Your Business Winter 2018

business your

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

winter 2018 ÂŁ2

Business is done better together

Business Togetherness

Page 4

Business Boosts

Page 6

Westfield Health

Page 8

PARTNERS FOR BUSINESS in turn contributing to the work of the Chamber so supporting other business in Ayrshire.

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

CONTACTS Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL

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

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.

Mail enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Call 01292 678666 Visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org

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

The Partnership aims to cement the relationship that companies have with Ayrshire Chamber, making sure they get the most out of membership and

President...............................................Lorna Gibson Chief Executive....................................Valerie Russell Development Manager.......................Helen McBride

MAGAZINE Editorial.................. aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org Ad Sales..................... neyres@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.

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INESS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2019

I am delighted to be writing my first ‘President’s Column’ in Your Business magazine.

My first months have certainly been busy starting with the AGM, followed by the excitement of Business Week and culminating with the Business Awards Dinner, there is nothing like being thrown in at the deep end!

Business Week was a very successful series of events and it was heartening to see the number and diversity of members taking part in each of these. It is always great to see the familiar faces of those that support our events and get value from their membership but it is also always great to see new faces and companies being represented.

One of the highlights for me personally was the launch event, ‘Ambition to Inspire’ at Ayr Town Hall which was themed to focus on the Year of Young People. It was fantastic to see the number of school and college students, not just attending, but engaging enthusiastically with the event. Vice President, Frank Gormanley, MC for the occasion had us all ‘buzzing’ and the panel of Future Chamber members and young entrepreneurs together with keynote speaker Fraser Docherty were inspirational, not just for the young people, but also the business

CHAMBER NEWS

A BUSY END TO THE YEAR It has been a busy few months at your Chamber with much more still to come.

The Business Excellence Award is moving into its judging stage and we cannot wait to announce the winner at our Annual Dinner next spring. Make sure you save the date in your diaries now – see page 4.

This year’s Business Week was a great success with over 1200 people attending the various events throughout the week. The Awards dinner

members in attendance.

The Ayrshire Question Time lunch, which followed the very well attended Business to Business exhibition at the Park Hotel, was another interesting event with the impressive panel of Steve Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, Ross Martin, Advisor on Regional Economies Scottish Government and Paula Ritchie, Regional Head of Business Development for Royal Bank of Scotland, answering some taxing questions from our members on all things business and Ayrshire.

Thought-provoking was the International Trade Breakfast at Seamill Hydro Hotel with keynote speaker Liam Smyth of the British Chambers International Trade Team. With so much uncertainty around Brexit Liam certainly provided some clarity around how businesses should be preparing for the potential effects of Brexit.

The Business Awards Gala Dinner at Ayr Racecourse ended the week with a wonderful celebration of the great variety of businesses that we have in Ayrshire. I will never get tired of seeing the delight on the faces of each of the award winners as their hard work and business endeavours are recognised with their awards! The evening was a resounding success, only added to by

LORNA GIBSON ACCI PRESIDENT

Elaine C Smith who certainly kept us all amused and entertained!

So we are now looking forward to 2019 with much to achieve! To further development of our new membership model as we strive to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our members, whether SME, corporate or sole-trader, and from whichever of the diverse range of industries that we are fortunate to have in Ayrshire.

I look forward to meeting you all at our many events and very much welcome any feedback you have on the Ayrshire Chamber, your membership or anything else. As you all know I like a chat!

brought the week to a spectacular close and all the winners can be found on pages 18 & 19.

It was amazing to be able to present a cheque to Whiteleys Retreat, the nominated charity for the event. Ayrshires generosity knows no bounds it would seem.

The Chamber staff are very proud of CEO Val Russell who has been appointed to the board of directors at the Scottish Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, we were pleased to win the Scottish Business Women’s Award for Best Performing Team.

At our AGM in September, it was great to be able to congratulate Anne Reid, Development Officer here at Ayrshire Chamber on her 20 years service, here’s to many more to come.

Looking forward, with Christmas just around the corner you will find a full line up of upcoming

events on pages 6 & 7. Make sure you book your tickets or register your attendance via www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

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CHAMBER NEWS

Business is done better together.

• Raise Your Profile

UPCOMING EVENTS: Make the Most of Your Membership

Being a member of the Chamber means you can promote your organisation both within the membership as well as in the wider business community.

The Chamber invites you to join us at our offices to learn how you can ‘Make the most of Your Membership’.

These events happen monthly, the next being on the 14th of December when you can join us for festive fun.

• Training & Skills The expertise of your workforce is paramount to your business success.

Enhance their skills with our constantly evolving training provision.

• Networking & Events Networking is key to promoting your business. We offer the opportunity to develop your personal connections while learning about topics important to your business.

What does the Chamber do? How can the benefits and services we provide support your business?

This event is ideal if you’ve just joined the Chamber or are new to a member organisation and want to learn more about us.

The membership team can answer these questions and more. From international market access to staff training, and profile-raising to market research, we’re here to help.

If you can’t manage but want to set up a meeting with your membership network manager, email us at the address below and we’ll get that organised for you.

Any business, any size, we know and understand the pressures and ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part of a local, national and international business community.

Find out how you can benefit from joining us by visiting: www.ayrshire-chamber.org

Get in touch. Phone us: 01292 678666 Email us: acci-admin@ayrshire-chamber.org

Save the Date AYRSHIRE AYRSHIRECHAMBER CHAMBER2019 2019ANNUAL ANNUAL DINNER DINNER FRIDAY 8TH MARCH

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

HOSTED BY FRED MACAULAY

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HOSTED BY TRUMP TURNBERRY – THE DONALD J TRUMP BALLROOM FRED MACAULAY FRIDAY 8TH MARCH TRUMP TURNBERRY – THE DONALD J TRUMP BALLROOM

Sponsored by Blue Rock Insurance Brokers Sponsored by Blue Rock Insurance Brokers

CHAMBER NEWS

5 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

CELTIC CONNECTIONS Via European funding Ayrshire Chamber led a group of 22 businesses from all over Scotland on a learning journey to Ireland. The visit focussed on food, drink and tourism, the purpose being to share knowledge with similar businesses.

Most of the group didn’t know each other so immediately new connections were being made.

There was opportunity to network with members of South Dublin Chamber, meet with Letterkenny Chamber as well as local authority economic development officers and local politicians.

Val Russell said: “The Sense of Ireland learning journey was an enlightening and stimulating experience in so many ways, and has reinforced my fundamental belief in the power of networks, however defined, to galvanise communities, grow a region’s food and drink economy, foster a positive food culture with pride in the value of local produce and put an area on the map as a food tourism destination.”

Key points: • Collaborate - working together can achieve so much more than working alone • Always be clear about the purpose and vision of a network and focus on that • Strong leadership is essential to motivate, inspire and ensure goals are met • Ride the storm when things get tough never give up • Be flexible/adaptable as circumstances change • Measure success as far as possible • Work with local and national agencies, link to their relevant strategies and seek advice/backing (funding etc) - but don’t be over-reliant on the public sector and be as self-sustaining as possible • Shout about & celebrate successes • Partner with other relevant sectors too heritage, textiles, crafts and others

Ayrshire has an equal quantity of local produce, attractions, history and stories yet Ireland appear to promote their areas much more successfully than we do.

We have much to learn from our Irish neighbours and I look forward to continuing to engage with them in the future in order to develop Ayrshire.

NEW DIRECTORS We are pleased to introduce two new directors to the Ayrshire Chamber Board, Craig Johnstone of Giglets Education and Stephen McGhee of LMA Architects.

Both bring with them a range of skills and knowledge that can only serve to enhance the current wealth of experience of our Board Members and we very much look forward to welcoming them into all things Chamber.

Also, congratulations to Frank Gormanley of Forever Great on his appointment as Vice President. We look forward to a working with you all.

STEVE McGHEE

CRAIG JOHNSTONE

FRANK GORMANLEY

CHAMBER NEWS

BUSINESS BOOSTS ‘Make the Most of Your Membership!’

20% discount can be applied to all Premier, Enhanced and Corporate Chamber members.

Also, all Corporate members are entitled to two FREE Business Boost sessions!

Here’s what our Training Partners have to say about the programme “The environment allows for active engagement and discussion of the real issues faced by those in the room … Group discussions break out where people can share information and learn from each other, making a local connection at the same time.”

- Marjorie Calder, OceanBlue Consulting “The programme allows businesses to benefit from a range of subjects, brought together over the year. Delegates who attend our session will leave with a wide range of practical tools that they can immediately put into practice.”

- Arena HR For further details & to book, please visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

OR call 01292 678 666

Celebrate Christmas with Corney & Barrow.

Independent Wine Merchants since 1780.

