Business Scotland 20

BusinessScotland Scottish Chambers of Commerce Magazine

Test and Protect launches for Chamber Network Scottish Chambers of Commerce

ISSUE 20

BusinessScotland

CONTENTS

ISSUE 20

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TEST AND PROTECT LAUNCHES FOR CHAMBER NETWORK

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BUSINESSES NEED TO BE ABLE TO START WORKING MORE NORMALLY

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PREVENTING UNEMPLOYMENT MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR US ALL

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SCOTTISH BUSINESSES NEED FURTHER DIRECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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SCC DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE AWARDED BY PRIME MINISTER FOR VOLUNTARY WORK NEW RENFREWSHIRE BUSINESS FUND NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS INVERNESS CHAMBER LAUNCHES HIGHLAND SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITION BUSINESS WEEK GOES VIRTUAL FOR 2020

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Partners

Front cover image: Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive, Moray Chamber of Commerce

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UK AND JAPAN AGREE HISTORIC FREE TRADE AGREEMENT RAMIFICATIONS OF PROLONGED HOME WORKING ON MENTAL HEALTH DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY LOOKS TO 2021 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW EMPLOYERS ACROSS SCOTLAND HAVE BEEN INNOVATING TO ENSURE APPRENTICES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROGRESS

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FOREWORD

Economic stimulus needed to rejuvenate the Scottish economy

By Tim Allan

President of SCC

The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator survey for Q2 of 2020 confirms the economic pain that has been felt by Scottish businesses across sectors in all parts of the country due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the subsequent lockdown.

In many instances, these results are among the worst over the 30-year history of the survey. However, the circumstances of which they have arisen means that they should come as little surprise. COVID-19 has drastically halted or limited activity across all sectors of the Scottish and global economy.

Levels of confidence have fallen to historic lows in many of the sectors, with construction, retail & tourism most affected by the crisis.

Employment trends suggest the UK Government furlough scheme has been successful in limiting the scale of job losses.

However, negative employment expectation levels highlight the long-term challenge for businesses to retain employees and protect jobs.

Cashflow - a key economic indicator of how a business is able to cover costs and report profits - has fallen to record lows for many sectors. In every sector, with the exception of manufacturing, the proportion of firms applying for credit is at the highest level since the question was introduced in 2014.

Many businesses will have had to rely on cash reserves and government support schemes to meet fixed costs, with overhead costs rising across all sectors.

Our message to government is this: work productively with businesses in our shared aim of protecting jobs and local economies that may be lost forever if action is not taken now.

Businesses are eager to do whatever they can to adapt to what will be a testing business environment; which will

include changing workplace practises, dramatically evolving business models and re-skilling the workforce which will be critical across all sectors. It is critical that governments in Holyrood & Westminster continue to provide business support for companies during and beyond the easing of lockdown restrictions.

A sudden end to these vital financial support measures would not be welcome by anyone and a tsunami of jobs would disappear overnight. Looking towards the future, governments must accelerate investment plans to fuel economic demand and activity as well as providing support for sectors to adapt to the new economy. This must go hand in hand with job guarantee and training schemes that ensure that we do not see a lost generation of talent.

It is now more important than ever that we channel our investment and resources to looking outward. This should involve getting contracts and connections for Scottish businesses to explore, identify new ways to sell our products and our services, and to promote Scotland’s assets and the enormous talent we possess.

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CHAMBER TEST AND PROTECT APP

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CHAMBER TEST AND PROTECT APP

Test and Protect launches for Chamber Network Seven Chambers of Commerce have now launched a Test & Protect web app to help support their local areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Track and Trace web apps gives business owners a platform to securely check customers in and collect the data needed to support the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect Programme.

Visitors simply scan a QR code with a smartphone on entry and input their contact information to be held securely for use if required by NHS Scotland.

This means that after the first sign-in, they can check in easily and securely each time they visit a café, restaurant, hotel, visitor attraction or business which is using the app.

The initiative is the latest measure rolled out by the Chamber’s network, who have been supporting their 12,500 members since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.

As of 14 August, all Scottish businesses serving food or drink to customers who remain within the premise must gather contact details to support NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect service.

The new app provides a safe and secure way of storing this information and can be used for purpose of contact tracing should the need arise. The app is free to Chamber members but available to all businesses and is primarily aimed at the region’s Tourism and Hospitality sector but can be used by any business that may need to comply with Test & Protect.

The service is easy to use for both the business and customer. Registered businesses will have access to a range of downloadable documents which include QR codes and numerical codes for display within their premises.

Within the account dashboard the businesses can also see how many times the service has been used.

Moray Chamber

Visitors to the premise can check in via a QR code or numerical code on their mobile phone or manually by the business. Information can also be stored for their next visit.

Cairngorms: https://protect.visitcairngorms.com/ Lochaber: https://protect.outdoorcapital.co.uk/ Moray: https://protect.morayspeyside.com/ Dundee and Angus: https://protect. dundeeandangus.scot/?login=Yes&Arrive=Yes Caithness: https://protect.caithnesschamber.com/ Outer Hebrides: https://protect. outerhebrideschamber.co.uk/guest_home/ Forth Valley: https://trackandtrace. forthvalleychamber.co.uk/

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OPINION BY DR LIZ CAMERON

Businesses need to be able to start working more normally as soon as it is safe to do so

By Dr Liz Cameron OBE

Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce

“Better bend than break” is a proverb that transcends languages and cultures. It comes from the story about the reeds that bend in the wind to withstand a hurricane that fells a mighty oak. Their flexibility means they are likely to survive no matter how hard the storm.

There’s no doubt businesses in Scotland have faced some fierce weather of late and the forecast is calling for yet more tough conditions. For businesses in tourism and hospitality, the clouds are lowering as the UK’s furlough scheme comes to an end next month. Meanwhile the increased risk of disruption caused by Brexit is on the horizon and we are racing towards it at speed.

In this maelstrom, some but not all businesses in Scotland are still locked out of their premises. Those companies which are deemed “non-essential” are still waiting to find out when they can start operating safely under what most are calling the “new normal”.

Casting aside the problematic description of “non-essential” – can our society function without, say, professionals like lawyers and accountants? How about web developers or

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any other player in the services sector, which is the Scottish economy’s largest contributor to gross domestic product? And let’s not forget the manufacturers, the science and technology labs, to name but few.

Arguably these companies are actually quite essential to the functioning of our society not to mention having huge significance as employers that are stimulating both growth and protecting livelihoods.

If there have been any silver linings in the dark days of the pandemic, it has been how companies have embraced flexibility.

In terms of enabling working from home, employers and employees have made huge efforts in transforming the way business is done and transacted.

Most agree that working flexibly is likely to be embedded into normal business practice long after the pandemic has passed. It has been proved it can be done. Likewise, flexible working will continue to be necessary once restrictions on workplaces are further eased in Scotland to allow for safe distancing and hygiene.

However, while it can be done, businesses need to be able to start working more normally as soon as it is safe to do so. For every worker who relishes undertaking a day’s work in a smart shirt and pyjama bottoms, there are people for whom home working is cramped, uncomfortable or even dangerous. Prolonged isolation risks taking

a toll on mental health and is a barrier to training and bringing on board the next generation of talent.

What we don’t know yet is what impact “WFH” will have on the fabric of our cities, from the high street and the urban business district to the industrial and office parks.

There is also a huge question-mark over the sustainability and vibrancy of our city and town centres without the footfall of people who work there. In turn they bring with them activity and investment which underpins much-needed regeneration and rejuvenation.

There is no doubt that flexibility will be key if we are going to return to anything like normal, old, new or otherwise. Ensuring trust and collaborative working will also be essential.

In this regard, Scottish Chambers of Commerce will lead a small, focused action group to develop and review a plan to enable offices to reopen and inform the route map review decision due on October 1.

Vigilance will be required in order to prevent issues that have caused some setbacks in terms of transmission of the virus in some environments. However the vast majority of workplaces that have continued to operate as the lockdown has eased show it is possible to work safely while keeping the spread of coronavirus at bay.

OPINION BY DR LIZ CAMERON

Preventing unemployment must be a priority for us all

By Dr Liz Cameron OBE

Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce

One lesson that has emerged from the difficulties of the pandemic is that adaptability means survivability.

As the economy begins to open up we are not quite getting to normal yet, but this is the environment in which we must work.

Now is the time to identify and implement the right ideas for ensuring the health of the economy and getting people back into jobs.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has consulted widely on how the business landscape should look in the future.

We have called for the development of a clear Scottish economic strategy that brings together the many disparate threads of business support so we are all clearly pulling in the same – and right – direction.

Preventing unemployment must be a priority for all. Our recent quarterly economic indicator – one of the longestrunning research series of its kind in the UK – highlighted the challenge, particularly in relation to the jobs market.

Every sector of the economy reported negative employment expectation levels, laying bare the urgent challenge for

businesses to retain employees and protect jobs.

The UK Government’s flagship Kickstart scheme, which subsidises six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, is a practical step that will protect existing employment while creating new opportunities. The jobs retention bonus scheme is an attractive incentive for employers to maintain thousands of jobs currently being protected by the furlough scheme.

But these must be integrated with Scotland-specific initiatives. First and foremost, as support mechanisms proliferate, we must ensure they are clearly marked and easy to access to avoid confusion so the path for job-seekers is clear. Government needs to work closely with business to achieve this.

The question, “what are businesses telling us they need?’, should be primary when designing interventions. It is also imperative the focus remains on practical ideas that have been proven to work.

Looking at skills needed for the future and recovery, young people in particular face missing out key years at the start of their career, and must be supported.

But nor must we lose sight of the wider workforce, including those adults with few or no qualifications, or minority groups that will be disproportionately affected by their reliance on hospitality and other

industries currently in a fragile state.

Projects such as an employer recruitment incentive targeted towards small and medium-sized enterprises to encourage them to hire from specific groups of the workforce – for example, school-leavers or recently unemployed young people – is one potential approach. This could be based on the graduate recruitment incentive model which we operated in partnership with the Scottish Government in 2014, which created 400 new graduatelevel jobs within six months. More than 90 per cent of graduates were retained in jobs with small businesses.

If this could be adopted in this environment, training would be essential with the employee undertaking short modular courses that meet the needs of the business or sector. Fast and immediate training, defined as being within three months, on digital skills, marketing, selling and remodelling our businesses through e-commerce, logistical distribution, business development, identification of and working in international markets, are just a few examples that would support business recovery.

We need to transform the economy by redesigning and embracing the new dynamic post-Covid and post-Brexit. By working together and accepting this, every one of us has a responsibility to one another to rebuild in a safe environment.

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SCC NEWS

Scottish businesses need further direct financial support to cope with further lockdowns A new survey by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has found the vast majority of businesses in Scotland are doing their utmost to retain staff in the coming months despite high levels of concern over the risk of further lockdowns and phased withdrawal of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The survey confirmed recent official employment statistics, with only a small proportion (11%) having made staff redundant since measures to stem the spread of pandemic came into force.

However, the number of employers who believe they will continue to avoid redundancies starts decreasing over the coming months. Almost three quarters (74%) expect they will retain their staff in the next three months. However, this reduces to 68% as the Treasury’s furlough scheme comes to an end in October.

A significant majority (63%) of businesses are concerned about the need to drive up demand, indicating ongoing challenges in restoring sufficient consumer confidence to boost the economy.

Over half (56%) have indicated rising costs of doing business, such as rental costs,

business rates and general taxation as a significant concern. Having to make premises Covid-19 secure will have also contributed to the rise in costs while facing reduced capacity and lack of trade at the same time.

While government support will have supported levels of cashflow, over half of firms (56%) report lower levels of cashflow compared to one month ago.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “We fear a reckoning as some companies, particularly in tourism, hospitality and retail decide it is no longer viable to restart or continue in the coming months. We must achieve a balance between looking at long-term ambitions and strategies for growth alongside concrete action in the months ahead to ensure we retain as many

We fear a reckoning as some companies, particularly in tourism, hospitality and retail decide it is no longer viable to restart or continue in the coming months.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce

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businesses and jobs as possible. It is not one over the other.

“For those sectors which remain closed or have just resumed operations recently, helping them back to work and restoring consumer confidence as quickly as possible is crucial to their immediate survival.

“Alongside a cautious outlook for employment, the tracker survey highlights there is a need for more action by government to cut further the upfront costs of doing business. There is a need for more direct fiscal support in the form of targeted sectoral interventions for those businesses most at risk as well as targeting regional areas where the impact of the virus has hit harder than in others. We must also see tailored support to meet the need of businesses at an increasingly individual level.

“Scottish businesses have already demonstrated that we are adaptive, innovative and resilient, but the challenges we face over the next few months, potentially years, warrants a response from government that is just as substantial.

“We cannot just play at the edges – we need to harness the resilience, the ambitions and the skills of business and political leadership to fundamentally rethink how we ensure Government at all levels become more interested in working with businesses.”

CARER POSITIVE

Why supporting staff with caring responsibilities during Covid-19 is vital to your organisation This year has seen a dramatic boost in the numbers of carers in Scotland, increasing by almost 400,000 to an estimated 1.1 million since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. This issue is particularly relevant to Scottish employers as 58% of these new carers juggle paid employment with their caring responsibilities.

As these times of uncertainty continue and the world of work takes on a new and changing shape, it is vital that employers recognise the particular challenges that carers face. We need carers to feel valued and supported by employers as otherwise, many may feel forced to leave.

Research undertaken earlier this year by the CIPD and Sheffield University in fact highlighted the plight of working carers, showing that a quarter of workers with caring responsibilities for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill have considered giving up their job entirely, with many struggling to balance their caring role without employer support. As well as the devastating effect this can have on individuals and their families, this can also clearly impact heavily on employers.

How can Carer Positive help?

