Your Business Summer 2018

business your

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

summer 2018 ÂŁ2

Things have Changed!

Take an exclusive first look at Ayrshire Marketplace!

Page 4

Are you ready for this years business awards ?

Page 9

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

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

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

Mail enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Call 01292 678666 Visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org President.......................................Graeme McKinstry Chief Executive....................................Valerie Russell Development Manager.......................Helen McBride

MAGAZINE Editorial.................. aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org

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

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

Please join us in welcoming our newest Partners for Business Andrew Wright Windows and Andrew Wright Glass. We look forward to working with you.

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

Ad Sales.....................nsykes@ayrshire-chamber.org Ad Sales.................. lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org Design/Typesetting............... advertisingworks.co.uk Print/Distribution............................ brown-bros.com

An Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry publication. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without the express permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in "Your Business" are not necessarily those of the Editorial Committee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Articles submitted for publication will be considered at the Committee's discretion and may be subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed.

CHAMBER EVENTS DIARY AN AUDIENCE WITH LORD THURSO, CHAIRMAN, VISITSCOTLAND 25th July 12-2pm Venue: Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon

£25 CONNECT @ AYR UNITED FC 27th July 10.00-11.30am Venue: Ally MacLeod Hospitality Suite

FREE BUSINESS BOOSTS – PRACTICAL HR TOOLS 31st July 8.30-11.30am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Facilitated by Arena HR

£40

IT’S MOCKTAILS & TICK TALK NETWORKING @ THE FENWICK HOTEL 23rd August 5.30-7.30pm Venue: The Fenwick Hotel Facilitated speed networking session

£15 BUSINESS BOOSTS- EASY STEPS TO COMPLY WITH GDPR 28th August 8.30-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Cyberaggress

£40 CONNECT @ YIPWORLD AND AIM FOR SUCCESS 31st August 10.00-11.30am Venue: Yipworld, Cumnock

FREE

BUSINESS BOOSTS-GET YOUR BUSINESS FOUND ON GOOGLE 6th September 8.30-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Bread and Butter Marketing

£40 BEHIND THE SCENES @ WILLIAM GRANTS, GIRVAN TBC October 11.00am - 1.30pm Venue: Visitor Centre, William Grants

If you wish to host an event email Yvonne Munro at events@ayrshire-chamber.org CONNECT @ SPORTSCOTLAND NATIONAL CENTRE 28th September 10.00-11.30am Venue: The Bar, Sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde

FREE

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Ayrshire Chamber Annual General Meeting 27th September

£15 BUSINESS BOOSTS- LEADERSHIP FOR GROWTH 25th September 8.30-11.00am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Facilitated by Action Coach

£40

Ayrshire Business Week 2018 8th -12th October 2018 Full programme launching soon!

Price shown are Chamber Members rates and include VAT unless otherwise stated. To book or for more info visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call 01292 678666.

WELCOME

Things have changed!

The first quarter of the Chambers financial year has proved to be exceptionally busy

As we move into summer our last Platinum event took place in the shape of ‘It’s a Knockout’.

Top of the list, naturally, was the launch of our new tiered membership model – those members who have already moved to the new model are delighted with the flexibility it allows and of course some of the amazing new offers! The new model will continue to flex and change as we get ideas and offers from other members. Many thanks to Parks Land Rover for hosting our Launch event.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported this special year long programme in particular Yvonne, our events co-ordinator. Well done to those who have participated in some of the ‘challenges’ and many congratulations to the Platinum Champions QTS Group!

Existing members will be transferred to the new model as their renewal comes due. If you can’t wait, please give us a call or email and one of the membership team will arrange to come and explain all. Better still, come along to one of our ‘Make the Most of your Membership’ sessions where you can meet new and existing members at the same time – we even throw in coffee and cakes!

We were delighted to welcome twenty eight new Future Chamber members and we thank our Partners for Business for supporting this programme. Read more on page 7.

One of the exciting new products is Ayrshiremarketplace – an online digital trading platform giving you direct access to not only the rest of the membership but also their contacts too!

Read more about it on page 4 and lookout

for sessions supporting you to get your business geo-shop set up.

With talk of Brexit still filling the air we continue to look to build on existing international trade relationships to ensure trade continues as smoothly as possible and during a recent trip to France we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Franco British Chamber in Paris. I hope to return to the region soon taking members who may wish to trade in France.

Slightly closer to home a Food, Drink and Tourism learning journey is scheduled in late September with a six day visit to southern Ireland taking in South Dublin, Sligo, Letterkenny and Donegal. This visit is funded by Erasmus+. If you would like more information please contact me vrussell@ ayrshire-chamber.org.

Ayrshire played host to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Board and Council which saw Chamber Presidents and CEOs from across Scotland enjoy an overnight stay and dinner as part of the meetings.

PROUD TO SUPPORT GREAT CAUSES We would like to thank the very generous guests at our Annual Dinner in March this year who helped us raise an incredible £4800 for our chosen good causes!

Subsequently, we were pleased to present to our beneficiaries – Acorn Furniture, North Ayrshire Women’s Aid and Action Against Stalking a cheque for £1600 each.

Last but not least, the Ayrshire Business Awards are open for entry. Ayrshire has so many hidden gems in the business world and we want to expose, celebrate and recognise them.

Give your business achievements the platform they deserve – apply now to the Ayrshire Business Awards by emailing awards@entourageuk.com to request your application forms. #AwesomeAyrshire Businesses have until 5pm on Wednesday 18th July to submit their completed application forms.

Have a great summer!

Val Russell Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce CEO

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

3

THE AYRSHIRE MARKETPLACE IS HERE! THE AYRSHIRE MARKETPLACE IS HERE! How to join How to join

PREVIEW YOUR MARKETPLACE AT | http://ayrdemo.trustorbits.click PREVIEW YOUR MARKETPLACE AT | http://ayrdemo.trustorbits.click

£10,000 worth of sales and marketing tools £10,000 worth of sales and marketing tools

Access Access

We set out to provide our members with a We set out to provide our members with a single marketplace where businesses, single marketplace where businesses, customers, visitors and potential trade customers, visitors and potential trade partners can access the rich offering from partners can access the rich offering from companies in Ayrshire. In addition to the companies in Ayrshire. In addition to the marketplace, your membership now marketplace, your membership now gives you FREE access to all the digital gives you FREE access to all the digital marketing and sales tools you need to marketing and sales tools you need to reach and serve customers globally. reach and serve customers globally.

Please use the link provided above to Please use the link provided above to familiarise yourself with our marketplace.. familiarise yourself with our marketplace..

4

Benefits Benefits 1. Sell in 170 different currencies 1. Sell in 170 different currencies 2. Sell in Bitcoin if you want 2. Sell in Bitcoin if you want 3. Sell and communicate in 10 languages 3. Sell and communicate in 10 languages 4. Have your own dedicated shopfront 4. Have your own dedicated shopfront 5. Recruit influencers to sell your products 5. Recruit influencers to sell your products 6. Schedule automatic social media posts 6. Schedule automatic social media posts 7. Turn your customers into your promoters 7. Turn your customers into your promoters 8. Take bookings and enquiries 8. Take bookings and enquiries 9. Automate customer invoicing 9. Automate customer invoicing … and much more. … and much more.

LOOK OUT ! WE! WE WILL SEND YOU AN INVITATION TO JOIN VIA EMAIL. LOOK OUT WILL SEND YOU AN INVITATION TO JOIN VIA EMAIL.

CHAMBER NEWS

5

Ayrshire Chamber offers FREE Business Mentoring Service Delivered in partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Enterprise, our Business Mentoring service is simple; it matches experienced mentors who come from all business areas and sectors with growing businesses.

By sharing the entrepreneurial experiences of mentors, this service gives business the confidence to develop and grow, opening up a great network of contacts that inspires new thinking.

Business Mentoring Executive, Lisa Stewart, is ideally placed to match businesses wishing to grow with the right mentor to help you achieve your ambitions and realise your business potential. She said: “It is a great opportunity to be matched with one of our mentors. Business Mentoring can really help with personal and business growth ambitions and we have some really positive case studies here in Ayrshire.”

Social Bite Update At the end of 2017, Chamber CEO Val Russell along with Vice President Lorna Gibson and colleagues from DYW ‘Slept in the Park’ to raise both money and awareness of Social Bite – a pioneering charity aiming to tackle homelessness in Scotland. Here’s an update on how the money raised is being used: The Social Bite Village combines a pioneering housing model, using vacant council owned land, along with a supported community environment.

This will be home for 12-18 months to twenty people who are currently trapped in the temporary accommodation cycle. The project is entirely geared at breaking the cycle of homelessness and giving residents pathways into employment and permanent housing, restoring hope and confidence.

The project was birthed out of a dissatisfaction with the current temporary accommodation system, a

Kenny McAlpine from Mobile Inventory Services Scotland has been working with his mentor Tommy Nevin for the past 6 months. The relationship has proved to be a great success.

