Business Matters

Inside this issue: Tourism & Leisure • Technology • Chamber & Members news

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SUMMER 2012 EDITION Helping RenfRewsHiRe gRow & pRospeR

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 32 business Matters Summer 2012

As you read this I hope the sun is shining and that your business is weathering the continued economic challenges. Since my last welcome we have had Easter, an early summer, a new Labour Renfrewshire Council, the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic flame in Renfrewshire. The economic conditions remain tough for most, with the Euro uncertainty still having a considerable impact on business confidence. But as the Chamber has always said, take control of your own businesses future direction, do not wait for someone else to fix it for you. Use the Chamber to make connections and use our products & services to promote your business and help it grow & prosper.

In May the Chamber held its 2nd annual B2B event “Business Matters in Renfrewshire”, another success with 250 attending over the day to visit over 30 exhibitors and 10 seminars. The event held in Paisley Town Hall was opened by myself and the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay MSP, who then gave a keynote speech on Independence and what it may mean for Renfrewshire businesses.

Locally we have some excellent examples of continued investment with Life Technologies in Inchinnan announcing expansion; Chivas Bros also announcing significant further investment; and Scottish Leather Group was awarded with their 4th Queens Award for Enterprise. All great examples of what members in Renfrewshire are achieving.

One key aspect of all these companies is that they export, which is vital to the UK economy. The Chamber is also doing its bit by continuing our programme of free international events, designed to help and encourage local businesses to export. To date we have held free seminars with our international colleagues on Doing Business in… Belgium, Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia, Dubai & China. We aim to bring you more over the coming months. Continuing on the international theme we recently welcomed a delegation from the Zhytomyr Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and Bob Davidson took them on a full day tour of some local factories and businesses to give them

a flavour of some of the products we manufacture in Renfrewshire.

In previous issues, you will have read of some of the initiatives that the Chamber is involved in to try to get the youth of the area into meaningful employment. It is vital that we do not create a ‘lost’ generation and with this in mind, Renfrewshire Council have recently launched a major programme designed to tackle youth unemployment and promote economic growth. I encourage all our members to take a serious look at “Invest in Renfrewshire” and give the programme your support. The Chamber will most certainly be doing so.

Another issue which is close to my heart is the regeneration of Paisley. As you may have read in the Press, I am delighted to confirm that the legal documentation has been concluded with Poundworld in respect of the former Littlewoods store in High Street. This unit has been unoccupied for a great number of years and when open and trading in the Autumn, hopefully will act as a catalyst to entice other traders to follow them into the town.

Some other good news for the Town is that construction of the University’s new Student Campus is well under way and will result in a large number of

additional Students living in the town later in the year. This should help the ‘night time’ economy of Paisley. It is incumbent on all of us to provide the facilities and outlets for these young people to make their stay in the town pleasant and memorable. I had the pleasure of attending, for the third and consecutive year, an exhibition of UWS students’ projects last week, and I have to say the standard of the work produced just gets better and better. I sincerely hope that the bulk of these graduates can find a job. Their work is certainly deserving of one. After the exhibition I had the pleasant task of presenting prizes sponsored by the Chamber to the winning graduates.

Finally, I took part in our 34th annual golf competition at Erskine GC recently, (and played not too bad I have to say!). We welcomed just under 50 golfers on what remained a mainly dry day and raised £1,000 for our charity of the year, St Vincent’s Hospice.

I wish all our members a fine summer and look forward to seeing you at an Event soon.

President’s Welcome

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber


Printed on ECF paper sourced from sustainable forests using vegetable based inks.

Renfrewshire Chamber of CommerceBute Court, St Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport, PA3 2SWt: 0141 847 5450 / f: 0141 847 5499e: [email protected] / w: www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Next issue of Business Matters is Autumn 2012 - issued end of September 2012. Deadline for editorial and adverts is 14th September 2012.

Advertising & Editorial: Bob Grant 0141 847 5455 / e: [email protected]

Print and Design by: The Print Brokers (Scotland) Ltd / e: [email protected]

Business Matters SUMMER 2012

A Warm Welcome From Our Chief Executive

Hello everyone, just a short welcome for me, I hope you enjoy this summer edition of Business Matters. Over the

summer due to the holiday season, as is the norm, our events reduce, allowing us to launch the ROCCOs – the annual business awards of Renfrewshire Chamber. They will be launched early July – so keep

an eye out across all the Chamber channels. I hope you will consider entering and indeed attending the areas largest premier business event.

Our two big spring events were as Tom mentioned the B2B event and our golf event – both were a success and thank you to all concerned for the support.

All speakers are planned for the year ahead including the CEO of SDI, Anne McColl and CEO of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Scott Taylor. As always they are the last Thursday of the month, held at local Renfrewshire venues from 12-2. They are a great way to make new contacts, rekindle

old ones and hear from senior people across a range of sectors.

As I mentioned in our last Spring edition – we have a new mentoring format (in addition to the existing 1-2-1 and groups) called Take Three – where we can arrange free mentoring for 3 people from the same company. If interested please get in touch with Linda Perry our Mentoring Exec.

If myself or any of the Chamber Team can help you please get in touch.

I wish everyone a fine summer and whatever you have planned, I hope have a great time.

Bob Davidson,Chief Exec’

P R E M I E R P A R T N E R

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge the support of our Premier Partners:

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It’s not every day that a World Champion joins the Chamber, but one of our newest members Tony Tierney can proudly claim that honour.

Tony is a keen curler who plays at Greenacres Ice Rink near Howwood in Renfrewshire, and represents his home country of Ireland at international level.

In April Tony was a member of the Irish team which, against all the odds, struck gold when they won the World Seniors Curling Championships in Tarby in Denmark.

The Irish rink had an amazing week going through ten games undefeated to earn a final showdown with the mighty Canadians, nine times previous world champions and always favourites to win.

Their game proved to be a thrilling David and Goliath encounter, which the Irish won after a tense extra end.

This achievement is the highlight of a 30-year curling journey for Tony and is all the more remarkable as there is no curling in Ireland.

The Irish Curling Association has 52 members who curl in Scotland and a pool of 12 possible senior male players, to represent Ireland at international level. That compares to Canada who have a pool of over one million curlers to draw upon.

Following his win, Tony said: ”Winning the gold medal isn’t going to make me a millionaire, unlike other sports, but as far as I am concerned, this is as good as it gets”.

Tony is a financial Adviser who runs his own company, Tierney Complete Financial Solutions (TCFS) in Uplawmoor.

He provides holistic financial planning for clients and specialises in Business Protection for directors, shareholders and key employees in the event of a serious illness or death. Business Protection includes life assurance, critical illness and income protection, providing funds, as and when most needed, to ensure that businesses continue to trade and families receive full value from the business.

He is currently “looking for women of all ages” to discuss the new Gender Directive which comes into force on the 21st December 2012 and could have serious implications for them.

Look out for his article regarding this in our Autumn addition of Business Matters…..just in time for the start of the new curling season!

Gold Medallist Joins the Chamber

Tony Tierney

World Champions...The Irish Curling Team with Tony Tierney fourth from the left


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With more than 22 years of experience in providing excellent fitness and leisure facilities to thousands of customers in the West of Scotland, we have proven that we are a top club which keeps on giving.

Whilst many businesses cower under the heavy cloud of the recession, we have continued to invest in our facilities, ensuring our valuable members have the most up to date equipment and best service we could provide.

Our ongoing investment consists of £150,000 re-fit of the gym area to ensure our facility remains the top strength and conditioning club in Scotland.

With excellent customer service from our highly trained staff, inductions, personal training and free fitness testing for all new members with 8 week follow-ups, we equip members with the tools they need to reach their goals.

Members have access to our fantastic studio brands, including the newly created GX Studio , which offers a full range of training classes, including the world class Les Mills programs, favourites Spinning and popular Zumba.

After working up a sweat, our members can unwind in our Japanese Hot Pool, giving them the opportunity to refresh themselves and relax in our state of the art sauna and steam room.

Our branded Life Café carries a full range of healthy and nutritious foods, within an environment which our members can socialise.

As well as offering a personalised service to members inside the gym, Pro-Life is extremely community friendly and supports the area’s sports clubs and elite young sportspeople. We sponsor professional basketball, ice hockey, boxing and more recently, the Paisley Velo Racing Team. Our staff ’s training knowledge is one reason we have attracted so many professional athletes.

We have developed strong corporate partnerships with local businesses and support many health awareness days, health in the work place events as well

as presenting seminars to company employees on weight loss, diet and nutrition, well-being and general fitness.

We strongly believe in the importance of boosting the town’s health and business image and aim to put Pro-Life well on the sporting map.

To thank our loyal members for all of their support and to showcase our newly refurbished gym area, we are holding a large open day event on Sunday 1st July from 12 noon onwards, non members and corporate partners are welcome, it will be a great family fun day.

For more information on our Free Fun Day event, please contact Gayle on 0141 889 5027.

After 22 Years...Life Keeps Getting Better!


Paisley set to host national music and arts festival

Mark Macmillan, Renfrewshire Council Leader, said:

“We’re delighted to be launching a new national arts festival to take place in Paisley.

“Cultural events like this are central to our plans to regenerate the town and we hope The Spree will encourage people to visit us and find out for themselves just how much is going on.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase Paisley’s cultural heritage and also the vibrant arts and cultural scene that currently exists in the town.

With the Royal National Mod coming to Paisley in 2013, these are exciting times for the town. The Spree will help deliver an enduring cultural legacy.”

Anita Clark, Portfolio Manager Festivals, Touring and Dance at Creative Scotland commented:

“Creative Scotland recognised the huge potential for this new festival for Paisley, building towards the opportunity through hosting the National MOD in 2013. Paisley Spree will provide fresh opportunities for audiences to discover the work of leading Scottish musicians. This is a great addition to Scotland’s line up of festivals and confirms our status as a year round festival nation.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the festival through our National Programme, and I have no doubt it will capture the imagination of visitors with some hugely exciting acts on the bill.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and The Spree is a wonderful example of our cultural offering throughout the country.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Ceannard (CEO), John Angus MacKay said:

“Bòrd na Gàidhlig are committed to supporting community based arts, media and heritage projects which are run through the medium of Gaelic. We are happy to see Gaelic featuring at this year’s Festival and are pleased to support the project through our Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd funding scheme.

“The Royal National Mòd will be held in Paisley in 2013 so this is an opportunity to increase the visibility of the language

in the year leading up to the Mòd.”

