your ayrshire business Spring 2012

your

business yrshire

SPRING 2012 ÂŁ2

the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

ayrshirechamber of commerce and industry

Stimulate Inside this month:

ÂŁ70 million to love Ayrshire

page 8

Phone fears hamper business growth

page 9

Karate Championships come to Ayrshire

page 12

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 01292 619000 Creative agency for marketing, design and web

01292 885928 Health advice and services for the work place

0800 0432760 IT service & support

01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life

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.

AS we move into Spring and early Summer we look forward to a brighter future for the economy. We are seeing signs of the famous “green shoots” but Val Russell, many sectors still face difficult times Chief Executive ahead and order books are not as full as everyone would wish.

The Chamber welcomes the announcement of the Enterprise Zones and hope they realise new investments and job opportunities in particular for our young people.

We are working closely with the education departments and other key stakeholders to ensure our young people have the best possible start on the road to employment. This is a key issue which requires us all to pull together and your Chamber is playing an active role.

We are recognised as a leading Chamber in business and education engagement and we look forward to continuing to work with our education colleagues in schools, colleges and of course the University of the West of Scotland. Details of a new initiative Chamber Youth Academy appear later in the magazine. If you would like to volunteer to support this programme please contact Claire.

Your Chamber is looking forward to a packed year of events and support for each and every one of our members. We have a series of the highly popular speed networking events planned, together with business focussed Chamber Training Academy Workshops.

‘An Audience with’ events continue with Dr Maitland Mackie CBE, in April, and we are also holding a series of ‘Behind the Scenes’ offering members the opportunity to visit other members premises that would not normally be open to the public.

It is never too early to start planning and your Chamber is already laying the foundations for Business Week 2012, 8th to 12th October. We have had good success in attracting a large number of businesses to the various events held during Business Week and intend to build on that for this year’s event. Hold the dates in your diary and ensure your business participates in one or more of the events.

The Ayrshire Business Awards Dinner will also feature in the programme of events due to the fantastic participation and successes of last year, don’t miss your chance to enter! We would also encourage members to enter the British Chambers Of Commerce Awards watch our website for details soon. If you would like to be involved as a sponsor please contact me.

February saw the launch of the Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Strategy and we look forward to working with the new Tourism Leadership Group led by Moira Birtwistle. The Ayrshire Economic Forum continues to drive forward all the key strategies identified as potential growth areas for the local economy.

I would also like to mention the GSK Enterprise Development Fund. The Chamber was awarded the management of this fund

by GSK as part of their programme of supporting local economies. The Fund supported 132 new sustainable jobs across Ayrshire surpassing the target set. The new Community Development Fund will not only see the creation of further new jobs but support the creation of Modern Apprentices in Life Sciences and Engineering.

Annual Dinner By the time you read this we will have had, what I hope will have been, another successful Annual Dinner with not only a new sponsor in the Mackenzie Hall Group but a record guest list of 466. This event continues to be Ayrshire’s premier business dinner and I would like to thank all members for their continued support and all the Chamber staff who make it such a success.

Val Russell, Chief Executive, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce your ayrshire business spring 2012

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMENT

Spring is in the air!

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) officially launched their new £81 million Ayr Campus at a ceremony on 27 January 2012.

Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, together with Lord Jamie Lindsay, Chairman of the SAC Board, and Lord Robert Smith, Chancellor of UWS, performed the formal launch.

The new 18,000m2 campus, which was developed by UWS in partnership with Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), is situated on the Craigie Estate, next to the River Ayr. The new campus, part of University of the West of Scotland’s multi-campus £200million development programme, creates a truly innovative learning environment for students.

Developed in consultation with Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the new Campus, which was built by Lend Lease, provides Ayrshire with one of the UK’s most modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable Higher Education learning environments.

The new building is designed to the highest environmental rating – BREEAM Excellent (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – adopting sustainable strategies within it design and operation.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have officially launched our new £81 million Ayr Campus which is a landmark development for Scottish higher education and provides

our students with an inspirational learning environment.”

Professor Bill McKelvey, Principal of SAC, said: “We are very proud of the new campus, which is the result of a strong partnership between SAC and UWS. By joining forces, the institutions have created a campus that brings great benefits and opportunities for the students who study here, to our staff, to the wider community and to the two institutions as a whole. SAC looks forward to the additional opportunities for collaboration with UWS that this campus opens up.

There are exciting opportunities ahead for developing the curriculum and for developing and promoting the campus as a key resource for all of the communities of the West of Scotland.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said: “Both the college and the university have had a long and fruitful relationship with

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the town of Ayr and this new development will see their presence greatly enhanced through even closer collaboration.

“This kind of joining up, is precisely the kind of partnership we want to see as we reform Post-16 education in Scotland. As someone brought up in the neighbouring town of Troon, it is a particular pleasure to see such innovation so close to my former home!”

Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “I’m delighted that SFC’s funding has enabled both institutions to come together in this collaborative approach to provide new educational opportunities in the West of Scotland. There is overwhelming evidence that new buildings lead to better learning. This wonderful new campus now gives staff and students from both institutions the opportunity to demonstrate that.”

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the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

call Stuart Pennington on 07792 362 587

Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated in Ayrshire since 1982 providing emotional support and practical help for cancer patients and their families, their aim is to ensure that help is readily available for everyone who needs it.

This year will see the charity celebrate 30 years of providing their invaluable services. It is an Ayrshire charity and all the money raised is used in Ayrshire for the benefit of those affected by cancer.

The charity’s Patient Transport Service has operated continuously since 1982 staffed by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles.

Patients are collected from their homes, accompanied to Glasgow

hospitals and taken home again after treatment. This service is especially useful for patients who feel unwell, those living in rural areas, the elderly and parents taking their children for treatment.

Travelling from to Glasgow for 40 or 50 treatments can be both a very stressful and difficult experience for Ayrshire cancer patients.

Ayrshire Cancer Support’s drivers help reduce this burden by providing their personal door to door service and currently complete about 1,000 patient journeys every month.

Support Centres in Ayr and Kilmarnock were opened in 1997 and provide a welcoming environment along with a wide range of services including

NEWS

Ayrshire charity celebrates 30th Anniversar y

counselling, support groups and complementary therapies, for patients and their families.

All the charity’s services are provided free of charge and are funded entirely by contributions from the public and businesses, fund-raising events and the revenue from their 10 charity shops. Ayrshire Cancer Support does not receive any state or local authority funding to help them raise the £600,000 they need every year to provide their services.

The charity is indebted to the many volunteers who give of their time and effort to help them provide their caring and much needed services. They are particularly grateful to all their supporters in Ayrshire and to the many companies and organisations for their continuing support throughout the years.

If you would like to help the charity in their special anniversary year please email: admin@ayrshirecs.org

When times are tough, use our know how.

Michele and her colleagues’ know how has been helping businesses to improve quality and manufacturing processes. Our expertise can help you use lean production to remove wastage from operations and to ensure quality management becomes part of the company culture.

To explore how UWS know how can help your business call 0141 848 3400 or visit www.uws.ac.uk/knowhow

SUCCESS TAKES KNOW HOW. Together we’ve got it.

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND IS A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY. CHARITY NUMBER SC002520.

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your ayrshire business spring 2012

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NEWS

“Largs Matters” BIDs to become a Destination of Choice Ayrshire is on the brink of establishing a Business Improvement District (BID) in Largs by the end of the year with the strategic aim of “Making Largs a destination of choice”. A Steering Group led by local businesses in partnership with North Ayrshire Council is backing the initiative under the stewardship of former Ayr Town Centre Manager, Sunil Varu.

Should “Largs Matters” secure a historic “Yes” vote at the formal ballot in November 2012, it would be the first for Ayrshire.

A BID is a business-led initiative to make improvements to the trading environment within a defined geographical area. It can only come into existence if it is approved in a ballot, with over 50% of businesses in the proposed area voting in favour, both by weight of numbers and rateable value. If the businesses give their approval, the BID is funded through a fair and equitable

investment each business makes. BID improvements and services must be ADDITIONAL to those baseline statutory services provided by local authorities.

