Business Connect 4

connect business

SUMMER2014 ISSUE 4

MID, EAST AND WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Helping business prepare for the referendum vote

chamber news

features

business news

views

interviews

M OP M E ER N 20 14 SU

Novotel Edinburgh Park

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge

ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square

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N 01 PE R 2 E M

M

O

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ibis budget Edinburgh Park

Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile

Away on business in Edinburgh?

Accor’s network of over 200 hotels throughout the UK includes five in Edinburgh – plus two brand new openings in the city this summer: ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square and ibis budget Edinburgh Park. So when business takes you to the Scots capital, rest assured there’s an Accor hotel for you, whatever your budget and wherever in the city you need to be.

4-star hotels with fresh contemporary design.

Over 30 hotels across the UK and over 390 worldwide

Feel good at a great price.

With 60 hotels across the UK and Ireland and over 1,000 worldwide

A network of locally inspired, authentic hotels, all with their own distinct character. Over 70 across the UK and over 700 worldwide

Comfort, unique design and all-inclusive packages.

Eight UK hotels and over 200 worldwide

Essential comfort at a budget price. 23 UK hotels and over 500 worldwide

For more information and to book, go to Accorhotels.com

IBI0517 Chambers Ad.indd 1

28/05/2014 14:48

contents

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Friendly Scottish Welcome

Business Connect is a joint Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian Chambers of Commerce publication.

ALL EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES: For Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Tel: 0131 603 5040 email: dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Moulsdale House 24D Milton Road East Edinburgh EH15 2PP www.melcc.org.uk Chief Executive: George Archibald

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05

Invest in graduate talent with Bright Green Placements

For West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Tel: 01506 412909 email: brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com

Care company keeps it in the family

West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Alba Centre, Alba Business Park Rosebank, Livingston EH54 7EG www.wlchamber.com Chief Executive: Linda Scott

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PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Helping business prepare for the referendum vote

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email: deangriss@btinternet.com DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Business Connect cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Connect.

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2014

SUMMER

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features

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ISSUE

4

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business Helping for the prepare um vote referend

business

news

views

45

University’s crucial role in increasing employability

Contents

Matin crowned Scotland’s ‘Curry King’

Big Interview

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Chamber News

04|05

Business News

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Business News

24|25

Energy & Environment Feature 30|35 Chamber News

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Chamber News

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Members News

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New Members

42|43

Business News

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Cover Feature

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Members News

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Members Close Up

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s interview

MARKETING

summer2014

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chambernews

Call for nominations Business Awards 2014!

Recognised as Mid & East Lothian’s premier business awards, Chamber Business Awards showcase organisations that have achieved Business Excellence across all the categories in our framework.

These awards are a testament to the talent, drive, achievement and success of local Mid and East Lothian businesses and we welcome this opportunity to reward the enthusiasm and hard work of our businesses and their employees.

Who can enter?

ALL businesses located in the Midlothian and East Lothian are eligible. Individuals or organisations may nominate themselves or others in any of the 7 categories.

Why enter?

Winning a business award can help your business gain media profile, prestige, attract new customers and can also boost the morale and motivation of your staff. The Business Awards recognise and celebrate companies with a real commitment to excellence so being named winner is a public recognition of your success.

Who should enter?

These awards are intended to recognise locally trading businesses that have demonstrated a continued passion for excellence. If you feel your business has made considerable achievements in the last year and is an effective, well-functioning business, tell us about it!

There will be 7 award categories to be presented including Business High Growth & Innovation, Green Business, Family Business,

Youth Engagement Company, Social Enterprise of the year, Local Business Hero and Networker of the Year.

Email Dita Macfarlane dita@ thebusinesspartnership.org.uk or contact Dita on 0131 603 5043 for more info.

This year’s Business Exhibition and Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday 29th October 2014 in Musselburgh. To book your place for dinner and exhibition space - visit www.melcc.org.uk

Annual Business Exhibition and Awards Dinner Mid & East Lothian Chamber are delighted to present their biggest networking event of the year, the Annual Business Exhibition and Awards Dinner, on 29th October 2014 in Musselburgh. Last year it was attended by around 200 delegates ranging from business people, politicians and local Government officials thus, offering you plenty of opportunities to network with a wide variety of audience.

So, come along to the awards ceremony, enjoy the exhibition, and network with potential contacts over dinner!

Bookings are now open for places at dinner and for standholder. Places for stand holders are fairly limited. BOOK NOW to secure your place – www.melcc.org.uk

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chambernews

Invest in graduate talent with Bright Green Placements With graduate recruitment rising to its highest level since 2007 and work experience programmes becoming increasingly important, Bright Green Placements offers a low risk, flexible and cost effective solution for you to engage with talented and enthusiastic students and graduates from across Scotland.

Bright Green Placements, run by Bright Green Business at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, have been helping businesses across Scotland for over ten years. The Programmes, the Environmental Placement Programme and the Step Programme, can place a student or graduate into your business from between 8-24 weeks. The candidates will work with you on an agreed set of objectives to make sure their placement has a positive impact within your business while giving them relevant, paid, work experience.

Recent research by High Fliers (2013) has highlighted the importance of work

summer2014

experience programmes describing them as an ‘integral part of recruiting new graduates.’ Figures show that the proportion of new graduates recruited directly through employers work experience programmes have jumped from 26% in 2010 to a record 37% in 2014. The programmes offered by Bright Green Placements provide businesses with a simple and proven way to recruit students and new graduates.

By working with businesses to understand their requirements, the placements to date have helped to achieve more than £12m in cost savings through environmental improvement. They have helped increase sales, develop marketing plans, design new websites and help a variety of businesses to successfully reach their organisational objectives. With 84% of graduate placements last year leading into permanent roles within the host companies, the programmes provide an excellent way to bring graduate talent into your business, using the placement period to ensure they

will make a positive impact in the long run before having to commit to a permanent position.

What do previous host companies say?

“Throughout the whole process we’ve found Bright Green Business great to work with, they quickly understood the type of candidate we were looking for and matched CV’s to the job specifications perfectly, providing us with a fantastic choice of candidates. We will definitely be working with them again to place another student.”

(Rebecca Jones - Changeworks, 2014) For more information on the Bright Green Placements programmes or to find out how they can help your business, visit our website www.brightgreenplacements.org.uk, email us at bright@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk or call us on 0131 6035040.

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businessnews

Friendly Scottish Welcome

n Seaholm Bed & Breakfast

Travellers and business people looking to take short breaks in Scotland prize our famous friendly Scottish welcome above anything else, according to research.

A survey carried out by bookings website Private House Stays (www. privatehousestays.com) revealed an overwhelming 85% of people planning to stay in Scotland consider a warm reception key to their overall holiday experience.

Travellers also want their hosts to offer local knowledge, and to feel they are discovering Scotland away from the tourist traps. By contrast, unfriendly or unhelpful service was revealed to be the biggest holiday downer, far more so than dreich weather.

Private House Stays, which exclusively offers booking at owner occupied accommodation in Scotland, said the ‘authentic local experience’ is of high importance. The company, which has been working with VisitScotland as a booking provider since June last year, carried out the research with the aim of gaining even greater understanding of business and travellers priorities.

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The most popular choice at 85% was ‘friendly Scottish welcome with local hosts’, while joint second with 81% was ‘stunning scenery and walks’ and ‘a feeling of getting away from the tourist traps.’

The same survey revealed that a vast majority of holidaymakers (98%) valued B&B owners who have local knowledge to share, while only 12% said they care if their host has formal hospitality training.

The warm reception it seems more than makes up for Scotland’s notorious bad weather – which only 24% said would disappoint them on holiday. Comments from respondents included extensive praise for friendly hosts who can recommend the best ways to enjoy the area.

Private House Stays offers online booking for more than 200 cherry picked B&Bs, guest houses and boutique hotels. The company was founded in 2007 by Archie and Cassie Bouverie, who ran 9B Scotland Street in Edinburgh as a B&B for more than 12 years.

n Letham House

reception will make the holiday more of a washout than pouring rain, and even make or break whether that tourist bothers to come back.

“That’s why we set up Private House Stays – to champion the small, privately owned outlets which don’t have huge marketing budgets or grand websites, but offer that unique ‘home from home’ visitors in Scotland value.

Cassie Bouverie said: “Scotland is world renowned for its hospitality, and we know from our many years’ experience that when people choose to holiday in Scotland – whether they have come from China, South America or Newcastle - they love a friendly reception and the chance to enjoy an authentic, local experience.

“We decided to carry out this survey to gain even more in-depth understanding of traveller’s priorities. In fact, the results have only re-affirmed our ethos of prioritising the personal touch. It’s a wonderful boost for all the hard-working, consistently welcoming small Bed & Breakfast owners who are such a key factor of the country’s vital tourism sector.”

“Scotland has so much to enjoy, from the rich heritage and culture to breathtaking scenery, we know all that. But a frosty

For further information visit www.privatehousestays.com or contact cassie@privatehousestays.com

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businessnews

Businesses must start helping themselves to lower bills Doug Reilly, Business Development Manager for the Utilitywise Energy Partnership with Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber says there is a still a huge amount of work that can be done by businesses to educate their staff to reduce energy consumption.

Asking people not to waste energy can sometimes seem like a very well-worn message. Indeed, anybody who went to school in the 1980s will remember seeing stickers above light switches reminding them to “switch off when they leave”. Yet the message still has relevance as reducing your energy consumption leads to lower energy bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint.

However, it is often not clear where your efforts should be targeted. Unless you know

where, when and how much energy is being used you can waste your time and money in pursuing energy saving measures that do not have the impact you need.

This is where Utilitywise’s Utility Insight system fits in. This is a web-based utility reporting platform, once it is fed with data from Utilitywise’s monitoring systems and your water and energy meters you can see how much power, gas and water your sites are using.

The system allows you to view the consumption for all your sites, then zoom into an individual buildings, then area inside a building them further down into an individual circuit. At the circuit level a managers can see which strip of lights use the most energy, or whether the accounts team is using more than the marketing department. The University of Bradford’s School of Health Studies, used the system to help reduce energy bills by 33% by using it to target the areas that were using the most energy.

It is essential to find ways to give people just the right amount of information, so that they know their efforts aren’t wasted, and so that they can monitor their own performance and improve it if necessary.

n Doug Reilly, Business Development Manager at Utilitywise will provide local support to Chamber members looking to develop their Energy Management Strategy

Get help with your utilities and find out more about Utility Insight. Telephone 0191 425 4920 or email Mid&Eastlothian@ utilitywise.com for more information. www.utilitywise.com/become-a-partner/ midlothian-east-lothian-chambercommerce-utilitywise

Christa Cameron

n Utility Insight dashboard

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summer2014

The Alexander Graham Bell Centre @Moray College UHI

‘SCALE UP, SCALE OUT, SCALE IN’ The Alexander Graham Bell Centre located in the heart of Elgin just 2 minutes walk from Elgin Train station brings to the heart of Moray a principal research, education and continuing professional development (CPD) facility for the Life Sciences Sector in the North East Of Scotland. The centre, a shared facility with Moray College UHI and NHS Grampian also provides the opportunity to bring together, research and development, academia and industry under one roof.

There are many facilities on offer within the Alexander Graham Bell Centre including: • Competitively priced research and commercialisation rooms aimed at companies working in the field of life sciences perfect for companies of growth or start ups.

• State of the Art conference facilities able to accommodate up to 200 delegates with special bespoke catering packages available on request.

• Smaller breakout rooms , lecture theatre and video conferencing facilities.

