Forth valley incommerce issue 12 issuu

INcommerce

YO UR FR EE CO PY

THE FORTH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 12 • SPRING 2016

www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk www.stirlingchamber.co.uk

0141 773 3999

Glasgow Business Park 10 Springhill Parkway, Glasgow G69 6GA. United Kingdom

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PAGE HEADER N RT PA S ER

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elcome to the Spring 2016 edition of INCommerce – where on earth is the year going? – and I hope you will find lots of interesting features and articles inside.

As I write, the topic of the EU referendum is very much occupying businesses of all sizes and Scottish Chambers of Commerce are carrying out research and surveys to gauge the mood of the business community. The most recent survey showed a clear majority voting to remain IN, with 73% voting yes to remaining. When large businesses only were questioned, the yes vote rose to 90% wishing to stay in the EU. Read more on our findings on page 10.

Also in this edition we look at transferable skills, and feature two people who have “transferred” – one from the corporate workplace to self-employment, and one from military to civilian employment. It is interesting to see how skills learned in one place of work can be applied to a new situation. You can find out more on pages 27 and 30.

Finally, our Business Awards draw ever nearer and the excitement is building. All of our shortlisted finalists are wonderful businesses from across the Forth Valley and picking a winner was incredibly difficult for our judges. All of the finalists are listed on pages 22 to 24 as well as our generous sponsors, without whom the awards could not take place. We hope to welcome you there on the night to celebrate business success in Central Scotland, or to see you at our next networking and business events. Please keep checking the website www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk or our social media feeds for event updates.

I hope you enjoy this edition and remember to send us your contributions and good news stories for the next one.

Kind regards Michelle

Contents Flooded with work

4-5

Don’t Let Winter Weaken Your Business

6

Creating Better Futures at Macdonald Hotels

8

Community Jobs Scotland

9

EU Referendum

10

Is the National Living Wage a Living Nightmare?

12-13

Chamber member receives New Year Honours

14

Do you have an (e) book in you?

16

The Core Conditions for Growth

18

Quarterly Economic Indicator

19

Innovation in Fundrasing

20-21

Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards

22-25

Is Central Scotland a Centre of Innovation?

26

Former Fusilier marches ahead with Leemic

27

Veterans deploying broadband

28-29

From employed to self-employed

30-31

Investing in Property

32

What’s in it for me?

33

Chamber offers

34-35

New Members’ Profile

36-37

Members’ Register

38-41

Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Suite 2, Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, FK9 4NF. Tel: 01324 665500, www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk InCommerce is published by D-Tech Suite 3.3 Station House, 34 St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4DF. Tel: 0141 222 2202 E: info@dtechuk.com. W: www.dtechuk.com.

Edited by Michelle McKearnon, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Suite 2, Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, FK9 4NF T: 01324 66 55 00 F: 01324 61 76 37 E: michelle@forthvalleychamber.co.uk W: www.forthvalleychamber.co.uk InCommerce is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed 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 gained from 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, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of D-Tech.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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MEMBER NEWS

Flooded with work Grangemouth-based business braves the storms

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he UK insurance industry is currently experiencing a challenging period, with 5 separate storms alone since the start of December having a huge impact on the number of insurance claims across the UK. From Storm Desmond to Storm Henry, each one brings an increase in claim volumes and as a direct result, insurers rely more than ever on a reputable network of Building Contractors.

Grangemouth based Edinmore Contracts Ltd are currently celebrating 10 years of trading and have never been busier. Founded in 2006 by current owners Clarke Faichnie and Dawn Smith, Edinmore have since established themselves as one of the UK’s leading insurance reinstatement companies.

With their central offices, yard and stores, Edinmore find themselves in a near perfect location to provide a comprehensive

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

repair service to the UK insurance industry, covering various postcode areas across Scotland. Edinmore’s main line of business is reinstating storm, fire, flood, escape of water, impact or subsidence damaged properties. The recent storms and floods across Scotland and the North of England have placed increased pressure on the UK insurance industry and insurers have been quick to react, turning to their approved panel of contractors to assist with the numerous flood claims. Edinmore have been appointed by insurers to help business owners affected by the recent floods across the country and were quick to put their emergency surge plan into place. Utilising their vast selection of in house tradesmen (the business currently employs over 70 tradesmen which include plumbers, gas engineers, electricians, joiners, decorators, roofers, tilers, rough casters and bricklayers), Edinmore reacted to the flood hit areas in the Scottish Borders and Perthshire shortly after the flood waters had receded.

MEMBER NEWS

Many people may have never experienced a flood or may never have had to make a claim on their insurance and the whole process can be somewhat daunting and confusing

Returning a flood damaged property to its previous condition can often be a lengthy process causing much stress to the owners.

Many people may have never experienced a flood or may never have had to make a claim on their insurance and the whole process can be somewhat daunting and confusing. The company’s dedicated and qualified team of six Surveyors, seven Contract Managers, and administration support staff are on hand to provide a comforting and reassuring solution to ensure that home and business owners are returned to their properties in the quickest timeframe possible.

In the majority of flood reinstatement claims, it is common for there to be a period of drying after the contents have been removed and the damaged areas of the property have been stripped out. Edinmore offer a full reinstatement service which includes removal of contents and drying, and they have recently made a large investment in state of the art drying equipment, which includes the DBK Drymatic wall

and floor system which dramatically improves drying rates compared with conventional methods. This investment has proved timely, with all drying equipment currently being used in flood damaged properties.

MD Clarke Faichnie is keen to expand his business and sees recently affected Cumbria as an ideal base for Edinmore’s satellite office. Clarke added; “Insurers and adjusters keep telling me how hard it is to get good contractors in the North of England. I think that recent events in Carlisle and the surrounding area would confirm this.

We have built a fantastic reputation supporting homes and businesses in Scotland and I don’t see why we couldn’t make a seamless move across the border, using the skill set that we have at our disposal”.

(For more advice on winter resilience for your business, read our article on page 6. Ed.)

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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BUSINESS NEWS

Don’t Let Winter Weaken Your Business

Advice from the Scottish Business Resilience Centre

W

ith hazardous winter weather already making itself felt across Scotland, businesses should take the time to prepare for the various disruptions it can cause.

These disruptions include: • Staff difficulty getting to and from work • Supplier disruptions • Cancelled meetings • Threats to customer and staff safety • Cancellations or delays to public transport • Power Failure • Flooding These potential disruptions are why it is extremely important that you consider the implications of severe weather to your business. Do you have a continuity plan in place for power failure? Flooding? Inability of key members of staff to get to work? Preparing for these types of problems before they occur could save you a lot of time and money and could be the difference between continuing and ceasing to trade.

There are a number of simple steps you can take to make your business resilient to the problems which can be caused by winter weather. These include: • Creating a list of emergency contacts i.e. plumber, joiner, electrician and ensuring this and relevant insurance documents are in a secure, easily accessed place • Updating your key holder list, ensuring the information held is accurate i.e. telephone numbers, addresses etc.

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• Ensuring all computer data has been backed up and stored in a safe, secure place preferably away from your regular place of work • Ensuring winter protection for plumbing is in good order and all windows and doors can be and are secured • Ensuring external lighting is in good working order and clean • Carrying out a check of all fire and security systems • Ensuring staff are aware of and have the necessary training to implement your business continuity plan • Having a communications strategy in place to make use of social media and other communications channels during severe weather to regularly update customers, staff and suppliers.

• If you have to implement your business continuity plan ensure you notify suppliers and customers of your temporary address and contact details. Keep your suppliers informed of your circumstances on a regular basis.

• Staff may be unable to get to work so consider how the business can function in their absence and if remote or flexible working could be a solution.

To learn more about business resilience you can visit the Scottish Business Resilience Centre website at www.sbrcentre. co.uk or call the centre on 01786 447 441.

For more information about preparing your business for winter please visit:

www.readyscotland.org floodlinescotland.org.uk www.transportscotland.gov

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MEMBER NEWS

Creating Better Futures for young people at Macdonald Hotels Inspiring young people to take charge of their futures by creating hands on, positive opportunities is one of the most rewarding parts of my role, says Cara Stewart, Regional Training Manager at Macdonald Hotels Ltd.

Macdonald Inchyra offers young people the chance to experience diverse opportunities and experiences across different departments in the hotel. These include conference and banqueting, housekeeping, leisure, and catering – each of which gives them the chance to try something different.

N

ow entering its fourth year of continued support, Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, based near Falkirk in Scotland, can proudly stand by the fact that since 2012 it has been part of a hugely successful programme which aims to help local young people, aged between 16 and 17, get a taste of working in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector.

In collaboration with Falkirk Council and Positive Qualities Ltd, Grangemouth,

Being part of the team For a lot of young people, the idea of taking that first step into work is daunting. A large proportion of youngsters may also lack access to guidance and direction when it comes to choosing a career. Anything that we as a business can do to help improve their experience during this time of their lives is something we fully support as an organisation.

Placements last for 26 weeks and trainees are fully integrated into our teams during this time. Our aim is to give youngsters enough time to decide where they see a future for themselves in the industry. We are able to help them identify what their skills and strengths are, what

For a lot of young people, the idea of taking that first step into work is daunting.

Anything that we as a business can do to help improve their experience during this time of their lives is something we fully support as an organisation.

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

they enjoy, and by the end of their time with us, where they could aim to be in the longer term.

Working alongside our experienced, seasoned staff is a good way of helping them learn from some of the best in the industry. They too may have started in the industry at a young age, so know how crucial this period at the beginning of a career can be.

Looking to the Future The hospitality, leisure and tourism industry is world class in Scotland, and is a viable career for a significant proportion of young people. Being part of schemes such as this is part of Macdonald Hotels’ wider objective to help young people find meaningful, skillsled opportunities to equip them with the expertise they will need in the future.

From an industry perspective, it’s also an investment in the future of the hospitality sector, ensuring we have a steady and knowledgeable workforce in due course. This programme will enable trainees to develop professional skills aimed at nurturing hospitality talent in youngsters trying to get a first foot on the employment ladder and who may have little or no experience of the world of work.

Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa is based in the heart of the central belt just off the M9 and within 30 minutes of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Macdonald Hotels & Resorts celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and operates more than 45 hotels across the UK and ten resorts in both the UK and Spain.

MEMBER NEWS

C

ommunity Jobs Scotland (CJS) will create 1,100 jobs by the end of March 2016 within third sector organisations throughout Scotland with 400 of the jobs for vulnerable young people, aged 16 to 29 with a specific focus on Early Service Leavers/veterans, carers, care experienced and young people with convictions.

We want to offer job opportunities in a wide range of sectors including creative

industries, conservation, sports, youthwork, warehousing, social care etc. with each job offering 25+ hours a week, paying at least National Minimum Wage and lasting for a minimum of six months.

Do you work with unemployed Early Service Leavers/veterans, carers, care experienced and young people with convictions who are looking to move into a job?

Are they • aged between 16 and 29 years • unemployed at least one day

• not be currently participating on the Work Programme, Community Work Placement or Work Choice Then contact Moira Cuthbertson on 0141 559 5034 or at moira.cuthbertson@scvo.org.uk Michael Hollinger on 0141 559 5014 or at michael.holinger@scvo.org.uk Interested in finding out more about CJS or how to become a CJS employer? Go online to www.scvo.org.uk/cjs

A perfect party for Perfect Service Solutions!

P

erfect Service Solutions, Stirling, marked its 10th anniversary in style this year. They celebrated at Hotel Colessio on Friday 5th February with a party for staff, clients, business mentors and industry colleagues.

Founded by Simone Hart Sibbald and her stepfather Eddie Tierney in 2006 they started the business as the global recession

hit but have survived and in fact thrived. They are enjoying their most profitable and successful year this year. Simone said: “Many employees have been with us for a long time including one engineer who started out as an apprentice nine years ago. We therefore felt it was a good time to celebrate and to mark that journey with our staff and all those who have supported us over the past ten years.”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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BUSINESS NEWS

EU REFERENDUM

T

If an in-out referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union were held tomorrow, how would you vote?

