BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ISSUE 29 | August/September 2014 | £3
WWW.BWSLTD.CO.UK
ANTA and the Tartan Arts
chocolate with benefits VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
forthcoming awards
3
BUSINESS WOMEN
PROFILES
2nd October 2014 SAVE THE DATE
NUTRITION
& AMANDA HAMILTON
eight pages of expert advice
the live event when Business me et s Styl e. . .
Catch up with us at networking events in Glasgow and Aberdeen
HOW CONSISTENT IS YOUR PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL?
bws|dps WE ARE EXPERTS IN
DESIGN | PUBLICATION | PROMOTION MAKING THE PROCESS OF DESIGN FOR PRINT AND ONLINE A BREEZE
BRANDING | MAGAZINES | NEWSLETTERS | EBOOKS | EDITORIAL | COPY WRITING CORPORATE PUBLISHING | EMAIL MARKETING | EXHIBITION MATERIAL DESIGNERS, PUBLISHERS, PROJECT MANAGERS AND EDITORS PROVIDING A TAILORED SERVICE FOR EACH CLIENT, CREATING TARGETED PUBLICATIONS
BWS DESIGN & PUBLISHING t: 0141 332 8801 | e: info@bwsltd.co.uk
August/September 2014
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Welcome in this issue to the August/September edition of Business Women Scotland
A summer of fun and empowering people! The sun is out and what a summer it has been! In July, Glasgow did take centre stage, who would of thought that the Scottie dogs would be the big stars or little stars of the Commonwealth Games (apart for the athletes of course). Happy, smiley and some burnt faces, it has been a festival of fun! Instead of focusing on the negatives and dwelling on our anxieties that peck our brains at night we should train our brains to think happy and seek out all those things you desire but are too scared to do so! Entrepreneur and scientist Christine McGrory from Unlock the Key has built a business based on this theory. Why shouldn’t you have it all? She believes people are becoming more aware of how they can affect their own outcomes and more open to empowering their own development. Read more about Christine on pages 26/27. We welcome Amanda Hamilton, as a regular contributor to BWS. Amanda has many strings to her bow, tv presenter, nutritionist, author and mother. We have all been led to believe we should never skip breakfast, but is it the danger that we all think? Read her advice on pages 32/33. We are looking forward to hosting our first big live event in October. All the regular features in the magazine will be taken to a live show. Come along we would love to see you! For more information and the agenda for the ‘live event’ see pages 22/23. We now have a subscription service for BWS to ensure you never miss an edition. The next issue of BWS is October/November, ready for the live event. Please keep in touch, we love all your feedback! Lynne Kennedy Business Women Scotland Ltd | www.bwsltd.co.uk Tel: 0141 332 8801 | Email: Lynne@bwsltd.co.uk Managing Editor Lynne Kennedy, Email: lynne@bwsltd.co.uk Editor Beverley Brown, Email: info@bwsltd.co.uk Art Director Cate Sutton, Email: cate@bwsltd.co.uk Advertising Sales Liz Dixon, Email: liz@bwsltd.co.uk Email: adverts@bwsltd.co.uk Administration Donna Gallacher, Email: donna@bwsltd.co.uk Accounts Isabel Harland, Email: isabel@bwsltd.co.uk Cover image iQ CHOCOLATE CREATORS, Kate Hamilton and Jane Shandley Contributors Claire McBain Published by Business Women Scotland Limited Tel: 0141 332 8801, www.bwsltd.co.uk Independently owned and published by Business Women Scotland Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means whatsoever, without the express written permission of the publisher. The design of advertising copy produced without additional charge by our company remains the copyright property of Business Women Scotland Limited and may not be reproduced in any other publication without our express written permission. © All rights reserved by Business Women Scotland Limited.
05 06 09 10 13 14 15 16 19 20 22 23 25 28 29 32 34 36
Spotlight on Margot Paton… Interiors expert and founder of Chelsea Mclaine. Once upon a time…with Annie Stewart Managing director of ANTA. Ask the Expert…with Alison Welsh Director of Square Circle HR. Business News A round up of the latest business news. Ask the Expert …with Linda Gilbert Chartered Financial Planner with Munro Partnership. Latest News from Bre Homes for the future unveiled at BRE innovation park. Ask the Expert...with Gloria Murray Director of Murray Associates Accountants ltd. Female Friendly Hotels Ideal for the female business traveller. Ask the Expert – with Aileen Scott Partner at Campbell Dallas Accountants. Once upon a time…with Kate Hamilton and Jane Shandley Directors of iQ chocolate. Intro to VA Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA). BWS – ‘ the live show All you need to know about the show in October. Ask the Expert...with Gaynor Simpson PR and communications director with Radiate In conversation with…Mariessa Devlin Co founding director of Enchanted Forest Ask the Expert...with Kirstie Price Teacher and business woman at Kip McGrath. Nutrition...with Amanda Hamilton Should we be skipping breakfast? Food preparation...with Annie Stewart Recipes from Annie Stewart from ANTA. Fashion...the year of the homecoming Frasers Glasgow support young designers with pop up shops in store.
38
A day at...One Ten Sampling the delights of the new look One Ten Bar and Grill in Glasgow.
40 41 42 43
In the hot seat with Kasia Ojrzynska Top beauty tips for a skin protection. Ask Anne Anne Ferguson answers our haircare questions. The Index BWS Directory of businesses.. The next BWS network Bringing like minded women together
www.bwsltd.co.uk info@bwsltd.co.uk
3
Gifts for all occasions Find the perfect gift basket or hamper for a business gift, special occasion or just a thank you! Scottish Hampers is a unique gift for all occasions. The hampers are prepared and handpacked to the highest quality and only use the finest food products and gifts in the UK. Many of our food products are locally sourced from artisan producers in Ireland and the UK creating a truly bespoke hamper full of delicious gourmet food, which is second to none!
The Brammer
OUR PRODUCT RANGE
• • •
Build your own hampers Corporate hampers and gifts Over 70 hampers to choose from full of Scottish award winning foods
IT’S ALL THE IN THE DETAIL. Scottish Hampers are beautifully tailor made gift hampers/baskets – providing a more individual level of service.
COMPANY BRANDING
Scottish Smokie
We can customize your gift with personlised cards, company logos, gift tags and ribbons.
Come and see us on October 2nd at the BWS LIVE EVENT to see a selection of our products.
The Wee Stoater
Scottish Hampers Luxury Hampers & Gifts
www.scottishhampers.co.uk
Festival Fun For further information please contact Penny Heyes E: penny@scottishhampers.co.uk T: 07768 962 480 For other gift ideas, please visit our sister company
www.greatwineonline.co.uk
in the spotlight
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
SPOTLIGHT ON . . .
Chelsea Mclaine Margot Paton Founder of Chelsea Mclaine www.chelseamclaine.co.uk
Larsen fabrics can add real vibrancy to your room
Interiors expert, Margot Paton of Glasgow based Chelsea Mclaine uses her creative flair to answer your design dilemmas. Q: My favourite colour is lime green but my friends are cautioning me about over-using it my new lounge. What’s your view on letting a colour dominate? The key to great design is balance. There is no problem using a vibrant or dominant colour choice as long as you achieve a harmonious balance within the space you are redesigning. You can successfully introduce your choice of colour in your paint, fabric or wallpaper selection, introducing as much or as little of it as you feel works. We use many of Designers Guild products and, in fact, their ‘neutral’ colour is lime green and it is often found as trims on their throws or cushions, as flashes on fabrics or cool stripes in wallpapers. Or add a rug with lime highlights. Be brave and go green!
Q: Now my children are grown and out of the house, I want to transform what was a playroom into a dressing room. I’m jewellery-crazy and would love to incorporate jewels in some of the décor. Any suggestions? French fashion house, Christian Lacroix has inspired a wonderful range of fabrics and wallpapers for Designers Guild. Called Belles Rives, it includes one particular, stunning fabric, which draws inspiration from the jewellery collection of the late actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. The colours are wonderfully vibrant and you could use this for curtains, cushions or covering upholstery. The choice would be really effective, especially in a small space. Add some finishing touches with some of the beautiful jewel like tassels and trimmings currently available from Osborne & Little to complete the look.
Q: My boss wants individuality in his office design and layout and loves what he calls a ‘talking point’ in the room to help break down the barriers when he’s having meetings with new people. Anything out there I can suggest to him? Yes, absolutely and I’m liking his thought process. We recently discovered in France a wonderful range of sofas, covered in the most exquisite hand painted velvets. Each one is unique so in effect you’re buying a one-off work of art. When people sit on it they’ll love the look as well as the feel of a wonderfully comfortable sofa enveloping them.
Alessi Champagne bucket - the ideal gift for the bon viveur.
Hand-painted sofa - a unique masterpiece to enhance any home or office.
Q: I run a business with my siblings and we’ve decided to redesign our boardroom. We’re time precious so we need it done in three weeks with as little input from us as possible and so are opting to use an interior designer but not sure what to expect in terms of the process. Any insight? Saving time and minimising hassle are certainly two good reasons for opting to use an interior designer. Normally we’d meet the client on site, listen to their aims and ideas, discuss any vision they may have and then we’d revisit to present a mood board, outlining options and by tapping into our treasure trove of ideas, show our creative suggestions to create their dream space. Then we’d manage the actual makeover from start to finish. Working alongside our hand picked team of trusted contractors we can deliver your dream remodel project on time and within budget.
Q: I always think my house looks boringly beige and while I harbour a desire to go bolder, I’m nervous about making mistakes. Can you direct me please Any neutral palette can work well alongside a statement piece of furniture, printed or textured fabric or interesting accessories. A fab piece of art can also totally transform the overall look. We’re great fans of the Larsen ranges of fabrics and wallpapers and these can introduce a very pleasing burst of bold pattern or an unusual colour combination to transform your beige rooms.
Q: One of our colleagues is retiring and he is a great Champagne drinker. We know he’s always wanted what he calls a ‘designer’ ice bucket. We want to give him one for his farewell gift – can you point us in the right direction? I reckon it’s hard to pass on the ice bucket by Alessi which goes by the glamorous name of Max-le-Chinois and costs £252. It makes a real statement and would easily hold several bottles of bubbles for your colleague. n
5
6
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND profiles
putting art into tartan ANTA, the brand that puts art into tartan - and was the first to put tartan onto ceramics - is now in its 30th year and in all that time the company first started by designer Annie Stewart has remained true to its Scottish roots, with products that are, to borrow a well-known phrase, Made in Scotland from Mud, as opposed to the girders of the country’s other national drink.
