InCommerce Perthshire Issue 18

INcommerce THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 18 • SUMMER 2013

BUSINESSES BACK LIFE-SAVING HEROES • Independence debate - both sides talk business • Launch of Business Star Awards 2013 • Vacant property problems addressed

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

Contents Chamber News........................ 4-5 Members’ News..................... 6-10 New Post Tackles Problem Properties............................. 16-17 Independence....................... 18-21 Scotland Has What It Takes Better Together

Stephen Leckie

Vicki Unite

Businesses Back New Charity Air Ambulance........ 22-23 GROWing your business........... 25

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s we launch our Business Star Awards 2013 with our Media Partner the Perthshire Advertiser, it gives me great pleasure to see that many of our previous winners go on achieve even greater recognition.

One example is that of Binnwaste Management (our Perthshire Business of the Year 2012) who fought off fierce competition to win the “Innovation in Design of a Waste Management Facility” title at the fiercely competitive 2013 Awards For Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management staged recently in London. Another is the news that Highland Spring is now the number one bottled water brand in the UK. Many congratulations and more details can be found in Members’ News on pages 6-10.

Following the Chamber’s support for Perth and Kinross Council’s City Status bid and to ensure the area reaps the maximum benefits of having City Status, we continue to work closely with PKC on the Perth City Plan. Further information and how to be involved can be found on pages 28-29.

This draft document includes the topics of planning, economic development, business rates, etc.

Perthshire’s digital connectivity is also part of this plan and due to the Chamber’s Better Broadband Campaign we are glad to accept a place on the council’s Digital Connectivity Project Board and the Super Connected City and Rural Broadband Project Delivery Boards where we continue to represent our members’ needs for enhanced connectivity for the benefit of the local economy.

Stephen Leckie President Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

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am delighted that our schools link is developing and now includes our partnership with the charity Career Academies UK. Through our partnership we are actively and directly involved with assisting youth into employment but are also able to point interested members and non-members in the right direction (more info page 5).

We have also met with and are working closely with Provost Liz Grant, the new City Centre Manager Leigh Brown and Isobel Butt the Vacant Property Development Officer in a joint effort to regenerate our city centre and surrounding area.

Following our extremely successful presence at the Perth Show’s 150th anniversary event in 2012, we will be taking a stand again and have included a new networking breakfast at the show on Friday 2nd of August. The fee will also include entry to the show which is an exclusive and generous offer from our members at Perthshire Agricultural Society.

We are also delighted that our annual golf day at Gleneagles, sponsored by Carbon Financial Partners, is a complete sell out.

We look forward to promoting those involved in our Business Star Awards 2013 by profiling our sponsors, supporters and shortlisted businesses through our Media Partner, the Perthshire Advertiser, in the run up to the event which takes place at Crieff Hydro on Friday 22nd November.

We have now also settled into our new office alongside Business Gateway at Perth Enterprise & Business Centre, Saltire House, Whitefriars Crescent, Perth. I look forward to working closely with them.

Vicki Unite Editor of InCommerce and Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

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@ChamberPerth

Working in Partnership with Jobcentre Plus................... 27 New Perth Plan..................... 28-29 Chamber Sponsors.................... 30 People are different, so manage them differently!.......... 31 Growth and Infrastructure Bill... 32 New Member Profiles........... 34-36 Tudor Tastes......................... 38-39 What Are You Doing This Weekend?.................................. 40 Events....................................... 42 Membership Benefits................. 43 Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Algo Business Centre Glenearn Road Perth, PH2 0NJ T: 01738 450 401 F: 01738 450 402 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk www.perthshirechamber.co.uk For advertising contact DTech on T: 01436 678808 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial enquiries contact the Editor, Vicki Unite on T: 01738 488325 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk Publisher: DTech InCommerce is published by DTech, 20 East Argyle Street, Helensburgh G84 7RR. Telephone 01436 678808.

E-mail: info@dtechuk.com. Edited by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth PH2 0NJ Tel: 01738 450401 Fax: 01738 450402 E-mail: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk. InCommerce is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers.

The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.

The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of InCommerce Ltd or DTech Publishing Ltd.

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CHAMBER NEWS

REACH FOR THE STARS LAUNCH OF THE 2013 BUSINESS STAR AWARDS The countdown has started to Perthshire’s most prestigious business awards.

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he Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards 2013 is set to recognise and reward the cream of local companies – both large and small – whose impact and performance have helped to keep Perthshire at the forefront of Scottish business in the 21st century.

“Every year we are extremely impressed by the standard of entry right across the board,” she said. “Perthshire has an abundance of outstanding businesses ranging from established internationally renowned organisations through to emerging oneman operations.

Celebrating all aspects of the local business world, the Awards will highlight the real “stars” across our leading sectors including tourism and leisure, food and drink, retail, innovation, customer service, commitment to the community and exporting.

“As the definitive local business awards, Perthshire Business Star Awards continues to attract, showcase, applaud and reward those companies and individuals who are making a difference - those keeping the wheels of commerce turning during difficult times and ‘shining’ even when our economy is at its most challenging.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce recognises the value of emerging talent and individuals who have proved outstanding in their particular sector will have a chance to shine in the apprentice and employee of the year categories.

Entries are now being invited for twelve category awards and the search is on for the best in the business with the area’s most prestigious title - Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Of The Year 2013 - up for grabs.

And it couldn’t be easier to enter!

Chamber President Stephen Leckie said he hoped 2013 would again produce “a platform of outstanding performers” from Perthshire’s business community.

A simple “one question” on-line form with a maximum 750 word answer can be submitted.

“To be judged the best at what you do is a real accolade for businesses,” he said. “To take home a Chamber Business Star is a true sign of quality and excellence – something that abounds in the companies operating at all levels in this area.

Either login and submit your entry today, or take a note of the question and compose your 750 words in your own time. Then simply copy and paste into the answer box at your convenience.

“Each year we see some truly remarkable contenders and – despite the difficult operating climate – I hope we can showcase some real Stars at this year’s awards dinner. ”

Find out more about each category and apply directly by visiting the Chamber website at www.perthshirechamber.co.uk.

Those businesses shortlisted in this year’s awards - along with sponsors and supporters - will also enjoy some excellent publicity through the columns of our Media Partner the Perthshire Advertiser. The awards will come to a glittering climax at a black tie dinner at Crieff Hydro on Friday, November 22.

Entries close on Monday 23rd September Industry leaders, Chamber directors and sponsors from the business world will then help unearth the shiniest Stars in one of the country’s most robust judging procedures.

Chamber Chief Executive Vicki Unite is looking forward to another outstanding event.

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“Over the years, the PCC Business Star trophies have become much-sought-after targets for companies to achieve,” she added, “and we have rolled out hundreds of examples of business excellence in the form of our winners.”

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

This annual celebration of the best in the business world always proves a spectacular night out and tickets (£65 + VAT) can be booked in advance by contacting the Chamber office on 01738 488325 or by email to events@perthshirechamber.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

So what particular Star Quality are they looking for?

1. Employee of the Year Award sponsored by Perthshire Advertiser 2. Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Graham Environmental Services 3. Most Promising New Business Award sponsored by Enterprise & Business Gateway 4. Excellence in Customer Service Award sponsored by RBS 5. Excellence in Business Innovation Award sponsored

by Stagecoach Group 6. Commitment to the Community Award sponsored

by Binnwaste Management 7. Excellence in Tourism & Leisure Award sponsored by Bank of Scotland 8. Excellence in Export Award sponsored by Perth & Kinross Council 9. Business Growth Award sponsored by Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants 10. Excellence in E-Commerce Award sponsored by Perth College UHI 11. Independent Retailer of the Year Award – available for sponsorship 12. Food & Drink Producer of the Year Award sponsored by the James Hutton Institute

Chamber Strengthens Youth Link Vicki Unite, CE, provides an update on the Chamber’s schools initiative.

“S

ince early last year, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has been working with Perth and Kinross Council’s Education and Children’s Services to assist with preparing youngsters for work. That relationship has involved our members working with the local authority to strengthen the relationship between education and commerce. So far, results include helping shape the new curriculum and the “profiling” programme where pupils are helped to identify and highlight their skills, enabling them to market themselves to potential employers.

“We began this initiative as we are aware of how tough today’s employment climate is and we also know that many children could benefit from having a greater understanding and expectation of the workplace, and also an appreciation of an employer’s expectations of them.

“I am delighted that we have nurtured this valuable relationship and have now developed a partnership with Careers Academies UK, Perth and Kinross Council and local employers Aviva and Scottish and Southern Energy. I found the initial business breakfast between partners at McDiarmid Park truly inspirational.

“Career Academies UK, a business led charity, helps raise pupils’ aspirations about their future and bridges the gap between education and work by giving them access to real experience of the world of work through a structured two-year programme.

“First introduced in London in 2002, Career Academies UK came to Central Scotland over two years ago and four of Perthshire’s secondary schools will take part in this inaugural programme, with plans in place to involve all local authority secondary schools by the 2015/16 academic year.

“Over the course of the two years the pupils will benefit from mentoring, motivational lectures and workshops with Partners in Business as well as a five-week paid internship. In many cases the Career Academy will particularly support youngsters from areas where there is limited family history of higher education, little awareness of career options or a limited network of support to help them achieve their goals.

“Working within the Career Academy programme, participants will gain work experience and skills to better prepare them for their chosen career pathway. It will also help them make more informed choices about what they want to do when they graduate from the programme. The scheme is so successful that more than 85% of graduates either go to university – often the first in the family to do so – or directly into employment or work-based learning such as an apprenticeship or a school leaver scheme.

“These initiatives are crucial if we are to provide a meaningful, productive future for today’s youth. I am excited to be involved and I look forward to being able to support this programme and promote it through our network to help grow our local talent and continue to bring the worlds of education and commerce together. I hope that many of our local businesses will be keen to take part and help ensure that our local pupils gain the valuable experience and skills necessary to enable them to compete in the current competitive jobs market.”

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS LOCAL CAUSES BENEFIT WITH PEEL2SAVE PERTH Peel2Save Perth is pleased to announce that its fundraising service helped local good causes raise over £15,000 in the final quarter of 2012 and first quarter of 2013 alone.

In only its second year of operation, many schools, parent councils, youth groups, sports teams, support groups, charities and individuals have enjoyed working with this new, fast and simple way of boosting their fundraising.

In challenging economic times, fundraisers have been particularly keen to offer something useful and valuable in return for people’s support, rather than simply asking for donations.

Consumers have been delighted to support the good causes and the participating local businesses whilst enjoying the valuable savings on offer.

The strategy of Peel2Save being a LOCAL initiative means that local fundraisers, local consumers AND local businesses are all winners.

It has been encouraging to note that many local businesses have been very creative and identified opportunities to participate by fundraising for others or using Peel2Save Perth cards as staff and/or customer incentives – without necessarily participating in the card offers themselves.

There are now also sponsorship opportunities for businesses interested in reaching a significant local market in a completely new way!

PEOPLE’S FARM FOOD MARKET – A FIRST FOR SCOTLAND

RENEWABLE FIRST FOR PERTH HOTEL

CheckIn Works and Giraffe Trading, Perth’s most established and innovative charitable and social enterprise partnership, are celebrating a new venture based at their Ladeside training centre, situated behind Homesbase. The People’s Farm Food Market — a retail outlet with café that boasts some of Perthshire’s best local produce and offers discounts for volunteering to those prepared to give up a few hours a week to help.

The Best Western Queens Hotel in Perth is set to become the first in Scotland to install a biomass heating plant in an urban setting.

The People’s Farm Food Market is the first of its kind in Scotland but follows a successful model that has been operating in London for a number of years, the People’s Supermarket and which was featured in a Channel 4 documentary. However, in the case of this local version, it also offers essential foundation training to those with significant barriers to moving into work, and in particular onto a work placement in one of Giraffe’s other more established, busier social enterprises.

And stringent planning conditions will ensure that the biomass flume will emit some of the cleanest air in Perth.

With the support of Investing in Ideas and local funders the Souter Charitable Trust, Mathew Trust and the Forteviot Charitable Trust, the training centre has been upgraded to incorporate the new People’s Farm Food Market with significant improvements to the site. These include a new kitchen, art and kiln room, a new entrance, and the inclusion and development of a community garden, open to the public Monday to Saturday.

The garden has a range of interesting features including a wormery, willow work, garden games and guinea pigs - and is a delightful place to visit in the summer months.

Now through this expansion, CheckIn can provide wider foundation training in customer service, catering, cleaning and retail as well as a range of administration roles, in addition to the growing wholesale and retail gardening business that has been running at the site. The two partner organisations can now offer support to more jobseekers and are delighted to be currently working with around 40 people over its four training venues in the city including the new café on Mill Street.

For more information on the special events being run through the summer or if you are interested in a plant sale, garden planters or outside catering for your business, or becoming a volunteer at any of the CheckIn Work and Giraffe venues, please contact Anthea Coulter on 01738 63388 or visit the facebook page @peoplesfarmfoodmarket or @giraffeperth and follow on twitter @peoplesfarmfoodmkt.

