Your Business Winter 2021

winter 2021 £3

the magazine of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

INSIDE: Chamber News

page 5

Business Week Roundup

page 15

PLATINUM PARTNERS CONTACTS Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL Mail enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org Call 01292 678666 Visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org President.................................... Frank Gormanley Chief Executive.............................. Valerie Russell Development Manager...................Helen McBride

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

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

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

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

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

MAGAZINE Editorial........... aclayton@ayrshire-chamber.org Ad Sales............lstewart@ayrshire-chamber.org Design/Typesetting........advertisingworks.co.uk Print/Distribution.......................brown-bros.com An Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry publication. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without the express permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in "Your Business" are not necessarily those of the Editorial Committee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Articles submitted for publication will be considered at the Committee's discretion and may be subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed.

LAUNCH DIGITAL MACFLYING… PPALRATTNINEURM

Ayrshire Chamber ‘Platinum Partner’ Launch Digital were spotted in the water at Prestwick beach last week testing out ‘Lift eFoils’ for an exciting new project they are working on.

Lift eFoils are the newest addition to the world of surfing, offering riders the opportunity to fly above the water with no wind or paddle required. Designed for both beginners and experienced thrill seekers, the Lift eFoils provide adventure for all with an all-electric, silent motor that glides through the water.

MacFly are excited to provide the opportunity of flying above water in Ayrshire and hope to introduce a vast range of ages and abilities to experience this latest water sports activity.

Launch is a Digital Marketing agency with Studios in Ayrshire and Glasgow. Launch focus on creativity and provide a vast amount

of marketing services including branding, web design, graphic design, social media, and search marketing. Quality and customer satisfaction are priority and the team at Launch are proud of their many long-standing clients in the local area and further afield who they continue to work closely with.

Launch is thrilled to be part of this exciting project and will be working closely with new

business, MacFly in the coming months to develop a brand identity, professional website, and further marketing to promote and encourage the rental, lessons, and purchase of Lift Foil boards on the West Coast of Scotland, across the beautiful coastlines and inland lochs.

Watch this space…

Launch Digital: www.launchscotland.com

GOODBYE COP26 – HELLO TO MAKING IT ALL HAPPEN! I can’t believe we are at our final edition of the year. I hope that you are all well and continue to overcome the challenges faced from multiple angles. From COVID, repercussions from Brexit, supply chain and workforce, recruitment issues – there is much to contend with and I’ve not even mentioned the climate.

More than ever the business community needs to come together, collaborate and find solutions to the collective issues that we all face and the Chamber is of course here to form part of these initiatives.

Talking about ‘bringing people together’, I want to thank Val and the team for delivering a fantastic Business Week this year that incorporated a mixture of physical and virtual events.

What we witnessed at these events was a real appetite to network again, converse

and learn about how we can all develop and embrace new ways of working. From utilising artificial intelligence to how changing light bulbs in our offices can make not only a significant impact to the climate and carbon emissions, but also contribute to a healthier bottom line in the long term.

Let’s pick up on the climate and discuss COP26. On behalf of the Chamber, I attended the NY Times, ‘Voice of Business’ event held at their Climate Hub at SWG3 in the City. I was really impressed by the panel and the openness to the journey ahead and how the global business community has a big part to play in reaching Net Zero. At the Chamber we are committed to our green, sustainability focuses and will be sharing more on this in our Forward Together strategy update that will be published early in 2022. We have already signed up to the UN Race to Net Zero and joined Scottish Net Zero Community.

So, that’s it for another year. On behalf of Val, the Chamber team, the Board and I, have a most wonderful Christmas with family and friends, stay safe and here’s to 2022.

FRANK GORMANLEY Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce President

#ForwardTogether

Frank Gormanley, President

CHAMBER EVENTS

COVER IMAGE

The events diary continues to offer a mix of virtual and live events. Monthly Chamber Chats chaired by a Chamber director and the quarterly Cross Chamber Networking series will continue to be offered virtually. Our popular monthly Connect Networking returns in November and will be hosted at Whiteley’s Retreat, Alloway.

We would like to thank photography student Natalie Clayton for providing the image for our front cover.

To keep up to date with what we have coming up, make sure to regularly check the events page on our website for forthcoming training courses, business support and events. www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events If you have any topic suggestions or there is something you have a specific interest in, please email events@ayrshire-chamber.org

Taken in Rozelle Park, Ayr, we believe it captures the theme of recovery, sustainability and growth for this winter edition.

Climate change and a conscious move towards achieving net zero is everyone’s responsibility. The recent focus on Glasgow and Scotland as a whole through the COP26 Conference brings this home more than ever.

3 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

MEMBERS NEWS

Ayrshire business adopts BUSINESSES employee ownership instead SET TO BENEFIT of international relocation

AS BANK OF SCOTLAND BRINGS IN TWO NEW SENIOR HIRES

MICROTECH GROUP Chris and the team

AN Award-winning IT service specialist which supports NHS Scotland and a raft of blue-chip clients has future-proofed its legacy by adopting employee ownership.

CLARE RICHARDSON AND ANGELA SMILLIE Bank of Scotland

Bank of Scotland’s SME and MidCorporate team has appointed two senior people, with more than 35 years of combined financial services expertise, to take up the role of Area Director for Edinburgh, Borders and South West Scotland on a job share basis.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

Clare Richardson has spent the past 15 years in financial services, including heading up the SME and Mid-Corporate team in the North East for the last five.

Angela Smillie has worked for the bank since 2000, specialising in leveraged buy-out transactions and debt restructuring.

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Businessman Chris McMail turned down multimillion pound offers for his business, Microtech Group, by opting to reward the employees at the firm through an Employee Ownership Trust [EOT].

Chris had received generous offers from companies from around the globe which were looking to relocate operations from Kilmarnock but he had no intention of uprooting the business after more than 30 years in Scotland.

Microtech will now become a majority employee-owned company. Thanks to guidance from specialists at Ownership Associates, 74% of the business’ shares will be transferred to an EOT, with Chris keeping a minority shareholding and remaining as Managing Director.

Speaking about the new role, Clare Richardson said: “Both Angela and I are driven by purpose and care about delivering real support to businesses, something I know will continue to strengthen our offering to customers.

Worth around £15m, the firm achieved an annual turnover of £5m in 2021, despite the challenges of a global pandemic. Chris believes this is largely down to the efforts of the 70 employees.

“We’re acutely aware of the challenges Scotland has encountered over the past 18 months but now is the time to look forward and embrace opportunities. From sustainability to tech, there’s huge growth potential and we’ll be working to support firms on the road to recovery and beyond.”

Managing Director of Microtech, Chris McMail, said: “This is a great business with talented loyal people. My prime consideration was that any action taken would not compromise them in any way, nor disrupt the excellent service we deliver to our clients.

Both Clare and Angela accepted the job-share to fulfil their own career ambitions while being able to spend more time with their families.

After making the initial decision to explore options for the future, I received various competitive purchase offers. However, none of these guaranteed the continued operation of

Microtech in Scotland, which took so much hard work to build.”

“It soon became apparent that any sale of the business to a third party would result in drastic changes to the company operations, including potential relocation and possible job losses.

When the proposal of transitioning to an EOT was suggested, I knew this was the best way to secure the company’s position in Ayrshire.”

Established in 1986 by Chris, Microtech began its journey as a professional IT Support company and has since grown to become one of the largest independent and market-leading IT Support and Healthcare companies in Scotland.

Specialising in Telehealth and IT industries, the Ayrshire-based firm has developed an extensive customer and contracts base across the public and private sectors, including SME's and large corporate enterprises. The group prides itself on providing a seamless and secure managed service to the NHS, a valued client for more than 25 years.

Ownership Associates founder, Carole Leslie, said: “This is a terrific win for Scottish business.

Microtech provides an integral service to some of our most cherished institutions.“ “The employees will now have reassurance that the company’s long-term future is secured.

Not only does the EOT protect the jobs of the staff, but it will allow them to shape the future of this company.”

For more information on Microtech, visit: www.microtech-group.co.uk For more information on Ownership Associates, visit: www.ownershipassociates.co.uk

AYRSHIRE CHAMBER TEAM ARE BACK ON THE ROAD As always, it’s been a busy few months here at Ayrshire Chamber.

Our offices are back open full time with the team operating a rota system to keep numbers down. You will see us back out on the road attending face-to-face appointments and we are hosting a hybrid programme of events to accommodate both virtual and live training and events.

By now, we will have held our Annual Dinner at Lochgreen House Hotel. This was kindly sponsored

by McCulloch Group and we hope all who attended enjoyed the evening.

Our Annual General Meeting was held in September at The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine and our Board of Directors would like to thank all those

who attended for their participation.

Lorna Gibson and David Wilkinson have reached the end of their term and we would like to thank them for their valuable contribution over the years.

Consequently, we would like to welcome Fiona McKenzie, CentreStage and Laura Rennie, Arena HR who have joined the Board. Full minutes can be found on our website at:

www.ayrshire-chamber.org/about-us/notices

Business Week in October was back to an in-person programme, and it was a pleasure to see so many of you at our various events throughout the region. Thank you to all the wonderful businesses and venues who supported us with the delivery. You can read more on page 15.

As we all gradually adjust to new ways of working, we hope to continue re-introducing our varied schedule of benefits and services. You can keep up to date via our website www.ayrshire-chamber.org and by following our social media channels. #WellConnected

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@ayrshire-chamber.org

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5 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER NEWS

AA ROLLS OUT EV SUPPORT SERVICE IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED DEMAND Almost half of all drivers (47%) say they will consider buying an electric vehicle when they next change their car, according to an exclusive poll of 17,628 drivers*.

Demand for all forms of battery, plug-in, and mild-hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) has risen significantly, representing a quarter of total new car market share in Julyi or just over 44k new vehicles on the roads. With more than 33.5k charging connectors on the public network in the UKii, jumping almost 1k in just 30 days, the AA is responding to demand by launching a brand new EV Support Service.

