Your Ayrshire Business Autumn 2012

AUTUMN 2012 £2

Inside this month: Scotland’s first biosphere: page 4 Making a splash: page 13 Field of dreams: page 15

contacts Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Suite 1005, Glasgow Airport, Prestwick KA9 2PL Email: enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Web: www.ayrshire-chamber.org Tel: 01292 678666 PRESIDENT Willie Mackie CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Valerie Russell

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Helen McBride

magazine Editorial Content:

lbruce@ayrshire-chamber.org

Design, Typesetting & Publisher: stuart.glasgownews@gmail.com

Print & Distribution:

brown brothers

ink on paper experts www.brown-bros.com

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

01294 487007 Energetic materials, rocket motors, demolition stores, pyrotechnic & propellant devices

01292 269909 Chartered Financial Planners

01563 500831 With you all the way 01292 611028 The power of insurance

01292 280499 Legal Services 01292 885923 National Health Service

01563 558844 A total solutions company

01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life

01292 885928 Health advice and services for the work place

0800 0432760 IT service & support

01292 265071 Chartered accountants and Business Advisers

Published by SP Publications on behalf of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2012. 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 Ayrshire 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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Going for Gold!

DESPITE the majority of the events being held in London it was hard not to get caught up in the whole Olympic fever, especially with Scottish athletes bagging so many of the medals!

Ayrshire’s part in the Olympic Torch Relay put us firmly on the map and the local authorities involved deserve thanks for making this such a huge success. It was heart-warming to see so many people turning out to welcome the host of Ayrshire torchbearers. We had a personal interest in young Conor McAdam who carried the torch along Ayr High Street. Conor had just completed a week’s work experience here at the Chamber and we all got caught up in his enthusiasm - not a dry eye in the house as we watched him complete his leg of the relay!

We do not have the legacy of any infrastructure or sports facilities but we can learn from the spirit of Team GB and I call upon you all to support Team Ayrshire!

• Support our young people by offering work experience placements, Modern Apprenticeships or simply share your experience of the world of work.

• Support other Ayrshire businesses by buying local whether it is products or services.

• Support the regeneration of our town centres again by buying local.

• Support your local Chamber of Commerce by joining or recommending us to other business colleagues.

• Support Business Week and the Ayrshire Business Awards.

Together we can make Ayrshire the best county to work, live or play!

As a Chamber we truly believe in the strength of the network of both public and private sector organisations who are currently working together to ensure Ayrshire is in the best possible shape to withstand this continuing recession and are grasping all potential opportunities to grow and create both new jobs and new businesses.

Forging new alliances and partnerships is never easy and these relationships must be built on transparency and trust. Our economic upturn will come from within and will be led by local business people but with support from our public sector colleagues.

As we enjoy the last of the summer sunshine (such as it has been) we have been busy planning a full programme of

Chief Executive: Valerie Russell

events and training for autumn /winter and of course the Ayrshire Business Awards – we may not be awarding bronze, silver or gold but we will be celebrating the best of Team Ayrshire!

If you would like to find out how to support some of the activities above please email me at vrussell@ayrshirechamber.org

Valerie Russell Chief Executive

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Scotland’s first Biosphere

jamieson

Our consultation and engagement process has reconfirmed our belief that the commitment of the communities, businesses and public sector agencies to developing more sustainable communities, business practices and lifestyles will help drive the process forward.

Biosphere status will provide a new and unique opportunity to focus on understanding, testing and demonstrating new and innovative approaches to balancing conservation and development pressures and to working through the practical implications of sustainable living at meaningful ecosystem and biogeographic regional scales.

By working together, collaboratively within the framework of Biosphere status, we now have a new and

plant hire and contractors CONTRACTS UNDERTAKEN New water mains installed, drainage work (land drainage, golf courses etc), kerbing, paving, monoblock, etc.

Suppliers of drainage pipe, underground, sewer water pipe and fittings.

CONTRACT HIRE JCB, TRACTOR AND ATTACHMENTS 24-26 KIRKOSWALD ROAD, MAYBOLE, AYRSHIRE KA19 7TX

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Tel: 01655 883251 Fax: 01655 882511 Mobile: 07768 624954 4

your ayrshire business autumn 2012

exciting opportunity to make real progress. I am sure that this can only make Galloway and Southern Ayrshire an even better place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

UNESCO Biospheres are the only global accreditation for areas seeking to demonstrate excellence in sustainable development practice. A 27 member Partnership, broadly representative of local society in south west Scotland, has been responsible for overseeing the bid to UNESCO. The Partnership will now provide strategic direction to the new Biosphere, going forward. www.gallowayandsouthernayrshire biosphere.org.uk

To advertise in the next edition of

your

GALLOWAY and Southern Ayrshire have recently achieved international status as Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere. It is one of 20 new Biosphere Reserves added to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme at UNESCO’s meeting in Paris on the 11th July 2012.

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire will now become part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The network includes 598 Biospheres in 117 countries Roger Crofts, Chair of the Biosphere Partnership said, “The unique balance between environment and people that make Galloway and Southern Ayrshire a special place to live is at the heart of the justification for UNESCO Biosphere status.

business yrshire

the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

call Stuart Pennington on 07792 362 587

Challenge your Apprentices in 2012 2012 IS proving to be very eventful – the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee marking 60 years as Britain’s Monarch, a Scottish player reached the finals at Wimbledon, the Olympics are hosted in the UK and in December, according to some eschatological beliefs, the world will end. As if that wasn’t enough, it is also the 10th Anniversary of the Modern Apprenticeship Challenge hosted every year by Ayrshire Business in the Community with the support of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Skills Development Scotland.

Each year, Ayrshire Business in the Community offer local Employers the opportunity to register either a Team of Apprentices or an individual Apprentice to the challenge to undertake a community project which benefits the local community and demonstrates and develops their skills as an Apprentice.

The main objectives of the challenge are: • To demonstrate the quality of Apprentices employed in Ayrshire.

• To demonstrate the high level of training offered by Ayrshire companies/ organisations.

• To forge links between local companies and local communities.

• To raise the profile of local companies taking part.

• To highlight the Modern Apprentice movement in Ayrshire.

• To encourage more young people to consider a Modern Apprenticeship.

• To encourage more local companies to consider offering Modern Apprenticeships.

Modern Apprentices from throughout Ayrshire recently took part in the Ayrshire Business in the Community Modern Apprenticeship Challenge 2011-2012.

Brian Cameron of Skills Development Scotland said, “The Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for local Modern Apprentices to showcase their acquired skills and to use them for the benefit of their local communities. Five projects were delivered this year and were a credit not only to the Apprentices but also to their respective employers. Skills Development Scotland was delighted, once again, to support this initiative.”

The Winning Team for 2011-2012 ABIC Apprenticeship Challenge went to the Apprentices of GE Caledonian who also won last year’s Challenge, a new record!

Their project was the design and installation of a walk-through aviary at Dean Park in Kilmarnock, rumoured to be the first ever walk-through aviary in Scotland. Stewart Christie of GE Caledonian said, “I believe that our Apprentices gained valuable experience by taking part in the Modern Apprenticeship 6

your ayrshire business autumn 2012

Challenge. In order to successfully complete what was a fairly large project, they demonstrated teamwork, planning, time management and budget control. The final cost was zero as all the material they used was recycled.

Participating gave them the opportunity to use various hands on skills they do not routinely use during their Apprenticeship.

Ayrshire Business in the Community provided a presentation skills course through Ology Coaching which allowed the group to create and present their project in a professional manner to the judging panel. GE Caledonian will continue to support this initiative as we consider participation to be a great experience for our Apprentices as well as providing tangible benefits to the local community.’’

