InCommerce Dunbartonshire - Issue 18

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ISSUE 18 • SPRING 2013

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THE DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

PAGES 32 - 35

JOYCE YOUNG, OBE - PAGE 9 BUSINESS FINANCE & FUNDING - PAGES 11, 12, 13 FALSE FIRE ALARMS - PAGE 31

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS Starting a new business or growing an existing business?

We can help!

Contact our Business Support Team for more information and support.

Tel: Business Support Hotline: 01389 737777 Email: business.support@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Visit: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/business-and-trade See our Finance for Business feature on page 11

Contents From the Editor......................... 4 SCC Calls for Rates Re-think...... 4 News in Brief.......................... 5-8 Joyce Young, OBE..................... 9 Money Matters........................ 10 Finance for Business................ 11 Money, Money, Money........ 12-13

Photo by Green Highlander Images.

welcome

HAPPY New Year and welcome to the first issue of InCommerce Dunbartonshire for 2013.

My hope is for a prosperous 12 months for members despite predictions for weak economic growth.

Recent news about the difficulties faced by some big retail names has not been good, but I am greatly encouraged by the success of individual business in Dunbartonshire – and feel this should be recognised.

I would like to see the return of the Dunbartonshire Business Awards in 2013 and am actively seeking sponsorship to make this happen. Please contact me if this is something you want to be involved in.

One sector which has grown and is flourishing is social enterprise. At the end of last year, I had the privilege of attending the West Dunbartonshire Social Enterprise Business Event at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium in Dumbarton.

The chamber had a stall and I was pleased to note there were almost 40 other exhibitors, many of them social enterprises like Solas, Bellsmyre Development Trust and the Crichton Carbon Centre, who are also chamber members.You can find out more about them and what they do on pages 32 to 35.

The chamber welcomes everyone to the table who can promote economic growth and generate job opportunities whether from the public, private or third/voluntary sector.

I am delighted to report that once again West Dunbartonshire Council is working in partnership with and supporting the chamber. We have recently renewed our service level agreement with them and are currently in talks with East Dunbartonshire Council about working on the same basis with them.

This year will see the debate about Scotland’s constitutional future widen.

Your chamber will work hard to ensure that the politicians are aware of how any change could affect commerce and that you are kept informed of the implications for your business.

The chamber network is there to help grow your business by providing advice, training, leadership, mentoring, networking opportunities and more.

Being part of the chamber gives you the opportunity to improve your working practices, income, margins and overall bottom line profit.

If you are not already a member, join now.

Minister Visits European Circuits.................... 14 Kirky Masterplan Improvements......................... 15 Resource Efficiency Key to Business Growth............ 21 Energy Efficient Cities.......... 24-27 400th Anniversary of First Marquis of Montrose......... 28 False Fire Alarms..................... 31 Social Enterprise Success..... 32-35 New £225K Fund Bellsmyre Development Trust Solas Set for £10 Million Turnover The Lennox Partnership First Social Enterprise Event Haldane Shortlisted for Top Award

Harness the Power of the Unconscious Mind..... 38-41 Cardross Golf Club............ 42-43 New Members.................... 44-45 Events Diary............................ 46

For advertising contact D-Tech: T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz

Gary Groves President Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk www.incommerce.biz

For editorial contact editor: June Hyslop T: 07944 265126 E: editor@incommerce.biz Publisher: D-Tech Distribution: D-Tech Distribution INCOMMERCE is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd., Unit 14, Birch Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002.

E-mail: info@dtechuk.com.

Edited by June Hyslop, Copywrite Editorial, Dumbarton.

Telephone 07944 265126.

E-mail: editor@incommerce.biz.

INCOMMERCE is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed nor copied wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein.

They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information contained within this publication.

The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd or Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.

SCC Calls for EDITOR Rates Re-think

Happy New Year – it seems odd to be saying that in February but this is the first issue of InCommerce Dunbartonshire of 2013.

Many congratulations to fashion designer and businesswoman Joyce Young of By Storm and Tartan Spirit on her OBE awarded in the New Year Honours List. (Page 9) Times are still tough for business and access to funding is still very much an issue, so the articles by West Dunbartonshire Council and Stewart Rennie about sources of finance other than the banks are very welcome. (Pages 11 to 13).

The third sector is increasingly important to the economy of Dunbartonshire and can boast many successes within its ranks.

At the end of last year, West Dunbartonshire Council organised its first ever Social Enterprise Business Event in conjunction with the area’s Community and Volunteering Services.

It was very successful with 91 per cent of delegates rating it as either excellent or good. Thirty eight social enterprises and partner organisations, including Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, exhibited at the event which was attended by more than 180 people.

It was a real eye opener as I had not realised the size and strength of the sector in the area or the wide range of activities carried out by social enterprises, They are a significant element in the business mix and West Dunbartonshire has some very good examples like Solas and The Lennox Partnership both of which have been around for 25 years. Their longevity is testament to their continuing relevance and willingness to adapt and change over the years to embrace opportunities and provide services that are in still in demand.

The new £225k fund announced by West Dunbartonshire Council to promote this business model and create more social enterprises in the area should boost the sector and create more jobs.

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Photo courtesy of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

FROM THE

THE Scottish Government is still ‘misguided’ in its plan to reduce the value of relief on business rates bills for empty properties, says Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC).

Commenting on its recent announcement that it is now to provide business rates relief to the owners of new-build business premises, Liz Cameron, chief executive of SCC (pictured), said: “The Scottish Government’s plan is misguided and will damage the capacity of our town centres to adapt to changing economic and social trends.

“The Government has had to make concessions to its policy in the shape of trying to address lack of demand through its ‘Fresh Start’ scheme and is now taking on the threat to speculative development through this new proposal for relief on new-build properties.

“Welcome though these measures are, they seem to represent a tacit admission that the Government’s plan to reduce empty property relief was flawed from the outset.

“As the Scottish Parliament continues its consideration of the budget for 2013/14, we would urge the government to review its plans to take an additional £18 million per year away from business and to focus its efforts on working with the private sector to support the evolution of Scotland’s town centres in the face of unprecedented pressures.”

The empty property rates relief issue is one which has already been highlighted by chamber member Angela Watson of Huntershill Village in Bishopbriggs in the August 2012 issue of InCommerce.

Read about how some social enterprises are making an impact on pages 32 to 35.

Her view is that the proposals will penalise landlords unfairly and will not have the desired effect of revitalising town centres.

editor@incommerce.biz

www.scottishchambers.org.uk

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

news in brief… for Business

Photo courtesy of Walters of Clydebank.

Free EnergySaving Survey

Walters Helps Create Bespoke Medal SOL AS has introduced a free energy-saving survey in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council which aims to save businesses up to 25 per cent on their current usage.

The trial scheme is initially offering 20 free in-depth surveys worth at least £350 each. If successful, it could be rolled out for businesses throughout West and East Dunbartonshire.

The survey will look at heating, lighting and insulation and identify ways to optimise energy use and reduce costs.

Average savings are expected to be between 15 and 25 per cent, and the survey can be carried out on all types of premises, including new builds.

Dumbarton-based Solas, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012, is an expert in energy management and conservation. It can also install the measures recommended by the survey. www.solas.biz

WALTERS of Clydebank was delighted to work with renowned Scottish artist Iona Crawford to design and produce a bespoke commemorative medal for United Auctions’ first official Stirling Bull Sales.

The medal had to portray a bull in exacting detail alongside iconic Stirling landmarks. These were then placed in handmade elm wood presentation boxes with Scottish-woven tweed.

The medals will be given to judges who travel from all over the world to adjudicate at the bull auctions.

Christine Allan, director of Walters, said it had been a great pleasure to work with Iona who exhibits her work worldwide and promotes Scottish design and textiles especially in America: “We look forward to working with her on future projects.

Developing an idea from scratch which promotes Scottish products and craftsmanship was refreshing.

“The recipients will ensure that this bespoke medal will be proudly displayed in many corners of the world.

“While the project was a great challenge, it resulted in a truly unique, high quality end product,” she added. www.waltersofclydebank.co.uk DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Photo courtesy of RoSPA.

AWARD DOUBLE: Chivas Brothers’ former environment manager Jeremy Spouge (centre), with RoSPA’s chief executive Tom Mullarkey (left) and its president, Lord Jordan of Bournville. Jeremy is now retired.

RoSPA Award Success for Chivas Brothers CHIVAS Brothers has been recognised for its commitment to health and safety and to environmental management.

The Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard received two top awards at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2012 in Glasgow.

