Stirling Eye - Winter 2007/08

Winter 2008

Inside this issue...

Stirling’s industrial history Charting Stirling’s industry over time

Stirling University Innovation Park Park plans new era of innovation

Business space

expansion of Broadleys Business Park

Business profile

Marks & Spencer invest in Stirling

Planning update

planning application for Barbush

0845 277 7000

Contents

Welcome

Local business news

3

KIT-OUT the Park

5

New Scottish Government Economic Strategy

5

Business profile: Marks & Spencer 6 Stirling Economic Positioning Study 7 Planning applications update

7

Special feature: Trading Standards 8 Special feature: Stirling’s industrial history

10

Special feature: Stirling University 12 Innovation Park

In this edition of Stirling Eye we explore Stirling’s economic heritage celebrating the centenary of J.D. Smith & Sons and looking at the

with a common purpose, that of sustainable economic growth. I look forward to working with our community planning partners to

Guildry of Stirling. More recently we have had the announcement from Capita of their plans for developing a Centre of Excellence for life and pensions administration in Stirling. I look forward to this new development and wish Capita every success in making it happen.

realise Stirling’s contribution to that purpose.

The Government has also launched its Economic Strategy for Scotland creating a strategy that brings all of the public sector together

I wish you well in your adventures and hope that 2008 is even more prosperous for you as your business grows and thrives in Stirling.

Councillor Colin O’Brien Executive Member – Corporate Resources and Economy

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: Councillor Colin O’Brien with the Dean of Stirling Guildry, Ian Crawford.

Photo by John McPake.

Business space developments

Getting the most out of your CCTV 15 Stirling Retail Capacity Study & Household Surveys

15

Partners in crime prevention

16

Developing enterprise in the Trossachs

16

The New LEADER Programme for 16 rural Forth Valley and Lomond Scottish Rural Development Plan 17 - support for rural business Promoting and developing quality events activity in Stirling

17

Filming

17

Economic facts

18

Enhancing existing business relationships

20

Stirling gets festive

20

Forthcoming events/training

20

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

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

14

Forthside’s latest development

Local business news

Stirling’s new eight-screen multiplex cinema opened to the public on Friday 25th January. The £2.5 m cinema is located at the heart of the Forthside development, which extends Stirling’s city centre down to the river Forth and transforms 40 acres of former MOD land.

The cinema is operated by Vue Entertainment and introduces “Vue Evolution”, including a new concept screen, two and four-seater sofa pods, luxury leather superior seats and giant bean bags, all aimed at providing a unique environment for customers. The cinema will also screen “Larger than Live” music, sport and comedy events, such as Formula One and sold out music concerts.

Opening times and information on screenings can be obtained from www.myvue.com

MacFarlane Gray Group moves into Castlecraig Business Park

New PPP school in Dunblane opens The first of the new schools to be built in Stirling

The MacFarlane Gray Group recently moved

as part of Stirling Council’s £100m Public Private

from offices in Edinburgh and Alloa to

Partnership programme, opened in Dunblane in

purpose-built offices in Stirling’s Castlecraig

November. The school is one of four new high

Business Park. This follows the company’s

schools to be built under the programme, which

acquisition of Osborne & Company, a Forth

also includes construction of a new community

Valley accountancy practice.

campus in Raploch and a further school

MacFarlane Gray Group’s insurance division,

refurbishment over the next year.

and bureau & payroll, are being relocated from Alloa and the corporate finance division from Edinburgh. However, the

Plans for Craigforth Centre of Excellence

company will retain Osborne offices in Callander and at Shillinghill, Alloa.

Capita report that Prudential’s Craigforth site in Stirling is to be developed into a centre of excellence for life and pensions administration.

This follows the announcement that 1,000 jobs at Prudential’s Craigforth site near Stirling are being transferred to Capita in a £700m outsourcing deal as part of Prudential’s campaign to cut costs by almost £200m. Capita, one of Britain’s largest back-office firms, has committed that all employees affected will be offered roles on their existing terms and conditions of employment. They will also take over 750 jobs in Reading and 1,250 in Mumbai as part of the deal with Prudential.

The 1,000 Stirling jobs transferring over to Capita will remain at Craigforth.

Supporting the creation of a centre of excellence, a planning application has already been submitted to Stirling Council to begin transformation of the Craigforth site, with planning sought for a mixed-use development with business park, leisure/ retail and residential use.

New arts & craft gallery opens in Mugdock

Stirling plant from 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes over 2008. The boost in production is in

new Arts & Crafts Gallery in Mugdock. The Gallery show cases arts and crafts from local businesses, helping to promote Mugdock as Plantaria’s garden centre and restaurant. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

The Herald reported in November that Superglass are expanding production at their

The Mugdock Makkers have opened a

a visitor destination, along with Mugdock

Superglass increase production at Stirling plant

response to government carbon emission reduction measures that encourage the installation of insulation. As an example, a target has been set for five million homes to benefit from discounted or free loft or cavity insulation over the next three years.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Local business news UBS buy Thistles Shopping Centre ground leases Ground leases for the Thistles Shopping Centre were sold recently for £23m to UBS Secure Income Property Fund on 4th December 2007 by CB Richard Ellis (Scotland) on behalf of Stirling Council.

The Thistles Shopping Centre provides more than 500,000 sq ft of retail space, spanning 87 units. With footfall in excess of 12 million per annum, the Thistles has been successful in attracting a range of tenants including Debenhams, USC, Boots, Zara, Next and Rieker.

Stirling Council’s Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Economy said: “The sale of this major asset is excellent news for the Council and the people of Stirling. It will allow us to reinvest the proceeds in the creation of new assets for the communities, such as the new Sports Village and other projects that will advance our plans for the improvement of services for our citizens.”

Data management solutions Does your business require a data management or records management solution?

If so, locally based Storage Products Services (SPS) Ltd could provide the solution.

SPS Limited are based in Borrowmeadow Road, Stirling and work in partnership with a major UK Records Management company. They are currently expanding their successful operations in Stirling to add a further four Scottish locations to meet the continuing growth in the Scottish market.

SPS provide Data Management solutions, including: l l

Document storage

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Media Storage

Back-up / Archive solutions

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Digital Image storage

Records Management

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“Scan on demand” service for documents

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“On demand” access to your Records with delivery and pick up

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Online backup of data through a secure web portal

Jim Steel (Managing Director) reports: “Many companies don’t realise that up to 80% of their data can be managed and stored off site, with the balance being managed on-site and backed up securely offsite. More than 70% of companies who suffer data loss, through flood, fire or virus go out of business within one year.”

To find out more about SPS Limited’s Data Management solutions, please phone 01786 447716, email archive@spslimited.com or visit www.spslimited.com

Congratulations!

Manorlane

Congratulations to Bandeath based Traditional Scottish

Scottish housebuilder,

Ales for their overall champion award in December

Manorlane, has secured

2007 from SIBA, the Society for Independent Brewers,

space of approximately 750

as well as winner of Best Support for an On-Trade

sq m (8,068 sq ft) within

Customer, for the support given to the Lade Inn and

new build accommodation at

the Real Ale Shop just outside Callander. The award

Castle Business Park which

comes on the back of Traditional Scottish Ales Best

will allow them to expand

Bottle Conditioned Ale award in November from

and relocate within this

CAMRA Scotland for Ginger Explosion.

prestigious location.