Following successful implementation across the SWARCO E.Connect UK network over the summer months, the AA is set to roll out a dedicated EV Support package for several other operators in the domestic, workplace and public charging environments. Alongside award-winning contact centre staff to provide EV drivers with support at the end of the phone, the AA is also exploring a field-based technician option to maintain the country’s growing EV infrastructure.

Almost half of all drivers (47%) say they will consider buying an electric vehicle when they next change their car, according to an exclusive poll of 17,628 drivers*. Government incentives also support the drive to EV, with more than £1bn committed to incentivising the switch in the February 2020 Budget, and £500m dedicated to

garage network is already EV capable, most of our company cars are already EVs or plug-in hybrids, and AA Drivetech provides specific EV driver training. The logical next step is ensuring we can support the infrastructure accompanying EV vehicle adoption.” the roll-out of a super-fast EV charging network.

To support its commitment to EV, as one of multiple alternative powertrains on the market, the AA has also released a standalone report ‘EV and Future Fuels’ to coincide with its Founding Partner role for World EV Day on 9th September 2020. The report features contributions from SWARCO, as well as UBER and Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association. It highlights the opportunities for fleets and SMEs looking to make the switch to EV, as well as suggesting some of the questions they should address in the process.

Dean Hedger, EV New Business Development Manager, said: “We have a deep and continued commitment to ensuring the availability of both the expertise and technology to meet the needs of fleets and drivers throughout their vehicle lifecycle. With more EVs on UK roads, it is important that we deliver a service that ensures excellent driver experience, for new users and EVangelists alike.

“The AA EV Support Service builds on our existing capability across the business, including having the largest group of EV Level 2 trained technicians in the UK. One third of the AA Prestige

As part of the EV Support managed services offer, the AA will support drivers if they need help at the charge point, handling calls about both the electric car and electric charging infrastructure.

Refuelling routines are different for EV drivers; networks vary widely and so does the charging technology available, hence the understandable confusion new EV drivers often face.

Hedger adds: “It is clear there is a way to go before universal adoption can be achieved.

Perceptions need to change – but for that to happen, the reality must alter too. Batteries, range, payload and charging infrastructure are just a few of the areas which will need to develop significantly. That is why simplifying the journey for all EV drivers is a huge priority. We are keen to help both established and new EV drivers get to grips with technology so they can get as much enjoyment as possible from their EV driving experience, ensuring they are fully supported at every mile of their journey.” *Populus received 17,628 responses from AA members to its online poll between 11th – 18th February 2020. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For more details, go to www.populus.co.uk. i

SMMT new car registrations up

ii

ZapMap

THE AA OFFER UP TO 67% OFF BUSINESS BREAKDOWN COVER FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS. Contact us for more information.

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Over the last year, Ayrshire Chamber has been acting as a Gateway organisation for the Kickstart scheme helping businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes access the scheme whilst providing administrative and training support. We have helped over 150 young people find work so far and there have been some amazing success stories throughout Ayrshire.

Although extended for 3 months, the Kickstart scheme is now drawing to a close. If you are able to offer a meaningful work experience placement to

a young person and have been considering taking part, please don’t delay.

If you are registered at Companies House and would like help to access the scheme, we can accept new applications up until 30th November 2021.

Email enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org

Chamber member Training First Safety would like to share the experience through the eyes of their first Kickstart employee Carly.

CARLY’S CORNER Now that I have hit my 6-month mark, let’s take a look back at the 1st month I joined, the 3rd month and finally October which is 6 months.

Month 1 Within my first month I learned a lot of interesting information regarding my role at Training First Safety. I learned about what they do as a company and how they are passionate about all things Health and Safety.

I was most looking forward to improving in my field of work as an Administrator, learning new skills and improving skills I already have.

I’ve been supported with everything I need to know to be able to do my job efficiently and to the best of my ability.

3 Months It’s now been 3 months since I started working at Training First Safety. When I

first started, I was extremely shy and found some of the tasks given to me scary and difficult, due to lack of confidence and experience. Now, I can do them no problem, there’s still room for improvement which I am continuously working on. I have learned so much about not only my role as Administrator but about who we are and what we do as a company.

6 Months It’s weird to be writing that it’s officially been 6 months since I started working at Training first Safety. Time has gone by so fast. I had my 6 month 1 to 1 with Jenny yesterday and we discussed just how far

I’ve come in the past 6 months. My confidence has grown massively, and I feel a lot more confident within my role as well as working more independently. It’s been great getting to learn more about myself as well as just how important my role is within the company.

JACK'S ALT-STAYS ON TARGET FOR EARLY 2022 LAUNCH Jack’s Alt-Stays is a tourist accommodation start-up launching in Millport in early 2022. The environment is at the heart of every decision they make, throughout the start up and cabin build phases, and beyond as they launch and run their business. They have ambitious eco goals of planting 3,000 trees, removing 100 Tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, and ultimately achieving ‘Carbon Negative’ Status by the end of 2022. One of a number of ways they are working towards these goals is by partnering with an organisation called Ecologi https://ecologi.com

Ecologi plant trees & fund the world’s best climate crisis solutions. They support tree planting and carbon capture projects in low-cost, high-impact areas around the world. They also support projects closer to home, such as a reforestation project in Dalry, Scotland. They allow individuals and businesses to make massive environmental impact, and work towards Net Zero.

The Jacks have chosen to partner with Ecologi, making monthly contributions to not only offset their team’s unavoidable carbon footprint, but as they launch their tourist eco-cabin business, are vowing to

plant 10 trees for every single booking made. Over the last 12 months they have had 389 trees planted and removed 15.53 Tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, by supporting Ecologi’s climate projects.

Other environmental efforts include the cabins being run by 100% renewable energy, committing to responsible recycling and waste practices, and getting involved in local beach clean and tree planting initiatives. www.jacksaltstays.co.uk

7 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

MEMBERS NEWS

3 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF DIGITAL MARKETING In today’s marketplace, it is essential to have a digital footprint.

According to Statista, 87% of UK households made online purchases in 2020. While there is room for traditional marketing methods, you will miss a huge opportunity to increase awareness of your brand and your value proposition without digital marketing in your toolkit.

What are these three important benefits that make digital marketing so vital to your success?

ONE: It is a cost-effective means of marketing compared to traditional modes Digital marketing, even without comparison to traditional modes of marketing, is cost-effective.

Businesses can pay a small amount to make an

impression on a marketplace. Unlike the barrier to entry created by television and magazine advertising, social media and Google Ads can be undertaken with only a small investment. Small businesses can scale the amount of marketing undertaken with the size of the enterprise.

TWO: There is greater power to target the audience demographic you most want to reach.

Traditional marketing reaches its audience in a scatter-gun fashion. While there is some use in demographics in choosing publications or times for radio and television advertising. Digital marketing can be targeted to an ideal customer and reach them multiple times across devices.

THREE: Analytics helps businesses to measure and attribute the performance of the marketing efforts.

Digital marketing also keeps you in control of

ARI POURNARAS MD & Head of SEO - Big Pond Digital

your choices, allowing for agile adaptation of the campaign approach. Analytics can reveal new leads and the most likely conversions, informing other parts of a business. If something is working, an organisation can scale up this approach; it can be immediately scaled down if there is no traction. While data is forthcoming from traditional modes of marketing, the time lag often makes it purposeless in a fast-moving marketplace.

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CHAMPIONING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE Booth Welsh, in collaboration with iTech, recently sponsored the Journey to Net Zero event at the new Spirit AeroSystems Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick. The event was the finale of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Week and was supported by the Scottish Net Zero Community, the Low Carbon Challenge Fund, and Fuel Change.

Established as a centre of excellence for the research and development of advanced materials, digital manufacturing technologies and processes, the AIC facilitates collaboration with industry and academic partners to innovate, train and develop skills for today and the future.

In addition to advancing local capabilities and rapid knowledge transfer between academia and industry, the centre will develop

world-class technology solutions for diverse design and manufacturing applications. As partners of the AIC, Booth Welsh presented their latest service offering, which they have coined ‘Environment 4.0’.

Booth Welsh are passionate about demystifying technology to show simple approaches that can open a world of possibilities for businesses to fully align their business and environmental goals. As all businesses zone in on their sustainability

approach in the lead up to COP26 and beyond, Environment 4.0 provides businesses with the ability to harness the power of technology to achieve measurable results in efficiency, performance, mitigation, and waste reduction, while also delivering a positive impact on profitability.

For more information on Environment 4.0 and how Booth Welsh can support, visit www.boothwelsh.co.uk or search Booth Welsh on LinkedIn.

SPIRIT FOCUSES ON FINDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business/regional jets.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit has facilities in the U.S., France, Malaysia, Morocco, Northern Ireland, and in Prestwick, Scotland.

Spirit recognises the importance of sustainability within its operations and the products it designs and manufactures. The company is designing efficient and lightweight products to reduce aircraft fuel burn and develop

more sustainable production processes to reduce energy consumption. Spirit is transitioning to renewable energy to power its sites, and has installed solar panels in many of the company facilities, including the recently opened Aerospace Innovation Centre situated within its Prestwick campus. This state-of-the-art innovation centre gives Spirit the opportunity to collaborate with industrial, academic and supply chain partners to develop the new technologies and skills required for future sustainable aircraft platforms.

The company has invested heavily in Research and Development and new technologies which has not only generated high-value jobs and skills within the Scotland and Northern Ireland businesses and throughout the UK supply chain, it has also led to on-shoring work in the UK. Spirit, in collaboration with the aerospace industry, is focusing on finding sustainable solutions, to support the Scottish Government’s net zero commitment by 2045 and the UK Government’s net zero goal by 2050. Spirit recognises it has a role to play in the long-term sustainable aviation strategy, tackling the challenge of ensuring a quieter, cleaner and smarter future for the industry.

9 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

MEMBERS NEWS

SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE DELIVERED BY RAKKAUS FURNITURE Ayrshire based commercial interiors specialists Rakkaus Furniture have been awarded the furnishing contract for the first town centre net-zero carbon energy project in Scotland, HALO Kilmarnock.