Apprentices from North Ayrshire Council won the prize for Innovation for the upgrading of the outdoor area at James Reid School, Ardrossan. At the presentation event, Deputy Headmaster Jim McCallum, described the project like “changing playgrounds”. On Friday night he left an ordinary playground and came back on Monday morning to a fully refurbished playground with new bench seating, planters and a play train as well as general refurbishment of existing equipment, the children love it.

Lesley Craig, Ayrshire Business in the Community said: “The Modern Apprenticeship Challenge promotes mutual benefits between employers and local communities in addition to increasing the confidence and skills of the Modern Apprentices. The project sponsors and the Modern Apprentices thoroughly enjoy their time together during the planning and installation/delivery phases and this also promotes citizenship within local communities.

In my opinion everyone who takes part is a Winner.”

Apprentice Teams from the following

organisations were also recognised for their achievements; Ashleigh Building designed and installed decking/outdoor storage facilities at Vineburgh Community Centre, Irvine.

East Ayrshire Council designed, built and installed planters and trees in the Onthank area, Kilmarnock and also won the Award for Best Presentation at the Event.

Goodrich designed and installed a secure decking for Aberlour Ardfin House, Prestwick.

All participants and beneficiaries attended a special presentation ceremony at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on June 18th hosted by Ayrshire Business in the Community.

Special thanks to the judging panel which consisted of; Valerie Russell of Ayrshire Chamber, Brian Cameron of Skills Development Scotland and David McCall of Munro Architects Thanks also to Walter Gregg of Ology Coaching for supporting the Challenge each year with free presentation skills training for Apprentices to help prepare them for the presentation event.

To celebrate our 10th anniversary of the Challenge, we’d like to make it bigger and better than ever before.

If your organisation would like to take part in this year’s Modern Apprenticeship Challenge, or if you would like to suggest a project for Apprentices to undertake, please visit www.ayrshirebic.org Modern Apprenticeship section for further details - registration is now open and is without obligation.

Project suggestions can also be submitted online. If you are unsure about participating, Lesley Craig, Project Co-ordinator would be happy to have an informal chat with you to answer any questions.

Contact Lesley on: 01292 670146 or email: lcraig@ayrshirebic.org

Retiring employees an important decision CONCERNS about annuity rates have been increasingly evident in recent times. These concerns will be tested further when Solvency II, which is a fundamental review of the capital adequacy regime for the European insurance industry, along with Gender equalisation come into effect. Both are likely to impact even further on annuity rates.

When purchasing an annuity, a life assurance company converts your pension pot into income payments. More than 60% of retirees complete the paperwork that is sent by their existing pension provider and, in doing so, could be losing out on a substantially higher level of income. In a recent example, a client was quoted by their existing provider, an income of £8,396 per annum. By making use of the open market option and taking health issues into account, the client was offered an income of £10,120 per annum on the same basis. Over a ten year period this 21% increase equates to additional income of £17,240.

Such enhanced rates apply if there are any health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol or blood pressure.

However higher rates may also be available depending on BMI readings and even, surprisingly, post code areas.

Many people are unhappy at having to tie into today's low

annuity rates for the rest of their lives. As a result many people coming up to retirement have been keeping their options open by considering alternatives such as fixed-term annuities and invested annuities. Fixed term annuities provide the option of possibly getting a better rate in a few years' time if rates have improved or if there have been any changes in health, where the individual could qualify for an enhanced rate. Invested annuities may reduce the effect of inflation on your income if the underlying investment performs well.

The purchase of an annuity is a decision your employee will have to live with for the rest of their life. With this in mind there are two clear issues to consider education and advice i.e. ensuring employees have an understanding and awareness of their options and that their decision is the correct one.

Munro Partnership Ltd provides a ‘Ready to Retire’ advisory service and is offering it at no cost to employers.

This will ultimately serve as an enhancement to their employee benefits package.

To find out more, visit our website www.readytoretire.info or contact us on 0843 659 4777.

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Keeping it local TWO Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce members, Paligap and Bridgend Group Ltd., have been working together towards a brand new website to be launched this month.

The Bridgend Group wanted to develop a more customer friendly site, with vehicle search facilities, and a facility for users to sign up for updates on special offers.

Alan McLaughlan, from the Bridgend Group explained, “We sought proposals locally & nationally. Early in this process at became clear that Paligap were the outstanding choice for us due to their professionalism, creativity, value for money and locality. Having worked with them in 2008 on our last web site I was confident that they would deliver as promised.”

To allow the Bridgend Group website to be fully compatible with mobile platforms Paligap has designed and built a ‘responsive’ website. The site adapts to suit the screen size of the device on which it is being viewed allowing the Bridgend Group to be available to all of their customers wherever, whenever and however they are viewing the site.

Lorna Gibson at Paligap, added, “We were delighted to be commissioned for the redesign of the Bridgend Group website, especially as this project allowed us to launch our first responsive website. The team at Bridgend were great to work with and it has been a pleasure to continue our relationship with them.”

Celebrating 65 years in the business KILMARNOCK Company Smillie & Cuthbertson Ltd this year celebrates 65 years in business. The company is currently owned by Alasdair Mackenzie, who served his Engineering Apprenticeship with the Company and worked for them for 8 years before leaving in the early 90’s to gain more experience in Project Management before returning in 2000.

Since purchasing the business in 2006, Alasdair and his wife Heather have spent the last six years growing and expanding the client base, increasing sector and geographical coverage and upgrading and improving facilities and operational systems at their base in James Little Street, Kilmarnock.

Specialising in all types of fabrication & welding, machining, pipework installations, maintenance and structural steelwork, through the years the client base has shifted from agricultural to a wide range in sectors such as Defence, Food Processing, Manufacturing, Energy, Utilities, Health, and more.

Alasdair said, “Heather and I are very proud to be at the helm of a successful, well established Ayrshire Business in its 65th year and are grateful that; especially in the current climate when we have seen the demise of many long standing businesses in our area, we are stronger and feeling very positive about growth over the next few years.

Like many other businesses, we have experienced some challenging times over the last few years but this has forced us to re-evaluate and make improvements which have

enabled us to move forward with a more robust infrastructure. We are looking forward to many more years continuing our growth plan and investing in our valuable team of Employees and Apprentices. We would also like to thank the Ayrshire Business Community and members of the public who have supported us over the years.”

As part of their modernisation the Company has just Rebranded as S+C Engineering. Alasdair added, “We felt that the Company needed to create an image more in keeping with the type of work we now do – so we have rebranded with a bright, innovative logo to increase awareness and advertise the many services we offer.” www.s-c-engineering.co.uk

British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference 24th October 2012, BMA House, London THE British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference - Exporting is Good for Britain is an exclusive event to bring together high growth exporters from across the UK. The event will provide advice and insight into today’s export challenges & opportunities and will enable attendees to meet exporters from across the UK together with representatives from international Chambers of Commerce and other trade organisations - in order to make connections and share experiences in the pursuit of export success.

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The programme will include top-flight political personalities, business leaders and opinion-formers from across the country. The event is part of the BCC’s “Business is Good for Britain” campaign which celebrates the role of businesses of all sizes in delivering growth, jobs and success across the UK. The high profile nature of this event will make it one of the leading international trade conferences in 2012.

For full details of the speakers and to book your place visit; www.bccexport.co.uk

Vattenfall Wind Power Delivering Local Opportunities VATTENFALL is proud to be a partner of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and has enjoyed the support of the chamber and local businesses over many years.

