Your Ayrshire Business - Winter 2012 issue

your

business yrshire

WINTER 2012 ÂŁ2

the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

ayrshirechamber of commerce and industry

Ayrshire Business Week 2012 pages 12 & 13

inside this month: A Time for Reflection: page 3 Haggis for Heroes: page 8 Biomass, fuel for the future?: page 17

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

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

Valerie Russell

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Helen McBride

magazine Editorial Content:

lbruce@ayrshire-chamber.org

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

Print & Distribution:

brown brothers

ink on paper experts www.brown-bros.com

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

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

01292 269909 Chartered Financial Planners 01292 280499 Legal Services

01563 558844 A total solutions company 01292 885923 National Health Service

01292 885928 Health advice and services for the work place

01292 263777 A full-service digital agency

01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life 01292 313311 Modern heavy building materials

0800 0432760 IT service & support

01292 265071 Chartered accountants and Business Advisers

Published by SP Publications on behalf of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2012. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without the express permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in “Your Ayrshire Business” are not necessarily those of the Editorial Committee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Articles submitted for publication will be considered at the Committee’s discretion and may be subject to editing.

Publication is not guaranteed.

THE winter edition of the Chamber magazine is a good time to reflect on the very active programme of events which the Chamber has been promoting over the summer months.

A key strategy for the Chamber is to build on partnerships with our Willie Mackie, private and public sector colleagues President, Ayrshire Chamber from across the region and the Chamber team have been extremely busy supporting our existing members and, I am pleased to say, increasing our membership to over 800 for the first time in our history.

The Ayrshire Economic Partnership continues to drive the wider economic agenda across our priority themes of Tourism, Food and Drink, Marine and Coastal, Engineering and Renewables. The development of a pan Ayrshire tourism strategy has been a key focus of the Partnership and the Chamber was delighted to see the appointment of Roslyn Halley to lead the new Tourism Team.

One of the key events in the Chamber calendar is the annual Ayrshire Business Week, in October, with events being held right across the region. This year we were delighted to welcome the Ingram Motoring Group as sponsor for the overall business week and I am pleased to announce they have already agreed to continue their sponsorship for 2013. The week started when I hosted an audience with Steve Callan, Managing Director of Goodrich Corporation based at Prestwick, who provided a unique insight into the culture and work practices of this truly global business and a key employer in our local market.

We had a record number of attendees at our Ayrshire Connections B2B event, held at Ayr Racecourse, where we had a remarkable 104 trade stands on display. Gio Benedetti was our guest speaker who both inspired and challenged the many businesses who attended this event.

The highlight of the week is our Ayrshire Business Awards Dinner, held once again at the Gailes Hotel which saw a record attendance of 270 celebrate the many successes of Ayrshire businesses. Hosted by Kaye Adams this awards dinner is fast becoming one of the highest profile events on the calendar and provides a platform for businesses of all shapes and sizes to take a brief time out from day to day pressures to reflect on their achievements.

Following a request from local Members of Parliament, the Chamber organised an event to support businesses which are either; currently exporting, or who are thinking about expanding their exporting business. We were delighted to welcome Nick Baird, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment, to Ayrshire who addressed over 90 businesses at the Gailes Hotel. Feedback from this event was very positive and the Chamber is keen to keep in touch with any businesses that are looking to expand their customer base overseas.

The Chamber Youth Academy continues to go from strength to strength, developing to a two week programme aimed at helping 16 to 20 year olds make steps towards employment by confidence building, developing skills and experience to be taken forward to the workplace. Candidates took on an “Apprentice” style challenge and pitched to represent, Arran Aromatics and Nucoco on stands at Ayrshire Connections, where they promoted and sold a range of goods from each company, taking guidance from mentors from Business Mentoring Scotland. The teams were judged; sales, profit, professionalism and entrepreneurial skills displayed throughout the task.

Karine Burns, Manager of the West Coast Hatchery at Entrepreneurial Spark had the difficult task of choosing the winner. Please view candidate profiles on the website if you have an employment opportunity.

The success of the 2012 Olympic Games will live long in the memory, as indeed will the success of the European Ryder cup team, not to mention Andy Murray's success at the US Open! The Chamber is actively involved in highlighting opportunities for Ayrshire businesses to be involved in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and I would encourage you to contact the Chamber if you are interested in finding out what the wider business opportunities might be to support, what I am sure will be, an iconic event for Scotland.

At the time of writing there are only 50 days to Christmas which will see the end of another challenging year for all businesses as the UK and global economy shows no reals signs of recovery. Ayrshire Chamber remains committed to supporting our members as much as we can through these difficult times - Val Russell and her team are keen to hear your views so please be in touch with any comments or suggestions re how we can improve our service and support to you.

Best wishes for a safe and prosperous festive season.

Willie Mackie, President, Ayrshire Chamber your ayrshire business winter 2012

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Coolbawn & Amalgamate Collaborate

Malcolm and Karen Simpson with their son Lee

THERE were double celebrations for SimpsInns at the 17th Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) Awards held at the Glasgow Hilton, as The Waterside won the Refurbishment of the Year category before owner Malcolm Simpson landed the big one by being named Entrepreneur of Year.

The SLTN Awards continue to represent the benchmark for excellence in Scotland’s licensed leisure, hospitality and tourism sector.

For the family-owned business it could not have been scripted any better as two prestigious industry awards made their way back to Ayrshire.

The SLTN Refurbishment award was presented in recognition of the work carried out to create The Waterside at West Kilbride. The tired old building was brought back to life by husband and wife team, Malcolm and Karen Simpson who had the vision to create something unique with a distinctive New England/Cape Cod design.

At the glittering awards dinner, the icing on the cake came when TV personality Kate Thornton announced Malcolm the winner of the night's top award as he was named SLTN Entrepreneur of the Year 2012.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have received these prestigious awards," said Malcolm. "The SLTN Awards are the industry standard and to have won on a night like this is even more special. None of this would have been possible without the great team we have built up over the years.

When a project like The Waterside gets recognition like it has at these awards, it makes all the hard work worthwhile."

It has been an exceptionally busy period for SimpsInns with attentions now focused on Si! in Irvine. With support from Irvine Bay, Si! Cafe:Bar:Restaurant and Si! Italia will open along the Kilwinning Road early in the New Year before investments turn to the recently acquired Riverside Inn south of Ayr.

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

Allan and Karen at Ayrshire Connections

AFTER serving the Ayrshire community for close to four years collectively Amalgamate and Coolbawn have joined forces to offer their clients more. Amalgamate, a H&S consultancy and Coolbawn Consulting, a quality and environmental management consultancy, realised that a collaborative approach could be the way forward.

Both family owned businesses are successful in their own right, working across the UK and Europe for their respective clients. Working collaboratively, they are now delighted to offer their clients a one-stop shop for OHSAS 18001 H&S Management System, ISO 19001 and 14001 Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

Karen Callow from Coolbawn explains, “I believe that having a certified management system can be what separates you from your competitors. Many of our clients now appreciate the difference these international standards can have on their ability to secure work.”

Both companies have experience to design and implement the systems, to audit established systems and to provide appropriate training to staff members.

Allan MacDonald of Amalgamate adds, “We see the strength in collaborative working and are delighted to be able to offer potential clients the benefit of our combined expertise”.

New customers are offered a free consultation on their quality, environmental or occupational H&S management systems if you commit to achieving ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, or OHSAS 18001:2007 certification.

If you would like to know more about either company or how you could collaborate please contact info@amalgamatesafety.com or info@coolbawn-consulting.co.uk

To advertise in the next edition of

your

SimpsInns lands two SLTN Awards

business yrshire

the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry

call Stuart Pennington on 07792 362 587 or email stuart.glasgownews@gmail.com

Ayr College plays ‘World Host’ to aspiring youngsters THE Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Academy (CYA) has been working with Ayr College to offer the ‘World Host’ course to 16-20 year olds who are looking for work.

