THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

WINTER ISSUE • 2011

Shawfair Park Welcomes The Scottish Qualifications Authority

Sandy Smith, Development Director, Buccleuch Property with Dr Janet Brown, Chief Executive, SQA

On receiving the keys to the new SQA office, Dr Janet Brown, Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority said "We are delighted to now have ownership of our new office in Shawfair Park. We are looking forward to the next stage of the project, which will be to move in our 230 staff by January 2012. SQA are committed to retaining highly skilled jobs in Midlothian. We have been delighted to work with the local community to include art works in the new office and look forward to continuing to be a local employer supporting a local community."

This premier business park provides: • Spire Shawfair Park private hospital • Scottish Qualifications Authority’s new 50,000 sq ft facility

• Office space available for immediate occupation from 2,522 sq ft ( 234 sq m) to 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m)

• Proposed 120 bed Hampton by Hilton on-site in 2012

• Flexible and competitive lease terms with generous car parking

• Proposed new road access through the South East Wedge

• Individual sites and design and build opportunities available

• Adjacent to the future Borders Rail Link station at Shawfair

• Proximity to the 600 space Shawfair Park & Ride

For further information please contact the joint marketing agents:

craig.watson@eu.jll.com

mike.irvine@ montagu-evans.co.uk

contents Welcome.......................................... 3 New Chamber Members..............4-5

WELCOME

West Lothian Business Excellence Awards.......................... 7 Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber Business Awards Event............................................8-9 A first class service from Edinburgh First.................... 10 Rotary Club of Dalkeith – Are you up for the challenge?....... 13 Martin Wishart Loch Lomond Gains Michelin Star..................14-15 Imminent Amendments to the “Construction Act”.............. 16 Midlothian Economic Development Framework............. 17 Business Mentoring Scotland....... 19 A82 is The Best Road in Britain..................................20-21 Why should companies locate in Science Parks?............... 23 Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...............................26-28 Joined up thinking includes joining up people......................32-33 Check Out Winter Fashion.......36-37 For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial contact editor: Dita Macfarlane T: 0131 654 1234 E: dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk Publisher: InCommerce Ltd Distribution: D-Tech Distribution

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

Dave McDougall, Chief Executive West Lothian Chamber of Commmerce.

Welcome to the latest edition of InCommerce where the recent Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards for 2011 feature on the cover and are highlighted later in the magazine.

We hear a lot these days about cities as economic drivers, and of city regions as economic units that will be key to getting our economy back on track. The city of Edinburgh and its surrounding region of Lothians, the Borders and Fife is one of the major city regions in Scotland.

However, it is all too easy for the interests of the city to quickly dominate in city/region policy. The troubled story of the Edinburgh trams is at least in part an example of this. What is needed now is to have at last a proper integrated transport structure for the region, not just a single dominant project like the Edinburgh trams.

Our collaboration between West Lothian Chamber and Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber covered in the last issue of this magazine is designed to help give a stronger voice to our region in the city/region. This edition seeks to move on from the trams and re-open the debate on an integrated transport policy to help to give us that stronger voice.

On a personal note I would like to welcome Dita Macfarlane who has recently joined us to manage the Chamber in Mid and East Lothian. We are delighted to have her on the team.

InCommerce is published by D-Tech Ltd. Unit 14 Birch Road Broadmeadow Ind Est Dumbarton G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002.

E-mail: info@dtechuk.com.

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

Our Corporate Partners

InCommerce is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein.

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

The views expressed by authors of articles published in this magazine are solely those of the author and are not necessarily the views of or shared by the editor, nor the publisher or the directors, shareholders and/or employees of InCommerce Ltd or D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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10 GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE LOTHIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 1. Networking and Trading Opportunity. We pride ourselves on the quality and variety of our networking events designed to give maximum exposure to local companies at decision-maker level. We host a varied calendar of free and subsidised events throughout the year including networking lunches, chamber gatherings, site visits, workshops and business exhibitions.

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

3. Growing your business. We’re more than a membership club. Our Business Advisors are acknowledged experts in starting and growing a business, helping you to navigate through the legal, financial and regulatory issues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midlothian & East Lothian

Welcome to our New Chamber Members

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Ann Mitchell Management Ltd

Book keeping, business management, PA, secrectarial services

Ann Mitchell

0131 337 8578

ann@annmitchellmanagement.co.uk www.annmitchellmanagement.co.uk

Bluebird Care (East & Midlothian)

Care at home services (personal care, medication, administration), shopping, cleaning and social support

Jason Lambert

0131 660 5616

jasonlambert@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Circle Group

General Insurance Broker - business insurance for SME's and corporate risks

Ian Storm

0141 249 9914

ian.storm@circlegroup.co.uk www.circleins.co.uk

Customize Screen Print & Embroidery

Supplier of printed and embroidered clothing, stickers, banners, safety signs, window decals and promotional products

Ian Barclay

0131 440 9023

customizeprints@hotmail.com www.customizeprint.co.uk

Gibson McKerrell Brown LLP

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

Julian Cordery

0131 228 8319

jcordery@g-m-b.co.uk www.gibsonmckerrellbrown.co.uk

GRT Partners

Book keeping and payroll services

Robert C Turner

0131 672 2435

info@grtpartners.co.uk www.grtpartners.co.uk

Pertemps Recruitment Scotland

Recruitment Agency

Jan McKendry

0141 573 0800

ps.enquiries@pertemps.co.uk www.pertemps.co.uk

supernature

We grow, harvest and hand-bottle supernature cold pressed rapeseed oil at Carrington Barns Farm.

Lynn Mann

01875 830200

www.supernature.uk.com

The Dolphin Inn Bar & Restaurant

Public House

Graham Blaikie

0131 665 3354

grahamblaikie@hotmail.com www.dolphininn-whitecraig.co.uk

Wildgull Charters Ltd

Chartered boat for trips - fishing round the islands off North Berwick

Jane McMinn

01620 893369

msjanemcminn@hotmail.co.uk www.braveheart-northberwick.co.uk

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

West Lothian

Welcome to our New Chamber Members Scottish Historic Buildings Trust

Building preservation trust registered charity who seeks to secure sustainable futures for under used & derelict historic building across Scotland by expertly restoring them & finding new uses which can regenerate local communities and the historic environment

Elizabeth Mackay

0131 220 5990

property@shbt.org.uk www.shbt.org.uk

Endoxa Solutions Ltd

Business operations improvement including CRM adoption and development, business & marketing plan creation and bid/ tender services.

