Business profile Red Kite Yurts

Planning update planning application for industrial units at Bandeath

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome

Local business news

3

ROK set to build on Stirling success 5

It has been said that change is the

Stirling keeps PACE with redundancies

5

change all around us. In recent

Business profile: Red Kite Yurts

6

weeks the administration within

Networking for enterprising women across the National Park

7

Stirling economy: open for business!

7

Special feature: business rates

8

only constant and this seems right as we are constantly faced with

the Council has changed and I am sure you will have read about that in the press.

I look forward to working with you

On behalf of my colleagues I have

in the months to come to realise

taken on responsibility for the

all of our potential. We are always

economy portfolio and I would like

interested to hear your views so I

Business space developments

10

to thank my colleague Colin O’Brien

would be grateful if you would take

Planning applications update

11

for his excellent contribution to this

the time to enter our prize draw and

important and vital aspect of our

let us know what you think about

Special feature: skills

12

work.

Stirling Eye.

Employment law developments

17

Our local area and our economy

I wish you well in your adventures.

Healthy Working Lives

17

is changing, and for the better,

Special feature: Stirling Enterprise 18

we continue to drive forward developments through our new Strategic Plan that will help define

Filming activity

19

Business Improvement Districts

20

Stirling’s place in the 21st Century

Councillor Scott Farmer

while building on the heritage of

Depute Leader of Council and

The Stirling brand in business

21

our past and the quality of our built

Corporate Resources and Economy

Economic facts

22

and natural environment.

portfolio holder.

Microsoft UK Challenge 08

24

Tourism options for Callander car park

24

Forthcoming events/training

24

If you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 7064.

Cover photo: Paul Millard of Red Kite Yurts in the Stirling countryside.

Please see business profile of Red Kite Yurts on page 6 for more information.

Photo by Finn Millard.

Stirling Eye is compiled and produced by Stirling Council Economic Development Department.

If you have any interesting news with a business or economic focus, or would like to comment on this publication, please contact: Joëlle Russell, Business Research & Intelligence Executive Environment Services, Economic Strategy & Intelligence, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET Tel: 01786 442778 Email: russelljl@stirling.gov.uk Web: www.stirling.gov.uk Printed on recycled paper.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Local business news Norbord opens new biomass plant Norbord have opened a new biomass plant as part of their £2.5 million investment in environmental protection measures. The biomass plant is helping to cut emissions from their Cowie plant and is adding to the one million metric tonnes of biomass used to fuel the factory – equivalent to two million barrels of oil!!

The biomass fuel comes from bark and wood residue produced during the manufacturing process, helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Norbord do not use virgin biomass material purchased from outside sources, ensuring that the only fuel burned is biomass that Malcolm Wickes (UK Energy Minister) at Norbord’s new biomass plant

has already been used and recycled, e.g. biomass that has reached the end of the recycling chain.

Businesses move to Whitehouse Road Stirling Tractors Ltd (G Reekie Group Ltd) are relocating from Kerse Road into bespoke premises in Whitehouse Road. TMS Motor Spares Ltd are also moving into refurbished premises at Whitehouse Road. TMS Motor Spares Ltd are a UK wide company and have chosen to locate their central Scotland wholesale automotive parts operation in Stirling, creating a number of jobs.

Provide feedback on Stirling Eye and enter free

£50 prize draw!

Provide feedback on Stirling Eye and enter a free prize draw to win £50 of vouchers for a Stirling shop of your choice. The winning business/employee will be announced in the Summer edition of Stirling Eye. Three runner ups will win calculators.

To enter the prize draw visit www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Work begins on new Stirling Mart Bruce Crawford, Minister for Parliamentary Business, conducted a formal turf cutting ceremony in February to mark the start of work on United Auction’s new £11 million Mart. The new Mart, to be set on 52 acres of land at Hill of Drip, Stirling, will replace the outdated facilities at Kildean Mart.

The new Mart completes a promise by property development company Elphinstone to build a new mart when they acquired United Auctions in 2005. The new Mart will consist of 13,500 sq m, including two sale rings, pens, paddocks, offices and lettable retail units. It is expected that the new Mart will support around 320 local jobs and will be the flagship auction market for the farming community in Scotland.

Michael McIntyre of property agent DM Hall, acting on behalf of Dalriada Investments Ltd, owner of the Whitehouse Road sites, commented that these deals reflected the strength of demand for good quality business space in Stirling.

Turf cutting ceremony for new Stirling Mart

Early New Year success for Graham’s the Family Dairy The introduction of conventional milk from Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s the Family Dairy has increased milk sales at Sainsbury’s Scottish stores by two per cent. Due to customer demand, Sainsbury’s launched Graham’s whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk in its Scottish stores on 4th January. The milk has proved to be a big hit and, just four weeks later, accounted for nine per cent of the retailer’s total conventional milk sales.

Graham’s the Family Dairy is Scotland’s largest independent dairy and employs 270 staff. The family business is currently embarking on an expansion project at their Bridge of Allan headquarters. This involves substantial investment to increase the dairy’s loading and distribution

The Graham

family

facilities and add space for the unloading of packaging materials. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Local business news

Name change Storage Products Services (SPS) Ltd have partnered up with Cheshire based DataSpace (UK) Ltd and changed their name to DataSpace (Scotland) Ltd. All staff, assets and activities from SPS Ltd will transfer to DataSpace (Scotland) Ltd.

Joint naming ceremony for new rowing boats and launch of DataSpace (Scotland) name

Redundancies It is regrettable that Stirling Eye has to report on the following redundancies in the Stirling Council area over the last couple of months:

The DataSpace (Scotland) Ltd name launch took place at Stirling Rowing Club on Sunday 24th February, alongside a naming ceremony for new rowing boats purchased using sponsorship money from DataSpace (Scotland) Ltd and Campbell Dallas Chartered Accountants.

Small Majority expand into new office

l

40 jobs at Zeda – Zeda have gone into liquidation resulting in 160

Small Majority, a

redundancies, 120 at their Head Office in Nottinghamshire and 40 at

multimedia company

their Stirling branch at Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park.

specialising in creative

68 jobs at Somerfield – after a rigorous analysis of profitability and

video, have expanded

projected performance, Somerfield closed their St Ninians store in Stirling.

into larger premises

33 jobs at Active Stirling – job loses were due to the premature closure

within the Old Town Jail. Located in Stirling for seven years,

of Rainbow Slides following the collapse of part of the swimming pool

the company has expanded due to growing demand for

ceiling. The cost of repairing the 1970s building was deemed too high.

their services and diversification into new markets, including

The new Sports Village at Forthside, including public swimming pool, is

media training.

l

l

scheduled for completion in March 2009.

Oops! – We would

Welcome…

like to make the following

Recently Stirling has welcomed

Active Scotland Ltd

various businesses and

A new business start up

business start ups to business

based in Lochearnhead at

premises in the area, including:

the Watersports Centre.

McAdam King

The business specialises

correction to the text in the history article on page 10 of the Winter 2008 edition of Stirling Eye. We stated that “During the Wakeboarding - an

in outdoor sports,

An established recruitment

including water-skiing

agency from Glasgow with over 30 years joint experience.

and wake-boarding.

McAdam King have chosen

Russon Enterprises Ltd (Forth Mobile Valeting)

Springfield House, Laurelhill Business Park to locate their

Russon Enterprises, trading as

new central belt office.

Forth Mobile Valeting, have

1920s, the town Council

growing watersp

ort

R Hunter Plumbing & Heating A business specialising in gas servicing, maintenance and fault finding.

The business recently moved into new premises at Stirling

built housing to tackle the slums and deprivation in Raploch and Riverside…”

The text should in fact have read: “During the

1920s, the town Council built housing in Raploch

Edge of the Wood

moved into new premises at

A business specialising in all

Stirling Enterprise. Russon

aspects of upholstery and

Enterprises is a contract

Land of Leather Recently

the old town…” Stirling

furniture restoration. The

cleaning company, providing

opened a new retail unit at

Eye would like to thank

business recently expanded

a range of cleaning services,

Springkerse Retail Park. Land

Marjory Maxwell of Marjory

into new premises in Drymen

including vehicle valeting and

of Leather specialise in sale of

Maxwell Translation Limited

Station, Croftamie.

carpet and upholstery cleaning.

leather sofas.

for pointing out this error!

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Enterprise.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

and Riverside to tackle slums and deprivation in

Rok set to build on Stirling success Rok plc, one of Scotland’s biggest and most successful building and maintenance firms, opened a new office at Castle Business Park in March. The move involved relocating Rok’s Stepps office to Stirling and transferring 80 people, including 25 who are office based and 55 on sites.