Situated next to the state-of-the-art Ayrshire College, the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Hub will stimulate digital learning, inspire innovative thinking, and support the Ayrshire economy.

Spearheaded by Dr Marie Macklin CBE, chair of HALO Urban Regeneration, HALO Kilmarnock will create a dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter of the town, fuelled by renewable energy, where people can live, work, learn and play.

Installation of this project is in full swing and is due for completion in the coming weeks.

Chris Arkley, managing director of Rakkaus, said: “I have known Marie Macklin for a number of years now and her plan for this site in Kilmarnock is nothing short of visionary. We are excited to have such a forward-thinking development in our town and to be part of its interior is awesome.”

personal mentality to climate change all the way through to our supply chain”. Commissioned furniture will be made from recycled components from the car industry, as well as sustainably sourced timber for seating and low carbon manufacturing processes. Rakkaus will also be providing more than 1400 square meters of BREEAM certified carpet tiles.

Rakkaus are particularly excited by HALO’s zero-carbon vision which includes the use of 100% renewable energy, centralised battery storage and electric transport.

Based in Kilmarnock town centre, Rakkaus has long been established as the premier supplier of commercial furniture and flooring to companies throughout the UK and beyond.

Arkley continued: “Our business has sustainability at its core, from our

www.rakkausfurniture.co.uk

THINK LEAN What is ‘Lean Thinking’ and why should we all be doing it?

As businesses emerge from the Covid pandemic they need to be asking themselves if they’re satisfying the needs of their customers and using their valuable resources as effectively as possible.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

Is your business meeting the needs of your customer and operating as efficiently as it could be?

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Lean Manufacturing has been around for over 30 years – a production process derived from the car manufacturer Toyota’s operating model ‘The Toyota Way’ and based on an ideology of maximising productivity, whilst simultaneously minimising waste within a manufacturing operation. However, Lean Thinking doesn’t just apply to the production line and can be just as effective in any industry.

Lean is not about headcount reduction. It is about creating value for the customer, equipping businesses with a set of tools to help streamline processes, remove wasteful activity / non-activity, increase productivity and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

A lot of Lean Thinking is just common sense, but applied the right way helps businesses become more efficient, reduces cost and increases profitability.

If that isn’t enough, with COP26 having just taken place in Glasgow, there has never been a better time for businesses to become both leaner and greener, using Lean methodologies to not just reduce non-value add steps in their

processes, but apply the same tools to help reduce their carbon footprint as well.

Businesses need to start thinking Lean and ask themselves, what can they do tomorrow that will make them better than they are today.

For more information on Lean Thinking and the application of Lean within your organisation, email: info@lomass.co.uk or visit www.lomass.co.uk Lean On Me Associates Ltd are a local team of experts helping clients reduce waste, increase productivity and create value for their customers.

Time to head off the beaten track?

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

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

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

MEMBERS NEWS

GREEN HOME SYSTEMS WIN FOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARDS

Green Home Systems are delighted to announce that they collected four prizes at the 2021 Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards.

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza Glasgow on Friday 10th September with many entrants and guests attending from across the energy efficiency and renewables sector. The ceremony returned great success for Green Home Systems as they were presented with three direct awards and one partnering award for projects completed in association with the private rented housing sector.

Green Home Systems were named Boiler & Heating Installer of the Year, and in addition to their big win, the company was Highly Commended in the Insulation & Fabric Installer of the Year category. Green Home Systems staff member, Audrey Hunter, received a Highly Commended award in the Energy Efficiency Champion category, and in the final award they received a Commendation in Housing Association/Landlord of the Year.

Green Home Systems chairman, Steven Easton, said, “The awards night was a great success for the company, and I am extremely happy with the outcome. Receiving these Energy Efficiency Awards is a testament to how much hard work and effort all our team at Green Home Systems has put in over the past year. Alongside the other accolades, winning Boiler and Heating Installer of the Year is a fantastic achievement and we will display our awards proudly.”

Website www.greenhomesystems.co.uk

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AYRSHIRE MILLINER BRINGING SUSTAINABLE HAT DESIGN TO A NEW ECO-CONSCIOUS GENERATION Ayrshire entrepreneur Leanne Cairns, of Leanne Cairns Millinery, spent her time in lockdown utilising technology to create a ground-breaking, new business model. Her work is now poised to disrupt the world of traditional hat making. Using CAD and 3D printing, she is ready to bring innovative designs to a young, fashion-conscious audience who want to buy sustainable, biodegradable and affordable hats.

This new business enterprise is being developed after help from Napier University’s Art & Design faculty and will enable Leanne to capitalise on a significant appetite among people for eco-conscious, sustainable fashion accessories, while also giving her a vehicle and the competitive advantage to take her designs to a mass audience.

After researching sustainable materials, Leanne’s new range will be made from PLA (fermented plant starch), 100% biodegradable and when made in conjunction with 3D printing technology, will have zero waste in their production and be compostable. Three initial, prototype designs have been created thanks to Scottish Funding Council, and Leanne Cairns Millinery are developing more designs to be market ready in 2022/23.

These stunning hats can be easily and quickly printed, assembled, and are made from separate components that can be customised to create a bespoke design, which suits each customer. The aim is to eventually have designs that can also be fully downloaded upon purchase, and 3D printed within the customer’s locality, anywhere in the world.

Leanne says “Now is the time to be innovative and become sustainable in fashion, with ideas and practices that address the fast fashion issues by being more circular. We all must make every effort to change our ways for the benefit of people and planet to give the earth a surviving chance. I really want to make an impact for the greater good and to encourage a sense of assured confidence while affirming an expression of identity in wearing our brand and sustainable hat designs.”

Leanne Cairns Millinery is an award-winning business who now sees sustainability and circular approach as an extension of the business and the new future goal for her hat designs, preventing landfill accumulation while utilising nature within the materials used and design aesthetic. www.leannecairnsmillinery.com

Developments for Prestwick Spaceport have taken a giant leap forward, with a landmark deal now signed between South Ayrshire Council, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and a launch partner, which will boost Scotland’s space industry ambitions and create an important strategic asset for the UK. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is now in place with Astraius, the leading UK based, commercially operated horizontal ‘air launch’ company, whose technology allows the release of a rocket carrying small satellites from high altitude. These satellites – some of which are no larger than a shoebox – can be used to access ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO) to carry out activities such as monitoring climate change; tracking deforestation; and identifying illegal fishing or mining activities around the globe.

South Ayrshire Council is a key partner in the development of Prestwick Spaceport after securing £80m of investment for the existing Prestwick Aerospace hub - Scotland’s largest - as part of the wider £250m Ayrshire Growth Deal funding. The £80m will be invested in infrastructure and is expected to create up to 4,000 new high-quality jobs.

The £80 million investment in the Aerospace and Space programme at Prestwick will position Ayrshire as one of the UK’s leading centres of aerospace and space activity, involving four key projects: Spaceport Infrastructure, Commercial Build, Roads Infrastructure

(L-R): Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson; Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Astraius CEO, Kevin Seymour

and the Aerospace and Space Innovation Centre.

Government representatives.

The design, infrastructure and launch capabilities at Prestwick Spaceport also represent an important strategic asset for the UK. Prestwick has particularly strong transport links, a more than favourable climate for regular launches and a strong heritage of innovation and engineering expertise. The spaceport forms a key part of a growing ecosystem of companies and talent that will act as a catalyst to stimulate economic activity around space, boosted by multi-million-pound Ayrshire Growth Deal funding.

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said, "This is a giant leap for Prestwick and the UK to delivering a horizontal launch spaceport and boosting our growing space industries. Through the Ayrshire Growth Deal the UK Government is investing £32 million in the aerospace and space programme, which is bringing new jobs and businesses to the area.

Across Scotland we are investing more than £1.5 billion in region deals, helping communities to build back better from the pandemic."

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said: “Prestwick Spaceport will have a hugely positive impact on local communities in South Ayrshire. Bringing a wide range of skilled jobs and a vibrant supply chain to the local area, the spaceport not only offers significant economic benefits, but will create opportunities for young people to have exciting careers.

“The spaceport, like all other Ayrshire Growth Deal projects such as a new Aerospace and Space Innovation Centre at Prestwick, will be delivered on Community Wealth Building principles. Based on inclusive growth, this will ensure that local people are given the chance to develop skills so they can participate in the future economy. The signing of this MoU is not only a significant step for the development of Prestwick Spaceport, but for the future communities of South Ayrshire.”

The MoU was warmly welcomed by the UK Space Agency, as well as both wider UK and Scottish

Scotland’s Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Ivan McKee stated, “The Memorandum of Understanding with Astraius as a launch partner is great news for the Prestwick Spaceport and signifies a major step towards bringing horizontal launch capability to Scotland. Our ambition is for Scotland to be Europe’s leading space nation and to have a £4 billion share of the global space market by 2030, whilst developing launch capability – both vertical and horizontal – to serve small satellite producers.”

Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “Glasgow Prestwick Airport is perfectly positioned to become a leading provider of space launch services after being at the forefront of aviation and aerospace for almost 100 years. In Astraius we have identified a partner with the vision, expertise, and proven technology to help fast-track our ambition to become Europe’s premier launch location, offering spaceflight as part of a proposition that stretches beyond launch, bringing a wide range of space related benefits to the region.”

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13 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

PRESTWICK SPACEPORT MOVES CLOSER TO LIFT OFF

MEMBERS NEWS

BUSINESS WEEK 2021 ROUNDUP Ayrshire Business Week 2021 was a resounding success with over 400 businesses attending the fiveday programme.

Delivered virtually last year due to the pandemic, it was a pleasure to bring back live events for 2021.

The week launched on Monday 4th October, at the fantastic new Centrestage facility in Kilmarnock with the exciting and innovative Aerospace Digital Visualisation Suite project supported by South Ayrshire Council.

A virtual webinar from Ayrshire College on Tuesday saw ‘A Skills Led Recovery’ for hospitality and tourism businesses.

Business Gateway Ayrshire sponsored the Reconnecting Ayrshire B2B Exhibition at the Gailes Hotel on Wednesday of Business week.