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Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Welcome…

Recently Stirling has welcomed various businesses and business start ups to the area, including: Scientific & Analytical Services A company who specialise in the repair and maintenance of scientific, analytical and general laboratory equipment.

The Design Loft Provide graphic design, new media, photography and illustration services. From posters and menus to rebranding, new websites and brochures.

Kitchen Perfect A new specialist cleaning company located at Crest Business Centre, providing services such as health and safety cleans, food hygiene inspection cleans and specialist cleans as well as ventilation and extraction system solutions and a filter laundry service.

L A Staffing A general recruitment company set up by Lorna McIntyre and Anne Turnbull. The business started up in September 2007 and is located in Stirling Business Centre.

Affinity Training Opened new premises at Laurelhill Business Park in October 2007 with assistance from Stirling Council’s property search team. The company provides health and social care training courses.

Taleka Recently opened new premises in Laurelhill Business Park, Stirling, the company specialises in delivering training and consultancy for users and system administrators of Interactive Phone Trader (IPT) implementations.

Prestige Valeting Classic and sport car specialists involved in a wide range of cosmetic repairs and vehicle graphics. The business was started up in May 2007 and is located in IMEX Business Centre.

KIT-OUT the Park KIT-OUT the Park aims to encourage the uptake of the latest technological developments by small to medium sized businesses in the tourism sector within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area.

Businesses can receive help to improve their performance, develop new products and increase their competitive edge through the adoption and integration of technology in 5 key sectors. These are: l IT & Communication l Business Process Improvement l Food technology l Green tourism and use of renewable energy l Sustainable buildings and construction methods.

Using a variety of technologies developed within Glasgow Caledonian University, businesses will be able to adopt and integrate the technology into their own operations, helping them to compete effectively and to improve their performance. Expert advice

and support from a number of tourism and technology experts is available to help develop business ideas.

In some circumstances, feasibility study grants are available for sustainable projects.

Janice Hawick, Director of ‘Can

show these on the website in the future”

You Experience’ was able to describe how her business had

Although focused principally on businesses operating in the tourism sector, tourism related businesses, such as suppliers, can also become involved.

The KIT-OUT the Park programme is funded for three years through SEEKIT & ERDF and will run until 2010. Glasgow Caledonian University is delivering the programme in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire and Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley.

been able to benefit from the support and expertise available through the programme.

The projects’ website, which was launched in September, www.

KIT-OUT the park recently ran a Technology showcase at Cameron House, where scientists and researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) were able to demonstrate new technologies and some of their applications to delegates representing businesses located within the National Park.

kit-out.org, allows businesses to register their interest in obtaining assistance on line.

Full details of how KIT -OUT the Park operates can be found on the website or by contacting Derek Gallaher (Project Manager) on 0141 331 8447, email derek.gallaher@ gcal.ac.uk ; or Abu-Zar Aziz (Project Officer) on 0141 331 8482, email Abu-Zar.Aziz@gcal.ac.uk

Derek Gallaher, Project Manager said, “My team can respond quickly to such enquiries. We have also been asking GCU scientists and researchers what technologies they want to promote. We hope to be able to

New Scottish Government Economic Strategy The Scottish Government launched a new Government Economic Strategy in November 2007 The strategy sets out the Government’s purpose, strategic objectives and priorities to support the sustainable growth of the Scottish economy.

The key purpose outlined in the strategy is: ‘to focus the Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.’ Growth is to be delivered through increased productivity, participation and population and a number of national targets have been set to monitor progress.

The strategy outlines five strategic objectives to meet the overall purpose outlined above. These are: l l

Wealthier & Fairer Safer & Stronger

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Smarter Greener

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Healthier

The strategy also outlines a number of priorities, which are recognised as being critical to sustainable economic growth. These are: l l

Learning, Skills & Well-being Infrastructure Development & Place

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l Equity Supportive Business Environment Effective Government

Stirling’s own local economic strategy, Making Stirling Work, is due to be updated in the near future and will be shaped by the new Government Economic Strategy.

Photograph courtesy of Scottish Parliament

The Government Economic Strategy can be accessed at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/11/12115041/0 www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Business profile

and Manager . ert, Store drea Kerr Rona Hulb ployee An m e r ce n e p Marks & S

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer’s re-designed store in Stirling was unveiled recently with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Store Manager, Rona Hulbert and her team. Andrea Kerr, who has worked for Marks & Spencer for over 40 years, cut the ribbon. The 46,900 sq ft store has been redeveloped under Marks & Spencer’s new signature style, improving the store through contemporary interior design, brighter lighting, spacious fitting rooms and easy to navigate walkways.

Marks & Spencer first opened its store in Port Street, a prominent

Redevelopment and the new layout of the

location at the heart of Stirling’s city centre, around 70 years ago.

store has increased space, creating wider

Store Manager, Rona Hulbert, worked with Andy Kennedy, Stirling Council’s City Centre Manager, to present a case for investment in the Stirling store to Marks & Spencer’s Director in charge of store development. Presentations to the Director highlighted the store’s strategic location, key information on the prosperity and economic growth of the Stirling area, information on the recent £1.8 million

customer choice including a bigger and better per una range in womenswear and improved childrenswear, lingerie, beauty and food departments. The café has also been extended and fresh bread is now baked on site.

investment in Stirling city centre, and other city centre developments,

Marks & Spencer is a key employer

such as the regeneration of Forthside and the construction of a

in the Stirling area, with a workforce

number of new schools in the area.

of around 200. Andy Kennedy, City

Rona Hulbert, Marks & Spencer Stirling Store Manager commented: “The redevelopment of the store has been an exciting time for us and both customers and staff are delighted with the final results.

Rona Hulbert, St ore Manager and celebrity ch ef Mark Blunos

Centre Manager, reports that: “Retailers have a critical role to play in providing quality services to local residents in Stirling and in attracting visitors to the city. We are delighted that Marks

Store opening hours are:

“Our fantastic new-look store brings a refreshing shopping experience

& Spencer has chosen to invest

to Stirling and we’re confident customers will enjoy their shopping

in their Stirling store and secure

Monday - Wed 9am – 6pm

trips even

a long-term future in the city of

more.”

Thursday

9am – 8pm

Stirling.”

Friday

9am – 6pm

Did you know?

30% of staff at Marks & Spencer’s store in Stirling have worked for the company for over 20 years.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

For more information on Marks & Spencer, please visit www. marksandspencer.com or phone 01786 450909. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Saturday Sunday

8.30am – 6pm 11am – 5.30pm

Stirling Economic Positioning Study Key recommendations for future strategies to develop Stirling’s business base include: Stirling Council and Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley (SEFV) commissioned an economic positioning study for the Stirling Council area in 2007. The study is intended to inform future economic strategies for the Stirling area and the direction of collaboration efforts with partners outside the Council area on key aspects of economic development. This will help Stirling make its contribution

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Recognition that business development activities, rather than sector or industrial development per se are important.

