your ayrshire business Summer 2011

partners for business

contacts

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

contacts

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

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

01563 575000 The world’s leading premium drinks business

01292 611028 The power of insurance

01292 885923 National Health Service

Stephen Brannagan

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Martin Cheyne

DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Valerie Russell

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Helen McBride

magazine

01292 619000 Creative agency for marketing, design and web 01292 280499 Legal Services

01563 558844 A total solutions company

01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life

Editorial Content: lbruce@ayrshire-chamber.org

Design, Typesetting & Publisher:

0800 0432760 IT service & support

01292 265071 Chartered accountants and Business Advisers

stuart.glasgownews@gmail.com

Print & Distribution:

2

brown brothers www.brown-bros.com

your ayrshire business summer 2011

ink on paper experts

Published by SP Publications on behalf of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2011. 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.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENT

Your Chamber for the summer

President Steve Brannagan

A lot has happened since the Spring edition of “Your Ayrshire Business” was published. I am pleased to tell you that the Chamber has continued to work tirelessly for you, our members.

Scottish Election The 2011 Scottish Parliamentary Election is over, delivering a clear majority to the Scottish National Party. The Chamber will continue to work with all parties towards its aim of supporting the Ayrshire economy through its business community.

Annual Dinner In March we held our annual dinner. It was, in my opinion, a tremendous success and possibly one of the best annual dinners we have held. Our refreshed format for the evening, hosted by Fred MacAulay, proved to be very popular with our guests. If you missed out and couldn’t get a ticket then book early for next year!

The Ayrshire Business Awards In late 2010 we re-launched the Ayrshire Business Awards and announced the winners at another sell out Gala dinner, held at the Gailes Hotel. The 2011 Awards will be officially launched on June 23rd and will include two new categories; Best Rural Enterprise and Best Family Business. We are delighted to announce that Business Gateway this year’s principal sponsor.

Your Chamber Over the past months we have been speaking to you about ‘your’ Chamber to help us understand what you want from the Chamber and what we need to do to provide additional and better services.

Amongst your feedback was a key message that we needed a new image to reflect a vibrant member organisation. We have been working on this and you will hear more in the coming weeks.

We still have work to do and, like the rest of the country, Ayrshire faces a number of economic challenges ahead.

Youth unemployment in Ayrshire continues to be a serious and worrying issue. At a recent conference aimed at tackling youth unemployment, attended by Chamber staff and hosted by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ayrshire featured prominently in the 18-24 year old unemployment statistics. Additionally in the Q1 Scottish Chambers’ Business survey report, overall confidence is low with a ‘stalled Scottish economy’ in the first quarter of 2011.

An Audience with...

As we move to thoughts of summer holidays, the Chamber will continue to strive to provide excellent services to its members including our popular ‘Audience with..’ events, Smart Exporter workshops and numerous networking events to name but a few. In addition we will work with all strategic partners through forums such as the Ayrshire Chamber Business Forum and Ayrshire Economic Partnership to ensure a ‘joined up’ approach is taken.

We welcome your involvement and feedback and encourage you to work with us to make Ayrshire a better place to live, work and play.

Steve Brannagan your ayrshire business summer 2011

3

CHAMBER NEWS

Top quality staff are the key to success Auchrannie Spa Resort has scooped another tourism award in the Developing People category at the 2010 Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards at Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.

General Manager Richard Small said: “The quality of our staff is vital in our business success. If you don’t invest in staff it has a knock-on effect; it’s all about service.

Our staff retention has improved dramatically over the last year.’

Auchrannie is the largest private employer on the island with a workforce of 150 with almost a fifth of staff staying in their employ for between 5 and 10 years.

Owner Linda Johnston revealed: ‘Our staff turnover is only 19 percent; that’s quite remarkable for this kind of business.’ Normal staff turnover in the hospitality industry is 64 percent. With an ethos of getting it right from the start, in house training has seen the majority of senior management work their way up from the shop floor.

Richard added, ‘Auchrannie works very closely with the High School. It represents our potential future customers and workforce. S5 and S6 students take part in mock interviews which help prepare them for university and employment. Where possible it is our aim to introduce and local youngsters into this industry.’

And as an example of how important staff are, Auchrannie has just reached a milestone of 10 years continuous membership in the Investors in People scheme.

Auchrannie staff outside the Spa Resort, with Linda and Iain Johnston second and third from left and Richard Small fifth from left

Embracing the Brand After a lot of hard work to get the Ayrshire & Arran logo to fruition, Val at Ayrshire Chamber is keen to see examples of how your business is embracing the new Ayrshire & Arran brand.

Send examples (to lbruce@ayrshirechamber.org) of how you have incorporated the branding into your literature and marketing materials and your business could feature in the next edition of the magazine.

Martin Duffy of Microtech Support Ltd., says, “Microtech have been using the Ayrshire & Arran brand logo in our email signatures and marketing materials since its launch at the Ayrshire Connections Exhibition in October last year. We’ve been pleasantly surprised on how many existing customers and potential new customers have given positive feedback 4

your ayrshire business summer 2011

about it. It’s been a great way of letting other companies within Ayrshire and Arran know that they’re dealing with a fellow like-minded, local company. “

The toolkit and logo with a variety of straplines is free to use and can be downloaded from www.ayrshirechamber.org

CHAMBER NEWS

Apprentices offer support to the local Community!

Modern Apprentices from throughout Ayrshire recently took part in the Ayrshire Business in the Community Modern Apprenticeship Challenge, an initiative supported

by Skills Development Scotland and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the challenge is to develop and strengthen links between Ayrshire businesses and their communities, delivering a project of community benefit utilising and showcasing the skills of the Modern Apprentices.

Brian Cameron of Skills Development Scotland said, “The Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for local Modern Apprentices. Entries this year were of an extremely high standard and were a credit not only to the Apprentices but also to their respective employers. Skills Development Scotland was delighted, once again, to support this initiative”.

Lesley Craig of Ayrshire Business in the Community said, “This year we introduced a new element to our challenge and so there were 3 awards up for grabs - Winner, Innovation and Best Presentation at the event.

The Modern Apprenticeship Challenge promotes mutual benefits between employers and local communities, in addition to increasing the confidence and skills of the Modern Apprentices. The project sponsors and the Modern Apprentices thoroughly enjoyed their time together during the planning and installation/delivery phases and this also promotes citizenship within local communities. In my opinion everyone who takes part is a winner. All participants found their project work extremely interesting and worthwhile and will receive certificates of participation for their training portfolios”.

The Winner Award was presented to Apprentices from GE Caledonian for their sensory memorial garden at Southcraig Campus, Ayr. Apprentices re-worked a garden area, developed a seaside play area, herb garden, coloured bird houses, wind chimes, jigsaw seats and tables as well as placing memorial plaques and creating spaces for remembrance and quiet contemplation in the garden. The Apprentices said that the project had allowed them to improve their project management skills as well as allowing them to expand on their creativity.

Lorraine Stobie of Southcraig Campus said, “We are delighted that the Sensory Garden project was successful in winning the challenge. The Apprentices put a lot of thought and work into the project and the outcome is credit to the group. Our pupils will benefit from the garden as an area for learning and also a place for quiet reflection if needed. On behalf of the pupils

BAE Systems – Award for Innovation

GE Caledonian – Winner at Southcraig, I would like to thank the GE apprentices for their efforts and commitment to the Campus”.

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Apprentices were recognised with an Award for Innovation having developed and implemented a project to promote engineering to children through the hospital education service using K’NEX to build bridges, ferris wheels etc.

