Business Matters Spring 2016

Business

Matters SPRING 2016 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Paisley 2021 for UK City of Culture INSIDE: Property & Construction, 3rd Sector, B2B2016 PLUS: Updates & news from Chamber, Council & members

Business Matters Spring 2016

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President’s Welcome

Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of Business Matters.

As I write the EU referendum campaigns are beginning to take shape and of course the Scottish Parliament Election takes place on May 5th. The Chamber takes a neutral stance without commitment to either side but aims to inform the debate and help identify the key issues, considerations and impact for you and your business.

You will receive polling survey requests in the run up to the EU referendum as we believe it is important to understand the views of our members around the key issues.

In terms of other big events coming up I encourage you to support our annual B2B event ”Business Matters in Renfrewshire 2016” taking place over two days on Wednesday June 8th & Thursday June 9th. Both days are free to attend and are open to members and non-members. We anticipate over 50 exhibitors at the Lagoon in Paisley on Wednesday. We will also host six free seminars which we hope will be relevant and useful to local businesses. Our Conference this year takes place at the University of

the West of Scotland in the newly refurbished Atrium and Brough Hall.

Honorary President Tom Johnston recently visited Accord Hospice, Paisley and Kintyre Base, Linwood to present our “big cheques” for £2,500 each as our main charities of the year – both organisations do important work throughout Renfrewshire and they appreciate the support the chamber membership have provided.

Locally in Renfrewshire the UK City of Culture Paisley 2021 bid continues to gather pace and you can read more about the latest progress on page 28 onwards. Your Chamber is leading the business engagement function of the bid and you will hear more of how you can support and help shape the bid in the coming months.

Two directors have decided to step down from the Chamber Board – Colin Neill ex Diageo, on the board for 10 years and Alison Clark of Wallace Clark Associates. May I pass on our gratitude for all their work and support with the Chamber Board over the years.

Your chamber continues to support the tackling poverty agenda by rolling out our Skills Ambassador program. This will see up to 30

business people recruited who wish to support groups of S3 and S4-6 pupils in the development of confidence, employment skills, mock interviews and how to prepare a job application. The chamber is looking for people interested in taking part in the program and if you are able to support please contact Bob Grant.

We are also working with our colleagues at the council to ensure opportunities from the £1.13 Bn City Deal initiative are understood by the local business community and that any opportunities are maximised. The Chamber will soon be supporting the strategic work of the OECD in exploring how the Glasgow City Region supports the future strategy for growth at Glasgow Airport, and maximises the economic benefits from the planned investment around the airport as part of City Deal.

Thank you for your continued support and I hope to see many of you at a Chamber event soon.

Audrey Cumberford, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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A Warm Welcome from our Acting Chief Executive Dear Members & readers, welcome to the Spring issue of our ever popular chamber magazine Business Matters – another bumper edition with 56 pages. It’s been a busy three months for the chamber team as we transition from Bob Davidson’s leadership over the last 6 1/2 years. The team wish Bob well in his new role which you can read all about on page 53.

I am sure you will see him at an event soon.

Our business mentoring program continues to provide excellent support and a fresh pair of eyes on your business challenges. Mark Brown our mentoring exec will be delighted to highlight where the program could support you, please

contact Mark at the Chamber.

You can show your support for the Paisley 2021 bid by using the hashtag #Paisley2021. A full marketing toolkit will be available soon and you can share in the gathering momentum by backing the bid. There is potential for a real step change in Paisley & throughout Renfrewshire.

Our Skills Ambassadors program offers you the opportunity to feed forward to the next generation. If you have some free time to help coach and develop our young people in work skills please get in touch.

And finally I encourage you to support our annual B2B event this year taking place on the 8th & 9th of June at what is the largest free business event in the area. Both days

are free to attend and I hope to see many of you there.

Thanks & regards

Bob Grant Acting Chief Exec

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Bute Court, St Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport, PA3 2SW t: 0141 847 5450 / f: 0141 847 5499 e: info@renfrewshirechamber.com / w: www.renfrewshirechamber.com Next issue of Business Matters is Summer 2016.

Deadline for editorial and adverts is 3rd June, issued end of June 2016.

Themes: B2B / education and training & development / business support & finance / tourism & leisure.

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Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge the support of our Premier Partners:

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Business Matters Spring 2016

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2017 Special Olympics Help Make It Happen...

David Hill, Senior Instructor at Clyde Muirshiel’s Castle Semple Centre, Lochwinnoch is the Sailing Head Coach for Scotland West for the Special Olympics Games taking place in Sheffield in 2017. He needs your help to get a team of ‘Special Sailors’ ready for the competition.

David was instrumental in organising the Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014 event ‘Race 2 the Games’, this epic sail up the River Clyde saw 17 boats with children and adults with additional support needs race 33km creating a spectacular flotilla of colourful access dinghies. These sailors inspired others to try sailing resulting in a 50% increase in accessible sailing at Castle Semple Centre.

Since then the Spring and the Scottish Multi-Class Regatta’s are hosted at Castle Semple providing opportunities for sailing in ‘race’ conditions and for David to shortlist participants for the ‘Scotland’ team for the Special Olympics.

More sailing opportunities including ‘Class Academies’ to enable individuals to practice and improve their racing skills is underway at Castle Semple.

David Hill said “Scotland West has some promising sailors with the potential to do well at the Special Olympics, if you can support them

financially or in kind with kit, accommodation or transport that would be fantastic, in return we can provide social media and promotional opportunities at Castle Semple Centre”.

David can be contacted by email david. hill@clydemuirshiel.co.uk or tel 01505 842 882 ex21

Special Olympics...

Sheffield 2017... ...here we come!

Can you help the team? with: • Coaching • Transport

• Accommodation • Kit

All needed to get to Sheffield

Contact david.hill@clydemuirshiel.co.uk Tel 01505 842 882 Ex21

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Glasgow Airport is 1st Keep Safe Airport in UK! Glasgow Airport became the first airport signed up to the Scotland-wide initiative Keep Safe - taking the national initiative to international heights.

The customer assistance area in Glasgow Airport is officially the Keep Safe spot within Glasgow Airport, and is the 131st business to sign up to the initiative in Renfrewshire. Keep Safe is an I Am Me Scotland led initiative which works in partnership with Police Scotland and a network of local businesses to create ‘Keep Safe’ places for disabled, vulnerable, and elderly people when out and about in the community. People can access these premises to seek assistance and help if they feel lost, confused, scared, in danger, or have been the victim of a crime.

I Am Me Scotland is a community charity which seeks to raise awareness of and tackle Disability Hate Crime. There are 1 million people in Scotland who are

The team from Glasgow Airport with I Am Me Scotland

registered as disabled or as living with a long term illness, however, 97% of Disability Hate Crimes are suspected as going unreported.

The training to become a Keep Safe place was carried out over two days to airport staff from many different departments, with the help of I Am Me Scotland’s mascot Keep Safe Sam. The training was designed in a ‘train the trainer’ style, to enable staff to cascade the initiative throughout the airport.

I Am Me is a community charity that works in partnership with Police Scotland to raise awareness of and tackle disability hate crime.

Disability Hate Crime is one of the most under reported crimes in the UK, with an estimated 97% going unreported.

Many incidents go unreported as disabled people accept abuse and harassment as part of daily life. There are 1 million people in Scotland registered as disabled or with a long term illness.

There are two key initiatives; I Am Me and Keep Safe.

I Am Me I Am Me works with communities to raise awareness of what disability hate crime is and how incidents can affect individuals and the wider community. The project has worked with partners to produce a hard hitting film based on a young adult with autism and a learning disability, and the issues he faces within society. A teaching pack to accompany the film is available at www.iammescotland. co.uk and the film is available to view for free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHnssahA-YI Staff groups can request training and awareness inputs by contacting us from our details opposite.

The training can vary from a 20 minute chat to a full 2 hour training session and can be done at a time that is convenient to your business. If you are interested in your business becoming a part of the Keep Safe initiative, please contact I Am Me Scotland on the details below.

For more information on the Keep Safe initiative visit: http://www.iammescotland. co.uk/keep-safe-areas/, watch the Keep Safe video, or contact I Am Me Scotland: iamme@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Keep Safe Keep Safe works in partnership with Police Scotland and a network of local businesses to create ‘Keep Safe’ places for disabled, vulnerable, and elderly people when out and about in the community. People can access these premises to seek assistance and help if they feel lost, confused, scared, in danger, or have been the victim of a crime.

Keep Safe is a national initiative and is being rolled out across Scotland in partnership with other Local Authorities.

Businesses that participate in the Keep Safe initiative are publicised in our newsletter (which reaches over 800 people/organisations), on our website, with our partner organisations, on our social media, and on our Keep Safe app.

To make your business a Keep Safe place, or to find out more information, please contact us.

Email: iamme@renfrewshire.gov.uk Phone: 0141 618 6266/6241 FaceBook: www.facebook.com/iammeproject Twitter: www.twitter.com/iammescotland Registered Scottish Charity: SC046060

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‘LEAP Energy’ Saving Renfrewshire Businesses Money The average Renfrewshire business could save around £1000 by switching their energy supplier. Many of the businesses we work with have say that in the past they had avoided switching supplier for a number of reasons; therefor we designed our service around the key barriers highlighted by local businesses to make the process simple and cost effective.

LEAP Energy is as a trading Third Sector Social Enterprise within LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) which was established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated organisation in 2013, while we started out in energy efficiency work in 2010. LEAP Energy was established to save businesses money and generate revenue back into our charitable work in Renfrewshire. We essentially act on your behalf as a broker to access a breadth of commercial suppliers across the Gas and Electricity market at no cost to your

business while taking the time and hassle out of the process for your business and your staff.

To find out more visit www.leapenergy.co.uk LEAP Energy Advice & ‘Make it Happen’ - Making homes affordable to heat and light LEAP ‘Make it Happen’ helps tackle fuel poverty in Renfrewshire with an initial focus on our local communities, while our vision is to help more people struggling with fuel, food and general poverty. LEAP provides bespoke domestic energy advice through our ‘Help at Home’ programme across the surrounding villages in Rural Renfrewshire which has been a priority area of work for the Charity. LEAP work in partnership with local businesses of all sizes who are interested in working within the local community on helping families out of fuel poverty, supporting vulnerable households to make their homes

affordable to heat and light and making our homes and communities more sustainable. Visit www.myleapproject. org/energy-advice/examples-of-what-wecan-do/ and have a look at our ‘Make it Happen’ project and get a feel for some of the work we do with local residents in Renfrewshire.

LEAP Car Club – ‘our Pay-as-you-go community car hire scheme’ LEAP have run LEAP Car Club since March ‘12 which is a community pay-as-you-go car hire scheme with over 50 members operating as a social enterprise with a small fleet of fuel efficient vehicles in three rural communities of Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan. Please get in touch and find out more, contact mike@myleapproject.org or visit www. leapcarclub.co.uk where you can see our new video created by our resident film maker and Car Club Coordinator Mike Callaghan.

Engage Renfrewshire - One Digital Engage Renfrewshire is working in partnership with SCVO to bring ‘One Digital’ training to Renfrewshire.

One Digital is an exciting and unique collaborative digital skills programme developed by SCVO, Age UK, Citizens Online and Digital Unite with its partners Affinity Sutton and Ability Net. Alan McNiven, Chief Executive of Engage Renfrewshire said ‘One Digital is a new and innovative approach to the changing digital inclusion landscape. The programme will aim to improve local digital inclusion in line with Renfrewshire’s emerging partnership approach to Digital Participation.’

Funded by a £2million investment by the Big Lottery Fund the ‘test and learn’ initiative aims to recruit and support 1,400 Digital Champions to help around 9,500 people with basic digital skills over 12 months. The

training on offer in Renfrewshire will consider two different streams of activity which will aim to support local organisations transform the way they engage with digital. The first workshop which will take place in March - ‘Making Digital Everyday’ - is designed to help organisations to pass basic digital skills on to their end users.

The next training session - which is free to local organisations - is ‘Making Digital Work’ which is designed to help organisations change the way they use digital to become more efficient and effective. This session will take place at Engage Renfrewshire’s offices in Ferguslie Park, Paisley on the Tuesday 12th April 2016, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

To sign up for this session or for more information contact Stuart Miller on 0141 887 7707 or by email: smiller@engagerenfrewshire.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Charity’s new look will bring fresh support for local mental health Local mental health charity RAMH is scheduled to unveil their refreshed branding and website, along with the opening of their social enterprise in Johnstone, on Saturday 2nd April.

The refreshed branding incorporates the celtic symbol of inner strength, showing the importance of self-belief and self-worth in the recovery journey.

RAMH Chief Executive, Stephen McLellan, said “We’re delighted with the refresh and hope it will encourage more people to talk openly about mental health.”

“We know that positive relationships and connectedness are key to recovery and sustained good mental health. With RAMH becoming more visible, more accessible and clearer about who we are and what we do, we can help more people more effectively.”

RAMH supports over 5,000 local people every year by providing support for all mental health diagnosis from depression to self-harm, bipolar disorder to anxiety issues. Visit the new look website for more information ramh.org

St Vincent’s Hospice: your next community partner?

“What a difference the hospice makes in me – I’m able to smile and be happy again. I never expected that.” – 45 year old Debbie Reid from Johnstone.

St Vincent’s Hospice helps local people like Debbie who are living with life-limiting illness. Working throughout the Renfrewshire area for over 25 years, the Hospice cares for all those affected by life-limiting illness – not just cancer, but other illnesses too.

As well as in-patient care, St Vincent’s supports families and young people affected by bereavement and provides community specialist nursing, and day hospice services, all free of charge, to anyone in Renfrewshire who needs them.

It costs £6000 per day to provide the Hospice’s services, over half of which comes from donations and support from local people and companies.

A corporate partnership with St Vincent’s Hospice offers many benefits, including opportunities for staff volunteering and team building as well as press and promotional opportunities. To find out more about partnering the Hospice, please contact lesley.miller@svh.co.uk or telephone 01505 705635.

St Vincent’s Hospice cares for local people affected by life limiting illness.

Based in Howwood, we care for patients and families across Renfrewshire and some surrounding areas.

Our services are available to everyone.

www.svh.co.uk

For all enquiries, please contact 01505 705635 or email info@svh.co.uk

St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, Howwood, PA9 1AF. St Vincent’s Hospice Ltd trading as St Vincent’s Hospice is a company limited by guarantee. Company number 150148 Scottish Charity Number SC006888

Business Matters Spring 2016

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NEW EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE OFFICIALLY OPENED A NEW events and entertainment centre has been officially opened by the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP. ‘The Experience’ is based in the former Rolls-Royce aero engine factory in Hillington Park and hosts Scotland’s first indoor electric Go-kart track.

