InCommerce M, E&W Lothian Issue 10

AUTUMN ISSUE • 2012

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

JOHN SWINNEY MSP, CABINET SECRETARY FOR FINANCE, EMPLOYMENT AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IS A GUEST SPEAKER AT THE LOTHIAN CHAMBERS KEYNOTE LUNCH IN NOVEMBER 2012

AUTO-ENROLMENT: THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN EMPLOYER PENSION REQUIREMENTS IN THE LAST 20 YEARS LOCAL COLLEGE SUPPORTS ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACROSS THE LOTHIANS DEVELOPING WIN:WIN PARTNERSHIPS Cover photo courtesy of John Swinney’s Perthshire North Constituency Office

Have your next meeting in a perfect setting

Looking for the perfect venue for your next meeting or event?

Look no further than QMU’s new dedicated meeting and conference facility.

Whether you’re organising a professional conference, seminar or workshop or are holding a social group gathering or a celebratory event, we can offer a comfortable, attractive space with a package to suit your needs.

Our new dedicated meeting space: • can accommodate up to 60 people; • is equipped with high-tech facilities – AV, plasma screens, interactive smart board and computer; • comes with in-house technical support for your event;

• can include private break-off space with a grand piano for social gatherings; • overlooks our water feature and landscaped grounds; • offers easy access to the outside decking area and • is available all year round.

So why not try our award winning sustainable campus for your next event?

We can also offer other meeting spaces for larger scale events.

To discuss your space and catering needs call Sarah Whigham on T: 0131 474 0000 (say ‘EVENTS’) or E: swhigham@qmu.ac.uk; www.qmu.ac.uk

CONTENTS 10 Good reasons why you should join the Lothian Chambers of Commerce....................4 Business Mentoring Programme ...................4 West Lothian - Welcome to our New Chamber Members..................................5

WELCOME

Getting the most from your employee with IIP................................ 6-7 Auto-enrolment: The biggest change in employer pension requirements in the last 20 years . ............................................8 Support for Midlothian Businesses...............10 Business Gateway to be based at QMU .......................................11 Edinburgh College – Merger Update.............12 Chamber member won 1st prize at the Young SET Ambassadors Awards.............................14 On our bikes for the Edinburgh Festivals.......................................15 Tax Avoidance - A Reality Check....................16 Chamber President Certifies Carolyn’s Excellent Effort..............................17 Local college supports enterprise & entrepreneurship across the Lothians ................................ 18-19

Gregor Murray, Chief Executive Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce.

Duncan Walker, Chief Executive West Lothian Chamber of Commmerce.

John Lancaster / Architect Starting Up.....................................................21 Anderson Strathern Relaunch Residential Property Service............................................22 Launch marks first Hospitality and Tourism Academy in Scotland............................... 24-25 Oatally Mad About Recycling!........................26 Member Close Up Distinctive Assistants.....................................27 Scotland’s graduates have best prospects in the UK ..............................28 Capital Cooling...............................................29 Regeneration of Bathgate Town Centre............................. 30-31 Low Risk Graduate Placements are the way forward for Business..................32 First Scotland East Ltd. Drives Away with Green Award......................33 To Spa or not to Spa?............................... 34-37 Developing Win:Win Partnerships.................38

For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial contact editor: Dita Macfarlane T: 0131 654 1234 E: dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk Publisher: InCommerce Ltd Distribution: D-Tech Distribution InCommerce is published by D-Tech Ltd. Unit 14 Birch Road Broadmeadow Ind Est Dumbarton G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002.

E-mail: info@dtechuk.com.

Edited by Dita Macfarlane, Chamber Manager, Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, 42/3 Hardengreen Business Park, Dalhousie Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 3NU Tel : 0131 654 1234. Email: Dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk

Welcome to the autumn edition of InCommerce magazine. We again have lots of interesting business stories in this edition with the focus being on businesses working in partnership with others to achieve their growth and business objectives.

Whilst we still operate in a very tough economic environment many businesses in the Lothians are still managing to succeed and some of them are featured in this edition.

In West Lothian our annual Business Excellence Awards will be held on Friday 30th November at the Macdonald Houston House Hotel in Uphall. We are looking for nominations now for all categories including our additional two new awards for Customer Service & Tourism. If your business or a business you are aware of is excelling enter them for an award now. Winners are announced on the night and promoted by video and in the local press.

I hope to see you at Chamber events in the forthcoming months, please check our websites for more details www.wlchamber.com and www.melcc.org.uk lets all work together to ensure success for our members and partners in business.

Duncan Walker

Our Premier Partners

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 InCommerce Ltd or D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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10 GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 1.

Networking and Trading Opportunity. We pride ourselves on the quality and variety of our networking events designed to give maximum exposure to local companies at decision-maker level. We host a varied calendar of free and subsidised events throughout the year including networking lunches, chamber gatherings, site visits, workshops and business exhibitions.

2.

Promotional Opportunities. The Chambers constantly strive to deliver new and dynamic marketing opportunities. We offer exclusive Member to Member discounts on our websites with a range of discounts with local and national suppliers. We also have a dedicated Members News page on our website and monthly e-newsletter which can be used by members to promote their products and services to local businesses and agencies.

3.

Growing your business. We’re more than a membership club.

Our Business Advisors are acknowledged experts in starting and growing a business, helping you to navigate through the legal, financial and regulatory issues.

4.

Fighting your corner. We are the responsible voice of business in Scotland’s Capital. We seek to influence policy at local and national level to create the best possible conditions for business.

5.

Saving you cash. Our aim is for your membership sub to re-pay you- in spades. That’s why our affinity schemes - add up to the best value membership package of any business organisation in Scotland.

Could your or your business benefit from an objective impartial view, insight, support or encouragement of an experienced business person?

6.

Mentoring and Training. Keeping your business fit and in tune, we deliver health checks, advisory services and training programmes to ensure you’re in the best shape to compete.

If you are an ambitious business or social enterprise, our mentors can help you to address key issues and explore opportunities.

7.

Connecting you to business. Privileged access to our websites and your copy of InCommerce, our members’ quarterly magazine, keeping you in touch with issues that impact upon your business performance.

Business Mentoring Scotland

8.

9.

Business Environment advice. We have experienced dedicated advisers who can provide expert assistance on waste minimisation and improved environmental performance. We can also take businesses through the ISO 14001 environment management standard.

Placements and Recruitment. Through the Bright Business partnership, we can provide undergraduates to do business projects for short term placements and graduates to undertake full-time jobs.

10. Small, medium or large? We’re the only business organisation that brings together every size and scale of business. We all have one thing in common, we want to succeed and we want you to succeed. We can help move your business along the value chain to where you want it to be.

For more information visit: www.melcc.org.uk or www.wlchamber.com

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THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

Business Mentoring Programme Growing Something Brilliant

Free specialist one-to-one and group mentoring support for businesses with growth potential. The Business Mentoring Scotland programme will help you take a new look at your business, and provide you with valuable input to make more informed better decisions.

Become a mentor

Alternatively, you might be a successful business person who has invaluable experience and knowledge that you'd be willing to share with others looking to develop their business. We would be delighted to hear from you.

If you are interested to become a mentor or mentee, please email dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk

Welcome to our New Chamber Members

WEST LOTHIAN

Name

Company Name

Work Phone

Web Page

Activities

James Lucas Cirrus HQ Ltd

0131 208 0284

www.cirrushq.com

Cloud Computing Solutions, Server Management software.