Kenny said “I joined Ayrshire Chamber because I was at a point with my business where I needed to make decisions about how to grow the business. I had plenty of transferable skills that allowed me to quite comfortably work in my business but I had limited experience to grow it. After being matched with Tommy Nevin of Omnitel Communications, he instilled the confidence in me to begin working on rather than in my business. The best part being that Tommy kept it simple and at each meeting would just give small suggestions, but these made big differences in both my thinking and strategy. I'd recommend a mentor to anyone looking to move out of their comfort zone."

system that sees people spending, on average, 12-18 months living in Homeless B&B’s or Hostels. These environments are outdated and often detrimental to the welfare and future of the people they seek to help. Often the reality of living in temporary accommodation is a single bed and a kettle, with no cooking facilities, no place to stay during the day, with a curfew of 11 pm; this existence does not prepare people for a permanent tenancy; thus, the cyclical nature of homelessness remains unbroken.

The Village was made possible by the generosity of many individuals and organisations across every sphere of society, and will be run by our partners at Cyrenians, with their wealth of experience in this area.

A team consisting of Village Manager, Key Workers, Community Builders and Volunteers will provide wrap round support for community members.

The Social Bite Village has created a blueprint for temporary accommodation as a place of transformation where people gain skills and confidence that will sustain them to employability, permanent accommodation and independent living.

Mentor Tommy Nevin said “The mentoring programme gives more experienced business owners the opportunity to give back. Starting out can be daunting, particularly in those early days so having a sounding board or someone who has been there to talk to can be a valuable resource. It’s been a real pleasure to work with Kenny and watch him grow, he’s a natural entrepreneur with bundles of energy and enthusiasm, I’m genuinely excited to see how far he can go and have no doubt he will be sat at the other side of the table sometime in the near future.”

To find out more about Business Mentoring Contact Lisa Stewart at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce 01292 678666 lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org or visit

ayrshire-chamber.org/supporting-business

MEMBER NEWS

WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES TAKE CHARGE IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce recently facilitated a very successful event at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock in partnership with Campbell Dallas and Family Business Solutions (FBS) on How to Maximise the Potential of Your Family Business.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Running any business is not without its challenges but when circumstance take charge, particularly in a family run business, the effects can ripple right through the business and the family in the business.

6

It is often the case that decisions taken in the past can influence those at the helm of a family run business in ways that might appear illogical to the rest of us. It is not uncommon for example for disagreements that have taken place in the past to dictate or set a precedent for what happens in the future.

The overarching point to make is not to fall into the trap of letting circumstance dictate what happens to your family business and to recognise that time changes everything. Keeping an open mind and always being prepared to discuss, plan and agree the way forward achieves far better outcomes for the business family and the family business.

Here are some advisory points that should help in these situations: • It is worthwhile seeking out a neutral advisor who can help the family to open up a wider discussion about the present circumstances and to find ways to achieve unity and harmony within the family.

• Open up discussion amongst the whole family to find and recognise the circumstances that led to the present day situation.

• Don’t shy away from discussing the history. To avoid it will only mean it is not addressed properly and will linger as a source of enduring conflict.

• Be honest about your own feelings with others.

• Recognise that everyone within the family has a legitimate point of view, which may be different from yours.

• Don’t try to ignore the problem. It won’t go away.

Make sure family members have a Will in place. So many family business owners don’t have a Will or have a Will that will not achieve the desired outcome. The expectations of everyone currently involved may not be met if an unexpected situation occurs, and the consequences can be catastrophic for the business, the source of wealth and stability for the family.

CASE STUDY: RICHARD HEALEY REMOVALS Circumstance very nearly spelled disaster for this second-generation Ayrshire family business. Georgina Berry explains why.

When Georgina Berry agreed to help her brother in the family business for a few weeks, she was about to embark on a career in finance. Twenty years later, the 43 year old is running Richard Healey Removals alongside her brother who joined the family business in 1994, the same day he left school.

Together they have been instrumental in expanding and diversifying the Ayrshire-based removal business that their father Richard Healey founded in 1965 with a single truck.

“For many years the business thrived, but on reflection we were probably under resourced” explained Georgina.

“We became too focused on servicing our largest customer and a little complacent in neglecting other important parts of the business. At the height of the recession, we lost our biggest customer. Finding ourselves in such a circumstance, to have unwittingly put all our eggs all in one basket, was gut wrenching. We thought we were finished.

“We had to work hard and re-invent ourselves to ensure the survival of the business. We developed a new marketing strategy, and started paying closer attention to the monthly figures and forecasts. We also started networking again and entering awards. That was six years ago and the hard work has paid off I’m glad to say. We have expanded into new markets including document storage, shredding and the destruction of confidential waste. In 2015 we moved into 120,000 sq ft premises, which has given us capacity to grow. Last year we became an approved training centre for the British Association of Removers, which means we can offer Driver CPC training as well as a variety of accredited courses including manual handling for care home staff, hospitals, colleges, and so on which we do here in Beith at our dedicated onsite training rooms and conference facilities.

We have also sought external advice from Family Business Solutions Ltd (FBS) who have been incredible. Decisions like succession planning, delegation, and decision-making are more emotionally driven when it’s a family business and in my experience it helps to get an external perspective especially at times of change, uncertainty or when one generation is moving on or taking over the reins of the business.”

Richard Healey Removals now employ 34 staff including 4 apprentices. “There are still challenges” says Georgina. “Ayrshire is an area of high unemployment but removal work is hard work. It’s physically demanding and it’s difficult to attract the calibre of staff we need. The increase in minimal wages has also had an effect and contract work doesn’t have the same margins it used too.

It has been an eventful journey and there is still so much ahead of us, but we work well together as a family and at the end of the day I am enormously proud to say that I work for our family business”.

CHAMBER NEWS

‘FUTURE CHAMBER’ LAUNCHED AS PART OF A BIG YEAR OF CHANGE AT THE AYRSHIRE CHAMBER Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed 28 new business when they launched the eagerly anticipated ‘Future Chamber’ initiative. The exciting new concept provides FREE Enterprise Membership in addition to a structured program of relevant business and personal development activity throughout the year.

As the Ayrshire Chamber celebrated their 70th platinum year in 2017, one of the key areas of focus was to engage with and support a younger audience from across Ayrshire.

President Graeme McKinstry said “Future Chamber focuses on young entrepreneurship and innovation and reflects the Chamber’s commitment to the future economic and business growth across Ayrshire. This was the first of several initiatives being introduced by the Chamber which sprang from their membership model review and there is much more to follow.”

Future Chamber members will be able to access a new exclusive online digital market place, attend the extensive range of events and networking opportunities, obtain Legal, Tax and HR support, and have free editorial exposure within the quarterly ‘Your Business’ Magazine.

Stephanie Lynch one of the new ‘Future Chamber’ entrepreneurs said, “I own two beauty and wellbeing establishments in Prestwick and the focus has been to grow over the past few years, although this will continue,

Future Chamber is going to support me with personal development objectives and provide the opportunity to be part of something new with like-minded people.”

Chamber CEO Val Russell says “This is a natural progression of some of the work Ayrshire Chamber already does with young people as part of Developing the Young Workforce. #AYE (Ayrshire Young Entrepreneurs) exposes young people whilst at school to the possibilities of having their own business.”

To find out more about ‘Future Chamber’ call 01292 678666 or visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org Applications for 2019/2020 will open in January 2019.

Work | Stay | Dine | Celebrate

01560 600 478 | info@thefenwickhotel.co.uk

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

7

MEMBER NEWS

WOODWARD PRESTWICK LANDS TOP AWARD A Prestwick Aerospace engineering firm is celebrating after landing a prestigious award.

Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems Prestwick was presented with the prize at the annual awards dinner of Scottish Engineering, the support group for the industry in Scotland.

The President’s Award for manufacturing excellence was received by Andy Marshall, General Manager, from Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson.

Located near the airport, Woodward operates a repair and overhaul facility for aircraft engines.

The firm provides an aircraft component repair service for the European, African, Middle Eastern and Asia Pacific business sectors.

Areas of expertise cover control systems, turbo prop governor systems and large gas fuel control systems.

Since operations began in 1998, the

company has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 16 per cent and in the year to September 2017 achieved record sales of £43million, of which £36 million was for overseas customers.

Their promotion of engineering has been directed at supporting STEM subjects.

While going through her apprenticeship, Kirsty Harvey was the Woodward ambassador supporting a campaign to address gender imbalance in STEM. The company currently has nine STEM members on site.

Introducing the award for the company’s

outstanding safety performance, Paul Sheerin, chief executive of Scottish Engineering said: “This is an excellent example of a Scottish based company competing successfully in the global marketplace.

“I am particularly impressed that their systems positively aim to provide energy efficiency and emissions reductions.”

Receiving the award, Andy Marshall said: “Woodward is proud to provide jobs within Ayrshire.

“We are deeply committed to supporting organizations and programs that contribute towards creating desirable places to live and work.

“We cultivate a spirit of giving encouraging our members to volunteer and support within their local communities.

“On the Aerospace or Industrial side, the company has proven that it has the resilience and creativity to innovate while staying very close to its core strengths, it’s constitution, it’s customers and communities.”

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

See it Achieve it Plan for it.