Carer Positive is a nationally recognised employer award scheme, launched by the Scottish Government and delivered by Carers Scotland. Free to participate in, it is a flexible initiative, designed to work for organisations of all sizes and sectors. We help employers create a supportive working environment for carers, providing advice and resources as well as employer testimonial videos, awareness and networking events.

Employers can apply for our multi-level Carer Positive Award and we can continue to help strengthen and develop a culture of support within their organisation, which contributes to an overall positive effect on the wellbeing and resilience of all staff.

A growing number of organisations in Scotland are proud to call themselves Carer Positive Employers.

Almost 200 employers are currently recognised as Carer Positive Employers, including: local authorities; health boards; public bodies; utility companies; further and higher education institutions; voluntary sector organisations and private companies.

The Phoenix Group is one of our Exemplary Carer Positive Employers, and at the

forefront of organisations who recognise the importance of this agenda. The award demonstrates the support the Group provides for its employees who are working carers, through a combination of practical support and policy, awareness raising and training and an active Carers Network.

Accepting the award earlier this year, Stephen Jefford, Group HR Director and Executive Sponsor of the Carers Network at Phoenix Group said: “We recognise that many colleagues will have a caring commitment at some point in their working lives. We want to ensure we support them in balancing their caring responsibilities alongside their career. We’re delighted to be recognised as a Carer Positive employer in Scotland and believe that an appropriately thoughtful workplace helps colleagues remain committed and engaged through times of enduring challenge.”

embraced across the country, with online communication platforms providing tools to more easily provide the right kind of support, benefiting organisations now and far beyond the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The Carer Positive Award scheme is recommended within the Scottish Business Pledge and linked in the Scottish Government’s recent ‘Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance for Homeworking’.

We encourage all interested organisations to visit our website – www.carerpositive.org – for more information and get in touch to find out how you can become a Carer Positive Employer.

Workplaces are changing and we urge employers to seize the opportunity and look at how their policies and practice supports staff with caring responsibilities. Home working and greater flexibility is being

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SCC NEWS

Charandeep Singh

SCC Deputy Chief Executive awarded by Prime Minister for voluntary work A volunteer from Glasgow who has galvanised the Sikh community to deliver over 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Scotland in response to the pandemic has today received Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award.

Charandeep Singh, who is deputy chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, formed the ‘The Sikh Food Bank’ at the start of lockdown to provide support for shielding and vulnerable households. The project organises the delivery of groceries and cooked meals, as well as providing a volunteer shopping service for those who are self-isolating and a check-in phone service, available in both English and Punjabi.

Supported by a 50-strong team of Sikh volunteers, Charandeep has led the delivery of meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen.

In a personal letter to Charandeep, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Over the last few months, we have all been uplifted by the stories of those who have brought their communities together in the service of others.

“So, I wanted to write personally to thank you and everyone involved with The Sikh Food Bank for the fantastic support that

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you have provided during our battle against Coronavirus.

“I was amazed to hear that your team of volunteers have now delivered 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow and I am delighted to be able to recognise the scale of this achievement by naming you as the UK’s 1470th Point of Light.”

Chris Stephens, MP for Glasgow South West, said: “I am delighted that Charandeep Singh, as the founder of the Sikh Foodbank in Glasgow, has been recognised through the Points of Light Award. This award is deserved recognition for Charandeep’s hard work, passion, and dedication to helping others. While leading a team of 50 volunteers the Sikh Foodbank has delivered over 80,000 meals and food parcels, making a real difference to so many across Glasgow during the COVID pandemic, Charandeep is an inspiration and role model to us all.”

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Charandeep said: “It is a great privilege for ‘The Sikh Food Bank’ to be honoured with a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister. This pandemic has been a testing time for us all - that is why

I and many volunteers made it our mission to provide food and support. Since starting ‘The Sikh Food Bank’ in March, we have delivered over 80,000 meals to those in need.

The Points of Light award recognises those efforts and is dedicated to all our volunteers who stepped up to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Charandeep is the 1470th person to be recognised. As the UK unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.

Dr. Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers said: “This is a fantastic achievement and on behalf of the Scottish Chambers network, I’d like to congratulate Charandeep for this exceptional recognition and for being an example to us all.

“This recognises the work he has led on a voluntary basis throughout this crisis, supported by a great team of volunteers throughout Scotland.”

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Chartered status in business

Royal charters go all the way back to the 13th century. The idea was simple: serve society by creating and defining the highest professional standards, uphold those standards, and drive them forward. The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) achieved its royal charter in 1912. The CII has been entrusted with raising standards in the insurance and personal finance sectors ever since.

Attaining the highest standards in insurance isn’t easy, but with Chartered status, demonstrating a commitment to those standards is. Chartered status allows firms to make a pledge to uphold good practice. It tells their clients everything they need to know about working with Chartered professionals. It says this firm is committed to a level of clientcentricity rooted in professionalism and ethics.

Chartered status is awarded to individual professionals such as brokers, underwriters and claims practitioners who display eminence in their field, as well as to firms themselves. To become a Chartered firm involves a commitment to expertise, integrity and clientcentricity. Standards of excellence in qualifications, ethics, business practices and professional development must be maintained.

By choosing Chartered, you are choosing an insurer or insurance broker that has made a public commitment to professionalism.

The CII sets the bar, a firm meets it.

Chartered status allows customers to recognise this excellence. It represents a pledge of enhanced standards. That’s what the Chartered badge stands for.

Why choose a Chartered insurance broker?

Quite simply, it’s about dealing with a professional. Chartered insurance brokers have made a joint public commitment with the CII to deliver the highest standards of professionalism, then placed a public badge on that commitment.

It’s about being transparent, having integrity and being committed to serving society. In fact, Chartered status cannot be attained without a clear customer focus. By choosing Chartered, customers can benefit from professionals who put their needs and ethics at the heart of their business.

Where to find a Chartered firm Many insurers, brokers, underwriting agents and financial planners have been awarded Chartered status. To Choose Chartered, simply look out for the badge on a firm’s website, email or letterhead. Alternatively, go to cii.co.uk/charteredinsurancebrokers where you can check whether your broker is CII Chartered, and find more information about what it takes to achieve Chartered status.

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CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

New Renfrewshire Business Fund now open for applications A new package of support for Renfrewshire businesses to tackle the immediate impact of Coronavirus is now open for applications.

The £1.3million Renfrewshire Coronavirus Business Support Fund has been created following detailed discussion with 500 local companies to determine what they feel can make the biggest difference in the shortterm.

It offers local businesses, including people self-employed, the opportunity to apply for: An interest free Business Restart Loan between £1,000 to £5,000 repayable up to three years to assist with short-term cashflow A 50% match-funded Business Resilience Grant from £1,000 to £10,000 to help businesses meet changed objectives and plan for growth A Business Adaptation Grant providing match-funding from £1,000 to £2500 for businesses adapting their premises to meet physical distancing requirements, open for retrospective applications.

Details of each fund are outlined here: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinesses#Renfrewshire-BusinessSupport-Fund with links to the online applications, which set out full eligibility criteria and details you will need to provide.

Once you have completed your application, you will receive a confirmation email and following initial checks, one of our Business Gateway advisers will be in touch to discuss your application and provide tailored advice to meet your specific needs.

Reaction Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “I am acutely aware from regular dialogue with our business community throughout the pandemic of the economic harm Coronavirus is causing in Renfrewshire

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and we know we must be ready to help tackle this now, and in the months ahead.

for the different webinars being run regularly on different specialist subjects.”

“We have awarded more than 2600 government grants totalling £27.5million to help local businesses address the immediate impact and have now established this fund, listening to what businesses tell us will help them most.

Bob Grant, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce said: “We warmly welcome the additional support package which offers targeted support to those companies that need it most. Based on feedback drawn from a survey of over 500 companies this new funding is a positive step to support our business community.”

“I recognise we are on a long and difficult journey, but we have a strong local economy and a business community that supports one another. We also have an excellent track record of tackling unemployment and helping people find work and together with immediate assistance, we are working with business, enterprise and education partners locally to prepare Renfrewshire’s long-term roadmap to recovery.”

The Council is also offering barriers for cafes using outdoor spaces and Business PPE packs to local businesses, having secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Towns and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Resilience and Recovery Fund, which is run by Scotland’s Towns Partnerships.

Businesses may also benefit from up to two days of fully funded consultancy support from experts across a range of topics including: finance, IT, Legal, Property and HR. The team can be contacted on 0141 530 2406 or by email to renfrewshire@bgateway.com.

Business adviser Robert Kinniburgh said: “We know how stressful a time this is for Renfrewshire businesses and are here to help however we can. It might be you want to discuss your business plan or need assistance with moving into the digital market. Whatever support is needed, I would encourage people to call us and also look out

Hisashi Kuboyama, Federation of Small Businesses’ Development Manager for Renfrewshire, said: “With small businesses in Renfrewshire going through extremely challenging times, we need to do absolutely everything we can to help them stay open and protect and create jobs. Many local FSB members told us that access to finance has been one of the problems, so we welcome the Renfrewshire Coronavirus Business Support Fund and urge our members and the wider small business community to have a look and see how it can help them.”

Mark Newlands, Head of Partnerships at Scottish Enterprise, said: “We know the economic impact of COVID-19 on businesses is severe. This additional tailored funding from Renfrewshire Council will be welcomed by local businesses as they face continuing economic uncertainty. Working with our partners, we will continue to do all we can to support companies through this time of unprecedented challenge and play our part in resetting, restarting and recovering the country’s economy.”

Miigen offers new range of partner opportunities as its suite of applications to enhance later life living continues to grow The latest application is Mii-VAULT, which allows individuals with complex and offline document trails, or perhaps multiple properties and assets in a variety of jurisdictions, to ease the handling of their estates.

Mii-VAULT allows personal and financial affairs to be closely documented and easily retrieved on Miigen’s own secure servers, which have 256-bit encryption, a higher standard than most online ecommerce offerings and certainly on a par with Apple or Google.

The app – which lets anyone who wants to ensure their estate is in good order make sure that all the details needed by an executor can be passed on in an efficient and painless manner – has already proved of immediate interest to independent financial advisers, professional services providers and wealth management specialists.

The social impact created by Miigen, the secure, private platform for senior life living, is increasing with each passing day as it continues to develop new applications designed to enhance the quality of later life and promote the mental wellbeing of the ageing population.

The Stirling-based internationally-operating technology challenger has an exponentially-increasing global footprint and, just five years after launch, it has 65,000 registered users and operates in 125 countries.

Of as great importance to co-Founder Craig J Lemmon, however, is the fact that Miigen is making a tangible difference to the lives of its users and allowing a wide spectrum of society to more closely engage older citizens within their communities.

Helping to correct the disconnect between older people and the wider world, as well as alleviating loneliness and creating stimulus, has been a major driver as the platform makes inroads into the longevity market, estimated to be worth $7.1 trillion in the US alone.

Aware that, by 2035, there will be more than 1.6 billion over-65s on the planet, Miigen focuses on creating “life rafts” of memories to act as memory triggers, and allows seniors to leave a Digital Time Capsule for future family generations.

IFAs will be able to offer Mii-VAULT to their clients either as a free bolt-on or as an additional paid service. IFAs can effectively become joint keyholders to the digital vault as well as trusted advisers.

Miigen is the core application in a rapidly-expanding suite of applications, which include Mii-LIFE, a dynamic magazine app providing a tool for community groups and local newspapers to focus on elderly residents. Other tools such as Bucket List and Obituaries are on the way.

Miigen is welcoming the increasing number of IFAs who have already signed up to the Mii-VAULT partner offering as well as encouraging individuals to speak to their advisers to ensure that they, too, are provided with the unique service.

Opportunities for partnering and sponsorship with Miigen’s suite of applications are also on the increase as more are rolled out and as the company continues to make inroads into the lucrative American market, backed by plans to open a new US office.

Partnering with Miigen avoids development costs and opens a portal to a raft of technology and marketing services which can help partners grow their own companies and well as adding value for their own clients.

RACE TO ZERO

Change the daily commute for good!

Travelknowhow Scotland is here to enable Scottish workplaces to better support their employees with their travel choices as we work our way out of this COVID-19 pandemic.

The current situation has demonstrated that as a nation we are able to change our travel behaviour and in many cases our working patterns too. NOW is the time to encourage your employees to change their daily commute for good! Travelknowhow Scotland is on hand to help.

Travelknowhow Scotland is an online resource which offers organisations across Scotland FREE, easy access to a wide variety of travel planning solutions to help with the development and implementation of measures to engage with their employees in order to start changing travel behaviour to and from their own workplace.

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The website offers: access to travel planning information and links to local resources; specialist travel planning advice; specialist marketing advice to aid employee engagement; practical hints and tips; and adaptable downloadable templates aimed at providing cost effective internal and external communications.

Funded and supported by Scotland’s 7 Regional Transport Partnerships and Transport Scotland. Currently, there are over 250 workplaces across Scotland using this FREE resource.

Travelknowhow Scotland is also part of Way to Work, a partnership of ten active and sustainable travel organisations working across Scotland to support workplaces to help their employees to travel in more active and greener ways. This means we are able to offer multi modal advice to workplaces, working with our partners to provide you with access to a wealth of resources, advice and support that allows you to understand and realise the benefits of active and sustainable travel within your own workplace. From walking and cycling to public transport, shared transport options and electric vehicles, Travelknowhow Scotland can guide you through all the options open to you and your employees.

RACE TO ZERO

Significant business benefits to be gained Encouraging more active and sustainable travel not only has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of your workforce but brings with it significant business benefits too.

Healthier, more productive workplace - improves productivity and reduces absence levels.

Cost savings for your business – reduction in staff expenses, car parking charges, fleet management costs, National Insurance savings on Cycle to Work schemes.

Environmental benefits – helps to meet carbon reduction targets, reduces traffic congestion.

Employer of Choice – improves staff retention and recruitment and demonstrates commitment to corporate and social responsibility.

