your ayrshire business autumn 2011
DESCRIPTION
the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industryTRANSCRIPT
AUTUMN 2011 £2
A refreshing new look for your Chamberpage 12
Golf Challenge Winnerspage 19
Chamber Training Academypage 2
Word of mouse! By Jeremy Webb page 7
A refreshing new look for your Chamber
Not only did we unwrap our new look marketing material to thesounds of samba drums at Lochgreen House, June also saw thelaunch of a new referral scheme and the Ayrshire Business Awardsin partnership with principal sponsor Business Gateway.
We also saw a record high number of new members join the ranks– yet more new contacts for you to make over the coming months.There is information of the entire aforementioned elsewhere in themagazine.
Most of July and August was spent forward planning on both thenew Chamber Training Academy and Ayrshire Business Week. Againfull details appear elsewhere in this publication and also on ourwebsite which was also given the Ocean Agency touch of magic aspart of our brand refresh.
All this activity is in response to both feedback and requests fromour members and I thank all those who have supported us in thesenew ventures.
Over the summer months, consultation groups have taken placeon the draft Pan Ayrshire Tourism Strategy, for those unable toattend in person, an online survey was available, outcomes of bothwill be made available. We look forward to seeing the final documentand again would urge you to participate in the ‘interest’ groupsbeing formed to drive this strategy forward. More details can beobtained from Moira Birtwistle, Chair Ayrshire & Arran TourismPartnership. [email protected]
We continue to encourage local businesses to incorporate theAyrshire and Arran logo, lovingly known as the ‘swoosh’ here at theChamber, into their emails, websites etc. In doing so we are allpromoting the area as a place to work, live and do business whichbenefits us all. The logo, with a choice of straplines, can bedownloaded from the Chamber website www.ayrshire-chamber.org
As social media continues to be the ‘buzz’ I invite you all to followus on Twitter where we currently have over 700 fellow ‘tweeters’ allpromoting Ayrshire is some shape or form. We plan to have anAyrshire wide live tweet as part of the October Business Week.
Whilst we have basked in some wonderful sunshine over the lastfew weeks as the nights begin to draw in it is an ideal time to joinus at some of our events and I look forward to meeting you in thecoming months. If you would like to see a particular topic or eventincluded in the winter programme please contact our Events Co-ordinator, Yvonne [email protected]
Mark the 22nd September in your diaries for our Annual GeneralMeeting, this is your opportunity to find out how your Chamber hasbeen performing over the last year. I am delighted to welcome NoraSenior, MD Scotland, Weber Shandwick and Vice President ScottishChamber and British Chamber of Commerce as our guest speakerthis year.
Regular readers of Your Ayrshire Business will be aware that overthe years the Chamber Team has participated in various charityfundraisers from Afternoon Teas, to the Great Wall of China Trek,Midnight Walks and a raft of activities in between. As if becominga grandmother twice in quick succession wasn’t enough of achallenge for me, the Team have persuaded me to represent theChamber participating in a ‘Strictly Come Prancing’ Charityfundraiser, in aid of Aberlour Scotland’s Children’s Charity that hasa centre in Prestwick. All dance contestants are from the localcommunity and will compete at a glittering event on November 12at Ayr Racecourse. I hope some of you will sponsor me on thischallenge and/or come along on the night to support this goodcause, I already feel like Ayr’s answer to Ann Widdecombe!www.justgiving.com/ValRussell2
We welcome your involvement and feedback and encourage youto work with us to make Ayrshire a better play to work, live and play.
Val RussellDeputy Chief Executive
3your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Summertimeand the livingis easy…?
Deputy Chief ExecutiveVal Russell
partners for businessAyrshire Chamber wishes to acknowledge the support
of the following companies as sponsors of ourPartners for Business programme.
Published by SP Publications on behalf of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry2011. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without theexpress permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in “YourAyrshire Business” are not necessarily those of the EditorialCommittee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry.Articles submitted for publication will be considered at theCommittee’s discretion and may be subject to editing.Publication is not guaranteed.
01294 487007 Energetic materials, rocketmotors, demolition stores, pyrotechnic & propellant devices
01563 575000 The world’s leading premium drinks business
01292 611028 The power of insurance
01292 885923 National Health Service
01563 558844 A total solutions company
0800 0432760 IT service & support
01292 265071 Chartered accountantsand Business Advisers
01292 280499 Legal Services
01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life
01292 619000 Creative agency for marketing, designand web
brown brothers
ink on paper experts
00845 606 0286 Your business banking starts here
Not here at Ayrshire Chamber!Despite the school holidays beinga traditionally quiet time for us,things have been exceptionallybusy for the Chamber Team.