For enquiries and more information about this fantastic facility please contact: Hilda Puskas, Moray College UHI on (01343) 576475 or accommodation.moray@uhi.ac.uk www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/business-and-community/the-alexander-graham-bell-centre-moray-life-science-centre

membersnews

Care company keeps it in the family Father and daughter team, Brian and Charlotte Johnstone have launched Home Instead Senior Care, based in Musselburgh, which specialises in at-home care and companionship for the elderly.

Brian, who previously worked in finance and Charlotte, a senior carer, have pooled their talents to set up the new business which is set to create 50 jobs in the local area in the next 12 months.

Charlotte’s experiences in the care sector have confirmed her passion for a career in care but also led her to develop firm ideas about what quality care should look like.

Brian said he is aware there is a great demand out there for services that allow people to stay in their own homes for longer.

Older people want to maintain their independence and their families want to know that they are being cared for properly. Home Instead can meet both sets

n Owners of Home Instead Senior Care East Lothian and Midlothian, Brian and Charlotte Johnstone

of needs. From their office in Musselburgh the company will serve clients across East Lothian and Midlothian.

Brian and Charlotte are keen to talk to kind, compassionate and like-minded individuals with a variety of different interests and experiences. Individuals who are interested in becoming caregivers or those who may

not have considered a career in care but have a few hours a week to spare and would like to make a difference, will receive all the necessary training.

For more information, contact 0131 273 5252 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/eastmidlothian

EAE fly the sustainable development flag for Scotland

n Glen Bennett

Midlothian-based EAE (Edinburgh Arts & Entertainment) Ltd, Scotland’s premier arts and tourism leaflet and poster marketing company, have won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the UK’s highest accolade for

business success.

EAE are one of ten Scottish companies to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2014 and the only company in Scotland to receive an award in the Sustainable Development category. The awards are made annually by HM The Queen and

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are only given for the highest levels of excellence.

EAE have received a Sustainable Development award in recognition of their continuous championing of the sustainable business agenda both within their own operations and amongst the wider business and public communities.

EAE Managing Director, Glen Bennett, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

“We have sought to operate in a sustainable manner since we were first set up in 1987 and are currently on a mission to achieve carbon neutrality across all our operations.

“Key initiatives have included: installing an in-house wind turbine to produce our own electricity; replacing our van fleet with biodiesel vehicles that run on recycled waste cooking oil; and creating a biodiversity garden for plants and wildlife at our main HQ. We also regularly host visits to our premises by school, business and community groups to demonstrate how sustainable practices can enhance business operations and profitability while reducing energy costs and wastage and conserving and protecting the environment”

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advertorial

Not worried by IR35?

Think again...

With the introduction of Business Entity Tests in 2012, and a subsequent increase in IR35 investigations, you should, as a contractor or freelancer providing services via your own limited company, be concerned about the disguised employment regulations.

This could prove costly, substantially increasing your overall tax liabilities.

be done to stay on the right side of the regulations in future.

So, could your business be within IR35?

For more detail on the above, and to receive a copy of our factsheet, please contact Carol Wright.

Just some of the questions that HMRC will ask are: n Do you (or your family) own more than

5% of a limited company?

Carol Wright is a partner in Springfords LLP, accountants and business growth specialists.

n Does a single client contribute most of

your turnover? n Were you previously an employee of the

client, and paid via PAYE? n Do you have to do the work yourself, as

opposed to hiring someone else to do it? n Does your client control WHAT you do,

and HOW, WHEN and WHERE you do it?

You may have taken out insurance to cover the cost of an HMRC Enquiry into your status. Be warned – this won’t cover any additional tax, national insurance, interest or penalties due should HMRC find that your business is caught by IR35.

If you answered yes to any of these you may fall within the disguised employment rules.

All is not lost, however; starting with a review of your contracts and business practices, we can establish whether IR35 applies at present, and if anything can

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cwright@springfords.com www.springfords.com

Edinburgh 0131 440 5000

we do much more than you expect

If we don’t add value, we don’t deserve the business

eh54 7ga

Livingston 01506 242 002

client

dedicated account manager

1=1

5 partners

Falkirk 01324 227606

C H A RT E R E D AC C O U N TA N T S

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eh22 3fb

people

c h a rt e r e d ac c o u n ta n t s

three offices

Beyond the numBers

BEYOND NUMBERS Edinburgh: 0131 440 5000 • Livingston: 01506 THE 242 002 • Falkirk: 01324 227606 Edinburgh: 0131Email: 440 5000 • Livingston: 01506 mail@springfords.com 242 002 • Falkirk: 01324 227606 Email: mail@springfords.com www.springfords.com www.springfords.com

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midlothiancouncil

Midlothian Business Slick in Selling Gourmet Cooking Oil Lynn Mann is the sales and marketing driving force behind a fast-growing Scottish speciality food business taking on the Italians with an alternative to extra-virgin olive oil.

Lynn’s company Supernature Ltd, run with her husband Chris, produces cold-pressed rapeseed oil from crops grown on the family farm near Gorebridge, Midlothian.

The cold-pressed cooking oil is fast becoming a favourite with chefs for its healthy credentials with Lynn’s product having half the saturated fat of olive oil, 10 times the level of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids and a high burning point so it can be used in any high heat cooking as well as on salads and in dressings The company’s sales growth has been fast since its formation in 2011, and Supernature is celebrating accessing new Scottish Government funding which will allow it to take on two new employees this year.

With the help of Business Gateway , hosted

by Midlothian Council, Supernature Ltd obtained £38,000 from the Scottish Edge fund.

Mrs Mann said: “We’re thrilled to have received this funding and have been grateful to our advisers from the council who have been really helpful in supporting our expansion. With this money, we’re going to continue to grow and do our bit to help people looking for a healthy alternative to olive oil.”

Cllr Jim Bryant, Midlothian Council cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Supernature have a really interesting product which is beautifully packaged and I am glad we’ve been able to help them access funding that will really help take their business forward.”

The council can provide advice, support and funding so please do get in touch on 0845 609 6611, or visit http://goo.gl/uHahpa if

you have an idea that could create jobs in Midlothian.

We’re bringing our advisors to you to make it easier for you to access high quality support.

Find Business Gateway at the following locations throughout Midlothian.

Start Up Advice sessions held at: Monday (AM) Tuesdays McSence Centre Roslin Bio Conference Centre, Wallace Building, Roslin, EH25 9PP. 32 Sycamore Road, Mayfield, Dalkeith EH22 5TA Wednesdays (PM) Tuesday Crystal Business Centre, Eastfield Road, Penicuik, The Wallace Building EH26 Roslin8HA. BioCentre, Roslin EH25 9PP

Thursdays Wednesday(AM) The Crystal Centre McSense Business Park, Mayfield, Dalkeith. EH22 5TA. Eastfield Industrial Estate, Penicuik EH26 8HJ Fridays (AM) Friday Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian.

Fairfield House Midlothian Council, EH22 EH22 3ZN. 3ZN 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith

0845 609 6611

0845 609 6611 www.bgateway.com 0845 609 6611

High Growth and New Enterprise Allowance advisors are based at: Fairfield House 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith EH22 3ZN High Growth advice is often delivered at the premises of our customers.

It’s now even easier to get an appointment with our team. By making that appointment, you are taking the first step to securing a better future for your business.

Please call 0131 271 3377 to book an appointment, or contact us via email bg@midlothian.gov.uk www.facebook.com/BGMidlothian www.twitter.com/BGMidlothian For more information visit www.bgateway.com

www.bgateway.com 0845 609 6611

www.bgateway.com

www.bgateway.com

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

0845 609 6611

Business Gateway services areofdelivered by partner Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support associated organisations.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

www.bgateway.com

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summer2014 Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

give your advertising more

C R E A T I V E

&

M E D I A

Ask Dorothy • corporate branding • logos • websites • leaflets • brochures • magazine design • marketing • social media

www.moreclout.co.uk

Colin Linton Management Consultant

I continue to surprise myself as well as others as to how often we use the tools I have covered in the last few issues of Business Connect on a regular basis.

How we communicate with our clients, boss, colleagues and direct reports is an investment for our future relationship with them which impacts on how motivated and engaged we are in our work whatever that is.

So in the last of my articles I will summarise some of the tips and techniques which will help us address issues and sustain excellent working relationships with others.

1. Have the ‘Difficult Conversation’ don’t put it off.

Today’s commerce projected forward for a successful future.

Our company founder, Colin Linton, proudly runs this small consultancy firm from home, after 20 years of developing his knowledge of business enterprise.

He attended Napier University, where he pursued a research project with the outcome of the European Union to 2010. This had the moral support of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, who shared the material obtained from other European institutions.

Seeing all of the results from these plans coming true, he has projected further forward to 2020. Prior to this research, he made a point of going to study business development in America. He embraced this study three times, once in 1990, and then for an additional two years in London and the South East of England. Here he became involved with change, creativity, marketing new opportunity, and politics.

The experience and skill that he developed over these years of study and research led him to the establishment of this business. He decided to devote his knowledge and present experience of the bookbinding industry to establish long-term strategies for small and medium businesses that will help get them on the map. He looks forward to helping you research your business goals.

Call us now.

Call Colin Linton Management Consultant of Dalkeith, Midlothian, for accredited management consultancy and business advice that will help get your business to where it deserves to be.

2. Use’ DEAL WITH IT’ it really works 3. Move from ‘Certainty’ to ‘Curiosity’ i.e. what is it that you know that makes you think that your way is best?

4. Move from ‘Position Statement’ to ‘Needs’ i.e. what ‘Need’ is making the other person behave in this way and address this not the presenting confrontational comment.

5. Don’t respond to a ‘Position Statement’ with another one as this will get you nowhere.

6. Move from ‘Blame’ to ‘Contribution’ i.e. move form ‘who’s fault was that’ to ‘how can we do things differently’ 7. Ask more questions, teams where the manager asks questions supports a culture of being willing to listen and this will in turn support members of the team to come to you with issues rather than hide them.

For more details on how to undertake the difficult conversation or any other conflict issue contact Dorothy on: dorothymckinneyhr@gmail.com or via www.dorothymckinneyhr.com or 07850410980

Flat 2, 135 High Street, Dalkeith EH22 1BE Tel: 0131 660 5019 E-mail: colinlinton283@btinternet.com www.lintonmanagementconsultant.co.uk

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Signed

advertorial

Date

NOT Correct – Correct and proceed to print

Riding on the crest of a wave Colin McMurray is Managing Director of Clyde Marine Training, part of the Clyde Group based in Hillington, Glasgow.

Print Name

I have checked all details carefully and this advert is approved to print AFTER completing the attached MINOR alterations.

I understand that once approved, D-Tech cannot be held responsible for ANY error corrected or notified, I understand the proof copy provided is for content checking o provides ONLY an approximate guide to colour

Signed

Need a reliable gas supplier in Edinburgh & Mid Lothian?

Print Name

Date

Then look no further than Ritchie’s Gas

NOT Correct – Correct and REPROOF

A maritime training company Catering Size BBQ’s for Hire I have checked alln details and have noted the attached alterations / enclosed n founded in 1986 CMT has grown n Bottled Gas for Domestic, Commercial Submit another proof after completing these changes& /Industrial using new file supplie to be the largest maritime training company in the UK managing up n Patio & BBQ Gases to 1000 trainees at any one time n Full range of Calor Gas in stock on behalf of over 50 clients. Since Signed Name Date n Air productsPrint Dealers for Drinks Dispense Gas joining CMT Colin has expanded the n Welding & Industrial Gases business to include a uniform and n Balloon Gas – Helium safety-wear company in addition to a Safety Company – Clyde available on siteof artwork, DTech cannot be held responsible for a Whilst every care has been taken in n theAutogas preparation and creation Safety which covers fire extinguisher sales and servicing, fire riskcaused, after artwork errors HOWEVER has beenthrough checkedEdinburgh, and approval for printing given. Advertisers supplying ar n Delivery East & assessment and Portable appliance testing. have no control over how this artwork was created such files are supplied at the Advertiser’s own risk – DTech cann Midlothian responsible for print quality when sub-standard files are supplied.

