Business Comment #12

Setting the standard: David Nish on leadership and the savings gap

august/september 2011

pages 22-23 Edinburgh Chamber – UK Chamber of the year for international trade support and skills development

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Contents

august/sept 2011

Festival fever is among us ...

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03 Introduction / contents

22|23 Cover feature

04 Edinburgh Review to inform

24|25 Festivals special

What’s happened! There’s not a taxi in the rank – it has to be festival time! All attending our fabulous festivals are guaranteed great value for money and memories to be treasured by the score.

It’s not just our taxi drivers and box offices that benefit from the incredible influx of visitors to the city, we are all rewarded from the massive economic impact that our festivals bring to the city.

This year will see another bumper turn out with record breaking attendances. The Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study proved that last year our festivals generated over quarter of a billion, yes billion, pounds worth of additional tourism revenue for Scotland.

We in Edinburgh tucked away £245million. For their part our visitors enjoyed thousand of laughs, shed some empathic tears and a big helping of Edinburgh bon viveur. They left enchanted and we appreciated their massive contribution to our finances.

93% of them were happy to confirm that the Festivals are what makes this city unique, oh and the castle and the Forth and the open top bus tours and the beautiful historic buildings and the friendly restaurant staff.

Thank goodness for the Festivals and on behalf of the private sector we applaud you and wish you another record breaking year. My thanks then go to the organisers, the greeters, the media, the Council, the sponsors and of course to the actors and contributors who make each and every event a memorable experience.

Our festivals are a cultural phenomenon and as the best in the world showcases Scotland’s exceptional talent, that sets Edinburgh apart from all others. Edinburgh is without doubt the world’s leading Festival City and for a time we can bask in its glory.

We hope all of our visitors had a magical time, we certainly enjoyed having you and we haste you back.

Ron Hewitt chief executive

economic future

37 In the spotlight

38 City & World – Chamber policy

41 Ask the expert / get with IT

44 Getting started

16|17 Inspiring connections

49 Business events relaunched

50 Movers & shakers

05 Airports call for tax to be devolved

07 Capital view

13 Be the best

15 Going international

19 60 seconds

Business Comment is an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce publication.

All editorial a n d g en eral en qu iries: Edinburgh Chamber Customer Services Team Tel: 0844 736 2992 email: customerservices@edinburghchamber.co.uk Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Capital House, 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SU www.edinburghchamber.co.uk President: Robert Carr Chief Executive: Ron Hewitt BUSINESS COM M ENT EDITOR Sharon Duncan, Tel: 0131 221 2976 Email: sharon.duncan@edinburghchamber.co.uk P RODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2345 john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE EDITOR S John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com DISCLAIM ER

Distinctive Publishing or Business Comment cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Comment.

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Chambernews

Edinburgh Review to inform economic future Earlier this year, the City of Edinburgh Council started an economic review of the city region. Now, the first findings have been published and show that many businesses are confident about the future.

Under the governance of the Edinburgh Business Forum including the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, the aim of the exercise has been to inform the development of a new Economic Strategy for the City, which will be launched in early 2012.

Some initial findings are: n Businesses are reasonably positive about a

recovery in general economic conditions. n Productivity in Edinburgh is extremely

high in British terms (ranking 7th out of 127 locations) n Tourism is seen as a provider of increased

jobs in the future, as are Life Sciences and Finance. n Renewable energy has the potential to

provide significant jobs to the city region. n Businesses’ feel the limited access to

finance inhibits growth.

City of Edinburgh Council’s Economic Development Convener, Tom Buchanan said: “This has been a major piece of work, one that will inform our strategy over the next 10 years – and beyond.

“It’s also essential to remember that this isn’t just about businesses. Our economic

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future depends on the involvement and achievements of everyone who lives, works, visits and studies in the city.”

Hugh Rutherford, Chair of Edinburgh Business Assembly, the governing forum behind the Economic Review, said: “We are encouraged that the initial findings of the Review show that the Edinburgh city region economy has demonstrated its resilience during the economic downturn.

“However, the research also highlighted some ongoing challenges for the region.

These include the difficulties being faced by local companies in accessing finance, the productivity challenges which must be met if Edinburgh is to compete on a global stage and the need for more internationalisation of city region business activities.

“There are also challenges around ensuring a skilled workforce is available to capitalise on future business opportunities. We hope that local businesses will reflect on the review findings and feed in their comments.

These will help to inform the city’s evolving Economic Strategy”.

The Council is now in a period of consultation with Edinburgh’s businesses’ and general public on the findings of the Economic Review through a consultation paper.

The consultation paper can be found at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ economicreview2011 and in paper format in local libraries.

Anderson Strathern delivers change in the legal market Anderson Strathern has announced that the partners and staff of Bell & Scott, Scotland’s first specialist property practice, are joining the law firm.

The move gives Anderson Strathern 57 partners, including 16 in commercial real estate, and a combined turnover of £23 million.

Following integration, the Edinburgh office will be at Rutland Court and the Glasgow office at Lomond House in George Square.

The firm will have a list of property clients including Austin Reed, the Buccleuch Group, Capital Shopping Centres, Clyde Gateway, The Crown Estate and T Mobile.

Chairman Robert Carr said: “Our primary objective is to bring the clients of the combined practice a broader range of specialisms and opportunities.

This exciting development is part of our commitment to expand and further strengthen our full service offering, allowing the clients of both firms to benefit from greater insights and business solutions.”

Bell & Scott Managing Partner, Paul Jennings, said: “Over the years, our size and focus have been our strengths, enabling us to concentrate resources and develop expertise in the property sector.

As a specialist firm, it is essential that we meet and exceed our clients’ needs so we are delighted to join a firm which shares our ethos on in-depth expertise and development and investment in specialist services.”

bmi regional named most punctual airline bmi regional has been named the most punctual regional airline operating at Brussels airport for 2010 in the airport’s annual aviation awards.

airports call for tax to be devolved Scotland’s largest airports have jointly called for the UK Government to devolve its Air Passenger Duty (APD) to the Scottish Government.

Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports made the call during their response to the UK Government’s consultation on its proposals on the future of APD. The Calman Commission recommended the devolution of APD as part of the Scotland Bill and the Scottish Government has supported the suggestion.

However, because the UK Government is consulting on changes to aviation duty as per its Programme for Government, it has not been included in the Bill in its current form.

EMS

The Scottish Government has indicated that revenue raised via APD would be used to support Scottish aviation and tourism and a report, commissioned by Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and published in January 2011, said that any proposed future increases in tax would harm both sectors.

They say that APD, if devolved, would go some way to reversing the loss of these passengers and recouping the £77 million in lost tourism revenue that the recent rise cost Scotland.

Kevin Brown, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport said: “We are not saying we should not be taxed, only that any taxation is fair and proportionate.”

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Capitalview Inspired to relocate from australia to edinburgh…

My wife and I moved to Edinburgh from Australia, a little over three years ago, so I could take up my job with Spire Healthcare in Edinburgh.

Wally bourdelov, Director Spire Healthcare, Edinburgh Hospitals

Coming from Brisbane, the change in weather was originally a little of a shock, but we soon acclimatised as we found Edinburgh and, indeed, the surrounding country side to have many attractions and interests, not to

mention the many eating places to explore in and around the city.

the choice of low cost, budget options available in this city.

Before we came out from Australia, many of our friends warned us how expensive the UK and Scotland would be to live in. In reality, we have found since our arrival that this is very far from the truth. Food, many basic staples (home wares and clothes) and indeed transportation, is noticeably cheaper locally than we found back in Australia.

We have been resident in the Leith area of the city since our arrival, the past 14 months within the Platinum Point development at Western Harbour next door to Leith. We have appreciated the great places within the area, all within walking distance of home – eating places (some Michelin star) as well as art and cultural activities.

My job in coming to Edinburgh has been to grow Spire Healthcare’s business in Edinburgh and by default Scotland. So whilst much of my weekday time and quite a few evenings are spent at work or work-related activities, my wife and I have set ourselves a target to see as much of the city surrounds, Scotland and the UK as we can. One of the things we have greatly valued is the flexibility of Edinburgh as an airport hub nationally but also abroad into Europe and even the United States. We have been availing ourselves during some of our holidays in expanding our horizons with trips into Europe, given

Obviously the August festival period has been a great attraction and we continue to be amazed at the great influx of visitors from far and wide, coming to Edinburgh for this well known and appreciated facet of the city. Certainly, we continue to enjoy and appreciate our time in Edinburgh.

Increased business lending announced by Clydesdale bank Clydesdale Bank has announced that it advanced £2.1 billion of new lending to business customers in just six months, a 62% increase on the same period last year.

The bank says that it remains on-track to deliver its promise of £10 billion of new lending to UK business and mortgage customers, including many in Scotland, by October. Overall, the Bank has advanced £8 billion of new lending in the past 18 months.

Business lending has been boosted by the Bank’s Investing for Growth initiative, launched last spring across its 73-strong network of Financial Solutions Centres (FSCs), 15 of which are in Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, Ayr and Dunfermline, and which are designed to help businesses grow and develop.

Scott McKerracher, Regional Director for Clydesdale Bank in Scotland, said: “We’ve listened carefully to businesses, from SMEs through to UK corporates, and have consistently presented a level of support and dedication which is much needed by UK companies. Despite the subdued market demand for credit, we have continued to offer genuine financial choice in the market. “

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businessnews Marketing festival seeks to build on success Following the success of the inaugural Edinburgh International Marketing Festival last year, the next one will be held in the city on August 25.

Fund aims to promote growth The new Business Growth Fund (BGF) is considering investing in ten UK businesses looking for long-term growth capital.

Over the next few years, the BGF is expected to invest in hundreds of UK businesses that need funding to create new products and services, sell to new markets and create jobs.

Sir Nigel Rudd, Chairman of the BGF, said: “I believe the Business Growth Fund offers a real ray of hope to companies that are emerging out of recession.

“Companies that have the confidence, ambition and ability to seize new opportunities and new markets in the UK and abroad. Our ambition is nothing less than to create the household business names and listed companies of tomorrow.”

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Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable said: “The Business Growth Fund is ready to make substantial equity investments into ambitious mid-cap British companies who are set to create the business success stories of the coming years.

“Alongside new government support for exporters and commitments made by the banks to increase the credit available to businesses of all sizes, this private fund will provide crucial support to the firms generating the employment our economy needs.

“Good investing requires local connections to find and assess opportunities, so for the Fund to have a presence outside London - in both Birmingham and Edinburgh - is particularly heartening. British businesses must have access to the growth capital they need, wherever they are based.”

Backed by five of the UK’s largest banks working in collaboration with the British Bankers’ Association, the Business Growth Fund is one of a series of measures to help small and medium sized UK businesses grow out of recession.

The vision of the festival is to celebrate the impact of marketing in all its forms and the central role that creative agencies and individuals play in driving its contribution to economic and social growth.

