Bmspring17final

Business

Matters SPRING 2017 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Paisley 2021 submits bid for UK City of Culture

INSIDE: Property & Construction, 3rd Sector, B2b 2016 PLUS: Updates & news from Chamber, Council & Members

Business Matters Spring 2017

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President’s Welcome Dear members welcome to the Spring edition of Business Matters.

I write at the commencement of my two year term to serve as your President. It is indeed an honour to be invited back by the board to represent you succeeding Audrey Cumberford. Can I take this opportunity to thank Audrey for her leadership and representation over the past two years. Audrey continues to serve on our board.

At this point, I wish to welcome three new Directors who were recently elected at our AGM. Gary Turnbull, General Manager of intu Braehead, Scott Taylor, CEO of Advance City Marketing and Iain Donaldson, Relationship Director with Royal Bank of Scotland. Their appointment, I feel, demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the skillset of the Chamber board and I am sure that they will prove to be valuable additions.

The world is experiencing a period of uncertainty at present both politically and economically. This has been covered extensively in the media, accordingly I intend commenting only on a number of key issues affecting our local business community.

Firstly, Business Rates - Chambers have been campaigning vigorously to alleviate the proposed changes in valuations and in fact have been lobbying for the ratings system to be completely overhauled. Many companies have been impacted by the new proposed charges and have raised concerns that these could affect their companies viability. I have however been encouraged to see that some concessions have been granted in some sectors, but for how long? There is still time to get involved in the appeals process, contact the chamber team for advice.

We recently welcomed Royal Bank of Scotland chief economist Stephen Boyle to present his views on Europe & the economic outlook, now that Brexit negotiations are underway subsequent to article 50 being triggered. A number of interesting opinions were expressed on matters such as the improvement on the latest set of unemployment figures for Scotland which was encouraging.

However it was felt that the Scottish Government must invest to upskill our existing workforce and equip many

of those currently not working with the skills they will need for a rapidly evolving labour market. Digital skills are vital to growing productivity in Scotland’s businesses and to getting our flagging economy back on track.

Without access to the right skills, too many of our businesses will not reach their full potential. It was also felt that free movement of people, negotiating reduced trading tariffs and clarity of customs regulations are all key issues for our members. The political engagement and lobbying by your chamber will continue to make sure your concerns are heard.

On the subject of international Trade I am delighted to announce we have now secured funding via Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Government to develop International Trade links via the worldwide chamber network. The work will consist of two elements - research of which countries members are trading to and then leveraging these chamber connections to develop further trade to regions and markets.

Nearer to home Paisley’s bid for City of Culture 2021 is due to be submitted by the end of April. This initiative has galvanised the local population and there is a good feeling in the town.

There is however strong competition

for this prestigious award, I would therefore encourage all of you to make a final push and show your support.

Winning this bid would not only be great for Paisley but Renfrewshire as a whole. The short list will be announced in June, fingers crossed!

Let me also draw your attention to Renfrewshire Chambers prestigious annual Business Matters in Renfrewshire event which will take place at the Lagoon, Paisley on Thursday 18th May. This free event is the largest of its type in the area and is open to all businesses, schools & students to attend. Comprising six informative free seminars offering invaluable advice, learning and networking opportunities for you and your business. This event is always well attended and I would encourage you to register as soon as possible. I look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Support your Chamber and your Chamber will support you.

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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A Warm Welcome from our Chief Executive Dear Members & readers, welcome to the Spring issue of our ever popular chamber magazine Business Matters.

Thank you to all those who completed our annual members survey, the results of which you will find on page 26. Your feedback is important and demonstrates to the chamber team and Board that our services are valued and delivered to a high standard with all we do in supporting you and our partners.

Our B2B event, Business Matters in Renfrewshire takes place on Thursday 18th May at the Lagoon and this year is sponsored by bizanywhere. We have an excellent line up of informative, free seminars throughout the day to help with different aspects of your business so please register now & secure your free place to attend. As I write, 40 exhibitors are booked so far with room

for more. Contact the Chamber team for details should you wish to exhibit and promote your business to a wide audience.

The Paisley 2021 bid document is complete and is an excellent reflection of all the hard work from the core bid team, community and partners over the last 18 months. If Paisley is shortlisted (announced in June) we shall redouble our effects to convince the judging panel why we should win your support will continue to be crucial in that time so please keep promoting across your social media channels, website and staff.

Finally, good luck to Euan Keltie with the next step in his career. Euan joined the chamber aged 17 and has worked with us for over 5 years. We are delighted to see Euan progress his career and are proud that the chamber

has played a role in his development.

In addition a warm welcome to Carol Griffiths, who has joined the team from Sheffield Chamber in the role of Membership Administrator having recently relocated to Scotland, look out for Carol at a chamber event soon.

Have a great Spring and best regards,

Bob Grant 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 2017.

Deadline for editorial and adverts is 2nd June 2017.

Themes are B2B/education, training & development/business support & finance/ tourism & leisure

PREMIER PARTNER

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Print and Design by:

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

West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills.

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Business Matters Spring 2017

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Top 5 Cyber Security Tips Chamber Member Seric Systems are a Cybersecurity Business based in Paisley who help keep their client’s data and businesses secure. Seric work with clients from many sectors locally and across the UK. MD of Seric Stuart MacDonald told the chamber “It is never too late to start improving your security and there are basic steps you can take even if you are not technical. Whether we are working with small local firms or FTSE 100 clients the underlying principles are the same.

SME Businesses should look at www. cyberaware.gov.uk to start to learn more about security and Cyber Essentials.

Cyber Essentials is a Government and industry-backed standard which protects your business against cyber threats.

Seric have taken scores of businesses through the simple Cyber Essentials process.”

Here are 5 quick tips on Cyber Security from Seric: 1. Download and install your Software Updates (“Unpatched Security Holes”) Update on Servers, Computers, Phones,

Printers and computerised equipment like telephone systems. Updated software is simply more secure as security weaknesses have been fixed in updates.

2. Be wary of email (“Phishing Attacks”) You can’t trust an email. I’ll say that again. You cannot trust an email in isolation. If in doubt check if someone is asking you to do something unusual. A phone call to check is time and effort well spent.

3. Protect your Computer Equipment Make sure you have installed protective software (AntiVirus, AntiMalware etc) on your PC’s, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. It isn’t expensive and can help you avoid a lot of heartache.

4. Backup all your computerised Equipment Regularly Backing up data is important so that we can recover from an unforeseen event.

Make sure you regularly test recover your backups so that you know you can if you need to. Unfortunately many don’t and

Stuart MacDonald MD Seric Systems

their files simply won’t recover when they need them. Don’t forget your mobile devices.

5. Use Strong Passwords A strong password is your first defence against hackers and cyber criminals.

Get a decent password onto all your electronic equipment. Current government guidelines suggests using three random words.

SmartSTEMs – Why, What Who… What might you do?

WHY do we need SmartSTEMs? At SmartSTEMs we believe a strong balanced economy is underpinned by high value jobs and to maximise the potential for this in Scotland we must grow the talent pipeline. STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) is a collection of disciplines that all share strong logic based skills represent a fantastic base from which our young people can prepare themselves for the workplace a decade hence.

WHAT is SmartSTEMs? Have a look at our short video on www.

SmartSTEMs.org SmartSTEMs is the glue between Tertiary Education, Industry and Schools. We exist to provide equity of opportunity to young people into STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) with particular focus on the gender gap.

Our model is SCALABLE and REPLICABLE and is DELIVERED through our intertwined initiatives of HUB events

activities of Seric Systems and still core staffed by Seric’s team. Within a year of inception SmartSTEMs received strategic funding from EDF Energy to assist in scaling up our activities. Fundamentally, however SmartSTEMs is a collective endeavour and works only because of the hundreds of generous kind volunteers.

and OUTREACH HUB Events are held in tertiary education establishments, by territory, where we convene industry and schools to apply the SmartSTEMs glue and get the good people of Scotland connected and collaborating to best effect.

OUTREACH is delivered in Schools & Clubs affording STEM activities locally & ongoing working mainly with 10-14year olds.

WHO is behind SmartSTEMs? Founded and based in Renfrewshire SmartSTEMs is a local Scottish charity created out of the award-winning CSR

WHAT MIGHT YOU DO? (Hint: Get in touch) As an engaged company – Allow your team some volunteering time and/or resources to support our educational efforts in Renfrewshire and further afield.

As a caring individual – Do you have some STEM expertise but are unsure how to help the next generation? Get in touch and we’ll help hook you up to an event or a local project. Perhaps we’ll work together to create a new one!

Too busy right now? – Don’t worry, we understand, but please share our website on Social Media someone else can help us today and you can another time. Find us on Twitter and FB @SmartSTEMs

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Transforming businesses starts with transforming leaders Leaders today are drowning in reasons to transform their organisations to achieve better outcomes and a better company culture. The speed and appetite for change can be exhausting and leave you feeling like you and your organisation are sinking deeper into the mud and making little progress with change! One of the most important actions of a leader is to be a role model, displaying the behaviours, mindsets, level of communication and attitudes they wish to see others in their business display. My unique style of coaching provides you with the tools and strategies to take yourself, your business and your team forward to success.

First and foremost I am a family man; they are my driving force and the foundation of my success. This drive has seen me become a successful entrepreneur and business leader with 3 decades of experience in running my own successful businesses, all from zero

start-up. I have experienced the good and the bad of the business world and understand the challenges which go with this, have seen how it can affect the family dynamic if you allow it and have learned the importance of being an effective visionary leader who keeps moving the business forward while developing others within the team. I have invested heavily in my own personal development over these years, and still to this day engage with coaches to support me in reaching my goals, in business and in endurance marathon events. (Find out more about my 2020 Vision Marathon Challenge at http://stevie-kidd.blogspot.co.uk/) As a coach I am heavily involved in working with individuals, new start businesses, SME’s and Multi-National Organisations providing one-to-one coaching to individuals & business owners, Coaching and support at Board level to kick start company transformations, Monthly support to MD’s and CEO’s, facilitating business health checks and end

Stevie Kidd – Business Owner & Unique Business Performance Coach

to end provision for delivery partners. My coaching is available both by skype and in person and I have bespoke packages, tailored specifically to your needs and your time frames. You can find out more information about the services available on www.businesscoachingstrategy.co.uk I look forward to getting to know many of you through being part of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

For more info please contact Stevie Kidd Coaching. 07780 333627 stevie@ steviekidd.co.uk

Business Matters Spring 2017

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HOW CHARITIES CAN ENSURE THEY ARE GDPR COMPLIANT Data is a key fundraising resource for third sector organisations - it is how supporters are identified, contacted and often how they are made aware of fundraising campaigns. However, with data comes responsibility for protection of that data. The General Data Protection Regulation will reform the current data laws in the UK as of 25 May 2018 – meaning direct marketing and consent will face significant change and influence how charities raise funds in the future.

Preparing for the change will ensure that charities don’t lose out on potential funding come 2018 because their marketing practices aren’t GDPR compliant.

So, what do charities need to know?

1. Affirmative consent – the demise of the pre-ticked box

spotlight in recent months, and failure to ticked box will be explicitly excluded as comply with the GDPR may fuel public means of consent. An early review of how distrust in fundraising. you obtain consent and what information Sanctions – major breaches of the rules you provide at the time is good practice around consent could result in fines of the but will also help you “GDPR prepare”. higher of 4% of your global turnover or 2. Rights of supporters and donors €20m. This makes the current maximum Under the GDPR, your supporters and fine in the UK of £500k seem (almost) donors will have the right to: insignificant.

• “Withdraw consent” at any time, and it must be as easy for them to withdraw Employment • Banking & Finance How can •charities prepare? it as it was for them to give it - once a Energy Commercial 2018 may •seem a long way off, but in participant or donor•withdraws consent preparation it isn’t. Charities must his or her personal data must be erased • terms IP & Technology • Construction think about preparations now to ensure and no longer used by the charity; and • Pensions • Corporate Defence that they are GDPR ready by spring 2018: • Object to receiving your direct marketing • Planningused to seek, obtain • Corporate Finance • Review procedures - objection would require you to erase and record consent (“Know Your Data”); the individuals personal details “without • Projects • Debt Recovery • Review and revise privacy policies and undue delay”.

• Real Estate • Dispute Resolution notices to ensure compliance - say goodbye to your pre-ticked boxes; and To avoid fines, consider now how you • Look at the consents you already have would ensure that supporters and and decide whether they meet GDPR donors are not contacted once they have withdrawn consent or A objected to use of modern law firm,standards.