Developed in three phases, the venue and has already been given 5-star accreditation by VisitScotland.

‘The Experience’ operates as a social enterprise and provides training and work experience opportunities for local young people who face barriers to employment.

Owned and operated by Paisley based charity The Kibble Group, this Young Workforce Development Centre has already seen its first success stories with young people moving on to full-time employment and further education.

Speaking ahead of the opening, John Swinney MSP said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to open and tour this fantastic new facility at The Experience. It’s great to see first-hand the uniquely integrated range of services provided by Kibble, which play a key role in ensuring young people have the opportunities they need to develop their employability skills.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting all of Scotland’s young people towards and into employment.

We are transforming young people’s prospects and have taken early action to lead a concerted effort, jointly with Local Government, to develop Scotland’s young workforce.

“Social enterprises such as The Experience demonstrate a kind of inclusive economic growth that we want to see in Scotland and which we aim for in our wider economic strategy.”

As well as Scotland’s only indoor electric Go-karting arena, ‘The Experience’ hosts the award winning Academy Restaurant and training kitchens, slot car racing, Laser tag, sensory room, conference facilities and STEAM learning environment (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths).

Eileen Cummings, Director of Young Workforce Development, Kibble Group, said: “I would like to thank John Swinney for opening the venue and for taking the time to see first-hand the work that we are doing at Kibble.

“It might sound like an unusual combination to have culinary arts mixed with go-karting, but with 70% of 16-19 year olds starting their careers in the hospitality industry, The Experience gives young people meaningful opportunities.

It is particularly exciting to see the new challenges that our trainees have taken on, whether it is college or a full-time permanent job.

“I have no doubt that destinations of their careers have been helped by the knowledge and confidence received by being in a supportive workplace.

As a social enterprise, The Experience will operate on a sustainable model to provide opportunities for years to come.”

Case Studies

The YES Programme (Youth Employment Support) was launched in 2015 and supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Aimed at school-leavers with little or no qualifications, those with a lack of work experience, or young adults who are struggling to find or retain employment, they embark on a placement which lasts up to 26 weeks to gain practical work experience.

Since the programme was launched 33 young people have taken up a placement and although the first cohort has yet to finish, eight have secured job, one has enrolled in college and four are undertaking apprenticeships.

Connor’s Story Connor Sweeney, 21, was one of the first recruits to join the YES Programme in August 2015. He struggles with his coordination which has greatly affected his confidence. As a result, Connor struggled to find or retain employment.

Working in the Hospitality team alongside his team leader, Connor now helps prepare a variety of dishes that are served up for staff lunches. Connor and the rest of his team also help out front of house in The Academy Restaurant and in the Conference Centre. He said: “For a wee while I was really struggling to keep a job. This training programme has really changed the way I feel about work and has been a great experience for me.

“Gaining knowledge in the kitchen and front of house has been ideal because I

enjoy meeting new people and working with the public.

“Since starting on the YES Programme, I have passed my food hygiene certificate and allergen training. I was also successful with a grant from The Prince’s Trust to purchase professional chef ’s knives. I am now looking to secure employment in catering in a care home thanks to my time here.”

Amber’s Story Growing up Amber Hay, 18, faced more barriers than most. Born with Cerebral Palsy, she struggled to learn to walk and talk and her doctors said she would never walk unaided. But her determination meant that after undergoing a massive operation on her legs, she walked for the first time when she was 8 years old.

Amber joined the YES Programme Customer Service Team in September 2015 and has since secured employment as an Admin Assistant. Speaking about her time at The Experience, she said: “I’ve had successes and failures, but I’ve always tried to overcome my obstacles. I am grateful to the support and guidance I received during my time as a trainee on the YES Programme.

“The Experience was an amazing place to be, and I am aiming to come back as a volunteer and help out, in particular with the accessible karting scheme ‘Karting With A Conscience’.

“I would like to say a big thank you to The Experience it has been the best work placement I have been on. I have gained so much confidence and I feel that I have become a better person. If you are thinking of joining the Experience as a work placement, I would definitely say go for it!”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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MacRoberts Half Day Charities and Third Sector Briefing

Val Surgenor is a partner at MacRoberts Val Surgenor is a partner at MacRoberts

MacRoberts LLP held its Annual Half Day Charities and Third Sector Briefing at its Glasgow offices in February. Starting with a general review of issues arising in the last 12 months with a focus on fundraising and collaborations.

Guest speaker Theresa Shearer, Chair of SCVO’s Fundraising Review Committee and CEO of Enable Scotland presented on the current review of Fundraising in the UK. There was discussion on the approaches which have been suggested for fundraising regulation in Scotland with a general consensus from the audience that a more formal self-regulated approach,

providing greater transparency to the donor and creating a greater level of trust, was perhaps a more appropriate way forward.

In light of the merger of Health and Social Services in Scotland and the Scottish Government’s desire to see a “more involved” Third Sector, the Briefing ended with a presentation and discussion on Collaborations. Val Surgenor, Partner in MacRoberts LLP and head of its Charities practice talked of the need for greater clarity about “how is this going to work on the ground” before putting pen to paper. She highlighted the need to “know your partner” and to have a full and frank discussion on a

wide range of topics before asking the charities trustees to sign up to contracts to deliver services under the one contract. Commenting on the protection of a charities reputation, she highlighted the need for mechanisms to deal with issues as they arise and to be able to manage services where a collaborating party defaulted on the provision of the services, affecting not only grant and funding conditions but more importantly the service user and their support networks.

Val Surgenor is a partner at MacRoberts LLP, for more information please contact Valerie.surgenor@macroberts.com www.macroberts.com

Business Matters Spring 2016

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Lookers Audi showcase the brand new A4

Audi officially launched the new A4 Saloon in November 2015, with the launch of the Avant model following in January this year. At the start of the year the A4 Saloon was awarded the coveted Car of the Year award at the 2016 What Car awards, further cementing the new model’s status as head and shoulders above its competitors. The new model features modern styling and a range of technology that makes it one of the most innovative Audi models yet.

To celebrate the launch of the new models, the Fleet Team at Lookers Audi Scotland took the opportunity to showcase the A4 to their clients. As part of a roadshow touring the central belt of

Scotland they visited client’s premises allowing them to experience the drive and technology first hand. Tristan Campbell, Fleet Manager at Chivas Bros, was just one client the Fleet Team visited and he was delighted to be given the opportunity to welcome the team and experience the new A4.

Positive feedback on the style of the exterior and the range of features inside has been overwhelming. The new shoulder line runs the length of the car and gives a wider more aggressive stance, with the look further enhanced by detailed headlights and sculpted air intakes.

Inside, the floating dashboard and virtual cockpit are fundamental improvements in technology available to A4 drivers.

Smartphone interface, which supports Apple car play and Android auto, is a particular highlight and appeals to drivers looking for a truly connected car.

Tristan Campbell, Fleet Manager at Chivas Bros, gave us particularly good feedback based on the standard features in the S Line and Sport models. He was impressed by Audi Connect and navigation which he says will benefit his drivers from both a safety and communications point of view. Chivas Bros also have an environmentally friendly car policy and with the A4’s CO2 levels starting at 99g/km and fuel consumption figures of 74mpg combined, the new model will fit nicely into his fleet as an option.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Your probably hearing about lots of New Year’s resolutions like losing a few pounds from festive indulgences, making 2016 the year people promise to get fit, new or renewed focus on career changes and many more.

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12

Your probably hearing about lots of New Year’s resolutions like losing a few pounds from festive indulgences, making 2016 the year people promise to get fit, new or renewed focus on career changes and many more.

A BELL DONE JOB IS A WELL DONE JOB Yet, how many of you will make 2016 the year you put home or business security high on your list of priorities and make it one of your New Year’s resolutions?

It is well reported that a home is broken into every 40 seconds in the UK and the cost of burglary we all understand can be far more than just losing physical items, leaving many emotionally distressed, Bell Fire & Security, based at Hillington Park, is urging people to get in touch and seek advice on how to make their home or business premises safe and secure this year.

Bell Fire & Security, whilst a new name to the area, is not a new company.

The specialist intruder alarm and electrical firm previously known as Bell Alarms Paisley Ltd and NSI (NACOSS) and SELECT accredited, can trace its roots back to 1919 and has recently had investment to expand and strengthen its offering across Scotland.

Douglas Johnston, from East

Kilbride, the man behind the investment, brings with him a wealth of expertise gained in the security industry. Whilst there is a change of name and a new director to develop the business further, Gavin Bell, the grandson of the original founder Joseph Bell, is still very much part of the business and is delighted that Douglas is onboard to expand the business to provide even more intruder alarm and electrical services to customers.

Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM

Yet, how many of you will make 2016 the year you put home or business security high on your list of priorities and make it one of your New Year’s resolutions?

It is well reported that a home is broken into every 40 seconds in the UK and the cost of burglary we all understand can be far more than just losing physical items, leaving many emotionally distressed, Bell Fire & Security, based at Hillington Park, is urging people to get in touch and seek advice on how to make their home or business premises safe and Kilbride, the man behind the Football Club, Bell Fire & Security is secure this year. investment, brings with him a committed to supporting the local Bell Fire & Security, whilst wealth of expertise gained in the community and helping customers a new name to the area, is not a new security industry. Whilst there is a protect themselves, not just from company. change of name and a new director the cost of burglary or electrical specialist intruder alarm FootballThe Club, Bell Fire & Security is and to develop the business further, faults, but also from the pain and electrical firm previously known Gavin Bell, the grandson of the committed to supporting the local as Bell Alarms Paisley Ltd and NSI original founder Joseph Bell, is still emotional stress that is often left community and helping customers (NACOSS) and SELECT very much part of the business and behind. protect themselves, not justaccredited, from For more information, to ask canof trace its roots to 1919 and is delighted that Douglas is onboard the cost burglary orback electrical for advice or to book an engineer has had faults, butrecently also from theinvestment pain and to to expand the business to provide visit, please call Bell Fire & expand and strengthen its offering even more intruder alarm and emotional that is often left Security on 0141 883 9000 or visit Bell Fire & Security Douglas Johns acrossstress Scotland. electrical services to customers. behind.Douglas Johnston, from East Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM www.bellalarms.co.uk. staff members.

For more information, to ask for advice or to book an engineer visit, please call Bell Fire & Security on 0141 883 9000 or visit Bell Fire & Security Douglas Johnston, Managing Director, Bell Fire & Security and various www.bellalarms.co.uk. staff members.

BEL 25 Montr

Tel: 0141 BELL FIRE & SECU 25 Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park Glasgow G52 BELL FIRE & Tel:SECURITY 0141 883 9000 or Fax: 0141 883 2999 SECURITY ALARM 25 Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park Glasgow G52 4LA

Tel: 0141 883 9000 or Fax: 0141 883 2999 peace of mind that your home o We provide SECURITY ALARMS

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ADVERTORIAL business is protected from intruders with ou Your probably hearing about lots of SECURITY ALARMS SERVICING ELECTRICAL extensive range of high tech equipment tha New Year’s resolutions like losing a detect and deter.

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Sponsors of the East Kilbride YM www.bellalarms.co.uk.

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We provide peace of mind that your home or We feel it is essential to arrange maintenance of your business is protected from intruders with our intruder alarm system and may be a requirement extensive range of high tech equipment that will of your insurance policy. Insurance discounts may detect and deter. be available for properties with insurance approved & Security Ltd wesystems. undertake both alarm We feel it isBell essential arrange maintenance your Fire & to Security Limited provideof fully insuranceAt Bell Firemaintained domestic and commercial electrical work throughout intruder alarm system and may a requirement approved systems asbe follows: NEWLY INSTALLED SYSTEMS Scotland. Full 12 month warranty of your insurance policy. Insurance discounts may Domestic hardwired ‘audible only’ and monitored be available for properties with insurance approved We can provide the following electrical services: annually Routine inspection and maintenance intruder alarms maintained alarm systems. for audible only systems and bi-annually for Electrical faults identifi ed and repaired Domestic wireless ’audible only’ and monitored monitored NEWLY INSTALLED Sockets moved or newsystems sockets installed intruder SYSTEMS alarms fully tested battery levels checked Full 12 month warranty lights or power pointsand installed Domestic hybrid (a mixture of wired and wireless) External System Light fittings replaced parts and labour Replacement Routine inspection maintenance annually intruderand alarms Full and partial rewires call out service 24/7 – 365 days.

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EK man makes good We provide peace of mind that your home or business is protected from intruders with our extensive range of high tech equipment that will detect and deter.

Bell Fire & Security Limited provide fully insurance approved systems as follows:

Domestic hardwired ‘audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms Domestic wireless ’audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms Domestic hybrid (a mixture of wired and wireless) intruder alarms Pet friendly detectors can be incorporated into any of the above 24 hour monitoring to our dedicated alarm receiving centre (ARC) Commercial ‘audible only’ and monitored intruder alarms

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Bell Fire & Security Limited provide fully insurance Electrical faults identified and repaired

Full and partial rewires for audible only systems and bi-annually for NEWLY INSTALLED SYSTEMS Sockets moved or new sockets installed New lights installed monitored systems Full 12 month warranty External lights or power points installed Domestic hardwired ‘audible only’ and monitored Routine inspection and maintenance annually RCD’s installed Light fittings replaced intruder alarms fully tested and battery levels checked System Full and partial rewires for audible only systems and bi-annually for Domestic wireless ’audible only’ and monitored Mains power smoke alarms installed Replacement parts and labour New lights installed monitored systems intruder alarms RCD’s installed System fully tested and battery levels checked showers Electric wired Domestic hybrid (a mixture wiredservice and wireless) Emergency callof out 24/7 – 365 days.

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SYSTEMS PetEXISTING friendly detectors can be incorporated Oven and hob connection Wiring for new bathrooms and kitchens into any of the above EXISTING SYSTEMS Service and repair to existing systems.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

13

Avoiding unlawful discrimination: Time for a Spring clean?

While the number of Employment Tribunal claims has reduced, a number of employers continue to face claims of unlawful discrimination. That may be due to there being no requirement for any continuous service to be able to raise such a claim or the fact that there is no cap on the level of compensation that can be awarded in this area. “Workers” can raise such claims, which is a wider category compared to those who are “employees”. But what does the law say?

There are 9 protected characteristics – sex, race, marital/civil partnership status, age, religion or belief, maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation and disability.

There are also rules prohibiting discrimination of part time workers and fixed term employees.

The law in this area is complex.

While “direct discrimination” claims are relatively straightforward – where the reason for the treatment was “because of ” the protected characteristic - claims for “indirect discrimination” can be more tricky.

This is where the treatment is seemingly on neutral grounds but a provision criterion or practice puts those with a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage compared to those who do not share the protected characteristic and where the treatment is not shown to be objectively justified.