Gary Lessels

01506 637 548

info@endoxasolutions.co.uk www.endoxasolutions.co.uk

Viro Ltd

Viro was born from the need for a green technologies company with a high quality focus - providing the best equipment with the most professional service. Viro are a green energy supplier currently specialising in PV and Thermal Solar installations.

David Lewington

0844 776 0236

david@viropowered.co.uk www.viropowered.co.uk

Fit Inc Studio Gym

Gym offering indoor and outdoor classes and personal training

Brian Fernie

01506 413040

todcoaching@btinternet.com www.tod-coaching.co.uk

Pixelbox Design

Accessible web design and development

Jason Boyd

01506 668607

jason@pixelboxdesign.co.uk www.pixelboxdesign.co.uk

Alison Pithie Professional HR Advisory

Provision of HR services; recruitment, policy and strategic development, advice and guidance, training and facilitation and one-to-one coaching

Alison Pithie

07989 276061

al@khouse4.freeserve.co.uk

Paymentsense Ltd

Merchant services, specialising in offering fixed rate prices for debit and credit card transactions to small businesses. Capped rate, 24hour Service, Quick Set up.

Sue Bedford-Visser

0808 2849709

Sue.bedford-visser@paymentsense.com

NP Hire & Construction Services Ltd

Plant and tool hire and various construction/building projcects

David Phillip

01506 637538

davidphillp@nationalplanthire.co.uk www.nationalplanthire.co.uk

Healthy Working Lives

Part of NHS Health Scotland national scheme to promote health in the workplace. Offers confidentail occupational H&S advice and practical information and advice on wide range of workplace topics.

Clare Casciani

0131 537 9561

Clare.Casciani@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk www.healthyworkinglives.com

Eden Consultancy Group

High quality active and graphic design for marketing advertising and visual communications; from initial concept, design copy, print and delivery.

Rose O'Connor

01324 633715

rose@edencg.co.uk www.edenconsultancygroup.co.uk

Home Insulations Scotland

Insulation and renewable energy. Offering the highest possible standards of quality and customer care, with every cavity wall and loft installation carried out by highly experienced, and trained installers specially selected by ourselves.

Joe Dunn

01506 429153

joe@homeinsulations.org.uk www.homeinsulations.org.uk

Cameron Transport Consultancy Ltd

Transporting of dangerous goods consultancy

Gordon Cameron

07590 916168

gordon.cameron@live.com www.cameron-transport-consultancy. co.uk

Lothian Homes 4 Let

Letting and management agency covering Edinburgh and the Lothians

Diane Graham

07414 060506

info@lothianhomes4let.co.uk www.lothianhomes4let.co.uk

Skanska

One of the world’s leading construction groups with expertise in construction, development of commercial and residential projects and public-private partnerships.

Kelly Tait

01698 735800

kelly.tait@skanska.co.uk www.skanska.co.uk

Ritchie Neill Solicitors

Solicitors provide a wide range of services to corporate, commercial and private clients. Offering a Free Will Writing Service and Power of Attorney advice.

Graham Ritchie

01506 635590

gritchie@rnsolicitors.com www.rnsolicitors.com

Legal Services UK

Estate planning, wills, power of attourny, IHT trusts, funeral plans and safe document storage.

Kevin Polland

07412 694781

Kevin.polland@legalsuk.com www.willwritingcentralscotland.co.uk

OneStream

Telecommunications, business communications and IT. Vodafone one net unified communications, fixed line and IP telephony, Microsoft online service, vehicle tracking and lone worker solutions.

Laura Edmonston

01506 674019

laura@onestream.co.uk www.onestream.co.uk

Ancestral Consultants

Genealogy service - family histories, house histories, training and consultancy

Marie Dougan

07973 68818

info@ancestralconsultants.com www.ancestralconsultants.com

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Premier Inn Edinburgh Inveresk Carberry Road, Inveresk EH21 8PT

For our best available rates, visit www.premierinn.com

Tel: 0871 527 8358 Hotel Facilities Edinburgh Inveresk is perfectly situated for easy access to the A1 without the noise and traffic of a city centre hotel.

With rooms available from £29 per night and our adjacent Brewers Fayre restaurant, we are the ideal place to stay for both business and leisure.

We are so proud of our hotel that we guarantee you a good night sleep.

Our team are waiting to welcome you to Edinburgh Inveresk Premier Inn & Craig House Brewers Fayre.

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Celebrating Business Excellence The 2011 West Lothian Business Excellence Awards are to be held on Friday 25th November at Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel.

Last year’s winner of the ‘BEST BUSINESS in WEST LOTHIAN’ Award – for the second year running – were leading international IT services company Atos.

At the glittering ceremony, Atos became the first ever business to have scooped the coveted Best Business title twice in a row at the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Excellence Awards.

A team from the company were presented with the award at Houstoun House Hotel from the category sponsor, Network Rail. The company was credited for its commitment to West Lothian both as a significant employer in West Lothian and a business that regularly gives something back to the local community.

In 2010, employees from Atos actively support local charities and raised over £25,000 for NHS Lothian’s Sunndach Children’s Respite Home, the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and Maggie’s. One of its green credentials includes a staff car sharing initiative to reduce its carbon footprint.

Local school children at Williamston Primary were delighted last year when Atos organised a visit from alpine skier Jan-Michael Kochalski. As the Worldwide IT partner of the Olympic Games, Atos also supports a number of athletes, amongst them some Scottish stars like Jan-Michael. The company also continued its support for higher education, sponsoring Heriot-Watt’s Computer Science students’ third year class prize.

In terms of its business activities, the company demonstrated excellent performance in 2009/2010 securing significant contracts with Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, FirstGroup and Aberdeen City Council. It also launched a dynamic online loyalty programme for the purchase of rail tickets through the site www. redspottedhanky.com. In April 2010, the company expanded and grew its business in Livingston by opening a new customer focused office.

Receiving the award with Heidi Idle, Communications Manager for Scotland, Agnes Valentine, Client Executive, Atos said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won Best Business in West Lothian for the second year running and

look forward to continuing to support our local communities.

Corporate social responsibility is an important commitment to us on a global and local level. We are proud to be part of the vibrant, forward-looking and lively business scene in West Lothian, and look forward to growing our business further in Livingston aiming for a hat trick in 2011. It is through the hard work and commitment of our people that have helped us to gain this award. Congratulations to everyone.”

Dave McDougall, Chief Executive, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce said: “This is the first time any company has won the Best Business award in West Lothian two years running. It is a reflection on the outstanding quality of Atos’ business that they have been recognised in this way. They are great ambassadors for West Lothian. They participate in the community and they are driving the economy forward. The UK needs more businesses like Atos!”