• Check out the Fundraising Regulator’s their information. standing the test of time.on Personal Information and Guidance Fundraising hascall some Why should charitiesFor care? clear, concise legal advice from industrywhich experts, us onhelpful at www.macroberts.com comments on the GDPR and the ICO’s Reputation – charities 0141 and 303 their1100 or visit us online GDPR consent guidance. fundraising practices have been under the

A donor or supporters consent to receive your newsletters, updates and information on your latest campaigns will need to be “affirmative” to be lawful. What does “affirmative” mean? Well, this will include ticking boxes on a website (the opt-in), but reliance on silence, inactivity or the pre-

G L A S G OW

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EDINBURGH

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DUNDEE

MacRoberts honoured at Insider event after achieving the highest turnover and profit figures it has recorded since 2009

• • • • • • •

Banking & Finance Commercial Construction Corporate Defence Corporate Finance Debt Recovery Dispute Resolution

• • • • • • •

Employment Energy IP & Technology Pensions Planning Projects Real Estate

A modern law firm, standing the test of time.

For clear, concise legal advice from industry experts, call us on 0141 303 1100 or visit us online at www.macroberts.com

G L AS G OW

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EDINBURGH

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DUNDEE

On 23 February 2017, MacRoberts took home the top prize at the Scottish Business Insider’s SME prestigious awards ceremony. The awards are given to companies in Insider’s SME300 listing, with an additional honour for the number one firm from Insider’s Spring 100 rankings.

After rising to third last year, MacRoberts took top place in the SME300 on the strength of the highest turnover and profit figures it has recorded since 2009.

Presenting the top award, Insider editor Ken Symon praised the collective strength of the field of entrants. “We have seen some fantastic businesses tonight. All the finalists were amazing businesses – totally different sectors, totally different places in the country,” he said.

It is actually really impressive to see what people do in the Scottish business community day in and day out. But there has to be one overall winner.”

Glasgow-headquartered MacRoberts saw revenues rise from £17.96m to £19.8m, with profits rising to £6.9m against £6.18m previously. The ranking is based first on turnover, then by profits and finally on a combination of the first two ratings.

“The legal market is a very competitive one, not unlike most sectors here in the room tonight,” partner Alan Kelly told the audience. “Our challenges are very similar to your challenges and we need to make sure we react to those challenges”.

“To continue to grow and innovate to ensure we meet the changing needs of our clients is fundamental. But being big or the biggest, or being good or even the best is not enough. There are many other aspects that will drive continued success”.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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18 years old? Can I see some ID please?

NSDesign is now officially 18 years old having kicked off on 15th February 1999, but how do you determine the birth date of a company?

Was it the day that NSDesign was conceived? In which case you could easily add on a few years Was it the actual day of company incorporation? In which case you can take off a couple of years, because we didn’t actually become a Limited Company until 2 years after we started.

For us, our birthday is the date that we truly arrived. The date when we said to the world – “we’re here, ready to do business – come and talk to us”. The date we registered the NSDesign.co.uk domain name with Nominet, and made our website live!

Not only does the Nominet “whois” confirm our big date, I still have the invoice from the competing web company I used to register the domain.

It’s the nearest thing I have to a birth certificate! The paper invoice still exists, but the company that sold me it doesn’t, having like so many in the last 18 years, come and gone.

18 years means we’re still a youngster – but in the digital industry, we’re one of

the older ones! Lately I’ve been tempted to change the title on my business card to “Senior Consultant”, although I’m not quite sure I’m ready to admit that yet. But I am immensely proud to still be here, proud to still be doing what I do, and proud of what NSDesign has achieved over our 18 year childhood and adolescence.

So now we’ve come of age – it’s time to grow up. To continue to evolve. To embrace change and never stand still as the pace of digital continues at a rate quicker than ever before. To do our bit by helping others, continuing to expand our training services to deliver the very best (and most up to date) advice and best practice through organisations such as

Gary Ennis, Founder and Managing Director of NSDesign Ltd

Business Gateway and their Digital Boost initiative. And to encourage growing businesses to nurture new talent in the form of digital natives – a win-win for both sides.

Without doubt there are some exciting times ahead for NSDesign, the digital industry, and for all businesses – whether starting out, or evolving. “Alexa, what does the future look like”…. (here’s a hint – you’re talking to it).

But before all that – time for a celebratory drink down the pub – now that we’re old enough!

And yes – I do have ID thank you bartender.

Hillington, Friday 5th May 2017

EMBRACE THE SPACE Spaces are still available for NSDesign’s “Embrace the Space” social media masterclass on 5th May. A full day packed with business advice around effective use of social media. Contact Gary and the team for an exclusive Chamber member special discount. Be quick, this event is always a sell out!

Business Matters Spring 2017

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New team marks first anniversary at Volkswagen Van Centre Glasgow Darnley

A new team is celebrating the first anniversary of a van centre in Glasgow with a pledge to forge strong links with the local businesses and community.

Volkswagen Van Centre Glasgow Darnley, part of the Lookers group (which includes Taggarts) is a modern motor retailer that operates from over 160 franchise dealerships, representing 31 vehicle manufacturers and deliver over 200,000 vehicles a years to customers across the UK and Ireland.

The van centre, based on Kennishead Road, now has a new dedicated team in place, led by Head of Business Stephen Whitelaw, who has worked in the motor trade for more than 30 years.

He is joined by General Sales Manager Brian Shields, from the Southside, Glasgow, and Service Manager Ian Coyle, from Croftfoot, who bring with them a wealth of experience.

Andrew Hall, Commercial Vehicles Brand Director for Lookers, said: “It is fitting that we now have a dedicated team in place as the van centre marks one year. We are forging links with local businesses and are pleased to be investing in an area that gives easy access to south Glasgow and into Ayrshire.”

Stephen, from Brookfield, said: “We are a fairly new van centre and are determined to build up a strong reputation for meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers. The site opened as part of an expansion by Lookers and we aim to build more of an awareness of the service that we can provide.”

Brian, who started a career in the motor industry in 1997, said he had taken on the role as he was determined to build on customer relationships and develop his team. He added: “The customer is centric to everything and we are here to provide

a service, and be the go-to guys for VW vans.”

Ian, who has worked abroad for many years, said: “I have experience working with different cultures and have built up a vast knowledge of the motor trade, especially through managing different skill sets and techniques. There are exciting times ahead.”

One member of the Lookers team who is especially pleased to be marking the van centre’s first anniversary is Franchise Director Duncan McPhee who originally comes from Campbeltown.

He said: “I am delighted that we are investing in the local area. We are really committed to creating the awareness of this fantastic new facility and are determined to deliver an exceptional customer service.

“We have a great team with decades of experience between them, we’re well placed to move the van centre forward.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

The Caddy Black Edition.

From £189 a month* on contract hire.^

For business users only.

Includes a lot of extra spec for a little extra.

The new Caddy Black has all the practical qualities, comfort and outstanding value that made the Caddy Highline’s reputation. Its stand-out features include the deep black pearl metallic paint with body-coloured bumpers, side strips, mirror caps and black roof rails. What’s more, for just an extra £800 more than the Highline, we’re offering £2,000 worth of equipment. (See below.)

With a limited edition of only 500 vehicles, we suggest you lose no time in making a date with the Caddy Black. It’s available to order now.

The spec that’s a lot more than you might expect.

• Black Edition’ decal • Leather multi-function steering wheel • Passenger seat lumbar adjustment • Rubber load floor covering • Full-height solid bulkhead • Suspension lowered by 2.7cm • Driver alert • Front fog lights with cornering function • Climatic air conditioning • Asymmetric rear wing doors with black opaque glass • Unique 17-inch ‘Canyon’ alloys in silver and black.

Lookers Van Centre Glasgow Darnley 901 Kennishead Road, Darnley, Glasgow. Telephone: 0141 301 2309.

Find us on your sat -nav using G53 7RA. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/glasgow-west

^At the end of the agreement the vehicle and ownership rights will stay with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Financial Services. *All prices shown are ex VAT. Initial customer rental £1,200.00. Business users only. Based on a 48 month, 10,000 mile per annum [non-maintained] Contract Hire agreement on Caddy Black Edition. 6.98p per mile excess mileage charges apply. Offer available until 3rd April, 2017 from participating Van Centres. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Further charges may apply when vehicle is returned, subject to the contract fair wear and tear guidelines and mileage. VAT payable at a prevailing rate. Finance subject to status. 18s and over. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Accurate at time of publication [03/2017]. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Financial Services. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them.

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Business Matters Spring 2017

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‘Meeting your safety needs’

Tel: 0141 427 6655 Email: info@clydesafety.com www.clydesafety.com

Based in Hillington, but keeping all of Scotland Safe: • Fire Extinguisher Supply & Maintenance • Fire Risk Assessments • Portable Appliance Testing

As part of The Clyde Group, Clyde Safety was formed to meet the safety needs of businesses throughout Scotland.

We pride ourselves on the professional and personable approach taken by our staff to ensure your business premises, staff and customers are kept safe through minimum disruption and in a timely manner.

We also offer complete peace of mind. Our fully qualified staff will work with you to ensure that all of your safety needs are met, and we will keep records of all work carried out, contacting you when renewals are due, leaving you free to focus on business priorities.

Clyde Safety offer a wide range of safety services for public and private businesses: • Fire Risk Assessments • Fire Extinguisher Supply and Maintenance • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) • Boat Safety Examinations We also believe in providing transparency in the cost of our services which is why you can see our full pricing structure before contacting us by visiting www.clydesafety.com

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

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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AbleMed Health on the Mystery that is Occupational Health

Your Medical Made Easy

industry sector and health risk • studying how individuals work AbleMed Health is an healthcare exposures to their employees and how their workplace can be provider based in the Central belt • conduct pre-employment health improved to enable better working of Scotland, who during it’s day assessments plus industry and practices to the benefit of the to day activity is very often asked company specific medicals employee and employer “What is Occupational Health?”

• support health promotion, wellness • regularly monitoring the health and “Why do we need it?”. In an lth Ltd is an experienced Occupational Health Provider of based in the Central the workforce with Belt theirof fullScotland, and education programmes attempt to reach a wider audience cilities in Glasgow and Dundee.

We will work as your occupational health partner • offer advice and counselling to permission and in confidencewith no here is what we hope provides a mber of employees or location of your business; we can provide onsite occupational employees around health and non• supporting the effective and health simple explanation to Occupational health-related areas objective management of sickness Health and the benefits of using alth and absence management based upon yourthe requirements.

• provide an employer with advice and absence. This is good for an associated healthcare services. lth provides a comprehensive and quality occupational employer, health andhowever travel health services to guidance to enable them to making it is particularly d individuals. We provide travel health support and vaccination services and are Fever effective adjustments to work place beneficial for an employeeYellow to return What is Occupational Health (OH) e offer a flexible service thathealth meetsisour client’sofrequirements and as expectations. conditions to the benefit of both the to work quickly as possible.

Occupational a branch employer and employee.

Healthcare provision that focuses on • Offer specialist support services eg An occupational health service the physical and mental wellbeing of • To ensure compliance with statutory and Physiotherapy and Occupational provider can: employees in the workplace. The aim regulatory requirements and legislation (HSE, Hygiene • work with an employer to of occupational health is to prevent independent and evidenceillness basedand injury by:MCA & OGUK) implement policies and ensure work-related factors relating to individual’s fitness If you would like more information on and management safety compliance • To provide health exemplary reports that • within this there are certain • encouraging safe working practices at work. provides clear and definitive responses to questions Occupational health and the related benefits please contact Mike on 07825 mandatory HSE guidelines that all and a proactive approach to relating to employee health and well-being. and support the health and wellbeing 443573, Hazel on 0141 551 3640 or business should be aware of and healthcare force.

• To professionally medical on assessment email enquiries@ablemedhealth.co.uk complyconduct with dependant the

OCUS:

and advise managers on how to health and absence management.

aligned with regulatory guidelines and standards e.g. OGUK (Oil and Gas).

iries@ablemedhealth.co.uk

City Park, 368 Alexandra Parade, G31 3AU / Tel: 0141 551 3640 thin the Michelin Tyre PLC), Baldovie Road, DD4 8UQ / Tel: 01382 773850

AbleMed Health Ltd is an experienced Occupational Health Provider based in the Central Belt of Scotland, with clinical facilities in Glasgow and Dundee. We will work as your occupational health partner with no limits to the number of employees or location of your business; we can provide onsite occupational health support, ill health and absence management based upon your requirements.

AbleMed Health provides a comprehensive and quality occupational health and travel health services to businesses and individuals. We provide travel health support and vaccination services and are Yellow Fever registered. We offer a flexible service that meets our client’s requirements and expectations.

OUR FOCUS: • To offer an independent and evidence based opinion on factors relating to individual’s fitness and health at work.

• To improve and support the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

• To support and advise managers on how to manage ill health and absence management.

• To ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and legislation (HSE, MCA & OGUK) • To provide exemplary management reports that provides clear and definitive responses to questions relating to employee health and well-being.

• To professionally conduct medical assessment aligned with regulatory guidelines and standards e.g. OGUK (Oil and Gas).

EMAIL: enquiries@ablemedhealth.co.uk GLASGOW City Park, 368 Alexandra Parade, G31 3AU / Tel: 0141 551 3640 DUNDEE (within the Michelin Tyre PLC), Baldovie Road, DD4 8UQ / Tel: 01382 773850

Your Medical Made Easy

Business Matters Spring 2017

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Who’s the employer?