“We are keen to establish ourselves as a local business in Stirling’s vibrant business community. We would like to build links with other local businesses, and already work with a number of them. Rok is ultimately a people focused business, which aims to provide mould breaking employment

Rok staff

opportunities for all its employees, including those in Stirling.”

showroom at Broadleys and Dobbies Retail

Rok currently operates from a network

Outlet, Stirling.

of 11 offices across Scotland, including

Scott Alexander reports:

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

“Rok is fanatical about its reputation as

The company specialises in low risk,

Scotland’s local builder and we take pride in

relationship based service delivery,

involving ourselves with the communities in

providing building and maintenance Rok’s new premises at Castle Business Park

For the past few years Rok has served customers across the Stirling area from its

services tailored to local need and customer wishes. Past projects in the Stirling area have included new build office units at Castle Business Park, BMW’s Mini

which we operate, in terms of the contracts we undertake, the people we employ and the wider contribution we are able to make. This new office, right in the heart of Scotland, will hopefully allow us to play a

base in Stepps. Having secured considerable

more pivotal role in Stirlingshire’s growing

repeat business in Stirling and throughout

and diverse economy. We are extremely

the central belt, Rok decided to move from

excited to be making our mark on the

Stepps to a more central location in an effort

region’s history and are looking forward to a

to further enhance customer service and

long and prosperous future here.”

play a greater role in the local community.

Anyone wishing to find out more about

Regarding the move, Scott Alexander, area leader for Rok, said:

BMW’s Mini showroom, Broadleys

Rok can visit www.rokgroup.com or contact the Stirling office on 01786 457000.

Stirling keeps PACE with redundancies Stirling Council, together with its partners, operate a service called PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment).

Our dedicated local response team includes a member of staff from Scottish Enterprise and from each of the three Councils in Forth Valley as well as Jobcentre Plus and Careers Scotland.

This group provides redundancy support. Any employees facing redundancy are assisted to find alternative employment.

Initially we provide information packs for employees facing redundancy. These packs include information provided by various organisations on a wide range of services for people facing the prospect of unemployment.

For large scale redundancies, we can arrange an event, in the form of a ‘futures fair’ where those employees who are facing redundancy can meet with organisations for help and advice on employment.

This is an initiative that for obvious reasons we hope to use as little as possible, however recently, PACE assistance has been offered to Somerfield and Active Stirling to assist with potential redundancy situations.

For further information, please contact Laura Melville, Business Liaison Executive on 01786 443028 or e-mail melvillel@stiring.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Business profile

Red Kite Yurts to my gardening design business and a source of income during the worst of the winter weather.” However, the sale and hire of yurts quickly became his main source of income, prompting him to formally establish Red Kite Yurts early last year.

The business has benefited from mentoring services through the Trossachs Enterprise Rural Mentoring Scheme (TERMS) and sold six yurts last year to customers including Tiso, campsites, felt-makers and storytellers. The business also has six yurts for hire, from 12 to 24 ft in diameter.

Yurts are hired for a range of events, including parties and weddings. A yurt was recently hired to the Glasgow Story Tellers Association for story-telling sessions to around 700 children from Govanhill. rt yu ng di

A yurt in the snow at Glen Shee

The business Red Kite Yurts is a small business near Thornhill, which makes, sells and hires yurts – dome shaped Nomadic tents originating from Kyrgyzstan.

The business idea Paul Millard, founder of Red Kite Yurts, explains that his interest in yurts came from his father who spent time in the Middle East during the war. His father shared his experiences of the North Western front between India and Pakistan, where both armies adopted yurts to withstand the harsh weather.

Getting started…

Paul remembers seeing his first yurt at the Edinburgh Tree Fest eight years ago. Greatly inspired, he decided to build his own. Paul reports: “We used to set the Yurt up in the garden and read stories to the children and camp out. It provided a really special atmosphere for story telling, the children felt like they had been transported to another time and place.”

After receiving an offer to buy his Yurt, Paul built another. He then painted the name ‘Red Kite Yurts’ (inspired by the recent reintroduction of Red Kites to the Trossachs area) on his truck, alongside his phone number and the next day, received his first hire booking.

Paul reports: “Initially my Yurt building hobby provided a supplementary income

STIRLING EYE

wed Interior of a

Red Kite Yurts also run teaching workshops. One recently involved Newbattle Abbey College Ecology students using wood from a 250-year-old Elm tree felled by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The students helped make a 12 foot yurt, soon to be a permanent feature of the Royal Botanic Garden’s Exhibition.

How are the yurts made?

The frames for Red Kite Yurts are made entirely from wood and braided cord. The wood, predominantly Elm, Ash and Oak, is mainly sourced from the “Out of Wood” sawmill in Braco. The yurts have steam bent wooden poles, which fit into a circular oak crown to provide a robust dome shaped roof, with plenty of headroom.

Did you know?

Traditional methods for bending wood in Kyrgyzstan involve placing wooden poles in fermented sheep dung for ten days, after which time the poles can be bent.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Construction of the crown of a yurt

Assembly of a yurt

Did you know?

It takes less than an hour to fully assemble a yurt, including door, carpets and stove.

The wooden poles are soaked in water for three days before being steamed. Then they are placed in a former, which holds the bend in the wood. Once dry, they are then sanded, drilled and oiled, before being corded, ready for assembly.

The yurts have a canvas outer lining, tied down with guy lines. The canvases are made to measure by Wilson Coverups, a sail maker from Leven. The yurts are then kitted out with decorative carpets and inner linings, including beautifully coloured felts that Paul brought back from a recent trip to Kyrgyzstan.

The final feature is a wood-burning stove made from recycled Butane gas bottles.

Into the future Paul is working with an Outdoor Centre in the Highlands to develop a specially modified design of yurt. The Holiday Centre is keen to purchase more after the yurt they bought last year proved a real hit with holidaymakers.

Paul has recently diversified into giving talks across Scotland and teaching the music, culture and crafts associated with yurts. He is even writing a children’s book to read in story-telling sessions in yurts at various festivals over the summer.

Contact If you would like to find out more about Red Kite Yurts, please visit www.redkiteyurts.com or contact Paul Millard on 01786 826921, email paul@redkiteyurts.com

Networking for enterprising women across the National Park Tying in neatly with the Budget announcement on 12 March of a £12.5m capital fund to encourage more women to start up their own businesses, Stirling Council’s Economic Development Department was encouraged by the turn-out at the Network for Enterprising Women Event at Loch Lomond on 7 March 2008. Hosted by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, over 70 women from across the Park area attended the event, organised to coincide with International Women’s Day. The purpose of the event was to bring together business women and aspiring business women from across the National Park area to discuss and exchange business or enterprise ideas, led by a number of speakers from across the UK and Sweden – who were able to elaborate on some very innovative and inspiring activities that have been developed elsewhere to support enterprising women. From the outset it was clear that there are many enterprising women in the National Park and rural Stirling area who might not be running a business at the moment, but are equally enterprising in their community activities or in other parts of their lives, but just don’t regard themselves as such.

NEWS FLASH

d Lomond Forth Valley an mme has just LEADER Progra n d £2.63 millio been awarde h current Scottis as part of the ent Plan Rural Developm ore details allocations! M ed in the next will be provid ing Eye. edition of Stirl

Topics under discussion included Social Enterprise, Lending Circles & Microcredit, Small Scale Tourism in the National Park and Support for Business Start-Up. Projects already proposed to be taken forward include training in social enterprise, setting up a pilot “lending circle”, and encouraging co-operation with other European countries. The new Scottish Rural Development Plan and LEADER programme will be explored as sources of possible support for these ideas.

The event was supported by Stirling Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and the National Park Authority.

For more information, contact Anne-Michelle Ketteridge (Rural Affairs Executive, Stirling Council) on 01786 443123, email ketteridgea@stirling.gov.uk

Stirling economy: Open for business!

Stirling Council is developing a new Strategic Plan and Single Outcome Agreement that will outline what the Council is seeking to achieve locally and how these local priorities link to national objectives and outcomes set by the Scottish Government.

A final version of the new Strategic Plan, which will operate from 2008 to 2012, will be presented to Council for approval in June 2008. However, Stirling Eye has had a sneak preview of the five Strategic Topics and three Strategic Themes that support the Council’s Vision, which includes working towards making Stirling a “…location of choice with a growing population and vibrant economy that is open for business.”

The five Strategic Topics are:

The three Strategic Themes are:

l

Topic 1: Vibrant Economy, Open for Business

l

Theme A: Making Services Better

l

Topic 2: A Place With Jobs and Opportunities for All

l

Theme B: Encouraging Participation and Responsibility

l

Topic 3: Lifelong Learning is Valued and Encouraged

l

Theme C: Making Stirling more Sustainable

l

Topic 4: Improved Wellbeing, Adding Years to Life

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Topic 5: Quality Environment

The Strategic Plan was developed in tandem with Stirling Council’s Single Outcome Agreement, submitted to the Scottish Government on 31 March 2008. A framework of outcome indicators has been developed, and these will help measure the Council’s progress in implementing the Strategic Plan and Single Outcome Agreement. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Special feature Business Rates Explained

Non-Domestic Rates is the commercial/business equivalent of Council Tax and is payable on every building that is not occupied as a home, for example, a shop, office, factory, and so on.

The Scottish Government sets the rate poundage annually and Stirling Council collects the rates for the Government.

The Government then distributes the money collected back to Councils, in the form of a grant, to help pay for Council Services.

