Stirling Eye - Summer 2008

Summer 2008

Inside this issue...

Special feature on voluntary sector Providing services for businesses, employees and residents

Leading the way New LEADER programme in rural area

Business space Opportunities at Broadleys

Business profile Monachyle Mhor

Planning update Gladman planning application for Dunblane approved

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome

Local business news

3

Business profile: Monachyle Mhor

8

Our survey of what you thought

money from

Stirling takes part in Expo

9

of Stirling Eye has shown that you

their business ventures.

City businesses scoop Best Bar None Awards

9

thought very highly of it. Thank you, we appreciate and value your

‘Mhor’ of the

At your service: Building Standards 10

feedback. As you will see we have

same please!

12

taken on board the ideas that you

Lastly we are beginning to see

Energy Performance Certificates explained

gave us and this and future editions

the fruits of the Business Space Strategy with a number of important

Forth Construction, assisting local construction companies

12

will go out to every business in the Stirling Council area.

developments now approved

Right Wheel

13

This issue looks at the importance

such as the Dunblane Business

Business space developments

14

of the voluntary sector which

Park being taken forward by

Planning applications update

15

The sector feature: The voluntary sector

16

Interview with Margaret Plews, Touch Estate

19

Stirling’s strong track record of growth is sustained.

Special feature – LEADER

20

I wish you all a prosperous summer.

Stirling City Centre Business Survey 22

provides valuable services to businesses, employees and residents. There are more than 1,000 voluntary organisations operating across the area and together they make an important

Gladman Developments at Barbush, Dunblane. These important and vital developments will help to ensure that

contribution to the local economy.

Our business profile is Monachyle Mhor and its spin out companies which have adopted the Mhor

Councillor Scott Farmer

brand. The Lewis family have

Depute Leader of Council and

shown how it is possible to provide

Corporate Resources and Economy

high standards and good value for

portfolio holder.

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: Tom Lewis of Monachyle Mhor - please see business profile on page 8 for more information on Monachyle Mhor. Photo by Melanie Lewis.

Stirling City Centre Health Check - update

22

30 second interview

23

Business Gateway update

24

Macrae & Dick: 130 and still very young

24

Business Gateway clinics in Callander

24

World Fly Fishing Championships 2009

25

Scottish Fashion Awards 2008

25

Economic facts

26

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 Printed on recycled paper.

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Focus on the local economy

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Local business news Raploch Community Campus opens Raploch’s new state-of-theart community campus opened for business in June.

Steve Roebuck, Norbord’s Director of health, safety and environmental affairs helped launch Stirling Eye in April.

The lynch pin of the Raploch regeneration, the £17m campus

THANK YOU!

includes three schools, a nursery,

We would like to thank everyone who completed the Stirling Eye feedback survey. Following really positive feedback on the four pilot editions of Stirling Eye, we are expanding distribution so that it goes out to all businesses in the Stirling Council area. We are working to improve the publication further in light of feedback, including extending the useful web links section on the back page and looking at ways to reduce the download time of the online version.

gym, library, bistro

Congratulations to Margaret Plews, Touch Estate who won first prize in the Stirling Eye feedback prize draw and chose £50 of vouchers for Marks & Spencer. Three runners-up won pocket calculators – these went to John Stein, John Stein Ltd; Rachel Collins, RETROglass; and, Margaret Porter, C-N-Do Scotland Ltd.

Current Chair of Raploch URC and Local Member, Councillor John Hendry

and Forth Valley College services. Work began on the project in 2006, with the first of the schools opening in February this year.

The onsite hairdresser’s, beauty salon and bistro are staffed by Forth Valley College trainees, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience.

said: “This is the first major milestone in the regeneration of Raploch.

I am delighted that all the hard work by the community, Stirling Councillors and staff has resulted in a tremendous learning facility for the people of Raploch.”

Callander Enterprise launch Mini-Gist project Callander Enteprise launched a pilot project on 29th May called Mini-Gist.

Souter backs Spraydown

The project provides visitors

filtered via special maps rather

to Callander with a wealth of

than a boring list of numbers.

information on local businesses

We can’t wait to get the project

and attractions – direct to their

active for this summer.”

mobile phone!

The pilot project is being

Frank Park, Chairman of

co-ordinated by Glasgow

Callander Enterprise said:

Caledonian University’s KIT-

“We’re really excited. This

Out the Park Project and has

system can instantly transmit

attracted funding from a range

tourist data to people’s mobile

of sources, including Stirling

phones via Bluetooth, from

Council. To find out more or

Souter Investments have purchased a minority stake in the business

local access points throughout

to get involved, please contact

which has developed a new mud flap that reduces spray from heavy

the town. The information

Derek Gallaher (KIT-OUT The

goods vehicles by up to 43 per cent, in addition to improving fuel

will feature businesses and

Park Project Manager) on 0141

efficiency and reducing fuel costs by up to 4 per cent. Good news

attractions that a tourist will

331 8447, or email Derek.

with the current level of fuel prices!

find interesting, and can be

gallaher@gcal.ac.uk

Spraydown, a local business which has developed a new mudflap for heavy goods vehicles, has received backing from Brian Souter, founder of Stagecoach.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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Focus on the local economy

Local business news Stirling companies capitalise on environmental legislations Stirling based Superglass and Cascade Technologies are making the most of opportunities presented by new environmental legislation.

Cascade Technologies, who recently raised £1 million in third-round funding to capitalise on trialing of new technology, have extended a licensing agreement with BP Marine for a further five years in a deal estimated to be in the region of £25 million. Cascade Technologies provide a monitoring system measuring shipping-industry pollution, which BP Marine use to comply with European environmental legislation. Don Gregory, BP Marine’s director of sustainability and fuel technology, said: “The Cascade technology design and application provides a real possibility of global adoption of online emissions monitoring on all globally trading ships.”

Insulation manufacturer Superglass is capitalising on the government’s carbon emission reduction target (Cert) programme introduced in April 2008.

The programme requires energy firms to improve efficiency in customers’ properties, such as by improvements to loft and cavity-wall insulation. Following slower than anticipated take-up of Cert at the start of the year, shares in Superglass jumped in April in line with introduction of the Cert programme.

Welcome…

Recently Stirling has welcomed various

Heilan Coo Crafts

PureDensity Ltd

businesses and business start ups to commercial premises in the area, including:

A new business aimed at the

A new business specialising in IT

tourism market, specialising in the

consultancy for small to medium sized

sale of Scottish crafts. The shop

businesses. The business was established

Ben Shaws Scotland

opened in April 2008 and is based in

in March 2008 and is based at Scion

A new business supplying draught soft drinks to the licensing and catering trade. Established in December 2007, the business is located at IMEX Business Centre in Stirling.

Broad Street.

House, Stirling University Innovation Park.

Kilt Couture Ltd

Scottish Swimmers

A new business selling kilts and hiring

A new business providing swimming

formal wear. Kilt Couture took over from

instruction. The instructors started

Cameron Classics in February this year and

teaching in June 2008 and are based at

is located in Upper Craigs.

Scion House, Stirling University Innovation

Phone Unlocker

Park.

A new business specialising in the sale,

Tickety Boo

servicing and unlocking of mobile phones.

A new business specialising in the sale of

The business began trading in March 2008

unusual gifts. The shop opened in June

and is located in Murray Place.

2008 and is located in St Ninians.

Biwater Treatment Ltd A new regional head quarter for Biwater opened recently at Touch Business Centre.

The company is involved in design and construction of water and wastewater treatment plants.

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

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Focus on the local economy

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Local business news

The search is on for Scotland’s greenest business!

Does your business seek to achieve excellence in environmental management? Would you like recognition for your environmental achievements?

If so, you can enter your business for the 2008 Vision in Business for the Environment in Scotland (VIBES) Awards.

The VIBES Awards are made annually to businesses taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the

employees, those with 50-250 employees and those with less than 50 employees.

Categories this year include: best management, best process, best product/service and best international co-operation.

environment, and saving money in the

Prizes will be awarded at a high

process.

profile awards ceremony in

The awards are open to three sizes of business – those with more than 250

December.

The closing date for 2008 entries is 5pm, Friday 18th July.

Stirling Business Panel Following the re-launch of the Stirling Business Panel in January this year, over 500 local businesses have agreed to participate.

The aim of the Panel is to provide information on the issues that are affecting local businesses or are of key concern. This will enable Stirling Council and its partners to respond effectively to these concerns.

Application forms are available from www.vibes.org.uk

VIBES award

Active Scotland win five year water sports contract Active Scotland has won a five-year contract to deliver water sports at the Lochearnhead Watersports Centre.

The business has a commitment to improving the

Business intelligence about the needs and intentions of local businesses is critical in ensuring that the Council is in a position to respond effectively to their issues.

centre as a tourism facility, working closely with local accommodation providers.

Active Scotland has invested around ÂŁ60k

Stirling Council is committed to continuing to improve communication with local businesses. This commitment is reflected in the new Strategic Plan and Single Outcome Agreement reported on in the last issue of Stirling Eye.

in new boats and equipment, and aims to increase the loyalty base of customers from Central Scotland. Part of this has also involved re-instating the Lochearnhead Waterski Club (www.lwsc.co.uk).