Mr. Varu, who worked as Kirkcaldy Town Centre Manager for 6 years prior to leading that organisation to a successful “Yes” vote for Kirkcaldy’s BID, has undertaken the first of 3 phases of his work, business engagement. Over 80 face-to-face interviews with businesses in Largs offered a clearer indication of the key themes and this will be followed by a formal questionnaire survey to over 330 local businesses. Businesses will vote on a Business Plan which will pinpoint the activities and projects the new BID Company will deliver around the following themes: Branding, Marketing & Events, Business Support, Accessibility Orientation, Clean and Safe, Parking.

Peter Valerio, owner of Largs Hardware store and Chairman of “Largs Matters”, added, “The BID will

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For more information contact: Anne Blacklock, Volunteer Coordinator T: 01292 670153 E: zerowaste@ayrshirebic.org www.ayrshirebic.org You can also find more information on the campaigns at: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

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your ayrshire business spring 2012

allow us to focus on the issues and concerns identified during the consultations. This will allow the business community to act with a single, non-political voice and with an agreed common goal to highlight Largs as a destination of choice. There is a long way to go but initial indications are positive”.

Mr. Varu stated, “BIDs have evolved as more than a sustainable funding mechanism for town centre management activities, offering clear business benefits. It’s an exciting time for Largs, with the businesses being given the opportunity to contribute to the “place shaping” of Largs based on what they as a stakeholder group believe are the priorities. More importantly, the businesses will have the courage of their convictions by investing financially in the future of their town as we all collectively plan for the economic upturn”.

For more information, contact Sunil on 07858 615 690 or email info@largsmatters.com

Hard work pays off for Ricky Partnering for Business Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted that Munro Partnership Ltd., has agreed to become one of their Partners for Business, bringing the total in the scheme to a dozen.

Business Development Manager at the Chamber, Helen McBride said, “We welcome Munro Partnership Ltd. and look forward to forming a close working relationship with them. Our Partners for Business programme was created to increase engagement with a network of strategic partners to help influence and shape the local economy, as well as represent the interests of the individual companies.”

By becoming a Partner for Business organisations are demonstrating their commitment, not only to Ayrshire Chamber, but to the future prosperity of Ayrshire.

David Hughes, Managing Director at Munro Partnership Ltd. added “Munro Partnership Ltd. is delighted to join the Ayrshire Chamber ‘Partners for Business’ programme. As one of Scotland’s leading firms of Chartered Financial Planners, we look forward to developing our relationship with both the Chamber, and of course it’s wide ranging business membership.”

NEWS

Ayrshire Businessman Ricky Singh beat off over 300 entries in the Scottish Asian Business Awards to take the winning spot as HSBC Young Achiever of the Year 2011.

Ricky, owner of Team Singh Personal Fitness Training, explains, “I was nominated for the award by PSYBT Regional Manager Stewart Thompson. The judging panel looked at the business and scored on SINGH WINS: Ricky Singh with his HSBC branding, turnover, Young Achiever Award marketing, client base, types of clients results awards. and were particularly impressed with Winning was amazing and probably the speed it had taken me to be one of the best nights of my life! It successful as on entering I had only showed me that my hard work is not been in business 11 months.” going unrecognized, the early morning Ricky was presented with his award sessions for clients and getting by the sponsors of the events at a soaked at the boot camps was worth ceremony last November in the Thistle it and I just love what I do and love my Hotel Glasgow. brand 200% .”

Ricky adds, “This is the first time I www.scottishasianbusiness have ever entered any business awards.co.uk

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news

£70m commitment to Ayrshire Tourism February 14th 2012 marks the first anniversary of the launch of “Love Ayrshire” - a commitment to secure the future of the area’s tourism industry.

To mark the anniversary, key stakeholders from the sector met once again to celebrate progress over the past year, with the appointment of the first Chairperson of the Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Leadership Group and to launch the new Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Strategy – a far reaching document outlining ambitious plans to grow the value of the industry in the area over the next five years.

With plans to increase visitor spend by £70 million, visitor numbers by 350,000 and to increase employment supported by the sector by 900 jobs, the Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Strategy 2012-2017 is the result of strong collaboration, building consensus amongst stakeholders on the future direction and priorities of the sector. This partnership approach was the brainchild of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership comprising prominent business leaders, representatives from East, South and North Ayrshire Councils, Scottish Enterprise and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

Launching the strategy, newly appointed Chairperson of the Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Leadership Group, Moira Birtwistle said: “This is an exciting

time for tourism in Ayrshire and Arran and I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group. The new strategy provides us all with fresh impetus and a clear vision for the next five years. Our area has tremendous assets, attracting visitors from around the world, but the marketplace is more competitive than ever so we can never afford to be complacent. I am greatly looking forward to driving forward the strategy’s plans and to ensuring that Ayrshire realises it full tourism potential.”

Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, said: "The Scottish Government, VisitScotland and other agencies are working tirelessly to strengthen our tourism industry and it is heartening to see the Love Ayrshire partnership commitment to deliver this collaborative strategy.

"Ayrshire is the home of Scotland’s greatest cultural icon, our national bard Robert Burns, and the launch of this tourism drive is very timely as we celebrate the Year of Creative Scotland and go into the next few years of great opportunities for tourism. These include some of the biggest events in the world such as the Olympics, the British Open which will be coming to Muirfield in 2013, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, The Ryder Cup, culminating with the Year of Homecoming in 2014.”

The Leaders of the three Ayrshire Councils, Douglas Reid at East Ayrshire; David O’Neill at North Ayrshire and Bill McIntosh at South Ayrshire, all agreed that: “The past couple of years have been tough but tourism is resilient and there is no shortage of optimism and success stories in Ayrshire. Now we must harness this optimism and move forward with confidence that we will make a real difference to the sector by delivering a wide range of actions to grow the sector and position Ayrshire and Arran as a destination of choice.

“We know how important tourism is to the economy of Ayrshire and Arran, generating £348 million per year, from some 3.5 million visitors. Almost 9,000 jobs in Ayrshire are already directly related to tourism and the new strategy will build on these strong foundations using partnership working to take advantage of every possible opportunity.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, added: “This is an excellent demonstration of collaborative working for the benefit of tourism in Ayrshire and Arran. Together we can grow tourism and I have no doubt that the implementation of the new Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Strategy 2012-2017 will help position Ayrshire and Arran on a worldwide platform over the next few years.”

Britain’s Top Game Chef Crowned The UK’s first Game Chef of the Year has been crowned. As the season draws to a close, the title was awarded to Brian Grigor from Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel following a nationwide search for the most talented chef cooking with one of Britain’s best natural products.

Game sales are booming at the moment and competitors were challenged to come up with an innovative starter and main course. The final judging took place at Cook School Scotland in Kilmarnock with judges including Michelin starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart along with Ian McAndrew from Blackaddie House 8

your ayrshire business spring 2012

Hotel and Kevin MacGillivray from the Federation of Chefs. All are big supporters of game and receive their supplies from Braehead Foods who organised the competition.

Braehead owner and Managing Director Craig Stevenson said, “This has been a fantastic first contest with entries from throughout the country. We wanted to highlight the popularity and versatility of game and the competitors showed great flair and imagination. Our game sales have never been better and it’s not hard to understand why when you see and taste what these chefs produced.”

The winning chef will be flying to Sweden

to enjoy his prize, a day wild boar hunting with Tom Kitchin.

Braehead Foods have already committed to repeating the competition again at the end of this year.

Millennial Kids’ phone fears hamper business growth Young people in business are less likely to pick up the phone than their older counterparts, which could be putting their employers at a financial disadvantage.

The millennial generation has become accustomed to digital communication and developed a fear of the phone that could cause businesses to alienate their clients – particularly older customers who associate quality customer service with a personal approach.

“For so many businesses, their main contacts within client-businesses – the key decision makers – are from the generation where a phone call or a faceto-face meeting is valued more highly than an email,” explained Jonathan Bowers, communications director at hosting and cloud specialist UKFast.

“Being able to pick up the phone and chat with someone, or have a face-to-

face meeting with people is a rarity in the younger-generations,” Bowers continues.

Despite sales and usage of mobile phones skyrocketing, this is not translating into an office environment.

Research has shown that only 45% of time spent by mobile users is actually spent on making calls. Others say that it is even lower than this at just 20%.