As part of the course the students participated in role-play exercises, learning about different ways of communicating with confidence whether to an employer or customer. One student commented “We are learning how to be more employable, to improve our customer service skills whilst gaining a great qualification. It has been a really worthwhile course and one that we have all enjoyed.”

Claire Baird, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Business Liaison Officer comments “This course has been provided to allow young people who have maybe had barriers to education in the past to come to college, and with a little help gain skills and experiences needed to join the world of work.”

CYA has been developed in partnership with South Ayrshire Employability Partnership in response to Ayrshire Chamber members who were reporting that prospective young employees were

not prepared for work; the programme is designed to instil the right attitude for work whilst building the skills base of the young people involved.

The entire two week programme is employer led, so that their future business needs are met and includes sessions focussing on communication, team working, goal setting and confidence building.

An ‘apprentice challenge’ was included which saw the young people ‘pitching’ to represent two local businesses, Arran Aromatics and Nucoco Chocolate and sell their products as part of the Chambers’ Ayrshire Connections B2B Exhibition.

The budding entrepreneurs were also visited by Anas Sarwar, MP and Sandra Osborne, MP who spoke to the students about the role of politics in their lives and the issues that affect them. This provided an opportunity

Mint Accounting Scoops Top UK Award

for the students to highlight the need to make politics more relevant and more interesting to younger people.

Topics discussed included overseas aid and how it supports education abroad, the economy, and Scottish independence.

Anas Sarwar comments “Programmes like these are crucial for young people, allowing them to learn and develop new skills. Many of the participants want to work, but lack the confidence or qualifications to take that first step. CYA provides tangible skills and experience, as well as links to local employers.

Encouraging young people into the workplace will benefit the economy both locally and nationally in the years to come.

More people in employment and paying taxes lead to a stronger economic outlook for the country which in turn creates more employment opportunities for our young people.”

Skills Development Scotland Launches Our Skillsforce New web service will provide information on skills support for employers in Ayrshire EMPLOYERS in Ayrshire are now able to access the help they need to recruit and develop skilled people following the launch of a brand new web service - Our Skillsforce.

Mint receiving their award: (LtoR) Chirs Frederiksen, Chairman of 2020, Allison Walker, Managing Director of Mint, Charlotte Gillett, Business Development Manager of Mint and Graham Poll, who presented the Award.

MINT Accounting of Mauchline has won a top accolade at this year’s 2020 Innovation Awards. The firm, founded 2 years ago by Allison Walker, who is originally from Cumnock, won the award in the ‘Overall Firm of the Year’ category in the nationwide Awards.

Judged on client focus, effectiveness and innovation, as well as competitive advantage, the award was open to all small, medium and large accountancy practices throughout the UK. Mint Accounting, which has another office in Aberdeen, was recognised for its innovative approach to accountancy. It strives to be ‘refreshingly different’ and Managing Director, Allison, is delighted with the honour. She said, “It is a huge achievement for Mint Accounting. Our team have worked so hard to make this happen and I am very grateful for all of their hard work.

We take a fun and colourful approach to accountancy, which makes it more interesting for not only our clients, but for us too! It’s great to get this recognition from such a well respected organisation.”

The Mauchline branch, which opened earlier this year, played a huge part in the firm’s overall success. Allison commented, “Our Mauchline office has been very successful and has enjoyed steady growth since it opened. We have a diverse range of clients in Ayrshire, ranging from retailers to farmers and we have received a warm welcome from the business community.” Mint Accounting employs a total of ten staff and plans to open a further 3 offices over the next 3 years. www.mintaccounting.co.uk

Developed by Skills Development Scotland, working with the local councils and partners, it enables employers’ access to skills support services available from public sector organisations in Scotland.

For the first time employers can find information on recruiting, developing and planning their workforce all in one place, along with up-to-date information on national and local labour markets.

Launched in November, Our Skillsforce sets out all the publicly-funded skills support services available. It also enables employers to flag their skills and recruitment needs through a Skills Alert feature assisting them to the best available package of support, while the results of a quarterly national survey of Scotland’s employers provides insight into their training and recruitment priorities and challenges.

John McClelland, Chair of SDS said, “In today’s competitive economy, having a skilled workforce is the lynch pin to achieving business success. Our Skillsforce strengthens employer engagement, as well as responding to what Scotland’s employers have been asking for.”

Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment, added, “I often hear from employers who are seeking assistance in finding the right person for the jobs available, and we already know that we have a talented, enthusiastic generation of young people, many of whom need help to find work.Our Skillsforce will make an important difference to both young people and employers and go long way to matching the right person to the right job, and ensure that people seeking work, be they a young person or over 24, can maximise their potential and help our economy flourish.” www.ourskillsforce.co.uk your ayrshire business winter 2012

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Business opportunities Launching into across the Biosphere the future GALLOWAY and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is one of 20 new Biosphere reserves added to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. One of only 3 in the UK and the first in Scotland, the area is now officially recognised as a member of a world network which comprises 610 Biospheres in 117 countries.

Biospheres are the only globally recognised accreditation for world-class environments that are designated by UNESCO to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature, valuing and promoting conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale. Created to protect the biological and cultural diversity of a region while promoting sustainable economic development, they are places of cooperation, education and research where local communities, environmental groups, and commercial interests can work collaboratively on conservation and development issues.

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire have been awarded Biosphere status because of the unique combination of special landscapes and wildlife areas, rich cultural heritage and communities who, caring about their environment and culture, want to develop them sustainably. It covers an area of

5,270km2, and includes 95,000 inhabitants, 5000 SMEs, 8000 self-employed individuals and a GDP of £2bn.

Biosphere status offers new commercial opportunities, most obviously benefiting tourism. Already an important sector for this region, with 850,000 visitors per annum, data from established Biospheres, suggest that this figure will rise as designation becomes better known.

Some Biospheres report increased opportunities for social enterprises to flourish, and in this region possibilities might include creating markets for micro renewables, establishing local food produce and service networks, and developing opportunities to preserve traditional rural skills and crafts.

Evidence suggests that successful Biospheres are those where businesses and communities actively collaborate, sharing ideas and best practice. Working together to develop mutual understanding and for common purpose can help develop new ideas and more joined up ways of working.

To get involved, or to find out more, contact Nick Ward at nick@sup.org.uk or visit www.gallowayandsouthernayrshirebiosphere.org.uk

where you can register your interest.

After 12 months of taking ownership of their commercial vehicle operation at Whitfield Drive in Ayr, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has employed an additional 15 members of staff, while retaining the original 34 experienced staff, crucial for offering continued service to existing customers with minimum disruption.

Building for the future, six of the new employees have begun formal apprenticeships fully supported by professional service providers including Mercedes-Benz themselves. This combination of experience and new people eager to learn makes a formidable force in dealing with the challenges of today and tomorrow.

With a sterling effort from all those involved and in a tight time frame, the company has also successfully achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.

And that’s not all, for in the New Year, MercedesBenz Commercial Vehicles Ayr, would like to invite Chamber members to the spectacular launch event for the exciting new Citan.

Hot on the heels, or should that say wheels? of the official European launch sees the latest edition to the Mercedes Benz family come to the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on 22nd January where Chamber members; Big Velvet, Centrestage and Paligap will come together to start the new year in style!

Cheers!

To the best in the UK ALLIANCE Wine, Scotland’s leading independent wine specialist importer, distributor and producer, has been awarded the trophy for the Wine List of the Year by the International Wine Challenge, the world’s largest blind tasting competition, attracting producers and judges from around the globe. The IWC awarded the trophy for Wine List of the Year to Ayrshire based Alliance Wine.

Judges explained, “Alliance Wine’s list combines a vibrant and young looking approach with clever marketing techniques on how to sell your wine. It’s a forward thinking list that is a pleasure to read”.

Giles Cooke, Marketing Director of Alliance and one of only 300 Masters of Wine in the world, was delighted with the award, “Against competition such as; Waitrose, Matthew Clarke, Enotria and Yapp Brothers, it was always going to be a tough fight but our careful blend of sage advice, wonderful wine selection and experienced opinion won through in the end. It’s a major UK wide award that reinforces our leading position in the trade but also the need to be different.”