Stay Travel Safe Guidance Share the relevant road and public transport advice and encourage forward planning.

As we work our way out of this COVID-19 pandemic, it is key that we are all doing our bit and following the government advice. www.transport.gov.scot/travelling-duringcovid-19 Travelknowhow Scotland offers employers a central point for advice and support to help you navigate these difficult times and put in place active and sustainable travel measures that allow your employees to follow the Stay Travel Safe guidance.

We are here to support employers to: Enable home working to remain if at all possible.

• Take a look at our section on flexible working arrangements for links to various guidance on how to best support your employees continuing to work from home.

• Travelinescotland.com has a FREE, easy to install journey planner widget that businesses can add to their own website allowing their employees to plan their journey to work quickly and easily using the most up to date public transport information. Also provides cycle route information.

Share current safety guidance with their employees.

• Access to all the current and up-todate government guidance - Stay Travel Safe.

Look at alternatives working patterns to help ease congestion and avoid travel during peak times.

• Take a look at our guidance on flexible working arrangements for suggestions on how to accommodate a more flexible approach to working hours particularly at the current time.

On hand to offer workplaces practical advice and support Register today and gain full access to all resources at www.travelknowhowscotland.co.uk Are you looking for some additional information or support at this time?

We would be happy to chat through the specifics of your workplace, how we can support your business and help you to navigate the many schemes, funding opportunities and active and sustainable travel behaviour initiatives that are available across Scotland to find what works best for you and your employees.

Please get in touch with the team at: info@travelknowhowscotland.co.uk

You can also find us at www.facebook. com/tkhscotland/ and www.linkedin. com/company/travel-know-howscotland/

Encourage their employees to walk, wheel or cycle where possible.

• Our Taking Action section has a wealth of ideas on how to encourage walking and cycling within your workplace and links to various partner organisations that offer awards schemes, challenges and various training courses to support your efforts.

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10 steps to staying safe when you travel 1

Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey and try

2

When travelling by bus, tram or rail you must wear a face covering.

3

Use contactless to pay or have the exact change.

4

Buses will have limited capacity. If your bus has a BUS FULL sign please be prepared to wait for the next bus.

5 6

Keep a safe social distance from others at the bus stop and on board.

7

Sit in the window seat, leaving the seats in front and behind you empty and don’t sit directly behind the driver.

8

Only one person can sit in a double seat, unless you’re with a member of your household.

9

Don’t stand on the bus.

10 Wash or sanitise your hands before and after your journey.

stagecoachbus.com/coronavirus

RACE TO ZERO

Huge rise in cycling revealed Cycling in Scotland’s two biggest cities has increased sharply in the last year following the introduction of bike-sharing schemes.

Research has suggested that the number of trips on cycle hire schemes has increased by 70 per cent in Edinburgh and 30 per cent in Glasgow since August 2019.

trigger for taking up cycling again.

More than one in 10 added that they have since gone on to buy their own bike.

Those who participated in the research said physical and mental wellbeing and convenience was the reason for taking up cycling, as well as a safer alternative to public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figures will be outlined today by CoMoUK, a shared mobility charity which has monitored the success of various bikesharing schemes in both cities.

CoMoUK’s ‘Pedalling a Green Recovery’ webinar will tell participants how bikesharing was launched in Glasgow and Edinburgh to increase access to bikes, to encourage cycling and ease pressure on public transport.

It will publish a full report later this year, but in today’s webinar Scotland director Lorna Finlayson said early signs were encouraging.

They will also explain how more cycling can help other policy areas such as public health, improving air quality and reducing congestion.

Nearly three-quarters of people said they now cycle more often, while 58 per cent of respondents said bike-sharing was the

Lorna Finlayson, Scotland director for CoMoUK, said: “The early indications are that bike-sharing schemes have made

a huge impact in Scotland’s two largest cities.

“There has been a significant increase in cycling in Glasgow and Edinburgh, which translates to thousands of people swapping four wheels for two.

“That has an obvious positive impact for the environment and congestion, but our respondents have told us it’s helping their own health and wellbeing too.

“That’s particularly important as we navigate through a global pandemic and associated lockdowns.

“It also shows that people are more than willing to change their travelling and commuting habits if government and other public agencies come together to make those choices available.

“By improving cycling infrastructure and encouraging more people onto their bikes, our cities will become cleaner and traffic will be reduced on our streets.”

@StagecoachWScot

stagecoachbus.com

Download our app.

@StagecoachWScot Ayr Survey Event Plan Location

• Outside Cafe Nero, Ayr High Street (See attached photo).

Date & Timings

• Sunday 23 February, from around 10:30 -- 14:30 • We will start set up at around 10:00, weather dependent.

Aims

• To collect survey responses • To spread the key messages of the #lovemybus campaign

Team & Roles

• Matt — TS — Event organiser

• Rachel — TS

• Steve Dickson — Ayr ATH

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UK’S INDUSTRY-LEADIN G CYCLE-TO-WORK SCHEME No £1,000 limit E-bikes & E-cargo bikes possible Employees save 32% - 47% No end-of-scheme fees Cut your commute with active travel

greencommu teinitiative.u k 020 3740 18 36

CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

Independent Scottish optician stays open during lockdown to serve the community and help key NHS workers A family of dedicated eye health professionals have stayed at their posts throughout the COVID-19 crisis not only to serve their West Dunbartonshire community but also to help key NHS workers carry on the fight against the virus.

Independent family-owned optician Wilkie & Rider, which has two outlets in Alexandria and Dumbarton, has been one of the few firms of eyecare specialists which has kept its doors open over the course of the pandemic.

Although all but three of the firm’s staff have been furloughed, the family – founder William Wilkie’s son, also William, and his children Sian and Willis – have made sure that both practices have been available at regular hours since the lockdown began in March. While the team has been unable to perform eye tests or eyecare procedures because of operate-at-distance protocols, it has been able to triage patients by telephone, repair spectacle frames, provide replacements, make deliveries, and institute emergency referrals.

Sian Wilkie said: “The firm has been serving this community since my grandfather’s day in 1956, and we wanted to ensure that we were here for all the local people in these unprecedented times.”

The West Dunbartonshire service has been a lifesaver for front line NHS staff, providing supplies of contact lenses and repairing broken spectacles. Local man Adam Cairns posted the following tribute on Wilkie & Rider’s Facebook page: “These guys helped my mum out by fixing the glasses she needs for work. She is a nurse in the NHS and wouldn’t have been able to do her job if they hadn’t been there to help.

And they wouldn’t take any money for the repair! Class act.”

The firm is now set to re-open its doors to the general public. Patients will be able

to be seen face to face for emergency and essential eye issues only.

back serving West Dunbartonshire fully just as soon as we can.”

Ms Wilkie added: “One of our priorities has been to take some of the pressure off the NHS and we are continuing to try to do that as much as possible. We also want to make sure that our staff are looked after and that any clients who enter the shops stay safe. We will increase the range of our services as quickly as possible and we have made provision for all the appropriate PPE equipment we will need, including masks, aprons and visors. We want to be

Before the lockdown began, Wilkie & Rider carried out a £100,000 refurbishment of its Alexandria practice which included a £20,000 investment in a new state-of-theart Visioffice 2 digital scanning system.

The firm’s jewellery business, which supplies fashion and fine jewellery as well as gifts and watch repairs will be available too, with appropriate social distancing and safety measures in place.

The firm has been serving this community since my grandfather’s day in 1956, and we wanted to ensure that we were here for all the local people in these unprecedented times Sian Wilkie

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SOUTH AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT

SACT - back on the road again We certainly have been living through strange times have we not?

On 13th March, our business came to a crashing halt with only one service still running so that key workers could get to work. Fortunately, we were able to use our vehicles for community work: our Car Club electric cars were used by the Health and Social Care Partnership for daily food and prescription deliveries, hospital runs and to get people to work; we took all the seats out of one of the buses and used it regularly

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to transport food across the county for the Ayrshire Food Bank; and we collected and delivered food for another charity, the 10:10 Trust so that they could get on with their vital work of delivering meals to people.

Happy to say that from mid-August, we will be having both the cars and our wheelchair accessible minibuses back on the road, fulfilling our remit of connecting people with the places and facilities they need.

We are really looking forward to reconnecting with our older, socially isolated clients and taking them out (suitably socially-distanced and PPE’d of course!),

and working with our clients with additional support needs again as well as gradually reintroducing our other services too. It won’t be easy, it won’t be quick, and we are looking to develop new services in response to the ongoing situation, but we’re ready and very keen to get going.

Contact us via our websites www.sacommunitytransport.org and www.sact-carclub.co.uk, our Facebook pages or ring 01292 270864/270865

BEGBIES TRAYNOR

Attention turns to fate of stateguaranteed coronavirus loans Lenders have already issued almost £43bn to more than one million UK-based businesses through government-backed schemes in the three months to the end of June, according to official data from the Treasury.

More than 967,000 approved loans, worth almost £30bn, have been issued to the UK’s small businesses under the light touch Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), with the government guaranteeing 100% of up to £50,000 and paying the loan’s fixed rate of 2.5% in the first year. The bulk of the remaining issued debt comprises over 52,000 facilities under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) worth £11bn.

This combined debt issuance over the second quarter, inclusive of a further £2.3bn in large CBILS loans, reflects more than 14 times higher than the quarterly average over the past five years, according to UK Finance.

It underscores the unprecedented demand for business finance but has also raised concerns over the ability of these businesses to service these loans. Simply put, many are already sounding the alarm for a wave of CBILS and BBLS defaults.

Business distress rose across almost all sectors in Scotland in Q2 2020 despite wide-ranging support schemes being implemented. Many businesses, particularly those struggling prior to the pandemic, have seen their fortunes worsen, with a 15% increase in the number of Scottish businesses experiencing ‘significant’ distress in the last three months compared with the same time last year.

As the economy precariously reopens, two sectors of the urban market will continue to be under distress.

First, in the ancillary service sector (for example, food retail, restaurants, bars, gyms, and leisure venues), particularly in the city centre business districts. The chance of survival of these types of businesses will depend on the degree to which the office-based workforce returns to city-

based business premises. However, such recovery scenarios are in turn dependent on balancing the tension between two normally aligned societal priorities: public health and local economy revival/survival. It is a reminder of the mutual reliance between segments of business ecosystems.

These problems will come into sharper focus in early autumn, as it becomes clearer to what extent the UK economy has to grapple with a significant second wave of Covid-19. The government’s priority will pivot to pushing for a rapid opening of the economy and the government may even pressurise employers to call their employees back to the office to help revive decimated urban service sectors. But if a second wave manifests, locally or nationally, the government will be forced to prioritise public health over the economy, which could spell the death knell for many service sector companies.

Second, companies with already leveraged capital structures will similarly struggle in the early phases of the post-lockdown economy, with their prospects for survival affected by, among other things, returning client demand (itself a function of cascading supply chain of mutual dependence) and successful consensual lender negotiations.

Both segments of the economy will struggle to repay their CBILS and BBLS loans, and the market is already speculating that many businesses could default. Companies will find it difficult to service their various layers of debt in an environment where returning demand is likely to be limited, with normal running costs (e.g. rent, salaries, suppliers, etc.) still to be met. Of course, if the economic recovery is strong, this scenario could be averted. But if the economic bounce-back is prolonged and slower, and more U- or W-shaped, businesses might

logically prioritise pre-existing bank debt first. What does that mean for CBILS and BBLS loans?

While the government is the ultimate lender exposed to risk, accredited lenders who facilitated loans will be responsible for recouping the debt. If businesses cannot service loans, the question is how to manage defaulted debt? The choice appears to lie between difficult options: (i) write off debt, (ii) convert debt into equity, (iii) pre-pack administrations, (iv) complete recapitalisation.

No decisions have perfect outcomes for UK businesses. If your business, or portfolio company is directly impacted by any of the challenges discussed above and you would like to talk through your strategic options, please do get in touch. We have a number of experts in our advisory and restructuring teams who can assist and we offer an initial free consultation.

For further information or advice, please contact: Kenny Craig M: 07446 947567 E: kenny.craig@btguk.com Ken Pattullo M: 07786 951511 E: ken.pattullo@btguk.com Thomas Mckay M: 07980 837146 E: thomas.mckay@btguk.com Simon Watson M: 07432 559945 E: simon.watson@btguk.com

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CHAMBER NETWORK EVENTS

Inverness Chamber launches Highland Spotlight Exhibition Inverness Chamber of Commerce has launched its Highland Spotlight exhibition which will be a digital event this year rather than its usual format.

The Chamber has used the opportunity of the virtual event to collaborate with the region’s Chambers of Commerce. Highland Spotlight, with HNM as Media Partners, will take place on 22nd September and is being delivered in association with Cairngorms; Caithness; Lochaber, Moray and Outer Hebrides Chambers of Commerce. In doing so, businesses from across the Highlands & Islands and Moray will be able to easily participate in the region’s only Business to Business Exhibition.

As the Chambers have connected, supported, and represented members and the wider business community, there has been strong feedback that the annual event should be held on-line. Following a lot of research, the Chambers are investing in a great platform which allow businesses and visitors to fully engage, making new connections and develop business opportunities. As with the really successful format of previous years, visitors will be able to move around the exhibition space and engage with other attendees.

Highland Spotlight will feature a number of seminars, which has always been a popular aspect of the exhibition format.

The Chambers will also be taking the opportunity this year to host the latest in its, ‘In Conversation With’ series of engagement webinars with UK, Scotland and Highland business leaders.

During the exhibition, there will be a discussion with the chief executive of one of the city and region’s most unique organisations, Eden Court Theatre. Join us in hearing first-hand from James MackenzieBlackman on the challenges he and his team are facing and how they are planning a way through this challenging time. It will be a great opportunity to hear just how important the physical theatre and their many programmes are to the whole of the Highlands.