“With this in mind it is no wonder that a great telephone manner is becoming a dying art,” Bowers says.

Discussing mobile commerce during a panel debate in Manchester, experts said smartphones – that bring the web, shops, and the cinema to the palm of your hand – are driving younger people away from the traditional use of the telephone.

Ronnie Brown, managing partner at marketing agency Quirk London, explained: “I think it’s a misnomer to

your ayrshire business spring 2012

NEWS

Great phone manner a ‘dying art’, say experts

call them phones now – considering 23% of global web traffic last year came from mobile devices.

“With email and instant messaging services, getting a 25 year-old to pick up the phone is a real challenge. The younger generation feels rude calling people because they are interrupting their day. They would rather send an email and give the opportunity to deal with at their convenience than disrupt their day with a phone call.”

The generation gap between preferred methods of communication for younger and older people is causing a continued struggle within the workplace as phone-friendly employees become harder to find.

Bowers explained: “We look for a certain type of person when recruiting for UKFast and we’re finding it more and more difficult to find people who can translate the sparkle that they have in person over the phone. Even in a fast paced digital world, businesses need to maintain that personal touch.”

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Alloway’s moment in the spotlight Alloway has been thrust into the national spotlight, featuring in a new VisitScotland television advert.

A film crew was in Ayrshire during November to shoot scenes for VisitScotland’s new Surprise Yourself commercial.

Voiced by Scottish television historian Neil Oliver, the advert has been broadcast on television and in cinemas throughout the UK, inspiring people to take a break in Scotland, and the region.

What’s in a name?

VisitScotland Surprise Yourself adverts, have been extremely well received, with a survey revealing that 70 per cent of people found the adverts more emotionally engaging than previous VisitScotland campaigns. The campaign has generated an additional economic benefit for Scotland of £90 million since it launched in spring 2011, the best ever results for a VisitScotland domestic campaign.

Mackenzie Hall bucks the trend Kilmarnock firm Mackenzie Hall is bucking the trend as they expand their premises and create 103 new jobs in the town centre.

The firm recently acquired three new units around its Portland Road base to accommodate the expansion, and in a new development, the entire company has just been acquired by Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc., a specialised financial and business services company and market leader in the consumer debt purchase and collection industry.

Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) paid £33.5 million for the company which will continue with its expansion plans, providing a secure future for the firm and its employees. Paul Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Mackenzie Hall Holdings Ltd., welcomed the acquisition, stressing that PRA’s investment would ensure continuity and financial strength.

“This deal confirms Mackenzie

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your ayrshire business spring 2012

Hall’s position as the UK’s most exciting and progressive consumer debt collection and debt purchase agency. It provides us with unparalleled support in our pursuit of accelerated growth, both in our core contingent collections service, which remains at the heart of the business, and in our ongoing purchase of niche portfolios.”

Mr. Mackenzie and his executive management team have entered into long-term employment agreements with PRA. Based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Mackenzie Hall offers outsourced and contingent consumer debt recovery on behalf of banks, credit providers and debt purchasers, as well as distressed and dormant niche portfolio purchasing. The Company employs approximately 170 people at its headquarters and contact centre in Kilmarnock.

Greenergy Advice Ltd announce their new name and logo, having decided to discontinue operating as a Green Assess franchise.

Commenting on the rebrand director Dave Whitelaw said “We are looking forward to promoting our own brand to our customers and believe that operating without the constraints of a franchise network allows us to be more flexible in our ability to meet and satisfy our clients’ individual energy efficiency needs.”

As well as the name change Greenergy Advice have added two more services to their portfolio. In addition to their Air-conditioning energy assessment and Renewable Technologies Advice services the company now also provides both Non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and F-Gas certification for air-conditioning systems.

Dave explained “The addition of these two new services is an exciting development for us as it enhances our capability within both the energy assessment and airconditioning markets.”

For more information or to book an inspection call Dave on 0141 416 2680 or email enquiries@greenergyadvice.co. uk. You can also follow Dave’s blog relating to all things ‘green’ at blog.greenergyadvice.co.uk.

Greenergy Advice offer independent renewables advice and will not try to sell you any LZC technologies.

Tea anyone? neighbours round is a great way to network as well as raising funds for our Nursing Service in Ayrshire and Arran.”

Fiona added, “There are 12 Marie Curie Nurses covering the region, helping hundreds of people every year. We want to be in a position to help more. It costs £20 per hour or £180 per shift to fund our Nurse, so every pound really does count. We are planning to host our own tea party for Chamber members as well.”

Chamber member, Visit Arran, has already signed up for a

Blooming Great Tea Party with a twist on the lawn at the Douglas Hotel on Sunday 3rd June. The twist being that as well as being a tea party, there will be an option of making it a G&T party! The event will be held between 11am and 4pm with entertainment and hopefully some sunshine!

For more information on the Blooming Great Tea Party phone Fiona or Murray on 01292 478 328 or email fiona.leitch@mariecurie.org.uk, or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty

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NEWS

Marie Curie Cancer Care is planning for one of their largest and most enjoyable fundraising events of the year and they are encouraging fellow members of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce to get involved.

The Blooming Great Tea Party takes place throughout June and July when Marie Curie ask supporters to get together with family, friends and colleagues and hold a tea party to raise awareness and funds for Marie Curie Nursing.

Fiona Leitch, Community Fundraiser for the South West of Scotland said, ”I think most people like a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a blether, so the Blooming Great Tea Party is a fantastic excuse to do just that. Many businesses have tea breaks built into their day, so baking cakes and inviting some

news

Employers urged to tackle stress in workplace Emotional issues and the stresses and strains of modern life – both in and out of the workplace – can take their toll at any time of the year.

For the first time, stress has become the main cause of long-term sickness absence in Britain, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

In November last year, research was published revealing nearly half of employees felt more stressed than they had at the same time the previous year. The increase is believed to be the result of staff assuming larger workloads as companies make cutbacks.

With the economic outlook remaining bleak for 2012 – many workers are facing pay freezes or cuts while others are working under the threat of redundancy – stress levels are likely to continue to rise.

It’s not just the work environment

that can take its toll on staff wellbeing.

A survey published in January found that personal and family problems are a major reason for employee absence.

Twelve per cent said they had taken time off to deal with extra responsibilities such as looking after family members, while emotional problems such as relationship breakups were behind 10 per cent of employee absence cases.

With 23 per cent of respondents admitting they would consider not going into work because of a relationship issue, it is clear that employers need to support their employees in both their work and personal lives.

Proactive employers who provide their staff with access to counselling and advice services could find their workforce more productive.

Westfield Health’s Chamber Primary Health Plan, which is available to all

Pass the test with OSHS! “Having worked in Occupational Health for over 25 years, I found many companies hesitant to implement health surveillance and substance abuse testing. The reasons varied - either the cost or simply how to go about it.” says Eddie Halfpenny, Sales and Marketing Manager at On Site Health Solutions Ltd. “I often recall the story of sitting with the medical director of a previous company and when working out a quote she randomly picked numbers and said that will do they have lots of money. This action kick started the brand that became On Site Health Solutions Ltd. “ OSHS Ltd was formed in 2008 are now one of the largest independent businesses offering both occupational health and drug and alcohol tests and have many blue chip companies as their clients. With a variety of services on offer, OSHS Ltd. highlight the increasing problems with drugs and alcohol in the workplace. A drug and alcohol test can be carried out anywhere that has toilet facilities. Tests are supervised by highly trained certified individuals, with little disruption to the working day, ensuring that any potential problem can be identified using the random testing method.

Contact OSHS for a tailor made package to suit your company needs and budget. www.oshsltd.co.uk 12

your ayrshire business spring 2012

members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, offers employees a full confidential counselling service, which includes a 24 hour counselling and advice line as well as up to six face to face counselling sessions or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions.

For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Karate Champions come to Ayrshire

From 1st June – 3rd June 2012 Ayrshire will be hosting the 4th WUKF European Karate Championships for Senior and Veterans level at the Magnum Leisure Centre in Irvine.

Organisers Thorne Events in Kilwinning, will be working alongside North Ayrshire Council, local schools and both the Scottish Karate Alliance and the World Union of Karate-Do Federations to bring this event to the area. The main sponsors will be Thorne Travel and Irvine Bay Regeneration.