‘The Spree’ was born from a desire to build on Paisley’s successful bid to host the Royal Mòd in 2013 and with the intention of creating a cultural legacy invigorating the town beyond that particular event. The Spree is a flagship festival and forms part of a wider plan that links with Renfrewshire Council’s events and Creative Renfrewshire strategies and is part of the Year of Creative Scotland.

There are four partners involved in funding and delivering the project; Creative Scotland, Renfrewshire Council, EventScotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

A special addition, Sunday 28th October, is produced in association with Celtic Connections - Celtic Connections’ Danny Kyle Stage, will be hosted in the centre of the Town.

The festival will take place in four venues across the town and events will include

Gaelic workshops, comedy in association with The Stand Comedy Club, Fidil and Bard and the Karen Matheson Band.

Lisa Whytock, festival organiser said:

“This is such an exciting time for Paisley, to host such a fantastic event. The events are shaping up well and we’ll be releasing more information once further acts have been confirmed.

“The Mòd is coming to Paisley next year and this year’s festival will help prepare the way.”

The four venues to host the events are a specially erected Spiegeltent at County Square, Paisley Abbey, Wynd Centre and Paisley Arts Centre.

Tickets go on sale for the events today and can be bought through Ticket Scotland, Renfrewshire Council’s box office www.tickets-scotland.com and www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/thespree

It has been announced today, 11 June, that a new Scottish national music and arts festival will be held in Paisley from 25-28 October, 2012 and includes a line up of artists such as Roddy Frame, Francois and the Atlas Mountains, Damien Dempsey and comedian Craig Hill.


The UK Health and Fitness Industry bucked the national trend and continued to grow for at

least the 10th consecutive year. According to the 2010 FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry report, the definitive market report compiled by independent leisure market analysts.

Despite a contraction in the national GDP of 4.9% for the last financial year and the most challenging trading conditions in living memory, the £3.8 billion fitness industry still grew its registered membership base to 7.4 million members in the period under review.

•MarketValueisestimatedat£3.8billion,a 1% increase on the previous 12 months

•12percentoftheUKpopulationarenow registered as members of a health and fitness club or publicly-owned fitness facility

•Totalindustrymembershipbasehasgrown by 0.4% over the 12 month period to 7.4 million.

In Renfrewshire, 2012 has seen investment in leisure, health and fitness through a reconfiguration and upgrading programme at the Lagoon Leisure Centre as part of Renfrewshire Councils £40 million Building Better Communities programme. ‘BBC’ investment will also see the creation of a new community sports hub at Johnstone High School which opens late summer 2012 and a £24 million modern new build Community Sports Hubs in Linwood opening spring 2013.

Phase one of the Lagoon programme opened in February this year with the conversion of the former ice pad to offer a spacious cutting edge 600 square meter fitness suite, double the size of the old area, new dance studios and conference and meeting space, multi functional area for a range of youth and community programmes and a day care facility in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, for adults with learning difficulties.

Phase two is nearing completion with the refurbishment of the Lagoon leisure pool and modern coffee shop offering free wi fi for visitors opening Summer 2012. Favourites like the pools wave machine and plunge pool remain while the existing flume has been replaced

with a similar feature to improve the experience! There will be more family features and improved toilet, showering facilities and improved water activities for young children while retaining designated space for the more serious lane swimmer.

The Lagoon upgrade will be complete with the creation of a luxury spa facility planned for opening in autumn 2012. This will broaden the centres offer in what is seen as an emerging market within the leisure sector.

Investment in the modernisation and expansion of affordable fitness provision has been a key aim of Renfrewshire Leisure, said Joyce McKellar, Chief Executive of the management trust that operates local leisure facilities. “Capitalising on the continued growth in the health and fitness market to support both our business and service development has been fundamental to our business strategy to deliver continued high standards in both facilities design and programmes that encourage more people to make active lifestyle choices...

Underlined through its continued use after a brand development review, the companies tag line ‘Better for Everybody’ is Renfrewshire Leisure’s long term promise to both its customers and local communities to maintaining and developing its offer which currently provides access to 270 weekly fitness classes per week, five state of the industry fitness suites, five swimming pools and a balanced activity programme located throughout Renfrewshire at ten leisure centres.

This summer, Renfrewshire Leisure centres will again offer day and weekly activity camps for young people. Open to all 5-14 year olds these camps are particularly suited to parents living and

working in Renfrewshire. This year’s camps are themed ‘The Games’ to reflect this summer’s Olympics and run throughout the summer school holidays.

For adults wishing to get fitter over the summer, Renfrewshire Leisure is offering 40 days for £40 as a summer promotion. This offers customers unlimited access to all fitness classes, gyms and swimming pools at all Renfrewshire Leisure centres over the period.

All companies benefit from a healthier workforce in terms of both reduced sickness absence and increased productivity and Renfrewshire Leisure will be looking into new ways in the future of packaging services and programmes to sell the benefits and attract local companies to join and experience the benefits of a healthier lifestyle with Renfrewshire Leisure.

For more details log on to www.renfrewshireleisure.com

Leisure in Renfrewshire getting better for everybody

New £24M Community Sports Hub for Linwood – open Spring 2013.

The Upgraded Lagoon Pool – open Summer ‘ 12

Working out at the New Fitness Suite – Lagoon Leisure Centre


There’s always a warm welcome at the Glynhill

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The Glynhill Hotel and Leisure Club offers an excellent experience for it’s guests. Located in Renfrew, only one mile from Glasgow Airport and ten minutes from Glasgow City Centre, the 145 bedroom hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Loch Lomond and the Highlands.

The Palm Court Carverie & Grill Room offers a satisfying meal in delightful surroundings and Harry’s Café Bar offers an excellent selection of fine wines.

Visitors can also enjoy the Luxury Leisure Club, complete with indoor heated swimming pool. If you’re looking for a business venue, all conference rooms and the main banqueting suite are fully air conditioned with catering for up to 450 delegates.

The Glynhill Hotel169 Paisley Road, Renfrew PA4 8XB T: 0141 886 5555 www.glynhill.com

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THERE’S ALWAYS A WARM WELCOME AT THE GLYNHILL

The Glynhill. A warm welcome awaits…

The Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club, located only one mile from Glasgow International Airport is continuing with

its selective programme of improvements to its facilities with the installation of a minimal look main entrance with automatic glass sliding doors to facilitate entry to the Hotel’s Reception area.

It is also carrying out alterations to Harry’s Bar to form a raised deck patio which will create an open eating and drinking area adjacent to the Leisure Club and Main Hotel Restaurants and Bars.

Completion date for both projects is 6th July when we hope to welcome customers old and new along to enjoy an al fresco afternoon tea!

The Glynhill Leisure Hotel, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew. PA4 8XB. Tel: 0141 886 5555. Fax: 0141 885 2838. Email: [email protected] • www.glynhill.com

PACE Theatre Company has announced that the UKs biggest summer performing arts festival for young people was launched on Saturday 26th May @ 10am at their Spires Drama Studios in School Wynd.

This year’s SummerFest! has something for everyone. As well as music, dance, comedy and dramas there are exciting adaptations of productions like, Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor”, “Hunger Games” and “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory”, musical events including “Les Miserables” and “Mulan” and the sure to be popular hilarious comedyfest’s “Ye Olde Paisley” and “The Starvin’ Games”! There will be performances every week in The Wynd Centre Auditorium, and Paisley Arts Centre as well as in Eastwood theatre and the Kyle Academy Theatre in Ayr. There will be some exciting outdoor performance including “Streetfest Hollywood” which will be performed in the street and on the stage as part of Sma’ Shot Day.

David Wallace, PACE’s Executive Director said, “This is by far the most exciting summer festival we have ever

had. There are over 40 performances taking place over 7 weeks, which will be seen by over 5,000 people. What is unique about this Arts festival however is that every performance will be by young people and anyone can take part.”

All the events have been devised to guarantee an enjoyable, creative and memorable experience for those who take

part. Events are open to PACE members and non-members. Performances are also open to everyone to enjoy whether you are participating or just want to see a great performance!

Further information about SummerFest! can be found online at www.youththeatre.com or by calling the PACE team on 0845 130 5218.

SUMMERFEST! 2012


On Friday 1 June Glasgow Airport celebrated the launch of Emirates Airline’s second daily non-stop flight from Glasgow to Dubai, as well as the introduction of First Class cabins onto the route for the first time.

The new evening service, coupled with an aircraft upgrade on the existing lunchtime flight, increases Emirates’ capacity to and from Glasgow by 47 per cent, with over 1,200 seats now on offer to and from the airport each day. In addition, a First Class cabin has been introduced on both services – the first time this has been offered by a commercial airline from Scotland.

Since the award-winning airline began operating between Glasgow and Dubai in 2004, it has carried over 1.7 million passengers and over 46 million kilos of cargo to and from the Middle East and beyond.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Emirates’ plans reflect Scotland’s strong reputation as a first-class destination for business and tourism.

With two daily flights into Glasgow from Dubai and over 14,000 seats on offer a year, this announcement further strengthens our connections with key emerging markets in the Middle East and Far East and will provide a further boost to Scottish tourism.”

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, added: “Emirates’ decision to introduce a second daily service to Dubai not only reinforces the airline’s confidence in Glasgow Airport, it reaffirms its commitment to Scotland as a whole. Since its arrival in 2004, Emirates has been one of Glasgow Airport’s biggest success stories. This new chapter in the airline’s long-standing

relationship with Scotland will play a crucial role in encouraging export led-growth, attracting further inward investment and supporting tourism, and it is warmly welcomed by everyone at Glasgow Airport.”

GLASGOW AiRPORT CELEBRATES THE dOUBLE!

Lynn Wilkinson, Emirates cabin crew, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Vice President UK, and Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council.


The Countryside Ranger team and the Outdoor Activity team have a wide range of outdoor activities and courses, events, wildlife watching and volunteer opportunities available during the school holidays, many of which are free of charge.

The Greenock Cut Summer Family Events Programme has just been released and includes the Drakes of Hazard (as seen on Blue Peter) plus our very own Clyde Muirshiel Olympics, both happening Lunderston Bay.

Wildlife can be hard to spot and for many a highlight of a Park visit can be seeing wildlife on camera. The return of the swallows to the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre provides easy to watch images for this year’s Swallowcam, already the housemartins are easy to see nesting around the Centre.

At Muirshiel this year’s hen harriers are yet to settle to allow a camera to be set up, however there is plenty of information, displays and recorded highlights in the Visitor Centre about these amazing birds of prey and their Special Protection Area. A recent wildlife

highlight was a golden eagle circling above Renfrewshire’s highest point – Hill of Stake.