Once again, founding partners creativebrief, Assembly and The Marketing Society will be working with the main industry associations, together with The City of Edinburgh and Creative Scotland, to promote the industry on a global stage.

This year will see a series of events culminating in an industry reception at Waverley Gate in Edinburgh, hosted by creativebrief and EIMF partners, The City of Edinburgh and Creative Scotland.

Tom Holmes, joint founder International Marketing Festival and Chairman of creative brief, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the success of the 2010 Festival in Edinburgh and look forward to building on this success in 2011, providing a major platform for the 2012 Festival. Marketing affects all our lives, every day, and this influence will only grow – that’s why we’re developing this Festival and broadening its reach and subject matter across continents and industries.”

More information is available on www.eimfest.com

Stay one Step Ahead with free branding & marketing advice; call 0844 736 2992

economic surveys reflect uncertain times

by Cliff Lockyer,

The Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde, Coordinator of the Scottish Chambers’ Business Survey In many respects, 2011 will not be remembered as a good year.

Economic policies in Greece continue to be dominated by reform and the possibility of debt default with its implications for the Eurozone and impact on the international economy.The job revival in America continues to be weak and rising inflation in China and India is adversely impacting on growth.

At home, surveys covering the second quarter of the year increasingly reported differences

between manufacturing and the service sectors.Those covering manufacturing reported rising demand, activity and limited employment growth, although Oil & Gas UK noted a sharp downturn in longer term activity as a consequence of the increase in the Supplementary Tax charge in the sector.

Once again, common themes in the surveys covering the Scottish retail sector, in addition to the longer term trends of the increase in online sales and increasing

competition amongst the major multiple retailers, have been exceptional events influencing sales.The harsh winter was followed by tough conditions in February and March and the upturn in sales in April reflected additional public holidays, Easter and a spell of good weather.The latest available figures suggest continuing weak consumer confidence, falling sales and rising costs.

A general theme in the surveys covering the first half of 2011

Cliff Lockyer

have been rising cost pressures, rising raw material and energy costs and, especially in retail and tourism the impact of inflation and consumer uncertainty on sales trends.

Rising price pressures and weak demand are expected to continue and for many Scottish businesses the combination of slow and patchy growth, limited improvements in turnover, rising costs, pressures on margins and declining trends in profitability will pose real problems in 2011.

Business optimism falls back Optimism among the finance directors of large UK corporates has fallen for the second consecutive quarter to its lowest level in more than two years, according to the latest Deloitte CFO Survey.

The results mark the sharpest decline in corporate optimism since the wake of the collapse of Lehman Bros in September 2008.

CFO optimism about the financial prospects for their own businesses is at its lowest level since 2009, when the UK economy was in recession. Confidence that the recovery can be sustained has also taken a knock. On average, CFOs see a 33% chance of a double dip.

Ian Steele, senior partner for Deloitte in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “The continued squeeze on UK consumer spending power seems to be weighing on corporate sentiment.

Over the last year, real disposable

incomes have fallen by 2.7%, the fastest rate of decline since 1976.

“The mood of caution is reflected in a tilt in the balance sheet strategies employed by finance chiefs. CFOs are placing more emphasis on cost control and increasing cash flow than at any time in the last year.”

Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, said: “There is also a growing belief that the upswing in corporate revenues is likely to slow over the next 12 months. A year ago, the dominant view among CFOs was that profit margins were on the rise.Today, the balance of opinion is that margins are set to narrow. CFOs believe that the period of strong growth in profit margins is drawing to an end.

“However, while CFOs have become more cautious, this has not dented their willingness to take greater risk on to their balance sheets.”

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Edinburgh Napier University invests £12m to help businesses the Scottish government. The Institutes give businesses an easy access point to the wide range of expertise within the University.

They can offer your business direct technical support, grants, specialist skills, training, CPD, facilities and equipment.

Edinburgh Napier University has established nine Institutes of Research and Innovation in sectors identified as key growth areas by

The University is particularly keen to engage with small and medium-sized enterprises which account for the majority of Scotland’s business community. www.napier.ac.uk/business

Edinburgh Napier Institutes of Research and Innovation Institute

Director

Edinburgh Institute for Leadership & Management Practice Professor Charles Edwards Employment Research Institute

Professor Ron McQuaid

Institute for Science & Health Innovation

Professor Keith Nicholson

Institute for Creative Industries

Professor Robin MacPherson

Institute for Informatics & Digital Innovation

Professor Jessie Kennedy

Institute for Product Design & Manufacture

Professor Ian Hunt

Institute for Sustainable Construction

Professor Sean Smith

Forest Products Research Institute

Professor Philip Turner

Transport Research Institute

Professor Kevin Cullinane

Scottish SMEs can now access a range of expertise, facilities and funding to boost innovation and profitability, through a £2.3 million initiative led by Edinburgh Napier University.

The initiative is one of the first of its kind and offers SMEs unique access to a network of nine University and College partners from across the East of Scotland, providing a gateway to a range of support designed to assist in the development of innovative products, processes and services.

Support provided by the initiative will focus on priority sectors including creative industries, energy & renewables, food & drink, informatics, life sciences & healthcare, manufacturing, sustainable construction, tourism and rural business.

To help develop projects between SMEs and academic partners, the initiative has access to an innovation fund. The initiative can also assist SMEs to access additional sources of funding support such as Innovation Vouchers, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, SMART awards and R&D Grants.

Oscar-winning techniques brought to boardroom

Partners in this initiative include: Queen Margaret University, University of St Andrews, Carnegie College, Elmwood College, Jewel and Esk College, Oatridge College, Edinburgh’s Telford College and Stevenson College Edinburgh.

One of the world’s leading voice coaches is bringing his tricks of the trade to Edinburgh Napier students on the MSc in Advanced Leadership.

The initiative is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Scottish Funding Council’s SEEKIT fund.

Poll Moussoulides has helped thousands of people improve their vocal habits and has worked on around 50 feature and TV

films with the likes of Mia Farrow, Whoopi Goldberg, Robbie Coltrane, Joss Stone, Elijah Wood and Pierce Brosnan.

And now the voice coach is teaching Scotland’s next leaders how to use the skills of Hollywood’s elite to make an impact in the boardroom.

The course, which is used by the likes of Scottish & Southern Energy and Spire Hospitals to develop their future leaders, involves 18 months of coaching in all aspects of leadership, including communication, negotiation, influence and change.

Poll Moussoulides

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www.napier.ac.uk/ei

For further information contact Samantha Penn on: 0131 455 6311, email: s.penn@napier.ac.uk www.napier.ac.uk/ei

Impact through innovation

Dr Robert Speight, Ingenza Bio-company

Supporting Scottish businesses through a £12m investment Helping you find viable solutions to real world challenges by sharing our specialist skills, training, facilities, technical support and grants.

We give Scottish businesses like Ingenza easy access to the expertise and experience that can really make a difference. Contact us to find out how we can do the same for you.

Visit www.napier.ac.uk/business

Former US Vice-President to address conference An international conference designed to help grow Scotland’s low carbon economy has received strong backing, including from American environmental campaigner Al Gore.

“Our next step, of delivering commercial technology and building a green export industry here in Scotland, can only be achieved through attracting significant private sector investment.

“The Scottish Low Carbon Investment project and conference is a great opportunity for the Scottish Government and its partners to demonstrate leadership in this area, not just by bringing investors and companies together but by making Scotland the place to invest and ensuring government policy encourages private investment in green technology.”

Al Gore.

The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference is a key component of the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project, a Government-backed initiative. Other key partners are Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, who are also the conference organisers.

The two-day event, which follows the success of last year’s conference, takes place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on September 27-28.

Speakers will include Mr Gore, a former US Vice-President who won the Nobel Peace Prize and several awards for his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.

Also speaking will be First Minister Alex Salmond, Lady Susan Rice of the Lloyds Banking Group. Paul Brewer of PWC and Colin Hood of Scottish & Southern Energy.

Martin McAdam, Chief Executive of wave energy company Aquamarine Power, said:

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The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference will bring together the project and innovation communities with investors from banks, fund managers and venture capital companies.

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is gratifying that the sector is so supportive of all of the work that is going into the project and the Conference. We will work with those involved in the sector and with the financial community to identify and debate the risks and rewards, opportunities and challenges within the renewables arena.”

Scotland has set Europe’s most ambitious carbon reduction targets, and is planning to invest £140 billion on projects and developments that will realise its carbon reduction programme. With a quarter of both Europe’s tidal and offshore wind capacity, and 10% of its potential in wave power, as well as significant opportunities in hydro-power, onshore wind and biomass, the Scottish Government aims to ensure that Scotland has a truly world-leading renewable energy sector.

Aquamarine Power named one of UK’s best workplaces Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power has been named one of the best workplaces in the UK and Europe by the Great Place to Work Institute UK. The company achieved second place in the UK’s Best Small Workplaces category and was also named one of Europe’s best workplaces.

Aquamarine Power also won the Learning and Leadership for Sustainability Excellence Award.

Earlier this year, Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power was also named one of the best places to work in Scotland, coming second overall in Scotland’s Great Workplaces Awards, as well as winning the Leadership Excellence Award.

Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power, said: “We are tremendously proud to have been named one of the UK’s and Europe’s best workplaces. At Aquamarine Power, we have worked very hard to build an organisation where trust, respect and job satisfaction are central to everything we do. This award is a reflection of how much we have achieved.”

A conference website has been established at http://www.slciconference.com

Bethebest Executive Skillsbank How to get the skills to ensure your business grows to reach its potential.

The business base in Edinburgh is diverse with over 16,000 firms. The city has a number of key strengths with strong academic, research and scientific sectors.

Small to medium enterprises account for 94% of businesses in the city.

Many businesses, however, struggle to fulfil their ambitions through lack of appropriate support, and management capability, during important growth phases Executive Skillsbank offers a unique facilitation service whereby managers and professionals who have been made redundant or are facing redundancy have been invited to register on the skills bank, a searchable database which logs their skills, experience and areas of expertise.

The idea is simple; match available managers and executives to businesses who have plans for growth. The managers provide a business mentoring service to the firms on a voluntary basis (with the company covering reasonable expenses) during a time-bound, structured, period.

Businesses using the service are encouraged to consider offering the participant a position following the agreed period of mentoring.

Benefits for the local economy include:• Reducing the outward migration from the city of management personnel • Increasing the diversity of skills within the city

Benefits for businesses can include:• Growth in turnover • Advancement of growth plans • Jobs created or safeguarded • Review of business systems and increased efficiency Any interested parties please call Fraser Lusty on 0131 221 3172 Executive Skillsbank is a project provided

by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Business Gateway.

Getting back on track with the tram project Work will start on Princes Street in September as part of the development of the city’s tram system.