Not only did we unwrap our new look marketing material to thesounds of samba drums at Lochgreen House, June also saw thelaunch of a new referral scheme and the Ayrshire Business Awardsin partnership with principal sponsor Business Gateway.
We also saw a record high number of new members join the ranks– yet more new contacts for you to make over the coming months.There is information of the entire aforementioned elsewhere in themagazine.
Most of July and August was spent forward planning on both thenew Chamber Training Academy and Ayrshire Business Week. Againfull details appear elsewhere in this publication and also on ourwebsite which was also given the Ocean Agency touch of magic aspart of our brand refresh.
All this activity is in response to both feedback and requests fromour members and I thank all those who have supported us in thesenew ventures.
Over the summer months, consultation groups have taken placeon the draft Pan Ayrshire Tourism Strategy, for those unable toattend in person, an online survey was available, outcomes of bothwill be made available. We look forward to seeing the final documentand again would urge you to participate in the ‘interest’ groupsbeing formed to drive this strategy forward. More details can beobtained from Moira Birtwistle, Chair Ayrshire & Arran TourismPartnership. [email protected]
We continue to encourage local businesses to incorporate theAyrshire and Arran logo, lovingly known as the ‘swoosh’ here at theChamber, into their emails, websites etc. In doing so we are allpromoting the area as a place to work, live and do business whichbenefits us all. The logo, with a choice of straplines, can bedownloaded from the Chamber website www.ayrshire-chamber.org
As social media continues to be the ‘buzz’ I invite you all to followus on Twitter where we currently have over 700 fellow ‘tweeters’ allpromoting Ayrshire is some shape or form. We plan to have anAyrshire wide live tweet as part of the October Business Week.
Whilst we have basked in some wonderful sunshine over the lastfew weeks as the nights begin to draw in it is an ideal time to joinus at some of our events and I look forward to meeting you in thecoming months. If you would like to see a particular topic or eventincluded in the winter programme please contact our Events Co-ordinator, Yvonne [email protected]
Mark the 22nd September in your diaries for our Annual GeneralMeeting, this is your opportunity to find out how your Chamber hasbeen performing over the last year. I am delighted to welcome NoraSenior, MD Scotland, Weber Shandwick and Vice President ScottishChamber and British Chamber of Commerce as our guest speakerthis year.
Regular readers of Your Ayrshire Business will be aware that overthe years the Chamber Team has participated in various charityfundraisers from Afternoon Teas, to the Great Wall of China Trek,Midnight Walks and a raft of activities in between. As if becominga grandmother twice in quick succession wasn’t enough of achallenge for me, the Team have persuaded me to represent theChamber participating in a ‘Strictly Come Prancing’ Charityfundraiser, in aid of Aberlour Scotland’s Children’s Charity that hasa centre in Prestwick. All dance contestants are from the localcommunity and will compete at a glittering event on November 12at Ayr Racecourse. I hope some of you will sponsor me on thischallenge and/or come along on the night to support this goodcause, I already feel like Ayr’s answer to Ann Widdecombe!www.justgiving.com/ValRussell2
We welcome your involvement and feedback and encourage youto work with us to make Ayrshire a better play to work, live and play.
Val RussellDeputy Chief Executive
3your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Summertimeand the livingis easy…?
Deputy Chief ExecutiveVal Russell
partners for businessAyrshire Chamber wishes to acknowledge the support
of the following companies as sponsors of ourPartners for Business programme.
Published by SP Publications on behalf of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry2011. No part of this magazine may be copied, scanned or reproduced without theexpress permission of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
The views expressed in editorial and/or advertising in “YourAyrshire Business” are not necessarily those of the EditorialCommittee of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry.Articles submitted for publication will be considered at theCommittee’s discretion and may be subject to editing.Publication is not guaranteed.
