INcommerce ISSUE 16 • Winter 2012
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Binnwaste Management Is Top Business Star • Tay Landscape Partnership – Protecting the best of Perthshire • Perth’s traffic solutions for congestion problems • Year of the Snake Ssssssss-elebrations
R A ST ds ar e w a u iss
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Editor’s Introduction
Contents Chamber News........................... 4 Members’ News..................... 7-11 New Food Waste Regulations For Scotland.......... 14 New initiative on working agreements............................... 15 Tay Landscape
Stephen Leckie
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s previously communicated, the Perthshire Chamber works closely with the whole of the Chamber network which makes it a very powerful and influential organisation to be part of and one that works on your behalf. The other thing to remember is that we link directly to our local politicians and local authority and our MPs, MSPs and MEPs too. Basically, those who are running our country - making decisions that shape and affect our everyday lives, both at home and at work. We’ve been able to represent our members or provide direct access to many of the most important influencers over the last year including Cabinet Secretary and local MSP John Swinney, Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore, as well as PKC’s Head of Planning and Regeneration and numerous MPs, MSPs and MEPs. We have also held events with the heads of other agencies and businesses such as First Scotrail. Many issues raised are those that have been on the agenda for years now e.g. business rates, procurement and taxation and these will remain on the agenda as long as they remain a hindrance to business and economic growth. We continue to promote Perthshire as a terrific place to be based in business. One that offers central access to the rest of Scotland and also a high quality of living. We are keen to ensure that all the benefits of City Status are achieved and that the whole area benefits as much as possible. We are working closely with Perth and Kinross Council to encourage local businesses contribution and the best outcome possible. Stephen Leckie Chamber President
Vicki Unite
PAYE Real Time Information..... 20
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t’s lovely to wrap up the year on the high that is the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Business Star Awards. It’s so motivating to learn about the enterprising and hard working Perth and Kinross businesses and celebrate those finalists and winners. The best thing about the Star Awards is the direct benefit to businesses associated with the event – from entrants to sponsors - who receive promotion and exposure through the lifecycle of the project. It’s also great that the competition (and indeed Perthshire Chamber as a whole) caters for micro businesses right up to large corporations. We were heartened to hear of the growth in the numbers of start up small businesses announced in October. This is so important when you consider that Perth and Kinross is predominantly made up of smaller businesses. We are working extremely closely with Business Gateway who have just started their new contract in Tayside to ensure that the smaller new starts, so critical to our area, are catered for and provided with the support they require to further increase this upward trend. We also work closely with Perth and Kinross Business Growth Team to assist businesses in their development path and then there is Scottish Enterprise who mainly deal with the larger growth potential businesses. This should ensure that whatever the stage and size of the business there is easily accessible and tailored support. We look forward to continue serving our members and, as the Chamber is driven by members’ requirements, evolving in line with these. Vicki Unite Chief Executive
Pensions - Auto-enrolment........ 21 Star Awards 2012................. 22-27 Regeneration Road To Success.................. 30-31 Hub proves central for job seekers........................... 32 New Member Profiles........... 36-38 Chamber Sponsor Partners........ 40 Chinese New Year................ 42-43 Leisure Classes.......................... 44 Membership Benefits................. 45 Events....................................... 46 Front cover image courtesy of: Graeme Hart, Perthshire Picture Agency Front Cover: Binnwaste Management team (from left) MD Allan MacGregor, his wife Louise, Sales Executive Carol Holbein-Neville and Chairman John McGregor winners of the Perthshire Business of the Year 2012 title.
For advertising contact D-Tech on T: 01389 736000 E: sales@incommerce.biz For editorial enquiries contact the Editor, Vicki Unite on T: 01738 450401 E: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk Publisher: D-Tech Distribution: D-Tech Distribution InCommerce is published by D-Tech Graphic Design & Print Ltd. Unit 14, Birch Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate G82 2RE. Telephone 01389 736000. Fax 01389 736002. 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.
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CHAMBER NEWS
Glorious Conditions for Chamber’s Golf Day
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lorious (and somewhat unexpected) weather conditions welcomed those taking part in this year’s Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Golf Day at Crieff Golf Club. After the deluge the night before, the course dried up in time for the 1pm tee-off and players congratulated the club’s Pro, David Murchie, as well as the greenkeepers, for the excellent condition of their course. The sell-out event, which was sponsored by Carbon Financial Partners, saw 19 teams compete for a range of trophies and prizes including the new Carbon Financial Partners Winning Team Claret Jug. During their rounds, golfers took part in Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive competitions to raise money for Perth Multiple Sclerosis Society and Fight for Sight. Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partner commented: ‘It was fantastic day and everyone had a great time. Vicki and the Chamber team did everyone proud in making sure the day ran like clockwork, and how the Crieff greenkeepers managed to beat the elements and present the course in such good condition was very impressive. I hope that this is the first of many years of Carbon’s association with the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Golf Day.’ The date for next year’s event will be out soon, so please contact us now to note your interest and provisionally book for next year and be notified first to avoid disappointment. We can also offer teams who took part this year first refusal on places! Contact the Chamber of 01738 450401 or email events@perthshirechamber. co.uk. A superb day was had by all and a total of £320 will be divided between the charities.
The Individual Winner was Carbon Financial’s own Mark Christie who scooped the Chamber Millennium Claret Jug, a golf umbrella and a three- course meal for two donated by Opus One Restaurant. Shown with Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partners.
The Winning Team was Alliance Property Services team, made up of Garry Shaw, Graeme McDonald, Richard Haggart and John Thomson. They took home the brand new Carbon Financial Partners Winning Team Claret Jug, Carbon golf balls and umbrellas as well as a prize of a four ball and meal donated by Gleneagles Hotel which was presented by Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partners The Red Ball competition was won by the Gleneagles Hotel team of David Kemp, Billy Murray, Graeme Hesketh and Iain McIntosh, who claimed the Cairncross North Inch Rose Bowl, a golf towel donated by Crieff Golf Club and a bottle each of The Famous Grouse whisky sporting the title, “The Famous Golfer” donated by The Famous Grouse Experience.
The Longest Drive at the 5th was won by Graeme McDonald of Alliance Property Services Team, winning a two ball and roast donated by Murrayshall House Hotel & Golf Courses. Shown with Vicki Unite, CE of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
Nearest the Pin at the 17th was won by Derek Petterson of the McLeods Glaziers team, taking the Elder and Paton Quaich along with a golf umbrella and a voucher for the Pro Shop at Crieff Golf Club. Shown with Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partners.
Political Partnership in Action Local business leaders met recently with Perthshire politicians to discuss issues affecting both large and small companies throughout the area. Hosted by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce at King James VI Business Centre in Perth, the meeting covered a variety of key topics including local business rates, decrease in empty property relief, infrastructure development “tax”, procurement and city status and Ryder Cup business opportunities. Attending the debate were Scottish Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, MPs Pete Wishart and Gordon Banks and MSPs Murdo Fraser, Annabel Ewing and Roseanna Cunningham.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
The politicians debated and explained issues raised by both Chamber Directors and leading Perthshire Chamber members. “Perthshire Chamber of Commerce holds regular meetings with local politicians for informative two-way debate,” explained Chamber President Stephen Leckie. “These meetings are vital to keep both sectors informed of the issues concerning business and the steps being taken by Government to address them.” Photo courtesy of Richard Wilkins/Perthshire Advertiser
Straight Talking Hard Working Forward Thinking 100% Customer Care Attitude
Skip hire (2yd to 16yd) Roll on roll off hire (20yd to 50yd) Recycling Trade waste Road brush hire Composting Compactor hire Wood processing Plant hire Aggregate Top soil Liquid waste disposal Septic tank emptying Agricultural waste
Every local authority and business need a reliable, committed and efficient waste management solution to link recycling, waste minimisation and the best value for money. Binn Waste meet that requirement in every way. Binn Waste have a strong commitment to our customers old and new. We also put a lot of time, resources and money back into the local community. With over 14 years experience in the waste industry Binn Waste are one of Scotland’s leading and forward thinking waste management companies focusing on recycling and improving the environment around us.
Binn Farm • Glenfarg • Perthshire PH2 9PX Tel: 01577 830833 Fax: 01577 830488 enquiries@binnskips.co.uk • www.binnwaste.com
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MEMBERS’ NEWS
Posthumous award for outstanding career
Busy Buzz at Barley Bree
It’s all go at Barley Bree restaurant with rooms in Muthill, where owners Fabrice and Alison Bouteloup have been awarded two AA Rosettes for the second year running. They have also taken on a talented new sous chef, Andrew Turnbull. A local boy from Dunblane, Andrew comes with an impressive CV including stints with Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and another two Michelin star restaurant, Sat Bains in Nottingham. The two AA Rosettes cement Barley Bree’s reputation as an excellent French restaurant, using the luscious produce of Perthshire to create memorable meals. Alison hopes the arrival of Andrew, who is just 27, will help take Barley Bree to the next level. “He is coming here with lots of inspiration and recipes,” she explained. “He has used all the latest techniques, including the sous vide cooking method. He’s young, with plenty of great ideas.” With Andrew on board to help Fabrice in the kitchen, Alison plans to expand Barley Bree’s corporate and events business. Cosy and welcoming, with a high level of personal service as well as six comfortable bedrooms and a private lounge with a real fire, companies such as Diageo have already discovered that it’s the ideal venue for entertaining clients or for team-building dinners. Alison’s mission now is to spread the word even further.
In October Stella Adamson, wife of the late Jim Adamson and founder of Speakeasy Productions, was delighted to have been invited to attend the IVCA Fellowship Lunch at the House of Lords to accept a Career In Industry Award in memory of Jim following his death earlier this year. The International Visual Communications Association Fellowship Lunch is the industry’s opportunity to celebrate the leading individuals in the communication world. Justin King CBE, CEO Sainsbury’s, and Lord Wei, Government advisor, social entrepreneur and the youngest Lord, received the IVCA Fellowships and in an emotional presentation the Career in Industry Award was made posthumously to Jim Adamson. Past recipients of the award include filmmaker and founder of Peace One Day, Jeremy Gilley, journalist and presenter, Jon Snow, Sir Michael Parkinson CBE, Sir David Frost OBE, Lord Attenborough CBE, Kevin Spacey CBE, Sir Trevor MacDonald CBE and Sir Ridley Scott. Jim founded Speakeasy in 1993 and it quickly grew to become an established player in UK corporate communications producing media and events for blue chip clients such as Lloyds Banking Group, Scottish & Southern Energy, Food Standards Agency Scotland, BAE Systems, etc. Speakeasy is now also based in Soho in London. As well as being Speakeasy’s Chairman, Jim was also on several Boards including Horsecross, Perth College, Air Service Training, Scottish Enterprise, Momentum, Rehab Group. In 1998 Jim was named Great Scot of The Year.
“We can take over the organisation of every stage of an event,” says Alison, “from the flowers and decorations, the canapes and the wine selections, to a tailor-made menu for your guests. We do all the hard work, leaving you free to be the perfect host and enjoy your evening.”
EXPANSION UNDERWAY FOR GIRAFFE – PERTH’S FIRST COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY The Giraffe Café is a striking and now well-established addition to South Street’s mix of retail outlets. What many people do not realise is that it is also Perth’s first community interest company or CIC and operates in a unique way, both as a business and in partnership with CheckIn Works, a now highly-respected local employability charity. The partnership, managed jointly by James Alexander, aims to offer support to those with difficulties, disabilities and barriers to entering or returning to the workplace by combining realistic work opportunities and personal volunteer and buddy support. Now Giraffe Trading has an expansion programme underway with the unsightly, yet familiar, public toilets in Mill Street set to be converted into a second café, take-away and training kitchen venue for the city, offering up to 20 new employment placement and work opportunities. In addition, this unique charitable and social enterprise partnership has recently opened its new cookery training school, aptly named Stir it Up, just round the corner from the South Street venue, in Flesher’s Vennel, which has been generously supported by the Gannochy Trust and PKC’s Social Development Fund. Here much of the food for the two operating cafés will be produced including soups, breads and baking, as well as offering outside catering, preserves and an external cookery masterclass service.