Carole Kerr, Principal Teacher with the Hospital Education Service said, “From the outset they were meticulous in their planning and preparation and this continued throughout. This project provided the children with a fun learning experience and most definitely eased their stay in hospital”.

All Apprentices were required to present their project at the final event and as part of the programme received presentation skills training from Walter Gregg of Ology Coaching. Best presentation on the day went to the Apprentices from EDF Energy Hunterston B who refurbished to museum standard the Glennifer Engine, thought to be from the Countess of Breadalbane, on behalf of The Scottish Maritime Museum.

David Mann of The Scottish Maritime Museum praised the EDF Apprentices for a job well done and commented that he was lost for words when he first saw the refurbished engine.

All the projects were carried out in an extremely professional manner and to very high standards and included; Chemring Energetics who carried out the refurbishment of a wheely boat for Craufurdland Fishery to facilitate access for fishers with disabilities, Goodrich who designed, built and installed an outdoor classroom at Southcraig Campus, Ayr and the National Trust Stonemason Apprentices at Culzean Castle who worked with the Boyd family to design, carve and construct a commemorative bench for Allister Boyd which is now sited at the Burns Monument Gardens in Alloway and which also promotes Clic Sargent and Teenage Cancer Trust.

To read in detail about all the projects in this challenge log-on to www.ayrshirebic.org and go to latest news.

For more information on this year’s Challenge then watch our website for the opening registration on-line or contact the ABIC office to intimate interest on 01292 670146.

EDF Energy – Award for Best Presentation your ayrshire business summer 2011

5

CHAMBER NEEWS

Adventurous team building

One of the foremost challenges faced by many businesses, following the upheavals of "reorganisation" is the need to get teams working well together.

It has long been acknowledged that major improvements in efficiency and productivity can be realised by ensuring that a department gels and if staff truly are an organisation's greatest asset, then it makes sense to pay careful attention, not just to individuals' welfare but to the collective well-being of the team.

There are many incentives available to

motivate and encourage staff and the team at Arran Adventure is keen to clear up any misconceptions of outdoor adventure activities being the painful pseudo-military experience of the 1980s.

Donal Boyle from Arran Adventure explains, “Outdoor corporate "teambuilding" has been through several incarnations, thankfully maturing into a range of client-focused, enjoyable activities, delivering the benefits of the outdoor experience without the "attitude".”

Since 2003, the Arran Adventure Company has hosted events for numerous corporate clients, including Coca-Cola and

jamieson

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

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

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

• • • • • • • • • •

PLANT HIRE JCB Track Machine 3CX 4x4 for hire (also self drive) Rock Breaker for 3CX 4x4 Tractors and Dump Trailers Gravel Infill Trailer Tractors Self Drive Dumper, 2 Ton Roller etc Trailer Gritting Machines Hanamag Loading Shovel Mini Excavator Hire

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

your

To advertise in the next edition of

business yrshire

the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

call Stuart Pennington on 07792 362 587 6

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Clydesdale Bank. Catering for teams from 10 to 50 their Adventure Quest challenge can be tailored for mixed ages and abilities with successes depending on skill, strategy and communication.

Donal adds, “We build on all of the benefits to be gained from the outdoors enjoyment, confidence, motivation, teamwork and achievement. Experiences that can be taken back to the workplace and used on a daily basis” For more information www.arranadventure.com select “Adventure for Business”.

In Scotland, 71% of all businesses are family owned, and they create 45% of GDP and 50% of the private sector workforce, making them the most important economic part of the Scottish business world.

Moreover, as we know in Ayrshire, they are widely spread through every town and village, and comprise most of the farming and other deeply rural businesses in the county. Thus their importance is more than economic, providing the lifeblood of local communities and sustainability of the rural economy. Not all family businesses are small or medium-sized, iconic brands Walkers Shortbread, Stewart Milne Construction, Wiseman Dairies, and Baxters are all still family-owned. Globally you can add Ford, Peugeot, Mars, and IKEA to the list.

Yet family businesses are not simple organisations to lead, run and successfully pass on to the next generation. They have been described as the most complex model of business in existence. The strength of family businesses is the close

- the lifeblood of local communities

trusting relationship between family members and between the owning family and their employees, suppliers and advisors. However, these very strengths can prove to be key weak spots too, when family grow up, marry and have different visions for the future. More family businesses fail because of lack of discussion about key family issues concerning employing family members, pay, responsibilities of a shareholder and other issues. The most challenging area, succession planning, often postponed until it’s too late, or poorly planned can lead to more family businesses failing than the difficulties of economic recession. This is why it is so important for Ayrshire’s family business leaders and their advisors to understand best practices in leadership, ownership and governance for this unique type of business.

Register for free updates and newsletters at the Scottish Family Business Association www.sfba.co.uk Martin Stepek, CEO Scottish Family Business Association

CHAMBER NEWS

Family Businesses

Martin will be speaking at our FREE Family Guys event on 14th June, 5-7pm at the Horizon Hotel, Ayr

Dynamic digital marketing Six months ago Robin Balmforth, founder of rmb:digital, relocated back to Ayrshire from London with 10 years’ experience at the UK’s largest digital marketing agencies.

Robin’s move was driven by his desire to launch his own digital business in his native Scotland.

“I’d been working on accounts with some major brands like Easyjet, Phillips and Pepsi. When networking with contacts at home I realised that my experience is a valuable commodity to businesses in Scotland”. So, in January he launched rmb:digital which is now going from strength to strength.

So what makes rmb:digital different?

“We specialise in full-service digital marketing and are experts in that field.

We’re not designing pretty websites and moving on; we’re more strategic than that.

We focus on long term relationships that deliver measurable results across all the digital channels”. rmb:digital has delivered for local businesses including fellow Chamber members, Russell Consulting Scotland Ltd (RCS), an engineering company. Robin explain, “Colin Russell of RCS has a business that is going from strength to strength and his marketing strategy was evolving. Colin had always understood the importance of digital and felt a refresh was

necessary; a new image which would appeal to multi-national clients. What we’ve achieved together is a clean, dynamic site which positions RCS as a major player in his industry”.

Robin adds, “I love being back in Scotland and working with the local

business community is a great experience.

The support available from Business Gateway and the Chamber has been invaluable”.

To find out more about rmb:digital, including case studies and free knowledge articles visit www.rmbdigital.co.uk your ayrshire business summer 2011

7

CHAMBER NEWS

Duncan’s a Star

Obituary Alex Knox Ayrshire’s ‘Mr Advertising’ Born: August 1, 1949 Died: May 3, 2011 Prominent names in Scottish entertainment and the media world paid tribute following the death of Ayrshire’s ‘Mr Advertising’ Alex Knox.

Duncan (centre) receives his award

Duncan Smith, Stellar’s Business Intelligence Administrator was awarded the Support Manager of The Year Award 2011 at the recent Call Centre Management Association Annual Awards Gala Dinner in Manchester.

Nominated for his work in developing Stellar’s business intelligence system Duncan was selected as winner by the panel, who assessed him on a number of categories including; performance, communication and training Mary Graham, Stellar’s CEO for the UK said;

“We are very proud of Duncan’s achievements and the work he has done in the past two years has truly changed the way in which our organization works. From real-time dashboards measuring KPI’s in every section of the business which update every ten seconds, to script page analytics and data management reports, Stellar’s business intelligence tool truly is an award winning system for which Duncan deserves recognition.”

As a global expert in Managing Customer Relationships, Stellar provides quality customer interactions for leading global brands. www.stellarBPO.com

Boxing Clever Your rubbish is another’s treasure.

