Incommerce Lanarkshire issue 8

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INcommerce

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 8

First Minister Opens SSE’s £500 Million Clyde Wind Farm

www.lanarkshirechamber.org

A fuel-efficient diesel doesn’t have to look like one.

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Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 13.0(21.7)-52.3(5.4), extra urban 22.4(12.6)-72.4(3.9), combined 17.8(15.9)-62.8(4.5). CO2 emissions: 378-117 g/km. *For Business Users only. Advance payment fee applies. All payments subject to VAT. Finance example based on a Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 2dr with Automatic Transmission on a 24 month (6+23 profile) Contract Hire agreement, excluding maintenance, with an advance payment of £1,599.94 and a Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 5dr Special Edition with Automatic Transmission on a 36 month (3+35 profile) Contract Hire agreement, excluding maintenance, with an advance payment of £1,498.65. Road fund licence is included for the duration of the contract. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Finance offer is available on SLK 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport and ML 250 BlueTEC 5dr Special Edition models registered by 31 August 2013. The SLK-Class offer excludes non-AMG models and M-Class offer excluded non-Special Edition models.

Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Prices, offers and finance are correct at time of printing (01/09/12), and are subject to change without notice. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other published offer from the retailer. Offer applies to retail customers only and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Finance provided by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK7 8ND. Whilst this offer is only applicable through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies too. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

Contents Contents Welcome...................................... 3 News in Brief.............................4-6 Chamber News............................ 6 Money Matters............................. 7 Clyde Wind Farm....................8-11 First Minister Opens Wind Farm....8-9 Wind Farm Extension...................... 10 Community Windfall....................... 11

.SSE Corporate Partnership....... 11

To Spa or Not to Spa?............18-21 lifeSKILLS Meets Jobs Target................................. 22 Dallas Star in Rooster Potato Ads.................... 24 Chamber Day at The Races........ 25 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Triumph........................... 27 Dalziel Park in Premier League.......................... 31 Scotland’s Graduate Prospects...............32-33 Universities’ Widen Access........ 34 Events Diary............................... 38

For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial enquiries contact the editor, June Hyslop T: 07944 265126 E: editor.lanarkshire@incommerce.biz

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ANARKSHIRE’S business landscape continues to reflect a lot of the national, and indeed international, issues we all face.

While some sectors are finding business growth and confidence hard to come by, there are still success stories and many things which give cause for optimism.

I think the underlying attitude we display in life, as in business, has a big part to play. At Lanarkshire Chamber we have a ‘can do’ attitude in terms of growing and developing our membership base and events programme.

Your chamber has run a record number of events over the last 12 months. One of the largest, and an undoubted highlight, was the very successful lunch to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee at Dalziel Park Hotel in Motherwell. This was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mushtaq Ahmad, OBE, as well as by representatives of North and South Lanarkshire councils and by many local business people.

We have also had a number of smaller, more focused events and expanded our social calendar. On the recruitment front, we have forged significant links with Lanarkshire Enterprise Services and, through the Business Gateway programme, are encouraging new start-up businesses to view chamber membership as an important part of their growth strategy.

Corporate partnerships are very important to us and we are delighted to welcome energy firm SSE and MercedesBenz of Glasgow on board. They have already sponsored events and we look forward to developing our working relationship with them and with our other partners, Dalziel Park Hotel, lifeSKILLS Centres and Southern Financial Services.

Finally, I must highlight the continued growth in our export documentation service – surely a positive sign for the chamber and for the local economy?

Whether you are a small business finding its feet, an exporter, or a major employer – there is a place for you in Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce. I’m sure you will agree as you leaf through this issue of InCommerce that we do in fact have many reasons to be positive about the future.

Maurice Logie President Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce www.lanarkshirechamber.org www.incommerce.biz

Publisher: D-Tech Distribution: D-Tech Distribution InCommerce is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd. Unit 14 Birch Road Broadmeadow Ind Est Dumbarton G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002. E-mail: info@dtechuk.com.

Edited by June Hyslop, CopyWrite Editorial, Dumbarton.

T: 07944 265126. E: editor.lanarkshire@incommerce.biz.

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 Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

The Chamber is grateful to our partners for their financial support.

lifeSKILLS c e n t r e s

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Mercedes-Benz Partnership....... 14

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

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Tunnock’s Merchandise Success.................. 12

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News in Brief...

DYSLEXIA CONSULTANTS: Jan and Cameron Halfpenny.

Photo courtesy of Halfpenny Development Limited.

Dyslexic Entrepreneurs May Hold Key to Economic Growth

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Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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REPORT by a Lanarkshire-based consultancy shows that the UK’s 300,000 entrepreneurs with dyslexia may have an advantage in business.

It brings together a decade of worldwide research into the experience of known dyslexic entrepreneurs and was carried out by Halfpenny Development Limited of Leadhills, South Lanarkshire.

The report originated as market research for the company’s own business plan. However, directors Jan and Cameron Halfpenny quickly realised that the evidence linking entrepreneurship with dyslexia was of national significance and published their research findings in response to calls from government and business leaders for credible economic growth strategies.

According to the report, the Dyslexia Institute says the cost of unrecognised dyslexia for the UK economy is at least £1 billion a year.

Yet this group faces unnecessary barriers to fulfilling a vital economic role due to the lack of awareness and understanding of dyslexia by entrepreneurs themselves, their business support networks and by business schools.

Evidence shows that dyslexic entrepreneurs who have fine-tuned their working methods often develop an advantage in business terms through innovative thinking and creative problem solving skills.

The authors recommend that there should be specialist support for entrepreneurs to understand the strengths and difficulties of their dyslexia and to build suitable compensatory strategies to remove barriers to business success.

They also advocate investment in creating awareness and understanding of dyslexia among business networks which support entrepreneurs to enable them to assess their systems and communication and adjust where necessary.

£3K Graduate Recruitment Incentive

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ANARKSHIRE is one of four Scottish chamber areas selected for a pilot graduate recruitment incentive aimed at tackling unemployment and helping business growth.

The scheme is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce which offers employers up to £3000 to take on a graduate in a permanent post either full-time or part-time, with pro rata payment for the latter.

It applies to businesses with fewer than 50 staff which must offer graduates a minimum full-time salary of £14,000.

The programme runs until March 2013. Other areas included in the pilot are Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway and Renfrewshire.