If you have not already joined the Panel and would like to participate, please contact Bill Fortune (Business Partnerships Executive) on 01786 443172 or email panel@stirling.gov.uk

Now a registered British Water Ski School, there are plans to attract and host major water sports events and establish club representation in competitions.

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Focus on the local economy

Local business news Stirling students start up in business There have been a number of new businesses started up by enterprising students from the University of Stirling in the last couple of months. These include PureDensity Ltd, an IT consultancy set up by three international marketing students, and Scottish Swimmers, a business offering swimming instruction.

Both businesses are located at Stirling University Innovation Park. The students have been supported into business by the University of Stirling’s Research and Enterprise department, which runs SUREstart, a business incubation programme. SUREstart provides a safe environment for students through provision of mentoring, legal and financial advice, accommodation and more.

began teaching children from 3 years+ and adults on Saturday mornings at Bannockburn High School.”

To find out more about PureDensity Ltd, please contact Bhavneesh Sharma on 01786 458093, email bhavneesh@puredensity.com. To find out more about Scottish Swimmers, please contact Anthony Kelly on 01786 458132, info@Scottishswimmers.com, or go to www.scottishswimmers.com

Norbord support local children Norbord, the Cowie-based panel board manufacturer, donated £2,000 to enable Cowie Colts football teams to take part in an Easter football festival in Ayr. The company, who are one of Stirling’s largest private sector employers with more than 300 employees at their Cowie plant, are keen to invest something back into the local community. Claire Stevenson, who has been coaching Cowie Colts Under 9s team for three years, said: “We would like to thank Norbord very much for its big-hearted and kind donation – without its help we may not have been able to enter in this competition and take the Colts to Ayr.”

Alasdair Gammack, who runs the SUREstart programme, said: “We are keen to help our students start up in business, tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit. SUREstart is helping to retain some of the international talent attracted to the University and ensure future competitiveness of Stirling’s economy by helping students turn innovative ideas into business.”

Co-founder of PureDensity Ltd, Bhavneesh Sharma said: “My colleagues Thomas Rettner and Julian Reutin are from France and Germany and I am from India. We all met while studying for a Marketing Degree at the University of Stirling, and as we share a common interest in IT, decided to start up in business together. Stirling was a natural choice of location for servicing the Central belt and we have been able to make the most of the support and assistance offered by the University to enterprising students.”

Anthony Kelly from Scottish Swimmers said: “Euan McMillan and myself were encouraged by the University’s Research & Enterprise Department to make the most of our combined experience teaching swimming, and business skills learned through our studies at the University of Stirling, by setting up our own business. We started to plan and develop our business last June and gained necessary qualifications in Health & Safety, Child Protection and the like. The business went live in January this year with teaching commencing at pools in three schools in Cumbernauld. We recently

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The Cowie Colts being presented with cheque from Norbord

Want to raise your profile with University of Stirling students?

Did you know that the University of Stirling’s Career Development Centre has many free opportunities for businesses to raise their company profile with students and graduates?

Centre is not a recruitment agency, but can help businesses target their vacancies at the Stirling student and graduate population.

Other opportunities include: l

Highlight available opportunities to Stirling students through employer presentations.

l

Provide Stirling students with work experience placements – this can benefit your organisation with a useful piece of work, e.g. in areas such as research, marketing, event organisation, etc.

l

Help deliver interactive student workshops on job seeking skills.

Advertise your vacancies The Career Development Centre provide a free web based advertising service for a wide range of vacancies suitable for students and recent graduates. This includes part-time and vacation work in the local area (through their Job Shop), as well as graduate jobs and voluntary work experience. The Career Development

To find out more about these opportunities, and other ways of raising your profile through the University’s Careers Fair and sponsorship, please visit www.careers.stir. ac.uk/employers/index.php. To speak to a member of the Employer Team, please contact 01786 467070 or email employers@stir.ac.uk

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Gladedale scoop two Scottish awards

Local business news New retail development proposed for Raploch

The best of

Stirling Council has given outline-planning consent for a £20 million retail development in Raploch, at the back of Sainsbury’s.

Scotland’s house

The recommendation has been submitted to the Scottish Government for approval, and if

building industry

granted, will be subject to a Section 75.

celebrated at the

Forrest Developments propose to develop a 75,000 sq ft retail park called Castle Retail

annual Scottish

Park on the site. TK Maxx is already committed to renting 50 per cent of the development

Home awards in

and significant interest has been expressed in the other retail units. It is expected that the

April, sponsored by the Dunfermline

development could bring 150 jobs to Raploch, with a possible opening date of summer 2009.

Building Society.

Congratulations to Stirling based Gladedale, who won the Dunfermline Building Society Affordable Housing Development of the Year Award for the Richmond Gate at Oatlands development on the Clyde.

The company also took the Poggenpohl and Kitchens International City Apartment of the year Award for its Fusion development in Glasgow’s city centre.

Sandy McBride, Managing Director of Gladedale (Central Scotland) Ltd, said: “Winning these prestigious awards is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff. These accolades underline our commitment to the quality of workmanship and design which can be seen

Dunblane Hydro set for multi-million pound renovation Hilton Hotels has signed a management agreement for the Dunblane Hydro and will bring their upmarket Doubletree brand to Scotland for the first time. Establishment of the brand in Dunblane will involve a multi million pound refurbishment of the Hydro, bringing it up to the full Doubletree service brand in 2010.

in all our homes.”

Carevisions move into Castle Business Park Children and young people’s charity CareVision, has moved into new premises at Castle Business Park. The charity provides a range of services for children and young people who have experienced catastrophic social and emotional disruptions.

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Focus on the local economy

Business profile

Monachyle Mhor www.mhor.net

The Lewis family are working hard to ensure that the Trossachs are very much on the foodie map of Britain.

MhorFish in Callander, run by Dick Lewis, was voted ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the prestigious Observer Food Monthly Awards earlier this year. Television chef and author Rachel Allen was also on location in June to film part of her BBC2 series on baking at Dick’s second outlet in town, Mhor Bread. Mhor Tea and Mhor Farm are also linked by the Mhor brand identity moving the business from a trilogy to a quintuplet.

Mhor Bread is the third venture of the family’s Mhor business, building

Rising electricity costs have led them to invest in wood pellet burning stoves at the Monachyle Mhor. At Mhor Bread they are installing a deck oven from Bakewell Ovens, that will bake the bread and run the central heating for the living accommodation, offices, tea room and shop. They are looking to reduce their electricity costs by 65%.

Considering the electricity to run the hotel is currently costing £60,000 a year, this will make a significant impact on the bottom line. Looking beyond the business, Dick is also working with Callander Enterprise exploring ways of becoming a greener town. This is initially focussing on recycling of commercial cardboard waste.

Monachyle Mhor and MhorFish have a strong Scottish market, with a high proportion of repeat business. The Observer award is already generating long term business, much from further afield. However, the Lewises are not sitting still and are looking for opportunities to move the business on. The next project is a demonstration room at MhorFish, as Dick explains: “People are scared to prepare fish, it’s an expensive item. We will be showing how to open oysters, fillet fish and be more comfortable cooking this great product. At the end of the demonstration the class will eat the fish they’ve prepared.”

business - from web design and photography to bedroom decoration.

The stresses of family businesses are staple fare for film and TV dramas – how do the brothers and sister maintain a balance between work and family life? “We’ve all got the same goal”, laughs Dick.

We may have strong feelings and have disagreements, but once a decision is made, we move on. We don’t hold grudges.”

There is a strong green thread running through all Mhor properties.

Did you know?

on the high reputation of Monachyle Mhor; the hotel and restaurant run by Brother Tom Lewis, who has carved out a culinary niche in Balquhidder Glen. Sister Melanie Lewis is responsible for styling the

Local produce sits at the heart of what they do, whether it’s venison from Mhor Farm at Balquhidder, seasonal Scottish fish at Mhor Fish or traditional breads and biscuits such as Black Bun, Buttered Bannocks

The company employs 55 staff in total, using local people where possible. This includes six full time builders.

and Perkins at Mhor Bread and Mhor Tea. Now

For the Mhor brand, it seems to be a recipe for success.

they are turning to green electricity.

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News City businesses scoop Best Bar None Awards Stirling takes part in Expo Stirling took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase the city internationally during VisitScotland’s annual Expo, which took place this year in Aberdeen.

2007 Best Bar None Awards ceremony

SIX Stirling city centre pubs have successfully gained the highly acclaimed ‘Best Bar None’ Award.

The successful pubs are:

their commitment to their

Drouthy Neebors, the Albion

customer’s safety and well

Expo is the only event for the travel trade that is entirely Scottish and is the perfect place for Scotland’s towns and cities to promote their products and services to potential buyers from around the globe. Following on from the recent Love Stirling visitor campaign that took place throughout Scotland in February and March, some of the city’s leading tourist attractions travelled to Expo to stimulate interest in the area and put Stirling on the international stage as a visitor destination.