Picture shows Stella Adamson prior to accepting the award with Justin King CBE, Lord Watson of Richmond CBE, IVCA CEO Marco Forgione, IVCA Chair Des Good, Minster of State The Hon Ed Vaizey MP, Lord Wei of Shoreditch and Stephen Watson, Chief Executive CTN.
Now those jobseekers keen to enter the food preparation or hospitality trade can follow a comprehensive training and assessment plan through the range of Giraffe Trading venues and build their knowledge and confidence ready to enter or return to the job market. For more information on CheckIn Works or to discuss the opportunity to provide corporate sponsorship for Giraffe Trading and the new Mill Street Café, which will be opened by John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary in December, please contact James Alexander, Partnership Manager on 01738 449227 or by email to james@checkin.org.uk.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
MEMBERS’ NEWS
New Appointment at Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Ltd has been a Perth fixture since it was established in the City 45 years ago. What is not so well known is that this company has become Scotland’s most geographically spread insurance broker with offices in eight centres across the country. Not satisfied in standing still, this Perth success story is committed to retaining its independence and is evolving to ensure it stays ahead of future industry developments. During this year, a new non-executive Chairman has been appointed and Ben Bailey has joined as Managing Director. Arlene Kelly has been promoted to the company Board with specific responsibility for Perth Branch. Additionally, Carolyn Oddy and Catherine Kelly have been recruited as Regional Development Managers. Following recent acquisitions, the company now employs almost 200 professionals and is committed to ensuring their skills continue to develop. As a Chartered Insurance Broker, recognised as the gold standard of professionalism in the industry, Clark Thomson is committed to a rigorous programme of professional training and development that is designed to ensure the highest standards of customer service and advice are maintained. As Ben Bailey stated: “We need to ensure we have a business that builds on the best traditions of our company and can enjoy future success in all economic environments. Investing in our staff to ensure they are among the best qualified individuals in the industry is key to this aspiration.”
Awards for Perthshire Businesses NHS Tayside Healthy Working Lives team encourages and supports workplaces throughout Tayside in providing health promoting activities and practices within workplace settings. In order to celebrate the success of a variety of workplaces in achieving a range of awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Mental Health and Commendation Awards) an award ceremony was held within Dundee City Council Chambers. Perth and Kinross Award receivers were Horsecross Arts Limited and Perth College UHI who both achieved the Bronze standard and SSE, who are already Gold Award holders, achieved the Mental Health and Commendation Award. In order to achieve the awards these workplaces undertook a variety of health promoting activities. HORSECROSS ARTS LIMITED: Promoted physical activity through lunch time walking clubs and corporate gym membership, raised awareness of breast cancer, prostate and other men’s cancers, and provided mental health and wellbeing initiatives such as a staff book club. PERTH COLLEGE UHI: Held a three-day health event where a variety of health issues were addressed, provided healthy recipes and fruit kebabs, provide corporate gym
Healthy Working Lives Team l to r: Jane Duffy Occupational Health and Safety Adviser, Beverley Thomson Project Officer, Pat Davidson Workplace Programme Manager, Sylvia Mudie Adviser and Jackie Ross Adviser
membership, ongoing cycle scheme and weekly Zumba class. SSE: Held a mental health action week, promoted Breathing Space, dementia awareness, managers attended mentally healthy workplace training, employees trained to deliver mentally healthy workplace in house sessions. At least 90% of staff took the opportunity to have their say on their work-life balance and wellbeing in a company wide survey. Each manager in the business has committed to responding to issues raised and develop action plans. Dr Drew Walker, NHS Tayside Director of Public Health welcomed everyone to the event and congratulated the workplaces on their success in implementing health and wellbeing initiatives within their workplaces. Steve Bell, Strategic Director of Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives presented the awards. If your workplace would like to become involved and get free support and guidance in implementing a health and wellbeing programme in your workplace, contact a member of the Healthy Working Lives Team for information tel: 01382 424057 or email patdavidson@nhs.net.
Sparkling this Christmas Red i Design & Display ltd are delighted to have been awarded the contract to supply the Christmas decorations and grotto for the St. John’s shopping centre for the next three years. Red i has had a long working relationship with St John’s and this will be their 9th year of illuminating the centre with their Christmas decorations and displays. Commercial Christmas decorations have developed massively over the last few years with the advent of LED lighting. Using a pallet of jewel colours, St Johns will be glowing with Christmas cheer. LEDs are growing in popularity as they are ecologically sound and cost effective as well as looking fantastic.
Ben Bailey has recently joined Clark Thomson as Managing Director.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
So, no excuses. Get into the Christmas spirit this year! Did you know, LEDs use 10% of the electricity of traditional Christmas lights. So, come on down to St John’s and see them in all their glory!
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Water A-Hoy Sir Chris Hoy paid a special visit to the home of his official bottled water sponsor, Highland Spring in Blackford recently to launch the company’s new limited edition bottle – Hoyland Spring.
Chris Hoy said: “Highland Spring sent me a private supply of Hoyland Spring water earlier this year and I thought it was brilliant! I’m delighted they took it one step further and gave people the chance to buy it.”
Chris Hoy on his recent visit to Highland Spring in Blackford.
The standard silver detail on the bottles has been replaced with gold on an exclusive 1.5 litre bottle to honour Chris’s incredible sporting achievements. The product was available to buy in UK supermarkets during October and November. Chris Hoy has been a Highland Spring sporting ambassador for four years and works closely with the company to encourage more people, especially children, to get active by hosting sports days and events across the country.
Squirrel Play Land offers fun for all ages Squirrel Self Store is pleased to announce the arrival of Squirrel Play Land - a brand new soft play adventure playground located in Perth, designed to offer children from 0-8 years old a fun, safe and educational environment in which to play. Squirrel Play Land has a large, custom-built soft play area, a themed party room (available for private hire for parties) and a super snack bar. They believe they have something for all ages from babies to older children! It really is the perfect environment for children to play and parents to stay. There are always daily newspapers for parents to read and they offer free wi-fi and a really cheap internet cafe if you want to surf away while the kids play. Or adults and kids can relax and enjoy something from their wide selection of snacks. Their qualified, friendly staff look forward to your visit. Their party room is available to hire for kids parties for all occasions, birthdays, Halloween, Christmas – whatever the occasion. They have face painters available and offer fire engine and tank rides as a special add-on to all of their party packages. Play Leader Jenny Stewart and her team are on hand to welcome you and your children and make sure they play well in complete safety and comfort. They have a baby-changing station and breast-feeding room and offer admission discounts to playgroups and schools, registered childminders and nannies.
Sally Stanley, group marketing director for Highland Spring said: “We are so proud of Chris and what he has achieved and it’s a major honour to have him on board as a sporting ambassador. We wanted to keep the feel good factor alive in the best way we could and that was to develop a limited edition bottle as a fun tribute to Chris.” During his trip to Blackford, Chris also had a tour of the bottling plant and took part in a Q&A session with Highland Spring employees. He also took centre stage in a live webchat that can be viewed on www.highland-spring.com
Rowan Consultancy celebrate their 15th year in business Congratulations and celebrations are in order as Rowan Consultancy surpasses their 15th year in Business! Rowan Consultancy opened their doors to clients, business owners and close friends as they reflected on 15 years of supporting personal growth & development while toasting to at least 15 more! Rachel Weiss and her team have provided huge contributions to Perthshire’s Community over the years and what better way to celebrate than with life, laughter and best of all…cake! The small, local firm which provides coaching, training and counselling demonstrated just how far they have come: from a simple home-based outfit to a highlyreputable business which now employs several staff and occupies office premises at 4 Kinnoull Street. What a great accomplishment, celebration and inspiration to know that this is a business that still remains at the heart of Perth, 15 years on! Good Work Team!
The Infinityblu Team
AWARDS 2012
Awards Add Bite to Birthday Celebrations Pitlochry based dental practice, Infinityblu Dental Care recently celebrated five years since opening. These celebrations continued when it was shortlisted for seven categories in three UK dental awards ceremonies. Infinityblu has been shortlisted for four categories in the Dentistry Scotland Awards (best private practice Scotland, best dental team Scotland, most attractive practice Scotland and practice of the year-north), one category in the Private Dentistry Awards (practice of the year-north UK) and two categories in the Dentistry Awards (best team Scotland and best practice Scotland). Principal at the practice, Chris Barrowman, told the InCommerce magazine “This is a great accolade to be shortlisted in these awards. The team (pictured) has worked incredibly hard over the past five years to establish the practice and I am thrilled that a dental practice in Perthshire has been recognised by our peers in such a prestigious ceremony.” The first of the award ceremonies is in Gleneagles Hotel in November and Chris hopes that the Infinityblu team’s emphasis on customer service and its aim to offer the highest standard of dental care will pay dividends on the night. “We’d love to bring one of these awards home to Highland Perthshire for the first time and put Infinityblu Dental Care up there with the best dental practices in Scotland.” To raise funds for the local Pitlochry pre-school playgroup, team members of the practice ran in the Pitlochry 10k in September, and in October, Chris and friend Stewart Williamson run up and down Ben-y- Vrackie (2759 feet) raising just over £1700.
Pictured left to right are: Mark Hancock, Corrie Watson, Ellen Innes (cake maker and daughter of Wilma), Rachel Weiss, and Wilma Innes.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Vintage vehicles create classic sale The Errol based Morris Leslie Group is a diverse company, established over 35 years ago by Perthshire entrepreneur Morris Leslie. It hosts some of the largest plant and vehicle auctions in Scotland as well as nationwide Plant Sales and Hire, Event Hire, Bespoke Manufacture of Modular Buildings and an extensive commercial and residential property portfolio. But in September, it was all about classic cars as the Company’s first Vintage Vehicle Auction took place at Errol Airfield. The Auction saw over 200 entries of vintage cars, tractors, machinery, lorries and motorbikes go under the hammer, much to the delight of the 1000 strong crowd of vintage vehicle enthusiasts and collectors who had travelled the length and breadth of the UK and Continental Europe. One even arrived in their own private helicopter! Bids were high throughout the day with many unique tractors of historical interest exceeding the book price with ease. Not unexpectedly, it was classic sportscars such as 1968 Lotus Cortina, 1972 Jensen Interceptor, 1974 Triumph TR6 and 1974 Mark 1 Escort which saw both onsite and online bidders going head to head. Commenting on the success of the auction, Gregor Leslie, Managing Director of Morris Leslie Vehicle Auctions, said: “This first Vintage Vehicle Auction surpassed our expectations and we’re looking forward to building on its success with plans already underway for our next Vintage Auction in February 2013. We would encourage anyone who missed the deadline for entering their vehicle to contact us now, as early entry ensures inclusion in our online catalogue and nationwide advertising campaign.”