Alliance Wine was also shortlisted for Large Wine Agent of the Year and the On-Trade Supplier of the Year award, the only Scottish company to be listed for any of the major awards on the night. www.alliancewine.co.uk 6

your ayrshire business winter 2012

New Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Team Arrives!

Local businesses welcome the new tourism team at one of the recent Tourism Road Shows.

THIS summer the new tourism team for Ayrshire & Arran was established. Supported by all three Ayrshire Councils, manager Ros Halley (formerly Dumfries & Galloway Rural Development Manager), will lead a small dedicated team tasked with making the most of Ayrshire’s coast, land and heritage.

Focusing on the areas considered by the Ayrshire & Arran tourism strategy as having the greatest potential for increasing visitor numbers and extending stay, the team has already developed four full proposals and has another two draft proposals in place. These proposals will kick-start new, strategic pan-Ayrshire tourism projects in the New Year, including Golf, Water-sports, Culture & Heritage and Business Communication. In addition to the core strategic activities, there have also been great efforts made to tackle some of the overarching issues such as tourism signposting, strengthening links to third sector and improvement to communications. Steady progress is being made on all fronts as the team starts on the key task of strengthening the tourism product and attracting more visitors and increasing spend across the three council areas. Recent meetings have highlighted substantial scope to improve tourism business performance across Ayrshire and to create more targeted promotions aimed at emerging markets. Anyone interested in becoming more involved with the tourism team should contact: Roslyn.Halley@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01292 616193.

New 'Vision' for local buses Stagecoach has launched a fleet of 24 brand new buses on the Ayr and Prestwick local routes. These stylish new vehicles have low floors and wide doors and will be the 'greenest' vehicles in the fleet as they exceed the Euro 5 standard for low emissions! Branded with a stylish new livery proclaiming 'The Vision', they’ll be easy to spot.

Stagecoach’s vision for Ayr and Prestwick public transport is to have a high frequency, reliable bus service with comfortable, greener vehicles and safer, less congested roads.

By working alongside South Ayrshire Council towards priority bus lanes and sequencing at traffic lights they aim to make their vision a reality.

Councillor John McDowall, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment, said, “For public transport to work, it has to be accessible, regular and reliable and the introduction of these new vehicles will help deliver just that. Using the bus should be an easy and obvious choice for people whether for work, study or leisure. Alongside the infrastructure improvements being put in place, these buses really will help transform bus travel in South Ayrshire and I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to experience this vision for themselves.” www.stagecoachbus.com

your ayrshire business winter 2012

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FOR the first time in the history of the awards presented by SELECT, the authoritative trade body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland, TWO winners were named in one of the most important categories at the prestigious ceremony. The judges could not differentiate between the outstanding levels of excellence displayed by AKD Systems, of Edinburgh, and McKissock Electrical, of Ayr, in the Best Promotion of Certification field.

Both companies showed exemplary attitudes towards Certification of Construction, a scheme promoted and supported by SELECT which raises standards and simplifies the approval of many construction activities for the public, verifiers (local authorities) and the industry.

In recognition of the weight which is placed on good certification practice nationally, the awards to the two winners on the night were sponsored by the Scottish Government. They were presented by Bill Dodds, of the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Built Environment.

Newell McGuiness, SELECT Managing Director, said: "The rolling out of Certification of Construction is vital to the integrity of our industry standards and an important protection for clients. The judges couldn’t separate the shortlisted companies, so another first for these awards is the fact that we actually have not one, but

Bright sparks at McKissock Electrical

two winners."

The awards were presented at a glittering gathering at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, hosted by BBC personality Brian Taylor.

McKissock Electrical, established in Ayr in 1987, offers its clients a full and comprehensive range of electrical

services, including all types of domestic, commercial and industrial work. It insists that all its installations carry a full guarantee of professional workmanship as demanded by SELECT, of which it is a long standing member, and is carried out by its own employees.

Haggis for Heroes GRANT’S Foods Ltd., a Scottish Food Manufacturer based in Galston has been working on creating a new website to promote its canned meals and its Haggis for Heroes campaign.

Claire Inglis, Sales and Marketing Executive, says, “I have great pleasure in announcing the launch of our brand new website www.grantsfoods.com. We have created an interactive site which has something for everyone, there are videos and recipes for people of any age and cooking ability!”

Mum of three Christine Douglas from Glasgow comments, “The new website is great for serving suggestion ideas and I love the mooing Highland Cows! I’ve just sent my eldest off to University Halls and stocked his cupboard full of Grant’s canned meals. He loves Grant’s Haggis on top of nachos.”

Post your images and recipe ideas on the new website and you could be in with the chance of winning an iPad. John Fallon, Chairman, adds “The new website

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

shows that our products are all ‘free from’ artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. This makes our canned ready meals often far better for you than market leading ‘slimming’ meals.”

On St Andrews Day, 30th November 2011, Grant’s launched their ‘Haggis for Heroes’ campaign to allow friends and family of troops serving abroad to send their loved ones a tin of haggis to celebrate Burns Night. Claire adds, “Haggis for Heroes received a fantastic response from members of the public who wanted to help soldiers celebrate one of our historic national traditions and send them ‘a wee bit of Scotland in a can’. This service is completely free of charge and includes a personal message from the sender to the soldier.”

The Haggis for Heroes campaign runs each year from 30th November to 25th January. www.haggisforheroes.com

How will changes to the UK’s Reserve Forces affect employers?

IF you employ any members of the TA, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marine Reserve or Royal Auxiliary Air Force, some changes on the horizon that may affect you as their employer.

In line with many other countries the MoD is decreasing the number of regular service personnel but increasing its reserves. By 2020 it is hoped numbers will grow from around 20,000 to 30,000 across the UK. Most of these reservists will have civilian employers for whom they work during the week, but at weekends they become members of the Armed Forces and train alongside them.

So, how will these changes affect employers? Much work is being carried out in the way of research into employer’s views and the government is soon to announce a consultation process

during which it will speak to employers and employer organisations about the proposals. Your views as an employer are important and welcome - reservists cannot do what they do for their country

without the support of their employer. If you would like to be a part of the process then please visit the Supporting Britain’s Employers and Reservists website at: www.sabre.mod.uk

How accommodating!

A NEW concept in office accommodation is being pioneered by Sparndel Limited at their business centre in Munro Business Park, Kilmarnock.

Introducing suites where all expenses associated with running an efficient office are included in a fixed monthly rent, including; furniture, carpets and Broadband internet with ISDN30 telephone facilities.

In an innovative step, Sparndel in partnership with Business Gateway, have made some facilities available at no cost for new local companies, allowing them to gain a foothold in their chosen business environment. The model is unique to the town and future plans include exporting the model elsewhere.

Director Matthew Dodds states, “Having been in business for many years, we know how important it is to have the right premises at the right price! My colleagues and I are all local and we want to use our experience gained over the years to assist others make a success of their chosen enterprise.” www.munrobusinesspark.co.uk

A “Golden” opportunity for UK business BELGIUM may not be as well known as some other global markets, but it is an open and dynamic export market for British goods and services. This country of 11m people with three official languages is also the UK’s 6th largest trading partner in the world, with UK exports worth £12.7bn in 2012.

That’s worth more than trade to India and China put together!

Compact, nearby and affluent, Belgium is a great place to build your business across the rest of Europe. UKTI already provides expert help to build your business in Belgium. Now the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium is complementing that with a whole new set of services to help exporters and investors.

“It is an ideal place for the first time exporter and a great stepping stone to the rest of Europe” says Jonathan Brenton, HM Ambassador to Belgium, “English is widely accepted, and there are quick and easy communications and connections with the UK and the rest of mainland Europe”. www.britcham.be

R. A. Clement & Co. Chartered Accountants Income and Capital Taxes all aspects Book - keeping, VAT, PAYE, Accounts Preparation Business Plans and Forecasts

1 Seaford Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire KA1 2BZ Tel: 01563 522783/ 01563 528486 Fax: 01563 571073 email: office@clementandson.co.uk www.clementandson.co.uk your ayrshire business winter 2012

9

AYRSHIRE COMPANY BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO NO 10.

