Your Business Summer 2020

summer 2020 ÂŁ3

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

INSIDE: Business Support

page 3

Chamber News

page 5

PLATINUM PARTNERS CONTACTS Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL Mail enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Call 01292 678666 Visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org President...........................................Lorna Gibson Chief Executive.............................. Valerie Russell Development Manager...................Helen McBride

Ayrshire Chamber wishes to acknowledge the support of the following companies as sponsors of our Platinum Partners programme.

The Chamber in Ayrshire represents businesses of all sizes and all sectors and is particularly effective in representing the voice of businesses at local, national and international level.

The Partnership aims to cement the relationship that companies have with Ayrshire Chamber, making sure they get the most out of membership and in turn contributing to the work of the Chamber, so supporting other business in Ayrshire.

Partnership members have access to a comprehensive package of benefits, while at the same time assist with the development of the Chamber movement.

If you would like to discuss the mutual benefits of becoming a Partner for Business please contact Helen McBride our Business Development Manager.

MAGAZINE Editorial........... aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org Ad Sales............lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org Design/Typesetting........advertisingworks.co.uk Print/Distribution.......................brown-bros.com An Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry publication. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without the express permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in "Your Business" are not necessarily those of the Editorial Committee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Articles submitted for publication will be considered at the Committee's discretion and may be subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

ACTIONCOACH WILL IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS

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The global pandemic has changed lives. It has changed business as we know it in just a matter of weeks. It has changed the psyche of millions of people and has shocked us into a ‘new and somewhat uncertain normal’. Many of the outcomes of this virus have been negative, but the worldwide spread of the COVID 19 virus has propelled us forward in positive ways as well. But to see those few bright spots means you must view the world through a different lens. It’s about mindset and approach.

The lockdowns worldwide have plunged many economies into recession and unemployment numbers reflect a real economic winter. But at the same time, it has brought many unimaginable opportunities that will change our lives for the better, in the long term.

Those who have changed the way they deliver their products and expanded their online presences have found new ways to serve customers.

They have likely taken customers left under-served by shuttered businesses because they chose to transform their business quickly and decisively.

They found opportunity when most found or perceived doomsday.

So, ask yourself. Do you look for what will work, or do you identify only the obstacles in your way? Do you immediately go on the defence or do you pivot to an offensive mindset to overcome challenges? Do you marshal resources and galvanise others to find solutions or do you resign yourself to the inevitability of a negative outcome?

It is about mindset and your willingness to find some sort of positive in every situation. It is about being present and finding actionable, creative ways to address the challenges you face. You don’t ignore the difficult or negative aspects of a situation, but you don’t let them stop you from moving forward either.

Contact: www.actioncoach.com/andrewgoldberg

WHEN LIFE BRINGS RAIN, LOOK FOR RAINBOWS I would like to start by giving our condolences to the many families who have been personally touched by this pandemic. This crisis is first and foremost a health crisis which will continue for some time to come. We would like to thank all those front-line workers, not just in the NHS but across many sectors both public and private who have kept Ayrshire going during these difficult times.

The generosity and coming together across the whole Ayrshire community has been remarkable.

However, as a business organisation we are now turning our thoughts to the Ayrshire economy, what is next for us as a Chamber and how can we further support our members. We know many are hurting badly are this time.

Much of my time in the past months has been spent working with Chambers across the UK, gathering feedback from members which we have

then taken to both Governments to lobby for the gaps that were evident in funding support. I am pleased to say we were successful in many areas and thanks must go to those who took the time to complete surveys etc. Never more so have we fulfilled our role as the voice of business.

Like many businesses we have studied the ‘Roadmap’ of guidance from the Government and welcome some reduction in lockdown, however we are urging the Government for clearer timelines to allow business to prepare for a safe return.

We, like many others, are also adding up the cost of lost business and the cost to ensure our offices are safe for both staff and members to return to when it is the correct time to do so.

Below is the Roadmap we have set out: Responsible: taking stock of where we are as a community and doing all we can to get through this #together Reset: start to look at ways in which this will change, business models, working environments, the future economy and the new ‘normal’.

VAL RUSSELL Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce CEO

Ready: to do what we can to ‘kickstart’ our economy, creating an environment that is united in a common purpose of hope, growth, fairness, and opportunity.

This is our Ayrshire...

We look to you, our valued members, to keep letting us know how we can best support your businesses. Communication is vital and I urge you all to #StayConnected with us.

A NEW BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICE NOW LAUNCHED

ONLINE MARKETPLACE CHANGES FOCUS During these unprecedented and challenging times, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry want to help and support our members as best we can. One of the ways we are able do this is through mentoring and our Board of Directors. Our experienced business mentors and Board members come from a broad range of industry sectors, geographies and varying business scale, and with such a wealth of experience they can be beneficial to many local business owners by offering support, guidance or even just a sounding board.

Mentoring support in the past has offered huge value to our members and during this time we are sure this support will be welcomed. Please contact Lisa Stewart to discuss lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org

The Chamber’s online Ayrshire Marketplace launched earlier this year as a way for members to advertise their offers to fellow Chamber members, free of charge, via our website.