Atos is an international information technology services company with annual revenues of EUR 8.7 billion and 78,500 employees in 42 countries. Serving a global client base, it delivers hi-tech transactional services, consulting, systems integration and managed services.

Atos is focused on business technology that powers progress and helps organisations to create their firm of the future.

It is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games. In Scotland, Atos has 1500 employees operating from offices across the country including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Linwood and Livingston. In Livingston, the company has 300 employees based in its Appleton Parkway campus in Eliburn.

The question for 2011 is ‘which business will win the coveted award this year?’

Despite the tough international economic outlook West Lothian businesses have continued to deliver to high standards and there are great examples of outstanding local enterprises. The best will be highlighted at Houstoun House Hotel on November 25th and this will be a night to remember.

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Local Businesses Celebrate Outstanding Achievements The Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber (MELCC) Business Awards Event for 2011 was held on the 12 October at the new Roslin Institute building at Easter Bush, Midlothian. The event was a great success with over 200 people attending and many local businesses exhibiting.

The Keynote speakers were Councillor Russell Imrie, Professor David Hume, the Director of the Roslin Institute, and Colin Beattie MSP. Their themes were the achievements and future development of the animal biosciences in Midlothian and the launch of an Action Plan for the sector. They highlighted the worldleading achievements of our animal biosciences, such as the cloning of Dolly the Sheep, and the many jobs that have been created in the Bush research area, especially with the building of new premises for the Dick Vet and the Roslin Institute, alongside the existing major developments of the Moredun Institute and the Pentland Science Park, Midlothian Innovation Centre, The Edinburgh Technopole, and Bush Estate.

The 2011 Business Awards for Midlothian and East Lothian were then presented to an impressive selection of businesses. Chamber chief executive Gregor Murray said, “These four businesses are examples of excellence and achievement in our area.

Each of them is developing its staff, its products or services, and its customer base in ways that can be an inspiration to us all.”

Gregor Murray commented: “The four Award winners are real achievers and are to be congratulated for their enterprise and for the jobs and revenue they create for our area. And Matin Khan is a real Business Hero giving so much back to our communities. He is a credit to our area.” Gregor rounded off the evening by thanking our public sector partners, Midlothian Council and East Lothian Council and Scottish Enterprise, for working in partnership with us to support local businesses.

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THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

■■ The Award for Business Growth sponsored by Springfords accountants went to Solid Form Solutions, a world-leading contract research organization based at the Roslin Biocentre.

It provides the pharmaceutical industry with chemical development services, either solving specific problems or delivering larger drug development programmes that will bring the best synthetic chemistry route to the most developable solid form of a drug molecule. The company has exceed £1m turnover, now employs fourteen people, has gained ISO 9001 accreditation, and is developing an impressive worldwide customer base.

■■ The Start-up Award sponsored by Pentland Science Park went to Time and Tide, a new retail business based in North Berwick, East Lothian.

The business sells interior decorations and furniture and is run by husband and wife team Ewan and Emma Douglas. They started in 2009 with a shop in North Berwick High Street and by the end of that year they had added another shop in North Berwick and one in Peebles. Time and Tide’s strategy is to develop good small shops in good locations which offer a simple paired-down style of living at good prices. They are an excellent example of how a smaller retailer can still succeed in today’s market. The business now employs ten people, has opened a further shop in Edinburgh’s Morningside area, and has plans to open a larger furniture store.

■■ The Award for an Employer of Students and Graduates sponsored by Edinburgh Science Triangle went to Bioscience KTN. This organisation drives knowledge transfer between science base and industry, promotes networking and innovation in key industry sectors, and provides a coherent voice for their industries to inform government policy. They work in four industry sectors: Industrial Bioscience, Animal Breeding and Health, Plant Breeding and Crop Protection, and Food Technology and Manufacture. Working with the Bright Business Partnership, the organization has now employed twenty students and graduates, a shining example of how to grow by fostering young talent.

■■ The Award for a Green Business sponsored by Midlothian Council went to McLaren Plastics of Loanhead. It is an injection moulding business that has been trading for 50 years and supplies a worldwide market with customers in UK, Europe, North America and Asia. The company has worked with the Green Business Partnership to put in place an ISO 14001 accredited environmental management system. This ensures a continual improvement in efficiency which has a direct effect on the bottom line as well as showing a commitment to the environment. McLaren Plastics re-uses and recycles parts and continues to invest in new equipment to increase efficiency, such as their ultrafine filtering equipment which extends the life of the hydraulic oil they use.

■■ Finally a Local Business Hero Award sponsored by the Advertiser newspaper was presented to Matin Khan of Itihaas restaurant in Dalkeith. Matin has not only built up an award-winning restaurant business, but has also given back a huge amount to the community. He has sponsored many local sports teams and raised thousands of pounds for charities.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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A first class service from Edinburgh First Contemporary or heritage, all Edinburgh First venues are fit for purpose and offer the flexibility required to create truly personalised events for their clients.

As part of the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh First understands better than most the elements necessary for a good debate or educated discussion.

As well as centrally located high-specification conferencing facilities and boardrooms, you’ll also find comfortable breakout areas and relaxing lounges offering windows onto some of Edinburgh’s most spectacular views.

Experiencing Edinburgh First

With a reputation for delivering good service at a suitable price means Edinburgh First venues, catering and accommodation are much in demand – by private and public sector companies and organisations, associations, higher

THE Mid, East & West Lothian

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WINTER 11

and further education institutions, and other groups and individuals. Edinburgh First pride themselves on delivering within budget and with minimal fuss. Experienced event organisers help clients consider both the big picture and the finer details.

Accommodation and catering

To complement this wide variety of venues, Edinburgh First offer a similarly broad range of accommodation, dining facilities and catering options; with bedrooms, private dining rooms, restaurants, bars and cafés – as well as all of Edinburgh’s attractions right on the doorstep – opportunities abound for team-building and networking.

For enquiries – contact Lorna Allan, Sales Manager - Tel: 0131 651 2189 Email: lorna.allan@ed.ac.uk

design print and digital media I promotional brochures and leaflets I annual accounts and corporate reports I corporate identity and brand development I newsletters and magazines I packaging I copywriting I exhibition displays and signage I posters and banners I marketing design I advertising I and more...

literature. brand identity. visual communication.

eden

consultancy group t: 01324

633 785

Arnothall, 19 Arnothill, Falkirk FK1 5RZ

www.edenconsultancygroup.co.uk

CHAPS Central Heating and Plumbing Services We are a recently formed company, from the decision of a major company to shut down it’s local branch. We decided to use the same staff and site personnel to establish a new company, using the same experienced operatives in the Heating, Plumbing and Gas services field.