Having won various awards and with the business still continuing to grow, it was at thisColour proofs are for content checking only and are NOT colour accurate. Pantone colour matches cannot be achie colour printing process. stage Colin wanted to ensure he remained on Gas Delivered to your Door the top of his game. ‘I knew the business was continuing to grow but wanted to ensure I was Proof Copy of Advert also in the position to continue to drive the business forward. ‘Taking an established business forward is one thing, creating a start-up and Seton Gardens, Longniddry, East Lothian, EH32 0PG building a business from scratch is a different skill set’. This is the gap that Roger bridges.

Important

01875 815044

I had been looking for some time at courses to increase my skills and allow me to adapt to complement the continuous development of the business, but nothing I found was going to have the sustained effect and relate directly to me in my circumstances. It was evident after the first meeting that Roger had both the business and coaching experience to enable me to develop and so a plan was set.

The first thing that we did was resetting my aims. Many of my previous aims had been achieved and it was all about setting new goals and targets and being in the position to ask at the end of each day – what had I done that day to get closer to my aims?

The 3 ‘big ticket’ items where I wanted change were: 1. Ensuring the responsibility and accountability was clear across the team through ensuring clarity from me 2. Improving communication – improving every aspect of my communication within the team 3. Having a clear focus – focusing on the long-term objectives Working with Roger was both enjoyable and fulfilling. The challenging nature is a useful part of the learning and done in Roger’s gentle manor is a big motivator.

Coaching is becoming more widely accepted as an exceptional training tool ensuring that the managers and business owners are prepared as well as their business. I did have doubts about ‘coaching’ stigma but it is amazing the interest that is generated in it when you speak to other professionals. If you are the type of professional who values continual improvement tailored to help you, then coaching is the way forward.

See andcoaching.com/roger-thomas for Roger’s background and experience.

Contact Roger for a no-obligation discussion about your business or your management team and the challenges you face. A chat costs nothing and may just turn out to be a valuable use of your time.

Are Are You you?

Struggling with your tax return? n Struggling with your tax return?  Looking for an accountant who will help n Looking for an accountant who will help you make more profit and pay less tax? you make more profit and pay less tax?  Starting out in business? n Starting out in business? 

We can help.

Barrie Scott & Co is a firm We can help.

of Chartered Barrie Scott & Co isAccountants a firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered and Registered Auditors with Auditors offices inBathgate Falkirk, and officeswith in Falkirk, Bathgate and St Andrews.

We audit, offer St Andrews.

We offer audit, accounts, andtaxation taxation services accounts, and services together with business support and together with business support advisory services to a wide range of and advisory services clubs, to a owner managed businesses, wide range of owner managed associations, charities and individuals.

n  Compliance Compliance Services Services n

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Support Services

Support Services

Consultancy &  Systems Consultancy Advice&

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Systems Advice

Business Start-Up

Business n  Taxation

Start-Up

businesses, clubs, associations,  Taxation charities and individuals.

For more information contact Barrie Scott & Co on: T: 01506 656345 | F: 01506 634696 jillianso@barriescott.co.uk | www.barriescott.co.uk 30 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PT

Call on 0845 057 3362 or e-mail roger.thomas@andcoaching.com

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T: 01324 637654 • F: 01324 635678 • 16-18 Weir Street • Falkirk FK1 1RA office@barriescott.co.uk • www.barriescott.co.uk summer2014

businessnews

Asset Finance – What do you know about it?

I’m familiar with the term ‘asset finance’ but I’m not entirely sure what it means – please can you clarify?

Asset finance is a type of funding that helps businesses to spread the cost when investing in new and used plant, equipment and vehicles, while preserving their cash flow - this should be used for the essential day-to-day running of their business. It is asset-based lending, where, typically, the only security required is the asset being funded. There are many products that come under the umbrella term of asset finance, but the two main facilities are hire purchase and finance lease.

You choose the asset you require, and an asset finance provider buys it on your behalf. You then make monthly/quarterly repayments to that provider with interest over an agreed term, which tends to range between 2 – 5 years. This facility is relatively easy to arrange with quick decisions obtained.

A huge benefit of this arrangement is that you have use of the asset immediately, rather than having to wait to save up for the total cost to obtain the asset. This will allow the business to enhance existing and future contract earnings by its immediate use.

There is no point in buying a new, expensive piece of machinery outright if a business can then no longer afford to run it due to running out of cash.

Other Benefits n Large cash deposits are not normally

required, and, in some situations, 100% of the asset cost can be borrowed against without additional required security n Budgeting is easier with a fixed monthly

payment n Potential tax benefits with capital

allowances and interest offset against profits n Flexible payment options tailor-made to

suit your business needs n Existing bank facilities are not hindered

as debt is being spread between other funders n The debt is not repayable on demand like

other borrowing facilities – such as an overdraft

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Given all these benefits it’s not surprising that 60 per cent of the UK’s SMEs use some form of Asset Finance to spread the cost of acquiring equipment and machinery.

Why would you use an asset finance broker?

While it is relatively simple and straightforward to find firms offering asset finance, the most prominent ones are not always the most beneficial or effective.

Using the services of an asset finance broker can often lead to better and more competitive deals as they have access normally to a wide range of funders within the marketplace - unlike a main institution which tends just to sell its own product.

An asset finance broker can also offer their experience and expertise to determine whether a business needs asset finance, or another lending facility, which assets can and cannot be financed, and which finance facility and term of loan are required. One major advantage is the fast, reliable and very personal service with access to the broker at most times of the day – and with no frustrating, queue-waiting call centres.

Brokers also often don’t mind just being used as a general sounding board. They can also often provide you with other funding options. As with many things in life, it makes good sense to find out more before making an informed decision.

‘Hire purchase’ and ‘finance lease’ in simple terms Hire purchase is a simple, well-established way to finance the acquisition of equipment, vehicle or machinery for your business.

Normally an initial deposit is required, with the remaining balance plus interest repaid through regular installments. The finance house purchases the asset on your behalf and owns it until you have made the final payment; ownership then transfers to you.

Finance lease helps you keep your options open when you acquire an asset, by not committing yourself to ownership. The finance house purchases and owns the asset you require; you then enter into an agreement to hire it from them for an agreed rental over a set period. At the end of the finance lease contract you can hand the assets back, continue to use the assets for an annual hire charge or sell the goods for and

on behalf of the finance leasing company and retain the vast majority of the sale proceeds.

VAT – Note that on commercial vehicles and equipment the VAT is accounted for differently on each product. On hire purchase the full VAT on the capital cost of the goods is normally required upfront in addition to any deposit. However, on finance lease this is not the case: the VAT is added to the monthly rentals.

Re-finance: what is ‘sale and HP back’ / ‘lease back’?

Sale and HP back enables a customer to unlock the capital held in existing owned assets. It is therefore a simple yet effective way to finance a business that is aiming for expansion. The finance company purchases the assets back from you at an agreed value, and then finances it back to you over a fixed period. Sale and HP back finance is available

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businessnews

Using the services of an asset finance broker can often lead to better and more competitive deals as they have access normally to a wide range of funders within the marketplace - unlike a main institution which tends just to sell its own product.

to all businesses and can be used against most types of new and used equipment.

There are other benefits of using this facility: it can inject much needed capital back into the business; capital raised can be used for the purchase of other assets that may not be suitable for standard hire purchase or leasing; and it can be used to fund business growth while still having continued use of the asset being re-financed.

What is the difference between ‘secured’ and ‘unsecured lending’?

Secured lending Many finance providers offer secured lending, sometimes called ‘asset-backed lending’, to businesses and consumers. It is a finance facility that is secured against an asset, for example a car or machine.

The asset provides collateral for the finance

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provider should the customer become unable to make the agreed repayments. The finance provider may recover the asset and sell it to regain some of their losses, although this is always seen as the last option.

A mortgage is another example of a secured loan against property. In some situations it is also possible to borrow money on the strength of confirmed orders, known as ‘trade finance’. Invoice discounting and factoring are two further kinds of financial services that can allow a company to free up funds by turning unpaid invoices into cash.

may use it for any purpose they see fit, such as loan consolidation, home improvements or a holiday.

Examples of the different ways in which unsecured lending may be packaged include bank overdrafts, personal loan, store and credit cards.

The benefit of secured finance for customers is that, because of the reduced risks, lenders are able to offer more competitive terms and flexible conditions.

Unsecured lending An unsecured loan provides a lump sum purely on the basis of the borrower’s creditworthiness. It is not linked to, or secured against, a tangible asset. A borrower

n Mark Johnston

For more info contact Mark Johnston, Asset Finance Scotland Ltd on 0131 660 4404 or visit www.assetfinancescotland.co.uk

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Boredom Busters 13th August 2014 – Carronvale Conference Centre, Larbert Are you needing to liven up your training? Add some energy? Make it easy for your trainees to learn?

Sheila Fraser Associates has lots of activities that will liven up the boring bits in your training sessions.

Guaranteed – to help you deliver training without power point This one day event will allow you: n To try out Ice Breakers that will not only just break ice, but enhance learning n To participate in activates using accelerated learning techniques n To review a variety of activities that can make the dry and boring bits of learning come to life and be memorable n Network with other trainers and share good practice n Reflect on how all these activities can benefit the learning in your organisation

To book or for further information call 01506 650953 Cost: £120 See more at: www.sheilafraser.co.uk

Braemore, Marjoribanks Street Bathgate EH48 1QH t: 01506 650953 m: 07968 233324 e: sheila@sheilafraser.co.uk

Bush House Serviced Offices Bush House is a fully-refurbished period house at the heart of Edinburgh Technopole, set at the foot of the Pentland Hills amongst 126 acres of mature parkland. It us within easy walking distance of Pentlands Science Park, Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine.

l Fully furnished offices with broadband internet and direct dial telephone connections l Mailroom with a full range of office equipment and services at a small extra charge l Free car parking – one dedicated space per workstation

l New for 2014 - Fully refurbished, Bush House Cottages – Managed Offices l Flexible lease terms from 12 months l Space available from 215 sq ft (19.8 sq m) l Access to meeting and conference facilities in Bush House

l l l l

Manned Reception with occupier directory CCTV and 24-hour access Shower/changing and kitchen facilities Offices cleaned daily

For further information please contact Judith Sanderson on 0131 445 8600 or visit www.edinburghtechnopole.co.uk

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chambernews

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality TODAY AND SAY YES TO departments and exclusive memberJOIN services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. JOIN We areTODAY confident the quality ANDin SAY YES TOand value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

SAVINGS!

SAVINGS!

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). The annual Join infeethe warehouse or VAT). online: is £25 (plusqual Costco Wholesale is a membership warehousemembership club, dedicforatedStandardto briIndividual ngingMembership our members itMembership y goods www.costco.co.uk/membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco and services at the lowest possible prices. accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

Costco Edinburgh Costkea Way Loanhead Edinburgh EH20 9BY Costco T: 0131Edinburgh 440 7050 Costkea Way E: marketing107@costco.co.uk Loanhead Edinburgh EH20 9BY

Central Membership: 01923 830 477 T: 0131 440 7050 E: marketing107@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality Food Bakery Groceries || Electronics || Designer Apparel Processing departments exclusive|| Gifts member services, al|| lFine desigJewellery ned to make your shoppi ng || Digital Food Court Court || Fresh Fresh Bakery ||and Groceries Gifts Electronics Fine Jewellery Designer Apparel Digital Photo Processing and and more! more!