With the Coronavirus pandemic fundamentally changing how we must now all live and work, the focus of the Marketplace has shifted away from just member offers and towards what businesses can do or are doing to support each other. This may be in the form of advertising a new product or service or offering advice and support in their specialised fields.

The number of offers members can advertise depends on your membership tier however all membership includes at least one offer, just logon to our website and upload the details. A user guide is available by clicking the button however, if you need any help, just drop an email to enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org

3 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

CEO'S WELCOME

@StagecoachWScot

@StagecoachWScot Ayr Survey Event Plan Location

CHAMBER NEWS

BY CRAIG BULOW Corporate Away Days

By building a sense of fun and camaraderie you will look after you employees’ mental wellbeing and prevent them feeling isolated. Teams that have fun together are more engaged and weather storms better.

Here are seven ideas to help: 1.

REGULAR VIDEO MEETINGS

Keep utilising Zoom, Skype, Facetime. It’s important to see colleagues, read their facial expressions and body language and smile at one another!

Make sure everyone can speak and be listened to. This is crucial for mental wellbeing and enhancing feelings of togetherness.

2.

SET HOURS

If possible, give everyone a set working day and ensure they can separate work/home life. If they’re working until 8pm, they’re unlikely to be motivated to start again at 9am. Also, a lack of routine can be demotivating.

3.

ACHIEVING TOGETHER

Encourage Morning Motivations. Team members write down “What I accomplished yesterday… What I’m planning today… What today’s challenges are”. Colleagues can discuss these; “I had a similar challenge last week. This is how I approached it”. “I have the same plan today. Let’s speak later to see how we’re getting on”.

4.

SOCIALISE “AT WORK”

It is likely to encourage camaraderie if people can have virtual chats by the water cooler. Use apps such as Tandem.chat or group chat on WhatsApp. Or they could play an online game in their break.

5.

SOCIALISE AFTER WORK

How about creating after work socialising with, for example, a cooking evening? Everyone takes turns in demonstrating their favourite recipe. A curry-maker might suggest a craft lager to drink alongside!

6. EXERCISE

A fitness challenge is a great way to socialise, while boosting physical and mental wellbeing through exercise. Everyone could go to their local park and have a run at the same time, then share photos.

7.

(NOT) AWAY DAYS

A great thing to build team spirit is an away day. It’ll take some creative thinking. Perhaps everyone could go fishing at their local catch-and-return lake with a competition to see who can catch the biggest. Instead of go-karting, they could play online karting games together. This is a good time to provide a treat!

COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce exists to serve and support the Ayrshire business community through a combination of services, networking, and lobbying activity.

Our vision has always been and continues to be: “To bring our business community together, enabling members to grow their organisation both locally and internationally, supporting economic development activity across Ayrshire and beyond.”

During these unprecedented times, we have adapted our services where necessary by offering online networking, webinars, and events. We have a range of eLearning courses available which has been updated in response to the pandemic which can be access via our website or directly at www.ayrshirechambertraining.com Chamber membership includes HR, Legal, TAX and H&S support provided by our service partners Quest. This incorporates access to a library of over 700 downloadable documents and helplines to answer your specific questions.

If you need reminding of your login details, please send us an email to enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org There are various Government funding schemes currently available to businesses, links to which are updated on our website regularly. The Scottish Government has also set up a dedicated helpline for business through Scottish Enterprise.

0300 303 0660 - the lines are open Mon – Fri 8.30am -5.30pm.

FUTURE CHAMBER 2020-21 ENJOY VIRTUAL LAUNCH THANKS TO PLATINUM PARTNERS Year three of our ‘Future Chamber’ initiative had a different take off than previous years with an online welcome to the benefits of being a member of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

This exciting concept provides FREE Enterprise level membership along with a programme of relevant business and personal development activity throughout the year for business owners aged 35 or under. Details of this year’s cohort can be found with our New Members on page 23.

The Ayrshire Chamber would like to thank our Platinum Partners for their continued support of this fantastic initiative which provides fully funded Chamber membership for one year.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

HOW TO GENERATE A SENSE OF WORKPLACE CAMARADERIE WHEN YOU ARE WORKING APART

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MEMBERS NEWS

INTRODUCING THE BEGG & CO. COMFORT BLANKET Begg & Co. are based in Ayr where they make and design every collection at their mill. With cinematic skies at the window and an abundance of beaches, mountains and lochs at door, Scotland’s rugged coastline is endlessly inspiring. Stark yet staggeringly beautiful, Ayr’s paradox of industry and nature is at the heart of everything they do.

With a focus on craftsmanship and quality, the highly skilled team of weavers and knitters use the finest natural noble fibres, sustainable cashmere, wool and silk to make the most exquisite sweaters,

scarves, blankets, wraps and stoles.

Every piece is imagined and realised with meticulous care, dedication, and love.

Begg & Co. have collaborated with ‘For the Love of Scrubs Scotland’ who have provided their team with poly cotton fabric to manufacture scrubs for local NHS hospitals and community nurses in Ayrshire and Arran. A lean production flow was developed to allow them to manufacture large quantities in a very short time frame, and by using all fabric to reduce waste, all whilst adhering to the new H&S guidelines.