L
ike all great ideas, Annie’s success is mainly down to her eye for design and ability in the use of colour and materials, combined with a pressing need to earn a living. And in this instance necessity did prove to be the mother of invention.” Annie studied Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, which is also where she met her architect husband Lachlan. “When I left, I was qualified to do nothing, with no money and no prospects,” she says, “and although my parents had supported me through college, I was suddenly on my own financially as well. It was scary.” Having learnt to sew and re-upholster, she began doing home furnishings but hated the fabrics she was using. “I went direct to a weaver in the Borders that was making exquisite tartan silk and decided to make scarves and ties under my own label, Stella Sandeman – items that were small and inexpensive to make but had a high return,” she says. It wasn’t long before Annie’s designs were on sale in a few up-market stores, including Harrods in London. However, every business has a defining moment, and Annie’s was the result of an invitation to a formal 21st birthday party being held in a very grand house. She recalls: “I was sitting outside in my van, contemplating whether or not to go in, when a man drove up and parked alongside me, got out of his car and, without seeing me, used my wing mirror to adjust his tie – which was one of mine! “I didn’t look back after that. To succeed in business you have to believe in you. It also helps to have plenty of brass neck and confidence – or at least the ability to appear confident – and not set the bar too high. Ambitions have to be both realistic and achievable,” she says. A trip to New York followed, the orders got bigger, she married Lachie, who is also a partner in the business, changed its name to ANTA – aptly the term given to a pillar in classical architecture that doesn’t conform to the rule - and had three children. “I was 18 when I met Lachie but didn’t marry until the age of 26,” Annie reveals. “Had we married sooner ANTA would most likely never have happened.”
Name: Annie Stewart Company: ANTA Location: Glasgow
t: 01862 832 477 www.anta.co.uk
profiles
Top Tips for Success 4 Be passionate about your product and / or the service you offer 4 Build a team of willing workers, encouraging them to share your belief. 4 Lead by example - do as I do as well as do as I say. 4 Learn to prioritise in order to get stuff done. 4 Persistence pays - if first you don’t succeed try try again.
While remaining true to her passion for the quality woollen fabrics that are grown and woven in Scotland adding extra value to sheep’s wool, the crux of ANTA’s success is Annie and Lachie’s ability to bring out what is quintessentially real about Scottish architecture and design. As with vernacular architecture, ANTA’s products have a timeless and enduring quality that is the very antithesis of today’s disposable culture. But while the designs are clean-cut and contemporary, ANTA’s focus on craftsmanship and quality, natural, and where possible locally sourced materials – pure wool tweed, cashmere, lambswool, linen and oak - echoes the ethos of the Arts and Crafts movement, resulting in beautifully made furniture and homewares that are destined to be the heirlooms of the future. The same skill and exacting attention to detail that produces exquisite pure wool carpet – which uses nearly two kilos of yarn from sheep’s wool per square metre – is equally evident in a beautifully tailored coat or jacket, utility bag, footstool, chair, candle or stoneware serving platter. Modern, yet also classic, these are products that will never go out of fashion - and appeal to both sexes. ANTA’s workshop in Fearn, Ross-shire may be far from the madding crowd, but the company’s website retails 24/7, while the long-established showroom in Edinburgh is now joined by a new retail outlet in Glasgow’s West George Street, giving the company a foothold in the west where people can see and feel the quality for themselves. To mark the Glasgow launch - in an Arts and Crafts-style former jeweller’s premises that couldn’t be more suitable or appropriate - ANTA has a new collection of carpets with cloth bindings named after well-known west coast towns, including Glasgow, Milngavie, Ayr and Paisley. For a limited period only, customers who spend £100 or more in the new store can choose an iPad cover free of charge in the cloth of their choice. ANTA’s products may be timeless and enduring, but Annie is a shrewd businesswoman with a direct, forward thinking attitude and the ability to spot new opportunities and ways of giving added value to products – such as the weekly Tartan Tuesday promotion that substantially reduces the price of a given product every week for one day only, and the food recipes that are now a regular feature online and in the catalogue. “We have beautiful tartan oven-to-table stoneware plates, so why not include recipes to cook on them?” she says. Annie’s ethos as an employer is also a significant strength. “Like the majority of women nowadays I’m a working mum, so as an employer I get that women need to juggle work with school hours and children’s needs,” she says. “Just as important, I want the people who work alongside me to love what they do. At the end of the day, what is life about if it isn’t fun?” n
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
7
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert SQUARE CIRCLE HR LTD • Tel: 0141 248 7826 • www.squarecirclehr.com
Post a question to Alison on our website at www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Alison Welsh, Director of Square Circle - human resource consultancy and employment law company based in Glasgow
The ever changing face of employment law! As always there are changes being made on a regular basis in areas of employment law. The two most recent ones are the right to request flexible working (from 30th June 2014) and that parents are going to be able to share what at present is called ‘maternity leave’.
T
he latter change is not clear as yet although we know that new guidelines regarding the sharing of childcare leave between mother and father or partner are coming into effect later this year, and leaves food for thought for employers (and potentially some challenges!). Applying to children born or matched for adoption on or after 5th April 2015, under the new system parents will be able to choose how they share the care of their child during the first year. Mothers will still take the two weeks following birth (four weeks if she works in a factory), but this is with provision that they can choose to end the maternity leave and share the remainder of the 50 weeks as flexible parental leave. In addition, under these new guidelines it is proposed to allow the husband, civil partner or partner of the pregnant woman the right to unpaid time off to attend up to 2 ante-natal appointments. This leaves much to employers to consider, as the short time frame means employees may begin asking about rights in the autumn, with the added problem that, as yet, the
government has not issued any guidance on how the shared leave might be split. The changes to the right to request flexible working are now in place and this now means that any employee with 26 weeks service can make a request to work more flexibly. The good thing is that it is merely ‘the right to request’ and not ‘the right to have’ flexible working. However, there is still a procedure that employers must follow when faced with this kind of request and the employer has to complete the full process with three months of the request being made. There was a concern that this right would open the flood gates and employers would experience large numbers of employees making such requests. Perhaps it is taking time to filter down to employees or perhaps because of holidays that we have not heard of large numbers flocking to do flexible working? Or perhaps it’s because to cut working time means a reduction in pay! Who knows – this is probably another ‘watch this space!’ n
we know that new guidelines regarding the sharing of childcare leave between mother and father or partner are coming into effect later this year, and leaves food for thought for employers If you have any queries about HR and employment law, you can email Alison and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail: Alison@squarecirclehr.com
9
10
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND business news
Businesses don’t understand blogs: Only 4% plan to develop one in the next 12 months
New research suggests that currently only one in eight businesses utilise a blog as part of a wider sales and marketing strategy, whilst only 4% plan to implement one in the next 12 months. According to a new report released by a catalogue and direct marketing specialist, only 12% of UK businesses currently use a blog as part of their overall marketing strategy, whilst only 4% are looking to start one over the course of the next year. The report, put together by direct marketing, design and print specialists Catalogues 4 Business (C4B), questioned more than 300 UK organisations as part of research into corporate marketing strategies. Respondents to the study were drawn from a diverse mix of businesses, both B2B and B2C, which spanned multiple industry sectors. Ian Simpson, Managing Director of C4B commented: “Blogs are becoming increasingly important in the digital age, but it seems that many businesses are failing to grasp this. When it comes to marketing a business online, we’re increasingly enthral to Google. The simple fact is you have to play by its rules if you want to find yourself anywhere prominent in the search rankings.” Ian continued: “A regularly updated blog plays a massive part in the success of a business’s SEO strategy. Frequently updated content, containing key words and phrases relating to the services that you offer makes you stand out when it comes to the complex Google algorithms that determine search results. Producing relevant content on your website increases the chances of you coming top of these results.” The study also found that when looking at sales delivery only 2% of businesses believed that their blog helped to deliver sales,
compared to the 24% who attributed sales directly to the success of networking. Ian Simpson commented, “Of course when running a business, sales is the main focus. So naturally, if part of your strategy is notably delivering sales, you’re likely to put more time and effort into developing that successful element. But you can’t afford to ignore other contributing factors. Whilst people might not necessarily read a blog and decide to buy your products or services, a blog contributes considerably to your overall brand.” He continued, “A blog not only assists with SEO by bumping you up the search rankings, it also helps to improve brand reputation. You can establish an authoritative voice within your industry by projecting your views via your blog. If what you say is of value to your target demographic then it will help to improve the general influence of your brand. An example of this is fashion brands such as ASOS, which exploit their blogs to express relevant opinion, providing fashion advice and analysing current trends. The customer base really buys into this approach and as a consequence is more likely to buy their products.” The results of the study additionally revealed that only 4% of businesses had any plans to incorporate a blog as part of their ongoing strategy in the next 12 months. Ian concluded, “The fact that so few businesses plan to put emphasis on their company blog in the near future, shows that true understanding of the influence of blogs isn’t widespread. A blog is something that you can manage directly and straightforwardly and at a relatively low cost. In a competitive market, businesses really should look to embrace the potential of a blog and use all of the tools at their disposal if they want to get ahead of the competition.” n
business news
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Women in innovation: Foodpreneur, Morag Pavich, has been named as a Finalist in the prestigious Association of Scottish Business Women Awards. This comes just weeks after she won 50K of funding from Scottish Enterprise following a successful pitch in a Dragon’s Den-style competition. The Scottish EDGE (Encouraging Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs) final saw her take on 30 other companies before a judging panel which included Chris van der Kuyl, chairman of Entrepreneurial Scotland (ES), Ewan Brown, chairman of Scottish Financial Enterprise, and Lucinda Bruce Gardyne,founder of gluten-free food brand Genius, at the RBS conference centre in Gogarburn. Morag is a Scottish/American mother of three and self confessed cookie lover who founded Mo’s Cookie Dough. The company produces all natural pre-prepared cookie dough sold in rolls ready to slice, bake and enjoy. “Its been an amazing journey” said Morag “In January 2013 I was making dough in my kitchen and selling to local delis. Today, just over a year later, I’ve outsourced production and we supply Wholefoods, Booths, Dobbies and Ocado. We are also in talks with other high end supermarkets.”
UK tech and healthcare companies lead the way with female executives, latest results. The leading provider to the some of the world’s most innovative businesses, Silicon Valley Bank is well placed to provide an insight into the role of women at a senior level in the technology and healthcare sectors. The bank’s latest research found that: • UK companies have a higher percentage of female executives than companies in the US (UK 50%/US 45%) • In particular, the UK has more women at a board of director level than the US (UK 37%/US 24%) • However, the UK still lags behind the US in terms of placing women into C-level positions (UK 30%/US 37%)
For further information visit; www.moscookiedough.co.uk
Female CEOs are Good for Business
Erin Lockwood, the first female managing director at Silicon Valley Bank in the UK and a recent entrant into Management Today’s “35 women under 35” list. For further information visit; www.svb.com
New data from Fortune magazine shows that companies run by women record better stock market returns than those run by men. A study from Fortune reveals that Fortune 1000 companies with female CEOs recorded an average return of 103.4% over the course of the female CEO’s tenure. That’s much higher than the 69.5% average return for the S&P 500 Index, which looks at the combined performance of the largest companies on the market. The study doesn’t specify the exact reason for the success of female CEOs, but the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics found that female leaders “were more likely to use ‘cooperation, collaboration and consensus-building more often’ to make choices. Since 1998 the number of female CEOs has been rising — with an all-time high this year of 24. Sophie Kleeman at Policy MIC breaks down the data and what it might mean for the future of female executives. For further information visit; www.enterprising-women.org
Tell us your BUSINESS NEWS, we’d love to hear from you! e: info@bwsltd.co.uk
11
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert MUNRO PARTNERSHIP LTD • Tel: 0141 332 1025 (Glasgow)• Tel: 01292 269 909 (Ayr) • Tel: 01698 429 333 (Hamilton)
Post a question to Linda on our website at www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Linda Gilbert, Chartered Financial Planner and Director of Munro Partnership explains the forthcoming changes to pensions.