Beverly Anderson

Profitable Creative Marketing Ltd

01506 301114

www.pcmclientboost.com

Business growth specialists, online social media and mobile marketing, coaching, training and consultancy

Mary McLuskey

St Andrew's First Aid

0141 332 4031

www.firstaid.org.uk

First Aid training and supplies to the community and the workplace, as well as First Aid cover for events all over Scotland

John Laurie

Burn It Ltd

0844 358 3005

www.burnitbootcamp.com

Outdoor exercise company offering personal, group, business and residential fitness and wellness solutions

John Cochrane

Cochrane Associates

01506 414652

Peter Honnan

Axis-Security Services

0844 928 5440

www.axis-security.co.uk

Provision of manned security, mobile responses, key holding, remote monitoring and electronics security systems.

James McIndoe

J & J McIndoe Ltd

01506 811831

www.a89mot.com

MOT & Repair Garage

Adam Hardie

Johnston Carmichael (Scotland) Ltd

0131 2202 203

www.jcca.co.uk

Chartered accountants and business advisers, one of the Top 25 accounting firms in the UK. Take great pride in immersing ourselves in our clients business and advising them on ways to grow.

Keith Smith

Blindingly Clean

01506 238873

www.blindingly-clean.com

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaner providing high quality, carpet, upholstery and communal stair cleaning and other related cleaning services for domestic and commercial clients.

Michael Cockburn

Cockburn Consultancy

07875 558977

www.cockburnconsultancy.co.uk

Bank funding specialist and relationship management of business resources

Jamie O'Neill International Foiling Solutions Ltd

01506 444244

www.interfoils.co.uk

Agents and distribution of stamping and foils and thermal transfer ribbons for graphic arts and variable printing

Mark Johnston

Asset Finance Scotland Ltd

0131 660 4404

www.assetfinancescotland.co.uk

Asset finance broker, assist businesses with capital expenditure purchases like vehicles, plant and equipment by the way of hire purchase, finance lease.

Sheila Fraser Sheila Fraser Associates

01506 650953

www.sheilafraser.co.uk

Training design; skills development EFQM & organisational development.

Alister McLean

01506 859000

www.capitalcooling.com

Commercial refrigeration and air conditioning business.

Capital Cooling

Public sector procurement advice and guidance. Support for veteran organisations

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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BUSINESS NEWS

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR EMPLOYEE WITH IIP Investors in People is a flexible, tailored and easy-to-use people management standard. We help you achieve your business objectives by developing and harnessing the skills of your people.

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THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

TOP TIPS FOR ENGAGING EMPLOYEES Get to know your team

It’s important that you talk to your team, not only about business, but also on a personal level as well.

Give people a ‘voice’

Give your team regular opportunities to say what’s on their minds. This could be done at your regular team meetings, as part of regular informal catch up or built into your performance appraisal processes.

Make work fun

If people are happy at work, they are much more likely to enjoy what they do and thus perform more productively and effectively. You could: • have a team lunch • run a charity raffle • organise an innovation workshop

Provide opportunities for training and development Development is not always about going on a course, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. There are many opportunities for your team to develop their skills, e.g. delegating some more challenging work to them, shadowing someone in your department or being given a relevant secondment.

Give people praise Your organisation is unique, with its own strengths, challenges and priorities; meaning that you set the agenda when working with Investors in People. Our framework is tailored to focus on the business priorities that matter to you the most.

We can help your organisation improve on a whole range of business issues from financial performance, employee engagement and productivity, through to ideas and innovation. We can help you achieve this in a range of different ways.

Investors in People Strategic People Plan: one way to work with Investors in People Our strategic people plan will help you identify the people and performance outcomes you need to achieve your goals and objectives.

We can help you provide the link between your people strategy and your business plan.

Often people or are not clearly linked to any purpose. Some policies are adopted either on the rationale of being a good employer or simply because “this is the way things are done”. If the way in which people are led, managed and developed is not clearly linked to your company’s needs, then the “investment” in your people, whether through training and development or reward and recognition, is potentially wasted.

It’s vital that you show your appreciation for a job well done, so your team know you value their contributions.

Create a culture of informal recognition.

Make feedback a two-way street

Although giving regular feedback is likely to be part and parcel of your line management role, consider how often you ask your team for feedback about your own performance?

Funding Available To support you, our strategic people plan can be funded through Flexible Training Opportunities.

We would love to help support your organisation.

Give us a call on 0131 625 or visit our website at www.iipscotland.co.uk

Employee Engagement

When it is estimated that disengaged employees are costing the UK economy over £37 billion per year (ref Gallup), there is a real incentive to address this. For you, it could mean poor staff retention, high absenteeism and poor productivity.

Investors in People Scotland has a brochure on Employee Engagement. If you would like a copy, please email Amanda.

Marshall@iipscotland.co.uk THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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BUSINESS NEWS

Auto-enrolment: The biggest change in employer pension requirements in the last 20 years

Working With You to Resolve Workplace Conflict Are issues relating to managing staff becoming time consuming, a source of worry, or becoming a threat to the success of your business?

Are you dealing with disciplines, grievances, absence issues, performance, bullying or harrassment allegations, threats of employment tribunal claims or are staff just not getting on?

With over 30 years experience as an HR professional I can support you to resolve issues quickly and fairly.

I can

Over the next 5 years every UK worker over the age of 22 (up to State Pension Age) and earning over £8,105 a year will be legally required to be enrolled into a pension scheme run by their employer. The first ‘staging date’ for auto-enrolment is in October 2012 for the very largest companies, with all employers being required to meet the obligations during a defined period at a time specific to them.

 Support you to assess what needs to be done.  Investigate and report on conduct, absence, performance,

Most small to medium sized employers staging dates will fall between the spring of 2013 through to the summer of 2014. Full staging date details are available on The Pensions Regulator website – www.thepensionsregulator. gov.uk. Qualifying workplace pension schemes must meet minimum contribution criteria and for the employees that opt out, a system must be put in place by the employer to re-enrol those individuals every 3 years. The new legislation will therefore carry huge responsibility for advanced planning and preparation, as employers get ready to react.

This includes the formation of strategies to reduce knock on effects: e.g. the creation of additional administration workloads and planning to reduce the challenges which may be created for HR and payroll. Indeed, it is estimated

by LEBC that it takes around 12-18 months to plan properly for auto-enrolment and to put a suitable scheme and infrastructure in place. Getting started on the planning process in the very near future is therefore extremely important.

 Undertake training for you or your managers in the above.  Free you up to get on with managing your business.

For those who do not comply with the new legislation warnings are being issued initially by the Pensions Regulator, with fines being levied of up to £ 10,000 per day for those who ignore those warnings.

In conjunction with Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, LEBC are here to help you to meet your responsibilities and to reduce the challenges associated with preparing for and roll out of auto-enrolment. “Our unique Auto-enrolment Assessment Tool has been developed to analyse the time and cost of auto-enrolment for employers, both with and without existing pension schemes. We will help you to establish a clear cut strategy to reduce costs and to create the right scheme structure for you.”

To find out more about our solutions please contact Jim Wilson on Tel no: 0131 226 8300 or email: jimwilson@lebc-group.com for advice or to register for an Autoenrolment Seminar near you.

staff/management issues, grievances, complaints etc. in line with good practice.

 Undertake mediation or facilitate meetings between staff and/or management to support the resolution of conflict.

 Provide support to managers in dealing with complex people management issues.

I undertake all this in a way which is TAILORED © to your needs, compliant with employment law and underpinned with good practice.

Contact me on 07850 410980, dorothymckinneyhr@gmail.com, or www.dorothymckinneyHR.com Initial no obligation meeting to assess your requirements is complimentary. I am based in Bathgate, West Lothian and my rates are flexible and affordable.