As we all know, employment law is fascinating, giving rise to complex rights and remedies.

Key to unlocking many of these rights, however, is the thorny issue of employment status. This is an important issue that vexes many within the construction sector given the different types of staffing arrangements.

A recent case considered the issue as to what is required in order to determine whether an individual is an employee (with access to all employment rights, including unfair dismissal etc), a worker (with more limited rights, including to claim unlawful discrimination and the benefits of the Working Time Regulations) or someone who is genuinely self-employed. This issue has also been of considerable concern to the so called “gig economy” as the well publicised Tribunal decision in the Uber case (and appeal) shows.

The case of Pimlico Plumbers v Smith involved a plumber who had signed a contract stating he was selfemployed. He raised unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and other claims. Was he an employee, worker or neither?

Mr Smith was required to work a minimum number of working hours each week, wear a uniform (with Pimlico’s logo) and use a branded van leased from Pimlico for his work.

The contract restricted his ability to work for himself or other companies stating that he could only swap jobs with other Pimlico workers. He could choose when he worked, which jobs he accepted and was required to provide his own tools and equipment.

He also filed self-employed tax returns, dealt with his own insurance, was VAT registered and submitted VAT invoices.

The Employment Tribunal found that Mr Smith was not an employee (and therefore unable to claim unfair dismissal), essentially because there was no obligation on the company to provide any work and the obligation to pay was limited. However, he was found to be a worker and could claim disability discrimination, holiday pay and unlawful deduction of wages. On appeal, the Court said the Tribunal was right to regard Mr Smith as “an integral part of [Pimlico Plumbers’] operations and subordinate to [it]”.

The Judge noted that “the case puts a spotlight on a business model under which operatives are intended to appear to clients of the business as working for the business, but at the same time the business itself seeks to maintain that, as between itself and its operatives, there is a legal relationship of client or customer and independent contractor rather than employer and employee or worker”.

The Court found that Mr Smith was obliged to work a minimum number

He raised unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and other claims. Was he an employee, worker or neither?

David Hoey, Partner, Accredited Employment Law Specialist

of hours per week and held that the degree of control exercised by the company over him was inconsistent with the company being a customer or client of a business operated by Mr Smith. It further held that the Tribunal had been correct to place weight on the onerous post-termination restrictions in the agreement between the parties which prevented Mr Smith from working as a plumber within a restricted area for three months after the relationship ended. He was therefore a “worker”.

This reminds all employers to carefully consider the status of all individuals providing services. The label applied by the parties is only one indicator and Tribunals will look at the full factual matrix to determine legal status. If you engage workers maybe it’s time to check their status. Speak to your friendly employment lawyer to help you unlock the employment law secrets…

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

13

West College Scotland: Excellent Conference Facilities Near You

West College Scotland offers conference facilities at our campuses in Paisley, Clydebank and Greenock. In addition to an excellent range of conference and learning spaces, we offer first-class support and services which can be tailored to meet your specific needs – at competitive rates.

Convenient locations Our facilities are conveniently located at our three campuses, each having excellent links to the central Scotland motorway network and Glasgow International Airport. With extensive free car-parking, we provide a hassle-free alternative to city centre conference venues.

Excellent range of conference and learning spaces From 10 people study room settings for interactive workshops to 100+ theatre seating plan for plenary sessions, our facilities offer the flexibly to suit your needs.

What you can expect to get When you book a space at our centres, you can expect to get a wide-range of services and support, including: Free wireless Full technical and event support Free parking Excellent catering service Lecture theatre and a range of meeting rooms AV facilities Flexible spaces for groups of up to 120 delegates

What our clients say “We have continued to use WCS business conference facilities for over 18 months to deliver on-going programmes from first line to senior management on behalf of a well-known engineering company. The service and facilities certainly more than meet expectations. The team was most helpful, organised, courteous, professional and addressed any queries or issues quickly. The main room on offer is bright, well equipped with striking views over the river Clyde.”

JULIE FALLON, TRAINER, DUTTON FISHER ASSOCIATES LTD “I would just like to say a big thank you to you and the staff at the College who have all helped in making the SUSS event such a success. The support in the lead up to and during the event was great and this contributed to the smooth running of the event on the day. Please can you pass on my thanks to all those involved, we cannot thank you enough.”

JANE ROBINSON, ADMIN COORDINATOR, SSERC (SCOTTISH, SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, RESEARCH, CENTRE) “Skills Development Scotland were delighted with the standard of professional assistance, catering facilities and use of technology on the day of our event. The event went so smoothly and the staff could not have been more helpful. We will certainly use the facilities again at West college Scotland, which are located within easy reach of Paisley and surrounding areas.”

JOHN LINDSAY, NATIONAL OPERATIONS, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND (SDS)

0141 581 2237 www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk corporate@wcs.ac.uk

Business Matters Spring 2017

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Brexit will affect Brands The withdrawal of the UK from the EU will have a significant impact on life in the UK, particularly how businesses in the UK trade with our European neighbours and how they trade with us.

The registration of trade marks helps to protect a business’s brand or logo, which might be the business’s most valuable asset. It is difficult to value trade marks accurately, but Government research shows that, on average, 80% of the value of the FTSE top 100 companies is held in intangible assets, including trade marks, confidential information, etc.

Presently, trade marks that have been

registered with either the UK or the European Union Intellectual Property Offices have statutory protection in the UK. This may change once the UK has left the EU and the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (the professional organisation for those involved with trade mark matters in the UK) has begun exploring options to prevent the loss of registered rights in the UK currently conferred by EU trade marks, many of which are owned by UK businesses. The Institute favours an outcome which minimizes the cost and resource burden to business while maximizing legal certainty.

Politicians will decide on the UK’s

future trading relationship with the EU, including any new trade mark framework. The best course of action is to review trade mark portfolios now to ensure that your trade marks are protected where required and to develop a plan to ensure that rights are maintained when the law changes.

Creation IP Limited assists businesses of all shapes and sizes identify, protect, nurture and enforce their Intellectual Property.

Douglas Thomson and Cat Good Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys Creation IP Limited. Hillington 0141 585 6472 mailbox@creationip.com

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When Mark and Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Alison Prosper Hazell decided to turn their

15

hobby of home-brewing into a business they sought support from Business Gateway.

SPECIALIST BUSINESS SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT Download our free business support app.

Growing a business presents challenges and opportunities in equal measure. There is no one solution that fits every venture and that is why it is important to get the advice that is right for you.

In addition to a comprehensive online resource, one to one support from a team of experienced business advisers and an Information Service that has access to a wealth of invaluable market and industry intelligence, Business Gateway also offers a free event programme that focuses on the issues that matter to the business community.

“Every year we help thousands of businesses take the next step on the growth ladder,” said Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at the Business Gateway National Unit.

“We can offer access to a range of professional services designed to help take your business forward. Everything from networking opportunities to market research, exporting, financial planning, and recruitment and training.”

With a network of local offices across the country, including three in Renfrewshire located in Paisley, Barrhead and Greenock, Business Gateway is ideally positioned to provide support that specifically addresses the issues of those businesses working within a particular location.

“Our advisers can quickly and expertly identify which of our services will most benefit a company’s core business objectives, tailoring support to meet their needs,” continued Hugh.

“With their in depth local knowledge they are perfectly placed to link businesses with individuals and organisations within the local business community who can help them develop and grow.”

The advisers, many of whom have run their own business or held senior positions within industry, have the skills, practical experience and network of valuable contacts to help business owners achieve their objectives.

Business Gateway’s Information

Mark Hamilton - Hamilton Made

Service is an invaluable source of market intelligence that can help Scottish business owners identify opportunities, target new markets, make informed decisions and ultimately grow their companies.

The experienced team can source business information in a variety of specialist areas: • Market Intelligence - information about specific industry sectors or markets • Company Reports - credit reports and company accounts • Company databases - lists of businesses operating in a particular industry and/or location Statistics & Demographics To find out how Business Gateway can help you visit www.bgateway.com or

call your local office: Business Gateway Renfrewshire 0141 530 2406; Business Gateway Inverclyde 01475 778 465; Business Gateway East Renfrewshire 0141 530 5314.

Testimonials “Business Gateway Renfrewshire helped plug our knowledge gaps without having to hire specialists” Paul Tindal, Cofficient “Business Gateway helped me secure a grant to buy essential equipment.”

Mark Hamilton, Hamilton Made “The support we have had from Business Gateway Inverclyde since our inception was invaluable” Heather McCulloch, The Pirate and the Bluebelle

Business Matters Spring 2017

16

Wilma’s on the Rockies after winning intu contest WILMA Annan is feeling on top of the world after her dream of visiting The Rockies in Canada just came true.

Now there will be plenty mountains high enough for the cleaning supervisor at intu Braehead after she swept to victory in a national competition for staff run by the centre’s owners.

The 67 year old from Hunterhill, in Paisley was voted tops by intu in their Win Your Dream initiative, which is open to thousands of staff working in all the company’s 14 shopping centres throughout the UK. The initiative celebrates employees across intu who have gone above and beyond to deliver the intu brand promise of making people smile, whether to intu’s 35 million customers, its tenants and members of the public.

Wilma won her £10,000 dream trip to Canada - where she will also visit nieces she hasn’t seen in 13 years, in Toronto.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to go on tour in The Canadian Rockies after I’d seen the fantastic scenery on television and in movies, but I thought I would never have been able to afford it.

“It will also be great seeing my nieces again after so long.”

Every year staff at intu are asked to write down what their dream prize would be if they won a quarterly award worth £1000 and also what their big wish would be if they go on to win the national Win Your Dream prize worth £10,000.

Staff are nominated by colleagues for going the extra mile in their jobs and each centre has a monthly prize of a £50 intu Gift Card with the winner qualifying for the national quarterly prize.

The quarterly prizewinner then goes on to compete in the national Win Your Dream title.

Wilma travelled to London for the finalists’ lunch at The Savoy hosted by intu’s top executives, and she admits she couldn’t believe it when her name was announced as the national winner.

Wilma Annan after receiving her Win Your Dream Award

Wilma said: “I was flabbergasted, but I was over the moon and for once, I was lost for words.

“It’s great that the company are rewarding staff with the fabulous prizes in the Win Your Dream competition. I don’t know of any other company doing anything as big as this.”

Wilma had already won a trip to Benidorm she had chosen as her dream prize in the quarterly round of the competition.

Gary Turnbull, intu Braehead’s general

manager said: “Wilma has been one of the unsung heroes at intu Braehead and she’s been here for more than 17 years since the centre opened in 1999.

“We’re delighted that Wilma’s dedication to her job and to our shoppers has now been recognised. The Win Your Dream contest is just one way the company shows how much they appreciate their staff.

“She might be heading for The Rockies, but Wilma is one of the rocks that the foundation of our success is built on.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

17

REWARDS MADE EASY Make an impact in your business with an intu Gift Card and join our charge FREE scheme which allows you to thank your hard working employees or perhaps recognise your valued customers or drive new customers to your business!

The intu Gift Card is a prepaid MasterCard® gift card, but it’s also so much more…

The intu Gift Card is accepted at more than 120 participating retailers at intu Braehead ranging from fashion, beauty, home ware, food and fun things to do at intu Braehead and Soar at intu Braehead.

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 intu Braehead.

We are delighted to introduce our new Corporate Gift Card Portal. Our FREE dedicated online portal is a secure tool for corporate clients enabling you to issue intu Gift Cards from the comfort of your computer! So convenient and hassle free.

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Don’t hesitate to get in touch should you wish to proceed opening an intu Gift Card Corporate Portal or have any questions on alternative processes available.

For a great incentive or generous reward choose the intu Gift Card today.

Business Matters Spring 2017

18

Digital Paisley patterns for the world exhibit declared a success A ground-breaking digital art exhibition, Paisley Pearls, commissioned by University of the West of Scotland in support of Paisley 2021, has completed a hugely successful 16-week run at Paisley Museum and created over 80,000 unique Paisley patterns, enough for every resident of the town. It is anticipated that throughout the lifespan of the artwork, it will create 7.3 billion unique digital pearlescent forms one for every living person The project was commissioned and managed

by Professor Nick Higgins, Director of the UWS Creative Media Academy in association with New Media Scotland.

Launched at the Museum on 2 November 2016, after a series of public engagement workshops with UWS students,

Paisley schoolchildren and community groups, the installation completed its run in February. Visitors to the exhibition saw specially coded software generate unique digital patterns displayed on a high-definition screen mounted within a 19th century style weaving loom.

The ambitious £25,000 project, funded by UWS and Renfrewshire Council, was the final outcome of the inaugural UWS Paisley Digital Art Commission originated

by UWS Creative Media Academy and awarded to the award-winning artist duo Vicky Isley and Paul Smith aka boredomresearch.