CostcoPhoto Edinburgh experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our Costkea Way products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Loanhead Edinburgh EH20 9BY M ACDONA LD HOUSTOUN HOUSE HOTEL

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

T: 0131 440 7050 E: marketing107@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

Easy to access and with ample free parking, we offer unique meeting and events facilities, luxury accommodation, superb dining and are the perfect choice for your next event whether it be a board meeting, gala dinner or conference.

• Conference facilities for up to 400

• Free on-site parking

• 73 beautiful bedrooms

• Two AA Rosette awarded Jeremy Wares Restaurant

• Extensive grounds for team building

• Free WiFi and extra dedicated bandwidth

Food Court | Fresh• Bakery | Groceries | Gifts | Electronics | Fine Jewellery | Designer Apparel | Digital Photo Processing and more!

Six meeting rooms • Meeting@ all-inclusive delegate rates

Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6JS. Tel: 0844 879 9043

W W W. MACDONALDHOTEL S .CO.U K /HOUS TOU N HOUSE

summer2014

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Vocational Awards – building strength for Scotland’s future

SQA is Scotland’s internationally recognised accreditation and awarding body, trusted to design, develop, quality-assure and manage our national qualifications system.

SQA works in partnership with businesses of all sizes to develop robust and relevant qualifications covering dozens of sectors and industries. Our qualifications offer something for everyone, from recognising the achievements of new-starts right through to the professional development of senior management.

Developing workplace skills

Good for employers, good for individuals

SQA is ambitious for Scotland — a well-trained and qualified workforce is essential for a successful economy.

Alasdair MacRae, Head of Business Development at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), explains:

We offer a range of expert services dedicated to delivering business benefits and measurable achievement. Our qualifications are designed to give you a competitive advantage by enhancing your workforce, no matter the size of your organisation or the nature of your business.

“Any business is only as good as it’s people. If staff are trained and qualified then they tend to be motivated and more productive. Many employers notice benefits, including improved bottom-line performance almost as soon as their people start working towards a qualification.”

Recognising Scotland’s Skills The global skills challenge is an increasingly important issue for all nations, but Scotland has recognised that success is not simply about developing a highly educated workforce.

Designed for success

Sustainable growth needs individuals to keep learning throughout their lives. SQA qualifications validate learning and help employers recognise standards of achievement, but they also help develop important skills for learning, life and work.

1. SVQ level 2 is an occupational qualification that forms the core of every Modern Apprenticeship — it can be tailored to individual or industry requirements

Learners can improve their literacy, numeracy, employability, entrepreneurship and critical thinking skills at every level of achievement. They develop the confidence to adapt successfully to change throughout their career.

Modern Apprenticeships Modern Apprenticeships offer anyone over the the age of 16 the chance to train for a job while being paid, without having to enter full-time education.

All Modern Apprenticeships are developed with the industries they are relevant to. The range stretches across key industries including Business and Administration, Energy, Marine, Retail, Hospitality and Healthcare.

Although each Modern Apprenticeship is specific to a particular industry or sector, they all comprise of three elements:

2. Core Skills including Communication, Working With Others, Numeracy, Information Technology, Problem Solving 3. Additional components that are sector specific may be required — including SVQs or Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.

Modern Apprentices are employed from the beginning of their training, developing expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment, as well as building vital skills such as teamwork and problem solving. Many Modern Apprentices also attend college or training courses for additional study.

For more information visit www.sqa.org.uk/modernapprenticships

The programme is supported by the Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, CBI Scotland, the STUC, the Scottish Training Federation and a wide range of employers.

Business Development T: 0303 333 0330 E: mycentre@sqa.org.uk W: www.sqa.org.uk/modernapprenticships

coverfeature

Helping business prepare for the referendum vote Scotland faces an historic decision in September: to remain within the United Kingdom or to become an independent country.

Whatever decision we make, there will be major implications for the way many of us do business.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce are working hard to help business to prepare for the post-referendum environment and to inform politicians who are campaigning on both sides of the debate of the views of businesses on the key issues.

We have adopted an impartial stance on the outcome of the referendum – that is a decision that the people of Scotland will make on 18 September – but we are fully participating in the debate as an honest broker between business and the politicians.

This has been in evidence at events such as Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce’s recent Referendum Debate, where local politicians Colin Beattie MSP

and Iain Gray MSP joined with businessmen Daniel Johnson and Paul Fletcher to discuss their differing views on where Scotland’s best economic interests lie. Local businesses challenged both sides on issues such as taxation, business costs, defence and inward investment. This is a great example of how the Chamber can bring the debate home to both politicians and businesses.

When Chambers of Commerce speak up, we do so with the evidence to back it up. We are Scotland’s most representative business organisation, with members of all sizes, from all sectors and a network of 26 local Chambers of Commerce across the length and breadth of Scotland. When our network decided to enter the debate over Scotland’s constitutional future, we required to do so with extensive and accurate information on the views of our members. That is why we have partnered with one of Scotland’s leading academics, Professor David Bell of Stirling University, to measure and present the opinions of our members on the issues at the heart of the referendum debate.

The network of Chambers of Commerce across Scotland has conducted two major surveys of business opinion. In the summer of 2013, we asked businesses to identify their knowledge gaps – the areas where they needed more information in order to plan for the referendum. This identified four key priority areas: taxation, Scotland’s membership of the EU, the currency and business regulation.

This year we have conducted a second business survey, broadening the range of issues covered and drilling down deeper into opinions on issues such as the currency and Europe. The results make for essential reading for both sides of the referendum debate. Worryingly, the majority of businesses judged the standard of the debate so far to have been, at best, poor.

With just a matter of weeks left until the referendum takes place, this is extremely concerning and the politicians will have to up their game quickly.

Perhaps one of the reasons why businesses have been turned off by much of the debate has been the fact that many firms do not see the independence debate in black and white terms but instead see both opportunities and risks in Scotland going its own way.

Nationally, just over half of businesses saw opportunities from independence, whilst around three quarters identified risks.

Locally here in Midlothian and East Lothian the results are even closer, with 69% of businesses identifying opportunities and

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coverfeature

On Europe, businesses expressed significant concerns on any scenario which would result in Scotland leaving the European Union, either as an independent country or as part of the UK.

66% seeing risks. Clearly many businesses can see both risks and opportunities and their view may be determined by how these are balanced.

Unsurprisingly, the survey revealed that the currency was a major priority for businesses.

If Scotland became independent then the business preference was for Scotland to enter into a formal sterling currency union with the remainder of the UK. All other options, including the informal use of sterling were judged by businesses to be risky.

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Whether or not Scotland becomes independent, it is clear that businesses favour decision making closer to home. This is one of the key attractions of independence for nearly a quarter of businesses, whilst even in the absence of independence, some 68% of firms would like to see greater devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. This latter figure rises to 77% in Midlothian and East Lothian.

Whatever happens in September, there is a clear mood amongst businesses for change.

Your local Chamber of Commerce will be working with you and for you as the future unfolds.

Unsurprisingly, the survey revealed that the currency was a major priority for businesses.

For more info on the survey result of the Scottish Chambers’ Constitutional Debate – visit www.scottishchambers.org.uk

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biginterview

University’s crucial role in increasing employability Long gone are the days when universities delivered education for education’s sake. Now, they are sharply focused on helping their students find jobs at the end of their courses.

That is certainly the philosophy that guides the approach taken by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh - an approach that is paying dividends with high numbers of students finding jobs when they leave.

For Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal helping graduates acquire employability skills is as important as educating them in their chosen subjects.

That is why he is proud of what has been achieved by QMU’s pioneering Academies programme for secondary pupils. The project sees young people in South East Scotland follow academic and practical programmes at college, university and with employer partners whilst they are still in their senior phase at school. With a focus on Scottish Government key growth industries, the young people are offered outstanding learning, skills development and career opportunities.

Professor Gilloran, along with key individuals at Edinburgh College and East Lothian Council, initiated the Academy model concept. After a highly successful first year, the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy model was recognised as one which could deliver real solutions for Scotland’s young people.

Securing £4.6m from the Scottish Funding Council, Professor Gilloran lead the development of the project with partner, Edinburgh College, to establish three new academies for 16 – 18 year olds.

Borders College came on board and the educational partnership now offers four Academies in Hospitality and Tourism, Health and Social Care, Food Science and Nutrition, and Creative Industries to secondary school pupils in City of

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Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, East and Midlothian Councils areas.

Having expanded in two years from 34 pupils in East Lothian to 470 young people across four local authority areas, the project is believed to be the biggest higher education widening participation project in Scotland. With total buy-in from industry partners, which provide placements, work opportunities and industry expertise, the programme is seen as a way of raising pupil aspirations, enhancing employability and supporting economic development in Scotland’s key areas of growth.

Prof Gilloran said: “The aim of the programme is to acquaint our young people with a knowledge of the skills they will need to be employed. It also allows them to experience both further and higher education whilst still at school, and gives them a taster of what work is like long before they come to make those kind of decisions.

“As a University, a lot of our focus is on preparing students for work. Right from the beginning, from our open days, we say to those young people considering taking our courses that the days when it was sufficient to have only a degree are gone.

“It’s not enough to graduate with a 2.1 and expect to land a job. Employers these days are looking for more. Graduates need to demonstrate that they have experience and leadership skills.

“That is why we encourage our students to take part in volunteering, do paid work or involve themselves in clubs. If you like netball then play netball, in fact, why not run the netball team?

Professor Alan Gilloran Deputy Principal Queen Margaret University

“We work with local employers to secure work placements so that students can demonstrate that they have done something beyond academic study.

Management Team for ten years, he has overall responsibility for the institutional strategies for student experience, research and knowledge exchange and internationalisation.

“We are proud of our record for the number of students who secure jobs when they leave the university. At 93.8 per cent, the figure is the fifth highest in Scotland.

Prof Gilloran believes that maintaining strong links with local businesses, trade bodies and organisations such as councils and chambers of commerce is important.

“People may not be surprised that one hundred per cent of our nursing graduates secure jobs but they might be surprised, for example, that our figure for psychology is so high.”

Previously, Co-Director of the RBS Centre for the Older Person’s Agenda and a member of the Scottish Executive’s Expert Group on Free Personal Care for Elderly People in Scotland, he sits on the Universities Scotland Research & Knowledge Exchange Committee and is Vice Chair of the East Lothian Partnership.

Helping students secure jobs is just part of Alan‘s job. A member of the Senior

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biginterview

The professor, whose own research is in the areas of older people and in mental health, believes that QMU supports local sectors such as the fast-growing food and drink, particularly in the field of nutrition.

We work with local employers to secure work placements so that students can demonstrate that they have done something beyond academic study.

He said: “We were founded as a cookery school in 1875 by two women who were concerned at the poor diet of people in Scotland and we continue that work today. Much of our research looks at ways to improve health, diet and nutrition but ultimately all of our work is geared towards serving society and improving quality of life. “Research and knowledge exchange are two of the key things we provide and we have a role to play in supporting local business needs.�

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advertorial

Going The Extra Mile in Search of Perfection How do you get Protection with Perfection? One solution is to contact Stevie Galloway at SGDetailing.com When Stevie Galloway took voluntary retirement from his role as a Planning Manager for the Royal Mail at the age of 50, it gave him the opportunity to start a business whose beginnings can be traced back to his childhood.

