Stirling Eye - Spring 2009

Spring 2009

Inside this issue...

Tourism feature 2009 year of Homecoming Visitor survey results Go Ape in the great outdoors

Special feature on business support Where to go for business support

Business Panel feature Round up of findings from 2008 survey

Business space Review of 2008 developments

Business profile Stewart Wilson Cycles

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome In this edition of Stirling Eye we report on the results of the 2008 Annual Survey of the Business Panel and I am pleased to note that many businesses in our local economy remain confident about the future and are responding positively to the challenges that we all face at this time. Strong business confidence was also evident at the recent launch of the Business Ambassadors hosted by Capita and we report on that new initiative in this edition as well.

Our Business Profile features Stewart Wilson Cycles who are also looking to the future with confidence. The company supports the Government’s cycle to work scheme, a great way to stay fit and cut greenhouse gases!

We have featured our Food Safety Team from our Environmental Health Service this time. The Team work closely with businesses to ensure a high standard is achieved in all aspects of our local food industry. This is vitally important given the close relationship between food and tourism and in this year of Homecoming we look forward to an excellent tourist season in the Stirling area.

Once again we want to be sure that Stirling Eye is delivering the features and stories that you, the businesses, want to know about so please take some time to give us your feedback and have a chance of winning £50 of vouchers to spend in a local shop.

I wish you success in all that you do.

Councillor Scott Farmer Depute Leader of Council and Corporate Resources and Economy portfolio holder.

Local business news

3

Business profile - Stewart Wilson Cycles

6

Stirling means business

7

New 2kT innovation fund helps small firms benefit from university expertise

7

Special feature - 2008 Annual Business Panel Survey - results

8

Special feature - Business support 10 Business space developments

12

Planning applications update

13

Sector feature - Tourism

14

Interview with Henry Mooney, Stirling Enterprise

18

The Guardian Group move into purpose built factory/showroom

19

Broadband bug-bears?

19

Important reminder for building owners

19

National Park Business/Apprentice Support Project kicks off 20 Expansion of Stirling Management Centre 21 30 second interview

21

At your service - Food safety

22

Stirling Local Development Plan and Local Housing Strategy

24

Funding and support for rural Stirling

24

Thriving social enterprises encouraged to apply for new fund 25

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: Image from Go Ape tree-tops adventure course near Aberfoyle. See page 17 for article on Go Ape.

Nine of the best

25

Economic facts

26

Attention farmers

28

Forthcoming events/training

28

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/stirlingeye Printed on recycled paper.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Local business news

Holiday homes on the move!

Local company, Portnellan Highland Lodges in Crianlarich, has recently expanded their luxury lodge rental business. They now provide a very successful, quality motor home rental service to the tourism industry. The new venture proved a real success last year, leading to an increased number of motor homes for hire this year.

The family run business started in the early 1980s with just 8 lodges. Gradually over the last 30 years the business has progressed and developed to now offering 21 awardwinning 4 and 5 star self-catering lodges.

Business owner, Cameron Taylor said “the decision to expand the business came from motor-homing being one of the biggest growth holiday markets at the moment.

Already I have had hires from people all over

the world. Australia, Zimbabwe, England, Scotland and Ireland to name but a few”.

Motorhome Hire by Portnellan offers hire at the luxury end of the market.

All motorhomes come fully equipped with the latest gadgets and appliances.

However, there is always a compromise with motorhoming so Cameron did a lot of research to identify what the most important things were when travelling and

holidaying in a motor home.

This included a comfy bed big enough for two and a standalone shower.

Motor homes give you freedom, and as for the Scottish weather, as Billy Connolly always said, “If you don’t like the weather in Scotland, wait 5 minutes.” www.portnellanmotorhomes.com

PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON STIRLING EYE AND YOU COULD WIN £50!

We would be really grateful if you could provide feedback on Stirling Eye, to help us improve future publications and tailor its content to meet the needs

Rockhill Coffee House in Buchlyvie open for business

of local businesses. Everyone who completes the

A former tearoom in the village of Buchlyvie has been transformed and is now trading as The Rockhill Coffee House.

To enter the prize draw, please visit

Husband and wife team, Shane and Michele Basi, might only have been in the driving seat for a couple of months, but the enthusiastic couple haven’t wasted any time ringing the changes.

link to take the survey. The survey should take no

Michele, who previously ran The Wee Kitchen, a small catering and takeaway outlet adjoining the former tearoom, seized the chance to take over the running of the full premises when the opportunity arose.

With the help of husband Shane, who also runs his own joinery business, refurbishing the kitchen and fitting out the premises didn’t seem like such a daunting task.

Michele Basi said: “These last few months have been extremely busy, but the business has got off to a flying start with customers definitely noticing and appreciating the change of approach.”

Shane and Michele have been able to access a range of business and IT advice on starting up their new venture. Business Gateway Start-Up Adviser, Jim Fraser, has been able to provide advice on employment regulations and book-keeping, signposting the business to relevant partner organisations for expert advice where necessary.

The Rockhill Coffee House Tel: 01360 850150.

survey will be entered in a free prize draw to win £50 of vouchers for a local shop of their choice.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye and click on the more than a couple of minutes to complete.

New owner for Stirling’s oldest funeral directors George Currid has taken over Stirling’s oldest funeral directors after previous owner Mr Jim Grant retired last year. The company name has changed from William Somers Ltd to Somers & Currid Independent Funeral Directors. The business will continue to operate from the same premises in Baker Street.

New owner George Currid said, “I am delighted to have taken over from Jim Grant, securing the future for Stirling’s oldest funeral directors. I recently renovated the funeral home and look forward to delivering quality funeral services for many years to come.”

Somers & Currid Independent Funeral Directors, Tel: 01786 473348.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Local business news

Murray Smith of Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. with

Art, whisky & gifts prove the right blend for new Drymen gallery

his Apprentice of the Year award.

Local electrical apprentice wins award An apprentice with Fallin-based electrical contractor Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. has won the 2008 Apprentice Of The Year award.

Murray Smith from Alva has been awarded the Apprentice Of The Year award for 2nd year electrical apprentice work at Clackmannan College by electrical training organisation, the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT).

Speaking after the awards event in Perth, owner Scott McLean said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Murray and is justified recognition for the dedication and hard work he has put in over the past two years. Murray has now set a good base for his future training and opportunities for development within the company over the coming years.

“Having benefited from a good apprenticeship myself, I understand the importance an employer can play in the development and training of apprentices and how apprentices play an important role in the development and shaping of a company. Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. has grown steadily over the past twelve years, and I believe that this award is not only recognition for Murray but also to our other electricians and apprentices who have all played a part in the growth of the company.” www.stirlingelectricalservices.co.uk

STIRLING EYE

Good taste will soon be a word synonymous with the village of Drymen, by Loch Lomond - and for a combination of reasons.

Ealain Gallery, already a respected name in the Scottish art business, has put down roots in the village’s main street, finding a permanent home after two years on the road promoting and exhibiting contemporary Scottish art across the country.

Not content with providing a feast for the eyes in the form of the established Scottish artists and emerging talent that they plan to showcase, June and Cameron McCann have also added a whisky gallery, offering something to whet the palette of enthusiasts.

The gallery will hold regular whisky tasting and master classes, bringing experts from the industry to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm with whisky selected from their own range.

June McCann explained: “With these fabulous roomy premises, it seemed a natural progression to add another dimension to the business. And in what better form than whisky? Ealain Gallery will hold up and celebrate two of Scotland’s finest achievements.” www.ealaingallery.com

Industry win for Balfron textile design business A local textile designer has received national recognition on her first industry outing.

Lynne Seaton from Balfron picked up an award for Best Stand at the Country Living Christmas Fair Scotland 2008 held at the SECC, Glasgow.

Her home-based business, My Baboo, specialises in contemporary designs made from traditional materials with a modern twist. The My Baboo range of products includes handbags, home wares, collectable creatures and knitting kits, created from pure wool sourced in Scotland.

Lynne, a qualified Architect, turned her back on her professional career of twelve years, to turn a longstanding creative hobby in to a more family-friendly and fulfilling line of work.

Lynne said: “As a relative newcomer, winning Best Stand at Country Living in November has definitely been a confidence booster and helped confirm that I am on the right path.

“Because I design my own products and each is hand made individually, an enormous amount of time and dedication went in to building up sufficient stock levels to see me through the three day event, so it was really gratifying for my products to be so well received both during and after the show. The award was the icing on the cake.” www.my-baboo.co.uk

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Business welcome…

Local business news

Recently Stirling has welcomed various businesses and business start ups to commercial premises in the area, including:

Gerrard Douglas Hair Ltd A new salon located on Barnton Street. The salon offers all aspects of hair dressing, including hair extensions. Tel: 01786 474952

Lidl

Breeze Fashions

Breeze Fashions A new shop specialising in ladies fashion wear, gifts and jewellery. The shop opened in February and is located in Murray Place, Stirling. Tel: 01786 469789

Cameron Bike Training A business specialising in motorcycle training. The business recently expanded into premises at Back O’Hill Road, Stirling. www.motorcycletrainingstirling.co.uk Tel: 07749818875

The Corn Exchange

A new Lidl store opened in St Ninians at the former Somerfield site. The store opened in November. www.lidl.co.uk

Marks & Spencer Simply Food Marks & Spencer opened a new Simply Food store on Stirling Road, Dunblane in March. www.marksandspencer.com

Meridian Apparel International Ltd A new business that sources and manufactures general sports and lifestyle clothing. The business is located in Port Street, Stirling. Tel: 01786 471096

MLMGD Corporate Recovery Ltd

The Belhaven Group recently renovated the old Pivo building at the Corn Exchange, Stirling rebranding it as The Corn Exchange, a traditional pub with club, serving classic pub food. www.cornexchangestirling.co.uk

A new business providing advice and assistance to owner managed businesses facing financial difficulties. The business opened in March and is located in Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen. www.mlminsolvency.com

Database Design & Development (D3) Limited

OPTI

A new business providing specialist design of databases for small to medium sized businesses. Database Design & Development (D3) Limited is located in Stirling Enterprise Park. Tel: 01786 849429 www.ddd-3.co.uk

Ealain Gallery The Ealain Gallery has put down roots in the Main Street, Drymen. The art gallery also has a whisky gallery. Tel: 01360 660996 www.ealaingallery.com

Garage Shoes A new shop specialising in ladies fashion wear and shoes. The shop opened in December 2008 and is located in the Thistle Centre.