Ayrshire Chamber has joined forces with InWork Solutions to bring you the answer to your paper mountain.

Piloting in East Ayrshire, InWork Solutions will arrange to pick up your waste paper and cardboard as part of a new recycling initiative.

Not only would you be doing your bit to save the environment but you would be saving money too as In Work Solutions will pick-up for free!

That’s right, no charge!

What do they do with your rubbish? The industrious workforce at HMP Kilmarnock, under the InWork umbrella, is working on an enterprising project of baling the boxes and bits of paper and selling it on for reuse. In fact they are so good at it that they can’t get enough of the stuff! For the cost of a phone call this could be the start of a mutually beneficial association.

8

your ayrshire business summer 2011

enquiries@inworksolutions.com 08432894550 Scott Stevens Industries Manager HMP Kilmarnock

Alex (61) was the founder and managing director of Ayr-based advertising agency Advertisingworks Scotland Ltd. and a leading light in the promotion of the arts and culture in southwest Scotland. He died on Tuesday, May 3 following a short illness.

His early career saw him launch three different newspapers, including the Ayrshire World and Ayrshire Leader and during his time as chairman of the Ayrshire Arts Festival and the Septembayr Festival he was responsible for bringing some of the biggest names in music to perform in the area.

Alex Knox began his career in advertising with George Outram and Co at the Glasgow Herald.

In 1988 Alex launched the Ayrshire Leader newspaper and gave journalistic starts to a number of now prominent media figures including Sunday Herald Editor Richard Walker and the Sun News Editor Alan Muir.

In 1996 Alex formed Advertising Business Consultancy (ABC Ayr), which later became Advertisingworks Scotland Ltd and grew to be one of the largest advertising agencies outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Alex recently oversaw the company’s move to a new larger base in Ayr’s Newmarket Street. Over the years Alex’s client list included many successful business names and government organisations, including VisitScotland, Bridgend Motor Group, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Alex’s son Daniel, a creative director, will now take over as MD of the business.

Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Val Russell said: “I had the pleasure of working with Alex for over 11 years, during which time Advertisingworks took care of setting and design of our magazine. He will be sadly missed.”

It should be remembered that up to a quarter of heart attacks are symptomless i.e. there is no chest pain.

10 minutes, phone 999 without delay.

Other signs and symptoms include nausea/vomiting, sense of “impending doom”.

Common signs and symptoms:

Do not allow the casualty to walk around. Help the casualty to the floor, a half sitting position with the casualty’s knees propped up with pillows is best.

Ask if the casualty has the appropriate medicine i.e. a small red spray known as

“Vice like” pain that is sometimes described as an elephant sitting on the casualty’s chest. The pain can radiate to the left arm, the neck, jaw, back or shoulders. If the attack lasts longer than

Treatment:

GTN. Aspirin may be permitted under safe conditions.

Written information is no substitute for practical First aid training (HSE Approved).

The Chamber, in conjunction with ARC Training, run 3 day Health & Safety Executive Approved First Aid Training courses on a monthly basis. Cost £216.00 for members.

Call Anne for dates 01292678666.

Unleash your pink side By turning one day pink this October, you can help support people affected by breast cancer 365 days a year.

Breast Cancer Care is asking you to fundraise by having a Pink Friday, or any other day if you like! Every penny raised will help to make sure that the free

helpline, website and face to face support services are there to use for anyone who needs them. Every 11 minutes someone in the UK finds out they have breast cancer.

Register for your free fundraising kit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/pinkfriday or call 0870 164 9422

your ayrshire business summer 2011

9

CHAMBER NEWS

Would you be able to tell if someone you know is having a heart attack?

10

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Mama Mia! The real taste of Italy has come to the Royal Café, in Ayr, as two great Italian names come together.

Mancini’s ice cream parlour has joined forces with Francesco Bonfanti, of Bonfanti’s to transform the Café into Filippo’s Italian Restaurant. It’s been a real family affair as Anna & Filippo Mancini enlisted the talents of their nephew Michael to make over the place with his interior and furniture designs.

Chef Francesco has been working with renowned French Chef Laurent Labede but has now gone back to his roots serving “mangarie Italiano”.

Filippo explains, “It was our vision to bring a true Italian culinary experience to the people of Ayrshire. Now we not only have some of the best Italian Gellato, but

Maria Mancini (86) who worked in the cafe from 1946 until 2000 with head chef Francesco Bonfanti with Francesco we also have some of the best food.”

Bellissimo!

Keep your eyes on the road Ensuring that your vision is good enough to drive safely may seem like common sense for a lot of people, but worryingly it’s something that often gets overlooked by employers.

At present, there is no legal obligation for employers to make sure their drivers comply with minimum sight requirements.

Once a driver has passed the mandatory driving test sight assessment, they are not required to prove the fitness of their eyesight again during their working lives.

However, in 2011 this is set to change.

New EU legislation is due to be introduced, making it mandatory for all employees who drive whilst on company business to have their eyes tested regularly in order to keep their licences.

The current proposal states that holders of commercial licences will have to have their eyes tested every 5 years and holders of private licences every 10-15 years. Each EU member state has until 2013 to translate the directive into national law.

A lot of employers will no doubt be questioning who will fund the sight tests – the company or the driver?

Jill Davies, Chief Executive of Westfield Health, the official health cash plan provider to the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “As eye tests become a mandatory job requirement for drivers and an essential part of operating a business in compliance with health and safety regulations, many employees will be

CHAMBER NEWS

Is your gas safety certificate up to date?

expecting their employer to fund the cost.

“A corporate-paid health cash plan is an obvious solution, as staff can manage their own sight tests, booking appointments at a time and place convenient to them and claiming back the cost of the test and glasses (up to the limit provided) directly from the policy provider.

“For a relatively small cost, this system helps the company to ensure its drivers meet the necessary requirements, without the extra paperwork.”

The Westfield Health Chamber Primary Health Plan is available to all members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, providing cash back towards the cost of optical care as well as other forms of healthcare including dental treatment, physiotherapy and diagnostic consultations.

For more information, please contact Westfield Health on 0845 602 1629 or visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber

Celebrating with West Sound You might know already that West Sound celebrates 30 years of broadcasting to the people of Ayrshire, Arran & Cumbrae this October.

West Sound would like to know if any other local businesses are celebrating a special anniversary this year. It that’s you then please contact: Carolyn.McAllister@westsound.co.uk

Dozens of Ayrshire businesses are running the risk of prosecution by failing to keep their gas safety certificate up to date, according to industry experts.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulation 35 1998 states that all rented and managed property MUST be tested annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer and a certificate (Gas Safe CP17) issued.

Failure to comply can lead to prosecution, personal injury claims or invalid insurance.

Brian O’Neil is service manager of one of Ayrshire’s leading Gas Safe registered companies and Chamber members, O’Neil Gas Services Ltd, and his team carry out thousands of checks each year on commercial and domestic properties.

Brian explained: “Any owner or manager of a commercial property has a legal duty under the regulations to ensure that any gas appliance, pipe work or flue installed on their premises is maintained in a safe condition and is inspected and certificated every 12 months.

“Failure to have the certificate renewed each year can lead to prosecution under Health and Safety regulations or may render your buildings insurance or personal liability insurance invalid.

“Maintaining all gas appliances in a safe condition is vital for the wellbeing of staff or visiting customers or clients.”

There have been a number of highprofile legal cases in recent years where business owners have been prosecuted or sued following injury caused by unsafe gas installations.