8

Financial planning for life

Visit 1825.com/planforit

234 West George Street GLASGOW G2 4QY T | 0141 248 5921

6 Citadel Place AYR KA7 1JN T | 01292 269909

‘1825’ is the brand for Standard Life Aberdeen group’s UK financial planning and advice business.

‘1825’ is a trading name used by The Munro Partnership Limited, which is part of Standard Life Aberdeen group (Standard Life Aberdeen plc and its subsidiaries). The Munro Partnership Limited (SC219557) is registered in Scotland at Citadel House, 6 Citadel Place, Ayr, KA7 1JN and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.1825.com © 2017 Standard Life Aberdeen. Images reproduced under licence. All rights reserved.

50 Orchard Street HAMILTON ML3 6PB T | 01698 429333

2018

AYRSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

IS YOUR BUSINESS AWESOME?

The Ayrshire Business Awards recognises businesses which have demonstrated excellence in a variety of fields. There are other Awards out there but this is the only one transparently judged by industry experts!

Is your business thriving, innovative, or providing excellent customer service?

Does your business have a lot to shout about? If so the Ayrshire Business Awards want to hear from you #AwesomeAyrshire We are looking to recognise Ayrshires brightest business stars.

THE 2018 CATEGORIES ARE • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Developing Ayrshire's Young Workforce Award sponsored by 1825 Financial Planning Excellence in Customer Service Award sponsored by Seamill Hydro Growth Business of the Year Award sponsored by GSK Ayrshire Food & Drink Award sponsored by East Ayrshire Council Start-up Business of the Year Award sponsored by Business Gateway Ayrshire Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Woodward Family Business Award sponsored by North Ayrshire Council Business in the Community Award sponsored by Westfield Health Tourism Award sponsorship still available Ayrshire's Best Business (0-10 employees) sponsored by West Coast Accelerator Ayrshire's Best Business (11-50 employees) sponsored by South Ayrshire Council Ayrshire's Best Business (51 employees or more) sponsored by Ministry of Defence Chamber Champion Award Ayrshire’s Favourite Business sponsored by Ayrshire’s Favourite Papers

Applications are open to ALL Ayrshire-based businesses and nonAyrshire-based Ayrshire Chamber members and entries are free.

Companies can enter up to two of the 14 categories.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce will be held at Ayr Race Course on Friday 12th October. It promises to be a night not to be missed and we are delighted to announce that it will be hosted by Elaine C Smith. Why not beat the rush and book your place now at www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events David Hughes, Managing Director of our Principal sponsor said “1825 Financial Planning are delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Ayrshire Business awards for the third successive year. As in previous years I would encourage all businesses to consider applying for an award. The process will benefit your business and if successful, your colleagues and customers will be able to enjoy the recognition it brings.

Val Russell Chamber CEO, added “Ayrshire has so many hidden gems in the business world and we want to expose, celebrate and recognise them. I would also urge them to apply for the British Chambers of Commerce Awards and get automatic entry into the Ayrshire Awards Give your business achievements the platform they deserve – apply now to the Ayrshire Business Awards by emailing awards@ entourageuk.com to request your application forms.

Businesses have until 5pm on Wednesday 18th July to submit their completed application forms.

There is a FREE Awards Masterclass on Wednesday 27th June from 3.30-5.30pm The workshop aims to help you prepare your application, giving you the best chance of success. You will hear examples from previous award winners together with guidance on applying from a Business Consultant. To book please visit https://www.ayrshire-chamber.org/ events

9

Starting or growing a business?

It’s easier with AMBITION If you’re thinking about starting your own business or growing an existing one, South Ayrshire Council’s business support programme, AMBITION, can help.

digital, procurement and management development.

AMBITION has already helped over 500 people across South Ayrshire achieve their business ambition through providing support, advice and grant funding.

Ambition to Grow offers discretionary grant funding of up to £5,000 to support projects aimed at growing a business. It’s for businesses with the ambition to generate sales outside Ayrshire and to employ at least one additional full-time employee in the next 24 months.

Ambition to Achieve offers access to a range of business experts who can give you all the support and advice you need to get going, including sales and marketing, finance,

Ambition to Start offers grants of up to £1,000 to cover start-up costs and is aimed at businesses with the ambition to hire at least one full-time employee in two years.

Ambition to Invest offers discretionary grant funding for businesses looking to raise over Podiatrist Mags Grace is grateful to the AMBITION programme for all the help and support she received.

£25,000 of fresh investment. It will support your business throughout the investment process, from securing the right type and level of investment, to the transition from investment to return on investment.

AMBITION can help you whatever stage you’re at on your business journey whether you’ve got an idea to start something new, are in the early stages of setting up or are already well established. Visit: ambitionprogramme.co.uk or call 01292 616 349 to find out more.

Scott Wilson is delighted with the support he received from the AMBITION programme to help his business grow.

Starting Up: Flying Feet

Growing: Ailsa Wood Products

The AMBITION programme helped podiatrist Mags Grace set up her business Flying Feet - which specialises in musculoskeletal problems in air crews and become the only independent Aviation Podiatrist in the world.

Ailsa Wood Products in Old Dailly had plans for an onsite sawmill so they could manufacture their own materials - substituting the need for importing - and provide several jobs in the process.

“The support I received from AMBITION quite literally got my business off the ground,” explains Mags. “My Adviser completely understood my business needs, and put me in touch with the right people within key organisations and projects which I didn’t even know existed, such as Interface and Co-Innovate, where I made extremely valuable connections.”

Mags was awarded an AMBITION Start-Up grant which she used to invest in marketing resources and exhibition space at an Aerospace Medical Association conference in the USA, which generated significant interest in the business.

However, with the company’s rural location, the only way to run the sawmill facility was by installing a costly new power system. Ailsa Wood Products was awarded an AMBITION Growth Grant.

Managing Director Scott Wilson said, “The people we dealt with via AMBITION did everything possible to help us. Our Business Gateway Adviser drew up a proposal on how the AMBITION programme could support our growth and facilitated everything for us. We’re delighted to have achieved our own business ambition, while contributing to rural growth in our area.”

ACHIEVEMENT STARTS WITH AMBITION We can help your business take off

Support and funding for new and growing businesses

01292 616 349 ambitionprogramme.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

HR HELP FOR CHARITIES IN AYRSHIRE

MEET THE TEAM AND FLEET FROM AVIS/BUDGET AT PRESTWICK AIRPORT Avis/Budget are new members of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and would like to introduce their team and business based within the terminal building of Glasgow Prestwick International Airport.

The team, led by Store Manager Paul Seery and Assistant Manager Vicky Innes are happy to discuss your needs and offer competitive short and long term car and van rental rates for business and leisure worldwide.

The vehicles they provide are modern and fully maintained from leading car and van manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford and Peugeot.

If you find your business requires additional transport needs without the commitment or financial cost of purchasing or leasing a vehicle, then you may want to consider flexible rental.

They also offer an optional delivery and collection service of your rental vehicle to your home or business address within Ayrshire and surrounding areas (additional charges may apply).

Does your business run a fleet of vehicles? If so there is the option of bespoke rates tailored to your requirement and their Business Solutions and Development team would be happy to discuss this further with you.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

If you are interested in finding out more pop in and see them in the Glasgow Prestwick Airport Terminal or visit their website at www.avis.co.uk The branch can be contacted on email prestwick-airport@abg.com or telephone 01292 477501.

12

KITCHENS BY JS GEDDES WIN TOP UK PRIZE

LBJ Consultants are experienced HR consultants who are pleased to be new members of the Ayrshire Chambers of Commerce. Based in Ayrshire, Glasgow and Lanarkshire they serve clients throughout Scotland.

They have taken a conscious decision to focus their support on third sector organisations with a full understanding of the problems these parties face with raising finance to support their operations and that getting HR advice might be low on their list of priorities due to cost. A discounted service is available to this sector as like any business they need to ensure that they are fully protected against any claims from their employees.

Proud to be HR partners with a number of Womens Aid Centres, Rape Crisis Centres, and Housing Associations throughout Scotland. LBJ Consultants are HR advisors to two of the three Womens Aid Centres in Ayrshire where they support them with all their employment law requirements including a HR Management System supplied in conjunction with partners breathehr. The system is provided free of charge to these charities who have found it to be very useful in helping them manage and get reports for absences, types of absence and recording personal details of their employees.

For more details visit their website www. lbjconsultants.co.uk or contact LBJ Consultants at enquiries@lbjconsultants.co.uk 07375 097443

Kitchens by JS Geddes were named UK Kitchen Retailer of the Year at the recent prestigious KBB Review Retail & Design Awards. The glamorous black tie awards ceremony took place at the elegant Metropol Hotel in Birmingham earlier this month and was attended by the industries top retailers.

The impressive annual awards boast over 6000 Kitchen & Bathrooms retailer nominees from all over the UK, with Kitchens by JS Geddes being given the huge accolade of UK Kitchen Retailer of The Year. This is now the sixth time the Kilmarnock based company has been presented with this grand award in the business’ 34 year history.

UK Kitchen Retailer of the Year, is viewed as the most prominent prize at the awards, it is very unique and focuses on detail and is judged by a highly professional and qualified expert panel.