At Castle Semple Country Park, Lochwinnoch there are ducks to feed and swans to watch out on the loch or for those feeling more adventurous one can hire a bike, a row boat, or have a go in a ‘Zorb’. It is also the place to learn to sail or kayak on the safe inland water of Castle Semple Loch, a place on a course needs to be booked 7 days in advance, a two day junior RYA sailing course is £80 or a two day junior BCU kayaking and canoeing course is £60.

Junior Multi Activity Weeks include learning survival and paddling skills as well as making new friends or if you have your own group, we can run a course when it suits you, 5 half days cost £85 and 5 full days are £145.

Details of all the courses, events, wildlife watching opportunities as well as information on local walks, cycles and signposted trails are available at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk. Facebook and twitter pages also provide timely information of Park news and events.

Castle Semple Outdoor Centre, Lochwinnoch has received national recognition as Scotland’s first Royal Yachting Association (RYA) ‘Sailability’ Centre of Excellence. This means the Centre, already a RYA Training Centre, now has the specialised sailing equipment, experienced staff and facilities to accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities.

A special hoist was generously donated by the Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley. Their President and local resident Ross Anderson officially handed over the pontoon hoist to Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority. Local Sailing and Windsurfing Clubs and RYA Scotland also provided support.

Senior Instructor at Castle Semple and RYA Sailability Regional Organiser for Scotland David Hill said: “Castle

Semple Centre provides an outstanding programme of leisure, formal training and racing for disabled children and adults. We hope this opportunity will encourage even more disabled people to come and enjoy sailing”

David continued “We will be holding a variety of taster days for potential new sailors along with a few outreach projects where we will send boats, staff and equipment to other venues to help them run taster days and attract new sailors. We will also be running race training weekends those that want to take their sailing to a competitive level in either the Challenger or 2.4 class boats.”

Castle Semple Outdoor Centre, is located in Castle Semple Country Park, Lochwinnoch and is the gateway to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – the biggest

Regional Park in Scotland. The Centre can provide a wide range of adventure activity experiences both land and water based for individuals, organised youth groups and corporate clients. Come and try sessions take place to give everyone the opportunity to get out and active, making use of the countryside on their doorstep.

More details can be found on the Regional Park website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Regional Park is also on twitter and facebook.

School’s Out!Wildlife’s About!

Scotland’s first RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence

Getting ready to use the hoist with guidance from a Castle Semple Instructor

A team effort paddling a canoe raft on Castle Semple Loch.

Castle Semple Country Park - lots of water, walks and wildlife in the ancestral homelands of Semple family.

The Regional Park provides some great on road or off road cycling experiences.

- Summer Events and Activitiesat Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park


Xscape Braehead has had some major successes this year. We have now had a staggering 20 million visitors since we opened and also recently scooped the Scotland’s Entertainment Complex Of The Year award at the 2012 Entertainment Guide Awards! We hope to continue this success with a very busy summer and 1000’s of visitors heading to Xscape Island!

This summer from the 21st of July to the 14th of August we once again, are running a huge promotion in the Centre that is FREE

for the whole family to participate in. As well of course as our normal huge range of leisure activities including the UKs longest REAL snow slope at Snow Factor, ODEON IMAX 3D cinema experience, restaurants and shops, we will be putting in

some really exciting, fun and innovative entertainment as well as a live broadcast from our friends at Radio Clyde! Xscape Island has a fantastic tropical castaway island theme and includes a real sand indoor beach too! We have a huge range of FREE activities, fantastic prizes, entertainment and games that really will entertain all ages. So why not head to Xscape Island for your summer holidays and EAT, SHOP & PLAY AT THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY!

www.xscape.co.uk/braehead

Eat, shop and playat thE ultimatE gEtaway

Xscape Island Your Ultimate Holiday Getaway!


The smoking ban, the hardening regulations on drink/driving and lack of pennies in the public pocket are causing difficulties in the largest sector of Tourism and Leisure, the industry being covered by this edition of Business Matters.

This sector is primarily a cash business so the impact is on the businesses themselves, their landlords and their suppliers.

There are peculiarities to this business, normally trade will be conducted through a separate company from that which holds the lease or owns the property. Generally, that company will have received the start up finance which it will have spent on refurbishing the premises putting in place a lease to a trading company to give sufficient rent to pay off the start up loans and interest. This “top” company therefore generally has little value unless it has been trading for a good number of years so that the mortgage is reduced and the property value enhanced and these days, if the property is just leased, valuers are discounting hugely the value attributable to an outstanding lease. The reasons are simple, there are many leased properties on the market and there are just too many pubs and clubs.

Trade is fickle. The buying public are generally a younger demographic, move to the latest fashionable watering hole and location loyalty is negligible. Trade one year can be fantastic and the next, dead. If the wheels come off any goodwill in the trade can be lost almost overnight and the only asset left is wet and dry stock at valuation. A dreary prospect for any unsecured creditors. Refurbishment costs and fittings and catering equipment, bars and seating fixtures have generally been paid for by the top company out of the

start up capital therefore there is nothing of value there for the trading creditors.

The good news is that usually these locations start up again after another economic refurbishment and they need the same suppliers so keeping close to any trading customer is the answer to not losing money as a pub or club supplier. Deciding not to supply a “phoenix” in the future tends to be cutting off one’s head to spite one’s face as it may be able to make a recovery over a long period of time from the “New Co” and in any event trading with a New Co gives a continuing customer.

Inevitably the creditors left at the bottom of the pile are the landlord and HMRC and of course any professional advisor including accountants and lawyers as they are not seen as urgent suppliers crucial to keeping the business going.

So much so that, of the 1600 or so

liquidations noted in the Edinburgh Gazette each year a very high percentage are as a result of pressure by HMRC and a good number are from the leisure industry.

The interest of HMRC is not just in receiving a recovery on their debt but also in making sure that the trading ethics of the directors are checked by a liquidator, that a report is made to the Department of Trade on their fitness as directors and to ensure that they are not guilty of wrongful trading rendering themselves personally liable for the Revenue and other debts.

Should you be in that industry and be faced with such a situation it is important therefore to take professional advice of an Insolvency Practitioner who can invariably be contacted either directly or through your normal accounting advisor.

David K Hunter

inspiring Business SenseA regular feature from Campbell Dallas, Chartered Accountants, Braehead

“Pubs & Clubs in Difficulty” by David Hunter


The Malcolm Group decided to update its corporate identity to reinforce the strategic initiatives taken by the company since its reacquisition by the Malcolm family in 2005.

Our vision was to build on the distinctive ‘Malcolm’ name, while maintaining the core strengths and values attached to the Malcolm identity. Part of the rebranding initiative was creating visual identifiers for each division of The Malcolm Group. Modernising the traditional Malcolm brand has been highly successful and very well received.

The Group’s innovative and focused approach has increased the longevity of the Malcolm brand and strengthened brand awareness.

Forming an integral part of The Group’s corporate identity, the Malcolm Logistics fleet provides nationwide visibility of the Malcolm brand. The fleet includes all road vehicles and the Malcolm Rail Class 66 locomotive.

Malcolm Logistics offers fully integrated road, rail, warehousing and bonded warehousing services

nationwide and ever increasingly into Europe.

Current warehousing facilities encompass around 5 million square feet of warehousing space over ten locations, 3 of which are rail-side. Malcolm Rail’s service operates from three terminals in the UK and offers a substantial range of intermodal services handling UK and European road/rail movements for customers in the manufacturing, logistics and retail sectors.

‘Brand’New Malcolm

Head Office: Brookfield House, 2 Burnbrae Drive, Linwood PA3 3BU Tel. 01505 324321 www.malcolmgroup.co.uk

practical solutions, successful partnerships


Renfrewshire Council has created a new post of ‘Jobs Tsar’ to lead efforts to tackle

youth unemployment and develop the Renfrewshire economy.

Councillor Roy Glen was appointed as Convener of the Employment and Economic Development Task Force at the first meeting of the recently-elected Renfrewshire Council.

“It’s highly significant that the first act of the new Renfrewshire Council is to recognise and address the challenge of tackling unemployment and growing the local economy,” said new Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan.

“”We are sending out a message that one of this council’s top priorities will be to support individuals, businesses, and organisations in any way we can to create employment – particularly for 18-24 year olds who are facing particular difficulties in getting into and sustaining employment.”

Councillor Roy Glen, the Convener of the Employment and Economic Development Task Force, said: “Young people in Renfrewshire have a lot of talent and potential. I will be working to support any business or organisation that is willing to harness that talent.”

“Unemployment among 18-24 year-olds is a big challenge not just for the council but for the whole community and the business sector. It’s a challenge we are ready to face.”

Renfrewshire Council has also formally launched the £2.5m Invest in Renfrewshire programme which will support an integrated approach to boost employability and economic growth.

Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Employment and Economic Development Task Force

A street parade and wide range of entertainment kept the big crowd happy before the iconic Flame arrived.

Janice Hendrie, 56, from Greenock was first to carry the Torch in Lochwinnoch at 2pm. She then passed on the ‘torch kiss’ to local girl Natalie Still, 18, from Johnstone, pictured above.

It was a moment the teenager will never forget. Natalie said: “Carrying the torch was an incredible experience - once in a lifetime. It was great to see so many people taking the time out to see the relay and hopefully like me they’ll have memories which will last forever. I’m so thankful to everyone who came along today and I will treasure the time I spent during the relay forever.”

The third Torchbearer was Jennifer Sundqvist, 27, from Sweden, who passed the ‘torch kiss’ onto Lochwinnoch’s fourth and final Torchbearer Vegard Sjursen, 27, from Norway, before the Torch headed for into Kilmacolm.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall unveiled a commemorative plaque at the McKillop Institute after the Torch Relay left Lochwinnoch.

“The local community will remember this day forever,” said Provost Hall. “It was an absolute privilege to combine my first official engagement as Provost with welcoming the Olympic Flame to Renfrewshire. It is fitting that a plaque in the village will always commemorate this

wonderful day. “The crowds that turned out had a

fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the street entertainment. It was a wonderful spectacle for those watching in Lochwinnoch and across Britain and the world on the web.

“My congratulations go to Natalie Still on what would have been a very proud moment to carry the Flame through her area, and of course to the other Torchbearers who travelled here to help make this an unforgettable day.

“I’d also like to thank the community and everyone who took part in or helped organise what proved to be a very special day for Lochwinnoch and Renfrewshire.”

Crowds of around 9,000 enjoyed the event, including 3,300 Renfrewshire school pupils.