As a leading European energy company we operate a mix of onshore & offshore wind farms, we are active in wind farm construction and with more developed sites in the pipeline we hope to become a household name. To complement our activities in wind energy we have a base in Edinburgh which focuses on wave & tidal technologies. We have a policy of working with companies and agencies local to our projects to help them take advantage of business opportunities in the competitive market of renewable energy.

In addition to those sites recently consented and those awaiting planning decisions Vattenfall is taking forward the proposal to develop a wind farm at South Kyle. The site is within Forestry to the east of Dalmellington. We have a track record of contracting with businesses in Scotland even when building offshore structures.

Businesses local to South Kyle can learn more in the next few months as we visit individual companies and hold events to

inform people of the skills & expertise we need.

It is our intention to ensure that the South Kyle Wind Farm maximises the local economic benefits it can offer and that our approach to project procurement and investment supports local businesses to enter and proposer in the renewable energy and green jobs sector – both of which are emerging high growth industries.

So far we have: •Undertaken research so we can register what skills are currently available in the area that could be used in the development.

•Began to investigate how we might be able to go further – might it be possible to bring new manufacturing opportunities to the area, and new skills and training opportunities for local people, tying in with evolving low carbon work in the area? This could range from energy efficiency to a wide range of renewable technology projects.

We will be hosting a stand at the Ayrshire Connections Exhibition on Tuesday 9th October and would urge any local business that are interested in exploring opportunities to work with Vattenfall to come along and meet the team.

Company registration is now open.

Register now to ensure that your company is notified of all relevant opportunities.

Further events will be hosted in the future and all relevant companies will be invited to participate.

Please visit our website and click on ‘what’s your opinion?’ to register at: www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/south-kyle.htm or contact Joanne Hutchinson via tel: 01434 611313 or via email at: joanne.hutchinson@vattenfall.com

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OXYGEN FOR ENTERPRISE

BUDDING entrepreneurs from Kilmarnock College are set to spark business success as part of a unique programme being run in association with the Entrepreneurial Spark West Coast Hatchery.

The innovative new scheme will allow 45 students to gain qualifications and real work experience through exposure to an entrepreneurial environment by assisting Chiclets – up-and-coming business stars at the Hatchery – with various projects.

Known as Oxygen (or Step into Enterprise), the programme will see students aged 16-24 complete 192 hours of learning at Kilmarnock College and 192

of work experience at the Hatchery in order to stimulate progression opportunities and assist them in moving forward into full-time college courses, modern apprenticeships or other wage subsidy opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Spark is a social enterprise set up to support to start-up businesses, and the West Coast Hatchery has been established to support entrepreneurs in Ayrshire.

Jim Duffy, Founder and Chief Executive Optimist of Entrepreneurial Spark, believes the Oxygen project will identify a new batch of Ayrshire entrepreneurial talent by inspiring students and helping them

develop the skills required for business success. He said: “Kilmarnock College – and Principal Heather Dunk in particular – deserves huge credit for being truly entrepreneurial in leading the way to develop a progressive framework that will engage with young people and instil in them real hope for the future. It has never been more challenging for young people to get jobs and start businesses, but this ground-breaking Ayrshire programme will put young people and start-up businesses in the same space. The energy displayed by people at the Hatchery is inspiring and addictive, and by sparking off the students who knows where it could lead – it’s all about creating a sense of ambition. I will personally be involved in Oxygen as I have a top-secret project that I would like the students to help me research, investigate, plan and bring to fruition.”

Kilmarnock College is working in partnership with East Ayrshire Council to develop a joined-up approach to tackle youth unemployment. The Oxygen project, which is part of the New College Learning Programme funded by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is just one of a number of initiatives currently underway.

Heather Dunk, Principal at Kilmarnock College, said: “I can’t thank Jim and his team Entrepreneurial Spark enough for their support in helping to bring the Oxygen project to life. I’m extremely excited that young people from the College will have the chance to shine in an environment such as the Hatchery and look forward to hearing all of their fantastic success in assisting the Chiclets’ businesses. This project is a fantastic opportunity for the development of the future workforce in Ayrshire and I hope it could be the catalyst for some of our students to take the first steps towards starting their own businesses.”

For further information on how to Step into Enterprise through the Oxygen programme at Kilmarnock College please call Learner Services on 01563 495049 or visit www.kilmarnock.ac.uk

Dealing with the nasty monkey!

DR DORA Withers from West of Scotland Psychological Services is an advocate of making small changes to your attitude and actions to get the life you really want.

Dora explains, “Researchers at Manchester and Edinburgh Universities found that the way patients and doctors react to psychological problems could be behind the rise in suicide rates in Scotland – the so-called ‘Scottish effect’. Using medication to treat the symptoms rather than tackling the cause of depression or anxiety may not be most effective.”

West of Scotland Psychological Services use psychological therapies, or talking therapies, to help treat the causes of depression, anxiety, addiction etc . Dora continues, “The most effective, brief and proven treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It works thus, first identify the problem statement, for example, “I am worthless”, let’s call this

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statement the nasty monkey. How does this statement work? You see a job you like and think I can do this, nasty monkey jumps in ‘oh no you can’t. Your mind immediately goes to work links up all the other failed interviews and you gear yourself up for failure. Frankly you say, I am no good at interviews, so what is the point? What CBT does is help to firstly to expose the nasty monkey, secondly challenge it, thirdly rewrite it and give you ways to deal with it for the future because it will return and when it does CBT has equipped you to deal with it. Help is at hand, it is brief, local and effective – no waiting list.”

For more information on CBT and other talking therapies contact Dora on 01292 477711 West of Scotland Psychological Services WOSPS or email info@wosps.co.uk You can self-refer or ask your GP for referral.

Are you ready for Real Time Information?

REAL Time Information (RTI) will start to be introduced from April 2013 and by October 2013 it will be mandatory for all employers to process PAYE data using the new system. Make sure your business stays up to date and is ready to comply with the upcoming changes in legislation.

With the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI) fast approaching, now is the time to make sure the information you hold about your employees is correct.

It’s important to make sure your data is accurate. HMRC state that over 80% of data quality problems are caused by holding incorrect information about an employee’s name, date of birth or National Insurance number. Under PAYE Real Time Information, the information that you submit to HMRC every time you pay your employees is matched against records HMRC store on their National Insurance and PAYE Service (NPS). If the records you submit don't match, you may trigger creating duplicate or inaccurate records which may result in incorrect tax calculations or HMRC compliance checks.

To make sure you have the correct details for your employees, wherever possible check the information you need from an official source; HMRC or Department for Work and Pensions documentation, a passport, a birth certificate.

s ’ e r e h T more to life than this

REFLECTING on your achievements in life can sometimes lead you to question whether there’s more to life than this?

Kevin Grant, Operations Manager for FedEx, Glasgow Airport, was leading a relatively successful life, both at home and at work, but he wasn’t feeling fulfilled and had a feeling he could get more from life. Having worked with highly motivated and driven Chamber member Stevie Kidd in the past, he turned to him for advice.

Stevie had many years training in helping others to exceed their limitations and specialises in Neuro Linguistic Programming, better known as NLP. After enrolling on a NLP Business Practitioner Course, Kevin has noticed the marked changes in his outlook on life.

Kevin says, “I was amazed at how simple logic and techniques were and they were effective instantly. The techniques used helped me feel that anything was achievable. I have improved my relationships with my team and as a result we all perform better. This is largely down to improved communication and awareness of issues affecting morale and am therefore better positioned to manage effectively.” www.steviekiddnlp.com

Get energised FANCY turning the weather into energy for your home? In Scotland it’s not uncommon to see four seasons in one day – but did you know no matter what the conditions it can always be a great source of energy for your home?