The boy who could always be found out on the streets washing cars has now opened SGDetailing.com, a Car Detailing company in Livingston.

After almost twelve months in the planning, the company provides the very highest quality car care services, including bodywork machine polishing, swirl mark, water mark, bird dropping marks and paint rejuvenation and valeting.

Stevie said: “As a child, you would always find me out cleaning people’s cars for a bit of pocket money and that interest in cars has stayed with me throughout my life. I have always loved cars, all makes and models there are no exceptions. I live by the philosophy ‘if you love your car, I can love it more’. After voluntary retirement from my job as a Planning Manager, I decided to turn my hobby into a business.

“There is much more to cleaning cars than people think. The worst thing you can do to your car, is wash it poorly because poor

washing techniques will mark and dull your paintwork.

“Also, no two cars have the same quality of paintwork. Every manufacturer, model and even colour will vary, a detail which means that every car needs individual attention when it comes to cleaning. That’s what we do. I am as passionate about customers cars as they are and will do everything we can to ensure that all vehicles are left with a finish that will leave every customer delighted.

SGDetailing.com have a purpose-built Detailing Studio in Livingston West Lothian and, after obtaining through West Lothian Council a 1000sq ft premises, Stevie set about designing and converting an empty shell into a Detailing Studio fit for purpose. It includes LED Lighting, Halogen Heat Lamps, a bespoke customer lounge with Large Screen TV, a selection of motor themed DVDs, free coffee and tea, free wi-fi and relaxing seating from the inside of a Jaguar S Type.

This is not just a car care service, this is an experience.

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advertorial

Does your business have Universal Appeal?

n Alan Stewart

Graphic design has always been my passion, if not always a source of employment.

Many years ago when decisions had to be made, I reached a ‘fork in the road’. My preferred school subject was ‘Graphic Communication’, an evolution from ‘O-Grade Technical Drawing’ incorporating elements of graphic design. So, when an employment opportunity that incorporated either of those elements came along, I took it.

It just so happened that this was in the drawing office of a Consulting Engineer.

As years went by, I still took a keen interest in any form of graphic art and production. From creating my own custom music and DVD covers, producing logos and posters, or editing photos for friends and family.

The more time that passed, the more I realised that engineering was too ‘black and white’ and stifling my creativity. A change of management within the company I was working for prompted the need for a change.

I knew that my new business would have to be a representation of myself and my philosophy, offering services incorporating both my background and my passions. A new design service, providing something for everyone. For every market sector and any industry. A company with Universal Appeal.

In January 2014 Universal Appeal Limited became a reality and the company is already moving forward.

Recent projects have included the design of the official 76-page full colour event programme for the ‘Scottish Gas National Open Swimming Championships’ on behalf of Scottish Swimming. This was a marvellous opportunity to work for such a prestigious national sporting body.

Setting-up a new company was a new lease of life. A future with new goals, new targets and new aspirations.

Contact Details: Email: Website: Telephone: Linked In:

Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

info@universal-appeal.com www.universal-appeal.com +44(0)7729 911858 www.linkedin.com/pub/alan-stewart/82/82/938 www.linkedin.com/company/3636972 www.facebook.com/uagraphicdesign @uagraphicdesign @uagraphicdesign Advertorial.indd 1

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07/05/2014 20:01

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advertorial

The challenges of keeping it in the family Much of the UK economy is based on the strength of family businesses, companies bonded by their leaders‘ powerful shared histories and a strong sense of loyalty.

Some of the UK’s oldest family businesses have used that combination to survive for almost 500 years and, according to the Institute for Family Business, there are three million family firms operating in the UK. The best ones combine the strength of family loyalty with an open approach that brings in professional support from those outside the family, exposing the company to new ideas and fresh thinking on business practice.

They are also the companies that plan

ahead, devising strategies to make the most of the unique advantages enjoyed by family companies, including ways to allow the next generation to take the reigns as older generations retire.

The best family companies are the ones that respect their past but also recognise the need for change as younger generations come through.

That was highlighted in a recently-published report by PwC which showed that getting succession right is crucial to continued success and which discovered a strong sense of confidence among those due to take over family companies.

According to the research, 80% of the next generation of family business leaders have big ideas for change and growth but 88% said they have to work harder than others to ‘prove themselves’.

The research by PwC, based on interviews with more than 200 family members likely to take over family businesses in 21 countries, suggests that succession is crucial as the ‘baby boomers’ hand over to the ‘millennials’.

Henrik Steinbrecher, PwC global middle market leader, said: “The world has changed out of all recognition since the current generation took over and the pace of change can only accelerate in response to global megatrends like demographic shifts, urbanisation, climate change and new technology.

“Firms that manage succession well are those that plan many years ahead - ideally, five to seven years in advance accompanied by ‘sensible conversations’ that address roles, responsibilities, and timings.”

According to the survey, promotion to CEO is no longer automatic for the next generation, with a growing number of family businesses being prepared to make tough succession decisions, including going outside the family for their leadership.

However, the survey revealed a strong desire to run the family firm among the majority of those questioned; 73% said they were looking forward to running the business one day although only 35% thought that was definite and 29% thought it at best only fairly likely.

80+ YEARS IN BUSINESS. 80+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. THINK NISSAN. THINK NOBLE.

Press

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Client: AF Noble Nissan

Doc: 1/00100258.001-N-WC26-MEWL CoC-HP-170x265-300514

WC: 30th May

Size: 170mm x 265mm

A/C: SW

Publication: Mid/East/West Loth CoC

Date: 28.05.14

Version: 1

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AW: RB

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,Hangar 3 Drem Airfield North Berwick East Lothian EH39 5AW

t: 01620 567015 e: black-andrew@btconnect.com www.andrewblackhaulage.co.uk

General Haulage • Bulk Haulage • Storage • VOSA Test Station • Workshop •

An Industry Leader in Road Haulage in Scotland Established in 1958, Andrew Black Haulage and Storage is a family run business operating 25 units and over 50 trailers. Andrew Black is recognised as one of the industry leaders in road haulage, utilising a distinct range of trailer types such as curtainsiders, tippers and

flatbeds which allows the delivery of an extensive variety of services.

The constant striving to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction resulted in Andrew Black being named Scottish Haulier of the year 2013 at the Transport News awards.

Need help to trace a missing beneficiary?

If you require any research undertaken in the UK or Worldwide to trace a missing beneficiary or legatee, or to establish legal succession in an intestate estate, we can assist.

We are frequently called upon to check the authenticity of a family tree provided by relatives of the deceased, which can often be inaccurate and based more often on family legend than actual fact.

Our clients have come to recognise that tracing missing persons can be a long and difficult task particularly where a large family is involved.

Because quite often a Will is signed many years prior to the death of an individual, by the time the Trustees or Executors come to administer the Will, many of the beneficiaries may have changed addresses several times or moved overseas.

We can find them for you – whether they still reside in the

summer2014

United Kingdom or have moved overseas.

In the case of an intestate estate, our Researchers will identify who are the rightful heirs and then proceed to trace them on your behalf.

We also locate witnesses, policyholders and shareholders who may be difficult to trace.

We have the necessary skills to carry out difficult and timeconsuming searches to trace entire families.

We are a small family run business, at the helm is Linda Chatwin who is an experienced and professional researcher, she is degree qualified and has undertaken many courses including Genealogy and Wills & Executory.

Barbara Fleming is the lady you will speak to in the first instance, she is the probate researcher and will gather further information to ensure

all information is confirmed and beneficiaries are found.

We are based at Centrex House, 1 Simpson Parkway, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7BH. Telephone 01506 429900 or fax 01506 413333 or email info@genealogyworldwide.co.uk

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Pioneering work in the field of green technologies

They are the technologies that offer hope for the future of the planet and Edinburgh and its surrounding area is at the forefront of their development.

development. Around the area can be found examples of companies pressing ahead with ever more efficient wind-based technologies

under way to not only work out the best methods of harnessing the hydrogen but also to store it in fuel cells.

Solar: Generating power from the Sun is gathering pace as a popular renewable technology. It’s a genuine ‘sunrise industry’.

Based on the idea that the power of the Sun can be captured and transformed into electricity, solar power can operate on a large scale with huge panels or on a very small scale with ones that can fit on a house roof and heat the domestic water supply.

Biofuels: The race to invent vehicle fuels that do not produce pollutants is what has created the biofuels industry. Biofuel is made from the likes of vegetable oils and wheat and is low on pollutants, which is seen as crucial because vehicle exhausts are a major source of greenhouse gases.

Over recent years, the area has been developing an expertise in renewable technologies which promise to create energy without the polluting side-effects associated with fossil fuel. Companies have also been exploring how to make better use of waste.

Many of the workers who once worked in more traditional areas have turned their hand to new challenges. For instance, men and women skilled in the engineering industry have been able to turn those skills to solving the problems that accompany wind turbine technology and industrial chemists are coming up with new ways to reduce waste and generate ‘green’ power.

Everywhere you look, pioneering research and development work is being carried out, including in the fields of : Wind: The first renewable technology to really become in vogue, wind power is now moving onto the next stages in its

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The Hydrogen Economy: Work is under way to develop hydrogen as an energy source, taking advantage of the large amount of hydrogen already produced as part of chemical processes. The theory goes that, used properly, hydrogen can be a immensely useful power source which produces only water as a by-product. Much research is

Anaerobic digestion/biomass: Some companies are investigating ways of turning organic materials into energy. For instance, anaerobic digestion (AD), which uses bacteria to break down waste to produce ‘biogas’, which can be used to generate energy. Its advantage is that the use of bugs means it is a natural process which lends itself as easily to back-yard concerns as it does to industrial-scale operators. In the UK, more and more AD plants are being created and the same is true for biomass, where power stations generate power by burning waste wood and specially-grown willow trees.

Waste minimisation: in addition to finding new ways of generating energy, many companies are experts in the reduction of waste and can advise on ways of making businesses more energy-efficient. The technologies range from better vehicle exhaust systems to buildings which do not leak heat, from better recycling to the reuse of by-products produced in industrial systems, a process known as symbiosis.

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Rabbie’s cuts costs and carbon emissions with FuelGood

Question: What does Rabbie’s, one of Edinburgh’s most successful minicoach tour operators, have in common with international heavyweights like Boots, BskyB and Vodaphone?

Answer: They have chosen to give their drivers FuelGood fuel efficient driver training. Why? Because FuelGood driving can save businesses (and individuals) around 20p on every litre of petrol - and in Scotland, the training is subsidised by Transport Scotland.

If you are keen on saving the planet, there’s an added bonus. Consuming less fuel will cut your carbon emissions too.

Rabbie’s is justly proud of the 13 awards it has received for environmental and responsible tourism. Aiming “to leave the legacy of our beautiful landscape for future generations to enjoy”, the company promotes environmental awareness among both its staff and customers.

Business Transport Advisor, says: “Unsurprisingly for an organisation which has several carbon reduction policies in place, some of Rabbie’s drivers already knew their stuff, demonstrating the highest possible fuel efficiency scores from the start of their 50-minute, one-to-one training session.

“The majority, though, saw significant improvements in their fuel consumption and miles per gallon.”

Now that 44 of its drivers have received FuelGood training, Rabbie’s has become one of the first businesses in the capital to qualify for the Energy Saving Trust’s new FuelGood Recognition Scheme.

Accompanied by an approved FuelGood instructor, each driver drove normally over an initial circuit of local roads then repeated the exercise using fuel efficient driving techniques.