It is clear that as financial resources become even tighter that the risk of conflict in the work place becomes higher. Knowing how to reduce and resolve workplace conflict has become one of the few skills where demand is on the increase.

After over 30 years working in HR in a range of organisations [NHSS, Housing, Police Authority] including 10 years as Head of HR in an organisation which covered all of Scotland, I realised that I really enjoyed supporting managers to resolve difficult staffing issues and became regarded as having a talent for it.

So last year I took stock and decided I needed to make some changes and given that my husband was staying, it was the job that had to go!

So I became Dorothy McKinney HR, self-employed and specialising on supporting companies and managers with reducing and resolving difficult people issues and I love it! Why didn’t I do this years ago?

Since then I have: supported staff who weren’t getting on to better understand where each other was coming from and get their working relationship back on track; undertaken investigations where an objective person was needed to gather evidence and make proposals; undertaken workshops on investigations, managing discipline and grievances and supporting the workplace to be one where conflict is reduced and dealt with quickly when it comes along; undertaken one to one coaching for those who want support to tackle difficult issues; supported small businesses with the people issues relating to organisational change.

The variety of clients and work is great and I look forward to hearing from you if you would like to chat about what’s happening in your workplace.

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THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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BUSINESS NEWS

SUPPORT FOR MIDLOTHIAN BUSINESSES Midlothian Council’s new leaf Adult Guidance and Development Service is based in Dalkeith. They serve the businesses and people of Midlothian by offering: ■■ HR guidance and advice on a wide range of employment related issues ■■ Support for Midlothian's businesses (less than 250 staff) with Advice ■■ Help with the employment of staff ■■ Help with the Development of staff - for example up-skilling ■■ Staff - Your business can get 40% off its training costs ■■ Training including management training for Social Enterprise staff ■■ Redundancy support ■■ Careers Guidance and Advice to the people of Midlothian It's a FREE service - so if you are Midlothian business or individual and would like some help their friendly advisors are here to help provide you with impartial and confidential advice. Many small businesses do not have dedicated HR staff or experience within the company to deal with the complex issues surrounding HR, their HR advisor can support you and help you deal with the complexities of HR related issues. They can discuss staff needs for your business and help you find the right course and help reduce the training costs too.

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CASE STUDY Local social enterprise McSence has made fruitful use of Skills for Midlothian Businesses (SFMB) to help in developing staff for their own training provision as well as their business development and commitment to the local community. Training their staff in several areas relating to safe working practices such as safe use of steps and ladders, raised platform operation (PASMA), Portable Appliance Testing, 17th Edition for electricians, as well as the Assessors and Verifiers training has allowed for staff development to meet their commitment to training local Midlothian residents and to develop other service provision in their local community.

Alan Paterson, Business Development Manager at McSence stated that “SFMB funding for training has allowed us to develop our own delivery of training for Get Ready for Work delivery for local young people at a time of great economic difficulty. We are now fully accredited to deliver such services”. He added “Business provision has also benefitted via the SFMB training fund, developing, as one example, our Handyman services therefore sustaining delivery and commitment allowing us to feed profits back into our community, maintaining employment and cost effective provision of services. This funding has allowed us to stretch our training budget further and we very much appreciate the ongoing support from SFMB”.

To find out more - contact: SFMB at 5 Eskdaill Court, Dalkeith EH22 1AG Tel No: 0131 271 3455 E-mail: new.leaf@midlothian.gov.uk

t: 01250 883268 www.ballathiehousehotel.com e: gail@ballathiehousehotel.com

BALLATHIE AS UNIQUE AS SCOTLAND ITSELF…

BUSINESS GATEWAY TO BE BASED AT QMU

BUSINESS NEWS

Ballathie House Hotel, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perthshire, PH1 4QN

Business Gateway East Lothian will have a new base at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. This is in addition to existing provision in Haddington and further outreach as appropriate.

The service, which is geared towards providing advice and support to small business start-ups, will be managed

by East Lothian Council but housed within the University campus at Craighall. This is the first time that a Business Gateway service has been located within a Scottish university. The novel new partnership helps to confirm Queen Margaret University’s commitment to supporting Scotland’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

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Festive lunches and dinners in private rooms or in our award winning restaurant

The partnership between the Council and the University aims to be a one-stop-shop for East Lothian businesses, providing a business information service, free impartial advice and assistance, as well as free workshop and seminar opportunities to a variety of businesses. It is envisaged that the Business Gateway will be an invaluable resource to small business start-up companies but it also aims to go beyond that by providing a variety of support services for further developed organisations.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “84% of businesses employ fewer than 10 people. In the current climate, it’s important that we provide good support to help entrepreneurs make their ideas a reality, as well as offering tailored support to new and developing businesses.”

He continued: “Queen Margaret University is important to the East Lothian economy in terms of employment, higher education, training, student and visitor spend. We believe that housing Business Gateway within the University is an excellent solution – it will provide easily accessible information for entrepreneurial graduates who may be considering starting up their own businesses, as well as advice for new start-ups and established local businesses.

The development of this important new resource brings university expertise together with the needs of our business community and should also assist in reducing rising unemployment levels within the county by making the Business Gateway more geographically accessible.”

The move is also part of QMU’s wider plans to increase engagement with SMEs, with the development of a Business Innovation Zone. As well as the Business Gateway, the Zone will also incorporate new business incubation space.

This will offer accommodation and other facilities to small business start-ups and QMU graduates who are setting up their own businesses. The new Business Gateway at QMU will launch in Autumn 2012. Further details will be announced in due course – www.qmu.ac.uk and www.eastlothian.gov.uk THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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MEMBERS ROUND UP

Edinburgh College – Merger Update Plans are advancing at pace to create the new Edinburgh College formed from the merger of Edinburgh’s Telford College, Jewel & Esk College and Stevenson College Edinburgh.

The business case for merger was agreed by the Boards of each of the three Colleges in April 2012 and work is now progressing to complete the various processes in preparation for Vesting Day on 1 October 2012 when the new Edinburgh College will be established. The new College will be a multi‑campus teaching environment that will focus firmly on ‘putting students first’ with a commitment to enhancing high standards of learning experiences and work opportunities.

The College will accommodate more than 35,000 students – the biggest student body in Edinburgh. The College will deliver the broadest and deepest curriculum which will underpin the development and sustainability of the Edinburgh and Lothians’ key economic sectors, working hand in hand with industry.

While the selection process for the Principal has yet to be completed, Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell announced in June that Ian McKay has been appointed as Regional Lead for Edinburgh College.

Edinburgh College will consist of four main campuses employing more than 1,500 staff; Granton (formerly Edinburgh’s Telford College), Sighthill (formerly Stevenson College Edinburgh) and Milton Road and Midlothian (both formerly Jewel & Esk College). Seven key principles have been agreed to underpin the vision for the College: Putting students first; Investing in staff; Accessibility and inclusion; An ethos of ambition and innovation; Engagement with employers; Diversification and growth of income; and Exemplary governance.

Other key developments that have been completed in the progress to creating the new college include the creation of a new logo and the appointment of John Martin as President of the Edinburgh College Student Association – who will provide a collective voice for the students of the new College going forward.

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Personal Insurance Business Insurance Claims Management Emergency 24hr helpline 0131 311 4714 FSA Reg no 308396

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The Young Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Ambassadors Awards Ceremony was held on 1st June 2012 at the University of Edinburgh.