We will cater for any domestic and small commercial works including Installations, Servicing and general maintenance requirements.

We also carry a building services design service in the company for those who need any type of Plumbing, Water, Air conditioning and drainage services designed in addition to Heating and Gas services.

Main Office

Other Office

45 Craigentinny Crescent Edinburgh EH7 6QA Tel: 07595 373 958

9 Farrer Terrace Edinburgh EH7 65E Tel: 07540 054 296

enquiries@chapsheating.co.uk www.chapsheating.co.uk

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Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selection of top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Specialty departments include Fresh Deli and Produce, In-House Bakery and Butchery, Service Deli, Cafe, Tyre centre, Opticians, Fine Wines and Spirits, Electrical appliances and much much more!

We formed our own company after both becoming unemployed when the company we were working for closed it’s Edinburgh branch.

We decided rather than look for employment elsewhere, to start our own business as we felt we had a lot to contribute, both technically and personally to our company and potential customers.

We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund.

Our first 6 months have been both challenging and rewarding, with lots of experience learned along the way both good and bad.

We both still get great job satisfaction from our work, solving problems and most importantly making customers happy as this give’s us a good feeling about the job we enjoy.

Hopefully the next 6 months can see us continue to grow and hopefully take on extra hands to help out, especially with regards to an apprentice as we both have a lot of experience and skill to pass on to a younger generation.

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Apart from our standard membership we have Executive, which is our highest level of membership where you can earn a 2% on most purchases up to a maximum of £300 per year.

If you take out membership through this advert you will receive a free gift.

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Rotary Club of Dalkeith –

Are you up for the challenge?

The impulse to act is powerful among Rotarians. Take my own club, Dalkeith, and it is not exceptional. Tourism artery the Dalkeith-Penicuik railway walk, including its spurs and connections, is visited by thousands every year but under constant attack from the Throwaway Tendency.

This prompted us three years ago, in partnership with the Ranger Service supplying protective gear and tools, to ‘adopt’ a three-mile section of the route south from Sheriffhall. Verges and landscaped areas were stripped of rubbish. Safety rails at entry points were wire-brushed and given a lick of paint. Cyclists’ lobby group SUSTRANS voiced delight at the transformation. Return forays were scheduled-in, and these continue.

From litter-picking to learning. Each summer we coordinate and supervise the visit of the whole primary department of Saltersgate Special School to the Kids Out fun day at the Jack Kane Centre. Come the New Year and there is the local heat of the Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition to organise, involving four secondary schools. Mock interviews are on offer to school leavers and candidates are selected for the Rotary Young Leader selfreliance course.

Doing. Fellowship. Networking. Rotary has it all, and more.

If you’re up for a challenge, call Colin Macfarlane today on 663 8036 or colin@melvillegolf.co.uk.

24/7 Emergency Drainage Services Rotary Club of Dalkeith info@drainwell.co.uk www.drainwell.co.uk THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Photo courtesy of Martin Wishart.

Martin Wishart Loch Lomond Gains Michelin Star WEST Dunbartonshire has its first Michelin restaurant with Martin Wishart Loch Lomond gaining one star in the new edition of the top eating out guide.

A spokesperson for the restaurant, which is based at Cameron House Hotel, said: “We can’t thank Stewart Boyles, head chef, Miguel Rivero, our restaurant manager, and all the team enough for their continuous efforts to achieve high standards of food and excellent service.

“This is a great addition for Scotland, once again Martin is thrilled to raise the reputation of Scottish cuisine.”

In Scotland, there are now 15 restaurants with one Michelin star including Martin Wishart’s Leith and Loch Lomond establishments. There are a further four in Edinburgh while the remainder range from Dumfries and Galloway in the south to Fort William and Lochinver in the north, with Ayrshire, Fife and Skye all represented.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian

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Kinloch Lodge on the Sleat Peninsula in Skye is the only one on an island – and is also home to Lady Claire and Lord Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald, High Chief of Clan Donald.

Andrew Fairlie’s eponymous restaurant at Gleneagles is still the only one with two Michelin stars and to date there is still no starred establishment at all in Glasgow despite its many eating places.

Stravaigin in the city’s West End has, however, just been awarded a Bib Gourmand. These are given to restaurants serving good food at moderate prices bringing the Scottish total to five.

That said, there are a number of honourable mentions in the guide for Glasgow including favourites like the city centre’s art deco Rogano, famed for its seafood, authentic Italian La Parmigiana and the Merchant City’s Babbity Bowster pub and restaurant.

Reflecting the city’s love of curry, Dhabba and Dakhin in Candleriggs are complimented on the authenticity of their Indian cooking.

Rebecca Burr, editor-in-chief of The MICHELIN Great Britain & Ireland 2012 guide, said: “In a city such as Glasgow we have chosen what we feel to be the best in the city - not an exhaustive list.

Photo courtesy of Martin Wishart.

“It is true that there are no starred establishments.

However, we do recommend 20 eateries in the city. We will continue to visit Glasgow many times during the year, as we always have, in the hope of awarding a star in future publications.

“Scotland offers a wealth of good eateries and the standard is high. It is famed for wonderful ingredients and we are seeing a rise in the standards of chefs’ use of the products.

“Those places chosen for the Michelin guide are a good cross-section of style and price from a simple gastropub to a luxury restaurant.

Guide images courtesy of Michelin.

“The same criteria are used across our collection of guides and therefore the places are chosen by the inspectors using the same exacting standards. The diverse choice is based the quality of the food, but we also look for and consider value for money.”

The new guide was published in October for the first time this year and the latest edition of eating out in pubs in early November.

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2012 £14.99 MICHELIN Guide eating out in pubs 2012 £14.99

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Imminent Amendments to the “Construction Act” Part 8 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (“2009 Act”) makes a number of changes to the payment and adjudication provisions in Part 2 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (the 1996 Act).

The 2009 Act came into force on 1 October 2011 for England and Wales and on 1 November 2011 in Scotland by means of Statutory Instruments.

The key changes under the 2009 Act are:

Oral Contracts

Part 2 of the 1996 Act is being extended to oral contracts and to those that are partly oral and partly in writing.

Adjudication

Contractual clauses allocating, in advance, the whole cost of the adjudicator’s fee to one party will become ineffective.