Hayley Skinner from Thorne Travel Events said, “This is a great achievement for North Ayrshire to have won the right to hold this event.

Over 600 competitors from all over Europe compete throughout the weekend. This will bring great recognition for the area and will boost both tourism and business revenues. With support staff and

spectators, we expect in the region of 1000 attendees.”

Competitors will arrive from 28th May, to take in the sights and prepare for the competition as well as officials who will be visiting schools and getting people involved in karate. The weekend will culminate in a farewell concert party in the grounds of Adamton House, Monkton where the general public will be welcome to purchase tickets as well.

Hayley added, “We are really looking forward to working with all of our partners to make this event a success.”

Event information can be found at:www.wukfkarate.org/hotsite/Seniors_Scotla nd_2012/ Day Tickets cost £10 per adult and £8 per child from www.thornetravel.com

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Mad about cheesecake

Frances Barron, MD at the Handmade Cheese Company in Ayr had to put her thinking cap on when Danny “Cheesecake Assassin” Mitchell requested a Honeycomb Heaven cheesecake to be delivered to him in Doncaster.

Danny, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, first came to their attention through a meeting with a sales rep and avid MMA fan, resulting in the Handmade Cheesecake Company sponsoring Danny in BAMMA fight in December 2011, which he won. Part of the deal was a cheesecake of his choice, so the next task was to get the cheesecake to Doncaster!

Frances says, “We faced some challenges in how to do this but finally we settled on freezing the cheesecake and packaging it in an insulated polystyrene box to which we add a freezer pad. This keeps the cheesecakes frozen for up to 30 hrs.

A trial run went to the wrong postcode, so we were on tender hooks to know what kind of condition it arrived in.

Happily, although a day late, the condition was perfect!”

Frances continues, “Danny is mad about cheesecakes and has an area on his FB page dedicated to scoring every cheesecake he tastes and he scored us 9.6 out of 10!”

Spurred on by the success and through Facebook requests, The Handmade Cheesecake Company, has now commenced shipments nationwide, although Doncaster, at the moment, remains the furthest travelling distance for a cheesecake.

The handmade cheesecake company make cheesecakes for all occasions, even for prize winning fighters and can personalise them with a message of your choosing. www.handmadecheesecakes.co.uk

Health M.O.T. The Keep Well programme has been running in Ayrshire & Arran since 2008 and aims to identify people who may be at risk of developing heart disease or diabetes and to offer them advice, support and treatment to improve their health.

The Keep Well programme is targeting eligible individuals between the ages of 40-64 years who reside in certain areas of Ayrshire & Arran.

Eligible individuals can receive a free Keep Well health check at their local GP practice, community pharmacy or from trained Health & Wellbeing Advisors.

The health check looks at things like blood pressure, diet, cholesterol and also provides an opportunity to ask about any other health related issues that may be important to you.

If you are interested in finding out more about Keep Well checks for your staff and to find out if your business would be eligible to have checks in the workplace, please call 0800 169 1441 or contact the Keep Well office on 01563 826708.

Energy efficient finance for businesses In conjunction with Siemens and the Carbon Trust, McCaig Renewables are delighted to announce their Energy Efficiency Financing Scheme for business users. This unique product will ensure that business users can now finance their energy projects.

The scheme is available to all 14

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types of businesses and organisations. Financing from Siemens Financial Service can be arranged for amounts as little as £1,000 upwards and, assuming your proposed energy efficiency financing project passes the energy saving assessment by Carbon Trust Implementation Services and McCaig Renewables, there are

potentially no upper limits.

Projects that may qualify include building technologies, such as Solar Arrays, Wind Turbines and Air Conditioning or industrial process technologies, including Biomass and Air Heat Exchange Systems.

To learn more, contact McCaig Renewables tel: 01292 283018 www.mccaigrenewables.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING As businesses become more involved with the Social Networking site Facebook, for growth and online presence, it is easy to fall into the trap of using Personal profiles instead of a dedicated business page and this can often make it difficult for everyone to connect socially.

Profiles (timelines) are supposed to represent individuals whereas Pages were created to help businesses to maintain a professional presence online.

A business page is managed by admins (people with personal profiles/timelines). Admins assigned to the page will be able to log into their own personal account and then access the business page.

Originally Facebook did not have this facility but in 2007 it launched

100,000 pages for business called “Facebook Pages” which has grown rapidly over the last 5 years. It is a facility that we now have, it would be a shame for us not to use, and the benefits in using it could significantly change your business and increase your ROI. The Top 3 Reasons for not using a personal profile for business are; 1. No Analytics A social media strategy must have goals and objectives and how can we measure the success if we have no information to use. A business page will give you the opportunity to check insights and learn more about the demographic of your Facebook fans, a very useful Market Research Tool.

2. No Customised Landing Page A landing page can make all the difference to whether or not your ‘potential customer’ clicks ‘like’. A

NEWS

Facebook Etiquette for Business by Alison McCluskey, Early Bird Social Media landing page is their first impression of your business, and may encourage them to explore your business further. The way I look at it is “It’s the elevator pitch in a picture!”

3. Terms of Service Violation Most people are not aware of this but using a personal profile as a business page is a direct violation of the Facebook Terms of Service and in doing so may result in your profile being deleted. This is the main reason I was prompted to write this article, I would hate to think of any business spending months building up a page with regular content for it to be deleted.

If you require any assistance with converting your profile to a page then please do get in touch at earlybirdsocialmedia@gmail.com See you on Facebook!

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news

The Place to be The Creative Place Awards celebrate the value of creativity to the social and economic wellbeing of smaller communities across Scotland, and reward the hard work and imagination of such places.

Nominees were chosen for the involvement of the community, as well as the creativity of their existing plans.

Organised by Creative Scotland and Event Scotland, the awards saw Craft Town Scotland at West Kilbride triumph in the Creative Place Awards.

Maggie Broadley, Director Craft Town Scotland would like to thank the many local people who have sent congratulations on its recent success at the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Creative Place Awards. “Everyone involved, from volunteers to our Board of Directors and staff, are still grinning from ear to ear every time we think of winning such a prestigious award against competition from some of Scotland’s most creative communities. Our success has sent ripples across Scotland, with congratulations winging their way back to West Kilbride from individuals and organisations throughout the country”.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for

Culture, said; “Scotland is a creative nation and I am hugely impressed by the wealth of creative communities we have in every corner of the country. To win a Creative Place Award, and in the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, is a great achievement which demonstrates the truly exceptional standard of the s u c c e s s f u l programmes.”

Category winners will receive a cash prize specifically to enhance their creative activity further. West Kilbride will receive £100,000 in the category for places with fewer than 10,000 residents. Maggie Broadley continues, “This is a very specific award which is designed to add creative events and activities as part of a national programme. We have a beautiful, well-designed building in the Barony Centre, this award allows us to fund top quality activities to match.”

“We will also be able to fund Youth Activity for 14-24 year olds and provide a dedicated craft and new media based youth programme over 28 weeks. In addition, we can now fund a ‘Kindercraft’ project aimed at

parents/carers and toddlers, that will provide craft play classes once a week over 12 weeks. We have already had provisional discussions with West Kilbride Primary school and this award means we can fund a project which will involve the whole school.”

“We will be creating a very special craft and local history project based around the ‘Barony Brides and Babes’ to help create a community exhibition in a specially dedicated area for community and educational display. We’d love to speak to anyone out there who was married or christened in the Barony and who have any photographs or stories to share.”

Clancy reinforce their presence in Scotland Scottish mechanical and electrical consultants Mexel Design have joined Clancy Consulting Limited, one of the UK’s strongest medium sized privately owned and managed multi disciplinary Engineering Consultants advising the Property and Construction sector.

The move extends Clancy’s presence in Scotland and brings together two companies who have enjoyed a long and successful collaboration. Mexel will relocate to Clancy’s existing offices in Prestwick and Glasgow.

Chief Executive Alan Bramwell commented that “there is excellent synergy in bringing Mexel Design Consultants and their staff 16

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on-board with the two Companies sharing many similarities, not least of which are the many years over which both have built an excellent reputation in the market and developed a highly talented and loyal workforce”.