Brian added: “It is important for businesses to realise that certification should be carried out by registered commercial Gas Safe engineers who specialise in the types of boilers and systems installed in both large and small commercial premises.”

With bases in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine, O’Neil Gas employs four of these specially trained engineers, visiting thousands of premises each year, ranging from shops, offices, restaurant and bars to swimming pools and sports centres.

For further information on gas safety call 01292 619799 (Ayr), 01563 840059 (Kilmarnock) or 01294 330078 (Irvine). your ayrshire business summer 2011

11

CHAMBER NEWS

Award success for Ocean Agency Ayr’s Ocean Agency celebrated success at this year’s Scottish Communication Awards, winning a Highly Commended award at the prestigious industry event organised by the UK’s professional body for internal communications, the IoIC. Hosted by the BBC’s Catriona Shearer, the ceremony saw representatives from some of the biggest agencies in the country gather in Edinburgh to see who would take the titles.

Nominated in the Best Employee Magazine category for its work on Digitalk, a monthly publication which the team produces for the UK’s leading entertainment company Sky, Ocean was the only creative agency outside Glasgow or Edinburgh to make the shortlist.

Ocean’s Communications Manager Gillian Bruce said: “The Scottish Communication Awards is the most high profile event of its kind in the country and is always eagerly anticipated by both agencies and clients. Our awards category was described as ‘the most hotly contested category of the night’, so we were absolutely thrilled when our team’s creative talents were Highly Commended by the judging panel.”

The Ocean team won the Digitalk

Ocean’s Senior Designer Maurice Hynds with event host Catriona Shearer account almost three years ago and has been enjoying a solid working relationship with Sky ever since. Each month the team produces the publication entirely inhouse, providing copywriting and editorial support, design, photography and print management, as well as organising

fulfillment to 3,000 Sky employees.

Ayrshire’s most established creative agency, Ocean has been in business for over 20 years.

For more information call Derek Goodchild on 01292 619000 or visit www.oceanagency.co.uk

Sercon procures another Council contract Local cleaning and security provider, Sercon Support Services Ltd has secured a second contract with North Ayrshire Council, confirming that the company’s new tender ready status is proving to be a winning formula.

Following their contract win in February for the provision of Emergency Call Out Service, Sercon has been awarded a second contract with North Ayrshire Council, this time for the provision of Cleaning Services to selected council properties in the Irvine area.

In 2010 the company undertook a year long project to review its procurement practices to become tender ready and to compete more effectively for public sector work. The project included in-depth training such as PQQ and ITT writing and TUPE training and the implementation of methods such as a dedicated Tenderdesk, all of which was developed whilst working in partnership with key consultants from Scottish Enterprise, North Ayrshire Council 12

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Economic Development team (NAC), Supplier Development Programme (SDP) and Gill Joy from Intend Business Development.

Commenting on the win and the company’s tender ready status, Managing Director Lorraine Stevely said, “This second win with North Ayrshire Council is testament that our new procurement methods are certainly making an impact, providing even more proof that SME’s of all sizes are fit to win public sector contracts.

Our hard work and commitment has been underpinned by the significant support we have received by Scottish Enterprise, NAC Economic Development team, SDP and consultant Gill Joy.” The three year contract for the Provision of Internal and External Cleaning Services commenced at the beginning of April and sees the company deploy a team of cleaners to undertake the close cleaning and window cleaning to select NAC residential properties in the Irvine area.

The two contract wins with North Ayrshire Council come at a pivotal time for the

company, as 2011 marks its 10th year in business. Founded in 2001, by CEO Paul Gratton, Sercon has grown to become a quality provider of cleaning and security solutions, spanning a range of sectors including Corporate & Property Management, Housing Associations, Education, Transport Renewables and the Public Sector.

Based in Irvine, Sercon’s comprehensive range of services include; Cleaning Services - from general office cleaning and close cleaning to specialist cleans, including aviation and wind turbine; Support Services such as pest control and window cleaning; Security Services, including Manned Guarding and Security Mobile Patrols, Key-holding and Vacant Property Inspections, Remote Monitoring and CCTV and Helpdesk Facilities, all of which can be delivered as integrated packages or individual service contracts.

For further information on Sercon Support Services Ltd, call 01294 217 600 or visit www.serconltd.co.uk

A great example of Chamber Networking happened recently when David Stribling of Limetree Healthcare spotted the advert for Lyndsey Phillips’ company Stimuli in the Ayrshire Chamber Magazine.

After an initial chat about their requirements, David then booked Stimuli to carry out Bespoke Customer Service Training for all their staff from their Pharmacies in Kilwinning and Ayr. David and his wife Fiona have been developing their Brand for Limetree Healthcare over the last few months with refurbishments taking place in both of their stores.

Speaking of the results of the training David said: “Feedback from our customers is that we are pretty good at customer service but given its importance in our business we wanted to

make sure we were doing everything we could. We struggled to find a suitable course for our staff but speaking to Lyndsey allowed us to develop a bespoke course specifically for our requirements. Feedback from the training has been wholly positive with staff of all levels of experience taking something away to work on“.

On the success of the Training, Limetree Healthcare has now booked follow up workshops. All the workshops were supported by Skills Development Scotland funding which supported the company with 50% funding for the costs of the Training Workshops.

Lyndsey Phillips said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Limetree Healthcare and to meet such a lovely team of staff. They work to the highest standards, at all times caring enough to do the best for all of their customers”

CHAMBER NEWS

Advert acts as stimulus

Chequeing out Please remember that the UK Cheque Guarantee Scheme ends on 30th June 2011.

After this date, cheques can still be used but cannot be guaranteed, even with a card that shows the Guarantee Scheme logo or hologram. Other ways of using a card are not affected. For more info contact your branch or visit www.ukpayments.org.uk

Graham + Sibbald announce Partner Appointment in Ayrshire Graham + Sibbald are delighted to announce a new Partner appointment in Ayrshire. Fraser Lang has been promoted to Partner in charge of Graham + Sibbald in Ayrshire, based in their the future.

Kilmarnock office.

Diversity of disciplines undoubtedly strengthens

Since joining the firm in 2000, Fraser was appointed Associate Partner in 2005 and has been in charge of the Kilmarnock office for the past four years.

Fraser, very ably assisted by his colleagues, has successfully managed and developed a multidisciplined practice in Kilmarnock covering the Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway areas.

Ian Gillies, Senior Partner comments: “We have always chosen to look forward and invest in our staff and recruit intelligently. Fraser Lang’s promotion to the Partnership is well earned and we wish him continuous success for

the range of services we can offer our clients in what are very difficult trading conditions and Fraser’s promotion is a clear sign of the firm’s ambition for sustained growth.”

Fraser Lang comments: “I am delighted and honoured to be promoted to a Partner of Graham + Sibbald. Through our wide range of local multidisciplined departments I aim to continue provide a complete range of property services whilst cost saving through value added solutions for Property to our clients during these particular challenging economic times.”

Graham + Sibbald is one of Scotland’s largest independent multi-disciplined firms of Chartered Surveyors providing advice to a wide range of local and national clients. The Partnership operates from a network of 14 offices across the UK. The practice offers a complete range of Property Services including: Commercial and Residential Valuations including Home Reports, Commercial Property Acquisitions, Sales and Letting, Asset Management, Building Surveying and Project Management Services, Healthcare, Investment, Licensed Trade and Leisure, Development Planning, Petroleum and Roadside and Business Rating and Appeals.

your ayrshire business summer 2011

13

CHAMBER HR

Parental Leave Changes As part of the G o v e r n m e n t ’s general overhaul and review of the way employment law operates in certain areas, the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, has indicated that there may be some radical and potentially controversial changes to a number of the regulations relating to parental leave.