As well as manufacturing scrubs, they are also donating all profits from three of their most iconic products to the NHS Charities Together, and have created a space on

their website called ‘Our Comfort Blanket’ where they share positive advice with communities around the world. All key workers are doing a wonderful job every day, so they are pleased that their amazing team of skilled craftspeople are also able to help during this time.

To read more on the Comfort Blanket visit www.beggandcompany.com/ comfort-blanket.html

LAUNCH PINK TARTAN SAFETY MASKS FOR CHARITY Following the recent announcement of the registration of their new pink tartan, Launch Digital are working in partnership with Slanj Kilts in Glasgow to manufacture and sell Pink Tartan safety masks, in line with the current global crisis. You can purchase a mask on the Slanj Kilts website, with all proceeds going towards Launch Foods and Unity Grill, who are continuing to tackle food poverty and help under privileged families in Ayrshire and Glasgow by providing hot and healthy meals to families who need support.

PL

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

PARATTNINUM ER

The team at Launch Digital are also currently involved in The Kilt to Work Challenge 2020. This involves the team at Launch

wearing Kilts EVERY WORKING DAY throughout 2020 in order to raise awareness of Launch Foods and Unity Grill. Launch are also encouraging others to get involved in either wearing their own Kilt or a Launch Kilt to work for a day, a week, a month or throughout 2020 if brave enough.

This unique tartan was designed in house by our Creative Director, Richard Longmuir using the brand colours of Launch.

The design has been accepted and registered with ‘The Scottish Register of Tartan’ as ‘Launch Pink’. The kilts are also produced and tailored in partnership with Slanj Kilts in Glasgow where they can be bought with all profits going to the charity for providing meals for kids.

Find out more or get involved: www.kiltsfeedkids.org

CHAMBER LEGAL AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR CALL 01455 852037 6

ALL PULLING TOGETHER It has always been important to Flamingo Exterior Cleaning to be as involved in the community as possible, supporting events and local initiatives. As the current crisis unfolded they felt it was a natural step, for a company that offers professional sanitisation already, to help where possible by sanitising the most vulnerable areas and areas of high human interaction such as handrails, crosswalks, doors / handles, bins etc.

They have dedicated time for 3 vans/units to provide free cleaning and sanitisation in key areas throughout Ayrshire, targeting inanimate objects with high human interaction such as hand rails, handles, buttons etc.

They have had an amazing response from members of the public,

professional bodies, other businesses and the international media with their story featured on TV around the world on stations & shows such as ABC News, Good Morning America, BBC News and ATF to name but a few.

They would like to take the opportunity to thank other local businesses and members of the public for their support and for their own efforts during the pandemic. It has been incredible to see everyone pulling together to help each other.

CHICKEN WINGS ITS WAY TO CHARITIES Food banks, school breakfast clubs and homeless shelters have benefitted from a massive 1.4 tonne donation of chicken from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

and products.

“We were put in touch with FareShare through the Trussell Trust which manages foodbanks nationally and have donated 1.4 tonnes of chicken to frontline charities at this crucial time when the supply of safe, nutritious food to vulnerable people is at risk.”

The meat, which included 600kg of whole chicken, 250kg of chicken legs and 615kg of chicken breasts, was donated by SRUC from its carcass evaluation unit on the Auchincruive Estate in South Ayrshire.

The donations are part of a range of activities SRUC is implementing to support and help the wider community.

The chicken was donated to FareShare – a charity which aims to relieve food poverty and reduce food waste in the UK by redistributing nutritious, in-date and safe to eat food.

Colin MacEwan, Director of Commercialisation and Innovation, said: “At this difficult time, SRUC is doing all it can to support and help the community though

the wide range of mechanisms it has at its disposal including accommodation, labs, skills

It is also working with local councils and other organisations to support those in need by providing emergency accommodation within student halls; using labs for additional testing; putting staff forward for volunteering roles; and identifying personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be returned for use in the community.

7 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

MEMBERS NEWS

WORKING TOGETHER: LAUNCH DIGITAL AND BOOTH WELSH

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF PLATI P ARTNNEUM INVENTION R We are living in unprecedented times, or are we? In 1665, as the bubonic plague raged and social distancing enforced the closure of University campuses across England, a 24 year old student, Isaac Newton, was among those forced to leave and work from home. During his “year of wonders”, he discovered calculus and the law of motion.

We are all learning to adapt and change to our new world and whilst challenges lie ahead, there are many fantastic examples of creativity, innovation and invention emerging across Ayrshire, and beyond. Within days of lockdown, Ayrshire College transformed into a virtual classroom with staff quickly adapting to their new working environment, delivering learning and supporting students, remotely and online. Amazing team effort and incredibly impressive.

Booth Welsh, based in Irvine and founded in 1989, now employs 280 engineers and consultants worldwide and is part of a global group. The company deliver cutting edge engineering solutions and with an unparalleled track record in multi-discipline engineering, their teams work across all engineering services & solutions.

Booth Welshs’ Integrated Engineering Service allows for fewer interfaces resulting in improved cost and project efficiencies. This unique capability allows the company to consistently provide a flexible and responsive service for clients, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Their full range of engineering services can combine to create effective solutions to ensure legislative compliance to meet the demands of today's dynamic market.

Over the past few months, Booth Welsh have been working closely with local marketing agency Launch Digital on developing a new, interactive, dynamic company website. The team at Launch were keen to get involved in the project and worked with Booth Welsh to develop a website which fully portrays the success of the company and their global achievements.