Bar, Fubar, Pivo, Sportsters

being while enhancing the

(Sports Bar & Diner) and Varsity.

city centre’s reputation as a

To achieve the accreditation the

safe and vibrant place to be at

licensees had to successfully

night.”

meet the scheme’s demanding

The scheme currently operates

criteria, demonstrating

in over twenty cities and towns

and evidencing effective

throughout Scotland and is

management against twenty

recognised by the Scottish

Stirling Council was one of six partners involved - Jane Hutchings, Tourism Executive, Stirling Council said: “We felt Expo 08 was a great opportunity to work with our visitor attractions and services to promote Stirling as a destination and to highlight the range of things to do and see in Stirling. We worked in partnership with Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, Old Town Jail, City Sightseeing, the University of Stirling and the Bridge of Allan Merchants Association. The large stand that we secured as a result of this partnership helped us create a strong and powerful brand presence at the show – and really put Stirling on the map for tourism.”

core criteria, including glass

Government as the benchmark

collection, fire safety and crime

of good practice, for working

prevention.

with the licensed trade to

In addition to the many international tour operators who visited the stand there were numerous visits from international, national and travel trade press wanting to find out more about what Stirling has to offer, providing a great opportunity to achieve more coverage of Stirling in future publications. VisitScotland Expo is an annual event open to buyers from all sectors of the industry – coach tour operators, group travel organisers, conference and incentive buyers, travel agents, independent tour operators, and wholesalers, who were invited from worldwide markets including Europe, USA, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

pubs, bars and nightclubs.

For further information please contact Jane Hutchings, Tourism Executive on 01786 443265, email hutchingsj@stirling.gov.uk

‘Best Bar None’ is the UK’s largest accreditation scheme for licensed premises. Now

achieve good standards across a range of evening economy policies and practices.

in its third year in Stirling, the

The management and

scheme is open to all types

implementation of the

and sizes of city centre licensed

scheme is undertaken by a working group comprising key stakeholders of Stirling’s

Stirling Council Leader Graham

Community Planning

Houston said: “By taking

Partnership. Members include

part in this scheme licencees

Central Scotland Fire and

are making a real difference

Rescue Service, Central Scotland

to the residents and visitors

Police, Safer Cities Initiative,

to Stirling’s city centre.

Stirling Council and the Forth

They have demonstrated

Valley Substance Action Team.

Planning has begun for Stirling’s 2008 Best Bar None scheme.

For further information please contact Peter Walker, Safer Cities Co-ordinator on 01786 443137 or walkerp@stirling.gov.uk

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At your service

Building Standards

WHAT ARE BUILDING STANDARDS? Building Standards are primarily concerned with the safety of people and can be traced as far back as the 12th century when King David I founded the Royal Burgh of Berwick upon Tweed.

The Burgh led to people living closer together and the need for standards to deal with safety issues such as sanitation and fire.

Building Standards are legal requirements laid down by the Scottish Parliament.

If you want to build, alter, extend, convert or demolish a building, it is likely that you will first have to obtain a building warrant.

In some cases a building warrant is not needed but the work may still need to meet the requirements of the Building Standards. Handbooks that provide more information as well as the full Building Standards can be found on the Scottish Building Standards website www.sbsa.gov.uk This article deals only with the building standards system; other statutory requirements may also apply, such as planning permission, fire certificates and licensing.

The Building Warrant process To obtain a building warrant, an application form, fee, and detailed plans should be submitted to the Building Standards Service of the Council. The time taken to respond to your application will depend on various factors but most importantly, on the quality and completeness of the information that is submitted with your application.

Plans submitted must be legible and clearly indicate the proposals. The means of complying with the Building Standards should be clear and the materials and methods of construction specified.

The information is checked to ensure sufficient detail is included and that the proposed work complies with the Building Standards. The submission of inaccurate or incomplete information may result in the issue of your building warrant being delayed.

Once complete, a Completion Certificate must be submitted. The Council will make reasonable enquiries to determine that the work carried out complies with the building warrant and if so, a Notice of Acceptance will be issued. Once you have this Notice, the building may then be used.

Frequently asked questions, application forms, fees, guidance notes and much more can be found on the Council’s website – www.stirling.gov.uk/building_standards

from Planning.

The Planning service deals mainly with the aesthetics of a building and ensures that the development in question is in keeping

may commence, so long as you have

with its surrounding area.

obtained any other statutory permission

In general Building Standards look at the

that you may require. The service must

technical aspects of buildings such as

be informed when the work is starting, at

fire safety, stability, noise, energy and

certain stages of construction and also when

drainage etc.

work is complete.

Focus on the local economy

Submit completion certificate for acceptance

Building Standards is a different service

Once a building warrant is granted, work

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Have the work done

Did you know?

A Building Standards Surveyor will advise you if your application does not comply.

This gives you the opportunity to discuss the items raised and to provide corrections/ adjustments to your plans so that they do comply.

10

Obtain a Warrant

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

At your service

Building Standards Keeping you safe

PROFILE

The Building Standards Service responds to around 40 dangerous buildings each year. These can range from dangerous chimneystacks to serious building collapse. They are often due to severe weather but can also be caused by a lack of maintenance by the owner.

Preventative maintenance is the most responsible and cost effective course of action. If an owner allows their building to deteriorate, it can become a hazard for people and also to other buildings that surround it.

Building Surveyor Name: James Anderson Job: Building Standards Surveyor Role: To ensure the safety of the public in and around buildings by assessing building warrants and drawings to ensure

In order to protect people and other buildings, the Building Standards

they meet the current building standards

Service has powers to prevent access to the dangerous building and also to any roads or public places that become dangerous as a result.

The service may also carry out any work necessary to protect the people and property adjacent to the dangerous building.

Key Areas of Expertise: James has expert knowledge of the current Building Standards technical requirements. New standards came into effect on 1st May 2007.

The Building Standards service can issue the owner of the dangerous building with a Notice of work that must be carried out. Failure to comply means that the Local Authority carries out the work and charges the owner for the costs incurred so that they can ensure the safety of the public and other buildings.

Current workload:

James covers the ‘West area’ of

Stirling, extending from Dobbies Garden Centre to Loch Lomond and from Loch Katrine to Ward Toll. He deals with a wide range of building warrants - from small extensions to large hotel complexes.

KEY FACTS

James has just spent his weekend dealing with two dangerous building incidents and is still working on these cases to ensure

l

Last year the service processed 1,377 applications for building warrants.

l

The value of the applications received was £171.6 million

that they are made safe and that no-one can be hurt. As well as this urgent work, he is carrying out site inspections for all of the current building warrants in his area, dealing with applications from start to finish and inspecting the works as and when required. Last year James processed approximately 104

TOP TIPS 1 2

new applications for building warrants.

To prevent delays, make sure your proposal is detailed and meets the requirements of the Building Standards.

Employ an Architect or other professional if you aren’t familiar with the Building Standards, it could save time and money in the long run.

from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, to ensure help is on hand for members of the public on all aspects of Building Standards.

The Building Standards service is happy to provide advice and assist you with the building warrant process.

3

Get references from a friend or someone that you trust

4

Make sure that you obtain a Notice of Acceptance for your

before choosing a builder.

completion certificate from the Building Standards Service before the building, alteration or conversion is occupied.

5

James and his colleagues ensure that a Duty Officer is available

Contact details The Building Standards Service is located in the Municipal Buildings, 8-10 Corn Exchange Road Stirling FK8 2HU

When you are considering altering or extending your

Tel: 01786 432203

property, be prepared for more upheaval and disruption

www.stirling.gov.uk/building_standards

than you first anticipated. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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11

News

Energy Performance Certificates explained From January 2009 all commercial

The certificates are designed to encourage owners to reduce carbon emissions and are valid for 10 years.

buildings in Scotland over 50m2

The certificates show carbon dioxide (CO2) ratings in

will need an energy performance

bandings from A to G, with A being the least polluting.

certificate (EPC) whenever they

The numbers refer to the calculated carbon dioxide

are let or sold. This requirement has applied to all new buildings since May 2007. Building owners may face fines of up to £5,000 if found not to have an EPC.

emissions in terms of kg per m2 per year.

The EPCs are issued by independent assessors at cost to the building owner. A list of independent assessors and detailed information on the certificates can be found by visiting www.sbsa.gov.uk , the Scottish Building

Energy Performance Certificate

Standards website.

Forth Construction, assisting local construction companies Martin Reid has been busy since he started his new post running the local construction forum, and now has over 240 members signed up.

Forth Construction was launched in 2005 to

Development Manager, from the Raploch

For more

assist local construction businesses to take

Community Enterprise. The Raploch

information on Forth

advantage of the estimated £4.2bn worth

Community Enterprise is part of The Raploch

Construction, please contact Martin Reid

of construction work planned in the Forth

Urban Regeneration Company and provides

on 01259 226696, mreid@clacks.gov.uk or

Valley in the next few years. Originally

training opportunities in both construction

visit www.forthconstruction.co.uk For more

a Stirling area forum, the benefits from

and horticulture working towards SVQ

information on the Raploch Community

membership have prompted the inclusion of

Level 2, in addition to a variety of bespoke

Enterprise, please contact Nicole Smith on

the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire areas too.

training to local unemployed people to help

01786 465825, smithn@stirling.gov.uk or

them find employment.

visit www.raploch.com

“These are exciting times with vast amounts of capital being invested in construction projects” said Martin, “our main priority is to assist our members to take advantage of the many great opportunities out there.”

