Stirling Eye - Summer 2009

Summer 2009

Business Panel feature

Inside this issue...

Update on launch event and workshops

Cover story – Composite Energy

Manufacturing feature

Business space Developments at Forthside, Burghmuir and Springkerse

Including CA Models, In House Gas and Tradstocks interviews

Interview

Special feature on community benefit clauses

Lynn Blaikie, Stirling University Innovation Park

Community benefits in action at Raploch

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome

Local business news

3

Business profile - Composite Energy 6

Our cover story this summer is on Composite Energy who have grown rapidly over the last five years and have made a significant contribution to the local economy. It is pleasing to note this success and that of other local

Support for social enterprises

7

Stirling’s iconic new bridge

7

Setting alight a burning ambition

7

Stirling Business Panel

8

Special feature - Raploch

10

businesses which can be seen in the various articles in this edition of Stirling

Business space developments

12

Eye, especially in the manufacturing feature. I am also pleased to note that the

Planning applications update

13

new trade park created in Springkerse by Allanwater Developments is almost

Sector feature - Manufacturing

14

completely full of new and expanding businesses.

16+ Learning Choices

17

It is not all plain sailing though and I know that for some there is an uncertain

Partnership approach delivers on safety

17

future. This is why initiatives such as the Futures Fair held recently in the Rugby Club are important at this time to ensure that everyone who needs support and advice has access to the information available from all the partners involved.

Interview with Lynn Blaikie, Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) Ltd 18

Stirling has a diverse local economy and I believe that we are well placed to

ASPIRE – delivering workplace support

19

cope with the current economic circumstances, that we will emerge relatively

Employability Service

19

unscathed and in a position to continue to exploit the opportunities that the

Highland games update

20

business community have indicated already exist.

New TERMS Coordinator

20

30 second interview

20

Rally of Scotland 2009 update

21

Redundancy support

21

As a Council we look forward to continuing working with you and our partners in making Stirling Scotland’s heart.

At your service - Commercial Waste 22

Councillor Scott Farmer Depute Leader of Council and Corporate Resources and Economy 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: Composite Energy rig team at Airth test drilling site.

Please see business profile on page 6 for more information on Composite Energy.

Mugdock community add value and services to local economy

24

LEADER provides projects with a kick start

24

Stirling Arcade – developing the heart of the city

25

Sustainable tourism – the only way to go

25

Economic facts

26

St Andrew’s day – Homecoming finale weekend

28

Filming in Stirling

28

Forthcoming events/training

28

Focus on the local economy

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

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

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Local business news

Support for veterans Local businesswoman Denise Ward recently helped Poppy Scotland announce the £2 million total raised last year for veterans and their families in Scotland.

As reported previously in Stirling Eye, Denise, a veteran of the Women’s Royal Air Force, was one of the first recipients of Poppy Scotland’s small business loan scheme.

Providing an update on her business Pet-Royale, Denise said: “I have received invaluable help through Poppy Scotland and also from Jim Fraser at Stirling Enterprise who has provided support and advice.”

Family business cooks up a success The Tearoom is a family run business on Milhall Road, Stirling that has gone from strength to strength.

Originally established by Mrs Kelso and one of her daughters two years ago, The Tearoom has since grown and now employs two other family members, a further full time member of staff and four part

“We are doing very well and with the aid of the loan from Poppy Scotland have been

timers. Having achieved 17 per cent growth last year,

able to buy a Citroen Berlingo Van for the specific transportation of animals. We have

the family hope to do even better this year.

also moved into new premises so that we can look after dogs ourselves as well as providing a mobile service for home boarders.”

Mrs Kelso said, “I absolutely love running the family business, it really is the best job in the world. The

Loans of up to £7,500 are available through Poppy Scotland for veterans wishing to

Tearoom has such a friendly atmosphere – it’s great

start up in business. Please visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk to find out more or

to meet new people and I enjoy catching up with our

phone 0131 557 2782.

regulars. The key driver of success for the business

For more information on Pet-Royale Limited: www.pet-royale.co.uk

has been word of mouth and recommendations from

Dunblane Hydro transformation nears completion

“All the cooking and baking is now done by family

other businesses, such as local B+Bs.” members, so we are especially proud to report that we have received an Eat Scotland Award for the third consecutive year, following a visit from a mystery shopper.”

The Tea Room – Tel: 0777 404 3805

The multi million pound refurbishment of the Dunblane Hydro Hotel is nearing

Thank you!

completion.

This major investment in Dunblane Hydro is being funded by its owners, The Ability

Thank you to everyone who completed the Stirling Eye feedback survey. Results of the survey were very positive about the design and content of Stirling Eye.

Group and focuses on all aspects of the hotel including bedrooms, bars and restaurants, as well as meeting and conference facilities.

General Manager Tricia Fitzsimons commented: “We are delighted with the feedback which we are receiving from both leisure guests and the corporate market, who can see firsthand the quality, luxury and value which is so evident, in the new look Dunblane Hydro.”

Later this summer, Dunblane Hydro will officially become one of the first “Doubletree

by Hilton” branded hotels in Scotland.

In light of feedback, we will try to include more local business news and cover a wider range of sectors. We will also consider suggestions for the publication to be more frequent but shorter and will look at greater use of the electronic version.

Congratulations to Lucy MacKechnie of Bargain Books 4 Kids who won the feedback prize draw, choosing £50 of vouchers for Stockbridge Nursery near Dunblane.

www.dunblanehydrohotel.com www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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Local business news

Walk up the aisle in style

Business welcome…

Astley Facades (Scotland) Ltd Astley Facades (Scotland) Ltd recently moved from Stirling Business Centre

Colour Me Beautiful has

to Borrowmeadow Road following

launched a new book

expansion of the business. Astley

providing advice to

specialise in cladding and rendering.

brides on everything from hair colour

Tel: 01786 450409

Connie’s Closet A new shop specialising in ladies fashion for the more discerning female. The shop is located in the Stirling Arcade and opened in April. Tel: 01786 464669 www.conniescloset.co.uk

The Event Booth A new business specialising in event

Jim Kerr was presented with a bottle of champagne whilst officially opening the new Screwfix branch with Manager Gary Ridgewell

to style of dress.

Nancie Inglis who runs both Colour Me Beautiful and Impromptu shoe shop in Upper Craigs, Stirling, said: “Our new ‘Be a Beautiful Bride’ book offers a range of advice to future brides on how to walk up the

Screwfix

aisle in style. The book is available from Colour Me

Screwfix, the UK’s leading supplier of

Beautiful in Upper Craigs, along with an extensive

tools, accessories and hardware products,

range of beauty services, including style consultation,

opened a new retail unit at Springkerse

colour analysis and make-up lessons.”

Trade park in April. www.screwfix.com

Stirling based Nancie has been working as an image

management, for both the corporate

Tile Giant

and style consultant in the Stirling area for over eight

and private sectors. The business

Tile Giant recently opened a new retail unit

years. She opened Colour Me Beautiful in Upper

started up in March and is based in

in Springkerse Trade Park, Stirling. Part of

Craigs in Stirling two years ago.

Stirling, operating across the UK.

Travis Perkins, Tile Giant specialise in supply of ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and

Colour Me Beautiful: 01786 472948

www.theeventbooth.com

mosaic tiles. www.tilegiant.co.uk

and event management. Whyte House

Vizibility Design help brand People Making Waves

MH Photography

Office Solutions provide services to

Stirling based Vizibility has worked closely with

A new photography business specialising

businesses throughout the Central belt.

Volunteer Development Scotland to develop an identity

Tel: 07792771429

for a new volunteering programme called People

www.whytehouseos.co.uk

Making Waves.

Jane Randall’s A new business near Blairdrummond specialising in hand made curtains and blinds. Business owner Jane can help you choose fabric for curtains and source material. Tel: 07971019225

in photography for fashion, portrait and glamour portfolios – private commissions taken. The business opened in February

Whyte House Office Solutions A new business providing freelance business support services, including all aspects of business administration, PA / secretarial services, book-keeping

The four-year programme seeks to connect the people

and is located in Stirling Enterprise Park.

Zak’s Kitchen and Café/Bar

of Scotland with the London 2012 Olympic and

Tel: 07521673668

Clive Ramsay has opened a new sports

Paralympic Games through volunteering. It is hoped

www.mhphotography.eu

café called Zak’s Kitchen on the ground

the programme will go beyond London 2012 and will

floor of the new Peak Sports Centre,

be used in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Myra’s Hairdressing

Forthside Way and a new café/bar called

Scott Dickson from Vizibility Design said: “Branding

A new hairdressers based on the High

Zak’s on the upper floor. Zak’s Kitchen

for this initiative is something our entire team have

Street, Dunblane. Myra’s Hairdressing

serves hot and cold snacks and Zak’s

been developing for some time now. We were

opened in March this year.

Café/Bar offers drinks and full catering for

all excited by the project from the outset due to

Tel: 01786 825687

drop in visitors and booked functions.

the potential reach it will have with the people of Scotland and the legacy it can leave behind. We are

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, contact Joëlle Russell on 01786 442778 or email russelljl@stirling.gov.uk 4

STIRLING EYE

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now working on creative concepts which will ensure the initiative is well responded to by the various target audiences.” www.vizibilitydesign.co.uk

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Local business news

Stirling businesses support DebRA fundraising event The Event Booth, a new local events management company, recently ran a lavish Ladies’ charity lunch and fashion show in Bridge of Allan’s Adamo Hotel in aid of DebRA Scotland.