Originally, the idea was to begin in July, to allow the programme to accommodate the summer and winter festival periods and finish as early in 2012 as possible. However, after considering the feedback from city centre stakeholders, elected members and representatives of transport bodies it has been decided that the work should be delayed until early September instead.

Dave Anderson, Director of City Development, said: “Throughout this process it has been necessary to balance the need to address the problems inherent in Princes Street at present, whilst mitigating the impact that the works will have on the city, its businesses and its festivals. I can assure all stakeholders that their contributions to

date have been valuable, informed our decision making process and will also help define the full plan for mitigation measures we will undertake going forward.”

The plan will now be to implement the traffic diversion in the weekend prior to the works starting on 5 September. This means that Princes Street will have more public space available for spectators for the Edinburgh International Festival Fireworks, the finale of the Festival season on Sunday 4 September.

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partnersinenterprise Success for accountancy firm

Skanska named the UK’s Best Green Company Alastair McCall, editor of The Sunday Times Green List, said: “Skanska’s achievement in being named our Best Green Company cannot be overstated. It is the first time a large company with a high environmental impact has won the contest.

Scotland’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants, Johnston Carmichael, clinched the Best Medium Firm of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year at the Scottish Accountancy Awards.

Johnston Carmichael beat off competition from Anderson Anderson Brown and Campbell Dallas at the third annual awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

Johnston Carmichael has offices in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Fraserburgh, Elgin, Glasgow, Forfar, Huntly, Inverurie and Perth, and currently employs more than 450 people throughout the country.

The firm has expertise across sectors including construction, agriculture and rural property, energy services, engineering, fishing, food and food processing, hospitality, dentistry, pharmacy, medical, healthcare and professional services sector.

For further information about Johnston Carmichael and all the services the firm offers, please call the Aberdeen office on 01224 212222 or visit www.jcca.co.uk

Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, was named as the greenest company in the UK in the Sunday Times 2011 awards.

The Sunday Times Best Green Companies Awards were launched four years ago.

Last year, Skanska was ranked as the best company in the construction sector and this year was named as the greenest company in the UK, all categories.

Johan Karlström, Skanska’s President and CEO, said: “We are very happy and proud of this award. It is an acknowledgment of that we follow our plan of being leading within green building, and an acknowledgement of our employees’ hard work and commitment to reach that target.”

“Skanska has consistently demonstrated sector-leading commitment to reducing its environmental impacts and it is synonymous today with being in the vanguard of efforts being made to transform what was once one of our “dirty” industries.

“The company’s efforts to embed this green culture within the business are remarkable.

Skanska has never finished out of our top five and it is one of only 15 companies to be included in all four of the Green Lists we have published. It is an achievement of which the business should be very proud.”

The ranking is based on an employer survey which covers environmental management policies, environmental training, energy consumption, waste production and recycling. This accounts for 70 percent of the final ranking. The second part of the process is an employee survey in which the staff rates 52 statements from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”.

Find out more about our Partners in enterprise on our website: www.edinburghchamber.co.uk in the ‘About us’ section.

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goinginternational

Jenny Lockton

e commerce – think internationally !

Much of business is about buying and selling and there is a quiet revolution taking place of which most of us are already a part.

According to the most recent figures from the UK Government’s Office of National Statistics, eCommerce is now worth more than £222 Billion. That makes it of a similar size to the Oil and Gas Industry.

What is even more remarkable is that it is currently growing at more than 36%. That means that it is growing at four times the growth rate of China during a supposed recession.

Making money from eCommerce sounds easy but the truth is that many who start out selling online fail. Everyone will have had the experience of a frustrating website that didn’t provide the information you wanted or led you through some over-complicated process of buying. eCommerce is very competitive and unless you get everything absolutely right then customers move to another website.

Converting sales is even harder when trying to target an international market as there are so many cultural changes and nuances to consider,. Bohemia Design, over the past 18

months, has moved from a traditional retail business in Edinburgh with four shops and a web presence to a high growth e-commerce business thanks to a new website and service built to cater for an international market. Today, Bohemia deals with 36 countries with sales as far as Japan, South Korea and America.

Now, Bohemia Design turnover online in two months what they turned over in a year in one of their shops.

They sought help from Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise to find the right web development agency to work with and to help them grow.

4. Measure everything, analyse everything and optimise everything, install Google analytics (again it’s free) and regularly evaluate the results.

5. Make sure your eCommerce supplier can provide you with both, and don’t allow it to be a mystery to you - do your research and understand what is happening.

6. Think of marketing as a “money making machine” rather than a “business cost”. www.bohemiadesigns.co.uk www.indeZ.com

Now, Pete Mowforth, of INDEZ, who works with Jenny Lockton, founder and owner of Bohemia Design, has given us his top tips to creating a successful eCommerce business, including: 1. Use Google Trends (it’s free) to see what products are hot and what are not in different countries.

2. Tailor your site to international markets.

3. Get your target market customers to test the site.

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Inspiringconnections 01

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The Premier Series dinner in June featured HSBC’s Chairman Sandy Flockhart Based in the UK, Sandy Flockhart has global responsibility for Commercial Banking and HSBC’s European, Middle East, African and Latin American businesses. He is also a member of the HSBC Holdings plc Group Management Board. During previous senior positions, Sandy has been posted to Hong Kong, Mexico, USA, the United Arab

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Emirates and Qatar. Given his extensive overseas experience, Sandy shared his views on the current and emerging global business landscape, and what opportunities it presented for Scottish businesses.

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Sandy Flockhart, Chairman, HSBC addressing the dinner guests

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Lynda Millar of 23 Melville Street chatting with Stephen Brown from Aon Limited

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Rebecca Davies from Rebecca Inspires, inspiring Austin Flynn of Morton Fraser LLP

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Helen Highley, Brightpurpose enjoying the evening’s event with Erick Davidson,Tayburn Limited

Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

Premier Series Dinner with HSBC Bank plc

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Summer Party

Summer started with a bang!

Photos by Graham Carnie, Tuskite Photography

The Edinburgh Chamber Summer Party was enjoyed by all who attended at Divino, Edinburgh’s newest wine bar.There was excellent food, wine and music at this relaxed networking event.

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Awaiting the night’s proceedings were Norman Harris and Esmond Toney from Ecool Designs

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Roger Colkett, Brightedge and Caroline Treanor,Tods Murray LLP having a catch up

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The live music created a fun and relaxed atmosphere

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Laura Reid and Caroline Deveney of Davidson Chalmers LLP enjoying the party

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Looking Spotless: Gillian Munro from Spotless Commercial Cleaning

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The fine wine was enjoyed by all including Suzanne Gibson of Eero & Riley, Laura Reid from Davidson Chalmers LLP and Jim Hiddleston of RBS Group

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Grahame Cunningham Memorial Award The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Premier Series dinner staged with HSBC Bank featured the award of a prize which recognises contributions to business life in Edinburgh.

Presented every year, the Grahame Cunningham Memorial Award is awarded in memory of the former Director of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, who was active in the city’s business community and had a particular interest in businesses that promoted social inclusion.

Principals launch new college plan Edinburgh college principals Mandy Exley, of Jewel & Esk, and Brian Lister, of Stevenson, have revealed plans to join forces and create a new college for the city region.

With more than 1,000 staff and over 20,000 students, the new college would be the second largest in Scotland and in the UK top 20, based on a combined turnover of almost £50 million.

It would contribute more than £100 million to the city region’s economy and develop centres of excellence in areas like clean technology and creative industries.

The colleges launched the consultation process on July 6 to ask all interested parties what they think of the plan.

Their consultation lays down a firm commitment to support communities in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian. It says: “The new college should also enhance opportunities for campuses without walls, using technology to offer learning to those who find it difficult to access a college building on a regular basis, also benefiting more rural areas within Midlothian and East Lothian.”

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According to the colleges, just a small increase in international student numbers to 2,000 a year means that £13 million will be pumped into the local economy. Overall, the contribution for the merger could rise to as much as £120 million.

The document also says the new college will develop Centres of Excellence in three key economic growth sectors, Energy & Clean Technology, Creative Industries and Tourism.

Brian Lister OBE said: “The consultation document highlights the ambition of the new college to enhance its global operations, while also improving its service to local communities and the regional and Scottish economy.

This year, the seventh time the award has been presented, the prize went to Citidogs, which was created by Sandy Maxwell-Forbes and Sarah McLean in March last year.

Having both experienced the anxiety of having to manage careers and the feelings of guilt surrounding leaving their dogs at home alone, they set up the Citidogs Crèche as an exclusive dog day care centre.

Citidogs also recognises the difficulties young people and students eager to work in the pet industry face trying to gain practical experience whilst studying or transitioning into a new career, so works alongside ProjectScotland, Scotland’s Youth national volunteering organisation, and Oatridge College, Scotland’s largest land-based college whose specialities include animal welfare.

By providing work experience otherwise unavailable to young people and students, Citidogs gives them the confidence, experience and encouragement to follow their dream.

“We believe the new college will deliver an enhanced service at all levels – local, regional, national and international.”

Mandy Exley said: “The people of Midlothian and East Lothian can be confident that the new college is committed to enhancing its service to these areas, both to students and to partners who work with the college.”

The consultation period runs until September 30. No decision has yet been taken on the name of the new college.

Elaine Cunningham presenting the Graham Cunningham Memorial Award 2011 to Sarah McLean and Sandy Maxwell-Forbes of Citidogs Creche

60seconds Name: Graeme Hogge Company Name: nexus24 Ltd Website: www.nexus24.co.uk Q In five words or less, what do you do?

A Design, Advertising, Marketing, Branding, Production.

Q Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in?

A Can’t think of anything right now.

Q How long have you been a Chamber member?

A Since 2007.

Q Why did you join?

A Networking and access to other professional services such as legal and HR. Q What services do you use?

A Mainly networking and have attended the odd seminar.

Q If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say?

A Great for simple advice, networking and support if you need it.When starting out you can’t really beat it – getting to meet and chat to other people in the same boat.

Q Where do you read your copy of Business Comment?

A Office normally.

Q What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber?

A Met one client at a networking event which I ended up working with on a few projects.

Law firm produces positive figures Leading commercial law firm Semple Fraser LLP has announced 11% growth for 2010/2011.

Growth has been evenly spread throughout the firm’s focus areas with recent improvements in the Real Estate market reflected in a 13% rise in income from that sector.

Semple Fraser has also appointed five new trainees to its Glasgow and Edinburgh offices, and promoted two of its solicitors.

Charlotte Johns, a dual qualified solicitor and barrister, has been promoted to Director, Head of Employment, and real estate specialist Mark Colquhoun has been promoted to Associate.

In addition, the firm has recently appointed two solicitors, Rebecca Mills and Rhian

Owen, who join the rapidly expanding Manchester team. Rebecca and Rhian join Semple Fraser’s corporate group which is praised by Chambers as being "responsive and commercial", and which recently recruited Partner Simon Wallwork to its Manchester office.