Membership is free and only a click away by visiting the Forth Construction website at www.forthconstrction.co.uk. The support members have already enjoyed includes education, training and information seminars. At the moment, there are also a limited number of Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card vouchers available to members that offer a half days training followed by the CSCS test. CSCS accreditation is a recognised indicator of a workers competency, and is a mandatory requirement for site access on many construction projects across Scotland.

Martin Reid is pictured here presenting 15 of the CSCS vouchers to Nicole Smith,

12

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

News

Right wheel Tourism is a key sector within the local economy with around one quarter of the entire workforce in Stirling employed in a diverse range of tourism businesses.

So to compete on a world stage it’s important to ensure that all the different elements that go together to make up Stirling’s ‘offer’ are of the highest standard.

The Breadalbane Folklore Centre in Killin is a

A specialist contractor, Heritage Engineering,

key visitor attraction within the Stirling area,

was appointed who was able to source

situated at the picturesque Falls of Dochart.

photographs of the original Victorian wheel.

Apart from its location, one of the Centre’s

The photographs were used to design and

main draws is the water wheel, attracting

construct a new wheel using rot resistant

visitors for a look and photo opportunity.

timber, to ensure that the wheel operates

During recent work undertaken by Stirling Council examining the condition of various historic buildings it was discovered that the wheel was in a sorry state. The Council looked at the possibility of once again renovating the wheel but as further detective work was done it became apparent that the existing wheel did not fit the layout of the mill lade and it would cost

more efficiently and makes full use of the water available from the mill lade. The main change in taking the design back to the Victorian original was the incorporation of ‘sole boards’, in effect an enclosed rim turning the paddles into buckets. The mill lade itself was also improved with the replacement of seals on the gate and a new stainless steel guide.

foot diameter wheel was then dismantled and transported in component form to be

as much to repair as it would to replace.

Andrew Elliot, Director of Heritage

Various repairs over the years had also left

Engineering & Restorations Ltd said:

the wheel unbalanced making it difficult to

“Heritage Engineering was pleased to be

turn and rather noisy!

appointed as the specialist contractor, to

Our grateful ‘thanks’ to all the staff at the

build the replacement water wheel for the

Centre, who ably assisted our team’s morale

Folklore Centre at Killin. We specialise in the

by supplying hot tea and coffee!”

restoration and replication of historical and

The final result is well worth a visit. Anne

mechanical artefacts throughout the UK,

Nelson at the Centre said “The Heritage

employing experienced craftsmen who are

Engineering team were great. Really

disciplined in metal and woodwork.

friendly and as excited about the wheel as

KEY FACTS l

l

l

l

There is evidence of a meal mill having occupied the site since around 800 AD with the earliest mill reputably having been erected by St Fillan.

re- installed at the Centre by our team in 8

Our remit was to ensure that the wheel

The current building dates from around 1840 and was built as a grain mill.

was not only historically accurate (using

In 1912 it became a woollen mill and tweeds were woven until around 1939.

its design must ensure a long working life

In 1988 Stirling District Council and the community of Killin purchased the Old Mill and created the Breadalbane Folklore Centre which tells St Fillan’s story. A new water wheel was constructed predominantly from softwood at the time.

to ensure that all staff at the Folklore Centre

Victorian photographic evidence) but that with minimum maintenance. We also had could easily and safely operate the wheel.

One of the photos shows the wheel being manufactured and pre-assembled at our works (a tight fit!!) to ensure that all components accurately fit on site. The 16 www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

working days.

we were.”

Breadalbane Folklore Centre opening times: Month(s)

Times

April - June

10:00am - 5:00pm

July & Aug

10:00am - 5:30pm

Sept & Oct

10:00am - 5:00pm

Closed from November to March To find out more about the Breadalbane Folklore Centre, please phone 01567 820254.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Business space developments Dunblane Business Park, Dunblane

a bank in 1825 and was converted in 1874

Charles Lawrence of Ryden, the property

to become Stirling’s first infirmary. Latterly

agent for the property, confirmed that there

the property was formerly occupied as Forth

had been wide ranging interest shown in

Gladman Developments has secured planning consent for its £17m speculative office development of around 9,100 sq m (98,000 sq ft) at Barbush, north of Dunblane. It is expected that this new development could help to bring around 900 jobs to the area.

Valley Health Board’s office headquarters.

the historic property right up to the closing

Widely considered to be the UK’s largest developer of speculative office, industrial and distribution space, Gladman Developments propose to start on site early July of this year. The first phase will comprise of around 209 sq m (2,250 sq ft) and 488 sq m (5,250 sq ft) office buildings capable of accommodating requirements from around 104 sq m (1,120 sq ft).

The property benefits from an outstanding grand Doric Portico fronting Spittal Street and is set within its own grounds with dedicated parking and landscaping to the

date in June. The property is ideally placed close to the city centre and Stirling Castle and it will be interesting to see how it is developed.

front. It currently provides a range of cellular

Within a site of approximately 0.4 hectares

office accommodation over three storeys

(0.98 acres) the net internal area of the

and in addition there is a former nurses

main building extends to approximately

home to the rear of the site along with a

1,257 sq m (13,532 sq ft ).

small storehouse.

Charles Lawrence of Ryden can be contacted

Although the property may lend itself to

on 0141 204 3838, email charlie.lawrence@

office use it may have the potential for

ryden.co.uk for further information.

conversion to a range of uses subject to

New developments at Broadleys Business Park, Stirling

consents, including hotel and residential as well as office uses.

Did you know?

The first phases of two new speculative developments by Stirling Development

During World War I, 2,613 men of his majesty’s home and overseas forces were nursed in 33 Spittal Street, which was used as a hospital at this time.

Artist’s impression of Dunblane Business Park

The masterplan of the site also allows for buildings of around 935 sq m (10,070 sq ft) within future phases and the site is capable of accommodating even larger buildings if required.

Agency, a joint venture project between Stirling Council and Valad, are expected to commence on site shortly at Broadleys Business Park.

Craig Leith Yards

Artist’s impression of Craig Leith Yards

Susan Pegg, Development Manager in Gladman’s local office in Livingston, confirms that this exciting new development for Dunblane will present an excellent opportunity for a diverse range of businesses to lease or acquire flexible office space in a quality environment with excellent communication links.

Further information on opportunities from Susan Pegg on 01506 602527, email s.pegg@gladman.co.uk

33 Spittal Street, Stirling

Craig Leith Yards will offer new industrial/trade units from around 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) to 2,789 sq m (30,000 sq ft) for lease.

Features in the first phase terrace of industrial/trade units totalling around 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) include minimum eaves height of 6 metres, electric roller shutter door, utilities and services ‘pop ups’ for tenant fit-out, 25 KVA electricity supply as well as designated car parking.

This exciting development opportunity was available recently in a prime central location.

Of historical significance the B Listed property in Spittal Street was first built as

14

STIRLING EYE

The quoting rental on space is £75/sq m (£7.00/sq ft).

Further information can be obtained from agents Ryden. Contacts are Neil McAlister 0131 225 6612, email neilmcalister@ryden.co.uk and Alan Gilkison 0141 204 3838, email alan.gilkison@ryden.co.uk

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Craig Leith Court Craig Leith Court will offer new office pavilions with suites ranging from around 125 sq m (1,350 sq ft ) to 840 sq m (9,046 sq ft) for lease.

Artist’s impression of Craig Leith Court

Features in the first phase of two-storey office pavilions include suspended ceilings with VDU compatible lighting, full access raised floors with carpeting, electric radiant wall panel system with ability to retro fit comfort cooling, dedicated toilet facilities as well as designated car parking.

The quoting rental on space is £150/sq m (£14/sq ft).

Further information and detailed specification can be obtained from joint agents Montagu Evans and Ryden.

Primary contacts are Mike Irvine of Montagu Evans 0131 229 3800, email mike.irvine@montagu-evans. co.uk and Peter l’Anson of Ryden 0131 225 6612, email peter.ianson@ryden.co.uk

Looking for commercial property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property to search all available commercial property in the Stirling Council area or contact Iain Smith (Property Liaison Executive) on 01786 442472, email property@stirling.gov.uk

Planning applications update A number of planning applications with a significant business focus have been submitted to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye (April) and are still being considered, pending a decision. These include: l

l

l

An application by LIDL for erection of Class 1 retail unit, means of access, car parking, landscaping and servicing (1,260 sq m retail) at the former Somerfield Store in St Ninians.

An application by George Hunter Groundworks for a proposed industrial development (6,500 sq m – 37 industrial units in 6 separate buildings) on land to the West of Bandeath Lodge South East of Block 2 and South of sewage works, Throsk.

An application by Fergusson Group Ltd for a proposed industrial development including Trade Counters (3,607 sq m – 15 industrial units in 1 building) at 12 Whitehouse Road, Stirling.