JAMES Craig Farms, part of the Ayrshire based Craig auctioneering and farming group, won ultimate recognition for their Christmas tree cultivation skills by winning the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), national competition in Berkshire. As winners, the company have been invited to supply and present the twenty foot Ornamental Nordman Fir, which will adorn the entrance to 10 Downing Street, from early December.

Known better for their family run auctioneering business which dates from 1889, the Ayrshire headquartered James Craig Farms dipped their toe in the tree business some twelve years ago, by acquiring the somewhat run down Garrocher Farm. Starting from scratch in 2000, the £0.5m turnover mark has already been passed and the £1m target should be achieved within the next two years. The company provides vital rural employment, and are looking to train further individuals in Christmas tree cultivation skills.

Christmas trees are a green product in more than colour! They absorb greenhouse gasses, and with nearly half a million now growing in their plantations, the company are well on their way to having first class green credentials. All heating on the farms

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

is biomass, and now having gained planning permission, electricity bills should be neutralised by the addition of a farm scale wind turbine.

Entering the BCTGA competition for the second time only, the company won the categories of Best Pine, Best For and Grower of the Year 2012. In celebration, the company will offer a limited number of prize winning trees directly to the public from their headquarters at Whitefordhill, Ayr. For details phone 01292 262241.

Musical Generations @ Centrestage OVER the past two years, the Centrestage lead team has worked alongside volunteers of all ages in a local care home developing a cross-generational project which aims to increase contact and understanding between all generations. Now, thanks to sponsorship from GlaxoSmithKline and Change Fund, this project has been able to be expanded and is now run as a weekly community activity where an average of 80 elderly people attend, at no cost to themselves.

This social afternoon includes a varied mix of music, movement, conversations and refreshments with volunteers of all ages working alongside the Centrestage team. Memories are revisited and friendships rekindled as groups and individuals from across Ayrshire come together for companionship, entertainment and community in a new, energetic and positive setting. Carers and family members are encouraged to become a valued part of the afternoon.

Co-director and project leader Fiona McKenzie said: “As our communities face associated with a growing elderly population, it is important for us to find new methods of valuing the life experiences of older members of our society and make them relevant, particularly to younger generations. Good communication is the key to unlocking memories and improving quality of life and by being positive and focusing on what people can still do and be, regardless of age, we anticipate continued shared moments of discovery and enjoyment.”

For more information, contact Centrestage on: 01563 551505 or e-mail enquiries@centrestagemusictheatre.co.uk

New homes on Arran

Resource efficiency key to business growth IN partnership with North Ayrshire Council, the Crichton Carbon Centre is offering small businesses in North Ayrshire a programme of support designed to improve their bottom line through reduced energy, water and waste costs.

MARGARET Burgess, Minister for Housing and Welfare officially launched Irvine Housing Association’s latest development project on the Isle of Arran.

The site launch celebrated construction works commencing on the 56 affordable homes in Lamlash. The development will comprise of 40 properties for social rent and 16 for shared equity sale and is due to be completed in summer 2014. Local developer, John Thomson Construction Limited is the main contractor and Isle of Arran Homes will be managing the properties on completion.

It is widely recognised that the lack of supply of affordable housing on Arran has created some difficulty for residents and locally employed islanders being able to acquire housing. The North Ayrshire Local

Housing Strategy 2011-2016 identifies Arran as the area in North Ayrshire with the highest level of affordable housing need.

The £8.9 million project is the biggest affordable development on Arran in decades, receiving grant funding of £2.44 million from The Scottish Government and almost £800k from North Ayrshire Council.

Joining the Minister in the celebrations were pupils from the local schools adjacent to the site. The Association will be working with Lamlash Primary School on a time capsule project during the development.

John Thomson Construction Ltd will be supporting fourth year pupils completing a SQA Skills for Work course in construction skills at Arran High School. The pupils will be participating in supervised visits to the site throughout the development as part of their studies.

ACE goings on at Kilmarnock Tennis Club!

WITH new floodlights, enhanced CCTV security, the appointment of a professional coach and a maturing international exchange program with US specialist coach Kirstie Marx, it’s all happening at Kilmarnock Tennis Club (KTC).

Club president Gordon Watt says the club is proud of its sponsorship record, part funding recent each-way visits of Kilmarnock juniors to the US and Ms Marx’s five-player/coach-strong visit to the town earlier this year.

“Kirstie enjoyed her recent visit so much, she is planning a month-long trip next year and her value to our club members has been significant,” said Gordon. “2012 was her fourth visit here.”

That trip coincided with a KTC move to widen the club’s sponsorship profile by helping fund a group of juniors through the Tennis Scotland Level 1 coaching course, which will be an ongoing program at the club. Despite Scotland’s poor summer weather a new-look ‘Summer Camp’ attracted dozens of youngsters aged 5-18. Still to come for the club are new perimeter security fences plus a local community marketing program, leveraging KTC’s recently-approved membership of the Ayrshire KTC’s professional coach David Knox (far right) with adult and junior Chamber of Commerce. club members and a delegation of East Ayrshire Council visitors.

Wasted resources are costing Scottish businesses around 4% of their turnover every year. With Landfill Tax increasing to £80 per tonne by 2014 and UK gas and electricity prices having risen by 101% and 66% respectively since 2005, small businesses can make substantial savings by becoming more resource efficient.

The fully funded Sustainable Process Improvement programme identifies what can be improved within business’ processes and is designed to help small business achieve significant resource savings.

“Our aim is to help small businesses in North Ayrshire experience the benefits of being resource efficient, such as saving money and being more competitive. The programme is free and easy to follow, providing mentoring and training to help small business become sustainable” commented Crichton Carbon Centre’s CEO Mike Bonaventura.

The programme includes in-depth site visits from the Crichton Carbon Centre’s Business Advisors, access to specialised software, personalised reports, assisted support for the duration of the programme and, tailored marketing and communications advice to promote businesses improvements.

Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, as well as Scottish public and private organisations, the programme will assist 30 small businesses employing less than 50 people within North Ayrshire over three years.

“Sustainability is becoming a key competitive advantage for business, allowing them to drive down operating costs through more efficient use of resources and improved waste management. It will also help small businesses comply with environmental legislation” commented Colin Naismith, Team Leader, Business Development at North Ayrshire Council.

To apply or find out more visit www.sustainableprocessimprovement .co.uk or call the Crichton Carbon Centre on 01387 702 348.

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Ayrshire Business Wee For lots more pictures visit: http://flic.kr/ps/CdAFG

"I CAN’T remember when I have attended such a great business event.

William Duncan are so delighted to have received the Chamber Champion Award.

We were shocked! ...and determined to ensure we do well next year."

May Phillips, Business Development Manager, William Duncan & Co.

2012 WINNERS!

"THE AWARDS Dinner has a unique lively and fun atmosphere, very complimentary to the March dinner.

All in all ABW has done great things for the Chamber proďŹ le and making new sponsorship friends!"

Lyndsey and Susan celebrate

Carolyn Elder, Director, Largs Yacht Haven

Ladies Lunch

Host Kaye Adams

Sponsored by WestSound Radio, Westfield Health and Ingram Motoring Group

Ladies lunch entertainment by Class Cocktail Ladies lunch sponsors 12

your ayrshire business winter 2012

President Willie Mackie

Ladies lunch speaker Heather Gray, Director, The Prince's Trust

“A BIG thank you to the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce for putting on some great events.

Congratulations to our lucky raffle prize winner, Neil at Bridgend Motors, who won a giant bottle of Bacardi.

Call us on 01292 286 246 to discuss our member to member discounts.”

Sleek Media

Sponsors

ek 2012

Ayrshire Connections Business to Business Exhibition at the Racecourse

Youth Academy Team for Arran Aromatics

Youth Academy Team for Nucoco

Chamber Youth Academy Team with Gio Benedetti

"WE ARE now successfully working with DC7 Vending Ltd Kilmarnock, as a result of Ayrshire Business Week.