The RoSPA Gold Award recognises organisations that maintain high standards of occupational health and safety, while the International Dilmun Environmental Trophy is for excellence in environmental and health and safety management.

The awards scheme doesn’t just look at accident records, but at overarching health and safety management systems, strong leadership and workforce involvement.

“For the trophy, we demonstrated our commitment to the environment through our policies and procedures, implementing technology that improves efficiency while managing the environment, improved recycling and compliance with water regulations, and through effective environmental communication across the business.”

Awards manager, David Rawlins, added: “The RoSPA awards programme provides well-deserved recognition for the winners and spurs on other organisations to raise their standards of accident and ill-health prevention.

“We congratulate Chivas Brothers on its success and encourage it, and all our other winners, to remain committed to safety and health, an approach that is well recognised to be good for workers and the bottom line.” www.chivasbrothers.com

Gordon Buist, Chivas Brothers’ technical director, said: “This is our second RoSPA Gold award win, and the addition this year of the International Dilmun Environmental Trophy makes it a double celebration.

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Photo courtesy of Stuart Russell Photography.

New Incubator Facility for Fledgling Kirky Businesses

FACEBOOK SHOP SET-UP PILOT

EAST Dunbartonshire Enterprise Trust (EDET) is planning to set up an incubator facility for start-ups at its Kirkintilloch headquarters.

It says a growth in its virtual office service indicates a demand for premises for fledgling businesses without all the overheads of renting their own space.

It hopes to collaborate with East Dunbartonshire Council, which now delivers Business Gateway services in the area, to create the new resource at its Enterprise House premises.

Photo courtesy of EDET.

AWARD-WINNING social media expert Gillian Dick (pictured) helped six businesses set up their own Facebook shop at a free pilot event organised by Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire.

The full day workshop, funded by West Dunbartonshire Council, was designed to help retailers embrace social media to increase their online presence and boost sales.

Many small businesses have a Facebook page and this was an opportunity to show them how they could monetise it and make new sales without the expense of setting up a full blown eCommerce website.

Gillian explained: “The only prerequisite was that they already had a Facebook page set up.

“As a group, I walked them step-by-step through the stages to set up a shop correctly, add their items and get them ready to trade. The afternoon session focused on promoting the shop and on how they could turn their likes into sales.”

Ronnie McLaren of Business Gateway added: “We are committed to listening to local businesses and this is an area many retailers wanted to know more about. This workshop was the perfect way to learn how Facebook can help your business and ultimately increase sales.” www.bgateway.com

EDET Chief Executive, Brian McAleenan, said: “Although business is very healthy at Enterprise House we do have some spare capacity and are looking at developing a small incubator facility to assist fledgling businesses.

“We are at the feasibility planning stage at present but hope to have the new service operational by the summer.”

EDET, which is not-for-profit, has been delivering support services to small businesses in East Dunbartonshire for 26 years and operates at ‘arms length’ from the local authority and other mainstream providers.

Partnership working, collaboration and adding value to the activity of others is very much a part of the approach which it adopts in delivering services.

It has operated the successful Enterprise House business centre, at Southbank Business Park in Kirkintilloch, since 1996 and, despite challenging economic times, reports that it is almost 100 per cent occupied. www.edet.org.uk

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Thomas Muir Heritage Trail Launch A NEW heritage trail which celebrates the life of Thomas Muir has been officially launched in East Dunbartonshire.

Stretching from Clachlan of Campsie to Bishopbriggs, the new 18 kilometre route, funded by East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with The Friends of the Thomas Muir Trust, is the area’s first way-marked heritage trail.

AUDREY Cumberford (pictured) has been appointed principal and chief executive of the proposed new ‘super’ college for the west region of Scotland.

She is currently the principal of Reid Kerr which will merge with Clydebank and James Watt colleges to form one of the largest further educational establishments planned for Scotland.

Walkers and cyclists can enjoy some of East Dunbartonshire’s most attractive landscapes, towns and villages while learning about local, historical hero Thomas Muir, ‘the Father of Scottish Democracy’.

Ms Cumberford takes up her appointment in August 2013 when the new college will be officially launched. She will be responsible for an anticipated turnover of £55 million, for more than 35,000 students, and approximately 1000 staff, spread over three campuses in Greenock, Clydebank and Paisley.

Councillor Alan Moir, convenor of development and infrastructure at East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic new offering that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and I can’t think of a better backdrop to breathe life into the story of this remarkable man.”

She said: “I particularly look forward to working closely with staff and student associations across the three campuses. Individually we represent three strong colleges and I am confident of building and uniting our talents to create a new college that we can all be proud of.”

The new trail uses existing paths and networks to tell the story of Thomas Muir through built heritage, interpretation panels, and QR readers for smartphone users.

Chairman of the proposed new college, Michael Yuille, said: “I am delighted to have someone of Audrey’s calibre and experience to lead the merger process through to the creation of the new college and beyond.

Jimmy Watson of the Friends of the Thomas Muir Trust commented: “It has been three years of hard work to get to the point of officially launching the trail but it has been worth it. It’s an absolute gift and one that I hope many people will use to enjoy the beautiful country side, right here in our own back yard!” www.thomasmuir.co.uk www.facebook.com/edunbartonshirecouncil http://Twitter.com/EDCouncil

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Photo courtesy of Reid Kerr College.

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Watson of Huntershill Village.

‘Super’ College Principal Appointed

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

“I look forward to working with her as we create a new, vibrant and truly innovative educational hub servicing west central Scotland.

Ms Cumberford is a board member of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council, a director of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Scottish Leaders Forum. Last year she was appointed an honorary professor at Shijiazhuang College in China.

Photo courtesy of Joyce Young.

OBE for

By Storm’s Joyce Young

TARTAN SPIRIT: Joyce Young, OBE, with husband, Maurice Bhuglah, at the annual dinner of the Friends of the National Trust for Scotland in New York.

FASHION designer Joyce Young received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to textiles and to the Glasgow community.

The Bearsden businesswoman is the founder of wedding and occasion wear shop By Storm and the Tartan Spirit brand which provides contemporary tartan couture, kiltie outfits and accessories.

Joyce couldn’t believe it when she opened the officiallooking envelope which she received towards the end of November. She and husband Maurice, who was there when she opened it, had to keep it a secret for almost five weeks until the announcement was made.

“We managed not to tell a soul – not even the family at Christmas,” she said.

“We only really knew it was a reality when the New Year Honours list was published in the online London Gazette just after midnight on 29 December.

“I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this great honour. Although it is in my name, it recognises the hard work of all the very talented individuals that make up our team at By Storm and Tartan Spirit.

“It really is also for my husband Maurice as we have built the business together. We are all very honoured.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support received from so many people that I know, and people I don’t know, who have taken the time to get in touch.

“I have even received personal letters from the First Minister Alex Salmond and from the chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, Lena Wilson.

“It’s just a fabulous experience and one that I would never, ever have anticipated.”

Joyce, who has been in business for 20 years, set up a London branch in 1999 and launched a new Tartan Spirit website in December.

She is looking forward to receiving her award in the next six months and is already planning her outfit. www.joyceyoungcollections.co.uk www.tartanspiritonline.co.uk

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Debt Hangover in 2013

Photo courtesy of Cam

pbell Dallas.

Grow your Money Matters business with a Business Mentor the Experience Difference.

Tackle Your MAKE reducing debt your priority in 2013, says Nicola Standen of Campbell Dallas, chartered accountants.

It’s amazing how much motivation everyone seems to have at the start of the New Year, even though our kitchen cupboards and wallets are pretty bare.

www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk Contact: Linda Perry Business Mentoring Executive 0141 847 5458 / 07525 323500 lperry@renfrewshirechamber.com www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Join Business Mentoring Scotland …We Did! Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce

OUR NETWORK WILL GROW YOUR IDEAS AND INNOVATION

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THAT’S A GOOD IDEA!

02/08/2010 15:13

Most people resolve to join a gym – just as soon as they’ve polished off the steak pie and the cheese board. Think of the money wasted on unused gym memberships each month. So this year, why don’t you make a resolution that doesn’t involve physical exertion?

How about one that will let you sleep better at night? How about giving your finances the TLC you promise your body every year?

Debt problems can be a real worry. If you have a debt hangover, it will always be at the back of your mind niggling away, usually at 3am when you’re trying to sleep. So, how can you fix it?