Qualifying for the scheme requires a company to train at least 60% of its drivers in FuelGood.

Hitting this milestone means Rabbie’s can display the FuelGood logo alongside its other achievements, further demonstrating its commitment to the environment and its corporate and social responsibilities.

Comparing their results over two laps, participants used up to 26.8% less fuel and achieved up to 36.7% improvement in miles per gallon by the end of their training session.

Paul Wilkinson, Home Energy Scotland’s

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Paul notes: “Given that Rabbie’s drivers clock up over 2.5 million kilometres a year between them, based on these results the company

could save around £51,819 per annum and cut their carbon emissions by 121.25 tonnes by continuing to use FuelGood techniques.”

Jeff Ferguson, Director of Operations at Rabbie’s, is delighted: “We’ve had very positive feedback from the drivers who have taken the course and if the results can be sustained it will give us significant savings across the fleet.”

The company is interested in giving more of its drivers FuelGood training. Rabbie’s the business will not be the only one to benefit.

Their drivers will, too. For every 12,000 miles they cover in their own cars, they should see typical savings of £250 just by using fuel efficiency techniques.

Energy Saving Trust has already trained nearly 35,000 drivers from more than 500 organisations in FuelGood.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Paul Wilkinson, Home Energy Scotland, on 0131 539 4138 or email paul. wilkinson@se.homeenergyscotland.org

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Taking the environment very seriously

In the 26 years since EDF Energy’s Torness nuclear power station connected to the national grid in 1988 it has generated more than 200 TWh of low carbon electricity. This has avoided 130 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and is the equivalent of taking all the passenger cars off the UK’s roads for two years.

Capable of producing electricity for two and a half million homes every day, Torness is the second largest employer in East Lothian.

Station Director, Paul Winkle encourages all 550 staff to look at how the station can protect the environment and be more sustainable, “From encouraging staff to recycle at work, reducing waste to landfill to 0% and looking after the wildlife around

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the station, we take the environment very seriously here and do all we can to protect it, not to mention the fact we are a low carbon energy provider. We are always looking at ways to become greener.”

Wherever possible every new bulb used is an LED one as these last longer, use less energy, are brighter and take fewer man hours to replace. Employees are encouraged to car share, which means fewer vehicles on the road and lower emissions. When it comes to supply chain, sustainability is very important.

One area of focus is the use of local sources.

Another part of the drive towards being as sustainable as possible is taking an active part in the local community. In year one, the visitor centre at Torness has had more than 3,000 people through the doors. EDF Energy sponsors the Generation Science section of the Edinburgh Science Festival so local schools can have workshops on a wide range of science subjects. The station sponsors the Dunbar Science Festival. There are teams of volunteers who take part in a scheme called ‘Helping Hands’ which allows staff to take two paid days off a year to help out in the local community or for an environmental cause. A good example being the work a group of maintenance technicians did putting in new planters for the garden at

Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School in Tranent which helped children with additional needs..

When it comes to the wildlife and beautiful coastline around Torness everything possible is done to protect the area around the station. The team at Torness wants to encourage more species of birds and butterflies. Putting up various nest boxes has encouraged a thriving population of tree sparrows. Shrub planting has become a haven for migrant birds in the autumn and a bird feed cover crop is being re-sown after grey partridges used it for nesting last year. Wildflowers and plants, caterpillar and butterfly food, are being planted to attract more species and we have seen the Wall Brown, Speckled Wood and Comma butterflies all right on our doorstep.

This year, Torness has subscribed to take part in the British Trust for Ornithology’s Peregrine Falcon Survey as these birds have been nesting in the buildings at Torness for many years and with a webcam in place, employees at the station have been able to learn a lot about the family life of the birds with some chicks expected any day now.

For visitor centre booking, call 01368 873 909 or contact tornessvisitorcentre@edf-energy.com

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Torness power station Visitor Centre Come and visit us seven days a week between 9am and 4pm.

See for yourself how a nuclear power station works.

All plant tours require advanced booking.

Exploring Electricity has never been easier!

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Telephone: 01368 873 909 Email: tornessvisitorcentre@edf-energy.com

Entry and tours are free!

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The introduction of the new Waste Regulations on 1st January 2014 requires a significant change in the way your business manages its waste. Your business must present metal, plastic, glass, paper and card separately for collection. If you run a food business which produces over 50kgs of food waste per week, you must present it for separate collection from 1st January 2014.

01.01.14 Changeworks Recycling is the only waste and resource management company in Scotland that delivers separate collections and enables your business to achieve regulatory compliance.

“Through using Changeworks Recycling we’ve been compliant with the new waste regulations since we opened. It was always part of our ethos to re-use and recycle and given we were starting a new venture we also needed to be as economical as possible. So engaging with Changeworks Recycling to manage all of our waste made perfect sense on so many levels.”

TIMBERYARD RESTAURANT, EDINBURGH.

To find out how your business can not only be complaint with the new regulations but also reduce waste, carbon and costs.

Call 0800 694 0158 to arrange a free Waste Regulations Compliance Audit and learn how your business can reduce waste, carbon and costs. www.changeworksrecycling.co.uk

CHANGEWORKS RECYCLING 36 NEWHAVEN ROAD EDINBURGH EH6 5PY

T 0800 694 0158 E INFO@CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK WWW.CHANGEWORKSRECYCLING.CO.UK A CHANGEWORKS COMPANY

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Treating Waste as a Resource The introduction of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations In January of this year the introduction of the new Waste Regulations fundamentally changed how Scottish businesses present their waste. It’s no longer acceptable to send recyclable material to landfill. Plastic, glass, paper and card must be collected separately from food and non-recyclable waste.

The Regulations represent a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to build the circular economy and become one of the most resource efficient economies in Europe.

Zero Waste Scotland estimate that the average cost of waste disposal is now 4-5% of annual turnover, and up to 10% in some cases. Source: Measuring to manage: the key to reducing waste costs.

The new waste regulations are an opportunity for your business to review the way it manages waste and reduce waste, carbon and costs. By applying the waste hierarchy, resource use is minimised, valuable resources are not disposed of in

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landfills, and waste is sorted into separate streams for reprocessing, leaving only limited amounts of waste for mixed waste treatment, energy from waste and landfill.

Waste is treated as a resource.

Separate collection means waste stream specific separation. That is to say, a separate container is required for each dry recyclable and the subsequent handling must be sufficient to maintain that separation through the management chain.(DUTY OF CARE – A CODE OF PRACTICE 2012, P. 28).

Separate collections ensure the high quality of the materials recycled is maintained promoting the circular economy.

Michael Apter from Paper Tiger knew the introduction of the Waste Regulations would be good for business “It’s always been our ethos to minimise waste and recycle as much as possible, however during the run up to Christmas in 2012 I knew we could do more with the amount of waste we were having to dispose of. I resolved to let the new Waste Regulations be the catalyst to look at how we could recycle even more and minimise our waste.”

Michael Apter

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The Key to a successful Business Partnership!

2013 and the Chamber provided us with a free business mentor, we were somewhat sceptical at the time, but on meeting our mentor it was one of the best things we’ve ever done. A fresh pair of eyes was great for our business.”

Where it all began…

In 2010 when Paul Duffy and John Laurie decided to leave the national health club they worked in, ditch the decent salaries they were getting and set up their own venture as business partners, they had a joint vision, a plan, a plan they have stuck to ever since.

“Our main strength was clever Marketing and Social Media, Facebook and twitter particularly have always been at the forefront of our priorities,” keeping a regular presence in what is already a saturated market is important, regardless of how low your marketing budget may be, social media can be free of charge if you’re clever and has saved our backsides on many occasions. It doesn’t matter who does what, at Burn It its 50/50.”

The aim was to launch their business, Burn It Fitness, to become a national brand and household name within the fitness industry and to become Scotland’s largest fitness and wellness operator, which it now is.

The altruistic aim is to rival health clubs and fad diet clubs, but that’s for another story.

Health & Fitness is a personal hobby of both boys, business a passion, the duo have recently taken over Café Alba, previously known as the Gourmet Café in Alba Business Centre, Livingston.

The café boasts an impressive outside catering presence, a synergy the two see with their wellness business, as well as hosting regular healthy eating cooking classes, coffee mornings and everything else you’d expect a business café to have. A great place to do business the Café hold regular networking events, including the West Lothian Chamber Breakfasts every month and other get-togethers. The café can seat up to 50 people, offers free parking and free Wi-Fi, it also does a fantastic cup of coffee in what is a beautiful water surrounding.

The business partnership between the two has had a lot of ups, and very few downs.

Both Directors tell us below, what they believe are the key to a successful business partnership.

It’s like any partnership or relationship, really.

It requires hard work, commitment and a whole lot of patience. John and Paul work together every day, have shared an office for four years and have never had fallout.

Paul says: “There have been tough conversations, awkward silences and many many built up days of frustration, however, because John and I share the same vision, any time we’ve come across a problem, the excitement of finding a solution takes over and the problem is solved before we leave the office that day, we’ve always been able to see eye-to-eye, the business comes first without question.”

Here are their top 5 1. Agree on a vision.

Paul said, “If you’re both steering the business in different directions, it’s of course going to lead to different results. You’ve got to agree on a vision, John and I spent countless mornings, days and nights putting pen to paper agreeing and outlining the plan, which albeit has changed along the way. If you can agree on a vision, nothing will stop

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4. Have a Plan to Live Happily Ever After, that doesn’t always mean an exit strategy.

you from achieving your ultimate goal in business, be persistent, constantly remind yourself as well as each other, why your vision is important to you, why you’re doing what you’re doing and the success will come.

2. Have Compatible Styles.

John said, “We’re not saying you can’t enter into a business relationship with someone who isn’t exactly like you, in fact, with Paul and I it is our differences that make us work so well, if we were both sales people for example, the business would fail through a lack of operational control; the opposite is true if we were both operators.

But recognising that we are different and making allowances for that is important for the success of our business, Paul and I spend more time together than we do with our respective partners, so the allowances for having different models of the world is possibly one of the most important things you can get right from the start.”

3. Discuss money.

Most arguments and fallouts stem from who gets paid, what, and when. “It’s easy and I guess normal to get excited when you are self generating leads and sales and the brand that you have built is bringing in cash on a regular basis you’re suddenly in control and are dealing with transactions for your business, not someone else’s,” said Paul. At Burn It, it doesn’t matter who does what, everything is split right down the middle between directors. “Our priority is staff wages, monthly bills and if there is anything left, then it’s our salaries,” said Laurie. In 2010 when John and Paul set out, they were very stringent with money making decisions, no overdrafts, no loans, no company credit cards. “Tight when needed, clever when required,” Duffy put it. “One of our strengths was our local Chamber, we had reached a low point in our business in the summer of

They say: We both know what our goals are for the business and even though our exit strategy isn’t to sell the business any time soon, we do recognise that our business will grow, develop and evolve. As our business changes, so will our roles within the business, as we bring in more members to join our team, the dynamic of our team will inevitably change when looking at and discussing different scenarios of our future.”

“Paul and I will also discuss what our roles would be in that future, whether we would still share an office or have different offices, who would take the lead on project management, who would manage the team etc etc. This keeps the plan clear and prevents and uncomfortable conversations in the future,” said John.

5. A passion for business.

John and Paul’s advice is to be passionate about what you do, it’s been a rough ride the past 4 years for both boys, a lot of hard work and sacrifice has gone in to their businesses so far, they do however fully anticipate the next 40 years to be similar and more Wellness products and Business Cafés are on the agenda.