Before the Olympic Torch Relay arrived, the big crowd enjoyed entertainment including Johnstone Pipe Band, Johnstone Silver Band, Sudden Impact dance group, Plastic Beats drumming group, Wallace Primary School Choir, Big Rory and Ochie the Dog, and big top entertainment including jugglers, balloon makers, stilt walkers and unicyclists.

Lochwinnoch Primary pupils were involved a street parade and carried the flags of the 204 countries that will take part in the Olympics and wore T-shirts featuring the 36 Olympic sports.

Thousands turn out in Lochwinnoch to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay

New council’s first act is to create ‘Jobs Tsar’


Invest in Renfrewshire is a new joint commitment by Renfrewshire Council and the area’s business community to work together to reduce youth unemployment and grow the local economy.

We need your support!

Renfrewshire’s young people need employers to come forward and offer a range of youth employment opportunities and support that will help them prepare for and enter the workplace. It is hoped that 1000 companies will sign up to Invest In Renfrewshire and positively change the outlook and future prospects of Renfrewshire’s young people.

Helping your business to support young people

Renfrewshire Council is offering a wide range of fi nancial and business support to local companies who are signed up to Invest in Renfrewshire. Business Innovation, ICT and Exhibition Grants are examples of a broad Business Growth Support package available to participating companies.

Involvement in Invest in Renfrewshire also opens up businesses to the Retail Improvement Scheme, Wage Subsidy Scheme and Graduate Internship Programme. This last initiative, funding towards full time, project-driven internships, will signifi cantly improve the employability of Renfrewshire’s unemployed and underemployed graduates while supporting local businesses with energetic and talented young people.

Supporting Renfrewshire’s young people

In signing up to Invest in Renfrewshire, local businesses pledge their time and services to helping young people to become more employable. Work experience placements, work place visits and talks to school pupils can all serve to motivate and inform young people. Additional support is also being offered through Renfrewshire Council to ensure that young people get the support they need and are linked to Invest in Renfrewshire companies and opportunities.

Invest in Renfrewshire formally launched on 25 June. Over 50 businesses have already committed themselves to working with the council to tackle the area’s youth unemployment problem. These companies have already offered hundreds of new opportunities including jobs, work experience, staff support, workplace visits and sponsorship for local young people. Just think what could be achieved if 1000 companies sign up.

There is much more on offer through this exciting new endeavour and the Invest in Renfrewshire team are ready to talk to you about how you can get involved.

For more information

visit: www.investinrenfrewshire.com call: 0300 300 0144 email: [email protected]

Local businesses needed to sign up to

Invest in Renfrewshire. Join the campaign

against youth unemployment.

What do we want to achieve?

• More job opportunities for Renfrewshire’s young people.

• Young people better prepared for the world of work and who understand and appreciate what employers are looking for.

How will we do that?

• By working with employers to create additional jobs.

• By ensuring that young people are more aware of, and prepared for, future job opportunities.

• By supporting companies to grow and develop their businesses.

• By linking the right young people to the right businesses.


up and Coming events

Event Pictures

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce

Left to right: Bob Davidson - CEO Renfrewshire Chamber, Chris Ferguson - Angus Group Technical Director, Fayha Sultan - Marketing Manager, Government of Dubai, David Anderson, Associate, HBJ Gateley

March Networking lunch: Andrew Malcolm, CEO The Malcolm Group & Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Follow the chamber:

The Recruit Awards: Bob Davidson, CEO Renfrewshire Chamber as MC

Taking on Talent event with Reid Kerr College / SDS & the Chamber

April networking lunch: Martin Stepek, Chairman of the SFBA

Bob Grant, Chamber Membership Manager being awarded SaBRe certificiate of support from Rear Admiral Chris Hockley

May networking lunch: Peter Logue, Chairman & Kate Lennon CEO – St Vincent’s Hospice

Doing Business in China: Wendy Liu – CBBCBob Davidson, CEO Renfrewshire Chamber

See our events section on our website www.renfrewshirechamber.com

0141 847 [email protected]

October Networking Lunch with Scott

Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City

Marketing Bureau 25/10

September networking lunch with David

Stewart, Divisional Commander Strathclyde Police - Renfrewshire &

Inverclyde 27/9 12-2pm

August networking lunch with Anne McColl

CEO SDI 30/8 12-2pm

November Networking Lunch with

Graeme McDonald, MD of the Industrial

& Utilities Division at The William Tracey Group - 29/11

ROCCO 201216/11 6.30-late

The Normandy HotelBUSINESS AWARDS 2012


Renfrewshire Chamber are delighted to announce a new Director to the Board – Alison Clark, Marketing & Customer Manager at MEPC.

Alison has been working as MEPC’s Marketing and Customer Manager at Hillington for 5 years . Her role includes coordinating local sales and marketing activity and working to ensure that MEPC’s sustainability objectives are met. This includes environmental initiatives, green travel planning and energy

conservation . Alison is also responsible for the managed office accommodation at the Merlin Business Centre.

Commenting on her recent Board appointment, Alison said “….I particularly enjoy the customer engagement aspects of my work at Hillington , my latest project is to establish an Urban Garden for use by our occupiers on the estate where there will be allotments, bee hives and heritage fruit trees. I really hope that by being a Board Member of the Chamber I can continue to develop the synergy between ourselves here at Hillington and the wider Renfrewshire community. “

New MembersOn behalf of the Board of directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.Crossed Cards & GiftsRetailAmanda McKinley07989 267273www.freewebs.com/crossedcardsgifts

Document6 LtdPrinter & photocopy suppliersStuart Geddes07758513189www.document6.biz

Energy Prices Direct LtdEnergy Procurement / ReductionUsman Sikander07886800624www.energypricesdirect.com

Five-On-Five LtdFive a side football complexMorag Whelan0141 889 4242www.fiveonfive.co.uk

FX Signs LtdManufacture and supply of signageCraig Westland0141 810 4277www.fxsigns.co.uk

Life TechnologiesLife SciencesJim Carswell0141 814 6100www.lifetechnologies.com

Marble Fashion Designs LtdFashion brandLynne Paul0141 882 6743www.marblefashions.co.uk

Martin Cassidy Healthcare TrainingHealthcare TrainingMartin Cassidy07761437702www.martincassidyhealthcare.com

Matrix UniformsTextile ManufacturerScott Sharkey0141 810 9777www.matrixuniforms.co.uk

MaxSafe Solutions LtdHealth & Safety Training ConsultancyWillie Chrystal0141 562 9125www.maxsafe.co.uk

MCD Building Services LtdElectrical ContractorsGaynor MacKay0141 880 9244www.mcdbs.co.uk

McPherson Document Solutions LtdDocument scanning & microfilmGordon McPherson0141 887 4379www.trmcpherson.co.uk

Ocean Marine Training LtdTrainingMartin White0141 848 4651www.oceanmarinetraining.com

Team Installation LtdFurniture Delivery & InstallationMurray McBrearty0777 8787360www.teaminstallation.co.uk

TCFS - Tierney Complete Financial SolutionsTony Tierney01505 850230Email: [email protected]

Training Developments ScotlandTraining & Education & GasMark McShane0141 889 4516www.trainingdevelopments-scotland.co.uk

Trisul Solutions LtdOutsourced Financial ManagementPaul Ferguson07532 052703www.trisulsolutions.com

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce

New director


Renfrewshire Chambers annual business to business event held on the May 10 at Paisley Town Hall attracted 250 delegates across the day. The 30 exhibitor event was formally opened on the day by the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay MSP, along with Chamber President, Tom Johnston.

The day was filled with ten seminars covering topics such as social media, crowdfunding and the latest council

initiatives including Invest in Renfrewshire. The Minister gave a keynote address to an audience of 75 on ‘Independence - what it means for Scotland and Renfrewshire’ and commented: “This Government is committed to promoting prosperity in Scotland and much of this depends on the performance of our businesses - both large and small. That is why I was delighted to address the Renfrewshire Chambers’ annual business to business event.”

Chamber President Tom Johnston said: “Thank you to all the exhibitors, speakers and attendees for supporting the largest event of its kind in Renfrewshire. The event aims to showcase what products & services are available in Renfrewshire and give delegates the opportunity to network, learn and ultimately inspire them to grow & prosper.”

The 34th Renfrewshire Chamber annual golf competition was another great success, with just under 50 golfers taking part at Erskine Golf Club on Friday 8th June.

Apart from a light shower on one hole, the weather held up nicely allowing all the players to enjoy one of the top golf courses in the west of Scotland.

The winning team were Glasgow Airport (pictured, top left) and runners up were Phoenix Car (top right).

The winning individual was Paul Robinson from Diageo – who also won the longest drive (bottom left)

Runner up was John Sandells from Glasgow Airport (bottom right).

Nearest the pin was won by Alan Watson of ChemTech (not pictured).

The raffle on the day raised £650 that

the chamber will top up to £1000, for their charity of the year, St Vincent’s Hospice.

Chamber chief exec’ Bob Davidson, who organised the event said “I would like to thank all the companies that entered a team, supported the event & donated prizes for the raffle. A big thank you to all the staff at Erskine GC for a great event”.

Renfrewshire Chamber Annual Golf Competition 2012 - Erskine GC

Tom Johnston, Chamber President & Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay MSP

Colin Kelly NSDesign Embrace the Space

Gallery view of exhibitors

Business Matters in Renfrewshire - local B2B event


Renfrewshire Chamber recently welcomed a delegation from Zhytomyr Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ukraine. The 3 delegates were in

Scotland for a business tour and chose Renfrewshire as their first full day in Scotland. Bob Davidson, Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Exec’ spent the full day with the delegation accompanied by multi-lingual member & interpreter for the day, Natallia Hinde - an international business consultant with specialist knowledge of many markets including the Ukraine & Russia.

The morning was spent at Diageo Shieldhall, the world’s largest & fastest Scotch whisky bottling plant. The group were given a presentation by senior member of the site leadership team, Caroline Joss, then a full tour where they saw the world’s no.1 Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, being bottled.

Lunch followed at members Ingliston Country Club in Bishopton, the UK’s top

equestrian venue, where a chance meet with marketing manager Brian Main led to a full tour of the facility after lunch.

The group then moved on to world renowned members Rolls Royce at Inchinnan for a presentation and tour with Chief of Manufacturing, Andy Ryley and colleague Mick Gallagher.

Finally the group headed back to the Chamber’s HQ at Glasgow Airport for a private meeting with members of the Chamber Board, where followed an exchange of gifts. Paisley pattern shawl and ties for our Ukrainian friends and in return the Chamber received a special award for encouraging international relations and a hand-made vase, crafted by one of their members.