A specially created screen that presents the Paisley Life forms originally displayed as part of the Museum installation will, over coming months, be

UWS Professor Nick Higgins of UWS (centre) with Paul Smith and Vicky Isley

installed in the UWS Paisley Campus atrium and run the digital artworks. The Paisley Pearls installation will also go

on a national tour, as well as to Columbia in the US as part of an international art exhibition later this year.

UWS start-up company set for solid success Marta Zurakowska, a recent PhD graduate of UWS has launched her company UK Stone Doctor Ltd with support from the University’s Enterprise Services.

Marta established UK Stone Doctor Ltd in Paisley due to its outstanding built heritage with the Scotland’s largest number of listed buildings in conservation areas. Most of the buildings in Scotland are made of stone and the majority of them require ongoing facade upkeep. Marta, whose PhD studies focused on buildings conservation, wanted to use her expertise and knowledge gained through studying at UWS to support the construction and architectural sectors.

The company offers a specialist on-site stone consultancy service operating across central Scotland and provides practical technical advice and specialist surveys on preserving stone and rammed earth materials in buildings and structures

for architects, historic building specialists, stone suppliers and construction professionals.

Already Marta has initial contracts with Greyfriars Church in Aberdeen and with Marischal College in Aberdeen, providing her expertise, passion and knowledge to the successful stone cleaning of the College.

Marta who is a passionate entrepreneur said: “I can’t thank UWS enough for their support in getting my company up and running. There is a real gap in the market for expert stone consultancy and the response I have already received from prospective clients has been great.”

Marta has been receiving ongoing support from the University’s Enterprise Services to turn her business plans into reality, developing a limited company and in accessing accelerator programmes such as the Enterprise Campus.

Visit www.ukstonedoctor.co.uk to find out more.

Marta Zurakowska

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Professor Mahoney and Lord Smith of Kelvin

Lord Smith of Kelvin officially opens International Research & Enterprise Centre Lord Smith of Kelvin Kt CH officially launched University of the West of Scotland’s new International Research & Enterprise Centre at the University’s Paisley Campus on Wednesday 8 February 2017.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, a highly respected figure in the Scottish business sector, has extremely strong links with UWS and held the post of Chancellor of the University from 2003 to 2013.

The new Centre is an innovative hub bringing together the complementary departments of Research and Impact Development, Enterprise and Employer Engagement, and the Graduate School incorporating the Doctoral Training Academy and External Engagement.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “We are delighted to have named our new International Research & Enterprise Centre after Lord Smith of Kelvin, who has been a fantastic supporter of UWS for

many years.

“The growth of Research and Enterprise forms one of the three strategic priorities for the University, and the Centre has been created to facilitate partnership, support staff and to stimulate connections that will develop into long term beneficial relationships and will benefit staff and students

alike in developing new initiatives. It is particularly pleasing to be able to name the Centre after such a highly successful figure as Lord Smith and we are delighted to continue our association with him.”

A particular feature of the Centre is its external focus – with all departments being outward looking to business partners, stakeholders and students and applicants. There is a specific focus on student and staff enterprise, and a number of start-up and spinout businesses are being supported via the hub facilities and staff.

Lord Smith of Kelvin said: “I enjoy a long-standing and close association with University of the West of Scotland and it was a huge honour to have their impressive, new International Research & Enterprise Centre named after me. It was great to visit UWS for this launch and see the exciting developments that are taking place at the University.”

Business Matters Spring 2017

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UWS ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVE TO MEET INDUSTRY SKILLS GAP University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has been awarded funding of over £2million from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to design and deliver Graduate Level Apprenticeship programmes in Software Development and Engineering Design and Manufacturing.

The University’s School of Engineering and Computing will offer the two new work-based learning programmes in areas where skills gaps have been identified. Scheduled to get underway in September 2017, the Graduate Level Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for apprentices to work with leading employers while studying for an Honours Degree at UWS. Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal

and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “As an industry-focused University, we understand the challenges that businesses face in attracting and retaining talent in key industry sectors such as IT and engineering. A welltrained, qualified and knowledgeable workforce is critical to ensuring the economic prosperity of these important areas and we are delighted to have received funding to provide Graduate Level Apprenticeships that will meet this need and offer a wider range of opportunities for even more young people, as well as for those already in employment.”

“We will build on the close links that we already enjoy with business and industry across the country, and see the GLAs as hugely beneficial for employers and employees. Apprentices

of all ages will have the opportunity to immediately apply what they learn with us in their jobs, and vice-versa and I am thrilled that we are able to be involved in this new initiative.”

Jonathan Clark, Director of Service Design and Innovation at Skills Development Scotland adds: “SDS is delighted to be working with University of the West of Scotland to deliver the Graduate Level Apprenticeships in software development and engineering design and manufacturing and we look forward to collaborating to develop the skills employers need.”

Organisations interested in finding out more about the UWS Graduate Level Apprenticeships can contact the University’s GLA team at apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

21

SALVAS

- Your personal safety and conflict resolution leaders At SALVAS we know that staff at the sharp end are under pressure from an increasingly demanding, and, sometimes, hostile, public.

We design and deliver personal safety and conflict resolution training across a wide range of services and industries, including retail, leisure, hospitality, security, events, facilities, univerities, colleges, transport, local authorities and central government.

Our experienced and qualified tutors design and deliver highly-effective, tried-and-tested training, at a keen price, increasing staff skills and confidence in reducing conflict , dealing with difficult situations and protecting organisation reputations.

SALVAS director, Michael Greville, says: “Managers are legally required to ensure that front-facing staff are trained to work safely and effectively in stressful and sometimes dangerous situations. Staff need to be able to deal confidently, knowledgeably, legally, and effectively with the challenges they face. Our conflict resolution and staff personal safety training helps you meet those needs”.

Contact Michael on 0141 611 9610 or e-mail info@salvas.co.uk for an initial chat

SALVAS LTD CONFLICT RESOLUTION & PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING LEADERS

As a Renfrewshire-based company, we advise you and tailor accredited training including e-learning, to meet your needs in: • Conflict resolution • Lone worker personal safety • Physical intervention - disengagement and holding skills • Terrorist Attack Survival skills and Emergency ‘Grab Bags’ • Manager skills for supporting Staff dealing with Conflict

To discuss your training needs with Michael, call 0141 611 9601 or e-mail info@salvas.co.uk

RENFREW FOOTBALL CLUB

SPORTSMAN’S DINNER Friday 5th May 2017 THE NORMANDY HOTEL - 7.00PM 3 COURSE DINNER, GUEST SPEAKERS, AUCTION, RAFFLE

GUEST SPEAKERS: KENNY CLARK (Football Referee) CHICK YOUNG (Broadcaster) DAVID LIVINGSTONE (Sky Sports Presenter)

TABLE OF 10: £300.00 INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: £30.00 pp To book tickets or for further info please call The Club on 0141 886 7453 or visit www.renfrewfc.co.uk

Business Matters Spring 2017

22

JUSTICE SECRETARY MICHAEL MATHESON HELPS LAUNCH GLASGOW AIRPORT’S 2017 CAMPUS WATCH INITIATIVE - Airport’s industry-leading approach to tackling disruptive behaviour now in its fourth year Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson recently visited Glasgow Airport to help launch this year’s Campus Watch drive ahead of the 2017 summer season.

The Justice Secretary was briefed on Glasgow’s successful Campus Watch programme by members of the senior management team and representatives from Police Scotland who are based at the airport.

Campus Watch was introduced in 2013 in partnership with Police Scotland to tackle disruptive behaviour at Glasgow Airport and provides training, advice and support to staff who interact with passengers on a daily basis. This includes check-in staff, security teams, bar and restaurant employees, retailers and airline crews.

One of the key aims of the initiative is early intervention. Staff across the campus are encouraged to report the details of any potential incident of disruptive behaviour to the airport’s central control room through a dedicated phone number printed on each employee’s ID badge.

This information, including passenger description and travel details, is shared with staff across the airport campus via a rapid text alert system.

Disruptive behaviour covers a broad range of offences, but if the incident is alcohol related the passenger involved will be refused service across all retail outlets and gate staff will be notified in advance.

Glasgow Airport managing director Amanda McMillan said: “For many of our passengers, their holiday begins the moment they arrive at the airport and we want them to continue to enjoy a memorable but ultimately safe and disruption-free experience.

“Our Campus Watch initiative ensures we work closely on a daily basis with our airline partners, retailers, caterers and

Amanda McMillan MD Glasgow Airport, Inspector Bob Smith, Glasgow Airport Police Commander, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson

Police Scotland representatives by taking a rigorous and proactive approach to address and often pre-empt incidents of disruptive behaviour at the airport.

“It’s important to stress that the vast majority of people travelling through the airport do so responsibly, and that instances of disruptive behaviour are extremely rare. In 2016 we carried a record 9.4 million passengers and during this time our staff and partners dealt with 125 incidents of disruptive behaviour involving alcohol.

Other steps taken at Glasgow Airport as part of the Campus Watch initiative include: • Police Scotland patrols at the drop-off area ahead of potentially problematic flights • Airlines make airport-based Police Scotland officers aware of group bookings • Police Scotland officers make themselves known to large groups arriving at the airport • Duty free staff will also remind passengers the alcohol they purchase

is for export only and cannot be consumed in the airport or on board an aircraft Inspector Bob Smith, Glasgow Airport Police Commander, said: “We work on a daily basis with our airline and airport partners to reduce the impact of potentially disruptive passengers.

“Glasgow Airport has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable or disruptive behaviour. Thankfully incidents of this type are rare but the when they do occur, they can delay flights, affect local businesses in the airport and ultimately cause misery to other passengers.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “All travellers should be able to enjoy their time in an airport, whether it’s enjoying a bite to eat, perusing the shops or having a bit of quiet time.

“There is no excuse for passengers being disruptive, and while the vast majority are well behaved, a small minority can cause problems and I am very pleased to see such initiative being shown at Glasgow Airport.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

23

Podiatry... it could be your solution!

Podiatry Solutions is a new musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry service. MSK problems present as muscle or joint aches and pains in the back, hips, knees or feet.

Symptoms can be due to the way we walk.

Podiatry Solutions utilises the latest technology and approaches, based on current medical research, to deal with these issues. Medical insoles called orthotics are frequently prescribed. They are softer than most traditional orthotics, yet provide support in the right places and will last for up to 5 years (without the need for adjustment).

Podiatry Solution orthotics can therefore fit easily into sport and golf shoes and corporate footwear.

Flying Feet is a branch of Podiatry Solutions that specialises in aviation and corporate podiatry. It aims to improve productivity by reducing the incidence of sickness due to podiatry related problems. Flying Feet also offers practical advice with regard to corporate footwear and safety shoes and assists occupational health departments introduce podiatry into the workplace.

Margaret Grace 07900948814 info@podiatrysolutions.co.uk www.podiatrysolutions.co.uk

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02/03/2017 12:48

Business Matters Spring 2017

24

bizanywhere announced as main sponsor of Business Matters in Renfrewshire 2017 Leading cloud & digital tec company bizanywhere have been confirmed as main sponsor for Business Matters in Renfrewshire, the largest free event of its type in the area taking place on Thursday 18th May at the Lagoon, Paisley.

Nick Cohen, founder & CEO said “We are delighted to support Business Matters this year and look forward to delivering our informative seminar session on the day highlighting how businesses can improve productivity by utilising the cloud and the latest digital technology available”. pcr celebrates its 13th year this year, the company has spent its existence supporting and managing IT on behalf of SMEs all over the country In 2015, Microsoft launched Windows 10 and the whole industry took a further step into the cloud with less ‘buying’ and more ‘subscribing’ but we still have

Nick Cohen Founder & CEO pcr/bizanywhere

to invest and buy our hardware bizanywhere provides SMEs with a low cash subscription model that includes cloud services, on-going IT support BUT also hardware At the end of the service, we replace the hardware with new devices so you’re never running on old desktops, laptops or tablets.

New Chamber Directors announced

Iain Donaldson

Scott Taylor

Gary Turnbull

Three new directors of the chamber have recently been confirmed following election at the Chamber Annual General Meeting Iain Donaldson, Relationship Director with RBS, (left) Scott Taylor, CEO Advance City Marketing (middle) and

Gary Turnbull, General Manager intu Braehead. (right) Tom Johnston, President commented “The appointment of Iain Donaldson representing the banking sector, Scott Taylor representing tourism, place & marketing, and Gary

Turnbull representing the retail sector demonstrates our commitment to strengthen the skillset of the Chamber board and better represent our members. I am sure they will prove to be valuable additions to the Board of Directors.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

B2B2017 - BUSINESS MATTERS IN RENFREWSHIRE Business Matters in Renfrewshire returns on Thursday 18th May. Taking place at the Lagoon, Paisley 10am-4pm the area’s largest free b2b event is this year sponsored by bizanywhere.