01294 487007 Energetic materials, rocketmotors, demolition stores, pyrotechnic & propellant devices
01563 575000 The world’s leading premium drinks business
01292 611028 The power of insurance
01292 885923 National Health Service
01563 558844 A total solutions company
0800 0432760 IT service & support
01292 265071 Chartered accountantsand Business Advisers
01292 280499 Legal Services
01434 611300 Pioneering solutions for everyday life
01292 619000 Creative agency for marketing, designand web
brown brothers
ink on paper experts
00845 606 0286 Your business banking starts here
Not here at Ayrshire Chamber!Despite the school holidays beinga traditionally quiet time for us,things have been exceptionallybusy for the Chamber Team.
4 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
5your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Waste not, want not
AYRSHIRE businesses are beingurged to take part in this year’sEuropean Week for WasteReduction, set to take placefrom 19th – 26th November2011.
Many businesses, as well as schools,community groups and individualsacross Europe are expected to take partin the awareness-raising week by holdingevents highlighting the need to reducewaste.
Zero Waste Scotland, the programmecreated by the Scottish Government todeliver its Zero Waste Plan, is nowencouraging businesses to get involved.By taking part in actions such asorganising a waste-free lunch, a ‘returnto cupboard’ day, introducing a reusablecoffee cup system or encouraging yoursuppliers to use less packaging, yourbusiness could benefit from potential
cost savings which can be made byreducing waste as well as helping toraise awareness for an important issueat a local level.
Miriam Adcock, Zero Waste Scotland’sRegional Partnership Manager for SouthScotland, said: “Waste reduction playsa crucial part in our ambition to achievea zero waste society in Scotland. If weare to make best use of our resources,we must take action to prevent wastewhether we are at work, at home, or outand about.
“Participating in a week dedicated towaste reduction is a perfect time forbusinesses, schools, community groups,individuals and others to show theirsupport for waste reduction andcelebrate successes achieved to date,and I’d encourage businesses to startplanning their events now.
Visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/ewwr2011 for more ideas or to register
your participation.“Last year 93 events took place in
Scotland and it is hoped that this yearScotland can do even better.”
As well as raising awareness,European Week for Waste Reductionsees the sharing of best practice andinnovation across Europe. An awardsprogramme also aims to recognize the best waste reducing actions orevents. The week showcases theenvironmental and economic benefitsorganisations can achieve by influencingbehaviour and reducing waste.
Zero Waste Scotland works withbusinesses, communities, individualsand local authorities to help themreduce waste, recycle more and useresources sustainably.
More information on all Zero WasteScotland’s programmes can be foundat: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
Tel: 01655 883251 Fax: 01655 882511 Mobile: 07768 624954
CONTRACTS UNDERTAKEN
New water mains installed, drainagework (land drainage, golf courses etc),kerbing, paving, monoblock, etc.Suppliers of drainage pipe, underground,sewer water pipe and fi ttings.CONTRACT HIRE JCB,TRACTOR AND ATTACHMENTS24-26 KIRKOSWALD ROAD,MAYBOLE, AYRSHIRE KA19 7TX
PLANT HIREJCB Track Machine• 3CX 4x4 for hire (also self drive)• Rock Breaker for 3CX 4x4• Tractors and Dump Trailers• Gravel Infi ll Trailer• Tractors Self Drive• Dumper, 2 Ton Roller etc• Trailer Gritting Machines• Hanamag Loading Shovel• Mini Excavator Hire•
jamiesonplant hire and contractors
Back to Civvy StreetTHE implementation of the2010 Strategic Defence andSecurity Review is now wellunderway, with significantcuts being made in thenumber of personnel in theArmy, Navy and RAF. InScotland, this has alsoresulted in the closure of RAFKinloss as an operationalairbase and the proposedconversion of RAF Leucharsinto an Army “superbarracks”.
Over the next four years, thenumber of personnel serving inthe Armed Forces will be reducedby around 20,00 thus resulting inan influx of ex-servicemen andwomen into the already stretchedcivilian job market.
All are highly trained individuals,but sometimes Armed Forcestraining and experience do nottranslate easily into qualificationsthat are immediatelyrecognisable.
However, Ayrshire based training
specialists, ibpacademy are nowworking with thosecoming out of the services to helpconvert their training andexperience into leadership andmanagement qualifications.
Recognition and Accreditation ofPrior Learning (R/APL) is a simpleway of using Forces’ training andexperience to gain widelyrecognised qualifications. ibp hasdeveloped a straightforwardapproach to this process, and iscurrently working with Officers,Warrant Officers and NCOs acrossall three Services.