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, 2-course summer lunch crafted by the boutique hotel’s newly-appointed head chef, David Maskell and a spectacular fashion show courtesy of Woodlane of Doune.

A post-lunch raffle and auction raised a substantial sum for the charity featuring a variety of exciting prizes, many donated by prominent local companies such as Hepting & Farrer, Aileen Stewart Photographers, Morrisons Landrover, Stirling Dental Care and SprinkleHappiness.

The Trossachs Trundler hits the road The popular Trossachs Trundler bus service is back on the road for the 2009 summer season helping visitors and locals get around the Trossachs.

The Trundler summer bus service allows visitors to relax and explore the Trossachs without their cars. It links the

DebRA is a charity that works on behalf of people in the UK suffering from the genetic skin blistering condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). It is a rare but excruciating condition in which the skin and internal body linings blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing painful open wounds.

gateway resorts of Callander and Aberfoyle and takes in some

Tanya Constable, co-owner of The Event Booth said, “We were really pleased with the level of local support for such a worthwhile cause and our guests certainly seemed to enter in to the spirit of the occasion and thoroughly enjoy themselves. We were also delighted to receive corporate sponsorship from local firms Tile Star, Ogilvie Group and Torwood Fencing, which was greatly appreciated.”

The bus is fully wheelchair accessible and can carry up to two bikes. See www.stirling.gov.

www.theeventbooth.com

breathtaking scenery and popular attractions in the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Funded by Stirling Council, the service operates every day except Wednesdays from May 25th until October 11th 2009.

The Trossachs Day Rover is fantastic value too, only £5.10 for adults, £2.10 for children and £12.30 for Family tickets (two adults and up to four children). uk/trundler for timetables.

If your business would like free copies of the Trundler leaflets and poster for display to visitors and guests, please contact Jason Clark, Tourism Executive, on 01786 442532, email clarkj@stirling.gov.uk

Has your company registered on Stirling Council’s FREE online Business Directory?

Inclusion in the directory is free to businesses located within the Stirling Council area. The directory provides up-to-date information and has the potential to help companies source goods and services locally as well as generating new business from outside of the area.

Local companies who have not yet registered are encouraged to sign up. Please contact Laura Melville for an application form on 01786 443028, email melvillel@stirling.gov.uk or alternatively, register your details online at www.stirling.gov.uk/directory www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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Business profile

Composite Energy

Overview

Projects

Five years ago, five local businessmen

Composite Energy has three specialist drilling rigs, which they use to drill coal seams, release water and then tap into gas.

thought up an idea to drill through local coal beds for natural gas.

The group established Composite Energy,

Chief Executive Keith Lough said:

and began applying for licences to drill at several sites across the UK and as far

“At this moment we are like a

a-field as Poland. Test drilling sites were

giant laboratory, testing different

set up in the local area and funds were

techniques for releasing natural

raised to invest in the venture from an Aberdeen investment angel and Royal Bank of Scotland. The company also

gas from coal beds. The long term plan is to tap into the huge

formed a partnership with BG Group and

potential gas supply in the Central

now provide all the drilling services.

belt and other areas, providing an

Since 2004, the company has grown

indigenous source of clean fuel.”

rapidly and now employs 86 people.

Around 50 per cent of their employees are from the Stirling area, including two apprentices who attend Forth Valley College. The company also opened a second office in Aberdeen.

The drilling projects are highly visible – you may have seen Composite Energy drilling rigs at Bandeath, Longannet and Airth, at the side of the M9 motorway. The test production site at Airth already produces gas – though not yet on a commercial scale – and is ideally located on the main gas pipeline.

Keith said: “We work closely with local authorities when establishing test sites.

Stirling Council was key in helping us access the test well at Bandeath and we worked closely with Hugh Lightbody in accessing and tidying the site after we finished. As we drill, we are able to supply a variety of information to local authorities, such as rock temperatures at different depths.”

Local economy

Bandeath Drilling Site

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STIRLING EYE

Composite Energy rely on very high skills.

Keith said: “Fortunately Stirling has a strong skills base, due to its mining heritage and local industries, which have ensured a good supply of specialist engineering, fabrication and welding skills.”

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

“We employ local people where possible and use local suppliers. For each site, we spend several hundred thousand pounds within a 50 mile radius, making an important contribution to the economy.

We have found that services cost less in central Scotland than in Aberdeen, and that local engineering companies have been able to adapt to provide the services we require.”

Composite Energy work with a number of local companies, including Cherry Five, H&R Gray haulage company, FASCO safety engineers and Total Worx Safety.

Keith said: “We can source most things locally, from skilled fabrication and safety equipment to vehicle maintenance.

Although our rigs are made in Italy, we use the skills and expertise of local companies to make, replace and repair rig components.”

Impact of the recession Keith reported that Composite Energy has continued to grow and take on staff despite the recession. Royal Bank of Scotland has continued to provide support to the company, helping them to buy new rigs and the company is still very much active. Keith reports that the company can weather the recession as it already has financial backing for its activities in place. www.composite-energy.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? O

O

The Central belt has ‘hot rocks’ because of its volcanic history.

Drilling coal beds for natural gas is a concept already commercialised in the United States, where 10 per cent of all gas comes from coal seams.

Support for social enterprises Aspire to Enterprise is a programme providing a range of business support services to ambitious, developing social enterprises. In 2008 the programme supported 62 social enterprises from the Borders to Aberdeen.

Stirling’s iconic new bridge Stirling’s new £7m footbridge linking the City Centre to the heart of Forthside opened on Saturday 2 May.

Social enterprise Spruce Carpets have received funding through Aspire

After a successful first year, the

become sustainable businesses and acts

The opening was marked by a number of

programme is looking for a new batch

as a pipeline for social enterprises to

celebratory activities, including a funfair, Farmers’

of applicants for 2009. The programme

access mainstream business development

Market, free tasters from local restaurants Nandos

is open and will accept applications

support offered by Business Gateway.

and Frankie & Benny’s, street entertainment,

throughout 2009 from those

Social enterprises successful in accessing

demonstrations from the Active Stirling team and

organisations who meet the following

the programme will receive a business

films at Vue Cinema.

eligibility criteria:

health check and a tailored programme of

Stirling’s provost Fergus Wood said: “This iconic

The government criteria for social

support to develop their trading capacity.

enterprise

Support will cover:

O

Are already trading

O

Business planning

O

Have a minimum total turnover of

O

Financial planning

£60K per annum and an upper limit

O

Market research and marketing

Fraser Henderson, General Manager at Frankie &

of approx £800k

O

Investment readiness and raising finance

Benny’s, said: “We are delighted to be involved in

Can benefit from tailored

O

Legal support

this exciting new era for Stirling and look forward

development assistance prior to

Alternatively, aspiring social enterprises

accessing mainstream support

can benefit from a range of seminars

O

O

The programme offers access to development support to organisations

and unique structure will grace the skyline of Stirling for many years to come, and open up Forthside for business and pleasure.”

to welcoming people over the Forthside Bridge.”

designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity for future development.

with the drive and potential to

Applications for support can be made

increase their trading and become

via the website www.aspiretoenterprise.

more sustainable social enterprises.

org.uk or by calling John Hughes, Project

It aims to help social enterprises gain

Development Manager on 0141 425 2939,

the enterprise skills they need to

email info@aspiretoenterprise.org.uk

Setting alight a burning ambition The newly opened Stirling Stove Centre at Springkerse Industrial Estate is among a growing number of Stirling businesses bucking the trend by benefiting from a renewed sense of cost consciousness amongst customers.

With fluctuating energy prices – and a continuing push for householders to reduce their carbon footprint – wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are back in vogue. Local business man, Ewen Todd, has observed this trend and seized the opportunity, opening the Stirling Stove Centre last September.

Ewen said: “As a rough calculation, it is possible to achieve payback within two years of installing a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. The installation of a basic unit is surprisingly straightforward and can be taken care of within a few days with minimal fuss.”

As a new start business operating in the Stirling area, Ewen accessed a range of free Business Gateway advice and information through Stirling Enterprise (STEP). This included advice on employing staff, health and safety, sales training and IT support. www.stirlingstovecentre.co.uk

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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el Stirling Business Panel Stirling Business Panel Stirlin Stirling’s Business Panel represents over 500 local businesses. The Panel is led by the Executive Group, who lobby on behalf of members.

Business Panel Executive Group One year has passed since the Business Panel Executive Group met for the first time and considerable progress has been made.

Mostly made up of members of the business community, the Executive Group meets quarterly and takes a lead in shaping progress of the Business Panel. This has involved creating an effective voice for the Stirling Business community on key issues that can have a lasting impact on the ability of local businesses to grow and prosper.

Capita hosted the Business

Business Panel launch event

Panel launch event at their Craigforth office

The Business Panel launch event was held in March, following the publication of the Annual Business Panel Survey results. Over 150 local businesses attended the event, which was hosted by Capita and chaired by Tony Moulsdale (M.A.C. Engineering), Chairman of Executive Group.

The keynote speaker on the evening was local businessman Robert Graham, Managing Director of Graham’s the Family Dairy. Robert gave an inspiring talk, describing the steps taken through three generations to develop the family business to its current size. Robert referred to the farming roots of the business, which continue through to this day. The dairy is still based on the grounds of the family farm in Bridge of Allan and the family still farm to the west of Stirling, maintaining a prize herd of Jersey cattle.