SEMINAR 1

Mark and Alison Hazell Jaw Brew

10.15-11.00AM GET YOUR BUSINESS INTO GEAR Tech, the Cloud & Cyber Security: How your business can improve productivity & how to protect it. With Nick Cohen from bizanywhere & Stuart MacDonald from Seric Systems.

Exhibitors so far...

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.

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.

SEMINAR 2 11.15AM-12PM Expo Ren: How to Develop your International Business

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.

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.

“ I’d like to update my professional qualifications ” West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills.

SEMINAR 3 12.15-1PM Renfrewshire Council: Paisley 2021/Invest in Renfrewshire/City Deal SEMINAR 4

BUSINESS

MENTORING

1.15-2PM Making Change Easy: The Psychology of Motivation and how your organisation can benefit.

With Brian Costello from Headstong.

THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND

First Aid

Clydebank Campus 0141 951 7555 Greenock Campus 01475 553 044 Paisley Campus 0141 581 2121

t

0300 600 6060

w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

SEMINAR 5 2.15-3PM Social Media – Pay to Play: 5 Paid advertising strategies to stand out from the crowd. Our Business Mentoring service can help you With Gary Ennis from NSDesign. realise your business growth ambitions.

SEMINAR 6

To find out more about our free service, email mentoring@scottishchambers.org.uk or call us on 0845 609 6622. www.scottish-enterprise.com/mentor

3.15-4PM Sell More by Selling Less: learn how stopping selling will result in higher win rates, better customer relations and great introductions for new biz. With Alan Mackie from Sandler Training.

The day is free to attend and open to all businesses, schools pupils and students.

There is a charge to exhibit - please contact the Chamber (£150+vat members, £250+vat non members) The event is now open for registration.

To book your free place to attend please go to www.renfrewshirechamber.com Twitter hashtag is #b2bpaisley

25

Business Matters Spring 2017

26

Annual Member Survey 2017 Thanks to all chamber members that have completed our annual survey. We received close to 80 responses and your feedback will help the Chamber team plan for the coming year.

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Don’t use / not relev.

Poor

Satisf.

Good

Excell’t

Our events (networking lunches / seminars etc..)

15

0

4

24

33

93%

96%

98%

99%

91%

90%

90%

The ROCCO Awards

25

0

3

12

36

94%

97%

99%

98%

95%

91%

92%

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

53

0

3

11

9

87%

78%

87%

86%

76%

74%

81%

Export Documentation

59

0

1

2

14

94%

93%

100%

81%

82%

80%

100% 83%

% Good / % Good / % Good / % Good / % Good / % Good / % Good / excell’t excell’t excell’t excell’t excell’t excell’t excell’t

Business Mentoring

46

1

1

12

16

93%

87%

93%

94%

89%

85%

Business Centre / Meeting Rooms

51

0

7

11

7

72%

62%

83%

82%

85%

63%

71%

Business Matters magazine

8

0

5

33

30

93%

93%

96%

97%

86%

84%

87%

eNews (email bulletin)

16

1

5

31

23

90%

86%

90%

93%

85%

87%

84%

Website

12

1

7

32

24

88%

89%

88%

83%

79%

81%

80%

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

32

1

8

19

16

80%

92%

94%

96%

83%

84%

75%

iPhone / Android app

65

1

1

4

5

82%

74%

85%

77%

68%

74%

71%

Access to lobbying support

60

0

1

10

5

94%

60%

67%

77%

80%

64%

-

Our connections via SCC / BCC

54

0

3

12

6

86%

75%

79%

88%

89%

68%

-

The Chamber team

4

0

2

16

54

97%

96%

100%

97%

93%

96%

-

The Chamber Board

24

0

2

21

29

96%

86%

98%

88%

84%

82%

-

Opportunities to network, learn and promote biz

11

1

9

26

29

85%

85%

91%

87%

85%

83%

-

Our customer service

6

0

2

22

46

97%

96%

97%

97%

88%

92%

91%

Membership price

11

1

14

31

19

77%

70%

83%

83%

75%

77%

71%

Overall how do you rate the Chamber

0

0

3

28

45

96%

94%

98%

99%

86%

91%

85%

89%

85%

91%

85%

84%

81%

83%

Average across all: Response count 2011 = 80 • 2012 = 102 • 2013 = 88 • 2014 = 75 • 2015 = 98 • 2016 = 88 • 2017 = 76

highlighted = highest score

Chamber Charities of the Year

Kate Lennon CEO St Vincents, Bob Grant CEO RCC , Eunice Muir Chairman St Vincents & Tom Johnston President RCC

The Chamber recently visited its two main charities of the year to present cheques from monies raised via member donations from Rocco 2016, Christmas Lunch and Annual Golf Day. Our Charities this year are St Vincent’s Hospice and Street Stuff Culture Bus Project.

Commenting on the donation the charity’s chairman Eunice Muir said “We

Stephen Gallacher, Street Stuff Manager, St Mirren FC, Tony Fitzpatrick, CEO St Mirren, Carolanne Robertson, Community Safety Manager, Renfrewshire Council with Tom & Bob

would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for its continued support. We greatly appreciate all that the chamber does for the hospice.”

The Hospice offers specialised care and services to all those effected by lifelimiting illness. Services are available to all, free of charge thanks to the generosity of its local communities.

Street Stuff is a youth engagement

programme for young people (age 8 and above) in their own communities, through the deployment of mobile resources – including MUGA’s, youth buses and mobile units, Street Stuff deployed to areas where low level offending and antisocial behaviour is taking place, and has been successful in contributing to the reduction in anti social behaviour by 75% since 2009.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

27

New Members

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

Alexander Wines

Lisa Crockard Jewellery

Salt And Grit Solutions Ltd

Wine Merchant Paul Graham 0141 882 0039 paul@alexander-wines.co.uk www.alexander-wines.co.uk

Contemporary Jewellery Lisa Crockard lisacrockard@googlemail.com

Salt Importation / Farming (Turf) Angela Smith 0141 889 1455 info@saltandgritstudios.co.uk www.saltandgritsolutions.co.uk

Black Cherry Studio Ltd Printed accessories - textile, paper & metal Maxine Dickson/Jemma Wood 07891 917594 / 07921 396944 info.blackcherrystudio@gmail.com

Brick Lane Studios Music and commercial film production and events, music rehearsal and tuition company Alan McEwan 01418873803 alanbricklanestudios@gmail.com www.bricklanestudiospaisley.co.uk

Co-Op Funeral Care

Mariam Syed Woven Textiles Mariam Syed 0785 300 8985 mariam.w.syed@gmail.com

McKellar Accountancy Ltd Accountancy/Taxation Suzanne McKellar 01418492058 suzy@mckellaraccountancy.com www.mckellaraccountancy.com

Paisley Pins

Jewellery Laura Provan/ Andrea McCarthy 07866 593 141 paisleypins@gmail.com

Funeral Care Gordon Powrie 0141 889 6321 gordon.powrie@letsco-operate.com www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk/ourhomes/the-co-operative-funeralcarepaisley-4-lady-lane-paisley

Podiatry Solutions With Flying Feet

Family Business Solutions Ltd

PR Print & Design

Practical Help for Families in Business Mark Bradford (0)141 222 2820 07778 466921 mzb@ukfbs.co.uk www.ukfbs.co.uk

Harrods Dry Cleaners Garment Aftercare Specialist Adil Khan 01505 391664 info@harrodsdrycleaners.co.uk www.harrodsdrycleaners.co.uk

MSK and Aviation Podiatrist Margaret Grace 07900948814 info@podiatrysolutions.co.uk www.podiatrysolutions.co.uk

Seric Systems Ltd IT specialising in infrastructure, data mgt, security & fraud prevention Stuart MacDonald 0141 561 1161 Karen.murray@seric.co.uk www.seric.co.uk

Stevie Kidd Coaching Business Coaching/Events/Business Consultancy Stevie Kidd 07780333627 stevie@steviekidd.co.uk https://events.businesscoachingstrategy. co.uk/speakers/stevie-kidd/

The Canny Squirrel Embroidered Harris tweed cushions & accessories Katherine Pentney 07742 443 119 thecannysquirrel@gmail.com

Turbine Services

Litho Printers and Large Format Phil Brady 0141 556 5414 phil@prprint.net www.prprintanddesign.co.uk

Supply of new parts and repairs of industrial gas turbines Kirsty Babister 0141 945 7000 kbabister@tsltd.uk.com www.turbineserviceslimited.com

Procurus

Westglen Consult Ltd

Exporter Alan Larkin 0141 442 0234 alanl@procurusgroup.com www.procurusgroup.com

Project Consultants Martin Lacey 0141 406 9771 Martin.lacey@westglenconsult.com www.westglenconsult.com

Business Matters Spring 2017

28

Chamber Business Awards to showcase best of British business for 14th year running Businesses from across the UK are invited to compete in the fourteenth annual Chamber Business Awards – hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place at the Brewery, London on Thursday 30 November.

Entries open on Monday 13 March and will run until Friday 30 June. This year’s Awards are being launched at the London

Stock Exchange, where last year’s winner of Business of the Year, Scientifica, have won the special honour of opening the Exchange as a prize. Next year’s winners will have the same chance to do so, a rare opportunity for a private business.

Companies can enter nine categories, covering exports, small business, people development, technology, high-growth, customer service, partnerships with the education sector, social media, and health and wellbeing.

To enter online, go to www.chamberawards.co.uk or for further information you can contact

the Chamber Awards team on 020 7654 5800, email awards@chamberawards. co.uk or follow @chamber_awards on Twitter.

The full list of categories this year is: • High Growth Business of the Year • Education and Business Partnership • Small Business of the Year • Export Business of the Year • Commitment to People Development • Best use of Technology • Excellence in Customer Service • Health and Wellbeing • Best use of Social Media

til un ry 17 nt 20 re e fo Jun n pe th O 30

Chamber team updates The chamber team recently bade farewell to Membership Manager Euan Keltie. Euan has worked with the chamber for 5 ½ years having joined from Erskine High aged 17 in a 1 year management trainee role having won Euan Keltie & Tom Johnston the position via the recruit program delivered by Invest in Renfrewshire. Euan progressed through the ranks at the chamber and was promoted to membership manager last year. We wish him well in his future career.

New team member Carol Griffiths has joined the Chamber at the end of March.

Carol joins us from Sheffield Chamber having recently relocated to Scotland.

Carols’ role is membership administrator and will also Carol Griffiths Membership Administrator be supporting or export documentation service. Look out for Carol at an event soon.

Chamber Business Awards 2017 – Open for Entry Recognising and rewarding excellence in British business, the Chamber Business Awards is one of the UK’s most contested and prestigious business award programmes. Each year, from Aberdeen to Cornwall, organisations of all sizes and from all sectors compete for the coveted titles and the national recognition they bring. Free entry for members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce. Non-members entry fee £199 +VAT. Visit www.chamberawards.co.uk now to view the 2017 Awards and to start your entry.

To view the categories and to enter, visit www.chamberawards.co.uk #chamberawards

Sponsored by:

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

29

Chamber Up & Pictures Coming

Events

Out-going President Audrey Cumberford presents chain of office to Tom Johnston

Presentation of thanks Audrey Cumberford

See our events section on our website: www.renfrewshirechamber.com 0141 847 5450 events@renfrewshirechamber.com Customer Service Mentoring Group “The Disney Way” with Colin Neill Friday 21st April 8.30am-11am Friday 28th April & Friday 12th May @ Chamber

Christmas Lunch 2016

Burns Piper Russell Campbell

Burns Speaker John Hutcheson

Burns Singer Robyn Stapleton accompanied

by Innes White

April Networking Lunch Thursday 27th April Andrew Malcolm CEO the Malcolm Group, Erskine Bridge Hotel Members £25+vat Non Members £35+ vat B2B 2017 18th May, the Lagoon, Paisley 50 + Exhibitors 6 Seminars To exhibit £150 + vat members £250+vat non member Chamber Golf Day, Old Ranfurly GC Fri 9th June 8am-3pm £260 per 4 four ball - Shotgun Start

Feb lunch speaker Chief Superintendent Jim Downie

March Economics Breakfast RBS Chief Economist Stephen Boyle

Pitch & Roll Breakfast networking with Hillington Park Wed June 14th, Innovation Centre ROCCO AWARDS 2017 Fri 17th Nov 2017 at the Normandy with host Fred MacAulay

BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce Follow the chamber: March Lunch with SkySports David Livingstone

Pupils from Renfrew High with David Livingstone

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

Business Matters Spring 2017

30

How to Save Time and Make More Money through Smart Thinking Helping small businesses with their accounting, payroll and administration processes.

Streamlining and maximising operating efficiencies allowing clients more time to spend on the day to day running of their business.

Most SME business owners spend their time doing jobs other people should be doing thinking they are saving money; the successful ones invest money to gain back precious time, which allows them to focus on their core business, which increases profitability…

When you think of your current weekly activities, consider for a minute the percentage of time you do things that other people should or could be doing?

Would you pay someone else your salary to be doing some of those jobs?