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When a consumer buys a Peel2Save Perth fundraising card, they are able to recover its cost very quickly and easily, so their support for the good cause doesn’t actually cost them anything – and they can go on to enjoy significant savings in many popular local outlets within the food & beverage, leisure and retail sectors.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Plans have been approved which will see the popular Leonard Street hotel “go green” in an £80,000 investment programme designed to reduce their carbon impact.

The plans have been drawn up in conjunction with renewable energy and utilities experts Hydroscot Services Ltd. who have already installed major plants at rural hotels in Tayside.

Director Mike Sheffield of owners Symphony Hotels and Leisure Ltd. explained why the early 20th century Queens Hotel was embracing cutting edge 21st century technology.

“The investment will pay for itself in a relatively short time,” he said, “and in the meantime we – as members of the Green Tourism Scheme – will be doing our bit to protect the environment.”

In order to safeguard the city centre from biomass fumes, a ground-breaking filtration system will be used, resulting in high quality emissions.

Scott Gaffney of Hydroscot explained that the plant will make the Queens Hotel unique in Scotland.

“I believe it will be the first urban hotel to replace fossil fuels with a biomass plant,” he said. “Once it is up and running I’m sure we will see a lot of interest from other businesses keen to view the ceramic particulate filter system and how it can demonstrate that city centre installations can now meet - and indeed exceed - air quality regulations and standards.”

The move will also attract Government Renewable Heat Incentive grants.

The hotel expects to recoup its investment after five years and then continue to enjoy the savings thereafter.

Symphony director Mike Sheffield (left) and Scott Gaffney of Hydroscot Services Ltd.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

SOMETHING SPECIAL IS HAPPENING IN PERTHSHIRE

BINNWASTE MANAGEMENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD Pe r t h s h i re - b a s e d Binnwaste Management has swept up one of the industry’s most prestigious national awards.

Paula McLagan, RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year 2013

Paula McLagan of Something Special Flowers is crowned RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year 2013 Having returned from London in May 2012 with two Silver – Gilt medals, followed by winning the VOWS in November, the team at Something Special Flowers could have been forgiven for taking things a little easier in 2013. This is certainly not the case for florist Paula McLagan, who was last week crowned RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year, 2013.

Paula won the Scottish heats for qualification to Chelsea Young Florist of the Year in December, and subsequently carried the hopes of a medal this year as she headed down to London with her support team to ‘Fly the Flag for Scotland’ This year was the centenary of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Paula, along with the 15 other finalists were asked to produce a never ending circle which represented something that inspired them from the last 100 years of Chelsea. Their designs were to be of strict dimensions of no more than 1m in diameter and less than 10kg which could be hung in the Ranelagh gardens.

Paula took her inspiration from her only experience at Chelsea which was her last year’s medal win. Her design incorporated four segments of colour to match with the four medals on offer - Gold, Silver- Gilt, Silver and Bronze.

Phaleonopsis, Oncidium, Vanda & Cymbidium Orchids, Chincherinchies, Calla Lillies & White Eryngium Thistles were amongst some of the varieties of flowers that she chose to work with for her design.

The judges were impressed by all aspects of Paula’s work, saying that it was “stunningly beautiful” and of “exquisite workmanship”, resulting in her extremely high score.

This is the first time a florist from Scotland has won this title and the last time Paula will compete in the junior section.

Now the fun will really start, as next year she will be in the same category as her mentor and Aunty, Jillian Page. There is only one qualifier from Scotland so the gloves will be off at Something Special come the heats next autumn.

MARY PORTAS’S NEW HIGH STREET CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD As part of The Daily Telegraph’s Reinventing the High Street campaign there is to be a Mary Portas High Street Champion of the Year Award.

Jane Atkinson, owner/director of Bertie Browns, the award winning jewellery and gift boutique located in South Street, Perth, is passionate about revitalising Perth city

The family-run Perthshire Chamber of Commerce “Business Of The Year 2012” has now caught the eye of national competition judges, earning them the “Innovation in Design of a Waste Management Binnwaste Management’s Louise MacFacility “ title at the Gregor and Carol Holbein-Neville with the national Innovation in Design of a Waste fiercely competitive 2013 Management Facility Award.

Awards For Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management staged recently in London.

The company, run by the MacGregor family from their estate at Binn Farm, was one of three – and the only one from Scotland – shortlisted for the category honour. And winning the title has proved “an honour and a delight”.

‘These awards are seen as the Oscars of the recycling world and it is a great honour to be showcased and successful at such a prestigious event,” said a delighted Binnwaste Management managing director Allan MacGregor.

“Over the years Binnwaste Management has strived to be at the forefront of innovation and expertise within our industry and our position as the only Scottish company shortlisted for this award is testament to the impressive operation and workforce we have at Glenfarg.”

Binnwaste Management’s first national award comes hard on the heels of news that they are also in line for the Recycling and Waste Management Business of the Year (SME) in the national Recycling Awards 2013.

“Again, we are the only Scottish company shortlisted for this category award,” said Mr MacGregor. “We’re all really excited about the possibility of taking a second national title in our industry’s top awards ceremony.”

centre. In 2012 Bertie Browns was voted in The Retail Jeweller’s Top UK 50 Most Inspiring Independents.

Historically, Perth was a vibrant bustling town with lots of unique independent shops that people would travel from surrounding areas to use. The Daily Telegraph’s Reinventing the High Street Campaign is an extremely relevant topic for Perth as it’s city centre is slowly becoming a ghost town and action has to be taken to avoid this.

“High streets are the heartbeats of our towns; when they are good, they bring a web of security, a sense of belonging and vital community services to a place.”

Bertie Browns has decided to enter the award to attempt to help in some small way to revitalise Perth city centre. If you think Bertie Browns is worthy of a nomination as a High Street Champion then please email the following address to place your vote: highstreet@telegraph.co.uk

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS

A SIGN OF A GOOD BUSINESS IS A GOOD SIGN Local business Write On Signs will be celebrating 25 years in the Sign Making industry this year.

Runners of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to sign up for the 2013 Perth Kilt Run as the registration website goes live.

They are hoping to engage with their existing clients and new ones by running “birthday” celebrations throughout the year which includes visits to their site to see exactly how they carry out specific types of work.

Organisers have set an ambitious target of over 1746 this year to secure the World Record for Perth, Scotland, by beating the rival race, in Canada’s Perth, Ontario. Over 1100 took part in the inaugural race last year.

Write On Signs was established in 1988 by young entrepreneur Graham Ross who originally specialised in traditional sign writing. The business has expanded its knowledge and expertise in the fast changing industry by investing in the latest technology and high quality products. Write On Signs’ product portfolio is widely extensive ranging from signs and engraving to vehicle lettering and wrapping, exhibitions, displays and banners the list is endless.

The event will take place on 10 August.

Due to the ever expanding demand for quality in 2005 the business moved to a new purpose build premises where there was more space to cope with the continuous stream of vehicles and sign requirements. New machinery allows customers to have a wide choice of designs, materials and colours when visiting for a consultation and the company pride themselves on the reliable and high quality service that is continued throughout the process. Write On Signs widely encourages new challenges and aims to expand their own boundaries with designs and materials to make the customers ideas come to life.

Write On Signs want to thank their staff and all customers past and present for their continued support in the business which has contributed to their success. Let’s hope there are many more successful years for this local business situated at the heart of Perthshire.

HIGHLAND SPRING IS NOW THE NUMBER ONE BOTTLED WATER BRAND IN THE UK New figures released recently by industry expert Zenith International in its 2013 UK Bottled Water Report confirmed Highland Spring’s status as the nation’s favourite bottled water, selling more than any other brand.

The announcement is a major milestone for the Perthshire company, signalling the end of 30 years’ domination by imported multinational brands.

Highland Spring has also retained its long held status as the No 1 sparkling brand with a brand share by volume nearly double its nearest competitor.

Securing the No 1 position has been the culmination of a long-term growth strategy and £50m investment since the company was founded in 1979.

Les Montgomery, chief executive of Highland Spring Group said: “This is a British success story that we’re incredibly proud of. We have fulfilled one of our long term ambitions

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CALL FOR KILTED RUNNERS TO SIGN UP AS ENTRIES GO LIVE

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

“We’re really hoping for a bumper entry level this year,” said Cllr Bob Ellis, who is spearheading the Kilt Run. “There was such an enthusiastic response last year and we’ve made small changes and improvements to the format which will make it an even better day out for all the family.”

The 5k course, starting and finishing on the North Inch, is expected to attract runners of all abilities and ages – as long as they wear a kilt. Walkers can also take part, as long as they run or jog the first 100m of the course.

Entries are priced at just £15 for an adult and £5 for under-16s. These fees go to cover the costs of staging the event, and while runners can choose to support the two official race charities (ABF: The Soldiers’ Charity and PKAVS), organisers are keen to point out that participants are free to use the race to raise funds for other good causes or simply run for the fun of it.

of becoming the UK’s biggest selling bottled water brand and we are now looking forward to the next chapter as we build on our No 1 position.

Montgomery continues: “European brands have long dominated the UK bottled water category having played a pivotal role in its development in the 1970s but I believe we are seeing a sustained wave of support for British brands not least because of the residual goodwill that London 2012 and the Diamond Jubilee created last year. Consumers derive confidence from home grown brands with strong provenance and traceability and are increasingly choosing these over imported products.”

MEMBERS’ NEWS

QUINCE ONLINE STORE LAUNCHES Quince is an online store specialising in handpicked home and kitchen wares as well as unique gifts for him, her, home and the kids.

Family run and with focus on great customer service, Quince is different from the rest. They are an online store with a face and family run ethics behind it.

Brainchild of husband and wife team Neil and Sophie McEwan, Quince is the little sister to their established Stove and Cooker installation business, HeatWorks Stove and Cooker Centre based in Perth Scotland.

Quince was launched at a popular Perth Café recently where they had queues out the door to attend. Guests were welcomed with wine, canapés, goodie bags and the opportunity to see, touch and feel the Quince range.

With focus on Scandinavian design and style as well as work by unique UK designers, the products at Quince are a little different. Designers are sought out for their individuality, quality and smile inducing style. The Quince range has a fresh and colourful feel with ranges to suit all styles and budgets alike.

Why not see for yourself, visit Quince at www. quinceliving.co.uk.

Martin Griffiths

NEW CEO AT STAGECOACH GROUP Martin Griffiths has taken over as Chief Executive at transport giant Stagecoach Group.

He took up the post on May 1, succeeding Stagecoach cofounder Sir Brian Souter.

ENGINEERING A NEW FUTURE

Sir Brian has become Chairman following the retirement from the Board of Sir George Mathewson. Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Garry Watts has been appointed Deputy Chairman.

Vector Aerospace, located in Almondbank Perth is a provider of deep hydraulic and dynamic component maintenance support to a wide range of rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

Martin Griffiths (47), who has worked with Stagecoach Group for 15 years, was previously Group Finance Director.

He is succeeded in that role by Ross Paterson, previously the Director of Finance.

Early last year the employment levels on the Almondbank site dropped to the lowest they had been in the site’s 70 years history.

A chartered accountant, Martin Griffiths was appointed to the Stagecoach Group Board in 2000 and has worked closely with Sir Brian for the past 12 years. He was Scottish Young Finance Director of the Year in 2004.

There was no denying things did not look good, however a year on, the future is looking brighter, and employment levels have risen in the region of 30% In a time of global recession site Director Mick O’Connor praised his workforce, the dedication and commitment shown at that time, coupled with assistance from Scottish Enterprise, enabled the site to bring in new capabilities and further enhance its reputation as a true ‘one stop shop’ in the engineering world.

Now owned by the larger Eurocopter Holdings Group, new opportunities continue to be explored and developed.

Broadening Almondbank’s customer base remains a priority; at the moment a large proportion of the work carried out is on UK Ministry of Defence projects. Diversifying into new, more commercial markets will help to establish the site’s future.

Mick stated “With the continued dedication of our highly skilled workforce we can ensure that Perth remains at the forefront of the Aerospace Maintenance Repair and Overhaul sector. Alongside this we will continue to offer our capabilities to the wider engineering community.

This time next year we should have an even better story to tell.

As Chief Executive, Martin will be responsible for the Group’s overall strategy and management of all of the company’s operations.

He said: “I am honoured and delighted to be taking on the position of Chief Executive. I am proud to be part of the Stagecoach success story, working closely with Sir Brian. I look forward to continuing to work with Sir Brian and the team of talented people across the Group that underpin Stagecoach’s success.

“I would like to congratulate Ross Paterson on his appointment as Finance Director – he has made a great contribution to the Group over the last 13 years.”

Martin Griffiths also holds a number of external roles. He is Co-Chairman of Virgin Rail Group, Senior Independent NonExecutive Director at Robert Walters plc and a Non-Executive Director at AG Barr plc.