RAF Flight Sergeant MichaelPrice has recently completed theprocess and commented:
“The APL programme has notonly brought a fantasticopportunity to gain accreditationin recognition of their role asleaders but, it has also simplifiedthe whole process making it lessdaunting. I firmly believe that thisaccreditation route will not onlyassist personnel in gaining
recognition of what they’ve alreadyachieved but also provide aplatform for further growthpersonally and educationally”.
Largs based ibp academy is oneof the largest UK centres for theInstitute of Leadership &Management (ILM) and anapproved supplier to the MOD’sCareer Transition Partnership. Thecompany also provides a numberof ILM accredited onlineleadership and managementcourses offering flexible study athome or overseas. These canthen lead to higher educationoptions, including a route toaccelerated entry (Year 3) to thepart-time BA Business &Enterprise at Edinburgh NapierUniversity Business School.
Winners of several NationalTraining Awards, ibp academy hasbeen helping people becomeleaders in their field since 1996.
Business Bite– pensions
FROM October 2012, allUK employers will belegally required to enroltheir workers into asuitable pension schemeand pay contributions.
There is a new timelinepublished by the PensionsRegulator for employers asdate are dependant on thenumber of employees intheir PAYE scheme. Moredetails can be found at:www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk
The Bribery Act 2010THE Bribery Act 2010 cameinto force on 1st July 2011.The Act applies to allcommercial organisationsregistered or doing businessin the UK and theirassociates.
KEY POINTS• This Act deals only with bribery
– not other forms of white collar crime
• Your organisation may be liablefor failing to prevent a personfrom bribing on your behalf butonly if that person performsservices for you in business. Itis very unlikely therefore thatyou will be liable for theactions of someone who simplysupplies goods to you
• There is a full defence if youcan show you had adequateprocedures in place to preventbribery. But you do not need toput bribery preventionprocedures in place if there isno risk of bribery on your behalf
• Hospitality is not prohibited by the Act
• Facilitation payments arebribes under the Act just asthey are under the old law
The Government has produceddetailed guidance about the Actand the procedures thatorganisations can put in place toprevent bribery, as well as a setof illustrative case studies whichyou may find of further assistancewww.justice.gov.uk/guidance/bribery.htm
business the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry
your yrshire
To advertise in the next edition of
call Stuart Penningtonon 07792 362 587
4 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
5your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Waste not, want not
AYRSHIRE businesses are beingurged to take part in this year’sEuropean Week for WasteReduction, set to take placefrom 19th – 26th November2011.
Many businesses, as well as schools,community groups and individualsacross Europe are expected to take partin the awareness-raising week by holdingevents highlighting the need to reducewaste.
Zero Waste Scotland, the programmecreated by the Scottish Government todeliver its Zero Waste Plan, is nowencouraging businesses to get involved.By taking part in actions such asorganising a waste-free lunch, a ‘returnto cupboard’ day, introducing a reusablecoffee cup system or encouraging yoursuppliers to use less packaging, yourbusiness could benefit from potential
cost savings which can be made byreducing waste as well as helping toraise awareness for an important issueat a local level.
Miriam Adcock, Zero Waste Scotland’sRegional Partnership Manager for SouthScotland, said: “Waste reduction playsa crucial part in our ambition to achievea zero waste society in Scotland. If weare to make best use of our resources,we must take action to prevent wastewhether we are at work, at home, or outand about.
“Participating in a week dedicated towaste reduction is a perfect time forbusinesses, schools, community groups,individuals and others to show theirsupport for waste reduction andcelebrate successes achieved to date,and I’d encourage businesses to startplanning their events now.
Visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/ewwr2011 for more ideas or to register
your participation.“Last year 93 events took place in
Scotland and it is hoped that this yearScotland can do even better.”
As well as raising awareness,European Week for Waste Reductionsees the sharing of best practice andinnovation across Europe. An awardsprogramme also aims to recognize the best waste reducing actions orevents. The week showcases theenvironmental and economic benefitsorganisations can achieve by influencingbehaviour and reducing waste.
Zero Waste Scotland works withbusinesses, communities, individualsand local authorities to help themreduce waste, recycle more and useresources sustainably.