Accepting that it is not going away and that you have to deal with it would be a good starting point. Be honest with yourself about how much you owe and don’t be too good to yourself when it comes to deciding on your budget.

by JOYCE YOUNG

Remember, it’s not for ever and, if it’s going to lift that massive weight you’ve been wrestling with for years, it will be worth it.

Contemporary designs in Harris Tweed and Tartan from award winning designer Joyce Young OBE Made to measure Daywear, Evening Wear and Accessories

Glasgow 0141 942 8900 London 0207 224 7888

www.tartanspirit.com www.joyceyoungcollections.co.uk

Draw up a plan and stick to it! If you can afford to spend £30 a month on clothes, don’t buy those £100 designer jeans just because they are half price. They are still over budget!

That said, be realistic. No one can live on boiled rice, so be sensible or you’ll fall off the wagon. Start as you mean to go on, make it easier on yourself by drawing up a budget you can stick to.

If you would like expert advice on dealing with your debt, telephone Nicola Standen, manager of ‘Don’t Fret About Debt’, the personal insolvency team at Campbell Dallas, on 0141 886 6644 or email nicola.standen@campbelldallas.co.uk. www.dontfretaboutdebt.net Campbell Dallas is a chamber partner organisation and is Scotland’s third largest independent firm of chartered accountants with offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FINANCE FOR BUSINESS ONE of the most important issues facing all businesses is accessing appropriate levels of finance particularly in the current climate.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) has a wide range of business support programmes to provide financial investment for new and existing businesses with growth potential in its area.

This can be in the form of loans and grants to fund capital investment, property improvements, up-skilling and training of existing employees, exporting, innovation and new job creation.

For example, your business might be expanding and you are ready to take on your first employee or increase your workforce.

To stay ahead of the game, you may be looking to up-skill your workforce to improve your efficiency and productivity. You may have identified West Dunbartonshire as the perfect place to relocate or grow your business.

Whatever the reason – whether you are thinking of starting a business, have just started one or are well established, WDC Business Support Team can help you access funding and provide support.

In addition to its current range of loan, grant and support initiatives, the council has pledged extra funding over the next five years through its Jobs Investment and Growth Framework to assist local businesses sustain and grow employment opportunities in West Dunbartonshire.

Strong financial management is one of the foundations of a successful business. It is important to focus on how to improve profitability if you want to develop and grow – and if you need finance to achieve your goals, the Business Support Team can help you access it.

WDC’s Business Support Team offers a comprehensive range of information, advice, funding and support to promote the creation, development and growth of business in its area.

Whatever your business needs, let the team help you.

Call our business support hotline now on 01389 737777 or visit our website at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/business-and-trade.

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Stewart Rennie is a partner with Rennie McInnes LLP, solicitors, and is company secretary of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce. www.renniemcinnes.co.uk Photo courtesy of Rennie Mcinnes LLP.

Money Money Money There are other sources of funding for business in addition to local authority grants and loans.

With bank lending still problematic, corporate lawyer, Stewart Rennie, explores some of the alternatives.

West of Scotland Loan Fund

DSL Business Finance

THE West of Scotland Loan Fund is managed by a consortium of 12 local authorities including East and West Dunbartonshire Councils.

Founded in 1993 as Developing Strathclyde, this not-forprofit organisation specialises in providing finance for start-up and small companies, including those where the prospective proprietor is currently unemployed.

It has an £18 million fund at its disposal and will normally match funds from other sources.

In the past this would have often been bank funding but this is less common. It is now more likely to be from third sector providers such as DSL Business Finance.

Loans of up to £50,000 are available to existing businesses trading for more than two years, while loans of up to £30,000 can be arranged for new or existing businesses trading for a shorter period.

The interest rate is five per cent, fixed for the period of loan.

The maximum repayment period is seven years, although ‘capital holidays’, usually of six months may be considered, It has already supported more than 1100 businesses helping to create around 4000 new jobs and to generate an additional £200m of sales.

DSL normally offers loans of between £5000 and £50,000 but will look at loans of £3000.

Fund manager Sandra McLean explains: “We look at businesses that are viable but not currently bankable and offer hands on support. The average client can expect to be contacted by us four to six times during the period of the loan.

“All our clients have to appear before our lending panel to give a ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation and, as a result, we get to know their businesses better.”

DSL also manages a micro credit fund for Scottish Enterprise and a loan/grants package on behalf of the Royal British Legion. The latter can be particularly useful if you are a forces veteran as it can provide funding of up to £7500 in the first year, 25 per cent as a grant, and up to £30,000 in the second year.

www.wslf.co.uk www.dsl-businessfinance.co.uk

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Invoice Finance

Scottish Loan Fund

Every business has a requirement for working capital but with bank overdrafts increasingly difficult to find, how do you fund the day-to-day running of it?

For businesses that are growing quickly, particularly in export markets, the Scottish Loan Fund (SLF) was set up by the Scottish Government in March 2011 to address funding gaps.

Invoice finance, formerly known as debt factoring, can help ease cash flow. This is where a business passes its invoice to a finance company at the same time as it sends it to the customer.

Private partners have added to £55 million of public money resulting in a total fund of around £113 million.

The finance company immediately pays an agreed percentage of the debt. The invoice is then paid by the customer into a finance company controlled account which then remits the balance, minus its fee, to the business. This allows a business to convert its invoices into cash almost immediately.

Maurice Craft, former chairman of the Asset Based Finance Association, which represents almost 95% of the lenders in this competitive market, and managing director of Regency Factors plc: “The main banks do indeed provide both invoice finance and full service factoring, but we find many SME businesses need the more hands-on approach and flexibility that only an independent invoice finance company can provide.

The SLF is managed by Maven Capital Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Glasgow, which invests in SMEs across the UK. It provides loans to eligible companies from £250,000 to £5 million, which can be repaid over a flexible terms of three to seven years.

Andy Craig, SLF fund manager at Maven: “Access to finance remains one of the key challenges for Scottish companies and the SLF is there to help entrepreneurial businesses with growth potential.

“The steps involved in applying for a loan are straightforward and not dissimilar to what companies will be used to in making approaches for bank funding.

“We place a great deal of importance on the strength of the management team, as ultimately we believe it is people who drive success within a business.

“It is true to say that the recovery in the UK economy will be led by SME businesses and the members of the invoice finance community will provide the cash needed by these companies to enable the recovery.”

“We therefore aim to meet management as early as possible so we can start to build an understanding of the business, its key drivers, and the market in which it operates.”

www.regencyfactors.co.uk

www.mavencp.com/scottish-loan-fund.aspx

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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GROWTH PLANS: (L to R) Gil Paterson, MSP; Jim Broom, ECL sales director; Pam Briscoe, ECL financial director; Scottish Government minister, Fergus Ewing; ECL managing director Mark Briscoe and Charlie Stewart of Scottish Enterprise.

SCOTTISH Government minister Fergus Ewing visited chamber member European Circuits Ltd (ECL) to find out more about the company's ambitious growth plans and success to date.

The minister for energy, enterprise and tourism was accompanied by Charlie Stewart, company growth support director at Scottish Enterprise.

Clydebank-based European Circuits has increased its revenue in the last five years by an average of 14.4 per cent a year and is on track to achieve a turnover of around £3 million this financial year.

The company cites service development and overseas trading as the key drivers of its present and future growth.

Mr Ewing said: "I am very impressed with the proactive work European Circuits has undertaken to extend its global reach. Its success brings us one step closer to the Scottish Government’s ambitious plan to secure a 30-50 per cent increase in the number of active exporters over the next 10 years."

ECL provides integrated electronic assembly solutions, which include the manufacture, assembly, testing and design of printed circuit boards. It is one of only two companies to offer all these services from a single location in Scotland.

Its customers include businesses in markets such as industrial monitoring, data acquisition, automotive, F1, security, oil and gas, military, medical, robotics and broadcasting.

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Photo courtesy of European Circuits Ltd.

Enterprise Minister Visits European Circuits Sales director Jim Broom commented: "We've enjoyed good growth within the UK by steadily improving our manufacturing technology and customer service levels.

“It's now our intention to draw on this success to grow our international sales. Although we are already seeing small levels of business across 10 European countries, we are still in the early stages of researching and understanding the various overseas markets before deciding on a formal strategy or level of dedicated resource.

“Our participation in a recent exhibition in Paris, and a forthcoming one in Gothenborg, Sweden, will definitely help with this. I want our exports to represent around 10 per cent of our turnover figure in the next year."

Scottish Enterprise has worked with the company for seven years and its support included helping the company relocate to larger premises in 2009 with the aid of a £100,000 grant.