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Stirling should look to support several Scottish Enterprise priority industries, including construction, forestry and potentially energy.

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Stirling should exploit specific assets outwith an industry focus, most obviously around the University and Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP).

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Stirling needs to contribute effectively to the Scottish Enterprise tourism strategy, prioritising both activities via the National Park and Stirling City itself.

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Need to recognise the importance of high value business services and review their support requirements.

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Need to conceptualise environmental issues as a driver of change, both imposing costs and creating market opportunities.

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Explore niche development opportunities that could underpin longer term economic development, potentially around sports, the environment and science through SUIP.

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Stirling Council and partners could support local development through procurement opportunities that would enable SMEs to compete more effectively.

to the Government’s purpose of sustainable economic growth.

Final results from the Stirling Economic Positioning Study can be accessed on Stirling Council’s business research web-pages, www.stirling.gov.uk/projects Located at the heart of Scotland, Stirling is heavily influenced by the surrounding Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee city regions.

Stakeholders generally agree that Stirling should be selective in terms of economic development, e.g. collaborating with a range of partners in different areas on selected projects, for example working with partners in Glasgow and Perth & Kinross to tie in events in Stirling to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014 with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Ryder Cup in Perth & Kinross, or promoting Stirling as a business location to companies potentially relocating if the M74 extension goes ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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An application by KW Properties for a Class 1 retail development with associated car parking, servicing and landscaping (1,500 sq m retail) at Dickson of Dunblane, Dunblane.

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

The planning application submitted by Ogilvie Securities to develop an automotive recycling plant (5.0 Ha) at Bandeath Industrial Estate, has been withdrawn.

The application by City of Stirling Business Park Ltd to develop business space units (Class 4) and industrial units (Classes 5 and 6) including trade counter (7,897 sq m office, 7,617 sq m industrial/storage) on land at plots 13, 14 and 18, Craig Leith Road has now been approved.

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

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Special feature

Trading Standards – here to help The Trading Standards Service protects legitimate traders from competitors who fail to comply with relevant legislation as well as ensuring consumers are treated fairly by traders.

The Council has a statutory obligation to provide this service and we provide a wide variety of advice, talks and training sessions to businesses, community organisations and schools.

Inspections of traders’ premises are carried out to determine compliance with a variety of legislation such as metrology, safety issues, consumer credit, general pricing and misleading price indications. If there is non-compliance with the relevant legislation, comprehensive advice and assistance will be given to the business on how to comply with the necessary requirements.

As well as undertaking reactive work such as the investigation of criminal complaints, Trading Standards are increasingly moving to a proactive way of working through targeted project work. These projects are designed to address any identified trading practices, which are seen to be harmful to consumer/business interests.

If you would like more information about Trading Standards, our website has a wealth of information on topics such as trading law, service standards and latest news as well as lots of interesting and important advice for businesses. Our website address is www.stirling.gov.uk/tradingstandards

Online trading Greater use of the Internet in recent years has encouraged consumers to buy goods and services online. Part of Trading Standards’ duties is to enforce legislation, which applies to online trading. They also assist in maintaining a fair trading environment for consumers and traders.

Further Regulations are in place to cover consumer contracts where

Are you trading online?

Are you aware of information that must be detailed on your website to comply with the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002? These Regulations require the following information to be

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and consumer. The Distance Selling Regulations 2000 includes communication by leaflets, letters, order forms, catalogues, telephone, email, fax and television.

included on a website: l

there is no face-to-face communication between the supplier

Full company details (Name, a UK geographic address and an e-

In many cases the Regulations give consumers a seven-day period in

mail address).

which to cancel a contract. In order to cancel, the consumer should

Full terms and conditions (which are readily accessible, fair and meaningful).

notify the supplier in writing (preferably by recorded delivery) or by fax or email.

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A description of the goods and/or services being sold.

The time limits for cancellation are as follows:

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Pricing information (fully inclusive of any delivery charges, taxes,

For goods:

excise duty, etc).

For services: 7 working days after agreeing to purchase the service.

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7 working days after receiving the goods.

The different technical steps to follow to conclude a contract (so

Certain types of purchase are not cancellable, such as computer

that consumers are made aware of what the process will involve

software, which has been unsealed, financial services or

and the point at which they will commit themselves).

accommodation booked for particular dates. Also, the Regulations do

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Information about the availability, delivery and dispatch of goods.

not apply to business transactions.

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Clear complaints procedure and policy on returning goods.

For more information on online trading and regulations please

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Information about withdrawal/cancellation rights.

contact our Trading Standards Officers on 01786 443322.

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Consumer safety

PROFILE

Recent press reports have highlighted the important role Trading Standards officers can play in keeping unsafe products away from the market place.

Trading Standards Officer

Dangerous expanding toys, which were first identified as a problem a year ago following a routine visit to a local trader, resulted in a European wide rapid alert message. Over the last 12 months, the Trading Standards Service has also discovered:

Name: Brian Wilson Job Title: Trading Standards Officer, Stirling Council and Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards Service

Role: Helping to protect the interests of local consumers and businesses by enforcing a wide range of consumer protection legislation. This involves inspecting business premises, undertaking ‘mystery shopping’ exercises, conducting surveys and dealing with customer complaints.

Key Areas of Expertise: Provision of friendly, impartial advice and assistance to local businesses and consumers on: Product safety – checking and testing goods to see if they comply with safety standards (for example, toys, cosmetics and electrical equipment) Fair trading - checking that goods and services are described correctly (for example, second-hand cars or dvds) Metrology - examining and testing weights, measures and equipment used by traders (for example, petrol pumps and spirit measures) Quality - checking that feeding stuffs meet specific labelling and compositional requirements

Current Work Load: Brian deals with a range of queries from local businesses and consumers. One example is a recent query that came from a newly set up local sole trader who is producing dog biscuits.

The query resulted in Brian giving advice on the labelling required, requesting the trader register with Trading Standards as a manufacturer of pet food and submit a sample of the biscuits to the local agricultural analyst to check that the product complied with the legislation on feeding stuffs. All of this was done at no cost to the trader.

The last few months have been a busy time for Brian – he has had to advise local farmers about the need for them to complete a statement of compliance on feeding stuffs and send it to their local Trading Standards before January. This involved him giving a presentation at a recent Scottish Food Standards Agency seminar for farmers and writing to over six hundred farm premises in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire areas to advise them of what they will need to do this year to comply.

Brian is the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils’ appointed Lead Officer for Feeding Stuffs and attends meetings of the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee Feeding Stuffs subcommittee.

He is also Chair of the East of Scotland Quality Group, which has representatives from all eastern Scottish Trading Standards Services. These groups meet quarterly and aim to coordinate the enforcement and advice provided at Scotland level. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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Contaminated fuel

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Cancer causing room odorisers

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Dangerous teeth whitening kits

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Imitation food products

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Poisonous toothpaste

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Excessive lead in toys

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Coma inducing toy beads

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Faulty counterfeit games console chargers

Trading Standards Officers regularly carry out inspections to ensure that the toys and gifts on the shelves comply with the Toys Safety Regulations and are safe for our children to play with.