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

Stirling Council has approved the following planning applications since the last edition of Stirling Eye: l

l

An application by City of Stirling Business Parks Ltd for a proposed distribution unit and associated offices (2,850 sq m storage and distribution) at Plot 17, adjacent to West of 6 Craig Leith Road, Broadleys Industrial Park.

An application by Gladman Developments Ltd for construction of 18 new Class 4 office buildings of two and three storey design to provide 28 units with associated services, electrical substation, landscaping and car parking (11,644 sq m office) on land 100 m

North of Dunblane Cemetery, Barbush, Dunblane. l

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

l

An application by Torwood Fencing for the erection of an office and warehouse (490 sq m industrial / storage) on land to East of 16 Back O’Hill Industrial Estate, Stirling.

Stirling Council has refused the following planning applications since the last edition of Stirling Eye: l

An application by Allan Water Development Limited to erect new build offices and change of use of existing house to offices (635 sq m office) at 19 Melville Terrace, Stirling.

l

An application by the Stafford Trust for change of use and alterations to form three offices, two dwelling houses and five commercial units at land and buildings at Cauldbarns Farm, Chartershall Road, Chartershall.

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Sector feature

THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR Stirling has a vibrant voluntary sector, with over 1,000 voluntary organisations and 250 volunteering opportunities available at any one time. Volunteers are involved in a diverse range of activities ranging from environmental action to participation in community planning.

Voluntary organisations play an important role in delivering services in communities or to client groups where services would not otherwise be available, contributing to regenerating urban communities and sustaining rural or fragile communities.

Across Scotland, it is estimated that the voluntary sector includes around 50,000 organisations employing around 130,000 people with a combined income of around £3.2 billion. This feature provides articles on different elements of the voluntary sector.

Communities investing in their future There are various mechanisms to help communities invest in their future one of which is the Community Futures Programme.

This enables rural communities to engage in the planning and production of community action plans.

First introduced to the Stirling Council area in 1997 when the Strathfillan communities established a Community Development Trust and a local community plan, Stirling Council extended Community Futures assistance to communities in Brig O’Turk, Gargunnock, Balfron, and Kilmadock in 1999.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park took over responsibility for the Programme in 2001. Since then a further 24 communities have been given assistance, with many establishing trusts to deliver their action plans.

The development of trusts allows communities to take an active role in their own development. Unlike the Community Councils, the trusts are able to raise funds from private and charitable sources, enabling communities to establish a large range of projects, usually reflecting local need and the skills available within individual communities. With the right skills and ambition, the trusts are able to run business enterprises, own land for producing local goods, build housing and workspace for rent, own and run car parks – the opportunities are endless!

Some development trusts are already receiving funding from windfarms and other commercial sources, ensuring a regular income that can be invested in local projects.

Daye Tucker, Convenor of the Killearn Community Futures Company, said: “The Futures Groups certainly offer individuals and communities a platform from which they can contribute and make a real and lasting difference. They offer that most powerful of elements, a sense of ownership and enterprise opportunity through involvement and achievement.”

“More and more rural residents are seeking a greater role in their community – reasons often being due to retirement, children going to nursery or a wish to invest in the future of their community. If their skills continue to be harnessed, we could see some exciting community business projects developing in the future. ” For further information about Community Futures Action Planning, or Development Trusts contact: Colin Roxburgh, Small Town & Rural Development Group, colin.rox@cali.co.uk, Tel: 01764 670499

The Kilmadock Development Trust case study The Kilmadock Development Trust was established in 2000, following a successful Community Futures pilot by Stirling Council. The Trust supports a wide range of community services, and also runs Doune’s Information and Heritage Centre. The Centre provides services to visitors, signposting them to attractions and local businesses such as Doune Castle, the Red Kite viewing site, cafes, craft shops, toy stores, etc.

the Information Centre - please see LEADER+ case study on page 21.

Around 30-40 volunteers help to run the Information Centre – many are retirees or local residents with young

In the future, the Trust plans to become self sufficient by establishing a new

children. John Meek, Information Centre Volunteer said: “The Centre provides a wealth of information on the local area, with visitors able to look up ancestors, find information on places to visit, or buy items such as postcards and books. Many people from the Doune and Deanston area emigrated to Canada and Australia years ago and we often get interesting enquiries from visitors keen to trace their roots.”

social enterprise, managing and renting out business space. The planned business space is to be called the Elder McAlpine Business Centre, named after the two bakers who previously occupied the proposed site behind

“Since the Centre opened, we’ve had around 44,000 visitors from all around the world. We plot where our visitors are from on the Centre’s world map – I’ve just put a pin in Tampa, USA for our last two visitors!”

The Information Centre is manned entirely by volunteers, who are coordinated by a part time Manager. The Manager’s salary is currently paid for through funds raised by selling maps, books and cards at the Centre, and also through grants and donations from local people.

16

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Sector feature

Volunteering

Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to put something back into the local community, help people and learn new skills. Volunteering provides different benefits for different people – for some it can be a stepping-stone back into employment, while for businesses donating staff time, it can enable employees to engage in team building and community participation. The following case studies profile Paul Lucy, a volunteer at Recyke-a-bike, and HSBC’s recent involvement in the Stirling ‘Spring Clean’.

Volunteer case study Name: Paul Lucy Age:

30

Role: Paul holds a volunteer position with Recyke-a-bike, a project set up

by Fallin Community Enterprises. The purpose of the project is to remove bikes from the waste stream and encourage use of bikes in the community of Fallin and beyond.

What the volunteering involves Collecting unused bikes from Polmaise, Alloa and Falkirk, washing the bikes, stripping them down and sorting them

Reasons for volunteering

into parts. Paul has learned how

Paul has been volunteering at Recyke-a-bike for over a year. In the past, Paul attended Forth Valley College, learning new skills in computing, cooking and writing and also worked for Tesco.

components that can be reused.

to dismantle the bikes and identify

Benefits of volunteering: Paul said that he really enjoys volunteering

As Paul was out of work and very shy, Stirling Council’s Employability Service began working with him to help him overcome barriers to work. The Employability Service set up a supported volunteer position with Recyke-abike, with the aim of increasing Paul’s confidence and helping him get used to the working environment.

at Recyke-a-bike and hopes to work there in the future. He likes bikes,

Initially Paul volunteered one day a week, but as his confidence has grown, he has begun volunteering more frequently. Now more independent, Paul no longer requires the day-to-day support of an Employability supervisor.

noticed a transformation in Paul as he has become much more confident and

particularly Giants, and enjoys being outside washing them when the weather is good. He also enjoys the buzz of working as part of a team.

Brian Morrison from Stirling Council’s Employability Service said: “I have really talkative. Paul is now at the stage where he is actively looking to move into paid employment.”

HSBC case study – Volunteering in the local community HSBC Securities Services’ Stirling

Adele Erwin, HSBC employee,

branch takes an active role in

commented: “I enjoyed getting out to help clean up the site for the local

volunteering. Russell Faulkner,

community, despite the fact that at home I get someone else to take out

IT Project Manager, said: “Staff

my litter!” Another employee commented: “I found the Spring Clean very

report that they get more out

enjoyable…and better than clearing email!” Together the team cleared over

of participating in community

30 bags of rubbish from the site.

work and getting their hands dirty, than simply fundraising.

We are fortunate that our employer has been able to donate some of our working time to volunteering, with a commitment to projects which have a positive impact on education or the environment.”

HSBC has been working with the Volunteer Centre in Stirling to identify

As Stirling Eye went to print, HSBC was gearing up for their Global Partnership Project on 27th June. Building on their experience in the Spring Clean, the Stirling office is engaging in a global volunteering day alongside 12 other HSBC branches worldwide, including branches in Hong Kong, New York, London, Dublin and Guernsey.

community projects to participate in and were recently involved in the

The Global Partnership Day has been organised by HSBC Securities Services

‘Spring Clean’, a project coordinated by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Taking

as part of a global staff development programme called Fusion. The Fusion

place on 8th May, 12 staff from HSBC joined staff from Sainsbury’s to

Programme involves staff from branches across the world working together to

clear litter from a site at the edge of Raploch. As it was a scorching day,

run projects, which deliver a real benefit to the organisation.

Sainsbury’s also donated much appreciated refreshments!

Russell Faulkner, who is helping to coordinate the event in Stirling, said: “The

Russell Faulkner said: “There were many benefits to volunteering in the Spring

Global Partnership Day is entirely organised by staff engaged in the Fusion

Clean, from helping improve the amenity of the local environment, to increased

Programme, and while we have received good support from Senior Managers,

staff morale. There was a real team spirit on the day, with all levels of staff

everyone involved is gaining a great sense of achievement from organising a

working alongside each other as equals, and everyone getting their hands dirty!”

global project that engages local communities across the world.”

Did you know?

Doune used to be a famous pistol-making centre – Doune’s first pistol making factory was opened in the 17th century by the Caddell dynasty.

While iron and steel were scarce in Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries, Doune had a readily available supply from old horseshoe nails, which were left over from the horses being re-shod at the Doune fairs.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

17

Sector feature Social enterprises Social enterprises are not-for-profit organisations that deliver services not otherwise provided by the private sector. Any profits made by social enterprises are invested back into the services they provide, the local community or are donated to charity.