Ross Paterson

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERS’ NEWS

George Stubbs Julie Collier, Commercial Director at the 2013 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR – IAIN BURNETT HIGHLAND CHOCOLATIER SCOOPS COUNTRY’S TOP AWARD Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier - now arguably the most awarded Chocolatier in the UK – triumphed in the recent 2013 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, picking up two huge wins - especially the coveted Product of the Year.

The Awards are the “Oscars” of the Scottish food industry, run in partnership with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, and have been recognising and rewarding the very best in Scottish food and drink for many years.

All the stars of the Scottish food and drink industry were present to see the Highland Chocolatier brand receive two awards, the pinnacle being Scotland’s top award for Product of the Year 2013.

Elegant boxes filled with the exquisite, enrobed Velvet Truffles and Spiced Pralines formed Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier’s entry which won the new category of Confectionery & Snacking. Product of the Year is an honour bestowed by the judges and recognises the premium and unique quality of the Highland Chocolatier’s artisan gourmet truffles and pralines. The 17 awards contested by over 300 companies recognise excellence in products, food service and seven retail categories – all scrutinised and tested by the judging panel which was made up of an elite group including top Chefs, food industry experts and national food writers.

Julie Collier, Commercial Director for the prestigious brand, collected the awards and said “We have worked so very hard building this brand over its short 6 year life, the team are extremely proud and honoured to be recognised at the very highest level by such an elite group. Scotland is renowned for its amazing provenance and to take the honour of Product of the Year is something really special”.

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

SELECT STATUS FOR PERTH-BASED FINANCE EXPERTS INDEPENDENT Financial Adviser GS Financial Services has been awarded the prestigious ŒChartered Financial Planners title by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The Perth-headquartered company now joins a select group. Chartered status is only awarded to firms which meet rigorous criteria relating to professionalism and capability. All Chartered Financial Planner scommit to CII’s Code of Ethics, reinforcing the highest standards of professional practice in their business dealings.

Owner and Managing Director George Stubbs said: “We have been striving to achieve the CII status and I’m pleased that our hard work has been recognised with the attainment of that. This sets us apart, is a strong indication of our professionalism and is a recognised badge of distinction in our profession.

It is also a further stamp of authority in which our clients can take comfort and know that we are committed to the highest levels of service on their behalf.”

GS Insurance and Financial Services started life in Perth more than 20 years ago, but expansion into Glasgow, Falkirk and most recently into Dundee has seen a rapid progression with expert broker advice and cover becoming increasingly paramount in an economy governed by strict fiscal measures.

The company today is split into GS Insurance Services and GS Financial Services (the Independent Financial advice side of the business) and the head office is based at South Inch Business Centre in Shore Road, Perth.

Council working to support local recruitment Looking to expand?

Take on new staff?

We may be able to help.

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s part of Perth & Kinross Council’s drive to help take people out of unemployment and into work, two new recruitment initiatives are now available. These grants will provide financial and practical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises to recruit additional staff.

Our first initiative, Youth Employment Scotland, is funded by the Scottish Government and European Social Fund and is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to help unemployed 16-24 year olds into work. The grants will also help to create growth within SMEs by helping them to invest in fresh talent.

Youth Employment Scotland is a wage incentive that will offer employers a 50% contribution of the hourly national minimum wage rate for contracts of a minimum 25 to 40 hours per week for a maximum of 26 weeks. In addition to this wage incentive, Perth & Kinross Council has made a commitment of £500 per young person for accredited training to help them sustain employment in the longer term.

Alongside this, Recruit 25+ P&K is targeting over-25s, who according to recent figures constitute 72% of the

local population currently seeking work. However, presently there is little or no assistance available to help employers recruit from this client base.

Recruit 25+ P&K is Perth & Kinross Council’s approach to bridging this gap. It will offer small and medium-sized enterprises £2,500 if they employ a jobseeker who lives in a Perth & Kinross Council ward where the unemployment rate is equal to or above the Scottish average. Contracts of employment must be for six months and provide a minimum of 25 hours per week.

In addition, people supported through Recruit 25+ P&K will also be able to access the Council’s Enhancing Opportunities Grant http://www.pkc.gov.uk/ enhancingoppgrant, which will enable them to improve their skills and gain vocational qualifications whilst in work, with a view to sustaining employment.

For further information on both these incentives or the Enhancing Opportunities Grant, please contact Shelley Huggins, Employment Initiatives Team Leader at SHuggins@pkc.gov.uk or call 01783 477962

AWARD WINNING PITLOCHRY GUESTHOUSE

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ituated in secluded wooded grounds, this beautiful early Victorian house has now been transformed into a 14 bedroom luxury, boutique B&B, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design.

The individually designed spacious deluxe rooms are en-suite with large beds and come decorated with stylish fabrics and furnishings and colour schemes with fast, free Wi-Fi access throughout.

Breakfast is served in our brand new modern, contemporary dining room flooded with natural light by huge modern windows and centred around our large and welcoming log burning stove.

A recipient of The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Star Award for Tourism & Hospitality, Craigatin House is centrally located in Pitlochry on Atholl Road, just minutes flat walk away from all local attractions, shops, restaurants, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and The Dam & Salmon Ladder.

Pitlochry is set in spectacular highland scenery and is ideally located for touring Highland Perthshire or further afield. Make Craigatin House and Courtyard your choice when staying in Pitlochry! Call us now on 01796 472 478 to book or visit our website at www.craigatinhouse.co.uk.

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New Post Tackles Problem Properties Isobel Butt, Vacant Property Development Officer with Perth & Kinross Council looks at how her recently created role is helping combat vacant commercial and residential property issues across the district.

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iven that property ownership comes with a responsibility to maintain and manage it, you could be forgiven for thinking that if property owners decide to keep their property empty, it is totally their concern and the local council shouldn’t become involved. However, if that property starts to cause problems to the community such as attracting vandalism, devaluing neighbouring houses and becoming an eyesore, then Perth & Kinross Council has power to intervene and to instigate repair or allow willing partners to acquire it. Add to that the significant demand for housing in Perth and Kinross and it makes sense socially, economically and from a sustainability perspective for existing empty houses, of which there are over 900, to be refurbished to help give families the homes they need, instead of building new properties on greenfield sites.

Work to promote re-use of empty property is not new and has been going on south of the border for many years. It started in Scotland when the Scottish Government initiated the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which has been hosted through Shelter Scotland since 2010. There are now nine empty homes officers covering 15 local authority areas throughout Scotland. Perth & Kinross Council has gone further by becoming involved with empty residential and commercial properties since the appointment of a vacant property development officer in August last year. The creation of this post has enabled the Council to pro-actively identify and engage with owners of empty properties with a view to assisting owners to repair/convert and re-use them. The project has initially been concentrating on Perth City Centre and is being expanded throughout Perth and Kinross during the coming year.

Under the project, properties are identified which have been empty for over 6 months through Council Tax and rates records. Their owners are then contacted to find out why the property is empty and what can be done to help. Sometimes the owners are continuing to pay full rates or Council Tax so they don’t appear on the database, so it is helpful when members of the public report empty properties that are causing problems in their communities. Apart from contacting the Council direct, there is also a national website that can be used to report empty properties - www.reportemptyhomes.com.

There can be many reasons why a property might be left empty. Often owners have been left the property by a relative and they don’t have the finances, time or skills to complete

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

their plans for the property or they simply can’t find a buyer through conventional routes. Sometimes the owner has died or gone into care and the property has literally been forgotten about - here the challenge is to find the responsible person and persuade them to take some action to bring the property back into use. Alternatively a company owning a commercial property may have gone into liquidation, which involves tracking down the liquidator and engaging with them.

There are a lot of reasons for owners to want to bring an empty property back into use such as the potential to make an income, reduce maintenance costs, increase the value of the property and improve the amenity of the local community.

Giving advice on different methods of renting or selling and renovating properties is a large part of the role. In addition, many owners are unaware that VAT on upgrading or converting a property for residential use that has been empty for more than 2 years, is reduced to 5%.

As well as improving ‘eyesore’ properties, one of the initial aims of the project is to increase the number of people living in the City Centre, in line with the Council’s ambitions in the Perth City Plan. This will help to make the Centre a more vibrant and dynamic place especially in the evening and at weekends, which will increase the footfall and spend in local shops and restaurants. In addition, empty space above High Street shops has been identified as suitable for conversion to flats, and several shop owners are receiving assistance from the

Council at the present time. Often space above these shops is left vacant as access to upper floors has been removed or owners did not consider residential letting to be economically worthwhile. Given the change in economic circumstances and increased desire for urban living, this trend is being reversed and housing associations and developers are being put in contact with property owners for them to agree long-term leases of the upper floors.

Perth is very fortunate to have funding available to owners in the form of the Perth City Heritage Fund. Last year Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust was awarded £650,000 by Historic Scotland as a direct result of Perth receiving City Status. This funding is directed towards properties in the Perth Central and Kinnoull Conservation Areas and is prioritised for bringing disused properties back into use and for bringing dilapidated buildings up to an acceptable standard in line with the Council’s regeneration priorities within the City. The overall strategy aims to enhance the quality of these areas as places to live and work and as a result benefit from faster sustainable economic growth. Perth & Kinross Council also has Vacant Property Feasibility Funding whereby owners can apply for grant funding towards professional fees of up to £5,000. This can be used, for example, to fund architects’ and quantity surveyors’ fees in looking into the conversion of an empty property.

Another recently developed fund is the Business Property

Feasibility Fund which can be used to assist businesses expand by part-funding professional fees to enable consideration of extensions or removal to larger premises.

Perth & Kinross Council already offer assistance to property owners in the form of funding missing shares for communal repairs where one of the owners is unwilling or unable to fund their proportion of the cost. Housing and Community Care have also been working with landlords under their Empty Homes Initiative where grants of up to £10,000 are available to bring empty properties up to standard, on the condition that they are let as affordable homes for a period of 5 years through the Council’s Rent Bond Guarantee Scheme. As a result, 12 flats are currently being brought back into use with this initiative.

Having a number of incentives available has been very useful in bringing empty properties back into use; however the Council does also have a number of enforcements available in the form of notices under the Housing and Building Acts.

Furthermore, if a building is causing significant problems to an area and the owner is refusing to take up assistance offered by the Council, the ultimate sanction available is compulsory purchase but this would obviously be seen as a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted.

On a more positive note, a new empty property matchmaking service is about to be launched to link up buyers and sellers of empty properties. Companies or individuals who are interested in buying empty properties, which often need work done on them, can register with the scheme indicating what sort of properties they would be interested in and if a match is found with empty properties on the database their details are passed to the owner of the empty home. The scheme has been likened to a ‘dating agency’ for empty properties, where the Council makes the introductions but doesn’t organise the wedding, so it can be used for properties which are on the market by more conventional means.

Further information on any of the above initiatives can be obtained from Isobel Butt, Vacant Property Development Officer, Planning & Regeneration, Perth & Kinross Council.

Tel 01738 475955. E-mailijbutt@pkc.gov.uk.

For information on Perth City Heritage Funding visit their web-site of Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust www.pkht.org.uk/perth-city-heritage-fund.php.

Alternatively contact Andrew Driver or Sophie Nicol at Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust on 01738 477082/477027

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

INDEPENDENCE As the debate on Scottish Independence gathers momentum, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce tackles both sides of the argument and asks each to list 10 key points on why Perthshire businesses should back them in next year’s referendum.

Scotland Has What it Takes Why Scotland should go it alone

YES SCOTLAND

 Independence Can Deliver What We Need In the words of the internationally renowned economists on the Fiscal Commission Working Group: “By international standards, Scotland is a wealthy and productive nation”.

We have key strengths in areas such as energy, food and drink, tourism, education, life sciences, and financial services. We have stronger public finances than the UK. That gives us a very solid platform to take on the responsibilities of independence – delivering faster sustainable economic growth, and meeting the challenges of tackling sustainability and inequalities in the longer term. As the economists conclude: “Scotland has the clear potential to be a successful independent nation”.

Westminster isn’t working: sluggish  growth…

A one-size-fits-all economic strategy from Westminster isn’t delivering for Scotland. Our long-term historical growth rate has lagged behind our peers. Between 1977 and 2007, Scotland’s average annual growth was 2.3% compared to 2.8% for EU countries of a comparable size.

As the Fiscal Commission Working Group points out: “As a country rich in natural resource and skills, there is no obvious underlying characteristic of the Scottish economy that can explain this underperformance.” We need the powers to put in place the policies that can provide a competitive edge and boost growth. It’s these powers that set these peer countries apart from us.

 …& rising inequality.

Compared to other advanced economies, the UK has relatively high levels of inequality. 2011 research showed that since 1975 income inequality among working-age people increased more quickly in the UK than in any other OECD country. Economists such as Professor Joseph Stiglitz (one of the two Nobel Prize Winners on the Fiscal Commission Working Group) argue powerfully that inequality can have adverse impacts on both economic performance and social well-being. Countries which are more unequal do not do as well, do not grow as well and are less stable. Independence will deliver the relevant policy levers – particularly taxation

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

and welfare policy – to address these trends that several decades of Westminster governments have failed to tackle.