Many thanks for the networking opportunity, and hopefully a few more to come."

Lyianne Carson, Sales Manager, Outbox 4

Taking it easy with Break the Mould Furniture

GO PURPLE!

for Ayrshire Hospice

Chamber staff wore it purple and along with the raffle from the Awards Dinner raised £2807.60

Lorna McLaughlan at Infratil dressed up in the purple gear with a nod to Halloween.

Purple Saxen Team, in office furniture showroom.David sitting at in a purple office chair for the day! Raising £25 for the Hospice.

Despite jetting to Tenerife, Chris McMail of Microtech made sure to wear purple for the hospice your ayrshire business winter 2012

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Councillor Robert McDill; Alan Knox, Training Officer, East Ayrshire Council; Scott McGillvary; Ian Grimason, Assistant Site Manager; Kris Leitch; Edward McIlwain; Stephen Kay, Education Officer at Dumfries House; Anne Hope; Ian McGuiggan from Skills Development Scotland

FIVE young East Ayrshire people are relishing every opportunity as they embark on a 20 week course giving them a huge range of work experience and the taste of a future career in construction. They have gained places on a “Get Ready for Work” programme at Dumfries House Estate which will give them an opportunity to try a variety of trades including joinery, bricklaying, stonemasonry, and plastering.

s k c a J ll A f o s e d a Tr es i r f m u D at se u o H

The course, run by East Ayrshire Council Economic Development Service and Hope Homes, centres around the construction of a new educational centre, outward bound accommodation, and the renovation of a former sawmill together with the construction of a Hospitality Training Centre. The trainees will shadow timeserved tradesmen, learning all about construction skills and the world of work and giving them a chance to discover where

their own interests and skills lie.

Councillor Robert McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration was delighted to meet the trainees, he said: “Regeneration is about more than just doing up buildings, it’s about investing in our communities, our young people and providing an improved environment for the future wellbeing of all. We’re working in partnership with a successful local employer to help restore and create useful buildings which will be of educational and leisure benefit to future generations. We’re also providing a fantastic opportunity for these young people to gain experience, self -confidence and knowledge which will undoubtedly help them in their future lives and careers.

Ian Hope, Director of Hope Homes said: “Hope Homes are delighted to be able to give these five young people the opportunity to work with our experienced skilled tradesmen. We are delighted to be designing and constructing these new buildings on Dumfries House Estate and this is a great example of how the estate is helping to regenerate the area."

Stephen Kay, Education Officer at Dumfries House added: "The Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Education programmes are designed to support His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay's drive for education and employment to support Heritage Regeneration.

Ian and Anne Hope of Hope Homes, are working closely with Dumfries House on many projects, and in the spirit of HRH's vision have taken on five young people from the local area to support their work on the Dumfries House Estate."

Online matching is just the job ON 19 November 2012, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched Universal Jobmatch – a new, free* online job posting and matching service, aimed at improving recruitment service for both companies and jobseekers by speeding up the process and making it easier for companies to find suitable jobseekers.

Anyone looking for work will be able to set up an account and create or upload a CV. The new technology will automatically match their CVs and skills to suitable jobs that are posted by companies.

Companies will need to post all their jobs online using Universal Jobmatch, as it is replacing the current Jobcentre Plus vacancy services - Employer Direct, Employer Direct Online and Job Warehouse.

Companies will receive a list of suitable jobseekers, ranked by best match first, that they can then invite to make an online application.

Universal Jobmatch will be accessed via GOV.UK which is replacing Businesslink, Business Gateway in Scotland, and Business Wales, and also replaces Directgov for jobseekers. *terms apply 14

your ayrshire business winter 2012

GSK celebrates with the Chamber Annual Dinner 2013 2013 MARKS an important milestone in the history of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) manufacturing plant at Irvine. On Saturday 25 August 1973 the first production batch of penicillin was harvested at the new Beecham factory, signifying that a new pharmaceutical technology had come to Scotland and more particularly to Ayrshire – the birthplace of Sir Alexander Fleming who discovered the world’s first antibiotic.

Today, four decades later, GSK Irvine is still one of the major producers of life saving and life enhancing antibiotics used around the world to treat a variety of infections and diseases.

We are very proud of the part we play in delivering penicillin based medicines such as Augmentin and Amoxil which allow millions of people and patients around the world to do more, feel better, and live longer.

We are also delighted to continue to build our partnership with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in our anniversary year by sponsoring the 2013 Ayrshire Chamber Annual Dinner.

First aid is good for business health ANYONE at work (including contractors/general public) can suffer injuries or require treatment due to a medical condition. What is important is that a trained first aider is available to provide immediate and correct first aid treatment. First aid saves lives, and prevents minor injuries becoming major ones.

We know how important your training budget is, and ARC Training offer exceptional value in the planning and delivery of First aid training in conjunction with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

HSE approved First aid at work Courses provided by ARC Training are inclusive of the following standard elements: • Free colour training manual RRP £6.99 • Free training pack which includes dressing/bandage/vent aid for CPR • Training resources include LCD Power Point projection/DVDs • In-class/*external assessment (*3 day and Refresher only.

• A4 and pocket size laminated certificates • Certificates valid for 3 years • AED Awareness (Automated External Defibrillation) RRP £45.00 • Free Invitation for HSE recommended skills update training RRP £45.00 • Airport location and Free Parking • Complimentary tea/coffee/biscuits Courses running in 2013; January 28th 30th, February 25th -27th, March 18th -20th, April 22nd - 24th, Refresher course 21st-22nd January.

To book visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call Anne on 01292 678666.

Ayrshire Chamber ANNUAL DINNER 2013 Date: Venue: Host:

Friday 1st March Ayr Racecourse Fred MacAulay

Tickets: £75 incl. VAT BOOK ONLINE www.ayrshire-chamber.org

Principal sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline

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SEMTA support to increase Delivering your new talent and skills results SEMTA in conjunction with Ayr College and the Aerospace Skills Forum have developed an Aerospace Consortium Engineering MA programme. The purpose of this project is to provide students studying a full time HNC in Aeronautical Engineering at Ayr College with the additional requirements of the Foundation Components of the MA framework, namely, Performing Engineering Operations SVQ 2 and appropriate Core Skills.

An incentive grant of £1,000 is available through SEMTA to support the employment and training of graduates in UK advanced manufacturing and engineering SMEs (companies with up to 249 employees).

For employers in the Aerospace sector (who haven’t recruited apprentices before, or are looking to increase their normal intake) this means that they will be able to recruit students who have both academic and competency skill sets and are ready to start as a Modern Apprentices only needing to complete their SVQ Level 3 on the job. Employers who want to get involved should contact Stewart McKinlay on smckinlay@semta.org.uk or on 07595056561 http://semta.org.uk/employers/funding/support-to-hire-a-graduate/

NOW in its 4th year, Ayrshire based training centre KTC with a proven track record in plant and machinery training are delighted to hear that they are the first training centre in the West of Scotland to carry out the new CPCS test for a 360 degree excavator above tonne with lifting operation. This is a new additional endorsement to the CPCS test.

Training coordinator for Killoch Training Centre, Anne Frater says, “Our goal is to offer quality training courses and qualifications to businesses ensuring their employees have the necessary skills to carry out their jobs competently. Whilst we specialise in plant and machinery training we also offer a range of additional courses.”

To view KTC facilities or find out more, contact Anne 01290 700700 training.centre@killoch.net.

Setting the standard ANN Robin (MD) of Ann Robin Consultants Ltd (ARC) was invited, recently by the Food Service Packaging Association (FPA) to speak at seminars in Leeds and London. The purpose of these seminars was to introduce FPA members to the benefits of The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standards. The BRC Global Standards are a leading safety and quality certification programme used throughout the world.

The technical standards specify the requirements to be met by an organisation to enable the production, packaging, storage and distribution of safe food and consumer products.