A new business supplying and installing PVCU windows, doors, composite doors and various glass products to the retail, commercial and new-build sectors. The business is located on Munro Road, Springkerse Industrial Estate.

Tel: 01786 440022 www.opti.co.uk

Sanam Tandoori Restaurant The Sanam Tandoori Restaurant is a new Indian restaurant and take-away located on Queens Street, opened following the success of the Sanam in Falkirk. Tel: 01786 471713 www.sanamtandoori.co.uk

Gavin’s Pet Centre

Toast

A new pet store located in Barnton Street, Stirling. Gavin’s Pet Centre opened in January 2009. Tel: 01786 475621

A new café located near the Vue Cinema at Forthside, Stirling. The café also provides take-away food and drink. Tel: 01786 471887

If you have recently set up a business in the Stirling Council area and would like a mention in Stirling Eye or would like to report a business news story, please contact Joëlle Russell on 01786 442778 or email russelljl@stirling.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Dunblane New Golf Club appoints new caterer Dunblane New Golf Club recently appointed Dunblane based business AJS Elite Catering as its exclusive caterer.

AJS Elite Catering Managing Director Alec Summers said: “AJS Elite Catering are delighted to now be operating the catering at Dunblane. The club has a great membership and we are proud to be associated with such a forward thinking and proactive Golf Club. We have ambitious plans for the business here at Dunblane and with such a partnership now in place the possibilities are endless.”

Dunblane New Golf Club is a private club with an active membership of over 700.

Dunblane New Golf Club: www.dngc.co.uk AJS Elite Catering, Tel: 01786 825524.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill save Roseby’s Springkerse store After Roseby’s went into administration last September, Edinburgh Woollen Mill bought 77 UK Roseby’s branches. This included the Roseby’s at Springkerse Retail Park, safeguarding 8 local jobs. Unfortunately, Roseby’s City Centre store was one of those closed by the administrators.

Kirsten Cassidy, Manager of Roseby’s Springkerse store, said: “We were extremely relieved when Edinburgh Woollen Mill bought the Springkerse store, saving a number of jobs. We are keen to let people know that we are still here and continue to sell a wide range of homeware products.”

Stirling Arcade website The Stirling Arcade has launched a new website listing retailers and events.

Please visit www.stirlingarcade.com

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Business profile

Stewart Wilson Cycles Cycle to work scheme Stewart Wilson Cycles is fully engaged with the Government’s cycle to work scheme. The Cycle Scheme offers employees of participating organisations a flexible, affordable and tax-free way to purchase a bike.

A number of employers across Forth Valley are already singed up to the Cycle Scheme, including Stirling Council, the University of Stirling, SEPA, INEOS, Scottish Ambulance Service and Central Scotland Fire Brigade. The Scheme is open to all employers and is being used by many to provide an additional employee benefit.

Employers and employees interested in the Cycle Scheme can find out more or sign up by visiting www.cyclescheme.co.uk

Stewart and Fiona Wilson

The shop Stewart Wilson Cycles is a family run bike shop established 31 years ago by local businessman Stewart Wilson and his parents. Originally located in Baker Street, the shop has occupied its current premises at 44 Barnton Street for the past 12 years.

Stirling Eye caught up with Fiona Wilson, Stewart Wilson’s wife, to find out more about the business. Fiona said: “We are a real family run business and have established excellent repeat business at the shop over the years. We now have 3rd generation customers, people who got their first bike from our shop as a child, now buying bikes for their grand-children! And yes, that does make us feel old!!”

Fiona reported that her husband’s excellent knowledge of the cycling industry has been key to ensuring that they provide customers in Stirling with the very latest bikes and equipment. Over the years Stewart has achieved many cycling achievements, including Scottish Grass Track Champion in 1979, and breaking the Scottish 10 mile tandem record with his brother Robert in 1980!

The shop at Barnton Street includes a show room and shop upstairs, and a workshop downstairs where customers can bring in bikes for servicing and repair. The Wilson’s are currently expanding the range of bikes on show by opening a new show room downstairs, providing even more room to showcase the 300+ types of bike in stock.

The market With regard to changes in the market, Fiona said: “There’s been a definite increase in demand for bikes and cycling equipment from people in their 30s and 40s in recent years. I think people are becoming increasingly more health conscious and are renewing their interest in cycling as an enjoyable way to get fit and stay healthy. I think the increasing cost of motoring is also resulting in more people cycling to work to save money.”

Once an employer is signed up to the Cycle Scheme, employees can choose a bike and safety equipment from a number of local shops, including Stewart Wilson Cycles. Employees are then issued with a paper quote, which is entered online using a link supplied by the employer.

Following an eligibility check, a hire agreement is sent to either the employee or employer. The agreement is then signed, and the employee issued with a voucher with which to purchase the bike and equipment.

The table details the savings that employees can make on a £1,000 bike package hired over a 12 month period. Following conclusion of the 12-month hire period, the employee can then purchase the bike and equipment out right for a fair market value, e.g. 5% of the original retail price.

Basic tax rate Higher tax rate

22% Tax, 11% NI 40% Tax, 1% NI Bike package retail price £1000 £1000 VAT saved¹ £148.94 £148.94 Income tax & NI saved £348.93 £280.85 Monthly repayments from salary £70.92 £70.92 Net monthly payments £41.84 £47.52 Total cost of bike package £502.13 £570.21 Notes: 1. VAT saving is not applicable to all companies. Consult your employer. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation, and your company’s VAT status and finance arrangements. www.stewartwilsoncycles.com Tel: 01786 465292

Did you know?

Stewart Wilson recently returned from New Zealand where he completed a 3,000 mile cycle!

“There has, however, been somewhat of a decline in demand from the younger teenage generation. We think this is due to more young people being interested in computers, game consoles and mobile phones.”

“Fortunately business has remained strong throughout the economic downturn and we are expecting a busy Spring with more people looking to holiday at home and get out on their bikes!”

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

First Business Ambassadors meeting

Stirling means business

Carol Hamilton, Community Relations Manager, Capita

You can’t turn on a television or pick up a paper these days without someone bemoaning the depth of the recession and how we are all doomed. Private Fraser of Dad’s Army fame is alive and well and working in the media.

However, a group of confident and inspiring Stirling Business Ambassadors have come together to advise people and companies interested in locating or investing in the Stirling area. Their aim is to raise the profile of Stirling and promote both the City and the District as a great place to live, work and invest.

Carol Hamilton, Community Relations Manager of Capita, said: “Capita was delighted to host the first meeting of the Business Ambassadors in February. It was an inspiring event, show casing some of Stirling’s most successful businesses and demonstrating that despite the recession, many Stirling businesses continue to thrive.

“It was interesting to hear about innovative marketing campaigns by Graham’s the

Family Dairy, expansion plans for Outside Now and an update on construction of the new nationally significant Auction Mart at Craigforth.”

challenging times. We have identified

The confidence expressed by the Business Ambassadors is evident in the wider business community. The findings from the 2008 Annual Business Panel Survey (conducted in the Autumn) found that around three quarters of businesses expect to expand turnover and 41 per cent increase number of employees over the next three years.

area. Stirling has a lot to offer and the

The Business Ambassadors scheme was established by Stirling Council and involves 13 members of the local business community.

Campbell (CA Models), Keith Ewing

Stirling’s Provost Fergus Wood said: “This initiative is especially relevant in these

Tony Moulsdale (MAC Electrical), Sue

a small group of dynamic local business people from across a variety of sectors to act as Business Ambassadors for the Ambassadors can help us spread the word that Stirling means business.”

The Business Ambassadors include: Andy McLinden (ROK), Iona Crawford (Fashion Designer), Neil McLean (United Auctions), Steven McLeod (Aurora Hotels), Gregory (Outside Now), Peter Stewart (Tradstocks), Robert Graham (Graham’s Dairies), Robbie Galloway (Scotbeef), Kevin Burke (Norbord), Bowman (Ogilvie), Carol Hamilton (Capita).

New 2kT innovation fund helps small firms benefit from university expertise Scottish small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) now have access to a new fund to innovate their way to increased sales and profits by tapping into the academic expertise at two of Scotland’s leading Universities.

2kT, a partnership between Napier and Queen Margaret Universities which aims to stimulate collaborative projects with Scottish business and industry are now offering awards of up to £5,000 to help small businesses innovate; improving processes or solving problems. Critically, the innovation is at a company level and is not necessarily high tech.

Unlike most funding mechanisms for business, the 2kT Innovation Fund will support a wide range of engagement spanning market assessments and feasibility studies. Each company will receive feedback and business development support regardless of any award being made.

Both Napier and Queen Margaret believe that by helping companies with innovation potential the Scottish economy will benefit through the creation of new products, processes and services.

Ilona Mair, Queen Margaret’s Director of 2kT, said: “It is often the case that many small companies have the potential and ambition to grow and develop through strategic innovation but just don’t have the resource or access to the expertise to help them achieve their goals. The aim of the 2kT Innovation Fund is to help them in that respect.”

Further information and application forms are available via www.2kT.org.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Special feature - Business Panel Survey

2008 Annual Business Panel Survey – results Stirling’s 500 Business Panel members were surveyed last October/November, to find out more about business needs in the Stirling Council area. The results of the survey are being used to influence Stirling Council policy and to identify areas requiring further research.

Stirling Eye brings you a summary of the key findings. For more detailed information and the full survey results, please visit www.stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel

Conducting the survey The survey was sent to all 500 Panel members in October. By December, 262 members had completed the survey, a response rate of 52 per cent.