ECL is also working with Scottish Development International and recently took part in a Scottish Enterprise international strategy workshop to help shape its growth strategy for new overseas markets. www.european-circuits.co.uk

Kirky Masterplan Photo and image courtesy of East Dunbartonshire Council.

Moving forward

KIRKINTILLOCH’s town centre masterplan has already identified a range of ways to promote the area as a location to live, visit and do business.

East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) wants to improve access and parking, streets and spaces, the built heritage, maximise waterways opportunities, increase the number of people who live there and encourage investment and visitors.

Kirkintilloch is well connected by road, cycle, waterway and pedestrian routes. The town centre has the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Antonine Wall, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both running through it.

These developments follow a range of regeneration activity in recent years, including the Millennium Link project which reopened the Forth and Clyde Canals, and Kirkintilloch Initiative which delivered a number of projects, including a new link road, leisure centre, and Southbank Marina.

Council leader and chair of the Masterplan Champions Group, Rhondda Geekie is enthusiastic about the town’s future: “The Council has committed £3m of capital to help deliver and match fund certain projects and will fully support investors interested in opportunities within the town.

“Already work is underway in moving the projects forward, starting with the improvement of car parks and proposals for refurbishment of the town hall and surrounding area.

“While these are challenging times, they are also times of change and opportunity, and the council is looking forward to the continuing development of Kirkintilloch’s role as a civic, cultural and leisure destination.”

A meeting is being held on Wednesday 27 March 2013 from 3-5pm in Smiths Hotel, Kirkintilloch, to explore what the town centre could and should look like in 10 years’ time. www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/kirkintillochmasterplan www.edbusiness.net

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

15

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We are a small family run delicatessen and cafe, Daughter (Julie) and Mother (Lin). Been trading for five years, serving home cooked food, including full breakfast, tasty soups and made to order sandwiches and panini. All baking is home made including scones, carrot cake and thick caramel slice.

Deli and grocery products are mainly sourced from Scottish producers and suppliers, along with a selection of ingredients for around the world.

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Breakfasts, Lunches, Light Meals & Home Baking Serving Puro Coffee, Teas & Fusions Fresh ground coffee, traditional cooked breakfast, a superb selection of fresh hand made sandwiches, light healthy meals, and fabulous home baking that includes many of Lorna’s Grandmothers original secret recipes TMCS Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4pm, Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm

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Glasgow businesses benefit from Carbon Trust Scotland’s first carbon management programme for Scottish SMEs Two Glasgow-based businesses, Soapworks Ltd and Zebec Biogass Ltd have recently graduated from Carbon Trust Scotland’s Cash for Carbon carbon management programme.

Martin Gorevan, managing director Zebec Biogas Ltd

Soapworks Ltd, the UK’s largest manufacturer of soaps, and Zebec Biogas Ltd, a turnkey service for the development of anaerobic digestion plants developed their own carbon management plan with support from Carbon Trust Scotland, cutting their energy emissions and making financial savings in the process.

Both companies enrolled on the programme with a clear commitment to reducing their carbon emissions, and by working in partnership with the Carbon Trust were given the platform they needed to improve their energy efficiency and to work in a more sustainable way.

Jan Zadruzynski, managing director of Soapworks Ltd, said: “We were already undertaking energy management work, but the business really benefitted from Carbon Trust Scotland’s carbon management programme. It put us in the position of being able to sell the commercial benefits internally through hard data, which really helped.”

Jan Zadruzynski, managing director Soapworks Ltd

Martin Gorevan, managing director of Zebec Biogas Ltd, said: “It’s essential in our business to think and operate in a sustainable way which safeguards the bottom line. The support delivered through the carbon management programme provided Zebec with the sounding board we needed to benchmark our consumption and find tangible efficiencies.”

Operated by Carbon Trust Scotland, Cash for Carbon is designed to help organisations develop a targeted framework to deliver energy saving and carbon reduction practices by establishing their current baseline CO2 emissions, assessing the risks and opportunities posed by climate change, and developing a robust strategy to reduce carbon footprints and save money on their energy bills over a five- to ten-year period.

The programme aims to improve the management of buildings, energy use, vehicle fleets, street lighting and recycling of waste. Supported by a bespoke toolkit, the

Cash for Carbon programme also facilitates the sharing of best practice between participant businesses, enabling them to learn from each other’s experience.

Paul Wedgwood, general manager, Carbon Trust Scotland, said: “We’re really pleased to see so many private sector organisations coming on board, recognising the need to take energy efficiency action and implement measures which reduce their carbon emissions and, in turn, improve their economic output.“

Carbon Trust Scotland invites Chamber members to join them for a two hour workshop with lunch on the 22 March at the World of Golf, Clydebank from 12.00-2.00pm. Register at admin@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk or call 0141 2800272 For more information and details on how to register, please visit www.cashforcarbon.co.uk

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Staff Equality: A Cross to Bear The beginning of 2013 brought employers’ responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 into sharp focus, with the European Court of Human Rights ruling that a Christian airline employee was discriminated against when she was banned from wearing a crucifix necklace.

At the same time, however, a number of similar cases were not upheld, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission will be publishing guidance for employers and employees to avoid confusion and hopefully prevent the need for further costly and divisive litigation.

In the meantime, employers would be well advised to reconsider all their policies and procedures, to ensure that where they are applied they do not impinge on employees’ freedom of thought, conscience or religion, but also on their many other rights enshrined in the Equality Act; in other words, their right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage

and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Discrimination can come in many forms. In our experience many employers have applied a “cut and paste” generalised policy on equality which, without being tailored carefully, might not be suitable for their specific workplace, and we have also seen employers fall foul of the law by not reacting appropriately to even minor concerns about equality. Therefore, reconsidering now your approach to all aspects of your business, and that includes from job applications, promotions, training, right through to how you deal with retirement, may save you the hassle and significant cost of unnecessary litigation where you may end up being looked on unfavourably by an employment judge.

SCOTT DOCHERTY is the Dumbarton based partner in McArthur Stanton, which has two other offices in Helensburgh. Scott can be contacted on 01389 762266. www.mcarthurstanton.co.uk

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Photo courtesy of the Crichton Carbon Centre.

Resource Efficiency Key to Business Growth WASTED resources cost Scottish businesses around four per cent of turnover every year.

Substantial savings can be made by using them more efficiently. This has never been more important than now with Landfill Tax increasing to £80 per tonne by 2014, and UK gas and electricity prices up by 101 per cent and 66 per cent respectively since 2005.

The Dumfries-based Crichton Carbon Centre (CCC), in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, is offering small local businesses free support to improve their bottom line through reduced energy, water and waste costs.

The programme includes in-depth site visits from the CCC’s business advisers, access to specialised software, personalised reports and assisted support, as well as tailored marketing and communications advice to promote businesses improvement.

Local businesses already involved are Clydebank’s European Circuits, Glenhead Engineering, Nursery Times and World of Golf, community-based drugs project, Alternatives, which operates a West Dunbartonshire-wide service and The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton.

The Sustainable Process Improvement Programme will help 30 businesses employing fewer than 50 people in West Dunbartonshire over the next three years.

CCC is a not-for-profit post-graduate teaching and applied research organisation. Its team includes academics and practitioners from the public, private and third sectors with backgrounds in economic, social and environmental disciplines.

“Sustainability is becoming a key competitive advantage for business, allowing them to drive down operating costs through more efficient use of resources and improved waste management.

It undertakes grant funded projects and commercial commissions, working with individuals, communities and organisations, including businesses, social enterprises, schools, colleges, universities and public institutions.

“It will also help small businesses comply with environmental legislation,” said Michael McGuinness, economic development manager with the council.

www.sustainableprocessimprovement.co.uk

CCC business development specialist, Pilar Rodriguez (pictured), added: “Now, more than ever, Scottish businesses need to reduce costs – they simply cannot afford to keep wasting resources if they want to stay competitive.”

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Building Measurable Change for Sustainability

By Dr Don McLean, MD & Founder of Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES)

24

Natural ventilation analysis of airflow.

OVERALL cities are responsible for a major portion of pollution and waste in our society. However, having a population condensed into close proximity also allows energy, water and other services to be provided more efficiently whilst minimising infrastructure.

The design of ‘eco-cities’ – cities with sustainable smart buildings that integrate with each other and the grid itself to conserve resources – is becoming increasingly important. The world’s population is projected to keep rising for at least the next century, by 2050, 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities, so addressing efficiency is essential.