Time to re-think your retirement planning Earlier this year, the Chancellor outlined proposed changes to pension legislation which will cause people to think differently about their retirement savings. The Government has since confirmed those changes resulting in the biggest shake up to retirement planning for decades.
A
rguably the most important change is introducing flexible access to pensions. From April 2015 investors aged at least age 55 will have total freedom over how they take an income from their pension savings. They could take the whole fund as a lump if they wish, or simply drawdown an appropriate income to meet their lifestyle. In keeping with current rules, the first 25% will be tax free and the remainder will be subject to income tax at the highest marginal rate. Previously, clients who were in pension drawdown were generally restricted to how much pension income they could draw down or people who perhaps purchased an annuity would have committed to a fixed income for life at the time of purchase which may not turn out to be the best solution for them in later years. With the abolition of income drawdown restrictions from April 2015, investors will be able to drawdown as much as income as they like. George Osbourne was quoted as saying ‘individuals who have worked hard and saved responsibly throughout their adult life should be trusted to make their own decisions with their pension savings’. The changes will remove some major psychological barriers to pension savings as funds will no longer be locked away out of reach. It was also confirmed that anyone with a defined benefit, such as a final salary pension, will also be able to take advantage of the new rules. They will be able to transfer their final salary pension benefits to a personal pension arrangement, such as a SIPP. However, individuals in this
circumstance could lose very valuable benefits if they were to transfer, therefore they will have to receive Independent Financial Advice before doing so. One of the attractive features for people with sufficient pension funds is to consider passing on the asset to the next generation. Currently, if you are in pension drawdown or older than age 75, a lump sum which is paid in the event of your death to a non-spouse beneficiary is taxed at 55%. However, the Chancellor has confirmed this is being reviewed with a view that the 55% tax charge is unnecessarily high. Further information should be available later in 2014. Most of the changes announced were focused on being able to access your pension savings rather than accumulating your pension fund. The maximum individuals can contribute each year is still fixed at £40,000 per annum with carry forward relief available from the previous 3 years. There are caveats being introduced from April 2015 to cap the contribution level at a lower amount of £10,000 per annum for certain individuals drawing down their pension benefits to prevent recycling the proceeds as contributions in order to claim the tax relief. Therefore, in summary, if you are thinking of drawing down your pension benefits from next year it is important that you seek financial advice and guidance to ensure that your pension savings are maximised to suit your requirements. Likewise, if you have been put off saving through a pension fund, you should reconsider this as an attractive option for your retirement income. n
If you have any financial queries, you can email Linda and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail: lindagilbert@munropartnership.co.uk
13
14
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND article
Homes for the future unveiled at BRE innovation park
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment Angela Constance recently launched two new demonstration projects on the BRE Innovation Park at Ravenscraig, a minidemonstration community of homes and buildings on the former steel works site that is tapping into our country’s legacy of world changing invention and innovation.
D
uring her visit the Minister opened the newly constructed Refurbished House, a recreation of the “four in a block” home which demonstrates a range of innovative retrofit solutions for some of the most energy inefficient homes across the UK. The project, which has been delivered by BRE Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and Historic Scotland and was constructed by local builders Cruden will enable a robust assessment to be made on the most cost effective solutions of fabric upgrades for this building style, for walls, windows, roofs and services. Findings can then be applied to 265,000 dwellings in Scotland and 3 million of a similar design in England. The Minister also met the brightest and best architectural and construction students from local New College Lanarkshire who have designed and will now start to build the Curriculum House on the Park - the first ‘live’ higher level educational project of its kind in the UK. Designed as a family home, the Curriculum House aims to achieve Gold Level compliance with Section 7 of the Scottish Building Standards and is comprised of a thermally efficient closed panel timber frame build system called Val-U-Therm (manufactured by Scottish company Scotframe) which minimises the energy
Rufus Logan
needs of the home and generates minimum waste. With an adaptable internal structure conducive to meeting the changing needs of a family over time, the low carbon house will also feature the latest in renewable technology. Other key features include TETRiS an eco-friendly, super strong and highly insulated structural flooring alternative to beam and block floors It will be completed later this year. BRE Scotland Director Rufus Logan said ‘The Park is about applying innovation and science to find solutions for our existing and future buildings not only in Scotland but in the UK, in Europe and around the world. These two projects will have a significant impact in terms of making our buildings better but also in helping us progress the skills of our young people so they can develop careers fit for the global workplace.’ n
Individuals, businesses and groups interested in visiting the BRE Innovation Park for a guided tour hosted by BRE Experts and finding out more about BRE activity should contact Jackie Reilly at BRE on Tel: 01698 262193 or email: reillyj@bre.co.uk
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert MURRAY ASSOCIATES ACCOUNTANTS LTD • Tel: 0141 889 4247• St James Business Centre, Paisley, PA3 3AT
Gloria Murray, Queen of Profit and Director of Murray Associates Accountants Limited, - progressive, proactive business growth specialists and accountants. Gloria’s favourite saying is ‘Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity’ Post a question to Gloria on www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Queen of profit Q: I had a look at your website and you have a great title - ‘Queen of Profit” . I run a business from home, in e commerce, I haven’t put my prices up in 2 years. How often should you look at your pricing structure? Thank you! I’ve grown attached to my ‘title’ as I suppose it sums up what I do. Pricing has the ability to absolutely transform your profit and therefore your business and personal life in turn. If your turnover is say £50,000 an increase in your prices of 10% will give you an extra £5,000 in profit with no increase in overheads. It’s a great idea to look at your prices at least annually, but I would suggest even better - every 6 months. It may be you do a review and do nothing. Or you may notice your supplier has put the price of a key product up and you need to do something about this by amending your prices. It’s a key part of running your business. Prices rise all the time and if you don’t increase your prices then inflation erodes your profit. Currently the retail price index is around 2.5%, so in 2 years you could have lost 5% of your turnover in profitability. I’m sure you’ve noticed prices going up! Keep an eye on your gross profit margin, if this is dropping then it could be caused by your suppliers putting their prices up. Getting your price right also means you have the ability to provide an even better quality service to your customers - not all your customers are price sensitive. E-commerce makes it easy for customers to compare prices (if you don’t sell something unique) but there are lots of examples out there of businesses who sell products via the web who don’t compete on price. They do this by being quirky, giving fantastic customer service and offering guarantees. They build stories around their products and engage their customers through this. So look at what value you can bring to your customers over and above what your competition is doing and how you can differentiate yourself. People are willing to pay more when they perceive they’re getting more so the question to ask yourself is ‘what else can I give my customers, that they will value?’ I’ve just finished writing my latest book on Pricing. If you’d like a copy drop me an email info@murrayassoc.co.uk and I’ll send you a copy once it’s been published.
Q: My business partner is also my partner and we are going our separate ways. I would like to keep the business and buy his shares. How would I gain a true value of how much his shares would be worth? Would I go to an independent accountant from our own? You haven’t told me what your business is so I can’t give you any specifics on how your business might be valued. But it is best to get a valuation report as your partner may have capital gains tax to pay on his share once you pay him.
If the split is amicable then I don’t see any reason not to use your accountant unless they lack experience in doing valuations or your business is very unusual. However you do need to ensure your partner is comfortable with this. I have seen business partnerships break up many times and the biggest area of conflict comes down to how much the business is worth. I was involved with one last year and one partner insisted on getting another valuation as he was convinced the business was worth more than my valuation. However the independent accountant came back with the same valuation. It did mean, however, that both partners accepted the valuation and the partnership split with one partner carrying on the business. I would suggest, as you’re a limited company, you ensure you know all the debts the company has. Once you buy your partner’s shares it’s too late to do anything if you find out he may have run up debts in the company’s name. It wouldn’t do any harm to get some legal advice and draw up an agreement. That way you both know exactly where you stand. n
If you have any business queries, you can email Gloria and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail: Gloria@murrayassoc.co.uk
15
16
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND feature
pour femme Business Women Scotland takes a look at some of Scotland’s best female-friendly hotels, ideal for the business traveler.
T
ravel and hotels are creeping up the agenda of businesswomen, with females accounting for almost half of all business travelers. As a result, female spending power has hit an all-time high in the travel market with a staggering 80% of travel spend decisions made by ladies. But despite this surge in hotel business from the fairer gender, it seems female corporate travelers often still pull the short straw when it comes to finding a home from home. Hotel provisions, from bedroom trouser presses and lecherous approaches at the bar, are still largely male-dominated and not the most convenient for busy businesswomen with skirts to iron and a hectic round of early morning meetings. Never fear, however; there is an excellent selection of hidden gems out there, dedicated to providing a friendly, reliable service, tailored to the needs of the female traveler. As a result, women are loyal to these brands, delighted to be taken care of and more than happy to recommend excellent service to others. But to find a fabulous female-friendly brand, there is a lot to take into consideration: • Reviews are becoming increasingly authoritative thanks to rapid communication through social media. Try TripAdvisor and filter the reviews to focus on those submitted by solo, business or female travelers, like yourself. By nature, people are more likely to write negative reviews so check these out first and be wary of any common themes. If it’s all looking positive, read what the happy campers have to say too. • If the reviews sound good, scan the website. The key selling point and target audience will be clear. A family-friendly hotel with kids clubs will be easy to spot and not ideal for business but a minimalist, elegantly designed website is likely
to represent a similar, sophisticated brand, ideal for solo travel. Check out the photographs to get a feel for the place and read up on what your stay would include. • Time is valuable; find a one-stop shop to make your visit as efficient as possible. A hotel that incorporates a restaurant, bar, café and meeting rooms gives lots of options for formal and informal business space. Of course, an in-house spa wouldn’t hurt either! • Research the neighborhood ahead of time to find the best location to suit your schedule. You may have a lot of meetings in the financial district, for example, but with a lack of accommodation it can be a slightly eerie residential destination. Equally, staying in the centre of town could prove problematic noise-wise on busy student nights, for example. • When travelling alone, safety and security is paramount. Find a hotel with a secure, well-lit and well-staff lobby as well as room-key activated elevators to minimize risk and increase your confidence that only guests will have access. • Why worry about finding your way to a car rental, fiddling with the gears in unfamiliar streets and finding spare charge to park it in close quarters? Find a hotel with complimentary shuttle services and private drivers to save you time and stress, not just on arrival but also when attending evening events. Make arrangements for pick-up to avoid a walk home alone or long taxi queue. • If you are working away from the office you will need to be hooked up to your network as quickly and easily as possible. Put free, unlimited wi-fi at the top of your must-have hotel list – and double check on arrival that you won’t have any surprise add-on fees. • On that note, make sure there are up-to-date in-room phones too. Being connected is so important.
feature
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
The Knight Residence Edinburgh If luxury and freedom in the heart of Scotland’s capital is what you are after, pay a visit to Edinburgh’s leading apart-hotel, offering five star comforts and relaxation, ideal after a busy business day and night. The 28 stylish apartments each offers significantly more space and facilities than even the top-of-the-range suites in conventional hotels. The home-from-home executive apartments include a bedroom, lounge/dining areas, a full kitchen – ideal for a quick meal in peace after a long day – and a luxurious bathroom, perfect for a pre-bedtime soak. Yet the must-haves of a hotel are all present too; a concierge service, secure parking and even the option to charge your electric car should you have one. It really is the best of both worlds. Service is paramount here, with outstanding quality and a very personal touch at the forefront. The team pride themselves on an efficient and friendly, yet unobtrusive, approach, ideal for a busy traveler looking to make the most of their stay. The location is enviable too, ideally situated near to the shopping and business districts as well as being nestled in the Old Town, near Edinburgh Castle, should you feel like a tourist expedition. The surrounding area offers plenty restaurants and eateries and is very close to the main road and rail arteries. Edinburgh International Conference Centre and the Scottish Parliament is a short taxi ride away.