The Chamber would like to thank Diageo, Rolls Royce, Ingliston and Natallia for their support on the day. The delegation was very impressed with the warm welcome received and the fantastic selection of businesses that are based in Renfrewshire. They also saw Renfrewshire at its best as the weather during their visit was excellent.

From Ukraine to Paisley...

Bob Davidson Renfrewshire Chamber CEO left with Andriy Mikhaylov – President Zhytomyr Chamber

Ingliston Country Club visit – Chamber member Nataliia Hinde from Ikon with the Zhytomyr Chamber delegation

Rolls Royce visit – The Zhytomyr Chamber delegation

Diageo Shieldhall visit - Andriy Mikhaylov – President Zhytomyr Chamber, Caroline Joss - Senior Manager Diageo, Mykola Mikhaylov – Vice President & Yuliya Perepelytsya – Director


Run by the Chamber and situated on the ground floor of our building, directly opposite the main terminal arrivals at Glasgow Airport - we have 4 rooms, available for hire. We now have a price guarantee – we won’t be beaten on price. Got a local quote? We’ll beat it.

The business centre benefits from free wifi, free parking and flip chart in each room with laptop, projector, and catering available on request. The rooms are ideal for interviews, training, meetings, seminars & workshops.

For more info visit the meeting rooms section on our website or contact Euan Keltie, 0141 847 5464.

[email protected]

Glasgow Airport Business Centre

It may have been a while since you looked at what products and services are available to members:

Included in membership:•ChamberLegalExpensesandAdviceLine•ChamberHR•Chambermagazine•eNews–shareyournewswithfellowmembers•Socialmedia–weareactiveacrossfacebook/twitter&

Linkedin•OurawardwinningappforiPhoneandAndroid•BusinessMentoring•EntertheROCCOAwards•Free,memberonlyevents

Discounted•ExportDocumentation•BusinessCentreroombookings•ChamberHealth–fromWestfieldorAXAPPP•ChamberMerchantServices(credit&debitcardprocessing)•ChamberFinance–invoicefinancing/factoringfromRBS•AdvertisinginBusinessMattersmagazine•Paidforevents

To understand more about membership and how to make it work for your business contact Membership Manager, Bob Grant, [email protected] / 0141 847 5455

Take Three MentoringThis new initiative is another level of flexibility that the Business Mentoring Scotland Programme can offer to businesses during this difficult economic time.

Like most things with our funders Scottish Enterprise, they will look for us to be more creative with the pot of money being apportioned to the programme. Having had several years of delivering group thematic mentoring, which delivers good results for those involved. It does have its drawbacks, mainly the time businesses have to wait for the group to go live and there can be some issues relating to the geographical spread of businesses.

We have been actively looking at a natural wedge to fit between 121 mentoring and Group mentoring, and this is where Take Three Mentoring can make a difference.

Business Mentoring Scotland Programme

Benefits of Take Three MentoringThis will allow businesses to gain access to a mentor much quicker, hence speeding up the process.

It also allows the flexibility of us targeting specific sectors for Take Three Mentoring and leadership support. Tourism/Engineering/Construction/Retail to name but a few, can all benefit to work with businesses in the same sector or have exposure to other sectors; this is where this can have a lot of scope for Business Mentoring Scotland in engagement terms.

All mentoring is free for eligible companies. Companies do not need to be members of the Chamber.

For more info on any aspect of mentoring please contact Linda Perry, Mentoring Executive on 0141 847 5458 / [email protected]

Linda is responsible for mentoring across Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire, Helensburgh and Inverclyde.

How will this mentoring style work?Any business that has a turnover of £100K, with growth of up to £250K over a three year window can take part.

It allows three businesses to work with one mentor for up to a maximum of 12 months, following the format of 121 mentoring, whereby meeting on a monthly basis to discuss business related issues. However, unlike 121 mentoring, Take Three mentoring has a level of flexibility depending on the businesses needs. If there are numerous business needs they will need to meet monthly, but if they have a few bi-monthly would be more suitable. This will be managed by participants of each Take Three Mentoring group.

Chamber Products & Services


YOU REALLYSHOULD BE MOREABSENT MINDED

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTER TODAY, CALL

0845 602 1629www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber

If you haven’t got your mind on absent staff it could be costing your company in moreways than one. Apart from the extra burden on your workforce, staff absence costsyour company on average £659* for every person you employ. Which is a frighteningfigure and that’s why our health cash plans make so much sense.

From just £1.10 per employee, per week, our Chamber Primary Health Plan coversoptical, dental, therapy treatments, consultations, MRI, CT and PET scanning and a24 hour counselling and advice line. The result is a workforce that is healthy and wellmotivated. So it really does pay to be more absent minded.

*Source: CIPD Absence Management Report 2007

J27289_Chamber Ad 3/12/08 08:48 Page 1

An event to celebrate the affiliation of Dunbartonshire Chamber to Renfrewshire Chamber took place at the Erskine Bridge Hotel on the 1st May. Around 40 members from across the two counties came together to hear about the benefits of affiliation and network. The official paperwork was signed by both Presidents; Tom Johnston from Renfrewshire Chamber and Gary Groves from Dunbartonshire Chamber.

Affiliation with Renfrewshire allows Dunbartonshire Chamber members to access the products & services of a fully accredited Chamber including HR & Legal, Health, Merchant Services as well as the association with Scottish and British Chambers. Members from either chamber are encouraged to support local events and network – providing potential business opportunities for the members.

Commenting on the affiliation, Chief Exec’ Bob Davidson said “…we are

delighted that Dunbartonshire have decided to affiliate with Renfrewshire. We look forward to sharing our learnings and experience and helping them grow & develop. We aim to do more joint events such as today and give members the opportunity to network and expand their contacts”.

Local Chambers Celebrate Affiliation

Tom Johnston, President of Renfrewshire Chamber and Gary Groves, President of Dunbartonshire Chamber

For more info on the Chambers visit www.renfrewshirechamber.com and www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk


The ROCCOs – the annual business

awards of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce launch in early July 2012. Now in its 9th year, the ROCCOs are the main business event in Renfrewshire attracting almost 500 people. Held this year on the 16th Nov at The Normandy Hotel and hosted by ROCCO favourite, Fred MacAulay, this year will see some new awards along with the ever popular favourites. This year will also see a new award design being presented – more info on that soon.

The ROCCOs are an excellent way to reward staff and clients and gain recognition for your business success.

Renfrewshire Chamber are delighted to welcome on board our latest Premier Partner – Braehead.

As one of the leading employers in the area we are planning a behind the scenes event for members later in the year. This takes the Chambers’ total number of Premier Partners to 12.

Premier Partners

ROCCO 2012

Keep an eye out on the Chamber’s marketing channels for the launch or visit www.roccoawards.com


Innovation is recognised as a key driver of growth and University of the West of Scotland (UWS)

is committed to building strong, mutually-beneficial partnerships with industry and organisations.

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

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

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

“Our ‘Inspired’ project is just one example – our team have spent the last 15 months helping 240 small and medium-sized companies to solve problems, develop new products and advance existing technologies.”

Supporting professionals in developing the ability to form and implement innovative ideas is an integral part of the UWS Business School’s highly successful Executive MBA programme, which has been running for more than 10 years. The programme’s flexible delivery, real-world vocational emphasis and 2-year duration make it ideal for busy working executives looking to develop themselves and their organisations without taking time off work. Prospective EMBA candidates are invited to get in touch now to find out more about studying for the Executive MBA.

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

Tom’s 30 years’ experience of business analysis, technology evaluation, e and m-business strategy development, customer relationship management, change management and business information improvement with SMEs in a range of industry sectors, will prove invaluable to your business.

To tap into our know how call 0141 848 3400 or visit www.uws.ac.uk/knowhow

Tom CairaSCHOOL OF COMPUTING.

SUCCESS TAKES KNOW HOW. Together we’ve got it.University of the West of scotland is a registered scottish charity. charity nUmber sc002520.

Profit through our know how.

Boost innovation with UWS


giftcard

giftcard

The perfect way to reward staff Braehead Gift Cards

To place a corporate order please call Braehead’s management team on 0141 855 1441 or order online atwww.braehead.co.uk

The Braehead Gift Card can be used in over 100 stores at Braehead including Xscape, the retail park and IKEA

appreciative

They say a happy workforce is a productive workforce. And one of the ways to get the most out of your staff is to make them feel valued by giving them a reward for their efforts over and above their normal salary. You would want your staff to go that little bit extra for your company or organisation, so let your workers know you are willing to go that little bit extra for them.

Braehead can provide a solution to what you can do to make your employees feel they are valued and what they do is really important to the success of the company or organisation. A Braehead Gift Card lets your staff know how much you appreciate their efforts and at the same time, they get to choose a reward they really want. Since gift cards can be used in over 100 stores at the centre including the retail park, IKEA and Xscape,

there will always be something your staff can choose to spend their gift card on. Braehead’s marketing manager, Lydia Brown said: “A happy and motivated workforce allows companies to enjoy increased staff productivity, lower levels of absenteeism, lower staff turnover figures and employees with a positive work attitude who in turn provide better customer service. “Rewarding staff for a particular project or achievement will make them feel that their efforts have been recognised and that their work is appreciated. The power of making staff feel valued should not be underestimated.” Corporate orders can be placed with the management team at Braehead or ordered online at www.braehead.co.uk.

To place a corporate order, contact centre management by calling 0141 885 1441 or emailing [email protected].

A HAPPY WORKFORCE iS A PROdUCTivE WORKFORCE

On 6 June 2012, Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) was officially enabled. This supplements the existing IPv4 system, and will make for the creation of trillions of new IP addresses.

Every internet-enabled device including computers, tablets and smart-phones, needs an IP address in order to connect to the internet. IPv4 only allows for just over four billion unique IP addresses, and therefore, many devices - for example multiple computers in one home - have to share addresses with home routers sorting out the traffic. With existing IPv4 addresses running out, devices would soon not be able to obtain a unique address. With IPv6 there are essentially enough IP addresses for unlimited growth for the foreseeable future - 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456.

Web users should not notice any changes as a result of the new system as, to ensure a smooth transition, both IP systems will work side by side for the

foreseeable future. Complete transition will take time and some users may need to upgrade their routers or possibly download updated operating system software to enable IPv6 to operate in parallel with IPv4.

Moving to IPv6 will, for many organisations, raise important security concerns that must be taken into account when developing their IPv6 operational platform. If you have not adequately prepared your network for IPv6, you may fall victim to cyber attackers who have devised ways to sneak viruses and spyware through network defenses.