Chamber director John Brown welcomed the initiative: “It is vital that graduates get the chance to work when they leave university and that small to medium-sized businesses can bring in people with fresh ideas to help them develop and expand.

“I am delighted that Lanarkshire has the opportunity to be involved in this and urge businesses in the area to consider using it to employ a graduate.”

For more information contact Lynsey Kennedy at Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce on 01698 426882 or email lynsey. kennedy@lanarkshirechamber.org. www.lanarkshirechamber.org

www.halfpennydevelopment.co.uk

Photo courtesy of South Lanarkshire Council.

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LENCAIRN Crystal celebrated winning a Queen’s Award with a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mushtaq Ahmad, OBE. It was the only Lanarkshire company to receive the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2012. This is the second time the firm has been honoured by Her Majesty – in 2006 it received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

This year the family business, which employs more than 30 at its East Kilbride studio, was recognised for its substantial growth and success in existing and new international markets.

Paul Davidson, managing director of Glencairn Crystal said: “As Scotland’s only remaining independent crystal designer and manufacturer, it is a huge achievement to have our success recognised in an industry that has substantially contracted within the UK in recent years.

“We have shown that, despite the current economic downturn, by focussing on the family service ethic of our business, we can compete with the best around the world.”

The international side of the business has grown, over the last decade, from less than 10 per cent of turnover to more than two thirds of the company’s business.

Established more than 30 years ago by Raymond Davidson, the company is now overseen by his three sons, Paul, Scott and Andrew.

In addition to special projects and commissions, the company produces ‘The Glencairn Glass’ - the official glass for whisky - as well as a number of corporate gifts and awards for a range of well-known clients.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are highly prestigious and are given for outstanding achievement by UK businesses. Winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition for their brand. www.glencairn.co.uk

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OUTH Lanarkshire Council hosted a half day Supplier Forum event in August aimed at improving procurement prospects for local businesses.

It is likely this will become a bi-annual event with feedback from suppliers helping the council to develop and refine its procurement policies.

Council economic development officer, Eliot Jordan, explained: “This is a key element of South Lanarkshire Council’s procurement strategy and approach.

“The purpose of the Supplier Forum is to engage with the supply community and break down any barriers that exist, provide better access and information about procurement rules, regulations and current and future opportunities.

“Suppliers’ feedback helps us make it easier to do business with South Lanarkshire Council. This is a chance to discuss and influence the council’s approach and help us to develop better relationships with the supply community.”

Participants included members of the council’s procurement and economic development teams, Maurice Logie, president and John Brown, director, both of Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce as well as representatives of local businesses.

The event was facilitated by Martin Murphy, managing director of SCMG Limited of Glasgow, a company which specialises in developing and implementing supply chain strategies.

Franchise Show Success

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ORE than 500 people flocked to the Scottish Franchise Show at Hamilton Park Racecourse at the end of September.

Thirty of the UK’s most innovative full and part-time franchises exhibited at the successful two day event.

Organiser Mark Monument said that Jobseekers have to show increasing imagination for career moves – and as a result those who decide to ‘go alone’ can end up kick starting a micro-economy.

“No longer is it a case of just browsing the job pages and job websites, firing off CVs and hoping to land a suitable vacancy.

Jobseekers, university graduates and mums returning to work now often seek to create their own flexible career by setting up in business.

“With a franchise licence they’re buying ‘know-how’. The individual instantly becomes part of a recognised brand, has access to a head office support team and, most importantly, gains confidence from following a ready-made, proven, step-by-step guide on how to set up, find customers and run that particular business.”

He added that banks are aware that franchise businesses have an 80 per cent success rate with some having specialist teams to provide funding for start-ups.

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

TOASTING SUCCESS: Chamber director John Brown, Lord-Lieutenant Mushtaq Ahmed with Glencairn Crystal’s Teresa Cassidy, company chairman Raymond Davidson (front) and the rest of the team.

Photo courtesy of Glencairn Crystal Limited.

Supplier Forum Enhances Procurement Prospects

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Queen’s Award Visit for Glencairn Crystal

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more News in Brief...

Photos courtesy of QHotels.

Gold Standard at Westerwood Hotel

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Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

CUMBERNAULD’S Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort has been honoured for the second year with a prestigious gold standard accreditation award for conference customer satisfaction.

The VenueVerdict award, which only 31 hotels in the UK received, is based on rigorous research conducted by the UK’s largest independent market research agency, BDRC Continental.

Feedback was taken from almost 24,000 customer surveys across 350 UK venues. Conference and meeting venues and hotels across the UK were scrutinised weekly in the independent survey of event organisers which examined the conference experience from start to finish.

The Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort which is around 15 minutes from both Glasgow and Stirling has a self-contained conference centre with capacity for up to 400 delegates. Last year the owner, QHotels, invested £1.7m in IT facilities, making it one of the first hotel groups to provide guests with free, unlimited internet access, offering 90 megabits per second dedicated bandwidth for conferences.

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Westerwood general manager, Richard Mayne, said: “We’re thrilled to have received this prestigious award. We pride ourselves on our conference facilities and it’s great to have been recognised in this way.”

QHotels already has seven gold and 15 silver awards from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and was top hotel group in the Carbon Reduction Commitment League Table 2011. www.qhotels.co.uk

Chamber Under New Management

ANARKSHIRE Chamber of Commerce is under new management and building on the legacy of its inaugural chief executive, Douglas Millar.

When Douglas advised he would be stepping down as chief executive, the board had to consider how to fill this demanding and important role.

The directors realised that finding a replacement for the enthusiasm and effectiveness of LCC’s inaugural CEO was going to be difficult – so they didn’t try!

With Lanarkshire’s track record of innovation, it was no surprise to find lateral thinking to the fore and instead the board looked for new ways to find the necessary skills and drive.

Step in lifeSKILLS, a business with a successful track record in employability, training and business development, which is owned by John Brown, a board member.

It was agreed that lifeSKILLS would set up a project team to manage the chamber and this became fully effective when Douglas left last October.

For the past year, the team has been working on a programme of member recruitment and retention, creating a busy events schedule and developing the export support business.

And that’s just for starters as lifeSKILLS is now looking at ways to help businesses develop turnover and profitability with a range of networking and cost saving initiatives which will be rolled out soon. Watch this space for more information.

The chamber magazine has also been relaunched with editor and journalist June Hyslop at the helm. www.lanarkshirechamber.org

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S a company director you might want to think about life assurance as a way of helping to provide financial security for your employees or your own family should the worst happen, says Malcolm Southern of Southern Financial Services.