Robert described how the business works continuously to maintain the highest levels of customer service and how this, together with a focus on product quality, has allowed the business to grow to be the largest independent milk producer in Scotland.

Other speakers on the night were Dr Wendy Livingstone, Associate Principal for Business and Innovation at Forth Valley College and Scott Farmer, Depute Leader of Stirling Council.

Robert Graham, Graham’s the Family Dairy

Dr Livingstone gave an update on plans for a new Forth Valley College Stirling Campus. She explained how the courses that the College offered would be shaped by the needs and demands of the business community. She also spoke of links the College has established with the United Arab Emirates, the location of the 7 star Burj Al Arab Hotel, and how this will help to influence the content of courses available to students operating in the food and drink, tourism and leisure sectors.

Depute Leader Councillor Farmer spoke on behalf of the Council.

New Business Panel website

Referring to the results of the Business Panel Survey, he described

An exciting item on the Business Panel agenda is development of the new website. It is hoped that the site will be ready by late summer or early autumn.

such as undertaking a review of parking policy for Stirling. He also

The site will reflect the ethos that the Panel is trying to develop which is one of openness and co-operation between members and will also help to create an identity for the Panel.

property in Stirling as a key component of economic growth.

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how the Council had responded to some of the concerns highlighted, mentioned current work to update the Stirling Business Space Strategy, which will be used to shape future plans for business land and

The Executive Group is currently looking into organising another event for the wider business community. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

ng Business Panel Stirling Business Panel Stirling Busine Business Panel workshops The Executive Group has been organising events to look at the main concerns identified in the Business Panel Survey, e.g.: Parking, funding and support, training and skills, procurement, business space and rural business concerns.

Procurement workshop The Business Panel held a procurement workshop on Tuesday 21st April at the Raploch Community Campus.

Over 20 local businesses attended the workshop, which was led by Gill Joy of Intend Solutions. The workshop aimed to help those new to public sector supply understand the procurement process and encourage them to tender for work. For businesses that had previously tendered for public sector contracts, the aim was to help them to improve their success rate when tendering.

Key issue focus groups To address some of the other concerns expressed by Panel members, a series of focus groups were held in May. Each event

was focused on a key issue and was championed by a member of the Executive Group.

The workshops were open to all Business Panel members and were held at Stirling University Innovation Park. However, while the interest in these events was encouraging, the attendances have been fairly low.

In these difficult trading conditions, perhaps many businesses do not have the time to participate in this type of event. Certainly, the lack of attendance is not reflected in the interest in the Business Panel since it was reformed.

Members of the Panel have been contacted and invited to complete a brief survey with their thoughts and comments on these issues and the Executive Group will review the results as part of the debate on getting businesses involved.

Lobbying

Graham Angus, MBE Mailboxes

The Executive Group Chairman Tony Moulsdale and Graham Angus of MBE Mailboxes recently met with Les Goodfellow, Head of Roads and Transport at Stirling Council. This was the first of a series of meetings with Council officers with the aim of establishing dialogue. The aim is to ensure that in future, the Business Panel is made aware of and consulted on major decisions that will affect the business community.

Annual Business Panel Survey The first business survey was completed in November 2008, with the results published in February 2009. Key findings were published in the last edition of Stirling Eye and can also be found on-line at www. stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel The 2009 Annual Business Panel Survey will be conducted in the Autumn and we encourage all Panel members to take part to help build a comprehensive view of business issues in the Stirling Council area.

You can join the Stirling Business Panel on-line at www.stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel

Executive Group Chairman profile Executive Group Chairman Tony Moulsdale is the Managering Director of M.A.C. Electrical and Heating Engineers Limited, founded in 1971.

M.A.C. Engineering was originally established at Riverside, and recently moved to larger premises at Back o’ Hill Industrial Estate in Stirling. The company is involved in servicing all aspects of the industrial and commercial electrical market, and is expert in finding energy efficient solutions for clients. With energy costs ever rising, this is an area of expertise which is helping the business to grow.

Tony said: “I am passionate about helping the Stirling business community and ensuring it has the representation that it needs. As Chairman of the Executive Group, I am continually looking at ways to help the Business Panel grow and develop.”

Unsurprisingly for an engineer, Tony’s passion in life is classic cars and motor sport. He Tony Moulsdale, M.A.C. Electrical & Heating

is the proud owner of a classic AC Cobra and misses no opportunity to visit the west

Engineers Limited

coast and Ireland when time permits, to enjoy motoring as it was in times gone by. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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Special feature

Raploch

COMMUNITY BENEFIT IN ACTION AT RAPLOCH What is a Community Benefit Clause?

The public sector in Scotland spends a significant amount of money (£8 billion) each year and, understandably, there is a growing interest in how this expenditure can be used to deliver wider social, environmental and economic benefits.

One way to do this is through use of community benefit clauses.

These can be used to align public sector investment to the needs of individuals, employers and the local/wider economy. For example, a public contract may use a community benefit clause to require that businesses tendering provide details on training opportunities that they will provide if they win the contract and details of procurement support they will deliver to potential sub-contractors.

What is the Raploch project and who are the main players?

The project is designed to deliver a bypass road, over 900 new homes, a community education campus, a community health campus and a new river walkway. Further to this, the project supports various training initiatives including Raploch Community Enterprise.

The project leader is the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company Ltd (URC). Complementary investments include schools by Stirling Council and a new health campus by NHS Forth Valley. New homes are currently being built on behalf of the Raploch URC by R3, a joint initiative between George Wimpey East Scotland Ltd and Cruden Homes (East) Ltd. The Raploch URC is one of six Urban Regeneration Companies in Scotland.

How does the community benefit clause tie in with the Raploch project?

Raploch has historically been polarised in comparison to wealthier areas of Stirling, experiencing low levels of qualifications, low average incomes and high unemployment. The area has also suffered through poor quality public buildings, housing and

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Focus on the local economy

environment, and from its position on the City’s roads network that cuts the community in two.

The Raploch project is aimed at addressing these issues and the Raploch URC has used community benefit clauses in its contracts to ensure social and business benefits from the regeneration work. This has included building targeted recruitment and training into contracts and requiring opportunities for small businesses in its procurement processes. To facilitate this R3 built the Raploch ‘Resource Centre’.

The centre houses a recruitment office and business meeting rooms.

For information on business opportunities please contact R3 project manager, Suzanne Granger on 01786 477544.

What community benefits has the project delivered so far?

Raploch Community Enterprise Originally financed by the European Social Fund and supported by various organisations including Forth Valley College, Stirling Council and R3, the Community Enterprise is a highly visible training centre situated in the heart of the community.

Pamela Brown, Head of Social and Economic Regeneration for Raploch URC said: “The arrival of the Community Enterprise was welcomed by the people of Raploch who appreciate the local training focus it provides. The enterprise trains around 40 people per year and will soon develop into a sustainable community business, tendering for its own construction related works. It has already begun to win and complete construction contracts, including a £9,000 project outside the Raploch area, carried out by local trainees.”

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Raploch

Special feature

Support for businesses

Breaking the Mould Breaking the Mould was a training and employment project funded through the European Social Fund. With support from the business community, the project gave an opportunity to 12 unemployed women from Raploch and the wider Stirling Council area to gain accredited training in construction.

The project achieved success in helping nine trainees into employment, with eight of the jobs / apprenticeships secured within the construction industry.

New jobs delivered through house building in the first year (2008) So far the house building part of the project has delivered six apprenticeships, five operative jobs and 20 onsite training places.

Directly influenced by the community benefit clause, £1.5m worth of work has already been won by businesses from the Stirling area, all of whom are members of the Forth Construction Forum. The main housing contractor, R3, offer mentoring support and feedback to businesses interested in tendering for sub-contracting works, all as agreed in the community benefit clause.

Raploch trainee case study: Alex Foster

The Raploch Community Campus

In January 2007 the Raploch URC offered

The recently completed campus provides a range of leisure, further education and community facilities in a building that is easily accessible to members of the local community.

Catering, including a bistro open to the public, and hair and beauty services are delivered in an innovative way through a partnership arrangement with Forth Valley College, providing hands on training for College students.

then-unemployed 22-year-old Alex a place on its Community Enterprise training programme. Through the programme, Alex learned site-based skills such as slabbing, kerbing, monoblocking and site maintenance. He also completed an SVQ certificate in Horticulture.

Alex said: “I saw the programme with Raploch Community Enterprise as a great

Got a construction contract/subcontract opportunity coming up?

opportunity – it was just what I needed to help me get back into employment.

The training gave me the skills and the

Even if you are not a public sector agency, you might want to consider whether you can generate some additional benefits for your local economy from the contracts you let.

Victoria Sutherland from the Training & Employment Research Unit at the University of

confidence to get into the construction industry and I was able to get a job at the end of it with RJ McLeod, one of the project

Glasgow provides tips on how to generate additional benefits:

contractors.

1. “As part of the tendering process ask potential contractors to demonstrate what benefits

One of the added bonuses to my job is that

they will deliver to the local community (e.g. will they create training and employment

I am now working on the regeneration of

opportunities as part of the contract) and how they will go about doing this.

the area where I have always lived.”

2. It is vitally important that you are clear about what you are looking for. You should also highlight what support will be available to help them meet the community benefit commitments they make, such as access to customised training, job matching services, etc. Stirling Council may be able to signpost you to sources of assistance.

Since completing his training with the Community Enterprise and securing employment, Alex has gone on to buy one of the new homes built in Raploch.