 It’s a small world SMEs operating in countries such as Sweden or Switzerland, Denmark or Norway appreciate the easy connections between their decision makers, and the elected representatives who have powers to make a difference for businesses. In the UK, too many decisions are made in the far away corridors of Westminster, where the needs of Scottish SMEs are nowhere near as prominent, and even if heard, can be drowned out by louder voices. Independence means decision makers with key powers who are much more in touch with Scottish business and the particular needs of the Scottish economy.

 Small is Beautiful Small independent countries are getting it right – much more often than their bigger neighbours.

On a host of measures, small countries such as Norway and Switzerland are leading the way. In the United Nations’ Human Development Index, 11 of the

INDEPENDENCE

top 20 nations have fewer than 10 million inhabitants.

Norway is number one, while the UK is number 28. The Economic Intelligence Unit “Where to be born” quality of life survey produces similar results. As ‘the Economist’ remarked - “Small economies dominate the top ten…..

The Nordic countries shine, whereas the crisis-ridden south of Europe (Greece, Portugal and Spain) lags behind despite the advantage of a favourable climate. The largest European economies (Germany, France and Britain) do not do particularly well.”

•

establish an oil fund to help ensure a stable economy, underpin long-term social provision, and significantly enhance the economic protection available to the people of Scotland.

 Stop the Brain Drain…

It can be frustrating to witness so many of our brightest and most ambitious young talents permanently disappear south to take up the top positions in both public and private sectors.

Independence will see highly skilled and highly paid jobs here in Scotland, and more of our most talented people staying and contributing to our economy.

 … And begin the recruitment campaign



Small Flexible Responsive Government= Growth and Prosperity

Just now, policy is developed from a broad UK perspective without specific consideration of the Scottish context. So even if UK policies are not necessarily “wrong” they are designed with the impact at the UK level in mind. Independence would provide the Scottish Government with greater access to the tools to promote competitive advantages, both within the UK and also internationally. We could…

• •

support the overall business environment, by careful use of tax powers design a simplified tax system, more effective and efficient and tailored to the unique strengths and needs of the Scottish economy • develop nuances within the system to support local competitive advantages • shape a simple regulatory framework that works to ensure compliance in as straight forward manner as possible • exploit opportunities to broaden the range and strengthen competitiveness of a wider set of companies, industries and sectors

Going further, Scotland needs more young workers to meet the demographic challenges that many western countries face. But Westminster is following an agenda which could not be more diametrically opposed to what we need. Our Universities are speaking out because they are losing talented students and academics due to immigration rules. We have skills shortages to fill. As the economists on the working group explain: “The variations in population trends between Scotland and the UK is, arguably, one area where there is the most significant difference between the two countries, and the greatest scope for policy divergence and gains from autonomy to be made.”

Independence would allow “targeted population policies which made Scotland an even more attractive destination for highly skilled migrants”.

 Tapping Into Our Global Network According to the working group, “as an independent sovereign state with a new ability to shape and influence policy at the international level this would fundamentally change Scotland’s place in the world and the global economic community”.

Scotland has an amazing international brand and profile, and huge diaspora and network of friends. Independence can see us fully exploit that with our own dedicated institutions working for Scotland’s businesses. And instead of our EU membership being put at risk by the UK government, we would have a voice and vote at the top table when key decisions are being taken.

Consequences of a No – Middling Along  The At Best The No campaign’s case isn’t based on any real vision for Scotland. It does not have any ideas about how we can build a more prosperous and fairer Scotland. Ultimately, all No can offer is the same middling along with policy dictated by London and the South East. As David Cameron said in 2007 “Supporters of independence will always cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies, such as Switzerland and Norway. It would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another such successful, independent country”. A dynamic and successful independent country or more of the same – those are the options on September 18th 2014.

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

HEADER BAR INDEPENDENCE

Better Together

Why Perthshire Businesses are Better Together as part of the UK

 Part of the UK Single Market Perthshire businesses benefit from being a part of the UK single market of 60 million customers, with no legislative, currency or other barriers to trade. Scotland currently exports more to England, Wales and Northern Ireland than all other countries in the world put together. The ‘Yes’ campaign cannot even agree among themselves whether we should retain the pound sterling as our currency postindependence – it would be a disaster for trade if we chose, or were forced, to use a different currency like the Euro.

 No Barriers to Movement 800,000 Scots live and work in England and Wales without the need for passports or papers. One in 5 workers in Scotland are employed by English, Welsh and Northern Irish firms. There are tens of thousands of English, Welsh and Northern Irish people working today in Scotland. We all benefit from the free movement of workers. Employers don’t need to worry about setting up new HR or payroll systems, or about differing employment laws, in different parts of the UK. Would that still be the case if we had a separate Scotland?

 Single regulation across the UK Financial services providers like Aviva, or our banks, are closely regulated by UK institutions. With more than 90% of the customers of Scottish insurance and pension providers based elsewhere in the UK, it is essential that these companies do not have the added burden and cost of complying with two parallel regulation systems. And would English and Welsh people still be comfortable buying financial products from companies based in a foreign country, in the event of independence?

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no guarantee that if Scotland became independent the rest of the UK would pay the subsidies that underpin our renewable energy production. And they could potentially buy cheaper power from Ireland, France or elsewhere, leaving us stranded.

 Attracting Tourism from the rest of the UK The largest market for the vital tourism industry, Perthshire’s biggest employer, is the rest of the UK. At present visitors from England, Wales and Northern Ireland can travel domestically to Scotland without worrying about changing currency or carrying passports. An independent Scotland’s terms of entry to the EU are unknown, but could well include having to join the Schengen travel area, which would mean passport checks and border controls between Scotland and England – hardly likely to encourage travel.

 A Single Energy Market

Promoting Scotland  Overseas

Scotland has a strong record as a leader in the energy sector, and as an exporter of energy to the rest of the UK. Thousands of jobs depend on companies like SSE (Scottish Hydro). But the renewable energy we are increasingly developing depends on subsidies paid by UK electricity consumers. As those in the sector have warned, there is

As part of the UK, Scotland is represented by over 270 embassies, consulates and High Commissions across the globe, the world’s biggest

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

INDEPENDENCE

diplomatic network. Scots working overseas get the benefit of support and protection from these offices. The UK diplomatic missions also help promote international trade for Scottish exporters, and encourage inward investment to Scotland, as do arms of the UK Government such as the Scotland Office.

 Protecting Pensions The pensions of one million Scots are guaranteed by the UK welfare system. The safety and security of a population of 60 million across the UK provides a spreading of

of the United Nations alongside Russia, China and the USA. The UK has a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, ensuring that our national interests are always protected. We have one of the world’s largest foreign aid budgets, delivered by life-saving Scots in East Kilbride, part of the 31,000 UK Government jobs in Scotland. And as the second largest net contributer to EU budgets, the UK will always have huge influence in Brussels, far greater than that of any small country.

 A Safety Net for our Banks When the financial crisis hit in 2008, Scotland’s two largest companies – the Royal Bank and HBOS – would have collapsed, causing economic catastrophe, had it not been for the UK Treasury stepping in and bailing them out with £470 billion from UK taxpayers. Only the strength and size of the UK economy made that possible. An independent Scotland would have faced ruin in the same circumstances, going the same way as small countries like Ireland or Iceland. We are clearly better together.

PERTHSHIRE BUSINESSES MAKE THEIR CHOICE ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

risk and a level of protection which would not exist in a separate Scotland of just 5 million people. Moreover, independence would present huge difficulties for funded pension schemes operating on a cross-Border basis, under EU rules. With financial services being a key sector of the Scottish economy, there is a risk of jobs being lost and offices relocating to elsewhere in the UK as a result.

 UK-funded Research Threatened Scottish Universities are a key driver of economic growth.

We have always been great innovators as a nation, and in recent years have been world leaders in areas such as life sciences, energy and computer games. With just 8% of the UK population, our universities win 15% of UK Government funded research grants. These vital sums which fund new ideas and encourage new company start-ups would no longer be available to us if we separated from the rest of the UK.

Influence in the  World As part of the UK, Scotland has a seat at the top table

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance crew in action

BUSINESSES BACK NEW LIFE-SAVING CHARITY AIR AMBULANCE Journalist Maureen Young finds out more

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usinesses across Perthshire have been among the first in Scotland to respond to a nationwide appeal to fund the newly-launched Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.

The frontline, life-saving emergency response helicopter launched for operations on May 22. And the pilot, paramedic and administrative crews based at the charity’s Perth Airport headquarters near Scone are the focus of an annual £1.5 million fundraising drive to keep this vital resource in the air.

Key sponsors Scottish Hydro and Stagecoach joined other Perthshire supporters in ensuring the charity raised enough cash to take off. And lining up to add their financial support was a raft of other Perthshire business personalities including Simon Howie, Tony Banks, Duncan King and Douglas Cameron.

A number of local companies have also been eager to offer support “in kind” with vital services being provided by professionals such as Bannerman Decorators, I.P. Clarity, Perthshire Picture Agency, Andrew Morgan Cleaning Services, McLeod Glaziers, Mercury Signs & Designs, James Barclay Furnishings, Perth College, Thorntons Solicitors and Campbell Dallas.

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and operational base at Perth Airport and the Scottish Communications Group was the first to nominate themselves as fundraising partners identifying SCAA as their charity of the year.

Others have reduced their bill for works carried out such as plumbers William Wilson, while numerous Perth shops and restaurants participated in a fundraising Lift Off Campaign and other businesses welcomed collection cans into their premises.

Glendoick Food Library sold tea-towels for SCAA, Algo Business Centre “got on their bikes”, the Strathmore Bar hold fundraisers and help out in a variety of ways and the charity book shop at Pitlochry Railway Station regularly hands over healthy collections.

But the need for funds is relentless and SCAA chairman, local major retailer John Bullough of McEwens of Perth, urged the whole business community to get on board.

“These are just some of the sponsors and supporters and a few examples of how they are channelling funds into the charity but we need people and companies across Scotland to buy into it and help make our country a safer place.”

The launch of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance marks the culmination of four years work by a small team of private Perthshire businessmen who have successfully pulled together a partnership of public, private and third sector organisations to deliver something unique for Scotland. These include founding trustees John Bullough, Alan Bell, Mike Beale, Gavin Davey (now SCAA chief executive) and the late Roddy Young.

The result is an additional helicopter air ambulance for Scotland (supplementing the work of two Governmentfunded helicopters) offering an even more extensive frontline emergency response service right across Scotland.

By deciding to base this high-profile exciting new emergency response service at Perth, SCAA has attracted unprecedented support from the local business community.

An annual target of £1.5 million may seem daunting but the public in England and Wales support 32 charity helicopter air ambulances and Mr Bullough is confident the people of Scotland will rally to fund just one.

The Morris Leslie Group has been pivotal in bringing the project to fruition, providing a headquarters

“If everybody in Scotland donated £1 we would have enough funding for three years,” he highlighted. “It’s probably the cheapest insurance policy deal you will ever see - we pay for

Pictures by Graeme Hart, Perthshire Picture Agency.

Scotland’s new life-saving helicopter air ambulance and air paramedics (from left) Alex Holden, Bruce Rumgay, team leader John Pritchard, Wayne Auton and Andy Walker

Scottish Ambulance Service chairman David Garbutt (left) and Health Secretary Alex Neil chat with SCAA paramedics on launch day

it and hope we never need to use it, but it’s good to know it’s in place if we do.

“SCAA will be the people’s air ambulance, funded by the public and supported by communities the length and breadth of the country who recognise the value of fast-reaction clinical air support in the face of mishap, illness and tragedy,” said Mr Bullough. “We’ve been really heartened by - and appreciative of - the amazing support the charity has received in order to bring us to operational readiness. But we need the help of everyone in Scotland to keep the country’s charity air ambulance flying in the months and years ahead.”

Based centrally at Perth Airport, Scone, to provide optimum cover across Scotland, SCAA operates 10 hours a day, seven days a week, tasked through the 999 emergency service.

“Helicopter air ambulances can get patients to vital clinical help rapidly, especially from remote communities,” added Mr Bullough. “SCAA will be a life-saver in both Perthshire and across the whole of the country and a resource that the people of Scotland can be proud of.”

A pool of two pilots from Bond Air Services and five Scottish Ambulance Service air paramedics operate a shift system at SCAA.

Businesses can help Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance in a variety of ways: •

Payroll giving

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Employee fundraising events (company matching funds raised?)

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Donations within their corporate social responsibility

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Providing volunteers

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Gifts in kind to allow SCAA funds to be directed at frontline life-saving services

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Introductions to your networks

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Collection boxes in your premises

•

Invite SCAA speakers to address corporate events

Call SCAA on 01738-553770 to see how your company could get involved People can donate to SCAA by texting SCAA02 on 70070

The four Perthshire businessmen who drove Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance forward (from left): John Bullough, Alan Bell, Gavin Davey and Mike Beale.