Do you have the skills, patience, or experience to truly do justice to some of those jobs, such as financial management?

Do you have fun doing them?

Is there enough work and value in them to pay someone else a full time wage to do them?

If the answer is no you will momentarily be influenced to STOP doing them, though probably soon after you may be

consumed by the false expectation that you just cannot afford to hire someone else, therefore your go back to doing it yourself, and the cycle, usually a frustrating cycle, continues.

There is a way you can break the cycle and effortlessly springing into a new Fiscal Year.

At L1LDG we work with people not just numbers, though numbers is something we do very well…

From Bookkeeping to Accounts payable collection, to Payroll, to Administration and Business Management to HR and adhoc sundry issues, ‘outsourcing skills, talent and expertise gained through diverse industries over 35 years, PLUS outsourcing TIME to us, is smart thinking.’

No more rush and stress to get your year-end figures prepared for your accountant, especially if that is where you are right now.

No more day to day administration and business management drain on resources.

Linzi Graham & Shannon Clements L1 LDG

No more trying to continually use your time and other employees time to chase money owed, with little success.

No more guessing cash flow and making decisions without proper planning and budgeting to make informed decisions.

And here’s the real smart thinking; No more need to pay for another full time employee to gain back your time to do more profitable things; you just to pay us as you need and use us. The unique way we operate our company allows our clients to be able to contact us at any time that is convenient to them.

We also walk our own talk and have invested our time and money into a Personal Development Program for our entire team. Working with Ngage2Xcel, whom we now partner for business and leadership development, has proved to be an invaluable life-long learning process, which has allowed each of us to grow personally to contribute to our business growth.

This is an exciting time for L1LDG. As we head into our 4th year of trading we are so grateful and proud to have been part of our client’s teams, strategic development, and journeys….

From volunteering at St Andrews Academy in Paisley to The young Enterprise programme, from mentoring new starts to fully participating in the growth of established clients, our true reward is sharing in your results.

Time truly is our greatest asset, though how quickly it passes and once spent you can never get it back; Invest your time wisely and get in touch with us TODAY for a FREE no obligation consultation; Its Smart Thinking.

If the government implements digital accounting next this will mean that businesses will have to submit online accounts on a regular basis, let us take the burden from you, plan ahead and don’t wait till 2018.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

31

Business Busine Get your s s Busine Matters ss M a tters s r e t t a M message out to the Renfrewshire Paisley 2021 for R O C CO business UK City of Culture 2016 community SPRING 2016 EDITION

& EWSHIRE GROW HELPING RENFR

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Paisley 2021 is l Stage ra shortlist anno National Cultu unced cation, t & Finance, Edu . re.. ure, Biz Suppor INS lots mo IDE : Roc3rd co Sho Tourism & Leis INSIDE: er updates and & Construction, Sector, rtlist, MeB2B2016 mbers News, Cha INSIDE: B2B, ncil & MembProperty Cou , ent pm mb velo Training & De PLUS: Updates & news from Chamber, Council & members er updates & more..

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Business Matters is the magazine of Renfrewshire Chamber and is sent to all members, hotels, business centres, receptions and quality coffee shops across Renfrewshire.

Inform readers about: Your new product or service; awards; new office; new member of staff etc‌ 2,000 copies distributed every quarter, shared online and at all Chamber Events.

Contact Carol Griffiths at the Chamber for more info: cgriffiths@renfrewshirechamber.com / 0141 847 5450

Our aim is to support our clients to be the best they Our chosen charity is Roar Connections For Life, please visit their website www.roarforlife.org can be.

Helping businesses with their accounting, processes. Streamlining and maximising Helping small businesses with their small accounting, payroll and administration Helping small businesses with their accounting, payroll and administration processes. operating efficiencies allowing clients more time to spend on the day to day running of their business. payroll59 and administration processes.

Montrose Avenue, Hillington G52 4LA Streamlining and maximising operating efficiencies allowing clients more time to spend M: 07967 762 502 E: linzi@l1ldg.com Streamlining and operating 59 Montrose Avenue, Hillington 4LArunning |maximising M: 07967 502 | E: linzi@l1ldg.com | www.l1ldg.com on the dayG52 to day of their762 business.

efficiencies allowing clients more time to spend www.l1ldg.com on the day to day running of their business.

PROSPER

£35 p/p (or £29.95 early bird before 31 Business Matters Spring 2017

32

Compete to be RAMH Champio Join us for the 2017

RAMH Dinner & Quiz at the Normandy Hotel on Friday 19th May, 7pm-1am Proudly supported by

Wellbeing at work

Hosted by broadcaster & writer Vanessa Collingridge

Book NOW at enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900

Complimentary fizz reception 3 course meal plus coffee 8 rounds of celeb-hosted quiz Dancing from midnight until 1am

Up to 10 guests per team £35 p/p (or £29.95 early bird before 31st March) Compete to be RAMH Champions!

Hosted by broadcaster & writer Vanessa Collingridge

Book NOW at enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900

www.ramh.org @ramh_scotland www.facebook.com/ramh.org

RAMH is a Scottish Registered Charity SC010430, registered address 41 Blackstoun Road, Paisley PA3 1LU

www.r www

In 2015 a new case of work related stress, anxiety or depression was diagnosed everyregistered 2.1 minutes RAMH is a Scottish Registeredapproximately Charity SC010430, address 41 Bla in the UK (Daily Express 17.04.16). And mental health organisations believe that trend continues to increase.

Many employees feel they are not able to discuss wellbeing with their employers because of misconceptions or stigma.

However, making employee wellbeing part of your workplace culture can bring huge rewards, including a reduction in lost sick days and a more engaged workforce. RAMH can support you by offering mental health training to individuals or teams, free resources such as self help booklets, and partnerships offering Employee Assistance Programs, consultancy services and policy development. Contact enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900 to discuss a bespoke package with RAMH. Together we can create a more supportive wellbeing culture at work.

ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE AT GLASGOW AIRPORT • Ideal for meetings, interviews, training, seminars & workshops • 4 rooms, space for 1-20 people • Free wifi & free parking • New LED screens - HDMI & VGA ports • Catering available • Price guarantee

Export Documentation Did you know we certify 15,000 export documents a year for 70 clients?

Members receive a significant discount.

Contact Laura Connor at the Chamber for more info lconnor@renfrewshirechamber.com / 0141 847 5465

Glasgow Airport Business Centre c/o Renfrewshire Chamber Bute Court, St Andrew’s Drive Glasgow Airport PA3 2SW 0141 847 5450 info@renfrewshirechamber.com www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

33

HOW BUSINESS GATEWAY HELPED

Joe and Tricia plan for the future When husband and wife, Joe and Tricia Bisland, decided to open a gift shop on Glasgow Road, the retired couple looked to Business Gateway for some help to get their business plan in shape.

Almost one year on and White Cart is doing a roaring trade, with customers from all over Renfrewshire and beyond looking to the independent gift shop for a range of exclusive products including hand crafted jewellery, glassware, scarves and art.

Joe said: “We are the only stockists of many of our brands so our focus is very much on offering something different to our customers. We spent a lot of time at the start sourcing unique products but we also had to get our head around a range of business issues, which is where

Business Gateway has been a great source of knowledge and advice.

Joe and Tricia Bisland, White Cart

Business Gateway came in.

“Our adviser helped us with our business plan, which is now the blueprint for developing the shop, and advised us on our marketing strategy. Business Gateway’s free workshops were also really helpful and taught us a huge amount about tax, IT, social media and other key business skills.”

Visit www.bgateway.com/renfrewshire or call 0141 530 2406.

How we helped Joe and Tricia: • 1:1 Advice • Business Plan • Marketing Strategy • Workshop Programme

Business Matters Spring 2017

34

Give your colleagues the drive to succeed at The Experience

• EMPOWERING YOUNG LIVES • EMPOWERING YOUNG LEARNERS • EMPOWERING YOUNG WORKFORCE

Have you ever wondered what makes your business different? Is it the commitment of your staff, or the leadership of your management? Or is it the difference that you and your team make in the local community?

You can achieve all of this and more by having your team building event at The Experience. Based in Hillington Park, we host Scotland’s only electric go-karting venue. We are also home to a state of the art conference centre, award winning Academy Restaurant, and much more.

The Experience promotes adventure, excitement and endless opportunity for you and your colleagues. By supporting us, you are supporting a Social Enterprise that reinvests in creating more opportunities for young people and charities within the local community.

We know that many of the great businesses in Renfrewshire want to give something back. Now there is an exciting opportunity to do just that.

We are proud to announce that we have recently launched our new Charity Experience. Our aim is to facilitate a wide range of CSR and volunteering opportunities that can make a real difference to people living in Renfrewshire.

Whether it is helping out in our multisensory room, assisting with the disabled access karting or laser tag, or supporting our community food project, there is something to suit everyone. We can work with you and your colleagues to be part of a programme that is opening up a world of excitement to disadvantaged groups.

So, what is it that makes your business different? Can you and your colleagues make a difference to people living in our community?

For more information about having your

team building day at The Experience, or to find out more about the new Charity Experience contact Geoff Barrett on 0141 883 4005 or enquiries@theexperience. org.uk. www.kibble.org.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

35

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The Experience is a leisure and events venue providing opportunities and fun activities for all ages. It’s operated by Kibble, one of Scotland’s oldest child and youth care charities, and offers opportunities for young people, the local community, charities and wider society.

www.theexperience.org.uk FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@ExpVolta

The Experience

@ExpVolta

Part of the Kibble Group, www.kibble.org - Registered Office: Abercorn House, 79 Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DA The Experience, a division of Kibbleworks - Scottish Charity No. SC035861 - Registered in Scotland No. 269349

Business Matters Spring 2017

36

Business rates revaluation – dealing with the impact INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE

The next business rates revaluation has attracted significant media coverage in recent weeks. Many have described the rates increases as “exorbitant” and “unsustainable”.

The revaluation has been carried out by the Scottish Assessors Association, with changes due to take effect on 1st April. This is before a Scottish Government review of the rates system led by former RBS Scotland chair Ken Barclay reports in the summer.

Notices for the new rates went out on 15 March and will be closely followed by bills from the relevant local authority, giving those facing hefty rates increases very little time to budget for the changes.

Some smaller businesses will come out relatively unscathed, with the Small Business Bonus Scheme threshold for full relief being increased from £10,000 to a proposed level of £15,000. This means many will pay no business rates at all and others will receive discounts.

However, for a significant number of businesses across the UK the revaluations will present serious cause for concern

the landlord rather and will place companies under severe than any guarantor pressure.

ManyDallas of those businesses will Campbell is one of the most andtoprogressive firms of costs to step in and pay. alreadydynamic have had absorb increasing independent Accountants in The opportunity in other areas, suchChartered as Auto-Enrolment Scotland. Our clients come in all shapes to challenge the and the Living Wage.

The knock-on effect and sizes and so do our disciplines. We new rateable Blair Milne, Partner at of a substantial in business rates could tailor our rise services and shape them to fit Ultimately are focussed values through the Campbell Dallas be theyour strawneeds. that breaks the we camel’s back on your peace mind precarious and helping you appeals process is for companies in an of already succeed. limited in Scotland to the six months after financial position. the revaluation, so all appeals will have to Criticism has been particularly loud Contact Aileen Gates be lodged by September 30th this year. from the leisure and tourism industry and Phone 0141 886 6644 However, with a significant number of in the Email north-east, where valuations fixed aileen.gates@campbelldallas.co.uk appeals expected to be lodged it may be in early 2015 have not taken account of years before a decision is reached, which the subsequent oil sector slump and the www.campbelldallas.co.uk will be too late for those struggling to pay significant drop in footfall and turnover the increased rates pending the appeal experienced by many businesses as a being heard. result. Whilst a cap on the increases has Many businesses struggle every month been introduced for some, it applies only under creditor pressure. The most in the first year of the five-year term of the important thing if you are experiencing revaluation. financial difficulties is to be aware of your The rates increases will not only put a options and to take early professional strain on businesses, but will ultimately advice. Normally when advice is sought also affect landlords and rents will likely be at an early stage there are many possible compromised as a result. Where a business solutions to improve cash flow and manage is no longer able to meet its rates and outstanding debt. where tenant insolvency exists, it is up to

Scotland’s award winning accountants.

On your doorstep. @CampbellDallas on Twitter Campbell Dallas on LinkedIn www.campbelldallas.co.uk

Gold Partner Status

FINAL_Campbell Dallas_Renfewshire Chamber_1216.indd 1

12/6/2016 9:26:04 AM

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

37

• Pre-lease and pre-acquisition surveys • Dilapidations and Schedules of Condition • Contract Administration, Design and Tendering • Project Management • Space Planning andrew@aforrestassociates.com www.aforrestassociates.com 07799 661226

Regulated by RICS

Commercial Strip Out and Refurbishment Visit www.pmacontracts.com to find out more

Chamber Members show support for Paisley 2021 bid through Culture Bus tour Businesses were out showing support for the Paisley 2021 bid when the Culture Bus took to the road recently on its third tour.