The Knight Residence 12 Lauriston Street Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 9DJ
The Knight Residence is not short of accolades, named Best Hotel in the UK 2013 by the world’s largest online travel agency and, for the past six years, featuring in the top 1% of hotels worldwide for customer service, according to half a million independent reviews for leading travel company Expedia. To top it off, they are great to their staff too; voted Scotland’s Best Hospitality Employer in 2012. If you are still not convinced you will be looked after, The Knight Residence has secured the Customer Service Award for Serviced Apartments at the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards for the last three consecutive years. One final lovely touch: all profits raised from car parking go to Trees4Scotland to offset the environmental impact of your journey. Thanks to the Knight Residence guests, 769 native trees have been planted in Teaghlach Wood (March 2014). • Your own spacious apartment with the luxurious facilities of a hotel; the perfect combination. • Great location; the city’s business and shopping districts are on your doorstep, not to mention tourist and culinary hotspots. • Safe and luxurious with secure parking and a concierge service. • Fed up of eating out or not a fan of dining alone? Cook up a storm in your own apartment and relax in the lounge.
t: +44 131 622 8120 f: +44 131 622 7363 www.theknightresidence.co.uk
17
18
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND feature
Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort Bishopton, near Glasgow Practical and pretty, this five-star retreat is nestled in Bishopton, just five minutes from Glasgow Airport and ten minutes from the city centre, and boasts 53 beautiful individually designed rooms, sure to make even the busiest of business travelers take notice. The hotel is part of a resort on a 240-acre estate that has extraordinary views over the River Clyde and provides extensive dining, wedding, conference and banqueting facilities. Mar Hall itself is a striking Gothic-style mansion, a destination for relaxation as well as business, and prides itself on offering the best of the best. King-sized beds, Egyptian cotton duvet covers and five-star services are to be expected, from a fresh bathrobe and slippers to an in-room entertainment system and fresh hospitality trays. After a hectic day of meetings, cocooning up in a sublime suite is just the answer. If you like a bit of exercise to get you going before a busy day, spend an hour in the fully-equipped hotel gym. If winding down is more your style, take a dip in the 20-metre heated pool or pop to the Decleor Spa, whose head therapist was recently awarded Spa Therapist of the Year 2014-15 at the Scottish Hotel Awards, for a treatment. Mar Hall is the ideal space if you plan to host guests for meetings, with an excellent reputation and nine meeting rooms of various sizes; the largest seating up to 600 delegates. If your discussions go on into the evening, or if you fancy a delicious dinner yourself, be assured that the on-site dining is second to none, from pre-dinner aperitifs to a la carte Scottish produce to afternoon tea. Looking to impress? Organise private
Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort Mar Hall Drive, Bishopton, Nr Glasgow. Renfrewshire. PA7 5NW
dining. Or, if some alone time is what you are after, take advantage of the 24-hour room service If it is not all business and there is a little pleasure in there, you may want to take your chance at spotting a celebrity. Mar Hall is the go-to destination for rock superstars and Hollywood honeys when visiting Glasgow with the likes of Brad Pitt, Take That and even One Direction spending the night. If that isn’t quite enough to spark your interest, it is the official hotel of the Scottish football team. • If meeting space is important, take your pick from nine luxurious rooms. • Relax and unwind in the luxurious gym, pool or spa then enjoy the five-star in-room services. • If it’s been a long day treat yourself to an afternoon tea or take advantage of the 24-hour in-room dining service. • If you fancy swooning over a celeb, it might just be your lucky day with musicians, filmstars and footballers regularly frequenting the hotel. n
t: +44 (0)141 812 9999 www.marhall.com/
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert CAMPBELL DALLAS • Tel: 0141 886 6644 • www.campbelldallas.co.uk • Titanium 1, King’s Inch Place, Renfrew, PA4 8WF
Post a question to Aileen on our website at www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Aileen Scott - partner at Campbell Dallas, charterted Accountants, based in Renfrew.
Back to school
S
ummer holidays are underway and for many that will mean a welcome break from work and possibly also a brief break from the monthly payment of school fees. Looking ahead to the start of a new term in August now is the time to take some action to reduce the school fees burden for the coming year. If you have chosen to educate your children privately this can be a costly decision. In addition to the main school fees there may be fees for extra curricular activities such as school trips and sporting equipment. All of these expenses are met from income which has already been taxed, usually at either 40% or 45%. For families with their own business it can be possible to structure the payment of the school fees in a tax efficient way thereby reducing the effective cost by up to 30%.
Q: Is this planning available to anyone paying school fees? Unfortunately this planning is only suitable for individuals that have a stake in their own business and who can therefore draw income in the form of dividends. For those who are employees, and receive income in the form of salary and benefits in kind, this solution will not be available to them.
Q: How does it work? The planning is never identical for any two taxpayers as no two businesses are the same. This planning is bespoke and is flexed to fit the family’s particular situation and needs. Nonetheless there are some common features in that a trust will be established to meet the costs of education of one or more children. A small number of shares in the business are gifted into the trust but with the control of the company and the ownership of the underlying capital value of the company remaining with the existing shareholders. Dividends paid to the trust in respect of that shareholding can then be used to meet the educational costs of the children who are beneficiaries of the trust.
Q: How are the savings achieved? The type of trust that is used for this planning ensures that no income tax liability arises where the income received by the Trust has already been taxed at source. Where dividends are paid by
If you have any financial queries, you can email Aileen and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail: Aileen.scott@campbelldallas.co.uk
a company they are treated as having being taxed at source and therefore the income is paid to the trust without any further liability to tax arising. In contrast the same dividend paid to a parent, from which they then pay school fees, attracts a personal income tax liability of up to 30%.
Q: Is this planning a tax avoidance scheme? Tax avoidance schemes and those that have used them have come under increased scrutiny in the press and also under increased attack from HMRC, and this is therefore a common question asked by those considering any type of tax planning. With the introduction of the General Anti Abuse Rule (GAAR) HMRC have issued guidance notes which acknowledge that not all tax planning is abusive and caught by the legislation. With this type of planning structure there is no artificial loss created, the income concerned is subject to corporation tax in the hands of the company, as normal, with the dividend tax credit satisfying the tax charge that would otherwise arise for the trust / beneficiary and therefore is not an abuse of the tax legislation. Furthermore the planning is specific to the existing business structure which already exists and is designed around that thereby removing the hallmarks of scheme.
Q: Are there alternative ways in which school fees can be paid tax efficiently? For those lucky enough to have large amounts of capital lying around investing in a bond which permits 5% tax free annual withdrawals to meet the school fees is an alternative. For most of us our capital is either tied up in our homes or in our businesses and this alternative is simply not an available option. n
19
20
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND profiles
chocolate with benefits iQ creators, Kate Hamilton and Jane Shandley have gone from strength to strength, successfully launching a delicious yet healthy chocolate bar, which boasts over 20 validated health benefits. Their bars are stocked across the UK in key retailers, including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Real Foods and Whole Foods.
T
o think this dream only became a reality a year ago is an amazing achievement for the Scottish duo, who previously worked together as colleagues, before seeking a new challenge and opportunity. They spent months scouring the globe, searching for the most flavourful, ethically produced, and nutritionally dense ingredients. After experimenting with a number of different ingredients and methods, they decided on a single origin, Peruvian bean. Maintaining a wonderful fruity taste, high in nutritional value and antioxidants, it was the perfect choice for their chocolate. Their unique processing method has been developed to retain high levels of specific antioxidants, minerals and nutrients. The
chocolate meets the criteria of being a raw food, as no heat is applied during the process, temperatures are kept below 42°C – the point at which nutritional values begin to reduce. The beans are ground with a mineral-rich organic coconut blossom sugar to add extra nutritional value. After six months of experimenting, the duo found their ‘eureka’ recipe, with a chocolate high in magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc and iron, as well as being a source of zinc and potassium. By mid 2012 they were ready to take their first chocolate bar to market for a test-launch. It was very positively received by discerning customers, such as Real Foods and chocolate connoisseur Chloe Doutre-Roussel, a former confectionery buyer for Fortnum & Mason.
Name: Kate Hamilton and Jane Shandley Company: iQ Chocolate Location: Stirling e: hello@iqchoc.com t: 0845 838 7381 www.iqchoc.com
profiles
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Top Tips for Success 4 Have a passion for your product and make sure consumers have a passion for it too. 4 Get the right people in place. 4 Understand what you do and do it uniquely well, with a clear business strategy in place. 4 Learn to prioritise in order to get stuff done. 4 Keep your ear to the ground for opportunities to access expertise. Relationships with Sporting Chance Initiative have proven to be invaluable for us. 4 If you spend anything, make sure it’s on PR.