Please visit our website: www.inverness-chamber.co.uk/events for full details and we look forward to meeting you at the newly modelled event! #HighlandTogetherNESS

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Stewart Nicol

CHAMBER NETWORK EVENTS

Business Week goes virtual for 2020 5th - 9th October

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is embracing the ‘New Normal’ by bringing Business Week to our members’ screens this year.

A prominent slot on the business community events calendar for the past 12 years, Ayrshire Chamber are delighted to continue doing so this year via the digital events platform OnAir. Working with The Events Hub and in partnership with principal sponsor, Business Gateway, a varied programme of events will be provided including workshops and the

be invited to attend a pre-event session to get a feel for the platform and there will be video links for delegates to use before joining/visiting the exhibition. popular B2B Exhibition “Stay Connected” on Wednesday 7th October. The event will open with a networking session followed by the exhibition itself, Business Gateway sponsored workshop and arranged 1 to 1 meetings.

Exhibitors ‘stands’ will be fully interactive with the ability to manage virtual attendee queues, capture visitor details, share brochures and video links and record 1-to-1 instant video meetings. Each exhibitor will

Val Russell, CEO said “We are excited to bring Business Week to you this year instead of the other way around. It’s another ‘new normal’ to embrace and we are looking forward to working with Business Gateway and The Events Hub to provide a professional, slick event via the well tested, robust OnAir platform and the technical expertise they will provide.”

The full programme of events for Ayrshire Business Week 2020 is available to book online www.ayrshire-chamber.org/events

We are excited to bring Business Week to you this year instead of the other way around. It’s another ‘new normal’ to embrace and we are looking forward to working with Business Gateway and The Events Hub to provide a professional, slick event via the well tested, robust OnAir platform and the technical expertise they will provide.

Val Russell, CEO at Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBER NETWORK NEWS

High profile North-east business leaders join the Chamber board Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce formally announced the appointment of two new non-executive directors to its board along with several new additions to its policy council during its 165th annual general meeting which took place at the Chamber on September 2.

Bob Keiller

Following a robust application and interview process, high profile North-east business leaders Bob Keiller and Ray Riddoch have been appointed to the board for the first time, replacing vice president Jennifer Young and John Brebner who is stepping down from the role of immediate past president.

Deborah O’Neil of NovaBiotics and Derren McRae of CBRE have been re-appointed to serve their second three year terms.

Director of AB15, Bob Keiller was appointed chairman of Scottish Enterprise in January 2016. Previously chief executive officer of Wood Group, he was responsible for the creation of PSN by manufacturing a $280m management buyout from Halliburton in 2006 and completed the $1bn sale of PSN to Wood Group in April 2011. Keiller has a Master of Engineering degree from HeriotWatt University and is a chartered engineer.

He was previously chairman of the Offshore Contracting Association (OCA), co-chair of Oil and Gas UK and former chairman of the Entrepreneurial Exchange. Awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and 2008, he was also named Scottish Businessman of the Year in 2007 and Grampian Industrialist of the Year in 2008. In 2011 he was voted Scottish Male Business Leader of the Year at the Scottish Leadership awards.

On his appointment, Keiller said: “I want to see local businesses survive and grow.

The support and advice that the Chamber provides is vital and I want to help the

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Ray Riddoch

organisation to be even more effective and have an even greater impact on our local economy.”

An established energy industry leader with a career spanning 40 years, Ray Riddoch has worked for several international exploration and production operators both in the UK and overseas. He has significant experience in operations and projects and has held roles for extended periods in health, safety and environment, business development, human resources and technical audit. Over the years he has held several board positions in industry organisations and served as HRH Prince of Wales Ambassador for Business in the Community in Scotland for three years.

Riddoch retired as CNOOC International managing director in May 2020 and has taken up several board appointments in the Aberdeen area.

The policy council election attracted significant levels of interest and engagement with nominations from across the Northeast business community, with Maggie Bochel of Aurora Planning re-elected for a further three year term.

Joining the council for the first time after having been elected by the Chamber membership are Audrey Sheal of ONE, Dan Smith of Savills, Gavin Currie of Bancon Construction, Sarah D Stuart of Ledingham Chalmers LLP, Ian Phillips of Pale Blue Dot Energy, Karri Tough of BP, Stuart McPhee of Siberia Bar & Hotel, Jim Reid of Jim

Reid Vehicle Sales & Service; and Murray Whittaker of Whittaker Engineering.

Chamber chief executive Russell Borthwick said: “The policy council is representative of the North-east’s business community and is in place to ensure that the Chamber team has its finger on the pulse on the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing our membership and our region. Recent activities such as our lobbying around CV19 support, the North East Now, Vanguard and Abzolutely initiatives and focus on bringing clarity for local firms during this time of transition demonstrate the real difference that a proactive Chamber can make.

“Having people who are as passionate as we are about our aim of helping businesses to be better today while creating the conditions that will ensure the future economic success of the region and are keen to actively help us deliver on this will be vital as we move forward. We thank John and Jennifer for their commitment and support to the Chamber over many years and know they will remain strong advocates for the work we do. We also welcome our new board members and look forward to utilising their experience in the months ahead.”

The AGM was sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers LLP. The 2019 Annual Report can be viewed on the Chamber website: www.agcc.co.uk/files/AGM-Annualreport-2019.pdf

CHAMBER NETWORK NEWS

Fife Chamber President Brian Horisk reflects on recent AGM

The Chamber’s AGM took place on 19th August and it was a very humbling, proud and positive experience for me.

Humbling because members confirmed me as President for another year. It is a great honour to be entrusted to represent their interests and lead the Board of Directors in overseeing and guiding Alan and the staff and making sure that they have the resources they need to create a chamber that has a positive impact on each individual member and that stands up for Fife.

I am delighted that I will be supported in this by the newly elected Vice President, Janet McIntyre from Thorntons Solicitors, Junior Vice President, Colin Brown from Burness Paull, and Treasurer, Dawn Watson from Exterity.

This is a very strong leadership team and I am looking forward to working with them.

I know that I will benefit greatly from their guidance and advice during my final year in office and the Chamber can only benefit from having such capable individuals lined up to replace me.

Brian Horisk

Janet Mcintyre

Dawn Watson

Colin Brown

in this most eventful and unexpected of years. Even though we are hoping not to have to dip into those reserves this year, we do know that if things don’t go according to plan because of the ongoing impact of Covid and lockdown, we have a big cushion to fall back on.

their calibre want to serve on the Board for the benefit of members.

Many parts of the AGM were a huge source of pride for me, especially listening to the Treasurer describing the very strong operating profit, rise in membership and substantial increase in income from events that was achieved in 2019.

I formally thanked four people who stood down from the Board having served their full term of office at the AGM: Louise Molloy from Bank of Scotland, Michael Longstaffe from Smith Anderson Group, Keith Winter from Fife Council and Alistair Booth from the HR Booth. Four very different people from very different organisations but all united by one thing: a commitment to making Fife Chamber successful and all willing to put in many hours of their own time to make it happen.

Two years ago, the Board recognised that the Chamber was operating on very tight margins and set the Chamber team the task of building up the reserves. We set testing targets for 2018 and 2019 and those targets have been hit, which at the end of 2019 left us in a much better financial position than we had been in for many years. This has proved invaluable

At the same time I also had the pleasure of welcoming three new Directors – Ken Gourlay from Fife Council, Sheena Doyle from the Really Useful HR Company and Dawn Watson from Exterity – to replace them. They will bring different expertise and skills but the same commitment and energy. I am very proud that Fife Chamber is held in such high esteem that people of

I see a strong team of Office Bearers and an experienced and determined Board. I see a healthy 12-month cash statement. I see a united and talented team of staff, who have repeatedly proven what they can do by hitting the stretching financial targets the Board set them and by adjusting so quickly and proficiently to new ways of working and running events when Covid struck. I see their innovation and ingenuity at work every day, whether it is moving the AGM so smoothly on to Zoom or creating exciting event programmes like ‘Chamber Chat’ and ‘Tour of Britain’. Most importantly I see lots of loyal members who want the Chamber to succeed and who will continue to support it through thick and thin.

So, as we look ahead to what will be a very difficult year I remain positive about Fife Chamber’s prospects and I can assure everyone reading this that if we don’t achieve the goals we have set for ourselves, it will not be for any lack of effort on the part of the staff, Directors, Office Bearers or me.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Jim Walker

UK and Japan agree historic free trade agreement The UK has secured a free trade agreement with Japan and will increase trade with Japan by an estimated £15.2 billion. The deal has been welcomes by the Scottish Chambers network.

help to create jobs and drive economic growth throughout the whole of the UK.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was agreed in principle by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu on Friday 11 September.

UK businesses will benefit from tarifffree trade on 99% of exports to Japan.

Government analysis shows that a deal with Japan will deliver a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy and increase UK workers’ wages by £800 million in the long run.

The deal is tailored to the UK economy and secures additional benefits beyond the EU-Japan trade deal, giving UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive advantage in a number of areas. It will

The 30 local Chambers based across Scotland, together with its Chamber colleagues in Japan look forward to working with the UK Government to benefit from the new deal.

The deal is also an important step towards joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This will give UK businesses a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and help to increase the resilience and diversity of our supply chains.

This deal will help provide certainty and create more opportunities to continue building sales in the future in a market where our products already enjoy success.

Jim Walker, Managing Director of Walkers Shortbread

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Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of SCC, is a special advisor to the UK’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group, and commented: “This is great news to have now signed the first free Trade Deal with Japan. It is an important market for many of our key Scottish products and services as well as an opportunity to sell Scotland to investors.

“We now need to work hard and fast to ensure that Scottish businesses are prepared and supported to access the opportunities this market provides.”

This view was supported by Jim Walker, Managing Director of Walkers Shortbread: “We welcome the news that a UK-Japan agreement has been agreed. Japan remains one of Walkers’ most important markets and sales have grown steadily there since first launching in Japan over 40 years ago.

“This deal will help provide certainty and create more opportunities to continue building sales in the future in a market where our products already enjoy success.”

Any businesses interested in exploring opportunities in the Japanese market should contact their local Chamber of Commerce, or Stuart Hamilton at SCC.

DIGITAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The latest on OpenBanking Emobix has been working within the OpenBanking ecosystem for almost 3 years now, so I thought it’d be useful to share an insider’s view on where we are today.

Firstly: don’t be scared by the buzzwords

For those that aren’t working directly in the area, the ‘OpenBanking’ term often worries people. Rest assured that OpenBanking isn’t going to give anyone else access to any of your banking without your explicit permission – you are always in control.

In fact, for most people you’ll never need to have any understanding of what OpenBanking is, and you may already have used it to make your life easier wi­thout realising the underlying technology was OpenBanking. Much like GDPR, the result of the underlying legislation (known as the ‘Revised Payment Services Directive’, or PSD2) is to give you extra rights and control over your own banking data and operations.

Where we are today

The largest 9 banks in the UK started supporting OpenBanking in January 2018, and most smaller banks went live in September 2019. There were the usual initial teething troubles, but it’s fair to say that nowadays it all works pretty well. If you use cloud accounting software like Xero then you’re almost certainly already using OpenBanking to automatically ‘feed’ your current account and credit card transactions into your accounting package ready for reconciliation.

Monzo have recently launched a feature that allows you to move money directly from your accounts at other banks into your Monzo account - without needing to jump through the usual hoops of entering sort codes and account numbers, but still leaving you in full control of how much is transferred and when. They also use OpenBanking to allow you to view the balances and transactions of your non-Monzo accounts within their app.

We’ve also seen other benefits – for example some charities now use OpenBanking to let you easily send a one-off donation direct from your bank account, saving them money on card processing fees and removing the need for donors to enter card details.

There are unfortunately two major annoyances due to the way the legislation was written: 1. when authorizing third parties like your accounting software to import your bank transactions, this authorization has to be renewed every 90 days 2. some accounts are “out of scope” for OpenBanking/PSD2, meaning you’re unable to use OpenBanking for these accounts – examples might be mortgages or saving accounts that you can’t make payments to third parties from.

Some banks (for example Starling) have taken the view that they’ll go further than the law requires them to, making the 90 day renewal easier than many of the large incumbent banks. Hopefully other banks will improve the process in time, either to improve the experience for their users, or perhaps more likely because our law makers force them to.

The “B” word

The end of the Brexit transition period is looming – unfortunately as we have no details on what any exit deal might look like, so it’s impossible to say what effect this will have. For those using OpenBanking, the ideal situation would be that ‘passporting’ of Financial Institutions between the UK and EU continues, which would result in little changing. This would mean effectively continuing to cede control of parts of our

financial system to the EU, something not really compatible with the ‘take back control’ motto. It’s hence very plausible that we’ll see some significant disruption immediately after the transition period ends, though if the details of any agreement are known early enough this can hopefully be avoided.

What’s next

We should see some subtle but useful innovation over the next year or two – you may never realise it is innovation made possible by OpenBanking; you’ll just see some of your day to day tasks getting simpler, quicker and less error prone.

As an example, I’m sure many smaller companies are currently running payroll by having someone manually copy values from payroll software into your bank’s internet banking, a manual process that’s annoying and potentially error prone. Once the payroll provider supports OpenBanking this should become fully automatic. Similarly, for those that have already switched to cloud-based employee expense systems (like expensify) we should see the approval of a claim automatically scheduling the repayment to the employee – reducing costs, speeding up repayments and reducing the potential for human error.

Joseph Heenan CTO at emobix limited, Glasgow www.emobix.co.uk

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DIGITAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Zoom versus MS Teams Mother Technologies has been mirroring corporate extensions on user’s mobiles for years. From basic mobile twinning to elaborate collaboration tools, boundaries are not being broken by providing users with their extensions when they’re on the move or away from their desks.

During lockdown, our offices closed and the adoption of mobility applications to enable home working skyrocketed. Many applications have cleverly fulfilled our need to engage but MS Teams and Zoom top the billboard.