More information on all Zero WasteScotland’s programmes can be foundat: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
Tel: 01655 883251 Fax: 01655 882511 Mobile: 07768 624954
CONTRACTS UNDERTAKEN
New water mains installed, drainagework (land drainage, golf courses etc),kerbing, paving, monoblock, etc.Suppliers of drainage pipe, underground,sewer water pipe and fi ttings.CONTRACT HIRE JCB,TRACTOR AND ATTACHMENTS24-26 KIRKOSWALD ROAD,MAYBOLE, AYRSHIRE KA19 7TX
PLANT HIREJCB Track Machine• 3CX 4x4 for hire (also self drive)• Rock Breaker for 3CX 4x4• Tractors and Dump Trailers• Gravel Infi ll Trailer• Tractors Self Drive• Dumper, 2 Ton Roller etc• Trailer Gritting Machines• Hanamag Loading Shovel• Mini Excavator Hire•
jamiesonplant hire and contractors
Back to Civvy StreetTHE implementation of the2010 Strategic Defence andSecurity Review is now wellunderway, with significantcuts being made in thenumber of personnel in theArmy, Navy and RAF. InScotland, this has alsoresulted in the closure of RAFKinloss as an operationalairbase and the proposedconversion of RAF Leucharsinto an Army “superbarracks”.
Over the next four years, thenumber of personnel serving inthe Armed Forces will be reducedby around 20,00 thus resulting inan influx of ex-servicemen andwomen into the already stretchedcivilian job market.
All are highly trained individuals,but sometimes Armed Forcestraining and experience do nottranslate easily into qualificationsthat are immediatelyrecognisable.
However, Ayrshire based training
specialists, ibpacademy are nowworking with thosecoming out of the services to helpconvert their training andexperience into leadership andmanagement qualifications.
Recognition and Accreditation ofPrior Learning (R/APL) is a simpleway of using Forces’ training andexperience to gain widelyrecognised qualifications. ibp hasdeveloped a straightforwardapproach to this process, and iscurrently working with Officers,Warrant Officers and NCOs acrossall three Services.
RAF Flight Sergeant MichaelPrice has recently completed theprocess and commented:
“The APL programme has notonly brought a fantasticopportunity to gain accreditationin recognition of their role asleaders but, it has also simplifiedthe whole process making it lessdaunting. I firmly believe that thisaccreditation route will not onlyassist personnel in gaining
recognition of what they’ve alreadyachieved but also provide aplatform for further growthpersonally and educationally”.
Largs based ibp academy is oneof the largest UK centres for theInstitute of Leadership &Management (ILM) and anapproved supplier to the MOD’sCareer Transition Partnership. Thecompany also provides a numberof ILM accredited onlineleadership and managementcourses offering flexible study athome or overseas. These canthen lead to higher educationoptions, including a route toaccelerated entry (Year 3) to thepart-time BA Business &Enterprise at Edinburgh NapierUniversity Business School.
Winners of several NationalTraining Awards, ibp academy hasbeen helping people becomeleaders in their field since 1996.
Business Bite– pensions
FROM October 2012, allUK employers will belegally required to enroltheir workers into asuitable pension schemeand pay contributions.
There is a new timelinepublished by the PensionsRegulator for employers asdate are dependant on thenumber of employees intheir PAYE scheme. Moredetails can be found at:www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk
The Bribery Act 2010THE Bribery Act 2010 cameinto force on 1st July 2011.The Act applies to allcommercial organisationsregistered or doing businessin the UK and theirassociates.
KEY POINTS• This Act deals only with bribery
– not other forms of white collar crime
• Your organisation may be liablefor failing to prevent a personfrom bribing on your behalf butonly if that person performsservices for you in business. Itis very unlikely therefore thatyou will be liable for theactions of someone who simplysupplies goods to you
• There is a full defence if youcan show you had adequateprocedures in place to preventbribery. But you do not need toput bribery preventionprocedures in place if there isno risk of bribery on your behalf
• Hospitality is not prohibited by the Act
• Facilitation payments arebribes under the Act just asthey are under the old law
The Government has produceddetailed guidance about the Actand the procedures thatorganisations can put in place toprevent bribery, as well as a setof illustrative case studies whichyou may find of further assistancewww.justice.gov.uk/guidance/bribery.htm
business the magazine of ayrshire chamber of commerce and industry
your yrshire
To advertise in the next edition of
call Stuart Penningtonon 07792 362 587
6 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
7your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Word of Mouse!You can’t have missed the newmarketing buzzword - “SocialMedia.” The term is appearingeverywhere and “social media”has been credited foreverything from making ayoung cancer victim’s dreamscome true through to topplinggovernments and inciting riots.