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Perth and Kinross secures Scottish Swimming Award Perth and Kinross Council and Live Active Leisure were amongst a glittering array of guests celebrating the success of the Scottish Aquatic Community at the Scottish Swimming Awards in Glasgow Science Centre recently. And Perthshire delegates were thrilled when the Scottish Swimming School Swimming Provider of the Year Award was presented to Gail Halley, Tamara McKinlay and Live Active Leisure, swim teacher Karen Steel, for their creativity and dedication to providing first class swimming lessons to thousands of primary school children in Perth and Kinross. The award was presented by Bruce Learner, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Partnerships Kellogg Europe, Paul Cromwell, Head of Operations at Live Active Leisure said: ‘We are delighted that this award has been given to Perth and Kinross and is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of all the staff involved whether delivering lessons or training our swim teachers. We look forward to continuing to work with PKC to deliver a quality swim lesson programme, which is so important for our young people.’ New in its current format, the event moved to the Glasgow Science Centre last year to mark Scottish Swimming’s strong connection with the city, leading up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Other guests and nominees included Scottish Silver medal winner at the London Olympic Games Michael Jamieson, Olympians Craig Benson and Robbie Renwick, Scottish diving legend Sir Peter Heatly, and Glasgow 2014 CEO David Grevemberg. Maureen Campbell, Chair of the Scottish Swimming Board, commented “The Scottish Swimming Awards acknowledge the outstanding successes achieved throughout the aquatics field from athletes and coaches to volunteers and local authorities, all of whom play an important role in leading our sport - a sport for all, a sport for life.’
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR LOVAT HOTEL Perth’s Lovat Hotel has joined the world’s largest group of independently owned hotels, Best Western, gaining thousands of peers overnight. This 30 bedroom hotel will continue to remain independently owned and managed by Symphony Hotels, but will now be put firmly on the global map as a Best Western hotel. Newly named the Best Western Lovat Hotel, this three star property has meeting facilities for up to 150 delegates with two conference rooms for corporate events, free car parking and free internet access making it a great value option for business guests. David Young, general manager of the hotel, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of the Best Western group, following in the footsteps of our sister hotel, the Best Western Queens. Our aim is to build on both our leisure and business customer bases and feel this move is definitely a step in the right direction. It allows the hotel to be part of a well known and respected brand whilst still being independently managed.” The hotel is now live in the Best Western global distribution system meaning that guests are able to book into the hotel with the confidence of the international brand whilst receiving the best in customer service from an independently owned hotel. Best Western is the largest group of independently owned and managed hotels, with over 280 across Great Britain. Members are required to meet strict criteria and are regularly inspected to ensure consistent quality and service. Keith Pope, Director of Best Western added: “The Best Western Lovat Hotel is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of hotels with personality. With a great location and warm, welcoming staff, we look forward to bringing more worldwide guests to Perth.”
MARY LESLIE MOVES DESIGN STUDIO TO THE BOTHY AT RAIT, PERTHSHIRE Mary Leslie is delighted to announce the expansion of her Company and move to a new design studio and office at the Rait Antique Centre near Perth. Mary Leslie Interior Design now undertakes most of their interior design, project co-ordination and administration from the Bothy at Rait, regardless of the project location. Client and site meetings take place wherever suits the client with products sourced locally, nationally or internationally according to the need. The original London office keeps close to the best of UK and international showrooms, whilst also servicing London, the South of England and overseas Recently completed projects range from a cottage in the Borders, a terraced house in Pimlico and a pied à terre overlooking Edinburgh New Town to a Federal style house in Arlington, Virginia and a penthouse in Miami.
MEMBERS’ NEWS Mary Leslie was born and raised in Scotland. After graduating from the Inchbald School in 1980 she worked with several of London’s leading interior designers before founding her own company in 1996. She and her team work happily in both traditional and contemporary styles and adapt to suit the client and the property. Mary Leslie is a past vicechairman of the BIID (BIDA), past chairman of the BIDA Charitable Foundation and a Professional member of the IIDA. She has featured frequently in interiors publications, writes a regular monthly magazine column and lectures on the professional practice of design.
Carbon’s quality recognised in London Perth based Carbon Financial Partners is celebrating the success of one of its financial planners. Paul Gibson has lifted the coveted Money Management ‘Retirement Planner of the Year 2012’ award at a glittering awards dinner in London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park. The Financial Times personal finance magazine, Money Management, has been running the prestigious awards, dubbed “the Oscars of the personal finance industry” by the BBC Panorama programme, since 1996. The awards, in association with The Institute of Financial Planning and sponsored by Schroders, represent the pinnacle of financial planning and attracts entries from the finest financial planners from all over the UK. Host for the evening was television broadcaster John Inverdale who presented Paul with the award. Paul commented: “Naturally I’m delighted and honoured to win this award particularly as this is the first year I have entered the competition. “Having gained both Chartered and Certified Financial Planner status several years ago, the awards offered a great opportunity to test my knowledge and planning skills against the top planners in the profession. I was the only kilt-wearing attendee and I took the opportunity to give the Carbon corporate tartan an airing.” “Carbon’s managing director Gordon Wilson commented: “Paul is a deserved winner. He is a true professional and he has worked incredibly hard to win this accolade. Paul is one of the top financial planners in the UK and I am delighted that this has been recognised in this way.”
New Year – new look at The Red House Hotel The moment the echo of New Year celebrations slowly quietens, the urgent sound of tradesman’s tools will take their place at The Red House Hotel in Coupar Angus. For the Bannerman family is embarking on a major programme which will see a brand new conservatory and a completely revamped and refurbished restaurant. Already one of Tayside’s busiest hotels, the bold six week Red House Hotel development, will offer the establishment a totally new look, going into 2013. Experienced and acclaimed licensed trade refurbishment specialists, Dunn Interiors, will complete the whole project, dovetailing each trade into a smooth transition over the six weeks. That company has already undertaken successful revamps for the family - at Dalmore Inn and Restaurant, Perth Road, Blairgowrie and Number Thirty One in Wellmeadow. During the contract, skillful use of the areas not being worked on at a specific time and the adjacent function room, will mean that it will be business as usual for the Red House diners. The current 48 capacity conservatory will be completely replaced and the restaurant will be the subject of an exciting new look for customers, both existing and new. Situated at the roundabout to the north side of town, which brings together visitors from Forfar, Dundee, Blairgowrie and Perth, the Red House was established, as it is, in 1990. Now the town’s second biggest employer, the Hotel will offer a new, eye-catching look indoors to match the wholesome, innovative fare, that has become such a favourite with clients.
Mike Millar, National Account Director, Partnership Assurance, Paul Gibson and John Inverdale.
“The current design and decor have served us well over time but although the current climate is volatile, we feel this is the right time, to invest again,” explained partner Alan Bannerman.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL EXPORT AWARD Mark Bowler from Rolling River Publications collecting his award from Cllr Kellas
Perth & Kinross Council’s Business Growth team is very pleased to be sponsoring the new “Business Growth through Exporting Award“ at this year’s Perthshire Chamber of Commerce STAR Awards. The team felt there was a gap in the STAR awards, and were keen to reward the efforts of local businesses which have worked hard to identify and develop markets outwith the UK. Currently the number of businesses actively engaged in exporting within Perth & Kinross is low. The Council is keen to support local economic growth, and recognises that supporting & encouraging exporting is one viable growth strategy. To support businesses looking to export, there are potential funding opportunities available through the Business Growth team’s Overseas Market Development Grant. The grant provides support for viable growth projects, and also for attending overseas trade shows or missions. The latter is a very effective way of testing markets, attracting new customers, sourcing agents or distributors and making new sales. For further details go to www.pkc.gov.uk/ Business+and+trade.
In addition, Scottish Enterprise offers a Smart Exporter programme which has been specifically created to provide expert help to potential exporters. They can assist you to prepare to export, carry out vital market research to identify new markets, and to overcome any barriers. The services offered are available regardless of size, sector or previous exporting experience. For further details go to www.sdi.co.uk.
Case Study 1 SUMMER HARVEST OILS Summer Harvest Oil is run by Mark Bush and grows, presses, and bottles cold pressed rapeseed oil on the family farm in Madderty. Using their own oil and Perthshire vinegars, they also produce a range of dressings, vinegars and mayonnaise. When turnover began to slow down, Mark recognised, that in order to maintain growth, the business had to increase sales both to present stockists in Scotland and also to look for further markets out with Scotland and the UK. Mark explained that “we started exploring the world of export around a year ago after being approached by a few companies at trade and consumer shows. We then started exporting less than 3 months later. Within a short period of time, our export market has added 2.5% to this year’s turnover. We are working with Scottish Development International, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth and Kinross Council, as well as networking with many other food companies to gain as much information as we can to help us select the best countries for our products”. Mark is now looking to consolidate their markets in Oman and Denmark and establish a steady stream of orders based on good working relationships. “In Oman, we have links with other deli’s and the prospect of working with a wholesaler. At present, we have an agent in Denmark who is working to grow our customer base there. Working with this agent, we are looking to develop links to the rest of Scandinavia. As a region that uses a lot of cold pressed rapeseed oil, we feel this is a good market for us” Summer Harvest is currently working in collaboration with other Scottish producers to make the exporting of Scottish produce easier and more cost efficient for both the buyer and the producer. As a consortium, they are looking to export to the USA, Belgium and Russia as these countries are keen to import Scottish food products due to the quality and reputation.
Case Study 2 ROLLING RIVER PUBLICATIONS Rolling River Publications Ltd is based in Aberfeldy and produces a monthly glossy consumer magazine named Fly Fishing & Fly Tying. The target audience is experienced fly fishers and/or tiers who are looking for well-presented articles and information from all over the world to further their own knowledge. A real frustration and major limiting factor to expansion of the business was the fact that despite having a huge potential market outwith the UK, it was extremely difficult to tap into this due to the very high costs to ship goods abroad. Director Mark Bowler, explained that “by tapping into technological developments, the magazine is now available as an ‘app’ with additional content and video, which has opened up new markets for us including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France and German, markets which now account for 20% of our demand.” Export continues to be a focal point for growth of the magazine due to technological developments and the rise of social media, which ease the distribution and awareness of the magazine. The untapped fly fishing markets of North America, Scandinavia, Europe and Australasia gives the business further growth opportunities.
Business support
New Food Waste Regulations For Scotland
T
he Scottish Government’s new regulations in relation to collection of segregated materials – including food waste - will have huge implications for businesses involved in the food and hospitality sector as well as others operating canteen/ restaurant facilities. Legislation governing the collection, segregation and disposal of food waste and other materials will come into force by the end of 2013 and it’s important that all businesses make the transition in time to comply. Scottish Government intends to introduce legislation requiring separate collections for food waste. This will apply to commercial and industrial premises as well as collection of household waste by local authorities.
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In short - “The Waste (Scotland) Regulations will| Servicing require all Sales | Parts businesses to separate paper, Repairs cardboard, |plastic, metal and Chassis glass for recycling by January 2014. Businesses that produce more than 5kg of food wasteTel: per week will also need to 01764 663020 separate food from the waste stream for separate collection”. www.strathearnengineering.com (Extract from ‘Policy Statement – Zero Waste Regulations, approved by the Scottish Parliament in May 2012)
Recycling food waste prevents it going to landfill, where it gives off methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Your food waste stops being waste and becomes “fuel” for anaerobic digestion producing, electricity, heat and compost. Increasing recycling is costeffective and makes good business sense. As the cost of general waste disposal increases due to landfill tax escalation, separating organic waste from general waste has become more economic and appealing. Food/catering waste can be as much as 70% of the total waste generated by a business. Diverting it from landfill will dramatically improve your recycling rate. Provided by Carol Holbein-Neville, sales executive, Binnwaste Management, Binn Farm, Glenfarg Tel: 01577 830833 Email: Carol.Holbein-Neville@binnwaste.com Website: www.binnwaste.co.uk
Carol HolbeinNeville, Binnwaste Management, Glenfarg
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663020
www.strathearnengineering.com
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Business Support
New initiative on working agreements
A
new initiative is being introduced which could see employers offer their workers a chance to own part of the business. The government has announced plans for a new type of working agreement which is being called the ‘Owner-Employee Contract’. Under this, employees will be given between £2,000 and £50,000 of shares that are exempt from capital gains tax. In exchange, they will give up their UK rights on unfair dismissal, redundancy and the right to request flexible working and time off for training. Perth employment law associate at Thorntons, Debbie Fellows, said: “This new kind of contract is principally intended for fast growing, small and medium sized companies who want to create a flexible workforce. “For employers, this may be a welcome and innovative change which enables them to have a workforce that can be more easily adapted, however, they will still have to be aware of potential discrimination claims.