Managing Partner Alister Fraser said: “We have been experiencing a steady improvement in sales over the past 18 months and we go into the new financial year a stronger, more capable and more collaborative firm. Our Manchester office has grown rapidly since its inception at the end of 2009 and has allowed us both

to deliver services to a wider client base, as well as provide our existing clients with an increased service range in England.”

Simon Wallwork, Corporate Partner, said: “I joined Semple Fraser six months ago since I shared their clear strategic and industry focus and could see how their specialists were working collaboratively both to get a clear grasp of what is going on in their target industries and thus to serve clients within these industries better. Things are developing extremely well and I am delighted that Rebecca and Rhian are joining the team. I am sure that they too will be an asset to our clients, both north and south of the border.”

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Lost property – it’s yours, claim it “If britain is really to become a home of innovation, then we want research and development to take place not just in our great universities, but in our smaller businesses too.”

Chancellor george osborne - Budget 2011

Research and Development (R&D) tax credits have supported nearly £52 billion of R&D activity in the UK in the last decade, with many Scottish-based companies deriving significant benefits from the regime.

However, there is real concern that many businesses, including many based in Scotland, are still missing out because they do not realise that the activities their technical teams and engineering teams are involved in, is qualifying R&D. Sandra Gilchrist, director in the R&D tax services team at Deloitte in Scotland, explains how R&D credits could improve your company’s bottom line while you seek to achieve the competitive edge.

What are r&d tax credits?

R&D credits are a form of tax relief available to companies in the UK. Credit is made available either in the form of an enhanced tax deduction (a ‘super’ deduction) based on eligible R&D expenditure or, for certain loss-making small or medium sized companies (SMEs), in the form of a cash tax credit from HMRC. To claim relief, a company must be undertaking eligible R&D.

What is ‘qualifying’ r&d and who is eligible?

First of all, let’s banish all preconceived ideas that R&D is only relevant to those working in laboratories and wearing white coats. This is not the case. The technological criteria in the BIS Guidelines is set at a deliberately high level, to assist in the application to a wide range of

company types and business sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, IT, construction, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, energy, infrastructure and utilities and more.

Additionally, the technology “hurdle” is actually not as high as most companies expect, and in many situations, work that is considered technologically challenging will meet the eligibility requirements. R&D is not just about new products or process development, but may also be driven by improvements to existing products and processes, or the need to meet challenging new regulatory or customer demands.

How and when do i make a claim?

Claims can be filed directly with HMRC in your Company Tax Return at the end of each financial year. An ongoing consultation process on R&D tax credits is working to simplify the claims process and make the criteria for identifying and claiming qualifying R&D clearer.

At Deloitte, we have a team of qualified engineers to assist our clients in a variety of ways. We offer a flexible range of services, from short consultations to preparation of end-to-end R&D claims, ensuring bespoke solutions tailored to meet the requirements of each organisation.

Remember – it’s your relief, claim it.

Sandra Gilchrist Director in the R&D tax services team at Deloitte in Scotland.

T: 0141 304 5036 E: sgilchrist@deloitte.co.uk

What costs can be claimed?

Typically, an R&D claim includes salary costs for staff engaged in eligible R&D projects, fees paid to staff providers for individuals hired to directly assist you with your R&D and the cost of materials used up in R&D, including fuel, power and water. Software licences and certain subcontracted costs can also be claimed.

How much could my business save?

From 1 April 2011, SMEs can claim a deduction equal to 200% of qualifying R&D expenditure from their taxable profits each year, while larger organisations can claim a deduction equal to 130% of the eligible R&D spend. Loss making SMEs can surrender that element of their loss that relates to R&D and claim a cash-back payment worth c25% of qualifying R&D expenditure from HMRC each year.

Sandra gilchrist Director in the R&D tax Services team at Deloitte in Scotland

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Coverfeature SPeCiAl FeAture

meeting the challenges of a changing financial world

by John Dean

When David Nish stands up to deliver his speech at a Chamber dinner in early September, he will be addressing the long-term savings and investment challenges facing Scotland and the UK more broadly.

It‘s a subject he is well placed to talk about. He joined Standard Life in November 2006 as Group Finance Director and became Chief Executive on 1 January 2010. Prior to joining Standard Life, David spent eight years at Scottish Power, first as Finance Director and then as the Executive responsible for Transmission and Distribution networks.

Before this, he was a partner with Price Waterhouse, where his clients included major PLCs. His job at Standard Life includes helping people to think about how they manage their finances. David said: “A challenge to our industry is the current savings culture in the UK. At present, too many people are failing to save sufficiently, or not at all. Standard Life’s latest research with the Life Academy charity shows that only 51 per cent of adults are actively investing in their financial future.

“Solving this problem will not be easy and there is no quick fix. A programme of sustainable change is required over the course of 10 to 20 years and the industry will need to work with policy makers and other stakeholders as never before to achieve the required outcome.

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David Nish,

Chief Executive, Standard Life

“This partnership approach is already beginning to take shape. A welcome political consensus is emerging around the need to increase levels of long-term saving and the reforms necessary to deliver it. For example, the introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace pension schemes from next year has the potential to make a real difference.

This will help to bring many people into long-term saving through the workplace for the first time.”

The company says it is in a strong position to take advantage of that situation and David said: “Standard Life weathered the financial crisis exceptionally well. This can be attributed to a disciplined approach to financial and risk management. This created a strong capital base which has placed us in a good position as the economic recovery continues. Our business model is a ‘capital lite’ approach which has helped us to remove unrewarded risks and provided stability to the business.

are well represented to be able to maximise opportunities both home and abroad.

“A key priority for Standard Life is that Edinburgh and Scotland more broadly remains a strong platform from which businesses such as ours can continue to compete successfully within the UK and internationally.

“We’re keen to play our part in ensuring Edinburgh develops and enhances its positions as one of Europe’s financial powerhouses. The Chamber plays an important role in making sure the city continues to attract talent and secure investment, while having the right business infrastructure in place to allow companies to operate successfully.”

dAVid niSH FACtFile

“Standard Life is well placed for future growth and supports initiatives to close the long-term savings gap in the UK.

to increase transparency and, produce better outcomes for consumers by giving them clarity and greater control over the cost of advice. Again, we are well placed, having stopped paying commission in most of our market segments five years ago.

“There is a perceived conflict between the need to increase long-term savings and the need to support consumer demand to get the economy going again. But I think this is a false dichotomy. A fundamental rebalancing of the economy is vital to the country’s future well-being. And strong flows of investment – which are based on individuals’ savings – are vital to supporting the future infrastructure investment that the UK needs.”

“In 2010, we began a three-year transformation programme, which is well under way and we need to ensure it continues to embed across our entire business. The programme focuses on developing a more customer focussed company, while making sure we develop our talent, drive a high performance culture and operate as a more nimble and adaptable organisation.

The company recognises that employers have to evolve to meet these challenges. David said: “Against this backdrop, it’s inevitable that employers will assume an increasingly important role in helping employees manage their financial future. So we’ve taken steps to address this through the ongoing development of ‘Lifelens’ – an innovative employee pension and benefit platform. This will assist employees with their financial planning and enable employers to better fulfil their important supporting role.

“We also kicked off a step up in our investment plans to develop new propositions and services for our customers.

We are seen as a market leader with a strong record of innovation and we have launched several new propositions this year already.

Standard Life Investments continues to grow its global footprint. Overseas our business in Canada is developing its business similarly and our joint ventures in India and China present great opportunities. We are on track to deliver against our objectives.”

“A further reform that should bolster longterm savings, and a key area of focus for Standard Life, is a major overhaul of how pensions, savings and investment are sold.

This is known as the Retail Distribution Review, which from the 31st December 2012 will ban providers from offering commission to advisers. The ambition of this, which Standard Life strongly welcomes, is

David will address the Chamber’s Premier Series Dinner at The George Hotel, Edinburgh, between 5.30pm and 9pm on Monday September 5 and sees working with the organisation as important.

He said: “Edinburgh is a vibrant city and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in ensuring the capital’s companies

n Was recently appointed as Chair of the ABI’s Long-Term Savings and Insurance Committee, a key body for examining savings issues and promoting better outcomes for consumers. n From 2005 to 2010 was a non-executive director of Northern Foods plc n In 2004/05, served on the UK Government Employers Pension Task Force. n In 2000 and 2009, he was named Finance Director of the Year at the Scottish Business Awards. n Has been married for 27 years and has two children, a 23 year old daughter and a 20 year old son. Interests outside the workplace include travel, hill walking and trekking – having climbed to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2005 and reaching Mt Everest base camp in 2006 – as well as a keen interest in cycling and watching rugby.

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Festivalspecial SPeCiAl FeAture

Al fresco music at the Edinburgh Festivals

made in edinburgh: a cultural success worth £1/4 billion Edinburgh’s reputation as a year-round festival city is delivering significant benefits for local businesses, according to independent research.

The work, the largest programme of research ever undertaken into Edinburgh’s twelve major festivals, was based on 15,000 survey responses over a twelve-month period.

Not only did the research underline the importance of the festivals to national and city pride, it also confirmed that the events are worth many millions of pounds to tourism and associated sectors.

According to the Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study: n The festivals generated more than a quarter of a billion pounds worth of additional tourism revenue for Scotland (£261m) in 2010. The economic impact figure for Edinburgh is £245m.

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n The festivals raise the profile of the city with 93% of visitors stating that the events are part of what makes Edinburgh special as a city, 82% agreeing that the festivals make them more likely to revisit Edinburgh in the future and 82% stating that the festivals were their sole, or an important, reason for coming to Scotland. n 85% of all respondents agree that the festivals promote a confident, positive Scottish national identity; and 89% of Edinburgh respondents say that the events increase local pride in their home city. n The festivals encourage and widen access to the arts, with 77% of audiences saying that they had enabled them to discover new talent and genres, and nearly twothirds saying that the festivals encourage them to take risks and see less well-known performances, events or films.

n 93% of parents agreed that attending festival events as a family increased their child’s imagination.

Chair of the Festivals Forum, Lady Susan Rice, said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals are a cultural phenomenon, celebrated globally and treasured locally. They are one of Scotland’s most visible assets and, thanks to this study, we now have a clearer understanding of the breadth of their benefits reach across Edinburgh and Scotland.

“In a competitive tourism market and shifting economic climate, this study will be essential in helping us identify the best ways to ensure the festivals flourish for generations to come.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Year on year, Edinburgh’s world-renowned festivals continue to enchant audiences from home and around the world.

“From our early days in government, we have shown our commitment to the festivals, establishing and investing in our Expo Fund which has produced award-winning creative collaborations and showcases Scottish artistic talent.