Mexel Design Consultants, was established in Scotland over 16 years ago by Derek Galloway. They have been working collaboratively with Clancy Consulting, who are celebrating 40 years in the business, and the former Hodgins Smith Partnership for a considerable number of years and

have developed an extremely good working relationship with each other and their common Client base. Derek will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the building services sections in the offices at Prestwick and Glasgow. www.clancy.co.uk

A specialist business in Irvine accessed Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship funding and now has a fully qualified and valued member of their team.

Thistle Help – which sells assisted living aids – took on Gemma Cree, from Kilmarnock, last February.

Since then Gemma has completed her Modern Apprenticeship in

Administration, obtained moving and handling qualifications and become an assisted living advisor.

Thistle Help’s Managing Director George Ruddick has been delighted with the 18 year old’s progress and her contribution to the business.

George said the Modern Apprenticeship funding - plus the Employer Recruitment Incentive which

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Thistle’ll do nicely!

gives companies up to £2000 if they offer a young person an apprenticeship - made it possible for them to take on a new member of staff.

He urged other companies to follow suit, adding: “You have nothing to lose.”

George owned a print business for over 20 years before starting Thistle Help with his business partner Laura Hays in 2008. Located in Irvine the spacious showroom also boasts a repair and service facility provided by an on-site engineer.

Thistle Help accessed the Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) which offers companies up to £2000 if offering a young person an apprenticeship.

“We got £1000 by getting the ERI and we took on Gemma who completed her MA at the end of January,” said George who hopes other employers will “go for it” and follow suit.

Gemma adds, “I came here nearly a year ago and started my MA. I deal with customers, place orders, look after invoices – every day is different because it depends on what is happening and what needs done. I enjoy my job and being part of the team.”

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Community Development Fund The GlaxoSmithKline Enterprise Fund was established in 2009 with a generous contribution from GlaxoSmithKline, the fund has had a major impact on economic regeneration and created 130 new jobs over the last two years. The fund was a collaborative venture involving GlaxoSmithKline and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

GSK have extended funding for 2012 with another £400,000 under the banner of the Community Development Fund, to support the local community through 3 separate initiatives, as follows, Apprenticeships A bursary or part funded scheme to create new apprenticeships in small and medium sized

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organisations in Ayrshire, specifically scientific and engineering apprenticeships within Life Sciences or related industry.

Charitable fund Donations totalling £100,000 are in the process of being provided to registered healthcare charities operating for the benefit of the people of Ayrshire.

Job creation Supporting the creation of sustainable jobs, the Ayrshire, in new or existing businesses, from small or medium sized sector life sciences or engineering industries.

Val Russell, Chief Executive at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce said, “We are delighted to support GSK in the administering of the Apprenticeships and Job Creation

strands of the Fund. The seeds that have been sown in the Enterprise Development Fund have sprouted and grown into a wider stretching boost to the local community.

“We are particularly delighted that funding will encourage apprenticeships with a difference and will support part payment of salaries over the period of the apprenticeships, normally 3 or 4 years. I would like to encourage businesses eager to take on apprentices in jobs in STEM disciplines to get in touch.”

Further information, guidelines and application forms are available from the Fund Administrator, please email: edf@ayrshire-chamber.org

Established in 1981 by brothers Gurdish Singh and Rabinder Singh Uppal, the Taj Indian Restaurant in Prestwick is a real family success story.

Join one of Scotland’s finest inland golf courses

Currently run by Rabinder with his wife Jagdish and their two sons and daughter in laws, Rabinder hopes that the family tradition will continue to his grandchildren. After

Renfrew Golf Club is recognised as one of the finest inland golf courses in Scotland.

We have the enviable honour of hosting several SGU and R&A events.

Visitors are most welcome to play this scenic, tree lined parkland course. The variety of trees and fauna, spectacular when in full bloom, adds to experience of playing this stunning course.

For further details, please contact Kenny Morrison on 0141 886 6692.

We look forward to your visit.

30 years in the business, hard work and devotion has been recognized when the Taj recently won the Best Indian Restaurant in Scotland, at the British Curry Awards.

From initial nominations from customers, and a portfolio of the business through the years, the Taj was one of 10 restaurants in Scotland shortlisted for a secret tasting. Using the best produce and highly qualified chefs from the far corners of the globe, it wasn’t long before Rubinder and his family were on their way to the awards ceremony in London, hosted by Chef James Martin and with speakers David Seaman and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The family were delighted when they were named as the winners. Rabinder says, “It was one of the best moments of my life. It’s the first time the Taj has won anything! Hard work has paid off, we still can’t believe it, it’s a real honour.”

THE ASA CHARITY BALL 2012

Ayrshire Sportsability was set up to do something about the limited opportunities for children and young people with a physical, sensory or learning disability in terms of physical activity or sport.

The ASA Charity Ball Saturday 26th May 2012 Princess Royal Suite, Ayr Racecourse.

Table of 10 £500 Individual tickets £50 each if bought before 30th March/ £55 each after 30th March 2012.

ASA are looking for donations for our raffles and auctions. If you can donate anything please contact us.

For information about the ball or the Charity please contact 01292 513637 or email Dianne.campbell@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

www.renfrewgolfclub.net your ayrshire business spring 2012

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Tasty Talent at the Taj

Employing ex-offenders – an opportunity for your business?

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Justina Murray, Chief Officer, South West Scotland Community Justice Authority Have you ever employed or worked alongside someone with a criminal conviction? The chances are you have, perhaps unknowingly, with an estimated 40% of men being convicted of an offence at least once in their lifetime. Despite this somewhat surprising statistic, businesses may feel uncomfortable, unconfident or unconvinced in relation to employing exoffenders.

We all know that crime costs ourselves, our families, our communities, our businesses. The latest figures suggest 43% of all offenders in South West Scotland re-offend within two years of their conviction. It is slowly reducing, but the costs of re-offending remain substantial.

Research commissioned by the Wise Group concluded that supporting a single ex-prisoner into employment would save the public purse £940,000 over five years – by avoiding future re-offending and by avoiding the costs of unemployment benefits.

South West Scotland Community Justice Authority (CJA) is a partnership body committed to reducing re-offending. We believe that local employers can play a

valuable part in reducing re-offending and supporting individuals to move forward with their lives in a more positive way. Simply getting a job reduces the risk of reoffending by around half. So what’s in it for your business?

You can meet skills shortages and fill vacancies by accessing people with up-todate skills gained during both community and prison sentences. These include hard skills, such as catering, cleaning, gardening and horticulture, forklift truck driving, joinery and building, as well as valuable softer skills such as communication, motivation and work ethos, time-keeping, loyalty and teamwork. You can also meet your own corporate responsibility goals and help to create a more inclusive and successful local economy and community.

There are existing examples of companies who run specific prison-based training and recruitment programmes because these meet their particular business needs – such as Marriott Hotels, Amey and Timpsons Shoe Repairs. There are also wider business opportunities within prisons – you might want to check out HMP Kilmarnock’s

www.inworksolutions.co.uk website, which profiles its range of prison industries and potential opportunities.

A number of our partner organisations can help Ayrshire businesses who are considering employing people with a criminal record – for example around disclosure of previous convictions, available incentives and support programmes, and any concerns employers may have. These include Apex Scotland, CEIS Ayrshire, the Wise Group, Jobcentre Plus, Skills Development Scotland, local authorities and local colleges, and also the Work Programme providers Ingeus and Working Links. The latter two have specific responsibilities (from 1 March this year) for supporting ex-prisoners on Jobseekers Allowance into work as part of the government’s national welfare to work reforms.

A survey by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) in 2007 found that – contrary to what was expected – employers’ experiences in employing ex-offenders were more positive than negative, and that employers would welcome more support and guidance in this area. We are keen to hear your views.

What are your experiences (good or bad) of employing people with a criminal conviction? What kind of support or guidance do you feel you need as an employer? Would you like support and advice? We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact us on 01294 277968 or email: info@swscja.org.uk

Ayrshire leads the way with new Enterprise Area Work is underway in Irvine to create the top innovation and industrial investment location in the south-west of Scotland.

At i3 – Irvine Industry and Innovation park - landscaping work is already underway to transform the appearance of the site.