I would vote for Britain to remain a member of the European Union

I would vote for Britain to leave the European Union

I would not vote Don’t know

12.5%

13.5%

0.4%

73.5%

he European Union is an extremely valuable market for Scottish exports, worth £12.9 billion in 2013 – the most recent year for which figures are published. That makes up 46% of Scotland’s total international exports, highlighting the importance of the EU to the Scottish economy. Currently, there is a European Union Referendum Bill going through the UK Parliament. If passed, it will commit the UK to an in-out referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union by the end of 2017. With the potential impact that any change in EU membership could have to businesses in Scotland, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network carried out a business survey. This survey examined business views and attitudes towards EU reform, and the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Results from the survey show that if an in-out referendum was held tomorrow, 73.5% of respondents indicated that they would vote to remain in the EU, with that figure rising to 90.5% for large companies. Additionally, 13.5% would vote to leave, 12.5% are undecided and a balance of 0.4% would not vote. Of the 73% who would vote to remain today, half of the respondents indicated they were committed to that position, and 25% of those who would vote to leave were similarly committed.

Voting preferences being in favour of remaining a member of the EU may perhaps be attributed to the negative impact which respondents believe leaving the EU would have on their business.

More than half (50.2%) of respondents tell us that they believe a change in the UK’s status in the EU would have a negative impact on their business. Whilst only 10.4% thought such a change would result in a positive impact.

Overall, businesses in Scotland are closely engaged with the ongoing debate regarding the UK’s membership of the EU, with 72.9% of respondents following the debate through reading about it at least once every two weeks. Conversely, only 4.7% indicated that they are currently not following it. Yet, 70.4% of respondents said that they were not at all familiar or only a little familiar with the Prime Minister’s proposed renegotiation package, but with views already being formed, it is important that as much information and detail as possible is presented to business and the wider electorate.

Of the reforms that businesses believed would have the most beneficial impact on their business, the top three were:  Reducing business regulation/red tape (61.4%)  Changing the balance of power between Brussels and

member countries (43%)  Changing the way the EU budget is spent (23.1%)

by Roisin Milligan, Economic Research, Economic Development Intelligence Unit, SCC

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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MEMBER NEWS

A contentious issue that will rear its ugly head again this year; holiday pay

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

MEMBER NEWS

Is the National Living Wage a Living Nightmare for Businesses?

A

t the risk of being melodramatic, if you do not yet have a plan in place to address the effects of the imminent increase to your business’ wage bill, brought kindly to you by the National Living Wage (NLW), there’s no time to lose.

The ‘good’ news is the National Minimum Wage (NMW) we’re all familiar with is not going anywhere; the NLW is a new “premium” on top of the minimum wage. For all workers aged 25 years and over, the premium will be 50p taking the hourly rate to £7.20. The Government aims to increase the NLW to £9 per hour by 2020. While it has been widely reported that the care, hospitality and retail sectors will be the hardest hit, any business employing staff will inevitably be affected; so, what can you do to minimise the impact?

Firstly, you must ensure you are currently complying with NMW requirements, or from the get go you could fail to comply with the NLW. For those workers with a fixed place of work, working contracted hours and paid overtime for any extra hours worked, checking their average hourly rate is at least as much as the NMW simply involves dividing the number of hours worked between pay days by the amount paid for the same period. However, where a worker is paid a premium rate (for example night shift allowance) it must be discounted before the average hourly rate is calculated and compared with NMW. For those workers who work extra hours but are not paid overtime you also need to ensure that their average hourly rate is at least the NMW by taking into account all hours worked. Time spent travelling during the working day is counted in NMW calculations as is any time spent at work-related functions.

The next step is to ensure you are calculating holiday pay correctly as this too will have an impact on your staffing budget. A contentious issue that will rear its ugly head again this year, holiday pay is worthy of an article (or two) in its own

right but, for the sake of brevity, workers who receive regular amounts of overtime may be entitled to have this included in the calculation of their holiday pay. If in doubt, seek advice.

Finally, although this may sound obvious, you should then make a list of all workers who are eligible for NLW together with their current rate of pay. Consider how pay rates will differ between first line managers and their direct reports, and whether steps should be taken to maintain differentials or remove them. Does this cause any problems higher up the organisational structure? Armed with this information you will now know the true extra cost of NLW to your business; will your business be able to meet its wage bill or will cost cutting be necessary?

I haven’t met a business owner yet who wants to either change terms and conditions of employment to, say, remove staff benefits or reduce working hours or make redundancies in order to balance the books but, sadly, for many businesses they are legitimate – and difficult – decisions that must be taken when closing its doors is the only other viable option. If you feel that you are in this position please seek advice on how to implement these measures correctly to avoid costly employment tribunal claims. Do not be tempted to build a workforce of under 25’s. The cost of employing those who qualify for NLW alone is very unlikely to amount to what would be deemed justifiable for either selecting workers for redundancy or refusing employment in terms of age discrimination.

Non payment of the NLW not only attracts hefty financial penalties and disqualification as a director for up to 15 years, it is potentially a criminal offence. Do not be caught out. Plan for it now.

Donna Reynolds, Partner CCW Business Lawyers Limited

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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MEMBER NEWS

Local business meets billionaire philanthropist in a rare opportunity to receive insight and feedback

H

IJOBS meets Dr. Ann Gloag to discuss further ways to help those in rural communities find employment

Chamber Member receives New Year Honours

M

anaging Director of Bellair (Scotland) Ltd, Alistair Campbell, has been honoured with an OBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list for “services to the Economy and Town Centre Regeneration”. Returning to work after a New Year holiday Alistair says he’s still in shock, but is also keen to express his gratitude to others for the recognition:

Local business HIJOBS, an online portal to help jobseekers find employment in rural communities was recently invited to meet with well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Ann Gloag.

The meeting which took place in the Entrepreneurial Spark Office in Edinburgh was an opportunity to have a very frank discussion with one of Scotland’s most wealthy woman. Dr. Ann Gloag who helped build the Stagecoach Group from humble beginnings into one of the world’s largest providers of transport services was very impressed by what the team at HIJOBS have been doing.

For the local economy to prosper, it is important that we are able to retain and attract as much talent as possible into the Scotland Highlands. Dr. Gloag, who is also an Edinburgh Napier University honorary graduate, said: “HIJOBS is an excellent example of a local business developing innovative ways in which to attract talent to a beautiful part of the world.”

Spanning rural locations in Scotland, in particular in the Highlands and Islands, HIJOBS connects candidates with employers

“Of course there is no way that I could have achieved such an accolade without the support and help of close family, many friends and vitally, the many business colleagues who have helped me realise what I have achieved over the years – I regard this as very much a team award.

Business for me is about making a difference – I’m looking forward to an exciting 2016 and hopefully the recognition this award brings will allow Bellair to make even more of a difference!”

Falkirk Business Hub provides serviced offices, an innovative coworking space, and boasts a coffee shop and award winning wellness centre among its facilities.

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

and enables them to stay in more secluded locations without sacrificing career potential.

HIJOBS Technical Director Christopher Snelgrove said “Meeting Dr. Ann Gloag really has been one of the highlights of my business career so far. When we described what HIJOBS has set out to do she immediately understood the pain points of employment we’re addressing in rural Scotland and gave us real plaudits on our idea and progress. It was humbling to get that endorsement from someone with her acumen and success, but I was especially grateful for her valuable insights she gave us that we’ re going to put in place that will undoubtedly strengthen and grow our business. She is an inspirational character and one whose success I hope to emulate!”

When asked about Entrepreneurial Spark and her meeting with HIJOBS, Dr Ann Gloag commented “It is exactly the sort of initiative that I’m proud to be able to support and I very much enjoy passing on whatever advice and encouragement I can to some of Scotland’s next generation of entrepreneurs and wealth creators.”

HIJOBS have a database of over 650 employers who regularly post job vacancies and we encourage anyone searching for a job or considering a move to a more rural location to see what great opportunities are on offer at https://hijobs.net/

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CHAMBER NEWS

Do you have an (e) book in you?

E

ver thought about writing a book? Do you have a story to tell? A gripping page turner? Or perhaps you feel that your expertise deserves a wider audience?

Years ago producing a book was a major undertaking.

You either had to find a suitable publisher or invest heavily yourself. Now with digital technology, the publication of a book is open to all. Here four local businesses share their views.

Martin Robertson author of “Your 60 minute business transformation” “Prior to writing the book I had been looking for a way to stand out from other accountants. I learned that for £2000 you could subcontract the actual writing. Not wanting to pay this, I got up at 5:00 am one morning and just started writing my business story!”

After a couple of false starts Palimpsest in Falkirk typeset the book ready for printing. Forth Valley Chamber also gave Martin advice re uploading to Kindle.

“The book has been a successful marketing tool. It opens doors for us and when introducing myself I can say that I am a 5* amazon rated author.”

Martin’s tip.“Set yourself a target of writing 200 words a day, five days a week, and you will be there before you know it.”

Emma Thomson and Sonya Murray authors of “Managing work and pregnancy successfully” With their joint experiences in midwifery and HR, Emma and Sonya have been delivering training and advice for 10 years to help pregnant women and their employers. Emma said “We have based the book on our own experiences of becoming mothers and balancing work and home life during our pregnancies.”

Emma and Sonya are excited about the possibilities. The e-book provides a great marketing opportunity and will allow them to spread their message both in the UK and internationally.

Emma and Sonya’s tip: “Find a collaborative partner to bounce ideas off.”

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

Dr Mike Bell author of eight books including Data Quackery Mike’s business is teaching, coaching and facilitating continuous improvement.

“The impetus to start writing books was to improve the training materials that I use as the foundation of my business. My idea was to produce training workbooks and guides that would be easy to learn from.”

Mike started down the road of using Word. However because of the number of diagrams, Mike quickly realised he needed a more powerful software tool and taught himself Adobe InDesign.

His latest book, Data Quackery, has just gone to the printers and will shortly also be on Kindle.

Mike’s tip: “Just follow a process. I have a daily routine when I am writing, where I stick to the same times each day. And when I find that I cannot write, I read.”

The expectations of readers have also changed. The 21st century reader is different to the 20th century reader. Digital Publishing News reported recently: “In today’s world of infinite distractions, you need to capture the reader’s attention within the first 50 pages. 100-page rambling introductions will turn off 21st century readers. Get them hooked and get them hooked fast.”

Chamber member Paul Henke is only too well aware of this. Author of the Tears Saga, Paul commented “My 14th novel was launched last year. Readers give me lots of feedback. They want to be gripped and intrigued from the beginning, particularly important with thrillers.”

Paul’s tip for fiction writers: “Don’t overthink the plot. Let the story flow and your characters come alive. Sometimes my characters surprise me and the book can end up going down a different path to the one I’d intended.“

The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2016 is an indispensable guide. Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce can also provide signposting in the production of an e-book.

So how about getting that book out of your head and onto paper…

Forth Valley Business Workshops Forth Valley Business Workshops

Business Gateway Forth Valley offer a variety of business workshops across the region.

Visit our website for further infomation and details of how to register. Our workshops include: Business Gateway Forth Valley offer a variety of business workshops across the region.

VisitWorkshops our website for further infomation and details of how to register. Our workshops Alloa include: 6th April (0930 to 1230) - Twitter for Business

Started up in business and wondering what is next?

26th April (0930 to 1230) - LinkedIn for Business Alloa Workshops Falkirk 6th April (0930 to 1230) - Twitter for Business 26th April (0930 1230)- -Improve LinkedInyour for Business 21st April (1330 toto1630) Search Engine Ranking Falkirk May 5th (0930 - 1230) – Negotiating Skills From 1-1 adviser support through toMedia free workshops to build your business skills, June Social 21st 23rd April(1330 (1330 to to 1630) 1630) -–Improve your Search Engine Ranking Business Gateway can help you take it further.

May 5th (0930 - 1230) – Negotiating Skills Stirling June 23rd (1330 1630)– Bookkeeping – Social Media May 11th (0930 toto 1230) So whatever your business or idea is, why not get in touch and see how our fully June 7th (0930 to 1230) - Marketing your Business Stirling funded services can help you take that next step.