10% discount for Ayrshire Chamber Members Corporate gifting, Free UK wide Delivery Corney & Barrow Ayr, 8 Academy Street, KA7 1HT | 01292 267 000 | ayr@corneyandbarrow.com

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6

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BUSINESS BOOSTS- ONLINE SUCCESS IS YOUR WEBSITE WORKING 27th November 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Bread and Butter Marketing

£40

FESTIVE FUN @ THE CHAMBER Food fun and festivities for our members on Christmas Jumper Day 14th December 10.00am-12noon Venue: Ayrshire Chamber HQ, Prestwick Airport

FREE

FREE

2019 BUSINESS BOOSTS- HR MUSTS FOR NON HR PEOPLE 8th January 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Arena HR

BUSINESS BOOSTS- MAKE GREAT BUSINESS VIDEOS ON A SMART PHONE 5th December 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Tosh Lubek & Ken McGaffin

BUSINESS BOOSTSMAINTAINING HEALTH AND SAFETY DOCUMENTS 10th January 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by IM Training

CONNECT @ STEVEN BROWN ART GALLERY 29th November 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Steven Brown Art Gallery, Ayr

£40 CHAMBERS CHRISTMAS @ CULZEAN CASTLE Behind the Scenes Tour and Festive Lunch 6th December 11am – 2pm Venue: Culzean Castle & Fo’c ’sle Restaurant

£18 CHRISTMAS CONNECT @ CRAUFURDLAND ESTATE 12th December 10.00am-11.30am Venue: The Lairds Table, Craufurdland Estate, Fenwick

FREE

£40

£40 TICK TALK NETWORKING @ DUMFRIES ARMS HOTEL, CUMNOCK 17th January 5.30pm-7.30pm Venue: Dumfries Arms Hotel

£15

CONNECT @ THE BOYD LOUNGE, MALIN COURT HOTEL 25th January 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Malin Court Hotel, Girvan

FREE BUSINESS BOOSTS - THE GAME CHANGER- FACEBOOK LOCAL 30th January 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Facilitated by Skocia

£40 BUSINESS BOOSTS- CREATING GREAT CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA 8th February 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Ocean Blue Consulting

£40 WINNING CONNECTIONS @ AYR RACECOURSE Behind the Scenes tour and lunch 14th February 11.00am-1.30pm Venue: Ayr Racecourse

FREE

CONNECT @ SI, SIMPSINNS, IRVINE 22nd February 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Si Café Bar Restaurant

FREE BUSINESS BOOSTS- HOW TO RANK YOUR WEBSITE 27th February 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Facilitated by Janine Marriott SEO

£40 BUSINESS BOOSTS- THE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD- LEGAL HINTS FOR BUSINESS PREMISES 8th March 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Facilitated by The McKinstry Company

£40 SAVE THE DATE : AYRSHIRE CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER 2019 Friday 8th March Venue: The Donald J Trump Ballroom , Trump Turnberry Host : Fred Macaulay Sponsor : Blue Rock Insurance Brokers Contact Yvonne for other sponsorship opportunities at the prestigious business dinner…

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH CO INNOVATE… INNOVATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS 24th January 10.30am- 12.30pm Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH CO INNOVATE… INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 21st February 10.30am- 12.30pm Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom

FREE

LUNCH & LEARN WITH SDP …10 TOP TIPS FOR TENDERING Date TBC 11.00am-1.00pm Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Facilitated by Janine Marriott SEO

FREE

FREE

CHAMBER ROUNDUP We have had some very successful events this quarter.

Here’s what Clare Slater from Green Cross Training had to say about the B2B Exhibition: “I thought I would drop you a little note to say that as a result of the event, I have already received business from Mike at Yellowcom, had enquiries from Stuart at ABP Scotland, Craig at TJ Crump Oakwrights Ltd, Alison at Bridgend Group (who has invited me to a

Networking Event I'm attending this evening also) and Gillian at DYW as well as follow ups with Ayrshire Construction Training Group, Sportscotland, Jetclean, SimpsInns and SQA.” “The event has proven beneficial which means a lot to me as a local lady working to build business and connections in the Ayrshire area and aiming to put a business case forward for an additional venue in Ayrshire so thank you very much!”

CONNECT @ RUGBY PARK HOSPITALITY SUITE, KILMARNOCK 22nd March 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Rugby Park , Kilmarnock

FREE BUSINESS BOOSTS- TEAM BUILDING DYNAMICS – WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE 27th March 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Prosperous Consultancy

£40 BUSINESS BOOSTS- REMOTE AND FLEXIBLE WORKING WITH SHAREPOINT ONLINE 24th April 8.30am-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by AHB Training

£40 CONNECT WITH DONNINI 26th April 10.00am-11.30am Venue: Links View, Donnini Penthouse

FREE

Price shown are Chamber Members rates and include VAT unless otherwise stated.

To book or for more info visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call 01292 678666.

7 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

CHAMBER EVENTS DIARY

If you wish to host an event email Yvonne Munro at events@ayrshire-chamber.org

In an ideal world we’d all be ‘well beings’ PART In an ideal world

4 BUSINNER ESSto Unfortunately, the pressures of work and life mean we’re not always able

we’d all be ‘well beings’

the beings

achieve this. In the real world, it’s often difficult to determine who is a well being and who isn’t. Someone may look like they’re coping well, but the reality could be far different.

Unfortunately, the pressures of work and life mean we’re not Our exclusive partnership with the always able to achieve this. In the real world, it’s of often difficult British Chambers Commerce and to Accredited Network means determine who is a well being and who isn’t.Chamber Someone may look we’ll work alongside you to help your like they’re coping well, but the reality could be far different. business improve workplace health and Our exclusive partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and Accredited Chamber Network means we’ll work alongside you to help your business improve workplace health and wellbeing and give you the insight to enable you to identify the signs and symptoms of stress and poor emotional health in your staff, and improve overall performance.

We’ve been a partner of the British Chambers of Commerce for over 15 years and are their preferred provider for employee health and wellbeing. Our offering is available

and give you the insight to towellbeing all Members of Accredited enable you to identify the signs and Chambers from sole symptomsof of Commerce, stress and poor emotional health in your staff, and improve overall traders upwards. performance.

Through insight led people We’ve been a partner of the British strategies, support you to Chambers we of Commerce for over 15 yearsyour and are their quality preferred improve staff’s ofprovider life employee health and wellbeing. Our byfor helping them to eat well, move offering is available to all Members of more, sleepChambers better and think clearly.

Accredited of Commerce, from traders upwards.

We usesole a consultative approach toThrough gain aninsight understanding of your led people strategies, we supportand you to improve your staff’s challenges create a bespoke quality of life by helping them to eat well, offering to help you achieve your move more, sleep better and think health and objectives. clearly.

We wellbeing use a consultative approach to gain an understanding of your We are Westfield Health andoffering we challenges and create a bespoke to help it’s you achieve your health and believe time for a positive wellbeing objectives.

change.

We are Westfield Health and we believe it’s time for a positive change.

Exclusive to Chamber Members

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

How well is your health & wellbeing strategy working?

Howwell well is is your health health & How your & wellbeing strategy working?

Presenteeism is a real issue affecting staff across a wide wellbeing strategy working?

range of industries.

It’sissue where staff are at work in abody, Presenteeism isaareal real Presenteeism is issue affecting affecting staff staffacross across awide wide but not in mind due to a range of issues including struggling rangeof ofindustries. industries. It’s It’s where where staff range staff are areat atwork workininbody, body, with their stress, anxiety and a lack of sleep. butnot notin inwork mindpressures, due to to a a range range of but mind due of issues issuesincluding includingstruggling struggling It's estimated that presenteeism is now costing businesses withtheir theirwork workpressures, pressures, stress, stress, anxiety with anxietyand andaalack lackofofsleep. sleep. up toestimated three times more than absenteeism.* It's that presenteeism is now costing businesses It's estimated that presenteeism is now costing businesses up to three times more than absenteeism.* At Health we than believe it’s time for change. up Westfield to three times more absenteeism.* At Westfield Health we believe it’s time for change.

When you begin to truly believeit’s in the physical and At Westfield Health we believe time for change. emotional of your staff can completely When youwellbeing begin to truly believe initthe physical and When you begin to truly believe in the physical and emotionalthe wellbeing your staff it can completely transform face ofof your business, improve productivity emotional wellbeing of your staff it can completely transform the face ofworking your business, improvehelping productivity and create a positive environment, you transform the face of your business, improve productivity and create a positive working environment, helping retain staff and making you a desirable place for you and create a positive working environment, helping you retain staff and making you a desirable place for prospective employees to work. retain staff and making you a desirable place for prospective employees to work.

To find out more visit to work. prospective employees To find out more visit westfieldhealth.com/chamber To find out more visit westfieldhealth.com/chamber westfieldhealth.com/chamber

Choosing the right health Choosing the right healthand and wellbeing strategy can be wellbeing strategy can betruly truly transformative. has the powerto: to: transformative.

It It has the power Enhance engagement & performance

We’ll outline the positive steps you need to build a healthy company and empower staff to make informed and sustainable wellbeing choices.

Attract & retain staff

We’ll help you attract and retain the best staff and keep your business two steps ahead of the competition.

Lower absence rates

We take a proactive approach to absence reduction that builds a healthier workforce, increases productivity and minimises the impact of staff absence.

O w

HE EEASN’T HH W T ’ N S N A S A W W Y L L FULLYY’T FF LLHE UT N INU EEING IIM HT TH NT E E INGG M MEEEETTIN

25/07/2018 14:38

*Source: Monitor, October October 2017 2017 *Source: Deloitte UK Mental Health Monitor, *Source: Deloitte UK Mental Health Monitor, October 2017

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*Source: Deloitte UK Mental Health Monitor, October 2017

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HEALTH NEWS help support you and any staff in a variety of ways.

Examples include; Westfield Health’s primary cashback plan, discounted private health care from AXA, online training courses, Business Boosts training, First Aid courses and especially through

STAND UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH, REDUCE WORKPLACE STRESS

Kim has a compelling desire to encourage organisations to adopt a passionate approach to identifying and reducing stress in their workplace. Taking steps to reduce exposure to stress at work can be extremely beneficial in contributing to the ongoing battle against mental health.

Do you want to reduce staff turnover and absenteeism, increase morale, creativity and innovation, boost performance and productivity – all leading towards increased profits?