The results provide a representative view of businesses within the Stirling Council area. 60 per cent of responses were from urban businesses and 40 per cent from rural businesses, roughly in line with the ratio within the wider business community.

Stirling as a place to do business

The lowest satisfaction levels were recorded for the availability of business space (8 per cent), access to car parking (11 per cent) and public transport provision (16 per cent).

The majority of businesses rated Stirling positively as a place to do business. 19 per cent rated Stirling as a very good place to do business and 47 per cent as quite a good place. Although this is encouraging, the net satisfaction level of 59 per cent is only one per cent higher than the last Panel survey in 2005.

How businesses rated Stirling as a place to do business 60

% of total responses

50 40

While ICT, broadband and e-commerce received a high net satisfaction score (32 per cent), internet access and speed remain a pertinent issue for a small number of businesses in the Stirling Council area, with those businesses affected identifying it as a key factor constraining productivity.

In order to find out more about the difficulties presented by current broadband provision to businesses in particular locations or sectors, there is perhaps the need to revisit this and obtain more information.

30

Factors limiting productivity of Stirling businesses

20 10 0 Very good

Quite good

Acceptable

Quite poor

Very poor

Infrastructure In answer to a question asking businesses to rate specific aspects of Stirling’s infrastructure, net satisfaction levels were highest for access to airports (56 per cent), with access to key markets (33 per cent) and ICT e.g. broadband, e-commerce (32 per cent) also rated highly.

The high scores for access to airports and markets reflect the attraction of Stirling as a place to headquarter a business or set up a regional office. The offices of a number of Scottish Institutions have moved to Stirling in recent years and in 2008 ROK and Manorlane both set up regional offices within the city.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Businesses were asked to identify factors limiting their productivity.

An issue with premises, e.g. being constrained by size of premises, lack of affordable premises and cost of rent, was the most commonly cited factor. Other key factors limiting productivity were identified as: l Access to finance l Current economic conditions l Red tape l Shortage of skilled staff There were slight differences between urban and rural businesses in relation to factors limiting productivity. Most commonly cited factors

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Business Panel Survey - Special feature limiting productivity by urban businesses were issues with business premises, current economic conditions and access to finance.

For rural businesses, red tape was the key issue, followed by a shortage of good/skilled staff.

Factors limiting productivity 20 18

In all cases where comparative records are available, awareness of business support providers dropped between 2005 and 2008.

There was also a decline in the level of contact with service providers, with the exception of Business Gateway. This decline in contact means that service providers are either not providing the support that businesses want or there is a lack of effective communication with businesses to make them fully aware of the support available.

Lack of contact or support may be having a negative effect on the ability of some businesses to undertake training, where lack of funds was given as a reason for not doing so.

16 14

What next?

12 10

This first survey of the new Stirling Business Panel has produced some interesting results over a number of areas.

8

As Stirling Eye went to print, final preparations were being made for the first full meeting of the Business Panel on March 18th at Craigforth.

The meeting will include discussion on how to use the survey results to the benefit of businesses operating in the Stirling Council area.

6 4 2

The full results of the survey can be viewed online at www.stirling. gov.uk/businesspanel

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0

Urban Rural

Recruitment Of the 63 per cent of businesses who had vacancies over the last 12 months, 60 per cent had trouble recruiting suitable staff. Recruitment difficulties were more pronounced for rural businesses, with 66 per cent of rural businesses reporting difficulties.

The main reasons given for recruitment difficulties by businesses in both urban and rural areas were no or few candidates with the necessary skills or experience.

This indicates that in 2008 a tight labour market was creating strong competition for staff. The situation was more pronounced for rural businesses, for whom difficulties in getting transport to their place of work was also a common recruitment difficulty. This highlights the need for an effective transport system for the Stirling Council area and also provides one of the reasons why public transport provision was rated poorly in the infrastructure question.

Training A healthy 74 per cent of all businesses reported that all or some of their staff had undergone work related training during the previous year. Those businesses who did not undertake training gave two clear reasons for not doing so: l 61 per cent stated that staff were already trained; and l 27 per cent did not have the funds available to undertake training.

UPDATE The 2008 Annual Business Panel Survey was issued just at the time when the effects of the economic downturn were beginning to have a serious effect. As a result, a short economic update survey was conducted electronically in February, to provide an update on business confidence and changes to confidence over the last 6 months.

139 businesses responded to the survey request.

Business Confidence 60

Current confidence Confidence 6 months ago

50 40 %

% of businesses citing each factor

Business support providers

30 20 10 0

Very confident

Confident

Neither Not confident/ confident not confident

Not at all confident

The results show a drop in confidence in comparison to 6 months ago.

However, while net business confidence has decreased by 12 per cent in the last 6 months, confidence remains fairly high with a net confidence rate of 59 per cent for businesses responding to the survey.

Encouragingly, 79 per cent of businesses who took part saw market opportunities at this time. Around half the opportunities were seen to have emerged since the economic downturn and almost two thirds of the businesses saw no barriers to pursuing these opportunities.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Special feature - Business support

Due to the economic downturn, 2008 was not an easy time for businesses in general. Stirling Eye is increasingly aware that businesses in Stirling will be looking to take advantage of any support on offer to the business community during the course of 2009.

This special feature on business support aims to bring together a directory of business support services available to businesses in the Stirling Council area.

Have you claimed your Small Business Bonus?

Small Business Bonus was introduced in April 2008.

From 1 April 2009 the percentage relief

Looking for funding?

available to small businesses changes.

Stirling Council provides a free online search facility for businesses to access funding. This facility allows businesses to discover the kind of support that is available and makes it easier to apply for funding.

Businesses with rateable values up to £15,000 may have their rates reduced by 25% to 100%.

The level of relief for each business depends

There are more than 1,500 schemes available at national, regional and

on:

local level amounting to over £5 billion a year. To access this self-service

l The

facility, go to www.stirling.gov.uk/funding

total rateable value of all properties in

Scotland, that the business owns; l Whether

Support for business start ups

or not each property is eligible

for one of the existing rates relief

The Business Gateway Start Up Programme delivered by Stirling Enterprise (STEP) provides advice and information on all aspects of starting up a business through a number of workshops. Advisers are also able to check if business starts are eligible for funding, such as

schemes; and l The

level of other public sector assistance

received by the business.

through the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and Shell Livewire.

If your business is eligible for this relief and

To access Business Start Up support, contact Business Gateway on 01786 463416, email

already claimed, please contact The Rates

businessgateway@stirling-enterprise.co.uk or visit www.bgateway.com

Service on 01786 443236 or email

it is not shown on your bill or if you have not

rates@stirling.gov.uk for an application form.

Support for existing businesses All businesses in the Stirling Council area are eligible for:

via the Helpline on 08456 000 111. Support includes training

l Business

advice, learning development solutions (including free resources

Gateway FREE Business Skills Courses. The courses

are delivered by STEP in Stirling, FEAT in Falkirk and Ceteris in

where available) and signposting to funding and online learning

Clackmannanshire. The FREE seminars provide an opportunity

packages.

to develop essential skills to help in the day-to-day running of

High growth companies, e.g. those that expect a £400,000+

business, as well as an opportunity to meet other like-minded

increase in turnover over the next three years, may be eligible for:

people. A list of forthcoming courses is provided on the back

l Business

Gateway’s Growth Pipeline Programme, delivered by

page of Stirling Eye. More information is also available from STEP

STEP. Businesses receive free advice and assistance to establish

on 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk or

a rolling action plan. A range of support can then be accessed

visit www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk

from Scottish Enterprise Specialist Advisers, who can also access

Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), e.g. from sole traders up

a variety of funds. For more information, please contact Henry

to businesses with 250 employees, are eligible for:

Mooney on 01786 463416, email hmooney@stirling-enterprise.

l Support

co.uk or visit www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk

from Learndirect Scotland for Business. SMEs can

receive free training advice and support via local training

(Please see p18 of Stirling Eye for interview with Henry Mooney

partners, through the website www.lds4b.com/Resources and

about the Growth Pipeline Programme)

10

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Business support - Special feature Support for rural businesses A number of support programmes are available for businesses in the rural areas of Stirling: l Business

Gateway Rural Support Services – delivered by STEP. This service includes a

dedicated Rural Support Officer with access to Business Advisers, information sessions in rural communities, visits, roadshows and training sessions. For more information, please contact Caroline Brown, STEP, on 01786 463416, email cbrown@stirling-enterprise.co.uk or visit www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk l KIT-OUT

the Park (Knowledge, Innovation & Technology Out of University into Tourism).

This programme is delivered by Glasgow Caledonian University for small tourism related businesses within the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park area. The programme provides support to improve business performance, develop new products/services and increase competitive edge. For more information please contact 0141 331 8447, email Derek.gallaher@gcal.ac.uk or visit www.kit-out.org l TERMS

(Trossachs Enterprise and Rural Mentoring Scheme). This programme is delivered by

Callander Enterprise and is for start ups and businesses in the Trossachs area. The programme provides mentoring support. For more information, please contact Anne-Michelle Ketteridge on 01786 443123, email ketteridgea@stirling.gov.uk or visit www.ruralmentoring.com

Resource efficiency A range of support is available to help businesses become more resource efficient, reduce costs and reduce their bottom line.

Key providers of support to help businesses meet environmental regulations and improve resource efficiency are: l Scottish

Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - provide advice and information on implementing environmental legislation. www.sepa.org.uk Tel: 01786 457700

l NetRegs

- free environmental guidance on how to comply with environmental legislation. www.netregs.gov.uk/ netregs/businesses/default.aspx

l The

Carbon Trust can help your business to cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. www.carbontrust. co.uk/energy/assessyourorganisation Advice Line Tel No: 0800 085 2005

Scottish Government support through Economic Recovery Plan

l Envirowise

The Scottish Government launched the Economic Recovery Plan late last year in response to the economic downturn. Some of the key business initiatives emerging from the recovery plan include: l BusinessClub

Scotland – a new initiative aimed at helping Scotland’s businesses

l WRAP

(Waste & Resources Action Programme) provides guidance on recycling. www.wrap.org.uk/construction/index.html

benefit from the Year of Homecoming, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and other major events in Scotland. The Club is aimed at building supply chain networks, facilitating procurement events and developing expertise in event management and delivery. You can register at www.businessclubscotland.co.uk l Public

Contracts Scotland – a new national portal for public contracting opportunities.