Mr Iain Gray(MSP) presented the prizes, Mr David Loughlin, Business Manager at Barclays bank, presented the certificates. Mr Grant Laidlaw, Manager of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, gave a presentation and the Ambassadors Awards event was chaired by Dr Aileen Lothian, Director of the Young SET Ambassadors programmes. Chamber member, St David's Roman Catholic High School win first prize which was a cheque for £1,000 and the Young SET Ambassadors shield. The pupils produced an excellent innovative project and working model. School teams from East Lothian, Edinburgh and Midlothian took part in the Young SET Ambassadors programme which is focused on encouraging talented young people in Scotland to consider careers in science, engineering and technology. The winning project was named "Reduce Our Carbon Footprint" and the pupils: Claire Rutherford, Abbie Gallagher, Liam Glen, Rhuari Hunter and Tom Hodson were accompanied by their teacher, Mr Donald Robertson. All the Young SET Ambassadors received medals and certificates for their innovative projects and working models.

Runner-up Tynecastle High School, Edinburgh (£50 prize money) Runner-up Preston Lodge High School, East Lothian (£50 prize money) Runnerup St Augustine's Roman Catholic High School, Edinburgh (£50 prize money)

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MEMBERS ROUND UP

ON OUR BIKES FOR THE EDINBURGH FESTIVALS As the Edinburgh Festivals season got into full swing, staff at EAE Ltd, Scotland’s premier leaflet and poster marketing company, have geared up for their busiest time of year. They wanted to draw on the inspiration of Sir Chris Hoy and the British Olympics Cycle Team as they get on their bikes for the Festivals.

In total, EAE distributed and merchandised 1 million leaflets, ¾ million brochures and 100,000 posters for the Edinburgh Festivals. Included in this total were over 350 tonnes of Edinburgh Fringe brochures displayed at almost 4,000 sites across Scotland, as well as key English sites. In addition to distribution across the length and breadth of Scotland and England, EAE maintain hundreds of Festivals display sites in every neuk and cranny of Edinburgh. Key to this is EAE’s dedicated cycle team who use two wheels to service and stock display sites across the capital.

If Sir Chris Hoy and the British Cycle Team aren’t doing anything after the Olympics, we always welcome more help.

Demand for Festivals leaflets and brochures is greater than ever this year and having the help of the best cyclists in the world could only improve our operations and customer service.”

EAE are the official publicity distributors for Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. In addition, the company provides print distribution services for Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh Military Tattoo as well as major venues such as the Assembly Rooms, Pleasance, Gilded Balloon and Traverse Theatre.

Glen Bennett, EAE’s Managing Director, said, “We were originally set up 25 years ago by a mix of tourism and cultural bodies in Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Festivals remain key clients with whom we have enjoyed long and fruitful relationships.

It is not practical to service all of our Edinburgh display sites by motor vehicles. The city is simply too busy to get around quickly by four wheels. So we use two wheels and pedal power to cover our sites throughout the day and night.

Bicycles give us maximum operational flexibility, while contributing to our company objective to be carbon neutral across all of our operations by 2015.

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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ASK THE EXPERT

Tax Avoidance A Reality Check Q: Has the Moral Outrage Been Overdone?

A: Even if you seldom took an interest in tax it would have been impossible in recent weeks not to notice the media frenzy surrounding the use of tax avoidance schemes by celebrities and other high profile individuals. Moral outrage and savage criticism has been the order of the day, much of it presented in very emotive and sensational language.

It does seem extraordinary that individuals acting upon advice and within the law should be singled out in this way.

For what it is worth, our view is that as professionals it is not for us to impose our own morality upon clients. Our job is to provide valid and legitimate ideas and solutions to client issues in a professionally responsible manner. There is no doubt that the level of taxation is generally one of those issues and it behoves us to offer our clients choice in this area where such choice is available.

Not all press comment has been scathing on tax avoidance.

The following letter appeared in the Times on 26 July 2012.

Sir, It is said commonly that tax evasion is illegal and tax avoidance is legal but immoral. Neither is true. Tax evasion is not itself illegal — no one has ever been charged in a criminal court with tax evasion. It is wrong because it involves illegal conduct, such as signing a false tax return or knowingly concealing a source of taxable income. Tax avoidance does not avoid tax; it avoids liability to tax, which is very different. The tax avoider pays every penny that the State demands; the tax evader does not.

If, in the citizen’s eyes, income tax is excessive, he will do whatever he legitimately can to reduce his liability; there is nothing immoral in doing so. Years ago Learned Hand, the greatest American judge never to have been appointed to the Supreme Court, said: “Over and over again the courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs so as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor, and all do right; for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands. Taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.”

Let us have no more cant from those who have been given the power to tax us. If they choose to employ people through service companies, thereby reducing their employees’ liability to tax, it is up to them as employers to refuse such arrangements; and if they want to stop others adopting similar means to reduce their liability to tax it is up to them to amend the legislation to treat such companies as if they were employees subject to PAYE. Lord Millett House of Lords It is important to remember amongst all the current media hype that professional tax planning, responsibly delivered, properly implemented and fully disclosed is still available to your clients. For further information on how we can help contact Martin on 07866 465223 or Roy on 07834 465665.

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Taking the silver medal, or, in this case, a nice wee trophy and certificate signed by George, Carolyn beat almost all hospitality staff from across the UK to prove that when it came to personality, she’s a medalist. She performed with stamina in a demanding decathlon of disciplines, from meeting and greeting, to coffee grinding and closing the deal. “We had to show we could sell to everyone”, she said, “even aliens!”

Between the Scottish and UK finals, Carolyn felt she'd been through something akin to a cross between Dragons' Den, The X Factor, and The Apprentice. "There was a quiz about everything Melville Inn and the Vintage Inns chain", she said, "including local knowledge, and lots of tests about our professional approach. I think the most daunting was ‘Tell and Sell Sell Sell’ - where contestants were presented with a random object, and we just had to come up with a sales pitch, right on the spot”.

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Mid & East Lothian Chamber President George Walker was on hand to present a trophy and a certificate to Carolyn Reid, who represented Scotland in The V Factor - a nationwide contest for 'front of house' staff from almost 200 Vintage Inns around the UK. Carolyn, who serves Chamber members on visits to The Melville Inn at Lasswade in Midlothian, won the Scottish Regional Round in June, before going on to lift the silver medal in the national finals in Birmingham in July.

It’s actually not about aliens. Vintage Inns - that’s where the “V” comes from - has twelve locations across Scotland, including the popular Melville Inn, just outside Lasswade, and the historic Hawes Inn at South Queensferry, where the Scottish Final was held. George Walker said she was a credit to young people everywhere, and an encouragement to those starting out in their chosen careers.

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“We were not given any clues about the actual challenges, but I was told to expect an Apprentice style grilling”, said Carolyn, who found herself running around the streets of Birmingham, among many other challenges. Coming back with the silver medal, means she certainly had a big, big smile to bring home too.

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NEWS

LOCAL COLLEGE SUPPORTS ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACROSS THE LOTHIANS Jewel & Esk College’s dedicated business support unit aims to help encourage entrepreneurship and business growth throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Recently opened at the Milton Road Campus as part of the College’s Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Centre, the specialist facility provides competitively priced business incubator space for local companies or student businesses.

The rental revenue generated will provide a funding stream for the College and will be reinvested back into the new centre.

Professor Steve Tinsley, Director of Innovation at Jewel & Esk College, is delighted that the new resource will be able to support businesses throughout Mid and East Lothian.

“The incubator units provide a one stop shop for local businesses to develop and grow their ideas with the support of the College. We hope that the new facility will also act as a stepping stone to enable young entrepreneurs to develop their aspirations, as well as their business strategies, and encourage them on the path to long-term commercial success.”