Jim Geddes, Managing Director said; “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded UK Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2018 and to have won it now for a sixth time – we are truly thrilled! It is testament to the hardwork, dedication and talent of our team here and the fact we will go above and beyond to deliver outstanding creativity and first class impeccable service for our clients. We would like to thank KBB for such a wonderful night at the awards ceremony and we look forward to next year”.

MEMBER NEWS

SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MAKES HARD BUSINESS SENSE

BPO COLLECTIONS

CEO Life Skills Limited was founded to work with organisations and individuals to develop those soft skills that are critical to excellent customer service, effective leadership, and creating an efficient working environment. They provide tailored training and coaching in oral and written presentation skills, leadership development and negotiation.

In today’s highly competitive world, the knowledge obtained from formal education is no longer sufficient. To succeed, organisations need individuals with a variety of skills, including: personal confidence; sales savvy; the ability to work in teams or to lead them, just to name a few. Often these skills are under-valued and are learnt the hard way through trial and error.

Consequently, organisations and individuals can under perform, be it from unconvincing sales presentations to customers, teams lacking focus, or to companies and organisations without a clear sense of direction.

CEO Life Skills firmly believe these skills can be learned through training and coaching and that they will make a significant difference to an organisation’s growth and productivity. Whether in the private or public sectors, staff are a key asset and their development should be a part of any overall strategy. Further, for individual’s, coaching can help them realise their full potential and provide them with an edge in the global marketplace for business talent. So, what mountains do you want to climb?

To find out more, please visit: www.ceolifeskills.com.

LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRATE 1ST ANNIVERSARY AT MARINA QUAY

BPO Collections Ltd are delighted to celebrate their first anniversary of moving into their new premises at Marina Quay, Ardrossan. This successful local business relocated to the Clyde Marina in May 2017 with the new premises providing both an improved working environment and capacity for future growth.

Supported by North Ayrshire Council the business has almost doubled the workforce in the last year and has invested in upgrading its technology platform to handle the increase in new business. Additionally, the business has received consultancy support to help with the ever changing regulatory landscape in the financial services sector.

Graham Rankin, Chief Executive Officer commented. ‘’Our move to Marina Quay has proven to be very successful. It has given us the capacity for further growth, the ability to create local jobs for local people and provide an excellent working environment for our people. Our clients all look forward to visiting to take in the fantastic views of Arran and the Ayrshire coast. The level of support we have received from North Ayrshire Council has been invaluable in our growth during the last year.’’.

NEW NORTHMAN SHOWROOM OPEN IN LARGS West of Scotland based 360 Boat Services, and new Ayrshire Chamber member, have recently been appointed as sole Scottish and UK dealer and distributor of the spectacular range of Northman Boats & Yachts.

of the world (America, Japan, Africa, Asia).

Experience in the field, constant improvement of technology, using modern tools, and at the same time striving for perfection and focusing on meeting customers’ expectations is at the foundation of the company.

A new Northman showroom has been opened in Largs, the hub for sailing in Scotland, and Northman has grown to a factory producing over 100 boats per year. During this time period they have managed to create a professional shipyard, whose sailing yachts and power boats have been appreciated not only in Europe but also in the remotest corners

Northman approached Launch Scotland, a Glasgow based Digital Marketing Agency, to design brochures, websites, and marketing material to promote their high-end yachts to potential new clients in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Explore the exciting Northman range at www.northmanuk.com

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

13

Helping Businesses to Bridge the Funding Gap Are you an Ayrshire based SME who is looking to bridge the funding gap? If so, Business Loans Scotland might have the answer to providing the finance you require to grow and develop your business.

Business Loans Scotland builds on the previous successful loan funds, the West of Scotland Loan Fund (WSLF), the East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) and the South of Scotland Loan Scheme offering finance of up to one hundred thousand pounds to Scottish SMEs. Having supported twentyone Scottish businesses so far,

including Ayrshire’s Murphy Engineering, Golphin Ltd and Walker Cladding Limited to name a few, Business Loans Scotland have successfully awarded over £1.3 million allowing businesses to successfully undertake a management buy-out, assist in new product manufacturing, support the build of a new visitor centre, invest in suitable office space and much more.

Commenting on the funding available Andrew Dickson, Fund Manager from Business Loans Scotland, said: “It is well documented that access to capital remains a

major hurdle to many small and medium sized businesses which are looking to start up and grow.

Often, our funding can make the difference between a business struggling or flourishing and that in turn will have a positive impact on employment, profitability and making communities stronger.”

With a dedicated pot of six million pounds available, Business Loans Scotland are keen to speak with any business who may be interested in receiving gap funding. To find out more or to start the application process, please visit the Business Loans Scotland website.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Business loans of up to £100,000 for new and growing Scottish SMEs

14

www.bls.scot

MEMBER NEWS

2018 MARKS CENTENARY FOR LOCAL ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING LEGACY, ALLENWEST WALLACETOWN A company that has borne many names in its 100 years, and since 2011 Ampcontrol UK, will celebrate 100 years of local history on Friday 29 June at its new facility in Prestwick.

Formerly known as Allenwest Wallacetown, the origins of this Scottish pioneer in the design and manufacture of flameproof switchgear and control systems began simply enough in 1918 when Mr William M Richie decided he would start Wallcetown Engineering Company Limited (WECOL) with a non-ferrous foundry and general machine shop.

Over the decades, the business experienced the vast highs and lows of being subject to the volatility of the domestic and international coal market while still delivering world class, innovative technology. Built on the backs of employees at numbers that can only be counted in the thousands since its inception; the business is defined by its legacy of hundreds of installed products dotted across the mining regions of China, Turkey and India which are still regarded as the best in their class.

“Our business history has certainly shaped who and what we are as a business and in many ways, it is this resilience of character which defines us today as we celebrate 100 years of history” says Mr

Steven Edmund, Managing Director, Ampcontrol UK.

20,000 sqm facility at Prestwick, complete with 25 tonne crane and CNC machining capabilities.

And although it is a time for nostalgia and reflection, the business has firmly set its sights on its future as part of the Ampcontrol Group.

“Being able to showcase our new products and technology, expanded capabilities and greater access to sophisticated engineering support from across the globe is immensely satisfying and something I think all employees at Ampcontrol UK are very proud of” said Mr Edmund.

“In many ways, we have been a traditional manufacturer and this impacted us when the downturn hit the coal market. Because of our connection with Ampcontrol, an Australian owned and operated engineering and electrical systems solutions company, we were able to survive and ultimately, reinvent ourselves for the future” said Mr Edmund.

And it is the future which will be the main talking point as invited guests will tour the new

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

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

simpsinns.com

The business is hosting an official opening, including workshop tour, on Friday 29 June from 10am at its Prestwick facility. Members of the Ampcontrol Board, including the Managing Director and CEO Rod Henderson will attend and the facility will be officially opened by Provost Helen Moonie.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

15

HOW BUSINESS GATEWAY HELPED Ryan land his plumb job After years working for a big energy supplier, Ryan McCall decided to follow his dream and set up his own heating and plumbing business.

Six months on, and with support from Business Gateway Ayrshire, McCall Heating & Plumbing Solutions has built a loyal customer base, with households across Ayrshire looking to the Kilmarnock business for help with a range of heating and plumbing issues.

Ryan said: “Although I understand the energy industry, I had never run my own business before.

The idea of setting up was quite daunting so it was a relief to have Business Gateway on hand to help me out.

“My adviser, Caroline Duff, pointed me towards East Ayrshire Council’s Trusted Trader Scheme and also the Business Gateway workshop programme. She also helped me with a range of business planning issues and identified some grant funding which helped create my logo, business cards and signage.

My adviser guided me through the start-up maze

“Quality customer service is a priority for me and this combined with my experience, skills and strong support from Business Gateway has helped to give the business a great start.”

How we helped Ryan:

Ryan McCall, McCall Heating & Plumbing Solutions

• 1:1 support • Funding sources • Start-up advice • Workshop programme

Visit www.bgateway.com/ayrshire or call your local Business Gateway office: 01294 449 944 (Irvine), 01563 576 987 (Kilmarnock) or 01292 616 349 (Ayr)

MEMBER NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESS/ WSC LAUNCHES SAFETY INITIATIVE

AYRSHIRE “#SAVINGLIVES” CAMPAIGN AED’s save lives! Commonly known as defibs, an AED could save your life but only if one is available and can be used in the first few minutes after a Cardiac Arrest.

IM Training can help local businesses and communities purchase and install an AED and also make sure you are properly trained. However, UK Resuscitation Council guidance states that training is not mandatory and that no one should be deterred from using an AED if they do not have training.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be used by members of the public, and are very effective at guiding the operator through the process of administering the shock. They have become widely available, are safe and easy to use, and will not allow a shock to be given to a victim who does not require one.

AEDs have been used frequently by laypeople with modest training, and many reports testify to the success of this strategy. Operators without formal training have also used AEDs successfully to save lives.

After delivering a recent first aid course in Ayrshire, Iain MacKay, Managing Director of IM Training, was approached by one of the candidates who stated that his local community in Kirkconnel and Kelloholm had secured funding to purchase 3 AEDs. Iain sourced and supplied the units which are now in place in both towns.