Social enterprise case study Name:

Good Green Fun

Location:

Stirling Enterprise Park

Type of organisation: Good Green Fun is a Community Interest Company (CIC), defined as a social enterprise with primarily social objectives. Launched in March 2007, Good

children’s development, while at the same time reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Good Green Fun support the 3 ‘Rs’ of reducing waste: REDUCE (do you really need it?), REUSE and RECYCLE whenever possible.

What are the benefits of the service provided? l

People can donate unwanted items rather than having to store or dispose of them.

l

People can purchase children’s items for affordable prices.

l

School pupils learn about recycling through the eco-schools scheme, enterprise and work experience.

l

Profits are invested in children’s charities chosen by local schools and communities.

l

Reduction in the quantity of usable goods going to landfill.

l

Volunteers gain work experience.

Green Fun is a ‘Not-For-Profit’ organisation, with surpluses donated to children’s charities.

Number of employees 1 full time, 1 part time.

Number of volunteers: 4 New Deal volunteers – additional volunteer positions available.

Funding:

Good Green Fun has received start-up funding from the Scottish Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Business Gateway.

What do they do?

Are there any items in high demand?

Good Green Fun collects donations of second hand children’s items such as toys, clothes, books, videos, buggies and cots. These items are sorted, cleaned and sold on at affordable prices. This has a combined purpose of giving lower income families the opportunity to better support their

Yes! Good Green Fun currently have high demand for larger baby equipment, such as stairgates, highchairs, umbrella fold buggies, moses baskets and cots. They also have demand for real nappies in all sizes.

Opening hours:

Mon – Fri: 9 am - 4 pm

Sat: 10 am - 1 pm

Contact details: www.goodgreenfun.co.uk or phone 01786 849216, email Helen@goodgreenfun.co.uk

Support for the voluntary sector Stirling’s Volunteer Centre and partners are looking at developing a voluntary sector Hub in Stirling to provide a single point of contact for support. A Feasibility Study (Devlin Beattie, 2007) reported the following benefits of establishing a Hub: “It is recognised that community owned resources, whether buildings or services, increase participation and generate confidence within communities. Community owned services also create new employment opportunities, test out innovative ways of working and have the capacity to be more responsive and flexible than services delivered by large bureaucracies. However, without sustainable resources, this potential remains unrealised.

A number of similar hubs have been established around Scotland from Shetland to South Lanarkshire. Whilst they all have unique characteristics that reflect local needs, circumstances and opportunities, they share a purpose in providing affordable premises, meeting space, support resources and an identifiable point of contact and identity for the local community and voluntary sectors. Key features include:

To address this in the Stirling area, a community interest company has been formed, whose purpose is to establish a community and voluntary sector hub within five years. The hub will operate as a one-stop-shop and will: l Enable groups and charities to maximise their impact on their beneficiaries by saving money in providing premises and back-up services which the hub will provide at affordable rates l Strengthen the voice of the community and voluntary sector with a wide range of agencies l Provide advice and incubator support to fledgling voluntary groups and social enterprises.

l Office

l Meeting

l ICT

space

accommodation

and other technical resources

l Networking l Access

to expertise e.g. funding, business planning, governance, training

l Income

generation through meeting room charges, cafes or membership fees

l Synergy,

built from networking opportunities and the identity created via a hub.

The synergy created by hubs also creates opportunities to build a strong local voice on the challenging issues facing the sector such as compliance and full cost recovery (FCR), key to maintaining and growing a vibrant sector.”

To find out more, contact John Gribben (Stirling Volunteer Centre Manager) on 01786 430000, or email him at manager@volunteerstirling.org.uk Stirling’s Hub will be the focal point of voluntary sector support – Stirling Eye will keep you posted on progress. Local support can currently be found at: l

Stirling’s Volunteer Centre – everything you need to know on volunteering and volunteering opportunities. Contact 01786 446071, email info@ volunteerstirling.org.uk or visit www.volunteerstirling.org.uk

l

Stirling’s Council of Voluntary Service (CVS) – an independent umbrella organisation providing support and information to voluntary organisations including information on specialist training and funding. Contact 01786 469916, email info@cvs-stirling.org.uk, or visit www.cvs-stirling.org.uk

18

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Interview with Margaret Plews, Touch Estate Stirling Eye recently caught up with Margaret Plews, Office Manager at Touch Estate…

What is your background and how long have you worked for Touch Estate?

The businesses cover a range of sectors and include: l

Neverfail Group – a Leading global

I came to Touch three years ago having

software company involved in

worked for the Forestry Commission for 17

development of disaster recovery

years and studying Conference and Event

software and provision of data

do

Management at college. Initially my role

protection. They have been with us

it all! I am regularly

at Touch was to promote Touch House for

since the Stables were converted.

contacted by film scouts checking out Touch

events. Now my main focus is looking after

l

as a film location and recently had the

Punch Taverns – A training and

the 13 cottages and all of the businesses on

administrative office of the licensed

the estate.

trade company. They too have been

pleasure of taking my morning tea break in the company of Rutger Hauer!

with us since day one. After outgrowing

We really enjoy the buzz of hosting film

their original office, we offered them

crews. There are definite advantages…

extra space to expand by converting the

the catering bus, enough said! Recent

former Laundry cottage last summer.

productions hosted at Touch include Starting

HFE Solutions – an independent human

Over, Sea of Souls, Taggart, Arthur Conan

House, is thought to have been built in

factors and ergonomics consultancy,

Doyle and Suspect.

the 15th century. Originally it would have

specialising in design, training, safety and

been larger, but the Setons who took over

We also host a range of corporate events

usability across a variety of market sectors.

and recently converted the West Room of

Ristol – rural property developers,

Touch House into a meeting room. We offer

designing unique individual homes.

a relaxed and informal setting for company

Spraydown – a company involved

away days, allowing companies to combine

Touch Estate was bought by the current

in the design and supply of the next

business meetings with teambuilding events.

owner’s great Grandfather in 1928. It

generation of vehicle spray suppression

remained primarily an agricultural estate

Working alongside Event Management

technology, making driving in the wet

with some forestry until the late 1990’s

companies, we host many overseas visitors

safer and easier.

who come to Touch to enjoy a taste of

Biwater regional HQ – the new kids on

Scotland, including highland games on the

the block! Biwater design and construct

lawns adjacent to Touch House, and Scottish

water and wastewater treatment plants

themed suppers with a wee dram beside

and leisure facilities, provide consultancy

the open log fires.

Can you tell our readers more about the history of Touch House and the Estate?

The tower, which forms part of Touch

Lairdship of Touch from the Frasers in 1408 pulled part of it down to make a more substantial fortified house.

when the downturn in farming fortunes provided an impetus for diversification.

Since then other successful enterprises created have included the Business Centre and the House as an events venue.

What types of businesses are located at Touch Business Centre?

l

l

l

l

services and run water systems for millions of people in over 90 countries.

The Stables at Touch were converted into

What types of events do you host at Touch House?

offices in 2001, and we have enjoyed

One of the best aspects of my job is the

high occupancy levels ever since. In total,

variety and never knowing what each day

there are around 80 people employed by

will bring! From hosting a Jaguar roadshow

businesses located at Touch Business Centre.

to entertaining visitors from overseas, we www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Are there future plans for Touch House and the Estate?

We have just commenced a bio-fuel boiler project, which will substitute oil and gas for wood chip. As well as providing a “Green” source of heat, it should reduce the cost of energy bills to the businesses and Touch House.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

19

Special feature A new LEADER programme for rural Forth Valley and Lomond Local partnership After months of consultation, negotiations and research to build a case to the Scottish Government for a LEADER award, Stirling Council’s Economic Development service and other partners involved in the bid were delighted to hear in March that the rural Forth Valley and Lomond area had been awarded £2.63 million over 2008-2013. This award was the fourth largest in Scotland, and means funding for business and community groups will be available in rural Stirling (all of Stirling with the exception of the City of Stirling), rural Falkirk, rural Clackmannanshire and an area of rural West Dunbartonshire.

LEADER LEADER is European and Scottish Government funding awarded through the Scottish Rural Development Plan. The funding is geared towards community and business groups to undertake innovative or pilot “grassroots” rural development – everyone has a different view as to what is “innovative” which is why the ultimate decision on who receives the funding

lies with a Local Action Group, made up of local businesses, community representatives and public agencies with an interest in the rural area.

The Local Action Group The existence of a Local Action Group is a defining feature of LEADER, and its role is to develop the local strategy, assess projects as they come forward as to whether they fit this strategy, ensure that projects link with other local strategies and activities, and enhance projects by giving advice or contacts.

The Forth Valley and Lomond Local Action Group currently has 24 members – 13 are from business and the community sector and 11 are from public agencies. The Local Action Group meets in full every quarter to assess projects and various subgroups meet in between times. The interim Chair of the group is Dereck Fowles from Buchanan in Stirling.

its award of funding was the fact that there had been a very successful, but smaller, LEADER programme in the Lomond and Rural Stirling area previously. Seventy six projects were awarded over £950k of funding between them

Forth Valley and Lomond

by the previous programme – and a diverse range of highly innovative community projects

One of the main reasons Forth

was the result (see case study

Valley and Lomond did so well in

boxes for examples).