• Workplace stress costs the UK economy £6 billion • 12.5 million working days lost due to stress • 24 working days lost on average per case • Around half of workplace absences can be linked to stress • Reduced performance at work due to stress costs twice that of absence • About a fifth of staff turnover related to stress at work By carrying out a Psychosocial Risk (PSR) Assessment (Stress Audit) you can acknowledge and understand the sources of stress within your organisation. A PSR Report will give you a precise account of how stress impacts your workforce, this will enable you to take positive steps to augment performance and efficiency whilst reducing risk exposure.

Building on the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) framework, Kim will provide an accurate representation of your organisation. From the data collected through PSR Kim will generate comprehensive reports with proposed strategies to tackle any challenges highlighted. The analysis can be tailored to suit your organisation, specifically by team, department, branch or across your whole organisation.

Looking after members of staff isn’t just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. If you would like a FREE consultation, please contact Kim Gallacher on 07597 388215 or email info@csm-scotland.com.

sharing the wide diversity and knowledge of our members.

Take some time for yourself and read on to find out what some of our great local business are doing to provide support for all our well-beings.

MOVEMENT AND MINDSET MOTIVATION FOR AYRSHIRE LEADERS

– Heather Gweneth Bird Consulting Ltd in Collaboration with Ayrshire College and Hansel for Exciting New Wellbeing Initiative A recent Harvard Health article confirmed what some have known for thousands of years. A regular yoga practise correlates with better sleep, less stress-related mental imbalances, better body awareness, weight loss AND even greater happiness! Alongside it’s stress busting effects, the practice also helps to boost compassion, gratitude and ‘flow states’; in a nut shell, it helps you feel great. Heather Gweneth Bird has been discussing this scientifically proven evidence with businesses across Ayrshire during the last few months and Ayrshire College and Hansel decided they would like to learn more!

Heather spent 12 years studying the body/mind connection working within the Pharmaceutical Industry whilst managing diverse teams and undertaking further training in the science of Yoga and coaching methods designed to boost overall wellbeing.

With 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia and other mental health concerns, it’s more important than ever that we look after our colleagues and do all we can to endorse healthy ways of living throughout our busy working lives. Heather will share the unique Movement and Mindset Motivation coaching programme with the teams to encourage overall wellbeing as well as increasing focus, concentration, confidence and a more compassionate and authentic way of being and working. By encouraging our Ayrshire teams to look after bodies and minds over a series of uplifting sessions: innate creativity and confidence is able to shine through, setting up the teams for a healthy/happy 2019!

For more information visit: www.heathergwenbird.com.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

With more emphasis on people’s health and wellbeing than ever before, looking after both yourself and your employees has never been more important.

The Chamber network and its partners can

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MEMBER NEWS

BE DISABILITY INCLUSIVE – IT'S GOOD FOR BUSINESS This event has a flexible format to allow attendees to decide how much time is needed and will include: • Key speakers • Seminars and workshops Supporting workplace inclusion does pay dividends – for businesses and staff.

Ayrshire businesses are invited to an event on Friday 1 February 2019, from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Saltcoats Town Hall designed to support workplace inclusion and business performance that will benefit both employers and employees.

This event is organised by Ayrshire DICE (Disability Inclusive = Confident Employers) and supported by North Ayrshire Council. Ayrshire DICE aims to help employers to be disability-confident by facilitating changes to policy and practice related to disability and health conditions to create a more positive business environment.

Evidence shows that increasing workplace inclusion is not an empty slogan; it’s a good

• Exhibition of free support business decision. What Ayrshire DICE will be outlining will be good for business, good for the workforce and good for performance with real impact on the bottom line.

The cost to the economy of workplace absence and people with disabilities and health issues dropping out of the labour market is estimated to run into billions. This represents the cumulative cost to businesses across the country.

This event can be the first or further step in an ethical approach as well as being the smart thing to do. Businesses cite higher retention rates, stronger staff morale and improved performance when positive and supportive action is taken to extend the diversity of their workforce.

• Participation in discussions • Involvement of local and national politicians A full agenda, invitations and registration details will be made available in the weeks ahead.

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner of Ayrshire DICE alongside nearly forty others from the private, public and third sectors.

Email: contactDICE@ayrshire-chamber.org Website: https://ayrshiredice.wordpress. com/ Disability Confident: https://www.gov. uk/government/collections/disabilityconfident-campaign

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

SELF-CARE IS NOT A LUXURY, IT’S A NECESSITY!

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We all want to feel happy, calm and be successful right? With 18 years’ experience in Health and Social Care, Founder of Breathe Believe Achieve, Amy Simpson, knows the importance of a healthy body and mind, as well as the devastating impact Stress can have on people’s lives. Not investing in selfcare is not worth it.

1 in 4 people will experience Stress at some point in their lives and no one considers that it will be them until it is. Stress and Anxiety don’t care who you are, your job title or your bank balance… no one is immune…if you’re always“switched on”, working every hour, looking after everyone else but

yourself…whether you believe it or not Stress and Anxiety have already planned how to creep their way in! First, they are coming for your sleep, then fun, then your ability to think straight and give them long

enough they are coming after your work and your relationships.

Self-care is our protection, it allows us to see them coming and uninvites them. When working with individuals or businesses the first step is, keep it simple! Remember that we always have our greatest defence with us…our Breath! Simply creating space to Breathe, to be in the present moment allows the body and mind to settle, reminding Stress who’s in charge. Your Breath is a superpower so, take 5 minutes, close your eyes and breathe!

Amy Simpson Founder Breathe Believe Achieve

A TAILORED BUSINESS A TAILORED BUSINESS ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION SOLUTION SOLUTION

When it comes to booking accommodation for staff, visitors and clients, businesses haveaccommodation very specific needs andvisitors budget When it comes to booking for staff, constraints, yet many book the same accommodation they and clients, businesses have very specific needs and budget always have.

But as businesses we need, want and expect constraints, yet many book the same accommodation theymore than just have. great But accommodation within budget - weexpect want good always as businesses we need, want and more ‘old-fashioned service’ where we feel looked-after and valued… than just great accommodation within budget - we want good that’s why Donnini was founded. ‘old-fashioned service’ where we feel looked-after and valued… that’s why Donnini was founded.

“We are committed to making it easy for local businesses to source exceptional and long “We are committedaccommodation, to making it easy for the localshort businesses to source accommodation, formeets the short long term, thatexceptional is within budget and perfectly ourand clients term, that is within budget and perfectly meets ourof clients requirements.” says Laurence Malyon, Co-Founder Ayr requirements.” says Laurence Malyon, Co-Founder of Ayr based Donnini Apartments. based Donnini Apartments.

So how do Donnini offer a more simple So how do Donnini offer a more simple way to book? way to book?

“Donnini’s main focus is to redefine the experience of sourcing “Donnini’s main focus is to are redefine of sourcing accommodation.

Our team driventhe byexperience making it easy for our accommodation.

Our team are driven by making it easy for our clients to find an exceptional apartment or villa, within budget, clients to find an exceptional apartment or villa, within budget, quickly and reliably. Our clients let us know when they require quickly and reliably. Our clients let us know when they require accommodation, for how many people and with what specific accommodation, for how many people and with what specific criteria. Our team then make it happen.” criteria. Our team then make it happen.”

What service Whatexactly exactlyisisDonnini’s Donnini’s more more tailored tailored service “Our service diverse as as “Our servicecan canaccommodate accommodatecircumstances circumstances as as diverse one night or multiple years.

One traveller or a large group.

One one night or multiple years. One traveller or a large group. One bedroom have aa bedroomapartments apartmentsororsix sixbedroom bedroom luxury luxury villas. villas. We We have fully tailored fully tailoredoffering offeringfor forevery everyrequirement.” requirement.”

Ok, wouldn’t Ok,so sothat thatall allsounds soundsgreat, great,but but why wouldn’t we, we,as asbusinesses, businesses,just just use use hotels? hotels?

“Donnini offer where “Donnini offersosomuch muchmore morethan thanaahotel hotel -- somewhere somewhere where you can feel your own own you can feelatathome, home,relax relaxininyour yourown own space, space, cook your dinner andenjoy enjoyNetflix Netflixininyour yourown ownlounge, lounge, all all whilst enjoying dinner and enjoying the facilitiesofofaatop tophotel, hotel,like likeour our24-hour 24-hour concierge concierge service.” the facilities service.”

Whatabout aboutDonnini’s Donnini’s plans plans going going forward?

What forward?

“We wanttotoserve serveAyrshire’s Ayrshire’sbusinesses businesses by by offering offering the “We want the best, best,most most tailored accommodation solution.

We want to become tailored accommodation solution. We want to become your your accommodationpartner. partner.Donnini Donniniwill will in in the the long long term term expand accommodation expand our geographical reach with the goal of becoming our geographical reach with the goal of becoming a a national national brand recognisedfor forproviding providingexceptional exceptional accommodation accommodation brand recognised with incomparable service.” with incomparable service.”

Speaking with Laurence, you can’t help but feel a real confidence Speaking with Laurence, you can’t help but feel a real confidence about what Donnini Apartments are trying to do, their service, about what Donnini Apartments are trying to do, their service, vision and ability to deliver exactly what they say. Sourcing vision and ability to deliver exactly what they say. Sourcing exceptional accommodation should be easy…and with exceptional accommodation should be easy…and with Donnini it is.

Donnini it is.

Contact Laurence today on laurence@donnini.co.uk Contact Laurence today on laurence@donnini.co.uk

Donnini will be hosting our April Connect event on the 26th Donnini be hosting our beautiful April Connect eventSave on the of Aprilwill within one of their properties. the26th ofdate Apriland within onealong of their beautiful properties. the come and see what excellent Save properties date come along and see excellent properties andand service they can offer yourwhat business. and service they can offer your business.