It is also unlawful to treat a disabled person unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of a disability where the treatment cannot be objectively justified. Employers should also ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to remove substantial disadvantages disabled people suffer at work.

Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct which relates to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating the person’s dignity or creating an intimidating,

hostile, degrading humiliating or offensive environment. Harassment can also include less favourable treatment that is a result of rejecting or accepting sexual conduct. It need not be the first harasser who imposes the later less favourable treatment/ harassment.

It is also important to bear in mind that, broadly speaking, the employer will be liable for discriminatory acts carried out by its staff. An employer may have a defence if the employer can show it carried out reasonably practicable steps to prevent the unlawful treatment arising but that requires evidence of up to date equal opportunities policies and staff training.

How can employers ensure that unlawful discrimination is avoided?

Following the Equalities Commission guidance is a good starting point.

Employers should audit their policies and practices to identify where the risks may arise. Thought should be given as to how best practice can be achieved and how potential discrimination can be eliminated.

The aim is to ensure that unlawful discrimination is avoided entirely.

Are contracts, policies practices and procedures up to date? Are all staff treated fairly and equally (with appropriate adjustments made for those with disabilities)? Examining each aspect of an organisation can be an onerous but worthwhile exercise.

David Hoey, Partner, Accredited Employment Law Specialist

If it is not possible to eliminate unlawful treatment, to what extent can the treatment be objectively justified?

Objective justification requires careful thought. An analysis should be carried out to identify the particular objective and the ways in which the treatment achieves the objective in the least burdensome way possible. That is not an academic exercise. Such an approach requires to be evidenced based (and not purely reliant upon speculation or assertion).

Advanced thought and consideration is necessary to manage the clear risks in this area. Given the season approaching, perhaps an organisation wide Spring clean of policies and procedures will help your organisation blossom.

Business Matters Spring 2016

14

Board game helps improve profitability of organisations in the UK Board games are normally reserved for evenings with the family and rainy Sundays with friends, but now companies are using them to train staff.

Subsea7, University of the West of Scotland and EDF Energy have all used Pro£itable Pursuits, a board game created by Brian Hutcheson, to train staff.

The game is designed to help nonfinance staff understand how their actions affect margins. The desired outcome is that employees will then become more cost efficient.

Brian explains further: “Pro£itable Pursuits sees teams compete against each other, setting up their own companies and managing their business for a full financial year. As teams roll the dice, play and make decisions, they are able to understand links between their activities and results. Because it is a memorable experience, they are far more likely to take those lessons back to the workplace

and incorporate them into their day-today role.”

So far EDF Energy have trained over 1,400 people using this method.

Spencer Laycock, European Finance Training Manager, EDF Energy said: “The benefits to an organisation where a large proportion of the staff have undertaken Pro£itable Pursuits is that everyone treats their company’s money like their own.

“The delegates, who are generally non-financial people, gain an in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and are able to understand all the elements of the profit and loss account of their company for the first time.”

Brian says players frequently get competitive, which is an obvious sign of employee engagement: “As teams go through the simulations it is obvious players are engaged. People often get very competitive during Pro£itable Pursuits training.

“Gamification really allows employees to become actively involved in the

NAT00205_NW_Lending_Press_Ad_130x180_Pub_&_Bar_AW.indd 1

decision making process, making this a particularly effective form of training.

“The game element really brings something different to the table, turning an arguably boring subject into something fun and engaging.”

Brian has worked with a number of organisations across Scotland delivering his latest business simulation game, Pro£itable Pursuits which has also recently been nominated for a European Learning and Development Award. brian.hutcheson@class1consultants. co.uk www.class1consultants.co.uk

08/03/2016 15:46

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

15

Mark and Alison Hazell Jaw Brew

GET YOUR BUSINESS INTO GEAR Entrepreneurs in Renfrewshire can access tailored advice to help them realise their potential whether it’s for a young business looking to expand or a wellestablished company that’s ready to grow.

The local team of advisers know exactly how it feels to launch and grow a successful venture, because they’ve done it themselves. By accessing the advice and practical support of the team, you will gain the knowledge and the skills required to achieve your long term goals.

Business Gateway’s fully funded services including one-to-one business advice, a programme of workshops and expert help surgeries, will give anyone interested in or already running a business, the confidence and ability to ultimately succeed.

When Mark and Alison Hazell decided to turn their hobby of home-brewing into a business they sought support from Business Gateway.

Download our free business support app.

Launching Jaw Brew (www.jawbrew.co.uk) in 2014, the couple produces seven beers from their base at Hillington Park and employ five members of staff.

Mark said: “We felt there was a gap in the market and with the support of Business Gateway we put our plan in place. Business Gateway gave us varied support, from helping us with our business plan to referring us to the Invest in Renfrewshire programme where we were able to access some growth funding.

We also attended free workshops and we are now receiving assistance in creating a detailed marketing and action plan in order to continue our growth.”

To find out how Business Gateway Renfrewshire can help you, visit www.bgateway.com/renfrewshire or call 0141 530 2406.

Business Matters Spring 2016

16

LOCAL AVIATION COMPANY GOES GLOBAL In just five years Glasgow Airport based aviation group, Cloud Global Ltd, has become a leader in its field with an international client base that includes over 20 different airlines across three continents.

Founded in 2010, Cloud Global Ltd now offers a range of specialist services including aviation recruitment, aircraft leasing, aircraft component support and engine leasing.

Cloud Global Ltd own 9 aircraft including a Diamond DA42 Twinstar and a Beech Kingair 200 which are currently on lease to flying schools and clubs within the United Kingdom.

As a result of company expansion over the past 5 years, Cloud Global Ltd have managed to secure contracts with some prestigious names in the industry including, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Aeros Flight Training.

Currently the company is run by three directors and due to rapid growth they are in the process of recruiting additional

aviation expertise having already employed a Marketing Executive earlier this year.

We have 2 and 4 seater aircraft

available for hire. Please contact sales@ cloudglobal.co.uk for more information or call on 0141 447 0245.

Or visit us at: www.cloudglobal.co.uk

Renfrewshire Chamber played its part when the intu Braehead ‘Oscars’ were handed out The Chamber sponsored one of the retail awards - Small Store of the Year – for the popular event that encourages and rewards shops providing the best products and service to customers.

The annual intu Braehead Retailer Award ceremony was held at the Old Fruitmarket, in Glasgow and was attended by 270 guests.

The event – sponsored by Phoenix Car Company – began with a champagne reception, followed by dinner, and was hosted by Britain’s Got Talent star Edward Reid.

Marketing manager for intu Braehead, Christine Macdonald said: “Our retailer Awards just get bigger and better every year.

“Most of the awards are voted by our shoppers, so it’s a great accolade for the stores

who are the winners and runners-up.”

Thousands of shoppers had voted in the awards, along with centre management. The winners were Menswear Store of the Year, sponsored by Schlinder, was Topman; Ladieswear Store of the Year, sponsored by Ronald McDonald House, was River Island; Large Store of the Year, sponsored by Emirates Airlines, was Primark and Excellence in Customer Service, sponsored by Cardwell Group, was won by Sainsbury’s.

Small Store of the Year, sponsored by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, was Kiddie Boutique by Claire; Entertainment Venue of the Year, sponsored by Spie Scotshield, was Braehead Arena; Jewellery Store of the Year, sponsored by

Bob Grant pictured with Claire McGrady and the team from Kiddie Boutique by Claire, with host Edward Reid

Renfrewshire Cab Co, was Beaverbrooks and Sport and Activewear Store of the Year, sponsored by West College Scotland, was won by JD Sports.

Footwear and Accessories Store of the Year, sponsored

by Bunzl, was Schuh; Food Outlet of the Year, sponsored

by William Tracey, was won by McDonald’s; Store Development of the Year,

sponsored by 4th Consulting, was David’s Bridal; the Best Use of Marketing Award, sponsored by Vipond Fire Protection, went to Odeon and Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Anderson Strathern, is Five Guys.

The intu Braehead Store Manager of the Year, sponsored by Phoenix Car Company, was won by Joyce Agnew, from Thomas Cook.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

17

Top Spec Contracts From small works to major construction, flooring to lighting, refurbs and renovations, we bring ideas to reality.

Top Spec Contracts are a family-run business based in Paisley. We offer bespoke design solutions tailored for your needs.

We pride ourselves on our high quality work which is founded upon exceptional craftsmanship, a wealth of experience and a cost-effective range of

services. Perfection is our passion from the first phone call to the last detail we’re with you every step of the way.

We have the skills and creativity to help our clients tackle any construction job. We source the most appropriate products, organise the team, project manage and ensure that each job is completed to the client’s satisfaction every time.

Whether you have everything planned out or are still at the drawing board

stage Top Spec Contracts can help you transform your idea into reality. www.topspeccontracts.co.uk

Easy Admin Services Easy Admin Services provide remote working solutions for businesses. We cover all aspects of bookkeeping including; sales invoicing, purchase orders, profit/ loss and balance sheet preparation and bank reconciliation.

Our aim is to relieve the pressure of paperwork allowing your business to focus on their core offering without wasting hours on general administration.

We offer custom packages suited to the needs of your business.

Ranging from continuous office support or assisting with a specific short term project. If there are any administration tasks which you would like taken off your hands then give our office a call.

This is an exciting time for Easy Admin as we are currently undergoing a period of expansion. In the coming months we will be rolling out new

services and delivering even more ways to make your admin work easy! www.easyadminservices.co.uk

Anonymous Detailing The team at Anonymous Detailing have always had a passion for cars. Our director; Craig has kept his own car in showroom condition from the day he bought it. This is the same level of care delivered to every vehicle which pulls into our professional detailing lighting bay.

Our state-of-the-art bay is fully-equipped to highlight any imperfections in your paintwork, so we can remove them. Our services

range from a stage 1 – Machine Polish to a Stage 3 – full paint correction which can restore shine and lustre; undoing years of wear and tear caused by the Scottish weather.

Last month we held our first ever event at Anonymous Detailing.

Working with a local car group

we hosted a Mitsubishi EVO Meet where we invited members to visit us and learn more about or detailing treatments. We are looking forward to hosting more events of this kind in the coming months so keep an eye on our social media for more news. www.anonymousdetailing.co.uk

Business Matters Spring 2016

18

Is Mindfulness Your Swiss Army Knife Of Mental Performance?

With the release of modern studies the efficacy of mindfulness has really made it a force to be reckoned with within workplaces because of what we now know to be scientifically true about our brains and stress.

In 2010 Harvard University carried out a study which proved that people think 46.9% outside of the present moment which is not healthy!

Mindfulness Is Good For You If You Have Troubles Or Are Fine!

You don’t have to be in need of a metaphorical tonic to benefit from mindfulness as it’s something we can all improve our lives with day in and day out.

What Is Mindfulness In A Nut Shell?

Mindfulness is a non religious and non threatening form of meditation in simple terms that can change brain activity by encouraging present moment observational awareness.

Some Very Simple Science Facts About Mindfulness Mindfulness positively affects the Amygdala which controls fear, anxiety and stress.

Mindfulness positively affects the Hippocampus which controls learning and memory.

Mindfulness positively affects the DMN (Default Mode Network) which is responsible for the wandering mind and decreases its activity.

Is It Time To Get This Into Workplaces like Schools already have done for years?

• £1.24 billion loss each year to business from stress.

• Stress affects 1 in 5 employees.

• Stress is the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK. • Considering how much time we spend at work and the ripple effect it has within the larger whole of our lives then it’s worthy to consider is it not?

So Why Is Mindfulness Believed To Be So Good?

Moment to moment awareness, presence of thought and lack of stress aids the happiness, wellbeing and contribution of all staff from the CEO downwards to an organisations wellbeing and profitability.

AllStaff advert with bleeds.indd 1

Did you know?

Allstaff celebrates 35 years in business on 14th May 2016.

AllStaff advert with bleeds.indd 1

What Is The Down Side of Mindfulness?

Absolutely nothing it is 100% safe! Can your business do without it?

Member offer: “A one hour mindfulness workshop at your location for up to 15 staff ”. Terms: First 5 companies to call will be eligible.

10 staff minimum must attend and must be completed within 21 days of this publication.

Contact Mark Pettigrew 0789 490 0244/ 0141 374 2382 or email mark@outstandingresults.co Website: www.outstandingresults.co

Allstaff Recruitment Solutions -

Specialists in the supply of temporary and permanent staff to the manufacturing sector Allstaff is proud to be considered a strategic partner to the manufacturing industry in the west of Scotland. Our aim is to support organisations in supplying headcount on an “as and when required” basis, supplying staff daily, weekly or indeed in some cases as long as it takes to ensure productivity targets are met. The companies we work with enjoy the total flexibility and cost effectiveness of recruiting only when targets are increased or to cover holiday and absence. Should you wish to discuss where Allstaff could support your company in either temporary or permanent recruitment, please contact our Operations Director Carolyn Moir-Grant who will be happy to meet with you at your convenience. Tel; 0141-887-1137 / cmoirgrant@allstaff.co.uk 12/03/2015 17:15

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

The Sporty and Economical Civic at Phoenix Honda

19

It’s been a great start to the year for our Honda dealerships and we’re certain this will go from strength to strength. This has been aided by strong availability across the range.

On top of this, with such great product on offer, it’s easy to see why interest has been so high.

The sporty and economical Civic is understandably continuing to be really popular with company car drivers. With awards aplenty for fuel efficiency and with such attractive monthly payments, this is no real surprise. The innovative 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine also delivers a punchy performance, giving a remarkable balance between power and fuel consumption.

The car’s design is definitely worth shouting about as well. It’s comfortable and boasts a high-quality finish. The updated Civic features the new Honda Connect technology. It’s a seamless central touchscreen that gives incredibly easy access to all the gadgets you’d need.

You can test drive the Civic for yourself by calling Kathryn Quigley or Pauline Logue on 0141 849 5197. You won’t be disappointed.

Business Matters Spring 2016

20

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opens University’s new flexible learning space

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Prof. Craig Mahoney Principal and Vice-Chancellor UWS

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened University of the West of Scotland’s new flexible learning space, the ‘Atrium’ during a visit to its Paisley Campus on 12 February 2016.

The new Atrium at the University’s Paisley Campus High Street entrance is a vibrant, technology-rich and flexible learning area. It features new social learning areas, providing interactive smartscreen technology; meeting spaces; events areas; study and meeting spaces; display zones; and a café open to staff, students and members of the community.

UWS is committed to delivering a dynamic and exciting learning environment, ensuring that it provides a modern, exciting and high quality student experience. This development is part of the University’s ongoing campus redevelopment programme, encompassing all aspects of work across all four of its Scottish campuses.