Controlling our use of energy, water and other resources will no longer be an option, but a necessity.

As I see it, our sustainable future is in smart eco-cities, which utilise information and communication technology (ITC) to incorporate real-time dynamic control. Performance analysis and predictive interrogation of data will play a key part in this. An emerging vision is that each building would be designed or refurbished using state of the art 3D simulation to quantify, optimise and verify its performance. The building simulation model would then be used to commission and subsequently control the building. However, in order for it to be a true eco-city it would not be enough for each building to be independently efficient. There would need to be a master system that can optimise city-wide energy and water consumption in coordination with the relevant utilities.

Analysis of a building in the context of its surrounding

Internal daylight Levels

Unfortunately, today there is a major barrier: the discontinuity between actual utilities’ consumption and design/simulated data. Buildings rarely perform as predicted, and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) only monitor and report in a descriptive, ad-hoc way. Vast amounts of data Continued...

Analysis of sun position and its impact on buildings DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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projects facilitates a greatly improved integrated and sustainable design process, a necessary component to tomorrow’s eco-cities. It paves the way for smart interaction between buildings in a community or city to optimise efficiency at the next level.

However, we shouldn’t forget the human element. The design process of an eco-city should include experts from all segments of the construction industry. It also needs to engage residents. The answer lies within communication and exchanges of information between different experts that will spark innovations and create solutions, which will ultimately benefit everyone.

Developing this integrated approach and incorporating performance analysis from the early stages of the design through to operation whereby everyone from the architect to the MEP engineer to the facilities manager, owner and authorities work together is the key to designing an energy efficient building and ultimately an energy efficient community. By integrating this with initiatives that raise consciousness of the impact of a collective approach by inhabitants it should be possible to instil people with pride in their building/ community/city and inspire them to want to be involved.

Continued...

are collected but not fully utilised to inform decisions. These conventional management methods are laborious and make it difficult to maintain optimal control. Post-design, BEMS monitor only the individual building and rely on facility managers to interpret the data and act accordingly. This creates a lot of “data” but not viable “smart buildings”.

Until now, the technology to simulate and test optimisation hypotheses based on real operational data simply didn’t exist. There was a reliance on design simulation technology that could point out flaws and optimise performance virtually before the building was constructed, and BEMS systems which monitor usage after the fact. However, with new software and computer modelling capabilities, creating smarter, more efficient buildings is easier than it has ever been. Performance analysis is quite possibly the technology that’s going to drive true eco-communities, -districts and -cities.

Building design using 3D models is already the norm and if used correctly, can deliver a model suitable for operational activities. Connecting the dots by incorporating real operational data into the model is the next step, and one which IES has already taken successfully through its Scottish Enterprise funded SCAN research project.

The application of 3D building performance simulation on new-build, refurbishment and operation optimisation

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

This is by no means an easy feat but it should be recognised as being just as important as technology development.

IES invests over a quarter of its turnover into research & development, and is actively involved in a number of Scottish, UK and European funded projects across all areas of an EcoCity Lifecycle. We are also actively involved in key sustainable building/community test sites considered to be at the forefront of global research.

Fire Evacuation

Across these projects IES is both providing the underlying technology and acting as a hub to connect many different organisations and stakeholders into the Eco-City Lifecycle.

Our concept maps the entire process from master-planning through to simulation-based control of eco-communities and links with smart grids.

IES contributed to the recent successful £24 million Smart City grant won by Glasgow – which saw off competition from London, Peterborough, Bristol and 30 other UK cities. IES contributed to the bid on the aspect of using the communications hub to inform buildings on how to improve energy efficiency.

IES is also currently involved in the following Smart City related R&D projects:

• •

• • • • •

People Friendly Cities in A Data Rich World – EU COST Action Interactive Decision Support Platform for the Creation of the Eco-City through the Integration of Sustainable Urban Metrics and a Common City Index (CitySUMS) – SMART: Scotland Glasgow Cities Future Demonstrator – TSB Indicator-based Interactive Decision Support and Information Exchange Platform for Smart Cities (INDICATE) – EU FP7 Intelligent Urban Energy Tool (iUrban) – EU FP7 Friendly and Affordable Sustainable Urban Districts Retrofitting (FASUDIR) – EU FP7

Through virtual testing and performance analysis the industry is able to cut through greenwash and deliver measurable results. These results are what will drive eco-cities.

Author Biography Dr Don McLean is the Founder and MD of Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES). He has 35 years’ experience in the use and development of building simulation analysis tools, including involvement in many landmark building simulation projects across the UK and Europe, such as Heathrow Terminal 5. In 1994 he founded IES for the development of the Virtual

Environment platform with the objective of overcoming many of the commercial barriers to the uptake of energy efficient simulation practices within design firms.

Offering an integrated suite of performance analysis tools within one platform, IES continues to develop its tools making them more and more accessible to architects and the mainstream building sector. Don holds a BSc in

Environmental Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, and also spent nine years in the ABACUS unit, at the Department of Architecture in the University of Strathclyde, undertaking a PhD and post-doctoral research. During this time ABACUS was one of the foremost departments in the application of computers in the building design process. don.mclean@iesve.com

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Photos courtesy of Buchanan Castle Golf Club.

400th Anniversary of First Marquis of Montrose

Front (L to R): Lt Col Malcolm McVittie, chairman, 1st Marquis of Montrose Society: His Grace The Duke of Montrose; Her Grace The Duchess of Montrose and Lady Fiona Hannon.

Rear: Piper Captain Colin Graham and members of the 1st Marquis of Montrose Society with Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood (third from right).

THE short but eventful life of the first Marquis of Montrose was celebrated with a special dinner at Buchanan Castle Golf Club at the end of October.

More than 90 members and guests joined the Duke and Duchess of Montrose to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of their illustrious ancestor who was executed in Edinburgh on 21 May 1650, aged 38.

James Graham, fifth Earl and first Marquis of Montrose, is considered by historians to be one of Scotland’s finest battlefield commanders, poets, scholars and political thinkers.

Eminent speakers at the event were Montrose biographer, Professor Edward Cowan, Lt Col Malcolm McVittie, chair of the 1st Marquis of Montrose Society, and Professor Gerard Carruthers of the University of Glasgow.

Music was provided by Dr Kirsteen McCue, accompanied by David Hamilton, of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and by 1st Marquis Society Piper, Captain Colin Graham, formerly of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (TA) Master of ceremonies for the evening was well-known television sports presenter, Alison Walker.

The lace cap worn by the first Marquis at his execution (pictured right) was among the items on display during the dinner.

The proceeds from the dinner will fund a modern history student prize over the next five years at the University of Glasgow.

There were many events throughout the anniversary year including an exhibition in the Montrose Museum and a commemorative service in St.Giles’ Kirk in Edinburgh.

A golf re-match was also held at Montrose Links after 380 years between the current Marquis of Montrose and Patrick Colquhoun of Luss, son of the present Laird of Luss. The first Marquis had golfed on Montrose Links on the eve of his wedding. www.buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk

The first Marquis (1612-1650) was a brilliant soldier and military strategist and is widely recognised as a heroic figure in Scottish history. A supporter of the Covenant initially, he was ultimately executed for his loyalty to the king.

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Photos courtesy of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

False Fire Alarms Could Cost Lives EVERY year Strathclyde Fire and Rescue attends approximately 20,000 false fire alarms at commercial premises which result in appliances and crews being diverted from real emergencies which could cost lives.

This imposes a significant financial burden on the service as well as causing disruption, inconvenience and loss for businesses when premises are evacuated while crews check for signs of fire.

False alarms, or unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS), to give them their proper title, occur when an automatic warning or detection system is activated in the absence of an actual fire.

Five Point Plan to Prevent False Fire Alarms 1. Appoint a ‘responsible person’ to ensure all members of staff are familiar with the alarm system; 2. Maintain and keep a log book; 3. Appoint a competent maintenance contractor; 4. Employ good working practices; 5. Monitor and review UFAS and investigate any activations.

Continual UFAS may indicate that the alarm system is dysfunctional and this can invalidate any fire safety risk assessment and adversely affect insurance policies. In such cases, the system should be checked by a fire alarm engineer without delay.

If the system is faulty or deficient, or has become unsuitable, it should be upgraded or replaced as soon as possible. Virtually all such false alarms, which can have many causes, can be prevented.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue will provide information and advice to help you – however legal liability rests with the ‘responsible person’ or ‘duty holder’ as defined in the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. www.strathclydefire.org

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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social enterprise success

by June Hyslop

The definition of a social enterprise and how many there are in the UK is the subject of much debate.