June 1230) – - Advertising May14th 11th (0930 (0930 to 1230) Bookkeepingand Promotion June not 7th find (0930 to more?

1230) -Call Marketing Business So why out now onyour 01324 808266 June 14th (0930 to 1230) Advertising and Promotion or visit www.bgateway.com/forth-valley

Business Gateway has the support and expertise to help.

www.bgateway.com/forthvalley www.bgateway.com/forthvalley

Business Advice • Networking • Events • Routes to Finance • HR • Sales & Marketing

MEMBER NEWS

SHORT TERM Conduct a quick review (don’t take too long over it) both internally and with customers that examines what you currently do. Make that review continuous.

Consider:

The

Core Conditions for

Growth

• Stopping doing those things that are no longer giving customers what they want or are no longer delivering profit at the optimum level to your business. Ask “would we be doing this if we were starting the business today?”

• With the capacity that exercise frees up, do more of the things that are working for your customers and bringing in a return on investment.

• Examining your asset base and existing contracts and looking for ways to release additional cash into the business. Only use that cash for projects that offer a good chance of payback.

• Check direct debits and other outgoings – are they all now necessary?

• Credit check your own business and remove any charges that are no longer relevant. They may be hampering your ability to finance the business.

Would you invest in you?

MEDIUM TERM • Take what you do well into new markets and sectors.

• If you already export, consider growing your export base.

• If you don’t (yet) export, consider finding out how to get started. Get in touch with Scotland Development International. Many organisations, including financial institutions, run visits to emerging economies.

• Consider if your product or service would work in the rapidly emerging markets in the Pacific Rim and South America. Growth in Europe and the USA is likely to be slower in the medium term than in some of the rising economies.

LONG TERM From the base that the short and medium term changes will generate, consider growing further by:

C

ongratulations! Chances are if you are reading this article then you have successfully established a business.

If this is the case, then the next question on your lips is ‘how do I grow my business’.

This is a key question to pose – and one that I have heard from many business leaders poised to reach new customers.

So here is the challenge. How do we put in place the right conditions to grow?

You may think that you’ve made all the adjustments you can or need to make already. It is more than likely that, if you examine your business, there is scope for more. Here are a few ideas for the short, medium and longer term. I hope they help.

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• Extending your product or service into new applications, sectors and markets.

• Adding new products that extend your offer into your existing customer base. Find new suppliers or create them in house.

• Disrupting your market by delivering better, at lower cost or with more convenience than your competitors. Real market changes involve a move to a new level of service. Take time out to consider your game changers.

Finally, some tips on how you can differentiate your business from the competition: • Scrupulous attention to the smallest of details. Aim for a superior image to that of your competitors.

• Committed and motivated staff. At all levels. At all times.

• Research. Capture your customer experience from what they love to what they don’t and tailor your product accordingly.

• If you are charging a premium price – how do you earn it? There is nothing worse, as a customer, than to receive a commodity service for a premium price.

Justin Grace runs the Academy for Chief Executives Scotland, a peer to peer experiential learning organisation with the sole purpose of creating a world of successful business leaders.

CHAMBER NEWS

Latest Results Q4 2015 Overall

Concerns

Over the fourth quarter of 2015, there was a mixed performance throughout Scotland’s key business sectors.

Overall, the net % balance of business optimism was lower in Q4 for the majority of sectors in comparison to the same quarter in 2014.

The Construction and Manufacturing sectors reported strong results indicating continued growth following positive results in Q3 2015.

Low levels of optimism may be due to a significant number of firms citing concerns regarding the impact that the Living Wage, low oil prices and business rates will have on their business.

Both Retail & Wholesale and Tourism industries, overall, had considerably poorer results in Q4 2015 compared to the same quarter last year.

Not only has the performance of oil & gas service businesses dampened results in the Financial & Business Services sector, but the continued decline in global oil prices now looks to be extended beyond those businesses operating directly in the sector.

Results indicated a further contraction within the Financial & Businesses Services sector.

About Quarterly Economic Indicator: The Quarterly Economic Indicator is produced by Scottish Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with the Fraser of Allander Institute of the University of Strathclyde. 477 firms took part in the latest Quarterly Economic Indicator and results are reported as the “net % balance”, the % of firms reporting an increase minus the % of firms reporting a decrease.

About Us: Scottish Chambers of Commerce is an international Network of Scottish businesses: the most influential and connected, with over 11,000 member businesses across a national Chamber Network. Our unparalleled contribution is strengthened by our responsive business insight and economic intelligence and our unrivalled local knowledge and business to business connections, making us Scotland’s most powerful business Network. www.scottischchambers.org.uk

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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CHAMBER NEWS

Innovation in Fundraising New ways to tackle an age-old challenge…

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CHAMBER NEWS

W

here do you look for investment in your organisation? If traditional funding routes are inaccessible or inappropriate for a project, how many alternatives do you have up your sleeve? For those of us working in smaller organisations with limited resources, how do we balance the desire for innovative, flexible new approaches to funding our work with the pressing need to just get on with the job in hand? How can we find time to think up new and ever more engaging initiatives to connect potential supporters with our idea? And where do we look for our inspiration?

Earlier this year I was delighted to be offered the chance to explore some of these issues, as part of a Creative Scotland-funded research project entitled ‘Innovation in Fundraising’. In researching this topic, I’ve met and shared ideas with individuals and organisations from the arts, youth work, churches, small business, behavioural science and entrepreneurship.

Whilst each sub-sector faces specific context and considerations around their fundraising activity, I have been struck by the applicability of lessons from each area to the others, along with a general lack of sharing of learning between sectors. There is much to be said for looking beyond immediately comparable organisations for inspiration about new ways of raising funds and developing our financial sustainability.

In both the business and charity sector there’s a sharp divide between the funding challenges facing small and fledgling organisations and the relative opportunities enjoyed by better known or more well-established groups. Whilst some companies have the resources and profile to make a real splash with their product launches, crowdfunding appeals or search for investment, their approaches aren’t always applicable to the realities of raising funds within smaller, less well-resourced businesses. Charities

face exactly the same sorts of issues, where there’s been a tendency to showcase the fundraising innovations of brand name charities in the hope their approaches ‘trickle down’ to the rest of us. On the contrary however, sole fundraisers in small charities frequently have the freedom and opportunity to champion brilliant new approaches, but their successes often remain under the radar, their learning invisible to the sector as a whole.

As an alternative to this received wisdom, could we smaller organisations across all sectors learn from one-another, and collectively showcase the distinctive successes of those of us who work with tighter budgets and more limited resources?

And could our learning be transferrable between sectors, enabling churches to learn from small businesses, entrepreneurs from arts centres, and youth work charities from social enterprise.

Collectively, could our innovations offer a more realistic, replicable model of fundraising success? Working together, could we combine our experiments, our ideas and our trials-and-errors to collectively progress more quickly than any of us could hope to individually?

These are the issues I hope to explore over the coming year.

But the theory only works if you (yes, you!) join me in sharing your stories, your triumphs and (just as importantly) your great ideas that just didn’t quite work out.

What’s been the most effective thing you’ve done to really engage potential investors and champions with your cause? Have you trialled something new to reach a group of supporters who weren’t previously engaged? Or have you come across a funding approach used in one sector that has unexplored potential benefits to another sector?

With your input, this project could be genuinely exciting for us all, and help widen the range of voices and experiences we get to hear about as our fundraising inspiration. Please do drop me an email to share your stories, and let’s collectively tell our stories of funding innovation, experimentation and creativity.

Could our learning be transferrable between sectors, enabling churches to learn from small businesses, entrepreneurs from arts centres, and youth work charities from social enterprise.

Kathryn Welch, Development Manager.

Kathryn can be reached via Kathryn.welch@macrobertartscentre.org

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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CHAMBER NEWS

Local businesses make the Finals of the Forth Valley Chamber

Business Awards

B

usiness owners across the Forth Valley are dusting off their dinner jackets and evening gowns to attend the 3rd Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, which will take place on March 24th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro.

Shortlisting the finalists in each category proved to be a headache for the judges, with so many great entries coming in from businesses large and small across Central Scotland. The successful finalists who will battle it out for the winner’s trophies are:

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CHAMBER NEWS

Best Start-Up Business

(sponsored by Stirling Council) WM Solutions Poporopo 15PL Ltd

Best Micro Business

(sponsored by Campbells Prime Meats) The Lead Generation Company Angels’ Share Glass Rooftec (Scotland) Ltd

Best Small Business (Sponsored by STEP)

Perfect Service Solutions Tilly Confectionery Ltd Ecosse Holdings

Best Large Business

(Sponsored by Cloud Cover I.T) Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa Omega Diagnostics Group Plc Camphill Blairdrummond

Best Family Business

(sponsored by Family Business Solutions) Ecosse Holdings Ltd 3 Sisters Bake GMS (Recordings) Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service SV24-7 Vending Bespoke Catering Rooftec (Scotland) Ltd

Most Innovative Product or Service (sponsored by University of Stirling) InnPac Ltd Angels’ Share Glass Talking Mats Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year

(Sponsored by DOGFI.SH Mobile) Stuart Rennie of SJ Rennie Consulting Ltd Simone Sibbald of Perfect Service Solutions Steven Smith of The Lead Generation Company

Charity of the Year

Falkirk District Association of Mental Health Camphill Blairdrummond Trossachs Search and Rescue Team

The awards evening promises to be a spectacular evening with keynote speaker Gregor Lawson from Morphsuits telling his tale from start-up to multi-million pound company, trading in 17 countries, plus the chance to win a super stretchy Morph suit on the night. Find out more about Morphsuits at www.morphsuits.co.uk.

There will also be a guest appearance from Colin Cloud, the Deductionist and forensic mind reader, fresh from smashing box office records in the West End with his show The Illusionists.

The menu for the evening has been created by Michelin starred chef Nick Nairn who will be attending on the evening. Chamber CEO Michelle McKearnon commented, “We have been delighted by the response from businesses across the Forth Valley area and the high standard of entry is reflected in the shortlisted finalists. It is going to be very difficult for the judges to pick an overall winner in each category but we are looking forward to celebrating the success of all of our finalists on March 24th.”

Michelle added, “This event couldn’t go ahead without the support and generosity of our sponsors, who give both time and money to support the event. As well as our category sponsors who have been helping with the judging and who will be announcing the winners on the night, we are grateful to We are the Future who are our partners on the night, and SV24-7 Vending who are sponsoring Colin Cloud’s appearance. Our thanks to them all.”

We are also pleased to announce The Stirling Observer as our media sponsor.

You can find out more about our sponsors overleaf

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CHAMBER NEWS

STEP

Whatever your business needs, we’re here to help!

Whether you are an entrepreneur, business-leader, an employee or individual, STEP provides quality business support services and expertise to help you get started, grow and find success. Our services are delivered by passionate professionals determined to help businesses thrive and include business advice, commercial property, training, venue hire facilities, HR management services as well as a state of the art technology centre.

DOGFI.sh Mobile Ltd

We feel it’s really important to be involved in the Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards because not only does the event celebrate and showcase the fantastic achievements of our local businesses, it also reinforces the valuable work the Chamber does in connecting business and people, and sharing expertise and knowledge. We are particularly pleased to be judging the Entrepreneur of the Year category; over recent years entrepreneurs have made a huge and disproportionately positively impact on our economy. People who start their own businesses do so for many reasons, eg to make money, have freedom, pursue a dream, achieve great things etc, but what they do is create businesses that provide inspiration and employment in our local area. We think this deserves to be celebrated.