The visit to UWS also saw Her Royal Highness, escorted by Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS Principal and ViceChancellor, undertake a tour of the Paisley Campus, giving an insight into the significant investment UWS has recently

made at the Campus to guarantee that students are given a first-class learning experience.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted and hugely honoured that HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new state-of-the-art Atrium at our Paisley Campus.

“UWS is strategically committed to providing sustainable, contemporary and inspirational learning environments.

We aim to be the most technologically enabled University in the UK, with the most modern, outstanding and varied pedagogic methods of delivery. This will underpin our person-centred approach to learning that prepares graduates for future success. The University’s continued investment in facilities and services place its students in a particularly strong position in the sector.

“We are extremely proud of our Paisley Campus and are particularly pleased that The Princess Royal also got the opportunity to view new facilities across the Campus and meet a range of colleagues involved in these new

developments and their use.”

Areas visited included the University’s Library and Learning Resource Centre where an insight into the new Student Hub, which brings together frontline services for students alongside formal and informal learning spaces and café facilities, and the work being done to support students was provided; the Interactive Learning Studio; the new open plan Research, Enterprise and Engagement Zone, which is accessed by students, academics and commercial partners; and new social spaces and touchdown points on Campus which have been installed as part of a £12 million IT development project. This investment in IT builds upon the University’s commitment to provide the highest standards of learning and teaching, enabling UWS to produce highly employable, IT-literate graduates who have bold aspirations for themselves and their communities and are able to enter the modern world of work fully equipped to excel in their chosen field.

The studio of Professor Alexander Stoddart, HM Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland, which is based at Paisley Campus, was also visited by Her Royal Highness during her time at the University.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

21

UWS appoints new Chief Operating Officer UWS has announced the appointment of Susan Mitchell as its new Chief Operating Officer – one of the University’s key Executive roles.

Susan, who took up the post in January 2016, previously held the post of Director of Corporate Services at Police Scotland.

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) Susan will develop and deliver the University’s professional service functions to the highest standards, recognising international benchmarks for quality and cost-effectiveness. It is a hugely exciting time in the development of UWS and this new post will play a significant role in achieving the ambitious targets of the University’s Corporate Strategy.

This post sees Susan lead in the quality and strategic delivery of student support services from recruitment to graduation, as well as the delivery of Information and Digital Services, People and Organisational Development and Estates.

She is also responsible for the operational management, efficiency and growth of the

HELPING BUSINESSES ACCESS UNIVERSITY EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES INCLUDING: • Advice on project funding • Continuing professional development (CPD) and training opportunities • Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme opportunities • Innovation Voucher Scheme funding for joint project work

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “The new post of Chief Operating Officer is hugely important as we look to meet the goals outlined in our ambitious Corporate Strategy.

“Susan has an outstanding record of delivering great results in challenging environments and brings significant experience of operating across a diverse portfolio of professional service areas. She has a track record of leading through the engagement and involvement of colleagues – values that fit well with the UWS approach.”

UWS PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN A €6.87M COLLABORATIVE EUROPEAN PROJECT WHICH WILL RESULT IN BETTER MOBILE NETWORKS ACROSS EUROPE.

UWS ENTERPRISE SERVICES • Consultancy services

Susan Mitchell Chief Operating Officer UWS

• Advice on licensing, intellectual property and entrepreneurism • Input from placement students and graduates • Campus options for conferencing and events • 10-15 week accelerator programme in pre-incubation

For more information call us on 0141 849 4296 / 0141 848 3918, email enterprise@uws.ac.uk or visit www.uws.ac.uk

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University’s mainstream commercial activities.

In her previous role at Police Scotland, Susan was accountable for the creation and leadership of a broad range of services that collectively constitute the corporate core of the organisation, following the merger of the previous police forces into one national organisation. Prior to this she was Director of Resources in one of the legacy forces and during her career she has also held the Scottish Government post of Head of Police Performance, and Principal Inspection Manager at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland.

Commenting on her appointment Susan said: “I am delighted to have taken up the post of Chief Operating Officer at UWS. The University is at a very exciting time in its development – just one year into delivery of its new Corporate Strategy, but already with strong evidence of some great successes.”

Business Matters Spring 2016

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UWS launches Student Partnership Agreement UWS has established a formal Student Partnership Agreement with the Students’ Association of University of the West of Scotland (SAUWS) to affirm the commitment to enhancing the student learning journey.

UWS and SAUWS are extremely proud of their commitment to student engagement and representation, and of their work in supporting a positive and enhanced learning experience for all. This agreement, ‘UWS & SAUWS – Learning in Partnership, Student Partnership Agreement 2015-16’, therefore formalises both the University’s and SAUWS’s commitment to working together in partnership to improve the student learning experience.

This formal agreement will result in further profiling opportunities for student representation and participation in all appropriate committees across the University; the establishment of institutional working groups to review engagement with international activity within the University; increased involvement in the exploration of new approaches to assessment and feedback; and the delivery of financial awareness campaigns involving Student Services, SAUWS and external partners.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “UWS prides itself on ensuring that students are at the heart of our thinking and our actions and I continually emphasise this across the institution.

I have an absolute commitment to ensuring that students and their learning journey are given the highest priority to allow them the best opportunity to succeed during their time at UWS and upon leaving us to pursue their future careers. This agreement between the University and the Students’ Association, therefore, is a hugely important development, which formalises our commitment to continually improve and enhance the student learning experience.

Prof. Craig Mahoney Principal and Vice-Chancellor UWS with Jack Douglas President SAUWS

“This partnership reflects the reality of UWS being a ‘different university’ and sets out our determination to maximise student engagement in the life of the University through the provision of transformative, learner-centred learning where students are empowered as critical partners. It builds on the good work that has already been done and the involvement that students have had in helping shape the future that the University is creating.

“This innovative partnership outlines how, using feedback from a range of sources and initiatives, UWS and SAUWS will enhance and actively increase student representation, involvement and participation. We are all looking forward to continuing to

work together knowing that our collaboration is now formalised in this way.”

Jack Douglas, President of SAUWS, said: “At SAUWS we are incredibly excited to be working with the University to implement the Student Partnership Agreement. It reaffirms UWS’s commitment to work with its students to continually develop and transform itself for the better.

Applying student feedback will always be key but working with students to find solutions to help improve their course as well as their University will always be more effective and this is what this document represents. This is a fantastic time to be a student at UWS and we can’t wait to see how this will develop in the future.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

23

Renfrewshire start-up serves up an ace with hotel contract Vouch for That, which enables independent businesses to sell gift vouchers online, has recently won a contract to manage online gift voucher sales and order fulfilment for 9 independent hotels across Scotland, including Andy Murray’s Cromlix in Dunblane.

Managing Director, Catharine Anderson, said, “As a young company, we are delighted to have been chosen

by Inverlochy Castle Management to manage this contract. The forecast turnover for the hotels is around £500k for the next year, so this contract will enable us to expand our team and boost our growth significantly”.

The Renfrewshire based start-up is part of the Entrepreneurial Spark business accelerator and partially funded the build of their innovative online system using two £5k grants from Business Gateway. The new

system allows customers to choose instant email or printed and posted gift vouchers and allows business members to redeem their vouchers using a smart phone app.

Vouch for That was established in April 2015 when Catharine discovered a gap in the market for a simple and marketing focused way for independent businesses to sell online. The company is targeting two main markets; 1. councils and business improvement districts to use gift vouchers as a way to drive footfall

and spend in towns, by creating areawide gift voucher schemes and 2. the hospitality market who outsource the time consuming process of gift voucher sales and order fulfilment to the company. www.vouchforthat.co.uk

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Business Matters Spring 2016

24

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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West College Scotland Distance Learning is offering a wide-range of online course FREE OF CHARGE for a limited period of time.

This amazing offer includes courses in personal development, general business or industryspecific topics:

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Business Matters Spring 2016

26

Spectrum makes the move to new state-of-the art premises Cleaning

Facilities Management

Specialist Cleaning

Event Cleaning

Catering Deep Cleaning

Waste Management

Janitorial and Hygiene

Cleanroom Cleaning

0141 887 5000

www.spectrumservicesolutions.com

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce members, Spectrum Service Solutions started the New Year with a new office.

The fast growing contract cleaning and facilities management provider has outgrown their current premises which necessitated their recent move to new premises.

Spectrum completed the move to the custom-designed office accommodation at Westpoint Business Park in Paisley on Friday 15th January. The move comes after 12 years of continued growth operating from their offices in the centre of Paisley, the new offices are better suited to their size, and the business operation. Moreover, they have planned this move with further growth in mind, they have allowed ample room for expansion in their range of services and their personnel.

Spectrum is not only growing in size, it is also growing in geographical coverage with many contracts throughout Scotland. It was therefore necessary to ensure the new location is as accessible to clients as possible. Situated just off the M8 on the doorstep of Glasgow Airport, they are now very well placed to service the growing client base, wherever in the UK they happen to be.

Spectrum's Managing Director, Sara

Spectrum Service Solutions Ltd. 12 New Street Paisley Email: info@spectrumservicesolutions.com

Speirs said, "Of course, location is very important, however the working environment is also something that we were keen to get right. We wanted to ensure our hard working team were provided with a place they enjoy and where they are able to excel – we think we have achieved this. We have created an interior office space that is welcoming, highly functional, and somewhere with which our people can be proud. Our new offices are an asset that will assist productivity and encourages a spirit of excellence in customer service."

Having successfully completed the move, the team at Spectrum are looking forward to welcoming clients to the office. With state-of-the-art equipment, a variety of meeting rooms, and ample free parking, it is certainly well equipped to receive their expanding portfolio of clients.

Spectrum Service Solution's telephone and e-mail address remain the same.

Their new address is: 1 Marchfield Drive Westpoint Business Park Paisley PA3 2RB

IoD Scotland name Spectrum's Sara Speirs 'Director of the Year' There was great excitement in the Spectrum office when Managing Director Sara Speirs was announced winner of the 'IoD Director of the Year Award'.

The Institute of Directors Scotland Annual Awards Dinner in Glasgow's Crown Plaza Hotel certainly was a glittering occasion, and with Sara nominated as a finalist in two categories, it certainly was a night full of anticipation.

Naturally delighted with the award,

Sara was her usual magnanimous self when she said, "I'm shocked but delighted to win this major award, I really didn't expect my name to be announced when I saw the quality of the other finalists. It may be my name of the trophy, but it really is acknowledgement for all of the hard work of all of the team at Spectrum, I'm delighted to accept the award for them".

Spectrum has gone from strength to strength in recent years; major

Spectrum MD Sara Speirs receives Award from DFM John Swinney

contracts for the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup Matches, the Scottish Open Championship, and the Kiltwalk amply demonstrate Sara's vision when developing the Events division of the business. However, it's the continued growth of the core contract cleaning and facilities management business during extremely challenging times that explains why the judges named Sara as the winner.

PA1 1XY

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Be a Superboss We have a super easy, charge FREE scheme allowing you to thank your hard working employees or perhaps recognise your valued customers or drive new customers to your business! The Super intu Braehead Gift Card is a prepaid MasterCard® gift card, but it’s also so much more…

The intu Braehead Gift Card is accepted at more than 150 participating retailers ranging from fashion, beauty, home ware, food and fun things to do at intu Braehead and Soar.

Whether you want to reward employees for going above and beyond or motivate a customer to invest in your services or products, our fabulous gift card offers you the perfect opportunity to gift a flexible shopping, dining and entertainment experience at Scotland’s leading shopping and leisure destination; intu Braehead and Soar at

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Business Matters Spring 2016

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Renfrewshire Council Updates: You may already know Paisley is bidding to be UK City of Culture in 2021 as part of ambitions plans to transform the town’s future.

Paisley has a unique story to tell as the home of the Paisley Pattern and the onetime centre of the world’s textile industry - the legacy of which is all around us today in our buildings and people.

We want to use the bid to re-tell that story to the world, and for all of

Renfrewshire to feel the economic and social benefits.

Winning would mean a year-long programme of major national and international events, attracting tourism and investment, creating new jobs, bringing footfall into our town centres and High Streets, and using culture to change people’s lives for the better.

Find out more about the bid by visiting the website at www.paisley2021.co.uk or

on Twitter @Paisley2021 or Facebook / paisley2021 You can also show your support on social media by using #Paisley2021

Applications invited for £500k Paisley 2021 cash pot People involved in the arts across Renfrewshire can now bid to share in a £500,000 cash pot set to help transform the area’s creative scene ahead of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

The Renfrewshire Culture, Events and Heritage Fund is now open for application from individuals or groups who want to develop their own events or projects, and is designed to build up the area’s cultural offering ahead of the bid.

It is open to anybody staging an event in Renfrewshire, with grants available over the next five years for projects aimed at raising ambition, getting people involved in culture and unlocking the area’s creative potential.

Applications are invited for projects which will bring people together and encourage young people to develop their talents, while also raising Renfrewshire’s profile, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.

The money could be used to support new events and festivals, learning opportunities or improvements to existing projects.

Detailed guidelines and information on how you can apply are available at www.paisley2021.co.uk now.

Applications are open now and funding is available in three categories – up to £1k, from £1k to £10k and from £10k up.

St Mirren stadium signs hailed as boost for culture bid St Mirren FC are now proudly displaying their support for Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 ambitions – and bid bosses reckon the link-up will help carry Paisley’s name around the world.

Signs carrying the Paisley 2021 brand identity were recently erected in prominent spots around St Mirren’s stadium as part of a two-year sponsorship and stadium naming rights deal struck with Renfrewshire Council.

That saw the ground become known as the Paisley 2021 Stadium – boosting the profile of the bid, which is aiming to use the town’s unique story and cultural assets to transform its future.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board, said: “By having Paisley 2021 branding around the stadium we are advertising the town and our ambitions to a wide audience – not only do St Mirren games feature on national TV and radio, and are broadcast online around the world, but the stadium hosts live televised Scotland under-21 and women’s internationals too.

“Paisley was once known across the globe through its textiles and the pattern which bears its name - the bid is about retelling that unique story to the world once again.

“By doing so we will raise the town’s profile, create pride,

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Mcmillan with Brian Caldwell and Tony Fitzpatrick of St Mirren

attract visitors to our town centre, and use the power of culture to change people’s lives for the better.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

New Paisley-Harris links could be boost for business A Renfrewshire delegation has been on a fact-finding mission to study how Paisley and its unique textile heritage could emulate the global success of Harris Tweed.

The group spent a day in the Western Isles as part of wider work to study how Paisley could make better use of the worldwide appeal of the Paisley Pattern and the town’s weaving legacy.

While there, the group met with bosses at the Harris Tweed Association, the body which – under an Act of Parliament – oversees the manufacture of, and issues the official seal of approval to, all products sold as Harris Tweed.