According to umbrella group, Social Enterprise Scotland, they trade in all markets, selling goods and services to individual consumers, local authorities, government and private businesses.

“Social enterprises exist to make a profit just like any private sector business. However, profits or surpluses are always reinvested into their social and environmental purposes,” it says.

They also have an ‘asset lock’ on both trading surplus and residual assets to ensure that, on dissolution of the business, these are used for social/environmental purposes.

They include co-operatives and mutuals, social firms, community interest companies, development trusts, credit unions and housing associations.

What is not in doubt is that they are an important element in the business mix and that West Dunbartonshire has some very successful examples.

Solas and The Lennox Partnership, may have been around for a quarter of a century apiece, but they have grown, developed and moved with the times so are still highly relevant today.

New £225k Fund for West Dunbartonshire A NEW £225k fund is up for grabs to help create more social enterprise businesses in West Dunbartonshire.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) leader Martin Rooney announced plans for the fund in November at the first ever social enterprise business event in the area.

The council will run the Social Enterprise Challenge Fund in partnership with Firstport – an organisation which supports new and emerging social enterprise entrepreneurs – and it is now looking for applications.

Firstport will be running idea-generation workshops to identify viable businesses and will provide them with one-to-one support to progress their ideas.

The fund is targeting businesses that will boost the local economy and create sustainable jobs. Financial support of up to £15,000 is available for enterprising and innovative activities which address social and environmental challenges.

Applications must be from local individuals or from groups planning to operate in West Dunbartonshire and should demonstrate the following: • A new business idea with clear social benefit for the area; • The ability to create local job opportunities; • A proposal which identifies clear outputs and impacts; • The ability to define sustainability for the business; and • The drive and vision to take the idea forward. www.west-dumbarton.gov.uk

Others, like Bellsmyre Development Trust, may be the new kid on the block, but it is already making an impact and has ambitious plans for the future.

Read on to find out more...

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Photos courtesy of Chris Clark Photographer

Solas Set for £10 Million Turnover by 2017 Bellsmyre Trust Hits the Ground Running BELLSMYRE Development Trust is one of Dunbartonshire’s newest social enterprises – and has hit the ground running with £2m to invest.

Launched in April 2012 with Big Lottery funding, the charity’s key goal is to re-generate Bellsmyre in Dumbarton and involve residents in improving the perception and social spirit of the neighbourhood.

It will also continue to provide employability and career support services for local people in partnership with other agencies.

On the cards this year is a brand new custom-designed community centre due for completion by November.

It will house a community cinema, IT services and internet access, a café, sports, training and public meeting areas.

It will also have a landscaped public garden and will coordinate a new BMX/mountain bike trail, an associated training course plus a cycle hire and repair centre.

In its first year, the trust set up an activities centre and offices and has organised a wide range of events for all age groups.

Membership currently stands at more than 190 adults plus over 100 junior/under 16s. The trust regularly canvases the views of all residents in the area to inform its future planning.

Photos courtesy of Bellsmyre Development Trust.

www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk

CIVIC RECEPTION: Provost Douglas McAllister (right) and Depute Provost John Miller (left) with the Solas team.

DUNBARTONSHIRE has one of Scotland’s most successful social enterprises on its doorstep.

Solas, which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, has grown from a community business created to draught-proof council houses in 1987, into one which is likely to have a group turnover of £10 million by 2017.

It has also created more than 18 new jobs in the past year despite some of the harshest economic conditions in a generation.

Energy-saving products and advice are still core activities for Solas but it has diversified and developed a range of related goods and services for homes and businesses.

West Dunbartonshire Provost, Douglas McAllister, marked the silver jubilee by hosting a civic reception for Solas in Clydebank Town Hall in January.

He paid tribute to the organisation and congratulated it on its success as did West Dunbartonshire Council chief executive Joyce White.

Solas managing director Graham McLennan thanked members of the Solas team and their families, trustees, West Dunbartonshire Council, suppliers and customers for their support over the past 25 years.

He added: “At Solas, social enterprise means that we are a business like any other, with similar aims in terms of profitability and success – the key difference is that at the top of the Solas tree is a charity whose wholly owned trading subsidiaries donate every penny of net profit to it.

“Our stakeholders know that we are in it for them, and not for ourselves. In the emerging economy, the new breed of savvy customers and clients place a great deal of value on this.” www.solas.biz DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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social enterprise feature continued...

Photo courtesy of The Lennox Partnership.

Thumbs-Up for First Social Enterprise Event WEST Dunbartonshire Council’s first social enterprise business event got the thumbs-up from delegates with 91 per cent rating it as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

Photos courtesy of West Dunbartonshire Council.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT: Scottish Government minister Angela Constance, with Gil Paterson, MSP (left), Blyth Deans, chief executive of The Lennox Partnership (right) and TLP employee Kamran Shah (seated).

The Lennox Partnership – Still STRIVE-ing ANOTHER social enterprise – The Lennox Partnership (TLP) – recently hosted a visit by Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment and Gil Patterson, MSP, for Clydebank and Milngavie.

The not-for-profit economic development company, which celebrates its silver jubilee this year, has a long and successful track record of helping individuals and businesses in the area with employment.

It was set up in 1988 to support the regeneration of Clydebank following the demise of shipbuilding and heavy engineering. It has evolved over the years, broadening its remit and widening its operational area across Dunbartonshire and Ayrshire and more recently into Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Programmes delivered by TLP include employability support for adults and young people, and recruitment incentives for businesses.

Ms Constance was able to see firsthand how its innovative STRIVE for Young People project in West Dunbartonshire fast tracks unemployed 16 – 24 year olds into work. TLP was one of only 24 organisations to recently benefit from a Scottish Government Third Sector Challenge Fund grant award which it used for this purpose.

TLP also provides a free recruitment service which meets the needs of business and provides employment opportunities for people seeking work. www.thelennoxpartnership.org

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Its aim was to provide a networking and learning platform for social enterprises and to help create new job opportunities.

Thirty eight social enterprises and partner organisations exhibited at the event which was attended by more than 180 people. It was run in conjunction with West Dunbartonshire Community and Volunteering Services at Dumbarton Football Club Stadium.

Workshops were held on topics of relevance to the sector such as how to generate ideas for new social enterprises, company law and governance and joint procurement partnership opportunities.

MILL of Haldane has been radically transformed from a rundown housing scheme where no one wanted to live into a highly desirable community.

It has taken more than a decade to regenerate it – and involved a number of agencies working together – and with the local community – to make it happen.

It is now one of only three projects shortlisted from 20 for the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland’s (CIHS) Building Successful Communities - Excellence in Regeneration Award.

In January, the judging panel visited the area to see the 12 year transformation for itself.

Photos courtesy of Dunbritton and Cube Housing Associations.

Haldane Shortlisted for Top Housing Award

COOK ROAD: Out with the old flats.

At the heart of the regeneration is a partnering arrangement between Cube and Dunbritton Housing Associations, West Dunbartonshire Council, the Scottish Government (formerly Communities Scotland), the Environment Trust and Cruden Building and Renewals.

Residents were represented through the Mill of Haldane Community Association which played a key role in driving the pace and extent of the project.

Its aims were to improve the quality and mix of homes, develop a sense of place and contribute to broader local regeneration.

Chamber member, Dunbritton Housing Association, is a registered social landlord. Its director, Morven Short, commented: “Those who knew Haldane of old would hardly recognise the estate and especially the Brown Street/Cook Road area that has been transformed into the wonderful Mill Park and new housing that faces it.

COOK ROAD: In with the new houses.

What started out as eight new build developments in 2001 became 13 by 2010 and work is still ongoing with five houses being built for West Dunbartonshire Council this year.

The winning project will be announced at the CIH Scotland Conference in Glasgow in March 2013. www.dunbritton.org.uk

TRANSFORMATION: Mill Park, Haldane.

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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“Providing Homes for Life” A local social landlord with properties for rent, shared ownership and shared equity in Alexandria, Dumbarton and Helensburgh & Lomond.

At Dunbritton Housing Association we are putting the finishing touches to our latest development, situated at Upland Road, Garelochhead. This development, consisting of 12 modern flats, boasts stunning views of the Clyde. These flats are for sale under the Scottish Government’s Shared Equity (LIFT) scheme, where the purchaser can buy between a 60% and 80% share of the property and still hold full title deeds of the property. This incentive is aimed initially at first time buyers, current Council and Housing Association tenants and serving members and veterans of the Armed Services.