As the number of Facebook usersapproached 1 billion, the AyrshireChamber partnered withwebbactivemedia’s Jeremy Webb topresent a information packedworkshop to help businesses gaina competitive advantage fromsocial media.
Social media encompasses ahuge range of on-line services,including the most popular oneslike Facebook,Twitter and Linkedin.Each share a key trait in that they facilitate an exchange of information between theconnections of a network that youcurate. If this sounds familiar, it is- your life contains just such socialnetworks of friends, colleagues and family which thrive on
predominantly word of mouthcommunication. Digital socialnetworks leverage the power of theword of mouse, allowing you toconnect with and influence a largenetwork of past customers,potential customers and otherstakeholders.
Digital social networks reducethe friction in sharing, but they alsohave a another key benefit - socialmedia networks can be searched inreal time. Businesses can monitorfor brand mentions or other keyphrases that enable them toidentify and connect with potentialcustomers or conduct valuablemarket research. As a Trustee of the charity “Forces Children’sTrust” Jeremy shared how he usedsuch monitoring to enlist theservices of fearsome DragonDuncan Bannatyne as a patron,after he complimented the charityon Twitter. Another exampleillustrated what happens whenbrands don’t monitor social mediaafter 10% was wiped off the valueof United Airlines stock followingthe runaway success of a
disgruntled customer’s You Tubevideo, “United breaks guitars.”
webbactivemedia also revealedresearch that indicates that “socialshares” of web site contentcorrelate to higher rankings on themajor search engine Google,providing another reason thatbusinesses must take social mediaseriously.
Building social media into yourmarketing strategy is a low cost,low risk way to raise awareness,generate leads, conduct marketresearch and protect yourreputation on-line. A simpleprocess of content creation,promotion and monitoring will allowany business to start seeingreturns. A follow up event isplanned to deal with the nitty grittyof social media management forbusiness. Contact the Chamber formore details.
Words by: webbactivemedia’sJeremy Webb
The tools are different...the message the same
Record-breakingmonth for PCSPublic Contract Scotland(PCS), The ScottishGovernment’s flagshipprocurement portal, hasrecorded two significantmilestones this year.
A groundbreaking one millionpages were viewed in bothMarch and June –demonstrating the value of theportal to suppliers and buyersas Europe’s leading publicsector procurement website.
The free-to-use portal givesbusinesses a single point of
entry to Scottish public sectoropportunities – a market worth£9 billion annually. Since it waslaunched in 2008, over 55,000businesses and 350 Scottishpublic sector organisationshave registered and use theportal.
Latest figures show that sinceJune 2008, there have been2,210 Official Journal of theEuropean Union (OJEU) contractawards, 2,884 sub-threshold(lower value than OJEU notices)contract awards and 1,545Quick Quote awards. Quick
Quote is a facility to createonline requests for competitivequotes for low-value contractswhere an advert is not required.
With significant portaldevelopments scheduled forthis year, PCS is set to delivergreater-than-ever functionality toboth suppliers and buyers –making doing business with thepublic sector quicker, easierand more transparent.
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Rewarding you forchampioningyour ChamberWE want to recruit more members tostrengthen our business network andcreate more business opportunities foryou.
We’re asking you to help by referringcompanies you know to us. When they join,we’ll reward you with a choice of free offers anddiscounts to help your business. Choose from:• A free ticket to our Annual Dinner or the
Ayrshire Business Awards Dinner• 50% off a full page advert in this magazine• 50% off your annual membership (conditions
apply)Plus, when you refer more than 3 new
members, you’ll be entered for the ChamberChampion Award.
Craig Stevenson from Cookschool Scotlandwas our first referral that resulted in HendrieBros. joining the Chamber. Craig explains, ‘Thereferral was initiated through a conversationthat rural communities should be engaging withall types of industries not just the farmingindustry.
Farming is like every other business as itinvolves buying, selling, profit making andmarketing; everything Ayrshire Chambersstands for.’
Thanks to all our members who promote theChamber, we look forward to many morereferrals.
A credit for our service AS our company, SimpsInns Ltd., continues toexpand we were looking for a new provider forour Merchant Services. As an active member ofthe Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce we decidedto take advantage of the member services.Through introduction via the Chamber we madecontact with First Data, who in turn werecontracted for all our Merchant Services work.
We found the process straightforward and ouraccount manager was always on hand to help with anyqueries, which invariably were always solved swiftly.The transition process was seamless - crucial for ourbusiness - as we rely on this technology on a dailybasis.