At the present time, the maternity leave entitlement for mothers is to be able to take up to 12 months off work, with nine months currently being paid at various levels. Currently, fathers only receive two weeks of statutory paid leave.

A proposal to be introduced into the current consultation process by the Government suggests that, if approved, mothers could

receive a fixed period of five months of paid leave with fathers receiving an increased basic amount of six weeks of paid leave. The mother and father will then be able to divide the remaining seven months leave between them to suit their personal circumstances of which four months will be paid.

Clearly if this proposal becomes law, fathers will be able to take up to five and half months of paid leave after the birth of their child. A natural extension of this proposal is that the mother and father could take six months off work each to care for their new child with much of it being paid.

The Government is also expected to announce a proposal to expand the right for employees to request to work from home.

These flexible working proposals may be

introduced by the year 2013 with the parental leave plans potentially being introduced from April 2015, subject to the outcome of the consultation process and subsequently to the usual parliamentary process.

Although these proposals are at a very early stage at the present time, such changes would inevitably further complicate the maternity and paternity leave which is available to mothers and fathers. As with all new employment law matters, we will update our clients as soon as a clear legislative programme, which may include these items, is published by the Government.

In the meantime, please contact chamber@qdosconsulting.com for further information.

Testimonial - Karen McGlone of EAAS Ltd East Ayrshire Advocacy Services Ltd provides independent advocacy services to East Ayrshire residents with learning disabilities, mental health

14

your ayrshire business summer 2011

problems and the elderly.

Karen McGlone, Assistant Manager at EAAS Ltd says, “We have found Chamber HR to be an invaluable tool whilst updating our handbook, in

particular the information on the Equality Act. As a benefit included in Chamber membership, this has been money well spent, one of the best investments we’ve made.”

John McCaig and Sons, industrial and commercial electrical contractors based in Ayr, has expanded into the renewable energy sector with the launch of McCaig Renewables at All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewables exhibition and conference.

McCaig Renewables, a fully owned subsidiary of John McCaig and Sons, will supply and install solar PV panels, wind turbines and heat pumps to meet the increasing demand for domestic and commercial renewable energy solutions in West Scotland and further afield.

Commenting on the launch, director John McCaig said, “Launching at All-Energy was particularly important for us, as it is the heart of the UK renewable energy sector and shows our commitment to the industry.

“Venturing into this arena is a natural progression for our business. Our highly qualified staff and operatives are already in place to carry out the works required. We have a solid base on which to build the company and all internal frame-work is in place.”

John McCaig and Sons was established

Jamie McCaig, Frances McCaig and John McCaig, founding directors of McCaig Renewables. in 1985. Headquartered in Ayr, with a branch office in Glasgow, the company

employs 50 staff and has an annual turnover of £3.4m.

Winning Ways Ayr rugby full-back, Douglas Steele, who helped his team into the final of the Scottish Cup Final in April, is celebrating a double whammy having landed a top job with local firm, Donald Ross Estate Agents.

Twenty-one year old Douglas is joining the Donald Ross team as a Trainee Negotiator.

Douglas said, “It’s been a terrific month for me both on and off the field. I’m delighted to be starting out on a new career path and everyone at the agency has been very welcoming. To cap it all, the team’s achievements have been terrific and I couldn’t be happier.”

Commenting on his appointment Steven Miller, Managing Director of the family owned business said, “Douglas is a confident and smart young man and will fit in well both in the business and the industry at large.

I think we’re all brushing up on our fitness skills having listened to stories of his training regime which is also a good thing!”

Donald Ross Estate Agents Director Jacqueline Miller and Managing Director Steven Miller welcome new recruit Douglas Steele

your ayrshire business summer 2011

15

CHAMBER NEWS

McCaig launches renewable business

AYRSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS

Ayrshire Business Awards 2011 Are you an Ayrshire Champion? Entries Now Open!

Further to the success of the 2010 Ayrshire Business Awards we are delighted to announce that the Ayrshire Business Awards 2011are now open for entries!

The Ayrshire Business Awards which are principally sponsored by Business Gateway will also see the introduction of 3 new categories and businesses operating within Ayrshire are encouraged to submit an

application to one or more of the 10 categories available.

The range of categories has been designed to be accessible to all businesses.

The winners of the Awards will be announced at a glittering Awards Dinner to be held on Thursday 13th October at the Gailes Hotel, Irvine where guests can enjoy a drinks reception on arrival before the Awards Dinner commences with host Kaye Adams.

The Ayrshire Business Award Categories for 2011 are as follows: Award for Most Promising New Business Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Award for Excellence in Customer Service Sponsored by William Tracey Award for Best Environmental Performance Sponsored by Nestle Tourism Award Sponsored by EDF Energy Investors in Education Sponsorship Opportunity Available Health at Work Sponsored by NHS Healthy Working Lives Rural Enterprise Award Sponsored by Ayrshire LEADER Ayrshire Family Business of the Year Sponsored by Bank of Scotland Award for Outstanding Performing Business (<25 employees) Sponsorship Business Gateway Award for Outstanding Performance Business (>25 employees) Sponsored by Scottish Power Renewables For full details of the Award Categories and descriptions as well as much more information, visit the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.ayrshire-chamber.org/businessawards.asp You can download the category speciďŹ c entry forms from the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce website or if you have any queries or require further information, please contact Entourage UK Ltd on Tel: 0141 887 6181 or email businessawards@entourageuk.com The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 29th August 2011 please note there is no cost to enter these awards.

Tickets for this event are now on sale details on how to purchase tickets for the Awards Ceremony and Dinner are also available on the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.ayrshire-chamber.org/businessawards.asp Val Russell, Ayrshire Chamber's Deputy Chief Executive, said: "I'd like to encourage all members and businesses based in the Ayrshire area to enter. We have some exceptional companies operating in Ayrshire who deserve to be recognised. The dinner will be an opportunity to celebrate the many successes of our local business communityâ&#x20AC;?

We hope you will enter the Ayrshire Business Awards 2011 and join us for a night of celebration on Thursday 13th October 2011 at the Gailes Hotel Irvine. We look forward to seeing you there!

16

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Breastfeeding mothers in Ayrshire can feel comfortable feeding their babies when out and about with even more businesses signing up to the Breastfeed Happily Here scheme.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran launched the Breastfeed Happily Here scheme in 2008 to give support to breastfeeding mothers and help them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public places. The scheme aims to: •Support the businesses taking part to welcome and assist mothers wishing to breastfeed on their premises •Raise awareness of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 •Provide mothers with a positive experience of breastfeeding in public

Look Good, Feel Good Alaro Orphanage & School is a charitable organisation, helping children in Kenya who have lost

places The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 makes it illegal to prevent or stop a mother feeding her child, either by breastfeeding or bottle feeding, in a place where she is allowed to be. The Act means that anyone should be able to feed a child when required, in the best place for them without feeling embarrassed, being interrupted or criticised.

Ruth Campbell, Consultant Dietitian in Public Health Nutrition explains: “Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life and this scheme will hopefully work towards encouraging more new mums to consider breastfeeding. The Breastfeed Happily Here scheme encourages local businesses to think about how they can support mums when feeding their babies. This can be as simple

members of their family.