Determining whether or not an IPv6 deployment is secure is a different process than for IPv4. Since the address space of IPv6 is so much larger than IPv4, scalability is a significant obstacle to overcome. Moreover, many current security devices and controls for internet systems do not have the same functional parity for IPv6. This means that security

teams will not have the same visibility and mitigation capabilities when trying to identify and block IPv6 based attacks.

With the launch of the new system, it is

important that organisations understand its features and have adequate visibility and security controls in place before IPv6 is enabled. Without such controls, your organisation could find itself victim to security breaches that may create serious implications - for example under data protection and privacy laws.

David Flint is a Partner in the IP, Technology & Commercial Group at MacRoberts LLP. For further information, please contact [email protected]

iPv6 - A New dawn For The internet

David Flint - MacRoberts


Bridge of Weir, Scotland, 21 April 2012 – Bridge of Weir Leather Company, for the fourth time in its illustrious history, has been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The award, for international trade, was announced today, 21st of April – The Queen’s birthday, and the year Her Majesty celebrates the Diamond Jubilee (1952 – 2012). Bridge of Weir Leather Company will hold the honour for the next five years.

With total sales up 150% during the three years to the end of September 2011 (the period covered by the 2012 award), and 90% of production exported, Bridge of Weir Leather’s primary commercial focus is on the global automotive industry. The company’s appeal also extends beyond the automotive sector, with the Scottish leather found in luxury yachts, private aircraft, some of the world’s finest restaurants and hotels and on premium mobile telephone handsets.

Bridge of Weir Leather Company chairman, Jonathan Muirhead, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised once again by the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Bridge of Weir Leather is now a major export business, with 90% of production sold overseas. We have experienced very significant growth in recent years, with total sales up 150% and our unique Low Carbon Leather representing innovative British manufacturing techniques in over 60 countries around the world.”

Established in 1905, and now a subsidiary of the Scottish Leather Group, the company boasts Europe’s most advanced leather production facilities, and since the opening of an all-new thermal energy plant in 2010, the ‘greenest’ as well. The thermal energy plant underpins Bridge of Weir’s production process, and as the only one of its kind in the world leather industry, takes what was previously waste sent to landfill, and converts it directly to energy for heating the large volumes of recycled

water required in leather manufacturing. The result is the world’s first truly Low Carbon Leather product.

With investments in a joint venture production facility in China, manufacturing operations in Mexico and a sales office in Detroit, Bridge of Weir Leather has become a truly global player in the automotive sector. The company’s motoring heritage dates back to the early 1900s when it first started to supply the iconic Model-T Ford. Its automotive client base now includes Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover,

Lincoln, Mercedes AMG, Volvo and most recently Fisker and Infiniti – who selected Bridge of Weir Leather for its low carbon attributes – in keeping with these manufacturers’ plug-in hybrid model values.

Jonathan Muirhead added: “Our commitment to quality, the environment, cutting-edge design, high technology manufacturing processes, animal welfare and customer service is our unique selling proposition and we put our international successes down to these sacrosanct business attributes.”

BRidGE OF WEiR LEATHER COMPANY Bridge of Weir Leather Company awarded britain’s most coveted commercial accolade - the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (international Trade Category)

•FourthQueen’sAwardforBridgeofWeirLeatherCompany,followingprevioushonours in 1985, 1996 and 2000

•Congratulatedforexportsalesperformance,technologicaldevelopment,increased global presence and environmental sustainability with its unique brand of Low Carbon Leather

•TotalBridgeofWeirLeatherCompanysalesincreasedby150%duringthethreeyears to September 2011, and 90% of production exported


A former Royal Navy officer learned to sew in order to design his own range of body armour, which is now saving lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After leaving the armed forces, Sam Sarkar, 34, began selling military equipment but he was dissatisfied by the quality so decided to create his own range of ballistic vests by hand.

His vests were so well received that he set up Sarkar Defence Solutions Ltd based in Hillington Industrial Estate, Renfrewshire, which has developed with Business Gateway’s help over the last three years.

And now his vests, helmets and bomb blankets are being used by the US Army, Spanish Navy and LAPD among others.

Steven Smith, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Renfrewshire said: “Since Sam founded Sarkar Defence Solutions he has not only increased the range of

products he sells, but has taken on employees and has secured contracts from all over the world. We were happy to support Sam in his endeavours to attend important industry shows and we are looking forward to continuing to assist him as he further expands the company.”

Sam joined the Royal Navy after studying civil engineering at university and after six years of travelling the world with the force, he decided he wanted to start his own business.

He began to buy and sell safety workwear and equipment, however he quickly discovered that stock he was purchasing was of a poor quality. So he bought some machinery from Ebay and attended evening sewing classes.

Sam said: “After leaving the navy I wasn’t sure what kind of business I wanted to set up, but I stuck with what I know. I never intended on becoming a manufacturer but when I couldn’t find products that I

was happy with, I had no other choice than to have a go at making them myself.

“We only use the best raw materials and we are committed to remaining at the forefront of ballistic technology. Our vests and helmets are currently in service with more than 20 armed forces including the US Army and UN. Our newest helmets, vests and plates are saving lives in Iraq and Afghanistan which we are very proud of.”

Sarkar Defence Solutions have recently moved into larger premises, taking on 13 staff. Their newest clients

include the Turkish Coast Guard, Mexican army, the Romanian police and the Saudi Arabian Royal Family.

Sam added: “Without Business Gateway’s help we would have struggled to participate in the exhibitions in Paris and Las Vegas. These shows are so important because it’s the best way to let potential customers know we exist. The advice we received from Business Gateway about avenues of funding meant we were able to successfully apply for some financial help which funded these trips and ultimately led to us gaining new clients.”

NAvY OFFiCER’S SEWiNG SKiLLS HELP TO SAvE LivES ON THE FRONTLiNE

Mitchell Consultants

Please call Alan Mitchell

3 Thorndene | Elderslie | Renfrewshire | PA5 9DATel. 0141 244 0154 | Mob. 07713 599551Email. [email protected]. www.mitchellconsultants.co.uk

Part-time Financial Management the Owner Managed Business

Your own Part-time Finance Director

To find out more about how it can help you set up and develop your own business visit www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively contact your local office on 0141 435 7570.


Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is predicting a bright future for Scotch as consumers are showing a thirst for premium spirits in many emerging international markets. To capitalise on this trend, the company has announced a number of investments to underline its commitment to beating category value growth and achieving high single to double digit value growth.

According to Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers: “We are committed to a capital expenditure of £40 million annually to further increase our distillation capacity and production facilities. This investment, allied to strong market growth, a continued commitment to innovation and the best suited portfolio to target the most profitable opportunities, will provide the basis for future value growth for our company.”

A new bottling hall will open in Paisley in the summer of 2012, which will increase the emphasis on hand-bottling for prestige and ultra-prestige editions

such as Chivas Regal 25, the Royal Salute range and high-end limited editions of The Glenlivet and Ballantine’s, as well as delivering excellent facilities for future new product development.

Malt whisky distillation capacity will be increased, with expansions at Glenallachie, Glentauchers, Tormore and Longmorn distilleries, and the reopening of Glen Keith distillery in April 2013, resulting in a 25% capacity increase across 2012 and 2013. New heat recovery technology is also being introduced to make stills 25% more efficient.

The current capital investment in production facilities follows on from a number of major projects over recent years including the re-opening of Allt-a-bhainne and Braeval distilleries, expansions at Glenburgie and The Glenlivet distilleries, and a series of investments at its sites in Paisley and Dumbarton to deliver high quality bottling facilities for the company’s expanding portfolio of premium Scotch whiskies.

Chivas Brothers will also continue to invest in its significant inventory, which

already contains more than 6 million casks and includes significant stocks of exceptional aged whisky. This includes increasing annual purchases of high quality bourbon and sherry casks to ensure the continuing supply of Chivas Brothers’ luxury Scotch whisky offering. The business will continue to promote The Age Matters – a consumer campaign launched in 2010 to communicate the importance and value of age statements.

Chivas Brothers invests for a bright future


A strategic dock, ten miles from Glasgow City

Centre, is to undergo a £1.3 million transformation to create a key location for Scotland’s burgeoning renewable energy sector.

The 53 hectare Westway industrial site and adjoining dock in Renfrewshire is to be one of the first beneficiaries of Scotland’s National Renewable Infrastructure Fund (NRIF) which aims to bring dock facilities back into operational use to support and attract companies involved in the manufacture of heavy components for the renewables sector.

Site owner, Moorfield Group (WB Westway), has successfully secured £500,000 from the fund to support its ambitious £1.3 million project that will involve dredging of the dock area, work to create a navigable channel along the River Cart and improvements to the quayside to make it capable of taking loadings from heavy components manufactured on site.

The project will broaden the range of manufacturing locations available to the renewables energy sector in Scotland and in particular provide a site on the upper Clyde which will enable companies to tap into the connectivity, R&D base and skills available within the greater Glasgow conurbation.

The dock improvements have potential to accelerate overall ambitious development plans for a further 30 acres of land with a masterplan that could see up to £70 million invested in the area over the next decade to create further business

infrastructure including a bridge over the River Cart.

The First Minister said: “We are already seeing the potential of the renewables revolution to reindustrialise communities across Scotland, including along the Clyde. Just as Glasgow was a leading industrial location for the international maritime and shipping industry in the 19th century, the wider city region is increasingly securing its status as an important hub for offshore renewable engineering excellence in the 21st Century.

“This initial funding award will help Westway to transform the site, to win new tenants, as well as new orders for existing tenants, which include Steel Engineering – an exciting, dynamic Scottish company that is increasingly expanding its renewables business. We expect to make further awards later this year to support additional investment in key port locations around Scotland - ensuring communities across the country are ideally-placed to seize the huge opportunities of the global renewables revolution.”

Mark Holmes, investment and asset manager of the Moorfield Group said: “This announcement is a fantastic boost for Westway and for the West of Scotland in general. The funding will enable us to extensively upgrade the dock facility at Westway and provide a much-needed transport solution for the occupiers at the park, many of whom are involved in the Scottish renewables sector. We are grateful to the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise for their continued support.”

Lena Wilson, chief executive, Scottish Enterprise, said: “We have been working intensively with port owners across Scotland to look at existing infrastructure and investment required to support Scotland’s growing renewables sector. Glasgow and the West has much to offer the sector and has already claimed a place on the renewables map attracting energy heavyweights and pioneers in the offshore wind sector such as Scottish and Southern Energy, Iberdrola and Gamesa. This initial investment will help inject fresh industrial life to the upper Clyde and ensure that is capable of meeting the needs of the manufacturing companies operating in the renewable energy sector.”