Both applications provide voice and video functionality for one-to-one and multiuser conferencing. Yes, the applications do have their niggles but there isn’t a competing application that doesn’t – making things simple is a complex business. Imperfections aside, Zoom and Teams are nothing short of brilliant. Both provide online meetings, chat, file sharing and screen sharing with high quality audio and video. So how do you choose which service is best for your business?

Whilst Zoom and MS Teams provide overlapping functionality, MS Teams goes far beyond the rival functionality with its 365 integration. Teams is perhaps the 1st of its kind, truly uniting voice and data into a single interface - an interface which is available on desktop, mobile and tablet irrespective of the operating system. In one month, from March to April, Teams daily users increased by 31 Million (44 to 75 Million). Its adoption is unstoppable.

Office 365 and the extensive 365 application suite (which includes Teams) is here to stay. It is dominant in the corporate workplace with many Enterprises already stipulating online engagement only though Teams. Teams may have had stiffer competition as a stand-alone application, but it is born out of 365 and a

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Integrated telephony with Mother & Microsoft Teams Telephone Numbers Retain all your existing regional telephone numbers.

Reporting Maintain full cradle to grave visibility of user’s activity (e.g. Call rates, response times, missed calls irrespective of device)

Corporate identity Local extensions and direct dial numbers are retained for inbound and outbound calling

Address Book Single centralised address book for all client and supplier engagement

Call Control Retain your existing call routing plans

Call Recording Corporate calls always recorded whether answered or initiated from desk phone or Teams

One Number Call Handling No need to issue mobile numbers to Users can transfer calls internally or externally as they would on their desk phones clients or suppliers; your staff can be reached on their extension wherever they are, whatever they are using.

One app One fully integrated application for everything voice and everything data

Security Keeping it in Teams keeps it secure

natural extension to an organisation’s 365 subscription.

In recognition of Teams dominance, Mother Technologies has now fully integrated its cloud telephony platform into MS Teams. Whilst we still provide a multitude of applications that give users the ability to put their extension in their pockets, our integration with Teams presents users with a one application for fully unified voice and data communications.

Steve Redhead Managing Director of Mother Technologies www.mother.uk.net

DIGITAL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

IT company creates platforms for growth Build, maintain, grow, they are the watchwords – the guiding philosophy – at the heart of Glasgow-based IT company Buttered Host.

So no surprise then that when founder Gill Wilson met Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th Chief of Clan Hunter, at a Scottish Women in Business networking event, they hit it off from the word go.

Hunterston Castle from drive

Gill visiting Hunterston Castle

Both were focused on building cutting edge communication systems – Gill for each and every one of her clients, Madam Pauline for her clan scattered around the globe.

the website owner and their potential customers, and it’s building that bridge I find so satisfying.”

The result was www.clanhunterscotland.com, a website fit for the 21st century.

Hunterston Castle has been owned by the Hunter family since it was granted to them

by King David in the 12th century.

Gill said: “For me, a website that is as functional as this one is the pinnacle of what we do at Buttered Host.

“Besides the ecommerce area and the layers of software containing genealogical information, there are also a lot of connection points, helping people to become members, for example, and to book visits to Hunterston Castle.

“Functionality is all about communication and creating those connections between

The website enables clan members to book visits to the castle and acts as a platform for the fundraising campaign launched to build a new clan centre where they can physically meet, once that’s possible again.

Madam Pauline’s aim is to grow active membership of the clan, Gill’s was to provide a website that would help her do just that.

clan through images, video, membership, Facebook groups, purchasing clan gifts through the shop and signing up for email notifications,” she said. “There is also a fantastic blog by Lucy Jane Hunter Weston, Madam Hunter’s cousin.

“Madam Pauline is a truly pioneering Clan Chief and has great vision for taking Clan Hunter into and beyond this century - it was a joy to be involved in building this site and all the different strands of functionality needed.” www.butteredhost.com

“Throughout the site there are many opportunities for people to engage with the

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CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

Covid 19 recovery and new ventures for Fleximix Concrete The past few months have proven to be a turbulent time for most businesses and although the economy is now starting to open up again, challenges still remain.

The West Lothian Chamber acknowledges that there has been a vast amount of support for businesses through funding and the furlough scheme, but this has not necessary been accessible for all businesses. To cope with this, we have noticed a vast amount of our businesses taking an innovative approach to their survival during this time, one of those companies being Fleximix Concrete.

For Fleximix Concrete, work ground to a halt at the end of March with the lockdown starting in Scotland.

All staff were furloughed, they struggled to get in contact with their debtors and most stopped paying their bills, their suppliers still needed to be paid, and cash very quickly dried up. This will be a very familiar story that businesses can relate to.

Unfortunately, Fleximix Concrete is not entitled to a government small business grant because of their classification as a yard which is excluded from the scheme, this issue is currently being brought to Government’s

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attention via Councillor Horne, West Lothian Chamber and Scottish Chambers.

Fleximix Concrete operate very expensive plant machinery and, as you can imagine, have a significant amount of finance debt to service. Fortunately, their financiers have supported them through offering payment holidays, but it has been a tough few month’s for the business.

To ensure their survival, Fleximix had to look at imaginative ways to save the business and in the last two months have diversified.

Firstly, they have had to radically rethink the Fleximix Concrete model to adhere to the distancing guidelines, reduce the amount of credit offered to customers and strengthen the balance sheet, and to sustain better cash flow.

Secondly, they have opened up a builder’s merchant, selling building materials including aggregates, cement, steel reinforcement and other related products.

To do so they have had to take on additional yard space and have created two new jobs to

manage the yard. These roles are currently filled by Fleximix staff that have been diverted due to the temporary change in their operating model.

Thirdly, they have started a new business, Gravel Rocks Aggregates Ltd, to sell decorative aggregates sourced from around the UK, Europe and further afield, to both retail and trade customers.

In order to deliver the aggregates and building supplies they have hired in a hiab crane vehicle and an agency driver. They have also decided to add a new office role for Fleximix and are considering a marketing role too.

So, by the end of the year, Fleximix Concrete will be looking to create up to 5 new roles within the whole business. The aggregate business is largely retail, sold online and through social media, which is something they have zero experience of, therefore they are looking at staff training, new marketing opportunities and also looking at new machinery.

Contact us to discuss a solution for your next event t 0131 300 3333 e sales@eicc.co.uk w www.eicc.co.uk

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CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

Ramifications of prolonged home working on mental health Coming into 2020 working from home wasn’t something that a lot of people would have considered.

In fact, the ONS statistics show that in the 5 years up to December 2019 the numbers of people mainly working from home had only slightly increased from 4.3% to 5.1% of the total UK workforce. In Northern Ireland in 2019, only 3.8% of the working population reported that they mainly worked from home.

Fast forward into 2020 and the current Covid-19 pandemic has seen homeworking become the “new normal” with 30% of the UK workforce mainly working from home.

This is a staggering increase and is likely to stay at an increased level for the foreseeable future. For some businesses this may end up being a permanent change with some larger companies already telling staff they can now work from home indefinitely.

Those of us who have done it will have experienced the undoubted benefits of working from home such as time saved fighting through rush-hour traffic to get to work as well as being available to receive the weekly grocery delivery or the all too frequent Amazon parcels.

However, it is worth remembering that everyone is different and for every person that enjoys working from home another will find it challenging. More concerning is the potential impact prolonged homeworking could have on employee well-being and mental health.

The slightly ironic thing is that, working from home, can have an adverse effect on worklife balance and increase the risk of burn-out as, the absence of a commute to work, can make it harder for people to separate work from home. To illustrate this point, the Institute of Employment Studies carried out a survey, in April 2020, in which 50% of respondents stated they were unhappy with their current work-life balance and were

Neil McLeese, MD BeyondHR

putting in longer and more irregular hours than normal.

Unfortunately, there is the potential for this to get worse rather than better as talk about recession and redundancies increases.

It is likely we will see the ‘presenteeism’ problem of the 2008 financial crisis return in a different form with employees working longer hours at home to try and demonstrate their commitment to their employers but ultimately leading to burn out.

For the majority, working at home will be completely new and they will have gone from seeing colleagues five days a week to only seeing them “virtually” during video conferencing calls. The impact of the reduction in social interaction at work is often underestimated. Working with others in a shared workspace makes it easier to discuss new ideas or solve problems.

It also helps people develop their skills simply observing their colleagues or by sharing experiences over a coffee. This type of meaningful social interaction is

more difficult to achieve by telephone or video conferencing and poses a risk of some employees becoming demotivated, unproductive and feeling increasingly socially isolated while at home.

In our own business we understand the importance of socialising with colleagues and the benefit of being able to share thoughts, ideas and problems in person.

However, we also acknowledge the benefits of working from home and we have tried to get the best of both worlds by having our team in the office for 2 days and at home for the remainder of the week.

Where this type of dual working isn’t possible or desirable business leaders should consider putting appropriate support systems in place like employee assistance programmes and regular ‘check-in’ conversations with their team members.

The sooner businesses get to grips with this the better because the indications are that the new normal is here to stay.

However, it is worth remembering that everyone is different and for every person that enjoys working from home another will find it challenging. More concerning is the potential impact prolonged homeworking could have on employee well-being and mental health.

Neil McLeese, MD BeyondHR

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TIME TO SAY THANKYOU NEW AWARD SCHEME SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON SELFLESS ADULT VOLUNTEERS DURING LOCKDOWN

LOWLAND

"THE CARAs CONNECTED THE BUSINESS WORLD WITH THE CADET WORLD...”

by

RESERVE FORCES' & CADETS' ASSOCIATION

The Cadet organisations bring unparalleled opportunities for young people from all walks of life to learn, grow and excel and are run by thousands of ordinary volunteers, doing extraordinary things. These volunteers selflessly dedicate their time and energies to ensure that Cadets are given the best possible start in life.

This summer, Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) launched a new initiative to give Cadets the opportunity to officially thank the Adult Volunteers who mean so much to them. The CARAs the Cadet Adult Recognition Awards - are Cadet-nominated honours which recognise and thank volunteers within the Cadet services in the Lowlands of Scotland.

Lowland RFCA’s Head of Communications, Kate Johnston, said: “We were thrilled to see so many Cadets taking up the unique opportunity to give back to those who look out for them during their time in the Cadets. With the exception of a small body of Permanent Support Staff, a huge proportion of the people who deliver the Cadets are volunteers. Many have day jobs, so once they get back from work they put on their uniform and help and assist these young people in so many valuable ways.”

Eleven prizes, sponsored by local businesses, were awarded following dozens of nominations for a number of outstanding volunteers.

Johnston said: “As an organisation Lowland RFCA champions, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the relationship between Defence and employers. And through our day-to-day work we have really good links with the local business community. We mentioned the CARAs to some of them and they were excited to sponsor a CARA which makes the award more special. This connects the business world with the Cadet world and brings a nice harmony across the board.”

The inaugural ceremony took place on YouTube on 7 August 2020.

THE CADET MOVEMENT DOESN'T JUST BENEFIT THE CADETS, IT BENEFITS EVERYONE INVOLVED. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT LOWLANDRFCA.ORG.UK

CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

Dumfries & Galloway looks to 2021 Royal Highland Show

Fiona Armstrong

Plans had been well advanced for the region to host this year’s event which then had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In normal times the role of host rotates between the country’s eight regions. But due to this year’s exceptional circumstances the directors of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) have voted in favour of Dumfries & Galloway remaining as the host region for 2021.

The show, taking place at the Royal Highland Centre outside Edinburgh from 17-20 June, is the pinnacle of the agricultural calendar and a showcase for the best of rural life and business.

“We had ambitious plans to highlight the region and it would have been a great shame if those had come to nothing.

“This year’s show was a ‘virtual’ one – and very successful. Next year’s will hopefully be the real deal allowing us to showcase D&G as a place of excellence for its food, farming, coast, countryside, art, culture, heritage and tourism.

“And we are looking forward to the region’s much-loved Belties having a starring role.”

The presidential team, led by broadcaster and Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, welcomed the news as an opportunity for farmers, businesses, artists and others to highlight all that’s south west Scotland has to offer.

DG Unlimited (Dumfries & Galloway’s Chamber for the Arts) is working with Fiona and her team to provide a platform for the region’s artists and makers at the show. There will be specially commissioned artworks, including multi-coloured life size cut outs of cows which will be displayed round the showground so visitors can take “A Selfie With A Beltie”.

Fiona, who will now continue as RHASS Honorary President, said: “This is wonderful news and such a boost for Dumfries & Galloway. And we all need a boost at the moment.

Cathy Agnew, DG Unlimited Chair, said: “Dumfries & Galloway has a large and vibrant creative community and the Royal Highland Show is a wonderful chance for us to help bring some of this immense artistic

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“We would like to thank the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland for their generosity in allowing this to happen.

A chance like only comes around every eight years.

talent to the attention of a diverse national and international audience, at the same time as encouraging young people to learn more about their own region.”

There are also plans for the former servicemen who have developed the Dumfries Veterans’ Garden to create a special garden at the show.

The strapline for the 2021 show will be “Dumfries & Galloway – Let’s Grow Together” – reflecting the region’s ambition to build on its many strengths.

These include being the heartland of Scotland’s milk production. It is also home to Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright and the Food Town of Castle Douglas. And Gretna is the UK’s weddings capital.

Bill Gray, RHASS Chairman, added: “We are really looking forward to shining a spotlight on Dumfries & Galloway at the 2021 Royal Highland Show. The Presidential team has some big plans for showcasing their region.

“With prizewinning livestock, gorgeous landscapes and top-quality food and drink producers, the region has much to celebrate – Dumfries & Galloway generates enormous value to Scotland’s rural sectors, and we can’t wait to display this to everyone this year.”

A PROMISE BY THE NATION. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation, ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

So why not publicly declare your commitment to our Armed Forces by signing up? In doing so you would be among the 4,500+ UK organisations to have already shown their support.