There was a real buzz in the room, and it was great to have so many businesses connect face to face. The day opened with a Connect networking supported by Media Scotland, the exhibition had an amazing mix of stands showcasing some of our fantastic local businesses across all sectors. The workshops were also well attended, and thanks go to NS Design, LMW Marketing and Auditel for supporting. The event concluded with a wonderful buffet lunch where participants could reflect on the excellent connections they made.

The Coo Shed in Ayr provided the ideal backdrop on Thursday evening for a Food Labelling information event.

The Friday Finale was A Journey to Net Zero and was the perfect end to the week. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to visit the new Aerospace Innovation Centre at Spirit Aerosystems, Prestwick. Sponsored by Booth Welsh and supported by Scottish Net Zero Community, Low Carbon Challenge Fund and Fuel Change, the event hosted an outstanding panel of speakers sharing their expertise and their own journeys to Net Zero.

We are delighted that Business Week was so well received. Here are some comments from our attendees: • 'All attended events were fantastic being face 2 face events with great networking opportunities made the difference.'

• 'Gailes was a lovely venue for the B2B and the lunch was fantastic.'

• 'Great to see the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce embrace Face 2 Face events again whilst respecting the restrictions in place.'

• 'Very well thought out and executed.'

• 'Professional event, well run and with good attendance of business leaders.'

TRAINING FOR THE NEXT NORMAL – RESKILL, REBUILD AND RECOVER

PL

PARATTNINUM ER

According to Forbes the 8 job skills to succeed in a post Covid world are: • • • • • • •

adaptability and flexibility tech savviness creativity and innovation data literacy critical thinking digital skills leadership and emotional intelligence

Ayrshire College has all these skills (and more) covered.

We offer a diverse training portfolio of short and long accredited and non-accredited courses delivered online or face-to-face.

FLEXIBLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND – OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) is open to Private, Public and Third Sector companies who pay the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy (paying more than £3M in salaries each year) or who are a SME. Funding available to help upskill and reskill.

• Eligible levy paying companies can access up to £15k • Eligible SMEs can access up to £5k support The FWDF is now open for applications with a deadline of 3rd December.

Visit https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/businessand-training/flexible-workforcedevelopment-fund/ to learn more and submit your application.

NUALA BOYLE Head of Business Growth

15 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

Going green is going forward

COP26 IS JUST THE START Contact the Active Travel Hub Kilmarnock today to see how we can help your business on its green journey

The Active Travel Hub Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Station Community Village, Station Brae, Kilmarnock, KA1 2AF

athkilmarnock

active_travel_hub_kilmarnock

Travelhubkk

info@activetravelhubkilmarnock.org

CHAMBER MEMBERS WORKING TOGETHER: INNOVEC & MCCOLM ENGINEER THE PERFECT SOLUTION Based in Prestwick, McColm are a leading Civil & Structural Engineering practice specialising in the delivery of design-led consultancy services on everything from small domestic projects to major, multi-millionpound developments. Forming in 2008, the business is familyrun by directors Neil McColm and Richard McColm, and has grown to employ 14 people including graduates, engineers, technicians, and office staff.

As the business continued to grow despite lockdown, so too did the requirement to increase

security and improve how staff accessed systems and communicated with each other.

Having always managed their IT in-house, McColm opted to engage the services of Innovec (the IT Services and Telecoms Provider based in Ayr) to migrate the business to Microsoft365 given the importance of the move.

Having migrated over 100 Ayrshire businesses to Microsoft365, Innovec implemented their proven process (including back-ups of the existing solution, test migrations, and end-user familiarisation) ensuring that McColm hit the ground running with zero downtime, and no loss of data.

Following the implementation of Microsoft365, McColm have opted to retain the services of Innovec to assist with back-ups, cyber security and ongoing IT support, allowing them to focus solely on managing their business knowing that their technology is up-to-date, secure, and looked after by experts.

Specialists in supporting growing businesses, from start-ups to 300+ employees, Innovec work with over 200 customers throughout Ayrshire and the West to provide IT services, support, VoIP phones, Microsoft365, cyber-security, and backups.

On 1st January 2021, the way businesses export and import goods changed.

ChamberCustoms is the customs advisory, training and brokerage service delivered through Chambers of Commerce across the UK. As part of this network Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce can help you and your team navigate the new rules and border controls.

We provide specialist customs advisory services A HMRC compliant brokerage service that you can trust for all your import and export declaration requirements. We’re the only customs broker in the UK to offer a ‘One Stop Shop’ with direct links to all sea, air, rail and road ports and terminals.

We can train your people ChamberCustoms has developed a range of training courses designed to prepare businesses and trade professionals for the future of trade. All our courses are eligible for HMRC Customs Intermediary Funding.

www.ayrshire-chamber.org/international/chamber-customs

chambercustoms@ayrshire-chamber.org

17 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

CHAMBER NEWS

THE ROLE OF MENTORING IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT As we gradually see the pandemic restrictions being lifted, it is clear that life will never return to the same “normal” as pre-pandemic.

The workplace has undergone a quiet revolution in terms of the way people now want to work and it has been proven that new ways of working can be implemented.

For many, home working or partial homeworking has become the norm and is likely to remain that way. While this brings many advantages it also brings its own challenges.

According to Buffers 2019 State of Remote Work report the biggest challenges faced by remote workers were: • 22% UNPLUGGING AFTER WORK • 19% LONELINESS • 7% COLLABORATION • 8% STAYING MOTIVATED Of course, these are challenges that can still be faced even if you are going to a place of work.

Throughout the pandemic we found that mentoring can play a key role in overcoming many of these challenges.

Career development is another important area that mentoring can play a key role. Career development takes constant work, and when you

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

For me, it’s been invaluable. As a business, we are beginning to grow quite rapidly. My calls with Brian have been great to help me think outside the box, as well as how to implement strategy. I’m really thankful for the programme, it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me.

Sally McIntyre - Training First Safety Brian McGilvery – Mentor

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My mentoring is going great. We’ve had 3 meetings so far, and what I have gained already is amazing. I feel Linda is completely impartial and doesn’t judge me in any way and is very good at simplifying steps for me. Linda has helped me get focus & direction on my business and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with her.

Natalie Anderson – Helen Selina Skincare Linda Johnstone – Mentor work remotely, you may need to find additional support to ensure that you career doesn’t stall.

Mentoring can play a vital role in helping with career development, whether you are back in your workplace or working from home. Here are just a few of the areas where mentoring can help.

Knowledge and Skills Knowledge and skills form the bedrock of any career, and it is important that you continue to hone and develop your knowledge and skills throughout your career, pursuing your interests which in turn will inspire your curiosity and keep you engaged and motivated. A rapidly changing workplace means that it is now more important than ever to ensure that you develop new skills to keep your skill set and working practices relevant.

Networking and Visibility One of the big dangers of remote working is that you can lose touch with your colleagues.

Networking is an essential way for professionals to stay connected, relevant, and up to date with their industries. By working with a mentor, you will be expanding your network and improving your visibility either within your organisation or your profession and your mentor may be willing to help you make important connections within their network.

Career Vision and Planning In today’s fast paced work environment, it is easy

Lisa I would like to thank you for making me aware of the business mentoring programme. I was really pleased that we were able to find someone specific to my industry within your database that could help us in the first instance. I was also really impressed and inspired by Martin Muir. He has a great business and one that we would certainly aspire to. Business can be a lonely place and growing your business is hard and can take a lot of energy. You never know if you are getting things right, how other people see your business and you do not want to waste time getting things wrong. Martin was a good listener and

to get so bogged down in day-to-day activities, that your career just drifts, and you don’t take the time to stand back and look at where your career is, where you would like it to be and what you need to do to get there. By working with a mentor, you can ensure that you will make the time to work on your career vision and by working with another professional it may throw up new options and directions you hadn’t even considered. It may give you the confidence to set your goals even higher and be extremely motivating.

Opportunities Opportunities are the key to any successful career development but may not always be obvious or come knocking on your door. Working with a mentor could help you to uncover some important opportunities that may otherwise have passed you by.

If you would be willing to share your skills and experience with others or think you could benefit from a mentor, then why not take a look at our mentoring programme www.ayrshire-chamber.org/supportingbusiness/business-mentoring Since beginning to work with Chris, I have received support across various elements of my business. This included tech support which has allowed me to revamp my website and ensure all of our online systems run as smooth as possible. His guidance has also put me in touch with other valuable local contacts and assisted me with plans to expand my business in the near future.

My time as Chris's mentee has certainly been valuable. I am now in a far better place to further grow my business and look forward to continuing our relationship.

Callum Corbett-Peters CP Sport and Fitness Chris McMail - Mentor

extremely easy to talk to. I did not feel coached or like a student, I felt as if we were having a chat as two equal businesspeople, and I certainly felt inspired at the end of it. I will certainly stay connected, and I look forward to the next time we catch up. I realise that sometimes smaller businesses feel a bit awkward about taking up such a programme. But I would advise any business to use this fantastic benefit provided by the chamber.

Alan Cadden – Cavetta Consulting Martin Muir – Mentor

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Make sure your tax planning includes your business property by booking a one to one consultation with our managing director, Stuart Lang.

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MEMBERS NEWS

CENTRESTAGE, AYRSHIRE’S ARTS ACADEMY OPEN FOR BUSINESS

CentreStage was founded in 2006 by Fiona McKenzie and Paul Mathieson, operating with the ethos that anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience, can gain life changing social benefits through active participation in the arts. After completing Scotland’s largest Community Led Asset Transfer, the charity are now operating from the site of the former Kilmarnock Academy.

Everything at CentreStage is still built on that original ethos and supports delivery of our organisational vision and values.

The Arts Academy delivers a wide variety of classes from musical theatre, drama, music, dance and much more across the week, with something for everyone to get involved in and their CAFÉ BAR is the ideal place to meet for coffee, lunch or informal meetings. Live performance is always at the heart of CentreStage and productions from musical theatre, plays and drama to live music, dance and comedy will be staged all year- round in their

flagship theatre and more intimate venues.