The plan for Burn It Fitness and Wellness is to continue to be the leaders in their market, growing into new businesses promoting their various Health and Wellness packages, the plans for Café Alba is to become a great meeting place for business people to do business, host informal events, interviews, catch ups or team meetings. Paul & John have a series of networking, motivational talks and various other business related events scheduled to happen at Café Alba later this year.

More details on both businesses can be found at the following websites. www.burnit.co www.burnitwellness.com www.alba-cafe.com

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Call us now to learn how.

01506 429 636 Room 108 Limited Alba Centre Alba Campus Livingston EH54 7EG www.room108.co.uk

Lawnmower Service and Repair Your Lawnmower will last you years if you look after it.

We fully service and repair both electrical and petrol lawnmowers of any size.

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All our repairs are carried out by fully qualified, experienced engineers.

Pickup and delivery service available throughout Midlothian.

Old Bridge House Newbattle Road Dalkeith EH22 3LJ

summer2014

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KNOTWEED PROBLEM Co-Founder & Business Manager of Invasive Weeds Agency, Graham Rudd, explains the problem of Japanese Knotweed and how to prevent it from affecting your property’s value.

Since 1981, it has been illegal in the UK to plant or otherwise cause to grow Japanese knotweed in the wild yet it has only been in recent years that the public has become aware of this non-native invasive weed.

Banks and building societies have taken notice of the problems that Japanese knotweed can cause and as a result many of them restrict or refuse to lend money for properties affected by this plant. As a consequence, many property sales have fallen through and people have become increasingly frustrated by Japanese knotweed. A myth has been perpetuated that it is nearly impossible to kill and that it will spread so quickly that it will smother everything in its path. As a result, there has been a recent surge in companies claiming to be experts and purporting to know a magic formula for eradicating this weed.

The prices being quoted for treatment of Japanese knotweed in a garden could be anywhere from £100 to more than £1 million.

With astronomical prices being estimated nationwide by unqualified tradesmen, it is time learn more about Japanese knotweed and the ways to tackle it in order to protect your own or your client’s investment.

What does Japanese knotweed look like?

Japanese knotweed emerges as small asparagus-like shoots that are red/green in colour. As the plant develops it produces small red/green shield-shaped leaves growing from the stem’s many distinct raised nodes or ‘knots’. Once mature, the leaves become a vibrant green colour reaching lengths of up to 120mm.

The red/ green stems of adult Japanese knotweed have a hardy bamboo-like appearance and grow in thick clumps or ‘stands’. During the months of August, September and October, creamy white flowers are produced, growing in clusters at the end of the stems. After flowering, the plant sheds its leaves and dies off, the stems become hollow brown skeletal remains that are brittle and easily broken. The dead stems often remain upright amongst new growth during the following season.

designated landfill sites licensed to receive this weed. Removing Japanese knotweed from a site requires a waste carriers licence therefore domestic homeowners cannot simply dig it up and take it to a landfill site.

Other legislation surrounding Japanese knotweed includes: Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 6) Part 2-Wildlife under the 1981 Act Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994

What damage can Japanese knotweed cause?

Why is Japanese knotweed a problem?

What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) a rhizomatous, perennial plant that grows throughout much of the UK. As its name suggests, Japanese knotweed is a native to Japan and it was introduced to the UK during the mid 19th century for its ornamental value. Due to its desirability, gardeners planted Japanese knotweed at locations all over the British Isles. By the start of the 20th century, the knotweed’s invasive nature was observed as the species escaped the confines of gardens and spread

into the wild. Today, Japanese knotweed is recognised as one of the most invasive species present in the UK and it is notorious for rapidly spreading and causing substantial damage to areas where it grows.

is

Being a non-native species in the United Kingdom, Japanese knotweed is able to grow rapidly and in many cases dominate its surrounding environment. Unaffected by natural controls such as predators and diseases that target the native flora, Japanese knotweed infestations can quickly spread. Japanese knotweed is classed as an invasive weed in the UK and is listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to ‘plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild’.

Japanese knotweed is classed as controlled waste, which means disposal is restricted to

Japanese knotweed is able to colonise a variety of urban and rural environments as it will grow in most soil types and it is fiercely competitive with surrounding species.

Due to its ability to exploit weaknesses in construction material, such as concrete and tarmac, new knotweed growth can cause damage to structures and roads thus affecting the value of property as it rapidly develops. Japanese knotweed grows particularly well along riverbanks and it is

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advertorial advertorial How much will it cost to eradicate?

The calculations below are based on an area of Japanese knotweed 5m x 5m, excavated to a depth of 2m with an additional 4m buffer zone around the perimeter. An insurance backed guarantee for work may be an additional charge depending on the duration of guarantee required.

able to colonise large areas because the waterways act as a distribution route for stems and rhizomes as they get carried downstream. Damage to flood defences may occur and there have been instances of Japanese knotweed restricting waterways resulting in flooding. Ecosystems can be disrupted by the presence of Japanese knotweed as it can starve the surrounding native plants of resources, seriously impacting on the delicate balance of local food chains.

The financial damage caused by Japanese knotweed has increased dramatically over the past few years with many mortgage applications being refused due to the perceived threat that Japanese knotweed may have to properties in close proximity to an infestation. It is commonplace for house sales to fall through as a result of surveyors identifying Japanese knotweed, sometimes inaccurately, at a property; however, this situation can be resolved by appointment of a specialist company to eradicate the infestation. In 2003, DEFRA estimated that it would cost the UK more than £1.5 billion to eradicate Japanese knotweed on a national scale.

How can you eliminate Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed infestations can be controlled and eliminated through a variety of methods, depending on factors such as timescale, location of the infestation and its surrounding environment. Due to the potentially high costs involved with some methods, often the main factor governing the control strategy is money. The main methods of control are:

Treatment

Timescale Cost (£)

Herbicide treatment

1- 3 years

2,000 – 4,000

Off Site Disposal

1 Day

8,000 – 10,000

Screening

2 Days

4,000 – 5,000

Burial

2-3 Days

5,000 – 6,000

Bund (relocation & herbicide)2 Days

4,000 – 5,000

Cutting

5+ years

Not commercially viable

Burning

1-2 Days

6,000 – 8,000

Biological

Unknown

Not commercially viable

How do I prevent Japanese knotweed spreading?

Japanese knotweed spreads through fragments of rhizome and cut stems, capable of producing new shoots and roots when buried in soil. It only takes a piece of rhizome 0.7g to generate into a new plant, however, not all rhizomes this small will regenerate. This vegetative material can be carried far and wide, completely un-noticed on the sole of a shoe or the tracks of construction vehicles. If Japanese

knotweed growth has been discovered it is important not to attempt to move or break the stems or uproot the plant. Take measures to prevent access to the infestation.

Can I eliminate Japanese knotweed myself?

It is highly recommended that any attempt to control Japanese knotweed should only be carried out by trained and qualified persons. Due to the highly invasive nature of the plant, its complete eradication may require the use of potentially harmful chemicals that could put the user and the surrounding environment at risk if incorrectly applied. If the control relates to the sale of a property it is usually necessary to appoint a professional contractor who offers an insurance-backed guarantee to ensure funding by a mortgage lender.

Where can I find a qualified and competent company?

Invasive Weeds Agency is has achieved the highest standards for weed control- BASIS Amenity Assured and BASIS Advanced Contractor Certification Scheme. IWA is a member of The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association ( www.innsa.org trade organisation for Japanese knotweed consultants and contractors. IWA offer insurance backed guarantees for Japanese knotweed eradication, ensuring the client’s peace of mind once the work has finished.

), the

Where can I find out more about Japanese knotweed?

The Internet has a wide range of information on Japanese knotweed but beware of scare-mongering!

Visit www.japaneseknotweed.com identification, treatment options, videos, news, legislation and more.

for

■ Herbicide Treatment ■ Off Site Disposal (Dig & Dump) ■ Screening ■ Burial ■ Bund (Relocation & Herbicide) ■ Root Barrier ■ Cutting ■ Burning ■ Biological Control

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chambernews

Mentoring: I think I know what that is? Er… What is it?

Although mentoring is something most of us talk about doing and needing on a regular basis, it isn’t obvious what being a mentor means, precisely, or what the process of mentoring entails. Is it the same as training?

Coaching? Advising?

Hiring a consultant but free? Is being a mentor the same as being a good role model? Are these all labels for the same thing?

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Peter Wilson has been an enthusiastic Mentor for about 12 years said “I have been mentored formally and informally for all my life; most of us have (just perhaps not recognised it as such) and I helped mentor numerous business people The first point I would like to make is how much ‘I’ get out of business mentoring – I probably learn as much as the person I am helping. That’s one of the great things about mentoring the ability to expand while helping someone else. I have learned about new industries, different methods of working and helped tackle business issues that I could not even have conceived existed until confronted by them.”

So lets tackle the questions of what is a mentor and what is the role of a mentor?

Often the business, or business person looking to be mentored has a specific problem which is usually immediate, it dominates the thinking and energies of the

Mentee and it requires addressing. The ability to solve a problem is based on numerous factors, skill, knowledge, experience and most business people are excellent problem solvers, especially within their own field of expertise. But is the problem is out-with the business person’s field of expertise that drives them to seek help.

Mentor is not a free consultation, nor are they there to provide free professional advice but a Mentor will share experience, knowledge and possibly a nudge in the right direction.

So having stated what a Mentor is not, what is a mentor and why use one?

Having stated that business people are experienced problem solvers and often approach mentoring as a way of addressing a problem out-with their experience often what the business person wants out of the relationship is NOT a specific answer to that problem but guidance on how to

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chambernews

Top 5 Benefits of a Business Mentor n

n n

n

n

A fresh pair of eyes to help steer you in the right direction.

Reassurance that what you’re doing is right.

Experience – someone who has been where you are and knows what its like.

A new found level of expertise to help you tackle new markets.

A pair of ears to listen to your business concerns and off load problems to source solutions.

address the problem. The Mentee wants to, and must be, the person that makes the decision on what to do. A Mentor must be a good listener as often just talking through a problem, hearing it out loud, and presenting the options that they have already thought off, allows the Mentee to come to a decision about what to do.

Mentors can help guide the decision making process of the Mentee and can add value by suggesting some scenario’s or options not previously considered. Mentors are often asked ‘What would you do in this situation’?

This can be tricky. The Mentors can address it by giving an honest answer on what they think might do, followed by rationale for doing it and also pointing out the pit-falls of that decision and then make sure that the Mentee does NOT blindly do what they would do without being comfortable with the decision and making sure it is aligned with their thinking. Mentors are careful about the bounds of advice given and also careful not to take the decision making process away from the Mentee.

To use a clichéd parable – what you are trying to do is teach the Mentee to fish so that they can feed themselves, not catch the fish to feed the Mentee.

Do you need a Business Mentor? n Do you find yourself lonely in the office? n Do you find yourself with more problems

than solutions? n Do you feel you could manage your time

better and want to be pro-active? n Is there a market out there you would

love to tap into but don’t know how n Is there a specific challenge that you just

can’t seem to conquer?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you would benefit from meeting a mentor.

Full Information: www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com

Getting a free business mentor was the best thing we have ever done. Our mentor brought skills and knowledge which filled the gaps to help us with our growth plan.

Does your card terminal still fit your business?

With technology changing all the time, you may be wondering if your credit card terminal is still the right one for your business. Hannah Summers from First Data Merchant Solutions, which offers West Lothian Chamber of Commerce members bespoke rates for card services, offers a quick guide to the main types of terminal available today…

‘More contactless terminals have arrived on the high street which enable customers to tap their card and go,’ said Hannah. ‘These are great if your typical sale is less than £20, the current limit, so are ideal for fast food, coffee shops and newsagents whose customers want to pop in and out quickly. According to First Data research, consumers love contactless once they have experienced its speed and simplicity.’