To register as a supplier or browse available contracts, visit www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk l Support

can help your business become more efficient by improving resource efficiency and cutting waste at source. www.envirowise.gov.uk Advice Line Tel No: 0800 585 794

for food and drink industry – a new package of support including an enhanced

programme of trade delegations, funding for new trade and a new Supplier Development Programme in partnership with Sainsbury’s offering Scottish firms advice on how to tap into major supply chains. www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry

l The

National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) can link your business with other organisations that may be able to use your waste. www.nisp.org.uk/about_us.aspx l Forth

Valley Resource Efficiency Forum runs a series of workshops and seminars. www.forthefficiency.org.uk

Redundancy Support Stirling Council, along with its Partnership Action for Continued Employment (PACE) partners aim to help local people recently made redundant get back into work as soon as possible.

A Futures Fair is currently being organised for the Stirling area and it is expected to take place in May or June. The fair will be free and open to anyone who is facing redundancy or who has recently been made redundant. There will be an opportunity to meet with local employers and recruitment agencies, as well as advice on job searching, career guidance, training and volunteering options, business start up, tax, welfare benefits and money advice.

For more information on PACE and the Futures Fair, go to www.stirling.gov.uk/pace If you are a Stirling based employer and may need PACE redundancy support for your staff, please contact Laura Melville on 01786 443028 or email melvillel@stirling.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

11

Business space developments Despite the continued economic downturn Stirling has opened its doors to a number of businesses in key developments since the start of 2008. These include: Manorlane and ROK taking between them around 1,126 sq m (12,114 sq ft) of business space within Stirling Development Agency’s Strathallan House, Castle Business Park, Stirling. The Guardian Group took around 1,282 sq m (13,800 sq ft) of space at Allanwater Development’s new Springkerse Trade Park, Stirling. CTP’s Leisure development at Forthside, Stirling extending to around 3,240 sq m (34,890 sq ft) now includes Vue Cinema, restaurants Nandos and Frankie & Bennys and new café Toast.

These occupations reflect continued confidence and resilience in the Stirling marketplace.

Office Office lettings in the early part of 2008 in particular contributed towards a good level of take up of office space for the Stirling area in the period January to November 2008, some 4,340 sq m (46,715 sq ft) compared with 2,675 sq m (28,790 sq ft) in the same period the previous year (Scottish Property Network).

The majority of office take up centred on smaller sizes (0-100 sq m/0-1000 sq ft).

Although indications are that 2009 will continue to be difficult for businesses it is encouraging to note from a recent Business Panel survey (October 2008) that around one third of members plan to move/expand from their existing premises over the next three years with offices highlighted as the most popular property type.

Wallace House Highcross, a leading property fund manager, recently acquired Wallace House, Maxwell Place, Stirling emphasising further the City’s position within the investment marketplace.

The multi-let office investment was acquired for over £2 million, reflecting an attractive net initial yield of over 11%.

Occupiers include Keep Scotland Beautiful, Geothermal, Hays Recruitment, Trillium, Provident Financial Management Services and Progressive Financial Services. Three office suites and a ground floor retail unit are currently vacant.

Highcross intend to carry out extensive refurbishment of the common areas and vacant accommodation. The office suites range from around 67 sq m (720 sq ft) to 264 sq m (2,837 sq ft). The property also benefits from ample car parking.

Graham & Sibbald and Savills have been appointed by Highcross as agents. To obtain more information please contact Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald on 01786 46311, email apeel@g-s.co.uk or contact Kate Byrne of Savills on 0131 247 3821, email kbyrne@savills.com

Industrial Although industrial take up in the Stirling area for the period January to November 2008 was some 2,591 sq m (27,890 sq ft) it was less than the same period of the previous year. This perhaps reflects limited choice and availability, with Stirling’s industrial vacancy rate some 4.5% in September 2008, well below the Scottish average of 11% (Scottish Property Network).

Some agents have been quick to respond to weaker market conditions introducing flexibility including adjustment in rental in some cases.

Unlike office, take up was almost equally split in size ranges 0-100 sq m/0-1000 sq ft and 100-499 sq m/1000-5,000 sq ft.

12

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local e economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Guardian’s new unit at Springkerse Trade Park

A major industrial letting in 2008 included Guardian Group’s relocation and expansion within Stirling. The Guardian Group are the first occupiers within the prominent new Springkerse Trade Park, which now extends to around 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft) and has only a few units remaining for lease, with sizes ranging from 288 sq m/3,100 sq ft to 883 sq m/9,500 sq ft.

For more information on remaining space within the Springkerse Trade Park, please contact Bryce Stewart of Colliers CRE on 0131 240 7500, email bryce.stewart@ collierscre.co.uk

Retail Take up of retail space in the Stirling area for the period January to November 2008 was some 873 sq m (9,395 sq ft) less than the same period the previous year, reflecting difficulties faced by the retail sector during the course of 2008. That said, Stirling’s retail vacancy rate of 9.9% in September 2008 was below the Scottish rate of 13.5% (Scottish Property Network).

With a range of new developments currently under way and scheduled for completion in 2009 the outlook for this year is one of cautious optimism. Key developments under way and scheduled for completion in 2009 include Stirling Agricultural Centre (including agricultural office and retail opportunities), Stirling Sports Village, Industrial unit development within Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling as well as new retail space development in Dunblane.

Looking for property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property

Stirling Arcade www.stirlingarcade.com The recently re-branded Stirling Arcade welcomed a number of new occupiers in 2008, including BPM Gents Clothing, A Wee Sweetie, All the Best and Kiddie Kouture.

Since joining forces as the Arcade’s owners 18 months ago, local businessmen Gordon Snowie and Kevin Moore have already invested £500,000 in refurbishment of the Arcade.

The owners also have aspirations to bring more of the historic Arcade’s three floors back into commercial use, including the Alhambra Theatre. Kevin Moore said: “There are a number of possible uses for the Alhambra Theatre. We have been giving consideration to a conference venue or function suite and have also had some interest in the opening of a dance studio and small exclusive cinema.

Hand over of the keys for The Peak by Barr Construction

**STOP PRESS - PEAK OPENING**

We’re considering all options and are taking on board comments from

The Peak, an integral part of Stirling’s new Sports Village is

Stirling residents as to what they feel is missing in the Stirling area.”

scheduled to open on Saturday 4th April. The new sports centre

There are a number of vacant units of various sizes for rent, with sizes

includes a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, climbing wall, ice

starting from around 14 sq m (152 sq ft).

pad, 5-a-side football pitches, hockey/football/rugby pitches, cafe and licensed restaurant.

To find out more about remaining units for lease, please contact Andrew Peel of Graham & Sibbald

More information is available by calling 01786 448308, email

on 01786 463111, email apeel@g-s.co.uk

thepeak@activestirling.org.uk

Planning applications update Two planning applications with a significant business focus have

Stirling Council has approved the following planning applications

been submitted to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling

since the last edition of Stirling Eye:

Eye (December) and are still being considered, pending a decision:

l

l

mushroom farm to a fish farm (5,735 sq m fish farm) on land at

An application by Ian MacLeod Distillers Ltd to replace and

Ballachallan, Doune.

extend storage facility, siting of potable tank, car parking and ancillary works (3,702 sq m storage facility) at Glengoyne l

l

An application by Young Plant Sales for the erection of a two

Distillery, Strathblane.

storey industrial unit and offices (288 sq m office and 167.1 sq

An application by MTS Recovery & Repair to extend a workshop

m industrial) on land at Lochill Industrial Estate, Ashmill Road, Deanston.

(276 sq m extension to existing workshop space) at Block 4, l

Units 1-2, Bandeath Industrial Estate.

An application by Mr Davy McCormack for the erection of an office block on land adjacent and North of 44 Main Street,

The following planning application has been supported in principle

by Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye but is currently subject to detailed negotiations to draw up a planning agreement: l

An application by Robert Bawden for change of use of a vacant

Cowie. l

An application by Glenbervie House Hotel Ltd for the change of use to hotel with extensions to house leisure facilities and

An application by Mr T Cox to construct 10 new class 4/class

ancillary accommodation (3,672 sq m hotel) at 33 Spittal

6 units; conversion of steading building to class 4, demolition

Street, Stirling.

of farmhouse and use of site for class 4 and construction of new house and upgrading of existing access road (1,824 sq m industrial, 900 sq m office) at Manor Farm, Blairlogie. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Sector feature

TOURISM The Stirling Council area is home to a large number of tourism businesses.

Tourism is vital to Stirling’s economy, accounting for over £390 million of revenue in 2007.

The broad spectrum encompasses large attractions such as Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument and Blair Drummond Safari Park, a multitude of accommodation providers including hotels, self-catering, bed & breakfasts and hostels, and activity providers

like C-N-Do, Venachar Lochside, Active Scotland and Go Ape. With the current difficult economic climate there are challenging times ahead for the tourist industry.

However, for businesses that look beyond the ‘doom and gloom’ there are real opportunities. The exchange rate with the Euro means that Scotland is a good value destination for many Europeans. Indeed, many domestic tourists, put off by the increased cost of a European holiday, may choose to holiday at home in 2009. The Stirling area certainly offers a fantastic range of holiday

experiences concentrated in a small area. These factors, coupled with the high-profile Homecoming Scotland campaign, mean that there is genuine optimism amongst some tourism businesses, with reports of good advance bookings for the season ahead.

City of Stirling Visitor Survey Key to success and growth in the tourism industry is reliable intelligence on visitors leading to a detailed understanding of our visitor market. In 2007 Stirling Council commissioned Lynn Jones Research to generate a profile of visitors assessing visitor activity and obtaining information on visitor perceptions. This data gathered using a web-based survey system provides an invaluable benchmark for future activity.