The intention is to ensure adjudication is available to any party to a construction contract as Parliament intended..

Correction of Typographical Errors

The adjudicator will be given power to correct a clerical or typographical error in his/her decision.

Changes to Payment Framework

“Pay when Certified” – the timing or entitlement to payment can no longer be conditional on the issue of a payment certificate relating to the progress or completion of work under another contract in the same supply chain.

“Payment Notices” - the payer must issue a payment notice within 5 days of the payment due date. The payment notice must specify the sum due and the basis for the calculation. If the payment notice is not issued within the required timeframe by the payer, then the payee may issue a ‘default’ payment notice. If the payer fails to make payment or respond to the ‘default’ notice, the payee may suspend performance of his obligations.

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“Pay Less” Notices – the payer may issue a “pay less” notice when he receives the Payment Notice. This will replace a notice of withholding as previously required. The “pay less” notice must identify the different amount the payer intends to pay and the basis for the calculation. If the payer fails to issue a “pay less” notice, he must pay the amount shown as due in the payment notice.

Suspension of Performance

A contractor may suspend all or part of its obligations of performance as a result of non-payment. In addition, under the 2009 Act, a contractor can recover a reasonable amount in respect of costs and expenses resulting from the exercising of his right of suspension.

Excluded Contracts

Part 8 of the 2009 Act also makes changes to Scottish Ministers’ power to exclude specified contracts from the operation of Part 2 of the 1996 Act. Agreements entered into under the public finance initiative are themselves already excluded from the operation of the entirety of Part II of the 1996 Act. The new rules will also exclude first tier subcontracts entered into under an excluded PFI contract from the operation of the 1996 Act. For further information, contact Keith Bishop, Partner, Anderson Strathern keith.bishop@andersonstrathern.co.uk

Outsourced HR Support and Consultancy.

Gravitate HR offers practical help and support in managing your employees and HR decisions; whatever the size or type of organisation.

Interested? Check out our website or give us a call.

Phone: 0131 225 7458 Email: margery@gravitatehr.co.uk

www.gravitatehr.co.uk

Midlothian Economic Development Framework

‘Our ambition is to provide 10,000 new jobs in Midlothian by 2020 in an integrated and vibrant economy’ The Midlothian Economic Development Framework – a partnership between Midlothian Council and Community Planning Partners in Midlothian – details how we aim to achieve this ambition by working in partnership with the private and public sectors.

To achieve our ambition, we support and build on the existing strengths of Midlothian’s people, places and our own enterprise.

A high number – and wide variety of – organisations and businesses ( some of which have already achieved a substantial scale) - have chosen to take advantage of these assets to locate in Midlothian.

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We plan to develop our assets in the seven key economic sectors in Midlothian; Life Sciences Earth Sciences Animal Biosciences Construction Tourism Education Public Sector For your copy of the Midlothian Economic Development Framework, or to find out more about how we can help you - and how can you can help us – to achieve our ’2020 vision’ please contact; John Beveridge, Economic Development Manager Midlothian Council, Fairfield House 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 3ZN Telephone - 0131 271 3431 Fax - 0131 271 3537 Email econ-dev@midlothian.gov.uk

The Pen-y-coe Press 7 BRIDGE STREET, PENICUIK, MIDLOTHIAN, EH26 8LL

TELEPHONE / FAX: 01968 673767 E-MAIL: PENYCOE7@BTCONNECT.COM THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

17

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THE MId, EaST & WEST LoTHIaN CHaMBERS oF CoMMERCE BUSINESS MaGaZINE

ISSUE 13 • AUTUMN 2011

WINTER ISSUE • 2011

THE

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Issue 2 • September 2011

Getting your Business into Top Gear

Children’s Games Boost Lanarkshire Tourism

Canal Festival Goes With A Bang!

• Why Join the Chamber? Page 6 • Hamilton BID Update - Pages 14/15 • The Best Road in Britain - Pages 36/37

• SOLAS PIONEERS ECO JOBS PLAN Page 17 • BUSINESS SHOW SUCCESS Page 23 • RIVERSIDE MUSEUM EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Page 24

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Experience the Difference Business Mentoring Scotland Could you or your business benefit from an objective, impartial view, insight, support or encouragement of an experienced business person.

Who can apply?

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

Join Business Mentoring Scotland The Business Mentoring Programme is an extremely successful and worthwhile initiative. Companies in all sectors face similar challenges, the most pressing today being the effects of the recession and climate change. It is important that businesses be prepared to support and share knowledge with one another.

Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup

From the Mentees point of view what they tend to say to me is that the main benefit that they get is more confidence in their decisions and they’ve got an opportunity to talk through some of the issues that they’re having to deal with, with someone who’s run their own business before.

Clare Moore, Business Jigsaw (Mentor)

I find it really easy to deal with my mentor, if there was ever a problem he was happy for me to just phone him up and ask for his thoughts on what I was facing. We would meet up every couple of months for a chat and I would share with him my vision for where I was trying to go with the business.

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Business Mentoring Scotland. Call now on

01506 412 909 0845 609 6622

www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk email: brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and is supported by European Funding.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Photo © Christopher James.

A82 is The Best Road in Britain The results show that Brits don’t just like a smooth drive, they like to really experience and feel the road.

James Martin

THE A82 from Glasgow to Fort William is the best road in Britain according to motoring enthusiast and celebrity chef James Martin and the boffins at Mobil 1 oil.

synthetic motor oil firm, developed an equation to measure roads already shortlisted by the public to determine their rankings.

This is the same road that the AA named the UK’s most dangerous in 2002. The Scottish Government has already spent £3 million in the last year on upgrading and road safety measures with further major improvements in the pipeline.

“The results show that Brits don’t just like a smooth drive, they like to really experience and feel the road. The A82 was a truly outstanding road that I encourage everyone to drive; the road was raw and real, and in this case the vibration and noise made it feel like a real drive.

The scenic route was crowned number one last year after a study investigated road conditions and their physiological effects on drivers.

Using research data captured by state-of-the-art technology, a team from Mobil 1, the world's leading

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James drove 1800 miles across Britain in a specially adapted car and experienced some phenomenal drives through scenery he didn’t even realise we had in this country.

“The variety of road, the difference in bends, inclines and dramatic changing scenery from loch to valley keeps the driver guessing at every corner,” he added.

A Stunning Drive With Dramatic Scenery The A82 is a favourite with car drivers and motorcyclists who enjoy a challenge and dramatic scenery writes June Hyslop.