We have built up an excellent working relationship withour account manager, who understands our individualbusiness needs and advises us accordingly.Technological advances in this area are swift andthankfully we are kept up to date with new products thatmay be of interest and beneficial to our business.
We are in the process of updating all our terminals toenhance transaction processing time, which can onlyimprove our customers’ experience, not to mentionfurther reduce costs in the future. Controlling costs isvital for any business and we have found First Datacompetitive with their costs and straight forward withtheir pricing structure.
In these days of heightened credit card security, it isalso reassuring to know we are dealing with a reputablecompany who are PCI DSS compliant - a genuinesafeguard for our business.
As SimpsInns continues to grow and evolve we aredelighted to continue and develop our relationship withthe Ayrshire Chamber and would recommend others toinvestigate for themselves the potential benefits ofbeing a member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
Gill Campbell, Operations Director, SimpsInns Ltd.
6 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
7your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Word of Mouse!You can’t have missed the newmarketing buzzword - “SocialMedia.” The term is appearingeverywhere and “social media”has been credited foreverything from making ayoung cancer victim’s dreamscome true through to topplinggovernments and inciting riots.
As the number of Facebook usersapproached 1 billion, the AyrshireChamber partnered withwebbactivemedia’s Jeremy Webb topresent a information packedworkshop to help businesses gaina competitive advantage fromsocial media.
Social media encompasses ahuge range of on-line services,including the most popular oneslike Facebook,Twitter and Linkedin.Each share a key trait in that they facilitate an exchange of information between theconnections of a network that youcurate. If this sounds familiar, it is- your life contains just such socialnetworks of friends, colleagues and family which thrive on
predominantly word of mouthcommunication. Digital socialnetworks leverage the power of theword of mouse, allowing you toconnect with and influence a largenetwork of past customers,potential customers and otherstakeholders.
Digital social networks reducethe friction in sharing, but they alsohave a another key benefit - socialmedia networks can be searched inreal time. Businesses can monitorfor brand mentions or other keyphrases that enable them toidentify and connect with potentialcustomers or conduct valuablemarket research. As a Trustee of the charity “Forces Children’sTrust” Jeremy shared how he usedsuch monitoring to enlist theservices of fearsome DragonDuncan Bannatyne as a patron,after he complimented the charityon Twitter. Another exampleillustrated what happens whenbrands don’t monitor social mediaafter 10% was wiped off the valueof United Airlines stock followingthe runaway success of a
disgruntled customer’s You Tubevideo, “United breaks guitars.”
webbactivemedia also revealedresearch that indicates that “socialshares” of web site contentcorrelate to higher rankings on themajor search engine Google,providing another reason thatbusinesses must take social mediaseriously.
Building social media into yourmarketing strategy is a low cost,low risk way to raise awareness,generate leads, conduct marketresearch and protect yourreputation on-line. A simpleprocess of content creation,promotion and monitoring will allowany business to start seeingreturns. A follow up event isplanned to deal with the nitty grittyof social media management forbusiness. Contact the Chamber formore details.
Words by: webbactivemedia’sJeremy Webb
The tools are different...the message the same
Record-breakingmonth for PCSPublic Contract Scotland(PCS), The ScottishGovernment’s flagshipprocurement portal, hasrecorded two significantmilestones this year.
A groundbreaking one millionpages were viewed in bothMarch and June –demonstrating the value of theportal to suppliers and buyersas Europe’s leading publicsector procurement website.
The free-to-use portal givesbusinesses a single point of
entry to Scottish public sectoropportunities – a market worth£9 billion annually. Since it waslaunched in 2008, over 55,000businesses and 350 Scottishpublic sector organisationshave registered and use theportal.
Latest figures show that sinceJune 2008, there have been2,210 Official Journal of theEuropean Union (OJEU) contractawards, 2,884 sub-threshold(lower value than OJEU notices)contract awards and 1,545Quick Quote awards. Quick
Quote is a facility to createonline requests for competitivequotes for low-value contractswhere an advert is not required.
With significant portaldevelopments scheduled forthis year, PCS is set to delivergreater-than-ever functionality toboth suppliers and buyers –making doing business with thepublic sector quicker, easierand more transparent.
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Rewarding you forchampioningyour ChamberWE want to recruit more members tostrengthen our business network andcreate more business opportunities foryou.