Experience Experience more… more… more aamore tailoredservice service tailored more aamore luxuriousstay stay luxurious more aamore simpleway wayto tobook book simple

…that’s …that’s Donnini Donnini hello@donnini.co.uk hello@donnini.co.uk Telephone 01292 800 044 Telephone 01292 800 044 donnini.co.uk donnini.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

POSITIVITY LEADS TO WELLBEING Ayrshire based Positive Pulse Scotland Ltd has been working closely with many of the Ayrshire Chamber members delivering workplace health and wellbeing days for staff. Staff have a 20-minute consultation with a health professional addressing mental and physical health issues that they may be experiencing and helping them to be pro-active about their health. Some of the companies involved Microtech, William Duncan & Co, Brownings the Bakers and QTS. Here is a testimonial from QTS about our service.

Monica at Positive Pulse Scotland has been a great addition to our health and well-being program here at QTS. She carried out health checks and oneto-one chats with staff here in the office and out on some of our sites. Monica spotted a few areas of concern, which led to our staff seeking further medical advice, preventing what may have become more serious issues.

Monica’s willingness to travel to our sites meant that she could provide us a fantastic level of service. As a great communicator, she managed to strike up fantastic rapport with our staff and made them feel at ease about seeking medical and health advice. Moving forward we plan to introduce Monica and the team to our entire operations throughout the country.

Thanks Again for a providing a wonderful service

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

Monica the Positive Pulse Scotland Director has said “Being part of the Ayrshire Chamber has lots of great benefits including collaborative working,

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networking and support from chamber staff. In return this has helped my business grow from strength to strength. Helping local businesses address health and wellbeing in Ayrshire - It is an amazing thing when a career and a passion come together.

Healthy people are happier, more engaged and more productive. Employers across Ayrshire are acting now to support the wellbeing of their people to create mentally healthy businesses.

ROAD SAFETY WEEK 2018

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

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Bike Smart was the message at the heart of this year’s Road Safety Week, focusing on the safety of those on two wheels.

Taking place between 19 – 25 November and coordinated by Brake, Road Safety Week sought to raise public awareness over road safety, acting as the driver for positive change on our roads.

The number of cyclists in the UK is increasing at a rapid pace; however, those on two wheels are among the most vulnerable UK road users. Employers can play a part in making sure all road users are kept safe by promoting improvement of health and wellbeing of drivers and active commuters within the workplace.

physical and mental health outcomes and decreased concentration. There are a range of information sources for employers and people who drive for work available on www.healthyworkinglives.scot and www.rospa.com/road-safety

People who drive for a living are often sedentary for long periods throughout their working day, isolated for prolonged periods and under pressure to keep to schedule.

All these factors can contribute to poorer

NHS Ayrshire and Arran Workplace Health Improvement team have been promoting road safety and also driver health and wellbeing across the week, sharing information with employers about staying safe and healthy

AYRSHIRE MEDICAL RISQS AUDIT SUCCESS! Opened in 2009, Ayrshire Medical is an occupational health company in Ayrshire. They have drawn together over 30 years of expertise and knowledge in the Occupational Health Field bringing only the best people to their organisation.

The team of professionals are fully trained in all aspects of on-site health services from vision, hearing and pulmonary function tests to on site drug and alcohol testing with full chain of custody procedures and personal track

safety medicals for the rail industry. They also carry out a wide range of health promotion services including drug and alcohol awareness programmes.

As part of the service to provide personal track safety medicals, AMS requires to be audited yearly by RISQS, Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme. This supports suppliers to sell to the GB rail industry by providing an open, fair and transparent way for them to be formally recognised as capable providers of products and services.

AMS had their yearly audit at the end of

on the road. We have teamed up with Police Scotland to deliver the New Driver Scheme to workplaces across Ayrshire and there are still opportunities to take part in this. This course is open to all employees who drive for work.

For more information, or to receive our full range of electronic resources on driver safety and health please email AA-UHB.HWL@nhs.net. You can follow us on twitter @PublicHealthAAA to see what we have been up to.

September which they were delighted to pass.

Each year the standard to pass becomes more rigorous and challenging with only those who meet RISQS criteria and able to demonstrate a high standard of working to standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO14001.

Their Managing Director, Roseanne Savage said “We are once again delighted to have passed our yearly Network Rail Audit. The dedication and hard work of the AMS Team shines through and is transferred to the excellent service delivered to our clients.”

Whether you require a Safety Critical Medical or a medical to a specific standard, AMS has the expertise on board to satisfy your company needs. To find out more, please visit www.ayrshiremedical.co.uk or telephone 01292 262770.

MEMBER NEWS

OVER THE WALL WANTS TO HELP AYRSHIRE'S SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN

Most of us can recount precious family memories from growing up but imagine you had been robbed of them because of a serious illness that affected you and as a consequence your entire family. This is more common than you may think.

Seriously ill children can lose much of their childhood and bring significant pressure on family life. Issues such as parents being naturally over protective, losing out on engagement/development at school, sports, scouts, etc are commonplace and result in isolation, low confidence and self-esteem.

To try and compensate in some way Over The Wall provides week long Therapeutic Recreation Camps for the seriously ill children, week long camps specifically for their siblings and weekend camps for families. All camps are free and run by our own staff with the support

of volunteers. Every single donation made in Scotland goes towards them.

OTW is not just about donations, we have many ways companies can engage with us.

We need approximately 700 volunteers to run our camps each year and company staff can be trained as volunteers. They find the experience motivating and extremely rewarding. We need volunteers to help set up our camps and we can make camp places available for corporate supporters kids and families. These are just a few examples.

Feedback from campers and families is extraordinary and highlights that we give memories and engagement they may never otherwise have had. Only 3% of campers in Scotland this year were from Ayrshire. It concerns John from OTW that children and families here are missing an opportunity of benefitting physically and mentally through a lack of awareness. Ayrshire is important to John and he would love to discuss with you how to take simple steps to rectify this. If you feel the same contact john.geates@otw.org.uk

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

REDUCING STRESS AND ANXIETY IN CHILDREN WITH YOGA

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Simone is now delivering a successful third term of YogaGirls in Ayrshire, by supporting girls mental and physical SIMONE GARNER wellbeing with the benefits of Yoga.

This practice has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in people by instilling the practice of mindful, stress relieving, breathing techniques, yoga exercise routine, and positive affirmation relaxation. Boosting girl’s self-esteem, confidence, physical wellbeing and supporting a “switch off” time.

On the 4th of September 2018, the 1st Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced a boost for mental health services for young people. She unveiled her

a difference to support girls wellbeing within the community, with yoga, by teaching life enhancing skills to support mental, emotional and physical wellness in the youth of today. She has three daughters aged between 10 and 14 years of age who all benefit from Yoga.

plans and would see her government “focused on delivering for today and investing in tomorrow”.

Her speech came on the same day as new figures showed Scotland has recorded its worst ever performance on child and adolescent mental health waiting lists.

Olivia MacKay, age 14, in the class states, “It takes your mind off other things…. like school work and you just focus on what is happening in the moment with yoga, there and then. It makes me feel good and relaxed.” Being present is topical news and bears great importance to a positive state of less anxiety and inducing calm. Simone aims to reach out to the wider community and implement these vital teachings into schools and youth groups in Ayrshire, being inclusive and reaching every child and adolescent to benefit.

Simone is a girls and women’s holistic health consultant and yoga teacher in Ayrshire, making

Contact simonegarner.therapy@gmail.com for more information.

AMELIA GARNER, 14

Making Your Business

Our Business

LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT FREE MENTORING AYRSHIRE COLLEGE SUPPORT FROM

We will be running another Institute of Leadership PARTN and Management (ILM) accredited course in 4 BUSIN ER Leadership and Management from January 2019.

ESS This popular short course is aimed at managers and team leaders who have no formal management qualifications or less than five years’ experience in management.

By looking at real life managerial scenarios and taking part in fun activities, you will learn to identify your own leadership style and build your confidence in leading a team.

The course brings together managers from a range of different industry sectors, helping you all to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences and mistakes.

The course will help to instantly boost your performance as the skills you learn can be immediately applied the next days.

Around 80% of the managers who started on the last ILM Award in Leadership and Management day release course have now indicated that they would like to advance on to the ILM Certificate in Leadership and Management course. Proving that our courses give managers the right tools to take back to their workplace.

Some of the participants on the last course came from the likes of Booth Welsh, Egger, North Ayrshire Leisure, and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. We even had some of our own staff at Ayrshire College take part.

Wendy McColl, Inclusive Learning Team Leader at our Ayr Campus, said of the course “My role means that I deal with a core team of Inclusive Learning Assistants and Officers in addition to a wider team encompassing Student Support Assistants and Learning Assistants. The ILM course has been very informative and has allowed me to understand the theoretical perspectives of successfully leading a team. Defining and clarifying leadership and management has been particularly helpful to me. Separating the two has allowed for a deeper understanding of my own role and my relationship with my team.

“I have been able to understand aspects of motivation, styles of leadership, learning styles, problem solving and decision making by understanding and applying the relevant models and theories. The way the course is delivered is very interactive and really allows you to understand the meaning and concepts behind the models and approaches.

“Working with others from local and international companies has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and understand more about their working styles, procedures and policies.”

The ILM Award in Leadership and Management course takes place on a Tuesday afternoon or evening, whichever session you prefer, for around 14 weeks. You can sign up on the Ayrshire College website or contact wendy.mcfarland@ayrshire.ac.uk to discuss further.

YOUR CHAMBER

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Enterprise, the Business Mentoring idea is simple; it matches experienced mentors who come from all business areas and sectors with growing businesses.