They also spent time with management at Harris Tweed Hebrides, the island’s

main producer of the cloth, and met senior colleagues at Western Isles Council to find out how they support the industry.

And there was a visit to the site of the new Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway, which has parallels with the £56.7m proposals unveiled last year to transform Paisley Museum into an internationalclass destination based around textiles.

The links between Harris and Paisley stretch back to the 1840s when two female islanders came south to be trained by local weavers - the cloth produced with the techniques they learned was of such quality their local landowner saw a chance to market it as a high-end product.

From there, Harris Tweed as we know it

was born. To this day, a plaque dedicated to ‘the Paisley sisters’ sits on the site of their former cottage on the nowuninhabited island of Pabbay.

Council leader Mark Macmillan, who led the delegation, said: “Currently Harris Tweed is exported to more than 50 countries, is used by elite fashion houses and designers, and is one of the biggest sources of employment on the islands, so there is a real international success story we can learn from.

“In doing so we are building on fascinating historic links between the islands – the skills of the Paisley weavers helped establish Harris Tweed in the first place, now we want to learn from the legacy our town helped create.”

Business Matters Spring 2016

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Ian Turley of the Paisley Pirates, Derek Moore of Renfrewshire CAMRA, Provost Anne Hall, Paul McDonagh of the Bon Accord pub and Chris Turley of the Paisley Pirates

Paisley’s beer and food festivals set to return Paisley’s ever-popular festival of real ale will be back for another four days this April – and this year it’s again being served up with a side order of food.

The Paisley Beer Festival – the biggest in Scotland – is set to bring thousands of ale-lovers into Paisley Town Hall between Wednesday 20 and Saturday 23 April.

For their 29th year, organisers from the Renfrewshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will again offer up more than 300 real ales, beers, ciders and wines from Scotland, the UK and abroad.

And this year’s event will be joined by a one-day Paisley Food Festival run by Renfrewshire Council, making a return

after attracting 5,000 people in 2015.

The free outdoor event in Abbey Close will run from noon until 9pm on Saturday 23 April with a still-to-be-announced programme of street food from across the globe, cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment.

Confirmed attractions for the day include Paisley Farmers’ Market and a Caribbean rum shack, which will add a touch of carnival atmosphere.

For this year’s beer festival, Renfrewshire CAMRA is helping to mark the 70th anniversary of the Paisley Pirates ice hockey team, with the local club set to feature on the pint glass issued to all

visitors as part of their entrance fee.

And to mark this, Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall donned a Paisley Pirates jersey when she met with beer festival organisers and representatives of their sponsors – the Bon Accord pub in Glasgow - to promote both events.

Provost Hall said: “The Paisley Beer Festival is a wonderful success story for Paisley and Renfrewshire, and is now just one year shy of its 30th year.

“Every year it brings thousands of visitors into the town centre and a huge amount of credit goes to the hard-working team at Renfrewshire CAMRA for making it happen.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Council Updates: Culture community at heart of Paisley 2021 bid Renfrewhire’s culture champions and event organisers showed their support for Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid as the town celebrated its first 2021 weekend – Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February - this year.

Passionate culture enthusiasts joined in the cultural conversation – the first of many public engagement sessions for the town – and even brought along personal objects that represent what makes Paisley to them.

The ideas exchanged at the event will help to develop plans for a cultural programme of events as part of the town’s bid.

Hosted by the Paisley 2021 bid team - in association with the Creative Renfrewshire Network – attendees also had the opportunity to give their views on the draft Creative Renfrewshire strategy.

The weekend also put a spotlight on Paisley’s culture and events scene, with people encouraged to take to Twitter and Instagram and share photos using #Paisley2021 to help take a snapshot of what happens in the town on an average weekend.

Highlights of the weekend included Call to Yarns – the kick-off of the Renfrewshire Tapestry project, and Paisley on Film – a unique showcase of old photographs and films about the town, hosted in University of West of Scotland. Heritage walks, live music, art exhibitions and art classes also featured.

Community Planning Conference 11 March 2016 More than 100 community organisations from across Renfrewshire came together at Paisley’s Abercorn Conference Centre to plan how local communities can benefit from Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021.

The event on 11 March was the first of six community planning conferences that will be happening over the next three months.

Each will look at big issues for community organisations across Renfrewshire.

Conference delegates heard about opportunities that the Paisley bid will offer across Renfrewshire and took part in discussion groups and workshops.

Speakers included Paisley UK City of Culture 2021 Bid Director, Jean Cameron; Engage Renfrewshire chief executive, Alan McNiven; Alan Clark from Create Paisley; and Tommy McGrory from local youth music organisation, Loud ‘n’Proud.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership said: “The fact that today’s conference was fully booked shows the level of interest and enthusiasm among Renfrewshire’s community groups and voluntary organisations for Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture bid.

“The bid is a huge opportunity for

Jean Cameron Project Director Paisley 2021, Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Mcmillan and Alan McNiven CEO Engage Renfrewshire

communities across the whole of Renfrewshire, not only those that are Paisley-based.

“These community planning conferences are a great opportunity for local people to help to shape Paisley’s bid and I would encourage local organisations to get involved.”

Community groups who were unable to attend the Abercorn event can attend another conference about the City of Culture Bid at Paisley Town Hall on Monday 9 May, 5.30pm-8.30pm.

Online sign-up and full details of this and other community planning conferences can be found at www.renfrewshire2023. com/communityplanning2016 or by calling 0141 618 4168 (9.30am–4.00pm, Monday to Friday).

Further information about the Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid can be found at www.paisley2021.co.uk

Celebrating Ambition and Success Aiming Higher Awards Invest in Renfrewshire is calling on employers and entrepreneurs to nominate their rising stars for an Aiming Higher Award.

Thanks to the combined efforts of our business community, career hunters and council, Invest in Renfrewshire has created more than 1,000 new jobs since it launched in 2012.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire said; “We have much to celebrate and many people to thank for their part in combating unemployment and growing businesses in Renfrewshire. These ‘Aiming Higher’ Awards showcase the talent, enterprise and commitment that will fuel our continued economic success. They also highlight stories of individual ability and determination to celebrate achievement and reinforce our ambition.”

The programme, therefore, already has more than 1,000 success stories and the Awards offer businesses a tremendous opportunity to highlight the progress, achievement and commitment of their employees.

The Normandy Hotel in Renfrew will host a glittering celebration of success on 15 June. There, nominees will be honoured for their excellence in preparing for work, achievement in the workplace and career progression. Judges will be looking for rising stars who are making major contributions to their organisations.

There is also an award for Renfrewshire’s most promising Entrepreneur, In all, there are eight award categories ensuring that employers have the best opportunity to formally recognise the calibre of their staff.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 29 April. The shortlist will be announced on 18 May, and the Awards Celebration itself will take place on 15 June.

To nominate someone for an Aiming Higher Award, please visit www.

InvestinRenfrewshire.com or call 0300 3001180.

Business Matters Spring 2016

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Mission Discovery Plans have been launched for a pioneering space school which is coming to Renfrewshire for the third time this summer.

The unique Mission Discovery programme, run by International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET), gives young people the chance to learn from NASA’s approach to developing leadership, team building and personal development, as well as fostering interest in science and research.

Over 150 pupils will work in teams with a panel of space experts to design an experiment with the winning concept being launched into space and conducted by astronauts living on the International Space Station.

Much of the programme’s appeal lies in the personal involvement of NASA astronauts who are present throughout the event and engage with the pupils and the local community.

This year is no exception and there is bound to be huge interest in the participation of Mike Foale, the British-born astronaut who has spent 375 days in space.

Mike’s career saw him have to react to the dramatic impact of a cargo ship ramming the Russian space station Mir which he was on in 1997.

A group of pupils from Paisley Grammar joined Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children Policy Board, at Coats Observatory in Paisley to launch this year’s event.

For the first time, pupils from East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde will join pupils from Renfrewshire in the Mission Discovery programme which runs from 6th to 10th June at the Paisley Campus of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Councillor Henry said: “In addition to promoting interest in science, Mission Discovery provides opportunities, skills, experience and development which benefits all the young people who take part.

“Once again the academic programme will be backed up by opportunities for involvement for the community and business groups.”

Councillor Jacqueline Henry and pupils from Paisley Grammar

Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS Principal & Vice-Chancellor, said: “The Mission Discovery project is one of the most innovative programmes we’ve ever been involved with at UWS. It is vital that as a university we promote and nurture the development of science, engineering, technology and mathematics capability in students.

“We want to develop and encourage the best talent in these areas and this project goes a long way towards achieving this goal. UWS is delighted not only to support the Mission Discovery project for the third year running, but also to be hosting this year’s event at our Paisley Campus.”

The Living Wage Gathers Pace in Renfrewshire The drive for a fair and prosperous future for Renfrewshire is gathering momentum. Record numbers of local businesses have attended a seminar on the benefits of accreditation where, among other speakers, they heard from Chamber Chief Executive, Bob Grant, about the business benefits of paying the Living Wage. The council has also applied to become an Living Wage employer and join the Renfrewshire Chamber in its accreditation.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said, “The council and business community share many aims: growth, success, the drive towards a first class committed workforce, and the wish to be associated with sound and progressive social values. The Living Wage will help to achieve these aims and to improve the lives of employees, their families and the wider community.”

The Living Wage is a voluntary hourly rate set independently, updated annually and calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK. It affords people the

opportunity to provide for themselves and their family. This year, it is set at £8.25 an hour.

However, there are around 16,000 jobs in Renfrewshire that pay below the Living Wage. So, for many people, work is not a guaranteed route to a sustainable standard of living.

Renfrewshire’s independent Tackling Poverty Commission recommended that the number of jobs paying less than a Living Wage be halved to improve lives throughout the area.

The council is encouraging other Renfrewshire employers to join it in seeking accreditation and its campaign is gathering strength.

David Faith from the Living Wage Campaign, who also spoke at the seminar, said, “I’m very impressed with the turnout from Renfrewshire’s business community. This is the largest event of this kind that I’ve seen. Some businesses have signed up to the accreditation process immediately and I look forward to working with others over the next few months. Of course, I’ll also be delighted

Alison Dowling, David Faith, Council Leader Mark Mcmillan, Fiona Hughes & Bob Grant

to hear from any other organisations who want to join the campaign.”

Other speakers at the seminar included: Alison Dowling from the Renfrewshire Wide Credit Union and Fiona Hughes, the council’s Procurement Manager.

The council is Renfrewshire’s largest employer and Councillor Macmillan sees its accreditation as an important step towards creating a Living Wage economy.

He said, “We want to build a prosperous, progressive future where people can thrive in employment and businesses can grow as a result of having a loyal and committed workforce. The Living Wage is part of that successful picture.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

A Ticket to Thrive: Paisley Gilmour Street is Scotland’s Fourth Busiest Station Paisley Gilmour Street is officially the fourth busiest railway station in Scotland. Figures show that more than 4 million journeys a year start or finish at Gilmour Street. Only Edinburgh Waverly and Glasgow’s Central and Queen St Stations see more passengers.

PGS opened in 1840 as a stop on the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway. It operated initially with two platforms until a further two were built to cope with the expansion of the town during the textiles boom.

The Grade B listed building has changed little in its 175 year history. The line was electrified in 1967 and locals may remember its roof being replaced in 2011-12. The building’s fortitude might be something to do with the four leaf clovers that decorate the trusses over the platforms.

Today, Paisley Gilmour Street is a key part of the transport infrastructure in the west of Scotland and its role will expand when the new rail connection between Glasgow Central and the airport comes into operation in 2024.

Although two options, a tram-train or a light personal rapid transport system, are being considered, both would include a stop at PGS. The station can, therefore, be expected to get even busier and to feature in the journeys of those flying in and out of Glasgow Airport.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council said, “Paisley Gilmour Street is a big part of local life and plays an important role in the town centre’s economy. Its passenger figures also show how pivotal Renfrewshire is to the economic growth of the west of Scotland.”

Despite Paisley Gilmour Street’s

impressive history, current importance and future significance to the whole region, its operators, Scotrail and Abellio, have not designated it as one of Scotland’s strategic railways stations or marked it for development.

Councillor Macmillan continued, “Paisley Gilmour Street’s strategic importance should mean that investment in its future is a priority.

The new airport rail connection and our town centre regeneration mean that ever-increasing numbers of people will be travelling to Paisley. For many of them, the station will form their first impression of the town – and of Scotland. We will be negotiating with Scotrail and Abellio to guarantee that Paisley Gilmour Street station will be enhanced to offer the type of facilities expected at a station of this scale and importance.”

City Deal Update - The City Deal Bridge Gets Real in Renfrew Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council joined surveyors assessing the land at Renfrew’s Riverside for a new, £78million opening bridge to span the Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker. The 200m bridge is the main element in the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project; part of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal’s £274 million infrastructure investment in Renfrewshire.

The project includes new roads to improve traffic flow in Renfrew. A new route west of Kings Inch Road, will increase accessibility to Meadowside and the Glasgow Airport.

Councillor MacMillan said, “It’s easy to imagine this bridge spanning the Clyde and opening to allow ships to navigate the river and it’s heartening to envisage the potential growth it will unlock in the immediate area and for the Renfrewshire as a whole.”

The investment will give local people new travel options and easy access to

employment opportunities throughout the City Deal Region. It will also create potential for business growth and new residential developments.

The new infrastructure will connect Renfrew firmly to the wider transport network and help to improve traffic flows within and around the town centre.

Dominated by its recently renovated Town Hall, Renfrew is Scotland’s first Town Centre Simplified Planning Zone which will give the town the flexibility to respond energetically to the opportunities that the new bridge and roads will bring.

The City Deal will generate benefits for the communities involved with its projects. In addition to the long term economic opportunities that the new infrastructure will support, suppliers to City Deal projects will be required to engage with community projects, offer educational support for pupils, and create employment and training opportunities.

Renfrew Riverside is one of three City Deal investments in Renfrewshire.

The £51m Glasgow Airport Investment Area project will join up the Inchinnan, Airport and Westway business parks to create a world class business location with tremendous air, sea and land connections. The City Deal’s flagship project; a new rail link between Glasgow Central Station and the airport, with a stop at Paisley Gilmour Street, and will support the airport’s continuing success and Renfrewshire’s economic growth.

All three City Deal Projects will create connections and conditions to promote business expansion, new jobs and positive futures for our communities.

Councillor Mark Macmillan continued, “Renfrew’s new crossing will be a magnificent addition to our landscape.

This is an exciting ambitious project that will quickly bring economic, business and social benefits to the area.

Business Matters Spring 2016

34

Renfrewshire Council Updates: Calling on Renfrewshire’s Creative Entrepreneurs Invest in Renfrewshire is calling on new creative local businesses to join its InCube community by entering a competition that could win them up to a year’s intensive support.