Family Business Solutions Ltd

FBS is the only consultancy firm in Scotland that specialises exclusively in working with family businesses, and in particular those businesses that have progressed beyond the first generation. Often when growing family enterprises have progressed into the second generation, the informal structures and procedures and ways of communicating that worked for the smaller, owner managed business tend to break down – often to the detriment of both the family and the business. The successful families are the ones that recognise this and get help to get organised. Having been at the forefront of learning and research into Family Businesses since the early 90s, the vast depth of knowledge and skills acquired by FBS has been used very successfully to provide practical help and guidance to family businesses of all sizes over the past 20 years. To understand more about how input from FBS can help your business, we are happy to spend half a day with you and provide you with a written report free of charge.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Campbells Prime Meat Ltd

Campbells has been a family run business for over 100 years and is renowned for supplying an extensive range of fresh meat, fresh fish and delicatessen products to the catering and hospitality industry.

The first Campbells’ butcher shop was opened in Edinburgh in 1910 by the current managing director’s great grandfather, Thomas Campbell, with a vision to supply the best quality fresh produce. The present company was founded by Edward Campbell in 1972 and over the years Campbells has continued the legacy of Thomas and has matured the business into the largest, most flexible, approachable and affordable catering supplier in Scotland. Campbells has had entrepreneurial spirit within the family since its early beginnings and through every generation. They recognise that it is a big step to work for yourself and are keen to encourage entrepreneurs to take this important step in starting up a new business.

Stirling University

Stirling Council

Among the key priorities which have underpinned everything Stirling Council has done since the last local elections in 2012, are commitments to streamline business support under the leadership of the business community and to pursue a diverse high wage economy that delivers local jobs. Partnership working underpins much of what the Council is about, and that includes working with our diverse and vibrant business community. Stirling has an ambitious vision to expand its economy, maximising its natural assets and investing for the future to secure advantage from emerging global opportunities and the Council is currently engaged in a wide-ranging programme of activity to enhance opportunities for business across the area.

Measures include the development of a new over-arching Economic Strategy, and the launch of the Stirling Business Investment Fund which provides loans for projects aimed at improving competitive advantage and aiding with development and growth. This includes projects leading to the creation of new, high-value employment.

Cloud Cover I.T Universities are all about ideas. At the University of Stirling our research is focused on discovering innovative solutions to complex economic and social challenges while our programmes of learning equip our students to be enterprising and think creatively. As Innovation and Entrepreneurship is at the heart of what we do, we are delighted to sponsor the Most Innovative Product or Service Award. Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards celebrate the success, ingenuity and vibrancy of our local community and the University of Stirling reflects those values.

Stirling Observer

Cloud Cover’s team of Microsoft experts will help you with your infrastructure and cloud based requirements. Our specialist knowledge will help migrate your business from an Exchange email and server based data setup to a fully cloud integrated 365 and Azure solution. We have over 20 years of experience in terrestrial and now Cloud based environments. Our team works to implement and support IT networks for businesses world-wide. As business specialists, we understand that businesses want systems that are simple, reliable and secure, so we work closely with clients to design and install computer systems which cover all their requirements and which are able to grow and adapt with the business. We are delighted to support the Forth Valley Chamber Business Awards and look forward to celebrating success with all the finalists.

Proud to support the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Is Central Scotland a Centre for Innovation If not, can we make it one?

B

oth the Chamber of Commerce and Performance Through People International are based at the Stirling University Innovation Park at Stirling University. This is the year of “Innovation and Design” as designated by the Scottish Government.

Scotland and its universities have a history of invention and innovation which extends far and wide. This reputation extends far beyond Scotland.

Speaking at an event in Abu Dhabi in 2015, Ricky Kujawa, President of PTPI talked of the past 24 hours in the lives of those attending the event on innovation. He pointed out the many Scottish based products or services they had used during that time in the fields of engineering, electronics, medicine and posed the question: “How come that a Small, Northern European country of 5M People has been responsible for so many developments which have made their mark in all of our lives?”

So what do Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, Dubai, Kuwait and South Africa amongst others look to us for? Scotland has commanded attention in the run up to and since the referendum. Our political system is admired as are our educational standards. But what of Innovation, you may well ask?

The Scottish Government has designated 2016 as the year of Innovation and Design. Together with Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, The University of Stirling and Stirling University Innovation Park, Performance Through People International has arranged a series of events on Stirling University Campus where we will discuss Innovation, Funding Innovation and Co-Creation. A further event supported by these organisations and Refresh Seminars has already taken place at the University looking at “Alternative Business Models and Innovation”.

An open event to discuss the Formation of an Impact Hub in Stirling to serve the needs of business, the 3rd Sector, communities and councils will be held at Scion House, SUIP. We are particularly keen to have representatives from the University, Students, and Members of the Chamber, 3rd Sector Organisations, and Community groups and of course politicians from Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan Councils. Impact Hubs are growing quickly throughout the world with 74 in place, 11 pending (including ours) in 82 Countries involving 11,000 people. These events can be found on Eventbrite. Why not come along and help create what might be the start of a second enlightenment? See how this might impact you, find sources of support, find alternative business models and perhaps over the period of the talks a way to make a difference. That is our aim!

There will be events taking place during March and later in the year. Entry fees are designed to cover the cost of lunch. Other costs are being met by the organisers. Let’s get together and create a thriving hub of Innovation within the Stirling and Forth Valley area through Co-Creation involving business, education, councils, social enterprises and groups.

Are we on the edge of a second enlightenment where we challenge existing approaches to the relationship between people, education and capital?

From Adam Smith, through Stephenson, Watt, Macadam, Baird, Fleming and others, Scotland has punched above its weight on the international stage. Many consider that these stemmed from the “Scottish Enlightenment” where a confluence of Capital, Ideas and an expanding Educational System provided the backdrop which enabled Scots to take risks, persevere and be successful at home and abroad.

Are we on the edge of a second enlightenment where we challenge existing approaches to the relationship between people, education and capital? Scotland leads the world in many areas of what is called “Social Enterprise” and our Educational Establishments are attracting increasing numbers of students from overseas. These are attracted by our ability to challenge existing norms whilst also equipping students to meet the demands of the modern workplace. Ricky Kujawa reports that, on a recent visit to Vietnam, universities there were astounded at the performance of the University of Stirling which finds 94% of its graduates in work or continuing education within 1 year of Graduation. One University there was able to boast that 50% of their graduates were in that position.

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Ricky Kujawa President Performance Though People International Rickykujawa@ptpi.org.uk

MEMBER NEWS

Former Fusilier marches ahead with Leemic

A

fter serving five successful and enjoyable years with the British Army, former Fusilier Paul Storrie has swapped his marching boots for shiny work shoes as he joins leading local photocopier supplier Leemic.

Paul, 21, joined Leemic in December, and has already made a strong impact with the firm in his new sales job in ‘civvie street’.

Director for Leemic Scotland, Sandy Muir said, “We were immediately drawn to Paul when he applied for a job with us as we recognised the strengths that his military background could bring. We haven’t been disappointed. Paul has a great work ethic, is very keen to learn and adapt to the challenges of the job, and always gives 100% to any task laid before him.

“Within Leemic, we have a strong belief that honesty, integrity and reliability should underpin everything we do from the initial sales call, right through to the ongoing service provided to new and established clients. We knew these qualities mirror those taught in the military and we knew that Paul would be a great fit within the Leemic set-up.”

Paul, who served with the Royal Highland Fusiliers forming the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, is relishing the new opportunities that his new job with Leemic has provided.

Paul said, “I was just a typical 16 year old when I joined the army back in 2010. Like most teenagers, I didn’t have particularly strong morals and was focused on myself. However, the army taught me the importance of having strong moral values and respect for others. I learned the importance of teamwork and how important it was to put other people before yourself.

“The army’s slogan at the time was “Be the Best”. I’d say that I definitely learned how to improve who I was as a person and be the best I could be. My goal now is to continue to try to be the best I can by learning and working with Leemic, and to help Sandy and the team build and grow the business in Scotland.

“I’ve already learned a lot from the people here as I’ve been shadowing at meetings and building up an in depth knowledge of the product range. Leemic is a supplier of Sharp and Samsung products and both brands and Leemic have a policy that you must have a complete understanding of the product range before you can start promoting

them. I’ve been busy with the Sharp Academy which teaches, monitors, tracks and reports your progress. It’s like being back at school but I’m enjoying the challenge.”

Finally, Sandy Muir added, “We’d encourage other local businesses to consider employing ex-forces personnel. Paul is off to a great start with us and it is clear that his military training has produced a wellrounded, hard-working individual who is a real asset to Leemic.”

Michelle McKearnon, Chief Executive of Forth Valley Chamber said, “It is great to hear such a positive story of a civvy business being able to utilise the talent of ex-forces personnel. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, our SVETS programme delivers support to employers wishing to recruit ex-forces staff, or willing to offer even a few weeks work placement to serving personnel as part of their resettlement process. Please contact us on SVETS@forthvalleychamber.co.uk for more information on how we can help.”

Leemic, based in Grangemouth, supplies multi-function printers and copiers, as well as document imaging solutions to businesses and organisations throughout the central belt of Scotland. A second office in Stockport supplies businesses in England. Leemic were finalists in the 2015 Forth Valley Chamber awards for excellence in customer service.

It is clear that his military training has produced a well-rounded, hard-working individual who is a real asset to Leemic

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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BUSINESS NEWS

EX-MILITARY PERSONNEL SKILLS

14,000

Every year over 14,000 skilled and experienced individuals leave the Armed Forces The Armed Forces equips its employees with a vast range of skills applicable to many industry sectors, and ex-military personnel have the qualifications and experience to fit into many key vocations and roles.

If you’re looking for skilled and experienced personnel in Engineering, Logistics, HR, Project Management, Accounts, Administration or general management roles, the CTP talent pool are likely to have candidates with the skills associated with those roles.

As well as their highly sought after vocational skills, ex-military personnel also possess a wide range of transferrable soft skills.

ACCELERATED LEARNING CURVE

LEADERSHIP

INTEGRITY AND LOYALTY

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

TEAMWORK

EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE AND FLEXIBILITY

PROBLEM SOLVING

SELF MOTIVATION

HEALTH AND SAFETY SAVVY

TECHNOLOGY AND GLOBALISATION

Service leavers go into a range of industry sectors and jobs such as:

ENGINEERING

HR

PUBLIC SECTOR

TELECOMS

OIL & GAS

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£

FINANCE

CONSTRUCTION

EMERGENCY PROJECT SERVICES MANAGEMENT

GENERAL MANAGEMENT ROLES

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

Through CTP employers can access our on-line job matching service – RightJob – which enables their vacancies to be accessed by suitable ex-military candidates quickly and effectively – there is no cost to this service as the CTP is the official provider of Resettlement to the MOD.

The CTP has a UK-wide Employment Team, along with a Key Accounts team who can provide a personalised service based on your recruitment needs and promote your organisation to our client base of over 10,000 active candidates.

We can advertise your vacancies on our dedicated ex-military job site, arrange company presentations, employment fairs, open days and even facilitate interviews and assessments.

For further information please visit

www.ctp.org.uk

BUSINESS NEWS

Veterans deploying broadband Ex-forces engineers delivering Digital Scotland

E

x-Armed Forces personnel who are now serving their country by helping to build Scotland’s high-speed digital network were today saluted by Veterans Minister Keith Brown.

He met engineers delivering part of the £410 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme after leaving the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The engineers are just some of the 2,000 plus ex-military personal recruited by BT across the UK in the last five years – more than one hundred of them have been in Scotland.

The Cabinet Secretary joined engineers at the Dollar exchange and heard about their transition from the services to civilian life and the skills they bring to delivering superfast broadband across Scotland.

Mr Brown, said: “The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband network has now reached more than half a million Scottish premises and it wouldn’t be happening without the army of engineers who are delivering this rollout on the ground – and in Scotland, that means some very challenging terrain indeed.

“The ex- Armed Forces engineers I met today – who have served in places from Northern Ireland and the Falklands to Afghanistan and Sierra Leone – are involved in a variety of roles, from helping to plan and build infrastructure to installing connections for people who’ve decided to upgrade to the new, faster speeds.

“It can sometimes be difficult for veterans when they adapt to life outside the armed forces to find fulfilling, high-quality careers. BT has successfully recruited more than 100 engineers from this background in Scotland in recent times, and I’m proud that the Scottish Government is able to support this employment through the Digital Scotland rollout.”