By sharing the entrepreneurial experiences of mentors, this service gives the business the confidence to develop and grow, and unlocks a great network of contacts that can open doors and inspire new thinking.

Fully funded and with a large, diverse pool of mentors across all sectors, businesses are matched with a mentor that has the right skills and experience to add value to the business.

Business Mentoring Executive at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Stewart, is ideally placed to match businesses wishing to grow with the right mentor to help you achieve your ambitions and realise your business potential, taking your company to new heights.

“Donnini Apartments has had great growth over the last year. We have to attribute a big part of this to the assistance we have received from our mentor arranged by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. Our mentor Gordon Cunningham has shared his wisdom on areas such as leadership, company culture and strategic planning. With Gordon’s help we now have a clear actionable plan for our continued – research based – growth. We would like to thank Gordon, and Ayrshire Chamber for all their assistance over the last year.”

Laurence Malyon and Jacob Murray, Donnini Co-Founders.

Working with Laurence and Jacob at Donnini has been one of the most satisfying mentor relationships I have had so far. They have a tremendous desire to learn plus great drive to make their business successful. This makes it much easier for a mentor as you are really just focusing on how to make your experience impactful in a very practical way. Even better when it is fun and the results they are having are so positive.

Gordon Cunningham, Mentor To find out more contact Lisa Stewart at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce: 01292 678666 lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org or visit ayrshire-chamber.org/supporting-business

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

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MEMBER NEWS

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LMA Architects continues to grow and expand with the opening of its new Glasgow City Centre office and the appointment of a new Associate.

Natasha Houchin joins the LMA team as the Practice expands into the Glasgow market opening new offices at West George Street in the City Centre. The Practice celebrated recently by holding a drinks reception attended by clients, consultants and friends to mark the official opening.

Natasha said “I am delighted to have joined the team in Glasgow and be a part of LMA Architects. It is an exciting prospect to be part of a new venture for the Practice and a new challenge for me.“

A graduate of The Mackintosh School of Architecture, Natasha is a former Associate with Thomas Robinson Architects near Glasgow and J David McAuley Architects in Ontario, Canada where she specialised in bespoke housing and community buildings, sustainability and building conservation.

Steve McGhee, Principal of LMA Architects said: “Natasha is a very experienced Associate and we are delighted to have her join the Practice. She brings new skills and experience and will help develop the business into new markets. She will make a valuable addition to our senior management team as we grow the

REDUCING COSTS AND INCREASING PROFITS

Auditel’s Strategic Cost Management network can provide the external help organisations need to reduce and manage costs due to our vast expertise and detailed knowledge of which suppliers can deliver

business over the coming years.”

“Despite the current economic uncertainty, we are in the favourable position of being able to continue to expand the business as a result of expansion in the residential, social housing and public sectors.”

In addition to Natasha, the Glasgow office has grown in recent months with the appointment of two further members of the team; Caitlan Christie and Clara Gunnarsdottir.

Further information is available from www.l-m-a.co.uk. organisations to uncover hidden costs from within their overheads and release the cash back into the business straight to the bottom line. This helps our clients to fund investment going forward to become more productive, improve cash flow, increase business efficiency and ultimately become more profitable.

And we can do it without any cost or risk to the business. I can say with some certainty and confidence that Auditel can make an immediate impact on your organisation’s performance.”

Could your business be more efficient & profitable? When was the last time you seriously looked at your overheads?

In the current economic climate most organisations are constantly battling with the desire to drive growth and profitability, while ensuring that they are investing in the right technology and getting value for money from their suppliers. However, few organisations have the right people, tools or knowledge to effectively realise business efficiencies and deliver sustainable profit improvement.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

ARCHITECTS HAVE DESIGNS ON FURTHER GROWTH

products and services that are most appropriate for your business at the most competitive price.

They go beyond just helping you manage your costs. Working together can uncover opportunities to accelerate your business performance in an ever changing and competitive marketplace.

Auditel’s Sean Connaughton comments “We work closely with the senior management team of

Auditel specialists have come from a broad range of professions, commerce and industry, which gives their clients access to an unrivalled level of knowledge, skills and expertise.

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation could deliver innovation within your supply chain resulting in significant profit improvement, please contact: Sean Connaughton T: 07801 053670 E: sean.connaughton@auditel.co.uk

OVER 450 GUESTS CELEBRATED R C NE RERS

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DEVELOPING AYRSHIRE'S YOUNG WORKFORCE AWARD

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AYRSHIRE FOOD & DRINK AWARD

Sponsored by East Ayrshire Council

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START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sponsored by Business Gateway Ayrshire

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APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sponsored by Woodward

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AYRSHIRE’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS AWARD

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Over 450 guests attended the most prestigious night in the local business calendar at Ayr Race Course on Friday 12th October.

This year we were delighted to welcome Elaine C Smith, one of Scotland’s best known personalities and entertainers as host for the evening.

Val Russell, Chief Executive at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “My congratulations to all the winners at this years’ Ayrshire Business Awards, what a thoroughly great night it was.

Chatting with the judging panel it was obvious just how difficult a job they had in selecting a winner from each category due to the extremely high standard of entry.

I’d like to thank all of the judges led by Chairs, Walter Smith and Gail Anderson for giving their time and expertise to the Ayrshire Business Awards. Thanks also to our sponsors for their continued support in making the Awards the continued success it is.”

David Hughes from Awards Principal Sponsor 1825 said “This

GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sponsored by Glaxosmithkline S

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Sponsored by Media Scotland

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Sponsored by Seamill Hydro

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EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Sponsored by 1825 Financial Planning

R E NE FITN

Following months of anticipation, we were excited to unveil the winners of the 2018 Ayrshire Business Awards, which showcase the region’s best businesses.

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W & NT ATION JOIONIAN AVI

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AYRSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE 2018

Sponsored by Skills Development Scotland

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AWARDS HOST ELAINE C SMITH

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TOURISM AWARD

Sponsored by West FM is our third year of sponsoring the event and, yet again, the quality of applicants within each category is quite outstanding, reflecting the strength and depth of our business community in Ayrshire. On behalf of the team at 1825 Financial Planning, we would like to extend our congratulations to all of the winners in each of their respective categories, and thanks again to Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce for the great job they do in supporting business enterprise in Ayrshire.”

The event hosted by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry also raised over £5141 + £2500 from Santander Foundation for local charity Whiteleys Retreat from the charity raffle.

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FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD

Sponsored by North Ayrshire Council ERS

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Sponsored by West Coast Accelerator

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GROUP OF 2018 WINNERS

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Sponsored by Westfield Health

ER LT NN CK SA I W O C PEA

AYRSHIRE’S BEST BUSINESS (0-10 EMPLOYEES) AWARD

R IN NE OLD

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AYRSHIRE’S BEST BUSINESS (11-50 EMPLOYEES) AWARD

Sponsored by South Ayrshire Council

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AYRSHIRE’S BEST BUSINESS (51+ EMPLOYEES) AWARD

Sponsored by Ministry of Defence

R L NE AMIL

N E WI NNIE - S

RO HYD

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CHAMBER CHAMPION AWARD

Sponsored by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

AYRSHIRE’S FINEST BUSINESSES

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MEMBER NEWS

IT’S NOT EVERY MONDAY YOU CAN WAKE UP IN ABU DHABI AND GET READY FOR WORK! playground of Yas Island with its many attractions.

Here, we enjoyed their newest attraction – Warner Bros. Studios, Ferrari World and Water world.”

That’s the joy of working as a Personal Travel Specialist with Brilliant Travel.

Julie recently had the pleasure of being invited on a familiarisation trip where she was flown out to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. Julie, along with other Travel Agents departed from Edinburgh airport for a 4 night stay, to the amazing land of true contrasts.

Brilliant Travel often has the luxury of sampling various destinations first hand to ensure they choose the best hotels, location and sightseeing opportunities for their customers, trying to take advantage of these trips once-twice per year.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

Whilst in Abu Dhabi 2 separate hotels were visited – one in the City and one in Yas Island. What struck Julie early on was how less-commercialised Abu Dhabi is in comparison to Dubai. They visited another 4 hotels which were out of this world from 4* hotels on Yas Island to 5* luxury hotels like the

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“The highlight was our Arabian Safari where the view from the Sand dunes was utterly stunning!

We enjoyed Camel Rides, Belly Dancers and Henna designs and to finish off our day we indulged in an Arabian BBQ dinner underneath the stars. But, take your brave pills for the jeep drive across the sand dunes. “ Emirates Palace, allowing a different view of areas that would appeal to a wide variety of customers.

“And, before you ask, no there is no room in my suitcase for you!”

The trip also took in some local attractions. Julie said:

Take a read of Julie’s blog at http:// jbbrillianttravel.co.uk/blog/highlights-ofabu-dhabi-top-tips/

“It’s amazing what you can fit into 4 days: The new Louvre that has just opened a few months ago on Saadiyat Island. The Grand Mosque which has a capacity for an incredible 40,000 people. The

Contact Julie Batchelor, Brilliant Travel Tel 07944542640 Julie.Batchelor@Brillianttravel.co.uk

WILSONS AUCTIONS Family Business of the Year

Visit our website for upcoming dates and times on the following auctions; LAND & PROPERTY CAR AUCTIONS VAN, COMMERCIAL & 4X4 PLANT, MACHINERY, TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

LIQUIDATION AND DISPOSALS

6 Kilwinning Road, Dalry, Ayrshire, KA24 4LG, 01294 833 444

We are delighted to win an award for Family Business of the Year at the Ayrshire Business Awards

2018 AWAR D WINNE RS

and would like to thank Ayrshire Business Awards for having us!