They carry out visual checks to look for the CE mark, name and address details of manufacturer or importer, sharp points or edges, loose facial features and small parts.

If they have concerns they have some toys tested by the public analyst for compliance.

Traders and consumers act as eyes and ears for Trading Standards by contacting the Service with any concerns they have about a particular toy or novelty item.

Even Santa Claus allows us into his Grotto every Christmas to look over the toys he supplies to children who visit him in the Thistle Centre over the festive period.

Ellen Keenan who organises the Grotto said ‘ I think its great that we can ask Trading Standards to come and have a look at our toys. We want to try to make sure the Grotto runs without any problems. And Trading Standards help us to check all the stock before it reaches the child. ’ It is not just Santa that asks for help from Trading Standards. We have provided many businesses in the Stirling Council area with advice and assistance on product safety, copyright, consumer credit and hallmarking.

Please get in touch with us if you would like any advice or assistance, we are here to help.

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Special feature

Photos courtesy of Stirling Library

Stirling Shore circa 1600. Artist: James Proudfoot

Stirling’s industrial history From the beginning…

Organised settlement in the Stirling area can be traced back to Roman times, with an inscription on the rock where the castle now sits indicating the presence of a Roman fort servicing the second legion. The defence properties and easy navigation of the river Forth made Stirling an ideal place for a community to grow and business to thrive.

By the Middle Ages the population had grown to several hundred and the town had developed a regional market. The bridge over the river, initially built from wood was replaced in 1415 with the stone “Auld Brig” reinforcing Stirling’s accessibility and confirming its trading importance.

Early Industry…

Early industry in Stirling was mostly based around weaving wool and the development of a small port fuelled trade with small ships sailing up the Forth to dock in Stirling. At its height the port had 22 ships registered, 20 of which were involved in coastal trading and the other two in foreign trade.

Stirling’s population and economy grew over the 16th and 17th centuries, increasing in size to around 1,500 people. Emerging buildings and infrastructure included the Mars Wark (work) built in 1572 by the Earl of Mar, Cowanes Hospital built with money left by John Cowane, a merchant who died in 1633, and the Argyll’s Lodging built around 1630 by William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling and founder of Nova Scotia.

90% of all the tartan made in the world!

In addition Stirling industries served the surrounding district with consumables such as coal, copper, beer, bricks and leather.

Enhancing infrastructure Stirling was connected to the railway network in the 1840s. By 1881, the railways were serving a population of 14,000 in Stirling. In 1890 the Forth Rail Bridge opened stealing Stirling’s title of the lowest river crossing over the Forth. Other buildings and infrastructure introduced in Stirling in the 19th century included the National Wallace Monument, completed in 1869, the introduction of horse drawn trams, the opening of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in 1874 and the opening of the Old Arcade in 1882.

The railways allowed the development of Stirling as a tourist ‘gateway to the highlands’ and Sir Robert Abercrombie, recognising the growing number of people visiting the Trossachs, developed Bridge of Allan as a spa resort. The first well-to-do commuters moved to Stirling in the late 19th century, wanting to live in an attractive scenic area but travel to work in Glasgow by train. No change there then!

Recent industrial history By 1901, Stirling’s population had grown to over 18,000. Industry in the early 20th century included mining,

Well established as a thriving market town in the 18th century, Stirling’s population had grown to around 4,000. Key industries were still based around traditional wool weaving, including carpet weaving, cotton weaving and tartan weaving – Bannockburn supplied

10

STIRLING EYE

Did you know?

Focus on the local economy

g Library

in tesy of Stirl

Photo cour

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Stirling’s name is derived from the word Striveling, meaning place of strife, relating to early battles over Stirling’s hill fort.

spinning, construction, printing and manufacturing. Some key businesses in 1909 included the Polmaise and Bandeath Collieries, Rockvale Spinning Mill, Robert Anderson & Sons building contractors, St. Ninians Well Brewery, Bannockburn Hosiery Company, The Stirling Gas-Light Company and the Grampian Motor Co. at Causwayhead.

During the 1920s, the town Council built housing to tackle the slums and deprivation in Raploch and Riverside and during the 1930s, the Council focused on tackling high unemployment. Following World War II, efforts were focused on urban regeneration.

Stirling University was built in the 1960s, taking in its first students in 1967. The University, built on the scenic Airthrey estate, currently has around 9,000 students from 80 different countries. The University has developed key strengths in social sciences, sport, acquaculture, marketing, business management and environmental studies.

Stirling’s economy developed predominantly into knowledge and service sectors in the late 20th century. Key service sectors were business and financial services, including companies such as Prudential and the MacFarlane Gray Group, public sector services, retail and personal services. These are still important today. Emerging sectors at that time were knowledge, creative and high technology industries, with many high-tech small to medium sized businesses attracted to Stirling University Innovation Park.

As Stirling continued to grow during the 20th century, a range of infrastructure was developed to service the expanding

There are a number of businesses in Stirling who have been trading in the area for over 100 years. Some of these include J. D. Smith & Sons

interior designers (established 1908), McArees & Brothers quality outfitters and haberdashers (established 1878) and the Golden Lion Hotel (established 1786).

Cost of Living – Average Prices

population. Infrastructure included the opening of Stirling’s first cinema in 1912 with a new multi-complex cinema in the city centre opening in January 2008, the opening of the Thistles Shopping Centre in 1977, and the opening of Stirling Royal Infirmary in 1974 – now dated, it is due to be replaced by a state of the art hospital in Larbert in 2009.

Loaf of Bread Pint of Milk House Pint of Beer (Bitter)

1900 3d = 1.25p 1½d =.06p £200 2d = 0.8p

1950 6d = 2.05p 5d = 2.01p £2,000 9d = 3.30p

Did you know?

2007 85p 40p £174,858 £2.20

The output of coal in Stirlingshire during 1879 was 967,855 tons

Paint the town and celebrate!

Business space was also developed to meet the demands of the expanding economy, including Castle Business Park, which opened in 1995, Stirling University Innovation Park, first developed in the 1980s and Springkerse Industrial Estate. Stirling Enterprise Park (STEP) was established in 1984 and provides a range of modern flexible business space as well as business units in the former John Player Cigarette Factory.

J.D. Smith & Sons, a local, family run interior design studio and decorator’s merchant are celebrating their Harvey and Forbes Smith, J.D. Smith & Sons centenary this year. The business was established in Stirling in 1908, and they look forward to continuing well into the 21st century.

J.D. Smith & Sons was founded by Joseph Dunbar Smith in 1908 as a painting and decorating firm. Over the years succeeding generations have shaped the business to suit changing times, including at various stages, a fine art dealership and a coachworks service.

The business is currently run by Harvey and Forbes Smith, the great grandsons of the founder. Based in Stirling at their premises in Castle Road, Causewayhead, the business continues to offer high quality decorating services, and recent years have seen an increased focus on interior design. The business has one of the largest selections of wall coverings and fabrics in Central Scotland, and an equally wide range of paints backs this up, with colours mixed on site to meet individual customer needs.