Ayrshire Chamber members and the wider business network can utilise and hire the space including multiple studios with layouts and formats to work for your business needs, from meetings to team building, with the state of the art theatre creating the perfect setting for larger events and conferences for numbers up to 280.

If it’s an office you’re looking for, the charity has a dedicated area where likeminded businesses rent office space and form part of the wider

collaborative community within the ‘CentreStage Neighbourhood.’

If you’d like more information, visit the CentreStage website: www.centrestagemt.org.uk Alternatively, to enquire about studio, theatre hire or to form part of the CentreStage Neighbourhood, email Paige Hill, Sales, Events and Conferencing Manager: paige.hill@centrestagemt.org.uk #ComeFindYourself

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR PRESTWICK BASED COMPANY REGENCY CONTRACT CLEANING!!

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Unfortunately the pandemic has left many businesses with uncertain futures and has even resulted in the closure of others. But not for Regency Contract Cleaning which has managed to undergo a massive growth and transformation during the pandemic due to the Managing Directors resilience and ambition.

Since taking over the company in 2009, Keith Glass, the Managing Director of Regency has been determined to grow the company from a small business that mainly focused on commercial and domestic cleaning to a large business that provides comprehensive and integrated cleaning, property and security services.

This became a reality during lockdown when Regency relocated to a brand new head office, expanded their operations to England, employed a considerable number of full time staff and fully rebranded their company and the services they offer.

According to Keith MD “the transition from a cleaning company

to a facilities management company has been a challenging one but at the same time a rewarding experience because it has allowed me to give back to the community by creating numerous job opportunities for various people across Scotland and England”.

As an FM company Regency hopes to secure more contracts from the private and public sector and offer more comprehensive and integrated services.

MULTI AWARD WINNING ISLE OF CUMBRAE DISTILLERS

HALLS OF SCOTLAND CELEBRATING SUCCESS As one of Scotland’s top food brands, Halls of Scotland were thrilled to join the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce this month and are looking forward to the new opportunities that it brings. As a Scottish food producer, they are passionate about developing and supporting local business.

Launched in September 2020, Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is one of the only all-female distilling teams in Scotland, and the only international team, with representation from the UK, Canada and the USA. The Millport-based distillery holds the notable position of being one of 3 Scottish gin distilleries to successfully launch during the pandemic.

The team of 5 met as strangers 2 years ago, became fast friends and decided to open a gin distillery...of course! They were motivated to help Millport raise funds for its town hall, and by the possibility of providing meaningful work opportunities for young islanders. While collectively they have decades of business experience between them, they knew nothing about the food and drinks industry. From distilling to licensing to marketing, they have done everything on their own, learning new things every step of the way.

At the end of their first year, they have already produced two international award-winning gins, with their signature gin, Nostalgin, winning gold and bronze awards and Croc Rock gin winning silver and bronze… a huge accomplishment for any distillery in its first year.

As women business owners, they have also been recognized by their peers as winners of the National Association of Businesswomen’s Most Innovative Start-up and Ayrshire Business Women's Most Enterprising Business. In addition to being one of the only women's owned distilleries in Scotland, they proudly represent the possibilities for older woman; the possibility that you can start a business at any age with a good idea; the possibility that women can be successful in a male-dominated industry; and the possibility that age is indeed just a number and success is about having a good attitude, a plan, passion and vision.

Isle of Cumbrae Distillers has a lovely island shop in Millport and runs Tours and Tastings throughout the year. www.isleofcumbrae-distillers.com

Halls of Scotland have been working on a project with Scottish farmers and pork processors to tie in Scottish provenance opportunities. As a result, they have just completed their first month of increased in-house butchery of Scottish pork at their site. This opportunity has been delivered through the use of existing talented butchers in addition to new trainee butchers for this role.

Due to the project success and expected future growth, Halls of Scotland are still recruiting for new talent to be trainees for onsite butchery. They have been able to offer permanent contracts and are keen to expand this sector. With great success on the uptake of these roles Halls have recruited more wonderful people and are proud to give their employees not only the practical experience of butchery, but also the opportunity to achieve an SVQ qualification to become a fully certified butcher. Training and developing people is so important to Halls, and they want to reward them by utilising the vast benefits of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce to thank them for all their hard work.

With ongoing recruitment, these new roles will hopefully attract some fantastic new talent who are keen to develop valuable skills and work within the fantastic team at Halls of Scotland. Their amazing employees have been exceptional in rising to the challenge and exceeding expectations, and Halls are sure these and new recruits will continue to do them proud.

Contact enquirieshalls@hallsofscotland.co.uk or call: 01292 479451

21 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

Keeping you connected at Christmas

Getting you there with bells on.

Exploring festive markets. Taking the kids to see Santa. Grabbing last minute presents.

Sharing a few jars with friends.

Whatever your plans this festive season, Stagecoach is here to keep you connected.

STAGECOACH ELECTRIC BUSES TRANSPORT WORLD LEADERS AT COP26 CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT

Photo courtesy of Karwai Tang, UK Government

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has partnered with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis (ADL), to become a Provider to COP26, supplying a fleet of 10 new electric double-decker buses to transport world leaders including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, UN Secretary General António Guterres and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Following COP26, the buses will travel from Scotland to London, where they will deliver passenger services for Stagecoach on behalf of Transport for London (TfL).

Stagecoach will this year be introducing 46 new fully electric buses in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth as part of the Government’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. Recently, it launched six new electric buses serving rural communities across the west of Scotland in partnership with SP Energy Networks.

Stagecoach is targeting a zero emissions UK bus fleet by 2035 as part of a commitment to become net zero by 2050. It also made one of the biggest single investments in electric vehicles in Europe with its double-decker fleet in Manchester.

Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive for Stagecoach,

SCOTLAND EXCEL – THE NATIONAL PROCUREMENT ORGANISATION WHICH LOVES TO SOURCE LOCALLY Scotland Excel is Scotland’s national centre of procurement expertise for local government.

A non-profit organisation founded in 2008, Scotland Excel serves all 32 Scottish councils and more than 100 associate members from across the public and third sector.

However, do not be put off by the word ‘national’ as Scotland Excel's frameworks have helped to develop and shape supply chains to create opportunities for

said: “We’re proud to be playing an important part in COP26 and we are delighted world leaders have chosen greener bus travel, which is central to meeting global climate ambitions. Stagecoach is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in new clean electric and other zero emissions buses, but one of the biggest positive changes people can make individually in addressing the climate emergency is by switching from cars to more sustainable public transport, cycling and walking."

For more information about Stagecoach’s Sustainability Plan: Driving Net Zero, Better Places to Live and Work, visit stagecoachgroup.com When developing frameworks, Scotland Excel break down requirements into product and geographic lots so that suppliers can submit bids for the specific products or services they can offer, or regions they can serve, without any penalty.

Scottish small to medium enterprises (SMEs), micro businesses and the third sector.

Scotland Excel encourage smaller, local businesses to tender for work. More than 70% of their framework suppliers are SMEs and around twothirds of these are based in Scotland.

Their contract portfolio covers a host of goods and services purchased by councils for a wide range of public services including social care, construction, roads, transport, environment, corporate and education.

They also create opportunities for ‘supply only’ – a step that’s encouraged several local businesses to tender, particularly smaller food producers and manufacturers which don't have their own national logistics network.

Sub-contracting commitments are incorporated into frameworks where appropriate to enable a wide range of companies to benefit from public sector spending.

All Scotland Excel tender opportunities can be found on the website: https://www. publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ For more information about Scotland Excel, visit www.scotland-excel.org.uk or email contactus@scotland-excel.org.uk

23 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

MEMBERS NEWS

PUSHING FOR GROWTH THROUGHOUT AYRSHIRE, AND BEYOND! After a brutal 18 months for most businesses and a tough start to the year for hospitality and tourism, Donnini are grateful to be in the position to be back to pushing for growth after hosting 5000+ guests over the busiest summer they have ever experienced, with new team members and a growing property portfolio!

There had been plenty of time to rest, recuperate and build a stronger Donnini team, and a sharper, smarter growth strategy. This has led them to an exciting place where they are now proactively looking to work with more landlords and investors to help actualise their new strategy and grow the Donnini brand further.

For nearly 5 years now, Donnini has been providing quality accommodation for both business and leisure guests as well as offering landlords and investors a premium, guaranteed, hassle free income. Simply put, they are the perfect tenant. This model has had exceptional feedback.

It allows financial planning based on guaranteed figures, no void periods and complete peace of mind that your property is being taken care of to the highest standard. Working with a variety of property types too, from 1-bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom detached villas, they are happy to chat to see what they can offer you.

LAURENCE MALYON AND JAKE MURRAY Co-founders of Donnini Apartments

Whether you are a landlord, looking to get involved in property, want to know what Donnini can offer, or simply want to chat about property, they would love to hear from you.

To find out more, head to their website, fill out the form and Jake, head of property acquisition will arrange a chat www.donnini.co.uk/property-investment Alternatively you can call 03300 130 882 or email invest@donnini.co.uk

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

FORMING A NEW BUSINESS IN THE WAKE OF A PANDEMIC

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Just one of several new members to Ayrshire Chamber this quarter, Bay Recruitment are a permanent recruitment business based in Ayrshire formed by husband-and-wife team Jason & Laura Maxwell.

Launching their business post lockdown after carefully considering how best to face the future, following the uncertainty that the pandemic brought about. They have extensive experience in both recruitment and consulting spanning jointly over 40 years.

They took the decision to specialise purely in the permanent recruitment market after speaking with numerous clients and candidates and getting their thoughts on the current employment market. Through these conversations they felt that candidates were looking more for these roles after such a long period of uncertainty, everyone wants to feel that little bit more secure.

Providing permanent recruitment solutions to clients by getting to know not just what they require as a new hire but also what makes them tick as a

business. The specialist sectors covered include Manufacturing, Industrial, Office Services, Hospitality, Accountancy & Finance, Contact Centre & Customer Service, Engineering & Technical, Human Resources, IT, Retail and Sales & Marketing.