In good weather it can be frustrating on the Glasgow to Balloch and Luss sections with heavy traffic.

Driving is also difficult along the narrow, twisty stretch from Tarbet to Inverarnan which has been single file traffic light controlled for many years at an area known as Pulpit Rock.

However, this has been earmarked for realignment to reintroduce two way traffic and improve safety and there are also plans for a Crianlarich bypass.

The road does get better after Ardlui but it’s after Crianlarich as you head towards Tyndrum that it really comes into its own as a stunning scenic drive.

Tyndrum is a good place for a break at the famous Green Welly Stop with its restaurant, home baking, selection of shops and the chance to fuel up.

It’s an easy run from there to Bridge of Orchy, on past Loch Ba on the right towards the bleak exposed openness of Rannoch Moor where crosswinds can buffet the unwary even on a sunny day.

As you approach Glencoe, the hills close in around you adding to the gloomy grandeur of the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre.

Tucked away from view, just off the A82, is the National Trust for Scotland’s multi-award winning Glencoe Visitor Centre which explores the landscape, wildlife and history of the area.

Leaving Glencoe, drivers have the choice of a detour round Loch Leven and the hidden village of Kinlochleven at its head or can take the shorter route across the Ballachullish Bridge.

From Onich, it’s a short hop to the Corran Ferry terminal and from there a relatively short drive hugging the side of Loch Linnhe into Fort William.

Sometime in November, there are plans to close the A82 north of the Corran Ferry for a long weekend to remove an unstable rock above the road. This will mean a 35 mile detour via the ferry and a narrow and mostly single track road - the A861 - to reach Fort William so check before travelling.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Care when it’s needed most The Co-operative Funeralcare has been part of the local community for over 50 years and we’ve helped generations of families through difficult times

Care when it’s needed most

The Co-operative Funeralcare has been part of the local community for over 50 years and we’ve helped generations of families through difficult times For a brochure, call into or telephone your local funeral home on: TRANENT - 96-98 High Street - T 01875 610 372 NORTH BERWICK - 34 High Street - T 01620 894 917 MUSSELBURGH - 40-42 High Street - T 0131 665 0243

For a brochure, call into or telephone your local funeral home on:

PRESTONPANS - Unit 4 Preston Links, High Street - T 01875 812 606 TRANENT - 96-98 High Street - T 01875 610 372 NORTH BERWICK - 34 High Street - T 01620 894 917

Milton Farm Lodges

Luxury Self Catering Holiday Accommodation MUSSELBURGH - 40-42 High Street - T 0131 665 0243 PRESTONPANS - Unit 4 Preston Links, High Street - T 01875 812 606 Milton Farm Lodges offer relaxing luxury self catering accommodation in the heart of Perthshire. Apple Tree Lodge and Plum Tree Lodge are situated in the former orchard of a working farm, and both offer 3 stunning bedrooms and bathrooms, and include a jacuzzi bath. In-house catering with local chefs can be arranged. Pets are always welcome, Milton Farm Lodges offer relaxing luxury and we offer a pet sitting service, so self catering accommodation in the the whole family canheart enjoy a stay at Milton offer Farm. 3 stunning of Perthshire. The lodges The self and catering lodges offer bedrooms and bathrooms, include a ideal accommodation for golf at jacuzzi. In-house catering is available, children St Andrews, golf at Carnoustie, shooting and stalking in the and pets are welcome!

Perthshire Highlands, walking, cycling and outdoor activities.

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Why should companies locate in Science Parks?

EDINBURGH Science Triangle is one of Europe’s leading science and technology locations, stretching across the region from Livingston in West Lothian to the centre of Scotland’s capital city. It is home to around 100 companies with 1800 employees. Within that area there are eight science parks and research institutions at the cutting edge of science and technology, and links with four universities at the forefront of Scottish Higher Education.

Since their inception in the early 1970s science parks have become a key part of the infrastructure supporting the country’s technology-based firms. Heriot-Watt Research Park was the first science park of its type in Europe and is the continent’s largest. It is co-located with the university –science and engineering-centred institution – at Riccarton in West Edinburgh, minutes from the airport.

A few miles away is the Midlothian Life Science Cluster, which includes: the Roslin BioCentre, a world-leading ‘centre of excellence’ for life sciences; Easter Bush Campus – home to a world class animal health research consortium including the Moredun Research Institute, The Roslin Institute, world famous for Dolly the sheep, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and the Scottish Agricultural College.

Adjacent to Easter Bush is Pentlands Science Park, which was developed in the mid 1990s as the new home for the Moredun Research Institute, and which is the only example

worldwide of a thriving Bioscience Park centred around an animal health and welfare research facility; and Edinburgh Technopole, a community of leading technology companies.

More than 1100 people work in this cluster – making it one of the region’s biggest employers.

On the western fringe of Edinburgh Science Triangle is Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston – a purpose built centre and one of the leading business incubators for innovative technology firms in the East of Scotland.

Edinburgh BioQuarter offers an optimum destination for biomedical research-based companies wishing to co-locate with the University of Edinburgh’s Medical School, the Queen’s Medical Research Institute, the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine and a new 870-bed NHS teaching hospital.

A recent independent study – The UK Life Science Startup Report from the Mobius Life Science Fund – showed Scotland has the quality of research to lead the life science industry in the UK. Commenting on the report, Malcolm Bateman Chair of the Edinburgh Science Triangle, and CEO of Roslin BioCentre, said: “A critical finding of the report was that companies within bioincubators are almost twice as likely to secure investment and the amount they receive is more than double that of non-bioincubator companies.”

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Conference Facilities including lecture theatre, fully equipped meeting rooms, lunches and refreshments.

Pentlands Science Park provides a professional conferencing service in a beautiful location with ample free parking.

Contact: Helen Shiels on 0131 445 5111

A Beautiful Location

to Inspire

Hunter’s Coaches based in Loanhead, Midlothian covering bus hire in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Let us provide your transport arrangements.

We offer a high quality coach hire and bus hire services, that provides luxury coaches for contract jobs, tours, schools, airport transfers and hotels.

Each one of our coaches is spacious, safe and comfortable, guaranteeing an enjoyable travelling experience.

Whether you are looking for a bus hire company to take on a contract for regular transportation in the local area or are looking for a coach to hire for a one off short breaks, holiday, day trips, weddings or even funerals, our professional coach hire service can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Ideas

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Our coaches range in size from 18 to 70 seater coaches.