Good for business

“In addition to the inherent cultural and social benefits our festivals bring to Edinburgh and to Scotland, this report highlights the significant economic benefits they reap with more than one quarter of a billion pounds of additional tourism revenue generated alone.

The future is bright for Edinburgh’s festivals.”

To put this in to context, the most recent independent economic impact figure for Golf Tourism to Scotland is £191m.

The Festivals also sustain 5,242 full-time equivalent jobs.

Kath Mainland, Chair of Festivals Edinburgh, said: “This substantial new report firmly establishes Edinburgh as the world’s leading Festival city, and provides clear evidence that the most attractive aspect of the festivals for our audiences is the quality, range and diversity of what we offer. The combination of our distinctive world-class festivals is key to attracting both local and visiting audiences.

Without this unique offering, the festivals would not make the much-envied economic, cultural and social contribution to Edinburgh and Scotland that we currently do.” * The Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study was written by leading economic and social impact researchers BOP Consulting.

The twelve festivals covered in the study were Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh Mela, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

A full copy of the report is available for download at www.festivalsedinburgh.com

“Year on year, Edinburgh’s worldrenowned festivals continue to enchant audiences from home and around the world”

The study calculates that Edinburgh’s Festivals generate £261m for the national economy and £245m for the Edinburgh economy.

Artist gets ready for a show at the Edinburgh Festivals

Voices of support Many other civic figures have welcomed the study: Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: “The Festivals are rightly a tremendous source of civic pride, both locally and nationally, and this study perfectly demonstrates how greatly they enhance the quality of life of Edinburgh citizens, as well as giving a huge boost to the City economy.

“While, of course, we cannot be complacent, this research once again reinforces Edinburgh’s position as the pre-eminent global Festival City. The study’s findings can now be utilised to promote all our festivals, to help develop new partnerships and generate new innovative strategies in the years to come.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals lie at the heart of Scotland’s reputation as a worldleading events destination. Their economic, social and cultural impacts, captured for the first time in this ground breaking study, demonstrate the wide range of benefits they deliver for Scotland.

“Collectively, Edinburgh’s festivals are a truly global cultural brand which showcase Scotland as the perfect stage for events. Welcoming visitors all year round, the Festivals generate significant economic impact for Scotland providing a world class platform for both Scottish culture and international artists.”

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland, said: “This ground-breaking research confirms that the Edinburgh Festivals play a vital role in inspiring audiences to seek out new creative experiences.”

Although the Festivals attract more than four million people every year, most of the expenditure goes to businesses rather than on ticket sale. Thirty seven per cent, or £41m, goes to accommodation providers, 34% to food and drink establishments, 6% to retailers and 9% is spent on transport.

Lena Wilson, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals are undoubtedly one of Scotland’s unique tourism assets and this latest study underlines not only the importance of the festivals in an economic context, but the impact that they have on a social, cultural and environmental level.

“The festivals deliver a wide range of benefits to a number of Scotland’s key priority sectors such as the creative industries and tourism sector and really help to give Scotland a distinctiveness that sets itself ahead of competitors.

These findings will provide a sound basis on which to enhance and further develop Edinburgh’s festival offering to ensure we continue to compete as one of the top destinations in the world.”

“The festivals deliver a wide range of benefits to a number of Scotland’s key priority sectors such as the creative industries and tourism sector” August/September 2011

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www.sce-enterprise.com SPeCiAl FeAture

SHORT-TERM TRAINING. FOR THOSE WITH THE LONG -TERM IN MIND. In these uncertain economic times, investment in the training and development of your existing team is one of the most effective ways of making savings and increasing efficiencies. It can lead to more streamlined practices, an increase in staff motivation, and result in longer-term profit and better organisational performance. With training and consultancy services across a wide range of occupational areas, we’re the people to speak to. And that’s the long and short of it. For information on new courses call us today or visit our website for details.

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Principal’s Address 9.30am

business comment 180x110_l.indd 2

23/06/2011 11:40

So you have planned your exit strategy – what next?

Every privately owned business will one day end up being sold or transferred. If you have worked hard over the years to build up a successful business and are aged 50 or over, it is now time to start thinking about how to enjoy that success.

A well-conceived strategic exit plan can substantially reduce, defer or even eliminate the twin threats of Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax and embrace your personal objectives, whether they are:

It is almost always less expensive and less disruptive to develop a strategy over a period of time, therefore it makes good sense to consider an exit strategy sooner rather than later.

n To unlock some of the wealth tied up in the business n To protect and grow your assets n To generate an income

To discuss your exit strategy, and your ‘what next’, call John on 0131 4599200 or email johnscottdavidson@sjpp.co.uk to make an appointment.

John Davidson (DipPFS) has a wealth of experience in providing financial advice to Business owners, and as a Partner of St. James’s Place has access to unrivalled expertise in tax planning, retirement planning, investments and corporate protection.

Find out more at www.johnscottdavidson.com Please note that this is likely to involve services that are separate and distinct from those offered by St. James’s Place.

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Why should companies locate in Science Parks?

EDINBURGH Science Triangle is one of Europe’s leading science and technology locations, stretching across the region from Livingston in West Lothian to the centre of Scotland’s capital city. It is home to around 100 companies with 1800 employees.

Within that area there are eight science parks and research institutions at the cutting edge of science and technology, and links with four universities at the forefront of Scottish Higher Education.

Since their inception in the early 1970s science parks have become a key part of the infrastructure supporting the country’s technology-based firms.

Heriot-Watt Research Park was the first science park of its type in Europe and is the continent’s largest. It is co-located with the university – a science and engineeringcentred institution – at Riccarton in West Edinburgh, minutes from the airport.

Another area in which the country is a world-leader can be seen in the Midlothian Life Science Cluster, which includes: the Roslin BioCentre, a world-leading ‘centre of excellence’ for life sciences and the location of choice for a wide range of successful companies; Easter Bush Campus – home to a world class animal health research consortium including the Moredun Research Institute, The Roslin Institute, world famous for Dolly the sheep, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and the Scottish Agricultural College.

Adjacent to Easter Bush is Pentlands Science Park, which was developed in the mid 1990s as the new home for the Moredun Research Institute, and which is the only example worldwide of a thriving Bioscience Park centred around an animal health and welfare research facility; and Edinburgh Technopole, a community of leading technology companies benefitting from interaction

with the surrounding cluster of research and technology organisations.

More than 1100 people work in this cluster – making it one of the region’s biggest employers.

On the western fringe of Edinburgh Science Triangle is Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston – a purpose built centre and one of the leading business incubators for innovative technology firms in the East of Scotland.

Edinburgh BioQuarter offers an optimum destination for biomedical research-based companies wishing to co-locate with the University of Edinburgh’s Medical School, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine and a new 870-bed NHS teaching hospital.

A recent independent report showed Scotland has the quality of research to lead the life science industry in the UK and offered a pointer to the advantages of companies locating in a science park environment.

The UK Life Science Start-up report was the first of its type looking at early stage life science firms, and it identified the area covered by Edinburgh Science Triangle as one of four life-science hot-spots in the UK. Its author, Dr Glen Crocker, Chief Executive of BioCity Nottingham, said: “Given the likely reduction in public funds, what remains should be concentrated in the four ‘hot-spot’ regions of Edinburgh/Glasgow; M1 Corridor … Manchester/Liverpool and London/Oxford/Cambridge so more can be achieved from targeted government intervention.”

Commenting on the report, Malcolm Bateman Chair of the Edinburgh Science Triangle said: “A critical finding of the report was that companies within bioincubators are almost twice as likely to secure investment and the amount they receive is more than double that of non-bioincubator companies.

These hubs of activity will also become an ever more important feeding ground for pharmaceutical companies aiming to identify new product opportunities.”

The report, from the Mobius Life Science Fund revealed that Scotland had the highest rate of bio-tech start-ups in the UK, and a higher level of new businesses than any other UK region, except the east of England.

Wallace Building, Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PP, Scotland - Tel: +44 (0)131 200 6387

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Call Brent on +447708971120 Email: brentquinn123@gmail.com www.cockburnsconsultants.com

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n Are you looking to purchase new or used assets and require a finance package to suit your needs? n Do you need to reduce your bank overdraft? n Do you need to restructure you existing finance agreements? n Would raising fresh capital into your business help you cash flow?

Ross Pickburn - Regional Sales Manager

Tel: 07900 211 425 E-mail: rpickburn@closeasset.co.uk

Close Asset Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Offices

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edinburgh

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dundee

At Acumen, your future is our business. In today’s complex financial and corporate world you need reliable and professional assistance to manage your business and personal finances. Our company philosophy is to ensure you achieve your business and lifestyle goals by offering an extraordinary level of customer care and innovation in the range of services we offer.

Our qualified professional staff work with, and for, clients on:

Accountancy and Audit Corporate & Commercial Service Corporate & Personal Tax Planning Outsourcing Sage 50 & Sage 200 Software Acumen Accountants and Advisors Limited are a growing firm of independent business advisors.

Our range of services are bespoke and built around the needs of the small and medium owner managed business.

We offer unparalleled advice in cradle to grave financial independence.

Contact us on 0131 221 0900 or enquiries@acumen.info for a free consultation and see how we can help improve your business.

Acumen Accountants and Advisors 20/22 Torphichen Street Edinburgh, EH3 8JB Tel: 0131 221 0900 Email: enquiries@acumen.info www.acumen.info

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inverness

We’re focused on Scottish business.

In business, it’s the details that matter.

Which is why our Relationship Managers have always kept an eye on the Scottish market.

And because we’re local, we’ve got contacts and networks that can help your business grow.

For more information, speak to your local manager Andrew Hetherington on 07900 190788. bankofscotland.co.uk/commercial

Barnardo’s Works Edinburgh, an ESF funded project is the new name for NETworks.

Over the past year and a half Barnardo’s Works has worked with 71 long term unemployed 16 to 24 year olds from across the City of Edinburgh. Out of these, 31 young people have gone into independent sustained employment and 7 have taken up college places.

The key to the success of the project is three-fold: matching the right young person with the right employment opportunity; the openness and commitment of the employer; and the high level of support given to both the employee and employer by the Barnardo’s Works team.

Graeme Gordon

Operations director seeks more support for Scottish IT sector

For employers the programme offers: n Pre-placement employability skills preparation. n Up to 8 weeks placement (at no cost to the employer) n 13 weeks subsidised waged period. (where we pay you half the wages) n Industry specific training for each employee.

Internet service provider Internet for Business has called for the Scottish public and private sector to open up the market for ICT and Cloud-based contracts.

Operations director Graeme Gordon urged businesses and the Scottish Government to back his Tartan Cloud initiative, whereby Scottish Cloud providers have greater opportunities to secure contracts in the domestic market.

Mr Gordon, who made his call at the Information and Communication Technology: Supporting Public Service conference at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The ICT sector in Scotland contributes 5% of Gross Value Added and it employs one in 20 individuals.