From a business base in Paisley High Street, InCube enterprises enjoy ongoing advice and support. This is designed to help them develop their products and reach high street, online and export customers. They also get access to a range of financial and business skills training from experts and entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs can expect to be InCube for up to a year where it is rent-free, ratesfree and worry- free, and gives them the opportunity to focus on building their businesses.

This year’s InCube businesses cite the practical support, bespoke premises and sense of community as the chief benefits to being part of the Incubator.

The competition for the next generation of ‘InCubers’ was announced at a Bloggers’ evening at the InCube Shop in

Paisley’s Gilmour Street. The shop shone brightly in the websphere when lifestyle bloggers gathered to view and review the store’s unique range of designer and craft wares.

The shop is the retail arm of the business incubator and carries: textiles by designers Amy McGregor and Siobhan Grey; fine art from D.O.M.art; bridal accessories from Bella Brilla, hats by Pea Cooper and exclusive children’s wear from Treetops. Live music on the night was provided by Phil Hoolahan whose innovative guitar slides are already popular with musicians.

Cindy Robb, InCube Co-ordinator, says “This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to win a package of support which includes:

months).

• Access to funding • E-commerce, branding, website & social media support from specialist advisors • Access to a range of workshops on the “how to” aspects of making your business successful eg marketing, book-keeping, sales, customer service, business growth planning • Free retail space in InCube shop to showcase/sell their products • Business advisory support • Business mentoring within a creative, supportive environment.

• Access to high profile networking events • 1 year membership of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

• Free office & meeting space in modern & fully equipped premises in Paisley town centre, with free IT, video conferencing and WiFi for up to 9 months (potential extension to 12

Renfrewshire entrepreneurs ready to take the next enterprising step can find out more about InCube, and apply to win a place at www.incuberenfrewshire.com.

Applications close on 25 April

Want to grow your business and help put Paisley on the map?

Working within the creative retail, fashion, textiles, jewellery, crafts or makers sectors?

For more details visit website: incuberenfrewshire.com/competition

InCube Start and Grow Your Creative Retail Business

Win a chance to build your business from a sound base Free office space in modern & fully equipped premises in Paisley town centre, with free IT for up to 9 months Set out your stall Specialist support to develop e-commerce, online trading facilities

Sell in the shop Access to free retail space in InCube Shop to showcase or sell your products

Know-how and learn-how Business skills and entrepreneurship training to help you grow

Beat the curve Be a part of Paisley’s renaissance

Boost Access to funding

Important Dates Apply from: 8th March 2016 Closing date for submission of applications: 25th April Pitching panel: 9th, 10th or 11th May Presentation to judges: 1st June Winners announced: week commencing 12th June Programme start date: week commencing 4th July Application criteria InCube applications are open to individuals and/or businesses that: · live or operate within the Renfrewshire council area, or are planning to set up business within Renfrewshire; and · have the potential to grow · have a business bank account · can commit to attending the core programme 2 days per week – additional sessions may be available.

Visit Email Twitter Facebook

www.incuberenfrewshire.com incube@renfrewshire.gov.uk @InCube_Ren /InCube.Ren

InCube

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

35

Annual Member Survey 2016 Thanks to everyone that completed our annual survey. We received nearly 90 responses and your feedback will help the Chamber team plan for the coming year.

Don’t use / not relev.

Poor

Satisf.

Good

Excell’t

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

% Good / excell’t

% Good / excell’t

% Good / excell’t

% Good / excell’t

% Good / excell’t

% Good / excell’t

Our events (networking lunches / seminars etc..)

18

0

3

33

34

96%

98%

99%

91%

90%

90%

The ROCCO Awards

30

0

2

15

41

97%

99%

98%

95%

91%

92%

Our Services (HR, Legal, Health, Merchant etc..)

65

0

5

11

7

78%

87%

86%

76%

74%

81%

Export Documentation

73

0

1

6

8

93%

100%

81%

82%

80%

100%

Business Mentoring

57

1

3

12

15

87%

93%

94%

89%

85%

83%

Business Centre / Meeting Rooms

67

0

8

9

4

62%

83%

82%

85%

63%

71%

Business Matters magazine

7

0

6

45

30

93%

96%

97%

86%

84%

87%

eNews (email bulletin)

11

0

11

39

27

86%

90%

93%

85%

87%

84%

Website

12

0

8

44

24

89%

88%

83%

79%

81%

80%

Social media (facebook / twitter / Linkedin etc..)

36

0

4

28

20

92%

94%

96%

83%

84%

75% 71%

iPhone / Android app

69

2

3

4

10

74%

85%

77%

68%

74%

Access to lobbying support

73

3

3

5

4

60%

67%

77%

80%

64%

-

Our connections via SCC / BCC

64

1

5

11

7

75%

79%

88%

89%

68%

-

The Chamber team

9

0

3

22

54

96%

100%

97%

93%

96%

-

The Chamber Board

25

0

9

25

29

86%

98%

88%

84%

82%

-

Opportunities to network, learn and promote biz

16

2

9

30

31

85%

91%

87%

85%

83%

-

Our customer service

7

0

3

30

48

96%

97%

97%

88%

92%

91%

Membership price

6

0

25

32

25

70%

83%

83%

75%

77%

71%

Overall how do you rate the Chamber

0

0

5

34

49

94%

98%

99%

86%

91%

85%

85%

91%

85%

84%

81%

83%

Average across all: Response count 2011 = 80 • 2012 = 102 • 2013 = 88 • 2014 = 75 • 2015 = 98 • 2016 = 88

highlighted = highest score

Chamber Charities of the Year The Chamber recently visited its two main charities of the year to present cheques from monies raised via member donations from the Rocco raffle, Christmas Lunch and annual golf day. Our charities this year are Accord Hospice and Kintyre Base, Linwood.

Helen Simpson said, “The local business community is an important source of support to the Hospice and we are very grateful that with the assistance of the Chamber we are able to receive financial support such as this wonderful donation as well as having the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of businesses.”

Louise Sinclair of Kintyre Base said, “Thank you so very much for your generous gift to the Kintyre Base. The young people here will benefit hugely from this input and it will really widen their access to the Outdoor Education programme they get so much from.”

Pictured are Honorary President Tom Johnston, Bob Grant & Helen Simpson, CEO at Accord.

Pictured with Tom & Bob are the team from Kintyre Base

Business Matters Spring 2016

36

£100,000 saved with Green Umbrella Fill R 16 G 127 B 28

The Green Umbrella programme, delivered for Renfrewshire Chamber by environmental consultancy member company Mabbett proved to be in high demand from Renfrewshire businesses. So how was over £100,000 of savings identified across 14 local companies?

Through the Green Umbrella programme, Mabbett worked with the chosen companies - Bray Controls, Bridge Biotechnology, Campbell Dallas, Claire Clifford, Eclipse Blind Systems, Jaw Brew, Linstone Housing Association, Peak Scientific, Power One, Quarriers, RAMH and other local manufacturing companies – to help them See a Difference through better environmental management of energy, water and waste. Providing an informed ‘helping hand’ to the Green Umbrella companies was critical in project success: Stage One: Baseline audits were carried out at each company site in the months leading up to the workshops. This told the companies exactly what they were spending on energy, water and waste, where money was being wasted, and how to best improve systems and processes.

Stage Two: Three half day workshops were delivered, where the learning, discussion and building of each company’s Environmental Management System (EMS) took place, on the back of the Baseline audits. The workshops went through the official BS8555 standard (level 1-3), and through completing the several actions and homework pieces inbetween each workshop, the companies are now half way to ISO 14001. Without funding support, this can be a costly process.

Green Umbrella Results: The Green Umbrella programme identified a tremendous £104,000 in potential annual savings for these

Green Umbrella Fill R 16 G 127 B 28

Green Umbrella Class of 2015

Renfrewshire businesses! In turn this could result in a reduction of over 450 tonnes of carbon each year.

A range of different savings were identified, from low to no cost initiatives such as improved signage for waste and staff awareness programmes to opportunities for biomass heat generation and installation of photovoltaic cells to produce renewable energy.

Award Winners!

What’s more, with the help of Green Umbrella, one of the companies, Bridge Biotechnology, won a VIBES Green Award. Nick Montgomery of Bridge Biotechnologies commented on their VIBES award, “Our Green Umbrella involvement played a big role in our application. I don’t think we would have got the win without it.”

Many companies were shocked that this programme offered so many benefits and that it was also free of charge with no strings attached, thanks to the sponsorship of Mabbett and government funding from Resource Efficient Scotland.

Up to the value of £2000, Resource Efficient Scotland worked with Mabbett to offer this initial efficiency audit. Mabbett provided the consultancy and training service for free.

Mabbett are delighted to have worked with the Chamber as their proactive approach to supporting Chamber members is renowned. If you are interested in attending the next Green Umbrella programme, please contact Bob Grant at the Chamber or Suzanne Nelson of Mabbett to find out more details.

Mabbett was established in 1996 and today is recognised as one of the leading independent environmental, engineering, health and safety and sustainability consultancies in the U.K., Ireland and Europe. Furthermore, Mabbett has just merged with Terrenus Environmental Ltd, to form a subsidiary company – Mabbett Environmental Planning (Mabbett EP).

To find out more about their international environmental, engineering, health and safety, and sustainability consultancy services, contact Suzanne Nelson 0141 227 2300 or email nelson@ mabbett.eu www.mabbett.eu

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

37

Could you be a Skills Ambassador?

Following a successful pilot the chamber is now rolling out the Skills Ambassador program to every senior school in Renfrewshire working with 2 groups per school. This is a major initiative as part of the joint employability partnership approach with Renfrewshire Council.

The goal of the program is to support & improve pupil’s skills in a number of areas including: • • • • •

Help with confidence Help inspire, motivate and encourage Help understand why doing your best is important Help understand what employers are looking for Help the young people understand and prepare for life after school • Help understand the importance of CVs, letters and job applications

• Help with interviews (mock interviews) • Help understand the job market, potential careers & paths to them • Help where possible to arrange workplace visit(s) • Help where possible to offer / arrange work experience Each ambassador will meet with their group once a month from end Aug/Sept 2016 until March 2017.

Confidence is important part of an individual’s success, building confidence and a support network is often critical to the success of a business and it’s no different for a young person thinking about the next steps into the world of work.

If you wish to support the program or to find out more please contact Bob Grant bgrant@ renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5452.

At the heart of Paisley & Renfrewshire Local news, local stories, local entertainment, local sport, local people...

IN PRINT | ONLINE Special Chamber members advertising rate - call us now 0141 887 7744

Business Matters Spring 2016

38

Company Car Users - Tax Free Fuel Rates have changed from 1 March 2016 INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE

Campbell Dallas is one of the most dynamic and progressive firms of independent Chartered Accountants in Scotland. Our clients come in all shapes and sizes and so do our disciplines. We tailor our services and shape them to fit your needs. Ultimately we are focussed The tax free fuel rates for on your peace of mind and helping you succeed.

company car users have mostly reduced from 1 March 2016. Ensuring that you use the new HMRC official rate can avoid unwanted tax bills for both employees and employer.

Contact Phone Email

Aileen Gates 0141 886 6644 aileen.gates@campbelldallas.co.uk

www.campbelldallas.co.uk

Who is affected?

These rates apply if you are provided with a company car by your employer and you; • claim a mileage allowance from your employer for the cost of fuel used on business journeys, or; • repay your employer for fuel used on private travel – including that between your home and normal workplace.

Aileen Gates, Partner, Campbell Dallas

These changes do not affect employees or directors who use their own cars for business travel, nor company car drivers whose employers pay for all of their fuel.

What are the rates for?

Using HMRC’s tax free fuel rates ensures that there will be no tax charge on a ‘fuel benefit’.

If you claim more or repay less than the HMRC rates, the car driver is taxed on the full fuel benefit scale charge, no matter how much the claim or repayment differs from the official rate. This amount could add up to £2,500 to their annual tax bill.

In this case, employers would also be hit with extra Employer National Insurance on the fuel benefit.

What changes are taking place?

As of 1 March 2016, the rates have reduced slightly for all vehicles apart from LPG fuelled cars less than 1400cc.

The new rates effective from 1 March 2016 are as follows (previous rates, if different, shown in brackets);

Engine Size

Petrol

Diesel

LPG

Petrol 1400cc or less

10p (11p)

-

7p

Diesel 1600cc or less

-

8p (9p)

-

Petrol 1401 to 2000cc

12p (14p)

-

8p (9p)

Diesel 1601 to 2000cc

-

10p (11p)

-

19p (21p)

11p (13p)

13p (14p)

Over 2000cc

What should I do now?

If you pay your employer for fuel used on private travel, you should now reduce the amount you repay your employer where the applicable rate has reduced. Equally, those claiming business mileage from their employers should reduce the amount claimed.

What about VAT on mileage allowances paid to staff?

Where employees are paid mileage allowances rather than being reimbursed the cost of their fuel, the business can either account for a scale charge if the allowance covers all mileage, or claim input VAT on fuel for the actual business mileage, if the mileage allowance covers just business mileage.

The new scale charge regime is based on CO2 emissions. Subject to a scale charge being accounted for where required, the business can reclaim input VAT out of the fuel element of the mileage allowance. The fuel rates are the same as in the table above and are treated as inclusive of VAT for reclaiming input VAT. If you are in any doubt as to the application of these changes to your circumstances, or wish to discuss the implications further, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

39

Mark Ward of POWER 1 features in Glasgow Herald SME focus Name: Mark David Ward.

Age:44.

What is your business called? Power 1 Group.

Where is it based?

Paisley, with an office in Manchester. We are due to open in Sussex this financial year. This will give us three geographical regions to serve our clients more efficiently across the UK and significantly reduce our accommodation and fuel overheads.

What services does it offer? We are specialist electrical contractors who operate in LED Lighting, (indoor and street) and work on mobile telecoms networks and in facilities management.

We are accredited through Lloyds register to work on energy firms’ distribution networks.

We have worked offshore extensively in the past in the USA, Singapore, Norway and the North Sea but with crude oil south of $40 per barrel we are more likely to be involved in the decommissioning

programme than any drilling activities.

We are very innovative and are working on a project to improve connectivity in the rural areas of Scotland.

Whom does it sell to? Mobile operators, local authorities, construction companies, large professional services organisations, lighting manufacturers and some private clients.

What is its turnover? £5 million in the 2015- 2016 financial year. We have £8m secured for 2016-2017 with a target of £10m.

How many employees? Around 50 permanent employees but we also put about 50 subcontractors to work each day.

When was it formed? The business was incorporated in April 2007.