The awarding of contracts follows hard on the heels of the Scottish Government announcement that an Enterprise Area would be created in Irvine focussing on life sciences – with i3 forming the key part of the Enterprise Area.

The business park, formerly Riverside Business Park, is now a major part of the plan to attract inward investors to the area, creating jobs and opportunities.

Working with Scottish Enterprise, the idea is to market the extensive i3 business park in three distinct 20

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campuses, innovation, industry and investment. Over the next five years, work will progress to create:  An industry and logistics campus: aimed at specialist industrial, manufacturing and distribution companies  An innovation campus: to provide superfast broadband accommodation for SMEs, R&D companies or other firms needing specialist space  Irvine inward investment: a specialist inward investment opportunity offering a 200-acre single user/campus site with capacity for 500,000m2 As a first phase to improve the physical appearance on arrival from the A71, which will see huge improvements to the appearance and structural planting.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive

of Irvine Bay, said the recent Enterprise Area announcement would “provide a huge boost” to the efforts at i3 and in Irvine Bay. He said: “The company and our partners at North Ayrshire Council lobbied hard for Enterprise Area status, and we can now build on the huge efforts already being made to bring new businesses and more employment opportunities to the area.

“The Enterprise Area will focus on the land around the GlaxoSmithKline plant, i3 – Irvine Industry and Innovation Business Park, and Annickbank Business Park, meaning it will be well placed to attract a range of high-tech and life sciences companies bringing well paid jobs to the area.”

Over 90 per cent of Modern Apprentices in Scotland value the quality of their training according to a new national survey.

The survey also reveals the MA programme is highly regarded by almost all of its participants. Ninety-eight per cent describe their experiences positively while four out of five praise the support they get.

Employers provide apprenticeship opportunities that combine employment with training in over 80 different occupational fields, and the Scottish Government is committed to funding 25,000 new apprenticeships every year during its term of office.

According to Peter Hughes, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, Modern Apprenticeships are equally valuable for employers. “I see evidence of these results every day - apprentices invariably bring a positive attitude to the workplace. By training people ‘on-thejob’, employers are building a skilled, loyal workforce which bodes well for the future of our sector.”

Responding to the survey, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said, “This is testament to both the willing employers and to Skills Development Scotland for their hard

work in creating opportunities for young people. I look forward to seeing thousands of them use the skills they have gained as apprentices throughout long and successful careers.”

The programme is demand-led so apprentices must Winner of Scottish Apprentice of the Year, Jamie Gray, have a job to be aeronautical engineer with Spirit Aerosystems part of the Jamie said: “A few years ago I was just programme, but businesses can currently get up to £2000 if they recruit a quiet boy from a quiet village but I was a 16-19 year old into an apprenticeship. pushed to go for my dream. I got my In Scotland, apprentices are required apprenticeship and my dreams have to achieve workplace competency and been realised.” accredited qualifications set out in an Jamie was also named his own occupational framework designed by company’s Apprentice of the Year after Sector Skills Councils in consultation creating an engineering procedure for with industry. cutting and polishing carbon fibre test The report, carried out by Skills panels which has now become the Development Scotland’s Labour Market standard procedure for the business.

Information team, resonates with the Any employer interested in the Modern view of aeronautical engineer Jamie Gray Apprenticeship programme should call (22), who was recently named Scotland’s top apprentice. Employed by SDS’s employer helpline on 0800 783 Ayrshire-based Spirit AeroSystems, 6000.

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Scotland’s Modern Apprentices value their training

WORK EXPERIENCE

A worthwhile experience As you are all aware the school year ends in June and the Work Experience Team are now in the process of sending out a canvas mailing to all businesses who have contributed to the work experience programme, asking whether they would be willing to offer placements again in 2012/2013.

In the school year 2011/2012 so far, there have been over 4000 opportunities offered to our pupils, with over 2500 pupils, mainly in 4th year, taking advantage and benefiting from the experience.

As a big thank you to our regular contributors we are sending out a Certificate of Recognition this year to show our appreciation for their time and effort.

Work Experience may be moving towards a more flexible approach and with this in mind if you know of anyone who would be willing to assist in any way with this valuable part of the school curriculum please get in touch with either Helen or Suzanne on 01292 678666 or e-mail hlaverie@ayrshirechamber.org or smurdoch@ayrshire-chamber.org

Daniel, from Auchinleck Academy, made the most of his week at Adelphi Engineering & Construction Ltd where he covered Health & Safety, Risk Assessments, AutoCad, welding, grinding, cutting, drilling, punching and guillotineing!

Placement supervisor David Wilson said, “Daniel worked very well, was keen to learn and asked questions if he was unsure. He picked up the AutoCad drafting system very quickly and worked well in the workshop with Ian. His performance was excellent throughout.”

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Fifteen year old Belmont Academy pupil Ryan Simpson, completed a one-week placement with Ayrbased gas service company O'Neil Gas. Ryan spent his week with gas engineer Colin Hume, during which time they visited a range of customers to inspect, service and fit new gas boilers. Colin has worked as a gas engineer with O'Neil Gas for 12 years and was impressed with Ryan's enthusiasm as he shadowed him on the job. Colin said, "I really enjoyed passing on my knowledge to young Ryan. He was very keen to learn about all the aspects of gas safety and the workings of a gas heating system. If this is the career path he chooses to take then I'm sure he'll have benefited from his time with us."

Ryan added, “I study all the science subjects at school and I had an idea that I wanted to become a plumber or gas engineer. After my week with Colin I am now sure that’s what I want to do because I really enjoyed my time on the job with him.”

O'Neil Gas manager Brian O'Neil said, “This is the second year we have participated in the Work Experience scheme and I am sure that Ryan will have gained a valuable

It was a gas! insight into life outside school, in a working environment.”

"Over the past seven years we have taken nine school leavers into the company, trained them and now employ them full time as highly qualified gas engineers. The Work Experience scheme has benefited greatly from the Chamber's involvement and youngsters like Ryan will have reaped the benefit of a structured and well-organised programme."

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry took over the programme in 2008 and is working hard within the business community to offer as many placements as possible, enabling the pupils to make links between subjects studied at school and their relevance in the field of work.

Chamber spokesperson Helen Laverie said: “The pupils benefit in many ways, including a development of skills, an understanding of working life and raised awareness of rights and responsibilities, equal opportunities, health and safety and environmental implications in the workplace.”

Giltech Limited welcomes the scientists of the future

Strengthening Links

Lee from Prestwick Academy “I am sure that the students all enjoyed their time here at Giltech and have a better understanding of life in a working laboratory. I hope that having completed this work experience they will make a more informed decision when considering whether to pursue a future career in science.” said Ian.

Work Experience – Aircraft Maintenance “I really enjoyed my work experience as I learned a lot of new skills and gained more knowledge about engineering.

“My first day was brilliant as two of the Boeing 737s had just finished their two week checks. This meant that Frazer (the other pupil on work experience) and I could sit in the cockpit and turn the engines on when they went out for their engine runs.

“The rest of the week I was taking fuel panels and wing panels off and

at the end of the week I helped to take one of the engines off. I found the staff I was working with very helpful and they answered the many questions I had to ask.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my week and it has helped me decide that I would like a career in that path. I am very appreciative and thankful to Ryanair for giving me this opportunity.

Gregor Auchenharvie Academy

STRENGTHENING LINKS

Local Life Sciences company, Giltech Limited, has recently opened its doors to students from Marr College, Belmont Academy and Prestwick Academy.

The students had all shown a keen interest in pursuing careers in science and Giltech was able to offer work placements within a laboratory environment.

The students each spent one week in the safe hands of Laboratory Technicians, Ian West and Fiona Herbertson, who introduced them to the day to day tasks of working in a research and development laboratory. In order to ensure that the students had a stimulating experience they were able to participate actively in producing and testing samples, carrying out analysis and recording/logging results.

They were also able to interact with other members of the Giltech team to see how the laboratory work relates to other departments within the company.

Skills are the number one priority for all businesses in Scotland. It is important that more businesses become engaged with young people and school staff in a way that benefits all parties.