3. Consider advertising contracts locally, for example, through the Forth Construction

Alex said: “I was delighted to be in a

Forum (www.forthconstruction.co.uk). This will help ensure local companies hear

position to buy a home within my local

about the contract.

area. I was able to take advantage of the

4. Remember that you will need processes in place to check whether the successful

Raploch URC’s Priority Purchase scheme

contractor is delivering against the commitments they made.

which offers local families and residents

5. Finally, only ask for contractors to commit if you can fulfil your end of the bargain.

an opportunity to buy the new homes

For example, will you – or your partners - be able to help them source good quality

developed by the project before they go on

candidates, provide appropriate training, etc.”

open sale to the general public.”

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

11

Business space developments Forthside, Stirling Forthside, Stirling’s waterfront redevelopment, is taking shape with the opening of the new pedestrian bridge and acquisition of one of the historic Barracks Buildings by Volunteer Development Scotland: O

Forthside Bridge – The £7m pedestrian bridge was designed

by Gifford and Wilkinson Eyre Architects and constructed by BAM Nuttall. It crosses the railway, linking the Forthside site to the city centre.

Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling Current developments underway within Springkerse Industrial Estate include a site to the west of 9 Munro Road, where initial preparatory works have been carried out. The development by Muddy Fields LLP will include units of 252 sq m (2,712 sq ft) and 378 sq m (4,069 sq ft).

Jubilee House

J&E Shepherd are the letting agents and are quoting a rental of £6.50/ sq ft. Further information can be obtained by contacting Sandy Falconer of J&E Shepherd on 01786 450438, email sandy. falconer@shepherd.co.uk There is good demand for well placed, quality units within Springkerse Industrial Estate. The former Reekie building fronting Kerse Road is now under offer and the second phase new build development on Borrowmeadow Road is now partly occupied.

O

Volunteer Development Scotland – have now taken occupation of one of the historic Barracks buildings known as Jubilee House.

They have made significant investment in the building, which will become their new Scottish centre of excellence.

O

There are a number of units of different sizes available in Springkerse through various owners and agents. These include a range of modern units on Munro Road from 150 sq m (1,615 sq ft). Agents Ryden are quoting a rental from £5.50/sq ft and further details can be obtained

Civic Square – Detailed planning consent has now been

from Mungo Ingleby of Rydens on 0131 225 6612, email mungo.

obtained for the proposed civic square, 150-bedroom conference

ingleby@ryden.co.uk

hotel, conversion of the former engine shed to restaurant/public house and new sustainable offices.

O

Sustainable Offices – Despite the challenging climate Stirling Development Agency Ltd, a joint venture between Stirling Council and Valad Property Group, and their agents are encouraged by the initial response to their marketing campaign in seeking pre lets for the offices.

For more information on the sustainable office development at Forthside, please contact Ben Reed or Craig Watson of Jones Lang LaSalle on 0131 225 8344, email ben. reed@eu.jll.com, craig.watson@eu.jll.com, or contact Mike Irvine of Montagu Evans on 0131 229 3800, email mike.Irvine@ montagu-evans.co.uk

Central Demolitions are carrying out the works on behalf of Stirling Development Agency Ltd. This is the first part of a scheme that will eventually lead to the redevelopment of the site,

Stirling Development Agency Ltd intend to redevelop the site for a number of potential uses and have obtained outline planning consent for retail, food and drink, hotel, residential and

The new Forthside bridge, otherwise known as the ‘Spiky’ bridge, is 114 metres long with a main span of 88 metres.

STIRLING EYE

Demolition of existing industrial buildings at Burghmuir is well underway.

which extends in total to 1.8 ha (4.45 acres).

DID YOU KNOW?

12

Burghmuir Industrial Estate, Stirling

assembly and leisure.

For more information on emerging proposals at this location please contact Graham Blackstock of Valad Property Group on 01786 431740, email graham.blackstock@valad.co.uk

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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

Springkerse Trade Park, Stirling Springkerse Trade Park has only one unit remaining for lease. A range of occupiers have been secured for the other units, including Tile Giant, Greggs the Bakers, Screwfix, The Bay and the Guardian Group.

The agents, Colliers CRE are promoting the last unit, which extends to 883 sq m (9,500 sq ft) and opportunities exist for space to be split on a 50/50 or 60/40 basis.

Bryce Stewart of Colliers CRE, the agents for the Trade Park, said: “We are greatly encouraged by the level of interest shown and occupiers that have been secured for this quality development in the heart

Stirling Agricultural Centre

of Stirling despite the tough market

The new Stirling Agricultural Centre will open in July this year,

conditions.”

housing the headquarters for United Auctions and providing a centrepiece for livestock sales in Scotland. The development will

For more information on

also offer over 1,300 sq m (14,000 sq ft) of office accommodation,

remaining space within the

as well as nearly 1,555 sq m (17,000 sq ft) of retail

Park, please contact Bryce

accommodation where agricultural-related business will operate.

Stewart of Colliers CRE on 0131 240 7500, email

There are still opportunities for both office and retail available

bryce.stewart@collierscre.

- further information can be obtained from Ewan Mackay of agents SGM Property Consultants on 0141 258 7940, email

co.uk

ewan@sgmproperty.co.uk

Planning applications update Six planning applications with a significant

O

business focus have been submitted to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye (March) and are still being considered, pending a decision: O

An application by Allan Water Developments Plc for erection of a supermarket in principle (6,064 sq m) at site of former MFI furniture store, 1 Maitland Crescent, St Ninians, Stirling.

An application by Gladman Developments Limited for substitution of consented buildings by three storey office extending to 2,748 sq m at land 100 m North of Dunblane Cemetery, Barbush, Dunblane.

O

An application by Tradstocks Ltd for erection of a new stone working facility and visitor’s interpretation centre (18.6 hectares) on land to North East and South of travelling people’s site, Stirling.

O

An application by Airtricity Developments (UK) Ltd for 11 wind turbines and associated infrastructures, including a temporary construction compound, sub station and control building (753 hectares) on land 1.5 km North West of Muirpark Farm, Stirling.

been supported in principle, but are subject to

O

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

An application by Stirling Development Agency for Phase 1 infrastructure works including road access (5.1 hectares) at Kildean Auction Market, Drip Road, Raploch.

O

An application by Stirling Development Agency for a mixed use development comprising Class 1 (Retail), Class 3 (Food and Drink), Class 7 (Hotel), Class 9 (Houses) and Class 11 (Assembly

O

The following planning applications have

and Leisure) on land and buildings at Burghmuir Industrial Estate, Stirling.

The following planning applications have been approved: O

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

O

An application by Thistle (Stirling) Ltd for a conference hotel (7,405 sq m) at Forthside, Stirling.

O

An application by Stirling Development Agency for a new build, 5 storey office development (14,592 sq m) with basement parking at Forthside, Stirling.

O

An application by MTS Recovery & Repair for an extension to workshop (276 sq m extension to existing workshop space) at Block 4, Units 1-2, Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk.

detailed negotiations to draw up a planning agreement:

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Sector feature

Manufacturing

Stirling Eye caught up with three local businesses involved in

Stirling has a small but important manufacturing sector. While manufacturing has experienced

Gregory Campbell, Production Director, CA Models

significant decline across Scotland over the last 10 years, Stirling has faired better than average, with a nine per cent decline in manufacturing workforce

The Company

between 1998 and 2007, compared with a 32 per cent

Stirling based CA Models is a rapid prototyping company, using high technology including Stereolithography (SLA) and CAD design to manufacture specialist products, such as car parts for Formula 1.

They also do prototyping for the aerospace and medical sectors, including exhibition models and Tom Tom Satellite Navigation systems.

decline across Scotland as a whole.

Gregory, what have been the key changes to the manufacturing sector?

“Manufacturing decline has mostly been due to high volume products designed and Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

prototyped in the UK, now being manufactured in the farEast. UK manufacturers have not been able to compete due

Hugh Lightbody, Service Manager for Economic Strategy

to labour being much cheaper

& Intelligence (Stirling Council) said: “Like all areas of

abroad.

Scotland, Stirling has lost some manufacturing jobs and businesses due to competition for large-scale manufacturing

Do you engage with other local businesses?

“Yes. We recommend Stirling based Berg Design to our customers, and in turn, Berg use us for prototyping. TNT’s local depot has been crucial in enabling quick delivery of our products to customers. And as you can imagine, we use loads of electronic data and require a large server – Stirling

CA Models was established in

based 2Evolve oversee our IT

the 1980s and specialised in

needs.”

from Eastern Europe and the far-East where labour costs are

hand built models and patterns.

cheaper.”

Adopting new technology

What about the recession?

and our excellent skills base

“However, we have significant expertise in design and

“Manufacturing has been hit

has been key to our success,

hard and we are expecting

manufacturing. I am encouraged by the growing number of

allowing us to develop and become Scotland’s only rapid

to have to batten down the

businesses involved in cutting edge design and manufacture of energy efficient and innovative products – including

prototyping company and the longest running in the UK.”

power and battery management systems by Xipower,

hatches to weather the storm for at least another year or two. We have seen a drop in orders and the toughest part

laser based gas emission monitoring systems by Cascade

for us was letting go of six

Technologies Limited and tensile fabric solutions by tensARC,

highly skilled members of

to name but a few.”

staff this year.

This feature looks at support for manufacturing businesses

www.camodels.co.uk

through the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service and includes interviews with three local businesses.

Product by Cascade Technologies Limited Gregory Campbell and Colin Skilton of CA models

14

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Manufacturing

Sector feature

n manufacturing to find out more about the sector, doing business in Stirling and the impact of the recession.