From 1st April 2008 the rate poundage is 45.8p. Properties with rateable values over £29,000 are charged a supplement of 0.4p for every £1.00 of rateable value.

Properties with a combined rateable value of less than £15,000 qualify for Small Business Bonus.

according to their rateable values as shown in the Valuation Roll, except where exemptions apply.

Rateable value The Rateable Value is not the figure that you pay. Your nondomestic rates bill is calculated by multiplying the Rateable Value by the Rate Poundage.

and occupiers of property. This

Value that is placed on your

We will also apply any relief to

information is analysed to

which you may be entitled. At

property, any queries regarding

set a level of value for each

the present time, most rates

valuation should be addressed

property. A new level of value

bills are considerably lower than

to The Assessor and sent in

will come into effect at the

the figure of Rateable Value.

writing. Please note that no

next evaluation on 1 April 2010

payment or part payment

Rateable values are set by the

and in order to ensure that the

should be withheld pending

Assessor who has a statutory

values are fair and consistent

the settlement of an appeal.

Rates are charged on over 4,500 non-domestic properties

right to collect information

the Assessor will be issuing

You should continue to pay as

such as building costs, sale

forms over this summer. It is

normal. If the appeal finds

within the Stirling Council area,

prices and rents from owners

important that these forms

in your favour, you will be

are properly completed and

refunded any overpayment

returned.

with interest to compensate.

As the Assessor is responsible

The Valuation Roll is produced

for setting the Rateable

and maintained by the

Did you know?

Between 2000 and 2007 the average collection level was 99%.

Assessor for Central Scotland and he deals with all valuation

Paying your rates

enquiries.

Your rates bill is calculated by multiplying the business rate by your rateable value and is issued annually in April, requesting payment over 10 months from May to February.

If you have a question about the valuation of your property you can contact the Assessor

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay. Payments will automatically be deducted from your bank account on the

at Hillside House, Laurelhill,

15th of each month. If you choose to pay by any other method, payment is due on the 1st of the month.

Stirling, FK7 9JQ, telephone

You can also pay online, by Phone or using your Debit Card, please phone 0845 277 7000, and remember, you will need the 13 digit reference number from your bill. If you choose to pay by post, payments

01786 892200 or visit www.saa.gov.uk/central

should be addressed to Rates Service, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET. Cheques or Postal Orders should be crossed and made payable to Stirling Council. Please remember to write your reference number, name and address on the back of your cheque.

Did you know?

Paying on time You need to pay by the first of every month from 1st May 2008 to February 2009 (unless you pay by Direct Debit). If you do not wish to pay by instalments, you should make full settlement before 1st October 2008.

Ratepayers who fail to pay 4 monthly instalments by 30th September or fall 2 or more instalments behind after that date will receive a reminder. If you fail to pay, further recovery and enforcement action will follow.

If you fall into arrears or have difficulty paying, please contact our Arrears Team immediately on 01786 443220. It may be possible for some other system of payment to be arranged.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling Council has the highest percentage of businesses paying their rates

by Direct Debit at 66%. This is based on questionnaire results returned by 22 out of the 32 Scottish Local Authorities

Small Business Bonus Scheme A new Scottish Small Business Bonus Scheme came into effect on 1st April 2008.

Rates relief for businesses with rateable values of £15,000 or less changed on 1st April 2008. The scheme will progressively reduce the rates burden for businesses over the next two years. The scheme will be delivered in full by April 2009.

The Scottish Government will meet the additional cost of the scheme.

Larger businesses will continue to make a small contribution towards the cost of the scheme by a small supplement on the rate poundage for all subjects with a rateable value above £29,000. In 2008/09 this will be 0.4p.

Previously, businesses with rateable values of £11,500 or less have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief of between 5 and 50% on the rate poundage.

Under the new scheme, businesses with rateable values of £15,000 or less may have their rates reduced by between 20% and 100% depending on their rateable value and meeting other criteria. This is summarised below: 2008/09 Combined Rateable Value of all Properties

Small Business Bonus

Up to £8,000 £8,001 to £10,000 £10,001 to £15,000

80% 40% 20%

PROFILE Non-Domestic Rates Team Names: Gillian Duncan & Celia Taylor Job: Non-Domestic Rates Team Role: Administration and billing for all rateable properties in the Stirling Council area as well as all customer enquiries and complaints.

Key area of expertise: Provision of friendly, professional, impartial advice and assistance in relation to rateable values, charges, relief schemes and any other rate connected issues.

Current workload: Recently, our small but very effective

2009/10 Combined Rateable Value of all Properties

Small Business Bonus

Up to £8,000 £8,001 to £10,000 £10,001 to £15,000

100% 50% 25%

The Scottish Government has set the rate poundage for 2008/09 at 45.8p.

rates team has been busy with the Small Business Bonus Scheme. This new scheme has required Celia and Gillian to undergo training on the new regulations and software. They have written to all of those occupiers that may now qualify for rates relief, ensuring that everyone eligible is able to benefit from the scheme.

This is also a busy time of year – April is the month that all

Other rates reliefs

annual rates bills are sent out. Because of the new Small

Certain subjects are not liable to pay rates and are treated as exempt, for example, churches. l Unoccupied

properties - No rates are payable for the first three months that a property is left empty. After that, unoccupied properties are liable for empty property rates of 50%. However, some classes of property are exempt (such as industrial). You will need to fill in a claim form and provide evidence to claim relief. Acceptable evidence will include minimal electricity bills, removal receipts, contractor receipts or if appropriate, a signed declaration from your solicitor. l Charities

- Relief of 80% of the rates bill is given to properties occupied by charities. The Council has the discretion to reduce all or part of the remaining 20% of the bill. Relief is available on properties used for the care or aftercare of people suffering from a disability. l Discretionary

relief is also available to other social welfare organisations and sports clubs. l Rural

relief - Relief may be awarded on certain village stores or post offices, small food shops, filling stations, Did you know? children’s nurseries, public houses/small Two full time staff are solely responsible for hotels. the administration and billing of over 4,500 properties in the Stirling area.

Business Bonus Scheme, the team is working very hard to ensure any relief that is due to businesses is deducted off their annual bill before it is sent out.

There are benchmarking groups and software user groups in place so that Councils can share best practice, current issues and ensure that everyone benefits from the same high level of service provision throughout Scotland.

Having worked in these roles for many years, Celia and Gillian have acquired a second to none knowledge of business property in the Stirling Council area. In many cases,

Contact details

they are able to provide

To make a payment or enquire about charges contact the Rates Team

information required on a property before they even access their systems database! This

Celia Taylor

level of knowledge is

Tel. 01786 443232

an invaluable resource,

Email taylorc@stirling.gov.uk

enabling them to provide

Gillian Duncan

a very high and efficient

Tel. 01786 443257

level of service.

Email duncang@stirling.gov.uk

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Business space developments Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling

Development site, Munro Road

There have been two recent site acquisitions

Stirling Council recently sold an industrial

in Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling’s

site at Munro Road to Muddy Fields LLP, a

largest industrial location. Cameron

joint venture between John Scott and John

Developments (Scotland) Ltd has acquired

Quinn. The site extends to around

a prominently situated site fronting Kerse

0.51 hectares (1.27 acres).

Road, while Muddy Fields LLP has acquired

The applicant/developer, John Quinn intends

an industrial site from Stirling Council on Munro Road.

Development site, fronting Kerse Road

Development site, fronting Kerse Road

to develop the site with a range of storage/ workshop units and has made a detailed planning application for the site.

Michael McIntyre of property agent DM Hall, advises that although interest has already

The proposals extend in total to around 2,134 sq m (22,830 sq ft), comprising four

The site acquired by Cameron Developments

been expressed in the existing unit, design

(Scotland) Ltd extends to some 0.6 hectares

and build options are also available. New

(1.5 acres) and is situated on a site fronting

build units are proposed of around 465 sq

Kerse Road, with access from Munro Road.

m (5,000 sq ft) capable of subdivision into

There is a single unit on the site extending

individual units each of 232 sq m (2,500 sq

Further information on future property

to around 1,080 sq m (11,620 sq ft).

ft), as well as a single unit of around

opportunities at this location can be

371 sq m (4,000 sq ft).

obtained from John Quinn of Muddy Fields

The current occupier, Stirling Tractors Ltd

individual units of around 250 sq m (2,670 sq ft) and three individual units of around 378 sq m (4,050 sq ft).

LLP on 07876 658980 or 01236 667500,

(G Reekie Group Ltd), intend to relocate

Michael McIntyre of DM Hall can be

to bespoke premises in Whitehouse

contacted on 01324 628321, email

Road, more in keeping with their current

Michael.Mcintyre@dmhall.co.uk to discuss

operations.

property opportunities at this location.

email john.quinn@fas-co.com .

Development site, Borrowmeadow Road All 5 units in phase 1 of the SPS development at Borrowmeadow Road, Springkerse Industrial Estate have now been sold. Construction of phase 2 started in February 2008, and proposed units were released onto the market for sale in December 2007.