Working with a broad range of organisations from local businesses to national and international corporations. They take care of the full 360 recruitment process from pre-screening to interviewing and endeavour to supply the very best candidates to assist with fulfilling client’s needs.

Moving forward, Bay Recruitment are committed to expanding their business to encompass new market sectors as well as providing clients with a full range of professional recruitment and hiring solutions. These include executive search, assessment and selection, agency management and advertising services.

Jason and Laura said: “We’re excited to be a new member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and look forward to being part of the growing Ayrshire Chamber community and engaging in many future events.”

COULD YOUR BUSINESS FURTHER SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently recruiting Retained Volunteer Duty System (RVDS), On call, Firefighters across Ayrshire and need the help of local businesses and their teams.

Retained and Volunteer Duty System Fire Fighters are part-time, paid Fire Fighters who provide an emergency response from their home or work to their local fire station. Across East, North and South Ayrshire there are 22 Retained Duty System stations and 3 Volunteer stations. These are people who can combine their day jobs and their skills, with being on call for emergency situations within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service team.

Being a Retained Volunteer Duty System Fire Fighter is an asset to any community and business. Fire Fighters are motivated and highly skilled individuals across many areas including First aid and Trauma, Fire Safety and other emergency situations as well as helping engage with local communities at various events and ensuring the safety of their community through Prevention and Protection activities. The skills that employees learn through the training and their experiences will improve confidence in all aspects of their work life. These skills are easily transferable within not only an emergency environment but can also benefit the workplace by assisting you in many ways.

Businesses and employers who are able to release a member or members of their staff to be Retained Volunteer Duty Firefighters, are helping to protect the very people they serve and contribute to supporting the community they are located in.

If you, as an employer or an employee, think this is an opportunity for you then please visit the website www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/retained-volunteer or contact laura.mcintyre@firescotland.gov.uk for more information.

They will be delighted to meet you and help you begin your SFRS journey.

25 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

MAKE IT HAPPEN! CAMPAIGN FOR NEW CHILDREN’S CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE ACROSS AYRSHIRE Ayrshire Cancer Support, Ayrshire’s leading cancer support charity is delighted to announce the purchase of the former St. Andrews Hotel at 7 Prestwick Road, Ayr following phase one of their fundraising campaign to purchase a new cancer support centre. The charity is now appealing for local businesses to help ‘make it happen’, by helping to raise funds to refurbish and extend the building to create a new support centre which will support children and young people as well as adults throughout Ayrshire.

When sufficient funds have been raised, the extensive building works will commence.

The centre will play host to counselling and therapeutic rooms, a large drop-in centre, purposed spaces for children and young people’s cancer support services, space to facilitate support groups as well as landscaped gardens and off-road parking.

The charity identified the need for a new cancer support centre several years ago and began to raise funds before the pandemic to purchase a new centre, which will become the only support centre for children and adults in the West of Scotland. That milestone has now been reached and the race is on to raise urgently needed funds to convert the building for use by future generations.

Sandra McCall, CEO of Ayrshire Cancer Support said, ‘We are thrilled we have managed to secure such a fantastic building thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Ayrshire community. This centre, whilst modelled on our current Kilmarnock centre, will be different in that it will also play host to services for children and young people as well as adults. It’s a very exciting time for the charity and we hope it won’t be too much longer until we can raise the funds required to extend the reach of our vital services. Very few families escape cancer, and it’s comforting to know we intend to be here for everyone who need us well into the future.’

Laura Brown, Head of Income and Communications at Ayrshire Cancer Support said, ‘We recently launched our Ambassador scheme, where people from the community will help us to spread awareness and raise funds for this capital project. We are delighted to have recruited local business Ambassadors which include Jacqueline Miller, Donald Ross; Janie Cunningham, Barclays and Sharon King, Caledonian Bottlers.’

The charity is appealing for businesses to help ‘Make it Happen’ by raising funds or becoming ambassadors to help support the cause and allow them to undertake the necessary refurbishment and building works to ensure the centre can open as soon as possible. www.ayrshirecs.org

MEMBERS NEWS

TOMMY’S NAMED THE MCKINSTRY COMPANY’S CHARITY OF THE YEAR Tommy’s, the pregnancy charity working to make the UK the safest place in the world to give birth, has been selected as The McKinstry Company’s Charity of the Year 2021/22. Staff from the leading Ayrshire law firm will fundraise throughout the next twelve months with the aim of raising as much as possible for the charity.

Money raised will go towards helping fund Tommy’s pioneering research to identify why pregnancy goes wrong and, in turn, understand how complications and loss can be prevented,

as well as enabling specialist care for people at its clinics, research centres and across the NHS. During the same time period, the firm’s charity group will also be supporting Ayrshire Baby Loss Support, which offers support to anyone affected by the loss of a baby at any stage. The range of services offered includes support meetings, befriending, online support and telephone support.

The McKinstry Company has a long history of supporting the communities in which it operates. For the firm, being involved in the local community is an integral part of its day to day working life. This helps its team identify the good causes and key social issues it can help address through employee volunteering and

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

CONFIDA FM STAFF ACHIEVE GLOBALLYRECOGNISED H&S CERTIFICATION

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Five members of staff from leading facilities management firm, Confida FM, have successfully completed the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) Managing Safely course. Relevant to all industries, this market-leading programme helps embed a health and safety awareness culture throughout organisations.

The course participants comprised two Contract Managers, a Warehouse Manager, an Office Manager and a Contract Supervisor.

Despite working in different business units, all have direct or indirect responsibilities for the management of health and safety within their teams.

The three-day course was delivered by expert trainers from City of Glasgow College. A variety of content was covered including assessing and controlling risk, understanding managers’ responsibilities, common hazards and measuring performance. Not only did the course give each delegate the knowledge and skills to tackle the health and safety issues they’re responsible for, it gave them the confidence and enthusiasm to put their learning into practice when they went back to work.

charitable giving.

In 2020/21, the firm’s charity group supported Whiteleys Retreat, which provides free therapeutic short breaks for children, young people and their families with cancer and life altering illnesses. Various fundraising initiatives, including a free Will promotion and sponsored “Walk to Berlin”, raised £14,500 for the Ayrshire charity.

Ashley Thomson, charity group member, said: “We are delighted to support these two very worthwhile causes, which are close to our hearts. We have some very exciting events planned in order to fundraise, so keep your eyes peeled for how you can get involved.”

www.mckinstry.co.uk Confida FM is committed to continuous staff training. Making employee development a priority within the company culture ensures its team stays well informed of industry trends and best practices. By offering members of staff the opportunity to learn and grow within the company, the firm is not only increasing the chance of retaining these employees, but it is also creating a more skilled workforce that will benefit the business in the future.

Ian Murray, Commercial Director at Confida FM, said: "Personal development and skills development, such as our candidate’s participation in the IOSH Managing Safety course, is a pragmatic and direct approach across all of our core business activities. IOSH allows our Managers and Supervisors to make a difference and understand what health and wellbeing at work is, and why it supports a positive work culture in which every employee can play their part.” www.confidafm.co.uk www.iosh.com

Feeling in the dark about what’s next for your business or new idea?

We can shed some light.

Our free local adviser support, webinars and online resources can help guide you towards a brighter future.

Connect with us at ayrshire@bgateway .com

MEMBERS NEWS

BERSERK COMPUTERS SPECIAL SAUCE: The small business marketing agency LTD SUPPORTS WHITELEYS RETREAT AS A CORPORATE PARTNER

Special Sauce aims to add flavour to your brand - a little bit of sweetness, some tang and loads of spice!

But what does this mean?

Primarily working with start-ups and small businesses to help them boost their digital visibility, generate leads, increase profits and stamp authority within their service/product market early on from the get-go.

Why is all this SO important?

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

Local computer repair firm, Berserk Computers in Ayr, has become a Corporate Partner of Whiteleys Retreat, to support the provision of essential therapeutic breaks for young people and families affected by life-altering illness.

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A solid brand with consistent marketing efforts generates consistent revenue, customer loyalty, popularity, engagement and trusted relationships with consumers.

Trying to market a small business is hard work, right?

Whiteleys Retreat provides free therapeutic short breaks and extended support for children, young people and their families with cancer and life altering illnesses.

The charity relies on fundraising and donations to provide this respite free of charge. The corporate partnership with Berserk Computers, means they will donate the equivalent of one week’s accommodation for a family to relax and enjoy their time at Whiteleys.

It can be stressful. It can be costly. It can take up SO much of your time. Through years of professional experience working with start-up businesses and SME’s, and of course, being a start-up themselves, Special Sauce totally understand the struggle of ‘hitting the ground running’, the hard work, commitment, money and time of running your own business.

Lhyam Sumal, Principal Director at Berserk Computers, said: “Organisations like Whiteleys Retreat provide a much needed service to children, young people and families. There is nothing more important than families being able to spend time together and we are only too happy to help in this very small way for a family to create lasting memories together during difficult times.”

It is vital that you focus on these key points in order to be successful: CONSISTENCY, EFFECTIVE TARGETING & PLANNING.

Gillian McNeilly, Head of Fundraising at Whiteleys Retreat, said: “We are delighted to have Berserk Computers on board as a Whiteleys Corporate Partner. Through the generosity and support of companies like Berserk we are able to continue to provide the much needed vital support and therapeutic breaks for children, young people and their families with cancer and life altering illnesses. Thank you Berserk Computers.”

Whiteleys Retreat offers amazing spaces for the whole family to enjoy and explore. There are two high quality, five star assisted catering cottages where families can enjoy short therapeutic breaks complimented with a variety of animal, art, environmental, holistic, music and recreational therapies.

Whiteleys Retreat is located by Alloway, on the outskirts of Ayr in southwest Scotland. Berserk Computers is based in Ayr and provides computer repair and technical support services to individuals and local businesses.

Here are their top tips for marketing your business:

- Keeping your brand consistent across channels will create a buzz & awareness of your company ensuring that it won’t be forgotten and always front of mind.