You may have discounted doing this because you didn’t have enough staff to access a group scheme but you can still buy policies to provide this cover.

In addition, taking out a relevant life policy can be tax efficient and the good news is that company directors working day-to-day in a business on a pay-as-you-earn basis (PAYE) are likely to qualify for such an arrangement.

These policies can be used where the number of employees is too low for a company group scheme and also for individual employees who may require more life cover than a main company scheme provides.

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Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Photos courtesy of SSE.

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First Minister Opens SSE’s £500 Million Clyde Wind Farm

“At its height, around 400 were employed on site with the development contributing around £100 million of project value for Scottish companies in addition to associated indirect spend.”

ABOUT SSE

SSE’s chief executive, Ian Marchant, said: This marks SSE’s position as the largest generator of electricity from wind across Great Britain and Ireland and is a major milestone in progressing its investment in renewable generation.

“This will help us meet our target of halving the carbon intensity of the electricity we produce by 2020.

“Importantly, the site also provides a lasting legacy with a significant number of permanent jobs and a Community Investment Fund which can make a real difference to the local area.” www.sse.com/Clyde

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SE’s purpose is to provide energy in a reliable and sustainable way. Its goal is to be the largest, greenest and most flexible non-nuclear generator in the UK. SSE is the UK’s second biggest energy generation business and is listed in the FTSE 100. It is Scottish owned with its headquarters in Perth. SSER is the renewable energy division of the company.

In January 2012, SSER announced that ongoing progress in the construction of its large capital projects meant that its onshore wind farm capacity had exceeded its conventional hydro-electric capacity for the first time.

It now has more than 1,300 megawatts of onshore wind farm capacity which compares to just 40 megawatts only six years ago.

At 31 March 2012, SSER had 3,020 megawatts of commissioned renewable energy capacity from a range of sources in the UK and Ireland, including from its share of joint ventures.

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SE’s Clyde Wind Farm near Biggar was officially opened by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, in September.

It is one of the largest single wind farms in Europe and brings with it a community investment fund expected to be worth around £22million – £875,000 a year for the lifetime of the development.

The bulk of this, £700,000 a year, will be spent in South Lanarkshire – with 70 per cent going to local community projects and 30 per cent to a regional development fund for businesses and organisations.

There are also local community funds for Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders worth £140,000 and £35,000 a year respectively.

More than £300,000 has already been awarded to a number of projects from these funds to benefit local communities.

Clyde is SSE’s biggest onshore project with 152 turbines. Costing £500m, the 47 square kilometre wind farm provides 350 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 279,000 homes a year.

Construction began in April 2009 following consent from Scottish Ministers the previous year. At its height, around 400 were employed on site with the development contributing around £100 million of project value for Scottish companies in addition to associated indirect spend.

Clyde continues to provide employment with 19 full-time SSE staff and 39 Siemens employees based across the site plus additional offsite workers who facilitate operations and maintenance.

Clyde’s location presented many engineering challenges, including the construction of around 105 kilometres of roads to enable access to the farthest reaches of the site.

Associated infrastructure includes two substations, one operations building and a new radar installation in Cumbernauld.

The wind farm is between Biggar and Moffat in South Lanarkshire and is divided by the M74.

It makes a significant contribution to SSE’s position as the largest generator of electricity from wind across the UK and Ireland, and supports SSE’s priority of becoming a greener and more flexible nonnuclear generator.

SSE currently has over 3,000 megawatts of renewable generation capacity in operation in the UK and Ireland, more than 1,600 of which is powered by wind.

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Wind Farm Extension Bid Will Boost Economy

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DDITIONAL work at the Clyde Wind Farm could generate more than £120 million value through contracts awarded during its construction.

It will also add almost £7 million annual value to the Scottish economy throughout its 25 year operation and maintenance phase.

The capital cost of the proposed extension to the existing Clyde Wind Farm site situated on the boundaries of South Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders Councils has been estimated at £246.2 million.

Consent for the Clyde Extension, which will create an infill to the existing site to the north east on land surrounding Camps Reservoir, between Biggar, Abington and Moffat, is currently being sought.

SSE’s director of onshore renewables, David Gardner, said: “We are hopeful that the application will be considered favourably by decision makers at South Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders Councils before a final decision is made by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the local community, local politicians and other key stakeholders, to maintain an ongoing dialogue on the wind farm as the project progresses through the planning system.

“SSE is determined to deliver a positive lasting legacy if this proposal goes ahead, through maximising local and regional economic benefits and through our industry-leading community investment programme.”

SSE Renewables (SSER) has recently submitted an addendum to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for the Clyde Extension Wind Farm application.

The submission responds to representations received to the original planning application and accompanying environmental statement which were submitted to the Scottish Government in October 2011.

It addresses comments raised during consultation regarding the location and height of several turbines and their visual impact on the landscape.

SSE has amended the site layout as a result and reduced the number of turbines from 57 to 53, nine of which have been repositioned to address environmental concerns and 10 tip heights have been reduced to limit visual impact.

If approval is given for the extension, SSE will arrange a number of events to encourage local businesses and service providers to tender for contracts.

It intends to procure the tower sections for the extension from the only Scottish manufacturer of turbine tower components Wind Towers Limited of Machrihanish which uses a number of suppliers from South Lanarkshire. SSE is a key investor and joint venture partner in Wind Towers and recently increased its stake in the business to 80.1 per cent.

SSE’s plans for investment are dependent on securing planning consent for the Clyde Extension and it seeks support from the Lanarkshire business community as its application approaches a crucial stage in the process. Supporters should make it clear they are writing about the ‘Clyde Extension Wind Farm’, say why they are in favour of the project and send this to: The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU or email representations@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

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CLOSE working relationship has led to SSE becoming a chamber corporate partner.

It’s sponsorship of the chamber follows SSE’s significant investment in two important projects in South Lanarkshire – the existing Clyde Wind Farm, near Biggar, and the associated extension proposal to the north east of the site.

As a major employer in the area, the energy supplier is committed to maximising its involvement with local businesses and is keen to involve them in its supply chain.

SSE kick started this by sponsoring a networking lunch focussing on its procurement process in February at Shawlands Park Hotel in Larkhall. As a business with a market-leading low carbon agenda, it also sees this economic shift as a major opportunity both for chamber members and for the wider community to embrace green issues.