“To drive the sector forward and make the Tartan Cloud vision a reality, it is vital that Scottish-based companies look to the ICT expertise and services available to them locally, rather than opting for big names in overseas locations.

“However, there are challenges associated with this process and it won’t happen overnight. EU regulations restrict preferential treatment to local companies in a procurement process and there is still a lack of confidence or awareness in the services available.

“Other countries such as France and Germany manage to award a large percentage of their contracts, with almost all of their contracts below £1million to country providers. This is a model that I think Scotland can follow.”

Young People Graduation Event held at Scottish Parliament with MSP John Park

We would like to thank all the employers (and Chamber Members) who have engaged with Barnardo’s Works so far.

The employers have benefitted in several ways such as: having the chance to “test-drive” a new potential recruit; develop the experience and skills of the young person resulting in an employee who hits the ground running at day one of formal employment; having the support of Barnardo’s pre-placement programme and ongoing staff involvement; and maximizing the return on their investment in a new member of staff.

All of this, and vitally the employers have given a tremendous opportunity to young people.

We want to hear from you if you have a potential placement opportunity and would like to know more about Barnardo’s Works.

Please contact helen.brown@barnardos.org.uk Employer Liaison Officer 0131 559 3940

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Tips for tendering success Tendering for public sector contracts is not for the faint-hearted but companies that make an effort to “up their game� and develop improved techniques for responding to competitive tenders will reap rewards.

Tender writing specialist - Intend Business Development - recommends some tips to make sure your public sector bids rise above the crowd: • The Buyer can only mark what is on the tender or pre-qualification (PQQ) form. So write the tender assuming the Buyer knows nothing about your experience or skills. • It’s a competition! Buyers may have many responses to read so you must provide evidence (not opinions) for why your goods, services or works are better than those of other tenderers. • Think about what the Buyer really wants for this specific contract and create a checklist for high scoring

Spending too much time on tenders with limited results?

questions, rather than dropping in your “usual� answer.

Keen to find out more and improve your performance?

• Develop a tender library with regularly updated information on your policies, staff profiles, details of previous/current projects and examples of well-written content for key business processes.This will leave you more time to work on key scoring questions for each tender or PQQ.

Intend provides training and direct support for all stages of preparing local, national and international tenders, tailored to your business needs.

Intend Business Development has a proven track record helping companies in all business sectors improve their tender and PQQ responses through in-house training, useful templates and writing/review help during the tender process. Contact us for a free copy of our Tender Ready Checklist.

Gill Joy, Director Intend Business Development LLP 0780 829 4981 gill.joy@intend-eu.com

www.intend-eu.com

Developing Sage for growing businesses software | training | support

Fantastic training rates for chamber members.

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www.eurekasolutions.co.uk

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A law firm for life science and other innovative businesses Our Philosophy

Our Services

Bonaccord only works with businesses, from one man consultancies to multinationals, and with those interested in setting up businesses or learning business skills.

Legal

Founder Patricia Barclay has spent most of her professional life in the commercial sector with a variety of very different corporations around the world and so understands what matters to business. We engage with the client and take care to understand their business so that we can be pro active in our advice and work with our clients to help them grow and achieve their goals. We endeavour to offer pragmatic commercially relevant solutions in a cost effective and timely manner and to support our clients for the long term.

We offer general corporate and commercial support to businesses of all sizes from sole traders to multinationals. We want to see our clients succeed and will endeavour to provide pragmatic, commercially relevant advice in a cost effective and timely manner in line with our philosophy.

We maintain low overheads and are flexible in our working and billing practices. We try to fit in with our clients' needs rather than expecting them to accommodate ours.

We understand that all businesses are seeking to manage their expenses and are happy to work with the client's own staff or preferred suppliers with respect to the preparation of materials, travel, etc. Whether you are seeking legal support, training or mediation services you will find we take the same business orientated, client centred approach.

Bonaccord Ecosse Limited is a law firm regulated by the Law Society of Scotland.

Life Sciences Bonaccord Bio is the part of the business focused on the needs of the life science industry, an industry in which founder, Patricia Barclay, held responsible positions for 18 years and so this sector is very much at the heart of the firm.

For Academics Bonaccord works with academic institutions to optimise the environment for successful commercialisation and provides business development and legal services to the new ventures whether on behalf of the institution or the individual academic or entrepreneur.

Mediation

We provide services tailored specifically to our clients' needs so welcome the opportunity of talking directly to you.

Mediation and Facilitation offer attractive, cost effective and speedy processes for businesses to craft individual solutions to disputes and to find constructive ways to take forward potentially controversial strategies.

Please contact us without obligation and in confidence:

Training

Contact Bonaccord

Telephone: +44 131 202 6527 e-mail: enquiries@bonaccord.eu Principal Office: 31 Merchiston Park, Edinburgh EH10 4PW

Bonaccord offers individually designed training programmes to meet specific client objectives. Please contact us to explore how we might be able to help.

Notary Public We offer notary public services in relatoin to the authentication of documents and the administration of oaths.

Bonaccord Ecosse Limited, registered office 31 Merchiston Park, Edinburgh, EH10 4PW. Incorporated in Scotland SC 323251

Residential property investment consultants Managing & leasing agents Residential property acquisitions Renovations project coordination Comprehensive landlord support

PRoPERTy INVESTMENT INSIgHT Edinburgh Spaces Limited 6 Waterloo Place Edingburgh EH1 3E6 T/F: 0131 556 0001 info@edinburghspaces.co.uk

www.edinburghspaces.co.uk

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Inthe Inthespotlight Company name: British Midland international Who? david rousham, Head of sales Website: flybmi.com

1. What were you doing between 10 and 12 this morning?

6. Where do you stand on work/life balance?

I am writing this on board the BD441 to Casablanca for a meeting with Moroccan press and travel trade to promote bmi’s new routes to Casablanca and Marrakech.

My two sports-mad kids aged eight and ten – means you cannot help but switch off. Weekends are sacrosanct!

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

Bringing in the revenue in a relatively flat economic climate, and so convincing business and leisure travellers to fly bmi this Summer season – and they WILL be impressed!

3. What do you consider your biggest business triumph?

Building teams to have a winning mentality without losing their humanity.

4. do you have any money-saving business tips?

Naturally I would say try flybmi.com!

Also make sure you eat well in one of our lounges before your flight and you’ll have no need for breakfast or lunch.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I still play rugby – the recovery part of which tends to take up most of my spare time nowadays. Aside from this – I like most other sports and outdoor pursuits.

8. What qualities do you need to see in your employees?

Enthusiasm, creativity, risk taking – whilst keeping their feet on the ground.

9. in business, is it more important to be liked or successful?

Both. Get the balance right or suffer the consequences.

10. What is the one piece of advice you would give to others trying to reach the top?

5. What do you believe are the 3 key stages on your career ladder?

Dedication. If one door closes – look for others. Never get stuck in the corridor.

Sound practical commercial experience.

Selecting the right business mentors to learn from. Taking the step into senior management – it can be very lonely, and yet very rewarding.

11. Who is your hero?

12. Any business (or other) projects you would like to plug?

This summer we’ve increased services from Edinburgh to Copenhagen and Zurich and of course I’d like to plug our new routes this Summer from Heathrow to Bergen , Stavanger , Basel , Marrakech and Casablanca , all of which enjoy connections from our frequent services every day to and from Edinburgh.

13. other than your current position, what would be your dream job?

Professional sports coach.

14. Who (living or dead) would you invite to a fantasy dinner party?

Probably Ian Botham – although I’d need to stock up on quality red wine.

15. outside of business, what is the most important thing in your life?

Jo – my wife. Oliver and William – my boys.

Ian Botham – a legend who lived on the edge, and played cricket in a calypso fashion which inspired me when I was in my teens.

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City&World

Edinburgh Chamber Policy Update Industry clusters tend to develop for one or more of three reasons.

One is a clear geographic advantage – wine producers cluster on the slopes and fields of Southern Europe. Another is an historic association with a particular expertise. The political autonomy and freedom offered by the City of London long acted as a haven for financiers, often fleeing from abroad.

It is now the pre-eminent centre of global finance. A third reason is the availability of technically advanced knowledge. For example the concentration of advanced IT know-how spurs the development of Silicon Valley.

Clusters happen because they offer companies competitive advantages. In essence, proximity to one another allows higher productivity. It is easier to find skilled labour because workers gravitate towards a cluster where they know they have a better chance of finding employment.

Finance firms and others offering business services such as legal expertise, consultancy, marketing, logistics, design and transport will gravitate towards a cluster and specialise to provide products tailored to that particular industry. Companies located outside the cluster will not be able to access the same choice and quality of support infrastructure as those within it.

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Scotland may be witnessing the birth of a new industrial agglomeration that promises significant economic benefits that will last many decades.

Renewable energy clearly enjoys a big geographic advantage here. Scotland is exposed to Europe’s most powerful natural forces of wind and wave. But the industry benefits from the other two factors that help to create a cluster as well.

Edinburgh in particular already specialises in the crucial support services that are needed by a nascent, capital intensive industry like renewables – finance and law. These, along with other consultancy sub-sectors, are already specialising to meet the needs of the renewable energy sector. The Chamber organised the highly successful Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference in September.

Thirdly, in its concentration of world class universities, the city has developed a knowledge base of research know-how which is being augmented by investment from companies such as Mitsubishi and Siemens.

The final link in the chain is the risk capital needed to invest in a sector that is still in early stage of development, particularly in technologies such as wave and tidal.

This is why Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has taken a lead in seeking to persuade the UK Government to locate its new Green Investment Bank in the city.

The Bank will invest £3 billion of funds in exploiting opportunities in the renewable energy sector, bringing private and public resources to bear in tandem.

No other UK city has the full combination of attributes needed to make a success of this venture. More than a third of the UK’s renewable electricity is generated in Scotland.Young, innovative companies such as Pelamis and Aquamarine have already established themselves here. The supply chain of expertise in finance and other disciplines is in place and is adapting specialist services for the sector. The research capability and capacity to provide training in the right skills in here as well.

Finally, Edinburgh is a city with a global outlook and a matching reputation for quality of life and a stable environment for doing business. As such it is an attractive location for the kind of aspirational companies, technicians and executives that will fuel a nascent industry such as renewable energy.