After months of research, they were able to validate their 20+ health benefits, which include healthy hair, skin and bones, as well as energy and moodboosting properties It was also praised by chefs such as Mark Greenaway, who used it on BBC’s Great British Menu and it was served to dignitaries at the 2012 Olympics, and recently used at the Commonwealth Games Business dinner. Once they had perfected the taste and had the feedback they needed, their next step was to successfully support their health claims, which they achieved by teaming up with the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at Aberdeen University. After months of research, they were able to validate their 20+ health benefits, which include healthy hair, skin and bones, as well as energy and moodboosting properties. Their organic certification, achieved in 2013 was the final hurdle they set to overcome before the full product launched in September 2013. The exciting range of organic, superfood chocolate bars include Original Bean-to-Bar, Espresso-Kick Coffee, Plush Peppermint, Lusciously Lovely Lime, Cocoa-Nib Crunch and Orange with Wild Raspberry. They all have the same amazing snap and texture we all love in a luxury chocolate bar, but with added health benefits. Thanks to Stirling based Sporting Chance Initiative, Scotland’s hub for innovation in sport, the ladies have also recently partnered with Queen Margaret University and Scottish Rugby after receiving a Sports Technology Award for Research (STAR) grant to enable
4 Be clear on where you are, and where you are going. Be true to your purpose even in the face of fear and threat. 4 Give yourself permission to get it wrong, and learn from mistakes. 4 Work hard to deserve the respect of your customers and colleagues. 4 Have a future focus and drive for continuous improvement. 4 Really value your customers - customers are not just for Christmas. further research. SCI connect ambitious Scottish companies with the appropriate academic research teams in Scottish universities. The bars were tested against a number of other leading chocolate bars on the market and the results showed a consistent trend towards faster reaction time and improved performance compared to any other bar. This research has provided iQ with the support and confirmation they need to confidently provide their customers with more detailed nutritional information about the antioxidant properties of its products and its positive health benefits, especially for those who regularly take part in exercise and sport. It’s an exciting time for the Scottish company, as they have been shortlisted for four business awards and a number of food and health awards across the country. Their aim is to make an impression on improving the nation’s diet, and have some influence on that agenda. Through their regular tastings, product development and funded research, Jane and Kate have quickly gained the credibility and robustness to achieve this. The future is definitely looking good for this passionate double act and with continued product development, new stockists confirmed on a weekly basis and exciting announcements just round the corner, iQ is set to take the healthy food market by storm. n
21
22
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND in the spotlight
Admin specialists to win awards for Scotland Way back in the halcyon days before the Internet bubble burst, a newly-formed business consultancy needed some local administrative help. The ‘ Internet ‘ of it’s day was searched in pursuit of a self-employed administration professional, but none could be easily found. The unsatisfied need was noted with a vow from the business consultant to find a solution to that dilemma, and some select domains names were purchased as a project for the future, one of those domains being bemyva.com. Fast forward almost 10 years, the business consultant has a growing business, and is frequently engaging self-employed administration professionals for admin tasks, diary management, book-keeping, research and analyst work, social media management and event management. Then a contact reports that they have had problems setting up a new outlet in a European country, and the costs were spiraling out of control – what if there had been an international directory of versatile administrators providing similar services to a PA - and you only paid for the time that they worked for you? The final concept of BeMyVA.com had emerged, and after further research that found directories generally promoting the owners own services, it was clear that there was an increasing demand for an independent, international directory of Virtual Assistants for entrepreneurs and business leaders to gain access to this wealth of talent and skill-sets. BeMyVA.com was launched in the Autumn of 2011 and has since worked closely with the leading figures in the industry around the world – to both serve and support the VA community and also look to address the need to connect businesses with Virtual Assistants. Virtual Assistants and business leaders from 21 countries have either worked on the choice of name, logo, design, functionality and development of the web site – the diversity and content is widespread with business-centric social media campaigns being at the heart of the web site’s growth (see Twitter @bemyva). BeMyVA, as the education sponsor, supports every english speaking national conference for Virtual Assistants, and last year BeMyVA was approached to take over the UK VA Conference and VA Awards. For 2014 the VA Awards has been extended to include All-Ireland and in response to feedback from the UK industry, the Awards have also been expanded to include Regional and National Awards for the first time. The first presentations for 2014 took place in Dublin as part of the pa-assist.com PA Awards in May, with Heather Greig of VPA-NI.co.uk being named VA of the Year for All-Ireland, and Lisa Nolan of VirtualAdmin.ie as runner up. With regional events and presentations ongoing across five regions in England, and the finalists being presented at Office*2014, Olympia, London on the 8th October, the next headline event will be the pa-assist.com PA Awards for Wales in September.
And, so to Scotland. BeMyVA.com are delighted to have been introduced to the Business Women in Scotland team, and we eagerly look forward to presenting our VA Awards for Scotland at the BWS Show on 2nd October 2014 at the Radisson Blu Glasgow. Our finalists vying to be VA of the Year for Scotland 2014 are: Lyndsey Gilchrist, ASAP Admin, Glasgow Web: www.asapadmin.co.uk Michelle Smith, ValueAdd Business Solutions Ltd, Glasgow Web: www.valueaddvirtual.co.uk Naomi Campbell, VA Velocity, Nairn Web: www.vavelocity.co.uk The winner and runner up will receive a personalised trophy and £250 training voucher from our Awards sponsor Pitman Training. Our winner will also move on to the Grand Finals to contest for the title VA of the Year 2014 on 21st November. Hiring a VA has a number of obvious business advantages: You can choose your VA by skill-set, location, or experience for a one-off task or set up an ongoing arrangement (most VAs have a variety of packages to fit your budget). • The burden of employment legislation and costs - holiday pay etc is not required. • Your valuable time becomes available to work on your business, not in your business. n
You can search and find your own high quality Virtual Assistant at www.BeMyVA.com or for further details, e: morebusiness@bemyva.com
the live event w h e n B u s i n e s s m e e t s S tyl e . . . .
Join us on 2nd October, 2014 at The Radison Blu, Glagow
introducing. . . OUR INTERVIEWER Rachel McTavish
ONE OF OUR GUESTS Belinda Robertson OBE
STV newsreader. Selected business guests will be presented and interviewed by Rachel.
Belinda’s own label is Belinda Robertson Cashmere. Come and hear her business story at the BWS show at 14:50 hrs
meet the panel. . . LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD Amanda Hamilton
ASK THE EXPERT Gloria Murray
Scottish businesswoman, broadcaster and writer in the areas of food, health and nutrition.
Murray Associates. The queen of profit! Gloria is a Small Business Specialist, helping you increase your profit … FAST!
Victoria Dobbie
Marie Rodgers
Founder and Medical Director of Face and Body. Victoria is the UK’s most respected non-surgical cosmetic experts.
Marie founded Total Sales Solution with one goal in mind, to help a business become profitable.
Nicky Hambleton Jones
Alison Welsh
Television presenter, celebrity stylist and anti-ageing expert. Nicky is best known for hosting Channel 4‘s ‘10 Years Younger’.
Square Circle HR Alison has over 20 years HR experience in both the private and public sectors.
Vanessa Collinridge Author and broadcaster. Vanessa runs her own production company Monster Productions.
There’s a bit of a buzz going on at Business Women Scotland - be part of it! Visit www.bwsltd.co.uk for the event agenda Email: events@bwsltd.co.uk or tel: 0141 332 8801 for further info.
MEDIA SPONSORS For sponsor opportunity details contact events@bwsltd.co.uk
THE BE MY VA AWARDS FOR SCOTLAND WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE BWS LIVE EVENT
better prospects better employability better apply to rgu
Aberdeen Business School is a leading provider of professional postgraduate study. We have a strong portfolio of quality courses that are accredited and recognised so you can be confident about gaining a qualification which will enhance your career.
flexible Postgraduate study full time, part time and online Start this september and january
Accounting Communications Marketing and Media Information Law Management MBA
www.rgu.ac.uk/betterbusiness T: 01224 262132 E: better@RGU.ac.uk
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert RADIATE • Tel: 0141 331 2120 (Glasgow) • Tel: 01224 421 219 (Aberdeen) • Tel: 0207 441 9088 (London)
Post a question to Gaynor on our website at www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Public relations guru, Gaynor Simpson, from integrated marketing communications agency Radiate, discusses the business benefits of investing in PR.
The value of PR Return on investment (ROI) is vital to the success of any business, which is why companies spend so much time developing their sales and marketing programmes. It’s one of the quickest ways to increase revenue and grow market share. What is often overlooked is the value of PR in the business development process, primarily because it’s often seen as a luxury which only large businesses can afford. Additionally, there is still alot of confusion about the role PR should play in achieving business goals.
M
arketing and PR have very different but mutually beneficial objectives. Marketing is a sales tool, used to generate leads and influence purchasing decisions whereas PR focuses on reputation management and building positive relationships. When customers value and trust your brand, they’re more likely to make a positive purchasing decision. Savvy businesses ensure that their marketing, sales and PR functions all work in mutually supportive harmony to deliver the best possible return on investment. At Radiate, we work very closely with our clients to identify their needs and develop a strategy that responds to them. For some businesses, their immediate focus is on promoting a product or service, so they will work primarily with our Brand, Digital and Broadcast teams. For other clients, their most pressing need is boosting reputation and developing brand loyalty, so this is when PR comes into play. Sometimes we work along the entire spectrum to deliver a completely integrated marketing communications strategy. With the advent of social media, the lines between marketing and PR are becoming increasingly blurred. Companies now use platforms such as Twitter and Facebook not only to market themselves but also to build relationships and manage reputations. Social media reaches across marketing, sales and PR functions, so neglect it at your peril. For PR practitioners, the traditional PR practices we used ten years ago simply don’t hold the same weight anymore. The flow of information – and its uptake – is now so rapid
that our work has become far less about publicising big announcements and far more about creating compelling content for websites, blogs and social media accounts. This is the content which lives on long after that day’s coverage in the press or the news bulletin on national radio. There is no doubt that the organisations which master PR have a huge competitive advantage. They secure exposure, year in year out, in the very media that will reach their customers and because this is ‘free’ coverage, it carries more value and credibility than paid for advertising space. Behind the scenes, the PR practitioner has worked long and hard to develop a programme of newsworthy stories for their clients and to build relationships with journalists whom they engage with. Anyone business which wants to grow, protect its market share, attract investors, engage with stakeholders or protect its brand reputation should be investing in PR. Small businesses with limited budgets are often the ones most in need of PR support as they need to engage with the media and with their customers to fuel their growth. The great news is that PR is extremely cost effective and can deliver a great return on investment. Now that’s something worth holding the front page for. n
If you have any marketing and PR queries, you can email Gaynor and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail: info@radiate.co.uk
25
26
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND profiles
unlocking the key Entrepreneur and scientist Christine McGrory’s creation of ‘The Key’ to health, wealth and happiness comes after merging her yoga-inspired spiritual Eastern philosophies about abundance and growth with her scientific curiosity about visualisation and her business experience: “Science now backs up the spiritual theories. People are becoming more aware of how they can affect their own outcomes and more open to empowering their own development. They’re searching for meaning and purpose.”
H
er world class leadership potential was sparked during her University years while her entrepreneurial flair was unlocked when she moved from a successful career as Sales and Operations Director to establish a network of childcare centres. From there, she flourished. Christine sold the childcare arm of the business and set up a sales and marketing consultancy, transforming organisations through vision, values and strategy. To top it off, Christine received recognition from the Queen in 2000 for her work in the community and was voted one of Scotland’s most influential women in 2006 by the Herald These successes fired up Christine’s ambition and, a natural progression from her corporate consultancy, she created The Key, an inspired personal and business development programme. She launched in 2010 and, after an overwhelming response, franchised it, and is now capturing the hearts and imagination of people UK-wide “It was always my intention to franchise. It’s exhausting if people only want you, the founder. The business is about The Key and how the process can help you, not just Christine McGrory and what she can do for you. Franchising is a great commercial model too. I wanted to work with dynamic people who embraced the philosophies. I look for people with an interest in personal growth, a commercial mindset and a clear entrepreneurial spark; someone I know our clients will find inspiring but not out of reach.” “The Key is different to most personal development programmes where a ‘positive thinking guru’ motivates you. The Key comes from within. It’s a catalyst to unlock the potential within each and every one of us. We just help people discover and unlock it.”