“The proposals will be of particular interest to those companies who want to promote an ownership culture within its workforce as employees will have a vested interest in its success. ss “As the initiative is still in Busine t Suppor the early stages and won’t be introduced until April 2013, it will be interesting to watch as further details emerge. Particularly around the tax treatment of the employee and employer when the shares are acquired, how private companies manage increased numbers of minority employee shareholders and how the Government will ensure that bought back shares will be priced reasonably if an owner-employee leaves or is dismissed.” Provided by Debbie Fellows, Thorntons, Perth. Email: dfellows@thorntons-law.co.uk, Tel: 01738 621212 Web: www.thorntons-law.co.uk
Debbie Fellows, Thorntons, Perth.
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business FEATURE
Partnership protects the best of Perthshire
A
Perthshire partnership is preparing an exciting scheme of projects, events and activities to celebrate a unique and fascinating landscape.
The Tay Landscape Partnership came together to work with local communities to improve walking and cycling access, conserve historic sites and wildlife, and share the history, stories, countryside and traditional skills of this local area. Funding was secured to develop a programme of projects, activities and events to run from autumn 2013 to 2017. The Tay Landscape Partnership area extends over 250 sq km and includes the Carse of Gowrie, Perth, Kinnoull and Moncrieffe Hills and lower Strathearn, from Forteviot to Newburgh. This landscape is rich in archaeology, biodiversity and culture. It was the birthplace of Scotland: the Picts and the Gaels first came together to form the early medieval state of Alba at Forteviot, which was the crowing place of kings before this tradition moved to Scone. The Tay reedbeds are the largest area of reedbeds in the UK and are home to a number of special and rare birds including Marsh Harriers, Water Rail and the only breeding population of Bearded Tits in Scotland. This is also the landscape that inspired Patrick Geddes to coin the phase “Think Global, Act Local”, which has become a motto for ecologists and environmentalists the world over. Running through our landscape is the Tay itself, which was once a busy thoroughfare that connected communities up and down the river but which has now become a barrier. The aim of the Partnership is to reconnect residents and visitors with this rich heritage.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • winter 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
Each of their projects, activities and events fits under one of their four key themes: conserving and restoring; increasing community participation; access and learning; and training and skills. Johanna Babbs, Tay Landscape Partnership Development Officer explained: “This is a very exciting and innovative Scheme that aims to celebrate and enhance our unique landscape and its heritage. We want to encourage more people to visit and get involved in projects and activities that will ensure it is well looked after for future generations. “There is such a variety of projects that we are developing from Canoe Trails to archaeological excavations, and revitalising the Historic Orchards of the Carse to Information Hubs in key villages around the Tay river. We want to create a unique brand for this area and bring more visitors and tourists to the area, thereby supporting the local economy.” Other projects in development include: improving paths, restoring some of the unique clay buildings of the Carse of Gowrie and excavating the iron age hill fort on Moncrieffe Hill. They also plan to brand and market their area and improve the quality of information available to encourage more visitors to come to Perth and the surrounding area. The scheme is ideally placed to link public, private and third sector investment in Dundee, Perth and Fife.
Photo Courtesy of Cottown Old Schoolhouse, a Grade A listed clay building, Graham Hood
DENHOLM
PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS
Reconnecting people with the landscape, Photo courtesy of Graham Hood
The Tay LP is now using the findings from their community consultation earlier this year and a number of professional reports to finalise their projects in preparation for submitting an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in February 2013. If this application is successful, they will secure £1.4 million of Lottery Funding. They aim to match fund this with £700,000 cash and £300,000 worth of in-kind contributions and volunteer time. Tay LP has begun to identify charitable trusts that may be interested in supporting their projects and are also looking into the possibility of business sponsorship.
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Sue Hendry, Chair of the Partnership said: “I am delighted that so many people are contributing to this scheme. Local communities, charitable trusts and Perth & Kinross Council are all working successfully together to develop such a wide range of different projects. “We are on target to submit our application to the Heritage Lottery this February and will receive a decision in June 2013. We’ve told that it is ours to lose now, as we have successfully passed the competitive stage. Once we get the go ahead, we will be recruiting staff and getting started on delivery. This is a very inspiring time to be involved in the scheme. “The landscape around the Tay and Earn rivers has for too long been kept a secret and the trunk roads take people through the area without them knowing what is on offer here. Our flatter paths and quieter roads make it ideal for developing for families and we have so much royal, cultural and natural heritage on offer.” If you are interested in getting involved in any way, please contact the Tay LP team. Keep up to date with their progress via the Tay LP website, www.taylp.org, find them on Facebook and Twitter @taylandscape
Breizh is a traditional French restaurant and one of Perth’s most popular places for eating Enjoy coffee and croissants for your morning break or choose from our extensive menus which includes, pizzas with a wide variety of toppings baked in a wood burning oven or Galettes with a diverse range of fillings from which you can choose. Many ingredients are imported from France to give the authentic flavour to our dishes which can be enjoyed with our specially imported French Cider. We also offer our A La Carte Menu, which is available all day. Opening hours are 9am till 9:30pm last orders (10pm for Friday and Saturday) Cafe Breizh, 28-30 High Street, Perth, PH1 5TQ Tel: 01738 444427 Email: cafebreizh@googlemail.com
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Bridge of Earn, Perth PH2 9BQ Tel: 01738 812257 headoffice@kilgraston.com www.kilgraston.com Kilgraston School Trust is a charity. Scottish Charity Number SC029664
ADVERTISING FEATURE
iPad trial scheme at Kilgraston An innovative pilot project has been launched that could eventually lead to every pupil at a Perthshire school learning by using an iPad. “TODAY IN EDUCATION we’re seeing a step change in the usefulness of technology in lessons,” said Kilgraston principal Frank Thompson, who came to the Bridge of Earn school in the summer from Derbyshire. “In preparing our girls for the modern world, we want to embrace this change.” Mr Thompson explained that the pilot project involves giving iPads initially to a small number of teachers and pupils. “Staff need time to become familiar and confident with the devices, as well as sharing good practice with their colleagues,” he said. “I’m delighted to say they have responded enthusiastically to the project and are totally behind it.” He insists the new technology will fundamentally change the way pupils learn at Kilgraston, the UK’s Independent School of the Year. “The iPad has huge potential in the classroom because it can bring learning alive through touch, sound and vision. “It can be a science lab, a history archive, an art canvas, a music studio, a library and a personal organiser. “The iPad will help staff to engage and inspire our girls. “Over the years technology has served us well — from blackboards to whiteboards and computer suites — but iPads now bring that engagement to a very personal level. “Pupils can now find different ways to learn to meet their own needs, plus getting the chance to explore concepts that interest them in far more depth, beyond the bounds of a textbook. “In particular, educational apps can make a huge contribution. “Every teacher will be able to explore which apps will work best for their subject. “With careful planning, apps can really enhance lessons. “The fact that they can be instantly turned on and off means that you can get straight to what you want to do with your pupils online and just as quickly move on. “It’s an incredibly time-efficient way of using technology and it can be used equally well outdoors as indoors — no more time is wasted booking the IT suite. “For example, my daughters have an excellent astronomy app on their iPads. “It’s superb for stargazing and helps you locate an almost endless amount of planets, constellations, galaxies and star clusters in the night sky. So you can actually see on the
screen where the Moon is in relation to Jupiter and Pluto and, as you rotate, it rotates — that’s far more immediate, informative and fun than a textbook.” Mr Thompson said the iPad will really come into its own in the school’s new £1m Science Centre, which will open next year. “We have a large number of girls here who are keen to study the sciences,” he said. “So, for example, they can use their iPads to access the periodic table of elements, which comes alive to show chemical symbols, atomic numbers, electron shell configuration — even molecules in 3D. “Our pupils need 21st century skills for the modern world and I believe the future of education lies in gifted, inspirational teachers and motivated students with access to tools and resources like the iPad. “At Kilgraston, we have a reputation for being sectorleading and we intend to maintain that position by using this new technology wisely and safely.”
business Support
PAYE Real Time Information
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Did you know that H M Revenue & Customs (the Revenue) have on its records: • • •
824 employees with the surname “Unknown”, 160 surnames of “Test”, and 100 with “do not use”; Over 3,000 employees with an NI number of AB123456 or AA111111; 40 employees over the age of 200 years.
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In order to improve the administration of PAYE, they are introducing a new system for collecting information on PAYE which comes into force on 6th April 2013.
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Under the current regime, information about payments made to your employees, and any tax and National Insurance deductions, is submitted annually after the tax year end.
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The new system will require this information to be submitted to the Revenue electronically whenever you pay your employees.
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The Revenue is bringing in this new system to make the PAYE system easier to administer and they hope that it will make PAYE more accurate. It will also support the introduction of the Universal Credit by providing the Department for Work and Pensions with up to date information about a claimant’s employment income. Another benefit for the Revenue is that it will allow them to pursue late payments of PAYE more effectively. Before the new system starts, you will need to ensure that all the data you hold on your employees is correct in particular their name must be in full, including middle names. You should also ensure you have the correct National Insurance number and date of birth. No more Mr Unknowns! Most software suppliers will make sure that their product is compliant with RTI, but if you do your payroll manually you will have to consider using software or using a payroll bureau to run your payroll after April 2013. Provided by Ross McConnell, Kinross. Email: ross@mcconnell.uk.net Tel: 01577 865885 Web: www.rossmcconnell.co.uk.
Ross McConnell, Kinross.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
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As with all legislation, the devil of course is in the detail and there are a number of must do and must not do that an employer needs to take account of - both before a person starts working for you and once that person is a member of a pension scheme with the employer. Auto-enrolment, which started on 1 October 2012, has been introduced on a phased basis and is determined by the number of employees on your payroll. From 1 October 2012 the scheme applies only to the UK’s largest employers (those with at least 120,000 members in their PAYE scheme), This will be rolled out to all workplaces within the next five years so that all employers will be covered by 2017. Are you affected by this legislation? The answer is YES - if you have workers:
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STAR AWARDS 2012 All Star awards images courtesy of: Graeme Hart, Perthshire Picture Agency
Binnwaste littered with Awards
O
ne of Scotland’s leading waste management companies proved it is top of the heap after being crowned Perthshire’s best business.
Throughout its impressive growth, the company has retained these qualities with a loyal base of clients returning time and time again.
Glenfarg-based Binnwaste Management lifted the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Of The Year title at a glittering Star Awards ceremony in Crieff.
Chamber President Stephen Leckie said: “The raft of services available for industrial, commercial and private hire clients has seen Binnwaste Management develop into one of Scotland’s premier waste collection operations, offering an impressive all round waste management solution service.