Everything - from the helicopter and its fuel to the paramedics and their equipment - is paid by SCAA. Launching the new charity service last month, Health Secretary Alex Neil congratulated everyone involved in creating and supporting the charity in bringing it to fruition.

“The NHS could not function or deliver without the extended family of support from charitable Third Sector organisations,” he said. “Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is a very, very good example of that - where we are extending the capacity of the Air Ambulance Service in a way that would have been impossible several years ago, but that can save and extend the lives of people across Scotland today.

“There is no greater calling than to be able to save lives and help people. The SCAA team will go out throughout the year doing a fantastic, wonderful and very brave job indeed. Sometimes the weather conditions and harrowing circumstances of the people they will be rescuing will be very challenging indeed.

“I want to encourage people to become sponsors and donors.

“With so many rural and difficult to reach communities, rural roads and a hinterland of mountains - and all the other factors - this additional capacity is very, very welcome and, indeed, essential,” he said.

Scottish Ambulance Service chairman David Garbutt said the launch of the charity marked “an auspicious day” for all and said that SCAA would become the model across the UK - and indeed the world - for the effective public/private/charity partnership.

“In partnership we will do wonderful things for the people of Scotland,” said Mr Garbutt. “Without a doubt this new service will save lives. When you see them arriving at a serious incident you know the difference they will make - often the difference between life and death.”

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Freedom and Success at Kilgraston SUPPORTIVE, ACADEMICALLY successful and consistently in the top three Scottish Schools at Advanced Higher, Kilgraston is a truly thriving community.

Two years ago, Kilgraston in Bridge of Earn, with a balanced mix of day girls and boarders, was UK Independent School of the Year. Judges praised it warmly as “an example to other schools”.

From the 45 leafy acres set amongst rolling hills, to the swimming, hockey and tennis academies, Equestrian Centre (the only school in Scotland with on-campus facilities) and now the current £1m investment in a state-of-the-art Science Centre, Kilgraston facilities look and feel world-class.

Principal Frank Thompson says: “At Kilgraston, small is beautiful.

With small class sizes, we are totally committed to individualised care.

We know every one of our 340 girls extremely well. Staff know who needs a little extra help or who needs to be stretched a little further.”

Kilgraston is part of the Sacred Heart network of schools and welcomes girls of all faiths. It has four sections: Nursery (ages 2½ to 5), Preparatory (ages 5–13), Senior School (ages 13–16) and Sixth

Form. Boarders love being here, this is clearly evident thanks to a warm and supportive atmosphere - Kilgraston girls are not only taken care of, they learn to take care of themselves and each other.

Dr Leonard Sax, a world-renowned expert on the benefits of single sex education, held a seminar at Kilgraston last month and told parents: “Girls at single-sex schools are more likely to study computer science, physics, engineering and technology and participate in competitive sports than are girls in co-educational schools.

“That’s because at the co-educational school, the focus is on how you look. But at the single sex school, the focus is more on who you are. The best possible thing you can do to help your daughter is to get her into a girls’ school.” www.kilgraston.com To visit Kilgraston, please call (01738) 812257. Tours of the school are available year-round.

A top quality day school education for boys and girls aged 3 - 13

Craigclowan “Enthusiastic and articulate pupils” “Zings with activity” “All singing and dancing” Good Schools Guide 2013

19 Marshall Place, Perth PH2 8AG

(01738) 441144

Award winning customer service:

95 scholarships in 7 years Over 50 extra-curricular activities on offer each term Do you want to fulfil your child’s potential? We still have a few spaces left for August. Come and see what this vibrant, ‘buzzy’ school has to offer to your family Please call Jennifer Trueland 01738 626310 Registered Scottish Charity SC010817 Assistance with fees available

www.craigclowan-school.co.uk Edinburgh Road, Perth, PH2 8PS

Established in 1875

Investments and the income paid on them can fall as well as rise in value; therefore, your capital is always at risk.

Redmayne-Bentley LLP is a limited liability partnership. Registered in England and Wales. Registered No: OC344361. Registered office: 9 Bond Court, Leeds LS1 2JZ. Members of the London Stock Exchange. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

GROWing your business in challenging times through facilitation

H

ow can your business innovate and grow? What options are best for success? What actions can you take? If you are drawn to these questions read on…

• Luxurious Lodges • Award-winning Restaurant • Whisky Bar • Meeting Room • Day Delegate rate from £30pp including room hire • Free Wi-Fi in the Hotel • Indulgent Spa and Leisure Centre • 4 star Hotel Bedrooms

We believe at W2, the best people to answer these questions are you and your team through an engaging workshop.

Sir John Whitmore’s proven coaching model, GROW can help.

Duchally Country Estate, Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire PH3 1PN Tel: 01764 663071 Email: info@duchally.com www.duchally.com

.

.

Duchally Country Estate is centrally located just off the A9 near Auchterarder, nestled within 27 acres of breathtakingly beautiful Scottish countryside.

What are the steps in running a successful facilitated workshop using the GROW Model?

1. Create a good environment, refreshments, materials 2. Clear agenda 3. Crystal clear on your purpose - write it down and get all the people involved to agree it.

4. Goal - What do we want to achieve? e.g “regarding innovation and growth in our business what is our goal? “ 5. Reality - Where are we now? e.g “what is working and not working for us” 6. Options - What could we do? e.g “What Options have we got?

What may get in our way?

7. Will - What will we do now? e.g “What actions have high impact and low cost to us?”

Write down agreed actions with responsibilities The result will be motivated people who have ownership of the solutions they have created and the know-how to apply their action plan.

Supplied by Mel Morris, Managing Director, W2 Training.

Email info@w2training.com Tel: 01738 783558 Web: www.w2training.com

  

Mel Morris, W2 Training

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Don’t wait until it’s too late to update your I.T strategy...

Strategic IT planning isn’t the most glamorous of business activities, often resulting in it being overlooked with costly results. We will help you understand and mitigate the risks to your business, and can provide advice and support for: • Upsizing • Downsizing • Moving premises • Security • Legacy systems • and much more...

INITIAL CONSULTATION AND ADVICE ABSOLUTELY FREE!

BUSINESS SUPPORT

“St Johnstone are a great exam

Working in a forward-looking club, who liste Partnership with react to feedback and focus b Jobcentre Plus

making it easy and magical for f obcentre Plus works in partnership with thousands of

JSt Johnstone richly deserve this UK businesses to deliver a professional recruitment service. They take an average of 10,000 vacancies and receive over 820,000 job searches on their GOV.UK website daily.

“St – The pride LackJohnstone of experience can be FC a barrier for young people. of Pe Recently, they worked with Vicki Rice, Director at Ad-Lib Theatre Arts, Princes Street, Perth, as her 10-month-old community arts business was expanding.

“St Johnstone are a great example of a forward-looking club, who listen and react to feedback and focus both on making it easy and magical for families, St Johnstone richly deserve this award” “St Johnstone FC – The pride of Perthshire”

Since setting up initially as an after school group with 15 pupils per week, there are now 300 and classes include Drama, Music, and Choral.

Vicki wanted to offer employment or Work Experience placements to yo u n g p e o ple as she feels that Vicki Rice and Kyle Roscoe “Work Experience is an opportunity for the employee to understand the Organisation and see if it’s right for them and for the potential employer to understand the potential employee.”

Following contact with Margaret Watkins, Perth Jobcentre Plus Employer Advisor, Vicki agreed to offer a Work Experience placement of between two and eight weeks.

Through Jobcentre Plus, Vicki was introduced to Kyle who she decided was “perfect for the Organisation”. Kyle had been unemployed for six months and had always wanted a job which was creative but found few opportunities. Kyle said: “Work Experience should be promoted more to young people” and that he enjoyed being given this opportunity.

”

Vicki has now employed Kyle using Jobcentre Plus’s Wage Incentive scheme.

ADVERTISE your business in...

This gives Employers up to £2275 for recruiting an eligible 18-24 year old.

merce INcom ISSUE 18

SHIRE THE PERTH

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Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody Steuart Henderson Britt else does. ✓ FREE Quality Publication ✓ Targeted Distribution

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For more information on Work Experience or Wage Incentive, contact Judith Alexander.

Provided by Judith Alexander, Employer and Partnership Manager Perthshire, Jobcentre Plus, Email: Judith.

Alexander@dwp.gsi.gov.uk. Tel: 01786 432765.

Web: www.dwp.gov.uk

Contact our Sales Team on

01436 678808 dtech www.dtechuk.com

designers

& publishers

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NEW PERTH PLAN AIMS TO CAPITALISE ON CITY STATUS AWARD

A

strategy aimed at capitalising fully on the restoration of City Status for Perth has been outlined to Perth and Kinross Council.

The Perth City Plan is a detailed document that shows how the Fair City will take full advantage of the economic, social and cultural opportunities made available by the award of City Status last year.

The strategy is grouped into four key themes: •

•

•

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A Connected City - Perth’s location at the heart of Scotland provides an opportunity to capitalise on our position at the centre of Scotland’s transport network.

Improving our infrastructure allows faster and safer access for tourists, employees and residents which will help to expand our economy. We will also work to achieve world-class digital connectivity by improving broadband across the area.

A Sustainable City - The City of Perth aims to build on its successes to date in becoming one of the leading sustainable urban areas in Europe. This will be achieved by reducing our carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency within city properties, increasing recycling of household waste and investing in low carbon technologies. This will help to provide new job opportunities and reduce the impact we have on the local environment.

A Knowledge City - The City of Perth will invest in knowledge, skills and support programmes to allow the public, private and voluntary sector to create products, to work together more effectively and to add value and create wealth. We will improve links between our education institutions and enterprise to increase employment opportunities and develop new industries.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

•

A Vibrant, Cultural City - The City of Perth will build significantly on its growing reputation as a vibrant place in which to work, live and visit. Research demonstrates that vibrant, cultural cities attract new investment and talented people as well as tourists.

The Plan outlines a programme of key infrastructure developments that will take place in Perth up to 2025. These include: •

Working to deliver superfast broadband (by 2014).

•

Developing new industrial estates and a business park at North Muirton (2015), as well as a new industrial estate at Broxden (by 2018).

•

Develop and enhance infrastructure to the north and west of the city, to support growth and access to the city centre (by 2016).

•

Enhance key streets and vennels in the city centre to promote a vibrant, economically-strong, mixed-use 24hour city centre (by 2017).

•

Build the new Cross Tay Link Road (by 2020).

•

Refurbish Dewar’s Centre and Perth Leisure Pool (by 2023).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Council will also work with the Scottish Government to review rates for local business and new businesses, and promote opportunities to increase evening retail and leisure expenditure.

The development of a mixture of shops that appeals to all age groups will be promoted in the city centre, and the use of vacant city centre shops and dwellings will be encouraged, including the possibility of providing student accommodation.

To promote and develop Perth as a vibrant cultural hub an ambitious programme of events and festivals will continue to be developed, and the city will be marketed as a ‘city break’ destination. The Tourist Information Centre will be moved to a more prominent city centre location, and local attractions and hotels will continue to be developed to make Perth a destination of choice.

The introduction of low-carbon transport is to be explored along with the development of a city distribution hub that will reduce the amount of heavy goods vehicles using the city centre.

The Perth City Plan has been drawn up following extensive consultation with the public, local businesses and other stakeholders.

The Council has approved the Plan and its associated actions, along with the setting up of a City Development Board to drive forward key projects. The Board would be made up of public and private sector partners.

Council Leader, Councillor Ian Miller, said: “Our ambition is for Perth to be a leading small European city with a vibrant economic, social and cultural life - a place where people want to be.

“We have already done a lot of work towards that goal, and the restoration of City Status has given us a huge opportunity to develop our ambitions further. The Perth City Plan sets out how we will do that.

“We will continue to work alongside local people, local businesses and our partner organisations to achieve all of our goals for Perth. This exciting strategy shows that the future is very bright for Perth, and for Perth and Kinross as a whole.”

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

CHAMBER SPONSORS Platinum Partners PERTH COLLEGE UHI GRAHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Ross Graham, Managing Director: Graham Environmental Services Ltd are delighted to become a Platinum Partner of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and join the other prestigious local and national Chamber Partners.

As our company has grown over the last 20 years we have found the Chambers networking events, training courses, golf days and Annual Dinners extremely enjoyable and very beneficial, particularly during our diversification in recent years whilst we have added our other range of services (fire extinguishers, kitchen deep cleaning, washroom service and PAT testing) to the services our company offer.

We are big believers in “you can’t grow your business unless you grow your knowledge”, and the Chamber has given us the platform and opportunities to further develop our staff through training and connections which has

assisted our growth greatly over the last few years. Case Study - one introduction from Vicki Unite has covered the cost of our Platinum membership for the next 4 years!!

BANK OF SCOTLAND Matthew Strachan, Senior Manager - SME Banking Tayside, Commercial Banking:

Centre for Enterprise Manager Sheena Howden:

Managing Director Allan MacGregor: “The family-run businesses of Binn Skips and Binnwaste Management have always been conscious of playing a responsible and supportive role in the community. It’s equally important to support the local business community and a Platinum Partnership allows us to help businesses through the valuable and effective work that the Chamber does.