Top Tips for Success 4 Always have a vision that means something to you and is of value to the world. 4 Do something you love. Make sure you enjoy waking up for it every morning. 4 Have an unshakeable belief in yourself, no matter what people say and how much they question you. Work on developing your belief too. 4 Keep your clients at the heart of your business. Make your service meaningful to them. 4 Be grateful for what you have achieved and where you are at. Even when things aren’t going well, gratitude is a great way to remind yourself of how fortunate you are.
The Key consists of three-steps; helping participants define what they really want, give their vision the appropriate focus, energy and attention required and, finally, develop a belief in yourself and your vision. This is The Creation Process®. It has been embraced and implemented by individuals and corporates alike, with Christine working with many of Scotland’s Top 100 Companies. And this year The Key New Generation, aimed towards people aged between 16 and 24, was developed by Christine’s daughter, Megan. Of course, Christine’s own development is still a firm focus and in autumn she will launch her book, ‘Grace’. The book is a novel about a synchronistic encounter with an mysterious, old lady that takes Grace on an extraordinary life transforming adventure. “Grace” transports the reader to inner and outer space where science, spirituality and creation meet and presents a sequence of simple, yet powerful, philosophies, that when understood and practised, has the potential to change your life forever.” n
Name: Christine McGrory MSc Bsc Founder, Author & Inspired Speaker Company: A Magical Life Limited
e: create@unlock-the-key.co.uk www.Gracethekeybook.co.uk www.unlockthekey.com
profiles
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Lauren Taylor, Founding franchisee,The Key and Christine McGrory MSc Bsc
Christine’s founding franchisee was Lauren Taylor, she tells us: “I was in the process of creating space in my life for ‘something else.’ My desire was to create a meaningful life through my businesses by working only in areas that were close to my heart and made a contribution to people to, even in some small way, have a better life. I was exploring the idea of purpose and I believe in that very much.”
L
auren discovered The Key in 2011, and was immediately drawn to The Keys philosophies and creative format. Embracing The Key into her own life and witnessing the benefits of this, becoming the first franchisee in Glasgow seemed like a very natural progression. Since then Lauren has quickly expanded The Key by franchising in Renfrewshire and Ayrshire. “I first became aware of The Key through a synchronistic meeting with The Founder, Christine McGrory. I had been creating space in my life for “something else”. Although at the time I wasn’t quite sure what that would be, I knew that I wanted to make a contribution to helping people create a better life. I believe it was that desire and intention which led me to The Key. After meeting Christine, my first step was to attend The Key Weekend Course, and then commit to the 6-month Unlock Mentoring programme that follows. I also invited Christine into my health and fitness business to work with my team of coaches and applying The Key philosophies the business and flourished both personally and professionally. Shortly after this, I received a personal invitation from Christine to attend an event about becoming a franchisee of The Key. After a little self-doubt and a lot of deliberating I accepted her invitation. I listened to the opportunity and very quickly I knew intuitively that this was my “something else”. I became Founding Franchisee of The Key in Glasgow and Renfrewshire, launching in, October 2012 to an overwhelming response. I now teach “The Creation Process” which is the heart of The Key Courses and Unlock Mentoring Programme four times a year. At every single event, I have witnessed people experience a very real and powerful shift by learning and working with The Key Philosophies. I love watching people grow and prosper by implementing the teachings in their lives and businesses. Once mastered, The Creation Process will help you create anything you want, whether that be success, happiness, love, health, wealth and abundance. I am now using these practices to expand my Key franchise business and recently expanded launching The Key into the new franchise territory of Ayrshire. Having spent 8 years working in the fitness industry, Christine also saw the opportunity for me to use my expertise and skills to help develop a brand new programme, The Key to Health & Wellbeing. Having seen for myself the impact of today’s busy
lifestyle making us more and more out of balance and our lack of self care is costing us dearly, I believe this programme will have a real and positive for Scotland’s health story. This is really exciting for me as I know that when we choose to live in alignment with nature, we flourish, become, energised, happy, healthy, lighter and well. This is exactly what the simple 8 Step Key to Health & Wellbeing Plan delivers. Today, I feel very grateful every day to be working with both of my passions, The Key and now The Key to Health and Wellbeing. Working in alignment with what I love and believe in, and the opportunity to work with the most incredibly positive people, allows me to experience balance, freedom and a sense of purpose. What’s next in my Key vision? Well, I feel very privileged to be part of The Key, sharing its inspiring message and helping Christine to deliver this transformational programme across the UK. n
Top Tips for Success 4 Create a powerful vision for your business and your life. They are intrinsically linked. 4 Belief. Unshakeable belief in your vision is vital. 4 Attract great people to further energise your vision and your life. 4 Know your ‘why:’ get clear on why you are doing whatever it is that you do. And remind yourself of it often 4 Everyone has something unique to give. Make your own contribution to life For The Key Weekend, Key to Health and Wellbeing and Unlock Mentoring information, contact: laurentaylor@unlock-the-key.co.uk
27
28
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND article
Enchanted Forest Nurseries Shortlisted for National Awards
The Enchanted Forest Nurseries Group has beaten off scores of competitors from all across the country to reach the finals of the inaugural Scottish NMT Nursery Awards 2014, organised by Nursery Management Today magazine.
T
he award winning chain, which was launched in 2006 and now operates nurseries in Inverkip, Greenock, Thornliebank and Erskine, are finalists in the Nursery Group of the Year which recognises forward-thinking groups which have shown outstanding success in delivering high quality childcare, well-trained and motivated staff, inspirational values & focus across the group. In addition, Enchanted Forest Nurseries have been shortlisted for the Training and Development award, the winner of which will be deemed to be enhancing the professionalisation of the sector by encouraging and resourcing career development. Mariessa Devlin, co-founding Director of Enchanted Forest Nurseries comments; “The purpose of these Awards is to recognize and reward the very best people in Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland so we are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted. I am particularly pleased for our hard working team because this is further testament to, and recognition of, the commitment and dedication they show every day to the children we look after. I always feel that reaching the finals of such awards provides further reassurances to families that they have made the right choice in choosing Enchanted Forest Nurseries to nurture and co-educate their child� The winners of the Scottish NMT Nursery Awards will be announced on 2 September 2014 at an awards ceremony which takes place at the Glasgow Hilton. n For useful information on all our nurseries visit our website; www.enchantedforestnursery.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01475 745794
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ask the expert KIP MCGRATH EDUCATION CENTRES • Tel: 0141 955 2141 • www. kipmcgrath.co.uk • www.cellfield.uk
Post a question to Kirstie on our website at www.bwsltd.co.uk/ask-the-expert
Kirstie Price - teacher and business woman who runs the Bearsden - Milngavie branch of Kip McGrath, the global professional tutoring business.
Cellfield: overcoming dyslexia and language processing difficulties At last, your child can stop struggling and start believing that Dyslexia and Reading Disorders can be overcome.
T
he symptoms of Dyslexia can be deceiving and can often elude teachers and parents. As a result, all too many children slip through their school years without being able to read properly. Many treatments for dyslexia are based on the belief that overcoming dyslexia is not possible and the best approach is to accommodate difficulties. However, Cellfield is different. The Cellfield Intervention is based on neuroscience and brain plasticity research. This research has shown that brains are not ‘hard wired’ and neuro pathways can be reorganised to help people overcome dyslexia. As an experienced Depute Head Teacher with extensive experience of Additional Support in schools, I am well aware of the impact of Dyslexia and processing difficulties. As the Centre Director for Cellfield Glasgow, I am professionally and personally convinced that Cellfield does result in permanent and sustainable improvements in reading and language processing. For those experiencing such difficulties, results prove that Cellfield is the answer. How Does Cellfield Work? • In the last ten years, brain imaging technology has made it possible to see brains working while a child is reading. • Normal readers use their left half of their brain in a compact, interconnected and highly efficient way. • Poor readers use both sides of their brains in a disconnected and highly inefficient way. • In early stages of reading, none of this matters much. • In later stages of reading it matters much ….. very much. • Reading fluently with good comprehension needs many things to happen very quickly. • Our eyes need to see words coming in peripheral vision, before we actually look at them. • Seeing always comes first. Sound structures need to follow almost instantaneously. • By he time words come into central vision, fluent readers already understand what they are reading. • They use high speed scanning for checking, not reading.
• Cellfield uses brain plasticity and clever computer science to synchronise information and deliver it directly to where it is needed quickly and efficiently. • Only then can children recognise words in peripheral vision, and have spare processing capacity in working memory to think about meaning. It is this increased processing capacity that makes it possible for Cellfield children to make the transition into fluent reading. How do I know if Cellfield would suit my child? Cellfield has helped many people with dyslexia and other processing issues and experience has shown the programme to be effective for a broad range of conditions. Cellfield should be considered if any of the following issues are relevant for your child: screened for dyslexia or assessed as having language disorders; struggles with reading, spelling and writing; reads well but cannot recall much of what has been read; poor working memory or concentration; difficulties with reading fluency, accuracy or comprehension; difficulty repeating instructions that have been given orally. Cellfield – What is involved? Cellfield Phase 1 The Cellfield treatment is a computer-based, multi-sensory treatment programme which involves ten hourly sessions carried out on a daily basis within a fourteen day period. Cellfield Phase 2 After completing the ten sessions at a Cellfield Centre, clients embark on Phase 2 of Cellfield, which is vital to reinforce and develop the skills acquired during the first phase of treatment. This involves 10 weeks of planned reading (oral and silent) at home. The Cellfield Centre provides full information and support is always available. Clients undergo assessments at the start and at the end of their treatment to measure progress and then again six months later. n
If you have any queries concerning your child and their education you can email Kirstie and she will answer any of your questions in the following issues of Business Women Scotland magazine. E Mail : kirstieprice@yahoo.com and cellfieldglasgow@yahoo.com Web: www.bwsltd.co.uk
29
30
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
never miss an issue Business Women Scotland Magazine
Take out a years subscription today for £15 6 issues delivered to your door It’s only a click away at www.bwsltd.co.uk or call us at the office T: 0141 332 8801 Business Women Scotland - March 2014 - PRINT.pdf 1 18/03/2014 14:14:24
the live event w h e n B u s i n e s s m e e t s S tyl e....
join us on 2nd October, 2014 at The Radison Blu, Glagow
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW
C
M
event guide
Y
CM
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Shows will be interspersed throughout the day.