Historically, Westway accommodated engineering companies involved in heavy manufacturing. The existing accommodation comprises large scale units, cranage and dedicated dock facilities making it highly suitable for companies involved in the renewable energy manufacturing supply chain.

Investment in the dock facility is expected to attract a number of new companies and investors in the renewables sector as well as support continued growth of existing tenants at the Westway site such as Steel Engineering Limited, which is focused on increasing steel fabrication activity for the renewables sector, and James Fisher Defence which is currently exploring the potential of entering the renewable supply chain with new cabling technology.

Essential port and manufacturing infrastructure is widely recognised as an obvious fundamental to the successful attraction of potential investors and Scottish Enterprise, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and industry partners, has been working to map out the necessary infrastructure and investment.

The resulting National Renewables Infrastructure Plan and Fund attracted strong interest with applications from a wide range of port operators and consortia looking to upgrade facilities to provide essential manufacturing, test and demonstration infrastructure for offshore wind supply chain. Further awards are expected later this year to support additional investment in key port locations around Scotland which are earmarked for renewables developments.

http://www.westway-park.com/

Green Light for Westway dockWestway dock transformation paves way for renewables sector


This weekend saw Steel Engineering, the largest steel fabricator in the West of Scotland transport two massive climber beam structures from the company base at Westway in Renfrew through the road network of west and southern Scotland to The Port of Tyne, in the north-east of England.

The climber beams were loaded out at 5am on Saturday morning and are scheduled to reach the Port of Tyne on Tuesday. Each beam weighs more than 120 tonnes and extends to 43 metres in length, making them the longest fabricated structures ever to be transported from Westway in the long history of the park.

The beams were fabricated by Steel Engineering for Northumberland-based IHC Engineering Business Ltd as part of a £1.2 million contract for the deck equipment system for a new ship being built for global company Technip.

“This was a major contract for Steel Engineering and I am very proud of the hard work and skills of my team in order to complete it to an extremely high standard and within timescale” said Steel Engineering managing director Peter Breslin.

He added: “As a company, we have focused on securing renewable energy contacts and are now firmly established within this sector. I am delighted to report a very healthy order book, which has enabled us to increase our turnover and double our workforce over the next year.”

One of Scotland’s engineering giants is celebrating after achieving ‘Investors In People’ status. Renfrewshire-based, Steel Engineering achieved the award with support from its partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Sound Advice Scotland’s senior partner, Mary McLuskey. The standard reinforces Steel Engineering’s commitment to its employees and the company’s long-term strategic vision.

Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Steel Engineering said: “We are delighted to achieve the award. We are dedicated to investing in our staff and believe this status will be of great benefit to everyone at Steel Engineering”.

Peter added, “The contribution from Scottish Enterprise has been exceptional. As a company that has been running for over 90 years in a traditional industry, we are always looking for ways to develop the organisation to keep abreast of current business standards. Scottish Enterprise encouraged us to pursue the

award and continue to support us at all levels with our expansion plans. Steel Engineering is currently working in Partnership with Scottish Enterprise on other projects including opening The Renewable Energy Skills Training Academy (TRESTA), the first of its kind in the UK. Peter said, “We look forward to developing our relationship with Scottish Enterprise over the coming months and would encourage companies from all sectors to pursue partnership with Scottish Enterprise for their own future development.”

Cameron Ritchie, Steel Engineering’s Scottish Enterprise account managers, commented, “I congratulate Peter and his team on the investment they’ve made in their staff and leadership, which is demonstrated through the IIP status being awarded today. Steel Engineering is an ambitious company with a desire to grow, and I look forward to working with them on their future expansion goals.”

Steel Giant awarded for investing in its people

Massive Structures Leave Steel Engineering at Westway

Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Steel Engineering (left) receives Investors in People award from Jim McFarlane, Managing Director - Operations: Company Growth, Innovation, Infrastructure and Investment, Scottish Enterprise


At the end of March 2012, Young Enterprise Scotland (YES)

Renfrewshire Area, held the finals of its annual “company programme” at The University of West of Scotland, Paisley Campus with a total of 15 teams competing from secondary schools across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde.

The Company Programme runs from August to March for final year pupils, who form teams and market a real product or service having to deal with all the aspects of setting up and running a real business such as managing people, strategy, marketing, finance and production etc…

Each team is supported by an experienced Business Advisor and a Link Teacher. The event is launched at Reid Kerr, followed by a Trade Fair at Braehead and the area finals in March. During the year the teams have to raise capital to fund their projects, and do this in various ways such as holding events at their school.

The Company Programme is run by a volunteer Board who manage the whole process. The programme would not be possible without the support of our local sponsors who for the 2011-12 year were:

Reid Kerr College, University of West of Scotland, Braehead, Renfrewshire Chamber, Renfrewshire Council, Inverclyde Council, Howden, HP, IBM, Phoenix Car Company, Glasgow Airport and Tesco.

The teams that took part in the finals were:

School TeamBarrhead HS Deja VuCastlehead HS RetroverseClydeview Academy HaloGryffe HS Handy 4TeenInverclyde Academy Inverclyde AcademyLinwood HS IgniteMearns Castle HS Tick WickNotre Dame HS CreatickPort Glasgow HS All That GlistensRenfrew HS PrestigeSt Andrew’s Academy Seasoned GreetingsSt Columba’s HS Cup CakeSt Luke’s HS Perles de VerreSt Stephen’s HS Card CoreWilliamwood HS Giftwood

The winners & runners up for the 2011/12 intake, one of the busiest years ever, were:

Young Enterprise Scotland - Renfrewshire Area finals

The Board of YES Renfrewshire would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams & schools for taking part, and also the Business Advisors & Link Teachers for their support & encouragement, all our sponsors – without their support, it would not be possible to run the programme. And also to our speakers and finals judges for their time & support.

The YES Renfrewshire Board commented that “The standard increases every year and everyone involved was impressed with the energy and dedication shown by the teams – each showing true entrepreneurial spirit.”

For more info about YES Renfrewshire and to view photos of the finals please visit the facebook page at www.facebook.com/yesrenfrewshire

Braehead Christmas Trade Fair Results:Patter Merchants....Oliver Orchant Tick Wick - Mearns Castle, Lori McDevitt, Retroverse - Castlehead & Louise Reddy, Cup Cake - St Columba’s.Best Display StandWinner: Retroverse - Castlehead, Runners up: Tick Wick - Mearns Castle & Perles de Verre - St Luke’s.Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce AwardHalo: Clydeview Academy

2012 Area Finals:IBM Innovation AwardWinner: Retroverse - Castlehead HSUWS Marketing AwardWinner: Perles De Verre - St Luke’s HSChairman’s AwardWinner: All that Glistens - Port Glasgow HSBest Display StandWinner: Retroverse - Castlehead HSJoint Runners up: Giftwood - Williamwood HS & Tick Wick - Mearns Castle HS

Best Business reportWinner: Giftwood - Williamwood HSJoint Runners up: Prestige - Renfrew HS & Tick Wick - Mearns Castle HSBest Business PresentationWinner: Tick Wick - Mearns Castle HSJoint Runners Up: Halo - Clydeview Academy & Inverclyde Academy Productions - Inverclyde AcademyBest Overall CompanyWinner: Tick Wick - Mearns Castle HSJoint Runners Up: Giftwood - Williamwood HS & All that Glistens - Port Glasgow HS

Overall Winners: From Mearns Castle HS – Tick Wick


Reid Kerr College is delighted to be collaborating on an innovative year-long project with the IQA Group, providing

customised Information Technology (IT) training to its staff.

Twenty five members of the Paisley-based utilities company have been studying the European Computer Driving Licence qualification, with employees from across the organisation attending the College every fortnight for training sessions delivered by expert staff.

Carol Hughes, Head of IT Section at the College said, “We’re having a fantastic time working with IQA Group on this project. While trainees

have various levels of IT expertise, a key driver of the project is to ensure that they are able to work to their maximum potential through the efficient and effective use of IT in their specific roles”.

The qualification covers Microsoft Applications, File Management, Internet and Email and is assessed using online exams supported by comprehensive diagnostic testing. As well as bespoke training sessions, IQA staff receive additional tutor support via email and phone.

Allan Feeney, IT Coordinator for the IQA Group says that “the qualification has proved extremely useful for the staff who undertook the training. Despite some individuals being more advanced than others, everyone felt they learned something and it has made a positive impact in work. Our experience of working with the College has also been great - the staff

are highly professional and very accommodating, and helped us fit the training around work commitments.”

Reid Kerr College was recently awarded an A Grade for its ECDL training provision for the 11th time in the last 12 years by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. The College is able to customise IT training in a way that works for your organisation, no matter how large or small.

For more information please call 0141 581 2121 or email [email protected]

Making iT work with iQA

[email protected]

0141 952 4963www.experisys-it.co.uk

Products and solutions to meet all your

Information Technology needs.

Over 10 years experience in supplying

hardware, software and consultancy to

Small Business and Corporates alike –

we are here to help!

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E perisysNot a headline anyone wants to read and least of all if the laptop belongs to you or your company. As data is becoming easier to store, with hard drives and other storage

capacities increasing, the need for protection of Personal Data is essential.

The ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) has formed the view that in future, where such losses occur and where encryption software has NOT been used to protect the data, regulatory action may be pursued. In other words if you haven’t taken proper precautions you may be fined! All companies hold data and most with personal information attached; therefore this is a concern for us all.

If you want to talk about your encryption needs or concerns please do not hesitate to give us a call.

We specialise in computer system consultancy, sales and support. We expect to be in a business relationship with our clients for the long-term and as such we apply solutions that are robust and manageable from the outset. If you wish to engage experienced system aware consultants then look no further.

Please visit our website at www.experisys-it.co.uk or call us on 0141 952 4963.

“data breach as laptop is stolen”


In the current economic climate, the focus in the vast majority of

businesses has been and continues to be battening down the hatches, reducing costs and overheads and maximising business capital. However, it is important to carefully weigh up short or mid term cost savings against longer term business stability and growth plans.

In my role as an IT consultant, I have the dubious advantage of being able to see the impact of such cost reduction measures. I say dubious, because unfortunately in my experience many businesses often only seek help when the horse has well and truly bolted, and thus the cost to get them back on track is that much higher.

For example, one client we are actively working with went through a significant restructuring of their business early on this year with a reduction in head count, followed by a tightening of the purse strings. The net effect of this, however, was that their in-house IT administrator decided to move on, and left them with a very complicated IT environment in a state of flux, with very little in the way of documentation or even passwords for critical systems.