Launch are a Digital Marketing agency with Studios in Ayrshire and Glasgow. Launch focus on creativity and provide a vast amount of marketing services including branding, web design, graphic design, social media, and search marketing. Quality and customer satisfaction are priority and the team at Launch are proud of their many long standing clients in the local area who they continue to work closely with.

Check out the new website: www.boothwelsh.co.uk

COVID-19 has significantly disrupted our sector, acting as a catalyst for change which will have a transformational impact on education and training moving forward. For the College Business Growth team, face-to-face training was well underway and a packed training calendar planned out until the Autumn. Lockdown has made us rethink, reimagine and reinvent. E-learning was always on our agenda, COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of change and platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft TEAMS provide the tools to take this forward.

Our digital offering forms part of our wider training portfolio which we can blend and adapt to suit the current and future needs of businesses and organisations. Virtual/remote working looks set to remain with some companies blending digital and on-line shifts and others operating with increased flexibility. Reskilling and upskilling, on-boarding and equipping the workforce with the digital, leadership and management as well as specialist and technical skills will remain constant in our new world to drive forward and rebuild our economy.

Our trainers are translating their skills, knowledge and passion to the virtual classroom and, when the time and conditions are appropriate, we will seek to resume face-to-face training. These are challenging but potentially exciting times for education and wider sectors to rethink, reimagine, reskill and rebuild our economy.

We are keen to work with Ayrshire companies and organisations during the post lockdown chapter, adapting and responding to current and future training needs.

Learn more about our training offering by visiting https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/ employers/business-growth-courses/ or email businessgrowth@ayrshire.ac.uk NUALA BOYLE Head of Business Growth

9 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

MEMBERS NEWS

Linda Anderson.

Café Owner.

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From Housekeepers to Concierge.

From Sous Chefs and Kitchen Porters to Café Owners like Linda. Whatever you do in hospitality, isn’t it good to know that someone’s got your back if life ever takes a wrong turn?

If you need help call 0203 004 5500 or visit our website hospitalityaction.org.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS

The coronavirus crisis has affected all economies globally and has heavily reduced 2020 financial projections for most companies. However, in these unprecedented times, all businesses need to plan ahead and adapt their marketing for a post-COVID-19 world.

B2B and B2C companies, used to mostly dealing with customers face to face, will have to look to alternative ways of reaching customers.

Businesses that are struggling can begin to adapt by: 1) Understanding user behaviour and adapting to what is learned. Understanding how to analyse data and adjust marketing strategies is vital. Free tools such as Google Analytics, Search Console and Google My Business can be used to analyse user

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

ADAPTING MARKETING STRATEGIES TO A POST-COVID-19 WORLD behaviour and spot trends and patterns.

2) Using Analytics. For those companies focusing on multi-channel marketing (SEO, PPC, Social), it’s essential to have the right tracking set up. Businesses need to use these marketing approaches wisely, targeting the appropriate audience and with the right message. Effective ROI will come from a clear understanding of customer behaviour.

3) Trying different marketing approaches.

Now is the time for businesses to learn more about different digital marketing channels, reaching new and existing clients online.

Although a variety of strategies is vital, most important is the collation of an email list, which allows for 1:1 conversations with customers.

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to customers. It is essential to use social media to make offers and expect nothing in return until the potential lead is engaged.

It is a moment to focus on the long term.

Businesses will survive as success comes from running the marathon, not a sprint. https://www.bigponddigital.co.uk

4) Focusing more on branding and providing value. Companies need to focus on what makes them unique and why they offer value

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PARATTNINUM ER William Duncan + Co lead the way in Ayrshire accountancy William Duncan + Co have been passionate about what they do for over 100 years and are still continually assessing what’s new and changes that can be made for the better.

As society looks to reset the compass of life and business, the team at William Duncan + Co believe it is more important than ever to partner with the best and most relevant advisers.

The road ahead looks challenging, but they are enthused, digitally equipped and ready to partner the Ayrshire business network on the road to success.

With an appetite and readiness for change, William Duncan + Co are accountants who stand out from the crowd by being invaluable to their clients and ensuring they support

them in what they do best. They are fully regulated and monitored by one of the oldest and most trusted governing bodies in the world The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Not only are clients in very good hands, they can rest assured that the firm operates to the highest professional level.

Their main aim is very simple. To have every client refer to them as their “trusted adviser” when referring to business and family financial matters.

They think about all the same things their clients do - so that in turn they can give relevant, valuable and trustworthy advice by embracing digital, investing in their team and being ready for change.

Managing Partner, Robert Fergusson commented, “When the Coronavirus outbreak arrived, we had the right product, training and in-house expertise in place to enable the team to seamlessly work from home, ensuring continuity of service for our clients. During the past few months we have continued to invest in the right technology and solutions to ensure that we are best placed to support our clients in what will be the new normal marketplace.”

For more information please visit WD + Co website where you will find a range of informative factsheets and brochures.

williamduncan.co.uk

BLAIR ESTATE, DALRY – GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS

It is during a crisis that you find out who your true friends are! Over the past few years, we have certainly found it useful to be members of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, but during the past few months, it has been a lifeline - a constant source of information, advice and friendly support.