As well as access to affordable facilities, those using the new centre will also receive help from Jewel & Esk students in skills like marketing, video production, office administration and website development. This means a free resource for the new businesses and live, learning projects for Jewel & Esk students.

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There are 22 individual incubator units, each set up with computer, high speed broadband and a dedicated phone line. All packages include a personalised office address, mail collection and forwarding, back-office services including photocopying, printing & receptionist support, a dedicated phone number and messaging service for your business, use of fax number and fax service if needed, a company listing at reception and on the website, adjacent parking and reserved visitor parking.

Companies can then choose to add on different additional requirements from a menu of platinum, gold and silver package options.

All clients at the incubator units can take advantage of extensive ICT and administration support as well as assistance with business start-up advice from the partner organisations that the College works with.

Getting to the Centre is straightforward, as the facilities benefit from disabled access, great public transport links by bus or train and free on-site car parking and cycle parking.

One of the first clients at the incubator project is the Scottish digital media company, Scottish Times. Alex Porter, who is CEO and Editor of Scottish Times, comments, “In order to build an exciting online media company from scratch we needed an incubator environment which was professional, resourceful and flexible. The Jewel & Esk business staff listened, helped, mentored and found solutions for us, allowing our young editorial team to thrive while our business moved to the next level. For new businesses to take off they all need some luck at some point - the Jewel & Esk incubator project was ours!"

FACILITY HIRE The Incubator units are not the only resource available to local businesses. The College also offers a number of function rooms within the Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Centre, to suit small or larger meetings. Companies can hire specialist spaces across the college, including the 96 seater auditorium for events or screenings, or eh15 restaurant and bar at the Milton Road Campus for private dinners, events or parties. The Midlothian Campus at Eskbank has a range of different spaces which have been used successfully for awards ceremonies, meetings and events.

BUSINESS EVENTS If you want to keep on top of current business thinking and new developments, consider the college’s series of open courses and business events. There is a varied programme of courses, with current offerings including ILM accredited training, Communications & Influencing Skills and Mental Toughness. Regular business events, networking lunches and business breakfasts give the opportunity to network and debate on current business issues. To keep up to date with future events or to share your ideas, you can subscribe to a monthly e-newsletter. Drop a quick email to fsello@jec.ac.uk to be added to the subscribers’ list.

For more information about any of these business resources, including the incubator units, events or courses, please call 0131 344 7567 or email: fsello@jec.ac.uk. You can also find more information about all the College’s services and facilities at www.jec.ac.uk In October 2012 Edinburgh’s Telford College, Jewel & Esk College and Stevenson College Edinburgh will merge to form a new Edinburgh College. The merger will bring together 35,000 students across four campuses, helping strengthen the further education offering in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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STARTING UP

Name: John Lancaster Business Name: John Lancaster / Architect Start up date: May 2012 Website: www.johnlancasterarchitect.co.uk Q1: Can you tell us a bit about your business?

I’m an Architect based in Tranent, East Lothian, and started my own practice earlier this year.

Q2: What prompted you to start your own business?

I have always wanted to start my own practice and set myself a goal of starting it by the age of 35. Having worked for almost five years for a practice in Edinburgh, I was made redundant due to the recession, which gave me the impetus to reach my goal several years earlier than planned.

Q3: What set your business apart from your competitors?

I hope that my clients find me approachable and down to earth, and aim to provide good quality design that looks good, lasts well and is affordable. I appreciate that times are tough, and that people are wary of the whole construction process and the costs involved, but as an Architect I can help people understand what is required and that it needn’t be as frightening or expensive as people think.

Q4: Can you express in some tangible terms how the business has developed?

The business is still young, and still developing, so ask me in a year! My personal transition from Architect as an employee to Architect as a business owner excites me incredibly, and it is fascinating learning about many aspects of owning and running my own business and all the tasks and challenges that come with it.

Q5: What has been the most challenging time for the company?

Having only recently started my practice, the most challenging time is now – getting my name known and letting people know what I do and how I do it. Many of my early jobs came through word of mouth, which is expected, but I’m now starting to see enquiries coming through my website.

Q6: How did you overcome that?

I have a good online presence – as well as my website I have a Facebook page and a Twitter account which are both updated regularly and are starting to show some results.

In the coming months I will be answering questions as the “resident expert” on Architecture and construction for Eskvalley View magazine, which is delivered to houses in Bonnyrigg, Newtongrange and Eskbank. I go to various networking sessions to speak to people and try to become known in the local community. I also feel that there are plenty of people and places to look for good, sound advice – the East Lothian Coffee Mornings, for example, are fantastic, informal sessions where a good mix of people attend and offer friendly, helpful advice.

Q7: What are the future plans for your business?

I have many! I work from home at the moment but I would like to have an office somewhere – probably in Haddington, and preferably with a shop front. I don’t want it to just be an office, I want to host architecture or design related talks and exhibitions, and combine it with a small gallery space or coffee shop to encourage people to come in.

Q8: Do you have any advice for someone thinking of starting up their own business?

There is so much help and advice available, from places like Business Gateway, that is completely free - make the most of it! I’ve attended numerous seminars and had one to one advice from experts in marketing, accounting, business in general, that has been invaluable. Don’t be afraid of starting your own business, it can be tough to start with and there is always the worry of not making enough money to cover the bills, but if you have a good idea and are keen to make it a success it will be worth it.

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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PREMIER PARTNERSHIP

Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest premier partner, Anderson Strathern.

Anderson Strathern Relaunch Residential Property Service Over recent months Anderson Strathern have been working to develop several unique innovations to our residential service offering. These include:

Free wealth checks - as part of a holistic approach, any residential client will be offered a meeting to discuss their tax position and whether they require assistance with will or powers of attorney etc.

Special measures - even in a challenging market, properties should sell within three months. If a sale takes longer than this a follow up meeting will be offered to assess how things can be improved.

Social media strategy - The new residential web site will integrate a facebook page which you can search for properties as well as a twitter account and a LinkedIn Page.

These developments will assist us with our aim of ‘having the best residential offer within the Scottish property market,’ directly benefit our clients by making selling quicker and easier.

24:7:365 - outside of office hours the residential phone lines are manned by an external source – in effect we are always open. This ensures that sales calls are never missed, e brochures can be ordered and sent automatically, and viewings can be arranged at a time suitable to the buyer and seller.

For a limited period and subject to certain conditions, we are offering a 50% discount on residential fees to all MELCC members.

Client zone – our clients can track their sell via an intranet site accessed via the residential property website.

Steven McDonald, 01620 822127, steven.mcdonald@andersonstrathern.co.uk, or

E reports - these are weekly generated reports which include all information on hits via web portals, requests for home reports, viewing feedback etc. Our clients will have greater clarity about how their sale is progressing.

Mark Coulter, 0131 270 7831, mark.coulter@andersonstrathern.co.uk

Home property passports - these are documents specifically produced for each property and can be accessed by the buyer electronically. They included objective local information relating to schools, planning, environmental issues, recent comparable sales, amenities.

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If MELCC members would like to take advantage of this please contact

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PREMIER PARTNERSHIP

Launch marks first Hospitality and Tourism Academy in Scotland

20 August saw the launch of Scotland’s first dedicated Hospitality and Tourism Academy for secondary school pupils.

The East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy is an innovative partnership involving Queen Margaret University, Jewel & Esk College, East Lothian Council and a number of hotel groups.

transition between school, college, university and work.

Importantly, the Academy also aims to raise standards across the hospitality and tourism industries by providing young people with the appropriate skills and attitudes to meet employer needs.