Subsequently, he was approached by Dr Iain Baker, chairperson of The Royal Burgh of Sanquhar Community Council to further support their sourcing and purchasing of three AEDs for their town.

Iain is now in discussions with local council and community representatives in Prestwick regarding advice on how to proceed in terms of securing coverage for his own town. It is hoped that by raising awareness, more local businesses and communities in Ayrshire decide to follow suit with a view to protecting their work colleagues and residents and ultimately save lives.

For further details please contact Iain by calling 0800 112 3359 or email info@imtraininguk.com

A new, unique Fire Door Inspection Service for Ayrshire and beyond is being launched by Worksmart Contracts of Kilmarnock – providing the first, and only, Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) certified and registered service in Scotland!

With over 15 years’ experience in installing and repairing fire doors and screens, Worksmart are industry experts. All fire door inspections will be conducted

by FDIS certified inspectors, who undertake regular professional development programs to ensure they are up to date with evolving regulations and best practices. Up to 90 checks on 25 different components will be conducted on each door at each inspection, including ironmongery, air transfer grilles, fixing methods and intumescent seals.

Findings will be recorded and detailed reports created for businesses to ensure their premises are fit for purpose.

Worksmart are delighted to be able to offer this service to building owners & operators, who have an ever increasing challenge to keep abreast of changing regulations and demonstrate due diligence. Foremost of these, following recent developments in the UK, are those concerned with fire safety – including the installation and maintenance of fire doors.

In addition, there are some really positive benefits to implementing a fire door inspection and maintenance program, including demonstration of a duty of care and social responsibility – which is a rapidly growing influence on corporate reputations and buying decisions - and safeguarding peace of mind in the knowledge that regular inspections and maintenance by properly qualified, industry experts is the best way to ensure that, should the worst happen, fire doors provide the protection they are intended for.

To find out more or to arrange an inspection, contact Mark McQuade on 07875 969444 or markmcquade@ worksmartcontracts.co.uk, look us up at https:// worksmartcontracts.co.uk/ or find us on social media – Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. #makeitworksmart #worksmartworksafe

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

17

MEMBER NEWS SCOTLAND’S SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES LEADING THE UK AT EUROPEAN AWARDS Veracity UK Limited based in Prestwick has been selected to represent the UK at the 2018 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) later this year.

In total, 11 companies from the UK (10 of which are from Scotland) have been selected for their commitment to sustainability. They will compete against companies from 28 other participating countries.

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

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

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

18

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

Thanks Again for a providing a wonderful service Monica the Positive Pulse Scotland Director has said “Being part of the Ayrshire Chamber has lots of great benefits including collaborative working, networking and support from chamber staff. In return this has helped my business grow from strength to strength. Helping local businesses address health and wellbeing in Ayrshire - It is an amazing thing when a career and a passion come together.

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

The 10 Scottish businesses have been selected following their success at the VIBES Awards, which are backed by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Government and its agencies.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: “Congratulations to these businesses who are using their creativity to come up with ways of reducing emissions and helping to show Scotland’s leadership on climate change.

“The Scottish Government has a clear vision for a low carbon Scotland. We want to build a country which trains, attracts and retains the businesses and the innovators who will shape the low carbon transition. I hope these businesses will encourage others to think innovatively about how we can create a cleaner, greener, climate-ready Scotland.”

Terry A’Hearn, CEO of SEPA, said: “The scale of environmental challenge facing humanity is enormous, with a real urgency to act. Scotland is a global leader in its commitment to tackling climate change, in protecting and enhancing our environment, in strengthening our international reputation for sustainable growth and in supporting a transition to low-carbon economy. Scottish businesses have recognised the economic opportunity, reflected in the fact over 90% of the UK delegation are from Scotland and the SEPA backed VIBES programme.

“I would like to congratulate all of the nominated companies for their success in reaching this stage of the EBAEs and wish them every success in the competition.”

Well what a fantastic year it has been.

Ayrshire Chamber have held a variety of Platinum events throughout the year, which came to a close on 14th June with an ‘It’s a Knockout’ style challenge.

It is with great pleasure we can announce the winners of the event were: 1st - Harvey McLean 2nd – Barclays 3rd – Donald Ross The Platinum Championship Trophy went to QTS Group!

pionship Trophy Platinum Cham oup!

Winners QTS Gr

e ' Event 1st Plac 'It’s A Knockout n ea Harvey McL

Sponsored by

Chamber President, in welcoming competitors and spectators to the Grand Finale of our Platinum Celebrations said: "The whole programme of special events from Golf Days to Five a Side Football and a unique Bake Off, culminating with this imaginative climax, has been a tremendous success in raising our profile, reaching out to new members and providing great fun for all. My personal thanks to Lorna Gibson for taking on the strategic challenge of ideas and motivation implemented by the Chamber team.

A special thank you of course to all who participated to make the Platinum year so memorable.”

CEO Val Russell added “Special thanks go to all those involved in organising these very special celebration events, in particular our events coordinator Yvonne and our sponsors across all the events. We at the Chamber are very much looking forward to the next 70 years (not me personally for all of them!) of supporting the incredible businesses throughout Ayrshire and beyond.

'It’s A Knockout' Event Winners!

'It’s A Knockout' Event 2nd Place Barclays

'It’s A Kno ckout' Ev ent 3rd P lace Donald R oss

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

PLATINUM YEAR CELEBRATIONS END WITH A KNOCKOUT!

19

21

MEMBER NEWS

AYRSHIRE SCHOOLS SAYING ‘BONJOUR’, ‘HOLA’ AND ‘HALLO’ Scotland has seen a fall in the uptake of foreign languages in schools and there is an estimated £500 million ‘language tax’ to the Scottish economy. Young Scots just aren’t engaging with foreign language which is impacting employability and international business opportunities.

Articulate Language Camps, an Ayrshirebased innovative foreign language school are determined to change this through their range of school and summer programmes. Working with schools across Scotland and Europe, they are helping young people build their language and communication skills, intercultural understanding and confidence.

This April, Articulate arranged an exchange programme where a class of French primary school children stayed with host families in Stewarton.

By working together with a Kilmarnock school, the French visitors had the chance to experience Scottish school life. Together with the Scottish pupils, they learned through playing with one another and making friends with whom they can stay in contact long after the visit. The exchange was a fantastic opportunity to see the relevance of speaking a foreign language, to use the language

skills the pupils have learned so far and to be inspired to continue their language learning journey.

Those not taking part in the French exchange project have been benefiting from language programmes in other ways. Throughout sunny May and June, Articulate’s school camps have welcomed classes from Ayrshire schools as well as schools across Scotland to learn French, Spanish and German through multimedia projects and outdoor sports. Climbing, archery, mountain biking, survival skills, film-making and even cookery have been part of the language

learning experience. Campers have learned to work as a team, build their confidence in using a foreign language and developed new leadership and problem-solving skills.

With the school year coming to an end, summer camps are now the focus for July and August. If you’re interested in giving your children a head start in the world of language learning, have a look at Articulate’s Launch Camp (ages 6-11) and International Camp (ages 12-17) and head to the website at articulatelanguagecamps.com if you’d like to find out more.

LITTLE BUNDLE BOX LAUNCH THEIR ONLINE BABY GIFT BUSINESS

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Fiona Atchison and Debbie Harvey-Evans, a mother and daughter team, know how much it means when a longed for bundle of joy arrives. When Debbie’s daughter, Ariana, was born in 2016 they were looking for a way to store her special newborn mementos.

22

‘That’s how we began to form the idea of Little Bundle Box. We designed a ‘Keepsake Case’ with a hand-made leather tag to record baby’s birth details and everything flowed from there. Baby gifts and a keepsake suitcase in one beautifully, wrapped bundle,’ says Debbie.

Little Bundle Box successfully launched their online baby gift business at ‘The Baby & Toddler Show’ SEC in April 2018. The sales and response were so positive, they immediately re-booked for next year.

The team also offer corporate clients discounted pricing, personal service, branding opportunities, plus the option to order their stunning ‘stacked’ bundles. For more details, contact Debbie on corporate@littlebundlebox.com They would like to thank Business Gateway and Ayrshire Chamber for their wonderful support, advice and workshops.

Fiona says, ‘The most useful aspect from the launch was customer feedback. Almost all asked if we had a facility to ‘choose your own’ alongside the ‘set’ gift bundles. We didn’t – but certainly will soon!’

Included in every gift bundle purchase is; free UK postage, a free personalised card and luxury wrap. No hidden extras at checkout.

Fiona says, ‘Our successful grant application to Business Gateway furnished us with professional photography and the means to launch at the Baby & Toddler Show. We are very grateful for that financial boost. Our focus now is marketing and networking to build brand awareness. See you out there and don’t forget: one special delivery deserves another!’

MEMBER NEWS

23 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Making Your Business

Our Business

LOCAL EMPLOYERS MENTOR FOUNDATION APPRENTICES

Foundation Apprenticeships, a School-College Partnership course for S5 pupils, are proving to be quite the hit at Ayrshire College, not only with school pupils, but local employers too.