Even now, we can start to see some brighter times ahead. The phone has started ringing again with new enquiries, as people start to plan gatherings for later in 2020 and into 2021. After weeks of separation, families are looking to be re-united and businesses are planning to bring their senior teams together, to plan their future strategy and priorities.

Meanwhile we have been focussing on keeping the estate looking as

good as possible. Having planted many hundreds of new rhododendrons, azaleas and shrubs, and with the bluebells in flower, the gardens are a blaze of colour and at their absolute best.

Scotland, and Ayrshire, has some of the best exclusive use properties in the world, where people can gather again, knowing that their safety and well-being is paramount. Our team have been so supportive and loyal, as well as our fantastic local suppliers, and we look forward to being allowed to open again and welcome back our first guests.

For information about Blair Estate please call us on 01294 833100 or email us at enquiries@blairestate.com www.blairestate.com

CHAMBER EVENTSDiary

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Although our normal events diary is currently postponed, we are still providing opportunities for networking, training and business support online. To keep up to date with what we have coming up make sure to regularly check our events page at www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events

Many thanks to Alister Firth Photography for capturing and supplying the image which makes up the front cover of this edition.

If you have any topic suggestions or there is something you have a particular interest in, please email yvonne@ayrshire-chamber.org

Taken at Brodick in Arran we hope you will agree it is a fitting tribute during these difficult times.

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MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

Business Gateway support during COVID-19 Business Gateway Covid Hub Dedicated COVID section on our website � Latest Funding & Grant Support

� Webinars & Video Tutorials

� Business News & Updates

� Local Support

� Articles & Guides

Video Tutorials Step by Step guides on critical topics � How to get your business through this crisis

� Using Webinars & Livestreams for business

� Switching to trading online

� Video for Business

Guidance on Funding/Grant Support Up to date info on support available during the crisis � Local Authority Grant support

� Companies House support

� Daily update on the latest Funding & Grant support from UK

� Links to all British Business Bank support schemes

Webinar Programme National & local webinars including: � Start-up Webinars

� Sales & Customer Service

� Digital & Social Media

� Online Networking

� Funding & Finance

� HR

1:1 Business Advisers We’re here to talk with you by phone or video call user Listen and discuss current challenges user Crisis business planning user Directing you to most appropriate funding/grant support

user HR support

Local Office Support Business Gateway Ayrshire offices are operating remotely � North Ayrshire - ayrshire@bgateway.com � East Ayrshire - ayrshire@bgateway.com � South Ayrshire - ayrshire@bgateway.com � www.bgateway.com/ayrshire

For more information visit bgateway.com/coronavirus

MEMBERS NEWS

Celebrating Memories are an Ayrshire based reminiscing service who normally visit individuals, and groups within community and care settings.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak they have adapted their service to use Webinar tools such as Zoom and GoToMeeting. Whilst not being quite the same as providing the personal touch within the care setting, companies such as Celebrating Memories are having to adapt to the current situation.

Using remote reminiscing Celebrating Memories were recently able to entertain at Glennie House Care Home in Auchinleck for an

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

REMINISCING TAKES ON A MODERN TWIST

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80th birthday party. Family members were able to watch the session through Zoom access and the residents and staff joined in well by dancing and singing along to memories from 1940.

Famous people born in 1940 include John Lennon and Cliff Richard and the personal touch was added by including some of the favourite songs of the birthday gent. The party ended with the traditional birthday song and presenting of a cake. An excellent afternoon was had by all while launching a new service.

Other remote sessions provided by Celebrating Memories include football memory

groups in a care home in Irvine, plus an Easter themed event for a childminding business in Kilwinning. Celebrating Memories have also created free football and movie crosswords as an excellent one to one activity for anyone who requests them.

This amazing remote reminiscing service is being offered free of charge during the lockdown period.

Contact Lawrence Lindsay for information and availability 07766 710702 www.celebratingmemories.org

RELIEVING THE EFFECTS OF POST VIRAL FATIGUE With over 13,000 people in Scotland testing positive for COVID 19, it is very possible that there will be increased numbers suffering from post-viral fatigue over the next few months and possibly years.

Do you know or feel that you or a loved one may have had the virus, or indeed any other flu-like symptoms? After several weeks have some symptoms persisted such as fatigue, muscle and joints aches and pains, headaches, or sore throats?

Loudoun Osteopaths, established in Ayrshire for over 25 years, has special expertise and an interest in the treatment of ME/ Chronic fatigue syndrome, which includes the signs and symptoms of post viral fatigue.

The Perrin technique is the methodology that enables them to determine if you could be suffering from post-viral fatigue or indeed ME/CFS. If this is found to be the case, their gentle, but effective treatment aims to reduce the strain on the immune system through improving the lymphatic drainage (the waste disposal system of the body) and calming down the autonomic nervous system (the body’s barometer and responder to stress).

Their interest in this field began from Osteopath Isla Brown’s personal experience of having the condition and receiving treatment, and then

learning from Osteopath and researcher Dr Raymond Perrin.

The methodology used has been clinically tried and tested over many years and has been further researched and validated in a recent NHS study

by Dr Perrin.