Stirling today Since gaining city status in 2002, Stirling’s population and economy have continued to grow and the population of the city is now more than 41,000. Stirling’s industrial base is still concentrated largely within the tourism, financial and business services, construction and public sectors, with key employers including Stirling Council, Prudential, NHS Forth Valley, Forth Electrical Services Ltd and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The links with Stirling go beyond the business. Frank Smith, son of Joseph Dunbar Smith, was a founder and chairman of Stirling Albion Football Club. His son, Forbes senior was a regular Stirling County player. Harvey and Forbes also played for County and Forbes continues to coach the under 18’s.

The Guildry in essence took the role of Stirling’s first town Council. It is thought the Guildry’s roots go back as far as the early 1100s, and records show that in 1226, King Alexander 2nd granted Stirling a royal charter approving the setting up of a weekly market.

As well as running the town, the Guildry were responsible for these markets and ensured that the goods sold met acceptable standards.

Photo courtesy

The Guildry of Stirling

of Stirling Librar

y

With four generations committed to Stirling both through business, and personal involvement, J.D. Smith & Sons look set to take the first successful steps towards a second century of serving Stirling and its people.

Manual workers were forbidden from the Guildry by law. Guildry members made their wealth through entrepreneurship and professions such as medicine and law. In a time before investment banks, it was common for businessman of the day to buy a share in a trading ship before it left port in the hope it returned safely filled with goods to sell for profit. In 1808 the Guildry were instrumental in pushing for the establishment of a Customs house in the port of Grangemouth, allowing goods to be cleared faster than they would have using the existing Custom house in Bo-ness. Some of these goods were then transported to Stirling via the river Forth, while others were transported by road.

The Town Council Acts of 1833 and 1848 removed the Guildry’s power, in favour of councillors elected by the citizens of the Stirling area. The Stirling Guildry exists today and actively works to promote the Stirling area as well as sponsoring many projects designed to reward achievement in young people, including a History Prize donated to the seven High Schools in the Stirling Council Area.

More information on the Guildry can be found by visiting www.stirling.gov.uk/guildry www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

11

Special feature Tel: 01786 448333 Email: info@suip.co.uk

www.suip.co.uk

Park plans for new era of innovation Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) has just celebrated its ‘coming of age’ after 21 years in existence.

However there was no popping of champagne corks to mark the occasion – rather a hard-nosed look at meeting the challenges of future success.

BENCHMARK How do you measure SUIP’s success?

A simple benchmark could be the 45 companies employing 500 people based on its picturesque campus.

But much more has gone into making the Innovation Park one of the most attractive locations for young, dynamic companies and organisations with ambition to grow.

A world class setting for the Park’s 10,200 sq m of high quality accommodation is the building block for a truly inspirational environment complemented by excellent conference facilities and administrative support.

An ethos of client care excellence and support extends to offering tenant companies a series of monthly surgeries offering advice on areas of business support while Monthly Lunch & Learn events encourage networking among Park businesses.

The recipe for SUIP’s success doesn’t end there. Locating on the Innovation Park provides access to a dynamic, collaborative community extending beyond the campus and Stirling University to other universities and companies.

FUNDING A range of business development support, available to SME companies across Scotland, is managed by SUIP. This service offers access to funding through a variety of sources from government agencies to business angels.

The SCoPE for success The inability to source a few thousand pounds can prevent an innovative business idea becoming a reality.

Without the funds a crucial feasibility study, a proposed collaboration or early research can collapse and a potential commercial winner consigned to the dustbin before it can be properly evaluated.

The tiny margin between success and disappointment is why the SCoPE Awards exist - to help bridge the small but crucial gap.

The SCoPE Awards are designed to fund project activities promoting innovation and knowledge transfer into companies from public sector research organisations such as universities.

The Awards, financed with Scottish Government SEEKIT and ERDF funding, are distributed through the Scottish Collaboration and Innovation Programme (SCIP) based at Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) and accept applications from SME’s across Scotland.

They provide discretionary contributions to projects of up to £5000 excluding VAT. Individuals or organisations demonstrating a firm commitment to forming a company can also apply.

Projects seeking funding must include a public sector partner such as a university, college, NHS Trust or research institute. In cases where a public sector partner has still to be identified the SCIP management team can assist in finding one through its extensive network of contacts.

Visit www.suip.co.uk/SCIP.aspx and click on SCoPE Award Scheme for further information and how to submit an application.

12

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

COLLABORATION In 2004 SUIP became a centre for the Scottish Collaboration and Innovation Programme (SCIP) which promotes innovation through collaboration and knowledge transfer between business, industry, academia and other public sector research organisations.

It is also home to the Sporting Chance Initiative (SCI) a collaborative project facilitating the development of sports technology. SUIP’s Medi Sport Convergence Centre also exploits the strong links between medicine and sport.

As with any ambitious business SUIP realise that standing still is not an option in the rapidly changing environment of the 21st century.

A strategy has been devised to ensure continued success by focussing on attracting companies engaged in developing leading edge products in people-centred healthcare, the environmental science and sports technology.

DETERMINATION SUIP’s determination to meet the challenges of the 21st century was further underlined by the recent commissioning of a masterplan that will act as blueprint for the potential expansion of the Innovation Park – almost trebling its size.

Stirling University Innovation Park is much more than a business property proposition. It is a truly ‘connected’, dynamic enterprise environment matching he ambition of its tenants.

Dr Magnus Nicolson, Chief Executive of young life sciences company, EctoPharma, which recently located on the Park endorsed the SUIP ethos: “We wanted to be part of a dynamic bio-science environment. The location is ideal, offering the quality of facilities required in an outstanding setting.”

Taking a Sporting Chance The Sporting Chance Initiative (SCI) harnesses innovative technology and commercial ideas to boost sporting achievement and create winners on and off the track.

Launched in 2006 with Scottish Government and ERDF support, SCI (www. sportingchanceinitiative.co.uk) has been successfully developed by the team at Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP).

The Initiative’s objective is to facilitate knowledge transfer between technology research and sport, creating a smart sports community bringing all the essential technological and sporting ingredients to the commercial starting line.

SCI has established an interactive forum with over 200 participants from diverse organisations and backgrounds. The forum provides the framework for business or professional activity, encouraging collaboration in creating innovative products and services for sporting applications.

Several projects have already received the backing of SCI including a dynamic and powerful athletic training programme developed by The Fit ZoneTM and a simple but effective method for the dietary delivery of nutrients jointly developed by Giltech Ltd and Dalriada Products Ltd. Membership of the Sporting Chance Initiative is free and open to any SMEs, Large/Multinational Companies, Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), Sports Organisations, coaches and athletes that are willing to explore and support the commercial applications of technologies for sport.

Providing the power to succeed Xipower is a business involved in developing energy management and monitoring technologies to optimise the performance of rechargeable batteries, super-capacitors and fuel cells. The business was established in 2003 and moved to Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) in January 2007.