DRIVE OFF IN A VOLVO THAT MEANS BUSINESS   

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      

 and up to 100% rental allowances*** - its time to drive DRIVe     

 

   S40 DRIVe  C30 DRIVe V50 DRIVe             from   from £249*pm from £219*pm £249*pm                                 



S60 DRIVe

  £279*pm      from                                         

   

V60 DRIVe                   from £279*pm                         

   

XC70 DRIVe V70 DRIVe XC60  DRIVe          from £339*pm  from £289*pm from £339*pm                                  Sighthill, Edinburgh West EH11 4DJ   

                 

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                                :* BUSINESS USERS ONLY. RENTALS ARE BASED ON VEHICLES WITH METALLIC PAINT. EXAMPLES EXCLUDE VAT AND ARE BASED ON 36     TERMS AND CONDITIONS     MONTH NON-MAINTAINED AGREEMENTS, AN INITIAL PAYMENT OF 3 MONTHLY RENTALS, FOLLOWED BY 35 MONTHLY RENTALS, WITH A MILEAGE OF 10,000 MILES       PER ANNUM. VEHICLE RETURNED      MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION AND WITHIN AGREED MILEAGE, OTHERWISE FURTHER CHARGES WILL BE INCURRED. PRICES CORRECT    AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY VARIATION TO GOVERNMENT TAXES OR CHARG      ES ARISING AFTER THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED BETWEEN 1ST JULY 2011 AND 30TH    SEPTEMBER 2011 OR WHILE STOCKS LAST. NOT AVAILABLE WITH OTHER PROMOTIONS. CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF BUSINESS USER MAY BE EXCLUDED. VOLVO CAR     LEASING CONTRACT HIRE IS PROVIDED BY LEX AUTOLEASE LTD, TRADING AS VOLVO CAR LEASING, INCORPORATED AND REGISTERED IN ENGLAND WITH COMPANY NUMBER 1090741 & REGISTERED OFFICE AT 25 GRESHAM STREET, LONDON EC2V 7HN. IMAGES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. ** FUEL CONSUMPTION AND   CO2 FIGURES FOR THE VOLVO RANGE. FUEL CONSUMPTION IN MPG (L/100KM) URBAN 18.6 - 65.7 (15.2 - 4.3), EXTRA URBAN 34.9 - 80.7 (8.1 - 3.5), COMBINED 26.4 - 74.3 (10.7 - 3.8). CO2 EMISSIONS 249G/KM - 99G/KM *** FIGURES FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS. FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HMRC WEBSITE.

 



Asktheexpert Q: Why do people drive me mad at work?

    

    

  

 

      John Johnston Business Coach Bryan Leslie

A: Most of the time, we are so used to

behaving in a certain way, thinking that our way is right. It then comes as a shock to discover that 75% of your colleagues will not react to a problem in the same way that you will. Once this is appreciated it starts to become clear why conflict, frustration, annoyance and even bewilderment are the frequent outcome of many a business meeting.

By using simple but highly effective behavioural profiling tools such as DiSC, it is possible to understand the different behavioural styles and use the knowledge to improve communication skills and reduce any conflict.

It can be used to make sure team members are allocated to the right role, to get everyone’s input and not just from those with the loudest voice.

negotiate and handle different personality types. During times of stress or conflict within a business, profiling helps people to fully appreciate other’s perspectives and to adapt their approach to help reach a compromise and improve the communication.

Ultimately, knowing yourself and others, gives you the power to decide how you want to behave and to adapt your behaviour for mutual benefit.

For further information on DiSC profiling, improving your teams performance, and to listen to an audio recording of his latest seminar “Why Do People Drive You Mad At Work”, please contact John Johnston: M: 07508 326 972 E: johnjohnston@ologycoaching.com www.ologycoaching.com

Customer service staff can benefit greatly from understanding how to recognise,

GetwithIT

By Bill Magee

Scottish Business Technology Writer of the Year



  

Good news for SMEs looking for smart IT solutions on their doorstep to boost productivity and a return on their investment.

A number of new reports indicate a newly-found buoyancy in the tech sector that’s percolating throughout business and commerce.

Mind you, a Broadgate Mainland financial panel meeting in the Capital warned about a disconnect of crazy tech valuations with the man and woman in the street.

Sandy Flockhart, UK chairman of HSBC, told a 90-strong Chamber audience the bank has noticed hi-tech firms are now taking on more permanent staff.

That apart University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics Explore/Invest/ Exploit conference sported a spectacular array of internationally-minded bright and highly innovative tech ideas given the once over by leading investors, corporates and entrepreneurs.

   A strong indicator the technology sector

    

is entering a more confident era after

 numerous business quarters of uncertainty.     Scotland and the rest of the UK is gradually  feeling the warm Transatlantic breeze 

of a Silicon Valley now brim full of new

  innovations catching the eye of venture

Add to all of this two further Edinburgh events ~ Quality Scotland’s annual business excellence awards, and the Harvey Nash CIO annual survey ~ each indicated innovation is now firmly back on the agenda to the lasting benefit of ROI and the economy.

Twitter me @billamagee

Such an impressive cluster of the country’s most promising and cutting edge young spinout high-growth companies at EIE11 prompted Finance Minister John Swinney to comment that Scotland’s universities possess

 capitalists and business angels alike.     

a huge wealth of talented innovators and business acumen.

August/September 2011

BC

41

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Evans Halshaw Ford Edinburgh 0131 669 6261 graham.west@evanshalshaw.com www.evanshalshaw.com Business Users only. Contract hire based on 48 month non maintenance agreement, 3 payments in advance followed by 47, 10,000 miles per annum. Payments exclude VAT. Weekly equivalents shown, payments must be made monthly. Terms and conditions apply, finance subject to terms and conditions and underwriting acceptance of provider. Service offers valid until 30/9/2011, finance offers until 30/9/2011, for registration up to 31/12/2011. 3 for free offer.....terms and conditions apply. 3 services based on Ford scheduled servicing intervals and warranty terms, ask dealer for details

Awards that Mean Something SQA is Scotland’s national qualifications organisation, respected around the world for the integrity of the awards they certify. These awards are recognised by the SIA as suitable qualifications to have when applying for a licence to practice, and will be recognised by employers everywhere as a measure of experience and ability.

The online papers themselves are multiple choice, so they significantly reduce the burden of paperwork and marking. Each question paper is unique, so assessment and re-assessment can be scheduled at any point in the year. The bespoke registration system means training providers can book assessments at a time that suits them.

security licence without the fuss SQA’s Security Licence Linked Qualifications means faster licence issuing.

In the UK, anyone working as a security guard, door steward or CCTV operator is legally required to hold an SIA Licence.

Unfortunately, actually getting a licence issued takes time. Or it did, until now.

SQA have teamed up with leading e-assessment provider, eCom Scotland Ltd, to develop a quick and credible solution for Scotland.

online Assessment - instant results SQA’s Security Licence Linked Qualifications are the only security qualifications to be solely assessed online.

Candidates get their results instantly on completion of the question paper.

The system is linked directly to the SIA so that, as soon as the paper is completed and marked, the results are also communicated direct to them. Then, when a licence application goes in, the SIA have all the information they need to issue the licence quickly.

three SiA recognised Courses SQA has developed three short courses, each of which has been designed with the help of the industry to ensure they are relevant and useful in the day-to-day world of security.

The Award in Door Supervision (Scotland) consists of four mandatory Units: Working in the Private Security Industry; Working as a Door Supervisor; Conflict Management; and Physical Intervention for the Private Security Industry.

The Award in Security Guarding (Scotland) has three mandatory Units covering Working in the Private Security Industry; Working as a Security Officer; and Conflict Management for the Private Security Industry.

Approval to provide the courses must be obtained from SQA, and is shaped by SIA requirements. SQA’s Business Development Team are always ready to help with further information on 0303 333 0330.

Online assessments delivering instant results, linked to the SIA for faster licence issuing. SQA’s Security Licence Linked Qualifications are designed to open doors at the push of a button.

In the UK, anyone working as a security guard, door steward or CCTV operator is legally required to hold an SIA Licence.

The Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) (Scotland) comprises Working in the Private Security Industry; Working as a CCTV Operator; and Practical Operation of CCTV Equipment.

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Gettingstarted We have been given space in Men’s Formalwear in their London Oxford Street store, as well as their 3 regional stores to trial the product. We launched our exclusive new premium brand called Chris Gibson Ties on 18th May. Q What has been your lowest moment?

Knock backs from prospective investors is always tough to take.

Especially when you put so much time and effort into winning an investment. But it teaches you that nothing ever goes according to plan or comes easy. Despite the setbacks you have to remain resolute and try even harder.

Q In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next five years?

Other than the usual world domination in neckties (!) I’d like to grow an international brand. I believe opportunities for our growing product range will be strong internationally. In 5 years time I’d like the company to have a solid market in the UK and to be growing quickly in foreign markets.

Name: Chris Gibson Business Name: SuperTie/Chris Gibson Ties Business Start Date: November 2010 Website: www.SuperTie.com Q Tell us a bit about your business?

We’re here to provide gentleman with an essential new piece of kit for their wardrobe. Our core innovation is known as PerfecTie Technology, a very clever piece of kit that has been born and developed from a flawed historical concept. All our neckties deliver the perfect knot, the perfect length and the perfect look, in seconds.

Q What gives your business the ‘x-factor?’

When people see the product, the common word we hear is ingenious.

Our product brings new innovation in neckwear. It solves a number of problems that are commonly encountered by many who wear neckties.

It’s virtually impossible to clearly communicate the concept by written word or speech, but our homepage video on our website conveys it very clearly, so check it out if you can.

Q What motivated you to set up in business for yourself?

I qualified as a solicitor in Edinburgh, but I found office bound employment restrictive. I like engaging with people, enjoy selling myself and my product and I also wanted a big challenge that was my own. Going full time on the business at 28, it was a good time to get going on a venture like this.

Q What do you like most about working for yourself?

Knowing that I am, as much as possible, the master of my own destiny.

Curiously though, on many days, especially the bad ones, that can be one of the most unsettling thoughts! Working from home was great in the beginning, but that soon loses it’s glamour. It can be a real roller coaster experience at times, but it certainly keeps me interested.

Q What has been your greatest business success to date?

In May 2011, six months after launch, Selfridges began a relationship with us. Selfridges are always keen to find that newest innovation in products out there for their customers and luckily, we fitted the bill.

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Q What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

That’s a tough one. Probably belief. If you don’t 100% believe in your product and believe in yourself, people you meet and opinions you hear will try and sow seeds of doubt - they must see or feel your hunger and belief to give them confidence in the venture and product.

You must believe you will ultimately succeed, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Cost effective recruitment!

GENERATIONS OF STYLE

Assess a potential employee before you recruit!

Barnardo’s Works Edinburgh supports 16-24 year olds preparing them to find secure and sustained employment by developing the key skills employers are looking for.

• Up to 8 weeks work placement at no cost to you followed by • 13 weeks employment at 50 per cent of cost • Training given to employee to suit your needs • Support from Barnardo’s team during the placement

Demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to the community and corporate social responsibility!