When you step back and consider how pervasive IT is in modern business, from email and websites to accounts and payroll, or even Voice over IP (VoIP) telecoms, it’s sobering to think just how costly this situation could have become.

Fortunately, the solution is simple, regardless of whether you have an in-house IT support team or make use of outsourced IT services. Firstly,

ensure that your existing systems and access details are documented and up to date. Next, ensure you have an IT stakeholder who can provide input into your business plans and communicate the pros and cons of different cost saving approaches, allowing informed business decisions to be made.

Having an IT stakeholder or champion in place can provide other benefits to your business above and beyond budgeting and planning. They can also act as a single point of contact for IT projects, managing suppliers and ensuring that problems get resolved early before they can get out of control. They can often spot opportunities to automate business processes, allowing resources to be freed up, or provide a sounding board for new business ideas and are well placed to suggest different approaches for realising them.

Last year, we worked with a haulage agency with many self employed drivers and through regular contact and involvement in business decision making, identified significant opportunities for time savings in their existing manual processes. This led to the development and implementation of a standardised invoicing system for the agency workers allowing head office staff to be freed up to work on business development and other tasks.

Take a few minutes to check that appropriate IT documentation is in place and ensure that you keep a copy of it in a safe location. Why not follow this up with a meeting with your IT team or provider and get them involved in the planning process – you might discover new opportunities for your business that won’t break the bank.

Fail to plan, plan to fail

Having an IT stakeholder or champion in place can provide other benefits to your business above and beyond budgeting and planning.

Miah Gregory, DSIS


don’t get mad... get !


Haven, the social enterprise specialists, has celebrated its 75 years of enlightened employment policies by opening a brand new, dedicated and secure recycling facility at Hillington Park.

The move follows a successful first year in business for Haven Recycle, initially based at the company’s Atholl Avenue site, where it continues to deliver high-volume contract packing services to the drinks industry.

Haven have provided meaningful employment for disabled and disadvantaged adults for more than 30

years at Hillington Park. The company’s decision to enter the profitable recycling

market was proclaimed on the front page of the Hillington Herald two years ago.

Now, Haven has achieved an annual turnover of more than £2 million, and is anticipating further growth in the next few years as its new facility on Watt Road reaches its full potential.

Haven Recycle has a full SEPA waste management license and offers Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling.

Commercial manager Ewan Fisher said: “This includes data destruction and processing of all IT and electrical equipment. Quite literally, 100% of all material collected from customers is recycled, and absolutely nothing goes to landfill.

“Haven Recycle has already secured some high-profile local customers, including NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and the University of the West of Scotland. For both, we are now the sole provider of IT and electrical recycling services.”

Andrew Reid, the NHS’s Asset User Provisioning Manager for the area, commented: “Over the past six months, Haven Recycle

have been delivering a reliable, cost-effective way of realising value from our redundant IT assets, providing best value for the taxpayer.

“It is also a good fit for the NHS ethos to be supporting a social enterprise in this manner. We hope to continue to partner with Haven Recycle, and look forward to building on the good relationship that’s been established.”

Ewan Fisher added: It has been a very exciting year for Haven Recycle, from starting a brand new operation to finding ourselves in a situation where the volume of business demands the opening of a new facility.

“This can be attributed to a genuine desire by organisations to really embrace the idea of a sustainable supply chain, both in terms of environmental responsibility and corporate social responsibility.

“I have every confidence that we can encourage even more businesses to work with Haven Recycle in this way.”

Contact: 0141 810 2450Web: www.havenrecycle.co.uk

Reuse and Recycling Success in Renfrewshire

www.hillingtonpark.co.uk

• Prime location at J26 M8between Glasgow CityCentre and GlasgowInternational Airport

• Extensive car parking, 2 rail stations, CCTV estate security and a retail & amenities centre

• 2 million sq ft and over 270 customers

Scotland at Work

Great estate. Great location. Great business.

Find out how Hillington Parkcould work for your business

• On site management team delivering anexcellent workplace for all types of organisationsand their people

WEEE Recycling and Asset Recovery Specialists

Haven Recycle offers a complete solution for dealing with your company’s unwanted or redundant electrical and IT equipment. From collection to reuse or recycling, every step of the process is taken care of in the most effi cient and environmentally-friendly manner possible.

Haven Recycle offers:• Secure collection and transportation • Full offi ce clearances• Confi dential data destruction – on and off-site • Sustainable reuse and recycling processes

For a free asset management audit and no obligation quote, call 0141 810 2450 or email [email protected]

Haven Recycle is part of Haven, a social fi rm providing meaningful and sustainable employment to disabled and disadvantaged people in Scotland since 1946.

www.havenrecycle.co.uk6-8 Watt Road, Hillington Park, Glasgow, G52 4RY

Reproduced with kind permission from Hillington Herald


Hillington Park innovation CentreHillington Park Innovation Centre is more than a managed property. It has become an instrumental part in helping grow a high proportion of Scotland’s leading, young innovative, ‘mostly technology’ companies. It provides an excellent mix of on-site advisory support coupled with state-of-the-art modern facilities and accommodation.

A vibrant community of fast growing businesses enjoy a first class environment in which to work with flexible accommodation and extensive public areas in which to network, enjoy lunch or meet with colleagues.

Some of Scotland’s most exciting early stage companies are to be found in the Hillington Park Innovation Centre, including many dynamic young technology firms. Clients here have access to all the usual serviced-office facilities but can also make use of experienced advisers and market experts who can assist in everything from accessing funding and grants, product development to linking into the appropriate key contacts for businesses at this stage in their development. Companies also benefit from being part of the Centre Community where they regularly meet and share ideas, business issues and contacts with other like-minded entrepreneurs based in and around the Centre. Clients of HPIC also have access to a range of business focussed on-site events and training courses.

HPIC is well known for creating clusters of companies developing innovative ideas, products and services for key sectors. Currently, several energy companies have made Hillington Park Innovation Centre their initial base including Amec, which provides engineering services to the nuclear industry, Hammerfest Strom, with a major wave-power project in the north of Scotland, and Logic Energy, an innovative business that is penetrating Europe’s offshore wind developers with their new technology. Gaia-Wind a small-scale wind turbine manufacturer graduated in Nov 2010 and created a £5m production plant in Port Dundas Glasgow where their aim was to employ 30 new people. Hillington is also home to one of the largest wind turbine maintenance supply companies in Europe; Skyform installs and maintains the access hoists within 1000 turbine towers around Britain from its base at the park.

With two train stations within walking distance of the Innovation Centre and proximity to the M8, Hillington Park is an easy commute. Its location, halfway between Glasgow and its international airport, was enhanced by last year’s M74 motorway completion, cutting 20 to 30 minutes from typical peak journey times across the city and making Hillington Park an ideal location for transport and logistics specialist companies.

“Hillington Park Innovation Centre is a prime example of leading edge business incubation – providing the right people, processes and infrastructure to really support the growth of innovative businesses now and in the future”Peter Harman, Chief Executive, UKBI

“Although I have an entrepreneurial background and know the business I needed help establishing a network in Scotland, understanding the support structure for grants, international trade support, and in general the things you need to get a company started and to grow and the Innovation Centre has been extremely helpful. The business advisers in the Centre have been of great help to us.” Johnnie Andringa, Gaia-wind

“As one of the longest standing clients in the Centre, we are delighted with the facilities and support we have received throughout our time at the Innovation Centre. The location is great and very convenient for the M8 between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport. The facilities are very flexable and the team have been very supportive of our requirements as we have grown.”Colin Urquhart, Dimensional Imaging


Life Technologies tobuild $20m state of theart facility in Renfrewshire

Life Technologies is to build an additional $20m state of the art cell culture facility in Renfrewshire. It’s a major expansion of the existing manufacturing facilities at its European, Middle East and Africa headquarters at Inchinnan near Paisley.

The investment is linked to ongoing support from Scottish Enterprise to assist the venture to enlarge Life Technologies’ global manufacturing network for proprietary Advanced Granulated Technology (AGTTM) and dry powder media under the GIBCO® brand, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Life Technologies expects to break ground at the Inchinnan site in 2013 and start to ship product from the facility in 2014.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Scottish Government on this important project and are grateful for its support,” said Jim Carswell, Life Technologies’ site leader at Inchinnan. “We have a skilled workforce in Scotland

and have been making and delivering high quality market leading cell culture products to our customers for more than 40 years.” “This commitment to excellence gives us a competitive advantage, but it was also a critical factor in the decision to build this new facility at Inchinnan, rather than Asia or the US.”

The company currently employs more than 500 people at the Inchinnan site, many in the manufacture of cell culture products used in biological drug production. AGTTM media is the fastest growing segment in the GIBCO® cell culture portfolio and is used in a large number of commercial and late-phase drugs.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “This investment is a welcome boost for Scotland’s economy and I’m delighted that Life Technologies have decided to expand their facility at Inchinnan.” “Scotland’s life sciences research is rightly regarded as among the

very best in the world and developments like this help to continue to build on that enviable reputation for the future.”

Life Technologies is at the very heart of scientific discovery. As a global life sciences company with customers in more than 160 countries, it has an extensive range of products and services, from instruments to everyday lab essentials, ensuring quality and performance for every lab, every application. The Inchinnan site includes state of the art laboratories at the Customer Experience Centre used for training customers on the very latest technologies.

As Life Technologies’ business grows, so will its requirement to hire talented, passionate people from scientific, manufacturing, customer service, sales, marketing, IT, legal & finance backgrounds.

For more information on a career at Life Technologies please visit:www.lifetechnologies.com/careers


Simone Guenther

One idea can change millions of peoples’ lives.

An abnormally aggressive strain of E. coli infected thousands of people across Germany and sent health officials into a race to find answers. Life Technologies market development leader Simone Guenther made one phone call that helped Germany shorten the race. Working at tremendous speed, our teams quickly and accurately identified the rare strain of E. coli in record time, using our Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine™. We are more than 10,000 people dedicated to solving some of the most difficult biological challenges of the 21st century.

Shaping discovery, improving life.

Check out career opportunities with Life Technologies at our Inchinnan site near Glasgow. Visit lifetechnologies.com/careers

Life Technologies is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

CALLONE

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerceand supported by the European Regional Development Fund

Enhance your leadership skills with objective, impartial support and encouragement from an experienced business person.

Choose Business Mentoring Scotland today on 0845 609 6622, and start benefi tting from the support and advice that it offers.

www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk

Business Mentoring Scotland

Leading the way to success.

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