Renewables systems help keep your home energy efficient, helping you forecast major savings. And specialists at the Energy Saving Trust are on hand to guide you through the process – offering free, impartial advice on what will work for you and your home.

With interest-free loans (up to £10,000 provided by the Scottish Government) and grants of up to £1,250 for heat generating systems – what are you waiting for? Contact your local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre now: 0800 51 2012 or visit: http://bit.ly/RcP3E1

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Great Prospects for people with autism AN estimated 50,000 Scots have autism, a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people, and how they make sense of the world around them.

While some people with autism require a lifetime of care, specialist recruitment service Prospects, has seen a year on year increase in approaches from blue chip organisations. Many are now recognising that some of the classic traits of autism – including excellent memory, reliability, persistence and attention to detail are also the attributes of the ‘ideal employee’.

Prospects estimate that hundreds of thousands of Scots with autism fall into the ‘high functioning’ category. A large proportion has impressive academic qualifications, but can find the transition from higher education to the workplace a challenge. Currently only 12% of those individuals are in paid employment.

The recruitment agency works with people with autism by matching their qualifications and interests to companies specialising in that area. Successes rate in a range of diverse areas, including information technology, the care sector, retail and

banking. More than 80% of clients placed into paid employment by Prospects have remained in their role in the long term.

Kieran Pentland, a consultant with Prospects, has Asperger syndrome. He says, “It’s a common misconception that people with autism are withdrawn. I’m a lively, outgoing person, it’s a real buzz to support client’s into a role they love. I’m living proof that you can have a great career and autism, the two are definitely not mutually exclusive. When you have autism your job is never just a job, it’s your life and your passion. It’s great from an employer’s point of view to have talented people with enthusiasm, and all that’s required is that the person with autism receives the right support from time to time. Employers are often surprised to learn that simple adjustments, such as flexible working or access to a ‘quiet room’ where you can gather your thoughts can help someone with autism flourish at work.”

Prospects is increasing its volume of consultancy work on behalf of businesses committed to giving better support to employees with autism, including Lloyds TSB, First Bus and the Scottish Prison Service.

Designs on an Award DESIGNERS from Kitchens by J.S.Geddes have been short-listed for the 2012 KBSA Designer of the Year Awards awarded by the national trade organisation, the ‘Kitchen Bathroom and Bedroom Specialist Association’.

Shaun Dunbar is a finalist in the KBB Kitchen Designer of the year, the only candidate in his category to have more than one of his designs submitted into the final, and Felicity Lipka is a finalist in the KBB Young Designer of the year award.

The winners will be announced at the KBSA AGM on 12th September. Shaun & Felicity will also have the opportunity to become an overall winner if selected from all the design category winners to become the KBSA Designer of the Year. This award is sponsored by top appliance manufacturer V-ZUG and the prize includes a two day trip to Switzerland.

KBSA CEO Graham Ball said: “KBSA members offer outstanding professionalism and expertise and these awards provide us with an opportunity to recognise and reward the high standards of design that they achieve. It is part of our remit to drive up standards and promote best practice and these awards are an important part of this strategy.”

Kitchens by J.S.Geddes was established in 1984 and has been awarded the prestige ‘U.K Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2012.’ Managing Director Jim Geddes believes that the company success is based on the staff. “We have a passionate and committed team who strive to be the best.”

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If you’re an employer and want to find out more about Prospects call: 0141 248 1725, email prospectsglasgow@nas.org.uk or visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk/prospects

Ayrshire Aerospace business flying high INTER-TEC Services Limited, an established aerospace design, certification and analysis consultancy in Prestwick, is on target to further expand its customer base globally, increase staff numbers and grow its contribution significantly to the local economy. Having experienced a difficult few years due the economic downturn, the company is set for an exciting year.

Following a major strategy review, Inter-Tec has added significantly to its services by offering the European Aviation certification, EASA Part 21 Subpart J Design Organisation Approval, reinforcing its capability to certify design and modifications to make aircrafts airworthy in Europe.

This, in addition to its innovative work within the general aerospace markets, has strengthened InterTec’s position as a complete onestop consultancy.

Fred Gorrie, Managing Director says, “This enhances our reputation

in the sector as a highly competent provider of design and certification services. I am confident it will help fuel growth in the business and lead to additional engineering jobs in the area.”

In addition to increasing its domestic and European markets, Inter-Tec is now on target to expand within the growing Middle East and Asian markets, with the potential for establishing offices in Asia in the next 3 to 5 years. The company hopes to boost the Ayrshire economy by doubling the number of highly skilled positions over the next 3 years as well as employing staff abroad. To support this growth, they are moving to bigger offices within the Aerospace Park in Prestwick this year.

Fred concludes, “We look forward with optimism to the business opportunities that lie ahead and to playing a small part to ensure the future prosperity of the Aerospace and Defence sector in Scotland.”

LOCAL businessman Liam Bolton is making waves in the home improvements market, as he rebrands his business from LB Bathrooms to Bolton Interiors.

Liam Bolton of Bolton Interiors, based in Prestwick, received a £1000 loan from Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS), a £500 marketing grant from South Ayrshire Council and as a new PTYBS start-up business, one year’s free membership to Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce courtesy of South Ayrshire Council, making his business the 800th member of the Chamber.

Ayrshire Chamber CEO, Val Russell, said “As a panel member for PTYBS Ayrshire, I am always impressed by the diversity and enthusiasm of the new start businesses we see and we have always offered a reduced membership for their first year. I applaud South Ayrshire for sponsoring this membership in recognition of the support these new businesses can access via membership of Ayrshire Chamber. We were delighted to realise that Liam was our 800th member and we look forward to supporting him in growing his business.

With 800 members Ayrshire is the largest non-city centre Chamber in Scotland, a statistic we are justifiably proud of!”

David R. Campbell CBE Regional Chairman, Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland commented, “I believe this is an excellent example of our organisation, working together with the Chamber of Commerce and the local authority to ensure that any new business in Ayrshire gets the best possible start.

Val Russell and her team are to be congratulated on reaching this significant milestone. For any business representative organisation to achieve a membership of 800 members in the current economic climate is indeed significant and I am

Making a splash with 800th member

absolutely delighted that the 800th member of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is a Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland funded new business in Ayrshire.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Councillor John Hampton helped present Liam with his accolade. He said: “It’s inspiring to see young people starting and growing businesses, particularly in these difficult economic times. I am delighted that the Council – working in partnership with PTYBS and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce – can help nurture our next generation of entrepreneurs. Liam is a great example to us all and I hope the benefits of his involvement with the Chamber will also inspire others to come on board and further

enhance what is now the largest non-city centre Chamber in Scotland. By continuing to work together, we can all help grow our local economy.”

With the support provided, Liam has planned a complete rebrand of his business, including business cards, vehicle livery, uniforms and a website.

Liam said, “Up until now my marketing has been through word of mouth from existing customers. This support has meant that I can put in place the new branding, in one fell swoop rather than bit by bit, and reach new customers.”

Liam’s new website launches soon at www.boltoninteriors.co.uk

Graduating to Employment AYRSHIRE Chamber of Commerce is at the centre of a new initiative aimed at getting graduates into employment. The Graduate Employment Incentive Programme is the result of a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and will provide businesses with a substantial financial incentive to recruit a graduate into a permanent position.