Chief Executive Gary Macdonald reports that Xipower chose to locate at SUIP partly due to SUIP’s understanding of research and innovation needs – for example, they were happy for Xipower to build a lab into their offices at the Park.

Gary, reports: “SUIP is in an ideal location, providing easy access for people visiting Xipower, with excellent public transport links. SUIP is also very competitively priced in comparison to other technology and innovation hubs in the central belt.”

SUIP has provided Xipower with a range of advice and sign posting, including introduction to the University’s marketing department, advice on the process for taking on a technology student from another university and an introduction to a large US multi-national company, who are now looking at Xipower’s intellectual property.

Stirling University’s marketing department, the second largest in the UK, conducted research on marketing opportunities for Xipower’s technology. The company has since drawn on the conclusions of this work to compile its marketing strategy.

Gary reports that Xipower wants to stay within the Forth Valley area when it expands, due to the location and the excellent assistance it has received through Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley. This has included grant assistance for developing new technology plus marketing, innovation and business support.

If you would like to find out more about why Xipower chose to locate at SUIP or find out more about the company, please phone 01786 470598, email info@xipower.com or visit www.xipower.com www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

13

Business space developments While the proportion of available office floorspace in Stirling remains strong, there are still concerns over the availability of industrial floorspace.

extending in total to approximately 24

Artist’s impression

hectares (60 acres). Key use of business

of Balfron Centre

space in the Park includes light industrial, office and car showrooms. The Park has been developed by City of Stirling Business Parks Ltd, a public/private joint venture between Stirling Council and the Valad Development Group (formerly Scarborough Development Group). Occupiers include Barbour European Ltd, Clyde Insulation Ltd

Occupancy levels at Broadleys remains

Evans on 0131 229 3800, email mike.

lease. New build developments on the Park include Crest Business Centre, Kings Court

The graph also shows that Stirling experienced a dip in the supply of available office property between March 2005 and March 2006, but that office floorspace has since increased, primarily due to two new office buildings coming on stream at Castle Business Park, which extend to around 5,066 sq m in total.

Stirling also has a fairly tight retail property market. In September 2007 only eight per cent of retail property in the Stirling area was available on the market, in comparison to the 14 per cent average for Scotland as a whole.

Broadleys Business Park is situated within a serviced and landscaped environment

14

STIRLING EYE

ryden.co.uk or Mike Irvine of Montagu irvine@montagu-evans.co.uk or Peter l’Anson of Rydens on 0131 225 6612, email peter.ianson@ryden.co.uk .

and Imex Business Centre. Sandy Falconer of property letting agent J&E Shepherd, reports that a recently marketed unit at 7 Glen Tye Road, Broadleys (430 sq m/4,636 sq ft) is now under offer, highlighting healthy levels of demand for modern light industrial accommodation in Stirling.

Balfron Situated in the heart of rural Stirling, Balfron Community Futures Development Trust have obtained planning consent for land and buildings at and to the North of Buchanan Street, Balfron.

As well as a small business centre providing 6-7 offices the proposals include flexible community open space suitable for group activities, meetings, and exhibitions. As part of the proposals there will also be improved public space, parking and access to the site from Buchanan Street.

Imex Business Centre

To find out more, please contact Peter

The remaining sizeable building plots within

Craig (Balfron Community Futures

the Park are all subject to development

Development Trust) on 01360 440053,

proposals. These include:

email pinoke@hotmail.co.uk

l

Plots 18 and 13/14 – 14,420 sq m (155,250 sq ft) of business (class 4) and

Broadleys Business Park, Stirling Broadleys Business Park is located to the South East of Stirling city centre and is in close proximity to the A91 Stirling Eastern distributor road, providing access to the Junction 9 interchange. Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are within an hours drive and Stirling’s mainline station is only a few minutes from the Park.

please contact Neil McAllister of Ryden on 0131 225 6612, email neilmcallister@

(3,870 sq ft) of existing accommodation for

The graph shows how Stirling compares to Scotland. While available industrial floorspace in Stirling increased between March 2007 and September 2007, there was not a corresponding increase in actual units, with the increase mostly due to the additional supply of one or two larger units.

Demand for industrial units continues to outstrip supply.

speculative developments at Broadleys,

and Audi and Volkswagen showrooms.

high with only approximately 360 sq m Source: Scottish Property Network

To discuss opportunities in relation to

l

Laurelhill Business Park, Stirling

light industrial (classes 5 and 6) space,

Laurelhill Business Park, overlooking the

including some with trade counters. The

Kings Park, is situated near Stirling city

first phase of the new development,

centre. The Park consists of four distinctive

comprising 2,789 sq m (30,000 sq ft) of

modern office buildings, each occupied by

industrial space and 1,867 sq m (20,100

a range of businesses including Scottish

sq ft) of business space is expected to

Enterprise Forth Valley (Laurel House),

commence in early 2008, with interest

Assessor for Central Scotland (Hillside

already being expressed from prospective

House), Gladedale (Kings Park House) and

occupiers.

Ceteris (Springfield House).

A planning application for a bespoke

Serviced office provision in the Park is well

distribution unit and associated offices

catered for by Ceteris who have been letting

extending to approximately 2,850 sq m

and managing Springfield House extending

(30,675 sq ft) has been submitted for Plot 17.

to approximately 1,400 sq m (15,000 sq ft)

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Getting the most out of your CCTV! Closed Circuit Television is one of the most popular security measures that business owners look to for help, but not all CCTV systems are built the same.

There is a plethora of systems on the market and a vast array of technical backup to go with them. Knowing what to purchase and how to get the most out of your system is a challenge to everyone. since they acquired the building from the developer, Robertson Construction in 2001.

Office suites at Springfield House are let on an all inclusive basis on flexible tenancy agreements for a minimum period of 3 months. Suites can also be customised to suit incoming occupiers requirements.

The Forth Valley CCTV Partnership is made up of Central Scotland Police, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils and as a public body it is not interested in trying to “sell” you anything, but only to make sure that your system is “fit for purpose.”

Forth Valley CCTV Partnership offers an impartial free advice service which can help businesses identify which system best suits their need. Through helping identify issues such as the purpose for a system, the location of a system, the users of a system and on-going support for a system, Sgt. Malcolm Strachan can offer helpful advice and help identify a system which best meets your needs. He can also offer advice to make sure your system is correctly registered with the Information Commissioner and maintained, allowing images to be used in a prosecution.

There are lots of suppliers of security systems and many sales people push businesses to acquire particular makes. However, not all systems are suitable to each businesses needs and images from some systems are not compatible with court systems, legally obtained or of sufficient quality to be used in prosecutions.

Springfield House, Laurelhill Business Park

With flexibility being the key this approach continues to pay dividends with Ceteris’s Property Manager, Angela Ogilvie, confirming that occupation over the last year has averaged close to 98%. Angela also highlights that Allen Gordon & Co. have signed up to approximately 130 sq m (1,400 sq ft) of space for their consulting civil and structural engineering practice in Stirling having offices already in Perth and Inverness. This letting also reaffirms the benefits of Stirling’s central location.