“The sponsorship package also gives us a higher profile within the Chamber which is an effective marketing tool.

“Binnwaste Management realises the importance of business support and networking and hopefully our sponsorship will help maintain and enhance these vital services for businesses throughout Perthshire.”

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND Vic Bicocchi, Local Director, Commercial Banking, Tayside: “We are great admirers of the work the Chamber does not just in networking but also in training and business skills events. It is really important to offer that in your local area and we want to be part of that.

“The Star Awards are also important to us and one of the most enjoyable days was going around visiting the entrants as a sponsor/judge and seeing the wealth of talent out there. We’re happy to support Chamber in its valuable work.

“At RBS we have both the appetite and ability to lend - in fact we lend more to SME’s in the UK than any other bank. We provided over 40% of total lending in 2011 to SME’s in the UK which is well ahead of our natural market share.”

Gold Partners

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“Our Chamber Platinum Partnership helps to provide us with direction and contacts with industry so that our students and the local business community benefit from the very latest in business thinking.”

A high-quality business resource has been developed by The Centre for Enterprise at Perth College UHI www. inspiringenterprise. org. This free ‘online toolkit’ is a dynamic website with information and guidance on five main business themes with entertaining short videos featuring local entrepreneurs sharing their experiences on topics such as: • Business Start-up • Effective Marketing • Your Team • Diversification • Social Enterprise

“As economic conditions remain challenging for many small businesses across Scotland, there’s a common misconception that banks aren’t lending.

But at Bank of Scotland, we most certainly are.

“As part of Lloyds Banking Group, we lent £13.2 billion to SMEs across the UK in 2012. In the same period, our year-on-year net growth in advances to SMEs was four per cent, which is in contrast to a decline in net lending growth of four per cent across the industry. In addition, we continue to approve eight out of ten applications for overdrafts and loans.”

“We play a key supportive role in helping a number of businesses across a range of sectors to become established and grow, as well as offering our students opportunities to gain hands-on experience within existing business structures.

BINNWASTE MANAGEMENT

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE Davina Wyper, Head of Communications: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to strengthen our partnerships with local industry and find shared solutions for the challenges that face us. Our world leading research provides solutions for key global issues such as food, energy and environmental security and this work starts here in Scotland, with our local partners.”

Silver Partners

BUSINESS SUPPORT

People are different, so manage them differently!

W

hat’s your management style? Are you more controlling or supportive? Do you know how to vary your style as your staff develop and grow?

Hersey’s Situational Leadership model recommends that managers match their style to the needs of their staff. (You probably do this without realising it!)

For example: •

A new recruit needs plenty of Directing, so we use more of a command-and-control style.

•

As the employee gain in skills and confidence, a good manager backs off and uses more of a Coaching style, encouraging the team member to think for themselves.

•

A competent employee, who lacks motivation or confidence, needs a more Supporting management style.

•

Once the employee is competent and motivated, managers can use a more hands-off Delegating style.

Different management styles

We believe P&L also stands for People and Location.

Although Johnston Carmichael is the largest independent accountancy firm in Scotland we never forget that treating you as an individual at a local level is the reason that we are a successful business ourselves.

Perhaps it is this philosophy that helped us win Firm of The Year at the Scottish Accountancy Awards in 2012, just as we did in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

This approach brings several benefits to the business:

If you would like to talk to us about how we can help your business grow then please get in touch with Euan McLeod on 01738 634001.

You save time directing your employee which can then be used for your strategic or operational tasks.

Let’s talk about growing your business.

66 Tay Street, Perth, PH2 8RA Tel: 01738 634001.

Managers need to shift their balance between Controlling and Supportive behaviour, depending on the circumstances and the employee.

www.jcca.co.uk

Your employees fulfil their potential more readily because they are managed according to their needs.

The relationship between manager and employee is strengthened when communication is more effective.

Provided by Rachel Weiss, Senior Partner, Rowan Consultancy.

Email: rachel.weiss@rowan-consultancy.co.uk Tel: 01738 562005 Web: www.rowan-consultancy.co.uk

• Construction Cost Consultants • CDM Co-ordinators 2 King James Place, Perth Tel: 01738 625619

Rachel Weiss, Rowan Consultancy

visit our website at

www.raogg.com

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPORT GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL – EMPLOYEE/SHAREHOLDER EMPLOYMENT STATUS

T

he parliamentary saga over the Growth and Infrastructure Bill finally concluded at the end of April. The House of Lords twice rejected the clause of the Bill that would introduce a new employee shareholder employment status.

Under this new type of contract, employees will be given between £2,000 and £50,000 in exchange for giving up their UK rights on unfair dismissal, redundancy, and the right to request flexible working and time off for training. Further they will be required to provide 16 weeks’ notice of a date of return from maternity leave, instead of the usual 8. This status will be optional for existing employees, but companies can choose to offer only this new type of contract for new hires.

Specialising in all things Land Rover Sales | Parts | Servicing Specialising in all Repairs | Chassis things Land Rover Sales | Parts | Servicing Repairs | Chassis

Specialising in all 01764 663020 things Land Tel: Rover www.strathearnengineering.com

The clause was finally accepted after the government made the following concessions regarding the offer of an employee shareholder job:

Sales | Parts | Servicing | Chassis

•

Jobseeker’s allowance cannot be withdrawn if the offer Repairs is refused.

•

Offers must come sacrificed employment rights and the rights attaching to Sales | Parts | Servicing the shares.

Repairs | Chassis

•

Individuals must receive independent legal663020 advice with Tel: 01764 the employer meeting reasonable costs incurred. www.strathearnengineering.com

•

Individuals will be entitled to a seven-day “cooling off” period.

Specialising in all Tel: 01764 01764 663020 things Land Tel: Rover www.strathearnengineering.com with a statement explaining the

The government intends to implement the new employment status on 1st September 2013.

The reaction to the concept of employee shareholders has not been positive and it remains to be seen how many employers will make use of it. However, some employers may view this as an opportunity to develop a more flexible workforce without the fear of unfair dismissal claims. However, employers will still need to be alert to the potential of other claims such as discrimination and TUPE. Supplied by Debbie Fellows, Associate in Litigation, Thorntons Law LLP. Email: perth@thorntons-law.co.uk Tel: 01738 621212 Web: www.thorntons-law.co.uk

Debbie Fellows, Associate in Litigation, Thorntons Law LLP

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

663020

www.strathearnengineering.com

Strang & McLagan

Funeral Directors & Memorial Consultants Main Office and Funeral Home

Newlands House, Main Street Bridgend, Perth Also at 20 Atholl Street, Perth 36 Priory Place, Craigie, Perth 62 High Street, Crieff

Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd

24 Hour / 7 Day Service Private Service Chapel and Rest Rooms Care, consideration and expertise gained over more than a century

Memorial Consultants Member of National Association of Funeral Directors

Space to be themselves, learning together.

Strong academic results Equestrian and sporting academies Continued investment New Science Centre opens in August

Kilgraston, Bridge of Earn, Perth PH2 9BQ Telephone: 01738 812257. Fax: 01738 813410 email: headoffice@kilgraston.com www.kilgraston.com Kilgraston School Trust is a charity. Scottish Charity Number SC029664

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

ASM Media

ASM MEDIA & PR 3 Westfield Drive, Forfar, DD8 1EQ Tel: 07966 653073 Email: alansmorrison@clara.co.uk Web: www.alansmorrison.clara.net Contact: Alan S Morrison

Alan S. Morrison, owner of ASM Media & PR, can bring three decades of experience working in national and local media, plus strategic marketing skills gained on his MBA, to your marketing communications via words, pictures and public relations.

He worked as a reporter, sub-editor and editor in radio and then newspapers between 1981 and 2011 before entering the world of public relations in 2011 as an account manager at a Manchester PR agency. There he earned plaudits from his clients for delivering results through hard work and creativity.

A fan of social media, you can follow him on Twitter at @Alan_S_Morrison, ‘like’ his

Facebook page at facebook.com/ ASMMediaandPR, ‘circle’ him on Google+ at +ASM Media & PR, follow his boards on Pinterest at pinterest.com/alansmorrisonpr or view his photos on Flickr at flickr. com/photos/alan_s_morrison A published photographer since 1984, Alan ran the picture desk of The Sunday Post for 10 years and can take or source any image you need. His work has been informally appraised by the Royal Photographic Society as being of the standard of an Associate and he is compiling a portfolio for formal accreditation.

Wearing his other hat, Alan is Marketing Manager for Mr Droogle, the Google Business Photos virtual tour business owned and run by Drew Cunningham,

the Dundee-based Google Trusted Photographer covering Tayside (including Perthshire) & Fife. You can find out more about this SEO-boosting extension to Street View that allows customers to walk inside your business at www.MrDroogle.com Alan’s Phase 1 self-made website is at www.alansmorrison. clara.net and is soon to be replaced by professional one for ASM Media & PR.

Denvir Marketing

DENVIR MARKETING Scotia House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TZ Tel: 01786 448160 Email: jane@denvirmarketing.com Web: www.denvirmarketing.com Contact: Jane Maher

Denvir is an award-winning marketing agency that is committed to making a difference to clients, ensuring an in-depth understanding of their business and corporate needs, as well as their marketing requirements.

Denvir has carved a niche in the marketing arena, establishing itself as a leading agency in Scotland with services centred around three core pillars of strategic planning, research and insight and integrated campaign delivery.

The agency prides itself on offering clients a truly seamless marketing service and this is borne through many industry accolades for the delivery of advertising, PR, events, direct marketing, digital and design. Denvir is also ranked

as the top Scottish promotional marketing agency by market researchers Plimsoll.

Providing strong strategy, excellent creative and all elements of the marketing mix UK-wide from its central Scotland base, the business has an entrepreneurial approach and uses its experience and understanding of the market to build solutions that will always exceed expectations. The culture is strong, challenging and commercial, and acknowledges the vital link between brand building and commercial results.

Founded in 2003, the agency is managed by the leadership team of Suzanne George, CEO and founder; Jane Maher, Client Director and Catriona Coan, Client Director. With an

unrivalled track record of multisector experience, Denvir today has a diverse client portfolio demonstrating expertise in a variety of B2B and B2C sectors including food and drink, retail, tourism and leisure, manufacturing, professional services and energy.

To find out more visit www. denvirmarketing.com

to very early experiences that are developmentally appropriate. Her further research with 0-3 months fullterm babies showed that given the appropriate ‘tool’- they can acquire knowledge through their fingertips (neo-active touch©) with cognitive, motor and communication gains during their first 3 months of life.

All caring for newborn babies want to offer them the best early experiences to nurture their brain, physical and psychological wellbeing. Elvidina promotes the ‘Right Touch from the Start’©. DidiCareS is on a mission to make a difference to the lives of babies, parents and carers by informing, designing and producing appropriate/ simple sensory nurturing high

quality/safe devices to foster early development and learning.

The devices may also be used for compensation and rehabilitation purposes.

DidiCareS is a 2012 Starter for 6 Main Programme Awardee and recognised as high growth

by Business Gateway/Scottish Enterprise. Elvidina is also passionate about the Highlands of Bonnie Scotland.

DidiCareS

DIDICARES Yetts o’ Huaxu, Glendevon, Perthshire FK14 7JY Tel: +44(0) 7715071017 Elvidina.didicares.com Email: didicares.neotouch@gmail.com Web: www.didicares.com Contact: Dr. Elvidina N. AdamsonMacedo PhD

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DidiCareS Limited is a new Scottish company founded by Dr. Elvidina Nabuco AdamsonMacedo. A teacher, an innovative Chartered psychologist and inventor, with longstanding working experience with newborn babies, she is a proud mother and grandmother.

After leaving her native Brazil in1978, she dedicated her life to focus on pioneering and assessing the benefits of early appropriate tactile intervention programmes (TAC-TIC) for hospitalised preterm babies.

The sense of touch – the first to appear in the womb (7.5 weeks)is the most mature at birth when the sensory systems are not yet fully integrated. Therefore, it is essential that babies be exposed

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Dino De Luca Photohraphy

DINO DE LUCA PHOTOGRAPHY 26 Skye Crescent, Crieff, PH7 3FB Tel: 075 8323 1266 Email: info@dinodeluca.com Web: www.dinodeluca.com Contact: Dino De Luca

Using stunning photographs for business success Multi award winning photographer, Dino De Luca, is a passionate professional who has recently settled in Perthshire, following many years living and working globally.

Dino wants to use his talent to help businesses maximise their sales by using his photographs to best showcase their business.

He explains: “I am amazed at how many companies invest in a website, yet not in the photographs. It’s a shame because in exchange for a few hours of my time, their impact can be greatly improved.”

Dino was the official photographer to the British government for the visits of HRH

the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall to Western Japan and Morocco. He has won a number of international awards in each of the last three years.