Revitalising Communities and Conserving the Natural Environment In this new LEADER programme, the two themes selected are ‘revitalising communities’ and ‘conserving the natural environment’. Within each of these themes we have a list of specific objectives which all projects would need to expect to achieve in order to be considered for funding. And as with all LEADER programmes, women and young people are target groups, although in Forth Valley and Lomond area we have also identified microbusiness and migrant workers. Projects will therefore be encouraged which support these groups.

Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Themes Revitalising Communities l Ensuring

sustainable local services

l Developing

community owned assets

l Supporting

sustainable local enterprise Supporting the area’s local producers, distributors and rural retailers l Supporting the start up and growth of local enterprise, including activity and green tourism businesses l Supporting a more enterprising voluntary and community sector

l

l Celebrating l Sensitively

Conservation of the Rural Environment l Connecting

businesses and communities to natural assets

l Environmental l Ensuring

improvements

sensitive access for all

l Understanding

Forth Valley and Lomond’s natural heritage

Forth Valley and Lomond’s culture develop the built environment

More information and how to apply To apply for funding, you need to submit an initial enquiry form to the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Support Unit. You will then be contacted by the LEADER Development Officer who will be able to help you refine your proposal and submit a full application to the quarterly Local Action Group meeting. The next round closes for full applications on 5 September 2008. More information is available on the website www.fvl.org.uk where you can download a copy of the LEADER Development Strategy. If your business or community group already has an idea for an innovative project, contact info@fvl.org.uk or complete a copy of the Initial Enquiry Form which is available on the website.

20

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Special feature

Forth Valley LEADER Local Action Group Area

Case study - Kilmadock Development Trust – Elder MacAlpine

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Stirling Council 100020780 (2008).

Business Centre Business Plan Total project cost / Leader+ grant £10,200 / £5,100

Case study - E-Tourism Excellence Project

Project description The LEADER+

Total project cost / Leader+ grant

funding was

£14,500 / £7,250

used to part

Project description

fund the production

This was a

of a business

transnational training

plan needed

project (involving

to prepare

partners in the

the

Republic of Ireland and

community

Northern Ireland) which

development trust for the proposed development of a building it had purchased behind its existing premises. With the building now in community ownership, the trust is keen to address the reported shortage of office business

was spread over three workshops raising the e-business skills and aspirations of a crosssection of small rural tourism businesses from the three LEADER areas. The project also involved experiencing each other’s

space in the Doune area, with the hope that this will allow

tourism business. A group of 13 Trossachs businesses participated

more of its residents to stay in Doune to work. Once up and

from this area and the feedback from them was extremely

running, the development will also bring in a regular income

positive, as well as from other businesses who received copies of

to the trust, which will secure its financial sustainability for the

the “Handy Little Guide to E-Tourism” which was produced by the

future.

pilot project. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

21

News Stirling City Centre Business Survey Stirling Council recently undertook a survey of city centre businesses through the City Centre Management Initiative to inform a City Centre Health Check that will form the baseline for a range of economic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Stirling’s City Centre.

Key findings from the survey included: l

were the main issues commented on by

in Stirling City Centre were the catchment

businesses. l

The majority of respondents rated the

the nature of business requires location

following parking issues either adequate

(29%) and a gap/niche market (28%).

or good: parking space provision, number

Half of businesses that responded stated

and location of car parks, safety of car parks and signage to car parks. However

that their business performance had

significant numbers also stated the

improved in the past year whilst 1 in 5 had declined. A further 3 in 10 stated no change. l

Cleanliness of the city centre and parking

The most popular reasons given for locating

area and population (34%), followed by

l

l

Over the next year a large majority (71%) of businesses anticipated their

l

following were poor: space provision

it was adequate (32%) or good (51%).

(35%), number of car parks (30%) and

Almost three-quarters rated bus and road

location of car parks (27%).

provision as either adequate or good.

The price of parking was the biggest

l

Overall accessibility into Stirling City

issue with 62% of respondents rating this

Centre was rated as adequate by a slim

as poor.

majority of respondents whilst a quarter

Almost two-thirds of businesses thought

rated it as good. However around 1 in 6

Centre. A further 1 in 5 businesses stated

that the park and ride provision was

(17%) thought it was poor.

they anticipated growth outwith Stirling.

either adequate (32%) or good (32%).

business would see no change in growth whilst almost 1 in 5 (14 businesses) anticipated expansion in Stirling City

Only four anticipated expanding both

l

l

within and outwith Stirling.

l

Parking issues and congestion were the

Rail transport provision was rated highly

main accessibility issues for businesses in

by businesses with 4 out of 5 either stating

Stirling City Centre.

Stirling City Centre Health Check - update As reported previously in Stirling Eye, Stirling Council and Scottish

and non-fashion multiples. Stirling city centre and its retail offer

Enterprise Forth Valley commissioned a City Centre Health Check

is currently ranked in 84th position overall in the UK and as 7th

report, including compilation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

in Scotland by Venuescore sitting above towns such as Falkirk,

The KPIs and City Centre Health Check are intended to help Stirling

Perth, Ayr and Braehead. This position is represented in the table

Council and its partners to meet Government policy guidance for town

showing Scotland’s top ten VenueScore rankings.

centres (Scottish Planning Policy 8 Town Centres and Retailing).

SPP8 stresses the significance of monitoring the performance of town centres. It states, “a health check is the appropriate monitoring tool

VenueScore Rankings – Top 10 Scottish Centres City

to measure the strengths and weaknesses of a town centre and to analyse the factors which contribute to its vitality and viability…

VenueScore Scottish Rank (1 = best)

538

2

4

382

3

17

261

Dundee

4

44

201

Livingston

4

44

201

While Stirling’s City Centre Health Check report is still being finalised,

East Kilbride

5

81

167

and the health check covers a range of economic factors, some of the

Inverness

6

83

165

key provisional retail indicators include:

Stirling

7

84

164

effective insight into the performance of a centre and so offer a framework for assessing vitality and viability to assist decision makers in identifying new opportunities for improvement.”

l

1

Edinburgh Aberdeen

VenueScore

1

A range of key performance indicators can be used to provide an

Glasgow

VenueScore UK Rank (1 = best)

VenueScore Rankings – Venuescore assess the retail offer of each

Ayr

8

160

94

shopping venue across the UK by means of a scoring system set up

Perth

9

158

99

to measure the presence of multiple retailers in each location and

Falkirk

10

133

137

assess the quality and quantity of anchor stores, fashion operators

22

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Source: VenueScore, 2007

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling’s retail yields are high in comparison to city centres such as Edinburgh and Chester, but are similar to yields for surrounding areas, including Falkirk and Perth.

l

Retail Yields: Benchmark Cities 2007 Retail Yields

Edinburgh

4.75%

Chester

4.25%

Stirling

5.5%

Zone A Rental

Falkirk

5.5%

Levels – When

Perth

5.25%

compared to

Source: Promis PMA Town Reports

benchmark cities / towns,

l

Retail Vacancy Rate – The retail vacancies table outlines how

Zone A retail

the vacancy rate in Stirling compares to other towns and cities.

rents achieved in Stirling are somewhat

It demonstrates that Stirling is performing better than any of the

higher than similar sized centres across the rest of the UK (Promis,

other benchmark centres in terms of retail vacancies. It has the

2007). This may be a result of a number of factors including lack

lowest amount of vacant retail floorspace, coming in at only 5.4%

of retail floorspace or the configuration of units to meet retailer

of the total retail floorspace in the city centre, and also the lowest

requirements. In comparison with the benchmark centres analysed

number of vacant retail units.

by the City Centre Health Check, Stirling outperforms both Perth

Retail Vacancies: Benchmark Shopping Centres, 2007

and Falkirk by breaking through the £100 per sq ft barrier. l

Retail Yields – Retail yields relate to the ratio of rental income

to capital value (return on investment) and are expressed in

Floorspace

(%)

Outlets

40,400

5.4

27

terms of the open market rents of a property as a percentage of

Stirling

the capital value. Yields are a good indicator of demand for retail

Chester

92,700

5.9

57

property in a location. Generally, low yields indicate that a location

Edinburgh (Princes St)

141,900

8.8

72

is attractive to a developer. Yields are a good measure of demand

Falkirk

90,900

9.8

57

for a centre as it provides an indication of investors’ confidence

Perth

95,300

9.8

46

in the long-term profitability of investment. Trends over time can

Ballymena

156,700

15.8

89

indicate in which direction the markets are moving.

Source: Goad statistics

30 second interview Name:

Mr Karl Edward Paget

Job title:

Company Director

Place of work:

Torwood Building & Fencing Ltd, Thistle Ind. Estate, Stirling

How do you get to work?

Drive own car

What is your favourite place to eat out? why?

Herman’s Restaurant, Stirling. Food fantastic.

What do you think the Stirling area could most benefit from? More clothes shopping facilities and nightclubs.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling?

Being located in Central Scotland.