One of the engineers Mr Brown met was Duncan Ford, 34, from Leith in Edinburgh who spent five years working on board nuclear submarines in the Royal Navy.

He’d spend months at sea, all over the world, looking after sonar systems and helping his submarine navigate international waters. He said: “I’m enjoying being out and about around Scotland, meeting colleagues and customers, every day is different. The ability to problem solve quickly in a submarine deep underwater is critical and I’m using some of those skills to help me find solutions to engineering challenges back on dry land.

“More recently, I’ve had a development opportunity working in our control room in Glasgow where I managed the jobs for around 25 engineers in the Manchester area. I’m hoping to put some faces to names one day and meet some of them in person.

“I’d recommend it as a career move; you get to be your own boss most of the time and work flexibly. There’s lots of future career options available and I’m always learning new skills.”

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, who has worked with the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association on a voluntary basis since 2004, said: “We have many long-standing connections with the military and we’re proud to support the transition of veterans into our workforce. We gain highly-skilled, motivated and disciplined personnel used to working in diverse and challenging environments, who leave the Armed Forces with a secure career path into the private sector.

“Our recruits tell us there are many similarities between Openreach and the military, with people working as a team, great variety in the job day to day, career development and progression opportunities – and daily banter!”

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

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BUSINESS NEWS

From employed to self-employed the journey so far…

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

W

ith the current skill shortages in the Scottish economy, there is a lot of work being done by Chambers and other organisations around transferable skills. What does it take to transfer from one career to another, or even more challenging, from employment in the corporate or public sector world to self-employment in the private sector! We interviewed one person who has recently made that leap of faith – Fiona Henderson of Findlays’ Coffee Shop in Falkirk.

BUSINESS NEWS

Gone is the corporate dynamo of blame culture, illogical change and fears of unrealistic demands.

The only demands now are the ones I set.

Why start a business in hospitality?

My main focus was that I have always been passionate about food and the social experience of food as a whole, rather than the functionality of it. I have through my career always worked around people, and could not see myself taking any step to change my career into an industry that was not interactive with people on a constant basis.

In my most recent role as a Manager in the care sector I had the responsibility for all aspects of the business. I viewed the Care Home as a large hotel which delivered also on a clinical level. One element which particularly concerned me was the operational side of the catering, and the deficit in nutritional content of the menus. I enjoyed this challenge and it prompted me in a subtle way to consider running my own business in hospitality.

I was also increasingly disheartened with the corporate world and I did need something which made me feel good.

I have acquaintances in the hospitality sector and I was under no illusion that the journey would be hard, however I was in need of a new challenge, and where better to start than with yourself?

Have you had much assistance to get this business off the ground?

There were many points of support from the first idea, all the way through to opening. From my point of view it seemed to be all about connections and my husband was very well acquainted with support networks and business through his role, so that was a big help. I had no connections in this area, as I had worked in an entirely different region and sector.

If I had to attempt to start up a business from scratch on my own, I believe I would have had to spend considerably more time in the researching of where to find support.

Fortunately the premises of Findlays is ideally situated in a Business Hub, and I have had considerable support from the Management of the Hub and their business connections.

From a financial aspect of support we ultimately opened Findlays without any support, as there did not seem to be an available line of support at that time.

What are the main differences between working as an employee and having your own business?

I think that depends on the individual and how they see themselves.

For me I have always worked delivering over and above the required.

The sector I have worked within has always been the public sector, so therefore there was always the requirement to meet certain criteria.

I never really looked at my role having an impact on business; I was always just doing my job. It was only in recent years in the private sector it became clear that my work method was ultimately making large companies money. It was then that the realisation dawned could I be more fulfilled by running my own company and doing it for me?

Now, my work method still remains the same, but ultimately I have more control. This control gives balance, stability and changes when required in an effective manner. Gone is the corporate dynamo of blame culture, illogical change and fears of unrealistic demands.

The only demands now are the ones I set.

Have you found that the skills you developed in the Care industry have been transferrable to running Findlays?

Findlays would not be as successful without the skills I have gained through a long career in nursing. I would absolutely say that to create a business certain skills are required; I have developed experience in a host of key daily life skills enabling me to have the ability to read people, communicate effectively and understand people. This is essential for the hospitality sector and the delivery of excellence in service as people are my customers. The skills I have drive my confidence in what I do. I converted failing care homes into successful businesses and these skills apply to any business.

What are the challenges you have had to overcome?

The main one for me is the unpredictability of custom and therefore workload. Previously I always knew what I had to deal with daily, now I have to be ready for anything.

What has been the highlight of your first year?

Walking down the street and seeing the branding in the windows, and thinking this is mine!

What does the future hold for Findlays?

To continue to grow at a steady pace, the future of Findlays is in my hands ‌ watch this space.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

31

BUSINESS NEWS

P

redictions are that by 2025, 7.2 million households will be renting – almost 1 in 4 of the UK total. If this is indeed the case, there will be more people renting privately than owning with a mortgage. As such, the Private Rented Sector is set to keep growing over 2016.

With increased growth, comes increased regulation, and landlords have certainly felt the force of this over the last couple of years. The penalties for non-compliance range from hefty fines, to loss of rent and criminal proceedings being brought against landlords.

It is therefore essential that you are ticking all of the regulatory boxes, or that you have a reputable letting agent dealing with this for you.

Regulations include Energy Performance Certificates; Landlord Registration; Landlord Gas Safety Certificates; Electrical Installation Condition Reports; Portable Appliance Testing; Smoke and Heat Alarm installation; Legionella Risk Assessments; House in Multiple Occupation licenses if applicable. There are also requirements to meet the Repairing Standard.

There are further challenges ahead for landlords and investors with the introduction of the 3% Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT); the buy to let tax changes; and the end of the 10% wear

32

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

and tear allowances. There are also the proposed changes to the way tenancies are run with the new Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill.

This is certainly not a time when landlords can stick their heads in the sand and hope that everything will be OK. For now, being a landlord is all about planning and strategy. There are ways around the tax changes for savvy forward thinking landlords which will allow them to profitably grow their portfolios in coming years.

Those with no mortgages or small mortgages will be unaffected by the tax changes and so will continue to generate income, whilst those with larger mortgages can set up a company through which to run their buy to let portfolio. This should enable mortgage interest to be offset against income. Investment focus may switch to higher yield investment types, such as cheaper properties in less affluent parts of towns.

The Private Rented Sector remains a powerful asset class for investors - rents are at an all-time high, voids are at an all-time low, and with some careful strategic planning landlords will be able to reap the rewards from their investment. Speak to the experts and plan ahead – The Key Place are qualified and very happy to advise.

Linda Bendle, The Key Place.

CHAMBER NEWS

Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

We are often asked the question above, usually coupled with “Can I afford to be a member?”

To answer the first question, we are here to do three key things: • Grow Your Business • Support Your Business • Represent Your Business and all of these will help you to either save money, or to make money. In simple terms, here’s what’s in it for you….

• Over £1,000 worth of marketing communications via our magazine, our website and our ezine.

• Discounted entry to business, training and networking events – usually around 50% discount on full fees.

• FREE legal and HR support, 24 hours a day – valued at over £5K by one of our grateful members • Chamber Fuelcard for both fleets and private vehicles.

• Hundreds of £s worth of healthcare support for your staff from as little as £1.50 per week.

• Support with exporting and international trade • Chamber Exchange – significant member to member discounts across a range of services • Campaigning on policy issues at local and national government.

• Use of Chamber logo for marketing purposes • FREE re-tweets to over 1,500 followers, plus Facebook and LinkedIn promotions • Project work including supporting young people and ex-forces personnel into employment.

• Direct Debit facilities for you to take regular DD payments from your clients

BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT:

READ WHAT SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY. “Forth Valley Chamber’s Business Advice Service has helped me to simplify processes at very low cost and saved me a lot of time. The advisors are friendly, professional and easy to understand and having 24 hour access is great for peace of mind. I would definitely recommend this service to all businesses.”

“Can’t thank you enough for recommending Boreland Insurance. For the first time we have proper tailor-made insurance for our company, and a mini fleet policy too. Price was fantastic!”

“We are delighted to renew our membership. We feel so much better since we joined the Chamber because there is always someone willing to help and support us.”

“I just wanted to thank you guys again for the expert legal advice I received from the Chamber’s employment law specialists. The team were friendly and extremely helpful. Their guidance saved me a lot of time and worry.”

AND A LL OF THIS FROM A MINIMUM OF £10.00 PER MONTH! So, in answer to the second question “Can I afford to be a member of the Chamber?” – can you afford not to be??

For more information call us on 01324 665500 or email info@forthvalleychamber.co.uk and one of the team will be happy to help you.

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

33

CHAMBER NEWS

BACKGROUND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? AS MICROSOFT ARE A BUSINESS PARTNER THIS MEANS THE CHAMBER NETWORK CAN GET ACCESS TO MICROSOFT PRODUCTS, SERVICES & PEOPLE.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH THEM ALREADY?

PARTNERSHIP WITH MICROSOFT EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FORYOUR CHAMBER MEMBERS CONTACT CHARANDEEP SINGH 01412048316 CSINGH@SCOTTISHCHAMBERS.ORG.UK

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

@ScotChambers

DUNDEE CHAMBER EVENT - FEBRUARY 2015 THIS EVENT ATTRACTED OVER 100 BUSINESS DELEGATES AND MICROSOFT PROVIDED A KEYNOTE SPEAKER, BUSINESS CASE STUDIES AND A RANGE OF NEW DEVICES FOR MEMBERS TO "TRY OUT"

RENFREWSHIRE B2B EVENT - MAY 2015 MICROSOFT HOSTED A DEDICATED DEVICES BAR FOR MEMBERS TO TEST OUT NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AND SPEAK TO EXPERT BUSINESS ADVISORS. MICROSOFT ALSO PROVIDED SOCIAL MEDIA POLLING & INTELLIGENCE THROUGHOUT THE EVENT!

SO WHAT'S NEXT? WE HAVE NEGOTIATED AN EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS WHICH WILL OFFER DISCOUNTS, SUPPORT AND PRODUCTS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS AT A PREFERENTIAL RATE.

WHAT ARE THE DISCOUNTS?

20% DISCOUNT ON OFFICE 365 PACKAGES FULL SUPPORT 50% OFF MIGRATION FREE .SCOT DOMAIN FREE SMART BAND FOR FIRST 50 MEMBERS! HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THE DEAL?

BY PHONE: 0800 955 0410

BY WEB: EASYSPACE.COM/SCC

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FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

CHAMBER NEWS

BACKGROUND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? AS TURKISH AIRLINES ARE A BUSINESS PARTNER THIS MEANS THE CHAMBER NETWORK CAN GET ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE DEALS, OFFERS, PRODUCTS & SERVICES.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH THEM ALREADY? SPONSORSHIP OF SCC ANNUAL DINNER 2014

PARTNERSHIP WITH TURKISH AIRLINES EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FORYOUR CHAMBER MEMBERS CONTACT CHARANDEEP SINGH 01412048316 CSINGH@SCOTTISHCHAMBERS.ORG.UK

Scottish Chambers of Commerce

SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP OF SCC TURKEY TRIP ONGOING PLANNING OF WIDER TRADE MISSION IN SPRING 2016 FOR CHAMBER NETWORK

SO WHAT'S NEXT? WE HAVE NEGOTIATED AN EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS WHICH WILL OFFER DISCOUNTS, SUPPORT AND PRODUCTS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS AT A PREFERENTIAL RATE.

WHAT IS THE OFFERING?

FLIGHT DISCOUNT OF BETWEEN 5% - 12% NO PENALTIES FOR FLIGHT / NAME ALTERATIONS EXTRA BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE ACCESS ACCESS TO TURKISH AIRLINES DESTINATION NETWORK AVAILABLE FOR EVERY CHAMBER MEMBER OF ANY SIZE, ANY SECTOR! HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THE DEAL?