Welcoming the new scheme, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Val Russell, said: “I am delighted that Ayrshire has been selected as one of the pilot regions for an exciting initiative aimed at getting local graduates into employment. We are all too aware of the effects that the recession has had in terms of the employment prospects for graduates, with far too many remaining either unemployed or underemployed. This is a waste of talent, since these highly educated young people possess the kind of skills that will be needed to help businesses drive our economy forward towards growth. That is why Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce will work with local graduates and local employers to help match graduates with the businesses that need those skills most. Our efforts will be focussed on Ayrshire’s small and micro businesses,

where the positive contribution that our talented and enthusiastic graduates can make will be felt most. It is great news that the needs of local graduates have been recognised by the Scottish Government through the creation of this scheme and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is a committed partner in its delivery. Our aim is to make a real and tangible difference in helping local graduates to find the right job.”

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance MSP, said: "We are committed to tackling youth unemployment across the board and have already put substantial funding into improving the prospects of our young people. In times of economic difficulty, it is young people who can suffer the most.

When job opportunities are scarce, employers tend to turn to people with more experience. While figures on graduate destinations showed that 90.4 per cent from Scottish institutions found work or furthered their study, we are aware that many have been unable to find a permanent post. This announcement will open up new opportunities for graduates in Ayrshire, and will also enable many of our smaller firms to harness the potential of our talented young people and build up their businesses using their skills and ability."

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Our Networking Works NOT sure if networking works? Well three of our Ayrshire businesses are totally convinced. Eileen Auld of Well Connected Life, Tuathal Breheny of Menzies Hotel, Irvine and Ann Cromack of IKAT photography often work together to create the bigger picture! All three met through Ayrshire Chamber’s networking events.

Eileen now uses Menzies Hotel for giving presentations, Leadership Days and yoga weekends. Ann has become the official photographer for these “well connecting” events and the Menzies Hotel management have made Eileen, her clients and guests feel very much at home.

Eileen said, “Building a business requires many essential components. A major consideration in my business is to be able to

work with other business people you can rely on. Chamber networking has given me this with Tuathal and Ann.” When beginning a business relationship it is good to have a sense that the relationship is going to be a sustainable long term one.

Mutually beneficial is the phrase. In the case of Eileen, Tuathal and Ann, we can see the benefits in the form of increased footfall at the Hotel, a widening of everyone’s data base as well as an increase in income for

all three members. So, does networking work?

It certainly does… especially when using the Chamber Networking events!

Join the Ayrshire companies already achieving healthy workplace awards

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Healthy Working Lives team held a Spring Awards Ceremony on to recognise and celebrate the most recent Healthy Working Lives Award winners from across Ayrshire.

The Awards recognise good practice in safety management and reward innovative and exciting staff initiatives encouraging health improvement.

Congratulations to; 14

your ayrshire business autumn 2012

Bronze Award winners - East Ayrshire Council, NATS Prestwick Centre Silver Award winners - The Ayrshire Hospice, Ayrshire Housing, Jobcentre Plus ADGI, Magnox Limited – Hunterston A Site, North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Gold Award winners - Kilmarnock Benefit Centre Mental Health Commendation Award winners - North Ayrshire Women’s Aid

The next awards ceremony will take place during the Healthy Working Lives Annual Conference on 13th September with a Healthy Working Lives Bronze Portfolio Training session for workplaces on 16th October. Workplaces interested in finding out more about the free services Healthy Working Lives provide, training and events should call 01292 885855 and ask to speak to a member of the team or email AA-UHB.HWL@nhs.net

Girvan’s field of dreams NESTLÉ Girvan and Girvan Academy have been developing 7 acres of unused land surrounding the factory into an Educational Biodiversity Site.

The former landfill site, used for the past 20 years as grazing for rescued horses, underwent an environmental study to identify species of plants and wildlife.

Expert recommendations were made to enhance, sustain and encourage new flora and fauna, whilst still allowing for a managed grazing programme. The team has been advised on planting, ground works and conservation by their gardening contractor, The Conservation Volunteers and The Invertebrate Trust.

A team of employees worked closely with the school, surveying nature and starting to execute the various improvement exercises, the first of which was planting 850 indigenous broad leafed trees, followed with a wildflower meadow, specifically aimed at increasing the numbers and varieties of butterflies visiting the area. Since April 2012 employees and

Sleek and mobile

pupils have been participating in the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.

As word has spread about the efforts, local businesses have volunteered materials, time and expertise to help roll out the plans. A portacabin has been installed onsite to use as a classroom and volunteers have hosted rural skills displays in fencing and dry stone dyking.

The school Head Teacher, Allan Rattray, has identified potential use for learning at the site for; science, biology, mathematics, PE, and art. The pupils will design and shape what it becomes and what it incorporates in the future with suggestions including bird boxes, a bird hide, hedgehog boxes, and an organic musical instrument trail.

Nestlé Girvan has also made an invaluable contact through sponsoring the Ayrshire Business Award for ‘Environmental Performance’. They have forged a friendship with the 2011 winner, Dundonald Links, participating in cross site visits, sharing ideas, expertise and advice.

Nestlé are committed to health and

WITH mobile phones becoming an important communication and sales channel, Sleek Media are excited to integrate new mobile design tools into the Sleek Media services.

David Wilkinson explains, “Customers are accessing websites from their smart phones so it is vital to have a mobile

wellness and Nestlé Girvan intends to encourage Girvan Academy to utilise the site in as many ways as possible and spend time being active outdoors. In future this may include using the site as part of Duke of Edinburgh Awards and if Girvan Academy can put the wheels in motion (literally!) the plan is to have a cycle path all the way to site from the school!

The school have already received funding to purchase the bicycles and are now looking to execute the plans for cycle paths, a green and healthy way for the pupils and teachers to travel to the site, eliminating transport costs associated with hiring minibuses.

Nestle Girvan were delighted recently to have the application passed by South Ayrshire Council’s planning department to change the designation of the land from ‘vacant’ to ‘educational biodiversity site’.

Official recognition of their ‘field of dreams’!

To find out more Emma Gilchrist at Nestle Girvan on 01465 711133 emma.gilchrist@uk.nestle.com

version of your site that is simple, elegant and informative.

“The Sleek Media approach is to look for situations where their marketing expertise might be applied to bring about additional added value to current business activities.”

To find out more view the Chamber magazine insert or call: 01292 286 246.

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Jubilations on Arran LESS than 72 hours after picking up seven Scottish Hotel Awards, the team at Auchrannie Resort, Arran, was celebrating again with the news of a regional “Scottish Thistle Award” win.

The Scottish Thistle Awards, Scotland’s flagship tourist awards, are designed to discover and celebrate excellence and innovation within the Scottish tourism industry.

Auchrannie were winners for Scotland South West region in the “Tourism Entrepreneur Award”. Judges were looking for a dynamic business with a track record in creating new products and services and harnessing an understanding of their AWARD WINNERS: Richard Small (General customers to develop a truly exciting Manager) and David Johnston (Assistant Manager) with the winners’ Caithness glass trophy and innovative enterprise.

The award recognises the competition”. outstanding contribution to tourism on Arran Richard added "Only businesses at the very that Iain & Linda Johnston together with top of their game make it as far as the finals Ronnie Mann (Development and Finance so we are ecstatic to have won the regional Director) have made over the last 23 years heats”. and in more recent year the role that Richard Auchrannie are no strangers to the Thistle Small (General manager) has played as a key innovator. Commenting on the news, group Awards, having previously won the ‘Scotland director Linda said “These awards are Year Round’ award in 2004. This year’s final fantastic recognition for the hard work that the will take place on November 9th and entire team have put in over many years. We Auchrannie will be up against the regional are very excited about progressing to the winners from the Central Scotland South East, national finals, although are aware we will be Highlands and the North East & Tayside in up against some very high calibre their category.