Alison Patrick, Co-Owner, In House Gas The Company Killearn based In House Gas was established in 2005.

The company produces a range of gas generators, air treatment products and air compressors, providing a variety of services from design, manufacture and survey through to maintenance. Key clients include universities, bio-technology companies and government and industrial laboratories.

We will ride it out, but in

Many of the company’s clients are based in the South East of England life sciences cluster but they also sell systems overseas to Ireland, Iran, Syria and China, priding themselves on exporting Scottish technology.

the meantime we now have to chase work and cut

Alison, what changes has In House Gas

costs, improve our efficiency

experienced?

wherever possible and take careful decisions.

www.inhousegas.com

“When we established the company in 2005, there were three of us, including one gas

The poor exchange rate with

engineer. Since then we’ve taken on a new

Do you engage with other local businesses?

the euro means that we have

member of staff every year and continued to

“Yes. While we build nitrogen gas generators and

had to put orders for new

grow.

air compressors in-house, a lot of the components

machines on hold, but we

As we have become more established in the

we use are manufactured and sourced in the

will make the most of our

market place, we have experienced strong

Central belt by companies including Walker

competitive advantage with the

growth in demand and high levels of repeat

McLeod Fabrication, CRK Precision Engineering Ltd

Euro by increasing our presence

custom. Last year our turnover increased by 30

and Pneu-Store Ltd.

in the prototyping market

per cent and we have already experienced a

abroad.”

30 per cent rise in turnover for the most recent

You are involved in the new Business Ambassadors scheme?

We also work with local businesses and organisations, such as 2Evolve who provide

quarter.”

us with IT services, our Bank of Scotland Area Manager, and Stirling Enterprise who deliver

What about the recession?

Business Gateway support.”

“We have not been affected by the recession

“The Business Ambassadors

– our products save clients money, so if anything,

scheme involves local

the recession has opened up the market as

What support have you received through Business Gateway?

businesses promoting Stirling

clients come to us for advice to help cut costs.

“We are on the Business Gateway Pipeline Growth

However, we have noticed that our suppliers are

programme and have received staff training,

as a place to grow businesses.

For me, it has provided an opportunity to put something back into the local economy, while at the same time promoting my business.

keen to get their money in as quick as possible.

support to attend trade shows, marketing support and help with our website. Our Business Gateway

And access to finance is always a concern – if

Adviser has been an invaluable source of advice

this hurdle is solved, there are plenty of open doors for us to investigate and grow the business

on different aspects of trading.”

further.”

Stirling is a fantastic place to live and work. We have the benefits of being a city, easy access to clients in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and the countryside right on our

DID YOU KNOW? In House Gas systems can be found as far afield as the Antarctic – In House Gas provided the nitrogen generator for the British Antarctic Survey research vessel, RBS Ernest Shackleton.

doorstep.” www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Sector feature Peter Stewart, Managing Director/Owner, Tradstocks Ltd The Company Thornhill based Tradstocks Ltd are one of Scotland’s leading suppliers of natural stone used for building and landscaping.

Established in 1993, Tradstocks now employ 34 people and are still growing. Their key clients are from the private, public and construction sectors, the majority of which are located in and around Central Scotland.

What have been the key changes to the manufacturing sector?

“Demand for locally manufactured goods has changed over the years. In the past, goods were manufactured locally, with a lot of social landscape built around industry. In recent years, the move has been to source the cheapest goods available, at the expense of local industry and quality. However, now that sustainability has moved up the agenda, we are starting to come

full circle with more people concerned about where goods are from, their durability and that they carry the made in / from Scotland brand.”

www.tradstocks.co.uk Peter Stewart, Tradstocks Ltd

Do you engage with other local businesses?

“Yes – I find we get the best service from local suppliers, whether it be pallets from the local saw mill or specialist electrical services from Stirling based Clark Electronics.”

Are there barriers to doing business?

“Yes – specifiers and designers need to be more aware of local resources and products – this would help Scottish manufacturers across the board.

Fortunately, more are becoming concerned with life cycle and quality of goods, than simply sourcing the cheapest products on the market.

I think there has been a lack of support for manufacturing over the last 10 years, particularly

from the public sector. Despite manufacturing being a core sector, it hasn’t been covered by the government’s priority industries.

As an Account Managed company however, we have received support through Scottish Enterprise, including specialist advice and guidance through the Scottish Manufacturing Advice Service.”

What about the recession?

“We have seen a minor dip in demand for some products, but still have a healthy order book for bespoke items.

The key change has been in cash flow. As the banks have applied pressure on credit facilities, things have become tight in the manufacturing sector. It is taking the people

we supply longer to pay, and we have had to be more thorough with the terms of the credit we provide.”

What are the plans for the future?

“We have submitted a significant planning application to Stirling Council for a high quality new production facility, including an interpretation/ visitor centre, at Craigforth.

While we are probably Scotland’s largest and most diverse natural stone supplier, we provide just a fraction of the building/facing materials currently used in new build within the country, and feel there is vast scope to grow the business and increase the use of natural stone as a proportion of these building materials.”

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service The Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) is the main public sector support provider for manufacturing companies, with expert manufacturing specialists providing troubleshooting across a wide range of technologies and industrial sectors.

SMAS practitioners offer a FREE manufacturing review service, with a fully comprehensive report to identify areas where an impact can be made to improve your business.

O

Project handover and next steps - Practitioners can help evaluate key success measures to ensure that the project delivery has made a positive impact to operational performance.

The practitioner will identify a future action plan that continues to drive operational improvement.

O

Best practice industry visits, seminars and workshops.

O

Referrals to specialist organisations for specific technical support.

They can also help implement the recommendations of the report, with: O

O

O

16

A manufacturing improvement project - The practitioner will work with your company to define a project that will implement improvements identified by the manufacturing review.

Dedicated training – Your SMAS practitioner can help teams or individuals develop the necessary confidence, skills and knowledge to deliver future change and growth.

Find out how SMAS can help your business

Combo – SMAS can combine training with improvement project support, to ensure that the knowledge and skills gained through training is effectively implemented or used to deliver sustainable improvement.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

SMAS can help manufacturing businesses address pressing issues, assist them to embed continuous improvement practices into the business and ensure that change will continue to provide a real business benefit in the future. For more information please visit www.scottishmas.com or telephone 0141 228 2601.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

16+ Learning Choices Stirling Council Youth Services is supporting the Stirling More Choices and Chances Partnership to tackle the issues of the estimated 415 of Stirling’s young people not in education, employment or training.

As part of this work, partners are working to implement 16+ Learning Choices in Stirling, which is the new national model to ensure that every young person has an appropriate, relevant, attractive offer of learning made to them, well in advance of their school leaving date. Offers include staying in school for S5 and S6, going

Fraser McMurdo (Youth Services – far right) with Iain Bryce (William Simpson’s – first left) and other members of staff supported into employment by Youth Services

to further or higher education, taking part in one of the national training programmes, or engaging in community learning

William Simpson’s – caring about Stirling’s youth

employers in offering opportunities to young

and development

Iain Bryce, Care Manager, William Simpson’s Care Home (Plean) said:

people, supporting them

opportunities,

“

while contributing to the

including very focused and personalised

William Simpson’s has had a long relationship with Youth Services providing

numerous placement opportunities over the years and the relationship has been

approaches.

of significant benefit to both parties. Placement opportunities have allowed us to

A key part of this

more accurately assess candidates in the working environment and to promote

is to increase the

and instill a philosophy of quality care delivery.

numbers of work based

“

to develop their skills local economy, as this will ultimately enable local businesses and communities to prosper.

Your support could range from part time work

learning opportunities,

experience to an offer of a Modern Apprenticeship. Young people

particularly Modern Apprenticeships.

leaving school have different skill levels; some are ready to embark

Stirling’s ambition for all its young people to make a successful

on apprenticeships whereas others might need to develop their skills

transition from school to education, employment or training relates

to that level. A range of opportunities is therefore required.

directly to its drive to develop a sustainable local economy providing opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential.

If you think that your company could offer a training or employment opportunity to a young person then please call Fraser McMurdo on

Realising this ambition requires the support and co-operation of local

01786 432211, or email mcmurdof@stirling.gov.uk

Partnership approach delivers on safety Stirling Community Planning Partnership’s Night-time Economy Action Plan encompassed a series of initiatives developed to run throughout November and December 2008. These included; Safe Base ’08 – a facility for people who felt vulnerable or unsafe whilst out at night in Stirling; new late night bus services; new ‘white’ street lighting; improved CCTV; and, taxi marshals.

To assess the benefits gained by adopting the partnership approach to the delivery of these initiatives, an independent evaluation was undertaken. The evaluation considered the extent to which the initiatives collectively reduced antisocial behaviour and increased peoples’ perceptions of safety.

The findings demonstrated that, both strategically and operationally, this approach was highly effective, ensuring partners could contribute to the planning, development and implementation of projects.

The report highlighted the Safe Base in particular as an initiative that realised benefits for wider agencies, including police, A&E and the Ambulance Service, by reducing the burden on these services over the busy festive period. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

17

Interview with Lynn Blaikie, Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) Ltd Stirling Eye caught up with Lynn Blaikie, Operations and Business Development Manager at SUIP Ltd…

Can you tell our readers a bit about your background?

I worked for over 10 years in marketing and events for Sun Microsystems and as Marketing Manager for Spektra Systems, before starting my own marketing and events business.