The survey involved a year-round collection of visitor email addresses at sample points around the City. There was a robust sample with a good spread of visitor age and residency, and with 1,265 responses, a positive response rate of 41%. The results of the first survey (July 2007-June 2008) have just been published and are available on www.stirling.gov.uk/visitorsurvey.pdf . This is a rolling survey and future issues of Stirling Eye will feature the 2008/09 results.

Key findings: l Stirling

Castle is a major influence in the

l The

survey has highlighted Stirling as

decision to visit Stirling, according to

key gateway to the Loch Lomond and

57% of UK visitors and 73% of overseas

the Trossachs National Park, as well as a

visitors. History is a key driver, especially

leading short break destination in its own

for overseas visitors. 56% of respondents

right.

made Internet bookings. Accommodation and flights are the most common aspects booked by overnight visitors. l Over

56% were first-time visitors and

l In

terms of the visitor experience,

mostly high levels of customer service were reported across the City.

Attractions scored 8.68 out of ten and

63% of these stayed outside of Stirling

Accommodation 8.13. However, the

with both Edinburgh and Glasgow

figure for pubs was lower at 7.82 and

figuring strongly.

restaurants/cafes 7.94.

l Nearly

three-quarters of respondents were

l Overall

impressions of the City are

visitors staying away from home. 90% of

encouraging, with safety and cleanliness

first time visitors to Stirling are overnight

scoring highly and the overall rating of

visitors against only 52% of repeat visitors.

visit 8.47 out of ten. 38% of respondents

l Those

staying in Stirling stayed an

average of 2.4 nights. l Visitors

were also ‘very likely’ to recommend the destination.

activities. (81%) visited

l Only

32% of respondents commented

attractions, (70%) walked around, (52%)

on possible improvements: better

Shopping, (40%) eating and drinking.

eating options, longer opening hours,

l Only

2% of visitors did not visit any

attractions, galleries or museums.

14

STIRLING EYE

more accessible tourist information and improved access and parking were cited.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Sector feature HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 Celebrate Homecoming Scotland in Stirling - Scotland’s heart - www.visitstirling.org Homecoming Scotland 2009 was launched back in January with the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth. It’s a year-long events-based initiative celebrating Scotland’s great contributions to the world. Key themes are Burns, golf, whisky, great minds and innovations, and our rich culture and heritage.

Homecoming celebrations are being marked by a calendar of inspirational events and exciting activities throughout the Stirling area that include the following.

Stirling’s Tartan Day

Highland Games in Stirling

27th March - 6th April

Situated amongst spectacular surroundings, the Stirling area plays host to a selection of fantastic Highland Games in July and August.

In 2009, Stirling celebrates Tartan

The games are a stunning spectacle and highlights include a full athletics programme, including heavyweight competitions, Highland dance performances and competitions, pipers and tug-of-war, with several events also featuring family funfairs.

Day with a programme showcasing the best of Scottish arts, dance, film, music, fashion and food. The macrobert will celebrate Scottish, home-grown talent with a screening of ‘The Stone of Destiny’, historical characters will perform at Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument and Port Street will come alive on Saturday 4 April with a day of free entertainment for all the family, including pipe bands, drumming groups and children’s entertainers.

‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor’ - Routes to Your Scottish Roots

Stirling Highland Games - 12th July Rob Roy Highland Games, Kinlochard - 19th July Callander International Highland Games - 25th-6th July Killin Highland Games - 29th July Bridge of Allan Highland Games - 2nd August

19th - 21st June

Trossachs International Mushroom Festival

A fascinating and invaluable conference for anyone interested in

22nd - 25th October

family history.

Fantasy, fungi, food and fun, this popular festival is a food, music and cultural extravaganza celebrating the mushroom. Key elements include traditional cookery demonstrations, traditional Scottish music and dance events, wildlife walks and golf and fishing competitions.

The main focus is on Stirling records but the event also provides information and tips that could be used anywhere in the world.

It features well-known and authoritative speakers and the opportunity to attend guided walks in the graveyards at the ‘top of the town’. There is a buffet supper on the Saturday evening with the acclaimed Scottish singer and author Jess Smith.

World Fly Fishing Championships 2009 5th - 12th June Drymen is host to the 29th Fips Mouche World Fly-Fishing Championships with representatives from 24 different countries competing. The event takes place across a range of world class fishing sectors throughout Stirling and Perth & Kinross. The Stirling sectors include Scotland’s premier competition water, the stunning Lake of Menteith, and Carron Valley Reservoir.

Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2009 19th - 21st November As the first major rally on Scottish soil in 20 years, the IRC is a hotly anticipated event. Experience three days of fiercely competitive and exciting driving over timed special stages on closed Forestry Commission Scotland gravel roads amongst the spectacular surroundings of Stirling and Perth and Kinross. Don’t miss the last chapter of this world-class event hosted with the warm hospitality that Stirling always delivers.

For all the latest information on all these events see: www.visitstirling.org www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Sector feature It’s great outdoors!

A key element in the Stirling area’s tourism offering is easy access to the great outdoors. The area offers worldclass outdoor activities set against a magnificent backdrop, with a range of fantastic walking, cycling, mountain biking and water sports for all abilities and ages. raphy

anbrown Photog

of Om Photo courtesy

Last year, new start company Active Scotland, took on a 5-year contract to deliver water sports at the Lochearn Water Sports

like snowboarding on water and is growing

a lease on the on-site café with 50 covers

Centre at Lochearnhead. Stirling Eye caught

in popularity. In fact, Matt said, “the

and development of land-based activities to

up with Business Development Director,

wakeboarding page on our website gets ten

complement the water sports. To date over

Matt McGrandles, to hear how it’s going.

times more hits than any other. The event in

£50,000 of investment has gone into new

October had a significant impact on the local

equipment, including quad bikes, archery

economy with competitors and supporters

kit, sailing boats and a small fleet of fishing

from all over the UK staying in the area,

boats.

It’s been a busy first year for the company and they aim to build on this success in 2009. Matt explained, “we have enjoyed high levels of repeat business and are building a loyal base of customers,

with some local hotels fully booked due to the event.

Matt explains their aim is to be ‘the leading outdoor activity centre in Central Scotland.’

particularly from the Stirling, Glasgow and

“Plans are well under-way for WakeScot 09,

Another key development strategy is the

Edinburgh areas.”

which will be held on the 1st August and every

targeting of corporate business from the

year on the first weekend in August thereafter.

Central Belt. The company offers a range

ActiveScotland is now seeking other sponsors

of bespoke packages to suit all types of

to support the growth of this event.”

businesses and budgets.

in October. Part of the next generation of

Active Scotland has a number of exciting

For more information see

board sports, wakeboarding is essentially

developments planned this year including

www.activescotland.com

One of the highlights of the past year was the establishment of the inaugural WakeScot wakeboarding competition held

Scottish Thistle Awards 2009 Created by VisitScotland in 1991, these highly prestigious awards showcase business excellence and quality. Described as the industry ‘Oscars’ they are an important event in the tourism calendar.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are now firmly established as the benchmark of excellence and innovation in Scottish tourism. Winning, or even being short-listed, for an award is a fantastic accolade and can be a valuable point of differentiation in a highly competitive marketplace, bringing real benefits to your business.

There is a wide range of award categories, including Business Tourism, Collaboration, Customer Care, Events & Festivals, Innovation, Marketing Initiative, People Development, Operator Programme of the Year, PR Excellence, Sustainable Tourism, and Young Tourism Entrepreneur. The awards are open to all types of tourism businesses and it’s well worth applying. The deadline for entries is usually early June.

For more information and guidance on how to apply see www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

16

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Sector feature

Go Ape! - a swinging success Go Ape! situated at the David Marshall Lodge in Aberfoyle offers adrenalin-fuelled fun while trekking in the trees some 40ft above the forest floor. The exciting course at Aberfoyle has a unique feature: the longest zip slide in the UK, stretching 426m!

In December Go Ape! was listed in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league table for 2008. Now in its 12th year, the prestigious annual league table ranks Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest-growing sales over the past three years. Go Ape! features at number 71 showing 63.67% annual sales growth over 3 years.

Last year, the Go Ape! site in Aberfoyle proved even more popular than ever with a record number of visitors, an amazing 26,970 people taking to the ropes and wires in 2008. This compared with visitor numbers of around 13,000 the previous year and above the Go Ape! course average for a season. Last year the attraction brought visitors to the area from throughout Scotland, and other parts of the UK and beyond.

Commenting on the success Go Ape Managing Director, Jerome Mayhew said: “We understand people may well have less money in their pockets for leisure this year. But we are hopeful that as more people opt to stay in Scotland for their holidays, particularly in this year of Homecoming, they will want to inject some fun into their days out. Go Ape! in Aberfoyle, with its exhilarating long zip wires, is just the place to do that.”

For opening times and prices see www.goape.co.uk

Looking for a wild day out?

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park will open its gates to the general public for the start of the new season on Saturday 21st March 2009.

Staff at the Safari Park have been busy over the winter months, carrying out essential maintenance and improvements and keeping the animals well fed and watered. In the lion enclosure, an over-taking lane has been added for visitors’ cars to avoid the build-up of traffic on busy days. In Pets’ Farm, the meerkat, penguin and otter enclosures have had new windows fitted that will provide visitors, especially children and disabled persons, a much better view of the animals. This in turn means that the animals too can see what is going on outside their homes.

Violet Crane, Commercial Manager at Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park said: “As we approach this season, it is with more than a little trepidation. However, we are optimistic, despite the current economic climate we find ourselves faced with, that it will encourage more people to forego their usual foreign trips abroad in favour of “staying in Scotland” holidays.

“On the other side of the coin, with this being the year of “The Homecoming”, it is envisaged that Scotland should be inundated with foreign visitors. Naturally both sets of holidaymakers will be looking for great attractions to visit and where better a place to start than to spend a day at Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park.”