Due to good levels of demand for this type and size of property for purchase, all 5 light industrial units in phase 2 (each extending to approximately 300 sq m/3,230 sq ft) are now under offer. Construction of phase 2 is scheduled for completion by July, 2008.

A further phase will be released in due course and it is likely to be a mix of units for sale or lease.

Further details can be obtained from property agent, Sandy Falconer of agents J & E Shepherd on 01786

Artists Impression of development at Borrowmeadow Road

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STIRLING EYE

450438, email sandy.falconer@shepherd.co.uk or from Jim Steel on 01786 447716, email jim@spslimited.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Manor Farm, Manor Loan, Blairlogie Rural businesses will also benefit from a range of new business, light industrial and storage units (excluding primary office use) being developed at Manor Farm, Blairlogie. The development extends in total to around 1,902 sq m (20,475 sq ft).

The proposed development consists of three units of around 115.5 sq m (1,240 sq ft), four units of around 234 sq m (2,515 sq ft), one unit of around 250 sq m (2,690 sq ft) and two units of around 185 sq m (1,990 sq ft ).

Proposals also include the conversion of an existing traditional steading for business use, as well as the intended demolition of a farmhouse and erection of a business centre on the farmhouse site.

Further details can be obtained from Jennifer Sorley of letting agent Ross and Liddell on 0141 221 7579, e-mail j-sorley@ross-liddell.com .

Planning applications update A number of planning applications with a significant business focus have been submitted to Stirling Council and are still being considered, pending a decision. These include: l

An application by Forrest Developments Ltd for a non-food retail development with associated access, servicing and car parking (6,970 sq m retail) in the Raploch area.

l

An application by Mr John Quinn for a development of seven storage/workshop units (2,134 sq m industrial) on land to the West of 9 Munro Road, Stirling.

l

An application by R J M Developments (Scotland) Ltd to develop class 4 offices and class 11 leisure buildings, associated roads, parking and landscape treatment (18,254 sq m office, 1,644 sq m leisure) on land North West of Pirnhall services.

l

l

An application by City of Stirling Business Ltd and Elphinstone for a mixed use development comprising business park (Class 4), housing (Class 9), hotel/leisure (Class 7), restaurant/pub, retail and further education college (Class 10) on land at Kildean Auction Mart (20,000 sq m housing, 17,000 sq m business park, 1,750 sq m retail).

An application by West Coast Energy for erection of 9 wind turbines, a permanent 70 metre wind monitoring mast, crane hardstandings, new internal access tracks, control building, borrow pits and car parking area on land at Ling Hill North West of Earlsburn Wind Farm, Fintry.

l

An application by Torwood Fencing for erection of an office and warehouse (480 sq m industrial/storage) on land to the East of 16 Back O’Hill Industrial Estate, Stirling.

l

An application by STEP for a class 1 (Convenience Superstore) with service area, car parking and landscaping (6,900 sq m retail) at Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling.

l

An application by Allan Water Development Ltd for erection of new build offices and change of use of existing house to offices (1,090 sq m office) at 19 Melville Terrace, Stirling.

l

An application by Gladman Developments Ltd for construction of eighteen new Class 4 office buildings of two and three storey design to provide 28 units with associated services, electrical substation, landscaping and car parking (11,644 sq m office) at land North of Dunblane Cemetery, Barbush, Dunblane.

l

An application by Npower Renewables for erection of 9 wind turbine generators on land at Ballindalloch Muir, Balfron.

l

An application by Mr & Mrs Robert Adam for development of 14 industrial units including workshop (1,613 sq m industrial) on land adjacent to east of Block 2, Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk.

l

An application by Sainsbury’s Supermarkets (Turley Associates) for a supermarket extension at Sainsbury’s (1,720 sq m retail), Back O’Hill Road, Raploch.

The following planning applications have been supported in principle by Stirling Council but are currently subject to detailed negotiations to draw up a planning agreement: l

An application by United Auctions/Elphinstone Land Ltd to erect a new livestock auction market and associated facilities (13,500 sq m auction mart, 1,500 sq m retail, 1,370 sq m office) on land to the North of Hill of Drip Farm.

l

An application by Prudential for a mixed use development of business park, leisure/retail and residential (32,000 sq m converted office, 5.5 acres residential, 5.75 Ha leisure/retail, 22.5 acres business park) on land at Craigforth.

l

An application by Mr T. Cox to construct 10 new class 4/class 6 units; conversion of steading building to class 4, demolition of farmhouse and use of site for class 4 and construction of new house and upgrading of existing access road at Manor Farm (1,824 sq m industrial, 900 sq m office), Blairlogie.

The planning application submitted by KW Properties for a Class 1 retail development with associated car parking, servicing and landscaping (1,500 sq m retail) at Dickson of Dunblane, has now been approved.

Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

11

Special feature

SKILLS This special feature on skills takes a look at training activities in the Stirling Council area, which are adding to Stirling’s competitiveness by bolstering the supply of skills that local employers are looking for. Articles are included on a wide variety of publicly supported training provision, including training delivered by Forth Valley College, the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Apprenticeship Training Scheme, services delivered by Stirling Council’s Youth Services and Employability departments, New Deal and Pathways to Work training delivered by Triage and English language training for migrant workers in the Stirling Council area.

Stirling Trades The history article in the Winter 2008 edition of Stirling Eye looked at the role of the Stirling Guildry in organising markets and overseeing the sale of goods.

While the Guildry could buy and sell goods, in most circumstances tradesmen ie ir and Keiren Scobb could not. Skills training as well as ool pupils Lucy Mu the of Allan Primary Sch pie les Gil Mr merchandise production and service inner Awards by being presented Sk n in June 2007 provision was organised by the seven tio ora orp Skinners Inc Stirling Trades – the Hammermen, Weavers, Tailors, Shoemakers, Fleshers, Skinners and Bakers. While passing on their skills, it was common for trade members to house an Allan Primary School apprentice in their own home. badge incorporating Each trade had representation at the Deacon Court. Any complaints about ‘dodgy’ workmanship could be put to the Court, and the quality of the goods and services would be challenged. This system ensured that the Stirling area enjoyed competent craftsmen who delivered a quality product.

Stirling Trades symbols

To find out more about the Stirling Trades or how to get involved, please contact Tom White (Trades Clerk) on 01786 474315.

Skills Development Scotland The Scottish Government produced a new Skills Strategy for Scotland in September 2007. The Strategy sets out what needs to be developed to improve the supply and use of skills in Scotland. Future skills development policies are to be closely linked with economic development, business improvement and innovation.

The Skills Strategy outlines a need for greater cohesion and coherent structures for delivery of skills and training. This has resulted in creation of a new streamlined organisation called Skills Development Scotland, bringing together most of the skills and training elements previously managed by Scottish Enterprise, Careers Scotland and Learndirect Scotland. More information on the Skills Strategy for Scotland and Skills Development Scotland can be accessed by visiting www.scottishexecutive.gov.uk .

Scottish Enterprise will retain an element of workforce development, directly linking skills with business demand but keeping a close relationship with Skills Development Scotland.

Always trying to improve the skills and expertise of their craftsmen, the Skinners invited highly skilled Spanish leather workers to Edinburgh to teach Scottish Skinners the finer skills in leather preparation and manufacture of leather goods. This pursuit of excellence worked as the Stirling Skinners were glove makers for the King! Their motto is “Finismo Perpet vanno”, believed to be medieval Spanish for “Most fine and everlasting”.

Students learn what the construction industry has to offer

These days, skills in Scotland are organised through the Scottish Government, further and higher education sectors and Skills Development Scotland. Four Trades remain in Stirling – the Tailors, Fleshers, Skinners and Shoemakers, with some 40 members.

Current activities of the Trades are focused on promotion of skills in Schools, including sponsorship of Allan Primary School’s annual awards for the most improved boy and girl.

The students from Bannockburn High School, St. Modan’s High School, Stirling High School and Wallace High were given advice on a wide range of trade and professional roles in the Construction Industry from joinery and plumbing to architecture and civil engineering.

Expert advice was on tap from Forth Electrical Services, Turner and Townsend, Raploch Urban Regeneration Company, Ogilvie, ConstructionSkills, JM Architects, Stirling Council and Forth Valley College.

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STIRLING EYE

Students meet Stirling Council staff at

Representatives from Stirling’s construction Construction Awareness Event industry have been giving tips to local young people on how they can become the next generation of construction professionals. More than 130 secondary school students took part in the Construction Awareness Event organised

by Stirling’s Determined to Succeed Team at the Tolbooth.

Determined to Succeed is the Scottish Government’s strategy for enterprise in education.

It aims to help Scotland’s young people develop self-confidence, self-reliance and ambition to achieve their goals in work and in life.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

wane Centre ediate class in Co

th her interm s (first right) wi tor Augusta Alve

ESOL tu

Workplace ESOL unlocks business potential

ESOL students from more than 30 countries celebrated Burns Supper with Stirling Provost Margaret Brisley and Councillor Graham Reed at the Argyll Centre on 29th January 2008. Photo by John McConnel.