I joined SUIP as a consultant for their enterprise programmes and got involved in marketing the Park. This became a full time job and I officially joined the Innovation Park team in April 2007 to direct the day-to-day running of the Park.

What does your job involve?

Working alongside a fantastic team, I promote the Park, attract new tenants and very importantly ensure our current tenants are happy, and set strategic direction down to operational level. Each day is different – I can be dealing with anything from sales and property enquiries, to handling maintenance issues.

How many businesses are located at SUIP?

O

O

Examples of tenants include Scottish Natural Heritage and Mouchel, an environmental consultancy.

People centred health care. An example tenant includes QCTR, a neurological clinical trials company.

Sporting technology. For example, Physio Focus, a physio training academy.

One of our more unusual businesses with exciting prospects for the future is Peacock Technology.

Peacock was largely Peacock Technology responsible for creating the vision system for controlling a robotic milking system. They have also just secured a SMART Award for a robotic strawberry harvester.

What type of support and enterprise programmes do SUIP deliver?

There are currently 45 businesses, employing around 500 people.

The Park focuses on three themes, matching the core strengths of the University of Stirling. These are: O Environment – including science, heritage and technology.

18

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

We have just secured £700,000 ERDF match funding to resurrect Sporting Chance, an initiative run by SUIP and also backed by the University of Stirling. The initiative provides an www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

interactive forum where participants from diverse organisations and backgrounds, not normally linked in the course of their business or professional activity, can collaborate in creating innovative products and services for sporting applications.

We also link in with the University as much as possible, working with the Marketing Department to identify suitable business projects for under and post graduate students Whilst we don’t provide business support ourselves, we do facilitate business support between our tenants and appropriate support agencies, e.g. Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise.

We also run a very successful free lunch and learn programme, open to all Stirling businesses. These one-hour sessions involve local business people sharing knowledge and experience, such as Jane Steel from Data Space (Scotland) Ltd who recently covered data systems recovery planning. We have also just completed a highly successful series of legal workshops with McClure Naismith – a follow-up series of workshops is in the planning for our Autumn events programme.

What about the credit crunch?

Despite the credit crunch we remain very optimistic and positive. Our occupancy level is currently 82% and our enquiry levels are up. A number of our tenants are doing very well and looking to expand within the Park, such as QCTR who are upscaling and almost doubling their workforce and Global Voices, who are doubling their office space.

What makes SUIP such a successful business location?

The key advantage is being based on the University campus – there is a pool of student talent, easy access for forging partnerships with student faculties, excellent transport links, plus the beautiful campus environment and of course very competitive office rental rates. www.suip.co.uk

ASPIRE – delivering workplace support Businesses and employees in the Stirling Council area will be able to benefit from a new training and support opportunity. Funded until March 2011 through the European Social Fund element of the Lowland and Upland Scotland 2007 - 2013 Programme, the ASPIRE Project will work with people who are vulnerable because they may not sustain their employment, or are unlikely to reach their full potential in the workplace.

The target group for the ASPIRE project includes: O employees who lack basic skills; O employees for whom English is a second or additional language; O employees encountering disability or health issues; and O employees who are unable to keep apace with changes in the workplace.

Lynne Gibbons, ASPIRE Project Manager

ASPIRE Project Manager Lynne Gibbons (Stirling Council), said: “Project staff will work with employers to identify employees in need of support. They will then deliver training to support the individuals to become more effective in the workplace.”

“The cost of this training will be supported by the project.”

ASPIRE is a unique cross service, cross sector partnership, encompassing the voluntary and public sector. It brings together expertise in employer liaison, supported employment, learning, training, and business support.

Although the project will end in 2011, the ASPIRE partnership plans that by then, employers and employers’ networks will have a raised awareness of the range of supports available to enable them to help employees who struggle to sustain their place at work.

Recruitment for the new ASPIRE project posts is likely to take place by August. In the meantime, any employer who would like further information about the project should contact Lynne Gibbons on 01786 432360, email gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk

Employability Service Stirling Council’s Employability Service helps people overcome different kinds of barriers to finding and sustaining a job, helping them lead an independent life. Many of the people they work with have disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health problems or other health-related conditions. One of their roles is to raise awareness of the positive contributions disabled/disadvantaged people can make to business and help companies recruit from this diversely skilled labour market resource.

The Employability Service only support clients who both want to and are capable of sustaining employment. The service is not mandatory and people access support because they want to achieve a learning or employment goal. The Service builds relationships with employers who can provide opportunities for clients, such as work placements and appropriate employment vacancies. Could your business offer a work experience placement or job opportunity following placement?

Work based experience gained through placement allows Employability clients to achieve a recent referee and appropriate work-based history for job applications or CV presentation. Placements are for an agreed period between the company and the client. The Employability Service will provide travelling expenses and subsistence and any specific arrangements for either company or client.

Kenny Tragham - Store Manager, Bruce Anderson - Work Placement Client and Michelle Begg -Assistant Deputy Manager, of Morrisons Stirling store

The Employability Service supports local companies of a range of sizes and are happy to meet with businesses to discuss the full range of services available to them. These services can include financial support, diversity/condition awareness sessions for staff, in work support for existing employees and answering any specific questions about the service or support from external organisations.

Michelle McDermott, HR Manager for Morrisons said: “Morrisons have recruited a diverse team through integrated work placements. An often hidden workforce has been introduced thanks to the knowledge, dedication and on-going support of the Employability Service.”

To discuss your requirements, please contact Gordon Wright, Employer Liaison Officer (Stirling Council) on 01786 432290. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

19

New TERMS Coordinator

Highland games update The Lochearnhead Highland Games was missing from the list of Highland Games in the Homecoming 2009 feature in the last edition of Stirling Eye. The Lochearnhead Highland Games will take place on 25th July, from 12.30 – 5.30pm. www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk For the latest information on all the other Homecoming 2009 events, please visit www.visitstirling.org Stirling Highland Games, which were due to take place on 12 July, have been cancelled due to uncertainty around additional funding from the commercial sector in light of the current economic climate. Stirling Council has committed to continue working with the organisers to develop a more sustainable model for the Games beyond 2009.

Lucy Fraser-Gunn recently took over the post of Project Coordinator with the Trossachs Enterprise & Rural Mentoring Scheme (TERMS). This innovative Lucy Fraser-Gunn, TERMS Project rural project has been extended Co-ordinator with Alison Gee, PSYBT for another year to support at the recent PACE Futures Fair small businesses, start up business ideas and young people into business. It is funded by Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Programme, Scottish Enterprise, Stirling Council and the Park Authority, and is delivered by the local business association, Callander Enterprise.

It will be part of Lucy’s responsibilities to set up events and meetings to facilitate an exchange of ideas and information, building on established best business practice, where those involved can help each other through what could be difficult times ahead.

For further information contact Lucy by email at lucy@roslincottage. co.uk or phone (part-time) 01389 722126.

30 second interview Name:

Philip Nichols

Job Title:

Designer

Place of work:

Logoxpres Limited, Broadleys Business Park

How do you get to work?

Car or Bike

What is your favourite place to eat out? Why?

La Ciocara Italian restaurant. Really, really good food and friendly staff.

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

More structured things for young people to do, support for local youth organisations. Hopefully The Peak Sports Village is a start in the right direction.

What is your favourite colour?

Purple

What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling?

Stirling is a fantastic central location from which to serve our customers who are spread across Scotland.

What do you think the biggest issue is for businesses in

Recruiting staff with the relevant skills.

What is the biggest issue for your business?

Logoxpres moved to Broadleys Business Park a few years ago. We have found that a large number of local people are still unaware of the growing development of Broadleys Business Park.

What is your favourite shop?

Not a big fan of shopping, however, The Outback Bar & Grill is a nice place to be!

What is your greatest ambition?

My personal ambition is to organise and build a Scout Hall for the 88th Braehead Scout Group!

Logoxpres Limited: 01786 447454

20

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.logoxpres.co.uk

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

REDUNDANCY SUPPORT

Office Angel

sw Stirling Council, along with its Partnership Action for Continued Employment (PACE) partners held an recruitment agen ere one of the cies at the Fair event in May for those who were facing redundancy or who had recently been made redundant.

There was an opportunity for attendees to meet with local employers and recruitment agencies as well as a jobs board that featured a diverse range of local employment opportunities.

Experienced advisers were also in attendance to offer advice on job searching, career guidance, training and volunteering options, business start up, tax, welfare benefits and money advice.

Hugh Lightbody, Service Manager for Economic Strategy & Intelligence at Stirling Council, said: “As a partner in the PACE programme we have worked closely with our colleagues over the years in providing support to people affected by redundancy.

While the situation that many people now face is never a

pleasant experience, and we have not seen demand of this scale for our services before, we are pleased that the track record we have in dealing with these issues allows us to respond to peoples’ needs and provide the best possible advice and support to those affected.”

The event was well attended and feedback was positive. In the current economic climate, these events will be held quarterly, alternating between the three Council areas within Forth Valley.

The next event will take place in Alloa Town Hall, Clackmannanshire on Thursday 24th September.

Who are PACE partners?

Stirling Council, Falkirk Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Skills Development Scotland, Careers Scotland and Jobcentre Plus.

What does PACE do?

PACE provides support to local companies who face making employees redundant. Any employees facing redundancy are assisted to find alternative employment.

Initially PACE provides information packs for employees.

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

The PACE partners can then arrange an event, in the form of a ‘futures fair’ where those employees who are facing redundancy

can meet with organisations for help and advice on employment and other benefits and schemes that are available to them.