@ScotChambers

WE PARTNERED UP WITH BARRHEAD TRAVEL TO HELP MEMBERS GET ACCESS TO THIS DEAL. MEMBERS SHOULD CALL: 0141 250 7876 EMAIL: MEMBERSDISCOUNT@BARRHEADBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

35

NEW MEMBERS’ PROFILE

CCW Business Lawyers

CCW Legal is a team of business lawyers working with clients not just for them.

Giving you value, by providing advice which is relevant to your circumstances, not off-the-peg law.

Favoured by entrepreneurs, owners, and investors across the UK, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Fife and Salisbury.

Specialist areas: property, company law, employment and commercial contracts.

Tel: 0845 22 33 001 Email: alison.marshall@ccwlegal.co.uk Web: www.ccwlegal.co.uk

HiJobs Limited

HIJOBS is a cost effective, technology driven self-service job board. We connect candidates with employers in rural communities across the Highlands and Islands, giving those living outwith the more populated areas the best possible employment opportunities. Our regional focus provides recruiters with previously inaccessible local talent. Newly registered employers can take advantage of a 30 day free trial and thereafter can upload job vacancies on a one-off or monthly basis from as little as £60. All job vacancies are automatically posted to our social media channels, quickly alerting our rapidly expanding candidate pool.

Tel: 07733377399 Email: laura@linnhe.com Web: www.hijobs.net

36

Able Health Care Scotland Ltd

Able Health Care prides itself on being a forward thinking, dynamic and responsive care provider located in central Falkirk. The director of Able Health Care, Gary Connor brings many successful years of service to the care sector, a wealth of experience and a strong passion and drive for change within community care, reshaping care and how we deliver care services. Able Health Care is committed to working in partnership with local authority, and other health care professionals, ensuring we provide the highest quality of care services that are more joined up and seamless to meet the expectations of people using our services needs and wishes.

Able Health Care is proud to be introducing a new model of care which is more flexible and reactive in meeting the needs of people using our services.

Tel: 01324 614034 Email: gary@ablehealthcarescotland.co.uk Web: www.ablehealthcarescotland.co.uk

CEO4 Ltd

Phil Harris has been leading business transformations as Managing Director for over 12 years and also has experience as a non-executive director and board mentor for high technology, manufacturing and engineering businesses, as well assisting other diverse sectors such as marketing, adult weight management and public speaking training.

His scientific background (PhD Chemistry), 30 years’ experience in all business functions and Chartered Director status, and importantly his inquiring mind, puts Phil in an excellent position to support SME’s at any stage of their growth aspirations in either an Executive or NonExecutive capacity.

Mob: 07970 420 352 Email: phil@ceo4.co.uk Web: www.Ceo4.co.uk

Macrobert Arts Centre

LogAid Limited LogAid Limited is a business consultancy specialising in providing logistic solutions to two distinct groups. To Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), we provide the logistic services and support to allow them to access markets elsewhere in the UK, in Europe and globally, specifically providing enabling solutions for their export and import needs. LogAid also provides strategic and supply chain management solutions to large charities, NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and governments around the world, to achieve effective and efficient global delivery of humanitarian relief, both in terms of deploying personnel and equipment, and in the movement of medical, food and shelter consignments.

Tel: 077 888 25097 Email: david.duddy@btconnect.com

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

Located at the heart of the University of Stirling, Macrobert Arts Centre is a cultural hub for Stirling, the Forth Valley and Scotland. Our vision is to promote and develop participation in and enjoyment of the arts so we offer a huge variety of activities with over 400 live performances – comedy, dance, drama, family friendly, music, opera – art exhibitions, a range of opportunities for all ages to get involved and a year round cinema programme.

Tel: 01786 466668 Email: Kathryn.welch@macrobertartscentre.org Web: www.macrobertartscentre.org

NEW MEMBERS’ PROFILE

The Key Place

The Key Place is a well-established, family run, residential property letting and management business. Established 18 years ago, we manage an extensive portfolio of all kinds of properties in Central Scotland, Edinburgh & the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. We have a network of offices in Falkirk, Bo’ness, Penicuik, Edinburgh and the Borders.

We are the largest letting agency in many local areas with a reputation for being the best. Landlords trust us with their properties and much of the business has grown through word of mouth recommendations. We constantly strive to deliver best practice to everyone we work with, and as members of leading industry bodies, we are proud to be involved in shaping the future of the lettings industry in Scotland.

Tel: 01324 469840 Web: www.thekeyplace.co.uk

Fighting Edge

We are passionate about adding value to your business through the use of our cutting-edge problem solving and decision-improvement techniques. We provide expert facilitation, training and support to help you get those difficult decisions right – first time.

Our unique, innovative Red Teaming service provides outstanding support to the development and execution of major projects, investment decisions, strategy, plans and concepts.

With our reputation and ethos rooted in our extensive experience as leaders, managers and aviators in the Royal Air Force, Defence Intelligence and large civilian organisations, we know how to enhance operational delivery, change management, continuous improvement and much more.

Tel: 0203 1511556 Email: directors@fighting-edge.com Web: www.fighting-edge.com

Academy for Chief Executives

Ask yourself this question. If you knew ten years ago what you know today would you have got here quicker? If your answer is yes then you’ll recognise that more experience means more achievement.

Here at the Academy we bring together like minded experienced business leaders to help you and your business arrive at your destination quicker. The Academy will challenge your thinking and direction in a way that you’ve not previously experienced. Being part of a community of peers gives courage to take those tough decisions, build the right team and adapt your business to an ever changing world.

Tel: 0845 118 1028 Email: Justin.grace@chiefexecutive.com Web: www.chiefexecutive.com

Stirling Observer

Available every Wednesday and Friday, the Stirling Observer has been covering local news, sport, entertainment and more throughout Stirling and beyond for the best part of 200 years.

With all the latest news, views, sport and pictures from right across the Stirling area, including the Eastern Villages, rural West Stirlingshire and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, as well as the Hillfoots of Clackmannanshire, the Observer is part of the fabric of local communities.

Founded by Ebenezer Johnstone, its first edition appeared on September 15, 1836.

In 1873 it was published bi-weekly for the first time and in 1880 it moved to Upper Craigs, where the office can still be found today.

Today the Observer is owned by Trinity Mirror, Britain’s largest local newspaper publisher.

Tel: 01786 459412 Web: www.stirlingobserver.co.uk

The Lead Generation Company

The Lead Generation Company is a fast growing, multi award winning B2B telemarketing, lead generation, appointment setting and marketing database company.

Each month we make 25,000+ outbound B2B sales calls on behalf of our clients. Clients can achieve up to 10 appointments per day with an 80% conversion into actual sales. This is a result of our fantastic in-house telemarketers who have on average 11 years proven experience.

We have won 3 prestigious industry awards in the last 18 months and have been nominated for a further leading 3 industry awards in 2016 already. With a healthy client base of major PLCs through to SMEs we work with clients based locally, nationally and internationally.

Your Return On Investment is our primary focus. We want you to increase your sales and your profits as a direct result of the appointments and leads we generate for you.

As you grow, we grow too.

Tel: 0844 415 2500 Email: steven@theleadgenerationcompany.co.uk Web: www.theleadgenerationcompany.co.uk

Shirlaws

Shirlaws brings money, time and choice to business owners. Our coaching methodology has transformed hundreds of businesses in 37 countries. What would you change in your business?

Business owners typically come to us for three reasons. * “The money I’m making isn’t worth the stress of making it” * “My business consumes my life – I want my fun and family time back” * “Revenue isn’t what it should be and I’m not seeing enough reward” There is a series of steps that every business needs to go through to be successful and break through the next barrier (whatever that is for their stage and size). Break through it, and the money, time and personal reward flows. It’s about unblocking barriers to growth to ensure you achieve your goals.

Tel: 0118 366 2013 Email: david.milton@shirlawsgroup.com Web: www.shirlawscoaching.co.uk FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

37

MEMBERS’ REGISTER ACCOUNTANCY/FINANCIAL SERVICES

The A9 Partnership Ltd

01506 834700 victoriaw@a9partnership.co.uk www.a9partnership.co.uk

The Wealth Partnership 01786 476747 derek@wealthpartnership.net www.wealthpartnership.net

Martin Robertson Associates Ltd 01324 633550 martin@mraca.com www.mraca.com

Insurance Advisory Services (Larbert) Ltd

01786 445060 justine.waddell@sjpp.co.uk www.davidsoncruse.co.uk

Drummond Laurie Chartered Accountants

01324 441255 greig.brown@drummondlaurie.co.uk www.drummondlaurie.co.uk

Condies Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors 01383 721421 george.primrose@condie.co.uk www.condie.co.uk

Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

01324 556414 grahamlilley.ias@btconnect.com www.greatinsurancedeals.com

01786 459900 james.a.stewart@jcca.co.uk www.jcca.co.uk/

Campbell Dallas LLP

RMS UK Tax and Accounting Ltd

01786 460030 john.gold@campbelldallas.co.uk www.campbelldallas.co.uk

French Duncan

01786 451745 h.burt@frenchduncan.co.uk www.frenchduncan.co.uk/

Dickson Middleton

01786 474718 craig.clinton@dicksonmiddleton.co.uk www.dicksonmiddleton.co.uk

Canmore Business Service Limited 07853 360344 rory@canmore.co www.canmore.co/

Royal Bank of Scotland 07901 587151 alan.smart@rbs.co.uk www.rbs.co.uk/business.ashx

Borland Insurance Ltd 01592 205605 paul.baillie@mchb.co.uk www.borlandinsurance.co.uk

Springfords Chartered Accountants 01324 227606 fpaul@springfords.com www.springfords.com

Falkirk District Credit Union 01324 473695 fdcu@btconnect.com www.falkirkcreditunion.co.uk

Handelsbanken

01786 463109 dabe10@handelsbanken.co.uk www.handelsbanken.co.uk/stirling

Stewart Accounting Services Ltd

01324 667200 patrick.norris@rsmuk.com www.rsmuk.com

Antonine Investment Managers 01324 478248 craig@antonineim.co.uk www.antonineim.com

Lyle & Logan

01786 446585 david_lyle@nfumutual.co.uk www.nfumutual.co.uk/stirling

Fitzsimons Accountancy Services Ltd

Keyline Builders Merchants 01324 638471 graeme.little@keyline.co.uk www.keyline.co.uk

Rooftec (Scotland) Ltd 01324 639006 info@rooftecscotland.co.uk www.rooftecscotland.co.uk

F. Dougall & Son

01324 611254 dougall.family@blueyonder.co.uk

Site Sealants Ltd

01324 626969 Anne@sitesealants.co.uk www.sitesealants.co.uk

Edinmore Contracts Ltd 08445 672999 dawn@edinmoreltd.co.uk www.edinmoreltd.co.uk

L&S Building Services 01259 404002 admin@lasman.co.uk www.lasman.co.uk

LogAid Limited

07788 825097 david.duddy@btconnect.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANCY/ NETWORKING/COACHING

Henke Associates 01360 440013 henke@sol.co.uk

People Centred

01324 665133 ashley@fitzsimonsgroup.co.uk

01324 620224 julie@people-centred.com www.people-centred.com

McHardy Financial

Positive Performance

0131 221 6373 paul.baillie@mchb.co.uk www.mchb.co.uk

Clydesdale Bank

01786 432907 simon.kerr@eu.nabgroup.com www.cbonline.co.uk/business

Harley Financial Services Ltd 01324 625225 DouglasH@harleyfinancial.co.uk www.harleyfinancial.co.uk

ARCHITECTS

Module Architects

01786 818788 wendy@positive-performance.com www.positive-performance.com

Trusty Professionals

01324 473731 lynn@trustyprofessionals.co.uk www.trustyprofessionals.co.uk

Andrew Management

01786 448333 billandrew@andrewmanagement.com www.andrewmanagement.com

Exolta Capital Partners

01786 823753 mdowey@modulearchitects.com www.modulearchitects.com

07920 008187 russell@exolta.com www.exolta.com

AUCTIONEERS

George Stevenson Consultant

United Auctions

01786 473055 nmclean@uagroup.co.uk www.uagroup.co.uk/

01259 721156 mark@stewartaccounting.co.uk www.stewartaccounting.co.uk

BUILDING CONTRACTORS/ MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS/ SERVICES