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Stellar shortlisted for CCA Excellence Awards 2012 CCA, the leading independent authority on contact centre strategies and operations, announced the shortlist for CCA Excellence Awards 2012 in which Stellar have been nominated in the category of Best Outsourcing Partnership.

CCA Excellence Awards programme is designed to recognise achievements of individuals and organisations committed to delivering outstanding customer service. The Excellence Awards is the most respected and sought-after programme, unique through its peer group judging process. The judging panel and Awards Committee include professionals from all sectors, and senior executives with wide-ranging experience in customer contact centres.

Michael Lumsden, Stellar’s European CEO, commented, “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award which recognises Stellar and ADMS Europe’s long term, strategic alliance based on achieving service excellence through treating customers fairly.

We both benefit from a shared vision of the customer journey and a contractual understanding of the investment, resource and commitment each brings to that partnership in developing and establishing quality customer interactions.”

New lifeboat for Largs THE RNLI’s new lifeboat for Largs, the RA Wilson, was officially launched on 23 June. Carolyn Elder, director of Largs Yacht Haven, performed the naming ceremony by pouring a 25 year old malt whisky from a quaich over the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

Investment for Food & Drink Sector RURAL Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead and Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance, joined forces at the Royal Highland Show to launch the Skills Investment Plan that has been developed to support the growth of one of the most important sectors in the Scottish Economy.

The Scotland Food & Drink Skills Academy intends to work closely with regional food groups/forums and providers, to look at the establishment of a regional delivery model for the provision of education and training. The intention is to ensure that enterprises of all sizes, from farm shops and small local/rural producers to larger employers have access to the highest quality training provision, at the most economic cost, across a wide range of topics designed to enable business growth and development.

The Academy’s focus is clear and simple – ensuring relevant and cost effective training for staff and managers is available to help businesses achieve their organisational objectives through knowledgeable, skilled and motivated employees.

The Academy team, which has over 55 years experience of corporate training and staff development, has been working across Scotland to help employers link their people development/training plans to their business goals and would be delighted to discuss how our Management & Leadership signposting service or our fully funded Workplace Skills Analysis service could benefit your company.

For more information on the role of the Academy visit our web site www.sfd-skillsacademy.co.uk or contact us on info@sfd-skillsacademy.co.uk to arrange for a member of the team to give you a call.

Robert Amory Wilson, the benefactor, was a chartered accountant who served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War reaching the rank of Lt Commander. He continued his maritime interest by owning a succession of yachts and dinghies.

He created a trust by deed in 1999 before passing away in 2000. The RNLI are grateful to the trustees for their generous bequest to enable the purchase of this new lifeboat.

Largs Yacht Haven supports the RNLI through the Ambassador scheme and through local fundraising events. Several of the marina staff serve on the Largs lifeboat crew with the assistant manager, Dave Hewitt, serving as engineer and helmsman. www.yachthavens.com

Entrepreneurial-Spark® Ayrshire is open for business….

IN January of this year, EntrepreneurialSpark® [ESpark] opened its doors in Glasgow in Sir William Haughey’s HQ. Not to be outdone, Sir Tom Hunter, who seeded ESpark with start-up cash quickly moved to secure a Hatchery for Ayrshire. But what’s it all about?

Starting a business has never been so tough with entrepreneurs and enterprising people working from home, coffee shops and libraries.

Access to funding is constricted, while red tape has grown. Jim Duffy, Founder of ESpark conducted some global research on what was needed to kick start more entrepreneurs with higher

ambition and what vehicle was needed to get them to their first birthday. Jim visited Boston and looked at Chile, Germany and England for inspiration.

The result was ESpark: Entrepreneurial Enablement for self-starters based in a physical space – a Hatchery. Traditional incubators have become expensive serviced office space. Start-ups needed a new environment to hatch their ideas and fledgling businesses into viable entities.

Each Hatchery provides free desks, IT, telephony, meeting rooms, event space, printing and broadband.

Hatchery occupants or ‘chiclets’ work in a co-working and collaborative environment, where they

are exposed to ideation techniques, metric setting and outside speakers. Everything is geared towards accelerating their forward progress…

Ayrshire’s Hatchery has been provided by Sir Tom and part funded by the three Ayrshire Councils. It opened it doors in June of this year and has 40 start-ups housed within it. ESpark holds quarterly events – Hatchery Hits the Street. Its next event will be held at Ayr Racecourse on Friday 19th October. All welcome…

For more information, contact: karine@entrepreneurial-spark.com your ayrshire business autumn 2012

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Education Links

Irvine Royal Academy builds business links FOLLOWING a programme of work in the school looking at recycling processes, some 1st year pupils had the opportunity to visit Ardagh Glass to experience the processes involved in the production of glass bottles for commercial use. Representatives from Ardagh Glass visited the school and delivered a presentation to S1 on the work carried out at the factory.

Meanwhile S2 took part in group activities and debates surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of all methods of electricity production, with scientists and engineers from Magnox.

By engaging in a ‘Monopoly’ inspired game, entitled Future Generations, students were tasked with generating revenue from the building of power stations and/or wind farms, taking into account generation capacity and carbon production.

S3 Intermediate1 biology students visited Douglas Boatman at Scotplants, in Beith, where they were introduced to a variety of artificial propagation methods,

including taking cuttings. The students will be given the opportunity to return in the autumn to see how their cuttings are progressing. Douglas also worked with a group of S3 students to give advice on a school based gardening project.

Kevin Pollock, an Epidemiologist working with the NHS, delivered a session to S4 Intermediate1 Biology students on the uses and applications of antibiotics.

This session gave the students a lot of food for thought with regards future applications of these ‘wonder drugs’.

Jim McGarvie from Nuclear Medicine NHS, presented to S3 Physics students about nuclear radiation and the equipment used in Crosshouse Hospital in the nuclear medicine department. Jim brought along a variety of equipment for students to see and carried out a small experiment.

Dr. Bjoern Seitz, a senior lecturer from Glasgow University, came to speak to Senior Physics students about the use of nuclear radiation within the health care sector. He spoke about different types of ionising radiations and their use in the treatment of cancer, whilst also giving an insight into current research in this particular field.

Bright futures ahead at Grange Academy

GRANGE Academy’s new S4 students looked ahead as they attended an event in school to help them consider future career paths.

Young people were able to meet with local employers and representatives

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offering advice on employment and training in hospitality and tourism; health and life sciences; professional and public services; and manufacturing and trades. Also on offer were hands-on workshops giving pupils the chance to explore job options further.

Thanks to the following for giving up their time; Kilmarnock College, Land Engineering, Smillie & Cuthbertson, EDF Energy, Keppie Design, IDS&Co., NHS, SAFC, Kilmarnock Smile Studio, Galleon Centre, EAC Leisure Development, Centrestage, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, GPIA, Dundonald Links, Cookschool Scotland.

Teacher Stuart Edgar organised the event as part of Grange Academy’s business enterprise drive to help make school leavers ready for the world of work. Fellow organisers were the Council’s Enterprise Co-ordinator, Janice McGoldrick and Claire Baird of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “We very much appreciated all the company representatives giving their time to highlight the different opportunities in these sectors to our young people.

“It is important that school leavers are aware of the range of careers and training on offer as they move through secondary school and make subject choices which will affect future career options”.

Kirsti and Dempsey from Garnock Academy at MacKenzie Bakers “WHEN I was at McKenzie Bakers for work experience I worked in the shop and the bakery. I met new people and I’d rather be here than

Kayleigh from Kilwinning Academy at Abbeyfield House, Irvine

school. Cheesy’s a top guy!” said Dempsey.