Full listings available at www.wilsonsauctions.com BELFAST | PORTADOWN | DALRY | DUBLIN | TELFORD | QUEENSFERRY | NEWCASTLE | MAIDSTONE | NEWPORT

TROON YACHT HAVEN CELEBRATES 40TH YEAR

One of the first marinas to be built on the Firth of Clyde has celebrated its 40th year, with one employee also celebrating his 40th year of employment at the popular Scottish haven.

Now owned and operated by Yacht Havens Group, the original harbour basins in Troon were constructed in the 1800s by the Duke of Portland to be used for coal and timber shipping. The inner basin, where the marina now lies, was transformed into a marina in 1978 by a consortium led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Commenting on the development of Troon harbour into a leisure marina, Sir Robin said,“Yachting on the Clyde was developing. Kip Marina was already full and Rhu Marina was being planned. Troon was a sheltered basin and the rock surface was sufficiently low to allow the removal of mud to give sufficient depth for yachts.”

It was far more than just sailors who were benefiting from the marina. It was estimated that the marina had created 70 jobs in the local town in the 1980s due to the ripple effect of increased tourism, in addition to the 11 employed by the marina.

Duke Darge was one of the first employees at the marina and he also celebrates his 40th anniversary as he continues to work there today now managing the boatyard operations. Having started as a young trainee, Duke now manages the 55 ton boat lift and storage ashore, while spending his spare time racing yachts, including One Tonners and Quarter Tonners, around the west coast of Scotland and across the UK.

Commenting on Duke’s landmark year, Marina Director Stephen Bennie said,“Troon Yacht Haven simply wouldn’t be what it is today without Duke’s incredible loyalty, knowledge and experience. He is well-known and highly respected across the Scottish sailing industry, not just because of his commitment to providing a first-class service to boaters here in Troon, but also his incredible yacht racing achievements.”

Over the past two decades, the marina’s reputation has continued to grow with the popular haven now offering over 400 sheltered pontoon berths with full-tide access. The opening of Scotts Restaurant (by Buzzworks Holdings) in 2004 increased the attraction of Troon with 1000s of visitors arriving at the marina by sea and by road each year. Last year, the marina was voted Best UK Marina/Harbour 2017 in the Sailing Today awards.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

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MEMBER NEWS

JOANNA GEDDES WINS ‘NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2018’

BPO EXPAND OPERATION AT MARINA QUAY

Due to further business growth BPO Collections Ltd has recently expanded their operation at Marina Quay, Ardrossan. The business has acquired additional office space within the new harbour development providing accommodation for an additional 30 staff.

Joanna Geddes, Senior Designer at Kitchens

by JS Geddes was recently presented with the impressive award and title of ‘New Designer of the Year 2018’.

The prestigious Industry award ceremony, which was held in the famous Connaught Rooms in Central London, attracts world renowned designers as well as senior professionals from the industry.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

The New Designer of the Year 2018 award celebrates the brightest design talent and allows them to showcase their projects to an industry wide audience.

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Joanna was presented with her award from Television and Radio presenter – George Lamb along with the award sponsor.

Joanna said “I am thrilled to be recognised for the commitment to new design innovation, and I am honoured to win this amazing award and hold the prestigious title of ‘New Designer of the Year 2018’”.

This is another fantastic win and recognition for Kitchens by JS Geddes who currently hold the title of ‘UK Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2018’ after receiving the award earlier in the year.

Angus Mackenzie, Managing Director commented ‘’ Following our relocation to

our new premises here at Marina Quay, in the spring of 2017, our award winning business has continued to go from strength to strength with several new contract wins and more in the pipeline which has enabled us to continue to provide local jobs for local people. One of our key successes has been the use of new digital technologies and artificial intelligence and I would like to thank both North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise for their help and support here.’’

WHERE WILL OUR FOOD COME FROM?

Robert Wallace, Branch Manager at NFU Mutual in Kilmarnock, said:

Leaving the EU presents the food industry with vulnerability to a variety of potential practical pitfalls when decisions are made regarding issues such as labour, subsidies, new legislation and so on, and solutions for where our food will come from are under scrutiny from industry and consumers.

Our Food Fraud Report discovered that only one in ten people have confidence in a global supply chain. Post Brexit, if we are in the position where we are negotiating new trade deals outside the EU then the prospect of GM foods and chlorinated chicken from the US are examples of outcries that represent the high standards of UK consumers.

It also found consumer confidence to be in decline, mostly due to high profile cases of fraudulent food in the media, such

as the horse meat scandal in 2013. In the research conducted in 2017 with over 2,000 consumers, one third (33%) said that they are less trusting of products and retailers than they were five years before.

However, this presents opportunities. Our research also found that 99% of consumers would buy more British or local food if retailers made it easier for them. British food also has its advantages through a shorter and better regulated supply chain that may be more manageable.

To learn more, contact the Kilmarnock Agency of NFU Mutual for a free copy of the Food Fraud Report, which contains research, industry viewpoints, and practical advice for food producers, retailers and hospitality businesses to improve consumer confidence. kilmarnock_agency@nfumutual.co.uk or call 01563 524 013.

Does your business make purchases for supplies or stock from a foreign country?

Perhaps you pay for staff abroad? Or maybe you have a business or holiday home overseas? eurochange specialise in international payments at bank-beating rates and can help you save money!

eurochange are looking to expand further.

Having had strong growth in Scotland over the last 3 years, opening 15 branches, with the most recent additions inside Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine and on the high street in Ayr,

The multi-trillion dollar a year international payment market can be confusing and expensive.

Foreign exchange rates change by the second which is why as a eurochange client you will

Kris McCandless has been hired to specifically manage B2B International Payment customers in Scotland. Kris is based in Ayrshire and is on hand to support local businesses and supply face-toface advice and services for those who make regular money transfers to suppliers world-wide.

receive a dedicated account manager to ensure you can maximise your profits and fine tune your businesses finances.

Ayrshire Chamber members will benefit from personalised VIP rates on business and personal travel cash for themselves and their staff as well as receiving VIP international payment rates for their business using discount code VIPACOC For more information or a confidential chat contact kristofer.mccandless@eurochange. co.uk or call 07973403956.

OLD LOANS INN NAMED SMALL HOTEL OF YEAR The Old Loans Inn continues to fly the flag for Ayrshire after being named Small Hotel of the Year for the second successive year, while The Gailes Hotel was also shortlisted at the 2018 Scottish Golf Tourism awards in St Andrews.

The glittering awards ceremony took place at the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews where renowned golf broadcaster Dougie Donnelly hosted the event supported by VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and PSP Media Group.

Over 90 tour operators and buyers worldwide arrived in Scotland to learn, experience and sample what Scotland has to offer by way of connecting with golf, accommodation and other providers within the industry.

A two-day series of networking events then took place, including golf’s equivalent of speed-dating with over 4,000 Business to Business (B2B) meetings between Scottish suppliers like SimpsInns and the

acknowledgement to all the hard work George (Paton) and his team put in at the Old Loans Inn to make sure all our guests are so well looked after,”explained SimpsInns owner Malcolm Simpson after receiving the award.

Old Loans Inn plus Scottish and international tour operators, helping to drive business to Scotland and Ayrshire.

The week concluded with a black-tie gala dinner for almost 500 guests and when the lights went down it wasn’t long before the drama unfolded. In the first award to be announced, the Old Loans Inn was named Small Hotel of the Year for the second successive year.

“I can’t believe we’ve won again, this is a wonderful

BEST FOR BUSINESS MEETING ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS Stunning venues - State of the art technology Wifi - Breakout rooms - Delegate packages Accommodation packages - Free parking

Contact the team today T: 01294 204040 - E: events@simpsinns.com Ayrshire - Scotland

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“We won this award 12 months ago and to win again makes it very special, especially as the votes came from the general public. We know we have a fantastic product and all of our hotels are so close to the many championship courses within Ayrshire. The Old Loans Inn is just minutes from the first tee at Royal Troon and we have a great working relationship with all the courses in the area.

“To come away with this prestigious award is very special, knowing that we were up against such strong competition.”

The Old Loans Inn’s sister property, The Gailes Hotel, was also shortlisted in the Hotel of the Year category that was won by Murrayshall Country House Hotel.

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EUROCHANGE CONTINUE TO EXPAND ACROSS SCOTLAND

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MEMBER NEWS

LAUNCH SCOTLAND AND THE HANNAH DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION The Hannah Dairy Research Foundation supports all aspects of dairy research including the biology, wellbeing of dairy animals, dairy technology and food production. The foundation aims to stimulate original scientific research, encourage and inspire young scientists in the field, invigorate industry and enable dairy farmers through advances in knowledge, technology and good practice.

In order to achieve this, the foundation recognised the need for various marketing services to showcase the activities carried out by the foundation. Launch Scotland were approached to create a new brand which reflected the aims of the foundation, as well as the development of a website, social media and graphics for adverts.

Launch Scotland are a Digital Marketing

AYRSHIRES AWESOME APPRENTICES

The Ayrshire Business Awards 2018 on Friday 12th October was the ideal platform to announce the winners of the Ayrshire Apprenticeship Community Challenge 2018.

Now in its 15th year, the Ayrshire Apprenticeship Community Challenge asked companies who have 1 or more apprentices to come up with a project that would benefit their local community.

Launched in February 2018, companies across Ayrshire were invited to put forward individuals or a team of apprentices to plan, complete and document their chosen project by September 2018. Apprentices were then invited to present their portfolios to a panel of judges

agency based in Ayrshire and Glasgow, providing a variety of marketing services including branding, web design, graphic design, social media, search marketing and many more.