Managing director Allan MacGregor and delighted staff from the 12 year old family business celebrated after securing the Contribution to Sustainability category trophy and going on to claim the overall trophy and title. Around 300 guests heard how Binnwaste Management captured the judges’ vote for its “vision, growth and innovation”. The business – set up by father and son John and Allan MacGregor as skip hire company Binn Skips – has developed and grown into a business leader based on quality of service, value for money, reputation and reliability. It employs around 80 people.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
“Judges had no hesitation in selecting this impressive family run local business as an outstanding overall winner. Their commitment to helping the Scottish Executive achieve its Zero Waste To Landfill directives through investment, training, innovation, education and front line services has made them a blueprint for industry standards.” A delighted and proud Allan MacGregor said the award reflected the efforts and achievements of everyone involved at Binnwaste Management. “To be judged the best in the business against impressive competition from the cream of Perthshire companies is testament to the hard work and commitment from everyone from frontline operators to sales and management,” he said. “This award is for them all.”
STAR AWARDS HEADER 2012 BAR “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved at the Binn Farm complex and have ambitions to further develop our operations and offer a continually evolving and enhanced service for our customers. Winning this award in our local business community is really special.” Stephen Leckie also presented a Highly Commended Runner Up Certificate to Graham Environmental Services for coming a close second for the Perthshire Chamber of the Year title. Chamber Chief Executive Vicki Unite reflected on a “fantastic event”. “It was a fabulous night and it was great to see the business community get together to celebrate this year’s top achievers. We know from experience that there can be a real business benefit for winners – and finalists – and that is the underlying reason for our Star Awards. Winners and finalists have a tool that sets them apart from their competitors and this is extremely valuable – particularly in such testing times.”
300 guests enjoyed the fabulous setting at Crieff Hydro
Anne Smith, MD with event support sponsors Castlecroft, said she had been “extremely impressed” with the standard of winner this year. “Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Star Awards continue to deliver a showcase for some of the best businesses in the area and Castlecroft is delighted to support an event which allows us to recognise and reward their outstanding achievements.” This year’s premier business awards event was held at the Crieff Hydro Hotel and was hosted by journalist/broadcaster Maureen Young and Radio Tay’s Gary Robinson. Musical entertainment was provided by live band Big Vern And The Shootahs. Guest Speaker Perthshire MSP and Scottish Finance Minister John Swinney and Chamber President Stephen Leckie enjoy the show
Dancing the night away with Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs
Show hosts Maureen Young and Gary Robinson
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
Other business stars recognised and rewarded at the black tie dinner were:
Enterprise North East Trust/ Business Gateway Young Business Person of the Year Award
Winner Ian Bonthrone - Bonthrone Security Services Young Business Person of the Year Ian Bonthrone receives his award from Gary McEwan of Enterprise North East Trust/Business Gateway
DWK Office Solutions Apprentice Apprentice of the Year Award
Winner Jamie McKinnon - Murrayshall Hotel & Golf Courses Apprentice of the Year Award went to Jamie MacKinnon, also pictured is Alan Reid of Murrayshall Hotel and Golf Courses and Fiona Walker of DWK Office Solutions who presented the award
Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants Most Promising New Business Award
Winner Dogfish Mobile
Most Promising New Business Highly Award went to Ross Tuffee and Paul Burrowes of Dogfish Mobile, they are presented with the award by Steven Menzies of Johnston Carmichael
Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants Most Promising New Business Award
Highly Commended Carbon Financial Partners
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Most Promising New Business Highly runner-up went to Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partners, he is presented with his certificate by Steven Menzies of Johnston Carmichael
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
STAR AWARDS 2012 Squirrel Self Store Excellence in Customer Service Award - Joint Winners
Joint Winner Graham Environmental Services Who also took the Highly Commended Runner Up for Perthshire Business of the Year Excellence in Customer Service Award presented by Keith Scobbie of Squirrel Self Store went to Ross Graham of Graham Environmental Services
Squirrel Self Store Excellence in Customer Service Award - Joint Winners
Joint Winner Wiltshire Farm Foods
Excellence in Customer Service Award presented by Keith Scobbie of Squirrel Self Store went to Wiltshire Farm Foods, pictured are Susan Anderson, Roisin Comrie and Doreen Lamont
Stagecoach Group Contribution to Sustainability Award
Winner BinnWaste Management
Contribution to Sustainability Award presented by Steve Stewart of Stagecoach went to BinnWaste Management, pictured Carol Holbein-Neville and Allan MacGregor
BinnWaste Management Excellence in Marketing Award
Winner Carbon Financial Partners
Excellence in Marketing Award presented by Allan and Louise MacGregor of BinnWaste went to Gordon Wilson of Carbon Financial Partners
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
STAR AWARDS 2012
Binn Waste Management Excellence in Marketing Award
Highly Commended Strathearn Stone and Timber
Runner-up in the Excellence in Marketing Award presented by Allan and Louise MacGregor of BinnWaste went to Theresa Edwards of Strathearn Stone & Timber
Perth College UHI Excellence in Business Innovation Award
Winner Dogfish Mobile
Excellence in Business Innovation presented by Margaret Munckton of Perth College UHI went to Ross Tuffee and Paul Burrowes of Dogfish Mobile
RBS Excellence in People Development Award
Winner Aviva
Excellence in People Development Award presented by Vic Bicocchi of RBS went to Aviva, pictured are Scott Duncan, Jane Smith, Karen McNaughton and Lisa Mann
The James Hutton Institute Commitment to the Community Award
Winner Perth Autism Support
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Commitment to the Community Award presented by Phil Taylor of the James Hutton Institute went to Perth Autism Support, pictured are Angela Ferguson and Nicola Afford
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
STAR AWARDS 2012
Bank of Scotland Tourism & Hospitality Award
Winner Craigatin House
Tourism and Hospitality Award presented by Alastair Connolly of Bank of Scotland went to Margaret Emerson of Craigatin House
Perth & Kinross Council Business Growth through Exporting Award
Winner Rolling River Publications
Other business stars recognised and rewarded at the black tie dinner were: Enterprise North East Trust/Business Gateway Young Business Person of the Year Award Ian Bonthrone - Bonthrone Security Services DWK Office Solutions Apprentice of the Year Award Jamie MacKinnon - Murrayshall Hotel & Golf Courses A special award was made in memory of Owen Ford, Bannermans Decorators. Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants Most Promising New Business Award Dogfish Mobile Highly Commended Carbon Financial Partners Squirrel Self Store Excellence in Customer Service Award Graham Environmental Services Wiltshire Farm Foods Stagecoach Group Contribution to Sustainability Award Binnwaste Management Binnwaste Management Excellence in Marketing Award Carbon Financial Partners Highly Commended Strathearn Stone and Timber Perth College UHI Excellence in Business Innovation Award Dogfish Mobile RBS Excellence in People Development Award Aviva
Business Growth through Exporting Award presented by Cllr John Kellas went to Mark Bowler of Rolling River Publications
Save the date!
Business Star Awards 2013, Friday 22nd November, Crieff Hydro The James Hutton Institute Commitment to the Community Award Perth Autism Support Bank of Scotland Tourism & Hospitality Award Craigatin House Perth & Kinross Council Business Growth through Exporting Award Rolling River Publications Support sponsorship for the glamorous event came from Castlecroft and media sponsor was Radio Tay. Trophies were designed, created and donated by Sarah Peterson of Caithness Glass. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with wine and once again Highland Spring provided the water for the evening. Sound and light production and expertise for the show were provided by Catalyst EPS. Johnston Media handled all video work before and during the event. A charity heads and tails game won one lucky diner a fabulous two night dinner, bed and breakfast stay generously donated by Crieff Hydro Hotel. Coach was provided by Stagecoach Group.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
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Wiltshire Farm Foods – the frozen meals, home delivery service.
HEADER BAR PLANNING
Road To Success
InCommerce looks at the latest plans tabled to ease Perth’s growing traffic congestion problems
A
s Scotland’s newest city Perth has aspirations to grow and enhance its place in Scotland as a place to live and do business. Perth’s position as a bridging point on the River Tay has lead to significant operational issues for the city centre. Bridge closures (Friarton or Tay Road Bridge) due to adverse weather or accidents cause major congestion as strategic national traffic is redirected through central Perth. Such occurrences have become more frequent in recent years and put the strategic network under increased pressure. This affects accessibility to North and North East Scotland including three of Scotland’s cities. This congestion has also had a negative impact on the air quality in parts of the city. The road network as it currently is cannot support the future growth, which poses a constraint to the city’s aspirations and will have a knock-on impact nationally. Despite its position in the strategic transport network, there has been a significant lack of major investment in the last 30 years in the Perth area. Interestingly, the most recent strategic network improvements in Perth were the Craigend Interchange on the M90 circa 1973 – 1978, Perth Southern Bypass including Broxden Roundabout in 1977 – 1978 and the Perth Western Bypass 1981. The Strategic and emerging Local Development Plan focuses much of the area’s future growth in and around Perth. To improve the existing transport network and achieve this strategy, a package of measures which will remove constraints not only for the long term development of Perth and Kinross but also provide regional benefits to the national Trunk Road network has been developed in consultation with Transport Scotland and the Regional Transport Partnership.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • winter 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
This ambitious package of measures is estimated to cost £135m and comprises upgrading the existing A9/A85 junction, a new link road crossing the River Tay joining the A9 to the A93 and A94 at Scone, public transport initiatives including Park and Ride schemes and improvements to cycling and walking routes throughout the city. Each of these measures will help increase the flow of traffic on the local transport network and will benefit the regional transport network. The improved cycling and walking routes will help promote a healthy lifestyle encouraging a reduction in car usage in the city centre. Element
Cost £(million)
Cross Tay Link Road
£90m
Park and Ride
£4m
Public Transport, City Centre improvements, walking and cycling
£23m
A9/A85 Crieff Road junction improvements
£15m
Friarton Link Road
£3m
Total
£135m
A85 Congestion
The Perth proposals need to be seen in the context of the Scottish Government’s own proposals for the A9. This includes both the commitment to the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness and the recently commissioned Keir Roundabout (Dunblane) to Luncarty corridor study. The Scottish Government is now embarking on the preparation of the third National Planning Framework. This will identify a number of new national developments, establishing the need for them in the national interest. All of these projects are either on or link to the strategic road network and whilst they provide the essential capacity to allow for the delivery of the Local Development Plan, they also relieve congestion on the national trunk road network. Perth & Kinross Council is therefore proposing to the Scottish Government that both the A9 upgrade and the key elements of the Perth Transport Proposals should be identified, as National Development in the forthcoming review of the National Planning Framework. In the local context the strategy for the expansion of Perth concentrates on the delivery of two key strategic sites to the north-west and north of Perth. This will become the prime source of future employment and housing during and beyond the Local Development Plan period. The concentration of development in this part of the city creates economies of scale around major infrastructure and maximises the potential to improve public transport. The strategic development sites are each constrained by the transport infrastructure, This constraint also extends to a number of other development sites within the Perth core area, with development embargos being proposed due to the road
infrastructure constraint. Implementing this package of measures will release over 450ha of residential development land, enough to support 4000+ houses, and 80ha of employment land supporting the growth of Perth for 30 years +. In the climate of austerity and reduction in Local Authority finance it is recognised that the Council is unable to fully fund the entire package. It is also recognised that to place the funding requirements solely on the development industry would also not be feasible. In order to drive forward this project the Council is promoting an ambitious financial package seeking funding from a range of sources including its own capital budget, developer contributions and partnership working with the Scottish Government and landowners. A consultation on the mechanism for applying developer contributions to new developments is currently ongoing.