SSE Renewables (SSER) is keen to support smaller rural businesses to join the chamber and enable them to take advantage of its extensive network. It is therefore funding 30 memberships.

Brian McFarlane, project director for Clyde Wind Farm said: “SSER is proud to sponsor Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce and to give local businesses in the South Lanarkshire area the opportunity to join such a fantastic organisation which provides diverse opportunities and a great network of contacts.

“We look forward both to continuing our working relationship with the chamber and to meeting members, especially those who are interested in opportunities that may arise out of our Scottish projects, at the many forthcoming events that the chamber has planned.

“SSER is committed to using local and Scottish-based suppliers at our sites wherever possible and South Lanarkshire is no different.”

The Clyde wind farm provided an investment of £81m in the Scottish economy by using Scottish-based businesses. A further £4m was spent on food and accommodation alone in South Lanarkshire during its construction.

For more information on SSE opportunities for businesses in Scotland please contact Kirstanne McDowall, community liaison manager on 0141 224 7569 or email kirstanne. mcdowall@sse.com. www.sse.com

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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ORE than £400,000 of Clyde Wind Farm Fund money has already been spent in South Lanarkshire.

Local groups and organisations have benefitted to the tune of £257,000 from the Community Fund which receives 70 per cent of the annual £700,000 budget and is open to communities who live near the Clyde wind farm site.

Biggar Rugby Club received £110,000 for improvements to its grounds and the Rural Development Trust was awarded £72,000 to for two new minibuses for a community transport project.

There have also been numerous smaller grants to local groups enabling the purchase of canoes, computers, play park equipment and more.

The Development Fund, which receives the remaining 30 per cent, focuses on local economic and business development as well as environmental issues. It has so far awarded £150,000 to regional projects enabling them to improve their facilities or increase employment opportunities.

Examples include £25,000 toward a village centre improvement project in Lesmahagow and £12,000 for equipment to improve pre and after school care in Ravenstruther.

Ciara Wilson, SSE’s community investment adviser, said: “Through this fund, we are able to support the community projects that matter most and create a positive legacy for the people who live and work in the areas closest to the Clyde wind farm. From playpark equipment to community transport to local festivals, the variety of submissions has been very encouraging.

“We are especially proud to have supported a number of new and growing businesses through the Development Fund.

This has the potential to strengthen the local economy by securing and creating vital jobs.”

A number of other projects have been supported or have applications under consideration and the fund managers are also looking at how it could be used in a more strategic way to enhance employability and skills training in the area.

The fund is managed by South Lanarkshire Council in partnership with SSE. For more information about the Clyde Fund or to make an application contact John Archibald at South Lanarkshire Council by calling 01698 455181 or go to www.southlanarkshire.gov. uk/downloads/file/647/clyde_wind_farm_fund_leaflet

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Wind Farm Community Windfall

SSE Signs Chamber Corporate Partnership Deal

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Tunnock’s Merchandise Success

www.tunnock.co.uk

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NEW range of official Tunnock’s merchandise is expected to generate £200,000 in sales in its first year.

The iconic Lanarkshire brand has been so successful that there are already plans to expand the number of product lines.

In just one month sales have quadrupled with buyers from the USA, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, as well as in the UK, snapping up the branded items.

Last year company representatives attended a merchandising exhibition and met Mike Smith of Glasgow’s Orb Group who said he had always dreamt of doing something with Tunnock’s.

“It’s a great brand to work with and is very well known,” Smith added.

“Crunch time for us will be November/December in the run up to Christmas.”

Orb’s has a licensing agreement with Tunnock’s for the merchandise with royalties based on sales.

The range of goods features its teacakes and caramel wafers. There are ceramic and thermal mugs, a tea towel, an apron, t-shirts, a hoodie, a beanie hat and a baseball cap.

There are also cufflinks, a trolley coin, a Rubik’s cube and a replica van available on Tunnock’s website as well from a number of retailers.

Company head Boyd Tunnock explained: “We are capitalising on the strength of the brand. Customers have been wanting to buy Tunnock’s merchandise for years and now with the help of Orb we can do this.”

The primary business itself has gone from strength to strength both at home and abroad. Its products are popular all over the world with recent orders being sent to Barbados, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Kuwait.

To meet increase in demand the company has invested heavily in new plant and machinery spending an average of £1.5 million over the last five to six years.

Images courtesy of Orb Group.

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A Warm Welcome AwaitsAwait A Warm Welcome All CCC All Members CCC Member

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CORPORATE TEAM: Ann Marie Simpson, Jacqui Lee and Paul Harkins.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Glasgow.

Mercedes-Benz Values Chamber Partnership

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ERCEDES-Benz of Glasgow sees its partnership with Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce as a vital element in its engagement with the business community.

Its corporate leader Jacqui Lee was a chamber director when she worked in Hamilton so is well aware of the benefits that being part of it can bring.

She explained: “When I was working with the chamber as a director I found it really beneficial in terms of building relationships and supporting other businesses.

“It is excellent for networking and getting to know people.

There’s also a chance to be involved in mentoring new and growing businesses which may need some advice and coaching.

“Relationships are strong in and with the chamber and that’s invaluable. There is a huge trust element when working with people you know and respect and that is very important to Mercedes-Benz.

“We want to build lasting relationships, find out what customers need and look at funding their purchases in the most advantageous way for them and their businesses.

“We are very conscious of the small business sector as that it where around 60 per cent of our custom comes from. We want to give something back and sponsorship is one way of doing this.”

As part of its corporate partnership deal with the chamber, Mercedes-Benz of Glasgow is committed to sponsoring at least two chamber events before the end of the year and three or four major ones next year.

The fleet team of Paul Harkins, Ann Marie Simpson and Gillian Kerr deal with small businesses that require one car to those needing 300 plus vehicles and cover the whole of the West of Scotland and Dumfries.

For more information or advice contact Jacqui Lee on 0141 331 4600 or email jacqui.lee@stratstone.com.

Mercedes-Benz of Glasgow, 135 Milton Street, Glasgow G4 0DH.

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don’t get mad... get business iT supporT across scoTLanD Computers are a vital part of modern life, but when something goes wrong, it can cause huge inconvenience and stress. At DSIS, we have decades of expertise in providing companies with affordable and jargon-free IT support, from buying advice and software upgrades to data recovery and email hosting.

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Get a free IT health check consultation to help provide clarity on your IT systems and discount of up to 20% for first year of support for chamber members.