The Workplace ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) project is dedicated to provide support to local businesses with workers who do not speak English as a first language and for whom this is a barrier to using their full skill sets. By providing tailored programs at company premises during working hours, the project aims to improve productivity and efficiency of companies and organisations across Stirling by improving learners’ English language skills.

These classes, which are free and of beginner’s level, are part of a whole range of ESOL programs provided by Stirling Council’s Adult Learning Team working in partnership with Stirling School of English, Forth Valley College and a number of local organisations.

Other classes of various levels are offered by the

Did you know?

in the Cowane Centre and its Stirling Campus.

What differences has ESOL training made to your working life? Can you give some examples?

Roman Camp Hotel, Callander

Joanna: I didn’t speak English but a few simple words. My first day at work was too horrible to forget. I would lead people to the reception when they’re looking for help. Now I am confident to offer help when there’s nobody available. I can answer phones and take messages. My supervisor says my English is very good.

Has ESOL training made a difference to your social life?

Stirling School of English and by Forth Valley College

Joanna Kozyrska, who moved from Parczew of Poland two years ago and now works as a Housekeeper at the Roman Camp Hotel in Callander, has been taking workplace ESOL classes for more than a year and she told Stirling Eye about her experiences.

The number of migrant workers registering in Stirling has increased faster than the Scottish and UK levels since 2005.

For further information about ESOL support, please contact the Adult Learning Team on 01786 432360 or email adultlearning@stirling.gov.uk

Eva Serencisova, Czech Republic, who has done ESOL Intermediate Course Level 2 and is studying Tourism Management at the University of Stirling, said:

“ESOL is not only about learning new language, but learning about new cultures, knowing new friends, having more opportunities and turning to be the person you aspire. And most of the classes are for free! It can’t get any easier.”

Joanna: Everything is more convenient to me. I can go to banks for an hour appointment asking about house mortgage. I am happy to invite friends of my six-yearold son to home. I have made a lot of Scottish friends. I enjoyed myself at the restaurant’s Christmas party last year.

I am not afraid to ask people to repeat if I don’t understand.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining ESOL training?

Did you know?

The ESOL evening class in Callander was set up in February 2007 by the Stirling Council Adult Learning Team in conjunction with local businesses in Callander who wanted to provide opportunities for their employees to improve their English skills. The Dreadnought Hotel supports the class by providing premises and the class is attended by migrant workers from the hotel and other businesses in the area.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Joanna: It’s a very good program and I’m glad I did it. I would encourage anyone to phone the Council and find out about the courses and support available.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Special feature Working together for a successful future

Forth Valley College recently won the prestigious title of ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2007 – so what is their model for success?

Forth Valley College has achieved a reputation as a leading training provider ensuring businesses nationwide have the skills for the future prosperity of Scotland.

A recent government report showed that for every £1 invested in Scotland’s Colleges there is an economic return of at least £3.20.

The driving force behind the College’s strategy is a focus on client requirements and innovative business solutions.

Training on offer includes modern apprenticeship and skillseekers programmes and industry accredited programmes from professional bodies such as Comp’Ex, NEBOSH, REHIS, ServeWise and WSET. Bespoke training packages are also available.

Furthermore, the College is taking strides towards building a global brand and has been working with education institutions and training providers abroad to identify new international opportunities.

The success of Forth Valley College can be attributed to their industry insight and expertise in providing client specific solutions.

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A robust employer engagement process ensures the College’s expert consultants understand the requirements of industry and measures for success.

Training solutions then provide learning which is engaging, sustainable and seamlessly applicable in the workplace. All clients benefit from support throughout and evaluations are carried out to ensure satisfaction and continuous quality improvement.

Other key ways the college maintains links with the business community include: l

All of these approaches have proved highly successful for Forth Valley College.

Dr Wendy Livingstone, Associate Principal Business and Innovation for Forth Valley College, said: “Ensuring local and national businesses have the skills and motivation required for a successful future is a key objective for the College. I am looking forward to the challenge of exploring new ways in which we can support businesses to achieve their goals through developing their workforce.”

Client Testimony

“We recently undertook the IOSH Managing Safely Course delivered

by Forth Valley College and we

College attendance at local and national events and conferences, to maintain a high profile

were very impressed with the

Distribution of a quarterly newsletter to all key partners

anyone contemplating training and

l

Free consultations to assess appropriate training solutions and offer expert advice

Jimmy McGrory, Health and Safety Technical Support, Stirling Council

l

Work placements for students which provide learners with industry experience and offer businesses access to potential employees and fresh ideas

l

Access to resources and equipment, where possible, to aid development and maintain good relationships

l

process from beginning to end. I would recommend the College to development.”

For more information on business training opportunities, please call 01324 403119 or email biz@forthvalley.ac.uk. Alternatively, visit the Forth Valley College website www.forthvalley.ac.uk.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Support for construction skills in the National Park A National Park Community Partnership project supporting companies in the construction industry throughout the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is underway and making good progress. The project is being run over two phases and is aimed at helping construction businesses - building, plumbing and electrical - to overcome the barriers they face to taking on an apprentice.

The first phase of the project started in August 2007 with the appointment of a Business Development Officer (John Cunningham), and is focused on offering support to businesses to enable them to take on full Modern Apprentices from September 2008. John is responsible for identifying and working with interested businesses, helping them to address any barriers or issues.

tice Construction appren

The second phase of the project involves placing apprentices with up to twenty small businesses. A key element of the second phase will be four to six weeks “taster training” prior to the start of the apprenticeship proper. It is also intended to support participating businesses and apprentices with a series of training grants over the four year period of the apprenticeship. These grants will be additional to existing funding available through the Modern Apprenticeship programme.

The need for the project was originally identified by communities around the Park through the Communities Future programme.

A subsequent feasibility study confirmed that the Park lagged behind the rest of Scotland in apprenticeship employment and training opportunities for young people. The study also identified a number of barriers affecting the provision of opportunities including the rural and isolated nature of some communities, travel restrictions, the dominance of small businesses in the sector and high costs.

To date, twenty five employers have expressed an interest in the project and

activity continues to ensure that every eligible employer in the National Park and surrounding area are made aware of the opportunities offered by the project. More general business and skills development support is also provided, including advice on business and training plan development, information on funding sources, pointers to procurement opportunities and guidance on Modern Apprenticeship frameworks.

Satisfactory progress has also been made in establishing phase two funding. Phase two grants to participating businesses will be based on sponsorship by well known Scottish Companies and Trusts who will become sponsors of one small business and their apprentice by committing up to £7000 over the four year period of the apprenticeship. To date more than a dozen far sighted organisations have offered sponsorship including full sponsorship from The National Park; Contracts Scotland; Rural Stirling Housing Association; Arnold Clark Automobiles; Stirling Council; the Building and Civil Engineering Charitable Trust; and The Walker Group. In addition The Electrical Engineering Training Foundation will sponsor up to 5 electrical businesses and their apprentices. Other organisations have offered part sponsorship.

The Community Partnership who oversee the project is a charitable body set up by the National Park Authority in partnership with communities across the Park, to enable projects that support the social and economic development of the area.

The project is currently funded by Scottish Enterprise, Lomond and Rural Stirling LEADER+, and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority.

For further information on the project, employing a construction industry apprentice or becoming a sponsor please contact John Cunningham at john.cunningham@lochlomond-trossachs.org or phone 01389 722639. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

The Employability team

Employability Service Following the introduction of Stirling Council’s Employability Service in June 2007, the service has been busy working on building links and opportunities with local businesses.

The service has worked with employers from a range of different business sectors, helping them to fill vacancies. The service works with people who are capable of and want to work by helping them to overcome barriers to entering employment. A range of services is offered to employers including a recruitment service, bespoke training and support for employees struggling within the workplace.

Over the last 6 months, Accountancy firms, Solicitors, Manufacturing, Construction and Residential Care organisations have all received support from the Employability Service. The most recent support has seen a work placement opportunity for a deaf gentleman to access valuable work experience with a view to the opportunity turning into permanent employment.

The service has arranged for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, in work support, job coaching, training and also promoting the abilities of local people who are eager to work but have lacked the opportunities through a disability or difficulty.

The Employability Service works with and supports companies who recognise the ability and value of their clients and also help businesses whose employees may experience ill health or disability that can happen suddenly and have a massive impact to the client and the business.

The service has a dedicated Employer Liaison Officer, Gordon Wright, who can be contacted to discuss support for businesses through the Employability Service.

For more information, please contact Gordon on 01786 442866 or wrightg@stirling.gov.uk

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Special feature Triage to deliver welfare to work programmes Triage is a Stirling-based company, delivering the Government’s Welfare to Work programmes, New Deal and Pathways to Work, for people aged 18 – 64 years.

They offer a unique service in Scotland, working with unemployed people and businesses to provide tailored employment packages that meet both parties’ needs.

Alan Mathewson, Triage Central – Dedicated Employment Broker meeting with staff from 2e-volve.