Throughout the year local companies, GE Caledonian and Woodward, have been giving up their time to support the second cohort of Engineering Foundation Apprentices with their practical class work.

A significant aspect of the Foundation Apprenticeship course is the engagement the pupils receive from employers, whether this is through site visits, class talks, industry challenges, work placements, or mentoring. All engagement from employers is a valuable addition to these work-based learning courses and enriches the experience of the young person.

Gordon Sutherland, Apprenticeship Mentor, from GE Caledonian commented “For us this is a way to identify potential future candidates, so it is brilliant. We get to work with the pupils in a classroom environment and be a part of discovering new talent. As well as finding talent, we can also play a part in supporting those that maybe aren’t ready to apply for an MA with us yet, but could in the future.

We are using the Foundation Apprenticeship and PEO courses almost like a pipeline feeding into our Modern Apprenticeship programme. The workshop experience and qualifications they get from these courses means we can potentially recruit the pupils straight into a second year apprenticeship.”

Kirsty Harvey, from Woodward, added:“At Woodward we believe we have a social responsibility to support the younger generation and inspire them to pursue a career in engineering. It gives us an insight into the next generation of engineers and lets us work closely with the college to streamline our ideals. It is a great opportunity for companies to recruit their next apprentices as you get to see how the students work over an extended period of time rather than just an interview.”

PA For more information on how to become involved in 4 RTNER BUSINE Foundation Apprenticeships, contact Kirsty Taylor: Kirsty.

SS taylor@ayrshire.ac.uk

AYRSHIRE LIFE SCIENCE COMPANY LAUNCH ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL DRUG DEVELOPMENT AvantiCell Science is a life science company with a mission to provide leading-edge ethical tools which offer the prospect of faster, more efficient progress towards better drugs, safer chemotherapy, and improved healthcare.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major health concern. It contributes to over 50% of acute liver failure and is the leading cause of drug removal from the market. DILI occurs when the toxic properties of medicines damage the cells of the liver, resulting in their reduced function and ultimately their death. Individual liver cell death can lead to a cascade of clinical symptoms, from fatigue and abdominal pain to jaundice. The incidence of DILI could be lowered with more effective preclinical testing of medicines to monitor their toxic effects.

Existing preclinical testing has, of course, served its purpose (otherwise we wouldn’t have the life-saving drugs that we have!) but with more than 90% of potential drugs failing clinical trials due to inadequate safety and efficacy responses, there is a responsibility within the scientific research community to make improvements, which is where AvantiCell Science’s exclusive Human Hepatic Organoid technology comes in.

“Organoids” are miniaturized and simplified organs, grown in 3D in the lab, to study disease and therapeutics. AvantiCell’s Human Hepatic Organoids are derived from human adult stem cells of the liver, using donated tissue from liver biopsies as an ethical alternative to animal use.

When grown correctly, these cells mimic how they would behave in the body, giving more relative responses to drugs and would allow careful selection of drug candidates before they were released for use by patients.

From early-stage discovery to late-stage drug development, basic to applied research, AvantiCell’s Human Hepatic Organoids can be valuable, and their use could prevent an immense amount of money being wasted every year on failed drug development.

DYW AYRSHIRE CONFERENCE

We held our second annual conference in March which was a success with over 150 attendees on the day. Keeping with the theme of Year of The Young People, a couple of the North Ayrshire Ambassadors hosted the event.

The conference brought together our education colleagues in schools & college, SDS staff, employers and speakers.

These included Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Employability and Training; Elma Murray OBE - CEO, North Ayrshire Council and Douglas Hutchison - Director of People & Depute Chief Executive, South Ayrshire Council.

A series of workshops were delivered by Ayrshire College, Skills Development Scotland and business sectors focussed

on best practice regarding Developing the Young Workforce.

A number of young people were invited along on the day to showcase the DYW Ayrshire funded projects and to share their stories. The day was rounded up by our Chair David Smith of Ashleigh Building.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

FOUNDATION APPRENTICES HAVE ‘KICK-STARTED’ THEIR CAREERS!

26

Ayrshire College’s first group of Foundation Apprentices are preparing to finish their qualification this year in June.

The two-year course, starting in August 2016, has proved to be a successful addition to the School-College Programme.

The group of pupils, a mix of Prestwick Academy, Greenwood Academy, and St Matthews Academy, have demonstrated the value of a Foundation Apprenticeship through their progression onto positive destinations.

Progression destinations range from a National Certificate/Higher National

01292 678666

Certificate full-time Ayrshire College courses in engineering, joining the Merchant Navy, and gaining employment through a Modern Apprenticeship from a variety of companies including EDF, UTC and GE Caledonian.

To celebrate their achievements, a Celebration of Success event was held on the 5 June 2018 at the Kilwinning Campus. The Foundation Apprentices were awarded a certificate of achievement and a medal, presented by Carol Nisbet, Director of Schools, Essential Skills and Widening Access. School partners, parents/guardians/carers, and college staff were invited to join in the celebration.

Kirsty Taylor, Foundation Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement Lead, commented “The introduction of Foundation Apprenticeships to Ayrshire College has been a great success. We are delighted to see the first cohort of Engineering Foundation Apprentices progress to fantastic destinations. These courses have been created to help accelerate a young person’s career, I’m thrilled we are seeing that happen already.”

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

FRANKIE & BENNY'S PIZZA AND PASTA EXTRAVAGANZA Pupils from 9 secondary schools in Ayrshire have been working hard over recent months to create new culinary delights for the Frankie & Benny's chain.

The Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock restaurants asked schools to create a brand new pizza or pasta dish. The young people then formed teams within their classes with the best ideas being put forward to a regional semi-final.

Here pupils had to pitch their dish to the judging panel who were considering creativity, presentation, content, appearance of the dish and recipe feasibility in a busy restaurant.

Each of the restaurants hosted a regional final where each school was represented by their winning semi-final team. The competition was to a very

high standard and groups worked hard to produce some excellent entries.

Restaurant staff offered the teams advice on how to tweak their creation before asking the pupils to prepare their dishes for a final time. Judges were then treated to an Italian feast as they deliberated on a restaurant winner.

2018 Frankie & Benny's Winners South Ayrshire: Prestwick Academy with Night at the Movies Pizza North Ayrshire: Greenwood Academy with Italian Mexican Pasta East Ayrshire: Auchinleck Academy with Pizza Doughnuts

INFLUENCERS INSIGHT’S ROUND UP

TPS WeldTech Ltd We recently went 'behind the scenes' at TPS WeldTech Ltd in Kilmarnock. As well as developing their welding skills, teachers and career advisors also took away

an insight into how far the welding industry goes, along with the skills and knowledge young people need to develop their career within the welding industry.

Trump Turnberry Teachers and Career Advisors were treated to a tour of the facilities at Trump Turnberry and heard about the great career opportunities and

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

upcoming apprenticeship vacancies available in the hospitality sector.

Thank you to TPS Weldtech & Trump Turnberry for hosting these invaluable sessions.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

27

DOES YOUR BUSINESS OFFER WORK PLACEMENTS TO SCHOOL PUPILS? National guidance on school pupils’ work experience placements issued in September 2015, said, “Work placements should enable young people to experience a relevant, challenging, enjoyable and appropriate learning experience within the contemporary workplace.”

Does your business offer work placements to school pupils and if so, do you recognise the description above?

Would the school pupils who’ve been in your business agree? If you feel that it’s time to refresh your offer, then this article will hopefully give you some food for thought.

As a Council asking businesses to work with us on this, we realised that a good starting point might be to look at our own practice. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we identified areas for improvement.

In North Ayrshire’s Education & Youth Employment service, a number of pupils from our own secondary schools come into our department across the year for the traditional one week placement.

In the past they worked with our administration/clerical staff and carried out fairly routine tasks. However, our department carries out a wide

28

01292 678666

variety of functions – everything from curriculum development, data analysis, health & safety, school buildings, project management and so the list goes on. Now, across the pupil’s week we endeavour to give the pupils as wide a variety of tasks as possible and no two placements are the same. Ideally, we also give them the opportunity to shadow senior members of staff for half a day.

This model works for us as an employer too. It’s less onerous to ask a member of staff to work with a pupil for a half day/day instead of the onus being on one person for the whole week.

If you find it quite difficult to fill a week for a pupil, have you considered offering something more flexible, say a day a week over a period of time?

It might even suit if that day varied every week, as the school might not want the pupil to always miss the same timetabled classes. Indeed, it is becoming more common for schools to build Work Experience into a timetable so that pupils are not missing out on other classes back at school.

If you’d like to offer a more flexible placement, then the experience of one Largs Academy pupil provides a good example. Carlo is in his final year of secondary school and his long term career ambitions are to work in

the Health & Safety sector. In his own time, he has been studying for a Nebosh General Certificate in Health and Safety. The Council’s Health & Safety staff rose to the challenge when asked if they could provide some relevant work-place experience. Over the course of a couple of months, Carlo came to Council Headquarters on a number of days and he accompanied H & S staff on several work-place visits and assisted with incident investigations. He also attended a Council-run fire wardens’ course and work-place promotional events. Further, he attended some Senior Management meetings and gained an overview on how health and safety operates within a large organisation.