Although ambitious, the package of transport measures proposed will have far reaching benefits both nationally and locally, and will enhance Perth as a place to live and do business.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • winter 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
HEADER BAR employabilitY
Hub proves central for job seekers
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erth & Kinross Council and its partners in the local Employment Connections Partnership opened The Hub employment advice centre in Perth in mid-November 2011. Since then it has made a real impact in helping support local unemployed individuals back into employment. With a background of rising unemployment nationally and within Perth & Kinross this is a challenging task. The shop front unit is based in the St John’s Shopping Centre, close to the South Street entrance. It is staffed by the partnership including the Jobcentre and Skills Development Scotland. Its focus is on helping “Job Ready” job-hunters boost their employability skills to enable them to gain sustainable work. They offer one-to-one support with CV building, letter writing, completing application forms, telephone techniques and mock interviews. Anyone using the centre also has access to newspapers and computers for job searches and other free resources to help them apply for vacancies. Individuals seeking support are welcome to drop in anytime between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. On the first visit, experienced staff help clients to complete a job readiness assessment and registration process. This will highlight any barriers to employment individuals may face and will highlight their employment aspirations. Although there is vast array of expertise available within the Hub, some visitors have circumstances that require more specialist support and these individuals are signposted to the relevant partner organisation to help them get to a Job-ready stage. This could be specialist support, training, volunteering or educational opportunities. The Hub is a flagship initiative of the Council’s Employability Strategy and Since opening, The Hub has had over 3000 visitors seeking information and support. Of those, 505 clients have registered for intensive job search support. To date they have supported 183 individuals into employment. In supporting job seekers into employment one of the Hub’s key roles is to work with local employers who are seeking new recruits. The Hub is currently working with a number of employers to provide a tailored service to help them with their recruitment needs, matching job vacancies to suitable job ready clients registered at The Hub. They also use this intervention to inform employers of the current programmes and employer incentives open to them and their current and future workforce - for example, Skills Development Scotland and Job Centre Employer Incentives, Modern Apprenticeships, the Council’s Enhancing Opportunities Grant, work trials etc. They have been working with a range of local
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • winter 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
employers including Scottish & Southern Energy, Paperchase, Ernest Jones, PC Solutions, McEwen’s of Perth and The New County Hotel. If local employers have any vacancies, or are interested in exploring what recruitment support may be available to them they should contact The Hub on 01738 636897. It is almost a year since The Hub has opened its doors and the project is going from strength to strength. This has resulted in The Hub recruiting two new full time members of staff - Jamie May and June Dobie - who compliment and complete the team. Jamie has a come from a management, recruitment and Government funded employability training background, He explained: “To me The Hub is a much needed and unparalleled service, I am happy to be part of the team and I am looking forward to assisting the people of Perth & Kinross” June has come from a Voluntary Sector background assisting clients with employability issues, and has assisted and engaged with many clients furthest away from the job market and has had experience of the Dundee Employability Partnership. “My vision is to assist with as many clients as possible to gain long-term sustainable employment, therefore, improving the economic growth of Perth & Kinross,” she said.
Case Study...
G
ordon Welsh had been looking for employment since January 2012 and received regular support from the staff at the Hub since registering with them in early January. Gordon received support on a weekly basis and was assisted with opening an email account, He was given advice on cover letter writing, CV writing and job searching techniques, Gordon applied for many vacancies, and was successful at being shortlisted for interviews but found the competition fierce in the current climate, He was unsuccessful in securing employment initially. However, with encouragement from the staff, Gordon was eventually successful in gaining full time employment as a Service Advisor with a well known prestigious car Dealership in Dundee. He said: “I have had assistance and help from the Hub centre, as I have no home computer. I could not apply by email or job search on the computer without them. The staff is always helpful, friendly and do their best to try and help you through difficult times. This facility is a godsend for people like me. Please keep this facility open, people like me need this”.
PERTH COMPANY WINS COVETED BUSINESS AWARD PERTH-based Fairways Recruitment has won praise for completing a “remarkable journey” over the past two years on the way to a coveted business award. At the first attempt, the recruitment and HR business support specialists have been awarded an Investors in People (IiP) Gold Award, only the fourth company in Perth and Kinross to achieve this accreditation. Managing director, Liz Jackson, who bought the company in 2010, said the award demonstrated that the business, which employs five people, is heading in a positive direction.
“As a team we have worked very hard to strengthen, expand and build the business without ever losing sight of our commitment to our clients throughout Scotland,”
said Liz, whose company is located in the Balmoral Suite at Royal British House, opposite Perth Rail Station.
Recognised as the largest independent recruitment and HR business support specialists across Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fairways is dedicated to helping organisations with:
• HR support services to provide meaningful and cost effective solutions • Advice and guidance in Employment Law • Recruitment solutions • Health and Safety • Training Initiatives
ADVERTISING FEATURE
“We are looking to continue our growth and investment in the company and this top award reflects the ideas and hard work Fairways has undertaken,” explained Liz. “We are delighted and proud.” Going for Gold was important to our business due to the complete service range we provide to our clients covering the entire employability journey – from recruitment through to exit strategies as we recognise we need to be at the top of our game. Only Gold would do, so we jumped straight into the IiP process and achieved Gold at our first attempt. Our assessor was encouraging and identified one positive feature after another. We are very grateful and really appreciate all the support offered by the IiP team throughout the process. Our achievement shows our current clients that we aim to provide the best possible service and it sends a message also to prospective clients that Fairways is a wellrespected, highly competent and go-ahead company that offers great service and results.” Fairways – with a stated mission to fully understand a client’s business and requirements to enable the delivery of help, support, expertise, improvements, solutions and success through people – has joined a select group of businesses with the Gold accreditation, as there are only 53 others with it in Scotland and 677 in the UK. Peter Russian, Chief Executive of IiP in Scotland, who presented the award to Liz Jackson, praised the company for achieving Gold status at the first attempt. “It has been a remarkable two-year journey for Liz and her team and this is a significant achievement of which they can all be justifiably proud,” he said. “The MD has drive and commitment to grow her business having brought in a revitalised approach to the business through an expansion of services, from the baseline of recruitment to providing support for clients across the whole range of HR requirements. This gives very much a ‘one shop’ solutions’ service to clients. This is clearly a passion that involves a lot of hard work but the success the business is already enjoying is bringing its own rewards. “I congratulate all at Fairways Recruitment on achieving the Investors in People Gold Award status.”
www.fairways-uk.com Issued on behalf of Fairways Recruitment by: MIKE RITCHIE MEDIA T: 0141 423 6939 M: 07974 420862 E: mike@mikeritchiemedia.co.uk W: www.mikeritchiemedia.co.uk For further information, please contact Mike Ritchie.
fairways
Est. 1984
hr business support and recruitment specialists
Working with you - for you
HEADER new member BAR profiles
Batleys Cash & Carry
BATLEYS Inveralmond Industrial Estate Perth PH1 3EE Tel: 01738 646666 Email: steven.irons@batleys.co.uk Contact: Steven Irons
Batleys Cash & Carry group, incorporating Foodservice is part of the Bestway group, which is currently one of the biggest food and drink wholesales in the UK. As a group, they have developed a proposition that provides corporate buyers a unique service of a direct, time critical distribution service with the benefits and controls expected of a National Organisation. Through their network of branches they are capable of delivering over 20,000 stock keeping units directly to many thousand individual delivery points. They are a progressive business that is expanding rapidly, and have further growth plans ahead. Their depot in Perth is
situated in the Inveralmond Industrial Estate. At present they deliver to a large range of small to medium sized independently run operators, as well numerous chains, public bodies and local government contracts from this depot, however they also offer a full Cash & Carry operation for any trade body to use. Their extensive range includes chilled and frozen food, non-food, kitchen equipment and a huge licensed range including an impressive range of malt whiskies. In the Perthshire area, they currently support and partner many local independent retailers with special retail club deals and offer promotional offers. If you want a complete
foodservice delivery operation, or if you would like to have a browse around our Cash & Carry, please contact our tele-sales team on 01738 646666.
and commercial businesses. James identified a gap in the market for a company solely focused on the domestic market. The geothermal pumps are a sustainable heating solution taking heat from the ground and converting it into energy which can be used for central heating and/or hot water production for your home and business. Put simply, radiation from the sun heats the earth where the heat is then stored just a metre or so down, at a temperature of around 8 to 12°c. Ground source heat pumps extract this heat and typically have an efficiency of around 300-400% and emit very little carbon. James told us; “Ground source heating
is not a new technology but is new to Scotland. It’s been used very successfully in Scandinavia meaning it has been well investigated and designed. This country needs to step up to the plate as far as renewables go, especially with utility companies continuing to increase prices year on year. It’s time to boycott the big 3 and look to renewables for our energy.”
Geoworks
GEOWORKS 3 Dean Court Pitlochry PH16 5NW Tel: 07894 749409 Email: jfgeoworks@gmail.com Web: www.jfgeoworks.co.uk Contact: James Farron
A new company providing bespoke geothermal systems has been launched by James Farron, a young entrepreneur born and raised in highland Perthshire. Set up in September 2012, Geoworks has seen a huge increase in enquires since energy companies announced fuel price hikes of up to 9%. Renewable energy sources, such as the geothermal systems, are now a serious alternative, particularly with the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) enabling money to be made back on your investment and ultimately result in bill-free energy. James previously worked for a company based in England installing large scale geothermal installations to schools, hospitals
Gillespie Macandrew
GILLESPIE MACANDREW LLP Broxden House, Lamberkine Drive Broxden, Perth PH1 1RA Tel: 01738 231000 Fax: 01738 231005 Email: anderson@gillespiemacandrew.co.uk Web: www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk Contact: Alistair Anderson
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Gillespie Macandrew is a leading Scottish law firm, with 23 partners and a further 69 fee earners. From their offices in Perth and Edinburgh they provide legal, property and financial services, creating and delivering quality advice and added value for our corporate, private, charity and property clients. The firm has recognised national strengths in a range of niche expertise areas with full service backup to its niche experts across the corporate, commercial, private, charity and property sectors together with litigation and dispute resolution and employment. Working alongside clients in every sphere of life: personal, family and business, they can
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
offer all the specialist expertise you need to build, protect and, ultimately, pass on your personal and business interests. And they look after businesses and charities by supporting key personnel as they structure, develop and protect the organisation. The firm’s client base extends throughout Scotland, the UK and beyond and includes multinational companies and SMEs trading on an international basis. It is well placed to offer a clear understanding of the devolved Scottish government and regulatory process. The firm serves a myriad of market sectors and has particular expertise in: land and rural businesses, corporate organisations and SMEs, charities
and not-for-profit bodies, the housebuilder & construction sectors, and the traditional energy and growing renewable energy industry in Scotland. Their clients value their service and professionalism. Among them are a range of leading individuals, corporates, charities and landowners. They represent around a million acres of industrial, rural and development land in Scotland.
new member HEADER profiles BAR
Handelsbanken
Handelsbanken Suite 3, The Old Academy 6 Rose Terrace , Perth PH1 5HA Tel: 01738 451040 Email: maba23@handelsbanken.co.uk Web: www.handelsbanken.co.uk Contact: Marianne Baptie
Perth branch of Handelsbanken was officially opened on the 3rd October 2012, by Mr John Swinney MSP, Finance Secretary. Perth is the third branch to be opened in Scotland after Glasgow and Edinburgh, with Stirling and Aberdeen due to open soon. Perth was chosen very carefully - not just because it regained city status but also because Perthshire is a thriving community in the heart of Scotland. Founded in Sweden in 1871, Handelsbanken has become one of the world’s strongest banks with over 750 branches in 24 countries worldwide. They offer local relationship banking with products and services tailored to the needs of their personal and
business banking customers. Handelsbanken’s decentralised model is central to its success. Each branch operates as a small business, enabling it to make decisions locally and to provide a service that is truly bespoke. The branch has full power to decide the structure and pricing of products which directly benefits the customer through swift decision-making. The branch is the bank. Handelsbanken has a different perspective from most other banks. As a relationship bank, they are driven only by what their customers want, designing tailored solutions to suit their demands. And because they are not target driven, they take a longterm view, investing time to get to
know their customers, their needs and ambitions. Handelsbanken was recently rated top for customer satisfaction for the third year running in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers. Loyalty levels emerged still higher which reflects the bank’s focus on building longterm customer relationships for mutual benefit, free from product campaigns, sales targets or shortterm bonus incentives.