Westfield Health provides cover for Osteopathic treatment, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them if you feel they can help you or a loved one through these unprecedented times. https://www.loudounosteopaths.com/

DYW SCOTTISH APPRENTICESHIP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE 2019/2020

Scottish National Apprenticeship Challenge 2019/2020 winners SAS International

Ayrshire apprentices from SAS International in Maybole have been announced as the overall winners of the Scottish National Apprenticeship Challenge 2019/2020.

Ayrshire was represented by Ayrshire’s winner SAS International who designed and manufactured a WW1 Memorial for the Maybole community they work in.

The National Challenge, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland, invited the overall winners from the regional Apprenticeship Community Challenge 2019 to a National Final held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 2020).

The award ceremony, held at Scottish Power in Glasgow saw 2 teams of apprentices from Ayrshire and Glasgow compete for overall winner.

Each team presented to a panel of judges and wider audience on their chosen project that they completed to benefit the local community.

YOUR YOURBUSINESS BUSINESS| SUMMER | WINTER2020 2019

#DYWChildtoWork (Home Edition!)

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On Thursday 24th April, the 21 regional groups called for those of us working from home to share pictures of what they’re getting up to and involving their children with their daily work on the day that would normally be Bring Your Child to Work Day! A massive thank you from DYW Ayrshire for your support during the 2020 #DYWChildtoWork Campaign. This gave young people an insight into the world of work and showcased the variety of careers on offer.

17 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

DYW KEY WORKERS CAMPAIGN 2020 As we all continue to navigate these uncertain times, DYW Ayrshire recognise the importance of celebrating and showcasing the essential jobs key workers across Scotland are doing.

With this in mind, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) 21 regional groups launched an awareness campaign throughout Scotland, to make young people more aware of job roles within key sectors, as well as the skills and qualities required to succeed in these roles.

We tapped into the energy of key workers in Ayrshire, asking them to provide either a video

Scott - Microtech

case study or case study with a photo to support the campaign and raise awareness of their role and part they have played specific to the Covid-19 response. The campaign ran from 1st June - 5th June and was promoted across social media featuring a variety of sectors and job roles.

Our young people in Scotland will be the future of our workforce and this campaign inspires them into roles that have proven to be invaluable in protecting us all.

Natalie - S&C Engineering

Ayrshire businesses provided us with case studies showcasing the skills and roles behind the sectors they are working in.

Charmaine - Browning’s the Bakers

Employer Engagement Frankie & Benny’s S2 Pizza & Pasta challenge

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2019

Ayrshire College

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In February, Ayrshire College hosted their Hello Creatives event which is now in its' second year. The event saw 78 S4-6 pupils from 9 schools across Ayrshire attend and take part. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of courses and careers available within the creative industry, allowing pupils to take part in a series of workshops, pupils chose two workshops to attend during the morning and this year were able to choose between Photography, Sound Production, Technical Theatre, Drama, Fashion, Drawing, Visual Communication & Media. Thank you to all of the schools and pupils that took part on the day and a special thank you to Ayrshire College for hosting this event again for our young people.

The Frankie & Benny’s S2 Pizza & Pasta challenge has taken place for many years now in Ayrshire and allows pupils in S2 across a number of schools to take part and design a dish that is not already on the Frankie & Benny’s menu.

This year the South & North Ayrshire semi-finals were able to take place prior to the schools closing and teams from Marr College, Prestwick, Belmont & Queen Margaret Academies in South Ayrshire and from North Ayrshire, Arran High School, Ardrossan, Kilwinning & Greenwood Academies took part.

The judges chose 1 team from each school to progress to

each of the regional finals, unfortunately, the finals were unable to take place this year due to the UK lockdown. We would like to say well done to all of the teams for their participation and hope they enjoyed their time in the kitchen and offer our many thanks to Frankie & Benny’s Ayr & Kilmarnock restaurants for hosting the competition.

Balfour Beatty visit March 2020 Balfour Beatty visited Monkton Primary in early March to work with P6 & P7 pupils on an exciting ‘build a bridge’ activity.

The pupils were given instructions by Balfour Beatty’s engineer to design their very own bridge using straws. They also got to learn about the various careers available to them and pathways into the organisation. A site visit to see the new research & development hanger Balfour Beatty are building at Spirit Aerosystems in Prestwick will hopefully take place in the near future.

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01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

At DYW Ayrshire we have encouraged primary schools within the same cluster to come together and hold careers events that all P7s can attend.

In February and March, we saw the Marr College and Ardrossan Academy cluster primary schools attend a careers event for their P7 pupils hosted by each of the respective secondary schools. Here the pupils had the opportunity to speak with a range of different employers and organisations, both local and national, and learn about different career prospects available to them.

With both of these events being held at the secondary schools, it was also the start to these pupils’ transition periods with it being the first time they visited their secondary school. Thanks again to Marr College and Ardrossan Academy for hosting these events for the primary pupils and to all of the employers who attended and supported.

MEPG launch 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' campaign The Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) launched a national campaign for musicians from across Scotland to perform Somewhere Over the Rainbow on Thursday 30 April at 8pm in support of the NHS and all key workers.

Young musicians and staff from across North

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

P7 Careers Events

Ayrshire made a wonderful contribution to this event with some beautiful performances of Rainbow.