City Gate Construction

The Culture Bus, designed by young people from Renfrewshire’s award-winning Street Stuff youth initiative, and part funded by The Chamber called in to at a number of members including Prolife Fitness Centre, Origins Gym, City Gate Construction, Glynhill Hotel and Spa, The Experience, Boston Networks, Campbell Dallas, The Normandy Hotel and The Gleddoch Hotel in what proved to be a day full of exciting events.

Fran Porter, Project Executive at the Chamber said: "It was great to get out on the Culture Bus to businesses all across Renfrewshire and generate awareness of Paisley’s bid for UK city of Culture 2021.”

To date, almost 200 local businesses and organisations have formally backed the Paisley 2021 bid and they have urged others to show their support.

Find out how you can back Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 by visiting http://www.paisley2021.co.uk/partners/

Origins Fitness

Alan McNiven Engage Renfrewshire

Boston Networks

Emma Richardson Star Project & Ronnie McDowell CGC

Campbell Dallas

Boston Networks

Business Matters Spring 2017

38

Business at Ingliston Country Club picks up speed Working with Virgin Business Media and innovative IT providers Click Networks, Ingliston Country Club is celebrating moving up a gear with its new connectivity offering of ultra-fast fibre broadband across the whole estate.

Ingliston Country Club remains a family business and owner, Paul Fraser said “We already host a high volume of corporate events each year and over 200 weddings.

Having to rely on standard broadband and poor wifi was simply unacceptable.

Along with many other businesses in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde we’ve had to put up with this for too long but I ‘m delighted to announce that at last we’ve

been able to build a solution”.

“We located with the help of Virgin Media an access point to their network but having 120 acres had to excavate our own ducting around our paddocks and fields which was a major investment in infrastructure to bring this to fruition.

We now have credible, reliable and fast broadband for all our customers and operations at Ingliston Country Club.

By doing so has facilitated plans to expand and build a dedicated Business Hub for corporate events and training, as well as a planned hospitality and conference development to host up to 500 guests. This will undoubtedly have

a positive effect on the ability of us to further recruit.

“Our beautiful setting means we can offer business customers something entirely different, a relaxed yet professional environment with ease of access to the M8 motorway all within 30minutes drive of either Glasgow or Inverclyde. Our existing function suites and popular restaurant are well established as both a business venue and with regular customers. Our ambition is to become the ‘go to’ destination venue for business events large or small and ultra-fast fibre broadband was essential to support that.

Escape theC ity AT INGLISTON COUNTRY CLUB

If you are looking to escape the city for a unique and luxurious corporate day out, then look no further than Ingliston Country Club. Just a 10 minute drive from Glasgow Airport in the beautiful surroundings of rolling hills overlooking the Clyde Estuary. Our 5 star VisitScotland facility offers two large business-friendly exhibition spaces, three extensive meeting and hospitality venues, an award-winning restaurant as well as hotel and lodge accommodation on site.

Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton, Renfrewshire PA7 5PA T: 0845 301 1010 E: general@ingliston.com www.ingliston.com

For something wonderfully out of the ordinary, make the right choice.

www.ingliston.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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WHEELS KEEP TURNING AT HILLINGTON PARK Drivers of hundreds of thousands of vehicles passing Junction 26 on the M8 over the last nine months can’t have failed to notice the increased level of construction work underway at Hillington Park.

The three major building projects on the previously undeveloped land facing the M8 will all be complete before the end of 2017 bringing state of the art commercial properties and international brands to the Renfrewshire economy.

Located opposite Merlin Business Centre (formerly Rolls Royce’s head office), Evolution Court, the £6m development by the Park’s majority owners Patrizia UK, is now complete and its four new industrial units are now interesting the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The whole build process took just six months to complete from groundbreaking to the handover of the keys.

With Hillington Park already a business location where the wheels of industry turn every day it won’t be long until even more wheels are turning.

West Coast Harley-Davidson, Ducati

Glasgow and Triumph Glasgow will soon open their new showrooms and in turn create a ‘motorcycle village’ the like that has never been seen in Scotland and potentially the whole of the UK before.

And with Taggarts Motor Group planning to open new Jaguar and Volvo dealerships later in the year next door to the motorcycle village, fans of luxury motor brands will know exactly where they’ll be planning their next visit.

Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director at Hillington Park said: “There is no doubt the recent new build construction projects at Hillington Park have made it the most active here for many years. They will bring new jobs into Renfrewshire and make Hillington Park an even more desirable place to work and visit.

“Our new build work mirrors the

significant investment we’ve made to our existing building stock. This programme includes the modernisation of large industrial units properties including full strip out and refurbishment of warehouse and office space, new heating and lighting systems and recertification of all building services.”

The Park’s SPZ status (Simplified Planning Zone) has played a big part in the progress of all of these programmes of work as well as other developments including Kooltech’s new 40,000sqft headquarters.

Evolution Court Highly visible and accessible location - Glasgow M8 frontage

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Business Matters Spring 2017

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

InCube designers are in a class of their own Meet the Class of 2017 - five upand-coming businesses designing their way to success with the help of Renfrewshire Council.

The six individuals are several months into an initiative hosted by InCube, Invest in Renfrewshire’s business programme to launch and grow creative

retail businesses locally.

All five are benefitting from a package of workshops and business advice from industry experts worth more than £11,000 which allows them to concentrate on developing their products, services and markets and grow their businesses.

Black Cherry Studio Black Cherry Studio’s latest textile design collection is currently selling well in Australia with interest also being shown in USA for its bright colourful fabrics. A textile print studio who create a range of exclusive bold and beautiful print designs, Black Cherry take inspiration from current catwalks and street styles to create a unique collection of printed patterns. As well as selling their designs to major retailers such as Marks & Spencers and Primark, a recent exciting addition is a range of fun, contemporary accessories range which include table & phone covers, small gifts & homewares.

Lisa Crockard Jewellery Lisa Crockard Jewellery creates handmade contemporary & 3d printed jewellery from her base in Paisley. Working in precious metals, with semi-precious stones and non-precious materials, Lisa is drawn to architecture, man-made objects & geometric forms as her source of inspiration.

Paisley Pins Referencing the world renowned & much loved pattern that is at the heart of Paisley’s heritage, Paisley Pins have used their existing skills from years of working in the graphics industry with new techniques they have learned over the past year to produce a range of Paisley Pattern pins and brooches. Using materials such as anodised aluminium, laser cut acrylic & silver, they have combined technology with traditional pattern to give it a contemporary twist.

Cindy Robb of InCube, said:”The InCube programme offers new designers the opportunity to start and grow their business in Renfrewshire with support from advisors and industry experts. We help talented creatives to build their

Early signs are very positive with a high level of sales at InCube’s shop in Paisley’s Gilmour Street. Several are already operating on niche online retail site Etsy and all the start ups are working on websites ready to launch over the next few months. And some are drawing attention from further afield.

The Canny Squirrel The Canny Squirrel specialises in bespoke Harris Tweed cushions and accessories, handmade here in Paisley using free motion embroidery - this technique is like drawing with a sewing machine with the lines all stitched. The collection features animals, birds and plants. Bespoke commissions form a major part of the business with pets and favourite animals being extremely popular.

Mariam Syed Passion, perseverance and hard work is Mariam Syed’s mantra. She is extremely passionate about weaving and her excellent craftsmanship is evident in her beautiful designs that are meticulously woven on a traditional loom.

Inspired by the rich visual culture of her hometown Karachi, she is fascinated by the vibrant colours and graphic patterns of Pakistani Truck Art set against the magnificent architecture of the colonial era.

She fuses her rich tones of colour with linear shapes derived from the busy city buildings to achieve a harmonious balance of sophisticated design. By using double cloth weave construction, Mariam Syed transfers her design ideas onto woven fabric.

Mariam Syed graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a bachelor’s degree in Textile Design.

business skills, set goals and achieve business targets and growth. And with Business Gateway and Prince’s Trust Scotland also having a base within the incubator hub in High Street, we can act as a one-stop shop for startup

businesses.”

The designers work can all be seen and purchased from InCube Shop, 9B Gilmour Street, Paisley.

Find out more about InCube at https:// incuberenfrewshire.com

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Wi-fi boost for Renfrewshire’s town centres Renfrewshire business secures £1 million contract to deliver the system productivity – and a public wi-fi service will also help improve digital inclusion and participation.”

As part of the contract with Renfrewshire Council the firm is providing a number of community benefits throughout the area.

It will hire four new members of staff, including a project management graduate from the University of the West of Scotland and two wireless engineer modern apprentices identified with the help of the council’s employability service, Invest in Renfrewshire.

The modern apprentices will work side-by-side with a team of experienced engineers to learn and develop on-the-job skills and gain a formal qualification.

It will also recruit at least one additional member of staff, working with Invest in Renfrewshire to encourage local school leavers and unemployed young people to apply for the post.

The company was formed in 2000 and in November it was named the ROCCO Employer of the Year at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Boston Network’s Audrey Schaefer (marketing communications manager) and Scott McEwan (chief executive) back the Paisley 2021 bid to be UK City of Culture.

Renfrewshire Council has contracted the area’s ‘employer of the year’ to install free public access wi-fi in town centres and public buildings.

Braehead-based chamber member Boston Networks will deliver the system, which will allow visitors to Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres to easily get online using their smartphones and other devices.

Around a quarter of people say they would be likely to spend more time in a town centre that offers free public wi-fi.

The development will therefore

encourage people to spend more time in the area’s high streets, delivering more potential customers to local businesses.

Scott McEwan, the chief executive of Boston Networks, said: “We are both excited and proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council to deliver an enterprise grade public wi-fi service.

“Our experienced team will fully utilise their local and technical knowledge to design and deliver a leading-edge public wi-fi provision.

“Digital transformation is a solution to deliver economic growth and enhance

Heather Armstrong - senior student representative at the Students Association of the University of the West of Scotland

Business Matters Spring 2017

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Renfrewshire employability project scoops top national award Peter Macleod, Director of Children Services & Wilma Leburn, Education Officer accept award on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.

A pioneering partnership project to boost attainment and life chances for young people in Renfrewshire has scooped a top national award.

Renfrewshire‘s Joint Employability Project was awarded the Campbell Christie Public Service Reform Award at the Scottish Public Service Awards in Edinburgh.

The award showcases the best of joint working, putting people at the centre of the way services are delivered, and tackling the causes – not only the symptoms – of social problems.

The Renfrewshire project focuses the combined experience and resources of key strategic partner organisations to develop a range of employability opportunities that can be tailored to the needs of pupils coming from the lowest income families.

Fifteen pilot programmes seek to empower pupils and their families, building the self–belief required for them to make informed decisions around the sustainable opportunities available beyond school - whether through work, apprenticeships, college or university.

The high impact project run by a small but passionate team determined to make a difference in the community.

The introduction of three additional homelink assistants was key to securing the engagement of both the pupils and their families.

The highly collaborative approach with nine partners had a significant added benefit of maximising the impact of the ￡410k budget. The project, developed through Renfrewshire Council’s Tackling Poverty programme, was.designed to reach 2,500 plus people (769 junior pupils, 940 senior pupils, 860 plus parents) through 15 separate programs.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children Policy Board, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved with Renfrewshire’s Joint Employability Project for this outstanding achievement.

“Renfrewshire Council has made it a top priority across all our policies to increase opportunity for all our people and communities.

“Helping young people with particular challenges to achieve their potential is at the heart of our approach to getting people out of poverty.

“The Joint Employability Project is raising aspiration by working with the whole family to eliminate educational and economic barriers to achievement.

“That intensive work is building confidence and self-esteem and giving young people sustainable opportunities to maximise their potential at school and beyond in apprenticeships, study or employment.”

The programmes available in Renfrewshire include:

• A Parent in Partnership Programme: enhancing a school’s capacity to deliver parental engagement programmes to help parents support their children.

• Pupils Exhibiting Potential: 126 S2 pupils attend UWS for 4 weeks taking part in taster programmes and deliver a presentation.

• Tasters at West College: provide tailored vocational awareness and access for S2 and S4 pupils.

• Business Skills Ambassadors: two for every school recruited by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce working with targeted groups • Employability courses: provided at college to increase the skills young people can bring to employers • Mind-set: Courses to build confidence and self-esteem in vulnerable children, and • Princes Trust Achieve Programme for schools to increase confidence in senior pupils Sam Marshallsay, Project Leader for Employability at Gleniffer High School, said: “The far-reaching impact of this project cannot be underestimated in its capacity to provide opportunities and raise the aspirations of our most vulnerable pupils, and work towards breaking the cycle of poverty in our community.”

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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Renfrewshire Council Updates:

City Deal Planning Process The formal planning process for major infrastructure projects in Renfrewshire is set to begin.

A proposal of planning notice for works including new bridges across the Clyde and White Cart will be submitted by the end of March, kick-starting the statutory planning procedures.