Last year he enjoyed going behind the scenes for a special photo documentary at Paris Fashion Week and earlier this year he was invited to Morocco to hold an exhibition sponsored by the Government there. While there he gave a masterclass to the young up and coming photographers of Morocco. You can see his work at www.dinodeluca.com which includes commercial, travel, weddings, events and fashion.

Having graduated with a degree in photography from the Paris School of Photography, and with over 20 years of international

experience and a clutch of awards, he knows his stuff and can turn his hand to any photographic project.

So if you are updating your website, creating promotional materials, hosting an event or even getting married, please get in touch.

Fire Surround Centres

FIRE SURROUND CENTRES 1 Melville Street, Perth, PH1 5PY Tel: 01738 624902 Fax: 01738 624902 Email: info@firesurroundcentres.com Web: www.firesurroundcentres.com Contact: G Turnbull

FIRE SURROUND CENTRES is a long established family run business which has served the local community and beyond from their premises in Melville Street Perth, for over 30 years. The Turnbull family first set up business in Dundee back in 1969 where they also have a purpose built showroom in aptly named Ash Street.

Brothers Gary and Graeme Turnbull who now run the company recently committed to investing in a full refurbishment of their Perth showroom, which in this current climate was not an easy decision. With the ever increasing energy bills Fire Surround Centres strive to provide the most energy efficient heating products including Multi Fuel

stoves and Glass-fronted fires to name but a few, and a recent trip to the Brussels Expo Trade Fair proved invaluable to ensure they are always at the forefront of leading heating products.

The Melville Street showroom has also incorporated the latest in Redwell Infrared Heating products. This innovative and exciting form of electrical heating operates at a fraction of the cost of traditional heating but offers higher thermal comfort levels and health benefits.

A range of panels is available to compliment any environment from standard panels to mirrors, chic glass panels and even heated blackboards. The guys can also offer a bespoke design service where they can have a favourite

picture, landscape of even a family portrait incorporated into your heating panel - truly amazing!

LoadFast Systems

LOADFAST SYSTEMS Easter Shian, Glen Quaich, Amulree Perthshire, PH8 0DB Tel: 01350 725735 E-mail: debby@loadfastsystems.com Web: www.loadfastsystems.com Contact: Debby Fuller

LoadFast Systems has been operational under a year and has already quoted over £2m of projects and secured over £500k worth of international orders. Focussing exclusively on exceptional customer service and innovative solutions, LoadFast has taken the world by storm with business in Europe, North America, Middle East, India and the Far East.

Overseas business is all about maintaining quality and responding quickly to the customer’s requirements so LoadFast uses locally selected suppliers to manufacture high quality material handling equipment. Suppliers must meet strict quality and short timescale requirements to work with us.

For the Construction sector the range of Cranes, Beam Hoists and Platforms provide safe and cost effective installations realising 50 to 80% savings when loading out buildings. Our flexible approach allows bespoke designs for the Nuclear and other sectors and market specific requirements.

The Bulk Material Handling sector is open to new ideas and has very specific requirements for the material handled, chute construction and operating conditions, so each design and build for Chutes and Transfer Points is unique.

With a downturn in domestic markets, the only answer is to develop international trade which is time consuming and expensive.

LoadFast however has obtained

Business Support from Scottish Development International and is capitalising by being on the Scottish Executive High Growth Scheme.

If you have a demand for high quality materials handling equipment or can provide products or services to help LoadFast achieve its objective of rapid international growth, then look at the LoadFast website to find out more and make contact.

LoadFast Systems – Efficient Loading Delivered.

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Perthshire Flooring

PERTHSHIRE FLOORING 56 Canal Street Perth PH2 8LF Tel: 01738 447607 Email: garry@perthshireflooring.co.uk Web: www.perthshireflooring.co.uk Contact: Garry Cumming

Perthshire Flooring, based in Canal Street, Perth is the new face of Easy Carpets which has been trading since 2009. Perthshire Flooring now has the largest flooring showroom in Perth, with plenty of parking nearby.

High quality brands include Cormar Carpets, Regency Carpets, Adams Carpets & Greendale Carpets, Karndean Luxury Flooring, Vusta Luxury Flooring, solid wood flooring from Woodpecker, Harcourt & Krono, Asiatic Rugs and Flair Rugs.

Perthshire Flooring supplies and installs: • Carpets • Solid wood flooring • Vinyl • Rugs

• Laminate and engineered wood flooring Customers include domestic and, increasingly, commercial (retail, office, hotel and guest houses). They have a great range of flooring in stock, as well as a varied selection of roll-ends.

Garry Cumming of Perthshire Flooring, says: “We worked to develop our marketing strategy, which resulted in our new brand Perthshire Flooring, positioned alongside the established Easy Carpets brand. We wanted a high quality brand image to represent the quality of our flooring materials and to better indicate the wide range of flooring types we now provide.

We’ve improved the exterior of the shop with high quality signage, have

new clothing, a new website and have resigned our vans.”

The investment in our brand, alongside increasing our range of flooring and showroom improvements has been worthwhile.

We have seen a 35% increase in business since implementing these changes. We feel that not only is the rebranding good for our business, but it’s good for Perth City too, as it has a reputation for high quality independent retailers.

Perthshire Flooring is keen to build further relationships in Perthshire. If you need new flooring why not give one of the Perthshire Flooring team a call?

Rangers Business Alliance

THE RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB Ibrox Stadium, Edmiston Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD Tel: 0141 580 8500 Fax: 0141 580 8934 Email: rajathwal@rangers.co.uk Web: www.rangers.co.uk Contact: Raj Athwal

Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce its recent membership of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce. The Club see this as an important region to start engaging with businesses from the area.

The Rangers Business Alliance will be the main umbrella under which a formal business relationship between us and our partners will be created helping us to achieve collective objectives through a number of initiatives.

These business goals will comprise of strategic objectives where opportunities for businesses to grow can be realised through access to new customers and distribution channels.

Raj Athwal, Commercial Business Manager at Rangers

Football Club, stated: “This innovative project has been introduced to provide companies across the region and the UK a comprehensive business support service to help raise their business profile and customer base.

“The Rangers Business Alliance will become a centre for business excellence providing a platform for local and regional companies to join forces with us and share in a common goal which is to see each of our businesses grow and prosper together.”

In the coming months, supporters and businesses associated with the Club will see a series of new initiatives aimed at raising the profile of the Club and businesses alike.

We would encourage any

business, entrepreneurs and decision makers who are actively looking to raise their profile and increase their customer base to contact Rangers Football Club’s Commercial Department on 0871 702 1972 (option 2 – calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or you can personally e-mail Raj Athwal on: rajathwal@rangers. co.uk for further information.

The Mudd Partnership Ltd

THE MUDD PARTNERSHIP Suite 2/10 King James VI Business Centre, Riverview Business Park, Friarton Road, Perth, PH2 8DY Tel: 0787 800 7757 Email: paul@themuddpartnership.co.uk Web: www.themuddpartnership.co.uk Contact: Paul Mudd

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The Mudd Partnership is passionate about developing individuals, teams, organisations and businesses to super perform through their leadership, management and the products and services they deliver through their staff.

Founded in 2008 by Jane and Paul Mudd and based in Perth, The Mudd Partnership works throughout Scotland with private, public and not-for-profit sector clients.

With over 40 years combined experience working with senior management and in strategic and operational leadership roles in organisations including UK-wide agencies, Paul and Jane understand the complexities and challenges facing leaders and managers.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

The MP works with a diverse range of clients who have wide ranging needs and access to differing development budgets.

Through Executive Coaching & Mentoring; small, large group and multi-agency facilitation; and their partnerships with Universities and Business Schools, they work with clients to make the difference and create the conditions for Business Growth, Individual Excellence, High Performing Teams and Super Performing Organisations and Businesses who have clarity of purpose, increased resilience, professionalism and a focus on results.

The Mudd Partnership Blogs on Leadership Challenges, effective Organisational Change

practice, Business Growth, Building Resilience and Super Performance are being picked-up by business and thought leaders across the globe and they will be launching a Super Performance Development Series for both clients and members of the public in their new offices, The Mudd Partnership Place, over the late summer and autumn.

For further information contact Paul (e) paul@ t h e m u d d p a r t n e r s h i p. c o. u k , visit the website – http:// w w w. t h e m u d d p a r t n e r s h i p . co.uk and follow on Twitter @ muddpartnership

FOOD & DRINK

Tudor Tastes While thousands of visitors flock to see King Henry VIII’s Tudor kitchens at Hampton Court Palace, little is known of the kitchens which fed his sister, Margaret Tudor, at Methven Castle.

Alex Cairncross has been researching the history of the room which now houses her husband’s architect’s practice.

M

argaret Tudor was Henry VIII’s elder sister, born to Henry VII and Elizabeth of York in 1489. Methven Castle was her dowery, given to her on the occasion of her marriage to James IV in 1503.

The original fireplace can still be seen and is the main feature in the room which was responsible for feeding the Tudors until Margaret’s untimely death, at the castle, in 1541. It would have been used for smoking or roasting meat, normally on a spit.

Each part of the meal would have been prepared in a different section of the kitchen – maybe they thought of “health and safety” before us?! Elaborate sweet dishes were prepared in the “Confectionery” while the pies and pastries were prepared in the “Pastry House”. The “Boiling House” is where the boiled meat and stocks were produced using a boiling-copper. In addition, there would be a “Bottlery”, intended for storing and dispensing wines and other expensive provisions which was later referred to as the “Privy Cellar” and ale would have been dispensed from the “Buttery – a cellar with a butler in charge.

In Tudor days (ruling between 1485 and 1603) there would have been a Master Cook, with a team of Yeomen and Sergeants. There were no mod cons here in those days – no electricity, no cookers as we know them, no microwaves and no fridges. With open fires, working in the kitchens would have been a sweaty and dirty job.

Logs would have to be brought in and stacked beside the fireplace to ensure there was plenty wood at hand to keep the fires burning.

In addition to the main fireplace, there would probably have been a number of smaller fires on which to prepare meals in pots usually on the worktop with holes over the fires or baked in an iron box in the ashes.

The rest of the kitchen would also have been basic. While there would have been stone sinks with water and drainage, a pebble for a plug. Of course, there was no electricity or gas, not even plastic so cooking utensils were pretty basic. A pestle and mortar would be used to grind ingredients. Instead of a fridge, there would have been an air cupboard in which to store food. Food would be cooked fresh and only when in season unless it had been preserved either by pickling, in brine, or syrup. Food could not be transported or frozen but if the animals could be kept alive, they had meat all year round so poor people would rear their own chickens. Staff probably ate

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

potage flavoured with saffron and ginger, made from peas, milk, egg yolks, breadcrumbs and parsley.t The Tudors are famous for their rich food, over-eating and lengthy meals. It wasn’t unusual for them to eat for three hours at a time. Being royalty, Margaret Tudor and her people could afford luxury. Their food would often have been highly spiced and seasoned, both to show wealth and to disguise the fact that the meat was often of very poor quality. Despite being high in protein, the Tudors would have had quite an unhealthy diet without vegetables, which they did not like, and considered only fit for the poor to eat.

A lack of vitamin A lead to difficulties later in life not helped by the amount of salt they consumed, which was particularly high in preserved meat.

The Tudors would have started the day with beef and beer, unlike our healthy cereal, milk, fruit and yoghurt options today, while the workers and staff would have bread or porridge.

Lunch would have started around 11 am and would have become a riot of feasting and merrymaking. Several dishes would have been served at the same time and guests would not have been expected to sample everything but to select what they liked. The meal would again mainly consist of meat, probably reared on the estate, and eaten fresh when available otherwise it would be salted, smoked or dried having been slaughtered in autumn and preserved for winter.

Meat dishes would consist of a selection of the following: roast beef, powder (salted) beef, ox, pig, veal, leg of mutton or lamb with ‘gallandine sauce’, turkey, boiled capon, hen boiled with leeks, partridge, pheasant, larks, quails, snipe, woodcock, blackbirds, young rabbit, leverets, brawn or boar meat, tongue, pork and venison. Sauce would be prepared using herbs and spices.

Meat pies were popular and it’s likely they were adorned with decorative pastry shells – presentation was everything in Tudor cooking. Pies even contained live birds and frogs to provide entertainment – they would be released when the pie was cut open.

For special occasions it wasn’t unusual for swan to be on the menu with the centre-piece of the feast likely to have been a dish such as roast peacock “dressed” in its own feathers with a gold gilded beak.

Bread was a major part of the diet of all classes and was very different from the bread we eat now. Margaret Tudor and her entourage/courtiers would have eaten “Manchet” - a very fine

FOOD & DRINK white bread made from finely-milled wheat flour with bran and wheatgerm added, which was a creamy-yellow colour. Yeoman bread or “Raveled” was made from coarser whole-wheat flour with the bran left in and was a darker colour and less expensive. Carter’s Bread was dark brown or black bread. Servants and the poorest people would have eaten “Carter’s Bread” made from maslin. a mixture of rye and wheat.