- Segmenting your target market and generating TOPICAL VALUEDRIVEN content for your consumers will generate loyalty, respect and an ongoing revenue stream. Your consumers will begin to see your brand and content as an asset, ultimately becoming fans of your business.

- Setting goals and targets effectively allows your business to thrive and grow in the right direction. It’s so important to analyse your market & competitors to truly understand your position within the industry.

That’s why marketing and branding are so important. They are the pillars of success in any organisation.

Want to add some flavour to your brand? hey@specialsaucemarketing.co.uk www.specialsaucemarketing.co.uk

LOCAL GOLF CLUB GETS ON BOARD AOIFE’S SENSORY BUS The Ladies Section of Ballochmyle Golf Club were delighted to welcome Michael from Aoife’s Sensory Bus to the Club, to present them with a cheque for £500. Aoife’s Sensory Bus was set up in memory of Michaels daughter Aoife, who was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour and sadly died in December 2019.

While receiving treatment Aoife’s family noticed the tremendous effect sensory equipment and interactive spaces had on her and the other children. Initially the family wanted to raise enough funds to provide a sensory and interactive learning environment for the pupils to use at Monkton Primary School. They wanted to give Aoife the opportunity to go to school in the village with all of her friends.

This initial goal was reached very quickly and the Sensory Room at Monkton Primary is up and running. Seeing the need for more of this type of room in schools the idea for Aoife’s Sensory Bus was born. The bus was donated by Stagecoach, the fabulous artwork wrapping done by John Imrie Signs and then fitted out by specialist company Spacekraft. The bus is ready to hit the schools of Ayrshire any day now!

If you or your company can do anything to support Aoife’s Sensory Bus like Ballochmyle Golf Club has, just drop an email to info@aoifessensorybus.org

Fantastic merchandise designed and produced by Jan Laird Art is available for sale to help support the upkeep and running costs of the bus.

Look out for the bus and give them a toot or a wave when you see them!

THISTLE HELP CELEBRATES THEIR 1ST ANNIVERSARY IN THEIR CROSSHOUSE SHOWROOM Having over 13 years’ experience in the mobility sector, Thistle Help owners George Ruddick and Laura Hays made the decision to acquire the Mobility Centre in Crosshouse, Kilmarnock in November 2020. Now a year down the line, they are delighted to say the business is growing from strength to strength in both their showrooms.

George Ruddick, Managing Director commented: “Acquiring the business last year during the Covid-19 pandemic was a risk but one that is already proving to be a successful decision. Having provided a service to North Ayrshire residents

for the last 14 years, we felt it was time to expand and offer the same service to East Ayrshire and further afield” Thistle Help supply a wide range of equipment including lift & rise recliners, mobility scooters, manual and power wheelchairs, adjustable beds and daily living aids from both their Irvine showroom and the Crosshouse property. It also continues to offer a repair service to all mobility equipment from both locations through their service engineers.

Another pipeline of income comes from the Care sector industry which has steadily increased in recent months. They provide Loler inspection contracts for moving & handling equipment and supply a wide range of care equipment.

Laura Hays, Director added: “George and I have worked hard to ensure our business survived during these unprecedented times. Having a good team of staff working with us has undoubtedly contributed to our continued success.

We have recently employed new members of our team and believe they bring a new dimension to the business” They pride themselves on their excellent customer service levels backed up by many of the leading suppliers in the industry. They are often complimented for the warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere when customers visit both showrooms.

Shortly before their temporary closure in March 2020, Thistle Help decided to change supplier to Pride Mobility Products Ltd for their lift & rise recliners and mobility scooters. Since re-opening after lock down, they have seen a significant increase in sales of both products. They believe this is all down to an increased range and the quality of their products.

They are looking forward to what the future will bring with both showrooms and being of service to both existing and new customers. www.thistlehelp.co.uk

29 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

MEMBERS NEWS

01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

The Young Person's Guarantee is a Scottish Government initiative to see what needs to be done and what is being done to support the nations young people after the pandemic. By making a ‘work inspired video’, taking on work experience, offering apprenticeships, being a mentor, you could be doing your part in helping young people get back on track after a tough year for recruitment, employability and training.

DYW Ayrshire are delighted to announce the sign-ups for August and September:

McLennan Adam Davis, Solicitors

At McLennan Adam Davis, Solicitors we believe that the Young Person’s Guarantee is a great initiative to help young people as we come out of the pandemic that has impacted everyone in the last 18 months. Young people were unable to attend school career events, participate in mock interviews and more importantly gain the work experience that sets up them for the world of work. As a business we have always supported young people by enabling them to work in one of Ayr’s more prestigious legal practices for a week at a time from local schools. When Stephen from the Developing Young Workforce team contacted us we knew it was the right decision to pledge our support and the fact that there is no cost to a business to sign up to become recognised as a Young Person’s Guarantee Employer. This status lets young people know that there are great employers out there that truly believe that today’s young people are tomorrows workforce and the workforce of the future.

To find out more about the Young Person's Guarantee, contact Stephen on smcnab@ayrshire-chamber.org or Jane on jmcfadzean@ayrshire-chamber.org

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER SPRING 2021 2021

NEW TEAM MEMBER

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After 6 years at DYW Ayrshire, our Marketing and Communications Officer Danielle McPherson has gone on to join the DYW National Team. We have loved having Danielle and appreciate all the work she has done for us over the years. We wish Danielle all the best in her new role and will continue to work with her in National Campaigns.

We are now delighted to welcome Brooke McTaggart as our new Marketing and Communications Officer. Brooke began as a Business Liaison Officer at DYW Ayrshire on

• AllNeeds Recruitment • Ballochmyle Golf Club • Bridgend Motor Group • Brownings The Bakers • Dillon Bookkeeping • Halls of Scotland • J&D Pierce • LCS Workwear • MOR Construction • Richard Healey Removals • Trump Turnberry • Community Gift Exchange, Ayr • Livewire Theatre Company • Braehead Foods • Pollock Farm Equipment • McLennan Adam Davis, Solicitors • RT Resources • City Gate Construction (Ayrshire), • Specialcats of Ayr • DM Homeshield, • Egger UK Limited • David Marshall Plastering • Chivas Brothers (Beith) • Sigma Aldrich Co Ltd • DSM Nutritional Products

a part-time contract but has now moved onto a full time role in supporting us with all things marketing and communications.

Brooke tells us:“I am thrilled to step into my new role at DYW Ayrshire as a Marketing and Communications Officer having recently achieved my MSc Marketing Degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. I look forward to building relationships with businesses and employers across Ayrshire to help support young people and promote some amazing Brooke McTaggart opportunities.”

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

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Ayrshire Business Week ran from 4th-8th October 2021, where DYW Ayrshire participated in a series of different events throughout the week. On Wednesday 6th, we attended the ReConnecting Ayrshire B2B Exhibition hosted by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce at the Gailes Hotel in Irvine.

Our unmissable stand represented our mission at DYW Ayrshire of ‘building futures’ for Ayrshire’s young people, through bridging the gap between education and the world of work.

DYW Ayrshire would like to extend our gratitude to those who pledged their support for Ayrshire’s young people during this successful event.

Businesses who engaged with us were asked to drop their business card into our box to be in with the chance of winning a luxurious hamper, kindly donated by Thistle Help. This prize was won by Circa78 who we send our congratulations to.

LITTER COMPETITION WINNER RJ McLeod, who has been contracted to build South Kyle Wind Farm, recently ran a litter poster competition for young people.

All primary schools across Ayrshire were invited to design a ‘stop littering’ poster and almost 400 entries were submitted! A pupil at Symington Primary School was selected as the winner. The poster was reproduced and posted around South Kyle Wind Farm.

Andy Gillan, RJ McLeod Project Manager said: “A big thank you to all the pupils from the local schools in Ayrshire who sent in poster competition entries. We were blown away by the response. All of the posters were really great and we had a fun time looking through each and every one of them. It was especially difficult to choose the winner among such high-quality entries. Thank you.”

Thank you, RJ McLeod, for supporting local young people, helping them develop skills through business engagement.

01292 678666 info@dywayrshire.com

JAMIE HEPBURN, MSP VISITS SL33 HUB AND AYRSHIRE COLLEGE DYW Ayrshire, and Ayrshire Chamber, were delighted to welcome Mr Hepburn back to the region to meet with ourselves and our key partners.

Glenn Hays, DYW Ayrshire Regional Lead said: “With an on-going focus to support and offer guidance to young people across Ayrshire, DYW has continued to lead on key initiatives and work closely with education, business and partners to achieve the best possible outcome for them.

DYW Ayrshire’s current engagement with schools through the introduction of DYW School Coordinators is one we are excited about growing as well as adding to the impressive employer numbers who are wholeheartedly backing the Young Person’s Guarantee pledge.

Being able to showcase the multi-service approach at SL33 in Kilmarnock and Ayrshire College’s on-

going commitment to creating future pathways to the Minister truly highlights the collective strategy we are all undertaking to meet the regions opportunities positively.

We would like to thank East Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire College for hosting both meetings and providing two brilliant venues for the Minister to visit and Skills Development Scotland for their continued support on the day. We look forward to the Minister visiting again to update on the progress and success across the Ayrshire region.”

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER SPRING 2021 2021

SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST PARENTS’ EVENTS

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This year Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Events (SBPE) is a DYW network flagship campaign and event for DYW key messages, insight and information for parents, carers and guardians across Scotland. The aim of this event is to deliver some key messages about jobs and skills of the future and how employers and wider partners are involved in guaranteeing our young people in Scotland a positive step after school.

The campaign will take place over the week of 15th–19th November 2021 which coincides with a new national week ‘Scottish Careers Week’ developed

by Skills Development Scotland.

This year SBPE features a National Launch Event, taking place on Monday 15th November at 7pm,

along with a series of more local events and activities across the rest of the week and social media activity.