MY
FOUR FASHION SHOWS,
CY
CMY
K
Everything you need to know about family law http://bfamily.brodies.com
ASK THE EXPERTS, INTERVIEWS WITH WOMEN IN BUSINESS, IN THE BUSINESS POD IN THE STYLE POD Scan the QR code with your smart phone or visit
www.bwsltd.co.uk
BOOK ONLINE ABERDEEN•EDINBURGH • GLASGOW •BRUSSELS
@BFamilyLaw
£7
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
BWS READER OFFER
Sparties at The Spa at the Carrick, Cameron House from £99pp
F
rom deep within the Carrick Spa you are soothed and massaged until you are chilled and as calm as the surface of the loch itself. You take a sip of fresh fruit juice and climb the stairs to the Infinity Pool (which is how long you could stay in this place) Ben Lomond before you, and another arduous afternoon of steam, sauna and perhaps something deliciously healthy from the café. ‘This is the life,’ you find yourself saying from the comfort of your steamy whirlpool. Total relaxation awaits the spa lover. Water, water everywhere. The drama and the spectacle of the loch setting is only half the magic of The Spa at the Carrick. Scotland’s best hotel spa for two years in a row, The Spa is your hideaway from it all. With 17 dry and wet treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, a breathtaking rooftop terrace with infinity pool, thermal experiences, aromatherapy steam room, holistic studio, gymnasium and pool, this is truly a destination spa set to challenge the world’s finest.
HIDE WITH ME
BWS READER OFFER ‘Sparties’ at The Carrick on Loch Lomond are ideal for special occasions with friends that deserve just a little added luxury to make the event truly unique. The private check in and healthy refreshment are followed by an indulgent massage and refreshing facial (60 minutes including consultation). Then it’s time to relax with a two hour journey through our Thermal Experience. A ‘Sparty’ for eight or more includes private dining with bubbles on the rooftop and a free finishing treatment for the booker. From just £99 per person. The Spa at the Carrick, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ, Tel: 01389 713 659 and quote BWS. For details of alternative day spa offers and residential spa packages, please visit www.cameronhouse.co.uk
THE CARRICK
SPA DAY
MAKE A DAY OF IT. YOU TRULY DESERVE THIS. Arrive at the Carrick Spa and get changed into your luxurious robe and slippers, then relax with our spa experience. A blissful unlimited journey in an oasis of calm and tranquility with a selection of hydro and thermal experiences including our stunning rooftop infinity pool. Enjoy a light lunch then relax with an Express Facial combined with an Aromatherapy Back, Neck & Shoulder massage. You will look and feel fresher after some well earned relaxation, all for just £99 per person.
CALL 01389 713 659
Quote ‘BWS READER OFFER’ when booking.
spa.reservations@cameronhouse.co.uk www.cameronhouse.co.uk
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Available Monday to Sunday. Treatment time is 50 minutes including consultation.
SPA
31
32
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND nutrition
Does it really matter if I miss breakfast ? Q: Is there any benefit to skipping breakfast? I thought it was dangerous? Skipping breakfast isn’t the danger people might think. While there are benefits to eating a healthy breakfast, so many breakfasts such as most packaged cereal are so lacking in good nutrition that they are hardly worth having anyway! In all honesty, the sugar content of some of the ‘low fat’ cereals is more than what you’d find in a slice of cake! Besides, recent research into intermittent fasting – going without food for a few more hours than you would normally – has turned the whole debate on it’s head and has shown that skipping breakfast can actually be good for us.
Q: What about the metabolism thing – doesn’t eating breakfast rev it up? Most of us have been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that if you skip meals you’ll slow your metabolism to a crawl. But, that is based on what’s known as the ‘thermic effect’ of food - whenever and whatever you eat, your body temperature, and therefore your metabolism, rises slightly. So, there’s nothing special about breakfast. So, while it’s true that cutting calories very low for a few days does trigger changes in metabolism and appetite hormones, short bursts of fasting - such as skipping breakfast every now and then - actually has the opposite effect. Skipping food stresses the body; this causes the release of fat burning chemicals called catecholamines and lowers levels of the fat storing hormone insulin. By regularly lowering insulin levels it’s believed that the cells get a chance to re-sensitise reducing the risk of resistance. One of the methods I use for weight loss and health is to regularly eat within an 8-hour window, fasting for 16 hours out of 24. So, in effect, stop eating at 8om and don’t start again till 12noon the next day.
In all honesty, the sugar content of some of the ‘low fat’ cereals is more than what you’d find in a slice of cake!
w: www.amandahamilton.com
nutrition
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Regular contributor to BWS, Amanda Hamilton nutritionalist, journalist and mother provides answers to of the common misconceptions about diet and nutrition. We are all leading busy lives and some of us will run out of the door with out a breakfast. In this issue Amanda will be answering the most asked questions about this topic. Amanda Hamilton
Next time – does it really matter if I take supplements or not? Q: When IS skipping breakfast a bad thing?
Q: So, what’s your advice to readers?
Skipping breakfast isn’t a good idea if you are an emotional eater or if you are pre-menstrual when you are already hungrier than normal. If you need to fuel a workout you are better to eat something too. If you are unwell in any way you should go with what your body tells you and take appropriate medical advice. Research does indicate that eating a breakfast of eggs will lead to less calories being consumed for the rest of the day. So, if you don’t want to skip breakfast but want to lose weight, you could try that.
Give it a try! The only way to tell if it suits you is to actually experience it. I like to do it a few days a week just to tick over. If you are looking to lose weight you could give it a go for up for 6 mornings a week. As I explain in my book, it’s fine to have a coffee or tea with a splash of milk in the morning – that doesn’t break the fast. n
Q: I’m sure I saw a report that said that breakfast skippers have a greater risk of heart disease Personally, I think that’s a case of the lifestyle of old-school breakfast skippers - miss breakfast and visit the vending machine at 11am type of thing. If you are skipping breakfast mindfully with the intention of eating a healthy meal at lunchtime, it can only be a good thing every now and then.
Amanda’s best-selling book, Eat, Fast, Slim is available on Amazon worldwide. Price: £8.99
Amanda will be at the BWS live event, 2nd October, as part of the ‘meet the panel’ presentation. To purchase tickets online visit www.bwsltd.co.uk
33
34
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND food feature
Annie Stewart from ANTA, provides us with her top tips for fresh home cooking, even better when you can present food to your guests on ANTA designed tablewear.
mussels INGREDIENTS 1 finely chopped shallot 1.5kg/31/2 lbs mussels knob of butter 150ml /1/4 pt dry white wine 2 finely leeks – finely sliced 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped 2 sprigs of thyme small bunch parsley – finely chopped
PREPARATION
Wash the mussels in plenty of cold water: scrape away and barnacles with a small sharp knife. Gently pull away the beards. Wash again. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped sharply. Drain well.
In a large pan. Soften the leeks and garlic in a little butter, add thyme leaves and wine and bring to the boil. Add the mussels and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that do not open, garnish with parsley. You can cook this in the kitchen or outside over the fire. Serve immediately.
All ANTA stoneware is available to purchase at www.anta.co.uk
food feature
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
pavlova INGREDIENTS 8 egg whites 250g/10oz caster sugar 150g/6oz icing sugar 1tbs white wine vinegar pinch of salt 1 tbs cornflour
300ml/1/2 pt double cream mix of fruits such as mango, pineapple, passion fruit, strawberries, rasberries, melon.
PREPARATION
Preheat oven 180c/gas 4 (preferably do not use a fan oven) Lightly grease a Ruaridh Waugh serving plate, from the ANTA Collection.
In a large, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric beater on a high speed until it forms soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar about a tablespoon at a time and beat continuously until mixture is firm and glossy and sugar has dissolved. Beat in the vinegar and salt. Sift the cornflour and gently fold in. Using a spatula spread mixture over the centre of the plate making the sides straight and higher than the centre. Reduce the heat of the oven to 150C/gas 2 and cook for 1hour. Turn the oven off and leave the door slightly open, allow to cool in the oven. Whip the cream, pile into the centre of the Pavlova and top with the mixed fruit.
35
36
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND fashion
fashion
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
bringing fashion home To celebrate ‘Homecoming Scotland 2014’, House of Fraser recently showcased some home-grown Scottish talent and had asked five established Scottish designers from womenswear, accessories and menswear areas to host ‘pop-up’ shops featuring EXCLUSIVE products especially designed and sold in House of Fraser, Glasgow.
F
or a young designer this presents a great opportunity to showcase your designs in the ionic 150 year old store in Glasgow and to support and boost local Scottish Talent. ‘Bringing Fashion Home’ designers included Rebecca Torres and Georgia Wiseman (collaborative work), luxury handbags and accessories label Strathberry of Scotland, artisanal menswear brand, ten30 and scarf designer, Karen Mabon.
The designers showcasing their designs are: Strathberry of Scotland - Guy Hundleby; Womenswear Designer, Rebecca Torres; Jewellery Designer, Georgia Wiseman; Accessory Designer, Karen Mabon; ten30 - Alan Moore, Designer.
37
38
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
ONE TEN Sampling the delights of the new look One Ten Bar and Grill in Glasgow
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Guests at One Ten Bar and Grill, located on Glasgow’s Bath Street, are enjoying a whole new experience in both style and taste at their favourite city centre restaurant.
A
s well as a new team, headed by accomplished Food and Beverage Manager James Anderson, whose calibre is reflected in his previous postings with Grand Central Hotel and Cameron House, the chic eaterie has undergone a stunning transformation to offer a more contemporary look and feel. The combination of classic yet contemporary furniture, upholstered in voluptuous velvets of muted earthy tones provide warmth throughout the restaurant and lounge areas, with complementary wall finishes and lighting completing the look. This new look presents the perfect backdrop from which guests can enjoy a la carte and casual dining menus filled with a wide range of dishes, many classic with a contemporary twist and highlighting the restaurant’s proud Scottish heritage. Starters now include a Wee Taste of Scotland of Haggis Fritter, Mini Scotch Pie & Smoked Salmon with Arran mustard (£5.95). Main courses on offer include Lathallan Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with Whisky Cream sauce, of which a vegetarian alternative also available (£12.50). From the Grill selection, there’s a classic One Ten Burger served in a seeded bun with Rocket Salad, sliced Tomato Red Onion chutney(£11.50) whilst Steak Frites - 7oz Sirloin Steak with a Garlic Butter and French Fries (£17.50) pays homage to the Auld Alliance. The dessert offerings underline the Scottish influences on the menu, with selections including Deep Fried Mars Bar with Toffee Sauce and Raspberry Sorbet £5.25, understood to be a first in city centre restaurant dining. For more casual dining, One Ten’s warm and inviting lounge bar offers a range of lighter bites including the brand new “One Ten Sweet and Savoury Tapas” trays from which Mini Potato filled with Crème Fraiche, Mini Scotch Pie, Tempura Haggis Balls, Black Pudding Fritter, Tattie Scone , Smoked Salmon , Mini Soup Cup , Risotto Balls, Cranachan Fingers , Deep Fried Mars Bar, Tablet, Whisky Truffles, Highland Toffee and Home-made Shortbread may be selected.
One Ten Bar and Grill Marks Hotel 110 Bath Street, Glasgow. G2 2EN
An innovative and unrivalled array of Wines, Champagnes as well as one of the most extensive Cocktails menus, each inspired by the city and devised by James and his team, complete the make-over of new tastes available in One Ten. Karen Burke General Manager of One Ten Bar and Grill and its sister hotel, the super stylish boutique Marks, notes; “Whilst One Ten Bar and Grill has firmly established itself as a favourite with guests and Glaswegians alike, to have a Food and Beverage Manager of James’ calibre with his talented team on board takes us to the next level. This is further complemented not only by our stunning new look but also the wide ranging wining and dining options, which I believe, positions One Ten amongst the very best the city has to offer”. n
t: +44 (0)141 354 7705 f: +44 (0)141 353 0900 e: info@markshotels.com
39
40
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND beauty
in the
hot seat . . . . . . .