Ann Robin said “Considering ARC has been in business for less than a year, I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to showcase the services ARC can provide to Food Packaging Manufacturing Companies and also Food Packaging Storage and Distribution Companies. I have been involved in food packaging for over 20 years and latterly my focus has been on the implementation of systems required to reach the required BRC certification whether its Food Safety Issue 6, Storage & Distribution Issue 2 or Packaging & Packaging Materials Issue 4. All the standards focus on the food safety and cover key elements such as HACCP Hazard Analysis, Process Control and Traceability. In my experience I have seen many senior managers turn pale at the mention of BRC certification, they see it as a requirement by their customer, an unnecessary cost and therefore put off the implementation for as long as possible. They don’t see the benefits - the BRC standards were designed for a reason to increase efficiency and effectiveness of businesses through a formalised quality system. BRC certification can provide a competitive advantage which will separate you from your competitors.” www.arc4brc.co.uk 16

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Could heat from wood slash your utility costs?

IN November 2011 the UK Government launched its Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to increase the take up of heat supplied from renewable sources including biomass, biogas, ground-source heat and solar thermal collectors. Investigation by the Energy Agency on behalf of the Ayrshire Enterprise Partnership shows that there is still little awareness of this generous subsidy scheme amongst the business community.

In partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland, these organisations along with Ayrshire Chamber are hosting an event early in 2013, to enlighten Ayrshire businesses to how the RHI might help to signiďŹ cantly reduce energy overheads and thereby improve market competitiveness.

Of the various renewable energy sources, biomass has the great advantage of being most closely equivalent to conventional gas or oil heating in that it is supplied on demand

at the same ow temperature so that heat emitters and manufacturing processes need not be adapted to use it. The use of wood for process and space heating is very widespread in many European countries.

Installing and running a biomass boiler system can be straightforward if experienced contractors are employed.

Chamber members are invited to the half day event in the New Year which will cover all the practicalities of biomass heat, explain the RHI, the economics and fuel supply aspects, present case studies and answer all your questions. Details will be posted on the Chamber website and on those of the Energy Agency and Forestry Commission Scotland.

For any queries in the meantime, please contact: Virginia Harden 07919 263190 virginia.harden@ruraldevelopment.org.uk or Joe Fergusson 07711 552693 joefergusson@energyagency.org.uk

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Education Links S3 Careers Conference 2012

Ayrshire pupils are top of the class KEEN fifth and sixth year pupils from 12 Ayrshire secondary schools took the opportunity to find out more about careers in the NHS at a special Awareness Day at University Hospital Ayr.

THIRD year pupils at Stewarton Academy attended a careers conference organised in partnership with Claire Baird, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

Pupils had the opportunity to meet guests from businesses covering four areas; Professional and Public, Manufacturing Engineering and Renewables, Health and Life Sciences and Hospitality/

Tourism/Retail/Social. Mrs Denovan Depute Headteacher was grateful for the support of Ayrshire Chamber and the businesses; Hyspec Engineering, EDF Energy , Construction Skills, Land Engineering, Atrium, Royal Bank of Scotland, Keppie Design, Police, Probationer Teacher, Galleon, NHS, EAC Leisure Development, Centrestage, Rowallan Castle, Fenwick Hotel, Sainsburys and Kier Construction.

In total 120 pupils took part in interactive information sessions and chatted to staff from a range of disciplines and departments, tested their knowledge with a quiz and competed in an inter-schools challenge.

Queen Margaret Academy emerged victorious at the end of the morning session, with Kyle Academy taking the title in the afternoon. Both received a trophy donated by Education Teams (from the three local authorities in Ayrshire) and awarded by Gillian Watson, Vice Chair of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board.

A further 12 schools will attend a similar event at University Hospital Crosshouse on 29 November 2012.

Speaking Just the Job! their language

S4/5 PUPILS of North and East Ayrshire were put to the test at Interview events arranged by Ayrshire Chamber.

IN October, Ayrshire Chamber hosted a European Day of Languages (EDL) Event at Prestwick International Airport.

Following on from the success of the previous 2010 EDL day, South Ayrshire teachers approached the Chamber to arrange an event for S3 pupils, aimed at encouraging continuation with language studies into senior school. By involving local employers, pupils would understand the relevance of learning a second language for their future in the world of work.

Over 144 pupils, currently studying French, German and Spanish took part. Ayr Rugby Club, IBM, Glasgow University, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff offered short sessions with pupils and shared their experiences of working in foreign countries and speaking the language.

Ayrshire Chamber Business Liaison Officer, Gillian Cameron said, “We felt it was important to show the young people the opportunities that may be on offer to them if they continue with their languages. Whilst some of the employers talked about possible careers, pupils also heard from employees who have moved to Scotland from their native country. Ayrshire Chamber would like to thank all of the employers who gave up a whole day to take part in this worthwhile event.’’

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

During Ayrshire Business Week, 54 pupils from; Auchinleck, Cumnock and Doon Academies, were invited to attend after showing promise in a school led mock interview programme. Guidance teachers worked with pupils to produce CVs and application forms in preparation along with tips on interview technique and employer expectations.

After undergoing a ‘practice run’ pupils chose to apply to mocked job adverts supplied by; Ayr College, ASDA, Craigengillan Estate, GE Caledonian, NHS and Prestwick Airport. On the day, interviewers from the 6 companies put the pupils through their paces in a real life interview scenario and then gave face to face feedback.

Pupils were given the chance to experience aptitude testing delivered

by GE Caledonian followed by a session on behavioural based interviews with British Airways. By the end of the morning, feedback from the pupils was positive, as one commented, “I have learned to prepare and research a company before going for interview. This was a great experience, realistic and I found it beneficial.”

In November, 36 pupils from Ardrossan and Greenwood Academies were invited along to the same format of event with employers from; Ardagh Glass, Booker Cash and Carry, EDF Energy, Goodrich, Prestwick Airport and the RAF and sessions from GE Caledonian and British Airways.

Ayrshire Chamber would like to thank all of the companies who for their time and effort, giving the pupils an experience they can take with them when making the transition from school to the World of Work. It really pays off as one of last year’s pupils secured got a job with one of the interviewers after taking on feedback and using it to apply for a job for real!

Emma from Kyle Academy at Scottish Enterprise

MY WORK experience was more memorable and successful than I could have ever imagined. My placement was at Scottish Enterprise where I experienced very different areas of work and I couldn’t believe how vast the working world is.

During my week I worked with Internal Communications, External Communications and Legal Department teams.

Work Experience I also worked with Scottish Development International.

This was a real eye opener for me as I realised what a significant part business plays in the development of our country.

My highlight was my day with External Communications (the media team) at the Low Carbon Conference in Edinburgh. Journalism and Media are something I’ve always had an interest in. At the conference I watched news teams and photographers busy at work and I also met the First Minister. Watching him being interviewed and speaking to the broadcasters was something I will always remember.

Caitlin from Greenwood Academy at Bourtreehill Library I AM very pleased that I was given the chance to do my work experience at Bourtreehill Library as it has helped me to develop my communication and organisation skills and has given me more confidence when dealing with members of the public.

Helens from Greenwood Academy at Jamhut Studios MY TIME as Jamhut studios has been an amazing experience! I have learned about all the different aspects of the music industry.

On my first day, I learned about the reception and how it all works, how to send e-mails and answer the phone to make bookings and put them in the diary. I also sang in the Jamhut choir that night! On day two, I learned about all the technology side of music, like the names of all the different cables and types of drums you can use and all the sizes etc.

On day three, I learned about classical music and how to sing properly and all the different musical theatre shows. By the end of the week, I had learned loads! I have done so much! From helping record bands in the studio, to practicing my instruments, this has been a great and very enjoyable experience and I’m grateful to have been able to come here.

Carys from Largs Academy at Marion E Kane (Silversmith) “I WAS so impressed with how Carys worked during her placement that I have asked her to help me out in the run up to Christmas.”