In Forth Valley alone, Triage work with over 2,000 employers, offering a range of employment solutions to meet the needs of organisations as diverse as NHS Forth Valley, Thomas Cook and Redeem Plc. Local employer 2e-volve is one of the many companies to utilise the services of Triage Central. Managing Director Craig J Lemmon commented: “As 2e-volve has grown we have been able to rely on Triage to provide the right candidates for our needs. By working closely with 2e-volve, Triage have ensured that our new employees have access to the right support to allow them to integrate easily into our company. With 5 years experience of working with Triage I have found the staff to be proactive and resolute in delivering on their promises”.

In September last year, Triage were awarded the contract to deliver the Government’s Pathways to Work programme in Forth Valley, Fife and Tayside. The programme will support over 26,000 people who are making claims for incapacity benefit, and aims to assist more than 10,000 people into employment over a period of 3 years.

Triage work hard to tailor their employment solutions to match business needs, whilst working closely with their customers to offer the practical support they often need. They try to match the right customers to the right job, identifying and providing appropriate support before they start in their new role, and continue to provide post employment support to both the employer and employee for up to first six months of employment. Triage stay in touch with both the employer and the employee to make sure everything is going well and offer any assistance where they can.

Triage also give employers the opportunity to ‘try before they buy’, with a free trial period of employment before taking a new employee on.

If you would like to find out more about the services offered by Triage Central Limited, please contact John McLaughlin or Nicola Mair on 01786 451513.

Stirling Council Youth Services: Access to Apprenticeship Stirling Council Youth Services is working with

Research has shown that a more proactive approach is needed in order to help some young people find sustainable employment.

With that in mind several new initiatives are being introduced aimed at providing motivation and incentive to both employers and young people.

will see a young person in S4 at Wallace High who is interested in being a joiner spending one day each fortnight with the company learning all about the business. An offer of an apprenticeship will be made to the young person conditional on him or her attaining to their full potential in their end of year exams.

It is hoped that this kind of incentive will motivate youngsters to leave school having achieved their full potential thus increasing their life choices and chances. Hopefully other businesses will support the scheme in the way that Wullie Nicol at Guardian Systems has done.

Mentoring Scheme - In order to encourage youngsters to do well in their exams, Stirling Council Youth Services is running a pilot scheme in conjunction with Wallace High School and local company Guardian Systems. The scheme

Incentive Scheme – Stirling Council Youth Services also appreciates that taking on an apprentice is a huge commitment for an employer. For that reason a new scheme has been implemented that will allow

local employers providing apprenticeship support services aimed at helping young people who need additional support to find long term secure employment.

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Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

employers to take a young person on a pre-apprenticeship placement lasting up to 6 months. Employers will be expected to pay young people £100/week and provide a guarantee that those who successfully complete will be offered employed status as a Modern Apprentice providing that they have performed to expectations during their pre-apprenticeship placement. Youth Services will provide training and other support to both participating young people and employers.

Employers are currently being sought to support local youngsters through participation in both of these schemes and anyone wishing to be involved should contact Fraser McMurdo on mcmurdof@stirling.gov.uk or by telephoning 01786 432264.

Employment law developments for businesses

by Fred Best BA (Hons) Bus Law, BA (Hons) HRM, AIBC, MCIPD, Cara Call Limited

The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004 These regulations give employees the right, subject to certain conditions, to request that their employer sets up or changes arrangements to inform and consult them (via elected representatives) about issues in the organisation for which they work. The Regulations came into force for organisations with 150 or more employees in 2005, for organisations with more than 100 employees on 6th April 2007 and for those with more than 50 employees from 6th April 2008.

The Regulations do not impose a set method for employers to inform and consult their employees. Instead, the requirements are triggered either by a formal, written request for an information and consultation agreement from at least ten per cent of employees, with a minimum 15 and a maximum of 2,500 employees, or where an employer chooses to start negotiations.

currently £112.75). It is intended to increase this paid period to 52 weeks with effect from April 2010. In addition it is likely that a new right for fathers to take additional paid paternity leave for a period of up to 6 months will be introduced but dependant upon the mother returning to work before expiry of her maternity leave period.

Migrant worker laws New employment legislation was introduced in February 2008 to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrant workers.

The legislation enforces the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, and introduces a new civil offence which carries penalties of up to £10,000 for every breach and a potential two year jail term for Directors of companies who hire illegal immigrant workers.

More thorough document checks are being introduced, including annual checks for all immigrant employees who have permission to work for a fixed period.

Health and Safety - Healthy Working Lives Healthy Working Lives is an NHS Health

and safety topics, linking the visitor to

Scotland programme providing support

other websites and resources that can

and services, aimed at improving health

provide additional information. Health

and well-being, to employees, employers

& safety queries can be emailed to the

Employment Simplification Bill 2008

and those wishing to enter the Scottish

website. The website offers a number of

workforce. One of the aims of Healthy

FREE downloadable resources such as risk

Working Lives is to improve Scotland’s

assessment forms and manual handling

Scheduled (for 2009) to repeal the cumbersome Statutory Discipline/Dismissal and Grievance Procedures which have done little to help Employers resolve work-based disputes. This Bill aims to focus upon trying to resolve disputes swiftly before they escalate, thus saving time, cost and inconvenience.

health, enterprise and economy by giving

risk assessment forms with worked

small and medium sized businesses

examples.

and their workers access to FREE &

3. A network of professional Advisers

CONFIDENTIAL, high-quality information and

throughout Scotland who are available to

advice on a wide variety of occupational

carry out a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL workplace

health and safety issues within the

visit to identify and give practical advice

workplace. Further advice is available at

and guidance on occupational health and

Annual Leave Entitlements

www.healthyworkinglives.com .

safety matters.

The service has three main components:

To arrange a FREE CONFIDENTIAL

In October 2007 the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement (based upon a standard 5 day week) increased from 20 to 24 days (including public holidays).

A second increase from 24 to 28 days, including public holidays (based on normal 5 day week) will come into force from 1st April 2009.

Maternity & Paternity Leave Currently mothers are entitled to take up to 52 weeks maternity leave, regardless of length of service, and have 39 weeks of this period paid (first 6 weeks at 90% of pay and remainder at statutory maternity rate,

workplace visit businesses should contact

1. A free and Confidential Adviceline – 0800 019 2211 – is available for use by employees, employers, voluntary workers and members of the public. The Adviceline is staffed by Advisers who can provide

the Healthy Working Lives Adviceline – 0800 019 2211. Alternatively they can contact the Forth Valley Regional Adviser direct on 07795 801 465

confidential advice on workplace safety and health issues.

2. A website -www.healthyworkinglives. com - specifically designed for employers and employees which gives information on a wide range of occupational health

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Tom Neilson, Healthy Working Lives Adviser – Forth Valley

Focus on the local economy

17

Special feature

STIRLING ENTERPRISE New Business Gateway contract The Forth Valley Consortium has retained the Business Gateway contract for Forth Valley, following a competitive tendering process conducted by Scottish Enterprise.

The Forth Valley Consortium consists of Stirling Enterprise (STEP),

Take a STEP in the right direction

Falkirk Enterprise Action Trust (FEAT)

Stirling Enterprise (STEP) is a non profit distributing company which

and CETERIS.

delivers three main types of service to businesses in the Stirling

STEP will continue to deliver Business Gateway services in the Stirling area for the next five years. STEP’s Executive Director Derek Gavin

Council area: 1. delivery of Business Gateway support services

said, “As a Consortium we are delighted to have secured the contract

2. property ownership and management

to continue delivering Business Gateway in the Forth Valley area for

3. IT and Business skills training

the next five years. We have a dedicated team who work hard and

STEP is also a Learndirect accredited training centre providing

genuinely have the best interests of the local business community and

Individual Learning Account (ILA) accredited training courses. This

economy at heart.” Brian Devlin, Director of Environment Services at

means that Stirling residents can use their ILAs to access courses at

Stirling Council said, “We are extremely pleased that the Forth Valley

STEP, such as a one-day course to equip people with an understanding

Consortium won the Business Gateway contract, ensuring that Business

of Sage and its many components. A payment of £10 per course by

Gateway continues to have a local presence in Stirling.”

the delegate is applicable when using their ILA.

Support for Existing Businesses is the contact point for any existing businesses wishing to consider the appropriateness or

Starting your own business?

otherwise of this form of business assistance. For businesses meeting the criteria, as set out by

Business Gateway start-up advice and

Business Gateway, access is available to many additional resources through Scottish Enterprise.

support is available through STEP for

Under Business Gateway the Forth Valley Consortium are contracted to assist existing businesses who have intentions to seriously expand their business. Within the Stirling District Area, STEP

STEP are very willing to talk to any local business wishing to explore the benefits of considering joining this Business Gateway support process. To find out more, businesses should contact Yvonne Edmond at STEP on 01786 463416, or email yvonne.

anyone in the Stirling Council area looking to develop a business idea or acquire entrepreneurial skills. STEP has specialist business advisers who can provide

edmond@bgateway.com

impartial advice and support to businesses

Information technology and general business skills training

in the start-up process. This can include

STEP offer two points of access to business support

opportunities.

training. Under Business Gateway some training is funded by Scottish Enterprise and is therefore free to participants. STEP have also, in conjunction with Ceteris

help to plan a business, personal development, mentoring and networking

Half-day workshop on Selling on Ebay,

STEP run a 4 session business start-

helping businesses keen to explore

up training course which provides an

selling to wider markets

introduction to the skills required to start-

Ltd. in Clackmannanshire, developed a wide range of

up and run a business.

additional IT & Business Skills training opportunities as part of its Commercial activities. These courses are keenly priced and many are newly ILA Accredited. For further information, please refer to the STEP website www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk/it_skills.htm More information on Business Gateway training courses can be accessed by visiting the STEP website – www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk or by telephoning the STEP Reception on 01786 463416.