However, during the economic downturn, as well as support for specific companies, PACE will continue to hold larger events which will be open to everyone.

For more information on PACE, visit www.skillsdevelopment scotland.co.uk/redundancy or contact Laura Melville, Stirling Council, on 01786 443028.

Prize Draw To encourage attendees to provide feedback, five local businesses were extremely generous and donated prizes for our prize draw. Many thanks to: Barcelo Stirling Highland Hotel - Dinner for two Nicky-Tams - Dinner for two Beauty at Ebu - Back massage Blairdrummond Safari Park - Family pass to park Go Ape, Aberfoyle - 4 Free day passes

Rally of Scotland 2009 update On 13 May, International Motor Sports (IMS) announced the route for the inaugural Rally of Scotland, which will take place in some of Stirling and Perthshire’s most stunning landscapes, historical locations and world-renowned rally stages. The event, which takes place from November 19 to 21, will be the twelfth and final round of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and will be broadcast live on Eurosport to an audience of millions world-wide.

The Ceremonial Start and first stages of the event will take place in Perthshire but will then move on to Stirling on the evening of Friday 20 November. The Forthside area of the city will host a large service park, allowing rally fans and families alike to get up close to the cars and drivers and enjoy some entertainment. The Ceremonial Finish of the entire international series, which will be free of charge for spectators, will take place on the spectacular Stirling Castle Esplanade on Saturday 21 November. Stirling rally stages include Achray Forest, Fairy Knowe and Loch Ard. Councillor Scott Farmer, Depute Leader of Stirling Council and Corporate Resources and Economy portfolio holder, said: “Now the route has been announced, the real countdown to the event begins. The fact that the Stirling area is able to support the Rally of Scotland is really exciting and will shine a spotlight on our beautiful countryside and historic city, which will assist in boosting tourism.”

For further information on the Rally of Scotland 2009 contact Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film Liaison Executive on 01786 442535 or email montgomerycc@stirling.org.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

21

At your service

Commercial waste Environment Services has a dedicated Waste Services team who provide waste management services to commercial customers, as well as households, in the Stirling Council area.

A free advisory service is provided for businesses on all aspects of waste management.

COMMERCIAL WASTE Who needs commercial waste services?

The Waste team is based in Viewforth, Stirling. There is a wealth of information on the Council website and you can contact the Waste team on 0845 277 7000 or waste@stirling.gov.uk

whether to use their local Council or a private authorised contractor to collect their waste.

All businesses have a statutory

Tip Permits and Transfer Station

duty of care to dispose of their waste via a licensed waste carrier.

Commercial waste can be disposed

Stirling Council provides waste

of at Lower Polmaise by purchasing a

collection services to commercial premises

Permit at Viewforth reception. Each

throughout the Stirling Council area for all types of businesses

permit entitles the holder to dispose

and organisations. The Council provide wheeled bins and sacks

of up to half a tonne. However, this

for producers of ‘mixed’ waste types who are unable to separate waste materials.

service is for low volume producers and vehicle size is limited.

Historically, all commercial businesses received a waste collection

Large volume waste producers and carriers can apply to Stirling

service from their local authority and were charged for this as part of

Council Waste Services requesting a weighbridge account and

their commercial rates. This is no longer the case and business rates

enclosing a copy of a valid Waste Carriers Licence (issued by Scottish

do not include charges for waste collection. Businesses can decide

Environmental Protection Agency).

Company Case Study Name of company:

has not only reduced the amount of waste

Frances Hunter Hair & Beauty

that goes to landfill, helping the environment,

Stirling Eye interviewed Kirsty Johnstone, Salon Co-ordinator at Frances Hunter Hair & Beauty to find out more about their improved waste and recycling ethos.

but it has also reduced the company’s waste collection charges.

Because most of their waste is now recycled and they no longer fill their bin before collection, the company contacted Stirling

Frances Hunter was established in Stirling

Council Waste Services for advice. The

in 1965. Over the years the business has

company was advised to change their contract

expanded and is now based at 81 Port Street.

and take a smaller bin.

Frances Hunter retired in 2004 but the business

Kirsty said: “We were aware that there was more we could do to help the environment

remains in the family with her son, Gary and

as well as cut costs for the business.

daughter, Leslie now running the business.

The assistance from Waste Services

The company has used Stirling Council’s waste

was really helpful, our new system is

collection service for many years. However,

working really well and it encourages us

the company was conscious of the amount

to recycle as much as we possibly can.”

of packaging they disposed of and recently,

Frances Hunter Hair and Beauty

started to recycle most of their waste. This

– 01786 470128

22

STIRLING EYE

DID YOU KNOW?

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

The salon is at the cutting edge of Hairdressing, winning Salon Retailer of the year 2008 as well as finalists of Scottish Hairdresser of the year 2008 and Wella Trend vision 2009.

Commercial waste

At your service

Recycling Stirling Council provides recycling advice to businesses via the Business Environment Partnership and other national services, and has also been closely investigating the feasibilty of providing a recycling service.

The Envirowise Small Business Support Programme provides advice to small businesses on recycling and related issues. They help small businesses make more money by using fewer resources.

The programme will provide flexible, client-led, practical support to small businesses, aimed at the implementation of cost saving environmental improvements. On-site support will focus on opportunities to reduce waste production, packaging, raw material and water use as well as energy efficiency and waste management, and for businesses in the tourism sector, assistance towards Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation.

For more information, contact Aimee Weatherburn on 0131 561 6270, email smallbusiness@envirowise.gov.uk or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/smallbusinessvisit

PROFILE

Stirling Council’s Castle Compost project provides a peat free, 100% recycled, quality assured compost for the local area. This product is sold, in bulk, to businesses.

Mo-Lawn Services in Dunblane and Lomond Landscapes in Kilmarnock are companies that have already used this product on local contracted work.

George Morrison, Managing Director of Mo-lawn, said: “We use the compost on all of our new planting projects, it gives great results, retaining moisture and giving structure to the soil.”

Recycling and Waste Collection Team Leader Name:

Castle Compost Recycling project

The compost is made from grass cuttings, leaves, hedge trimmings, weeds and cardboard collected from parks, gardens and household brown bins in the area. Using this locally produced compost reduces the need for garden waste to end up in landfill, as it is recycled into a useful product.

Fiona Ross

Role: Fiona is responsible for the provision of commercial waste, recycling, special uplift, domestic and garden refuse services for Stirling Council.

Current workload: Recycling and waste collections are at the ‘frontline’ of Council services and the waste team has to balance the competing priorities of service provision, good customer care, meeting national targets and efficient budget management.

Fiona is currently adapting to recent changes in the structure of the service by inducting and training staff and improving the efficiency of collection routes through the introduction of a route management system.

The team is also introducing batteries, food waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collections to the recycling service and further developing management systems into the services (quality, environment and health and safety).

Fiona works as a team with four supervisors and a workforce of

For more information on this project or to enquire about the product, please contact Sandy Murphy, Compost Site Controller or Paul Charters, Waste Disposal Team Leader on 01786 450674.

Fly Tipping Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, old furniture, and so on, onto land that is not supposed to be used for that purpose.

Environmental damage can result from illegally dumped waste.

Fly-tipping looks unsightly, can become hazardous and costs council tax payers money. It can affect the appeal of an area or can harm investment into an area.

To report an incidence of fly-tipping, please provide the location and a description of what has been dumped. If possible any information on who left the material or the registration number of the vehicle from which it was dumped would also be helpful.

If successfully prosecuted, fly tippers face maximum fines of up to £20,000, six months in prison or both.

approximately 80. The team has to ensure fleet and manpower is available to provide these frontline services.

DID YOU KNOW?

These services have to be managed with a view to meeting national targets for recycling, waste diversion from landfill and fulfilling legislative duties.

It costs the tax payer £11 million a year to clear up rubbish left around the countryside by fly-tippers

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

23

Mugdock businesses add value and services to local economy The local community in and around Mugdock are taking an active role in providing services at a key visitor attraction.

The ‘Mugdock Makkers’ is a collective of around 25 craftspeople and artists, who formed in 2007 to promote local crafts. The group has a retail base in the old stable block at Mugdock Country Park. The shop is run by a part-time Manager and by volunteers, and complements a range of other services available at the Park, serving both the local community and visitors alike.

Iain Arnott, Park Manager said: “The Mugdock Makkers have played a key role in involving the community in conservation, built heritage, local crafts and culture at Mugdock.”

“The Makkers have also added to the range of services provided at the Park, helping to increase visitor numbers.

Last year we had over 600,000 visitors to the Park, making it one of Stirling’s most popular visitor destinations.”

“I have been really proud to witness the Park develop over the last couple of years. Not only does the Park offer a spectacular choice of walks and outdoor activities, it now also provides visitors with a choice of shops, eating and drinking options, a garden centre, theatre and a programme of cultural events to visit.”

LEADER is providing funding to Mugdock Country Park for current plans to build a new foyer and café bar to complement the Park’s theatre.

LEADER provides projects with a kick start Uptake of funding available through the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Programme continues to be strong with eight new projects approved at the March meeting and one deferred pending more information.