Best Advantage Furniture Rentals
BEST ADVANTAGE FURNITURE RENTALS 43 St Magdalene’s Road, Perth PH2 0BT Tel: 07711 826 540 Email: enquiries@bestadvantage.co.uk Web: www.bestadvantage.co.uk Contact: Jane Slater
Giving you the best advantage when selling your property Jane Slater has been successfully refurbishing and selling property in Scotland for the past 15 years. Her experience is that a property which is beautifully furnished has the best chance of being sold. In this very difficult market, it is worthwhile spending a small percentage of the market value of your property by furnishing it to make it as attractive to buyers as possible. Jane likes to mix the classical with modern furnishings giving an atmosphere of peace and calm, making your property a place where people can imagine living a stress free life. The property is visited initially
by one of our consultants and your needs are assessed. Their service is tailored to their customer’s needs. A free site survey to establish which rental package will suit your property is undertaken and an estimate will be emailed to you for your consideration. Partial or full staging is offered. If their estimate is accepted they will deliver and furnish the property promptly and have it ready for the photographs to be taken by your selling agent. Your property will be staged to attract the widest possible group of buyers and can be maintained until the property is sold. They work with single property owners, estate agents and developers in order to create the best ambience that will appeal
to the widest selection of buyers, by putting your property, top of their list. They would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
John Gillespie Hairdressing
JOHN GILLESPIE HAIRDRESSING 26 St John Street Perth Perth PH1 5SP Tel: 01738 624068 Email: johngillespie01@btconnect.com Web: www.johngillespiehair.com Contact: Wendy Carr
The John Gillespie Salons pride themselves on giving their clients a hairstyle and experience that is world class. Our motivated and experienced team has an energy and expertise that has seen them at London Fashion Week and in the pages of trade and fashion magazines. We train and educate hairdressers all over the world while still focusing on what is important - our clients. ABOUT JOHN GILLESPIE
John Gillespie is arguably one of the UK’s most travelled hairdressers having travelled to more than 50 countries, including China, Japan, Australia and America, as an International Ambassador for both L’Oreal Professionnel and
Schwarzkopf and the Global Product Spokesperson for Amway Corporation. The world of hairdressing has opened many doors, John thrives on the salon floor and working with clients he has had for over 20 years, but also is an educator and trainer, not only within his own salons. His talents are not only as a hairdresser and salon owner but also as a motivational speaker, session and platform stylist, product spokesperson and TV presenter. John’s refreshing approach backed up with his philosophy – creating hair that is totally individual, to listen to clients to understand who they are and to make them feel wonderful and beautiful – relates to everything
that he does whether it is in his own salons, in front of the cameras or inspiring audiences around the world.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
HEADER new member BAR profiles WCF-Phoenix
WCF-PHOENIX Cromwellstore Almondbank, Perth PH1 3GT Tel: 01738 582020 Fax: 01738 582056 Email: kate.ralston@wcf-phoenix.co.uk Web: www.wcf-phoenix.co.uk Contact: Kate Ralston
WCF-Phoenix is one of Perthshire’s hidden success stories. Located near Almondbank, WCF-Phoenix is part of WCF Ltd; formed in 1911 and now celebrating over 100 years in business. As the largest and most experienced seed potato pre-packer in the UK, they supply many of the UK’s biggest retailers and export to selected countries within Europe. They are also the only Safe Haven accredited seed potato packer, so you don’t have to worry about quality or risk your reputation. But they’re not just about seed potatoes! They would be delighted to hear from you if you feel your business could benefit from our:
• •
storage facilities specialist pre-packing and product handling facilities operated by knowledgeable and versatile staff • reliable delivery network • Internet mail-order fulfillment service • supply of onion sets, peas and beans • supply of seed potato related products, including hessian sacks and patio planters • flexible approach • unrivalled experience • comprehensive after-sales service As a specialist supplier and leading packer of classified seed potatoes to all types of retail and mail-order outlets,
WCF-Phoenix offers you a huge range of seed potato varieties with numerous branded and own label packaging solutions and delivery options including distribution and Internet mail order fulfillment services. Working in partnership with leading industry organisations, they believe we are uniquely placed to assist you with their expertise.
contracts allows them to cater for many types of business from law firms, architects and financial advisers to charities, joiners and printers to mention a few. Why choose Upstream? Their reputation for reliability, first class quality of service and value for money. They save you money by offering you the right advice, specific to YOUR business. They provide you with exactly what you need and not with what you don’t. The majority of their clients have requested their services based on their exceptional reputation and recommendations and can provide excellent references. They support your systems 24/7, so if your system goes down
at 3am on a Sunday they’ll have someone available to assist you within 1 hour - guaranteed. They build close working relationships with their clients to understand their business and how it operates so that they can make improvements that benefit your business.
Upstream IT Ltd
UPSTREAM IT LTD 40 Charlotte Square Edinburgh EH2 4HQ Tel: 0131 513 9971
IT Support, Consultancy and Maintenance for Business. Upstream IT has been providing IT support to businesses throughout Scotland for over 10 years. They understand first-hand the importance of reliability of computer systems for business and appreciate how important it is to get it right not only technically but ‘economically’ without compromising on performance or function. Their wealth of knowledge and experience provides their clients with peace of mind and confidence and is why they choose to stay with the company for years. Their experience and expertise coupled with flexible rates and
Wiltshire Farm Foods Crieff
WILTSHIRE FARM FOODS Home Delivery Meals Service Broich Road, Crieff PH7 3SG Tel: 01764 655859 Email: Crieff@wiltshirefarmfoods.com Web: www.wiltshirefarmfoods Contact: Douglas G Lamont
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Wiltshire Farm Foods Crieff is the leading private home meals delivery service in Tayside. It also delivers the new meals on wheels service on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council. It is a family run business, by Douglas and Doreen Lamont and has been in operation for 20 years. It is part of a major UK franchise network. The customer base is mainly to the frail, vulnerable elderly market. Wiltshire Farm Foods has a strong customer awareness focus with high standards of customer care and a proven track record of customer satisfaction. In 2006 they achieved Investor in People status for the first time and were reaccredited in August 2012, this time at bronze level. They have also achieved
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
a new standard, ‘Customer Service Excellence’ in March 2012. Staff have played a major role in attaining these awards by paying particular attention to individual customer needs and developing relationships with these customers. Over the years the business structure has changed from sole trader, to limited company as the company has grown. They are now in their 21st year and the new format of directors, Douglas and Doreen, are taking the business forward in new exciting directions with a strong emphasis on customer service, quality and leadership, focussing on new marketing initiatives, sales, staff training and social responsibility. It is a period of stimulation of
growth and of new ideas. It is justifiably a business of which the family and staff can be proud.
Business Advice
from Business Lawyers
Commercial Property Advice
from Commercial Property Lawyers
Employment Advice
from Employment Lawyers
Visit our Web Site at www.millerhendrysolicitors.co.uk Perth 10 Blackfriars Street PH1 5NS Tel: 01738 637311
Crieff 14 Comrie Street, PH7 4AZ Tel: 01764 655151
Dundee 13 Ward Road, DD1 1LU Tel: 01382 200000
CHAMBER SPONSOR PARTNERS
We wish to acknowledge the ongoing and valuable support given by our local member Partners. If you are interested in Partnering with us please contact the Chamber office on 01738 450401 or email info@perthshirechamer.co.uk
Platinum Partners
BinnWaste Management
ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
Managing Director Allan MacGregor:
Vic Bicocchi, Local Director, Commercial Banking, Tayside:
“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. “We’re delighted that one of the country’s leading food waste experts Luca Pornaro has recently joined our staff from his previous post as food waste manager with MITE/CORE. This appointment will help establish Binnwaste Management at the forefront of the food waste management sector.”
“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.”
THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE “We are pleased to work with the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to promote the work that we do and after a very busy summer of events are glad to have spread the word about our world-leading research not just to the local community but also far and wide. The James Hutton Institute has close ties with the communities at each of its sites and appreciates the importance of community support so we are delighted to be sponsoring the Commitment to the Community Award.” Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, The James Hutton Institute.
PERTH COLLEGE UHI Centre for Enterprise Manager Sheena Howden: “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.
BANK OF SCOTLAND Nigel Walker, Senior Manager, BoS Commercial:
SQUIRREL SELF STORE Managing Director Stuart Newing-Davis: “The Chamber is a dynamic forum for small and medium sized businesses like Squirrel Self Store and we’re happy to support it through the sponsor partnerships. “The Platinum partnership gives us a broader stage on which to present and the Chamber offers an effective and efficient vehicle to lobby and get your voice heard by the decision makers. “We recently built another 70 units, so to fill them up quickly we are offering all of our smaller units (any unit up to 50 square feet) for only £15 per month. This offer is only open to business partners and Chamber members – so do mention you are a Chamber member on application.”
“Bank of Scotland, as part of Lloyds Banking Group, has further underlined its support for UK businesses, with the launch of a new 2012 Charter, setting out a series of commitments to help small and medium sized businesses grow as the recovery gains momentum. “These commitments aim to help stimulate demand and boost access to finance for SMEs, provide guidance to help businesses grow successfully and clarify the terms on which Bank of Scotland lend to its customers. “The measures in the new 2012 Charter will benefit all of the Group's business customers, with a turnover up to £15 million.”
Gold Partners
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
“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 brand new high-quality business resource has been developed by The Centre for Enterprise at Perth College UHI www. inspiringenterprise.org Launched during the summer, 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
Silver Partners
Because you can’t do everything yourself.
Scan to find out more.
To find out if your business qualifies for one-to-one advice, call us on
0845 609 6611 or visit
www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk/adviser
Eligibility for one-to-one advice varies, contact 01592 858 333 to find out if you qualify. Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.
Food & Drink
Year Of The Snake Sssssss-elebrations
No sooner will the Scots have rounded off the last Black Bun and shortbread and drained their final glass of malt to celebrate Hogmanay and New Year than our Chinese communities will be dusting off their lion costumes and buying in their firecrackers to stage their own New Year celebrations in February. Journalist Maureen Young speaks with Perth’s Linda Chan of The Jade Garden restaurant to find out more.