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

Lack of suitable industrial and commercial premises for sale.

What is your favourite shop?

Gant (Clothing)

What is your greatest ambition?

To continue the family business successfully and play off scratch at golf! www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

23

News Business Gateway update Following the Government’s decision that Local Authorities would take on responsibility for the

Macrae & Dick: 130 and still very young

While there is a change to the

Macrae & Dick, believed to be the oldest motor firm in the UK, is celebrating its 130th anniversary by unveiling its archive of photography.

management arrangements there is no

The pictures take us back to the days

change to delivery. In the Forth Valley

Scottish transport was about four legs, not

the Business Gateway is delivered by a

wheels. And selling transport to the public

arrival of the

consortium of the three local enterprise

was about stables and draftsmen rather

trusts, STEP, FEAT and CETERIS.

motor car: “It was a natural development

than dealerships and mechanics.

for Macrae & Dick to become involved

The consortium are working closely

In 1878 Roderick Macrae and William Dick

in the new mode of transport. This was

together to deliver the full range

raised £3000 to open a stable yard in

not only in the business of hiring cars but

of Business Gateway services to

Inverness. Their business began as a taxi

also in their sale and service. By 1910 we

the local business community. If

service providing horse drawn carts and drivers

you are in the Stirling Council area

were agents for Albion, Renault and Arrol

to locals and visitors in the Inverness area.

Johnston, with Sunbeam, Rover, Argyll, Ford

But, as Company Chairman Francis Hamilton

and Studebaker added in 1916.”

management of the Business Gateway, the new structure went live on 1st April 2008.

your first point of contact for the Gateway is STEP on 01786 463416 (www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk).

said, the business was transformed with the

In more recent years Macrae & Dick reacted to a shake-up in the motor industry that

Business Gateway clinics in Callander

saw many small dealers sell-up. The firm acquired businesses in Elgin, Perth and Stirling and expanded across Scotland with great success.

Stirling Enterprise (STEP) has announced its intention to run more business clinics in Callander. In partnership with

Mr Hamilton continued: “We’re delighted

the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, STEP

with the success of our Stirling dealerships.

will provide clinics to allow individuals from in and around

As well as the Ford franchise we operate

Callander access to business advice.

the BMW and Mini presence here under

The clinics build on two successful pilot clinics, which were

the well-established Menzies brand. Like

held in March this year. Jim Fraser, Business Gateway

Inverness, Stirling is a new, fast growing

start-up adviser said: “We were pleasantly surprised with

city with a real buzz about it, and we’re

the level of interest and uptake in our services while out

delighted to play a part in its growth.

in Callander for the two free afternoon sessions.”

“We would encourage anyone, whether at the thinking, planning or doing stage of getting started in business, to follow suit and come along and talk to us.”

In addition to free clinics in Callander, Business Gateway offer a range of free training events to individuals and businesses (please see back page of Stirling Eye).

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Callander clinics or other Business Gateway training should contact STEP Business Gateway on 01786 463416 or email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk The next Callander clinic will take place on Thursday 24th July from 2-4 pm.

“We hope to grow our presence here and to continue evolving with the transport industry. We have several new car launches coming up and will continue to evolve with the motor industry.

“As you can see in the pictures an awful lot has changed since we started offering horse drawn carriages for hire. Who knows what cars – and indeed Stirling itself – will look like 130 years from now?”

24

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

World Fly Fishing Championships 2009 The International Federation of Sport Fly Fishing (Fips-Mouche) announced earlier this year that Scotland had won the rights to host the 2009 World Fly Fishing Championships.

The event will be held in Stirling, Argyll and Perth & Kinross and is expected to welcome more than 25 countries over seven days of competition. The event will be broadcast through cable television, showcasing the fishing sites and surrounding landscapes to an international audience.

Paul Bush, Acting Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Attracting the World Fly Fishing Championship in 2009 is a coup for Scotland and will help to promote the quality of Scottish fishing, consequently raising the profile of the country as a fishing destination to anglers across the world.”

Teams from all over the globe, including Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England and France, will be able to enjoy fishing on some of Scotland’s most spectacular lochs, including the Lake of Mentieth. The teams will be hosted in Stirlingshire in the conservation village of Drymen, with The Buchanan Arms Hotel and Winnock Hotel now designated as the official accommodation venues. An official opening ceremony and closing ceremony will also take place in the Stirling area.

For more information, contact Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film Liaison Executive on 01876 442535 or email montgomerycc@stirling.gov.uk

Did you know?

Angling contributed £112-5m to the Scottish tourism economy in 2004.

Scottish Fashion Awards 2008 As Stirling Eye went to print, Stirling Castle was preparing, for the third year running, to host the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards on Sunday 29th June 2008.

Now a firm fixture in the international fashion carousel, the Scottish Fashion Awards 2008 features top fashion presenter and event host Louise Roe, and an international fashion panel led by Dolly Jones, Editor of Vogue.com, and fashion icon Daphne Guinness. Plans for the event include ‘Catwalk Caledonia’, a series of exclusive fashion interludes presenting the evening’s nominees.

As sponsor of the SFA ‘Retailer of the Year’ award, Stirling Council has been working closely with The Thistles Shopping Centre and the fashion retailers within the centre on a ‘catwalk’ project of their own, scheduled for June in The Thistles. The show was conceived in order to demonstrate the quality and choice of fashion available within the city. A full report on the glittering Scottish Fashion Awards 2008 ceremony and The Thistles Catwalk Show will be available in the next edition of Stirling Eye. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

25

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population

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

Total Population

86,160

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

1.9%

1.1%

Working Age Population

54,058

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

1.3%

2.3%

Total Number of Households

35,206

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

1.3%

2.3%

and

Households

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Unemployment Rate

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

Scotland

Unemployment rate

77.0

Employment rate

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

Stirling

76.0

75.0

Stirling Scotland

3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5

74.0 2004/2005

0.0

2006/2007

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

April 2003

April 2008

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

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

Change % Change Stirling

40,600

Scotland Source:

42,100

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,400

5,800

14%

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

6%

Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise

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

Change % Change Starts Stirling

449

534

460

452

474

480

31

6.9%

Scotland

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

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

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

Business Density

400 300 200 100 0

2000

2006

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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

Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

280 215 3,210

8.7% 6.7% -

8.6% 6.7% -

VAT Registrations VAT De-registrations Stock at start of year

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

Industry

Occupational Distribution

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2006

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2006/2007

Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

14.4

11.7

4.5

11.3 13.8 5.8

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, 2006 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Stirling

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

11.7

14.4 12.3

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

Scotland

375.57 4,314,10 47,045 72,331 366,925 563,043 128,849 31,533 391,111 43,529

373.02 4,366,60 54,054 65,871 402,701 543,055 119,526 27,328 385,755 44,264

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

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

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

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 % Change

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

£425.9 £369.3 £376.4 £371.7

£428.4 £381.8 £377.8 £381.3

£419.7 £390.6 £390.1 £390.4

£455.3 £409.8 £382.6 £408.6

£472.1 £427.9 £419.3 £428.1

£478.9 £441.0 £434.2 £441.5

12.4% 15.0% 18.5% 14.6%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

27

Service contacts Adult Learning, Stirling Council

Forthcoming events/ training

Lynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk Building Standards, Stirling Counci 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 Counci

July 2008

Peter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: morganp@stirling.gov.uk

7th afternoon – Alloa – Getting Real Results From Your Website.

Tourism, Marketing & Rural Development, Stirling Council

22nd morning – Alloa – Making Your Business More Profitable.

Deborah Murray, Tel: 01786 442821, email: murrayd@stirling.gov.uk

22nd evening – Stirling – Marketing Your Business.

Trading Standards & Licensing, Stirling Council Neil Chalmers, Tel: 01786 432170, email: chalmersn@stirling.gov.uk

24th afternoon – Falkirk – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

24th 2.00-4.00pm – Callander – Business Clinic.

August 2008

Useful web links

13th morning and afternoon – Falkirk – Book-keeping 1 and Book-keeping 2.

Business Gateway – www.bgateway.com

26th evening – Stirling – Book-keeping 1.

Forth Valley College – www.forthvalley.ac.uk

27th evening – Stirling – Book-keeping 2.

Forth Valley Construction Forum – www.forthconstruction.co.uk

27th afternoon – Alloa – Get Real Results From Your Website.

Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk

September 2008

Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/funding

3rd morning – Stirling – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

11th morning – Alloa – Marketing Your Business.

– www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

16th morning – Falkirk – Marketing Your Business.

Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland

16th afternoon – Falkirk – Advertising & Promotion.

Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property

18th morning – Alloa – Negotiation Skills.

Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com

18th morning – Stirling – Getting Real Results From Your Website.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk

25th evening – Stirling – Women Into Business: Ask The Expert.

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

October 2008 23rd 2.00-7.30pm – TBC – Making it Happen (for community projects in the National Park). Contact Dot Taylor, 01389 722009.

EVENTS Contacts Stirling – STEP Tel 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Alloa – CETERIS Tel 01259 726430, email kmanson@ceteris.co.uk Falkirk – FEAT Tel 01324 665500, email mandyc@feat.org.uk

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