Kenneth MacLeod, Health & Safety Adviser who helped arrange Carlo’s placement said “it was refreshing to support and offer guidance to someone so young who evidently has an enthusiastic and passionate interest in pursuing a career in health and safety. It was very straightforward to programme the series of visits to coincide with my own work schedule which ultimately gave young Carlo some experience of day to day life in the health and safety world.”

John Butcher, Executive Director, Education & Youth Employment

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

29

career opportunities that can often make a huge difference. I would like to thank all our partners from across all aspects of the business community for their support and willingness to encourage and support young people's career aspirations.

N

AT GA RN O CK C I LS

UP

C

'S A

C A D E M KI L M Y, IS

PU P

I L F R O M S A I NT

S JO

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

E

H JOS

P

Lewis from Saint Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock is on his work experience placement with South Ayrshire Active Schools this week and is taking part in lots of fun activities #developyourfuture

O ARN

IE

W

LE

We have Kyle Mullen from St Joseph’s in Kilmarnock with us this week on work experience. Enjoying his 1st day #developyourfuture

PH

P

WOR K E XPE R

KYL E M

N U LLE

U M M O

WOR K E XPE R

N SI ’ H P ST J O S E

UP

IL F

RO M

A

WOR K E XPE R

LE W I S & K-

CH O O LS

E C N

C T I V ES

M

IE

KI L

CK

E

ARN O

NC

E

IT

Well done to Lewis and Josh on completing a week’s work experience at McTaggart Construction

NC

PUS

IE

Placement team at Ayrshire Chamber will be happy to discuss any aspect of these models. Education staff in the 3 Ayrshire local authorities, are really appreciative of employers offering placements to our pupils. We’d like to ask you to think about how you could make the experience even better - we’re sure this Needless to say, with young people in would have mutual benefits. If you don’t your workplace there are always logistical currently offer placements to pupils can issues to be considered but the Work we ask you to consider doing so?

YC AM

says, “Across our schools in North Ayrshire we aspire to ensure that as an Education service we have no poverty of ambition, expectation or opportunities for our children and young people.

Work experience, apprenticeships and jobs ensure that we are providing opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential. It is the support we receive from our business partners to help open young people’s eyes to real

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

EAST AYRSHIRE PUPILS

30

Learn 4 Work has been running over the last month in 4 East Ayrshire Schools: Doon, Grange, Loudoun and Stewarton Academies. DYW Ayrshire sourced 21 local businesses to support the delivery of this innovative project by offering students a real life business problem currently faced by their organisation. The young people involved were off timetable for 3 days with each challenge group receiving the brief from their business partner on the morning of day 1 and then presenting their solution on the afternoon of day 3.

We have had a variety of businesses involved from local young entrepreneurs and small businesses to large multinational companies. However the experience gained by all the young people has been similar allowing them to develop their

01292 678666

teamwork, presentation, organisational and leadership skills to name a few.

Some of the challenge groups have been lucky enough to get out on a workplace visit as part of the project to understand the brief in greater detail. Both Ayrshire Leader and Yipworld welcomed pupils on the first day where they received support from employees to brainstorm some initial ideas. We then had pupils in the John Dawson Butchers team who took a trip to Muirkirk to see how link sausages are produced. This was helpful for their

challenge of designing the business’s first speciality link sausage in time for the BBQ season. Meanwhile, Doon Academy pupils visited some of the empty properties which Shire Housing currently have in Bellsbank and had some fantastic thoughts on how to encourage more people to stay in the area.

Stewarton Academy wrapped up their Learn4Work project with an event at the Fenwick Hotel, where each of the 7 groups presented their results in front of their peers. The mentors from the businesses were all invited, and attended to see a fantastic showcase of work by the pupils, including some very entertaining and informative presentations. The creativity in the short films, radio adverts, and songs that were created over the 3 days thoroughly impressed all in attendance, including Head Teacher, Miss Hegarty.

Morrison Construction were involved in all 4 projects, and ran their challenge as a competition between the schools to

INFO@DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

31

LEARN 4 WORK

create a new health & safety mascot. The mascot will be used in primary schools to encourage safe behaviour around construction sites, and replaces Safety Sam who was retired after the new Largs Academy was completed. As we go to print, we are waiting to hear which of the schools were successful and who the new mascot will be.

Sarah Baird, Ayrshire Leader Programme Coordinator commented, “It was absolutely brilliant, I was very impressed by all the young people's active participation,

teamwork, enthusiasm and delivery. This is a great opportunity for young people to get real world experience and I certainly took a lot from the experience myself.”

Sharron Lobban, Director of Avesta Scotland Ltd noted, “I think it was a great opportunity to let the participants see the issues they can face in the working world and how easy these can be solved, and let us see it from another generations perspective.”

Janice Hendry, CEO of Yipworld added,

“The pupils loved the experience and the end product, vision for our new initiative is fantastic. Some pupils have decided that they will use the experience as a career prospect, for example interior design, art and project management etc. What a great experience.”

With thanks to all our 2018 Learn 4 Work partners: Doon Academy: East Ayrshire Carers, Morrison Construction and Shire Housing.

Grange Academy: Articulate, Avesta Scotland, Ayrshire College, BeYonder, Clinic 22, Costley Hotels, East Ayrshire Carers, Morrison Construction, Santander Ayr and White Rabbit Skincare.

Loudoun Academy: Ayrshire Leader, John Dawson Butchers, Morrison Construction, SEM Events and Yipworld.

Stewarton Academy: Billy Bowie Special Projects, Burnhouse Engineering, Circa 78 Designs, Rosie’s Stories, Morrison Construction and Sainsbury’s Stewarton.

BLOG.DYWAYRSHIRE.COM

MEMBER NEWS

THE NEW HOME OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING Healthy Working Lives has launched its new website, allowing businesses across Scotland to access personalised advice to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of their workforce.

BELMONT TRADING INVESTS FOR THE FUTURE AS RECYCLING OF EV BATTERIES BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

The new home of health, safety and wellbeing, www.healthyworkinglives.scot is packed with interactive features and its fresh and concise new content structure will make it easier for businesses to find what they need, when they need it.

Scotland’s first fully functioning battery recycling plant which could handle up to 12000 tonnes of battery waste every year, is extending its dismantling lines to prepare for the disassembly of an increasing number of electric vehicle (EV) batteries (Li-Ion), as the uptake of electric vehicles increases across the UK.

The website not only helps businesses with practical tasks - such as developing a health and safety policy or completing a return to work form - its simple guides on a range of topics also provide practical tips and advice on how to keep their workforces healthy and happy.

Belmont Trading UK’s Kilwinning Plant currently recycles all types of domestic and industrial batteries, handling a large percentage of the UK’s battery recycling, with the remaining volumes destined for refineries in Europe and the US. As the UK looks increasingly towards a future where the general automotive and industrial plant/equipment industries shift towards increasing their footprint in electric vehicle sales, Belmont has recently revamped its 25,000 sq. recycling facility workspace, investing £300,000 on plant and equipment in conjunction with Urecycle Oy Oulu, Finland and Karlskoga, Sweden, to sort and shred thousands of batteries every day.

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Moreover, these new dismantling lines are designed to cope with the disassembly of Lithium Li-lon EV batteries, so prevalent in electric cars, forklift trucks, electric golf trolleys and e-bikes amongst others, as Jeff Borrman, managing director of Belmont Trading UK explains;

32

“The rising number of electric vehicles comes along with an increasing demand for Li-Ion batteries and we are already starting to work with the automotive and telecoms industry on its recycling strategies for these batteries.

“Elements within these batteries such as cobalt and nickel are valuable, so it is economically worthwhile to recycle EV batteries. Whilst this can be quite a time and cost consuming process, it has to be planned properly, hence our move to adapt our industrial plant to prepare for the increase in EV battery numbers which we anticipate will increase markedly in the coming years.

The key at all times, is to extract maximum value with minimum environmental impact by recycling in the UK.”every year on failed drug development.

To get the most out of the website and save time during future visits, customers can also create an account, giving them access to exclusive features such as being able to book training courses.

After all, good workplace health, safety and wellbeing practice isn’t just good for employees – it’s good for business too.

Take a tour of the new home of Health, Safety and Wellbeing and follow Healthy Working Lives on Twitter: @NHS_HWL and their newly launched Facebook page: @NHSHWL. You can contact the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Workplace Health Improvement Team to find out what support we can offer locally, including: • In-house Stress Awareness training • Mental Health Training for Managers • Access to health campaign resources • Support with healthy policy development • Occupational Health and Safety training opportunities and support Email: AA-UHB.HWL@nhs.net Telephone: 01292 885855 Twitter: @publichealthaaa

Time to head off the beaten track?

The quote and buy model isn’t for everyone, including us at Blue Rock.

We ask questions directed by our experience and knowledge to work with less visible areas of risk, so your business is fully prepared for the journey ahead.