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Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

For information on Business Gateway start up support and training, please contact Denise Mallinson at STEP on 01786 463416 or email denise.mallinson@bgateway.com

STEP events and networking opportunities STEP arranges special events and networking opportunities. In the past this has included presentations from Microsoft and from PR consultants, etc. STEP continues to develop an ongoing programme of such events and businesses should refer to the STEP web page for up to date information.

STEP have also recently run a programme of roadshows touring rural communities where, at some of the larger roadshows, STEP invited participation by other Agencies such as Visit Scotland, SEERAD (Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dept), the Procurement Team from Stirling Council, etc.

Do you require flexible business space?

STEP offers flexible and competitive rates to businesses looking to put down roots in Stirling and lease office or workspace accommodation. Working in partnership with Stirling Council and others, STEP has invested in ownership and management of a range of property developments in Stirling, including Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling Business Centre at Wellgreen and Enterprise House at Springkerse Business Park.

Gateway goes green Business Gateway has been instrumental in the establishment of Green Essentials, a new enterprise based in Thornhill providing Scotland’s first website specialising in the sale of ‘green’ household products.

Richard and Sue Waite, Green Essentials

The enterprise was started up by Richard and Sue Waite, who came up with the idea for the web-based enterprise through their interest in environmental issues and recognition of the growing niche market for ‘green’ goods. They explain: “Living in a rural area, we like to buy from village shops and local food producers, but it’s harder to find eco-friendly household goods. It can feel like a real chore to have to resort to the local supermarket to buy environmentally friendly products, especially as, when you get there, the choices are often poor or non-existent.”

Green Essentials also offers a low cost audit service which enables small businesses to go green and save costs. The audit service provides businesses with clear figures on the costs and savings to be made by switching to energy saving devices. Describing the service, Richard said: “It is amazing how much money a small business can save by switching to energy efficient devices.

Recent advances in technology mean that

a small outlay can bring significant savings in fuel bills with little or no disruption.

Payback is often very quick, especially with changes to lighting and modifications to your existing boiler.”

Business Gateway provided key support to Richard and Sue in establishing Green Essentials, particularly through provision of support on the e-commerce front. STEP IT Adviser Graham Lambie said: “With any web based enterprise, it is imperative that the site receives traffic and that this translates into sales. We have been working with the Waites to optimise the visibility of the Green Essentials website and ensure that the business gets off to the best possible start.”

To find out more about Green Essentials or Richard and Sue’s new environmental audit service for small businesses, please visit www.greenessentials.co.uk or contact them on 01786 850652/07799 412527, email info@greenessentials.co.uk

Filming activity Stirling Business Centre Alison Davidson, STEP Assistant Director states: “Our occupancy levels at Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling Business Centre and Enterprise House remain very high with good demand. We are landlord to 140 business tenants with around 20% turnover in occupancies each year. These businesses employ, in total, approximately 700 staff.”

Contact Stirling Enterprise (STEP) If you would like to contact STEP to find out more about Business Gateway or any of the services listed above, please contact: Tel: 01786 463416 Email: step@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Website: www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk

Recent filming that has taken place in Stirling includes a new series for BBC Scotland and BBC2, an episode of which was filmed in Stirling Castle, Church of the Holy Rude and the Old Town Cemetery.

“History Of Scotland” is a highly ambitious and thought-provoking series - presented by Neil Oliver of “Coast” fame - that charts the story of a disparate people who fought for their sovereignty and then gave it up to become North Britons.

The series will bring a fresh perspective to the big questions posed by Scotland’s turbulent past and demonstrate the importance of those historic events to contemporary Britain.

The episode filmed in Stirling focuses on the coronation of King James VI at the Church of the Holy Rude in 1567 and will be transmitted on BBC Scotland in the Autumn of 2008 and will then be repeated on BBC2 in early 2009.

For more information on film locations or to register your property as a potential location, contact Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film Liaison Executive on 01786 442535 or email montgomerycc@stirling.gov.uk

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Neil Oliver

Focus on the local economy

19

Business Improvement Districts Business Improvement Districts are becoming a worldwide success story with an estimated 1,400 having been established.

This new business strategy, developed to enhance the business environment and improve economic growth in the BID areas, is attracting interest from a number of areas in Scotland.

Q4.

How do we know that the services are additional?

Q2.

What are the benefits of a BID? A. A BID provides sustainable funding Andy Kennedy,

for an agreed period of time, allowing

Stirling City Centre

the private sector to work with partners

Initiative Manager

to deliver a variety of projects aimed at improving their business environment.

Andy Kennedy, Stirling City Initiative Manager answers some of the key questions around the subject

A BID: l Is

l Allows

self management and self funding

Q1.

What is a Business Improvement District

geographical area of a town, city, business district or rural area, not restricted by statutory boundaries, where businesses work together and invest collectively

Q6.

A BID can deliver major benefits to businesses through: l

Spend and sales

l

More effective joint activity e.g. collective procurement and marketing

l

Improvements to physical surroundings

and services is agreed and a business plan

l

Improved competitiveness.

developed. This is then put to a democratic

Q3.

in local improvements to their business environment.

Through consultation, normally carried out by a steering group, a range of projects

vote involving all the eligible businesses in the proposed area.

A BID is often, although not exclusively, a partnership arrangement through which the local business community and statutory

What type of services and projects can a BID deliver?

A. A BID can cover almost any project or service that the businesses agree would be of benefit and worth funding.

authorities can take forward projects that

Projects can tackle issues such as:

will benefit the local economy.

l

Safety and security

A BID is not a substitute for central or local

l

Marketing and promotion

government services, but is a way additional funding can be raised which businesses then decide how to use to strengthen the local business economy.

20

STIRLING EYE

A. Born out of Town Centre Management Partnerships, the concept was originally set up in Canada in the 1960s, but took off in the US in the late 1970s.

Gives business a strong local voice.

l Can

l

Where did the BID concept come from?

harness private sector management drive and skills

partnership between the public and private sectors

is a business-led initiative within a defined

Q5.

The Association of Town Centre Management promoted the concept here from the US and introduced it to the UK government.

BID legislation for England and Wales was enacted in 2004. Legislation for Scotland was enacted in 2007.

l Develops

(BID)?

A. A Business Improvement District (BID)

clear and transparent

A.The steering group will include in the business plan a memorandum of understanding or service level agreement showing what services are delivered by the local authority in the proposed BID area.

More innovative projects and services are expected to develop as each BID evolves.

Some are developing projects around collective purchasing and cross-selling.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

What role does business play in developing a BID? A. Each BID is developed by business for business. Normally, a steering group or task group is established, made up of predominantly private sector individuals and some public sector representatives.

The business plan will also set out the delivery mechanisms and performance indicators, as well as the BID governance and management structures.

Q7.

How is a BID funded?

A. A BID is funded by business tenants and, where agreed, property owners – through a levy calculated on the non-domestic rates valuation.

The BID steering group will propose the levy rate in the business plan.

The levy monies raised can only be used for the delivery of the BID business plan.

Everyone contributes and everyone benefits.

To learn more about BIDs, please contact Andy Kennedy (Stirling City Initiative Manager) on 01786 442534, email kennedya2@stirling.gov.uk or visit www.bids-scotland.co.uk

Q8.

Are additional funding sources allowed?

A. The legislation allows for contributions to be made by other agencies and organisations and, dependent on the legal entity of the BID, it may be possible for applications to be made to other funding sources or additional revenue developed through a commercial venture.

Q9.

These thresholds protect tenants and property owners, as well as large and small businesses.

Higher thresholds can be set by the steering group if it thinks this will help to reassure the wider business community in the area.

If the ballot is successful, the decision is binding on all the eligible businesses.

Q10.

How long does a BID last?

A. BIDs in Scotland operate under the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 and, following a ballot, have a maximum duration of five years. The BID is then required to seek a new mandate from the businesses in the BID area.

Q12.

Are there BIDs already in place in Scotland?

What is the voting criteria for a BID?

How long does a BID take to develop?

A. Each tenant and, if applicable, property owner who will be asked to pay the levy will be able to vote on whether or not that BID goes ahead.

A. Experience, both internationally and from other parts of the UK, shows that the establishment of a BID (i.e. to ballot) normally takes from 18 months to two years.

A minimum of 25% of the businesses within the BID area must vote in order for the result to be validated.

Q11.

A. Six pilot BIDs have been developed in Scotland with funding provided by the then Scottish Executive. They were Bathgate, Inverness, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Edinburgh. The first ballots took place in March. Businesses in Bathgate have delivered a resounding ‘yes’ in a vote to become Scotland’s first established BID.