Marion Kane

The librarians encouraged me to work more closely with customers and I have gained experience in helping them if they have any queries and I feel confident in asking the librarians if I have any troubles. I now feel that I have the experience and confidence to work well in any type of employment, which is why I think work experience is very important in ensuring that we feel confident enough to go into work.

Dylan from Irvine Royal Academy at Western Gailes Gold Club Not bad for a first attempt...

Overseeing pathways...

Trimming the hole cup...

“DYLAN fitted in well with the other staff and seemed to enjoy his week with us at Western Gailes Golf Club. He seems to be a competent young man and easy going.”

Jim Devlin, Links Manager, Western Gailes Golf Club

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

A.R.V Events Unit 1 Old Station Building 2 Vernon Street Saltcoats KA21 5HN Contact: Charlie Aitken Tel: 01294 539 195 www.arvevents.com Event management company

Blair Estate (Scotland) LLP Blair House Blair Estate Dalry KA24 4ER Contact: Sallie Hendry Tel: 01294 833100 www.blairestate.com Luxury exclusive hideaway for party, wedding, corporate retreat.

eSkills Learning c/o Entrepreneurial Spark Olympic Business Park Drybridge Rd Dundonald KA2 9BE Contact: Angela Neal Tel: 01292 310956 www.eskillslearning.com Business & financial admin and management

Albion Environmental Ltd 24 Carrick Park Ayr KA7 2SL Contact: Alasdair Meldrum Tel: 01292 610428 www.albion-environmental.co.uk Environmental Consultants & Training

Bloomingwales 31 Cauldhame Rigg Custburn Stewarton KA35QH Contact: David Wales Tel: 07742 078954 www.bloomingwales.co.uk Florist

Euler Hermes UK c/o 53 Mossneuk Park Wishaw ML2 8LX Contact: Esther Rae Tel: 07879 600512 www.eulerhermes.com Credit Insurers

All Dolled Up 188 Main Street Prestwick KA9 1PG Contact: Ann Cowan Tel: 01292 473186 www.partywiththegirls.com Professional Hair & Beauty Products Anderson Flooring 47 Whiteside Drive Monkton KA9 2PU Contact: Jim Anderson Tel: 01292 475098 www.carpetfittingayrshire.co.uk Contract and domestic flooring supplier REFERRED BY: Referral Exchange

Bolton Interiors 3C Saunterne Road Prestwick KA9 2JQ Contact: Liam Bolton Tel: 07834287397 Supply and fit bathrooms kitchens & fitted furniture MEMBER DISCOUNT 10% Bread and Butter Marketing Ltd 86 South Beach Troon KA10 6EG Contact: Lucy Johnston Tel: 01292 312731 www.breadandbuttermarketing.co.uk Online marketing consultancy, training and management.

MEMBER DISCOUNT 10%

Ann Robin Consultants Ltd 18 Broompark Ave Prestwick KA9 1LR Contact: Ann Robin Tel: 01292 474604 www.arc4brc.co.uk Solutions & support for food packaging & manufacturing Aquamotive Ltd 21b Peggieshill Road Ayr KA7 3RE Contact: Marion Welsh Tel: 01292 260470 www.aquamotive.com Supply and installation of process automation systems Ayr to b 51 Mainholm Road Ayr KA8 0QM Contact: Craig McKee Tel: 01292 282599 www.ayrtob.com Removals and collections Ayrshire Energy Solutions Unit 1 North Harbour Industrial Estate Ayr KA8 8BN Contact: Michael McGuire Tel: 07769 737147 www.ayrshireenegysolutions Advisory Service & Supply of Energy Solutions 20

your ayrshire business winter 2012

Crichton Carbon Centre Maxwell House Crichton University Campus Dumfries DG1 4UQ Contact: Jessie Mason Tel: 01387 702091 www.carboncentre.org Not-for-profit post-graduate teaching and applied research organisation David Ogilvie Engineering Ltd 8 Balmoral Road Kilmarnock KA3 1HL Contact: Mike Harty Tel: 01563 570061 www.davidogilvie.com Manufacture of street and park furniture REFERRED BY: William Duncan & Co Entrepreneurial-Spark Marathon House Olympic Business Park Drybridge Road Dundonald KA2 9BE Contact: Karine Burns Tel: 01563 851752 www.entrepreneurial-spark.com Social Enterprise providing space and facilities for entrepreneurs

FamilyArkive 29 St Ninians Rd Prestwick KA9 1SL Contact: Iain Forrest Tel: 07584434127 www.familyarkive.com Arranger of unforgettable family photos Forever Independent Distributor 7 Montgomerie Avenue Fairlie KA29 0EE Contact: Barbara McLean Contact: 01475 568307 www.barbaramclean.myforever.biz Health, Beauty & Wellness Industry Fullartons 10 Portland Street Troon KA10 Contact: Joanne Mahaffy Tel: 01292 311212 www.fullartons.co.uk Restaurant/bar homemade food served daily, real ales Gibson Electrical 28 Blackford Crescent Prestwick KA9 2LZ Contact: Dean Gibson Tel: 01292 470998 Electrical Services Hardbanding Solutions (Europe) Ltd Gauchalland Works Ayr Road Galston KA4 8LE Contact: Colin Duff Tel: 01563 820505 www.hardbandingsolutions.com Metal banding for the oil industry Harry Fairbairn Ltd Ayr Road Irvine KA12 8BZ Tel: 01294 277288 www.harryfairbairnirvinebmw.co.uk BMW Car Dealership Hugh King & Company Hullerhill Sand Quarry Kilwinning KA13 7QN Contact: Charles Hughes Tel: 01294 557515 www.hughking.co.uk Sand quarry, mortar and render manufacturer

Hyspec Rigg Street Stewarton KA3 5AJ Contact: Ashley Shaw Tel: 01560 483512 www.hyspecengineering.co.uk Precision engineering for oil & gas Inca Beauty 47B Dalblair Road Ayr KA7 1UF Contact: Douglas Coupland Tel: 01292 265100 www.incabeautysalon.com Beauty Salon Internet Anywhere Marathon House Olympic Business Park Drybridge Road Dundonald KA2 9BE Contact: Lindsay Regan Tel: 01563852273 www.toowayscotland.co.uk Internet using satellite broadband Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club 20 Quarry Road Irvine KA12 0TH Contact: Amanda Boucher Tel: 01294 276834 www.irvinebaygc.co.uk Gymnastics Club Jungle Madness Ltd 46-52 Beansburn Kilmarnock KA3 1RL Contact: Lesley Ann Lindsay Tel: 07756 454015 Childrens softplay venue

Michael Kearney Healthcare 12 Gailes Road Barassie Troon KA10 6TA Contact: Michael Kearney Tel: 01292 257137 www.michaelkearneyhealthcare.co.uk Supply and fit of stairlifts & specialised equipment for elderly and disabled.

REFERRED BY: Referral Exchange Mint Accounting 9 Earl Grey Street Mauchline KA5 5AB Contact: Lynsey Morrison Tel: 01290 553305 www.mintaccounting.co.uk Accountants Molly Maid Ayrshire 87 Highpark Road Coylton Ayr KA6 6QL Contact: Jeanette Wilson Tel: 01292 570210 www.mollymaid.co.uk Domestic and general cleaning Montra Media 8 Kildoon Drive Maybole KA19 8AZ Contact: Roddy Paterson Tel: 07875736537 www.montramedia.co.uk Web design marketing MEMBER DISCOUNT: 20% off website design

REFERED BY Referral Exchange Kirsties Flowers 30 Church Street Troon KA10 6AU Contact: Kirstie McIntosh Tel: 01292 316172 www.kirstiesflowers.com Florist Largs Printing Company 120 Main Street Largs KA30 8JN Contact: Allister McGregor Tel: 01475 675203 www.surfprint.co.uk Commercial printer, litho & digital Married By Ltd T/A Amaranthus 66 Rockmount Avenue Barrhead G78 2HL Contact: Marion McGunnigle Tel: 07962 448 344 Creative wedding organisers and marriage ceremony Maximum Potential Ltd Unit 10 Stevenston Industrial Estate Stevenson KA20 3LR Contact: John Welsh Tel: 01294 538563 www.maxpot.co.uk Sports conditioning centre REFERRED BY John Kerr & Co