How did you raise the start-up funding? It was self-funded initially then we had some assistance from our bank.

We have used other funding streams from time to time. I have been with Lloyds/ Bank Of Scotland from day one and have had some fantastic advice and support from my relationship manager who has

INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE Campbell Dallas is one of the most dynamic and progressive firms of independent Chartered Accountants in Scotland. Our clients come in all shapes and sizes and so do our disciplines. We tailor our services and shape them to fit your needs. Ultimately we are focussed on your peace of mind and helping you succeed.

Contact Phone Email

Aileen Gates 0141 886 6644 aileen.gates@campbelldallas.co.uk

www.campbelldallas.co.uk

been there throughout which is unusual.

These relationships are crucial as your bank and funders are among the most important stakeholders in any company especially growing companies.

What was your biggest break? We work in a specialist sector which has been growing year on year. Latterly we won a seven figure contract in LED street lighting from Northumberland County Council.

What do you most enjoy about running the business? I love the freedom it gives you personally and the fact you are very much a master of your own destiny within reason! I also love the chase in securing a new deal.

What are your ambitions for the firm?

To get the company to a healthy and manageable £30m with good retained net profit margins.

What are your top priorities? To have a sustainable business for all our employees; to create a legacy and culture that runs deep in the organisation; to put something back into the community by creating apprenticeships year upon year.

40

Business Matters Spring 2016

B2B2016 - BUSINESS MATTERS IN RENFREWSHIRE Day 1 – Wednesday 8th June Exhibition & Seminars –

The Lagoon, Paisley 10am-4pm Day 2 – Thursday 9th June Conference,

University of the West of Scotland, Paisley 9.30am-12.30pm Business Matters in Renfrewshire returns on the 8th & 9th of June with the goal of helping local business of all sectors grow and prosper. It is the largest free business event in the area and offers a great opportunity to promote your business to a wide audience and learn.

On Day 1 at the Lagoon we anticipate 50 businesses exhibiting with a series of six useful free seminars relevant to your business today.

Day 2 is the conference which this year takes place at the newly refurbished Atrium and Brough Hall at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley.

To exhibit on Day 1 please contact Laura Connor at the Chamber lconnor@renfrewshirechamber.com • 0141 847 5450 Cost for a stand is £150+vat members/ £250 +vat for non-members.

Please put the date in diary – registration for both days will open soon Twitter hashtag is #b2bpaisley

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

41

Young Enterprise Area Final results Young Entrepreneurs in S5 & S6 classes from across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde have recently completed their involvement in the Company Programme for 2015/2016 by taking part in the Area Finals held at the Normandy Hotel on the 17th March.

The Young Enterprise Company Programme has been established for over 40 years and sees teams of senior school pupils from schools come together in Aug/Sep to form a real company and develop and market a real product or service. With support from a teacher at their school and an experienced business advisor, the teams compete with each other at 2 events; a Christmas Trade Fair held at Soar intu Braehead in December and the recent area finals where each team has to display their product, submit a business report / be interviewed and give a team presentation.

The Renfrewshire Area Team is chaired by ex-Renfrewshire Chamber CEO Bob Davidson who is now Programme Director for Developing the Young Workforce, West Region group. Bob commented by saying “Congratulations to all teams that reached the area finals and all the winners. The Company Programme is a 7 month investment of their time during what is already a busy

Overall winners Glass Act from Inverclyde Academy

and stressful period due to exams. That is why the Company Programme is held in high regard by employers. Young people are willing to immerse themselves in this programme at such a busy time, to make their CV stronger, college and university statements stand out and be a great talking point at interviews. The skills the young people have learned from their experience will help them in their lives and whatever career path they follow.”

“I would like to thank all our sponsors, speakers, judges, link teachers, business advisors and my fellow board members for all their support during the last 7 months.”

Glass Act from Inverclyde Academy were the overall winners and will represent the area at the national finals on June 15th in Glasgow. Opus from Linwood High also did very well winning a number of awards on the day.

Award category

Team Name

School

Innovation Award

Opus

Linwood High School

Marketing Award

Opus

Linwood High School

Quality Award

Opus

Linwood High School

Best Display Stand Runner Up

Opus

Linwood High School

Best Display Stand Winning Company

Orbit Enterprise

St Columba’s High School

Best Business Presentation Runner Up

Opus

Linwood High School

Best Business Presentation Winning Company

Glass Act

Inverclyde Academy

Best Business Report Runner Up

Glass Act

Inverclyde Academy

Best Business Report Winning Company

Aspire

St Andrew’s Academy

Best Young Enterprise Company - Inverclyde

Glass Act

Inverclyde Academy

Best Young Enterprise Company - East Renfrewshire

Silhouette

Williamwood High School

Opus

Linwood High School

Glass Act

Inverclyde Academy

Best Young Enterprise Company - Renfrewshire Best Overall Company

Visit the Facebook page to view the area finals photographs:

/YoungEnterpriseRenfrewshire

@YE_Renfrewshire

Business Matters Spring 2016

42

Stop Blaming the Internet for Killing the High Street “The high street is dead, and online is thriving” say the headlines. The truth is a little more complex than this, but there’s no doubt that many physical shops and retailers are having a tough time right now.

It’s time to fight back! Stop blaming, and start embracing!

The best of both worlds - are you selling online?

Many offline stores still don’t have online counterparts surely the first thing you need to remain competitive, and with approx 40% of online retail carried out on a mobile device, your site needs to be mobile friendly, simple, and easy to buy from.

And remember that because you also have the “bricks and mortar” store too - you’re perhaps at an advantage over retailers who purely operate in the virtual world. One of the emerging trends over the past few years has been ‘click and collect’ - letting me order and buy online, but allowing me the convenience to pick it up in store.

Encourage Social Shares Shopping is a social experience, so don’t try and stifle that urge people have to share. Provide free wi-fi in and promote this alongside your “check in on Facebook” stickers. Make sure you’re active on social media yourself,

and engage with new and existing customers where possible.

If you want to take it up a level, look at what some of the big stores are doing in London and New York with ‘Magic Mirrors” and virtual dressing rooms, all hooked up to the web to allow people to share with their friends and receive instant social recommendations.

Digital Payments Some smart retailers are using the Paypal or iZettle Card Reader (or the app on their smart phone) to take payment from customers anywhere at anytime. Further benefits include email receipts, payment fraud protection, and one-click reconciliation at the end of the day’s trading.

Do you accept ApplePay? You should! With more and more people choosing to leave their wallets, credit cards and cash at home, opting to make payments in their favourite shops with nothing more than their iPhone, or Apple watch.

This is now common place, yet still some retailers would rather place a £5 minimum payment barrier on anything that doesn’t involve cash.

Embrace Technology in your store Now’s the time to innovate with technology as prices for digital solutions can often be cheaper than traditional methods. Have you considered flat screen LCD’s instead of printed posters? Going the digital route allows you to always promote the right thing (your current special offers, or the stock you need to shift more of), updated at will, and always presenting a fresh look to regular visitors.

And if you think that’s radical - go and investigate ‘beacon

Gary Ennis, NSDesign

technology’ - allowing you to deliver realtime information straight to the consumer’s phone as they walk down your high street, look in your window, or stand in front of a product display in store.

The British Retail Consortium recently confirmed that of the total non-food sales in January 2016, almost 21.5 percent came from online, so the debate on whether the Internet is Killing our High Street is one that will continue for some time to come.

But if we stop complaining about it, and look to embrace it, making the best of both worlds - the real and the virtual - bringing in-store the technology that savvy shoppers are now expecting, while having a fantastic online presence including a site that works for mobile, and a social media strategy which delivers business benefit to you, then even the smallest high street retailer can make a real positive difference.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

43

Up & Chamber Coming Pictures

Events See our events section on our website: www.renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5450 events@renfrewshirechamber.com March Networking Lunch Thurs 31st With Graham Bell, CEO of Kibble at the Experience

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

April Networking Lunch Thurs 28th speaker tbc at David Lloyd

May Networking Lunch Thursday 26th with Liz Connolly VP Corporate Development West College Scotland and Bob Davidson Programme Director for DYW West

B2B 2016 Wed 8th & Thurs 9th June The Lagoon & UWS, Paisley Annual Golf Day Fri 17th June at Kilmacolm Golf Club

June Networking Lunch Thurs 30th with Steve Conway, CEO of Erskine at Gleddoch House Hotel

Rocco 2016 Fri 18th November, with Fred MacAulay, The Normandy

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce Follow the chamber:

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

1) Bob Davidson – leaving presentation at Xmas lunch 2) Colin Neill –Board retirement presentation at Xmas lunch 3) AGM –David Flint, Audrey Cumberford & Bob Davidson 4) Burns Piper Russell Campbell 5) Burns Speaker Martin Cassidy 6&7) Burns Singers Robyn Stapleton & Claire Hastings 8) Jean Cameron Paisley 2021 Feb Lunch Speaker 9) Speed Networking at the Normandy 10) Gary Ennis Digital & Social Media Mentoring Group

Business Matters Spring 2016

44

New Members

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.

Abergower Easy Admin Services Ltd

Pandamonium

Document Processing - IT Services Administration Services Robin Prior Stephen McKillop 0755 751 6996 0141 212 6661 rprior@abergower.com enquiries@easyadminservices.co.uk www.abergower.co.uk www.easyadmin.org.uk

Children’s Play Area Alan Arnott 0141 812 6081 alanarnott@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/pandamonium.playcentre

Alan Thomas

Europcar Chauffeur Service

Hairdresser Alan Arnott 0141 812 6081 alanarnott@hotmail.co.uk

Chauffeur Services Robert McKenna 0141 800 0948 robert.mckenna@europcar.com www.europcar.com

Bell Fire & Security Limited Install Intruder Alarms CCTV Douglas Johnston 0141 883 9000 Csteel@bellalarms.co.uk www.bellalarms.co.uk

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club Hotel & Leisure Club Craig Stewart 01505 705225 craig.stewart@bowfieldhotel.co.uk www.bowfieldhotel.co.uk

Carpet Clean

I Am Me Scotland Charity - Disability hate crime Carol Burt 0141 6186266 iammeproject@yahoo.co.uk www.iammescotland.co.uk

Iain Hill Ltd Confectionery, Soft Drinks Iain Hill 01505 684499 iain@iainhill.co.uk www.iainhill.co.uk

Extensive range of commercial carpet and fabric cleaning services Ewan Hardy 0800 107 5775 ewan@carpet-clean.co.uk www.carpet-clean.co.uk

Little Pandas Nursery

CG Life Design

Media Monty

Fitness / Wellness Chris Green 07707057631 cglifedesign@gmail.com www.cglifedesign.co.uk

Promotional films and digital media content David Montgomery 07725855256 david@mediamonty.com www.mediamonty.com

Class 1 Consultants Ltd Motivational Training & Coaching Brian Hutcheson 01505 874 612 brian.hutcheson@class1consultants.co.uk www.class1consultants.co.uk

Children’s Nursery Alan Arnott 0141 812 6081 alanarnott@hotmail.co.uk www.littlepandasnursery.co.uk

Outstanding Results Coaching/ Mindfulness Meditation Mark Pettigrew 07894900244 mark@outstandingresults.co www.outstandingresults.co

Saporito Restaurant Restaurant Craig Bickett 0141 887 3870 craigbickett@outlook.com www.saporitorestaurant.com

Saporito Wine Bar Wine Bar Craig Bickett 0141 889 2727 craigbickett@outlook.com www.saporitofamily.com/winebar

Scottish Schools Radio Training / video Production Colin Kelly 07758 211 585 colin@colinkelly.net http://www.scottishschoolsradio.com

Simply ISO Ltd Management System Consultancy Kirstin Smith 07879621332 kirstin@simplyiso.co.uk www.simplyiso.co.uk

Steder Group UK Ltd Freight Forwarding and Logistics Fraser Speirs 0141 648 1768 fraser.speirs@stedergroup.com www.stedergroup.com

VBA Global Resourcing Recruitment Victoria Aitken 07827932021 Victoria@vbaglobal.com www.vbaglobal.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

45

GLASGOW AIRPORT REPORTS BUSIEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD 14.1% increase in February passenger numbers Glasgow Airport has continued its best ever start to a year – which this year marks its golden anniversary by reporting its busiest February on record.

During the month 582,879 passengers travelled through the airport’s doors, representing an annual increase of 14.1%, making it the airport’s busiest January and February since records began.

International traffic grew by 13.2% due to strong demand on European routes to Berlin, Reykjavik and Milan. Aer Lingus also added capacity on its Dublin service, and Eurowings reported particularly strong demand on its Dusseldorf route.

Domestic traffic increased by 14.8% with Flybe’s services to Exeter and Cardiff proving popular. British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair also reported strong demand for their London services.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport said: “This year marks a huge milestone for the airport as we celebrate our golden anniversary year.

What makes that even more exciting is the fact that we are continuing to see our passenger numbers grow at record rates, following our success in 2015 securing more than 30 new routes and services.

“We are continuing to make improvements in our airport to accommodate this growth and will be investing significantly this year in a comprehensive airside terminal redevelopment which will include new catering and retail outlets.

“Later this month we will welcome the first of our major new flag carriers when Air France launches its daily service to Paris Charles de Gaulle. Over the coming months we will also begin new services to Montreal, Newquay and the Spanish city of Girona.”

February’s performance follows the

Amanda McMillan Managing Director Glasgow Airport

airport reporting its busiest January on record and its busiest year in 2015 since 2007. Annual passenger numbers grew by 13% to over 8.7 million ensuring the airport recorded its fifth consecutive year of growth and was named as one of the fastest growing airports in Europe.

Traffic summary - February 2016 Terminal passengers 582,879

% Change

March 2015 to Feb 2016

14.1%

8.85M

PROUD TO SERVE SCOTLAND FOR 50 YEARS

Business Matters Spring 2016

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Mirren Court has around 150 car spaces Mirren Court is perfectly located for to the front and rear. Locally there are staff and visiting clients alike, just many amenities including fast food, off M8, Jct 27 and near to Glasgow Mirren Court Road, provides flexible petrol, shopping, Jct office 27 retail park and Airport, on Renfrew the good quality, accommodation spread acrossgym/leisure three attractive facilities. We sandstone are minutes main dual carriageway commercial from Paisley town centre, Glasgow route into Paisley.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Business Matters Spring 2016

48

Phase One of Refurbishment at Gleddoch Almost Complete

Having been purchased by the Johal family in March 2015 Gleddoch is currently in the midst of a full refurbishment encompassing the entire resort. Phase one of the development will see the return of 34 bedrooms on 1st April having undergone a complete transformation to include modern amenities such as 40 inch screens, USB charging points and EU/USA plug sockets. A further 27 bedrooms will be refurbished over the spring with the remaining 14 rooms in the main house undergoing a bespoke redevelopment at the end of the year.