Registration for this online event is free at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotland-biggestparents-launch-event-tickets-190297493927 Find out more at: https://www.dyw.scot/sbpe.html

ARDROSSAN INNOVATIVE SCHOOL PROJECT LAUNCH Friday the 22nd of October saw the first DYW school project launch after 18 months. The Astra Gardens project at Ardrossan Academy hosts a large poly tunnel for growing vegetables and herbs, whilst the garden area has impressive planters with flowers, cabbages, brussel sprouts and a huge pumpkin patch.

Denise Harvey is the Lead teacher on Astra Gardens and is also Ardrossan Academy’s Science Teacher. This project was designed to help young people learn valuable horticulture and rural skills. With the introduction of two beehives, Denise and the pupils are hoping to start understanding how as pollinators, bees play a part in every aspect of the ecosystem. They’re hoping to produce and sell their own Ardrossan Academy honey too.

The launch comes as the first event since the COVID-19 pandemic so was a real celebration. In attendance was Provost Ian Clarkson, North Ayrshire Council, Lindsay Monteith, Faculty Head of Science, Anne Anderson, Head Teacher, Lorna Gibson, Chair of the DYW board, Glenn Hays and Jane McFadzean from DYW Ayrshire and Walter Smith who supported the school with the project from the initial stages.

The pupils, Holly, Taylor and Christopher gave impressive speeches on the importance this project has on their school and on them as individuals.

VIEW FROM THE CHAIR Lorna Gibson, DYW Chair writes: “It has certainly been a busy, and very quick, 6 months since I took on the role of Chair of DYW Ayrshire. During this time one of the main areas of focus of the Scottish Government’s youth development strategy has been the Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG), which aims to ensure that within two years every 16-24 year old in Scotland has access to a job or learning opportunity. This is quite a guarantee for our government to make and will only be a success if every business in Scotland gets behind it! Each of the 21 DYW Regional Groups has the responsibility to encourage employers to sign up to the Guarantee and I am delighted to report

that DYW Ayrshire has been responsible for over 30% of the total number of businesses signed up to date. This says a lot about the dedication and passion that our Ayrshire businesses have for developing our young workforce, however, if we are going to be able to stand by this guarantee to every young person in Scotland, we are going to need every business to get behind this. If you have not signed up, or are not aware of the YPG, please get in touch with DYW Ayrshire

and the team will be delighted to provide more information and get you on board.

The DYW Ayrshire team has also been busy getting back to some sense of normality and being able to get back out visiting schools and colleges. The DYW funded Innovative Schools Projects are still going strong and some of the schools have still managed to launch new projects, including Ardrossan Academy who launched their Astra Gardens horticultural project which I was fortunate enough to be able to visit last week for the official opening.

Having the opportunity to speak to some of the wonderful young people involved in this project was fantastic. Hearing of the changes taking part in this project has made to them, how much more they now enjoy attending school and

the help this has given them with making positive choices for the future was excellent, not to mention the self confidence that they have developed. These projects have been running since the inception of DYW Ayrshire, in partnership with the Princes Trust, and have had such positive impact on so many young people and I look forward to attending more project launches in the months to come.

Over and above the Young Person’s Guarantee, I have a small ‘ask’ of my own, our DYW Ayrshire Steering Group needs more input from Employers. If you would like to be more involved with the DYW Project, helping to ensure that Ayrshire employers and education are fully connected in supporting the future of young people, and would consider applying to join the Steering Group, please get in touch.”

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

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MEMBERS NEWS

MCSHERRY HALLIDAY LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE EMBRACING DIGITAL The pandemic has made most businesses re-evaluate how they operate and McSherry Halliday have been no different.

They have used the pandemic to embrace a move towards utilising more online channels, whilst retaining their traditional values, in order to be as accessible as possible to both existing and new clients.

McSherry Halliday have relaunched their website with a fresh new look, which showcases their services, in a quirky, eye-catching way!

Introducing a vibrant social media wall which reflects their creative social media posts and a property search function highlighting properties the estate agency is selling. Integrating directly with property management software this new website updates instantaneously, ensuring site visitors have access to the latest properties being sold. The site features a ‘meet the team’ section highlighting the staff’s expertise alongside natural headshots taken by a local professional photographer. There is a focus on creating interesting blog posts as features on the “insights” section and of course, the platform is mobile friendly, so provides a smooth user experience.

As consumers have rapidly moved towards online channels, McSherry Halliday have responded in turn. Feedback from clients has been very

positive with them embracing remote ways of doing business. The pandemic has accelerated adoption of digital technologies by years, transforming how services are delivered to clients, which will no doubt be embedded throughout the Covid 19 recovery and beyond.

McSherry Halliday are an award-winning firm specialising in accessible legal, financial and estate agency services tailored to your needs with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for you. From marketing to the legals, they will join you on the journey. web: www.mcsherryhalliday.co.uk email: hello@mcsherryhalliday.co.uk

THE ISLE OF CUMBRAE DISTILLERS WIN NATIONAL SCOTTISH BUSINESS WOMEN AND AYRSHIRE BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS! Applications for the Ayrshire Business Women 'Most Enterprising Business' Award closed on the 31st August 2021, and the three amazing Finalists were:

YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

• ARENA HR • MARY MCCLUNG COACHING • ISLE OF CUMBRAE DISTILLERS

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The President of Ayrshire Business Women, Tamara Campbell was delighted to announce that the Winner of this coveted award was THE ISLE OF CUMBRAE DISTILLERS, and the judges were unanimous in their votes!

Launched in September 2020, Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is one of the few all-female distilling teams in Scotland, and the only international team, with representation from the UK, Canada and the US. Their distillery holds the notable position as being one of 3 Scottish gin distilleries to successfully launch during the pandemic and in their first year of Business they have already won numerous National Scottish Awards!

The ABW members had a fantastic afternoon at The Urbanist Restaurant in Kilmarnock, holding a glittering event with eighteen ladies in attendance to celebrate

the ASB/ABW Awards Ceremony in September.

Joining affiliate members of the Scottish Association of Business Women, from all over the Country via a live Zoom Session, the ABW member winners were announced for the National Awards.

Jillian Mullen, The Nectary Florist - won 'Highly Commended' in the category, 'Most Innovative Start-up' Award 2021.

The Isle of Cumbrae Distillers took first place for this award also and were absolutely over the moon with their results in winning two awards!

It was exciting for ABW members to win both first and second place for this prestigious award, and just goes to prove that there is so much incredible talent right here in Ayrshire & Arran.

Congratulations to all the Winners and Finalists! The announcement of the final two Awards in the ABW Awards Programme for the year launched on 1st November 2021...

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome the following companies as recently joined members of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry: ALEXANDER'S FAMILY BUTCHERS Kilmarnock James Alexander alexandersthebutchers1@gmail.com ALISTAIR J. BROWN MUSIC Ayr Alistair Brown contact@alistairjbrown.com ANDY MITCHELL THERAPIES LTD Ayr Andy Mitchell andy@andymitchellcoaching.com ARRAN DOG BAKERY Stewarton Elaine Parker info@arrandogbakery.co.uk

BALANCED BOOKS AYRSHIRE LTD Kilmarnock Lisa McQuade info@balancedbooksayrshire.co.uk BARRHEAD TRAVEL Ayr Wilma Taylor groups@barrheadtravel.co.uk BAY RECRUITMENT Ardrossan Jason Maxwell info@bayrecruitment.co.uk BC MOTORHOMES & LEISURE LTD Ayr Lindsey Sharman calum.watson@bcmotorhomes.co.uk

HALLS OF SCOTLAND Prestwick Angela Liggat enquiries@hallsofscotland.com

NO73 MEDIA Ayr Danny Bray info@no73.co.uk

IDIN JEWELLERY Largs Guenther Wurmbauer office@idin-jewellery.co.uk

PRIORITEYES LTD Saltcoats Norma Baillie enquiries@prioriteyes.co.uk

IMT AVIATION SCOTLAND LTD Prestwick Catherine Glass catherine@imtaviation.com

SCOTT WHALEN WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Ayr Tracey Whalen Enquiries@scottwhalenwindows.co.uk

IRVINE-THOMSON LTD Dundonald Linda Irvine-Thomson linda@irvine-thomson.com

SECRET GARDEN HOLISTIC THERAPIES Kilmarnock Nicola Craig Nicola@secretgardenholistics.com

THE AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY TRUST Saltcoats David Dugan david@tact.scot

CADENCE BPO Kilmarnock Malcolm MacLennan malcolm@cadence-bpo.com

LEAN ON ME ASSOCIATES LTD Coylton Danny Gregory info@lomass.co.uk

SHIRE ENERGY SERVICES LTD Cumnock John McCaig admin@shire-energy.co.uk

AYRSHIRE FIRE & SECURITY LTD Ayr Scott Leonard info@ayrshirefireandsecurity.co.uk

CJM TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY Darvel Claire Johnston info@cjmtraining.co.uk

LEANNE CAIRNS MILLINERY Dundonald Leanne Cairns hello@leannecairnsmillinery.com

STUFFED TO BITS Ayr Darren Hicks stuffedtobits@gmail.com

AYRSHIRE PRINT SERVICES Irvine Chris Davies hello@ayrshireprint.co.uk

CORESPACEUK LTD Ayr Hugh Mulgrew hugh@rhassets.co.uk

MAINTAINIT SCOTLAND LTD Kilmarnock Jacqui Ritchie info@maintainitcleaning.co.uk

TANNERS CARPETS Cumnock Andrew McPheators andrewtannerscarpets@gmail.com

B&B TAKEAWAY LIMITED Saltcoats Mike Buttle bandbtakeawaylimited@outlook.com

G. D. DECOR Irvine Graeme McLatchie gddecorpainter@gmail.com

NATIONAL PRIDE UK CIC Edinburgh Irene Bisset irene@nationalpride.co.uk

THE WEE GIFT SHOP LTD Troon Gayle Henderson hello@theweegiftshop.com

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

35 YOUR BUSINESS | WINTER 2021

NEW MEMBERS

Rocket fuel for business.

Our unique blend of branding, web design, marketing and business knowledge allows us to take your business to another level!

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