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park is open daily 10am – 5.30pm from 21st March to 2nd November 2009.

For more information, please contact 01786 841456 or visit www.blairdrummond.com

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

17

Interview with Henry Mooney, Stirling Enterprise Stirling Eye recently caught up with Henry Mooney, Business Growth Adviser at Stirling Enterprise (STEP).

Total Worx Safety Ltd’s Safequip Rescue Pro Personal Flotation Device

e RHS

d at th ibe’s stan Garden Tr w o h ower S Chelsea Fl

We helped them prepare a rolling Action Plan, reviewed monthly by the business and myself collectively, which helped identify areas for

Henry Mooney, Business Growth Adviser

specialist support. To date, this has included:

Can you tell our readers about your role as a Business Gateway Adviser?

I identify and provide support to growth companies through Business Gateway’s ‘Growth Pipeline’ development programme.

Who is eligible for support through the programme?

Scottish Enterprise (SE) sets the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, businesses need to demonstrate that they can meet SE financial criteria of expecting to increase their turnover by £400,000+ over the next three trading years. In addition, it is advantageous if the business is in a niche or growth market; has existing management experience or access to it; is able to maintain an impact within the local economy; and is already exporting or has exporting potential.

What does your role involve?

Once I establish that the business meets SE’s eligibility criteria, I work with the business to gain a wider understanding of: l their

financial accounts, systems and

procedures; l their

Management efficiency and

effectiveness; l their

business plan;

l methods

being used to increase

productivity; l resource

management, including

additional employee levels; l growth

strategy;

l marketing

18

strategy.

STIRLING EYE

I then include this information within a Growth Pipeline Application to SE. If accepted, a confidential Service Level Agreement confirms the application. I then work with the business over the first twelve months of the Agreement before passing them on to a Designated Relationship Manager within SE who assists the business to maintain their set growth objectives.

What assistance can you access for growth companies?

Apart from my own ‘hands on’ advice and guidance across a range of business and legislative areas, I ‘match’ the business to a wide range of support through SE’s Specialist Advisers, who provide not only bespoke advice and guidance in their sector but also assist the company in applying for Funding support. Some examples include website development, patents and intellectual property rights, marketing and workforce development.

Can you provide an example of a growth business you have worked with and the support they accessed?

Yes, Total Worx Safety Ltd is a good example.

Since joining the Growth Pipeline in May 2008, Stirling based Total Worx Safety Ltd have gone from supplying basic health and safety equipment to specialising in the supply of all types of specialist health and safety equipment for the Fire & Emergency services, by taking particular advantage of the move by the Public Sector towards eprocurement.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

l Innovation

and R&D support – a specialist

Innovation Adviser helped them identify the innovative aspects of their new product, linking this to achieving SE Funding support to develop and produce it for Fire & Emergency personnel. l Scottish

Development International

supported the company by providing funding to enable them to go to Germany to meet with potential manufacturers and then attend Trade Shows to market their product range. l An

ICT specialist adviser provided guidance

to develop their website, supported by another level of Funding, resulting in them being able to bring in e-commerce.

Another good example is the support given to Stirling based gardening equipment company Garden Tribe Ltd, who we matched with the ‘Graduates for Business’ scheme through the SE’s Business Development Programme. Their new Graduate has since masterminded a very successful marketing campaign.

How many growth companies does Business Gateway support in the Stirling area?

We currently support 38 growth businesses, covering a diverse range of sectors including transport, life sciences, agriculture, horticulture, tourism, film & tv media, electronics, IT and engineering.

To find out more about accessing Growth Pipeline Support, please contact STEP on 01786 463416.

Broadband bug-bears?

It has been reported to Stirling Eye that broadband access remains an issue in certain locations in Stirling, including some rural areas and parts of Bandeath Industrial Estate. Broadband capacity and connection speed is also becoming an issue for development of some Stirling businesses.

The Guardian Group move into purpose built factory/showroom Stirling business the Guardian Group recently moved into a new factory and showroom at Springkerse Trade Park.

With a total floor space of 1,282 sq m, factory production includes innovative timber/uPVC/aluminum windows, doors and conservatories, complimented by a large range of soft furnishings, some of which are also designed and manufactured in the building.

Gary Bowman, Guardian Executive, explained, “Before the move, the business consisted of separate companies including Guardian Soft Furnishings, Fabrics by Guardian and Guardian Systems functioning from three independent buildings. Bursting at the seams, we needed to bring all three companies under one roof whilst at the same time allowing room for future growth.”

Bill Fortune, Stirling Council’s Business Partnership Executive would like to hear from businesses experiencing broadband related difficulties. By working together, Bill hopes to put forward a strong voice for action and to identify any remaining pockets without Broadband access in the Council area. Bill can be contacted on 01786 443178, email fortuneb@ stirling.gov.uk

Broadband case study Business name: Computer Division, Upper Craigs, Stirling Computer Division is one of Central Scotland’s leading computer supply and service companies.

Azam Haider, Director of Computer Division

Gary continued, “We investigated many options before settling on the new Trade Park. A deciding factor was that we were able to advise on the internal and external design of the new building.

This was very important as we pride ourselves on delivering high end goods and services, and it allowed us to design the building around our needs and those of our clients.”

Internet requirements: Computer Division increasingly require high

Guardian employs 55 people at their new premises and walking around the busy factory is quite an experience. The ground floor includes a paint spraying booth, two large manufacturing areas, a fabric display area and the main showroom.

Stirling Observer building in Upper Craigs in 2006. Zahir Haider,

The first floor contains offices, another large manufacturing area and a third area reserved for further expansion.

supply at a pace with the development of the business.

With contracts as distant as installing soft furnishing in Portugal and as near as supplying and fitting the windows for the new housing at Forthside, the Guardian Group is one of Stirling’s key growing businesses.

have fallen on deaf ears. We would be interested in involvement in

capacity broadband to accommodate the growing number of clients who are using their secure server facilities. Future business growth needs to be accompanied by a corresponding upgrade in broadband access.

Broadband bug-bear: Computer Division expanded into the old Director, said, “Our new premises has a dormant high capacity internet line, left over from the Stirling Observer days. The line is one of only a few in the city and presents an excellent opportunity to keep internet

“However, as is often the case, requests to reinstate the line with BT anything that will raise the importance of improving internet capacity to enhance competitiveness of local businesses in Stirling.”

Important reminder to building owners Commercial buildings require an Energy Performance Certificate when a prospective buyer or tenant requests any information about the building, asks to view the building, or makes an offer to buy or lease the building. In order to ease the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates, amendment regulations were introduced for the start of 2009 to allow building owners a seven-day period to react.

As of the 1 April 2009 these amendment regulations are no longer valid. To avoid a Penalty Charge Notice, owners need to ensure that they obtain an Energy Performance Certificate before putting their buildings up for sale or let.

Please visit the Scottish Building Standards website for further information: www.sbsa.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Energy Performance Certificate

Focus on the local economy

19

National Park Business/Apprentice Support Project kicks off The Community Partnership managed National Park Business/ Apprentice Support project was officially launched by John Park MSP at the new National Park HQ in Balloch in October 2008.

13 small businesses are participating in the scheme, which provides training grants to employers and financial support to apprentices for expenses such as tools, travel and subsistence.

Participant business case study Business name: Ian R. MacDonald – roofer and plasterers based in Gartmore.

Employees: Two tradesmen, one apprentice.

Support provided: Several organisations combine to sponsor the business’s apprenticeship place through the project, including the Hugh Fraser foundation, Stirling Council, DoosanBabcock Energy and four of the Park Community development trusts.

Business owner Ian MacDonald reported that the financial support is a welcome addition to the normal grants available from Construction Skills Scotland, who oversee his apprentice’s four year Modern Apprenticeship.

Ian said: “The help that is being given to young people on the scheme is particularly relevant in the National Park area where there are only limited opportunities for employment. I hope that all apprentices participating in the scheme appreciate the fact that there are significant work opportunities within this rural environment and that it is not necessary to “emigrate” to urban areas to obtain job satisfaction or increase their knowledge of the trade.

“The taster training element of the scheme is a good idea and allows the prospective employer and potential apprentice a chance to weigh each other up before making commitments. Hopefully this initiative will lead to better employer/apprentice relations in the long run, with a better chance that newly qualified tradesmen will want to carry on with the employer who provided them with training in the first place.”

Ian’s apprentice, 18 year old Steven Butler reported that he is enjoying the Apprenticeship

“

The project has not been without

heartache. John Cunningham,

experience, particularly slating “…when it’s sunny!”. Because of the specialised nature

our Business/Apprentice support

of his course, Steven travels to East Kilbride to attend college on a weekly block release

officer died last September after

scheme and is away from his Buchlyvie home for 4 or 5 nights at a time. Steven receives

a short illness. John had put his

financial assistance through the project for tools purchases and subsistence items.

huge enthusiasm and energy

The Community Partnership hopes to extend the scheme and have another intake this year – there is already a queue of young people anxious to take up a modern apprenticeship.

into the project and established a good rapport with over 100 small

However, before this can happen the Partnership needs to find some more far-sighted

construction businesses throughout

sponsors and small businesses - such as Ian MacDonald’s - willing to provide training places.

the National Park. He is sorely

To find out more about the National Park Business/Apprentice Support project, please

missed.

contact Ron Dalton on 01389 722645 (National Park Headquarters) or 01877 382617 (Home), email Ron.Dalton@btinternet.com

20

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

”

Ron Dalton, Community Partnership. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Expansion of Stirling Management Centre The £6.5 million expansion and refurbishment of Stirling Management Centre is now complete. Existing and new clients are enjoying the enhanced benefits of the Stirling experience.

Gail Miller, Business Manager at the Centre said: “We are delighted that our greatly improved resources allow us to offer delegates and guests an even better range of options, as well as greater flexibility and choice.”