Resources were made available to allow musicians of all abilities to perform and support was available from Music Service staff. The videos were all posted on Twitter and at this difficult time were truly uplifting.

Work Placements

YOUR YOURBUSINESS BUSINESS| SUMMER | WINTER2020 2019

JAMES IS DOING THE GROUNDWORK

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Opportunities like JAMES, this are essential for A rran High students to be able to School gain an understanding of what will be expected of them within a vocational environment.

They get a taste of the ‘Working World’ which is often a far cry from their academic experience.

We welcome particularly students who have a hard work ethic, willing to get stuck into whatever they are asked to do.

As long as there are no further restrictions on Work Experience, we will be happy to assist our local schools and students who are keen to work hard.

ARMITAGE GROUNDWORKS LTD.

EWAN'S A BIG FAN OF COLLINS AEROSPACE At Collins Aerospace we appreciate that we have an extremely important role to play in the wider community.

Initiatives around STEM and young people, such as the work experience programme, are an excellent and very worthwhile way of helping to develop the young workforce and also to help shape our future labour market.

We consider it vital to get youngsters on-site in order to show them what is meant by ‘engineering’, it’s such a widely used word and it has so many different definitions.

Having school pupils spend the week with us really helps us to show them what we actually do here at our £25 million purpose-built facility,

and it gets EWAN, them valuable Grange hands-on Academy experience in a real working environment.

They get to spend time with a range of employees and get to work on a variety of our products. If we want to encourage the next generation of highly-skilled employees into our, and other related industries, we need to nurture them from an early age using a variety of methods and we’re certain that the work experience programme should be central in our strategy for the future.

COLLINS AEROSPACE

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01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

I had Dylan (Prestwick Academy) on DYLAN, placement with Active Schools last week.

Prestwick I got a quote from Dylan “Work Academy experience is worth doing. It is good to see what the job it actually like”. I have attached a photo of him working with a group of children.

The work experience programme allowed Dylan to shadow me for a week. He got to see all sides of the job from admin work to leading sessions.

Dylan got the opportunity to help deliver games at some of the clubs.

The programme is a great opportunity for

VICTORIA GAINS VALUABLE TEACHING EXPERIENCE

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

DYLAN LEADS THE WAY AT ACTIVE SCHOOLS

pupils to experience the job on the front line and to see the day to day running of being an Active School Coordinator. This will help them make up their mind if this is the job for them.

SAC ACTIVE SCHOOLS

SAM LEARNS HOW TO PROGRAMME A COLLABORATIVE ROBOT

S AM

‘Work experience is a great opportunity!

I enjoyed seeing teaching from a teacher's point of view.’

WELLINGTON SCHOOL NURSERY

VICTORIA, Prestwick Academy

, Work placement is not only valuable to G r e e n w ood the student but allows us as a business Academy to see the standard of youngsters coming through secondary education.

Sam has spent the week learning how to programme a collaborative robot to carry out various tasks and operations. Hopefully this is something he can take forward into the future.

I-TECH TROON

MEMBER NEWS

NINE GIVES CONFIDA FM TEN OUT OF TEN Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is necessary for all organisations, but in healthcare settings, it is particularly critical. So when property services company, Colliers International, was recently looking for a firm to provide specialist cleaning for NINE - the Scottish Enterprise owned life sciences innovation centre at Edinburgh BioQuarter, they chose the experts at Confida FM. As a leading global destination for healthcare delivery, groundbreaking medical research and life sciences innovation, cleanliness is of paramount importance to Edinburgh BioQuarter. Without it, the organisation’s mission to discover new treatments and cures that will change people’s lives would be significantly compromised.

The comprehensive cleaning programme, which started in March, has proven to be highly successful and has led to Confida FM’s Property Services division also being appointed to carry out building fabric maintenance.

Lorraine Murray MBE, Managing Director at Confida FM, said: “We are delighted to team up with Colliers International at NINE. Beginning the contract during the COVID-19 pandemic presented some exceptional challenges. However, the resilience, commitment and can-do attitude of our team ensured delivery standards were maintained during the mobilisation phase.”

Arran Ellis, Facilities Manager at Colliers International, said: “Confida’s

eagerness to do well and provide a quality service is a breath of fresh air.

The quality of cleaning and attention to detail have been excellent. Their ability to tweak the spec and provide a level of flexibility makes my role so much easier.

The added bonus was the Property Services division; a facility I had been missing since I started working at NINE two years ago. I’m really impressed by their professionalism and how quickly they turn jobs around at competitive prices.

As a very happy client, I would recommend Confida FM to anyone looking to tender.”

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS THROUGH COVID-19 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

Break The Silence provide professional support for Survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse age 13+ across East and North Ayrshire.

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Throughout the pandemic, Break The Silence have worked within government, public health and BACP guidelines in order to continue to provide our vital services.

Chief Executive Clinical Sharon Belshaw, MSc said, “As an organisation that has supported Survivors for 15 years, we are not going to stop now”. “We have successfully transitioned to remote working and are providing: telephone check-ins, telephone counselling where appropriate, telephone befriending, asynchronous counselling,

and video counselling using the NHS Near Me/Attend Anywhere platform used by GPs and tele-health professionals. Using this platform, we have also been able to continue offering EMDR therapy”. “Client feedback on our adapted range of services has been really positive and we are delighted to be able to offer support at this challenging time with many Clients experiencing heightened anxiety, stress and feelings of isolation”.