Organisations have been continuing to show their support for the Armed Forces during the COVID-19 crisis.

However, with face-to-face Covenant signings not being possible, these have instead been taking place online.

One such company to show its commitment was Highland Perthshire-based outdoor adventure experience firm Nae Limits that signed the Covenant during Armed Forces Week in June.

The document was co-signed on behalf of Defence by Lt Col Duncan Mackinnon, the Commanding Officer of 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS).

Signing up to the Covenant is straightforward and sets companies on the path to have their pledge recognised through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

This scheme incorporates prestigious Bronze, Silver

and Gold awards, granted in recognition of their pledge to support defence and the Armed Forces Community.

2020 Gold winners in the HRFCA-area were: Aberdeen City Council, Angus Council, High Life Highland, and Scottish Water.

2020 Silver winners in the HRFCA-area were: BASICS Scotland, Falkirk Council, Fife Medical Group, Horizon Security Solutions, Louise Worrall Wealth Management, Meldrum Joinery & Building Services, Moray Digital, NHS Highland, and Securitay Limited.

To find out how you can support the Armed Forces, contact Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association’s Regional Employer Engagement Director Roy McLellan in Dundee on 01382 631022 or email: hi-reed@rfca.mod.uk.

Dale Strang of Nae Limits (left) and Lt Col Mackinnon of 7 SCOTS (above) during the online signing.

Proudly supporting those who serve.

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A NEW HOME FOR COLLABORATORS AND INNOVATORS IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND The South of Scotland will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art co-working space at The Crichton in Dumfries.

The Crichton, an 85-acre parkland estate, is already home to 80+ business, third sector and academic tenants and partners and has stunning grounds and gardens, one of the largest auditoriums in the South of Scotland, a hotel, business park, college and university campus, bistro, spa, bar, church, farm, dairy centre and nearby golf course. It is a beautiful historic estate with iconic sandstone buildings and is perhaps better known as a former psychiatric hospital.

The Crichton Trust and partners have ambitious plans to make The Crichton a centre for learning and rural business innovation and the new Crichton Central facility will become an important terminus and interchange for ideas and a central station for collaboration and innovation at The Crichton.

Crichton Central will be intergenerational and accessible co-working space in the stunning grounds of The Crichton. It will offer flexible meeting spaces and offices, an events and performance space and a modern café and shop.

It will also boast electric charging points and will be heated from the waste generated on site and from The Crichton Royal Dairy Farm. It will also be the first co-working business centre in Scotland to have a Changing Places toilet and shower.

Work to transform the existing Criffel View building into Crichton Central is now underway and is being financially supported by the Scottish Government through a substantial grant from the South of Scotland Enterprise (formerly the South of Scotland Economic Partnership).

Gwilym Gibbons, Chief Executive of The Crichton Trust, said: “We saw an opportunity for a centre for knowledge exchange that could build on and celebrate the community we have become and help us develop and grow further into the community we want to be. Conveniently located between the academic campus and the business park at The Crichton, Criffel View is the perfect place for informal knowledge exchange between business and academia. It is a beautiful building full of character and history.

I am even more confident that Crichton Central will be a great asset to the South of Scotland as we respond to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

Arguably we have never understood more fully what we miss and don’t miss about the traditional office or the importance of connecting with others.

With more people working from home, the demand for flexible and affordable collaborative working space is predicted to rise and as digital connectivity improves, we are less limited by our geographic location – we can live and work in inspirational and physically remote places.

Crichton Central will offer a place to encounter and connect with others. It will offer a home from home, with gigabit connectivity, a range of business support services and access to advice and investors. I believe Crichton Central will become a destination of choice for mobile workers, researchers, freelancers, entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers and I can’t wait to welcome them all to the South of Scotland.”

Crichton Central is scheduled to open early in 2021.

For more information visit www.crichton.co.uk

central@crichton.co.uk #The Crichton | #Aplacetobreathe | #Buildbackbetter

www.crichton.co.uk

CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

Robert Mackie of Scotland celebrates its 175th birthday Established in 1845, Ayrshire Chamber member Robert Mackie of Scotland are still going strong 175 years later.

Located in Stewarton, Scotland’s famous ‘Bonnet Toun’, the company who began making traditional Scottish Glengarry and Balmoral headwear known as “Bonnets”, have grown over the years to become a leading Scottish knitwear manufacturer of luxury hats, scarves & gloves.

Supplying some of the UK’s best known high street brands through their Customer Own Design service, they have in recent years expanded into the wholesale area and support many smaller businesses with their own branded MACKIE products. With designs that draw on the rich textile heritage

of Ayrshire, MACKIE products have become famous for quality and use of vibrant colour, and with everything made in-house at their factory in Stewarton, everything is 100% “Made in Scotland”.

Graeme Haddow, owner & Managing Director of the company said “For a company to reach a milestone birthday such as 50 these days it is a great achievement, but 175 years is almost unheard of and we are exceptionally proud of this. We have a great team of dedicated and skilled staff, most of who live locally and whose knowledge and expertise has in a lot of cases been passed down through generations. Keeping these skills alive has been a great focus for us, as has been supporting the community. We only hope that we can continue to do this for another 175 years.” www.robertmackie.com

Safe fishing is no accident Commercial fishing is currently the UK’s the most dangerous industry, and fishermen and women are around 110 times more likely to meet with a fatal accident at work compared to the average employee.

While many recognise the dangers, it is not always obvious what the major problems are, and how they should be overcome.

Hook Marine carried out a detailed examination of accident records, such as those produced by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch and by the US Coast Guard. From these statistics, it can be seen that the major cause of flooding, capsizing, and foundering is insufficient stability.

The stability of a vessel is often defined as the ability of the boat to return to an upright position after being displaced by wind or waves. Stability at sea is largely dependent on any movement in the centre of gravity of the vessel, and this can be influenced by consumption of fuel and water from tanks as well as abnormal conditions such as load shift, water ingress, icing on the superstructure and overloading. Overloading is often caused by unapproved alterations to the vessel, such as the addition of gantries, winches and cranes.

Ayrshire Chamber member Hook Marine has developed a real-time stability monitor,

trade name SeaWise®. The device is intended to give the crew early warning of declining stability reserves by providing an accurate measure of the rolling period at sea which is readily related to the stability of the vessel. Installation and calibration of a SeaWise® unit is carried out on board in less than 30 minutes. It is equally suitable for new or existing vessels.

Support for the development was obtained from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Trinity House, Seafish, and Scottish Enterprise.

Hook Marine looks forward to hearing from anyone sharing their commitment to safety. www.hookmarine.com

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CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

NDA contribution helps Caithness Business Fund support businesses to reopen The Caithness Business Fund, managed by Caithness Chamber, has been able to support a wide range of businesses across the North Highlands as they look to reopen thanks to two highly successful funding rounds for its COVID-19 support scheme, enabled initially by a £100,000 contribution from Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL).

Glasgow Talks - Innovation is key to navigating uncertainty How businesses manage ambiguity and create organisational resilience was explored by the Scottish Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (Scottish IKE).

Based at City of Glasgow College, the Scottish branch of the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE), was taking part in Glasgow Chambers’ ‘Glasgow Talks’ series.

The most recent talk brought together business leaders to discuss adapting business strategies as a way to prepare for a post COVID-19 world.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, and President of the Glasgow Chambers of Commerce, attended the talk and said: “We were delighted to welcome Professor Sa’ad Sam Medhat, Founder and Chief Executive of IKE to this month’s talk which focused on the validity of pre COVID-19 business strategies and explored initiatives to drive up business resilience.

“Professor Medhat led a valuable discussion on how a review, recover and reinvent

approach can provide a flexible and adaptable strategy for business and future success.

“Innovation underpins our ethos at City of Glasgow College. We adopt an agile and innovative approach to learning and teaching which now, more than ever, is serving us well. And I remain firm in my belief that colleges like ours will play a vital role in the social and economic recovery of our country.

“Scotland’s college sector has over 23,000 courses to support our SMEs and micro businesses, and they are strong civic anchors for the communities we serve, able to provide up-skilling and re-skilling to help our business communities on the road to recovery.”

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College

44

Grants have now been distributed to all successful applicants across two rounds of funding to enable a range of activities, including the purchase of PPE and cleaning supplies, modifications to offices and workshops, and development of clear policies and procedures to enable a safe return to work.

Following the two successful funding rounds, the Fund has been able to support 125 businesses throughout the North Highlands.

Glasgow Talks is the Chamber’s series on monthly influencer events, supported by University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School and Clydesdale Bank.

Innovation underpins our ethos at City of Glasgow College. We adopt an agile and innovative approach to learning and teaching which now, more than ever, is serving us well.

Business Scotland

The first round generated a significant level of interest and, recognising the challenges faced by business as they enter the COVID-19 recovery period, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) generously contributed an additional £100,000 to enable a second funding round, which closed on 30 June 2020.

Murray Lamont, Bin Ends

CHAMBER NETWORK SUCCESSES

ICC Hosts Business and Skills Minister for Virtual Roundtable Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, was Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) guest speaker at its a recent virtual roundtable event.

The intimate online event was an opportunity for local businesses to hear an update from the Minister but more importantly to share their own first-hand experiences and thoughts on moving forward to ensure the sustainable recovery of the economy.

In his opening remarks, Mr Hepburn addressed the difficulties faced by businesses in Inverclyde, given its status as one of the worst affected areas during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the steps already taken by Scottish Government to support businesses throughout the crisis.

The Minister continued to give an overview of the challenges faced by the Scottish Government in restarting the economy, referring to the newly established Advisory Group on Economic Recovery (AGER).

As part of the Scottish Chamber Network, ICC provided a summary report which was submitted to AGER back in June to give insight into the practical business solutions and economic policies Scottish and UK Government could implement in order to support business recovery to support Inverclyde businesses.

Reflecting on the various issues raised by Inverclyde Businesses, Mr Hepburn said: “I welcomed this opportunity to speak to Inverclyde businesses to explore how the Scottish Government can work collaboratively with them towards a sustainable economic recovery.

“I also received valuable insights into how the Covid-19 crisis has impacted on businesses in the area and got feedback on the support measures introduced in response. I would like to thank everyone for taking part.”

Andrew Bowman, junior vice-president of ICC, chaired the discussion between Mr Hepburn and several Inverclyde-based businesses who raised concerns regarding investment in the local area, mental health in the workplace, home working and youth employment.

Andrew said: “It was fantastic to welcome

the Minister to ICC’s virtual roundtable and we appreciate both his time and enthusiasm in listening to feedback from Inverclyde businesses.

“The attendees made clear the current challenges that both businesses and the general public locally face in Inverclyde and this was a good opportunity to share these.

“Inverclyde Chamber continues to provide opportunities for businesses to have their voice heard at a national level and will continue to champion and advocate for our membership and the local business community.”

Mr Hepburn closed the productive and insightful discussion by reiterating that the Scottish Government had played a central role in providing critical business support throughout the crisis which will continue throughout the recovery period and beyond.

Thank you to all of the businesses that joined the event including Succession Wealth, Diodes, WH Kirkwood’s, Home Fix Scotland, Ardgowan Distillery, ARB Growth, West College Scotland, Toast Promotions, Mind Mosaic and Belville Community Garden.

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Study at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education Discover Dundee

Why Al-Maktoum College?

Dundee is situated one hour north of Edinburgh and was named the ‘Best Place to live in Scotland’ by the Sunday Times 2019. The £80 million V&A Museum of Design, part of a billion pound waterfront development, has become a major attraction, drawing national and international attention.

Established in 2001, the College’s vision for high-quality teaching and learning, enriched by a multicultural perspective, makes for a rewarding education experience.

Named the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design, Dundee has received prestigious recognition for the contribution the city has made to design and innovation.

Its goal to build bridges between communities through intellectual debate, and the promotion of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies has resulted in a diverse, friendly and international approach to teaching and studying. This approach makes the College a somewhat unique establishment in Scotland and the UK today.

Referred to as Scotland’s sunniest city, it is the fourth largest city in the country and is home to around 147,000 people. As we all Al-Maktoum College, there are two universities- Dundee & Abertay- making the city a heavily student populated area, with as many as 45,000 students during term time.

The College campus provides everything you need to make your time as a student as enjoyable and stress- free as possible. Ideally located within walking distance of Dundee student accommodation, shopping centres, supermarkets, public transport and much more, the College is very much at the heart of the City.

Dundee is a flourishing and renowned centre for life sciences, computer games, research, the arts, business, education, hi-tech manufacturing, telecommunications as well as tourism, and enjoys a thriving cultural scene.

The College focuses on lifelong learning through academic, technical and customised programmesrecognised by the SQA and QAA. These qualifications can enhance individuals applications for employment as well as continued study at university level.

BLAIR CASTLE

Apply for

October/January intake The College is in a unique position to help individuals looking to expand their prospects, make a career change, or to progress on to further academic qualifications.

Discover Courses

ABERDEEN

DUNDEE

Open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities, we offer specialist courses in: • Arabic Language • Business • Islamic Studies

• Islamic Banking & Finance • Management & Leadership

Introducing Masters Programmes

The College in collaboration with University of Dundee, are pleased to announce the launch of three unique Masters programmes in Islamic Finance; Islamic Banking and Finance; and Islamic Banking, Finance and International Business. Full information at: almcollege.ac.uk/study/courses/islamic-bankingfinance

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

BELFAST

DUBLIN

MANCHESTER

CARDIFF

LONDON

Fees & Funding

Information on fees can be found here: almcollege.ac.uk/study/fees There are also a range of scholarships and bursaries available: almcollege.ac.uk/study/available-bursaries

Apply Now Apply online:

almcollege.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply

Discover More online at

almcollege.ac.uk

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT - UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

MBA course gives global vision Taking the time out to do a Master of Business Administration degree can broaden horizons and support a change in direction. HELEN COMPSON talks to one former University of Glasgow student who relishes the new mind-set it gave him.