Coach features include: Air Suspension Air conditioned Additional luggage space TV & DVD equipment Public address systems Tinted double glazing Carpets and Curtains Fridge Reclining seats CD player Tea & coffee facilities Washroom & toilet

Hunter’s Coaches, Oakfield Garage, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9AE Telephone 0131 440 0704 E-Mail: sales@hunterscoaches.co.uk www.hunterscoaches.co.uk

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Discounted membership for Chamber members • Unlimited gym access • Unlimited sauna and steam rooms • Unlimited classes (over 30 classes a week)

All this for just £25 per month with a one year contract.

Fit Inc Studio Gym, 1 Simpson Parkway, Centrex Conference Centre, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7BH E: todcoaching@btinternet.com M: 07817335922 T: 01506 413040

Photo courtesy of Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

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Scotland’s Ski Resorts had another mega season last year with almost 300,000 visitors and are hoping for another snowy winter.

Following a record breaking 2010, exceptional snowfall in 2011 saw skiers and boarders hit the slopes in vast numbers for the second year in a row resulting in a huge boost to Scotland’s winter sports industry and related businesses.

Over the past two years it has contributed more than £66.5m to the Scottish economy with £50m of that spent off piste.

Hopes are high that this year will make it a triple and Scotland’s five resorts – Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, The Lecht and Nevis Range – are already looking forward to the first cold snap.

Photo courtesy of Glencoe Mountain Resort.

In 2011, Cairngorm near Aviemore opened in November while the Nevis Range at Fort William had its earliest start for 13 years. For the first time in 10 years Glencoe opened before Christmas while Glenshee and The Lecht also got off to a flying start.

Heavy snowfall and near perfect conditions for several months saw Scotland with more snow than the Austrian Alps last year.

Scotland’s resort at Cairngorm Mountain had almost double the anticipated number of skiers over both seasons.

“We expected 65,000 and ended up with 120,000 here,” explained marketing manager Colin Kirkwood, “Normally we don’t open till December but last year we started in November.

“These two excellent seasons have helped heighten the profile of Scotland as a snow sports destination. We always have people from Scotland, Ireland and the North of England but people were coming from the south travelling straight into Aviemore on the overnight sleeper.

“The quality of the snow was good and at Cairngorm we have nursery areas at the top which are easily accessible by the funicular railway.”

Photo courtesy of Glencoe Mountain Resort.

The white out conditions have also benefited competitive skiers according to Eddie Guest, president of the Scottish Ski Club: “The return of superb snow conditions to Scotland over the past two years have revitalised the sport immensely.

“The Scottish Ski Club has seen its membership rise by over 15 per cent and our race training groups have more than quadrupled in size resulting in young Scottish Athletes dominating at the British Championships. Internationally ranked races have also returned to Scotland with two planned for next season.”

www.cairngormmountain.com www.glencoemountain.com www.ski-glenshee.co.uk www.lecht.co.uk www.nevisrange.co.uk

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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Photo courtesy of Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

advertising feature

SLOPE STYLE in association with Trespass is located in Glasgow, so is lucky to have all five Scottish ski areas within easy reach. Recently Trespass has been working with Glencoe Mountain Resort supplying uniforms for staff and helping with the Glencoe Park Project. The park is a great focal point for freestyle skiers and snowboarders and has hopes to be one of the best as well as a venue for competitions.

Trespass staff also frequent the slopes themselves and this gives them great insight and helps the research and development team to produce a range of great looking, yet excellent value products.

We cram waterproof performance, gadgets and features into our clothing but value is of premium importance too.

With Trespass you will get more than you bargained for!

Skiing and snowboarding don’t have to cost the earth. No matter what snow sport you prefer, Trespass has it covered. From fashionable freestyle to classic cut ski styles and for all age groups too. This is the perfect option if you are looking to kit out a whole family on a budget.

Trespass has pulled together some styles which will be available this coming winter in its stores or on its website. See www. trespass.co.uk for details. You can also join Trespass on Facebook at www.facebook. com/trespassperformanceclothing

Photos courtesy of Trespass.

Men's Treason jacket and Whitest pant – freestyle fit with popular chunky check print. Tres-Tex® Waterproof and breathability keep you comfortable in harsh conditions. The jacket's light padding is supplemented by the Trespass Intelligent® reflective lining, re-using your bodyheat to great effect.

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Edinburgh Antiques & Collectors Fair Up to 300 exhibitors offering ceramics, glass, jewellery, paintings, furniture, silver, treen, vintage & retro clothing and much more.

Courtesy bus Waverley Bridge see website for details

Sat 12th - Sun 13th

November

Sat: Trade 8am-10am - £5 Sat: Public 10am - 4.30pm - £2.50 Sun: 10am - 4pm - £2.50 Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, EH28 8NB

Tel: 01636 676531 www.b2bevents.info

Mountains of Adventure Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment Hire and Servicing Restaurants and Shop  

Glenshee Ski Centre Cairnwell, Braemar Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XU PHONE: (013397) 41320 FAX: (013397) 41665 E-mail us: info@ski-glenshee.co.uk www.ski-glenshee.co.uk

Health and safety.

We’ll guide you through it for free.

Understanding health and safety legislation can be an issue for many small to medium businesses in Scotland. However, Healthy Working Lives offer free and confidential visits designed to give you the best possible support and advice on making your workplace healthier and safer.

The Lothian team of workplace advisers offer practical information and advice tailored to your needs. We also provide advice on a wide range of workplace health issues such as stress, stopping smoking and healthy eating.

To find out more about how your business can benefit from Healthy Working Lives, visit the Healthy Working Lives website or call our Adviceline to arrange a visit from a member of the Lothian team.

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Joined up thinking includes joining up people

By Gregor Murray

Businesses put transport concerns high on the policy agenda. Moving people to work, customers to destinations, goods and services into the supply chain and on into market efficiently and affordably are crucial to the competitiveness of Scotland’s enterprises. The network is as vital to our economy as the circulatory system is to the human body.

Understandably the recent debate on transport in South East Scotland has been dominated with difficulties over the Edinburgh tram project. In the Edinburgh City Region we are well aware of the capital’s contribution to Scotland’s economy and support efforts to maintain its lead in the recovery from recession.

We also know that the neighbouring regions in the Lothians, Fife and Borders and beyond support greater populations, feeding supply industries into the capital’s economy. With over a third of the capital’s own workforce travelling in on a daily basis, these regions also matter hugely in the transportation stakes.

Making the new Forth Crossing fit for purpose is vital to keeping Scotland’s business community working. Whilst there remain design question marks, our primary concern is that the construction is commenced and seen through as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Conversely Midlothian’s co-operation over Straiton and Sherrifhall Park and Rides have been major contributors to traffic flow in the City of Edinburgh.