Healthy Working Lives Services Lanarkshire

We are here to provide FREE specialist and confidential services to all employers, employees and workers within Lanarkshire by supporting them improve the health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

Why would you want to engage with Healthy Working Lives?

Enhance your reputation as a responsible and well-managed organisation Raise your profile among clients and stakeholders, setting your business apart Reduce absence rates and support staff returning to work Underpin and promote health and safety practices and protect employees from workplace hazards Create a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce Control insurance costs Contribute to the health of the wider community.

Your local Healthy Working Lives team are here to support you with advice and guidance through the Award Programme and other FREE services available to you.

“Our sickness absence is less than half what it was five years ago.”

(Gordon Graham, Scotoil Services)

“Healthy Working Lives helped us put together policies and procedures that helped us to get tender work.”

(Michael Cunningham, Premier Bedrooms)

For further information please contact the Lanarkshire team on 08452 300 323 or email enquirieshwl@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

THE

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

to Spa or not to Spa?

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an indulgent couple’s break?

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

massaged and pampered whilst hubby plays golf or

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The Spa – a quintessential haven for women to be

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Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

HE word spa is the acronym for salus per aqua, Latin meaning “good health through water.”

From the toga clad Romans to the Edwardian gentleman, baths, spas and wellness were the preserve of men and were frequented without any embarrassment or selfconsciousness. They firmly believed that time out from the day’s stresses and strains was a masculine necessity. More recently however, the spa; with its quirky treatments promising cellulite busting, serene eternal youth, seems to be very much the woman’s domain.

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But men are fighting back! The spa is evolving as a destination for men who are once again being encouraged to feel the lasting benefits that some well earned rest and relaxation brings.

With work-related stress soaring in Britain due to the economic down-turn, its more important than ever that we look towards reducing the strain day to day. Business owners are under more and more pressure to stretch out the working day and many are giving little or no thought to the impact this is having on their physical and emotional well-being.

Stress has become the most common reason for being signed off long-term sick, a recent report has revealed. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reports that stress has overtaken stroke, heart attack, cancer and back problems, as the main reason for long-term sickness.

The spa is designed to take you away from business cares and worries. Its practitioners have no interest in your last month’s P&L, balance sheet or cash flow problems. Their job is to ensure that you leave all that behind as soon as your treatment begins.

The treatments range from the ancient art of massage to the quirky and unusual. Choose to be exfoliated, have your body wrapped in seaweed, detoxed, massaged with hot stones or immersed or slathered in mud – the choices are endless. Of course, you may opt to simply enjoy the spa’s facilities with most spas offering pools, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room which, in their own right, can rejuvenate a tired body and mind.

THE

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

The notion of the spa break being an expensive luxury can be misleading. Many spas are offering great deals to encourage men and women through their doors as more than ever, they are aware of the financial constraints on most people’s pockets.

Whether you are looking for a weekend break, a day’s pampering or a one hour treatment, you can find a spa to fulfil your needs.

Men more than ever, are being encouraged to embrace the notion of indulgence and pampering in order to feel the very real benefits these treatments can bring. Treatments tailored specifically to men ranging from facials and massage to body waxing and male grooming and everything in between.

The spa experience is something that can be equally enjoyed alone or with your partner. Today, treatments for couples are increasingly in vogue in many spas, which provides a fantastic opportunity to share some well earned time together which busts the myth completely that spas are only there to keep the ladies amused while the men improve their handicap.

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lifeSKILLS MEETS SUSTAINABLE JOBS TARGET

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ustaining employment is at the heart of what lifeSKILLS delivers with an emphasis on health, employability, apprenticeships, recruitment and training.

These integrated services offer a package that can sustain and enhance customers in the workplace while its government employability contracts engage the long-term unemployed.

Founder John Brown has created a business which has built on its success year on year. It has more than 20 offices throughout Scotland, from Shetland in the north to Dumfries and the Borders in the south, plus one in Jarrow. lifeSKILLS works with the private, pubic and third sectors to manage a full range of occupational health issues including, absence management, counselling, medicals and pre-employment screening.

There is also a strong focus on employability, recruitment and training with the latest offering being the innovative Work Programme which began in July 2011. lifeSKILLS helps people with personality and job profile matching, CV preparation, interview skills, motivation, mentoring, coaching and counselling. The aim is to get clients into a job and keep them there.

It is also a leading provider of specialist staffing services and delivers bespoke training for individuals, teams and organisations in workplaces throughout the UK. In August 2012, lifeSKILLS achieved its first 1000 customer employment placements on its Work Programme and is now targeting 1500 sustainable jobs for next year.

A good example of someone who has benefitted is John McLellan of Dumfries who approached lifeSKILLS in November 2011.

He had been a processing plant production planner but was made redundant when the business closed.

Apart from a temporary two month job, he had been unemployed for around two years when he sought help to prepare for re-employment.

A local newspaper article alerted lifeSKILLS to potential jobs as a result of Dee Fish expanding into Kirkcudbright.

The business was approached and John started working with them in August. lifeSKILLS Central Ltd, West Stand, Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton ML3 OFT. T: 0844 391 5640. E: enquiries@ lifeskillscentres.com.

is open for business Innovation is recognised a key driver of growth and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is committed to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and organisations.

A key strength is the ability to develop practical and tailored solutions to a business requirement. The University works in partnership as a trusted advisor with small and large businesses, public sector and third sector organisations.

Knowledge Exchange Manager at UWS, Lorraine Dymond explains: “One of the key aspects of my job is to match your business need with the right know how.

“There are many different ways we can help and lots of resources are available, from the provision of £5000 Innovation Vouchers, through staff consultancy, student projects and access to recent graduates. We can also help companies with their skills needs, including those of their management teams.”

Our ‘Inspired’ project is just one example – our team have spent the last 2 years helping over 250 small and medium sized companies to solve problems, develop new products and advance existing technologies in the areas of sensor design, product design and prototyping.”

For more information on how UWS can help your business visit www.uws.ac.uk/knowhow or call 0141 848 3400.

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When times are tough, use our know how.

Michele and her colleagues’ know how has been helping businesses to improve quality and manufacturing processes. Our expertise can help you use lean production to remove wastage from operations and to ensure quality management becomes part of the company culture.

To explore how UWS know how can help your business call 0141 848 3400 or visit www.uws.ac.uk/knowhow

SUCCESS TAKES KNOW HOW. Together we’ve got it.