Old Pier Tearoom Lamlash Isle of Arran KA27 8JN Contact: Chris Davis Tel: 01770 600958 Tea room Pam & Co. 48 Bank Street Irvine KA12 0LP Contact: Pamela Lodge Tel: 01294 273064 Hair & Beauty Powerleague Fives Ltd Queens Drive Kilmarnock KA1 3XF Contact: Peter McMillan Tel: 01563 557070 www.powerleague.co.uk Football leagues & parties Richard Truss Ltd (Truss Dental) 85 East Road Irvine KA12 0AA Contact: Richard Truss Tel: 01294 278898 www.trussdental.co.uk Dentist RNIB PO BOX 8327 Irvine KA12 2WZ Contact: Elma Magowan Tel: 01294 215338 www.rnib.org.uk Supporting blind & partially sighted people

Scott Fire Safety Ltd 30 Nursery Drive Kilwinning KA13 6EL Contact: Graeme Scott Tel: 07934301045 www.scottfiresafety.com Portable appliance testing, fire extinguisher maintenance, fire alarm servicing and fire safety training MEMBER DISCOUNT: 20% off all services REFERRED BY: LAH Travel Scottish Maritime Museum The Linthouse Gottries Road Irvine KA12 8QE Contact: David Mann Tel: 01294 278 283 www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org Maritime museum Smokestack Images 133 New Road Ayr KA8 8DD Contact: Paul O’Connor Tel: 01292 261818 www.smokstackimages.com Commercial photography Stevensons (Ayr) Ltd 5 Oldbridge Road Ayr KA8 9SX Contact: Murray Stevenson Tel: 01292 268369 www.stevensons.uk.com Upholstery and wood polishing The Joy of Chiropractic 39 Belmont Crescent Ayr KA7 2NS Contact: Joy Gill Tel: 01292 287827 www.joyofchiropractic.co.uk Chiropractor Ultimate Moments Videography 4 Bellevue Crescent Prestwick KA9 1NN Contact: Derek Sweeney Tel: 01292 678036 www.ultimatemoments.yolasite.com All types of videography and editing Wabtec Rail Scotland Caledonia Works West Langlands Street Kilmarnock KA1 2QD Contact: Craig Gibon Tel: 01563 575803 www.wabtec.com Refurbishment of locomotives West Coast Prestige Car Hire Ltd The Old School House Village of Auchintiber KA13 7RR Contact: Gavin Speirs Tel: 07846860541 www.westcoastprestige.co.uk Car hire your ayrshire business winter 2012

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EVENTS ROUND UP

Events Diary

Winter 2012

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

CTA Finance – Great Financial Business Practice 5th December 8.30- 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost: £35 Festive Networking Stalls and entertainment 6th December 5.30- 7.30pm Host and sponsor: Centrestage, Kilmarnock Cost: FREE CTA Social Media and Google 12th December 8.30 – 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £35 CTA Tax Guidance and SelfAssessment 10th January 8.30- 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost: £35 CTA Business Development – Presentation Skills 17th January 8.30- 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost: £35 Tick Talk Speed Networking 17th January 5.30- 7.30pm Host and sponsor: Marine Hotel, Troon Cost: £15 CTA Business DevelopmentSelling Skills 24th January 8.30-11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost:£35

CTA Turbo Charge your Communication Skills 29th January 8.30- 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost: £35 Behind the Scenes Tour and Lunch at GlaxoSmithKline 30th January 10.30am – 1pm Host and Sponsor: GlaxoSmithKline Cost: £15 CTA Finance – Reporting for Sage 7th February 8.30- 11am Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Boardroom Cost: £35 Behind the Scenes Tour and Lunch at Ardagh Glass 20th February 10.30am- 1.00pm Host and sponsor: Ardagh Glass Cost: £15 CTA HR and Legal – Business Structures 21st February 10.30am- 1.00pm Venue: Ayrshire Chamber Board Room Cost: £35 Ayrshire Chamber Annual Dinner 2013 1st March 7- 11.30pm Venue: Ayr Racecourse Tickets on sale now £75

For more details and to book events please visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org or call 01292 678666 and speak to our events co-ordinator, Yvonne Munro.

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

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your ayrshire business winter 2012

by Yvonne Munro Events Co-ordinator PRESTWICK St Nicholas Golf Club hosted the Chamber Golf Challenge in August, a good competition developed on the Links course, the scoring was close, and counted on the back nine, revealing winners O’Neil Gas Services Ltd, who picked up the team trophies and prizes.

Thanks to our hole and prize sponsors for supporting the day!

Stellar UK, The McKinstry Company, Stimuli Business Training, Ivory Solutions, Vickie Feddes Podiatry, D McLaughlin & Sons, Simpsinns, Reid Trophies, Ian Gordon Commercials, Kitchens by J.S. Geddes, BDO LLP, Adcraft Ltd, Westfield Health, Murphy Financial, Spirit Aerosystems Ltd., Ayrshire Chamber, Prestwick St Nicholas GC, The Referral Exchange, Turnberry Resort, St Nicholas Golf Club, Ayr Racecourse, Dewar Rattray Ltd, Vicki Fiddes Podiatry and Amer Sport.

To coincide with Ayrshire Food Festival, members enjoyed an evening of networking hosted by the Cook School Scotland. An event with a difference … interesting tour of the warehouse and venue followed by a cooking demonstration from the award winning chefs, finishing with menu tasting in the impressive training kitchens.

Potential Chamber members from North Ayrshire were invited to the Brisbane Hotel, Largs for an overview of the benefits of Chamber membership and services and all participated in an interactive networking session.

Over 100 businesses gathered at the Gailes Hotel, for Exporting Ayrshire’s Excellence. The Chamber, in partnership with Ayrshire’s four MPs: Brian Donohoe, Cathy Jamieson, Sandra Osborne and Katy Clark with support from Scottish Development International, pulled together a program of speakers who gave an overview of the support available to businesses wanting to enter new markets or begin exporting for the first time. Key speakers included Nick Baird, CEO, UK Trade and Investment, Anne MacColl, CEO Scottish Development International and Alastair Dobson, Taste of Arran MD, who shared his experiences of the realities of entering new markets in Dubia, offering advice on everything from transport to country etiquette.

The Annual General Meeting followed, sponsored by Gailes Hotel .The Report of the Directors, was presented to the members, followed by a presentation from guest speakers, Jim Duffy, CEO and founder of the Entrepreneurial Spark who gave an overview of the ground breaking initiative at Dundonald and Patrick Wiggins, CEO Irvine Bay Regeneration provided an update on the incentives available at the new Enterprise Area in Irvine. The evening finished with networking, buffet and refreshments. Thanks to Simpsinns for sponsoring and to all those who braved the storms to be there!

Our host and sponsor for Tick Talk Speed Networking in November was Kilmarnock College, over 30 business gathered to participate the speed networking session, delivering their 1 minute elevator pitch to every delegate in the room. Thanks to KC for hosting!

Lend a hand & raise a Grand!

Support your hospice in its 25th anniversary year.

Ayrshire Hospice Grand Challenge February 2013 - February 2014 Calling all Ayrshire businesses. Are you ready to rise to the Grand Challenge?

As the Ayrshire Hospice approaches its 25th anniversary year, we are scouring the county for 100 keen fundraisers to raise £1,000 each in our Grand Challenge.

You can raise the cash in any way you wish. Hold a golf tournament, pub quiz, fancy dress party, sponsored swim, slimathon, sky dive or why not make us your nominated charity for 2013 - the list is endless.

Whatever you like, whatever you do, you’ll be helping us to make today matter.

So don’t delay, sign up today. Lend a hand and raise a Grand for the Ayrshire Hospice.

To get involved or to find out more call our events team on 01292 288488 or email events@ayrshirehospice.org

www.ayrshirehospice.org