The Tudors ate few vegetables but they did like marrow on toast, artichokes, turnips, green peas, cucumbers and olives. Despite being outlawed in 1569, believed to cause illness, fruit played a larger part in the Tudor diet, normally eaten when in season and freshly harvested. No fruits, like bananas, would have been imported.

Favourites would have been apples, pears and cherries but not eaten raw. Instead they would be made into pies – quince or almond would not be uncommon, taken with custard. Honey would be used to sweeten food as sugar would have to be imported and therefore expensive. Often, desserts were decorated with marzipan and resembled castles or animals. The lack of fruit and vegetables lead to scurvy in the upper classes, fat and puddings resulted in tooth decay and the lack of vitamin C led to many problems and often resulted in death.

As today, cheese would round off a meal.

On Fridays, Catholics couldn’t eat meat (often Wednesdays too) so they would have fish instead. With the Tay in such close proximity, it’s likely that salmon would have been caught there and eel, pike, perch, trout, sturgeon, roach from other local rivers and sole, turbot, whiting, lobster, crayfish and shrimps from salt waters.

(Check these are all salt-water fish). “Meatless” delicacies including porpoise and beaver tail would be served during Lent. The Tudors ate with their fingers, knives and spoons – they had no forks. As they shared common dish, cleans hands were important. They had to wash their hands in front of everyone and certain “rules” had to be adhered to: don’t put your fingers in your ears, don’t put your hands on your head, Don’t blow your nose with your hands and men were told to refrain from ‘scratching’”.

The main drinks were ale, cider, perry, mead and wine. Most people avoided drinking water because it was polluted, often with sewage.

Ale was probably the most popular drink, even drunk by children and could be any drink fermented from grain, while beer, brewed from hops, was less popular despite being cheaper to make. Wine was imported from countries where it was warm enough for the grapes to grow, thus expensive, and would be diluted with water, despite the risk of pollution, or served warm and spiced – a bit like mulled wine. Mead would be prepared from a mixture of honey and spices. At royal banquets and on special occasions, hypocras an imported Mediterranean sweet liqueur would be served and was the most expensive drink of all. Poorer people would make cider from apples or perry from pears. It was also possible to drink milk, but because it could not be pasteurised and there was no way of keeping it cool it didn’t stay fresh for long. Tea and coffee would be very expensive and only used for medicinal purposes so the only hot drink available was soup.

Only the rich would have had individual plates and cups. Glasses were very expensive and imported from Italy. Lower class people would have shared plates, or used “trenchers” – an unleavened bread plate.

Recipes gave basic instruction which by today’s standards are tricky to understand but those who worked for Margaret Tudor would have known exactly what to do. They contained no quantities, nor cooking times and cooking with open flames, temperatures would almost have been impossible to regulate. Cooking might not have been as easy as it could have been. Why not try one or two of these?

TO MAKE THE BEST RED DEERE

To Bake Red Deere. Parboyl it, and then sauce it in Vinegar then Lard it very thick, and season it with Pepper, Ginger and Nutmegs, put it into a deep Pye with good store of sweet butter, and let it bake, when it is baked, take a pint of Hippocras, halfe a pound of sweet butter, two or three Nutmeg, little Vinegar, poure it into the Pye in the Oven and let it lye and soake an hour, then take it out, and when it is cold stop the vent hole.

TO MAKE THE BEST DRESSED SALMON

An excellent way of dressing Fish. Take a piece of fresh Salmon, and wash it clean in a little Vinegar and water, and let it lie a while in it, then put it into a great Pipkin with a cover, and put to it some six spoonfuls of water and four of Vinegar, and as much of white-wine, a good deal of Salt a handful of sweet herbs, a little white Sorrel, a few Cloves, a little stick of Cinamon, a little Mace; put all these in a Pipkin close, and set it in a Kettle of seething water, and there let it stew three hours. You may do Carps, Eeles, Trouts, &c. this way, and they Tast also to your mind

TO MAKE THE BEST CHICKEN WITH LEMONS

To boyle a Capon larded with Lemons. Take a fair Capon and truss him, boyl him by himselfe in faire water with a little small Oat-meal, then take Mutton Broath, and half a pint of White-wine, a bundle of Herbs, whole Mace, season it with Verjuyce, put Marrow, Dates, season it with Sugar, then take preserved Lemons and cut them like Lard, and with a larding pin, lard in it, then put the capon in a deep dish, thicken your broth with Almonds, and poure it on the Capon.

Note: Verjuice : The acidic juice of crab apples or other sour fruit, such as unripe grapes

TO MAKE POOR KNIGHTS PUDDING

Cut two penny loaves in round slices, dip them in half a pint of Cream or faire water, then lay them abroad in a dish, and beat three Eggs and grated Nutmegs and sugar, beat them with the Cream then melt some butter in a frying pan, and wet the sides of the toasts and lay them in on the wet side, then pour in the rest upon them, and so fry them, serve them in with Rosewater, sugar and butter.

From the Compleat Cook, author anonymous

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

GRAMPIAN HOTEL

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? Every Saturday and Sunday, throughout the year, somewhere in Scotland you can fall upon a hidden gem.

You turn a corner and it hits you! The hustle and bustle of the local farmers, crafts people and producers setting up, has begun. You smell the fresh fruit and vegetables, the freshly baked bread and see the brightly coloured canopies of the stalls. There is an excitement in the air, you can feel it … this is market day and it’s here, just for you!

Function room available for Weddings, Conferences & Parties • Conservatory areas available for private dining & meetings • Lunches & High Teas served Daily • Evening meals served Monday – Saturday w w w. g r a mp i a n h ot e l .c o.u k 0173 8 6210 57

The Birks Cinema – Eco Renovation – Robin Baker Architects

This is a shopping experience worth spending time over, a sense of occasion, an opportunity to speak with the person who has produced your breakfast or grown your lunch. The provenance is guaranteed, the freshness second to none and the quality just superb, food miles are at a minimum and value for money is key.

The produce and producers change with the seasons and artisan products are huge in variety, there is something for everyone and everyone can benefit. Whether it is food, plants, arts or crafts the diversity of markets across Scotland is huge, stall holders can benefit from direct customer feedback and direct marketing; increasing word of mouth advertising and embracing the sense of local pride.

As a business we enjoy taking part in several markets and the atmosphere and sales make all those early mornings worthwhile.

Search online for a market near you.

Provided by Rose Martin, The Wee Pie Company Email: info@theweepiecompany.co.uk Tel: 01738 860844 Web: www.theweepiecompany.co.uk

Registered Architects Offering Full Services Domestic – Historic – Public Buildings New Build – Alterations – Eco Renovation

Rose Martin, The Wee Pie Company

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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Tower Buildings, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS www.robinbakerarchitects.com info@robinbakerarchitects.com T 01350 728116 M 07789 725556

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EVENTS 2013 JULY Monday 22nd July

Annual General Meeting

6.00pm - 6.30pm

Saltire House

Perth

Friday 2nd

Business Breakfast & Entry to the Perth Show

Campbell Dallas Stand

Perth Show, South Inch

Perth

Thursday 22nd

Making the Most of your Membership

5.30pm - 7.00pm

TBC

Perth

Friday 23rd

1-2-1 Meet the Buyer Surgery with PKC

12.30pm - 4.30pm

Saltire House

Perth

Tuesday 3rd

Tri-Chamber Networking Breakfast

Morning Event

McDiarmid Park

Perth

Monday 9th

Annual Golf Day sponsored by Carbon Financial Partners

Afternoon event

Gleneagles Hotel

Perthshire

Thursday 12th

Mock Tribunal with Thorntons Law

Lunchtime event

TBC

Perth

TBC

Social Evening - Meal and Mixology

5.30pm - 7.30pm

RocaBlu

Perth

Thursday 26th

Glasgow 2014 and Ryder Cup Contracts Event

8.00am - 11.00am

McDiarmid Park

Perth

Monday 30th

PCC Board Meeting*

5.30pm - 7.00pm

Saltire House

Perth

Evening event

Crieff Hydro Hotel

Crieff

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Friday 22nd Nov

Annual Dinner and Business Star Awards

*Closed meeting but members are welcome to submit issues they wish to have raised

TRAINING MANAGEMENT TODAY – INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Dates and Times: 7th November, 9.30am - 3.30pm (part 1) 5th December, 9.30am - 12.30pm (part 2) Venue: Rowan Consultancy, Perth Cost: Perthshire Chamber of Commerce members: £297 + VAT, Non-members: £330+VAT This course is designed for staff who have not received any management training before – they may have many years managerial experience or may be new to a management role. Managers are often expected to pick up the reins and adapt to a management role with very little support or training. You have probably spent several years attaining proficiency in your specialist area, but when you’re been promoted to management, there’s a whole new skill-set to acquire!

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has combined forces with local ILM centre, Rowan Consultancy, to bring you a one-and-a-half-day programme focussing on people management skills. Participants will gain awareness of different management styles and understand the responsibilities and roles of a manager, as well as the importance of feedback, planning and staff motivation. It has been approved by ILM as meeting their standards for management training.

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OFFICE MOVE

The course is experiential with plenty of opportunity to relate management skills to your work situation.

Please note, we have moved offices to Saltire House, 3 Whitefriars Crescent, Perth, PH2 0PA. Telephone: 01738 448325

Email rowan@rowan-consultancy.co.uk or call 01738 562005.

Feel free to visit us anytime.

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

T

he Chamber is an independent, voluntary, non-profit making, non-political business organisation dedicated to the furtherance of members’ interests. It is the largest private sector business support organisation in Britain.

The Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has a voluntary Board of Directors from all over Perthshire and a wide range of business sectors.

rship Membe s Benefit

Perthshire Chamber has two paid full-time members of staff: Chief Executive, Vicki Unite, and Office Support & Events Co-ordinator Karen Wright, based at the Chamber’s office at the Perth Business Centre, Saltire House, 3 Whitefriars Crescent, Perth, PH2 0PA..

CHAMBER SERVICES CHAMBER HR The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and a raft of documentation including contracts and staff handbooks.

CHAMBER LEGAL EXPENSES AND 24 HOUR LEGAL HELPLINE Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline.

CHAMBER MERCHANT SERVICES Process debit and credit card payments with discounted transaction fees, reduced terminal hire costs and no service fees.

CHAMBER HEALTHCARE Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes.

CHAMBER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only).

CHAMBER FINANCE In partnership with RBS / NatWest we are able to offer 3 years free business banking for start ups, one year free business banking for those that switch accounts, discounted rates with RBS Invoice Finance.

BUSINESS MENTORING Business Mentoring is a free service for Chamber members to link those looking for a mentor with those wishing to support new, local businesses and use their extensive business experience by mentoring another.

CHAMBER TRAINING COURSES Chamber members can take advantage of great rates through the Chamber’s exclusive training opportunities.

SCOTTISH CHAMBERS FOREIGN EXCHANGE Scottish Chambers FX has direct access to the wholesale currency markets and is able to pass on the resultant savings to members. SCFX charges no fees for transactions in excess of £5K and doesn’t charge commission.

JUMPSTART AT THE CHAMBERS Jumpstart offer Chamber members a helping hand in securing R&D tax credits. From April 2012, companies have been able to deduct up to 225% of qualifying expenditure when calculating their profit for tax purposes. What’s more, they can claim R&D tax relief on expenditure that’s up to three years old.

CHAMBER EVENTS Events include: Regular lunch and early evening events, monthly networking breakfasts, annual golf day and annual Business Star Awards. Plus many more including procurement and training events.

REPRESENTATION The Chamber is represented on a variety of organisations and committees. It has regular meetings with the Council, local MPs, MSPs and MEPs. The Chamber is in a stronger negotiating position than individual members and uses its bargaining power for the benefit of members. PCC is affiliated to British and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and through the latter’s Council ensures that Perth & Kinross issues get heard at national level.

How much is Chamber membership worth now?

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS - FROM APRIL 2013 CATEGORY

SIZE OF BUSINESS

RATE

BAND A BAND B BAND C BAND D BAND E BAND F BAND G

1-5 EMPLOYEES 6-10 EMPLOYEES 11-25 EMPLOYEES 26-50 EMPLOYEES 51-100 EMPLOYEES 101-250 EMPLOYEES OVER 250 EMPLOYEES

£ 139 £ 165 £ 207 £ 260 £ 384 £ 480 £ 526

VAT

TOTAL INC VAT £ 27.80 £ 166.80 £ 33.00 £ 198.00 £ 41.40 £ 248.40 £ 52.00 £ 312.00 £ 76.80 £ 460.80 £ 96.00 £ 576.00 £ 105.20 £ 631.20

Contact the Chamber office on 01738 448325 or email info@perthshirechamber.co.uk for further details on any of the above or refer to the website www.perthshirechamber.co.uk 43

THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2013 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk

Perthshire Flooring

We offer a free measuring and estimating service and free design service on Karndean Flooring We would be happy to take your call on 01738 447607 or visit our showroom at 56 CANAL STREET, PERTH PH2 8LF www.perthshireflooring.co.uk