Professor Alan Gilloran, Vice Principal (Academic) at Queen Margaret University, explained: “Hospitality and tourism are critical to the Scottish economy. In some areas of the country hospitality and tourism standards are excellent.

Scotland has wonderful food, a stunning landscape and a rich cultural heritage, but all too often we let ourselves down with our service delivery. If Scotland wants to be a world-class tourism destination, we need to equip a new generation of young people with the right skills and a fresh approach. Through the Academy, we will promote the attitude that service excellence is the only acceptable standard.”

Thirty-eight pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School, Preston Lodge High School (Prestonpans) and Ross High School (Tranent) will be the first to take part in the new Academy. They will have the unique opportunity of accessing academic knowledge and practical skills in ways that will equip them with the best chance of securing the best jobs.

The initiative, which will involve students from three East Lothian secondary schools, aims to raise the profile of the hospitality and tourism industries and expose young people to the tremendous wealth of career options which exist providing a range of education and work experience opportunities.

The partnership organisations are responding to the Scottish Government agenda of kick starting employment opportunities for young people and streamlining the THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN

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Ray McCowan, Director of Curriculum, Strategy & Academic Planning at Jewel & Esk College, explained: “Most young people and their parents don’t view the hospitality and tourism industries as a first destination career choice – it’s more often a stop-gap job until something better comes along. We might hear of the ‘straight A’ pupil who aspires to being a doctor or a lawyer, but it’s not often that young people specify they want to be an event, restaurant or hotel manager or even a hotel receptionist. The Academy partners want to increase awareness of the full range of roles within the industries, as well as the career progression, transferable skills and travel opportunities.”

Entry to the Academy is competitive, with places available for not just the high achievers, but with opportunities for a much wider group of talented young people.

Pupils will experience a two-year programme with the option to attain either a Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award or a Hospitality & Tourism Management Award. If the pupils successfully complete the programme they will be able to progress to employment or into a course at college or university.

Shamin Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Education, East Lothian Council, said: ”In today’s climate, young people need to leave school with more than qualifications. They need skills for learning, life and work which - in today’s competitive climate – employers are increasingly demanding. Using feedback from our industry partners, the Project Team has built a curriculum which includes employability skills, certificates, relevant and high quality work experience and business mentoring as well as gaining more traditional qualifications.

Backing the project are some of the world’s most significant industry players – Marriott and Novotel have signed up as business partners, as have Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, Jurys Inn, Mercure and Best Western Edinburgh Capital Hotel. Representing the local market, one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious hotel organisations, Prestonfield, has pledged support, as well as Fraser Suites Edinburgh.

The East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy will also address the growing problem faced by many Scottish businesses which struggle to recruit local people with the right skills and attitudes to meet their needs.

Patricia Rainey, Cluster Director of HR at Marriott Hotels, said: “Hospitality and Tourism are growth sectors in the economy and need the best and brightest talent to satisfy the demand. There are excellent opportunities in our industry to grow and develop careers for our young people, whether through an academic route or from the ground floor up. Marriott has an absolute commitment to attracting and recruiting the best talent and that is why the fit is so good. As an employer we offer learning and development opportunities to young people and at the same time benefit from them practising these skills in our business. The Academy presents a great business model and one in which we are proud to be a partner.”

Professor Gilloran concluded: “Thriving hospitality and tourism industries are critical to Scotland’s economic growth and to bolstering employment opportunities for our younger generation. These industries are our shop window to the world and we need to secure talented young people to work in them and help sell our country to visitors. The Academy will not only prepare them for this challenge, but will offer these students a brighter future.”

10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT QMU Queen Margaret University can offer:

1 2 3 4

5

Excellent meeting, events and conference facilities as well as space for social gatherings eg book clubs or church groups etc.

An alternative wedding venue at competitive rates.

Grounds, buildings and specialist clinical and research spaces for film shoots.

Free impartial advice for business start-ups via Business Gateway.

QMU is the first UK University to have a Business Gateway located on campus. Run

by East Lothian Council it provides assistance as well as free workshop and seminars to a variety of businesses.

A base for new business start-ups as part of QMU’s new Business Innovation Zone

6

Opportunities for local people to attend public events, lectures and open days. See QMU website for forthcoming events.

7

Excellent sports facilities which can be used by local residents. See QMU website for membership details.

8

A place to meet for a spot of lunch. The refectory offers everything from snacks to full lunches. On a sunny day why not enjoy a coffee outside on the decking?

9

10

An attractive new space specifically for conferences, seminars and workshops.

Delegates can enjoy unspoilt views across the water feature and gardens. The dedicated conference and events team can offer bespoke packages to meet your specific requirements.

An award winning sustainable campus which is designed to exceed current environmental standards and sets a new benchmark in sustainable design.

For further information on: Conference, meeting and events spaces contact: E: events@qmu.ac.uk Sports facilities E: sports@qmu.ac.uk Business Innovation Zone and Business Gateway: E: Miriam Smith, E: MSmith3@qmu.ac.uk Queen Margaret University T: 0131 474 0000

www.qmu.ac.uk THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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OATALLY MAD ABOUT RECYCLING! Resourcefulness comes as second nature to Nairn’s Oatcakes who have been baking Oatcakes since 1888.

They have maintained excellent recycling figures segregating cardboard, paper, plastic, polythene, packaging and office paper. However, it has been a successful partnership with recycling and resource management business, William Tracey Group, which has seen the environment team at Nairn’s come closer to their goal to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Russell Clink Environmental Manager of Nairn’s Oatcakes said:

William Tracey Group, who also has a strong heritage, with the recycling business dating back to the 1900’s, was able to take the recycling plan to the next step by carrying out an in depth audit of the waste streams produced at Nairn’s 2 Edinburgh premises. From the audit, a number of waste streams which were going to landfill were identified as recyclable including a variety of sacks and bags previously considered contaminated. Further, William Tracey were able to advise on more cost effective and carbon friendly uplifts, reducing the pick up of recycling bins from daily uplifts to 1 per week and delivering materials to the company’s manufacturing and recycling facility (MRF) in Broxburn where waste, which may have otherwise gone to landfill, is further sorted to recover any additional recyclate.

Nairn’s Oatcakes, who produce around 3.5 million oatcakes per day in their Edinburgh premises, are now well on their way to achieving zero waste status, diverting nearly 90% of all waste produced away from Landfill.

Perhaps the biggest success was identifying packaged food waste as a recycling stream. Food recycling is the latest in a wide range of services to be offered by the William Tracey Group and Nairn’s Oatcakes are now recycling all of their packaged food waste into renewable energy through the process of Anaerobic Digestion. The process uses cultures of bacteria to break down the food and generate methane gas which is turned into electricity and an organic sludge which is used as fertiliser in the agricultural industry.

“Diverting those final waste materials from landfill can be the biggest challenge to our customers but that is where we use our expertise and knowledge to deliver results. We talk about taking our customers on the journey to zero waste because we recognise that the real value we can deliver is not only in the quick wins but in the longer term partnership which allows us to explore various options for difficult waste streams and work with the customers to source responsible routes for such materials, helping them meet and exceed their environmental goals.”

“The partnership with William Tracey has allowed us to approach our recycling operation in a planned and logical manner. The customer support has been really good, we are not afraid to try different approaches, confident that if something is not working as envisaged we can quickly implement changes as required.”

Sending very little waste to landfill means that Nairn’s Oatcakes are also reducing their waste bills and this alone is great for business. With landfill tax increasing again in April 2012 to £64 per tonne, implementing a recycling plan in your business is a necessity if you wish to avoid further annual increases.