For a different route in your insurance, call Blue Rock on 01292 269505 or visit us at www.bluerockinsurance.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

CSGN AND NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL UNDERLINE COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) and North Ayrshire Council have underlined their commitment to the environment with the signing of a concordat The partnership is focused on delivering step change in environmental quality and helping to make the area a more attractive place to live and do business as well as helping to absorb CO2, enhance biodiversity and promote healthier and more active lifestyles.

Keith Geddes, Chair of Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) and Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, signed the document which outlined key steps to delivering environmental improvements. These include developing a network of strategic active travel routes to supporting measures for reducing vacant and derelict land through a focus on greening.

The partnership also focuses on supporting community growing through increasing allotment provision as well as supporting the work of the North Ayrshire Health Green Partnership and increasing the number of visits to and time spent

34

in the wider outdoors.

The importance of improving access to coastal green and blue space is also highlighted by enhancing areas such as Irvine Beach Park and Ardrossan Northshore.

The concordat supports the work already being carried out in North Ayrshire with support from the CSGN Development Fund.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “North Ayrshire Council is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations. We are delighted to work in partnership with CSGN to highlight our pledge to our local communities to make North Ayrshire a greener place to live, visit and invest in.�

360 BOAT SERVICES LTD Glengarnock Mr Tom Simister 07460404523 tom@360boatservices.com

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry: CC JOINERY LTD Muirkirk Mr Craig Clifford ccjoinery1@aol.co.uk

THE ESSENCE Troon Ms Pamela Anderson theessence77@gmail.com

KILMORY PUBLIC HALL LTD Arran Mrs Vicki Sturgeon vsturgeon81@gmail.com

SMART CHOICE SOLUTIONS Prestwick Mrs Karen Robertson karen@smartchoicepensions.co.uk

CEO LIFESKILLS LTD Prestwick Mr Marc Charron marc.charron@ceolifeskills.com

GARFIELDS TAPAS & WINE BAR Ardrossan Mr David Rogers info@garfields.me.uk

TEKTUP LIMITED Prestwick Mr Ian Morgan ian@tektup.com

AVIS/BUDGET GROUP Prestwick Mr Paul Seery Paul.Seery@abg.com

COALFIELD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Cumnock Mrs Susan Dever susan@yellowbuses.org.uk

GOSH CREATIVE West Kilbride Ms Mary Cahill mary@goshcreative.co.uk

KINETIC CYCLE COACHING Kilmarnock Mr Scott Maclean scott.maclean@kineticcyclecoaching. co.uk

AYRSHIRE HAMPERS Fenwick Ms Lyndsey Phillips hello@ayrshirehampers.co.uk

CONTENTMENT LIFE COACHING Troon Mr Wille Nicol wnic4@aol.com

BEAM Kilmarnock Ms Dunja Burke beam.scotland@gmail.com

CORRINE SMITH DESIGN Kilmarnock Miss Corrine Smith info@corrinesmith.com

BERSERK COMPUTERS LTD Ayr Mr Lhyam Sumal lhyam.sumal@berserkcomputers.co.uk

COSTLEY & COSTLEY HOTELIERS LTD Troon Mrs Lorna Gibson lorna.gibson@costley-hotels.co.uk

7 SAINTS Prestwick Mr Nick Livingstone nick@7saintsprestwick.co.uk

BOOGIE BOUNCE AYR & PRESTWICK Ayr Mrs Susan Murray bbxayr@outlook.com

DILLON BOOKKEEPING Darvel Mrs Pamela Dillon pamela@dillonbookkeeping.co.uk

BRIDGEND MOTOR GROUP Kilwinning Mrs Alison Mitchell amitchell@bridgendgroup.co.uk

ELMBANK MOTOR COMPANY Ayr Mr Kyle Wilson elmbankmotorco@gmail.com

CANI COACHING Cumnock Mr Derek Gall derek@canicoaching.co.uk

ENABLE AYR & DISTRICT SCIO Ayr Mrs Karen Kerr enableayr@mail.com

GREEN CROSS TRAINING Hamilton Mrs Claire Slater clare.slater@greencrosstraining.co.uk INTUITION Largs Mrs Heidi Harrison info@intuscot.com IRVINE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Troon Mr John Irvine johnirvine56@yahoo.com JANINE MARRIOTT SEO West Kilbride Ms Janine Marriott janine@janinemarriott.com JOHN DAWSON BUTCHERS LTD Muirkirk Ms Diane Dawson ddawsonayr@aol.com KENNEDY BOOKKEEPING Newmilns Mrs Sharon Kennedy kennedybookkeeping@outlook.com

LBJ CONSULTANTS Troon Mr Billy Muir billy@lbjconsultants.co.uk LOWLAND TRAINING SERVICES LTD Kilmarnock Mrs Anne Clark anneclark@lowlandtraining.co.uk PROSPERUS CONSULTANCY Prestwick Miss Julie Marshall prosperusconsultancy@gmail.com RHONA BROWN CONNECTIONS Troon Ms Rhona Brown rhonagbrown@btinternet.com RUSSELL COSTUMES Kilwinning Mrs Nicola Russell nicola@russellcostumes.com SCENTSEI UK Auchinleck Mrs Julie Crooks 07954134332

TERAPRO Tarbolton Mr Bruce Bowyer bruce@terapro.co.uk THERAPY WITH A TWIST LTD Galston Miss Kim Gallacher info@csm-scotland.com THE VERTICAL VIEW LTD Ardrossan Mr Paul Gilmour paul@theverticalview.co.uk WEST COAST ACCELERATOR Dundonald Mrs Alison Braddock alison@westcoastaccelerator.co.uk WORKSMART CONTRACTS LTD Kilmarnock Mrs Lisa Neilson lisa@worksmartcontracts.co.uk WORLDPAY Newton Mearns Miss Monique Watson monique.watson@worldpay.com

SHONA KINNIBURGH CUSTOM LASER DESIGNS West Kilbride Mr Shona Kinniburgh shona@sklaserdesigns.co.uk

FUTURE CHAMBER MEMBERS APEX DESIGN SCOTLAND Irvine Mr Nikos Horianopoulos apexdesignscotland@gmail.com ARTICULATE LANGUAGE CAMPS Stewarton Miss Kara Nisbet nisbet.kara@articulatelanguagecamps.com

CAPALL DORCHA THEATRE COMPANY Ardrossan Mr Barry Robertson barry@capalldorcha.com CARDHU GIFTS & INTERIORS Troon Ms Jenny Goudie info@cardhugiftsandinteriors.co.uk

AYE GLASS Barr Mr Angus Corbett angus@ayeglass.co.uk

CLINIC 22 Kilmarnock Ms Rhianna Bell rhiannabell@live.co.uk

AYRSHIRE HORSE MUCKING OUT Prestwick Mr Scott Piper scottpiper89@yahoo.co.uk

CRAIGHEAD COUNTRY NURSERY SCHOOL

By Mauchline Ms Elspeth Goldie info@craigheadcountrynursery.co.uk

BREA WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY Kilmarnock Miss Brea Walker breawalkerphotography@gmail.com BREEZE CONNECTION LTD Irvine Miss Emma Frew emma.frew@breezeconnection.co.uk

DAFT ABOUT DOGS Maybole Miss Lauren Painter lcmaggs_4@msn.com

DERMALOUNGE Prestwick Mrs Stephanie Lynch salon@dermalounge.co.uk

IKONIC PRINT Stewarton Mr Chris McCluskie chris@ikonicprint.com

PRETTY LITTLE PARLOUR Kilmarnock Miss Nicola Gall xnicolagall7@hotmail.co.uk

THE EYE OF GOD PHOTOGRAPHY Ayr Mr Scott Wanstall theeyeofgodphotography@gmail.com

INOTECH SOLUTIONS LTD Kilbirnie Mr Barrie Brown barrie@pcwizard4u.co.uk

RESPECT THE WAVE Ayr Mr Jubemi Iyiku bemzmusic@gmail.com

THE FENWICK HOTEL Fenwick Ms Karen Bennie karenbennie13@gmail.com

IT'S NUTRITION Dalry Miss Holly Hodge holly@itsnutrition.co.uk

ROCK & ROLLAND Ayr Mrs Esther Nicolson esther100_6@hotmail.co.uk

THE GIFTED KIND Ayr Mr Genna Materson onthegenergy@gmail.com

JESSICA CORA CREATIVE Kilmarnock Miss Jessica Cora Taylor jessicacora.creative@gmail.com

WD WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD Ayr Miss Jillian Riddell jillian.riddell@sjpp.co.uk

GYMMIES KITCHEN Kilwinning Mr Ryan Leslie gymmieskitchen17@gmail.com

LIVEWIRE THEATRE COMPANY Troon Ms Nikki McCabe info@livewiretheatreco.com

WHITE RABBIT SKINCARE Kilmarnock Miss Melanie Blaine info@whiterabbitskincare.co.uk

HEATHER GWENETH BIRD CONSULTING LTD Dunlop Ms Heather Thomson heather@heathergwenbird.com

MOVE BETTER PHYSIOTHERAPY Ayr Miss Adele Flynn adeleflynn7@gmail.com

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

35 YOUR BUSINESS | SUMMER 2018

NEW MEMBERS