Enhanced employer and education links will make our young people more work ready and instill in them a can do, will do attitude, whilst re-assuring employers of the fantastic potential of our young people. Businesses and their employees add relevance to the learning experience for young people, playing a major role in creating effective contributors, successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

That is why Ayrshire Chamber has embedded employer engagement into its strategic plan and is assisting schools in delivering the employer engagement element of the Curriculum for Excellence.

The Chamber also delivers the Work Experience contracts to our three local authorities, the only Chamber in Scotland to be doing so.

Claire Baird, Business Liaison Co-ordinator at the Chamber explains, “We work with schools to identify their employer engagement needs and source relevant businesses. There are various ways for businesses to engage with schools such as mock interviews, career talks, setting real life challenges or inputting into a specific subject area.”

Brand new for 2012 is a newly funded pilot project, created to help tackle youth unemployment in Ayrshire. Funding partners Access to Employment, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, South Ayrshire Council and STEP have developed a training package to build confidence in 16 to 19 year olds who have recently completed the 'Get Ready for Work Programme'.

Claire says, “Our aim is to equip young people with the confidence and skills to make the move into employment as seamless as possible. Potential recruits are referred to us from the Workforce 18 team as the next step to honing their workplace skills. We would like to encourage employers who are looking to recruit a 16 to 19 year old, in the next year, to get in touch with us now. We hope that the Chamber Youth Academy will be the first port of call for businesses taking on new staff and will in some way make the transition for young people into gainful employment a positive experience.”

Employers may also be eligible for recruitment incentives.

Developed as part of the GSK Community Development Fund, Claire and her team are also administering a bursary or part funded scheme to create new apprenticeships in small and medium sized organisations in Ayrshire.

The apprenticeships are specifically scientific and engineering within Life Sciences or related industry. The support for apprenticeship creation will partly cover the salary of the created apprenticeship role for the period of 3 or 4 years calculated as a percentage of base salary.

For details of how to get involved in any of the above, call Claire or Gill on 01292 678666 your ayrshire business spring 2012

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NEW MEMBERS

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.

Acies Re-Cycle Centre 43 Dick Crescent Irvine KA12 9HJ Contact: Lewis McIlroy Tel: 07777 221 3348 Recycling cardboard, polythene and scrap metal.

Amalgamate Safety Risk Management Ltd 15 The Crescent Skelmorlie PA17 5DX Contact: Elaine MacDonald Tel: 0141 244 0181 www.amalgamate-safety.com Occupational health & safety consultancy ATOM Create (Scotland) Ltd 52 St Andrews Street Prestwick KA9 2DZ Contact: Tom McCrorie Tel: 05600 471228 www.atomcreate.com Individual solutions for design, advertising and web Automotive Solutions 14 Whitfield Drive Ayr KA8 9RX Contact: Jon Thomson Tel: 01292 618798 www.automotivesolutionsayr.co.uk Mercedes Benz service specialists Ayr Brewing Company 5 Racecourse Road Ayr KA7 2DG Contact: Anthony Valenti Tel: 07834 922 142 Brewery producing beer in casks & bottles Ayrshire Executive Travel 48 Blairafton Wynd Kilwinning KA13 6UD Contact: Alan Maclauchlan Tel: 7943515647 www.ayrshireexecutivehire.co.uk Executive Travel & Private Hire Ballochmyle Golf Club Catrine Road Mauchline KA5 6LE Contact: James Davidson Tel: 01290 550 469 www.ballochmylegolfclub.co.uk Golf Club

BRICC 12 Main St Ballantrae Girvan KA26 0NB Contact: Lynne McIlwraith Tel: 01465 831380 www.bricc.btck.co.uk Personal care assistance Referred by: CJM Project Financial Management Ltd Bridgend Accident Repair Centre Old Glasgow Road Kilwinning KA13 7QJ Contact: Jack Nixon Tel: 01294 552266 www.bridgendgroup.co.uk Over 100 used cars in stock, full equipped workshop.

Bridgend Ayr Autoplex Heathfield Ayr KA8 9BN Contact: Angela Logan Tel: 01292 290902 www.bridgendgroup.co.uk Over 100 used cars in stock, full equipped workshop.

Bridgend Garage 77 East Road Irvine KA12 OAA Contact: Graham Kirkwood Tel: 01294 275421 www.bridgendgroup.co.uk Over 100 used cars in stock, full equipped workshop.

Bridgend Riverside Autoplex Old Glasgow Road Kilwinning KA13 7JB Contact: Alison Mitchell Tel: 01294 555400 www.bridgendgroup.co.uk All bodywork repairs undertaken Bumpsnbruises 1a Balmoral Wynd Stewarton Kilmarnock KA3 5JL Contact: Lorna Coxon Tel: 0784 675 3398 Provide baby and child ďŹ rst aid training

Bellevue Nursing Home 15 Racecourse Road Ayr KA7 2DQ Contact: Elizabeth Sime Tel: 01292 610766 Nursing Home

Business Lighthouse 8 Young Crescent Troon KA10 7NJ Contact: Stephen Snow Tel: 01292 738441 www.businesslighthouse.co.uk Management Consultant

BKs Bookkeeping Services 16 Alexander Maclaren Gardens Kilmarnock KA3 1LG Contact: Barry Knowles Tel: 01563 524666 www.bksbookkeepingservices.co.uk Book Keeping Services

C A Mair (Shipping) Ltd Winton Buildings Ardrossan KA22 8BY Contact: Caroline Mair Tel: 01294 605284 www.mairshipping.co.uk Ships Agents & Chatering Brokers

Blue Refrigeration Riverside Business Park Shewalton Road Irvine KA11 5AW Contact: Stuart Wotherspoon Tel: 07974 213582 www.bluerefrigeration.co.uk Refrigeration, Air-conditioning & Ventilation Solutions

Cassillis Estate Estate office Jameston Maidens Girvan KA26 9NF Contact: Chris Savage Tel: 01655 332555 Large rural property business

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your ayrshire business spring 2012

Clachan Wood 33 Alloway Ayr KA7 4PY Contact: Stuart Clachan Tel: 07723 477839 www.clachanwood.co.uk Bespoke furniture Coast HR Solutions 9A Arran View Dunure Ayr KA7 4LP Contact: John Gribben Tel: 07892 683 327 www.coasthrsolutions.co.uk HR advisory & consultancy service Corton Plants South Corton Farm Ayr KA6 6BX Contact: Alison Kerr Tel: 01292 442392 www.cortonplants.co.uk Traditional garden nursery Craig Wilson Ltd Livestock Auction Market Ayr KA6 5JW Contact: Mike Craig Tel: 01292 262241 www.craigwilsonltd.com Livestock Auction Mart Dean House Residential Home 74 Beansburn Kilmarnock KA3 1RN Contact: Elaine Wallis Tel: 01563 536590 Nursing Home Dundonald House Nursing Home Ltd Old Loans Rd Dundonald KA2 9DB Contact: Anne Kerr Tel: 01563 851430 www.dundonaldhouse.co.uk Nursing Home El Studio 5 New Street Largs KA30 9LL Contact: Kenny Allan Tel: 01475 675094 www.el-studio.co.uk Creative Graphic design studio Elegant Shot Ltd 122 Arran Drive Auchinleck KA18 2BS Contact: Bill Drummond Tel: 01290 421461 www.elegantshot.com Wedding, Portrait and Commercial Photography Executive Appointments Scotland 11 Montgomerie Terrace Ayr KA7 1JL Contact: Fiona McCreadie Tel: 01292 281373 www.executiveappointmentsscotland.com Specialised Recruitment Frame by Frame 10 Clune Drive Prestwick KA9 1BP Contact: Amanda Somerville Tel: 01292 678115 www.framers.biz Picture framing for private and commercial clients

Olympus Financial Services Ltd 1 Cochrane Place Prestwick KA9 1PW Contact: Darrin McDowall Tel: 01292 470261 Financial Services

Hoppers Estate Agency Limited 8 Main Street Prestwick KA9 INX Contact: Grahame Hopper Tel: 01292 477788 www.hopper.in Estate Agents

Opus Couture 23 Ritchie Street West Kilbride KA23 9AL Contact: Stewart McPherson Tel: 01294 824838 www.opuscouture.com Bridal Retailer