For Zeshan Asif, the MBA course at University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School proved to be a stepping stone to a new job with the most global of companies, Amazon itself.

Indeed, having been appointed operational leader for one of the company’s multiple new ‘heavy and bulky deliveries’ distribution depots in the UK, Zeshan was tasked with actually launching his operation in Bathgate on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

He says today of the MBA he gained in 2018: “The course enabled me to recognise ‘me’ as an individual.

“There were all different levels of people on the course in terms of knowledge and experience, which provided a good bit of self-reflection – I could see clearly where I stood in relation to my own experience and qualifications.

“The personal/career development aspect was a vital element for me to recognise how I could be of value to any global organisation.”

Zeshan decided to enrol on the MBA course at a time when he was unsure what his next step should be.

Then an operational manager with Royal Mail, he had been with the company for nearly four years, during which time he’d worked his way up from a graduate recruitment scheme – and into something of an impasse.

“I was at a crossroads,” he said. “Royal Mail had been privatised, structural changes were happening and the experiences were good and bad behind the scenes.

“I was 28 years old at the time, married, and I didn’t know what career trajectory to take – I needed something to help me decide what to do next.”

He said one of the biggest strengths of The Adam Smith Business School’s MBA course was just how rooted in reality it was. “In my undergraduate course, 80% of the content was theoretical, but with the MBA, you were learning from real-life examples and

experience – it made what you learned so much more applicable and transferrable.”

The group assignment he was allocated, for example, entailed looking at ‘decision making in uncertainty’, specifically within Lehman Brothers leading up to the collapse of the bank in 2008.

“It was an eye-opener!” he said. “We looked at the leadership traits that contributed to

There were all different levels of people on the course in terms of knowledge and experience, which provided a good bit of self-reflection – I could see clearly where I stood in relation to my own experience and qualifications. The personal/career development aspect was a vital element for me to recognise how I could be of value to any global organisation.

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT - UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

Zeshan Asif

the fall of Lehman Brothers and how that, in turn, drove the economic crash.”

China, had provided a very rewarding crosssection of background and experience.

quite proud that we have the USP of being the only one in Scotland, and that I’m site leader.”

They had studied what is known in applied psychology as the dark triad – of narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy – and how destructive the egotism at the heart of all three could be if allowed to operate unchecked in the field of business management.

“The diversity of the year group in general stood out for me,” he said. “Being amongst varying cultures, professions and personalities allowed me to see how I could fit in and contribute to different types of work environment.”

It had been a big operation setting up the site, however what might have looked like chaos was anything but.

Zeshan said: “OK, you do have your own values and system of beliefs, but it’s important to realise you are just one part of a whole and there are the values and goals of the people around you to consider.

“It’s not about what you want, it’s about working alongside a team and getting them to work in accordance with the goals of the company.

“It made me realise the type of leader I want to be – and what I definitely don’t want to be!”

Working on a group assignment was in itself part and parcel of the lesson to be learnt.

His group, which included the sales director of a paper company and two students from

Zeshan joined Amazon after completing his MBA, relocating to Peterborough to become manager of one of the company’s inbound fulfilment centres, part and parcel of the Amazon logistics/delivery arm.

He had been there nine or ten months when he and his wife Arooj became the proud parents of daughter Haleemah.

It was great timing, therefore, when Zeshan was invited to move home to Scotland to set up one of a new-breed of speciality fulfilment centres the company had in mind.

“Edinburgh was the fifth GSF AMXL UK site launched to deal specifically with heavy and bulky items, such as furniture and large television screens and so on,” he said.

“The other stations are all in England so I’m

He laughed. “It was organised chaos! It was actually very well co-ordinated and Amazon being Amazon, there was a lot of support behind the scenes.

“While I was the main focus, the main point of contact, for everyone to come to as we set up, all the credit goes to the projects team working away in the background.”

At the end of the day, he said, it really had been all about team work – both within and outside Amazon. “That’s the thing, you are trying to build strong relationships not only with your colleagues, but with third parties you’re doing business with too.

“It has really strengthened me personally, completing an MBA, because it made me consider both sides of the equation, both sides of the Amazon business relationship.” www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/ businessadministration/

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Modern Apprenticeships

Could you benefit from an

APPRENTICE?

Do you run a business in or around Lanarkshire?

New College Lanarkshire can help you add new skills, knowledge and experience to your workforce – whether to existing staff or new recruits.

CONTACT US AT

apprenticeships@nclan.ac.uk or call: 0300 555 8080.

Apprenticeship training available for: Business Administration Computing Hardware & Software

Manufacturing Electronic Fire & Security Systems

Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Fabrication & Welding

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Dental Nursing

Hairdressing

Engineering Maintenance

Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair

Engineering

New College Lanarkshire is a registered charity. Charity number: SC021206. NCL Marketing no: 160825.

Vehicle Accident Repair Vehicle Paint Refinishing

TOGETHER WITH OUR COMMUNITIES...

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) community has come together to help meet the unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Across our campuses, UWS staff and students have been supporting national efforts, not only by volunteering to join the frontline as key workers, but by sourcing and developing equipment and technology vital in the response to COVID-19.

Key endeavours over recent months have included: UWS Institute of Thin Films, Sensors & Imaging working with semiconductor foundry Semefab on production of innovative, thin film-based chips for non-contact thermometers. [Semefab has already received orders for more than 12 million chips from around the world] 1,200 UWS nursing, midwifery and applied biomedical science students putting their clinical skills into practice supporting NHS colleagues of our partner health boards, as well as working with independent care providers UWS researchers using the University’s dedicated microbiology facilities to validate the effectiveness of a new facemask being developed with support from Scottish Funding Council Production, using UWS’s cutting-edge 3D printing equipment, of protective visors for NHS workers UWS leading on a rapid research project, funded by Scottish Government, to investigate the impact of social distancing and isolation on physical and mental health Collaboration on a healthcare training solution using gaming technology to better-equip staff with the skills and knowledge to assess and treat COVID-19 patients

For more on our activities to combat COVID-19 visit www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/uws-together

UK TOP 3 RANKING

UWS has achieved another milestone in Innovate UK’s flagship programme, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). Recent project wins put UWS in the UK top 3 in terms of portfolio size, with 33 KTPs worth £7m, and consolidated our position as number 1 in Scotland.

For advice on the University’s KTP, intellectual property and innovation work, contact Johnny Mone, Head of Business Innovation, at Johnny.Mone@uws.ac.uk

AoEC

Unlocking Potential – there is great wisdom in starting your journey to success one step at a time The Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC) offers a broad portfolio of services and training in executive coaching no matter where you are on your journey.

1. Discover If you would like to discover more about coaching and training to develop your coaching skills or how to become a qualified coach - come along to a free virtual Open Event. Hosted by AoEC Scotland Faculty you will discover a little more about coaching, hear from a graduate from a past Practitioner Diploma programme and have your opportunity to ask your questions.

Register for your free place at AoEC Scotland Open Event on 17th November at www.aoec.com/events

2. Delve If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding about coaching and develop these skills so that you can incorporate them into both your professional and your personal life, the two-day Coaching Skills Certificate is ideal. This programme combines theory and participation to allow

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you to practise coaching skills in person, gain insights into how coaching is used and how it can be applied in your line of work.

“The AoEC Coaching Skills Certificate delivered everything I hoped for and more.

I was hoping to learn to run coaching conversations with my team members and to improve my listening skills and I absolutely achieved that. The facilitators were excellent and got the pacing just right.”

Tom Foster-Carter - Lillypilly Limited 26th and 27th January 2021, virtual

3. Digging deeper If you are exploring your options on training to become a professional coach the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching could be your answer. With our triple-accredited programme, this four-month experiential diploma enables you to develop your own coaching model as you deepen your expertise of coaching and coaching techniques.

“I arrived on the AoEC Practitioner Diploma with a degree of trepidation. I didn’t know what kind of people I would meet, and I wasn’t too sure how I was going to formally learn how to be an executive coach. I wasn’t at all prepared for the journey that lay ahead.

The depth of respect I feel for my colleague learners and the trainers started on that first day and has grown over the time we have had together. I dug deep, I was exposed, I learned an incredible amount about myself and how and, most importantly, why I am a coach. The community that has sprung up in our cohort is one that I believe will stay with me through my continued shift into this new career. I believe that if you bring your whole self to this journey that you will learn a huge amount and emerge prepared to embrace executive coaching as a career or as a new string to your professional bow.”

Graduate from the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching, AoEC Scotland Starting 27th April 2021, Edinburgh www.aoec.com

Maximise Your Potential

Study an MBA at RGU Our internationally recognised range of MBA degrees will help you capitalise on your current experience and qualifications, to allow you to take that next step in your career.

Our MBA qualifications are highly applied and practice-driven to hone the skills necessary for career development. Our range of degrees include MBA Master of Business Administration, MBA Oil and Gas Management and our new award MBA Sustainability and Energy Transitions. You will also participate in our acclaimed Leadership Week event, take control of a business in an online simulation and apply your learning in a Consultancy Project.

We have a variety of flexible study routes and options, which allows you to fit the course around your life and career.

Join us in January 2021.

Apply now

www.rgu.ac.uk/mba-prog

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Employers across Scotland have been innovating and adapting to ensure apprentices have been able to progress in learning or on the job during the pandemic Measures have included making the most of technology and new kit, while some firms have taken on new apprentices to meet increased demand for services.

Encouraging creativity Keeping apprentices engaged, with a focus on their well-being, has been a priority for many of the employers who have been able to operate through COVID-19 restrictions, including leading aerospace, defence and security technology firm, Leonardo.

Leonardo has taken a proactive approach to the coronavirus pandemic, working earlyon to procure additional remote working infrastructure such as laptops and secure network bandwidth to allow apprentices to work from home. They are being encouraged to stay in touch via a variety of digital channels, in place of the face-to-face meetings they will be more used to.

As a result, all of Leonardo’s Apprentices passed their modules with flying colours most with A grades - with most Graduate Apprentices passing their year with distinction.

Safeguarding well being Leonardo’s UK Head of Apprenticeship Management, Deborah Soley explained: “We issued our Apprentices with a bank of personal development courses and continued to work with them on their SVQs. We also made sure their managers were supported to be able to work effectively with apprentices remotely.

“Our main concern was to make sure our apprentices were supported and continued to feel part of the Leonardo community, as many had moved to Edinburgh specifically to join us and so we had a responsibility to safeguard their wellbeing.”

Keeping the apprentices engaged included an innovative project to support the community during lockdown. Deborah explained: “To get them working together, we asked apprentices to create and film simple but fun STEM exercises while at home, which were shared on our UK website and social media channels to in turn support children with their home schooling.”

Further recruitment The Leonardo site has now moved on to shift patterns, with apprentices being reintegrated into the workplace.

The way its apprentices have quickly adapted to new ways of working and learning has been a source of pride for the company. Deborah said: “Our apprentices have demonstrated great resilience in the

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way they’ve adapted to their new working environment and their commitment to their studies has been reflected in these outstanding results. We’ve also appreciated the strong partnerships we’ve forged with local colleges and universities, which have been vital during this period.”

Despite the lockdown, Leonardo is continuing to invest in apprenticeships, adopting a new online recruitment process which will see another 26 apprentices join the business in the coming months.

Driving innovation The Learning and Development team within Dawnfresh Seafoods played a vital role to ensure the progression of the company’s Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprentices was not negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

The Uddingston based company, which is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of fish and seafood, believes the pandemic has helped it become more innovative in the way it supports and assesses apprentices.

The team had to make adjustments to its assessment strategy to ensure it observed

all guidelines relating to COVID-19 and kept its employees safe.

Blended learning Dawnfresh introduced social distancing, face covering and visors where appropriate, and also looked at technology to support the apprentices, encouraging them to complete work on computers to reduce the amount of paperwork being passed around by hand.

The business also had Modern Apprentices who were furloughed and it used a blended learning approach to enable them to continue their skills development, which included the creation of online learning resources and assessments.

Dawnfresh Graduate Apprentices were supported by university partners to ensure they were set up and able to successfully complete the academic year.

Dawnfresh Learning and Development Manager, Kristy Reynolds said: “As a business we believe apprenticeships at all levels add tremendous value and we will continue to support the apprenticeship frameworks.

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

“We have continued to work closely with all our partners including SDS, taking advice and guidance on the best ways to proceed.”

Kristy added: “The big take away for us, is that the food and drink industry has proven that its people are resilient and committed to delivering great products and, in turn, we are committed to providing sustainable development opportunities for our employees.”

Dawnfresh has two new Graduate Apprentices this year and the universities have ensured all their onboarding has been as straight forward as possible to start the year through distance learning.

Supporting growth Another leading seafood company, Mowi, has had to recruit more Modern Apprentices to support growth as a result of the pandemic.

The business, which is based in Rosyth, is taking on a further seven apprentices in IT, Business Administration and Engineering and plans to take on more to deal with a range of challenges including an ageing workforce.

Mowi’s Learning and Development Manager, Donald Waring explained: “There was huge demand for our products in the supermarkets at the start of lockdown. Initially, it was like our Christmas season and we found that many people were trying our salmon for the first time and liking it, which has led to repeat buying and continued growth.

“We see apprentices as an important part of managing the growth and also ensuring the business develops its talent for a successful future.”

Essential workers Similar to Dawnfresh, Mowi’s employees are classed as essential workers who have continued to supply the nation during the pandemic.

As a result, the company had to put in place further adaptations across all its workplace environments to support current apprentices and the wider workforce.

Donald said: “We have always had to have a sterilised environment but now we are

We see apprentices as an important part of managing the growth and also ensuring the business develops its talent for a successful future.

Donald Waring, Learning and Development Manager, Mowi

COVID secure and have installed shields, screens, sanitisers, provided training and implemented other measures to comply with the guidelines. We’ve already introduced the desks for our future apprentices, to ensure that they are coming into a safe working environment from day one on the job.”