Portable terminals are popular in some sectors. ‘These enable you to take the terminal to your customer within your location,’ explained Hannah. ‘They are common in restaurants for table service but are also being used as queue busters in shops, enabling sales assistants to take payments on the shop floor rather than the till.’

However, portable terminals may not always go far enough. ‘That’s when GPRS terminals are likely to be the answer,’ says Hannah. ‘These enable you to take payments virtually anywhere in the country with a signal – at a tradeshow, a festival or at your customers’ home.’

The more advanced payment terminals tend to be more costly.

Wired counter-top solutions are the least expensive and still offer a wider range of options.

For more details about terminals or card services rates from First Data Merchant Solutions, contact Ian Morrison on 07713 390958.

John Laurie, Director, Burn It

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newmembers

West Lothian Aquarius Contact Centre Roddy Forfar 0131 3315046 roddy@aquariusuk.co.uk www.aquariusuk.co.uk

Greig Melville HR Alison Melville 01324 628676 hr@greigmelvillehr.co.uk www.greigmelvillehr.co.uk

Ashwood Scotland Archie Meikle 01506 651412 info@ashwoodscotland.co.uk www.ashwoodscotland.co.uk

Happy Smile Simon Cantle 0131 4430004 simon@happysmile.co.uk www.happysmile.co.uk

Barefoot Accounting Ltd Jon Norton 07958 251511 info@barefootaccounting.co.uk

Hawthorn Business Group Brendan Walsh 0131 3150151 brendanwalsh@hawthornbusinessgroup. co.uk www.hawthornbusinessgroup.co.uk

Bay Leaf Restaurant Tikaram Kharal 01506 436611 www.bayleaflivingston.com CHT Consulting Catherine Thomson 0131 272 2787 info@chtconsulting.co.uk www.chtconsulting.co.uk Claire Watson Photography Claire Watson claire@clairewatson.co.uk www.clairewatson.co.uk Code Tank Neil Ballantyne 0131 2300160 neil@codetank.co.uk www.codetank.co.uk Elephant Intelligent Communications Lorna McCallum 07939 233680 info@elephant-ic.co.uk www.elephant-ic.co.uk Enhance People Michelle Herron 01506 882875 michelle@enhancepeople.co.uk www.enhancepeople.co.uk

Insureness Insurance Brokers Stephen Stormonth 0845 872 8061 info@insureness.co.uk ww.insureness.co.uk Limelight Careers Karen Dodds 0131 5169111 info@limelightcareers.co.uk www.limelightcareers.co.uk Lothian Energy Phillip Bayne phil@lothianenergy.com www.lothianenergy.com Melville Independant Luke Russell luke@mi-plc.co.uk www.mi-plc.co.uk Rebooted Neil Ballantyne 0131 2300170 support@rebooted.co.uk www.rebooted.co.uk Riverside Stationers Kenny Sneddon kenny@riversidestationers.co.uk www.riverside-online.co.uk

Roxburgh Group Sharon Miller info@roxburgh-group.co.uk www.roxburgh-group.co.uk Scotia Wealth Management Bill Smith 0845 459 0138 info@scotiawm.co.uk www.scotiawm.co.uk SGDetailing.com Stevie Galloway 01506 443300 enquiries@sgdetailing.com www.sgdetailing.com Tech-Hiring Ltd Inder Singh 01506 253627 info@Tech-Hiring.co.uk www.Tech-Hiring.co.uk The Social Tailor Colin Gilchrist 0131 3371968 info@socialtailor.com www.socialtailor.com Thinktastic Mike Stevenson 0131 202 1667 mike@thinktastic.co.uk www.thinktastic.co.uk Vending Services Ltd John Bell 01506 467424 enquiries@vendingservicesltd.co.uk www.vendingservicesltd.co.uk West Lothian Transport Taxi Moses Kashani 01506 444550 Western Mercedes Graham Affleck 0131 4468000 www.mercedes-benzofedinburgh.co.uk Xtreme Karting & Combat Tracey Fowler 0131 333 0304 info@xtremekarting.co.uk www.xtremekarting.co.uk

connect business

Welcoming all our new Members to Mid, East and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce

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newmembers

Midlothian and East Lothian Andy Gilhooly Travel Counsellors Andy Gilhooly (Proprietor) 0131 657 3581 andy.gilhooly@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/andy.gilhooly

Dalhousie Castle Hotel John Badley (General Manager) 01875 820 153 john.badley@dalhousiecastle.co.uk www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

RNIB Scotland Emma Baldry (Fundraising) 0131 652 3169 emma.baldry@rnib.org.uk www.rnib.org.uk

Blackadders Solicitors Richard Godden (Partner) 0131 222 8000 richard.godden@blackadders.co.uk www.blackadders.co.uk

First for Fitness Niall Gosman (Proprietor) 07988 945353 firstforfitness@hotmail.co.uk

Rosslyn Associates Ltd Ian McLeish (Director) 0131 445 8611 ian@rosslynassociates.co.uk www.rosslynassociates.co.uk

Capital Document Solutions Neil Hunter (Sales Executive) 0131 557 4747 nhunter@capital-solutions.co.uk www.capital-solutions.co.uk Cockburn Halls Michael de Vos (Marketing Manager) Vincent Policella (Managing Director) 01241 890 230 mike@mdvcommercial.co.uk vincent@policellabros.co.uk www.cockburnhalls.co.uk

summer2014

Iona’s Flowers Joan Strachan (Director) 0787 9283559 info@ionasflowers.co.uk www.ionasflowers.co.uk Kip McGrath Angela Giglio (Proprietor) 0131 665 2202 learnwithangela@yahoo.com RM Bookkeeping Services Robbie McPake (Proprietor) 07890 034133 info@rmbookkeepingservices.com www.rmbookkeepingservices.com

Tergeo Scotland Limited Lorraine Ford (Director) Keith Kemp (Director) 0131 663 4235 info@tergeoscotland.com www.tergeoscotland.com The Kabin Margaret Pow (Manager) 0131 440 2541 margaret@lclc.org.uk www.thekabin.org.uk The Wellness Company Louise Ramsay (Proprietor) 07887 612912 hello@thewellco.co.uk www.thewellco.co.uk

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businessconnect

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membersnews

Harder working health cover for your staff

As an employer, you have the health of your employees at heart, so how can you ensure they stay fit and healthy at work?

As members of West Lothian Chamber, you have access to health cover on Westfield Health’s Foresight Health Plan.

Westfield Health is proud to be an award winning health insurer, providing innovative, best in class health cover for almost a century.

n Habibur Khan receiving the award on behalf of Matin

Matin crowned Scotland’s ‘Curry King’ Matin Khan, who runs Itihaas restaurant in Dalkeith, has been named Scotland’s curry king.

pleasing to have helped place Midlothian even more firmly on the country’s culinary map.”

He beat off competition from restaurants all over Scotland to be named Chef of the Year at the Scottish Curry Awards at a gala dinner attended by more than 500 guests at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow. The trophy was received on his behalf by his son Habibur.

Since it opened just six years ago the family-run Eskbank Road restaurant has won awards for the best Bangladeshi and South Asian restaurant in Scotland, and for the best customer service and dinner in the Midlothian and East Lothian Food & Drink Awards.

Matin said: “I am proud and honoured to have received this recognition, especially considering there are so many marvellous curry chefs around Scotland It’s particularly

summer2014

More than 9,000 nominations were received for the various categories in this year’s Scottish Curry Awards.

The Foresight Plan provides health cover that really works hard for you and your employees. It can be purchased as a standalone product or together as a package with hospital treatment insurance, providing continuous cover at a fraction of the cost of Private Medical Insurance.

So from things like sight tests, dental fees, diagnostic consultations and scanning, to surgical procedures such as cataract treatment and hip replacements, you can help keep your staff at their healthy best.

You can also purchase an additional module called DoctorLine™, a GP helpline that also includes a webcam consultation facility, enabling employees to undergo a ‘face to face’ consultation with a qualified, practising GP. So staff can have a consultation without even having to leave their workplace – good news for employees and their employers, as well as busy GP surgeries.

For more information about the Foresight Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com or call Audrey on 07810 795264.

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membercloseup

MEMBER CLOSE-UP Company Name: Guthrie Group Ltd Name: Cynthia Guthrie Position: Joint Managing Director Website: www.guthriegroup.co.uk What are the main activities of the business?

Guthrie Group Ltd is one of the largest independent distributors of facilities supplies and Health & Safety products in Scotland. We offer five main product areas: Workwear (embroidered in-house); Personal Protection Equipment; Cleaning and Catering supplies and Packaging.

We were awarded 100% for customer satisfaction by our customers in a recent survey carried out by an independent firm. Our objectives are to save our customers’ time: save their money and give them peace of mind.

Are you enjoying what you do every day?

Absolutely: otherwise I’d be doing something else!

Trading conditions over the past five years have been the most challenging for business owners in a very long time.

However on the plus side there are lots of opportunities if you remain focused on providing great levels of service and quality products at competitive prices.

We are about to re-launch our website-a full e commerce platform- and have revamped our showrooms at Livingston and Selkirk. Last year we became sole Scottish distributors for Univet- an Italian high end designer safety eyewear company.

Recently we have expanded our business south of the Border.

Our staff gave us a huge thumbs-up in a recent employee engagement survey, and their engagement, loyalty and enthusiasm make it all worthwhile.

As a business person, describe your three main qualities?

I guess that’s really for others to say. I asked others and they identified: strategic vision/direction, people skills and tenacity.

Someone said I retain a sense of humour when the going gets tough.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Probably every time we have a major task or challenge that brings people from various parts of the business together to meet tight deadlines: a demanding brief or some activity that will result in business process improvement. We’re going through such a time at the moment and everyone is buzzing!

It’s great to see our colleagues put the training, development and experience they have gained here into action. We work hard but one of our company values is “to have fun working together to achieve our common goals”.

What do you see as your job’s biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is probably achieving our ambitious growth targets whilst maintaining our current levels of

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service, quality and delivery. However these are things that we won’t compromise on, so we constantly strive to get better.

We practise Lean management and five sigma and have ISO9001:2008.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you have changed about your business career?

Nothing. I’ve been privileged to have worked for world class companies, with some amazingly clever and talented people and can honestly say that I’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable-and challenging-business career.

What is your favourite way to unwind?

I play golf and am a member of Gullane Ladies’ and Craigielaw Golf clubs. Recently I re-acquainted myself with my two guitars that had lain redundant for years. I have just embarked on a new fitness regime. I live in East Lothian and love long walks along the lovely beaches there with my husband and two spaniels.

If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?

Aung San Suu Kyi, Richard Branson, Dolly Parton, Steve Jobs, Joan Rivers, George Orwell.

The combined wit, wisdom, knowledge and influence of these guests would be mind-blowing. Heroes every one-in very different ways!

What advice would you give to others who are trying to be a success in business?

The best advice I ever received was “no is not an answer”!

Another great one was from Sir Bill Gammell-whenever you face adversity “take a brave pill”.

Push back boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom; you will amaze yourself with what you can achieve by casting aside self-limiting beliefs.

Creativity, tenacity, bravery and great listening skills are prerequisites for anyone trying to succeed in business.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I can see myself playing golf on a world class course, in a hot climate, with great companions.

After the game we’d be discussing business and politics over a bottle of the finest bubbly the clubhouse can offer as we watch the sun go down.

The next day…it’s back to business!!!!!!!

summer2014

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