Michele Cano SChool of SCIENCE.

University of the West of scotland is a registered scottish charity. charity nUmber sc002520.

Road Traffic Law

Business Law

We understand how important it is to be able to drive.

Every day, our award winning team of road traffic specialist solicitors represent drivers up and down Scotland using their expertise and technical knowledge of road traffic law to keep our clients driving.

As a business we are well aware of the many pressures and opportunities that small and medium businesses face, especially in these difficult times.

Whether defending a charge or mitigating a guilty plea, you need robust representation by a specialist.

We have a comprehensive knowledge of road traffic law, the latest cases, the best defences and access to expert investigators who challenge crown evidence, finding loopholes and solutions where others find problems.

Careless driving • Dangerous driving • Drink driving Uninsured drivers • Failure to identify a driver • Mobile phones New/young drivers • Speeding • Totting up

Over the years we have acted for businesses of varying shape, size and sector. From leasing a premises and negotiating contract terms to managing employment issues and recovering debts, we can provide the solid legal advice that businesses must rely on in order to flourish. We also work with a team of professional advisers and can offer you additional assistance such as banking and accountants.

Protect your business: ease pressures and seize opportunities by contacting us now.

Employment law • Commercial and contractual disputes Tax issues with HMRC • Licensing • Commercial leases Buying and selling your company

105 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, Lanarkshire ML3 6HG Phone: 01698 283 265 • Email: info@scullionlaw.com • www.scullionlaw.com Offices now open in Motherwell and Airdrie

THE

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Photo by Ben Cope Photography.

Dallas Star Jessie Metcalfe in Rooster Potatoes TV Ads

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ALLAS heart throb Jessie Metcalfe is the new face of Airdrie’s Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes.

The American actor, who plays Bobby Ewing’s adopted son Christopher in the new series, features in the Lanarkshire company’s television commercials from October to December.

Metcalfe got his big break as gardener John Rowland in Channel 4’s Desperate Housewives. His character had a steamy affair with Gaby Solis played by Eva Longoria.

Albert Bartlett is no stranger to using Hollywood glamour to promote its products and has already featured Marcia Cross, who played perfectionist housewife Bree Van de Kamp in the series, in its commercials.

The commercial has been created by top director/ cinematographer Hugh Johnson of Ridley Scott Associates.

“Using the fun and style of Hollywood to deliver our messages appeals to both core fresh potato customers and younger consumers”, said Anne Rodgers, of Albert Bartlett.

“After Marcia Cross we think Jesse will be a great face for the brand.”

Albert Bartlett is the UK’s leading grower and packer of potatoes. The family business was founded in 1948 by Albert Bartlett with a small beetroot boiling operation in Coatbridge.

In 1957, Albert and his two sons, Jimmy and Alex, expanded the business and found a site on Watt Street in Airdrie which became the first factory in Britain to pre-pack carrots in ‘poly’ bags.

The company opened its state-of-the-art headquarters at Stirling Road in Airdrie in 2002. Its potatoes are grown across the UK from the north of Scotland through the country to Cornwall and across to the island of Jersey.

Rooster potatoes, which were introduced to the UK in 2003, are now Europe’s fastest growing fresh vegetable brand.

The Rooster has a red skin and light yellow flesh. It can be baked, mashed, roasted and steamed and has received many prestigious accolades including ‘Best Fruit or Vegetable Product’ at the Scottish Food and Drink Excellence awards.

Packs feature recipes by Michelin star chefs Andrew Fairlie of Gleneagles and Michel Roux Junior of Le Gavroche. www.albert-bartlett.co.uk

Chamber Day At The Races

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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ORE members and guests than ever turned out for the chamber race day in June.

Sceptics said it couldn’t be done on Landemer Day and just after two bank holidays in the same week, but attendance was up to 120 at Hamilton Park Racecourse this year.

Tempted by some excellent tips, a number of chamber members reported profits well in excess of their annual chamber subscription!

Obviously part of that is down to the excellent value that chamber membership provides, but also to the judgment of Lanarkshire’s business elite as they brought their winning ways trackside.

There were excellent networking opportunities with reports indicating sound commercial relationships were built and reinforced that afternoon.

For those who have not experienced a day at the races, it is one of the most successful and inclusive business entertaining formats.

You can be both inside and outside, ‘invest’ significant sums or just play for fun, nip off to take an important call maintaining the illusion that you are really still at work, have tea, coffee or a few glasses of wine if you wish.

It really is an excellent day out and the chamber was delighted that so many members and guests took advantage of the opportunity under its sponsorship.

Next year the chamber hopes to more than double attendance by improving the package on offer and by marketing this event more extensively.

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ADVERTISE your business in...

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THE X-FACTOR Do You Have It? When I ask that question I don’t have a particular weekend entertainment in mind. I’m thinking about the 90% or more of people who have high blood pressure either knowingly or unknowingly, which is caused, not by any medical condition, but by the body’s stress response to the environment or the numerous stresses and strains of daily life.

When considering the causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) we may think of obesity, excess alcohol, smoking, sedentary life style. Relatively speaking, the effects of these can be easily dealt with as they are based on life-style choices. However, there are a number of aggravators that can be more difficult to identify, acknowledge or overcome. This is the X-Factor which so many of us choose to ignore in the hope that things will improve. In the meantime, our subconscious mind is on red alert, constantly scanning our environment for perceived or actual threats to our mental and emotional wellbeing which reinforces the body’s stress response. High blood pressure is often a consequence.

The following X-Factor list which is not exhaustive, is worthy of consideration. Each of the issues can be extremely stressful and therefore contribute to a rise in blood pressure.

• Loss of control • Unresolved anger or hostility • Inner conflict • Too much responsibility • Pressure on time • Feelings of loss or bereavement • Expectations of others • How we are perceived by others • Lack of confidence • Low self-esteem • Anxiety • Fear of illness or death • Environmental sensitivities such as noise, light and pollution • Guilt/Self Punishment

It’s worthwhile acknowledging that long-term stress (silent stress) and hypertension can have devastating effects and that prevention is better than cure.

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JUBILEE SUCCESS: Lord-Lieutenant Mushtaq Ahmad, OBE, Lauren Murray of Murray Recruitment and North Lanarkshire Provost Jim Robertson (front) with chamber directors, members and guests at Dalziel Park Hotel.