Adapting quickly Most of Diageo’s apprentices have continued to work on sites throughout the pandemic due to the rigorous protocols that were put in place to protect its people’s health and well-being and, according to the global alcohol beverage company’s Early Careers Specialist, Gillian Dalziel, they have adapted quickly to the changes.

Gillian explained: “Our first year apprentices are in college full time and we worked with the different colleges to make sure they were set up for online learning and assessment.

“One to one training for our operator apprentices based on-sites was paused, but with support of line managers they had the opportunity to work in office based environments where strict social distancing measures were in place. They got involved in various offline activities and projects, which provided a different learning experience and exposure to other areas of the business, such as Planning and Maintenance and helped to widen their professional networks.

It also enabled them to take more ownership for their learning and have autonomy around managing their workload, which has resulted in them building stronger relationships with their teams.”

supporting everyone to adapting to changes in ways of working has been important.

“It’s clear that young people feel comfortable with online technology and it’s an essential way for them to communicate, stay connected and access information, so feedback from apprentices suggests that our new approach hasn’t taken long for them to adapt.”

The company is also about to welcome a further 13 engineering Modern Apprentices and devised a new online recruitment process to ensure it continued to invest in more talent during the pandemic.

Future proofing through apprenticeships Gillian explained: “Apprenticeships are critical to the success of our business, particularly within engineering, as we focus on having the skills for the future to address different technologies.

“We have invested greatly in our current apprentices and were determined to give them the support they needed to help them succeed and continue to progress.

“It was vital that those who were due to complete their apprenticeships finished their exams to ensure we had qualified employees whilst it is important that those across all other year groups didn’t fall behind.

“We committed to take on more apprentices because it’s essential in our strategy to future proof the business.” www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

Continued investment Gillian added: “All our apprentices have embraced the changes. The safety and well being of our people across our business has always been and remains our top priority and

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Supporting the smooth flow of goods Teesport is celebrating the success of its bespoke Vehicle Booking System (VBS), which has seen over 370,000 appointments created since the system was introduced in July 2019. colleagues and contractors that were involved with the project.

The technology, which requires hauliers to pre-book appointments when dropping off and collecting containers, places the Port in a prime position to support the smooth flow of goods transiting Teesport when new, postBrexit border controls, are introduced.

“Teesport is a rather unique terminal in that we have both a deep sea and short sea customer base, meaning that we handle an expansive range of cargo,” added Mel. “We needed a solution that would be fit for purpose and still enable us to provide the level of service our customers expect.

I’m delighted to say that in the last twelve months we have successfully achieved our objectives.”

With over 17,000 vehicles visiting Teesport in an average month, the proven VBS technology ensures that the Port can continue to handle increasing volumes and support future international trade growth without compromising levels of customer service.

PD Ports launched the VBS in conjunction with its automated gate system – both part of an ongoing; multimillion-pound investment to ensure Teesport retains industry-best average gate-to-gate times – how long it takes for a vehicle to arrive, unload, reload and exit the Port – even as demand continues to grow.

One year on, over 1,300 individual users and 6,000 licence plates are registered on the VBS with worldwide logins from countries such as the Netherlands, USA, Germany and the UAE. Mel Hannaway, PD Ports’ Change & Delivery Manager, led and managed the

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implementation of the new system and explained why the VBS is an important addition to Teesport’s infrastructure.

“There were multiple objectives in mind when we first explored the concept of VBS,” said Mel. “We were looking to reduce manual tasking at the automated gate and improve efficiencies as part of our wider business strategy – meaning that we are able to exceed current standards whilst continuing to grow volumes.

PD Ports’ Change and Delivery Manager, Mel Hannaway, front and center, celebrated the unveiling of the systems alongside

“This is an important milestone in our wider strategic vision to position our operations along the River Tees as complementary components of a rebalanced UK economy, enhance the international competitiveness of the UK and Tees Valley, and facilitate its continued growth.”

PD Ports worked with CAMCO, a leading provider of automation solutions, to develop and implement the VBS to keep cargo moving quickly with minimum congestion and disruption. As a result, Teesport has been able to reduce transit times for a vehicle entering and leaving the site to just 30 minutes. www.pdports.co.uk

CONNECTING SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD VIA TEESPORT FREQUENCY AND RELIABILITY POSITION TEESPORT AS A GLOBAL GATEWAY TO SCOTLAND Teesport offers more direct daily rail connections to and from Scotland than any other port in the north of England, running two daily services to Grangemouth and Mossend.

With 26 vessel calls a week, Teesport allows shippers to move cargo with ease, complemented by intermodal rail connections.

For more information and to start realising the benefits of rail freight, please contact our commercial team.

T: +44 (0) 1642 877000 E: enquiries@pdports.co.uk W: www.pdports.co.uk

CHAMBERCONNECTIONS

CHAMBER CONTACTS

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Strathclyde Business School, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0QU T: 0141 444 7500 E: admin@scottishchambers.org.uk www.scottishchambers.org.uk President – Tim Allan Chief Executive - Liz Cameron OBE

Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce The Hub, Exploration Drive Aberdeen Energy Park, Bridge of Don Aberdeen, AB23 8GX T: 01224 343900 E: info@agcc.co.uk www.agcc.co.uk Chief Executive - Russell Borthwick President - Colette Backwell Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry The Mezzanine, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, KA9 2PL T: 01292 678 666 F: 01292 678 667 E: enquiries@ayrshire-chamber.org www.ayrshire-chamber.org Chief Executive - Val Russell President - Lorna Gibson Cairngorms Business Partnership Ltd Inverdruie House, Inverdruie Aviemore, PH22 1QH T: 01479 810200 E: office@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Chief Executive - Mark Tate Chair of the Partnership - Angus McNicol Caithness Chamber of Commerce Naver Business Centre Naver House, Naver Road Thurso, KW14 7QA T: 01847 890076 E: info@caithnesschamber.com www.caithnesschamber.com Chief Executive - Trudy Morris Chairman - Stephen Sutherland

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Eskdale House, The Crichton, Bankend Road Dumfries, DG1 4UQ T: 01387 270866 E: admin@dgchamber.co.uk www.dgchamber.co.uk President – Kenny Bowie Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Whitecrook Business Centre 78 Whitecrook Street, Clydebank, G81 1QF T: 0141 280 0272 E: admin@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Damon Scott President - Stewart Rennie Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce 37 City Quay, Camperdown Street Dundee, DD1 3JA T: 01382 228545 F: 01382 228441 E: info@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Alison Henderson President - Ian Collins East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce 1 Golf Road, Clarkston, East Renfrewshire G76 7HU T: 0141 887 6181 E: info@eastrenchamber.org.uk www.eastrenchamber.org.uk President – Laura Molloy Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 40 George Street, 2nd floor Edinburgh, EH2 2LE T: 0131 221 2999 F: 0131 261 5056 E: info@edinburghchamber.co.uk www.edinburghchamber.co.uk Chief Executive – Liz McAreavey President - Jane Clark-Hutchison

Fife Chamber of Commerce Office 7A, Flexspace, Mitchelston Drive Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 3NB Fife, KY2 6HD T: 01592 647740 E: info@fifechamber.co.uk www.fifechamber.co.uk CEO – Alan Mitchell President – Brian Horisk Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Group (incorporating Stirling Chamber of Commerce) Suite 2, Scion House Stirling University Innovation Park Stirling, FK9 4NF T: 01786 448 333 E: info@forthvalleychamber.co.uk www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk President Lynn Blaikie Glasgow Chamber of Commerce 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ T: 0141 204 2121 E: chamber@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com Chief Executive Stuart Patrick President - Dr Paul Little Helensburgh Chamber of Commerce M&T Builders Merchants, 22 Charlotte Street, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, G84 7PH T: 07789904687 E: info@helensburghchamber.org www.helensburghchamber.org.uk Chief Executive - John Clark Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce Room 5, Victoria House 5 East Blackhall Street, Greenock, PA15 1HD T: 01475 806824 E: seo@inverclydechamber.co.uk www.inverclydechamber.co.uk Senior Executive Officer – Rachel Burns President – Gavin McDonagh

CHAMBER CONTACTS

Inverness Chamber of Commerce Metropolitan House 31-33 High Street, Inverness, IV1 1HT T: 01463 718 131 E: info@inverness-chamber.co.uk www.inverness-chamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Stewart Nicol President - George Moodie Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce Barncluith Business Centre, Townhead St, Hamilton, ML3 7DP T: 0330 0947370 www.lanarkshirechamber.org.uk E: info@lanarkshirechamber.org.uk Director: Tracey Campbell-Hynd Lochaber Chamber of Commerce 15 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6DH T: 01397 705 765 E: membership@lochaberchamber.co.uk www.lochaberchamber.co.uk Chairman - Bruno Berardelli Chief Executive - Frazer Coupland Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Moulsdale House, Edinburgh College 24d Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP T: 0131 603 5040 E: info@melcc.org.uk www.melcc.org.uk Joint Chief Executives - George Archibald and Keith Barbour President – Archie Paterson

Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce Stornoway Business Hub, Stornoway, HS1 2XG, Isle of Lewis T: 07939 450 276 E: info@outerhebrideschamber.co.uk www.outerhebrideschamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Lynne Maciver Chair - John Moffat Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Saltire House, 3 Whitefriars Crescent Perth, PH2 0PA T: 01738 448 325 F: 01738 450 402 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk www.perthshirechamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Vicki Unite President - Stephen Leckie Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Bute Court, St Andrews Drive Glasgow Airport, Paisley, PA3 2SW T: 0141 847 5450 F: 0141 847 5499 E: info@renfrewshirechamber.com www.renfrewshirechamber.com Chief Executive – Bob Grant President – Tom Johnston

www.scottishchambers.org.uk @ScotChambers Like us on Facebook Siobhan Divers Head of Content T: 0141 444 7509 E: sdivers@scottishchambers.org.uk

Production, Design & Advertising Distinctive Group 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 6UF Telephone 0191 5805990 production@distinctivegroup.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk This publication is also available as an ebook at: www.issuu.com/distinctivepublishing

Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce 27 North Bridge Street, Hawick, TD9 9BD T: 07771 865 758 E: chairman@borderschamber.com www.borderschamber.com Chair – Moira Wilson

Moray Chamber of Commerce Moray Sports Centre, Linkwood Road, Elgin, Moray, Scotland, IV30 8AR T: 01343 543344 E: info@moraychamber.co.uk www.moraychamber.co.uk Chief Executive - Sarah Medcraf President Carol Stewart

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Strathclyde Business School 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0QU T: 0141 444 7500

West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Systems House, Alba Centre, Alba Business Park, Rosebank, Livingston, EH54 7EG T: 01506 414808 E: chamber@wlchamber.com www.wlchamber.com President - Billy MacLeod Chief Executive – Charlene Wallace

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CHAMBER NETWORK NEWS

New Letter of Credit Service launched

by Dundee and Angus Chamber A new Letter of Credit service is being launched by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) to help local businesses manage payments from international buyers.

Over 75% of exporters who do their own Letters of Credit do not get paid due to incorrect paperwork. This new service will help local businesses save time, money, and provide assurance that their applications will be correct first time.

Letters of Credit are a highly secure means of getting paid in international trade transactions and are often very complex. A letter of credit is a guarantee issued by a bank assuring payment for goods shipped, provided all conditions are met.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber said “Businesses tell us that cash flow is top of their list of priorities so I am delighted that our International Team have worked hard to develop this vital service to support exporters smooth the process of getting paid. At a time when we are working with many Scottish businesses to grow their international trade and access new markets, Letters of Credit will be a really important tool to help them get it right.”

Along with advice on Letter of Credit, and assurance that all the terms are met, the Letter of Credit Service will include preparation of all shipping documents, full visibility of documents online, liaison with freight forwarders and other relevant parties, advice on Incoterms 2020, and presentation of all documentation to the bank within agreed deadlines.

DACC have teamed up with Business West to offer the Chamber Letter of Credit Service, and will deliver a fully managed comprehensive service through a team of experts who secure payment for exports.

For more details about the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce Letter of Credit Service, the International Trade Team can be contacted at: international@ dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

Optimism felt locally in Moray but split views on visitors A local survey in July, which had over 500 respondents has highlighted some optimistic views of Moray’s general public. The ‘Reopening Moray’ survey ran by Moray Chamber of Commerce last month showed that 70% of respondents were happy to move into Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map. Phase 2 allowed the return of some people to their workplace and planned for a phased opening approach for many other businesses.

Retailers are now in to their second week of being able to be open following over 3 months closed due to COVID-19.

Interestingly, when asked, respondents ranked click and collect services, local delivery, and early/later opening times all of equal importance when being asked about their future purchasing habits. This is reflective of 64% being worried that they are not able to maintain physical distancing.

The survey asked if respondents were ready to welcome visitors back to Moray Speyside yet, especially as the tourism, leisure & hospitality sector has been hit very hard.

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Sarah Medcraf, CE of Moray Chamber of Commerce said: “The results for this question was so close, 52% aren’t ready to welcome visitors and 48% are. This is alarming for us as a region. Tourism is worth £135m annually to our economy and the sector employees 10% of Moray’s workforce.

“We also need to remember the supply chain around this, and the wider number of people impacted by tourism. Working in line with the Government advice, we need to encourage people to be able to welcome visitors to our region to help businesses catch what is left of the season. We all know when we go on holiday, people can make or break an experience – we

certainly don’t want that to be the latter.”

Sarah Medcraf also advised that we need to work to support our local businesses and change our habits to help them survive.

The survey offered the opportunity for respondents to share any additional thoughts and grass cuttings, the reduction of the 2-metre rule and parking charges were noted amongst the other challenges that Moray faces over the coming months.

Moray Chamber of Commerce has recently co-signed a letter with other business organisations in the region urging Moray Council to reconsider their decision on reinstating Elgin’s car parking charges.

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