Kirsti added, “I enjoyed all the different tasks I was given, especially working in the bakery.”

“WE have participated in the work experience programme for a number of years. To date it has been very successful.

“Residents enjoy having a young person working with them and discussing everyday events.

A few of the pupils have gone on to work at weekends with us.

“We will be happy to take further students next year and continue our support of this valuable part of the school curriculum.”

Patricia Morrison, Manager, Abbeyfield House.

“ON the 21st to the 25th of May, I was on work experience at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

“On Monday I made up some Chamber packs, visited ASDA with Gill and attended a meeting with Claire. Tuesday I visited Ayr Academy with Gill, booked some events with Yvonne and updated WorkIt with Helen Laverie.

On Wednesday and Thursday I was at the Scottish Chamber of

Commerce.

Wednesday I was at Kirkcaldy at a meeting and Thursday I was down at Inverclyde at John Watt College. Friday I was back at Ayrshire Chamber and attended a member visit with Helen McBride.

“Overall this has been an amazing experience and I have really enjoyed it.”

Conor Queen Margaret Academy

George from Garnock Academy at Kilbirnie Dental Centre coming. They either leave saying "Dentistry is definitely not for me" or "I love dentistry and can’t wait to go to university".

STACEY Gilmour, Practice Manager said, “I love the work experience programme and always look forward to the pupils

“I think it’s important for all companies to take part as these pupils are the workforce of the future. Our staff enjoys teaching the pupils the good and the bad parts of the job and about the responsibility involved. When you get someone as interested as George has been this year it’s a pleasure. We will continue to

support the programme and will look forward to next year!”

George added, “I believe work experience is very beneficial through my own experience at Kilbirnie Dental Centre. They welcomed me with open arms and taught me many interesting facts which furthered my interest in dentistry.

“I really enjoyed working with the dentist and dental staff. I truly recommend work experience if you get the chance.”

Work Experience

Conor from Queen Margaret Academy at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

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THE Board of Directors wishes to take this opportunity to welcome these companies on recently joining Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Member to members discounts are highlighted.

Abacus Valves International Ltd Block 4 Riverside Place Kilbirnie, KA25 7EW Contact: Scott Graham Phone: 01505 681777 www.abacusvalves.com Manufacture check valves Adam Davey Consulting 69 Watermill Avenue Kirkintilloch, G66 5EL Contact: Adam Davey Phone: 0141 776 3677 www.daveyconsulting.co.uk Business & training consultant Affinity Financial Advice 55 Marr Drive Troon, KA10 6PP Contact: Shona Barr Phone: 08458381465 www.affinityifa.co.uk Financial Services All Mixed Up Cakes 17 Kersland Gait Stewarton, KA3 5HN Contact: Karen Booth Phone: 07581 210417 www.allmixedupcakes.co.uk Catering for private parties Arbonne International 17 Rumford Place Kilmarnock, KA3 6FH Contact: Anne Harrison Phone: 07554 366851 www.anneharrison.myarbonne.co.uk Beauty products REFERRED BY LAH Travel Archway Consultants (UK) Ltd Glencrest Ayr Road Shawsburn Larkhall, ML9 2TZ Contact: Jayne Strang Phone: 01698889326 www.archwayconsultants.com Food Safety and Health & Safety Ayrshire Heating & Gas Services Unit 8a Mayfield Industrial Estate Galston Road Hurlford Contact: Douglas Paterson Phone: 01563 256752 www.ayrshireheating.co.uk Gas & heating engineers REFERRED BY The Referral Exchange Ayrshire Plasterers Services Ltd 99 Briarhill Road Prestwick, KA9 1HZ Contact: Roddy MacDonald Phone: 01292 475117 www.ayrshireplastering.co.uk Plasterers REFERRED BY The Referral Exchange

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your ayrshire business autumn 2012

Ayrshire Signs & Graphics Unit 6 Block 5 Moorfield Industrial Estate Kilmarnock, KA2 0DP Contact: Johnathan Wallace Phone: 01563 521720 www.signsayrshire.co.uk Design manufacture & installation of signage Bay Stores Whiting Bay Isle of Arran, KA27 8PZ Contact: Barry Miggin Phone: 01770 700229 www.baystores@btconnect.com Licenced grocer & newsagent Big Velvet Curtain 18 Belfast Quay Irvine, KA12 8PR Contact: Miche Clarke Phone: 07594 603683 Bespoke entertainment Break The Mould Furniture 1c High Street Newmilns, KA16 9EE Contact: Stuart Mutch Phone: 0784 287 6309 www.breakthemouldfurniture.co.uk Bespoke Designer Furniture Bright Choice Cleaning & Supplies 13 Annandale View Kilmarnock, KA2 0ER Contact: Lorrine Morran Phone: 01563 52562 Cleaning Services Buy2give Marathon House Drybridge Road Dundonald, KA9 2BE Contact: Ken Robb Phone: 01563 852253 www.buy2give.co.uk Management of the Buy2give Fundraising Card Class Cocktails Kirkland House 12 Hunterston Road West Kilbride, KA23 9EX Contact: Janet Martin Phone: 07707 873210 www.classcocktails.com Personal Cocktail Drinks Service Clyde Media UK Ltd 42 Loudoun Crescent Kilwinning, KA13 6TS Contact: Robert Jacobs Phone: 07515445797 www.clydemedia.co.uk Video Production Company Consolidated Carriers Ltd CCL House 22 Burnside Place Troon, KA10 6LZ Contact: Declan Penman Phone: 0700 2407365 www.ccl-logistics.com Complete logistics supermarket

Council of Voluntary Organisations East Ayrshire Ltd Belford Mill 16 Brewery Road Kilmarnock, KA1 3G2 Contact: Fiona Skilling Phone: 01563 574000 www.cvoea.co.uk Third sector infrastructure support organisation Crumbs Unit 3, Burns Statue Arcade Ayr, KA7 1SW Contact: Ashley Nicholson Phone: 07989716577 www.crumbs-ayr.co.uk Cafe style cusine, outside catering & venue hire DISCOUNT 10% Digital Kitchens Factory Outlet Mosshill Industrial Estate

By Ayr, KA6 6BE Contact: Craig Bryson Phone: 01292 738083 www.digitalkitchens.co.uk Bespoke kitchen design & supply Dimension Bathroom Design Ltd 15 Carnalea Court Galston, KA4 8HY Contact: Jim Scouller Phone: 07808 588509 Bathroom Design GFB Buildings Ltd Glen Farm Mansefield Rd New Cumnock, KA18 4NR Contact: Chris Simm Phone: 01290 332057 www.gfbbuildings.co.uk Supplier of Domestic & Industrial Steel Buildings DISCOUNT Negotiable Go Sync Business 7 East Bowhouse Head Girdle Toll Irvine, KA11 1PG Contact: Julia McMurdie Phone: 01294 213285 www.gosync.co.uk Admin & Business Support REFERRED BY Stimuli Business Training Ltd Hillhouse 11 Hill Street Kilmarnock, KA3 1HA Contact: Sarah Hall Phone: 01563 523362 www.hillhousecare.org Provide free clothing for children Images That Move 7 York Street Ayr, KA8 8AN Contact: Graham Taylor Phone: 07738866931 Commercial Photographer