The works are part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal funded ‘Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside’ and ‘Glasgow Airport Investment Area’ projects.

In recent months specialist crews have carried out

overwater site investigations on the Clyde and White Cart to establish what lies beneath the riverbeds, with land based investigations just getting started.

The work will also help inform a future decision on the exact alignment and location of the bridge across the Clyde.

It would allow cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians to cross between Renfrew and either Clydebank or Yoker.

It would also open to allow boats to travel up and down the river.

The submission of the proposal of planning notice begins a period of at least

12 weeks when further consultation and engagement events will be held to get stakeholders’ views.

These will include four days of public exhibitions in Clydebank, Renfrew, Paisley and Yoker, at which people will be able to discuss the plans with members of the project team.

Details will be announced in local newspapers as well as on the Renfrewshire Council website at www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/citydeal – where

people can also sign up to a mailing list to be directly notified of the announcement.

The views gathered from the events will be used to inform a full planning application to be made in June.

Calling all Renfrewshire businesses.

We can help fund your growth.

Invest in Renfrewshire is Renfrewshire Council’s programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.

We have a range of funding packages available which could help your company, including: • business growth grants of up to £10,000 to help develop new products, attend exhibitions, purchase equipment or carry out property improvements; • help of up to £5,000 to help you take on a graduate intern; • support towards the wage costs of taking on a young unemployed person; and • loans to help with working capital or the purchase of equipment.

Want to know more? visit www.investinrenfrewshire.com email invest@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call

0300 300 1180

Business Matters Spring 2017

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Young Entrepreneurs in action…

MDF – Making Design Fund from St Columba’s in Gourock, Inverclyde

Young Enterprise Renfrewshire (includes East Ren & Inverclyde) recently held their area finals of the Company Programme, the culmination of 8 months of effort for S5 & S6 school teams. Established for over 40 years the programme provides the opportunity for pupils to form a real company and market a product / service in a safe but competitive environment. Supported by a teacher and a volunteer business adviser, teams are scored in 3 areas: display stand, business report / Interview and a presentation.

The 2017 area finals were held at The Normandy Hotel in Renfrew with

Trinity HS, Hame in a Frame – Winner Best Company, Renfrewshire

guest speakers invited along to inspire the audience including Lego animation whizz Morgan Spence and Young Enterprise alumni Samuel Coley who took part in the programme when at Dunoon Grammar and now heads up a new venture called TickX following a recent appearance on the BBC’s Dragons Den. Commenting on the awards, area chair Bob Davidson said “Thanks to all involved for making the programme another success. Well done to all the pupils for seeing this through to the end, at a time when they’re busy with exams. Thanks to our sponsors, judges, teachers, business advisers, speakers

and my area team colleagues past & present. We really try and put on a proper awards show for all involved, as they have put so much effort into it.

And it is this effort and the experience gained that will benefit them. Whether a winner or not, the learning’s from such an immersive experience are significant and will help them with; personal statements, interviews, course & career choices plus learning and developing skills that will help them whatever career path they choose. Some may even adjust their plans as a result, opting to be their own boss and come back in years to come to give a talk of their own.”

The Winners and Runners up were: Innovation Award

Inverclyde Academy - YOUNIQUE

Quality Award

Inverclyde Academy - YOUNIQUE

Marketing Award

Gryffe HS - C.L.A. Scents

Business Report & Interview - Runner up

Clydeview Academy - Soft Lyte

Business Report & Interview - Winner

St Columba’s - MDF - Making Design Fun

Business Presentation - Runner up

Inverclyde Academy - Wood You Believe It?

Business Presentation - Winner

St Columba’s - MDF - Making Design Fun

Display Stand - Runner up

Eastwood HS - Picture This

Display Stand - Winner

Trinity HS - Hame in a Frame

Best Company - East Renfrewshire

Mearns Castle HS - Ladies in Business

Best Company - Renfrewshire

Trinity HS - Hame in a Frame

Best Company - Inverclyde

St Columba’s - MDF - Making Design Fun

Best Company - Overall

St Columba’s - MDF - Making Design Fun

Overall winners MDF from St Columba’s will represent the area at the Scottish National finals held in June in Glasgow.

For more info and images from the area finals search for #YEREN2017 on twitter.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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DYW West update STEM Events spotlight International Women’s Day As part of the Scottish Apprenticeship Week, DYW West worked with our partners to coordinate events for local young people to learn more about apprenticeships in a number of sectors across our region. Across the course of the week, over 1000 young people participated and learned more about career opportunities within the various sectors.

Within this DYW West worked in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, West College Scotland and various local employers to encourage more females to consider careers within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths). Over 100 pupils took part to mark International Women’s Day. Activities included tours of Rolls Royce, British of the Airways Engineering Department, Ashleigh Construction, NHS Royal Alexandra hospital engineering dept/labs tour and joinery workshops with WCS and Renfrewshire Council’s building services department. The day was a great success and changed many of the pupil’s perceptions of these roles and proved that these roles are not just for boys.

Commenting on the day Roll-Royce said “Rolls-Royce is committed to greater diversity and recognises the vital importance of engaging with young people to enthuse them about science and engineering in order to attract and develop the talent of tomorrow. We are focused on inspiring young people to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and were thrilled to welcome 24 female students to our Inchinnan facility to demonstrate the many career options including apprenticeships open to them on International Women’s Day. RollsRoyce is hosting many events at our facilities around the world to champion International Women’s Day.” Michael Moran, of Renfrewshire Council said: “There has been a significant gender gap in access to job opportunities within the STEM sector within Scotland and despite efforts to encourage young women to take these up, the majority of places continue to be taken up by young men.

Elaine Watson of BAMG, who organised the visit to the hangar, said; “We are

Hospitality Takeover for 200 pupils

Pupils collect prizes with Raymond Kane RC and Jim McAllister WCS

On the 8th March, Springboard, West College Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and DYW west organised a hospitality takeover day for 200 pupils from all of the Renfrewshire schools. The day itself was a great success and saw pupils taking part in various workshops in 3 different zones a chef zone and Travel and tourism zone and a world class service zone. The chef zone pupils were given the opportunity to cook under the instruction of award winning chefs from Cameron house, Gather & Gather and Mark Heirs.

The travel and tourism zone saw workshops delivered by Google, People First and Visit Scotland, and the world class service zone took pupils through workshops delivered by Swissport, the experience and Liquid Academy. Prizes on the day were donated by the workshop hosts, Saporito, The Glynhill and West College Scotland. The event was a huge success; before the event 70% of the pupils hadn’t considered a career in hospitality / tourism and at the end of the day 60% said that they would now be interested in pursuing a career within hospitality / tourism.

Rolls-Royce STEM visit & International Women’s day

British Airways International Women’s Day

delighted to be part of this innovative project to try to encourage more young women in the STEM sector.

“BAMG has been running a highly successful modern apprenticeship programme to recruit talented young people to train as aircraft technicians and engineers in the skills specifically required by our Scottish-based operation”

West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills. Spring Business Matters

46

SCHOOL UPDATES: THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND

First Aid

Linwood HS

Renfrewshire kids are uniformly excellent!

Clydebank Campus 0141 951 7555 Greenock Campus 01475 553 044 Paisley Campus 0141 581 2121

Modern Apprenticeship Week Senior Careers Speed Network Huge thanks to all our guests for the brilliant careers event on Tuesday 7th March 2017 – a record number of guests attended our best Careers event yet…….

Thanks to Police Scotland, AECOM, Clark Contracts, Carousel Training, James Frew Gas Sure LTD, Cigna, DYW, SDS, Tesco, Clyde Marine Training, Renfrewshire Council, Mabbet and British Airways.

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Burns Lunch 2017 Thank you to Bob Grant for inviting us to the Burns Lunch at Ingliston Equestrian Centre.

It was a great event and pupils really enjoyed meeting business people from Renfrewshire who were very generous with their time and words of wisdom.

Clark Contracts Visit to the S5/6 Employability Class for Mock Interviews Thank you to Craig and Lesley from Clark Contracts for carrying out Mock Interviews with Employability and well done to everyone.

The spirit of business and enterprise is thriving among young people across Renfrewshire.

Teams from pre-school, primary and secondary schools all reached the regional final of the 2017 Dragons’ Den competition, with Arkleston Primary pupils winning top prize for a business idea aimed at helping low income families buy school uniforms at affordable prices.

The Arkleston team of young P7 entrepreneurs, represented by Nicole McGregor, Sophie Morrison, Sophie Adams and Olivia Robb, recognised how in the current economic climate some parents struggle to purchase uniforms for their children. The team’s solution was to collect good condition second-hand uniforms and then augment their stock by buying sale price polo shirts, skirts and trousers.

Before embarking on their project, the youngsters also undertook market research, asking parents and carers whether this was a service they would use. Having established that it was, the children then raised the money to buy a washing machine, ironing board, iron and cleaning materials.

The pupils’ work was also a practical response to schools being asked to be creative in supporting parents. It’s been estimated that it costs an average £240 to get a child ready for the new school year.

Arkleston Primary head teacher, Carolyn Crawford said: “We are very proud of our pupils.

Participating in the programme provided them with a platform for their entrepreneurial work and offered them a supportive environment to explore the feasibility of their ideas and an opportunity to critically reflect on their thinking. Our pupils are encouraged to make use of their skills and they can easily see how these translate to the world of work. They found the connections made through the Dragons’ Den events invaluable in taking their

t

0300 600 6060

w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

The wining Arkelston Primary School team (l to r) Nicole McGregor, Sophie Morrison, Sophie Adams and Olivia Robb with Dragon and West College Scotland Vice Principal, Liz Connolly.

business forward and developing their character. We can’t thank the Dragons enough.”

The winning team said: “It was a great day for us and we really enjoyed ourselves. We have learned a lot about running a business and helping other people. The money we made has been used in our annual antisectarianism day when we are taught to respect and tolerate the beliefs and values of others.”

The Schools Dragons’ Den is an entrepreneurial business programme which now runs across Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire.

It’s supported by the local councils, employers and West College Scotland and the regional final was held at the College’s Waterfront campus in Greenock.

Renfrewshire schools were well represented, with St James, St John Ogilvie and Todholm all making it to the final of the Primary School category; Trinity High represented Renfrewshire in the Secondary School category, while the Paisley Pre-Five Centre represented the Early Years category.

Liz Connolly from West College Scotland, who was one of the judges, said afterwards: “This is a wonderful initiative which encourages young people’s enterprise skills, supports their financial education and also helps them develop as confident individuals.

“The judges were hugely impressed by the quality of the ideas and the young people who came up with them.”

2017

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper

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WOW at St Paul’s Primary School The pupils of St Paul’s Primary School, Paisley enjoyed a busy week of careers related activities as part of their World of Work focus. The children were involved in a variety of practical tasks, put in place to motivate and inspire interest in potential jobs for the future. The children worked with a joiner, cabin crew, fire fighter, retail assistant, admin assistants, female football coach, photographer, journalist, seamstress, active schools, chef, physiotherapist but to name a few.

The event was organised by Mr McGauley and the Pupil Council, who would like to thank the pupils, staff, parents and all our wonderful volunteers for making World of Work week a positive experience. ‘To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible.’

Wallace Primary – Where Anyone can be Anything!

Pupils from Wallace Primary School were encouraged to explore the world of work in this years’ Careers Week (6th – 10th March).

Each stage investigated a different industry (chosen by them) and invited relevant guest speakers or arranged trips. The final event was a “Jobs Fayre” where each class shared what they had learned by presenting work on display boards hosted by 3 nominated class representatives. After classes visited the fayre, each child voted for their favourite career. The exciting week, which included an opportunity for upper school pupils to spend a day at work, came to an end when the Primary 7s won the most favoured industry with their “Engineering” display and children being reminded to “Try Everything!”

Park Mains HS

University of West of Scotland: Higher Expectations Event

Rolls Royce Tour

A group of senior pupils had the privilege of visiting Rolls Royce in Inchinnan to learn a little about their engineering process and take a tour of the factory. Senior pupils enjoyed working in groups with Rolls Royce apprentices. Pupils competed to make the most working paper airplanes without any waste. After winning, and losing, millions of hypothetical pounds pupils were taken on an interesting and informative tour of the factory. Pupils learned a lot from the experts and many have been inspired to apply for a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering.

A massive congratulations goes to the Park Mains pupils who attended the University of the West of Scotland’s Higher Expectation event on Thursday 16th February. Ten S3 pupils had the opportunity to experience University life as they worked in small groups on an interesting project. Pupils were to come up with an idea for the Paisley 2021 bid, for city of culture, and present it to expert judges.

Not only did one of our groups reach the top five finalists with “Strongest Commercial Project”, they won the overall competition!

They were awarded “Strongest Commercial Project” after presenting their idea to the eighteen other groups and judges. Well done to Kyle Burns, Callum Munro, Elise Roxburgh, Maya Little and Hannah Stirling for their winning idea!

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