The eight successful projects are: O

O

The Forth Valley Orchard Regeneration

O

O

National Park Working Farm Woodlands workshops from the Scottish Agricultural College, £2,750

O

An Iconic Bridge for Bracklinn Falls from Callander Development Trust, £50,000

O

An Eco-Loo for Inverlochlarig Car Park from Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Development Trust, £24,480

O

International Harmony from Doune and Dunblane Fling, £3,635

O

Balloch Access Improvements creating a Highland Fault Link Path from Helensburgh and District Access Forum, £13,213

24

STIRLING EYE

Community Action on Invasive Weeds from Clackmannanshire and Stirling

Initiative from Forth Environment Link, £16,040

LEADER has provided the McLaren Flexi-Space Project with £16,875

Environment Trust, £1,244 Green Action training programme from the Waterways Trust in Falkirk, £62,162

Projects supporting the growth and development of the rural economy are encouraged to come forward for funding.

More information is available on the website www.fvl.org.uk or email info@fvl.org.uk

There is also a possibility of a bid being made to attract funds to the area to support fishery related activity – particularly projects that would support communities that are in some way impacted on by fisheries or fishing. If you would like to be involved in the preparation of that bid, please contact the LEADER Programme Manager on ketteridgea@stirling.gov.uk

Buy Local visitor map Keep your eyes peeled for the reprint of the very popular Buy Local in and around the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Visitor Map 2009/10. Copies are available from the participating businesses, Tourist Information Centres, National Park Centres and website www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling Arcade – developing the heart of the city The owners of the Stirling Arcade held a reception in May to outline their plans for the future of the building. A diverse range of businesses and organisations attended the event – from tourism agencies and historical groups to the local Community Council and Stirling University.

Stirling Provost Fergus Wood said: “I’m delighted to support the revival of Stirling’s hidden gem. Much work has already been undertaken to preserve this important piece of Stirling’s heritage. The final phase will see the restoration of the old Alhambra Theatre creating a venue that is unique and special to this city.”

Sustainable tourism – the only way to go

The owners, Kevin Moore and Gordon Snowie, have a 3-phase development plan for the Arcade. The first-phase, already complete, involved the refurbishment of the interior and the creation of a new ‘Arcade’ brand.

Phase two will focus on the exterior facades and exciting new entrances. Local consultants have been appointed and it is hoped work will start in spring 2010, subject to obtaining grant subsidies.

Going Green is a new free-of-charge initiative to encourage Scottish tourism businesses to become more sustainable and eventually become members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

Going Green acts as a stepping stone for businesses to join GTBS within two years, providing advice on improving their environmental impact and helping them take steps to becoming more sustainable.

Members of Going Green receive email updates and information, providing ideas, tips and case studies on becoming greener. The only criteria for joining the initiative is that businesses already participate in a relevant VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme.

Going Green case study: C-N-Do Scotland C-N-Do Scotland is a Stirling based walking company that has embraced sustainable tourism practices, pioneering best practice.

In 2005 C-N-Do Scotland became the first outdoor business to become a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and was awarded Gold status. Director, Margaret Porter, explained why they chose to join this Government initiative: “C-N-Do’s philosophy from the year we started, 1984, has always been to be sustainable, work with local businesses and communities wherever we are, enjoy the Scottish landscapes and encourage others to discover, learn about and appreciate them. We wanted to minimise our impact on the environment and try to put something back. So we thought we would measure ourselves against this initiative.”

“What did we learn? It was found that although we were doing lots of things really well, there were still areas in which we could improve and save money. This included saving £400 per annum on energy costs by restructuring our Stirling base.” www.cndoscotland.com Going Green is about saving energy and fuel, reducing waste and transport costs, enhancing customer service and improving the environment. To find out more about Going Green and the Green Tourism Business Scheme, visit www.greentoursim.org.uk/goinggreen or call Green Tourism on 01463 244128. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Gordon Snowie (Joint owner of Arcade), Stirling Provost Fergus Wood, George Pollock (Arcade Manager) and Ken Moore (Joint owner of Arcade)

The final phase will focus on the refurbishment of upper floors and the Theatre. Possible uses include a conference facility, function suite, small cinema or social space for gatherings. The owners are looking to secure a client for this space and would be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in leasing this unique venue or who has suggestions for its future use.

Andy Kennedy, Stirling’s City Centre Manager, described the Arcade as a key city centre asset and an important link between the old part of the city and the new at Forthside.

He added: “The Stirling Arcade is unique and contributes to the ever developing mix of built and natural ingredients that will be needed to ensure Stirling city centre is economically successful in the future. It is for that reason that everybody should support the revival of the Arcade being undertaken by the new owners.” www.stirlingarcade.com

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

25

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population and Households

Stirling 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2001-2008 % Change Stirling Scotland

Total Population

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

88,190

88,350

2.5%

2.1%

Working Age Population

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

54,367

54,341

1.1%

2.8%

Total Number of Households

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

37,328

37,555

5.7%

6.2%

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Employment Rate

Unemployment Rate

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

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

Employment rate

77.0

76.0

75.0

74.0

2004/05

2007/08

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

April 2004

Stirling Scotland

April 2009

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

Growth in Number of Jobs Figure 4: Jobs Growth Stirling Scotland

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2001-2007 Change

2001-2007 % Change

42,100

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,500

47,900

5,800

14%

2,299,800

2,279,500

2,307,000

2,340,000

2,398,800

2,377,200

2,407,700

107,900

5%

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise Figure 5: New Business Starts Stirling Scotland

2002

2002-2008 Change

2002-2008 % Change

449

534

460

452

474

480

351

-98

-21.8%

18,518

21,468

20,808

21,383

23,468

25,041

20,028

1,510

8.2%

Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers

Business Survival Rates 66 65.5 65 64.5 64 63.5 63 62.5 62

2002 2004 Year business started up

Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)

26

Stirling Scotland

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Stirling Scotland

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

3 Year Survival Rate - %

Figure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rate of Newly Born Enterprises

Business Density

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

2000

2007

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Active Businesses, Business Births and Business Deaths Figure 8: Businesses in 2007 – Percentages based on Stock of Active Businesses Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

395 250 3,315

11.9% 7.5% -

13.3% 8.5% -

Business Births Business Deaths Stock of Active Businesses

Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)

Industry

Occupational Distribution

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2007

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2007/08

Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Source: Annual Population Survey - Workplace Analysis (Nomis)

Qualifications

Visitors to the Stirling Area

% of working age population

Figure 11: % of the Working Age Population Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2007 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

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

Stirling

2006

2007

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

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

388.83 4,366.60

390.45 4,323.50

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

Scotland

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Earnings Figure 13: Average Gross Weekly Earnings of people working full time Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2002-2008 % Change

£425.9 £369.3 £376.4 £371.7

£428.4 £381.8 £377.8 £381.3

£419.7 £390.6 £390.1 £390.4

£455.3 £409.8 £382.6 £408.6

£472.1 £427.9 £419.3 £428.1

£479.9 £440.9 £434.2 £441.5

£493.2 £461.8 £452.8 £460.1

15.8% 25.0% 20.3% 23.8%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

27

As part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 finale weekend and St

Several BBC productions have

Andrew’s Day celebrations, Stirling will host a programme of events

filmed in the Stirling area

from 26 to 30 November. Events will include ceilidhs, contemporary

recently including a BBC1

and traditional music concerts and workshops and other activities.

documentary called ‘Devolution

Watch out for further details on www.visitstirling.org in the

in Scotland’ which filmed in

forthcoming months.

Stirling City Centre and an

Carol Anderson and Nick Nairn

episode of BBC Landward.

Useful web links Business Gateway – www.bgateway.com Forth Valley College - www.forthvalley.ac.uk Forth Valley Construction Forum - www.forthconstruction.co.uk Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/business/funding The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park - www.lochlomondtrossachs.org Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk Scottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.uk Scottish Government – www.scotland.gov.uk Scottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.uk Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/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 VisitScotland – www.visitscotland.org VisitStirling – www.visitstirling.org

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

Part of the Landward episode was filmed in the Contact Centre at Stirling Council and was shown on BBC2 recently. For this episode, Nick Nairn demonstrated to a Stirling Council employee, Carol Anderson, how to make a healthy, interesting, packed lunch for the whole family and to save money at the same time. The programme also filmed at Carol’s home.

BBC Landward have also included a feature on the World Fly Fishing Championships 2009 on their programme. Representatives from 27 countries participated in the event that took place in Stirling and Perthshire from 5 to 12 June. The conservation village of Drymen played host to the participants over the week.

Forthcoming events/training Free Business Gateway training events July 2009 15th evening – Stirling – Book Keeping 1.

16th evening – Stirling – Book Keeping 2.

21st evening – Falkirk – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.

August 2009 7th 19th 20th 25th 27th

morning – Alloa – Advertising & Promotion. all day – Stirling – Customer Care 1 & 2. morning – Alloa – Get Real Results From Your Website. morning – Falkirk – Negotiation Skills. evening – Falkirk – Customer Care.

September 2009 14th 15th 23rd 24th

all day – Alloa – Book Keeping 1 & 2. all day – Falkirk – Mastering Selling 1 & 2. evening – Stirling – Marketing Your Business. evening – Stirling – Women Into Business (Networking).

EVENTS CONTACTS Stirling – STEP -

Tel 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk Alloa – CETERIS - Tel 01259 726430, email aharrick@ceteris.co.uk Falkirk – FEAT Tel 01324 665500, email mandyc@feat.org.uk Stirling Enterprise will be holding a number of additional free workshops over the summer months, aimed at helping businesses beat the credit crunch. For more information on these, please contact Keeley Davis (STEP) on 01786 463416.

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

Design by The Write People, Stirling Tel: 01786 445022 www.thewritepeople.co.uk

Homecoming finale weekend

Filming in Stirling

St Andrew’s day –