Stirling Credit Union Ltd

JBR Roofing Ltd

01786 233937 info@stirlingcreditunion.co.uk www.stirlingcreditunion.co.uk

38

Cruse Wealth Management

01324 554518 j.b.r.roofingnelson@gmail.com www.jbrroofing.com

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

01324 621981 georgebstevenson@blueyonder.co.uk www.fbs-global.com

Simple Improvement Ltd 07791 758330 mike.bell@si8.co.uk www.simpleimprovement.co.uk

Impact in Mind Ltd

01506 499645 impactim@virginmedia.com www.impactinmind.com

Colin McKeand - Business Connector 01324 823664 colin@colinmckeand.co.uk www.colinmckeand.co.uk

Interface - The Knowledge Connection for Business 01316 514791 laura@interface-online.org.uk www.interface-online.org.uk

Sheena Walker - Executive Training & HR 07588 645702 sheena@sheenawalker.com www.sheenawalker.com

Thinktastic

01312 021667 mike@thinktastic.co.uk www.thinktastic.co.uk

Creation Social Media

07786 036609 helen.warburton@ creationsocialmedia.com www.creationsocialmedia.com

Family Business Solutions Ltd 01412 222820 georgebstevenson@blueyonder.co.uk www.ukfbs.co.uk

Empower Contracting Ltd T/A Recree8 07910 142290 kieth@recree8.com www.recree8.com

CEO4 Ltd

07970 420352 phil@ceo4.co.uk www.ceo4.co.uk

Shirlaws

0118 366 2013 david.milton@shirlawsgroup.com

The Academy for Chief Executives Scotland

08451 181028 justin.grace@chiefexecutive.com www.chiefexecutive.com

Scottish Business Resilience Centre Ltd 01786 447441 breige.mcbride@sbrcentre.co.uk www.sbrcentre.co.uk

CeeD

07539 922497 r.harkess@ceed-scotland.com www.ceed-scotland.com

Voltage Facilitation Ltd 07780 975946 info@voltagefacilitation.co.uk www.voltagefacilitiation.co.uk

Fighting Edge Ltd

07595 602090 directors@fighting-edge.com www.fighting-edge.com

CAR DEALERSHIPS/HIRE/ LEASING/MECHANICS

Hardies Motor Group

01324 562799 iain.bolton@peugeotmail.co.uk www.hardiemotorgroup.co.uk

MEMBERS’ REGISTER CHARITY/SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

We are the Future

Stirling Council

01786 448633 beattiec@stirling.gov.uk www.stirling.gov.uk

Shaw Trust

07855 449327 bruce.walker@wearethefuture.org.uk www.wearethefuture.org.uk

Open Secret

01324 630100 traci@opensecret.org www.opensecret.org

Step Up (Housing, Employability & Community Support Services) Ltd 07969 813272 katrina.broadhead@stepupsupport.co.uk www.stepupsupport.co.uk

Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association 01382 631026 hi-empsp@rfca.mod.uk www.hrfca.co.uk

Volunteer Scotland

01786 479593 adrian.murtagh@volunteerscotland.org.uk www.volunteerscotland.org.uk

The Salvation Army Furniture Project

01324 637554 falkirk.furniture@salvationarmy.org.uk www.salvationarmy.org.uk/esc/ charity-shops

Scottish Autism

01259 728321 karen.wilson@scottishautism.org www.scottishautism.org

Camphill (Blair Drummond) Trust Ltd 01786 841573 jason@camphillblairdrummond.org.uk www.camphillblairdrummond.org.uk

Erskine

STEP Stirling

01786 463416 GBell@stepstirling.co.uk www.stepstirling.co.uk/

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Forth Valley College

01786 406080 ken.thomson@forthvalley.ac.uk www.forthvalley.ac.uk

Evolutio Ltd

08445 046534 john@evolutio.co.uk www.evolutio.co.uk

YouTrain Ltd

01786 478478 louise.findlay@youtrain.com www.youtrain.com

SJ Rennie Consulting Ltd 01786 824320 stuartrennie@sjrconsulting.co.uk www.sjrconsulting.co.uk

Common Purpose

01413 413355 colette.lowe@commonpurpose.org.uk www.commonpurpose.org.uk

Skills Development Scotland

01786 452019 graeme.schmidt@sds.co.uk www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

University of Stirling 01786 467041 john.rogers@stir.ac.uk www.stir.ac.uk

Performance Through People International

01316 669961 shona.langlands@erskine.org.uk www.erskine.org.uk

01786 357250 archiewaters@ptpi.org.uk www. performancethroughpeopleinternational.com

CLEANING

GTG Training

Moirs Cleaning

01324 624600 enquiries@moirsresidential.com www.moirsresidential.com

01324 624121 craig@falkirkfoundation.org www.falkirkfcf.co.uk

SUIP - Stirling University Innovation Park

Jorro Ltd

Graham Robertson Electrical & Security Ltd

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

Dataspace Scotland

Stirling Electrical Services Ltd 01786 813916 info@stirlingelectrical.co.uk www.stirlingelectrical.co.uk

CalaChem Limited (Earls Gate Business Park)

01324 650850 dom@jorro.co.uk www.jorro.co.uk

01324 494339 john.walker@calachem.com www.earlsgatepark.co.uk

Geothermal Solar UK 01324 826627 ian.young@vaughanrt.com www.geothermal-solar.com

EVENT AND CONFERENCING SERVICES

Green Compliance Water Division 01324 637898 graham.maze@greencompliance.com www.greencompliance.com

Energy Diagnostics Ltd

FOOD AND DRINK

01786 451030 hugh.kelly@argyleuk.com www.argyleuk.com

Tapside Marketing Ltd 01506 823402 jack@tapside.com www.tapside.com

ENGINEERING

Scotweigh

Stirlingshire Vending (Scotland) Ltd t/a SV24-7

01324 611311 ian@scotweigh.co.uk www.scotweigh.co.uk

Viridis Building Services Ltd

ID Systems UK Ltd

Allen Associates (HPE) Ltd 01786 448777 scott@allenhpe.co.uk www.allenhpe.co.uk

01324 611017 thefawkirk@outlook.com www.falkirktrinity.org.uk

01259 726430 mmrafferty@ceteris.co.uk www.ceteris.co.uk

Argyle Energy

01324 614090 lee.marshall@viridisbsl.co.uk www.viridisbsl.co.uk

Falkirk Trinity Church of Scotland

Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd

01786 446365 energydiagnostics@btinternet.com www.energydiagnostics.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

01786 448562 cherene@mresstirling.co.uk www.mresstirling.co.uk

01786 448333 lynn.blaikie@suip.co.uk www.suip.co.uk/

ENERGY

01324 878822 ian@ikmconsulting.co.uk www.ikmconsulting.co.uk

01786 468050 graham@graham-robertson.co.uk www.grelectrical.com

01786 870967 jane@dataspacescotland.co.uk www.dataspacescotland.co.uk

07733 377399 laura@linnhe.com www.hijobs.net

IKM Consulting

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Falkirk Football Community Foundation

HiJobs Limited

Johnson Training Services Ltd

Moray Robertson Electrical Services Ltd

Bellair (Scotland) Limited 01324 614000 douglas@bellair.co.uk www.bellair.co.uk

01324 611237 iaind@idsystemsuk.co.uk www.idsystemsuk.co.uk

Perfect Service Solutions Ltd 01786 473840 simone@perfectservicesolutions.co.uk www.perfectservicesolutions.co.uk

01324 477010 henrietta.black@shaw-trust.org.uk www.shaw-trust.org.uk

01313 336833 tracey.fowler@gtg.co.uk www.gtg.co.uk 07511 153083 n.johnson330@btinternet.com

ESTATE AGENTS/PROPERTY LETTING/PROPERTY DEVELOPERS

01259 215577 fiona@sv24-7.co.uk www.sv24-7.co.uk

Laxdale Foodservice Ltd 01786 471000 enquiries@falleninchfarm.co.uk www.falleninchfarm.co.uk

Tilly Confectionery Ltd 01324 562699 ronnie@mrstillys.co.uk www.mrstillys.co.uk

Waitrose Stirling (620) 01786 464021 620.branchmanager@waitrose.co.uk www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/ en/bf_home/bf/620.html

Graham’s Family Dairy

DSE Electrical & Heating Engineers Ltd

01786 833206 robert.graham@grahamsfamilydairy.com www.grahamsfamilydairy.com

01786 235045 helpdesk@dseservices.co.uk www.dseservices.co.uk

Findlays

Robertson Group Limited 01786 431600 j.nelson@robertson.co.uk www.robertson.co.uk

01324 614062 hello@findlaysfalkirk.co.uk www.findlaysfalkirk.co.uk

Continued on page 40 FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

39

MEMBERS’ REGISTER (CONT) GARDENING/LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Tommy’s Trees

tommy141074@live.co.uk

GIFTS & SPECIALIST PRODUCTS

Angels’ Share Glass

01786 833974 info@angelsshareglass.co.uk www.angelsshareglass.co.uk

Neon Creative Marketing Ltd t/a Clanbags 07827 974393 carolmccolgan@talktalk.net www.clanbags.com

GOLF CLUBS/SERVICES

Glenbervie Golf Club

01324 562605 marketing@glenberviegolfclub.com www.glenberviegolfclub.com

Greentech Sportsturf Ltd 01786 480020 ian@greentechsportsturf.co.uk www.greentechsportsturf.co.uk

Executive Golf & Leisure Ltd 01786 832244 graeme@execgolf-leisure.com www.execgolf-leisure.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY SERVICES

Ajna Therapy

01324 554518 info@yvonneajnatherapy.com www.yvonneajnatherapy.com

Colour Me Pretty 01324 823993 kazc671@hotmail.com

Life Fit Wellness

01324 614044 arlene.bowmaker@ lifefitphysiotherapy.co.uk www.lifefitwellness.co.uk

Postural Persuasions

sandie@personalpilates.co.uk www.personalpilates.co.uk

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Ciara High Risk Ltd

01313 391099 mac.mcgearey@ciarahighrisk.com

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Engage Occupational Health Solutions Ltd 07427 600199 margaret@engageoh.com www.engageoh.com

HWL Forth Valley

01838 300310 david.riddell@laterlifetraining.co.uk www.laterlifetraining.co.uk

Tryst Dental Practice

Exmos Ltd

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Calad Media

01324 579797 barrie@xtremekarting.co.uk www.xtremekarting.co.uk

01324 486844 gordonc@exmos.com www.exmos.com

01324 552889 linsey@trystdental.com www.trystdental.com

01324 719619 alex@calad-media.co.uk www.calad-media.co.uk

Able Health Care Scotland Ltd

Lithium Systems Ltd

01324 614034 gary@ablehealthcarescotland.co.uk www.ablehealthcarescotland.co.uk

Addictions support and counselling (ASC) 01324 874969 chiefexec@asc.me.uk www.asc.me.uk

HUMAN RESOURCES/ RECRUITMENT

Youmanage HR Ltd

01786 458037 nick.pye@youmanage.co.uk www.youmanage.co.uk

Greig Melville

01324 628676 hr@greigmelvillehr.co.uk www.greigmelvillehr.co.uk

01259 727847 stephen@lithiumsystems.co.uk www.lithiumsystems.co.uk

Comtech

01786 406448 hello@comtech247.net www.comtech247.net

IMPORTS/EXPORTS

CentralBridge Ltd

01324 229435 94zly@163.com www.ukcentralbridge.com

INTERIORS/DESIGN

Osborne Heath

01259 215555 info@osborneheath.com www.osborneheath.com

Finestra Blinds

07890 998685 joe_nicoletti@finestrablinds.co.uk www.finestrablinds.co.uk

tensARC

01786 450083 paul@tensarc.co.uk www.tensarc.co.uk

IT/COMPUTING SERVICES/ TECHNOLOGY/MOBILE COMMS

Strathcarron Hospice

IT First Associates Ltd (ITFA) 01324 664713 steven.mcguire@itfa.co.uk www.itfa.co.uk