With around 70 children at the school, they have embarked on a bead/jewellerymaking enterprise and would welcome further contact from the UK. Chamber members, Alistair & Eileen Bruce of Write 2 Promote, are currently involved in this project and would be delighted to share more details if you think you could help.

Email info@alaro-orphanage-kenya.org

your ayrshire business summer 2011

17

CHAMBER NEWS

Sign up for happy babies

as showing mums to a comfortable area to sit, or offering a glass of water.”

Businesses and organisations who sign up to the scheme receive an information pack, and we encourage them to make all staff aware of their responsibilities under the legislation. Businesses will also display a window sticker so they are instantly recognisable as taking part in the scheme.

Ruth adds: “We want as many businesses as possible to get involved in helping us to promote breastfeeding. By signing up to the scheme, you will be promoting a family-friendly image and demonstrating your social responsibility to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.”

For more information, or to take part in the scheme, contact Breastfeed Happily Here on freephone 08001691441 or email breastfeedhappilyhere@aapct.scot.nhs.uk Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce has signed up to this scheme.

EDUCATION LINKS

Atlantic Rising Challenge 2011 In 2009, the Atlantic Rising Interdisciplinary Project was launched in Prestwick Academy, by an enthusiastic team about to embark on a 32,000 km journey, visiting low-lying communities around the Atlantic coastline and documenting the possible impact of a 1.5m rise in sea level.

In January this year an interdisciplinary challenge for the Academy’s S2 pupils was launched. Guest presenters included John Esslemont from Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit, Martin Mathers from Scottish Power Renewables and George O’Berst from EDF (based at Hunterston).

Pupils were involved in challenge days supported by the Geography, Modern Languages and Biology departments.

Members of the PR team produced an animation for French TV to persuade the public to take action. Others produced a documentary showing the impact of climate change locally and globally and devised possible solutions. Ayrshire farmers, Ian Gillan, Willie Campbell, Mungo Guthrie and Willie Lamont Pupils shared local issues resulting from the effects of climate change. A live video link allowed participants to chat to young people from as far afield as USA, Mexico

Students rise to the Challenge Students from across Ayrshire got the chance to experience the pressure of the Apprentice boardroom at this year’s Schools Business Challenge.

The annual event, hosted by NATS at Prestwick Centre, challenges teams from schools in the area to compete in a tricky business project. The challenge aims not only to test their business, teamwork and presentation skills, but also gives

18

your ayrshire business summer 2011

and Canada to discuss global issues.

The teams were encouraged to make use of ICT, models and posters in their presentations. The project was very enterprising and pupils developed employability skills such as team working, presenting to an audience, meeting deadlines and demonstrating their creativity.

The final event was held on 21st February and a number of the link employers returned to join Heather Reid them a chance to see the range of potential careers available at NATS. NATS Information Solutions Manager at Prestwick Janine Taylor, said: “It’s the third year we’ve held the challenge and we wanted this year’s to be the best yet. The students were set the task of designing a recruitment campaign. Working within a set budget they could use any types of media to get their message across, but we wanted them to put particular focus on destroying the perception that we only do air traffic control here at Prestwick.”

Students had a few weeks to prepare their projects before they were invited to present to a team of NATS senior management.

Janine explained: “We like to throw a curveball on the day to give students experience of real-life workplace challenges, so we reduced their expected presentation time to only five minutes, allowing them breakout sessions to adapt

formerly BBC weather presenter on the judging panel.

The judges were impressed by the quality of presentations, team work, language skills and accuracy of the scientific and geographic knowledge.

The winning team (Jen McWhirter, Arran Taylor, Sophie McNicol and David Laird) and best individuals (David Laird and Erin Hogg) win a day out at Whitelee Windfarm, sponsored by Scottish Power Renewables. their presentations accordingly.”

The students got the chance to hear from a variety of guest speakers, including Cpl Martin Cassidy and Sgt Gary Shand of the local RAF Recruitment Centre, former NATS employee Danny Anderson, who now runs his own company, Zisys Events Management and members of the Prestwick Leadership team. Fiona Shields of West FM was MC for the day.

Janine added: “This is just one way that get involved in the local community and the feedback we’ve received so far has been brilliant. The students had a great time and learned a lot along the way.”

The winning team was Jade Sim, Paula Goudie, Angela Taggart, Emma Jardine, David Hewitson and Russell McCreath of Prestwick Academy, who each picked up an iPod nano and a trip to Edinburgh Airport tower to see the operation in action.

Smiles all Round There was no gnashing of teeth when Sophie of Garnock Academy was placed at Kilbirnie Dental Centre for Work Experience.

Sophie said, “I have learnt more about oral hygiene and how to take good care of your teeth. The staff were all very friendly and helpful; there was always smiles and laughter. This experience has opened more options to me for a career.

I would definitely recommend to anyone to give the experience a shot.”

Stacey Gilmour, Senior Dental Nurse adds, “Work experience is a good way to give young people an insight into a job before making final decisions on a career and let them work out if the job is right for them. All the staff at Kilbirnie Dental Centre enjoy having the pupils

Dunlop Primary recently held their first ever Careers Week where they looked at a variety of careers to start the children thinking about what they might like to do when they leave school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Planting the Seeds

here and telling them the pros and cons of the job and they are a very good help to us we miss them when they leave. I think more businesses should get involved in the programme as we have all got to start somewhere.”

Merlin Works Creative Magic

Representatives from; GE Electric, BAE Systems, Transcribe UK, Sainsbury's and Scottish Agricultural College took part in a mini road show which gave pupils the opportunity to ask lots of interesting questions—thanks to the employers who took part!

A Site to See

Standard Grade Social and Vocational Skills pupils at Girvan Academy contacted a number of local employers by letter, email, and telephone as part of their course to find out more about local businesses through site visits and talks at the school.

Pupils arranged a visit to Bargany Estate to find about the fishing business and even tried their hands at casting a fly. They learned about the different rods, the environment, and income from selling fishing permits to locals and tourists.

Another successfully arranged visit was to Grants Distillery where the pupils were given a tour of the plant, found out about H & S, visited the control centre, the testing labs and the cooperage. They also learned about lots of different jobs at the plant and how Grants are improving their environment by recycling the waste material to make biofuels.

For Carrick Academy pupils Claire and Lewis, old clothes were essential as we set off for a community project in Calderbank near Coatbridge, checking up on our most recent design and fabrication of children’s artwork at Sikeside.

No amenities plus a lot of burnt & malodorous debris didn’t dent our pupil’s enthusiasm for the job in hand as they set to, rubbing down and touching up the existing ‘kissing’ gates, then interpreting and sketching up designs from the Calderbank children’s ideas. Undaunted by the size of the container, they prepared the way, priming, chalking up lettering and inking in roughs for the graffiti art and what a good and efficient job they did.

LXArts have been involved with this community for some time, initially with Primary School pupils designing entrance ‘kissing gates’ for the area, long subjected to dumping, vandalism and low esteem. As our success depended upon engaging the whole community, we involved the youth element in a graffiti project as a reward for helping us paint the gates for the younger children. Scotia Gas ‘stepped up to the plate and allowed us to paint their sub station, (a huge hit with the locals) and an

unexpected pleasure for the volunteer Gas employees who were impressed by these ‘difficult’ teenagers. As we progressed, more interest was shown by local businesses and regeneration has now begun in earnest with the development of allotments and sponsorship from Business in donating containers, tools, plants, paint etc. offering much needed visible support to the community.