Chamber Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Triumph

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ANARKSHIRE was the only chamber of commerce in the UK to hold a gala celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

A special commemorative lunch took place at the refurbished Dalziel Park Hotel, near Motherwell in June.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mushtaq Ahmad, OBE, was guest of honour as The Queen’s representative in the county. Four deputy lieutenants were also present, including chamber director John Brown, whose role includes a remit to forge links with business as chair of the industry section of the office.

All who attended received certificates from the LordLieutenant to acknowledge their involvement in the Jubilee celebration with a selection presented by him in person on the day.

Certificates will continue to be distributed throughout the Jubilee year and can be obtained by contacting Kathleen Hunter at the Lord-Lieutenant’s office.

South Lanarkshire councillor, and chairman of Lanarkshire Economic Forum, Chris Thompson, and the newly appointed provost of North Lanarkshire, Jim Robertson, both attended and addressed the guests.

Central Scotland Region, MSP, Clare Adamson, joined more than 100 chamber members from large and small businesses across the county, as well as representatives from local authorities and government agencies, for the special Jubilee celebration.

Maurice Logie, chamber president, said: “It was a unique event which the chamber was delighted to organise to commemorate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

“There was an excellent turnout and I would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a huge success, including the Lord-Lieutenant’s office and our hosts, the Dalziel Park Hotel.”

Charlene Clay, of Dalziel Park, added: “We were delighted to be selected by Lanarkshire Chamber as the venue for its Diamond Jubilee celebration and we pulled out all the stops to make it extra special.

“We treat all of our guests like royalty and really appreciated the many compliments we received on the day.”

The Lisini Group, which already owns a number of other hospitality venues in Lanarkshire, acquired Dalziel Park last year and has extensively remodelled and upgraded the facilities.

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Savings, Loans and Life Insurance BSL Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation Membership is open to all who live, work or volunteer in Lanarkshire If you would like further information about our products and services please contact the number below.

We would also be very happy to visit any business that would like a presentation on the benefits of credit union membership and the services / products we provide.

People helping people, plain and simple

Telephone 01698 711112 Blantyre & South L anarkshire Credit Union Ltd

Blantyre & South Lanarkshire Credit Union is a trading name for Blantyre Credit Union.

Registered Office 252 Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow G72 0YH. Tel 01698 711112 Blantyre Credit Union Ltd is Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Services Authority Firm Ref No 213669

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NEW COLLEGE

LEARNING PROGRAMMES New College Learning Programmes are all about young people developing the practical skills they require to compete in the world of work.

Motherwell College and Cumbernauld College aim to work with employers and the young people we support to allow them to participate in a quality work placement.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS: • There is no cost • Saves potential recruitment costs - If you are thinking of recruiting it gives you an opportunity to try out someone before you commit • The young person is fully supported by dedicated staff members at the colleges who are on hand to liaise with employers and deal with any issues • You are providing invaluable work experience for a local young person and helping to make them more skilled and employable • College staff can advise on training, funding and wage subsidy schemes

To find out more about the programme contact: Stuart Matson

(Motherwell College) T: 01698 232686 E: smatson@motherwell.co.uk

Anne Gallacher

(Cumbernauld College) T: 01236 784692/784695 E: agallacher@cumbernauld.ac.uk

www.motherwell.co.uk/business/get-ready-for-work

UKSE 25 x 4 Finance ad Scotland:UKSE 25x4 Finance ad Scotland 30/05/2012 13:38 Page 1

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THE

Grovewood Business Centre, Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3NQ

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

D Realise the full potential of your business

ALZIEL Park Hotel has been refurbished, redesigned, redecorated and re-launched to become one of the foremost venues in the area for corporate events, our ”fast-forward” scheme. functions and weddings.

We are passionate about regenerating Contact me, Anne Clyde, for an informal chat about your It would be fair to say it had seen better days when it was local economies. by supporting development plans, and seeWe howdo wethis can help you. acquired by the Lisini Group in June last year.

Call:growing 01698 845 045 or email: scot@uksteelenterprise.co.uk companies in a wide range of The hotel was in administration and there was uncertainty about wedding bookings made previously. To its credit these were sectors to realise their full potential. honoured by Lisini and the Christmas party nights and Hogmanay With If youBusiness are looking Finance for finance from to helpUK you Steel grow Enterprise event also went ahead.

Since then Dalziel Park, which is set in 250 acres of woodland your business, get in touch. We will look at your We are passionate about regenerating local economies.

Grovewood Business Centre, Strathclyde Business Park, on the outskirts of Motherwell, has changed dramatically into a business plan and, if we think we can help, we UK Steel Enterprise is a Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3NQ modern boutique-style hotel and golf club complex.

We do this by supporting growing companies in a wide will offer you an investment of up to £750,000. wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Steel Europe www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk It was officially opened by Motherwell FC manager Stuart range of sectors to realise their full potential.

McCall and player Steven Hammell in April 2012, although it We can also offer unsecured loans of up to continued to trade while the extensive works were carried out. £100,000 through our ”fast-forward” scheme.

If you are looking for finance to help you grow your business, get The Lisini Group already owned a number of well-known and in Contact touch. We look at your we venues in the Lanarkshire area and adding Dalziel Park to popular me,will Anne Clyde, for anbusiness informalplan chat and, if we think its portfolio took it into the premier league with its capability to run can help, we will offer you an investment of up to £750,000. about your development plans, and see how three functions at the same time. we can help you.

In addition to 10 boutique, French chic-style bedrooms, there We can also offer unsecured loans of up to £100,000 through is a restaurant, bar and brasserie plus a nine-hole golf course.

Call: 01698 845 045 our ”fast-forward” scheme.

As a corporate partner of Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce, or email: scot@uksteelenterprise.co.uk it provided the ideal venue for the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Contact me, Anne Clyde, for an informal chat about your lunch celebration attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, development plans, and see how we can help you.

Mushtaq Ahmad, other dignitaries, chamber members and Call: 01698 845 045 or email: scot@uksteelenterprise.co.ukrepresentatives of local authorities and government agencies.

It offers chamber members using the venue free tea or coffee and biscuits.

The Lisini Group was founded by former Celtic footballer Harry Hood in 1975 and is still a family-run business.

Dalziel Park Hotel & Golf Club, 100 Hagen Drive, Motherwell ML1 5RZ. Grovewood Business Centre, Strathclyde Business Park, T: 01698 UK Steel Enterprise is a 862862; E: info@lisini.co.uk Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3NQ

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Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Scotland’s graduates have best prospects in the UK

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National statistics published recently by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show graduates from Scotland’s universities have the highest level of positive destinations, the highest starting salaries and the lowest levels of unemployment in the UK six months after graduation.