The Centre now offers: l over 100 bedrooms, all designed and furnished to the highest standard l 33 conference rooms holding from 4 to 400 l new reception area with improved space

for registration and informal meetings restaurants delivering top standard catering from small, private functions to large conference dinners l refurbished bar l top of the range audio visual support equipment l use of the University’s excellent sporting and leisure facilities. l two

State-of-the-art AV support and presentation equipment is matched by the use of stylish, contemporary décor and relaxing, bright, open spaces.

and beyond equalise journey times, saving time and cutting travel costs. Set within the beautiful Stirling University Campus and including use of its sporting and leisure facilities, Stirling Management Centre offers an integrated package. www.smc.stir.ac.uk

Stirling’s central location brings additional advantages. Clients from all over Scotland

30 second interview Name:

Roger G Drapper

Job Title:

Shop Owner

Place of Work:

James Bayne Fishing Tackle, Main Street, Callander

How do you get to work?

By car, though I’m considering buying a motorcycle as it’s greener and more economical.

What is your favourite place to eat out? Why?

Callander Meadows in Callander, they do a fantastic steak!

What do you think the Stirling area could most benefit from?

The reinstatement of the railway line between Tyndrum and Dunblane.

A Thai restaurant.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling?

Its rural, its clean, the air quality is great unlike a big city (having lived in London for 15 years you really notice the dirt and grime with every one in such a rush) and the people, friendly, happy, full of encouragement, always willing to stop and pass the time of day. I think people appreciate life even with the harsh reality of a credit crunch.

What do you think the biggest issue is for businesses in the Stirling area?

The credit crunch, job losses, businesses going under, recession/depression and rising bills

What is the biggest issue for your business?

We like many of the businesses in the area are seasonal, anything that can extend the season would be of great benefit. Also in a small town like Callander why do we charge for car parking? We want to encourage tourists to come and visit and make it as simple as possible for them to come and enjoy themselves.

What is your favourite shop?

James Bayne Fishing Tackle Shop, where you can buy a great range of quality fishing tackle, products at fantastic prices (!).

What is your greatest ambition?

To travel more – I visited the Middle East when I was 10 (Beirut) and was fascinated by the history and culture of the area. I’ve done parts of Europe, one day I would like to go to China and India.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

21

At your service

Food safety

Food Premises

What is Food Safety?

The Food Safety Team is one of three teams in Stirling Council’s Environmental Health Service and is responsible for ensuring that all food produced, handled and sold in the Council area is safe to eat.

To achieve this, the Food Safety Team visit premises to ensure businesses get the right help and assistance to enable them to comply with legislation, whilst also protecting the interests of the public.

All premises that will be used for food related business must be registered with the Environmental Health Service 28 days before the business opens. This is a legal requirement and applies to most types of food business, including catering businesses run from home and mobile or temporary premises such as stalls or burger vans.

When you choose premises for your business, it is very important to make sure that they meet the necessary Regulations, are suitable for the purpose of your business and will allow you to prepare food safely. The Food Safety Team will be happy to advise you as to whether the premises are suitable for your business venture.

Food Hygiene and Food Standards inspections will be carried out at every food related premises by the Food Safety Team.

A free advisory service is provided for consumers and businesses in the food trade and the Team is happy to assist with any enquiry. The Food

Food Hygiene

Team is based at the Municipal Buildings, Corn Exchange Road, Stirling.

Food hygiene training is required for food handlers in any catering business and the Food Safety Team promote elementary and intermediate food hygiene training courses.

Office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday with one Food Officer on duty for food emergencies during weekends and public holidays.

Contact thefoodteam@stirling.gov.uk or telephone 0845 2777000.

One recent incentive has been to encourage larger food businesses to send employees on subsidised, intermediate food hygiene courses.

Recent changes to food legislation Recent changes to food legislation now require all food businesses to have a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based Food Safety Management system in place. This is a documented safe system of work, designed to prevent problems rather than waiting until they happen.

One way of complying is to use the Food Standards Agency endorsed CookSafe Food Safety Assurance System or an equivalent system.

Currently there are around 1600 food businesses in the Stirling Council area and around 900 food hygiene inspections are carried out every year.

l

Around 138 food poisoning cases are investigated every year in Stirling. However, the number of salmonella food poisoning cases continues to decrease.

smaller, lower risk premises) are guidance manuals, which, if followed, will enable businesses to control food safety,

The Food Safety Team has put together a HACCP guide for smaller bed and breakfast premises. If you would like a copy please contact them. This will shortly be available on the Council’s website.

STIRLING EYE

l

CookSafe, for catering businesses (and RetailSafe - for

Did you know?

22

Did you know?

building upon their existing good practice.

The Food Safety Team organise CookSafe seminars. If you are a catering business owner without a food safety management system in place, please contact the Food Safety Team for more information and advice. The Team will be happy to guide and assist you through this process.

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Food safety Food Safety case study

At your service PROFILE

Name of Company: The Old Flax Mill, Glendochart, near Killin

Food Safety Officer

Stirling Eye caught up with Andrew and Lynette McNie, current owners of the Old Flax Mill restaurant to find out about their excellent standards of food safety management and their recent Eat Safe award.

Name: Christine Dick Job: Principal Environmental Health Officer, Food Safety Team Role: To develop and manage the Food Safety Section to ensure that, as a team, we promote food safety, deliver best

Andrew and Lynette took over The Old Flax Mill in 2003. Since

value, continually improve our service and customer focus, and

then, they have carried out major kitchen renovations, improved

ensure that we proactively meet our statutory responsibilities

and upgraded the private water supply and have implemented

and objectives.

a CookSafe (HACCP based) food safety system. Andrew has Intermediate Food Hygiene training and Lynette has Elementary Food Hygiene training. The premises has been awarded the

Key Areas of Expertise: In our job, legislation changes constantly and we have to keep abreast of any new laws,

following compliance standards:

initiatives, codes of practice etc. I am here to offer technical

Food hygiene – excellent

support to businesses, guidance on legislation and advice on any

Structural – very good

enforcement action. I also accompany the team on inspections where necessary.

Confidence in management – High confidence In 2007, Andrew and Lynette were presented with an Eat Safe award. The Eat Safe award is presented to businesses that

Current Workload: This is a very challenging time, as there will be far reaching changes in Food Safety legislation

have exceeded the requirements of the food hygiene legal

over the next few years. We are trying to improve Food Safety

requirements and are in fact, excellent in all areas of food safety.

without imposing unnecessary burdens on business.

Andrew said “we work hard to maintain our high food safety

Although we enforce Food Safety, we are also very keen to offer

standards and this was recognised when we achieved the Eat

practical advice on food safety and structural requirements to any

Safe award. We are proud of our achievement and also of the

new and existing food businesses.

dedication of the Food Safety Team whose advice and guidance

More resources will be targeted and re-allocated towards task

helped enormously.”

based Food Hygiene training, Food Hygiene Projects and the

The Old Flax Mill Restaurant complies with all of the legal requirements, has consistently excellent standards of food safety management and strives to provide excellent service and good

needs of particular types of premises. This should result in better compliance and help new businesses to develop a proper food safety management system.

quality food.

I deal with applications for newly licensed premises. Under the

The Old Flax Mill, Tel: 01567 820434

with Food Safety Legislation.

Did you know?

I am also participating in a project for the management of Local

new licensing laws, we must visit and confirm their compliance

Authority enforcement. Information from our Food Hygiene

The original mill on this site was used to produce flax prior to becoming a coaching inn, after which it was returned to a farm.

The farm owner served tea, coffee & snacks in the farmhouse.

This became successful so they decided to convert one of the byres into a restaurant which is now known as The Old Flax Mill Restaurant.

Inspections will contribute towards statistic gathering on Food safety for the whole of the European Union. This will ultimately provide revised and improved, web-based information on Food Safety.

My duties are mainly supervisory, however I maintain a small area of the district for inspections and complaints, because I feel it is important to remain in touch with operational issues.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

23

Stirling Local Development Plan and Local Housing Strategy Businesses are being asked what kind of place they would like the Stirling area to be. Together, the Local Development Plan (LDP) and Local Housing Strategy (LHS) will play a key role in shaping the Stirling area in the future.

The Council has begun the process of

for the next 20 years. It will deal with a

documents and will be setting up training,

developing its LDP and LHS with the final

whole range of land use issues including

workshops and public exhibitions over the

documents expected in 2012 and 2010

new housing, shopping, business, industry,

coming months.

respectively.

transport, recreation, built and natural

Why does it matter and how do I

heritage.

please contact:

The supply and quality of housing is vital

become involved?

The impact of development, much of which is irreversible, on the lives of

To find out more or become involved,

to the economic success of the area, the ability of those on low incomes to put a

individuals and on businesses can be very

roof over their head, and the long-term

significant depending on its nature, scale

sustainability of the area. The LHS will

and location. As the LDP sets the context

articulate the extent and type of housing

within which new development can

need and demand and will set out Stirling

happen, it is important that everyone has

Council’s vision for the future of housing

an opportunity to contribute.

across all tenures.

The Development Plan will guide what

We will look to involve businesses and other

development can take place and where

communities of interest in preparing these

Local Development Plan: Claire Milne, Principal Planning Officer, Stirling Council Tel: 01786 442522, email: ldp@stirling. gov.uk, website: www.stirling.gov.uk/ localdevplan Local Housing Strategy: Neil Ferguson, Development Officer (Housing), Stirling Council Tel: 01786 443054, email: lhs@ stirling.gov.uk, website: www.stirling.gov. uk/housing/localhousingstrategy

Funding and support for rural Stirling A further four projects were awarded £147,775 of LEADER funding at the December 2008 meeting of the Forth Valley and Lomond Local Action Group.