The Border Rail project promises to take commuters off the road and increase the reverse flow of business connections to Midlothian and the Borders. Objectors seem to prefer a road to rail, but that’s not what’s on offer. We should welcome the Borders Rail Project as a major contribution to accessing the Edinburgh City Centre for Midlothian and the Borders, but also as an encouragement for City Business to lower their overheads by shifting parts of their operations to the regions. Future potential is to extend a completed line to Carlisle.

With the tram dispute more or less resolved, it’s time we thought about the big picture again. We need a clear national set of priorities which businesses could sign up to.

We have current national, regional and local transport plans which are coming up for renewal. Much of their present content isn’t even on the shopping list yet. The big barrier is, of course, budgets. Another reiteration of a wish-list for which there is no funding doesn’t help anyone.

Climate change and peak oil argue against the continued growth of road traffic. Alternative fuel research continues.

Building safe and user friendly pedestrian and cycle facilities should be a priority where population density dictates. But make no mistake roads are the vital link for dispersed rural communities. Unless there is a sudden increase in rail capacity or maritime facilities, for distance freight, you’ll see precious little that didn’t go by road at some point in its journey to you.

But, there are crucial building blocks we can put in place now. If we are to grow the City Region’s recovery, it will be vital to get learners to college, and skilled talent to sunrise industries like renewables and bio-science.

Local bottlenecks cause traffic jams. Many of these can be improved with relatively small road alignments. The risk is that major transport projects of perceived national significance delay these works indefinitely.

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Scotland’s Roads Repairs are £1.5bn in arrears

We all make choices when we travel

Global business needs global connections

Completing the dualling of the vital lifeline of the A1 Newcastle-Edinburgh requires Westminster and Holyrood governments to work together.

Edinburgh Airport remains a vital hub, not just for the capital but for all of South East Scotland. The need for simple links for people from outside Edinburgh remains. If the Edinburgh Gateway station is built, linking into the completed tram, this will be one solution.

The opportunities to grow ferry traffic from the Firth of Forth remain enticing and we welcome the Dryports project which sees us linking with our continental neighbours to promote reliable and environmentally better movement of goods and services.

High Speed Rail remains the big ticket item where Westminster seems to have left Scotland firmly on the shelf.

We welcome Keith Brown’s initiative as Transport Minister to build a more robust case for Scotland’s involvement from the outset.

As the part of the UK with most to gain from the link, we also have most to offer. In the present climate who wouldn’t invest in the 7.6% return on investment for building from Manchester to Edinburgh and Glasgow raising the cost

benefit ratio for the whole of the UK network by over one percent? And consider the substantial side benefits of stimulating the economy and revitalising the construction industry.

The point about all these potential investments is they create better and more timely flow from the heart of South East Scotland’s economy, the capital city, into the wider city region and back again. The easier it is for people to get to work, the wider the markets are for local goods and services the more the economy of the whole city region benefits, creating a virtuous spiral of recovery.

The last question on cost is this: if you think it’s expensive to invest in transport infrastructure, consider what it will cost us if we don’t.

We need to stop listing the objections to getting better transport and concentrate on how to deliver it. In a global economy, on the northern end of a small island away from the hubs of the European continental economy, being well connected is absolutely essential for our economic future. It is this that funds all the other good things upon which we as a society depend – social welfare, healthcare and education – all of which are only affordable if we are good at creating wealth.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

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r Fashi on

Check Out Winte Marks & Spencer Hat £19.50, Limited Collection Coat £89, Bag £25, Shoes £45, Tights £8, Shoes £45

Next Bag £18 Dogtooth

Next Dogtoot h

TARTAN is back on the catwalks for autumn/winter say fashion gurus along with checks, especially houndstooth, and bold squares.

This is not fashion for the faint hearted but on the plus side it is a comfortable and warm way to wrap for winter.

Scotland, of course, has a head start when it comes to tartan as the kilt forms part of the national dress. It is regularly worn by men on formal occasions, particularly at weddings.

THE Mid, East & West Lothian

36 CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE

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WINTER 11

Next ilt £28 Check K

Dress £

35

Next Check Cape £2 8

Many Scots have a soft spot for its hard wearing practicality and link with their heritage. It is a favourite too of designers like Vivienne Westwood, the late Alexander McQueen, Jeff Banks and Ralph Lauren to name a few but its fashion popularity waxes and wanes.

This year it is definitely ‘in’ so make the most of it and treat yourself to a wardrobe staple to see you through the colder months. If money is no object then check out the designer collections for key pieces.

25, r Shirt £ r Harbou 89.50 Spence 9, Blue & £ 14 s £ ag rk r B a ze 0, M bour Bla ds £39.5 Blue Har e Harbour Cor Blu Tie £16,

If the High Street or shopping centre is more your style then you won’t be disappointed as there’s plenty of choice there too with houndstooth designs widely available.

And you don’t have to break the bank either – Marks and Spencer’s bold check pattern coat opposite is an affordable option at £89. Men can stay in the style loop too with a smart checked blazer and selection of ties.

Next not only has plenty of houndstooth but a selection of what it calls dogtooth and puppytooth items for sale in its autumn/winter collection.

If all over body checks seem a bit much, then you can work the look with one item of clothing or with accessories like a handbag, scarf or umbrella to show you are in the know.

Marks & Spencer Ring £8, Hat £25, Belt £18, Autograph Jumpsuit £59, Shoes £45

Go GoFotrhic G

oing Out

Marks & Sp Autograph encer Accessori es Silk Tie £1 Scarf £1 6.00, Ove 9.50, Cro rnight ok Umbr ella £15. Bag £45, 00

Marks & Spencer Hat £19.50, Limited Collection Jacket £120, Belt £5, Skirt £99, Tights £3.50, Shoes £49

GLAMMING up with gothic and fetishinspired gear for going out means black is back (as if it ever went away) and corsets are worn as outerwear.

Whilst the way out catwalk styles which made some fashionistas blush might be a step too far for most, tone it down and it becomes surprisingly stylish, wearable and flattering. Fashion forward Lady Gaga has already adopted the look.

Vamp up your evening wear with sheer fabric, peek-a-boo necklines, black lace and leather or some shiny PVC. Complete the look with glossy high heels and you are ready to rock the party season.

Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Coat £120, Blouse £29.50, Skirt £99, Shoes £49

THE Mid, East & West Lothian CHAMBERs OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE • WINTER 11

37

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Want to grow your business?

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