The Partnership, in working with local Community Safety Groups, has realised the value in knowing where CCTV systems are located and, through licensing boards, has begun the process of mapping the location of private commercial CCTV. With recent events across the UK the police are realising the importance of knowing where commercial CCTV cameras are and are looking to create a map of CCTV systems that would, in the event of a major incident, allow them to search all local CCTV for evidence. This will benefit business owners as well. Just as in the past “Neighbourhood Watch” was promoted to encourage residential neighbours to keep an eye out for their areas, a CCTV map would allow businesses to keep an eye out for each other in areas such as industrial estates and shopping centres.

If you are interested in using the free CCTV consultation service, please contact Sergeant Malcolm Strachan through the Police Call Centre at 01784 456000.

Sgt. Malcolm Strachan

Stirling Retail Capacity Study & Household Surveys Stirling Council and SEFV are currently undertaking research to ascertain information on the retail development needs of the population of the Stirling area. This includes surveying local people on their shopping habits as well as calculating likely demand and expenditure that may be available from a growing population.

This study will explore the type of retailing, the amount, and the appropriate strategic locations for any future retail floorspace for the

To discuss future opportunities at

Stirling area. The aim will be to reduce retail expenditure leakage to

Springfield House, Angela Ogilvie of Ceteris

other centres outwith the area, and to provide growing communities

can be contacted on tel. 01259 720101 or

within Stirling access to better retail facilities.

email aogilvie@ceteris.co.uk . www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

15

Partners in crime... prevention Are you a city centre retailer? If so, you could be eligible for a free business crime prevention survey through a partnership between Safer Cities and the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan.

As trainees at the Scottish Police College have to learn how to conduct retail crime prevention surveys as part of Community Safety Training, the Police College approached Safer Cities in 2005 to see if they could identify city retailers who might benefit from a from a free business crime prevention survey.

The business crime prevention survey includes a comprehensive review of every aspect of retail crime prevention, from cash handling and personal safety, to physical security such as roller shutters, etc. Following on from the survey, businesses are sent a confidential written report, which includes detailed recommendations on crime prevention. The monetary value of the free survey is in the region of £1,500 - £2,000.

33 city retailers have received free crime prevention surveys to date, including larger retailers such as TESCO, B&Q, Marks & Spencer and BHS, as well as smaller retailers such as Outside Now, Millets and McArees Brothers.

While it is entirely up to the business whether or not they implement survey recommendations, a recent evaluation of implementation found that participating businesses had implemented a range of changes. These have included: making

locks on rear doors of premises more secure, investing in number coded locks, locking keys in safes, changing store layout, such as reducing heights of displays to ensure clear sight lines, and varying store cash drop offs.

To date, over 90% of participant businesses said that they found the survey very useful and 100% said that they would recommend a crime prevention survey to other retailers.

Keith Ewing, owner of Outside Now reports: ‘’Having a survey carried out was an excellent opportunity to receive first class crime prevention advice. Our security overall was very good, but the survey highlighted a couple of area’s where we could improve

Keith Ewing, owner of Outside Now

and we immediately responded to the recommendations made. Overall, it was a very worthwhile exercise.’’

To find out more about the possibility of having a free business crime prevention survey conducted of your business, please contact Peter Walker (Safer Cities Programme Co-ordinator) on 01786 443137 or email walkerp@stirling.gov.uk

Developing enterprise in the Trossachs Trossachs Enterprise & Rural Mentoring Scheme (TERMS) has now launched its own dedicated website, which can be accessed by visiting www.ruralmentoring.co.uk . The website is intended to make the mentoring project even more accessible to residents within the Trossachs and Callander area.

TERMS is a pilot project aimed at supporting start up and rural businesses throughout the Trossachs area and inspiring young people to think about going into business. Mentors are drawn from the local business community and have first hand experience of running rural businesses. They can share their experience of getting started and developing their business, to help support people who contact the project to develop their own business in the Trossachs area.

The mentors can provide support to help people do things for themselves, by using different tasks and ways of thinking to get people motivated.

The New LEADER Programme for rural Forth Valley and Lomond The proposed Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER development strategy plan was submitted in November to the Scottish Government as part of the area’s bid for European funding for rural development.

The two themes selected for this area are ‘Revitalising Communities’ and ‘Conservation of the Rural Environment’. The whole of the Stirling Council area outwith the Stirling City boundary is now eligible.

Whilst the outcome of the bid is expected by January 2008, with the programme opening to applications in March 2008, business associations and community groups may wish to start making preparations just now for the kind of activities they would like to use the funding for.

Projects will be encouraged that ensure sustainable local services, develop community assets, support sustainable local enterprise, celebrate Forth Valley and Lomond’s culture, sensitively develop the built environment, connect businesses and communities to natural assets, improve the environment, ensure sensitive access for all, or help understand the area’s natural heritage.

For more detail, and to download copies of the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Development Strategy, check out www.fvl.org.uk

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Scottish Rural Development Plan - support for rural businesses The new Rural Development Plan for Scotland (20072013), approved in December 2007, is of particular interest to rural businesses. For the first time, nonlandbased businesses are included under support through ‘Axis 3’, which is “Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity”.

Details of individual schemes are not yet available, but micro-enterprises, tourism activities,

Film set for Scene, Stirling Thistles Centre car park

development of new products in renewable energy, provision of rural services and training are measures that will be supported.

A Regional Project Assessment Committee (RPAC) has just been set up for the Forth region, which includes representation from Scottish Enterprise, the National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage. The RPAC has responsibility for setting the priorities for this area, and then ensuring that projects fit with these priorities. A workshop on this was organised at the end of November, which gave other agencies and interested parties the opportunity to influence these priorities, and as Stirling Eye goes to press we await the final version. For more information contact the Rural Affairs Executive at Stirling Council ketteridgea@stirling.gov.uk

Copyright © RossCumming@aol.com

Promoting and developing quality events activity in Stirling

Stirling Council (Tourism, Marketing & Rural Development) and Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley recently ran an Event and Festivals Skills Programme for local organisations. The two-day programme was targeted at local and regional event organisers involved in organising sporting and cultural events within Stirling and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area, such as the City of Stirling Rugby 7s, Callander Jazz and Blues Festival and Stirling Highland Games.

Practical aftercare support was also provided to participants by a professional event organiser.

The aim of the training was to increase local capacity in the area of event development and delivery. The programme was focused on producing an event business plan covering concept, competitor analysis, marketing, funding and risk assessment. Key organisations making use of the training were: l

The Aberfoyle Traders Association;

l

Stirling Tourism Association; and

l

Stirling Rugby Club. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Filming The Stirling area has continued to attract a number of film and TV productions, in what is traditionally a slow time for location filming in Scotland.

Over December and January, filming has taken place on a new feature film, Running in Traffic, in various parts of Stirling and Falkirk. The film by Dabhand Films is the company’s first feature and is a gritty, urban, character-based drama set in Glasgow over a time frame of 3 weeks. The production has some very exciting new and established talent working on both sides of the camera.

Previous work by the company includes the short film ‘Scene’, which has been described by many leading Scottish industry professionals as the most original and best executed Scottish short film in many years.