The difficulty for us in offering work experience is not knowing what we’ll be working on at the time, but, it is ‘more real’ as the pupils commented, to be doing something relating to their interests with a view to helping them make informed career decisions. Having a glimpse of the creative industry in however small a way is valuable and we also gain from the young people’s fresh objective approach. To show how partnerships between industry and the arts can benefit the community certainly impressed the students and their subsequent recognition of the need for versatility, practical experience and creative qualities not covered by the curriculum culture, was gratifying. A rewarding experience all round.

Merlin A. Currie www.merlinsartsite.com www.lxarts.co.uk your ayrshire business summer 2011

19

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.

Amer Sports Crompton Way Irvine KA11 4HU Contact: Alistair Carey Tel: 01294 219117 www.amersports.com Manufacture & distribution of sporting goods.

Arran Adventure Auchrannie Road Brodick Isle of Arran KA27 8BZ Contact: Jo Hastings Tel: 01770 302244 www.arranadventure.com Adventure & activities. Kayaking, gorge walking, archery, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking & bike hire.

Atlas Communications O2 Centre of Excellence Irongray House Irongray Dumfries DG2 0H5 Contact: Gary Robertson Tel: 01387 721721 www.talkatlas.co.uk Telecoms-O2 centre of excellence.

Caledonian Bottlers PLC Cumnock Business Park Glaisnock Road Cumnock KA18 3BY Contact Sharon King Tel: 01290 422909 www.shs-group.co.uk Contract bottler for alcoholic and soft drinks.

Direct Distribution 2B Mafeking Street Glasgow G51 2UZ Contact: Avril Denholm Tel: 0141 445 8838 www.directdistribution.co.uk Print based distribution & display company.

Distant Assistant 13 Nelville Drive Galston KA4 8BN Contact: Annie or Jackie Belford Tel: 01563 821923 Business virtual secretarial & admin services.

Eden Business Consultancy Ltd 21 Bodesbeck Court Bourtreehill North Irvine Contact: Alejandro De Bianco Tel: 01294 219650 Business Consultancy, management & strategies.

Fortress Security Alarms Ltd 6 Langlands Street Kilmarnock KA1 2AH Contact William Sivewright Tel: 01563 533222 www.fortresssecurity.co.uk Installation of intruder alarms, CCTV, door entry, fire alarms, emergency lighting & electrical work.

G M Instruments Unit 6 Ashgrove Workshops Ashgrove Road Kilwinning KA13 6PU Contact: Eric Greig Tel: 01294 554664 www.gm-instruments.com Manufacture & design of medical electronic equipment.

20

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Graeme McCombe 9 Ashdale Road Kilmarnock KA3 1PS Contact: Graeme McCombe Tel: 07703184222 www.itirati.co.uk Enterprise-class advice, IT support & provision for businesses & organizations across Ayrshire.

Old Parish Out of School Care Kirkgate Irvine KA12 0NS Contact: Lori Smallwood Tel: 01294 217790 Out of school care services, including breakfast & holiday care.

Johnston & Graham 21 Back Pebbles Street Ayr KA8 8DT Contact: Charles Johnston Tel: 01292 262900 Gas engineers, full heating systems, repairs & all trades for house, bathroom & kitchen renovations.

OTACS Ltd 64 Thorn Road Bearsden Glasgow G61 4BP Contact: David Haldane Tel: 07709976585 www.otacs.co.uk Occupational health consultancy services & training.

J.R. Smith 12 Chalmers Road Ayr KA7 2RQ Contact: Rodger Smith Tel: 01292 260589 Plumbing, heating, bathroom & kitchen surveys & installation, property maintenance.

10% Discount Largs Sailing Club Largs Yacht Haven Irvine Road Largs KA30 8EZ Contact: John Ridley Tel: 01475 670000 www.largssc.co.uk Members sailing club, offering training & facility access.

Letts Agree 8 Queen Street Kilmarnock KA1 3DB Contact: Thomas Telfer Tel: 01563 55888 www.lettsagree.co.uk Letting & Property Management.

Little White Box Events 40 Mossgiel Road Ayr KA7 3DL Contact: Rebecca Murray Tel: 07787653968 www.littlewhiteboxevnts.co.uk Wedding & Function Plan. Conference, wedding & prom packages.

Lochaven International 2A Dunlop Street Stewarton Kilmarnock KA3 5AS Contact: Keith Murray Tel: 01560 483062 www.lochaven.co.uk Specialist knitwear manufacture.

McKissock Electrical 62 New Road Ayr KA8 8EX Contact: John McKissock Tel: 01292 611598 www.mckissockelectrical.co.uk Domestic, commercial & industrial - electrical installations & appliance repairs.

Move 2 Ayrshire Ltd 1-3 Chapel Well Street Saltcoats KA21 5EB Contact: Peter Kean Tel: 01294 467555 www.move2ayrshire.co.uk Estate Agents Sales & Lettings

Remax Ayrshire 1 Dornoch Court Kilwinning KA13 6QN Contact: Kevin Hand Tel: 07817207489 www.remax-kilwinning.com Estate agency, house seller’s local agents & international network.

Sterling Efforts 15 Springhill Terrace Irvine KA11 3AL Contact: Nikki Niven Tel: 01294 218940 www.sterling-efforts.co.uk Helping to make & save money via reduced price utilities, shopping, and debt management service.

5% discount off all utilities free debt management consultation Turnkey Infrastructure Solutions Ltd Thornton Lodge East Kilbride Road Glasgow G76 9HW Contact: Chick Douglas Tel: 0141 644 5444 www.turnkey-group.com Bespoke, infrastructure, business systems, software & support throughout the UK. Complimentary consultancy value £250 The Best of Irvine 6 Carson Drive Irvine KA12 8HR Contact: John Gunion Tel: 01294 271078 www.thebestof.co.uk/Irvine Promoting & showcasing local businesses in Irvine & surrounding area.

We Hae Meat Cairnhill Farm Girvan KA26 9RE Contact: Alex Paton Tel: 01465 871339 www.wehaemeat.com Meat manufacturer & wholesaler.

ZPS Translations 54 Whitlees Court Ardrossan KA22 7PD Contact: Zivile Plyciute-Smith Tel: 07522403976 www.proz.com/profile/1401044 Lithuanian/English translation service for commercial business documents & legal contractual.

MEMBERS NEWS

Tourism Expo loves Ayrshire

Buyers flocked to the Ayrshire and Arran stand at VisitScotland’s annual Expo at the AECC in Aberdeen as public and private sector partners collaborated to promote the area on a purpose built showcase stand.

At the launch of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership’s “Love Ayrshire” campaign, in February, attendance at the national tourism trade show was identified as one of a number of key actions. The success of the stand is testament to the new team working approach which has evolved as a result of a partnership between the three Ayrshire Councils and private sector tourism operators providing a pan Ayrshire collaborative presence for a third year in succession.

The Expo is Scotland’s flagship business to business event for the travel trade.

Leading tourism business associations including the Ayrshire Food Network, Ayrshire and Arran Hotels

VASA – empowering the third sector Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) is the local Third Sector Interface, recognised by Scottish Government and South Ayrshire Council as fulfilling a key role in ensuring the continued development of a robust Third Sector in South Ayrshire.

Association, VisitArran, and Scotland’s West Coast Golf Links combined to showcase their products and services to key buyers from around the globe.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council and member of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership said: "We are all working very hard to develop a new five year tourism strategy for Ayrshire. We know that many visitors already love Ayrshire and return regularly but we need to refocus on our key markets and work together to attract even more visitors to spend money in the region. We have been able to build on the success of the past couple of years by supporting our industry partners at VisitScotland Expo, putting our area on a national stage and underlining our commitment to a joined-up approach to tourism.”