Michael Tracey, Managing Director, William Tracey Group said:

Keep your eyes peeled on the West Lothian Chamber events calendar for the William Tracey Group seminar, early November, which will help you on the Journey to Zero Waste. www.williamtraceygroup.com

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MEMBER CLOSE UP

member close up

Company Name: Distinctive Assistants Name: Andrea Webb Position: Owner/Virtual PA Website: www.distinctiveassistants.co.uk Twitter: @DistinctiveVPA 1. What are the main activities of the business?

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

Distinctive Assistants provide Virtual PA services remotely to support businesses including independent professionals & sole traders, this includes lifestyle management for people who may not have time to sort out their personal admin.

We offer services that are typically, provided by a Personal Assistant in the traditional office but without the additional staffing, equipment or location costs. Distinctive Assistants provide support but do so remotely, from our own office and using our own equipment. We can work on ad hoc projects as well as on a regular basis, so we provide a degree of flexibility that is particularly suited to small businesses, independent professionals & personal clientele. Our rates start from as little as £20 per hour.

Having to balance bringing up a young child, and business commitments. It’s hard work but that’s my job, creating a work/life balance for myself and my clients.

2. Are you enjoying what you do everyday?

Yes, I love it!

3. As a business person, describe your three main qualities?

Professional but personable.

Being able to juggle the work/life balance effectively.

Attention to detail and always looking for opportunities to add value to my clients.

4. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Securing my first client at my very first networking event and they’re still with me 4 years later.

Winning my Business awards first in 2010 as Networker of the Year by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce and again in 2012 being named as one of the top 100 UK Mumpreneurs.

6. If you could turn the clock back, what would you have changed about your business career?

I wouldn’t have waited so long to start my own business, it’s the best thing I’ve done.

7. What is your favourite way to unwind?

Being on the go all day and juggling family time with business time, it is just nice to read a book and listen to good music at the end of a day. I also enjoy walks out with the family. The odd glass of fizz at the end of a busy week with my friends also does the trick……

8. If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?

Growing up in Hong Kong, I would actually say all my old school friends, whom I haven’t seen in years. Catching up and reminiscing about the good old days at school would be priceless!

9. What advice would you give to others trying to be successful in business?

Don’t be afraid to take risks, you will not get everything right all the time, but it is how you deal with the situation.

Know your market and understand your clients.

Networking - it is key to creating and maintaining successful relationships.

10. Where do you see yourself in 10-years?

Still doing the same thing I’m doing now, I wouldn’t want to change it.

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Scotland’s graduates have best prospects in the UK 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.

The figures will make for encouraging reading for graduates at Scotland’s 19 universities, coming as they do in the middle of university graduation season.

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.

This year’s results defy the tough labour market conditions facing all young people as a result of the recession.

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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.

“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.”

Capital Cooling, the Broxburn based commercial refrigeration specialists, have been bucking the negative trends and offering a glimmer of hope for small businesses in the region by winning some significant new contracts and additional funding for further expansion.

Alister McLean (on the right) alongside Alex Scanlon from Clydesdale bank

Set up in 1996 by Alister McLean to offer service, maintenance and supply of commercial refrigeration equipment Capital Cooling have emerged as one of the leading lights in the industry, holding contracts with the likes of The Cooperative, Morrison’s Supermarkets, Holiday Inn and Hilton to name but a few.

To this day Capital remains a family run business and it is this personal touch that attracts clients from all over the UK. In recent weeks it has been announced that Capital have been awarded in excess of 2,500 new sites across a range of leading businesses in the leisure and retail sectors including Admiral Taverns, Enterprise Inns, KFC, Pizza Hut and Boots.

The Clydesdale Bank have spotted the potential in Capital Cooling and have chosen to offer support through their “Investing for Growth” scheme and the additional finance will allow the business to expand over the next 12 months.

“We want to be the best in our sector and work with the top organisations in the country” responds Alister and based on past performance this seems to be achievable sooner rather than later.

REGENERATION

Regeneration of Bathgate Town Centre Enterprising Bathgate, Bathgate’s Business Improvement District

“Looking Forward to 2013 and Beyond”

Enterprising Bathgate, the Business Improvement District Company in Bathgate, is working towards the end of its fifth year in operation, and there is much to celebrate in achievement, with much more yet to be delivered to build upon the early regenerative successes to date, all of which has been delivered via true partnerships and collaboration.

Bathgate became Scotland’s first Business Improvement District in 2008 and represents approximately 420 businesses within the BID area, which is focused on the traditional town centre. The remit of Enterprising Bathgate - the BID Company – is broadly to improve the trading environment of these businesses by delivering a number of beneficial projects and initiatives. This is a businessled initiative whereby ‘everyone contributes and everyone benefits’.

The broad priorities of the BID Company is to work with the local business community, local government and other local organisations and service providers to improve the wider appearance, attractiveness and competitiveness of Bathgate Town Centre, with aim to make it a more desirable place to work, visit, live and be entertained. In Bathgate’s case, the achievements thus far Enterprising Bathgate is delivering this under a range of priorities outlined in the Business Plan 2008-13, including:

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Perception and Image Clean and Attractive Safe and Secure Accessibility, and Facilitation and Support for Business Some of the significant projects achieved or worked on in recent years are: Bathgate in Bloom project, which has now been integrated into Enterprising Bathgate, was set up to provide colourful flower displays in the main shopping streets. There are now 43 hanging baskets and poles throughout, each sponsored by local businesses and organisations, the sponsorship which funds maintenance and upkeep.

In the past year it has expanded to include regeneration of soft landscape gap sites and tidying up planted areas in our car parks. It is also responsible for ‘Adopt a Station’ project and the future regeneration of an underutilised town centre vacant area for a community garden.

Town Centre Regeneration: In 2008, Enterprising Bathgate commissioned and managed, on behalf of West Lothian Council, delivery of a Public Realm Design guide, which was adopted as supplementary planning guidance in 2009. This aims to co-ordinate all future changes and improvements to the town centre and to create a “sense of place”.

Zero Waste: In 2012 Enterprising Bathgate funded a pilot project, with Zero Waste Scotland, to investigate the possibilities of introducing waste recycling for town centre businesses. More than 70 businesses participated in an initial survey, estimating up to 70% of commercial waste could be recycled. A pilot project provided free collection of recyclable waste for 40 businesses over a 4-month period and we are now rolling out the scheme across the BID area.

The Public Realm Guide promoted the vision of creating an additional civic space within the pedestrian precinct and now known as ‘St. David’s Square’. The design mirrors the adjacent tower and incorporates a new quality granite surface, trees, lighting and furniture. It recognised that change was required to ‘The Steelyard’ to remove clutter, open up and enlarge the area and provide for a new quality surface for this important civic space.

Premises Improvement Scheme: The scheme has been arguably the most successful initiative to date, in establishing and maintaining a strong and attractive built environment and physical appearance within the BID and town centre. The scheme has been able to help more than 200 businesses, through providing grant assistance to facilitate external and internal improvements, and help new and existing businesses to occupy vacant premises.

Since the completion of these spaces, a number of events have taken place in these areas that would have proved impossible to site before. Looking forward, it’s our intention to bridge the gap between these two areas by replacing the old brick sets with granite blocks similar to those already in place.

Safe and Secure: We have fostered partnership working arrangements with Lothian and Borders Police and local businesses to increase security and reduce crime. We have similarly created a more attractive, safe and secure town centre via initiatives such as CCTV provision and monitoring, Radio Link and a fully-funded Taxi Marshalling service.

Bathgate Partnership Centre opened in October 2011 representing £7million investment and the creation of a new heart and community hub for the town. A highlight of the building is the landscaped community garden, as is the ‘green’ roof which contributed to being awarded the national Carbon Trust Award. The centre was named Building of the Year by Edinburgh Association of Architects.