A BID proposal in Scotland will only go ahead if more than half of the businesses that vote are in favour and this group must also represent more than half the rateable value of the BID area.

The Stirling Brand in business – play your part in Scotland’s heart One of the main aims for the Stirling Brand is to promote the thriving economy that Stirling has seen over recent years through major developments such as the £100m city centre expansion programme currently underway at Forthside. The brand promotes Stirling’s growth to key business sectors and the commercial property market and helps Stirling bring these exciting developments to the front of industry minds, which is vital in terms of future investment.

Since its successful launch in June 2007, the brand has already represented Stirling at a number of local, national and international business events. These events include a business networking event at Stirling Management Centre, the Scottish Government Community Benefit Procurement event at Raploch Campus and MIPIM in Cannes, – the international market for real estate professionals and investors.

Stirling Council has been using the Stirling Brand to market their property search service on external sites such as Scottish Property Network and in key publications such as Commercial Property Monthly.

We would like to encourage more Stirling businesses to use the Stirling Brand and build on Stirling’s profile, at either your own business events or exhibitions you may be attending. We are happy to represent Stirling at events, and welcome your visitors or provide additional market information to accompany your own marketing materials or business proposals. We can provide large pop up banners displaying the Stirling Brand along with brochures and branded promotional giveaways such as pens and stickers.

Using the Stirling Brand in a consistent manner helps increase the awareness of Stirling as a business location and informs potential investors and businesses all that our City and surrounding area has to offer. From great access and location through fast links to Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the pool of talent and knowledge base available at the University of Stirling, along with some of Scotland’s finest countryside and quality schooling. We are keen to work together with businesses to send out these messages for Stirling to be seen as a desirable place to base or relocate to – with Stirling and its unrivalled quality of life offering vast benefits for employees.

If you would like to know more, please get in touch with Jane Neal or Katy Oliver at the Stirling Brand Team on 01786 442721.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

21

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population and

Stirling 2000-2006 % Change 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Stirling Scotland

Households

Total Population

86,160

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

1.9%

1.1%

Working Age Population

54,058

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

1.3%

2.3%

Total Number of Households

35,206

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

1.3%

2.3%

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Unemployment Rate

Employment Rate Figure 2: Employment Rate (as % of Working Age Population)

Stirling Scotland

76.0 75.5 75.0 74.5 74.0

Stirling Scotland

4.0 Unemployment rate

Employment rate

76.5

Figure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of Working Age Population) 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5

2004/2005

0.0

2006/2007

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

January 2003

January 2008

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

Growth in Number of Jobs Figure 4: Jobs Growth 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2000-2006 2000-2006 Change % Change Stirling

40,600

Scotland

2,234,300 2,299,800 2,279,500 2,307,000 2,340,000 2,391,400 2,370,600 136,300

42,100

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,400

5,800

14% 6%

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise Figure 5: New Business 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002-2006 2002-2006 Change % Change Starts Stirling

449

534

460

452

474

25

5.6%

Scotland

18,518

21,468

20,808

21,383

23,468

4,950

26.7%

Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers

Business Survival Rates

3 Year Survival Rate - %

80 75 70 65 60

1999 2002 Year business registered for VAT

Source: Small Business Service

22

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Stirling Scotland

Figure 7: Number of VAT Registered Businesses per 10,000 Population

Stirling Scotland

500 No. VAT Reg. business per 10,000 population

Figure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rates

Business Density

400 300 200 100 0

2000

2006

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

VAT Registered Businesses Figure 8: VAT Registered Businesses in 2006 – Percentages based on stock of VAT registered businesses

Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

280 215 3,210

8.7% 6.7% -

8.6% 6.7% -

VAT Registrations VAT De-registrations Stock at start of year

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

Industry

Occupational Distribution

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2006

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2006

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

Occupational Distribution of all those who are in Employment, %

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Qualifications

Visitors to the Stirling Area

% of working age population

Figure 11: % of the Working Age Population Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2006 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Stirling

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

Figure 12: Tourism Revenue, Tourist Days and Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area 2005 2006 Tourism Revenue (£’s millions) Tourist Numbers (including day visitors) Argyll’s Lodging Bannockburn Heritage Centre Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Mugdock Country Park National Wallace Monument Old Town Jail Stirling Castle Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Scotland

375.57 4,314,100 47,045 72,331 366,925 563,043 128,849 31,533 391,111 43,529

373.02 4,366,600 54,054 65,871 402,701 543,055 119,526 27,328 385,755 44,264

Source: Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Model; Visit Scotland; Mugdock Country Park

Source: Labour Force Survey/Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Earnings Figure 13: Average Gross Weekly Earnings of people working full time

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 % Change

Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland

£425.9 £369.3 £376.4 £371.7

£428.4 £381.8 £377.8 £381.3

£419.7 £390.6 £390.1 £390.4

£455.3 £409.8 £382.6 £408.6

£472.1 £427.9 £419.3 £428.1

£478.9 £441.0 £434.2 £441.5

12.4% 15.0% 18.5% 14.6%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

23

Microsoft UK Challenge 2008 From the 11th – 15th June, Stirling will play host to the Microsoft UK Challenge 2008, the biggest event in the Intelligent Sport® World Series. The event is organised by Challenger World UK, who brought the very successful BG Energy Challenge to Stirling in 2007.

The Microsoft UK Challenge is the ultimate team-building event for businesses across the UK and will see nearly 1,000 participants (150 - 200 teams) take on a series of tough physical, mental and strategic challenges all in the aid of raising money for the NSPCC. Taking part in the event will be an impressive line up of UK and international business representatives, as well as celebrities and key UK business influencers.

BG Energy Challenge 2007

Set within Stirling, with its fabulous landscapes and sometimes challenging terrain, the participants can expect to face four days and nights of adrenaline filled action with tasks as diverse as kayaking and mountain biking to code breaking and complex construction tasks. With details confirmed only hours before each stage, teams compete against the clock and against each other, while the organisers constantly push them to their limits. However, completing the course is only part of the challenge.

Before teams arrive in Stirling they will have the task of raising vital funds for the NSPCC. Last year 122 teams raised over £500,000 to help protect vulnerable children and young people who desperately need support.

For more information contact Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film Liaison Executive on 01786 442535 or email montgomerycc@stirling.gov.uk

Tourism development options for Station Road car park in Callander Stirling Council and Scottish Enterprise have recently commissioned an options appraisal for the future development of Station Road car park in Callander. In particular the Council and the Enterprise Company are keen to consider options that will best support the economic development of Callander and surrounding the Trossachs area, whilst also incorporating the needs of the local community and visitors to the area. For more information on the study, please contact Anne-Michelle Ketteridge on 01786 443123, email- ketteridgea@stirling.gov.uk

Forthcoming events/training April 2008 22nd, 2 half days – Falkirk – Book-keeping 1 and Book-keeping 2.

l

24th, half day – Alloa – Getting Real Results From Your Website.

l

24th, evening – Stirling – Women Into Business: Finance &

Funding.

l

May 2008 6th, half day – Stirling – Getting Real Results From Your Website.

l

13th, half day – Stirling – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

l

14th, evening – Stirling – Advertising Your Business.

l

Service contacts Economic Strategy & Intelligence, Stirling Council Hugh Lightbody, Tel: 01786 442593, email: lightbodyh@stirling.gov.uk Tourism, Marketing & Rural Development, Stirling Council Deborah Murray, Tel: 01786 442821, email: murrayd@stirling.gov.uk City Centre Management, Stirling Council Andy Kennedy, Tel: 01786 442534, email: kennedya2@stirling.gov.uk Planning, Stirling Council Peter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: morganp@stirling.gov.uk Trading Standards & Licensing, Stirling Council Neil Chalmers, Tel: 01786 432170, email: chalmersn@stirling.gov.uk Employability Service, Stirling Council Gordon Wright, Tel: 01786 442866, email: wrightg@stirling.gov.uk Adult Learning, Stirling Council Lynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk

Useful web links Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property Stirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/business Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/directory Funding Search Facility - www.stirling.gov.uk/business/funding Stirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

15th, half day – Alloa – Customer Care.

l

19th, evening – Stirling – Book-keeping 1.

l

20th, evening – Stirling – Book-keeping 2.

l

28th, half day – Falkirk – Marketing Your Business.

l

28th, half day – Falkirk – Advertising & Promotion.

l

29th, evening – Falkirk – Women Into Business: Customer

Management.

l

June 2008 11th, 2 half days – Alloa – Book-keeping 1 and Book-keeping 2.

l

12th, evening – Falkirk – Trading On-Line.

l

19th, half day – Alloa – Trading On-Line.

l

26th, evening – Alloa – Women Into Business: Subject t.b.c.

l

EVENTS Contacts Stirling – STEP

Tel 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Alloa – CETERIS

Tel 01259 726430, email kmanson@ceteris.co.uk Falkirk – FEAT

Tel 01324 665500, email mandyc@feat.org.uk

Stirling Council Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000 email: info@stirling.gov.uk text: 0771 779 0001 web: stirling.gov.uk