The team at Launch were keen to get involved

in the project and designed a creative brand, website and graphics that portrayed the vision and goals of the foundation.

Check out the new branding and website: www.hannahresearch.org.uk

during Ayrshire Business Week.

got from their employers.’

The 2 finalists, GE Caledonian and Spirit Aerosystems, were then invited to attend the Business Awards for the announcement of the overall winner. The 2 projects were as follows:

The judges highly commended all the apprentices who took part for their enthusiasm, clarity and the pride they showed in presenting first class teamwork.

Making formal presentations was a new skill to many but the judges were impressed by the dedication and practice that both teams had so clearly put in.’

Judging Panel.

GE Caledonian- Designed and manufactured an Interactive STEM Playground at Annbank Primary School.

Spirit Aerosystems- Designed Aviation theme STEM lesson plans to take into local schools.

The judging panel were so impressed by both projects and presentations that they decided, for the first time, to announce both teams as joint winners: ‘Both GE Caledonian and Spirit AeroSystems presented projects of high quality and there was nothing in it for the judges to be able to say one company was better than the other. The only fair result was to award them both first equal. Well done to both teams and to the support they

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate both teams on winning the award.

Thank you to Skills Development Scotland for their continued support and sponsorship of the Challenge and to Munro Architects and Ocean Blue Consulting for sitting on the judging panel.

If you would like to find out more about the Ayrshire Apprenticeship Community Challenge 2019, email Gillian Longmuir glongmuir@ayrshire-chamber.org.

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MEMBER NEWS

RESEARCH & EVALUATION PROJECT

The Energy Agency, in partnership with NHS (Ayrshire and Arran), is conducting an evaluation project to investigate the potential benefits of Solid Wall Insulation (SWI). This is in conjunction with South Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and Dumfries and Galloway as part of their area based insulation projects.

Evidence exists that current policy interventions may be associated with the improved health of participants and the aim of the study has been to investigate these links in more detail. The findings from the first and second year of the study have now been published and have demonstrated changes in proximal outcomes (e.g. improved housing conditions, increased indoor warmth/comfort, increased pride in the home and reduced fuel bills) which have known links to longer term health impacts. Alongside anecdotal reports of improvements to existing health conditions, such as COPD and asthma, and reports of improved

mood following insulation, pre- and post- health questionnaires have also indicated increases in both physical and mental health scores for those who also perceived their home to be much warmer following the insulation works.

The study also examined hospital admissions in postcodes where wall insulation upgrades had taken place. Although it is difficult to establish a direct causal link between this type of intervention and health outcomes, preliminary analysis suggests lower hospital admission rates for respiratory and cardiovascular related conditions in these areas compared with a control group of postcodes who had not yet participated in the scheme.

The study commenced in 2014 and has now

THE LATEST SCOTTISH CRAFT GIN HAS LAUNCHED IN AYRSHIRE

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

For more information contact Liz Marquis, Director of Energy Agency on 01292 525510 or email lizmarquis@energyagency.org.uk

Foraging, drying and storing of botanicals; test distillation and recipe development all happens on Arran, and the team work alongside award winning distiller Simon Fairclough at the Glenshee Craft Distillery for the final hours in the‘big’pot still.

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A brief summary of other results show: property conditions improved, fuel costs fell and thermal comfort improved. The full study and the health outcomes can be found at: https:// www.energyagency.org.uk/en/researchevaluation-project_46663/

THE SPIRIT OF ARRAN

Introducing…Isle of Arran Gin!

Arran is an island of adventure and escape, rich in wild botanicals. This was the starting point for 4 guys with a shared passion for locally-sourced food and drink, including a local shopkeeper and an artisan baker. This‘punchy’, distinctive gin launched in February and now the group are seeking distribution, as sales grow from Arran-exclusively to Scotland and UK-wide (with exciting export plans). For now, the focus is on growing the business in Ayrshire, before anywhere else!

become an ongoing monitoring and evaluation project involving over 350 households to date.

The aim is to conduct further data collection and statistical analysis with support from NHS Ayrshire & Arran (Public Health) as well as the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow.

ISLAND BOTANICALS The‘big’flavours are Hogweed Seed (citrus & spice); Meadowsweet (floral/honey notes), Sea Lettuce (delicious, savoury seaweed) and Noble Fir (fresh pine). These Arran botanicals give the gin its bold, complex taste, which also manages to be smooth and balanced…perfect with a FeverTree Mediterranean tonic and slice of orange (or grapefruit and mint)!

Having recently purchased land in a scenic corner of Brodick, the challenge for 2019 will be the funding and building of a unique Visitor Experience / Micro-distillery, complete with Gin School, Café and outdoor spaces. With beautiful views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Ayrshire coast, an exciting vision is coming to life, which will bring jobs, visitor numbers and an all-weather, family experience. But, for now, the obsession is launching an online shop, and bringing Arran Gin to mainland Scotland - starting right here in Ayrshire. Cheers!

For further information or placing orders, please contact stuart@isleofarrangin.com

Do you want to develop your business? Have you got new ideas to make that happen, but not sure how to turn them into a paid invoice?

The new Co-Innovate Programme is a five year crossborder initiative funded by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The programme is designed to help SMEs across the eligible regions to harness their ideas to: • Work smarter • Equip you for future challenges • Add value to your business • Stand out from the competition • Boost your bottom line

Who can get support from the Co-Innovate Programme?

SMEs based in Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway or the Western Highlands and Islands in the manufacturing or tradeable services sectors may be eligible to take part in the programme.

What kind of businesses are getting involved?

Since the programme launched in August 2017, 154 businesses across Ayrshire and D&G have benefited from the programme. So far, businesses have included a small Renewables company, a Medical Textiles company and a small IT suport company.

What supports are available?

Each company’s needs around innovation development will differ, so every company’s journey through the programme will be unique. Co-Innovate will give you the tools and support to help you innovate, differentiate and compete successfully.

Support provided ranges from FREE workshops tailored to suit each individual business, to innovation audits and one-to- one expert mentoring.

The first part of the Co-Innovate support journey is attending an innovation workshop. The aim of these FREE workshops is to demystify innovation and help you understand how it can drive your business forward. Companies who have received support at the workshops will benefit from one to one business assessments, aimed at helping them create a tailored delivery plan. Companies who go on to complete assessments, will be selected to take part in advanced programme supports.

Advanced Programme Supports

These advanced supports are designed to help develop detailed innovation delivery plans: bringing ideas to fruition. These include: • Funding to unlock up to 10 days of bespoke consultancy advice, resulting in development of a targeted action plan.

• Up to fifty per cent funding for a dedicated 12 month project manager post to deliver product or process innovation.

• Up to fifty per cent funding for a business-tobusiness, collaborative R&D or product/service development project, with partners to be drawn from the other jurisdiction (for example, Scottish company to partner with business in Republic of Ireland).

• Participation in a sector specific R&I network which will bring together businesses, organisation or academic institutions from across Co-Innovate’s eligible regions. Fifty per cent funding available .

Interested?

Want to find out more visit our website www.co-innovateprogramme.eu or come along to our upcoming event at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Prestwick Airport: • Innovation Workshop, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Thursday 24th January 2019 (Book via the Ayrshire Chamber website)

Contact us Our team are here to help answer any queries so please contact us: Stacey Neville on 0141 468 6161 or email stacey.neville@scotent.co.uk Abbé Cusack on 0141 343 7921 or email abbe.cusack@scotent.co.uk Visit www.co-innovateprogramme.eu

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2018

Drive your business forward with CO-INNOVATE

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Gavin, S4 pupil at Belmont Academy, completed his weeks work experience placement at LMA Architects in Ayr which lead to him getting a summer placement.

During his week at LMA, Gavin experienced what it was like to be an architect while working and using a variety of different software. Gavin said “I would strongly recommend more young people like me to go in for work experience because it’s a great opportunity and can send you in the right direction for future career choices”.

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This experience could not have been better and I couldn’t imagine doing my work experience anywhere else.

Anne is a student at Largs Academy who recently spent some time with The Drama Box in Dundonald for her work experience placement.

During Anne’s work placement she got to see so many different sides to the business, from their products (pupil workshops, teacher’s online courses etc.) to marketing (social media, colour scheme, fliers) and to the more corporate side of the business (phone numbers, emails, addresses).

Anne said “I have learned a ton about how drama can help kids become so much more confident and social and how it can really prepare them for the world of work”.

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Emma from Belmont Academy would love to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and she spent time at Vet4Pets in Ayr. She said: “For my work experience I went to Vets4Pets. The staff were all very welcoming and I learned a lot from them. During my time there, I was allowed to watch many operations in theatre and I learned how to properly x-ray animals. The best part of my work experience was watching the operations as I found them very interesting. My work experience has helped me decide that I am choosing the right career path.”

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Judith reported that they were more than happy to have Alexander in the department.

He was quiet but still managed to ask questions and seemed to be taking in what people were sharing with him. He participated in tasks and completed every piece of work given to him. He was very willing and capable, a model pupil who did really well on his placement.

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KYLE ACADEMY CYBER SECURITY WORKSHOP Pupils from Kyle Academy's Cyber Centurions delivered a workshop for businesses to find out more about protecting data and stopping potential hackers in their track.

DYW Ayrshire funded this innovative project in partnership with The Prince's Trust. The aim being to ensure young people could not only address the increasing problems the school was facing with ongoing issues around social media but also prepare themselves for the world of work.