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“Scotland’s universities have employability embedded as a core part of their learning and teaching strategies. We are committed to working with others to ensure that young people are able to seize the opportunities which are out there, even in tough times.”

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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HE figures will make for encouraging reading for graduates at Scotland’s 19 universities.

The statistics, which are taken six months after graduation, show 90 per cent of graduates from Scotland’s universities are in positive destinations, i.e. work or further study, compared to 87 per cent of graduates from universities in England.

The mean starting salary for graduates of Scotland’s universities is £21,500 compared to a mean average of £21,000 across the UK. Only seven per cent of graduates from Scotland’s universities were thought to be unemployed compared to 10 per cent of graduates from universities in England.

The National Statistics track the destinations of graduates who completed their studies during academic year 2010/11.

The results defy the tough labour market conditions facing all young people as a result of the recession.

Alastair Sim, director, Universities Scotland said: “These figures are a timely and welcome boost in confidence for those graduating across Scotland this summer. Scotland’s graduates have the best employment prospects and can expect the highest starting salaries anywhere in the UK. Our graduates can be immensely proud of the high regard they are held in by employers.

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Scottish universities’ progress on widening access

U

NIVERSITIES in Scotland made greater progress in the last year on widening access measures than anywhere else in the UK.

The statistics released recently show the proportion of students studying at university from state schools and from poorer backgrounds (measured by the lowest four socio-economic classes NS-SEC 4, 5, 6 and 7). On both measures, Scottish universities have made the most significant progress of anywhere in the UK, compared to last year: Scottish universities have increased the number of students from state schools by 1.5 per cent to 88.3 per cent (compared to 86.8 per cent in 2009/10). The UK average decreased by 0.1 per cent.

Universities in Scotland admitted a higher proportion of entrants from state schools than universities in England (88.3 per cent compared to 88.2 per cent).

Scottish universities have also increased the proportion of entrants from the poorest backgrounds by 1.4 per cent compared to last year. The average UK increase was 0.6 per cent.

THE

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Widening access to university is a complex challenge and real progress will come from a strategic and co-ordinated effort right across Scotland’s education system including schools and universities.

The link between poverty and under-achievement starts early in a child’s education. This was reinforced by the Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy which showed that in S2, children from the wealthiest backgrounds were performing twice as well as children from the poorest backgrounds.

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Commenting on the need to take a long-term and systemic approach to widening access at university, Simon Jennings, deputy director of Universities Scotland, said: “Widening access to university is a complex and long-term challenge but there is a strong negative correlation between deprivation and attainment from the early years of a child’s life. There’s much that universities can do to play their part, including their existing engagement with primary and secondary schools, but the greatest progress will come from interventions in the early years of a child’s life and many, many years before they start considering university.”

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Events Diary OCTOBER Business Networking Breakfast Date TBC 8am - 9.30am South Lanarkshire College, College Way, East Kilbride G75 0NE. Free for LCC members LCC and South Lanarkshire College have teamed up to encourage businesses to meet up over breakfast, gain contacts and do business with each other.

October Networking Lunch Sponsored by Coatbridge College 25 October 12pm – 2pm Coatbridge College, Kildonan Street, Coatbridge ML5 3LS. Free for LCC members

NOVEMBER

THE

Lanarkshire CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Networking Breakfast with Angela Constance MSP, Minister for Youth Employment 15 November Time TBC Hilton Hotel, Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill ML4 3JQ. Free for LCC members

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Come along and hear about the new £3000 Graduate Recruitment Incentive being piloted by LCC. Angela Constance, MSP, Minister for Youth Employment, will highlight the benefits for your business.

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland will speak about the Graduate Recruitment Scheme. Early booking advised as places are limited.

To book contact Lynsey Kennedy at Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce on 01698 426882 or email lynsey. kennedy@lanarkshirechamber.org.

Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Ball 16 November Shawlands Park Hotel, 3 Ayr Road, Shawsburn, Larkhall ML9 2TZ. 7pm for 7.30pm Individual tickets £60+VAT, tables of 10 £600+VAT, tables of 12 £720+VAT Eat, drink, dance and be merry at the chamber annual ball. With a champagne reception, three course meal and the band ‘Life and Soul’ providing entertainment, this is THE premier event in the chamber programme and is a great night out for members and guests! There will be a raffle and auction on the evening with all proceeds going to charity.

Clydesdale Bank Financial Seminar Series 1 20 November Time TBC Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre, 19 Stuart Street, East Kilbride G74 4NG. Free for LCC members LCC has paired up with the Clydesdale bank to offer members an informative financial series. This will be the first and will look at sources of finance, export finance and writing a business plan Bank of England Quarterly Panel Meeting 26 November Hamilton Academical Football Club, New Douglas Park,Hamilton ML3 0FT. 12pm – 2pm Invited guests only The Bank of England asked LCC to form a panel of members to meet with Iain Duff, Bank of England Deputy Agent for Scotland, each quarter over lunch to discuss trading conditions in Lanarkshire. The outcome of these meetings helps form the Bank’s report to the Monetary Policy Committee.

DECEMBER LCC Christmas Event Details are still being finalised but will be shared very soon!

JANUARY 2013 Speed Networking Lunch Date 30 January 12pm – 2pm Venue TBC Cost - £8 for members, £15 for non members Come along to the first networking event of the New Year. You are guaranteed to meet every business in attendance. Each person has two minutes to introduce themselves and their business to the person sitting opposite, before moving on to the next one. This fast-paced event is designed for you to meet a large number of businesses within a short period of time.

FEBRUARY 2013 Tour of R & W Scott (Renshawnapier Ltd) Factory, Carluke 21 February 12pm - 2pm Meet at factory at Clyde Street, Carluke ML8 5BD. Free for LCC members LCC members R & W Scott (Renshawnapier) are giving us exclusive peek inside their factory, where marzipan, icings, caramels and the famous Scott’s Jam are made.

Clydesdale Bank Financial Seminar Series 2 27 February Time TBC Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre, 19 Stuart Street, East Kilbride G74 4NG. Free for LCC members The second seminar in the series from Clydesdale Bank will look at tax efficient planning, savings and wealth management and where to put your pension for a better return.

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