We support a number of community groups and projects throughout our areas of operation, including youth outreach, community facilities and local If you require any further information about this, please contact us on 01389 761486 & training schemes. employment The properties are contained in a stand-alone building, with designated parking spaces surrounded by attractive landscaping. All flats feature two bedrooms with spacious built in wardrobes, a bathroom and an open plan lounge/kitchen and bedrooms boast built in wardrobes and halls have storage cupboards. The properties are priced at £72,600 - £103,200, depending on flat choice and percentage acquired.

1st Floor, 32 High Street, Dumbarton, G82 1LL Tel: 01389 761486 Fax: 01389 730067 e-mail: admin@dunbritton.org.uk website: www.dunbritton.org.uk Dunbritton is a Scottish charity, No: SC036518.

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We care so much that we offer FREE* on-site surveys to ensure your business is getting the most from its energy use, and an energy saving/investment report specific to your business.

We also offer a FREE energy “best deal” service for your team, saving them an average of £180 p.a. on their own home energy bills.

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

WE live in an increasingly chaotic, complex and often confusing world of accelerated change where demands come at us from all directions, writes Dame Irene Loudon.

With mounting pressure, we conceal worrying thoughts and inner restlessness behind a mask of cheerfulness and freedom from care. As we become progressively stressed, the cracks begin to show.

So what can we do to regain and sustain a measure of equilibrium in the face of the onslaughts of modern-day living?

Alternative and complementary medicine can provide a whole range of answers.

Stress is a major cause of absenteeism and a precursor to many major illnesses. Reflexology, massage and aromatherapy are only three of many therapies available today that can help alleviate the effects of stress. If, however, we are unable to escape from the causes of stress, the benefits will only be temporary.

For lasting effect, we need to change our thoughts and attitudes.

It is important to realise that in all alternative and complementary therapies, success depends not only on practitioner competence, but also on client compliance.

This article concentrates on one treatment method which has been found to be of particular relevance and effectiveness in the world of business — Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a model of communication that focuses on identifying and using patterns of thought that influence a person’s behaviour as a means of improving the quality and effectiveness of their lives.

It offers a paradigm of how the brain works (neuro), about how language interacts with the brain (linguistic), and of how we use this interaction to get the results we want for ourselves and others (programming).

Basically, NLP can be used in any situation where two or more people must communicate! In the business world its uses range from coaching management executives to improving customer service. One example of how its use can improve business outcomes is found in the sales environment:

NLP enables us to increase our self-confidence and motivation; boosts our emotional intelligence and selfesteem; improves our communication skills; creates better personal and professional relationships; accelerates our professional development and enhances performance in any area of our lives.

It could be argued that pressure selling has had its day and that businesses now need to deliver content that matches customer thinking in order to establish unconscious rapport (a feeling of connection). Rapport provides a feeling of safety and security and so customers are much more likely to say yes to a proposal rather than no.

Through NLP we become aware of how we have constructed our mental and conceptual ‘map’ of the world that we live in as a result of our lifetime experiences.

We can then identify counterproductive unconscious reactions to certain people and situations that prevent us progressing towards and achieving our specific and desired outcomes.

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A change in ‘map’ will result in a change of thinking and resultant behaviours, which in turn will have a positive impact on our lives.

Most sales systems focus on the conscious minds of their target audience, (i.e. the logical, problem- solving part which is widely regarded to be around 10 per cent of the human thinking process) and fail to harness the power of the much larger unconscious mind which processes the emotions which influence our decision making. This is where NLP proves its worth!

“Whatever you can do or imagine, begin it. Boldness has beauty, magic and power in it.”

- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

“Most sales systems focus on the conscious minds of their target audience... and fail to utilise the power of the much larger unconscious mind which processes the emotions which influence our decision making.”

NLP facilitates communication skills which connect with both the conscious and unconscious minds of the target audience at a deep level which fosters trust and understanding, leading to positive decisionmaking and outcomes.

Businesses are constantly facing individual and systemic challenges in the face of a fast-changing world. NLP assists with these by helping organisations adapt more easily and perform more effectively as a united whole through accurate interpretation of the subtleties of human behaviours and effective communication.

To be effective, change processes need to accord with values. By following the whole process of NLP, better outcomes and sustainable change can be achieved at individual and corporate level.

About the Author Dame Irene Loudon, DGSJ, MD(MA), MIT (London), MIFA, MNCH(Acc), RAGPH, MRSPH, has over 30 years experience in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. She has a thriving practice in Glasgow city centre which has been built on her reputation for success in the treatment of chronic fatigue, stress-related conditions (including thinning hair), and fear and confidence issues.

www.advanced-alternative-medicine.co.uk

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Cardross Golf Club the perfect setting to develop your business!

People think a lot of deals are done on the golf course – but what actually happens is that relationships are created which help businesses develop and prosper in the long term.

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DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

WHAT chance would you have of getting a four hour meeting with a key contact or client? But invite them to join you for a game of golf and you have their undivided attention while you play a round.

Cardross Golf Club is undoubtedly one of the best parkland courses in the West of Scotland and is the ideal setting for networking and socialising with stunning views over the River Clyde.

It has 800 members - many of whom are in key decision making positions in local businesses – and is the perfect environment to help you develop your contacts.

The course, which opened for play by members in 1895, underwent a significant re-design in 1921 by the then renowned golf course architect James Braid. Measuring just under 6,500 yards from the medals tees, it provides members, guests and visitors with a great test of golf that is hard to beat.

The course offers excellent value for money as it is playable all year round when many others in the area are closed, thanks to a significant investment in the drainage system by the club.

Without doubt the club’s signature hole is the 18th. A long par four measuring over 450 yards, it provides unsurpassed views of the Firth of Clyde and surrounding area. A challenging hole due to out-of-bounds on both sides of the fairway, as well as a threetiered green, any score par or better earns ‘a refreshment’ from the nearby bar.

The club has something to offer every level of player - that’s probably why so many golfing societies and organisations come back year after year for their outings.

Cardross Golf Club has a great location within easy reach of Glasgow and is ideal for golf groups or corporate days out. It also offers corporate sponsorship packages which come with a number of unique benefits. Put your business on the golf map by sponsoring a hole at Cardross Golf Club!

New members are made very welcome and soon feel at home.

There are competitions and informal groups which meet up at different times of the week to suit everyone.

Cardross Golf Club is more than just a great course. It has a clubhouse where members can relax and enjoy the magnificent views. There’s an outdoor patio area where members and their

families can relax and have a great time. Whether it’s a coffee and a light snack or a full meal, there’s an extensive menu of choices.

The club also has an excellent social calendar and runs a wide variety of events including comedy nights, quizzes, dances, tribute acts and even a beer festival!

The clubhouse is available for hire by individuals and corporate groups for their own events including weddings, birthday parties, and anniversaries.

There’s an excellent well-stocked shop at the club with its own dedicated PGA professional who is available for lessons.

New members have a number of options and a variety of payment methods - including a very attractive offer of only £65 per month and no joining fee at present - so there’s never been a better time to sign up!

To find out more, contact club secretary, Graham Mill on 01389 841754 or e-mail him at golf@cardross.com or visit www.cardross.com

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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New Members ARCHER ASSOCIATES

ARCHER Associates offers a range of reasonably priced, confidential, personalised services to businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Principal Erik Archer’s experience ranges from dealing with entrepreneurial start-ups to operating at board level in companies with up to a £20 million turnover.

His background in marketing, sales and negotiation makes him an experienced and knowledgeable sounding board who also enjoys finding and securing new opportunities and business.

make the next move, then Archer Associates can help identify the way forward.

It can also provide extra help when you need it - in a non-executive role, with sales, or with temporary cover for illness or holidays.

It can help to have a fresh approach in these difficult times and Archer Associates offers a free initial consultancy service.

Archer Associates T: 01389 849426 M:07967 665114 E: erik.archer@btconnect.com

If you are looking for ideas, managing change, dealing with a difficult challenge, stuck in a rut or don’t have the confidence to

CLYDE SHORE CONSTRUCTION

CLYDE Shore Construction is a small building company headed up by experienced manager and time-served joiner, Brendan Mullen.

Photo courtesy of Clyde Shore Construction.

The firm specialises both in timber frame and traditional build construction, offers a full architectural service and access to a range of trades including joiners, builders and plumbers.

CRICHTON CARBON CENTRE

Whether a project is large or small scale, Clyde Shore Construction can take care of it from inception to completion.