The success of the Business Improvement District in Bathgate is achieved by the acknowledged role and contributions made by the wide and diverse range of partners and organisations active involved with the BID Company. The continuing and dedicated involvement of the business community and all these partners is essential, and we collectively look forward to developing our partnership further for the collective benefit of Bathgate.

The garden had made a strong connection with the local community and is used as an adult and children recreational space as well as a performance space for the arts. The building is visited by an average of 1,000 customers each day.

REGENERATION

Enterprising Bathgate and West Lothian Council made a joint application to the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund. In November 2009 an award of £600,000 was made to Bathgate, which was enhanced by further commitments from both totalling £260,000. This was used to deliver a series of projects: improvements to the streetscape within the pedestrian precinct. The majority of the work was completed in 2011.

If you are interested in receiving further information on the activities of Enterprising Bathgate and associated partners, here in Bathgate town centre then please contact us:

Enterprising Bathgate, Bathgate Business Centre, 6 Whitburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 1HH, Tel. 01506 637537, or visit www.bathgatebid.net Nairn Pearson, Business Improvement Districts Manager Email: nairn.pearson@westlothian.gov.uk David Stein, Chairperson for Enterprise Bathgate - Board of Directors Email: info@bathgatebid.net

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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First Scotland East Ltd. Drives Away with Green Award Presentation of the Best Green Large Company 2011 to First Scotland East

First Scotland East Ltd. were recognised for its eco efforts to enhance fuel efficiency and improve its environmental performance within the transportation sector.

companies, community groups, schools and hospitals who have shown initiative and exceptional work in the bid to go green.

Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for ScottishPower, said:

The transportation company, who provide a public transport operation spanning the Scottish Borders, through Edinburgh and the Lothians and into Stirlingshire and Falkirk in Central Scotland, scooped the award for the Best Green Large Company, at the third Scottish Green Awards in 2011.

“Working in partnership with Insider and the Daily Record, ScottishPower is delighted to be title sponsor of the Scottish Green Awards and would like to congratulate First Scotland East Ltd. for its commitment and dedication to reducing the company’s fuel consumption and encouraging environmentally friendly transportation innovation.

First Scotland East Ltd. has been recognised for its work to reduce its environmental impact through Right Bus Right Route, a monitoring system that ensures fuel efficiency is maintained.

“It is increasingly important for people and organisations to take vital steps to become greener, and ScottishPower is committed to being at the forefront of the development of green technology.”

By monitoring passenger loadings each week in order to match the right sized vehicles to the number of passengers First Scotland East is able to maintain fuel efficiency across its fleet.

“First Scotland East is a leader in the transportation industry that has demonstrated continued dedication to reducing their environmental impact with an aim to increasing fuel efficiency.

The award also recognised the innovative driver monitor system, Drive Green, that has been installed on its passenger transport vehicles to allow drivers to monitor their route.

Vic Duddy, Facilities and Environmental Coordinator, at First Scotland East Ltd. was thrilled that the company’s efforts have earned First Scotland East the title of the Best Green Large Company of 2011.

The system monitors acceleration, braking, cornering and lane changes to evaluate the driver and identify any red event drivers who can then participate in retraining to “go green.” The system has achieved both a better travel experience for the passenger and a reduction in fuel usage of 4.5%.

He said:

The challenges of waste on board the transportation are also met with an eco friendly approach, involving staff collections resulting in an 80% recycling rate for all general waste. These contributions helped First Scotland East Ltd. to earn the title of Best Green Large Company.

“The focus on the environment has allowed First Scotland East Ltd to become a leader in environmentally sustainable transportation while not losing focus of consumer’s needs.”

“We are so delighted by the award. Our efforts to reduce fuel consumption have not only led to positive innovations in transportation technology and technique, but a positive passenger experience.

Held at the Glasgow Science Centre, the event, backed by energy firm ScottishPower, rewarded individuals,

THE MID, EAST & WEST LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • AUTUMN 12

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to Spa or not to Spa?

The Spa – a quintessential haven for women to be massaged and pampered whilst hubby plays golf or an indulgent couple’s break?

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THE 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.

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.

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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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Developing Win:Win Partnerships

As self-employed professionals, we know that the best way to get clients is by referral. 80% of Marketing Matters client base has come through referrals but how can you make sure that it’s the right kind of referral, the right kind of business?

Surely its about quality, not quantity - and it’s a two way process.

And the same applies in reverse. Our business partners have very specific areas of expertise and service offerings but they do not profess to be able to provide the marketing and design services that we specialise in so they, in turn, refer to us in the knowledge that we will look after their clients and deliver for them.

You will only achieve this if people know, like, and trust you.

Would you ever refer business if you don’t know the quality of work of the provider and the same applies in reverse?

Why would you expect a contact to refer business to you unless they know, understand and value the service you provide or the products you offer?

But there is another way to look at this – a way in which you can generate a ‘win:win’ strategy – by generating the right kind of business AND adding value to your own customer offering.

Target your referral partners – just as you would your customers. Consider what other needs your customers have which you can’t help them with but which are a natural extension to, or are associated with, your own business. For example, consider the often antagonistic ‘sales v marketing divide!

The truth is, a successful business will have achieved a synergy between both, where sales and marketing strategies are integrated to achieve the results the business needs. But they each represent individual skills and expertise.

Marketing Matters has, in the past, been called in to discuss providing marketing advice and support, only to find that what that business really needs, is specialist PR or sales coaching and development. We certainly wouldn’t profess to be able to support this but with the right business partner in place, we can make that introduction and not only generate business for that partner, but add value to our customers by making sure their needs are met.

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So consider your market, your customers, their needs and build your business based on developing successful contributive relationships with people and businesses that provide products or services which are aligned with your own, whose business approach and ethos mirrors the values your business represents.

Identify the types of businesses which you would naturally work in partnership with – for example, our business partnerships include photography, videography, signage services, sales coaching & development, public relations, web development and so on.

Once you have your contact list, set up meetings to find out more about their business, familiarise yourself with their expertise, look at work they have completed, the type of client base they have, look at their recommendations or referrals – make use of Linked in, if they have a profile – check the quality of their website and ideally test them out.

Then consider whether or not their business fits with your own level of service provision. Ask yourself, would you be 100% confident recommending them to your clients?

It’s a ‘Win Win’ approach that will reap rewards for any business, as long as you have the right business partners.

CA Cameron ACA An accountant you can talk to...

For me, it’s important that accountancy shouldn’t be seen as a ‘dark art’.

Instead, I am more than happy to explain the accounting process and answer all those questions that you haven’t been able to ask before. After all, it’s important that you understand what your ‘figures’ mean.

Professional & Personal Service for: • Business Advice • Business Accounts • Business & Personal Tax Returns • Company Accounts

• Corporate Tax • Management Accounts • Business Planning • Industry Bench Marking & Forecasting

Christa Cameron CA Cameron ACA Chartered Accountant Opera Close, 22B Court Street, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3JA Tel: 01620 822 923 • Mob: 07799 636882

ca@cacameron.co.uk • www.cacameron.co.uk

Most advertising shouts out a message in the hope that someone’s interested.

Direct marketing, on the other hand, is all about having a conversation with your customer. It’s more personal. We target specific people with specific offers. We use great creative to break the ice. And we know what to say to get people to respond. Which is why it works. So the sooner you start talking to your customers, the sooner you can

stop shouting

T HE LAST WO R D IN DIR E CT MARKETING AND R E SPO NSE ADV E RT ISING

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