Kasia Ojrzynska from Esteem Beauty sits in the BWS ‘hot seat’ and gives our readers her top tips for a skin-friendly Summer.
Esteem Beauty is an award winning salon owned and managed by Kasia Ojrzynska, a university Master’s Degree Qualified Cosmetologist from Łodz University, Poland. Kasia has worked in the Industry for over 20 years and was taught by leading world experts. Sun protection The sun is the main cause of premature aging which can leave your skin dull, dry wrinkled and with hyperpigmentation ( brown spots). Skin protection should be used all year using an SPF that protects against both UVA & UVB of at least 30, preferably a mineral SPF which acts as a sunblock to instantly block sun’s rays. In addition to a high factor look for one that is waterproof. Remember to cover the PRIORI® CoffeeBerry® All areas that we always forget about, lips, Natural Daily Protection SPF ears and the back of your neck. 25 (75 ml). CoffeeBerry®, Cleansing Exfoliating and is nature’s most potent antioxidant to fight free moisturizing, we all do this with our face radicals and the causes of but we should also look after our body skin ageing. From £17.00 too. Ensure you exfoliate once a week and moisturize after showering….(mention products here) Water sprays/toners are good to have at hand to spritz your face and neck to freshen up when you feel yourself getting too hot!
Looking good in the heat is always challenging Kasia’s top tip when in the sun: Never wear lipstick and lip gloss together in the sun. Use a lip balm that contains an SPF, many options now available with colour or alternatively use a lip liner to give colour and define your lips with a lip pencil.
Dry parched skin? Nourish your skin with an oil such as jojoba oil, this product does not block your pores and is more of a wax which is closer to your skin’s natural oil. If you have burnt your skin use a pure aloe vera gel which is a natural product and will help the healing process. Hydration is key for our body to remove toxins and functioning properly. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily. Lastly if you want to obtain the summer glow with out the pain of sitting in the sun you should consider a fake tan . Spray tanning is perfect and you can choose your desired shade and watch it develop within 2 hours. We use a system in Esteem beauty that develops in a couple of hours ready for the party night out!
READERS OFFER | The perfect way to unwind after a busy day. . .
SAVE £35
Esteem Beauty are offering to every BWS reader, for the months of August/September, a full facial and back massage for only £45 (normal price £80).
T: 0141 334 3254 to book your appointment, quoting EB525, and take advantage of this great offer. Esteem Beauty are open later to be more flexible around your working day! Monday - Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday
10am - 7pm 10am - 8pm 10am - 7pm CLOSED
528 Great Western Rd, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G12 8EL t: 0141 334 3254 w: www.esteembeauty.co.uk
beauty
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Ask Anne ... TAYLOR FERGUSON HAIRDRESSING • 106 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 2EN • Tel: 0141 332 0397 • www.taylorferguson.com
Anne Ferguson, a director of celebrity stylist Taylor Ferguson Hairdressing, focuses on key haircare products she believes can give your crowning glory a makeover.
Holding strong
Holding, fixing or setting – call it what you wish but, for me, it’s all about ensuring that your chosen hair style stays as strong as possible for as long as possible. That’s where Schwarzkopf Professional’s OSIS+ Session Label range kicks in. Their own words say the range unites the ‘precise performance with premium catwalk styling quality’ giving us stylists exactly what we need to create stunning looks. The range, which includes Strong Hold and Flexible Hold Hairspray, Salt Spray, Silk Shine Cream and Molding Paste, enables infinite styling variations. We always say we want products to perform but remain invisible and this range does just that. We’re particularly big fans of the OSiS+ Session Label Strong Hold Hairspray at £16. This hairspray is a great choice for styles that need a finish with an extra strong hold. The fine, instant-dry spray covers the hair and delivers ultra-strong hold. The spray can be brushed out without leaving any residue.
The D Word
We love the D-word – the D being for Densifique – and it’s part of my own daily routine. Last year Kerastase discovered Stemoxydine – the first molecule to activate new hair and in their research found that more than 78% of women saw that their hair had more body, texture and density. With 8.8 million people – me included - concerned with hair thinning, Kerastase provides men and women everywhere with a new solution to the problem – the Densifique product. They kicked off this revolution with their hair density concentrate, which is applied daily over a three-month course to achieve new hair growth millimetre by millimetre. Now they’ve just launched a product range to bathe, treat, regenerate and texturise your hair at home, while tackling that very common issue of hair thinning. Enriched with key skin care ingredients, Densifique acts on three key hair beauty parameters; DENSITY – Increasing hair growth rate and the number of hairs per square centimetre. SMOOTHNESS – Hydrating hair from root to tip and improving thickness of individual hairs. VOLUME AND BOUNCE – Hair becomes fuller with added bounce and more resistant to breakage. The range starts at £19 for the new Bain Densite bodifying shampoo which in the company’s own words “awakens dormant hair bulbs “ and supplies substance and tone. The hair is suppler and more resistant – and it also happens to smell divine. Other key products in the range include the Densimorphose densifying mousse at £20, which as the description suggests,
instantly transforms the hair, fibre by fibre, for a visible volumising result. Key ingredients create volume and substance without that heavy feeling. Hair is more resilient and regenerated from root to tip.
A Handbag must
This product for me is as important as my lipstick. The hand-bag size Schwarzkopf Dust at £15. It gives your hair volume, making it sit up from the roots and texturising the ends. Throw your hair forward, put a sprinkling on your hair and then work it through with your fingers. A must-have, especially if you’re pushed for time.
Caring for mature hair
Haircare products get smarter when they can adapt to bespoke needs. Let’s round up our product focus with something for mature and fragile hair. Yes, a bespoke formulated shampoo for those of us who are middle-aged or more. Part of the Bonacure Hairtherapy range, the Time Restore shampoo at £16 has key ingredients working at a cellular level to erase visible signs of ageing and instantly rejuvenate hair strength.
41
42
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND directory
theindex
BWS Directory of businesses | contact info@bwsltd.co.uk to be included in print and online
Contact: Acumen T: 0122 4573 904 E: enquiries@acumen.info www.acumen.info
Contact: Vivienne Brown T: 07748555141 E: info@mycareerclub.co.uk www.mycareerclub.co.uk
Contact: Total Sales Solutions T: 0141 611 7263 www.totalsalessolutions.co.uk
Contact: Morna Petrano T: 01224 645757 www.mornapetrano.com
Contact: Just Employment Law T: 0141 331 5150 www.justemploymentlaw.co.uk
Acumen has offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Peterhead and Tillicoultry, opening doors for the first time almost 30 years ago. We have a real insight into the oil and gas support industry, in recruitment, property development and the contractor market. Other areas of expertise include manufacturing, import and export, medical and health. Supported by a highly experienced and qualified tax department we ensure the best value possible for business as well as personal clients. Our main office in Aberdeen is the only accountancy firm in Scotland that can provide consultancy, training and support for the Sage 200 Suite, an all in one package for medium sized businesses looking for a solution to cover all aspects of business solutions.
myCareerClub want to help you get the job you want and the career you deserve. If you have searched lots of jobs websites looking for inspiration, applied for new jobs with little success, or maybe you are frustrated with the progress so far in your career and want a change – then maybe it’s time to get some personal, 1-2-1 careers expertise. At myCareerClub we have 3 simple steps to get your career moving and we have expert career coaches to help you achieve your career ambitions. MyCareerClub could be the best personal investment you’ll ever make.
At Total Sales Solutions, we provide intelligent sales campaigns that maximise on efficiency. Each customer has a campaign tailored to meet their goals: achieving higher quality appointments that result in more final sales. We focus on what your customers really want and ensure they know your product or service is the one to deliver that. Our aims are to shorten the sales cycle, make you more money and free up your time.
Park Lane House, Suite 2:9, 47 Broad Street, Glasgow. G40 2QW Morna Petrano Property Leasing in Aberdeen, set themselves apart from the larger agencies and take a personal pride in offering a high level of customer satisfaction. With over 20 years experience of the Aberdeen property market, Morna Petrano aim to provide a superb property management and tenant finding service. They will protect your rental asset by providing owners with responsible tenants and regular property inspections. Morna Petrano has a extensive portfolio of flats, executive apartments and houses for rent in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
2D Thistle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1XZ Established in 2004, Just Employment Law comprises a legal team of highly experienced practitioners. We specialise exclusively in the employment law field and provide first class advice, assistance and representation to UK clients. Our services are available at highly competitive rates and business clients can elect to retain our legal team via our annual retainer service, which includes unlimited access to our practitioners for a fixed annual fee. Our retainer service also includes the drafting and updating of contracts of employment, employee handbooks and all related documentation.
City View, 6 Eagle Street, Glasgow, G4 9XA
business advice
BUSINESS WOMEN SCOTLAND
Network with Business Women Scotland
If you have a passion for design, architecture and interiors then ANTA is a brand you should be familiar with. This BWS network event should not be missed! A recent addition to the ANTA collection is a clothing and bag range made from their woolen yarns - for something just a bit more bespoke! We have teamed up with Annie Stewart from Anta for the next BWS network. A business now 25 years old and a partnership between designers Annie and Lachlan Stewart ANTA products are proud to say all made in Scotland. The woolen yarn used for the carpets and tweeds is sourced in the Western Isles and is woven in the Borders. The oak furniture is made in the Highlands and some of the wood is homegrown. With a successful shop in George St, Edinburgh, Anta have now come to the west and have opened their first shop in Glasgow, city centre. Please join us at the new ANTA, Glasgow store for a sit round the table network with like minded women in business. Annie is our guest speaker and she will be giving us her business story to date and why ANTA has been so successful that they now have the second generation of loyal ANTA customers.
the lunch menu Canapes Smoked Salmon and Blue cheese and Walnut Tarts Cold Beef Cold Salmon Tomato Mozzarella Salad Mixed Green Salads Roast Peppers Strawberries and Cream. Coffee and Tablet. Glass of Wine Date: 19th September 2014 Time: 11/11:30 – 1:30pm Venue: ANTA 107 West George Street, G2 1QR Cost: £35+vat (£42) Networking is a great opportunity to make new business contacts and on this occasion an opportunity to shop. ANTA will have a discount for any purchases on the day.
For more information on BWS Memberships and BWS Networking visit www.bwsltd.co.uk
43
business advice
Delighting our guests in Glasgow since 2011
BREAKFAST
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS £5
served from 8am Monday to Friday from 9am Saturday • from 10am Sunday
Sunday to Wednesday
LOBSTER THURSDAYS
NEW SPRING/SUMMER MENU LAUNCH EARLY MAY
Your all day brasserie serving classic dishes close to people’s hearts B ROWN S B A R & BR A SSER IE , 1 GEO RGE S Q UARE, GLAS GOW G2 1DY TEL EPH ONE: 0 1 4 1 2 2 1 7828 • www.browns-restaurants.co.uk