“Can't thank you all enough for everything you are all doing just now. I can't put in to

words how much it means to still be able to speak to my Counsellor and to be able to refocus and not feel so lost just now.

Having the posts on facebook saying that the counsellors are working that day is really reassuring, and the extra resources on the client area have been really useful to me and if they weren't signposted on facebook, I wouldn't remember they are there. I'm even using the recipes from the old cooking group to get the kids away from their screens and in to the kitchen”.

Break The Silence are here for Survivors and we’re in this together. If you need support, call us on 01563 559558, email us: info@breakthesilence.org.uk or refer online at www.breakthesilence.org.uk

NEW MEMBERS

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ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND AYRSHIRE Kilmarnock Miss Tanya Dunton AyrshireServices@alzscot.org AYRSHIRE BUSINESS HUB Ayr Ms Angie-Leigh McPike ayrshirebusinesshub@gmail.com BAREFACED FOOD Ayr Ms Catherine Lawson Info@barefacedfood.com BERSERK COMPUTERS LTD Ayr Mr Lhyam Sumal service@berserkcomputers.co.uk BETTERU HEALTH & FITNESS Kilwinning Ms Michelle Collins michelle@betterufitness.co.uk

CRUACHAN PROPERTY LTD Glasgow Mr David Rolwegan dr@argyllassetmanagement.co.uk CUBE WEBWORKS LTD Maybole Mr Chris Dempsey chris@cube.pw EAST AYRSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Kilmarnock Ms Sarah Hammond sarah.hammond@eastayrshirecab. casonline.org.uk ENERGY HOW LTD Bellshill Mr Emanuel Howell emanuel@energyhowuk.com GIRVAN FOOTBALL CLUB Girvan Mr Andrew Sinclair andrewsinclair35@hotmail.com

KILMARNOCK NORTH WEST COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Kilmarnock Mr Lhyam Sumal lhyam@knwcp.org.uk PARCARE Prestwick Miss Lorna Parker lornaparker8@outlook.com PRO-WASH CLEANING SERVICES LTD Ayr Mr Daniel Lamont info@prowashcleaning.co.uk SAB CORPORATE FINANCE LTD London Mrs Karen Robertson karen@smartchoicepensions.co.uk SCOTSPACE LTD Prestwick Mr Bernard Farkin info@scotspace.scot

FUTURE CHAMBER MEMBERS CAKE. Ayr Ms Lauren Campbell lauren@cakeayr.com

LITTLE ACORNS EARLY YEARS CIC Ayr Ms Emily Hamalainen info@littleacornsearlyyears.co.uk

CILL MHEARNAIG EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CIC Kilmarnock Mr Gary Train info@cillmhearnaigelc.co.uk

MITCHELL ELECTRICAL Ayr Mr Steven Mitchell mitchellelectrical@live.com

COGEO PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD Irvine Mr Dave Anderson enquiries@cogeo.co.uk DEX CONTRACTS LIMITED Dundonald Mr Ryan Malyan dexcontracts@yahoo.com GILMARTIN'S BAKERY LTD. Stewarton Ms Stephanie Stewart steph@gilmartinsbakery.com

BRENDA PORTER SLEEP SOLUTIONS East Kilbride Ms Brenda Porter brenda@brendaportersleep.co.uk

H2OIL AND GAS LTD Irvine Mr Anthony McMonagle jan.mcfarlane@h2oilandgas.com

SMITH CONTRACTS SCOTLAND LTD Irvine Mr David Smith rachael@smithcontractsscotland.com

INSTA READY BOUTIQUE Prestwick Ms Caitlin Hunter instareadyboutique@gmail.com

BUTE ENTERPRISE FINANCE FUND Glasgow Mr Stuart Brownlie stuart.brownlie@be-ff.co.uk

KALON BEAUTY LOUNGE Maybole Ms Ella O'Doherty kalonlounges@gmail.com

WOODROSE VENISON Mauchline Mr Ross Woodburn Woodrosevenison@gmail.com

JO CUCINA LTD T/A THE STRAWBERRY CUSHION Troon Ms Joanne Gilligan joanne.gillian@hotmail.co.uk

NA BRÀITHREAN Kilmarnock Mr Brendan Clark contact@nabraithrean.com NEPHTALI COUTURE Ayr Ms Belocine Musolo nephtali.couture@gmail.com REBEKAH DONN - MUSIC TUTOR Colmonell Ms Rebekah Donn rebekah94@live.co.uk STEWART MATHIESON CLOTHING Troon Mr Stewart Mathieson stewart.mathieson@outlook.com TRAINING FIRST LTD Kilmarnock Ms Jenny McIntyre info@trainingfirstsafety.co.uk TWISTED EMPIRE BAKES Stewarton Ms Gillian Ferguson gillian@twistedempirebakes.co.uk

We want to recruit more members to strengthen your business network and create more business opportunities for you. We are asking you to help by referring companies you know to us. When they join, we’ll reward you with a choice of special offers to help your business. Call the membership team on 01292 678666 or visit the referral page on our website.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2020

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

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