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

Active Stirling Ltd

03000 280101 kavanaghm@activestirling.org.uk www.activestirling.org.uk

Forthside Leisure Ltd

Wildcat Solutions

01786 473232 cat@wildcatsolutions.co.uk www.wildcatsolutions.co.uk

Cloud Cover IT Services Ltd 07768 444498 lance@cloudcoverit.co.uk www.cloudcoverit.co.uk

Dogfi.sh Mobile Ltd

01324 870719 iain@cwswashroom.co.uk www.corporatewashroom.co.uk

01324 486924 stephen@lkgalaxy.co.uk www.lkgalaxy.co.uk

01786 466668 kathryn.welch@macrobertartscentre.org www.macrobertartscentre.org

01786 230830 tfreeth@medusabusiness.com www.medusabusiness.com

HYGIENE SERVICES/ CLEANING SUPPLIES/SALES

Corporate Washroom Service Limited

Little Kerse Leisure Ltd

Phoenix Broadband Ltd

Steeple Media

07950 220414 andrew@salutemyjob.com www.salutemyjob.com

Xtreme Karting Ltd

01382 690820 richard@battlefieldlivedundee.co.uk www.battlefieldlivedundee.co.uk

SaluteMyJob Limited

01324 673519 tneilson@nhs.net www.healthyworkinglives.com 01324 826222 angela.gillies1@nhs.net www.strathcarronhospice.org

40

Later Life Training

01324 632805 tom@steeplemedia.co.uk www.steeplemedia.co.uk 07515 545377 simon@dogfi.sh www.dogfi.sh

SharkDog

07955 672581 josh@sharkdog.co.uk www.sharkdog.co.uk

Nettl of Falkirk 01324 614064 falkirk@nettl.com www.nettl.com

NT Cadcam Ltd

01786 220150 david.coats@ntcadcam.co.uk www.ntcadcam.co.uk

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

K.W. Peter & Co 01314 458608 ken@kwpeter.co.uk www.kwpeter.co.uk

Ledingham Chalmers LLP

01786 478100 linda.tinson@ledinghamchalmers.com www.ledinghamchalmers.com

Macrobert Arts Centre

Kitshare Ltd

07791 657199 nic@kitshare.org www.kitshare.org

MANUFACTURING

Ochil Timber Products Ltd 01324 825503 admin@ochiltimber.com www.ochiltimber.com

MARKETING/PR/DESIGN/ MEDIA

Action Insight Management Ltd 01324 867733 graeme@aim-eu.com www.actioninsightmanagement.com

Ideas

01324 716827 donjack@ideas.co.uk www.ideas.co.uk

CGH Creative

01506 842953 contact@cghcreative.co.uk www.cghcreative.co.uk

Vizibility Design

01786 469023 sdickson@vizibilitydesign.co.uk www.vizibilitydesign.co.uk

Printing.com Stirling 01786 466799 stirling@printing.com www.stirlingprinting.com

Word Woolf

01259 720309 gail@wordwoolf.co.uk www.wordwoolf.co.uk

Russel & Aitken LLP

Write Marketing Consultancy

CCW Business Lawyers Ltd

Denvir Marketing

01324 622888 karenmclachlan@russel-aitken.co.uk www.russelaitken.com 08452 233001 alison.marshall@ccwlegal.co.uk www.ccwlegal.co.uk

01324 874802 andrea@writemarketing.co.uk www.writemarketing.co.uk 01786 448160 elaine@denvirmarketing.com www.denvirmarketing.com

MEMBERS’ REGISTER Scott Media Solutions 07977 451680 scottmediasol@aol.com www.scottmediasol.com

The Write People for Design

01786 445022 karen@thewritepeople.co.uk www.thewritepeople.co.uk

Media Scotland (Stirling Observer) 01413 094321 caroline.kyle@trinitymirror.com www.stirlingobserver.co.uk

MOBILITY PRODUCTS

Albion Mobility Ltd

Mark Ferguson Photographer 07931 251898 mark@markfergusonphotographer.com www.markfergusonphotographer.com

PLANT HIRE

Your Equipment Solutions Ltd 01324 467000 david@yourequipmentsolutions.co.uk www.yourequipmentsolutions.co.uk

PLUMBING/HEATING

D-Mac Plumbing & Heating Ltd 01324 578559 derek@d-macplumbing.com www.d-macplumbing.com

Shirt By Hand (Scotland) Ltd 07966 529067 info@shirtbyhand.co.uk www.shirtbyhand.co.uk

Verifier Ltd

Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum Trust

01786 475165 CEO@argylls.co.uk www.argylls.co.uk

OFFICE SUPPLIES

AG Office Supplies Ltd

01324 871857 richard@agofficesupplies.co.uk www.agofficesupplies.co.uk

Capital Document Solutions

01315 579686 nhunter@capital-solutions.co.uk www.capital-solutions.co.uk

01412 222202 mark@dtechuk.com www.dtechuk.com

Helix Binders Ltd 01324 629025 iain@helixbinders.co.uk www.helixbinders.co.uk

Datel Solutions

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT

01786 826609 nicola.houston@hilton.com www.doubletreedunblane.com

01415 587427 david.stewart@adeptpestcontrol.co.uk

Astute Facilities Management Ltd

The Travel Architect

PHOTOCOPIERS/OFFICE EQUIPMENT

03300 010481 ry@astutefm.co.uk www.astutefm.co.uk

Leemic

DJM Property

Rhoddy Stewart Photography 01506 828983 rhoddy@rhoddystewartphotography. co.uk www.rhoddystewartphotography.co.uk

03300 600500 manjeet.turner@serco.com www.sleeper.scot

UTILITIES

Braemar Buying Group 01786 822858 kevin@braemartel.com www.braemartel.com

Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro

07974 567003 fionabibby@travelarchitect.com www.travelarchitect.com

Visit Scotland

01292 616417 liz.buchanan@tbt.visitscotland.com www.visitscotland.com

Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd

RADIO/TELEVISION

01877 376315 gordon@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com

Central FM

Great Time Scotland Ltd

01786 577024 andrew.mcmurray@centralfm.co.uk www.centralfm.co.uk

Caledonian Sleeper

Silver Cloud Telecom

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY

TRANSPORT

01383 844244 douglas@datel-solutions.co.uk www.datel-solutions.co.uk

TOURISM/HOSPITALITY

07782 358900 dmoodie@hotmail.com www.djm.scot

01259 720277 ejduddy@immotranslations.com www.immotranslations.com

01324 812914 derek.cooper@storageukltd.co.uk www.storageukltd.co.uk/

Signs Express (Falkirk)

01324 492785 sandy.muir@leemic.com www.leemic.com

ImmoTranslations Ltd

Storage UK Ltd

HQ 51 Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland

Adept Pest Control Limited

TRANSLATION SERVICES

STORAGE

01415 520000 chris.macari@silvercloudtelecom. co.uk www.silvercloudtelecom.co.uk

01313 104850 51x-G1-Transition-SO2@mod.uk

08448 799044 stuart.maxwell@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/inchyra

01324 873804 robert@rjmsports.co.uk www.rjmsports.co.uk

01360 440013 henke@sol.co.uk www.henke.co.uk

01324 666966 falkirk@signsexpress.co.uk www.signsexpress.co.uk/falkirk

Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa

RJM Sports Ltd

01324 677850 craig@palimpsest-bp.co.uk www.palimpsest-bp.co.uk

OTHER

01506 823213 info@bandchotelsolutions.com www.richmondparkhotel.com

SPORTS WEAR/EQUIPMENT

TELECOMS

Palimpsest Book Production Ltd

Richmond Park Hotel

03309 990112 info@verifier-ltd.co.uk www.verifier-ltd.co.uk

Readers Direct

01324 619888 claire.mcveigh@scottishcanals.co.uk www.falkirkwheel.co.uk 01786 815974 vivienne.duncan@wynvr.co.uk www.scottish-cottages.co.uk

CMD Electrical Engineers Ltd

01324 668401 stuart.wallace@forthports.co.uk www.forthports.co.uk

The Falkirk Wheel

Wyndham Vacation rentals

SECURITY

Forth Ports Ltd

DTech

01324 486733 keri.calder@sgehotels.com www.leapark.com

RETAIL/CLOTHING

MUSEUM/HERITAGE CENTRE

PRINTING/PUBLISHING

Leapark Hotel

01360 870357 sandy@theoaktreeinn.co.uk www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk

PORTS OPERATOR

01786 471917 museum@ smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk

01786 272727 kmckeating@thehotelcollection.co.uk www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/stirling

Frasers of Balmaha t/a The Oak Tree Inn

07873 327273 craig.dolier@ cmdelectricalengineersltd.co.uk www.cmdelectricalengineersltd.co.uk

01259 272167 sales@albionmobility.co.uk www.albionmibility.co.uk

Stirling Highland Hotel

RESTAURANTS/CAFES/ COFFEE HOUSES

01877 387219 ceilidhband@btconnect.com www.greattimescotland.com

FORTH VALLEY • SPRING 2016

41

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29/01/2016 11:04

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A PROMISE BY THE NATION.

Major General Nick Ashmore and Professor Nigel Seaton with the signed Covenant.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recipients met the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.

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

The Covenant has just been rebranded and now has a clear visual identity. So why not publicly declare your commitment to our Armed Forces by signing up? In doing so you would be among the first UK companies to show your support.

Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Mark Lancaster, said: “Armed Forces personnel and their families make many sacrifices through their service to keep Britain safe. They can face challenges accessing commercial and public services that we take for granted, so the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to ensure that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly, and recognise their particular challenges.”

Signing up to the Covenant is straightforward and sets companies on the path to further recognition for their pledge in the form of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The ERS awards culminate annually with ceremonies to recognise the efforts of the Silver and Gold award winners. The Silver winners were thanked during a dinner at Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall while the Gold award winners were recently invited to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street where he showed his gratitude for their support.

One of the first 2016 signatories to the new-look Armed Forces Covenant was Dundee-based Abertay University which put pen to paper at a ceremony organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. The Association acts as the interface between employers and Armed Forces Reservists.

Professor Nigel Seaton, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, signed the Covenant at a passing-out parade for the Tayforth University Officer Training Corp (TUOTC) at Barry Buddon Camp, near Carnoustie.

Major General Nick Ashmore OBE, the Army’s senior officer in Scotland, witnessed the signing.

Dundee-based Abertay is the first university in the UK to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in its new form (introduced in early 2016).

Eight other UK universities are signatories to the Covenant in its earlier form.

Professor Seaton said: “The Covenant sets out the obligations that the UK owes to the members of its Armed Forces, who sacrifice some civilian freedoms and can face danger while in service.”

For more about the Covenant and what it means for you, visit www.gov.uk/government/policies/armed-forces-covenant.

You can also contact Ron Macgregor, Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association’s Regional Employer Engagement Director, on 01382 631026 or email hi-empsp@rfca.mod.uk.

Proudly supporting those who serve.

FVC Business www.forthvalley.ac.uk

CMI & CIPD Courses

CMI & CIPD Courses Every organisation requires managers with strong leadership skills and excellent human resource skills.

At Forth Valley College we offer a wide selection of courses which can develop these essential skills, including our CMI and CIPD courses.

CMI

Our Certificate and Diploma in Management and Leadership are highly sought after qualifications accredited by the Chartered Management Institute - the only chartered professional body that is dedicated to management and leadership.

• CMI Certificate in Management & Leadership • CMI Diploma in Management & Leadership

For more information on our CMI courses, please call: (01324) 403246 or email: jane.mcguckin@forthvalley.ac.uk

CIPD

We are also a leading provider of CIPD Training in Scotland and offer Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced courses.

© Forth Valley College 2016 Information contained within this leaflet was correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change. CM269

2016 CIPD COURSE DATES: CIPD Advanced 30 March 2016 CIPD Intermediate 25 August 2016 CIPD Foundation 31 August 2016

For more information on our CIPD courses, please call: 0845 634 4444