Three recipients in the Stirling area are: l Logie

Old Graveyard Group for their proposal to conserve and make

safe the graveyard, whilst opening up to visitors and providing

The LEADER Team

information on the Old Kirk and Kirkyard at Logie near Stirling. l Gartmore

Association for development costs towards their

With a full complement of staff now in post to support projects

proposed new community and business facility in Gartmore. l Fieldfare

coming forward, Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, the LEADER Programme

Trust for their proposal to train people with limited

Manager said: “We expect competition for funds to increase rapidly.

mobility to survey footpaths and build up a database on accessible

We are encouraging community or business groups with pilot or

footpaths across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

innovative project proposals which benefit the rural community to

This brings the total funding awarded so far to £569,360 to

get in touch.”

twenty pilot or innovative projects across rural Stirling, Falkirk,

More information on the Forth Valley and Lomond Programme is

Clackmannanshire and West Dunbartonshire.

available on www.fvl.org.uk or by emailing info@fvl.org.uk

24

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Thriving social enterprises encouraged to apply for new fund Managers of social enterprises across Scotland are being encouraged to take advantage of a new £30m investment fund aimed at developing commercially focused third sector initiatives.

The Scottish Investment Fund (SIF), introduced by the Scottish Government, will provide innovative financial solutions to social economy businesses that offer services that benefit the community. Designed to encourage and support enterprise across Scotland’s third sector, the SIF aims to assist organisations within the sector which have difficulty gaining access to funds from mainstream lenders such as banks.

Scott Anderson, Chief Executive of Social Investment Scotland, said: “The Scottish Investment Fund marks a new way forward for social enterprises. It will give an added commercial focus to the sector and help organisations develop revenue generating initiatives. SIF offers an additional means of attracting funding for social enterprises with real growth potential. For those who qualify, the fund will give them the capital

they need to help them succeed and enable them to make an enhanced contribution to Scotland’s economy.’’

“Whilst we have already received a number of approaches, we are looking for more at present. I would encourage any individuals running social enterprises that have the scope for growth to consider the benefits of SIF and contact us to see if they are eligible.”

SIF administrator Social Investment Scotland is aiming to distribute funds to around 6080 organisations over the next three years.

Prime areas for investment include: social care; environmental projects; employment training; disability services and health equality initiatives.

Investment from the fund is tailored to the requirements of individual organisations and will comprise a combination of loans at affordable fixed rates as well as ‘patient capital’ and non-repayable funding. Investment packages ranging from £100,000 up to £1m will be made available.

Social enterprises seeking funding will have to show they are located and have traded successfully in Scotland for at least three years. They will also be able to demonstrate how an investment from SIF can help move their business on to the next stage of development.

Social Investment Scotland expects to distribute £4m over the forthcoming year; £10m in year two; and £16m in year three, a total of £30m. The fund will be of particular benefit in the current economic climate of restricted lending by mainstream providers.

The first stage for those who wish to find out more is a simple on-line process. In less than 15 minutes, organisations can find out whether or not they meet the basic eligibility criteria. The next phase involves direct contact from a Social Investment Scotland representative and a more rigorous examination of the proposal.

For further details visit: www.scottishinvestmentfund.co.uk

Nine of the best!

Nine of Stirling’s city centre licensed premises have successfully gained a highly acclaimed ‘Best Bar None’ Award.

The successful pubs are: Drouthy Neebors, the Albion Bar, Fubar, the Corn Exchange, Sportsters (Sports Bar & Diner), Cape, the Settle Inn, the City Walls and No.2 Baker Street. In order to achieve Best Bar None accreditation, the licensees had to successfully meet the scheme’s demanding criteria, demonstrating and evidencing effective management against twenty core criteria, including staff training, fire safety and crime prevention.

‘Best Bar None’ is the UK’s largest accreditation scheme for licensed premises. Now in its fourth year in Stirling, the scheme is open to all types and sizes of city centre licensed pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Stirling Council Councillor Steven Paterson said: “By participating in this nationally recognised scheme, licensees are making a real difference to the residents of and visitors to, Stirling’s city centre. They are demonstrating their genuine commitment to their customer’s safety and well being, whilst also enhancing the city centre’s reputation as a safe and vibrant place to be at night.”

The scheme currently operates in over twenty cities and towns throughout Scotland and is recognised by the Scottish Government as the benchmark of good practice, for working with the licensed trade to achieve good standards across a range of evening economy policies and practices.

The management and implementation of the scheme is undertaken by a working group comprising key stakeholders of Stirling’s Community Planning Partnership, these are Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, Central Scotland Police, Safer Cities Initiative, Stirling Council and the Forth Valley Substance Action Team.

Planning has begun for Stirling’s 2009 Best Bar None scheme. For further information please contact Peter Walker, Safer Cities Co-ordinator on 01786 443137, email walkerp@stirling.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

25

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population

Stirling 2000-2007 % Change 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Stirling Scotland

Total Population

86,160

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

88,190

2.4%

1.6%

Working Age Population

54,058

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

54,367

0.6%

2.7%

Total Number of Households

35,206

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

37,328

6.0%

5.0%

and

Households

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Employment Rate

Unemployment Rate

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

Figure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of Working Age Population)

Scotland

4.0 Unemployment rate

Employment rate

77.0

Stirling

76.0

75.0

3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5

74.0 2005/06

0.0

2007/08

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

January 2004

January 2009

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

Growth in Number of Jobs

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2000-2007 2000-2007 Figure 4: Jobs Growth

Change % Change Stirling

42,100

Scotland

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,500

47,900

5,800

14%

2,299,800 2,279,500 2,307,000 2,340,000 2,398,800 2,377,200

2,407,700

107,900

5%

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 2002-2007 Figure 5: New Business

Change % Change Starts Stirling Scotland

449

534

460

452

474

480

31

6.9%

18,518

21,468

20,808

21,383

23,468

25,041

6,523

35.2%

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

26

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Stirling Scotland

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

Stirling Scotland

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

Figure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rates - VAT Registered Businesses

Business Density

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

2000

2007

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

VAT Registered Businesses Figure 8: VAT Registered Businesses in 2007 – Percentages based on stock of VAT registered businesses

Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

345 215 3,355

10.3% 6.4% -

10.3% 6.8% -

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, 2007

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2007/08

Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Source: Annual Population Survey - Workplace Analysis (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, 2007 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

Figure 12: Tourism Revenue, Tourist Days and Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area Visitors 2006 2007 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 Tourism Revenue (£’s millions) Tourist Numbers (thousands)

Stirling

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

50,573 61,410 433,070 559,695 135,000 30,719 389,011 40,859

388.83 4,366.60

390.45 4,323.50

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

Scotland

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

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

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2002-2008 % 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

£479.9 £440.9 £434.2 £441.5

£493.2 £461.8 £452.8 £460.1

15.8% 25.0% 20.3% 23.8%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

27

FREE Scottish Enterprise training events Scottish Enterprise are hosting a series of events across Scotland to inspire and inform leaders on a range of topics relating to current economic challenges.

All events will feature experienced speakers offering practical links, tips and advice. Each event is free to attend. A programme of events and online booking details can be obtained from www. scottish-enterprise.com/events or by calling 0845 607 8787.

Attention farmers The deadline for compulsory vaccination of cattle and sheep against bluetongue is April 30th.

Good progress is being made on the compulsory vaccination programme with over 3.3 million doses of vaccine taken up. Some 8,170 farm

Free Business Gateway training events April 2009 9th morning – Stirling – Investment ready? How to prepare your business to attract an investor.

14th all day – Callander – Bookkeeping.

21st evening – Falkirk – Improve your search engine ranking.

21st morning – Alloa – Negotiation skills.

28th evening – Stirling – Marketing your business.

holdings in Scotland (over 34 per cent) have vaccinated to date.

May 2009

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said:

5th all day – Callander – Bookkeeping 1 & 2.

8th morning – Alloa – Advertising & promotion.

T.B.C. morning – Stirling – How to prepare your business for exporting.

25th evening – Falkirk – Advertising & promotion.

28th evening – Alloa – Women into business – Marketing.

“The Scottish Government and industry stakeholders agreed last year that mass vaccination was our best defence against the serious threat of Bluetongue Virus 8. We agreed the importance of obtaining immunity before the vector risk period returns.

“There has been good progress and I would like to remind those yet to vaccinate of the need to do so before April 30. For cattle this means the first does must be given by the beginning of April.”

Useful web links

Events contacts Stirling – STEP - Tel 01786 463416,

email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Callander – STEP - Tel Keeley Davis on 01786 463416,

email kdavis@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Alloa – CETERIS - Tel 01259 726430, email aharrick@ceteris.co.uk Falkirk – FEAT - Tel 01324 665500, email mandyc@feat.org.uk

Business Gateway – www.bgateway.com

Forth Valley College - www.forthvalley.ac.uk Forth Valley Construction Forum - www.forthconstruction.co.uk Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/funding The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park - www.lochlomondtrossachs.org Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk Scottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.uk Scottish Government – www.scotland.gov.uk Scottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.uk Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/directory Stirling Business Panel – www.stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel Stirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/business Stirling Enterprise (STEP) – www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk Stirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Stirling University Innovation park – www.suip.co.uk Trossachs Rural Mentoring Scheme – www.ruralmentoring.co.uk University of Stirling – www.stir.ac.uk Visit Scotland – www.visitscotland.org

Service contacts Adult Learning, Stirling Council Lynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk Building Standards, Stirling Council Cecil Stokes, Tel: 01786 432203, email: stokesc@stirling.gov.uk City Centre Management, Stirling Council Andy Kennedy, Tel: 01786 442534, email: kennedya2@stirling.gov.uk Economic Strategy & Intelligence, Stirling Council Hugh Lightbody, Tel: 01786 442593, email: lightbodyh@stirling.gov.uk Employability Service, Stirling Council Gordon Wright, Tel: 01786 442866, email: wrightg@stirling.gov.uk Planning, Stirling Council Peter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: morganp@stirling.gov.uk Rates Team, Stirling Council Celia Taylor, Tel: 01786 443232, email: taylorc@stirling.gov.uk Tourism, Marketing & Rural Development, Stirling Council Deborah Murray, Tel: 01786 442821, email: murrayd@stirling.gov.uk Trading Standards & Licensing, Stirling Council Neil Chalmers, Tel: 01786 432170, email: chalmersn@stirling.gov.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

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