Logo courtesy of Crichton Carbon Centre.

Clyde Shore Construction, 966 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4LG. T: 0141 239 6222 M: 07773080126 E: clydeshore@msn.com

Mr Mullen has worked on a variety of building and construction projects, eventually moving into management with some of the country’s leading companies in the field.

CRICHTON Carbon Centre is a not-for-profit post-graduate teaching and applied research organisation based in Dumfries.

It was founded in 2007 in response to growing concern about climate change and promotes the transition to a low carbon society by improving resource efficiency.

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He branched out on his own two years ago providing a building and consultancy service, mainly in the private sector. However, he is open to enquiries from all sectors and is happy to advise on any aspect of a planned project.

It undertakes grant funded projects and commercial commissions, working with individuals, communities and organisations, including businesses, social enterprises, schools, colleges, universities and public institutions.

The Centre’s team includes academics and practitioners from the public, private and third sectors with backgrounds in economic, social and environmental disciplines.

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

Sponsors of its Sustainable Process Improvement Programme are the European Regional Development Fund, Dumfries and Galloway, North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire Councils, Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group, Zero Waste Scotland, Bank of Scotland and SSE. Crichton Carbon Centre, Maxwell House, Crichton University Campus, Dumfries DG1 4UQ. T: 01387 702 348 M: 07850 206394 E: p.rodriguez@carboncentre.org W: www.sustainableprocessimprovement.co.uk

STRATHCLYDE FIRE & RESCUE

STRATHCLYDE Fire & Rescue has joined Dunbartonshire chamber and is looking forward to meeting members.

The service provides advice and guidance on all aspects of fire prevention and safety for businesses and householders.

Photo courtesy of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue.

Commercial premises are covered by regulations which impose a duty on those responsible for fire safety to carry out a risk assessment.

This must focus on the safety of all ‘relevant persons’ in case of fire. This includes employees and others who may be on the premises such as clients, contractors and other visitors.

WRIGHT DENTAL AND BEAUTY CARE

WRIGHT Dental and Beauty Care is a new, progressive, forward-thinking dental practice based in Dumbarton which aims to provide a high quality service.

Practice principal, Dr John Wright, PhD, BDS, BSc, has a wealth of experience and provides a comprehensive range of NHS and independent dental treatment for both adults and children. He is supported by Shellie McNeill, senior dental nurse, who is qualified to NVQ – Level 3.

There are five steps to ensure compliance: Identify people at risk; identify fire hazards; evaluate risk and ascertain what fire safety measures are needed; record findings; and review.

The relevant legislation is the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

For more information visit www.firelawscotland.org.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, 2 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank G81 6QT. T: 01389 385999 E: e&wdfiresafetyenforcement@ strathclydefire.org W: www.strathclydefire.org

by providing anti-wrinkle injections and facial filler treatments to clients in the West Dunbartonshire area and beyond.

The practice ethos is to provide a friendly, professional approach to treatment in a relaxed family-oriented environment.

Wright Dental and Beauty Care, 10 High Street, Dumbarton G82 1LL. T: 01389 734854 E: info@drwright.co.uk W: www.drwright.co.uk

The new practice complements the success of wrinklewright.co.uk in the facial/aesthetic care business in Glasgow’s west end.

Helen Wright, RGN, RM, BSc Hons (Public Health), will continue to build on this success

JOIN NOW TO ACCESS A RANGE OF BENEFITS INCLUDING:

WORKING FOR BUSINESS

•

Legal expenses cover up to £670,000 plus 24-hour advice line

•

Human resource service including ACAS compliant policies plus health and safety advice and updates

•

Saving on private medical insurance

•

Cost effective primary health plan with 10 benefits plus diagnostic scans

•

FREE business mentoring

•

Networking and events

•

Influencing and lobbying at local, national and EU levels

Can you afford not to join? Entry level membership at less than 40p a day is cost effective and excellent value for money.

Download your application NOW at www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk or call our admin team on 0141 280 0272.

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

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Events Diary...

February

April

Thursday 28 February 6pm for 6.30pm – 8pm

Thursday 18th April 6pm for 6.30pm – 8pm

Low Cost, High Impact Ways to Boost Your Business

Tartan Noir – One of Scotland’s Biggest Exports

World of Golf, 2700 Great Western Rd, Clydebank, G81 2XT. Cost: Members £15 + VAT Non-members £20 + VAT Snack supper included.

Dr David Fraser, business consultant, author and speaker, will share Photo courtesy of Liz Handy.

his philosophy of leadership and interpersonal effectiveness.

David gained invaluable leadership experience with several companies, including Thales and BAE, before setting

World of Golf, 2700 Great Western Rd, Clydebank, G81 2XT.

up in business himself. For him the key

Cost: Members £20 + VAT

to business success is working out how to handle people.

Non-members £25 + VAT

David is author of the award-winning book Relationship

Snack supper included.

Mastery: A Business Professional’s Guide. and executive director of Change for Leaders. He describes himself as an interventionist – someone who helps individuals, teams and organisations thrive in a changing world.

This event will appeal to anyone who wants to become a more inspired, successful leader and businessperson.

March

Scottish crime writers? Or that it is the most popular genre amongst Scottish readers, both in bookshops and in libraries?

Former teacher, Lin Anderson, is a renowned tartan noir crime writer, best

Friday 22nd March 12pm for 12.30pm – 2pm

has published eight novels, one novella, many short stories,

Make Savings and Reduce Your Carbon Emissions

fiction book.

FREE - sponsored by Carbon Trust Scotland Snack lunch included.

Photo courtesy of Carbon Trust Scotland.

best-selling authors in the world are

known as the creator of forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod. She

World of Golf, 2700 Great Western Rd, Clydebank, G81 2XT.

broadcast on radio, written film scripts, and has one nonShe launched the Bloody Scotland international book festival dedicated to crime-writing last year with fellow authors Alex Gray and Ian Rankin, and is the Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland.

Warren McIntyre of Carbon Trust Scotland can help your business make big savings while reducing its carbon emissions.

No matter what line you are in, it can help you develop a bespoke carbon management plan – and provide the tools you need to efficiently manage business resources like utilities, waste, water, fuel and transport.

Its programme has been designed specifically for the SME market and will give your business official environmental credentials and enhance marketing opportunities.

46

Did you know that two of the top 10 Photo courtesy of John Anderson.

He is a chartered engineer, a change programme leader

DUNBARTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SPRING 2013

She will speak about the business of crime writing and about organising the inaugural Bloody Scotland festival. This is an event not to be missed.

to book chamber events Call our events team on 0141 280 0272 or e-mail admin@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk Please note that full payment is required in advance and cancellations made less than three working days prior to the event are non-refundable.

Acting for you because your business is our business

We understand growing a business can be challenging.

Let us guide you.

Fully funded consultancy, training and access to finance for business in East Dunbartonshire.

www.edbusiness.net 0141 578 8530

Whatever stage you’re at, our experienced Advisors look forward to helping you take your business to the next level. It could be the best move you ever make.

Insurance Brokers & Independent Financial Advisers General & Commercial Insurance Corporate Financial Planning Investments • Life Assurance • Health Insurance Pensions • Mortgages • Taxation Glasgow 151 Glasgow Road, Clydebank, G81 1LQ Tel: 0141 952 0371 Fax: 0141 952 0255 Troon 19-21 Ayr Street, Troon KA10 6EB Tel: 01292 314313 Fax: 01292 311362 Website: www.jcroxburgh.co.uk Email: info@jcroxburgh.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Retail Merchandise Units & Promotional Space Whether you’re looking to launch a new product, publicise your services, reinforce your market position or identify new customers, our mall promotional spaces present an excellent opportunity with around 140,000 customers visiting the Centre every week.

There are several promotional areas within the malls and occasional vacancies on our retail mall units.

Call Sandra: 0141 952 4594 for more information.

shopping centre

Clyde House, 170 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank G81 2UA. www.clyde-shoppingcentre.co.uk

Want to grow your business to the next level?

We can help.

Ambitious young company or already well established in East Dunbartonshire? Business Gateway can offer you access to a range of professional services designed to help take your business forward: • Mentoring from our team of industry-experienced advisers.

• Peer support and networking opportunities.

• Market research and insights.

• Information-rich website full of resources to help with financial planning, recruitment, training, expanding into new markets and more.

• Programme of local workshops and training events.

Just some of the reasons why more and more businesses are turning to us as their gateway to business expertise.

0141 578 8530 www.bgateway.com

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.