The resorts new Imperia Spa will be opening in early May and boasts features including seven treatment rooms, rhassoul, relaxation room, spa food & beverage area, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, conservatory, outdoor hot tubs and gymnasium. This phase of development also sees the refurbishment of the existing restaurant as well as an extension to the bar and leisure reception area.

Upgrades to the 18-hole golf course with stunning views across the Clyde Estuary and surrounding countryside include the installation of new drainage systems and the lengthening of four holes to take the course from a par 71 to par

72, with the aim of attracting championship events. A full membership offer of ÂŁ549 is currently being made available. To enquire please call the Gleddoch pro-shop on 01475 540704.

Redevelopment of the main Gleddoch house at the end of this year will include the creation of a whisky bar offering a carefully selected range of malts and a tea lounge for everyone to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea.

Refurbishment of the event space at Gleddoch has already been completed ready for the 2016 wedding season.

For further information on the refurbishment at Gleddoch or to arrange a viewing please contact Chris Davis at chris@gleddoch.com.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

49

PLAY AT THE ALL NEW GLEDDOCH RESORT With stunning views over the River Clyde & Renfrewshire hills, Gleddoch is the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf.

Join Gleddoch this spring and receive our annual membership for a special discounted price of just £549*.

Now under new ownership and currently undergoing a major refurbishment, Gleddoch will be relaunching this spring with newly renovated hotel, leisure facilities & spa.

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Tel: +44(0)1475 540711 • golf@gleddoch.com • www.gleddoch.com Gleddoch, Old Greenock Road, Langbank, Glasgow PA14 6YE

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Business Matters Spring 2016

50

GOOD QUALITY REFURBISHED OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO LET Flexible office space close to Glasgow Airport with easy access to the M8 and Glasgow City Centre Affordable, modern and well located – the perfect office space.

Trident House is a modern office development set in landscaped grounds, located to the west of Renfrew Road. In today’s competitive business world it’s important to base your operations in an affordable, high quality location with easy access to both business and leisure amenities – Trident House fits the bill perfectly.

Flexible to suit your needs.

Trident House offers highly flexible office space that can be tailored to suit your business’s needs. Space is available on flexible lease terms for requirements up to 4,785 sq. ft. (potentially more if required).

Spaces can be provided open plan

or they can be customised with individual offices, boardrooms etc – allowing for a blank canvas from which to create your perfect office space.

Smaller serviced office suites are available from 140 sq ft throughout our Business Centre providing the perfect location for small businesses.

We also offer meeting room hire in our high quality, well equipped boardroom.

The boardroom is available for half day and full day hire if you ever need an additional and professional space to accommodate your business needs.

As your needs change, we will be happy to help you evaluate those needs and offer you the services that will help you achieve your new goals.

View our website at https:/www. tridenthouse.co.uk. For further details, email reception@tridenthouse.co.uk or telephone 0141 218 4421

GOOD QUALITY REFURBISHED OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO LET • Affordable, modern and well located • Flexible to suit your needs • Boardroom available at £35 per ½ day

• Large café with free meeting room • Parking within 200 yards of building • 24/7 access

Coming soon – desk rental with free wifi and telephone lines included.

Trident House, 175 Renfrew Road, Paisley, PA3 4EF.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

51

New Developments For Hillington Park Three new development projects are already in progress at Hillington Park thanks to its Simplified Planning Zone status.

The projects are all new build schemes – a speculative industrial development, a programme of infrastructure works for range of commercial developments and also a new HQ for a successful business already based on the Park.

Two of the new build initiatives – the speculative industrial development and the infrastructure works are based on land adjacent to the M8, one at the entrance to the Park and the other positioned just a few hundred metres away to the west.

Jamie Cumming, Director of Hillington Park explained: “It is always good to see new development work at Hillington Park but the fact that there are three new

projects underway using the Park’s SPZ status makes them even more exciting.

The new HQ building is soon to be completed and the other two projects are at the beginning of their works programme but we expect to see progress happening very quickly.”

The innovative planning scheme means that the entire Park has pre-agreed planning permission so anyone looking to develop, extend or enhance a property (new build or existing) can do so without submitting a planning application as long as the plans are underpinned with a set of simple development parameters.

Jamie added: “All of the Park’s 419 acres have clear development guidelines and we also have the potential to deliver around 85,000 sqm of new commercial floorspace so Hillington Park becomes an

even more compelling place to be located.

“Aside from all of the other attractive reasons for being based here – central location, links to transport networks, range of types of properties and available development land - the pre-approved guidelines within the SPZ lets businesses plan with confidence.”

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Business Matters Spring 2016

52

Scottish Small Business Rates Relief Supplement The multiplier is proposed to align with that expected in England at 48.4p, an increase from 48.0p as we previously predicted, but for a large business liability should now be calculated at a rate of 51.0p for 2016/17 to reflect the proposed increase in the large business supplement and this applies to properties with an RV over £35,000.

Whilst the announcement does not cover future years we also consider that a review of liability for 2017/18 and beyond should assume that the supplement for large businesses will also increase by the same amount although we are intending to calculate that the total amount raised from the

multiplier will raise the same amount of revenue for 2017/18 as raised in 2016/17 adjusted for inflation.

You may recall that we currently estimate a figure of 53.6p to which the 2.6p should be added to arrive at an estimated multiplier for large properties of 56.2p in 2017/18 Empty Rates Relief in Scotland Another significant change is that to Empty Rates Relief. Industrial properties have historically been entitled to 100% empty rates relief; they will now be entitled to only three months at 100% relief, falling to 10% thereafter. Since April 2013 other properties have been subject to three months at 100% relief, falling to 10%

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thereafter – this will be altered to three months at 50% relief, falling to 10% thereafter.

Clearly this will have an impact on budgets and represents a significant increase for larger businesses already subjected to a high marginal rate of tax which is one of the highest of all OECD countries.

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With a combined total of over 4o years’ experience we are specialists in bat surveys. In addition, we cover badgers, otters, great crested newts, birds and many more of Scotland’s flora and fauna.

We are commissioned by some of Scotland’s leaders in the construction and utility industries as well as many local authorities and private land and home owners.

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

53

Want to shape your future workforce?

Do you have an ageing workforce? Are young people aware of your industry sector and is it appealing to them? Do young people have the skills to start and progress in your workplace?

These are just some of the questions ex Chamber Chief Bob Davidson is asking of employers in his new role as Programme Director of the Developing the Young Workforce – West Region group.

Established following recommendations of the Wood Commission, regional employer led groups funded by the Scottish Government are being set up all over Scotland. Their purpose according to Bob is to “help get more young people into employment by bringing employers, schools and college closer together – employers have a real opportunity to shape their future workforce”.

Based at their host, the Paisley Campus of West College Scotland, Bob and his team, known as DYW West, will be working in the West Region (Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire) for the next 3 years. The area represents 12,000 employers, 29 secondary schools and the college’s 3 main campuses in Paisley, Clydebank and Greenock. The team report to an employer led Board chaired by Vic Stirling, a senior member of the team at SSE – an organisation that employs hundreds of young people across Scotland. Board members include local Chambers, FSB, SE, NHS, council representation, intu Braehead, First Milk, West College Scotland, Santasalo, CITB & Kibble. The team are actively engaging with a broad range of stakeholders & partners across the West including local authority education, employability and economic development, the college, SDS, DWP, IIP and local CPP thematic groups – recognising the importance of awareness, sharing info and working together.

Examples of how employers can get involved: • Support local careers events • Help out with mock interviews / application prep • Mentor a young person, group or class • Offer work experience (fixed and/or flexible) • Give an inspiring talk and bring the

curriculum to life • Host events (for young people and teaching staff) • Employ a young person e.g. a Modern Apprentice or a Trainee (£ support is available) • Record a video about your workplace targeted at young people • Develop training programmes for new starts & existing staff Advantages to employers of supporting youth employment: • Supporting your local community • Tackle the problem of an aging workforce • Help shape your future workforce – so young people have the attitude & skills your workplace requires • Help raise the profile and awareness of your industry • Advantages of having young people involved in the workplace: • They can bring energy & youthfulness, and help understand younger customers • Provides an ideal development opportunity for up & coming staff to manage & coach the young people Bob commented further by saying that “The Chambers and their members are key stakeholders in the DYW West programme. We want employers to see this as a worthwhile investment and

the return will be a better prepared & skilled young workforce. I would like to emphasise that this programme is looking to work with employers of all sizes and sectors. We will be mainly (but not solely) working with young people in the senior phase at school (S4-S6) and college students. That will also include disadvantaged young people, looked after children and young people with additional support needs. So it is really is an inclusive approach.”

In closing Bob commented “We encourage all employers to get involved - please get in touch, send us your comments or ask us to come and meet with you - drop us an email to info@ dywwest.co.uk or call the team on the numbers below.”

Meet the Team (From left:) • Paula Leca – Programme Executive (covers Renfrewshire & Inverclyde 07710 715535) • Nicola Dalrymple – Graduate Assistant • Bob Davidson – Programme Director • Brian Evans – Modern Apprentice • Chloe Dobson – Programme Executive (covers East Renfrewshire & West Dunbartonshire 07710 715536) Website will be up and running by end April. Social media links are: @dywwest; facebook/DYWWestregion; and search for the group on Linkedin

Business Matters Spring 2016

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SCHOOL UPDATES: Socialising for Social Enterprise The Primary 6 pupils of Arkleston Primary embarked on the MicroTyco Challenge, creating a business in an attempt to turn their £1 loan into a sizeable profit, cashing in on the French Café lifestyle! The revenue generated would be used to help people in the developing world set up small businesses, entrepreneurs funding entrepreneurs.

The organisation and launch of ‘Bon Appétit Arky’ café required the children to develop many life skills and recognise their own talents and character strengths.

They applied their knowledge of modern foreign language and money through a meaningful and interdisciplinary topic raising in excess of £500.

Auchenlodment P1 Mr Men Enterprise The Primary 1 pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School used their creativity and enterprising skills to create a Primary 1 set the older pupils spectacular enterprise event. The 33 pupils supported by a challenge of trying to their two teachers, Mrs Ekincioglu and Mrs Scott had been manoeuvre around the wire without the bulb going off. studying the Mr Men topic, with a focus on Health and Wellbeing. A suggestion by one of the pupils sparked an idea to make products related to Mr Men and to sell them to the rest of the school.

The entrepreneurial learning provided the pupils with opportunities to develop a range of skills through ‘hands on’ participation. They worked incredibly well as a team and at the same time developed their leadership skills. The event raised £240.43 which will be used to purchase new The cake designing stall provided pupils with to design their own Mr Men cake. This books and to help fund their Campfire Evening in opportunities was very popular!

January. Well done P1.

Linwood HS at Burns Lunch & Scottish Parliament Tour Thank you to the Chamber for inviting us to the Burns Lunch at Ingliston Equestrian Centre. Senior pupils from the Employability Course had a wonderful time networking with Renfrewshire’s business community, answering questions about their businesses and giving advice to our young people. Thanks to Hugh Henry MSP and Stuart McMillan MSP for meeting our S4 and S5 Modern Studies pupils at our recent tour of Holyrood.

Linwood HS pupils at Chamber Burns Lunch

Linwood HS pupils meeting MSPs Hugh Henry and Stuart McMillan

S1 Make Mugs in ABC – An Enterprising Project S1 pupils participated in Gryffe High School’s ABC Faculty’s annual enterprise activity which involved producing personalised mugs for family and friends. All pupils had the opportunity to develop administrative and entrepreneurial skills and to contribute to the success of the ‘Mugs’ project.

A profit of £165 was generated, and S1 are currently investigating charities to decide who will receive this session’s donation.

Two of the team said: ‘The class all had to work together in designing, varnishing and even making packaging. I really enjoyed making my mugs and gave them to my gran and grandpa.’ – Iona ‘We learned how Enterprise works. This improved our creativity and teamwork skills. It was good to make a profit as well.’ – Kirsten

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Kirklandneuk Primary School World of Work Week We ran a fantastic World of Work week at Kirklandneuk PS in January 2016, with visits from 50 guests from a wide range of occupations from a Fitness instructor to journalist to Marine Engineer to a Foster Carer. These visits provide a great insight into the world of work, hearing about the different roles and we aim to raise the aspirations of our pupils.

Our guests delivered interesting presentations with some showing PowerPoints, equipment, uniforms and photos. Children have developed their awareness of the skills and qualities required in these roles as well as learning

about the necessary qualifications needed. Our week concluded with the Work Cluedo event for Primary 7 who worked collaboratively to interview 16 guests and guess their occupation.

Caring Kids Each year in Kirklandneuk Primary School pupils in primary 3 take part in their Caring Kids topic. This topic develops children’s understanding of people and charities within their local community and encourages them to use their skills in enterprise to raise money for a selected charity.

This year the classes, with the support of Mr Armour and Miss Lochhead, wrote, recorded and sold their very own Christmas song to raise money for the Brightest Star charity. The pupils even presented at their own launch party in front of invited guests including parents, Microsoft, Strathclyde University and volunteers from the Brightest Star charity. Throughout this topic children

experienced an extensive range of meaningful and relevant learning experiences through performing and recording music, designing CD covers and a company logo, creating a music video using technology, calculating costs, counting orders, creating a SWAY presentation using Office 365 and presenting their product at their launch party. The class managed to sell around 300 copies of their CD.

Business Brunch Blurb

St Benedict’s High School hosted its first ‘Business Brunch’ event on the 26 January 2016. This provided a platform to develop links for the school’s employability programme.

St Benedict’s reached out to its local community to seek help and they responded. A total of 24 different businesses braved the adverse weather conditions to attend this exciting and innovative event.

The school wanted to publicise both its Employability programme and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) which the school offers to S3 pupils. The event featured short presentations from Head Teacher Mr O’Neil, Employability Project Leader Lynne Methven and YPI Coordinator Alistair Andrew to inform the guests of how they could help the school.

The event provided an excellent networking opportunity not only for the school but for those in attendance as well.

The event received an overwhelmingly positive response from the guests and many are now keen to get involved with the school to help develop its young workforce.

Wallace Primary Money Week - February 2016 Wallace Primary School participated in money week during the month of February 2016. Classes were set and created ‘Big Questions’ during assembly each day, focussing on Financial Understanding, Competence and Responsibility. Through high quality experiences and discussions pupils gained an insight into the world of money whilst developing financial capability.

Classes were able to bid for 50 ‘Wallace Wonga’s’ which was converted into ‘real money’ for the winning bid. Pupils were also challenged to create their own money boxes. Winning entries were judged by Raymond Kane and revealed at our big money week finale, our Showcase event.

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