Contact Helen Brown Tel: 0131 559 3940 helen.brown@barnardos.org.uk

57 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JG Tel: 0131 226 2827

EXCLUSIVE 15% INTRODUCTORY OFFER TO ALL EDINBURGH BUSINESS COMMENT READERS Enjoy a 15% saving* on all purchases made until 30 September 2011 3OHDVH HPDLO 3HWHU +HJJLH RQ 3+HJJLH#HX %URRNV%URWKHUV FRP IRU \RXU YRXFKHU RU SUHVHQW WKLV DGYHUW RU TXRWH FRGH %& DW WLPH RI SXUFKDVH 2QO\ YDOLG RQ IXOO SULFH LWHPV DQG PD\ QRW EH XVHG LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU RIIHU RU SURPRWLRQ 2QO\ RQH YRXFKHU SHU VSHQG

Following a 20 year career in national newspaper journalism, most recently as the Editor of Sunday Times Scotland, Carlos Alba was looking for a new challenge when he launched his public relations agency last July.

The timing wasn’t perfect, in the middle of summer at the tail end of a recession, but 12 months on business is booming and he is now looking to expand. Carlos Alba Media has led successful campaigns for companies in the renewables, financial services, design and consumer sectors, helping them to win new business and pursue more ambitious growth strategies.

Having recently moved into city centre offices, Alba is currently recruiting two additional members of staff to help him deal with his company’s increasing workload.

“I think the timing actually worked in my favour,” says Alba, who spent 10 years at the Sunday Times following stints at the Daily Record and The Herald. “When times are tough, businesses look for any advantage they can gain without breaking the bank. Good PR helps them to raise their profile and win new business more strategically than advertising.”

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Alba’s Glasgow-based agency offers cutting edge digital PR, online news distribution and social media campaigns but he finds traditional news outlets are still favoured by many business leaders.

“Businessmen and women still see exposure in the business pages of the mainstream national media as the holy grail. An article in the Financial Times, the Telegraph or the Sunday Times can deliver life changing levels of new business.

“That’s where my contacts, gained through two decades of working in national newspapers, give me an advantage. I’m able to offer my clients a choice of exposure on the best platforms online and offline and that’s a tremendous benefit.”

e carlos@carlosalbamedia.co.uk w www.carlosalbamedia.co.uk

Always there At ADT, we help to make the UK & Ireland safer.

We provide protection for countless businesses, organisations and individuals. Half the UK’s schools, universities, local authorities and primary care trusts work with us as their partner. We’re also the preferred choice for 89 of the country’s top 100 companies and more than 210,000 homeowners.

Our team of trained professionals will work with you to design a solution that helps address your loss prevention, risk management or operational business needs. Together we can work to create a safer environment for your people and business.

For complete peace of mind, choose a partner with the expertise to support your business in a changing world. Work with world-class experts who can create, install and maintain solutions that will give you and your business the freedom to grow and thrive.

Phone 0800 132 200 or visit us at www.adt.co.uk Head Office: ADT Fire and Security plc, Security House, The Summit, Hanworth Road, Sunburyon-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5DB. Registered Number: 1161045. ADT and the ADT logo are registered trademarks of ADT Services AG and are used under license.

A Tyco International Company

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Laser Dentistry Like interest free credit or a barbecue summer, pain-free dentistry sounds too good to be true. The last thing I expected when I popped into investigate Integrated Dentalcare’s optimistic claim was to be put in the dreaded hotseat myself to test out this laser procedure, new to Scotland.

Being that special grade of wuss who winces at removing a plaster I had my reservations, but Dr Neeraj Puri tackled these by scoring a tiny circle on my palm to prove its benign magic. (for even bigger children he turns this into a smiley face).

Ok, so far so good, but we all know how sensitive our teeth and gums are, but Neeraj wasted no time in getting down to business with my small filling. No anaesthetic and subsequent awkward small talk while your mouth swiftly bloats to rubber dinghy proportions. In goes the water and gob hoover, and out comes the laser, like a tiny red blowtorch, held steady for around 90 seconds. The fear factor of that whining drill is banished, replaced by a less dramatic rhythmic clicking like the sound of a gas hob lighter. And so the job was done with no blood, no rinsing, no numbness and very little evidence that I’d even been to the dentist.

Here comes the science bit: the dentistry combines laser energy and water to provide gentler, more precise treatment that conserves healthy tooth structure, minimising pain and discomfort.

The laser reacts with water molecules to create a serrated effect, while releasing endorphins which actually raise your pain barrier.

Water laser treatment eliminates the heat and vibration which causes the discomfort you get from drilling, but it also sterilises as it cuts, leaving less chance for bacterial contamination.

The laser’s pinpoint accuracy enables the dentist to leave as much healthy tooth structure in place as possible, allowing you to keep your own teeth longer. Because of the precision involved, procedures that

once took several appointments to complete, such as multiple fillings, can now be finished in a single visit.

Integrated Dentalcare 1 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7DH 0131 225 9093 or see the website at www.integrateddentalcare.com

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: Aurelia Enviromental Limited Cairnburn Consulting limited Capita Carillion Carnival Chaos Centre for Maritime & Industry Safety Technology Limited, The Chillie Trends Limited Citroen Edinburgh Derek Heron - Psychological Illusionist Downey Dynamics Dynamic Compliance Limited Eidyn Architects LLP

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Enterprise Managed Services

Macmillan Cancer Support

Epic Software Limited

Mailright

Exemplary Cleaning Services Limited

MSF Electrical Services

Fair-Price Kitchens & Bathrooms Limited

Ritz Hotel, The

Forth Energy

Royal Ettuck Hotel, The

Frontier Software

S & F Mckenzie

Graham Robertson Consulting

Smith Emsley Partnership Limited, The

Greaser Monkey Limited

Speedy Services

Ingeus

State Street Bank

James F Kidd & Son Limited

Streetwork UK

KTWO Products (Design) Limited

TANK Communications

Businessnews Business events relaunched Business Forum Scotland has relaunched its regular sessions aimed at supporting emerging companies, bringing together entrepreneurs and potential investors.

End of an era as Cathy retires She started as a morning cleaner and worked her way up to head up Edinburgh’s £4.5 million operation at Spotless Commercial Cleaning.

Now, Cathy Brockie has retired after eighteen years of service.

Mary Strachan, recently appointed as Programme Director of Business Forum Scotland, said: “There is no question that the banks and other traditional sources of funding for young companies have reduced their investment programmes during the past two years.

“We aim to help bridge this gap by ensuring quality young companies get a chance to set out their business strategies in front of potential investors.

“We are relaunching Business Forum Scotland and have signed an agreement with Peter Shakeshaft of LINC Scotland that will ensure we have potential investors present at each session this year, four in the east of Scotland and four in the west.”

More information is available at www.businessforumscotland.com

In the cleaning sector, which has a high staff turnover, Spotless bucks the trend with a high staff retention rate and a career progression which sees many rise through the ranks.

Cathy said: “When I started with Spotless in 1993, I never imagined I would still be here 18 years later as Regional Director.

“The companies I had previously worked for were impersonal and you never felt truly valued.

“Spotless is really different. I have always felt recognised, my opinion valued and encouraged to fulfil my potential. Plus, there is simply such a great atmosphere with a fantastic team of people to work with.

“I have known many people from the early days who have moved through the ranks, either into sales or management, and I think the genuine opportunities motivate people and keep morale high. I have made real friendships here which have stood the test of time and it really is the end of an era.”

Spotless Commercial Cleaning was founded in 1989 by Chief Executive Roger Green, who started cleaning in the mornings to help fund his degree in Swedish and Metaphysics at Edinburgh University.

Roger said: “Cathy belongs to that rare breed of managers who are truly inspirational to those around her. She leads from the front, and just to be involved with her has the effect of raising your own personal standard.”

For information about opportunities with Spotless Commercial Cleaning visit www.spotlessclean.co.uk

“LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS” COMPANY IDENTITIES / BROCHURES WEBSITES / CORPORATE REPORTS MAGAZINES / BRIGHT IDEAS

giving your business the edge

www.lennondesign.co.uk alan@lennondesign.co.uk / 0131 558 3399

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New role for toni-michelle

Four new associates at ryden

Toni-Michelle Lee joined the Chamber in January, in charge of Partners in Enterprise. Since May, her role has changed slightly to become Partnership Development Manager, looking after and account-managing the partners, but also exploring opportunities for new partnerships and business development projects.

Ryden has promoted Eddie Fiddes, Catherine Thornhill, Iain Taylor and Mandy Watson to associate level.

Iain has been with Ryden since 2006 and is based in the office agency department in Edinburgh. Originally from Inverness, Iain graduated from Napier University in Edinburgh with BSc Hons in Estate Management.

It would contribute more than £100 million to the city region’s economy and develop centres of excellence in areas like clean technology and creative industries.

Capita symonds appoints alan somerville

Change at top of CameraWatch

New challenge for alastair

Alan Somerville has joined Capita Symonds’ real estate division as Energy Director for Scotland & Northern England. His remit will be to develop the energy business throughout Scotland and Northern England with particular focus on renewable energy, environmental and carbon strategy and natural resources.

CameraWatch, the UK’s leading CCTV-Data protection compliance advisory body, has announced that founder member and Chief Executive Officer Gordon Ferrie is retiring after five years in post.

Alastair Houston has joined the Edinburgh Chamber’s Membership Team as a Membership Account Executive. Along with the rest of the team, Alastair is responsible for recruiting new members and accountmanaging the membership portfolio.

He will attend networking events and provide an introductory service to members and prospective members.

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Paul Mackie, CameraWatch’s Compliance Director, and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce member, has stepped into the role.

Colleges join forces Two Edinburgh college principals Mandy Exley (Jewel & Esk) and Brian Lister (Stevenson) - have revealed plans to join forces and create a new college for the city region.

WE COLLECT YOUR PARCELS. YOU COLLECT THE POINTS. DHL Express is delighted to be the first logistics company to join forces with Nectar Business.

You don’t get to be the world’s leading international delivery company without putting customers first. From the smallest start-up to the expanding SME, companies have been trusting DHL Express to deliver for over 40 years. And now we’re delivering even better value for businesses.

Together with Nectar Business, we’re rewarding small businesses with 2 Nectar points per £1 spent with DHL Express.*

Find out more about how you can collect points with DHL Express at www.dhlnectarbusiness.com

* Offer applies to UK DHL Express account holders on a standard tariff and adheres to our standard terms and conditions.

For full Nectar Business terms and conditions visit www.nectar-business.com

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS YOU COULD HAVE QUALIFIED FOR A SECURITY LICENCE SQA’s Security Licence Linked Qualifications are the only security qualifications to be solely assessed online. So candidates get their results instantly.

And more importantly, so does the SIA. So licences are issued more quickly.

There are awards for Door Supervision, CCTV Operations and Security Guarding.

All designed to open doors at the push of a button.

SECURITY

LICENCE

LINKED QUALIFICATIONS

For more information call 0303 333 0330 or go to www.sqa.org.uk/security