S
unday, February 10, 2013, heralds the dawn of the Year Of The Snake in the Chinese calendar. And for millions of Chinese across the globe it means days of feasting and celebration where tradition and spectacle prove equally enthralling for non-Chinese on-lookers. And while the spectacular lion and dragon dances, colourful fireworks displays, paper lantern ceremonies and street theatre prove the major lure for Western spectators, the festive food is every bit as important to the Chinese. And, in the same way Scots mark Hogmanay, it’s New Year’s Eve that proves the focus of celebrations on the Chinese calendar. “New Year’s Eve is the big reunion celebration for us,” explained Linda. “It’s a great time for feasting and gathering at the home of the head of the family. It’s the best meal we will eat all year – full of dishes and ingredients that only appear for the annual festival. It’s similar to the Scots’ goose and turkey roasts or mincemeat pies and Christmas puddings – being a celebratory festival treat makes them very special.” As Chinese families gather at the home of the “clan chiefs”, they can expect a table groaning with roast duck, suckling pig, scallops, lobster, abalone, chickens and sweet delicacies such as candied fruits.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
As with the Scottish Hogmanay, Chinese New Year Eve celebrations go on late into the night. “Most of the adults don’t sleep,” explained Linda. “We play majong or karaoke and the food just keeps on coming.” New Year’s Day sees the celebrations continue as families head off in all directions to visit friends and relative both near and far, “This is when you need to have a constant supply of food on the go because you never know who will arrive at your door,” said Linda. “It’s traditional to have a large pot of what I would describe as a cross between a soup and a hotpot simmering away that you can keep topped up as demand dictates.” This New Year’s all-comers pot can feature meats, fish, shellfish, vegetables and noodles – a full meal in one plate. Keeping open house for anyone who may arrive over the following few days means Chinese hosts have to ensure a plentiful supply of sweet and savoury titbits as well for those not stopping for a meal.
Linda Chan has selected a trio of traditional Chinese New Year snack recipies for you to try at home. Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 eggs 2 star anise 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons black tea 1 cinnamon stick 3/4 cup soy sauce
“We have a wide range of finger food such as marbled eggs, sesame seed balls, fish and meat dumplings and candied melon balls and lotus candy that fit the bill perfectly,” said Linda. There are also treats that play a particular role in the annual festivities. Tangerines, for example, are a gift believed to bestow “health and wealth”. “There are many other traditions that we observe at New Year,” said Linda. “Adults will give young people money in traditional red envelopes believing that giving wealth will attract wealth. It’s also the custom to thoroughly clean out your home in order to sweep away any ill fortune and make way for incoming good luck. And on New Year’s morning, children will wish their parents a ‘healthy and happy’ New Year.” Linda is first generation Scottish. Her father, John Chan, arrived in Perth in 1967, opening The Jade Garden Re s ta u ra nt and quickly establishing himself not only as a key member of the Perthshire community but also a guiding “uncle” to hundreds of other Chinese seeking to make their home in Scotland. Today there are around 300 Chinese in Perth city itself. And although the Fair City will not see the street and Chinatown celebrations that mark Chinese New Year in larger cities across the UK, Linda stressed that they would all be marking the festival in traditional style. “It’s very important that we celebrate our own culture at times like this,” said Linda. “Chinese New Year is often the only three days people close their business in the whole year. It’s a very happy time for us, filled with family, food and fun. And our celebrations will be reflected in Chinese communities right around the globe.”
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn (optional) 2 strips dried tangerine or mandarin orange peel (optional) Method: Gently place the eggs in a medium pot and fill with water to cover the eggs by 1-inch. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and let simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the eggs, retaining the boiling water, and let them cool under running water. Using the back of the teaspoon, gently tap the eggshell to crack the shell all over. The more you tap, the more intricate the design. Do this gently to keep the shell intact. To the same pot with the boiling water, return the eggs and add in the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to the boil and immediately turn the heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes, cover with lid and let eggs steep for a few hours to overnight. The longer you steep, the more flavoursome and deeply marbled the tea eggs will be.
Sesame Seed Balls Makes 20
Pan Fried Shrimp and Pork Potsticker Dumplings Serves 6-8 Ingredients: 1 package of defrosted frozen dumpling skins 3/4 lb raw shrimp, shelled and deveined 1/2 lb ground pork 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tsp freshly grated ginger 3 stalks green onions, cut into 2 inch sections
Ingredients: 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 lb glutinous rice flour 1/2 cup red bean paste or 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 cup sesame seeds Oil for deep frying Method: Put the rice flour into a large bowl. Bring the water to the boil and add the brown sugar, stirring to dissolve. Pour the sugar water over the rice flour and stir together with a wooden spoon. Add up to 1/3 cup more water if the mixture is dry and doesn’t bind together. Once the dough is cool to touch, knead it by hand – but don’t overwork it. When soft and smooth, roll golf ball sized pieces between your hands. Place balls in a dish and cover with some plastic wrap. Take one of the dough balls and create a well in it with your thumb. Place either a teaspoon of the red bean paste or a few pieces of the chocolate in the well, then push the dough together to cover up the filling. Roll the ball between your hands again to make it smooth and round without cracks. Wet your hands with water and roll the dough ball in a dish of the sesame seeds, pressing gently to get the seed to stick. Repeat with each ball, replacing them back under the plastic wrap each time. Heat enough oil in a wok or other pan to cover the dough balls when you fry them. Heat to 350 degrees. Place a few dough balls (about 4-5) in the hot oil and cook. Keep them rotating as they cook to help them cook evenly and prevent areas from burning. When the seeds start turning golden and the dough balls start floating to the top of the oil, the balls should be done – about 5 to 6 minutes. Ensure the dough has cooked all the way through. Drain them on paper towels, then repeat with the rest. Serve immediately.
1 tblsp rice wine (or dry sherry) 2 tblsp soy sauce 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 cup tinned bamboo shoots Paste: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl, water and cooking oil Dipping Sauce: 1 tsp chili sauce 1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 tsp sugar 2 tsp sesame oil Method: Wash and thoroughly pat dry the shrimp. Mix the shrimp, green onions and bamboo shoots in a food processor and pulse several times until the shrimp is chopped to about 1/4 inch. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp mixture with ground pork, soy sauce, salt, cornstarch, ginger and rice wine. Mix well. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the filling onto dumpling skin. Brush a bit of the cornstarch paste all around the edges. Fold over and press to secure edges, sealing tightly. Shape the dumpling so that it has a flat bottom. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to keep moist. When you are ready to cook, heat a large nonstick pan with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the dumplings, flat side down, not touching, to the pan. Fry for 1 minute until the bottoms are light golden brown. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the pan and cover with a tight lid. Turn heat to medium and steam dumplings for 3 minutes. Open lid and let the remaining liquid cook off about 1 minute. Cut into a dumpling to make sure that the filling is cooked through. Remove to plate, wipe the pan clean with paper towels and repeat with remaining dumplings. Serve with dipping sauce.
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
3C Car Valet, 63 Tay Street, Ace Taxis, Active Kids, A-List Segway, Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, Banks of Perth, Brantano, Café Tabou, Caffe Canto, Campus Sports, Craigie Hill Golf Club, Deans @Let’s Eat, Frankie & Benny’s, Highland Health Store, Jade Garden, Janettas Gelateria, Lorna Davis Florist, Maza, Noahs, Noah’s Ark Golf Centre, PC Solutions, Perth Playhouse Cinema, Reid’s Café, Sante Wine Bar & Restaurant, Scone Palace, Simon Howie, Sole Saver, Summers Restaurant, The Bothly, Willows Coffee Shop & Restaurant.
The self funding fundraiser
Membership benefits HEADER BAR
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 fits e n e B
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 Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 0NJ. The Chamber can be contacted by telephone on 01738 450401 or by email: info@perthshirechamber.co.uk. We are delighted to offer a new package of business services through our affiliation with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The new services are listed below and provide even more added value to being a member of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Services Our memberships start at £139 + vat for businesses with 1- 5 employees. Offset that against the following business benefits: 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 24/7 Legal Advice Line 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. •
•
The Chamber Business Choice Healthcare scheme offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years. Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan.
Chamber Roadside Assistance Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only). Chamber FinanceIn 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, access to a dedicated Chamber Finance support helpline and international trade services. Plus: • • • • •
Export Documentation Services Business Mentoring Chamber Information Hotline Preferential Rates for an Exclusive Training Programme Member to Member Discounts
Chamber Voice Local & National Representation There are many avenues of communication and promotion available to our members including this quarterly InCommerce magazine, the Chamber Website, the Chamber Year Book and Appointments Diary and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce website and Directory.
Chamber Events Events include: Regular lunch and early evening events, monthly networking breakfasts, free Business Lecture Series and an annual Golf Day. Plus many more including procurement and training events.
How much is Chamber membership worth now? ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS - from April 2012 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 450401 or email info@perthshirechamber.co.uk for further details on any of the above or refer to the website www.perthshirechamber.co.uk 45
THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
December Thursday 6th
Moving Into Management 1 of 2 Coaching Course
Thursday 6th
10.00am - 4.00pm
Rowan Consultancy
Perth
Meet the Buyer Event with NHS Tayside 9.00am - 12.00 noon - appointment only
Algo Business Centre
Perth
Thursday 6th
Social Media Winter Camp - Intro to Social Networking & Twitter Masterclass
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
Thursday 13th
Social Media Winter Camp - The Facebook Masterclass
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
Thursday 20th
Social Media Winter Camp - Taking Social Media to the Next Level
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED FOR FESTIVE BREAK 24TH DEC - 2ND JAN INCLUSIVE January Thursday 6th
Social Media Winter Camp - Into to Social Networking & Twitter Masterclass
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
Tuesday 15th
Business Breakfast - The Opening of the Tay Salmon Season
8.00am - 9.30am
Hilton Dunkeld House
Dunkeld
Thursday 17th
LEBC Breakfast Training Event
8.00am - 10.00am
McDiarmid Park
Perth
Wednesday 23rd
Social Media Winter Camp - The Facebook Masterclass
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
Thursday 24th
PCC Evening Event @ Tiso Perth with Chris Tiso
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Tiso, Highland Gateway
Perth
Monday 28th
PCC Board Meeting*
5.30pm - 7.00pm
TBC
Perth
Wednesday 30th
Social Media Winter Camp - Taking Social Media to the Next Level
5.00pm - 8.00pm
Volpa, King James Business Centre
Perth
TBC
Moving Into Management 2 of 2 Coaching Course
10.00am - 1.00pm
Rowan Consultancy
Perth
Wednesday 6th
Tri-Chamber Speed Networking Breakfast
8.00am - 11.00am
Carnegie Conference Centre
Dunfemline
Tueday 12th
Networking Breakfast
7.30am - 8.45am
Murraypark Hotel
Crieff
Friday 15th
PCC Speaker Lunch
12noon - 2.00pm
McDiarmid Park
Perth
Thursday 21st
Dinner and meet with the local Chinese Business Community
6.00pm - 8.00pm
The Jade Garden, Perth
Perth
Monday 25th
PCC Board Meeting
5.30pm - 7.00pm
TBC
Perth
Tuesday 5th
Networking Breakfast
7.30am - 8.45am
Brig Farm Shop
Perth
Monday 25th
PCC Board Meeting*
5.30pm - 7.00pm
TBC
Perth
Annual Dinner & Business Star Awards
7.00pm
Crieff Hydro Hotel
Crieff
EVENTS 2012
FEBRUARY
MARCH
FUTURE EVENTS Friday 22nd November
*Closed meeting but members are welcome to submit issues they wish to have raised.
Courtesy of Graeme Hart, Perthshire Picture Agency
Dates for your Diary Networking Breakfast and Celebrate the Opening of the Tay Salmon Season Tuesday 15th January 2013, Hilton Dunkeld Hotel What better way to kick-start your New Year networking by joining in the celebrations as the Tay Salmon Season opens for 2013. Last year we welcomed over 150 guests to enjoy a networking breakfast and appreciate the financial importance of angling to Perthshire, before St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas took the first cast on the river in front of the Hilton Dunkeld Hotel. Chamber Networking at the Races Wednesday 24th April 2013, Perth Racecourse
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THE PERTHSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE • WINTER 2012 www.perthshirechamber.co.uk
A chance to spend the day at one of the best racecourses in Scotland, meet fellow businesses and be wined and dined like Kings & Queens in Scone Palace Parklands.
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