In Good Voice 2 Queens Terrace Ayr KA7 1DU Contact: Isabella Dovaston Tel: 01292 286 156 www.isabelladovaston.co.uk Voice coach

Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club Grangemuir Road Prestwick KA9 1SN Contact: Eddie Prentice Tel: 01292 477608 www.prestwickstnicholas.com Golf Club

Inovarium Ltd T/A Audio Video Networks 9 Elmbank Drive Kilmarnock KA1 3AT Contact: Kevin Kelly Tel: 01563 529885 www.audiovideonetworks.co.uk Audio visual services

Redford Nursing Home 6 Dunure Road Ayr KA9 1LN Contact: Margaret Watson Tel: 01292 442983 Nursing Home

Jumping Clay 18 Bathville Road Kilbirnie KA25 6AJ Contact: Meabh Bradley Tel: 07530 247 075 www.jumpingclay.co.uk Art & Craft workshops Juney Shoo 12 West Portland Street Troon KA10 6AB Contact: June Shaw Tel: 01292 317472 www.juneyshoo.com Shoe Shop Referred by: William Duncan & Co Lianne Hackett Projects 4 Eglinton errace Ayr KA7 1JJ Contact: Lianne Hackett Tel: 01292 290792 www.liannehackettprojects.co.uk Arts, design, events & interior projects 10% Discount on hire of LED Tree for events Marchburn Business Solutions Limited 3 Angus Avenue Prestwick KA9 2HZ Contact: Paul Docherty Tel: 07901 995 662 www.marchburnsolutions.co.uk Business support solutions & services Milligans Coach Travel Loan Garage Mauchline KA5 6AN Contact: Billy Milligan Tel: 01290 550365 www.milliganscoachtravel.co.uk Provide luxury coaches for private and school hires Newmans Trading Co 12 West Langland Street Kilmarnock KA1 ZPY Contact: Mark Newman Tel: 0783 0161 841 www.newmanstradingco.co.uk Ebay trader offering online selling service Referred by: Hydropass

Smillie & Cuthbertson Ltd 217 James Little Street Kilmarnock KA1 4AU Contact: Alasdair MacKenzie Tel: 01563 521 819 Stainless Steel Welding Solar and Wind Energy Ltd UUnit 11 Carrick Building Standallane Stewarton KA3 3BG Contact: Gary Thomson Tel: 01560 480950 Wind turbine installation South Beach Hotel 73 South Beach Troon KA10 6EG Contact: Stuart Watt Tel: 01292 312033 www.southbeach.co.uk Hotel Speirs Joinery Construction Ltd 9 Lowther Bank Irvine KA11 1EG Contact: Gavin Speirs Tel: 01294 218593 www.speirsjoineryandconstruction.com Joinery & Construction Discount: Negotiable Stuart Nimmo Photography 4 The Courtyard South Kilrusken West Kilbride KA23 9QP Contact: Stuart Nimmo Tel: 01294 821 973 www.stuartnimmophoto.com Photography Referred by: RMB Digital T French & Son Stonebriggs Cronberr y Cumnock KA18 3LP Contact: Liz-Ann McMenemy Tel: 01290 425164 www.french-haulage.co.uk Road Haulage

Taj Tandoori Restaurant 141 - 143 Main Street Prestwick KA9 1LA Contact: Rabinda Singh Tel: 01292 477 318 www.taj-tandoori.co.uk Indian Restaurant

NEW MEMBERS

Furniture World At Hourstons 22-30 Alloway Street Ayr KA7 1SH Contact: Malcolm Clark Tel: 01292 287957 Furniture Retailer

Taylormade Travel 84 Main Street Largs KA30 8AN Contact: Heather Malcom Tel: 01475 687222 www.taylormadetravel1.co.uk Travel Agent Taylors Carpets 141 High Street Irvine KA12 8AA Contact: Alex Taylor Tel: 07989 591 011 www.taylorscarpets.com Flooring Retailer & installation 10% Discount of marked price of goods Tefnut Limited Aspire Buisness Centre 66 Portland Road Irvine KA12 8JG Contact: Steven Torbet Tel: 01294 322825 www.tefnut.co.uk Cloud solutions IT services Referred by: Real Work Skills Temple House Care Home Limited 107 Mauchline Road Mossblown Ayr KA6 5AR Contact: Alistair Hope Tel: 01292 520775 Nursing Home The Funeral Parlour 45A John Finnie Street Kilmarnock KA1 1BL Contact: Norah McClinton Tel: 01563 533044 www.kilmarnockfuneralparlour.co.uk Funeral Parlour The Good Garden 17a Seabank Rd Prestwick KA9 1QS Contact: Jean Lanham Tel: 7598261774 www.thegoodgarden.co.uk Gardening Toner and McCartney 1 Parkhouse Street Ayr KA7 2HH Contact: Lynn Toner Tel: 07875 752 250 Letting Agent Volaro Ltd 10 Grange Place Kilmarnock KA1 2AB Contact: David Blackwood Tel: 01563 551513 www.volaro.co.uk Technology for the travel industry your ayrshire business spring 2012

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EVENTS DIARY

EVENTS ROUND UP Spring 2012

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

First Aid Course Emergency Person 1 Day Course 15th March 9am - 5pm Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £96 Recruit, Train, Retain 16th March 8.30 - 10.30am Venue: Park Hotel, Kilmarnock Cost: FREE Tick Talk Speed Networking 22nd March 5.30 - 7.30pm Host and sponsor: JAMES WATT COLLEGE Cost: £15 CTA - Legal- How to Avoid an Employment Tribunal FACILITATED BY THE MCKINSTRY CO 22nd March 8.30 - 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £30 First Aid – 3 Day Course 26th – 28th March Full Day Venue: Ardeer Neighbourhood Centre, Stevenston Cost: £216 An Audience with Dr Maitland Mackie CBE 18th April

5.30 – 7pm Venue: The Park Hotel Kilmarnock Cost: £12 CTA – Business Development – Social Media Marketing FACILITATED BY WEBBACTIVEMEDIA 19th April 8.30 - 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: Members £30 Tick Talk Speed Networking 26th April 5.30 - 7.30pm Host and Sponsor: Kitchens by GS Geddes, Kilmarnock Cost: £15 Behind the Scenes at GE Aviation 3rd May 4 - 6pm Host and Sponsor: GE Caledonian Cost: £5.00 (light refreshments served) CTA – HR – How to Handle Hr Issues with Confidence 10th May 8.30 - 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £30 A ‘NEST’ Seminar with The Munro Partnership The facts on National Employment Saving Trust 15th May 4.30 6.30pm Venue: TBC Cost: FREE

BOOK ONLINE www.ayrshire-chamber.org or CALL 01292 678666.

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

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your ayrshire business spring 2012

by Chamber Events Co-ordinator Yvonne Munro WESTBURN Business Centre in Prestwick were host and sponsor for the J a n u a r y Networking, despite some adver se weather conditions over 40 business p e o p l e gathered for a great evening of informal Murray Bothwell welcomes Networking networking in at Westburn Business Centre the plush surroundings of the Business Centre. A good way to kick start the NEW YEAR!!

In February members were invited to WAKE UP and Network at our local radio station headquarters. We started the day with a tour of the station, the opportunity to listen in to the 9 o’clock news LIVE and a demonstration on a radio commercial. Thanks to the team at West Sound Radio for hosting!

Places sold out quickly to the Behind the Scenes Factory Tour at GE Aviation in February. Our members gathered in the board room for coffee, before an interesting tour of the factory, following the impressive and precise route an engine part follows before finishing in the all important TEST CELL. Lunch and networking completed an eventful morning. Due to high demand a second event is in the diary for May 3rd - see diary dates for details.

The Chamber Training Academy sessions are proving popular and affordable to our members.

To date 2012 has focussed on HR and Employment Issues, informative interactive sessions including ;Whistle stop tour of Employment Law, delivered by the McKinstry Company, How to Handle HR Issues with Confidence facilitated by Square Circle HR and Business Development Customer Service, by Stimuli Business Training.

The Bank of England partnered with Chamber to host a business lunch with our Arran members at the Auchrannie Hotel and the quarterly panel meetings will continue to meet in 2012.

As we go to print, the Annual Dinner at Ayr Racecourse will be in full swing.