Innova Taxfree UK Ltd 22 Sharpe Avenue Dreghorn Irvine, KA11 4BQ Contact: Christopher Harrow Phone: 07825 160439 www.innovataxfree.com Providing tax-free shopping solutions & services Kilmarnock Powder Coating Services Ltd 17 West Langlands Street Kilmarnock, KA1 2BL Contact: Craig Wallace Phone: 01563 542043 www.kpcservices.co.uk Shot blasting & Industrial Coatings Kilmarnock Tennis Club 10a Auchencar Drive Kilmarnock, KA3 1PX Contact: Iain Maclean Phone: 08452691936 www.kilmarnocktennisclub.com Tennis Club REFERRED BY The Waterpoint (West of Scotland Ltd) Lauriston Hotel 15 South Crescent Road Ardrossan, KA22 8EA Contact: Phil Durrand Phone: 01294 463771 www.thelauristonhotel.co.uk Hotel & Restaurant REFERRED BY Entourage Lely Centre Dairy Automation Ltd Braehead Farm Kilmarnock, KA1 5LN Contact: Gary Leitch Phone: 01563 823858 www.lely.com Robotic milking company Liscia Canine Boutique 40 West Portland Street Troon, KA10 6AB Contact: Hannah Waugh Phone: 07867 804041 www.liscia.co.uk Dog accessories Mandarin Duck Craft 121 Main Street West Kilbride, KA23 9AR Contact: Amanda Luo Phone: 01294823754 www.mandarinduckuk.co.uk Handpainted textiles REFERRED BY Stimuli Business Training Ltd

MS Accountancy Services Westburn House McNee Road Prestwick, KA9 2PB Contact: Kenny Strang Phone: 01292 473833 www.ayrshirecheapaccountants.co.uk Accountancy Services

The Carlton Hotel 187 Ayr Road Prestwick, KA9 1PT Contact: Simon Lowe Phone: 01292 476811 www.carlton-prestwick.com Hotel & conference

NS Lockhart 71 King Street Kilmarnock, KA1 1PT COntact: Niels Lockhart Phone: 01563 531424 Solicitors on all services

The Klin Group Barclay House West Langlands Street Kilmarnock, KA1 1PY Contact: Marie Macklin Phone: 01563 530454 www.klinhomes.co.uk House builders

Orr Business Services Thistledome 6 Springvale Road Ayr, KA7 2SH Contact: Nick Orr Phone: 07817 890407 www.orrbs.co.uk Sales & marketing consultancy RFM 21 Forbes Place Paisley, PA1 1UT Contact: Russell Ferguson Phone: 0141 2260400 www.rfm.co.uk Chartered marketers See Saw Creative Ltd Rowallan Castle Golf Club Kilmarnock, KA3 2LP Contact: Maurice Hynds Phone: 01563 573393 www.seesawcreative.co.uk Graphic design, branding, marketing materials, websites Shawlands Park Hotel Ayr Road NR Larkhall, ML9 2TZ Contact: Debbie Templeton Phone: 01698 791111 www.shawlandshotel.co.uk Hotel & restaurant Shimmer 40 Dalrymple Street Girvan, KA26 9UK Contact: Gillian Black Phone: 01465 714412 www.blackshimmer.co.uk Gift Shops Shooze With Sole 5 Bank Street Kilmarnock, KA1 1HA Contact: Donna Read Phone: 01292 281182 www.shoozewithsole.co.uk Retailer of children & ladies footwear DISCOUNT 10% South West Scotland Community Justice Authority Sovereign House Suite 6 Academy Road Irvine, KA12 8RL Contact: Justina Murray Phone: 01294 277968 www.swscja.org Reducing re-offending

The Referral Exchange 19-21 Nursery Street Kilmarnock, KA1 1RQ Contact: Sharon Caldow Phone: 0330 333 7997 www.refx.co.uk Business Networking The Royal Hotel 1 Glaisnock Street Cumnock, KA18 1BP Contact: Debbie Templeton Phone: 01290 420822 www.royalhotelcumnock.com Hotel & restaurant The Creation Station 42 St Andrews Avenue Prestwick, KA9 2DY Contact: Liz Cairns Phone: 01292 476730 www.thecreationstation.co.uk Childrens arts/crafts classes & parties Visualizethis 6 McCnay Crescent Saltcoats, KA21 6AX Contact: David Mccolm Phone: 01294319204 www.visualizethis.co.uk Graphic design company West of Scotland Psychological Services (WOSPS) Room 004A/B Building 388 Liberator House Glasgow Prestwick Airport, KA9 2PT Contact: Dora Withers Phone: 01292 477711 www.wosps.co.uk Psychological services Whats On In Largs 6 Waterside Street Largs, KA30 9LN Contact: John Maxwell Phone: 01475 673870 www.whatsoninlargs.co.uk The definitive Largs website OFFER Website entry ÂŁ15.00/month Chamber Members your ayrshire business autumn 2012

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Events Diary Diar y

EVENTS ROUND UP Autumn 2012

Providing you with the opportunity to meet contacts, expand your knowledge and grow your business.

Exporting Ayrshire’s Excellence!

20th September 2.30 - 4.30pm Host: The Gailes Hotel Cost: FREE Ayrshire Chamber AGM 20th September 5.00 - 7.00pm Guest Speakers Jim Duffy, Entrepreneurial Spark, Patrick Wiggins, Irvine Bay. Sponsored by: The Gailes Hotel Cost: FREE Getting your Business Lean “A Practical Workshop for Manufacturers” 27th September 9am - 1pm Caledonian Papermill Sponsored by: Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service Cost: FREE Ayrshire Business Week 8th – 12th October (see advert on page2) Principal Sponsor: Ingram Motoring Behind the Scenes Tour @ Glaxosmith Kline 31st October 10.30am – 1pm Host and sponsor: Glaxo Smith Kline Cost: £15.00 Tick Talk Networking 15th November 5.30 - 7.30pm Host and sponsor: Kilmarnock College Cost: £15.00 For more details and to book events please visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call 01292 678666 and speak to our events co-ordinator, Yvonne Munro.

Prices shown are for Chamber members and include VAT, unless otherwise stated.

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your ayrshire business autumn 2012

by Yvonne Munro Events Co-ordinator A SUMMER evening of networking hosted by new members Rowallan Castle and Golf Club. Guests were welcomed in the grand hall of the impressive 13th century castle, enjoyed a delicious buffet in the dining room, followed by a lively networking session in the Drawing Room. Our networking format guaranteed that each delegate spoke to everyone in the room. A great buzz filled the castle as like-minded professionals made new contacts and prospective customers. The evening finished with a guided tour of the castle. Thanks to Rowallan for hosting.

The popular event in our calendar, we once again travelled to the Isle of Arran for a day of information gathering and networking. Our sponsors Caledonian McBrayne arranged a tour of the bridge during the sail to Brodick. Off to Lamlash for an invigorating 1/2 hour sail on a Power Rib with Ocean Breeze and enjoyed an exciting tour round the Holy Isle ! Our Arran members joined the group for a tasty buffet lunch at the Glenisle Hotel, and the day finished with a tour at Arran Aromatics for some retail therapy at Homefarm. Thanks to Sponsors Caledonian McBrayne and Stagecoach West Scotland In June members were invited to the Chamber Office to meet the team, enjoy a friendly chat, some coffee and an update on Chamber services and forthcoming events. The property team from Glasgow Prestwick Airport were available to provide information on office units and rental space available for new and existing businesses.

Networking with a Nip, was a great way to kick start the events program after the summer break!

Members A.D. Rattray whisky wholesalers, welcomed members to the impressive shop in Kirkoswald.

An interesting tour and tasting accompanied with delicious local foods to compliment the fabulous whiskies.

Thanks to Dewar Rattray for hosting.