The short, which was filmed entirely in the Stirling Thistles Centre car park, earned writer and principal actor Bryan Larkin the prestigious BAFTA Scotland Award for ‘Best First Time Performance’, there are therefore high expectations for ‘Running in Traffic’.

Although a Glasgow-based company, several of the cast and crew are from Stirling and Falkirk and were keen to keep as much of the filming as possible in the Forth Valley area.

Other filming in the area has included a series for the Discovery Channel on housecats and filming for the ‘The One Show’, a topical magazine programme broadcast weekdays at 7pm on BBC One. For more information on locations or to register your property as a potential location, contact Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film Liaison Executive on 01786 442535 or email montgomerycc@stirling .gov.uk

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

17

Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population

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

Total Population

86,160

86,200

86,150

86,370

86,370

86,930

87,810

1.9%

1.1%

Working Age Population

54,058

53,771

53,501

53,667

53,268

53,588

54,310

1.3%

2.3%

Total Number of Households

35,206

35,544

35,961

36,454

36,658

36,958

37,164

1.3%

2.3%

and

Households

Source: General Register Office for Scotland

Unemployment Rate

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

Stirling Scotland

76.0 75.5 75.0 74.5 74.0

Stirling Scotland

4.0 Unemployment rate

Employment rate

76.5

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

2004/2005

0.0

2006/2007

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

November 2000

November 2007

Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)

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

Change % Change Stirling

40,600

Scotland Source:

42,100

41,300

40,900

42,800

45,600

46,400

5,800

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

14% 6%

Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

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

Change % Change Starts Stirling

449

534

460

452

474

25

5.6%

Scotland

18,518

21,468

20,808

21,383

23,468

4,950

26.7%

Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers

Business Survival Rates

3 Year Survival Rate - %

80 75 70 65 60

1999 2002 Year business registered for VAT

Source: Small Business Service

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STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

Stirling Scotland

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

Stirling Scotland

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

Figure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rates

Business Density

400 300 200 100 0

2000

2006

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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

Stirling – Number

Stirling - %

Scotland - %

280 215 3,210

8.7% 6.7% -

8.6% 6.7% -

VAT Registrations VAT De-registrations Stock at start of year

Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)

Industry

Occupational Distribution

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2006

Figure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2006

Employment

by Industrial Sector, %

Occupational Distribution of all those who are in Employment, %

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Qualifications

Visitors to the Stirling Area

% of working age population

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

SVQ Level 4+ No qualifications

Figure 12: Tourism Revenue, Tourist Days and Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area 2005 2006 Tourism Revenue (£’s millions)

375.57

373.02

4,314,100

4,366,600

Argyll’s Lodging

47,045

54,054

Bannockburn Heritage Centre

72,331

65,871

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

366,925

402,701

National Wallace Monument

128,849

119,526

Tourist Numbers (including day visitors)

Stirling

Old Town Jail

31,533

27,328

Stirling Castle

391,111

385,755

43,529

44,264

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Scotland

Source: Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Model and Visit Scotland

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

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

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2002-2007 % Change

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

£425.9 £369.3 £376.4 £371.7

£428.4 £381.8 £377.8 £381.3

£419.7 £390.6 £390.1 £390.4

£455.3 £409.8 £382.6 £408.6

£472.1 £427.9 £419.3 £428.1

£478.9 £441.0 £434.2 £441.5

12.4% 15.0% 18.5% 14.6%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

STIRLING EYE

Focus on the local economy

19

Enhancing existing business relationships The Government wants Council’s more involved in local economic development, enhancing existing relationships with businesses. Suggestions from organisations like the CBI, FSB and Chamber of Commerce that Council’s couldn’t do local development prompted contact with the FSB who are the key representative body in the area. They have been asked how the business community

can best express their views to the Council.

on 01786 443172, email fortuneb@stirling.gov.uk

As an example, it might be possible to organise a series of open forums at suitable venues, such as the new cinema at Forthside, between the business community and representatives of the Council. We would welcome your thoughts or suggestions and in the first instance, please contact Bill Fortune

Meanwhile Stirling Council is writing to businesses in the area seeking support for

further development of the successful Business Panel as the mechanism for primary research on the issues affecting the business community.

Forthcoming events/training February 2008 6th, full day – Stirling – Beginners Access (£75) – STEP 8th, full day – Alloa – Beginners Excel (£75) – CETERIS l 14th, full day – Alloa – Intermediate Word (£75) – CETERIS l 15th, half day – Stirling – Selling on E-Bay (£35) – STEP l 20th, full day – Alloa – Reception Skills (£75) – CETERIS l 21st, full day – Stirling – Intro To Photoshop (£75) – STEP l 27th, full day – Alloa – Leadership & Teambuilding (£75) – CETERIS l 27th, 9am - 1pm – Stirling University Innovation Park – Protecting your IP including software in conjunction with UK Intellectual Property Office. Contact events@suip.co.uk or visit www.suip.co.uk/ Events.aspx for information or to register. l

Stirling gets festive Stirling’s Get Festive campaign this year brought together key events taking place during Christmas and New Year and was developed in partnership with the Stirling Brand, Stirling Council and the Thistles. Events included the Christmas lights switch on, the Thistles Santa Procession, Christmas Farmers’ Market, St Andrews Day celebrations, Real Reindeer visits, Christmas at the Castle and Hogmanay.

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

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

l

March 2008 4th, full day – Stirling – Web Design (£75) – STEP 5th, full day – Stirling – Intro to Dream Weaver (£75) – STEP l 6th, 9am to 4.30pm – Airth – Young Professionals Event: Logistics. Contact 01536 740104, email membership@ciltuk.org.uk quoting reference SR047. l 12th – Clydebank – Conquering Clinical Challenges Together – Convergent Technologies Showcase & Conference. View www.suip. co.uk/Eventsaspx for more information. l 12th, full day – Stirling – Intermediate Access (£75) – STEP l 12th, full day – Stirling – Ethical Selling Skills (£75) – STEP l 14th, full day – Alloa – Intermediate Excel (£75) – CETERIS l 18th, full day – Alloa – Intro To Sage (£75) – CETERIS l 26th, full day – Alloa – Assertiveness/Confidence Building (£75) – CETERIS l l

April 2008 2nd, full day – Stirling – Beginners Word (£75) – STEP 3rd, full day – Alloa – Beginners Access (£75) – CETERIS l 9th, full day – Alloa – Desk Top Publishing using Publisher (£75) – CETERIS l 9th, full day – Stirling – Powerpoint/Presentation Skills 1 (£75) – STEP l 15th, half day – Alloa – Selling on E-Bay (£35) – CETERIS l 22nd, full day – Stirling – Beginners Excel (£75) – STEP l 23rd, full day – Alloa – Email and Internet (£75) – CETERIS l 25th, full day – Stirling – Reception Skills (£75) – STEP l 30th, full day – Stirling – Leadership and Teambuilding (£75) – STEP l l

CONTACTS STEP: Tel 01786 463416, email reception@stirling-enterprise.co.uk CETERIS: Tel 01259 726430, email kmanson@ceteris.co.uk

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