Tuathal Breheny, Chair of Ayrshire & Arran Hotels Association, added: “Expo always provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the area, engage with the

Four key interface functions are: Volunteering Development, Social Enterprise Development, Supporting and Developing a strong Third Sector, Building the Third Sector Relationship with Community Planning.

Whether you are a new organisation setting up for the first time and looking for advice on constitutions, charity registration or funding, or an established organisation seeking advice and guidance on best practice, policies, long term sustainability or engaging and retaining volunteer. VASA has a team of trained personnel with expe4rtise in all areas relating to the not for profit sector.

travel trade, and attract new business.

The support of the three Councils in coordinating the stand is invaluable and provides a really effective platform for doing business. Buyers seemed to love the Ayrshire stand and we took a lot of positive enquiries over the two days so I am sure that the area will benefit from this ongoing partnership approach.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “Ayrshire and Arran’s collaborative presence at Expo is now well established and demonstrates the benefits of a joined up approach to tourism. I know that the Ayrshire Economic Partnership views tourism as a priority and it is great to see public and private sector partners working together to develop and grow the sector.”

Plans are now underway to further strengthen Ayrshire and Arran’s position as a key tourism destination with a presence at Expo 2012, when the show returns to Edinburgh.

The website offers information and advice on all relevant topics and this combined with one to one bespoke support and training will help your organisation grow and develop to meet the many challenges ahead.

VASA offers enhanced services for members and during 2011 is offering membership at an introductory rate of £15.00. Benefits include; access to free funding, workshop and networking, regular newsletters and nomination of volunteers for the South Ayrshire Volunteer Award Scheme. www.voluntaryactionsouthayrshire.org. uk

your ayrshire business summer 2011

21

events

EVENTS DIARY

Summer 2011

EVENTS ROUND UP

by Chamber Communication Officer

HOW TO...USE SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTIVELY 10th June 8.30—10.30am Use social media effectively to generate interest and loyalty from customers Facilitator: Jeremy Webb, WEBBACTIVEMEDIA Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £18.00

FAMILY GUYS with SFBA 14th June 5– 7pm Invitation to meet two of Scotland's best known family business owners Speakers: Martin Stepek, Scottish Family Business Association & George Stevenson, MD Mathieson’s Bakers Venue: Horizon Hotel, Ayr Cost: FREE SPONSORED BY WILLIAM DUNCAN & CO. AND BANK OF SCOTLAND

ARRAN AWAY DAY 2011 15th June 9.30 –5.30pm Sail to the Isle of Arran for a day of information gathering and networking.

Venue: Arran Distillery and The Douglas Hotel Cost: £32.00 ISLAND MEMBERS PLEASE MEET US AT 3PM IN THE DOUGLAS HOTEL FOR NETWORKING AND AFTERNOON TEA (COST APPROX £5)

SUMMER CELEBRATION 23rd June 5– 7pm We’re ringing the changes at the Chamber this summer and would like you to join us to share in our celebrations. Come and meet the Board and the team.

We’ll be unveiling our new; Chamber HR website, Referral scheme and our makeover. We’ve not been Gok’d, but its close!

Venue: Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon Cost: FREE

GET READY TO BE TEED OFF - Chamber Golf Challenge 25th August - shotgun start 8.30am Fill up with breakfast rolls before competing in teams of 4, followed by lunch and prize giving Venue : West Kilbride Golf Club Cost: £70.00

FIRST AID AT WORK 3 Day Course: Running monthly Training in skills and knowledge to achieve standards of competence of a fully qualified first aider in the workplace. Health and Safety Executive Approved and complies with the Health and Safety (First aid at work) Regulations 1981 Venue: Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine Cost: £216.00

AYRSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS GALA DINNER 2011 Thursday 13th October (part of Ayrshire Business Week) Announcing the award winners. Hosted by Kaye Adams Venue: Gailes Hotel, Irvine

Cost: £54.00

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

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

22

your ayrshire business summer 2011

Lorne Bruce

I am glad to say that we have been kept busy with a varied diary of events over the past 3 months and would like to thank all the hosts, sponsors, speakers and of course the delegates who support our event calendar.

It seems a long time ago, but since the last publication, members and guests enjoyed our Annual Dinner at Ayr Racecourse, this year hosted by Fred MacAulay. Willie Mackie, from the Clydesdale Bank, Principal Sponsor of the event said, “I thought it was a huge success with unanimous praise from everyone I spoke to, including the politicians!”

Our Health & Safety approved First Aid courses continue to run throughout the year and are ably delivered by ARC Training or SOS Training, while Charlie Sweeney helps to shed some light on the intricacies of Importing and Exporting.

Our regular early start HOW TO workshops cover a variety of topics, most recently Kay Morgan, from Kay Training, equipped delegates with strategies in choosing the right attitude, all day, every day and Stephen Bargh, from William Tracey, covered issues that can arise when passing on the family business.

As part of our Chamber Health Campaign, the Ramada Hotel in Ayr, was host to a free drop-in event which gave visitors the opportunity to meet the experts and find out more about the exclusive Chamber Health benefits available to members. With the Golf Simulator Suite, Zumba from the Fun Factory, Body Fat Testing from Herbalife, Body Balance from Callachans Health & Therapy Studio, exhibitions from AXA PPP Health Care, Westfield and Healthy Working Lives, not forgetting yummy fruit smoothies from Sainsbury’s Prestwick, we all left with a spring in our step. This was a super event, let down slightly by the poor turnout.

Us ladies like nothing better than an excuse for a good blether, which is exactly what we had at Enterkine House when we lunched and networked with the Glasgow Chamber in the marquee on the lawn. Guest speaker, business coach Ros Taylor shared her wealth of knowledge in the field of confidence and leadership. I am sure all those in attendance took away some useful tips.

For our members on the Isle of Arran, Jeremy Webb from WebbActiveMedia presented on the hot topic of Social Media, sharing advice on how it can be used effectively to benefit your business. We had great support for this event and don’t worry all you mainlanders, Jeremy will be presenting on the same topic closer to hand, check the events diary for details.

The sun shone on us for a trip up the coast to Largs Sailing Club and our Speed Networking. This format is proving to be very successful and we look forward to seeing some new faces at future events. Don’t be daunted, we’re a friendly lot.

I am delighted to announce that we are now able to offer our “Audience with..” evenings free of charge, so there’s no excuse for not taking the opportunity to learn from business people at the top of their game. Over 50 people came to the Savoy Park Hotel to hear Dr Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, speak.

Deputy Chief Executive at the Chamber, Val Russell, gained some useful insights into ways of developing the use of new Ayrshire & Arran brand.

Always high on the agenda is tourism, but have you ever considered Astronomy Tourism? Loudoun Hill Visitor Centre hosted our evening with Steve Owens from the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, who organises their astronomy events programme.

With the aim of attracting hundreds of stargazers during the winter months, he shared information and opportunities for Ayrshire and Lanarkshire businesses in fulfilling some of the requirements of these tourists.

We were pleased with the huge turnout for our recent Quick Quotes Public Procurement event, facilitated by David Alexander, Head of Corporate Resources & Andy Shilliday of South Ayrshire Council. Here’s hoping that attendees can put into practice what they learned about the tendering process and hopefully win some new business. …and finally, well done to the Chamber girls who walked the walk last month!

brown brothers ink on paper experts

!

Quarry Road, Irvine KA12 0TJ t. 01294 278 951 f. 01294 278 595 print@brown-bros.com www.brown-bros.com

"