Due to the success of year 1 when the pupils engaged with local primary schools over the course of

the school year, the Cyber Centurions for phase two are going to offer some basic cyber services to businesses by running workshops on how to protect your business from ransomware, how to identify a phishing e-mail, firewall settings and your business digital footprint.

VISITARRAN: VISIT AUCHENHARVIE Sheila Gilmore, Executive Director of VisitArran and The Arran Trust recently volunteered her afternoon to provide pupils studying National 4/5 Travel and Tourism at Auchenharvie Academy a fantastic insight into the mandatory ‘Travel and Tourism in Scotland’ unit.

Sheila started the lesson with a group

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quiz, testing what the class knew already about Arran before giving a detailed presentation about her particular role, tourism on the island and the concept of destination management. Sheila brought an array of resources for the class to keep and refer to in coming months when they have to plan a holiday in Scotland for two foreign visitors.

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Programme is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation programme that takes place entirely at the workplace for 17-24 year olds who have a Learning Disability / Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The programme culminates in individualised job development.

In partnership with Culzean Castle and Country Park, 7

Sheila commented, “I would recommend any business to think about coming in and talking to our young people….because if we don’t engage with young people now, we can’t complain when they don’t get involved later” Class teacher, Stuart Sheriffs added, “It was really beneficial having Sheila in today as it really contextualised the learning we are currently doing in class. By having someone

young people successfully completed an 8 month internship.

Each intern took part in 3 work placements, each lasting 9 weeks. These placements include areas such as; gardening & grounds, rangers, catering, food service, housekeeping & retail.

The graduates are now looking for employment in areas such as domestic, hospitality, grounds maintenance, gardening, general labouring and other outdoor work.

If you are able to offer an employment opportunity and would like to know more then please get in touch by contacting info@dywayrshire.com.

in from the industry it makes the unit real and students can engage more positively and have a better interaction with it.”

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

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MASSIVE ACHIEVEMENT FOR PROJECT SEARCH GRADUATES

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KINGCASE PUPILS ARE FLYING HIGH After introducing the NATS Academy last year with a series of lessons linked in with S3 Geography, the team, led by Andrea Kirkhope, developed a six-part module on the history of flight which was delivered to Primary 5 pupils at Kingcase and Alloway Primaries during September and October this year.

Every Thursday during the module, two NATS employees (who were also trained STEM Ambassadors) went into the schools and presented the lesson to the pupils, followed by an activity based on the lesson topic. The module covered the history of air travel, from Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first powered flight in 1903, right through to the modern day and the Airbus 380 Superjumbo. Alongside the rapidly-changing face of aircraft, the presenters described how air traffic control has had to change to keep up with growing demand, technological advances, and new ways of working to maintain safety in our skies.

The activities covered many aspects of the role of NATS, with games based on ‘Riding the Beam’ and identifying different cloud types, to how GPS can be used to triangulate an aircrafts’ position.

The project is a great example of how organisations and schools can work together to benefit their pupils and help encourage them to consider a career they may not have previously thought about. In addition NATS have a new team of STEM Ambassadors who have been going into schools across Ayrshire to speak with pupils about the work they do.

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HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED:

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These changes were reflected in the wide variety of job roles represented by the speakers. Accompanying the Air Traffic Controllers, the pupils heard from Aircraft Position Operators, Flight Information Officers (FISOs), a People Capability Specialist, the Engineering Service Manager, an Air Traffic Management Development Expert, and a Systems Engineer! Each presenter spoke about their job roles, and how what they learned in school is used in their everyday role.

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Jason, Hannah, Simon, Jake, Liam, Lesley, Lyn, Debbie and Lindsey who delivered the presentations and to Andrea who spearheaded the project at NATS in Prestwick.

To the staff at Alloway and Kingcase Primaries who were fantastic and supportive throughout, and to the pupils who were enthusiastic and engaged during all of the lessons.

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

HEATHFIELD PRIMARY CELEBRATED SCOTTISH MATHS WEEK Heathfield Primary celebrated Scottish Maths Week by welcoming a number of guests to the school from industry who use maths within their job role. These included representatives from RBS, Tesco, NATS and AECOM. Scott McClymont a Civil Engineer with AECOM and former pupil of Heathfield spoke to the three Primary Seven classes about the importance of numeracy skills in engineering. His presentation concentrated on budgeting as this is an area which the children are currently learning about in maths. The classes were interested to hear how Civil Engineers use budgets on a daily basis and enjoyed the practical activities putting their learning into action.

Scott added, “I was amazed at how engaged the children were and just how keen they were to ask questions to further their understanding of what Engineers do on a daily basis. The school were very helpful and I would recommend others to get engaged in similar opportunities if they get the chance�.

DYW SCOTLAND NATIONAL WEBSITE The brand new national Developing the Young Workforce website has now been launched. The website showcases the amazing work each regional DYW group is doing in their area. It lets you hear from some of the employers who are already engaged with DYW and the benefits it brings to their business. Visit the website to find out more about DYW and how you can get involved - https://www.dyw.scot/

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The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry: HOLLYBROOK.XYZ Ayr Mrs Lesley Graham Hollybrook.xyz@mail.com

SCOTIA ARTS Troon Mr Blair Parham bp@scotiaarts.com

IRVINE BAY GYMNASTICS CLUB Irvine Mrs Amanda Boucher irvinebaygc@googlemail.com

SCOTTISH KEEPSAKES Kilmarnock Mrs Carol Smith carol@scottishkeepsakes.com

EMPOWER STUDIOS LTD Irvine Miss Stephanie Green Steph@empowerstudios.co.uk

ISABELLE CAIRNS WEALTH MANAGEMENT Ayr Mr Isabelle Cairns isabelle.cairns@sjpp.co.uk

SCRUB A DUG DUG LTD Kilmarnock Miss Stephanie Zikmann bark@scrubadugdugayrshire.co.uk

EUROCHANGE Stevenage Mr Kristofer McCandless kristofer.mcCandless@eurochange.co.uk

KF GERMAN TRANSLATIONS Ayr Mrs Katrin Frahm kfgermantrans@aol.com

FOREVER INSPIRED WITH NANCY ALLAN Largs Ms Nancy Allan nancyallan@rocketmail.com

MCG JOINERY & BUILDING LTD Ayr Mr Grant McGregor grant@mcgjoineryandbuilding.ltd

STEWART ACR LTD Ayr Mr Gregor Stewart gregor@stewartairconditioning.co.uk

COAST TO COAST VA Kilwinning Mr Carol MacKay Admin@coasttocoastva.com

GARNER METHOD (THE) Ayr Ms Simone Garner simonegarner.therapy@gmail.com

PETER DRUMMOND ARCHITECTS Kilmarnock Mr Peter Drummond kilmarnock@pdarch.co.uk

THE WARRIOR MUM PROJECT Kilwinning Miss Tracy Gilmour tracy@warriormumproject.org

AYRSHIRE IT LTD Troon Mr Lee Young accounts@ayrshireit.com

DC CONSULTING AND COACHING LTD Troon Mr David Carson david@dccandc.co.uk

GIRVAN YOUTH TRUST Girvan Mr Bill Logan bill@Z1Girvan.org.uk

PRESENT & COLLECT Troon Ms Heather Barnes heather@presentandcollect.co.uk

UTILITY AID Glasgow Mr Michael Curry

AYRSHIRE MEDICAL SERVICES Ayr Mrs Roseanne Savage lynsey@ayrshiremedical.co.uk

ECCO HEALTHCARE LTD Drongan Mr Christopher Livingstone Chris@eccohealthcare.co.uk

GLAM EVENTS Patna Mr Mark Vance info4glamevents@gmail.com

RESOLUTE FINANCIAL ADVISORS Kilmarnock Mr Andrew Orr andy@resolutefa.co.uk

ALEXANDER'S FAMILY BUTCHERS Darvel Mr Jim Alexander alexandersthebutchers1@gmail.com

BELL INGRAM LLP Ayr Mr Geoff Brown ayr@bellingram.co.uk

ANTOS LTD Kilmaurs Mr Antoon Murphy info@antos.co.uk

BLISS GRACE A/B LTD Prestwick Miss Laura McKinlay laurabliss79@hotmail.com

ASSURGO ASSOCIATES LTD Ayr Ms Michelle Le Prevost michelle@assurgoassociates.com

BREATHE BELIEVE ACHIEVE Kilmarnock Ms Amy Simpson amy-simpson13@outlook.com

ATOM BANK PLC Ayr Mr Liam Brodie liam.brodie@atombank.co.uk

CA MULTISERVICES LTD Kilmaurs Mr Drew Riddick dr@camultiservices.co.uk

AUDITEL Coylton Mr Sean Connaughton sean.connaughton@auditel.co.uk

CHERISHED REFLECTIONS Largs Mrs Kathleen McKenna enquiries@cherishedreflections.co.uk

AUSTINS RESTAURANT Girvan Mr Kevin Rae dining@austinsrestaurant.co.uk

CHRISTINE LANG TAPPING Ayr Mrs Christine Lang christinelangtapping@gmail.com

AYRSHIRE FIRE & SECURITY LTD Ayr Mr Scott Leonard info@ayrshirefireandsecurity.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS NETWORK LTD Ayr Mr Scott White scott@electricalsolutionsnet.co.uk ELEMENTS OF LIFE CLINIC Ayr Mrs Catherine Donald catherinedonald2@btinternet.com

SLATER MENSWEAR LTD Ayr Mrs Susan Rose susanrose@slatermenswear.co.uk

WATTS RETAIL UK LIMITED (SWEETIELAND) Ayr Mr Neill Watts info@wattsretail.uk

We want to recruit more members to strengthen our 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.

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NEW MEMBERS