We’re asking you to help by referringcompanies you know to us. When they join,we’ll reward you with a choice of free offers anddiscounts to help your business. Choose from:• A free ticket to our Annual Dinner or the
Ayrshire Business Awards Dinner• 50% off a full page advert in this magazine• 50% off your annual membership (conditions
apply)Plus, when you refer more than 3 new
members, you’ll be entered for the ChamberChampion Award.
Craig Stevenson from Cookschool Scotlandwas our first referral that resulted in HendrieBros. joining the Chamber. Craig explains, ‘Thereferral was initiated through a conversationthat rural communities should be engaging withall types of industries not just the farmingindustry.
Farming is like every other business as itinvolves buying, selling, profit making andmarketing; everything Ayrshire Chambersstands for.’
Thanks to all our members who promote theChamber, we look forward to many morereferrals.
A credit for our service AS our company, SimpsInns Ltd., continues toexpand we were looking for a new provider forour Merchant Services. As an active member ofthe Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce we decidedto take advantage of the member services.Through introduction via the Chamber we madecontact with First Data, who in turn werecontracted for all our Merchant Services work.
We found the process straightforward and ouraccount manager was always on hand to help with anyqueries, which invariably were always solved swiftly.The transition process was seamless - crucial for ourbusiness - as we rely on this technology on a dailybasis.
We have built up an excellent working relationship withour account manager, who understands our individualbusiness needs and advises us accordingly.Technological advances in this area are swift andthankfully we are kept up to date with new products thatmay be of interest and beneficial to our business.
We are in the process of updating all our terminals toenhance transaction processing time, which can onlyimprove our customers’ experience, not to mentionfurther reduce costs in the future. Controlling costs isvital for any business and we have found First Datacompetitive with their costs and straight forward withtheir pricing structure.
In these days of heightened credit card security, it isalso reassuring to know we are dealing with a reputablecompany who are PCI DSS compliant - a genuinesafeguard for our business.
As SimpsInns continues to grow and evolve we aredelighted to continue and develop our relationship withthe Ayrshire Chamber and would recommend others toinvestigate for themselves the potential benefits ofbeing a member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
Gill Campbell, Operations Director, SimpsInns Ltd.
8 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
It has to be Eureka forSage productsFOR over 15 years, EastKilbride based EurekaSolutions really have proventhat if you are thinkingabout Sage software, theyare definitely the people totalk to.
Recent contract wins havebolstered the company’sreputation as one of the UK’sleading Sage Business Partnersin ERP, CRM, manufacturing andretail solutions.
Eureka’s recent wins includecompanies in the retail andwholesale industries such asLindy Electronics and TartanPlus, the Scottish souvenirretailer.
Lindy Electronics, amultinational wholesaler ofelectronic components, has itsUK base in Yorkshire. Eureka isto provide a new Sage 200system with integration to theirecommerce website.
Businesses will be able to findout much more about Sageproducts – and Eureka’s uniqueapproach – at an exciting
business show being held inEast Kilbride on 27th October.
Eureka360, the first show ofits kind, will include exhibitionsand seminars demonstratingbusiness solutions provided byEureka and their key businesspartners from throughout the UKand Ireland. This event willprovide information of vitalinterest to Scottish businessesas they plan for the future.
“Eureka is a long establishedSage Partner and areacknowledged as one of themost technically competent inthe UK - we are very proud ofthat,” explained managingdirector Alistair Livingstone.
“This coupled with our focuson customer service has beenkey part of our continuedgrowth.”
“Eureka360 will showcase arange of solutions we canprovide to make companies runmore efficiently on a day-to-daybasis and I would urgebusinesses across centralScotland to come along.”
Strictly FundraisingSCOTLAND’S children’s charityAberlour Child Care Trust is setto bring a night of glitz, glamourand live entertainment to Ayrwith the launch of Strictly ComePrancing.
Ten local couples, including ourvery own Deputy Chief Executive ValRussell, will take to the floor toperform and compete for the title ofStrictly Come Prancing Champions2011, at The Princess Royal Suite,Ayr Racecourse in November.
Guests will enjoy a champagnereception, three-course meal and alive floorshow from the great andgood of Ayrshire, with all moneyraised going to Aberlour, the largestsolely Scottish children’s charitywhich runs over 40 services acrossScotland.
Funds raised are set to benefitlocal service Ardfin Road inPrestwick, which provides short-break respite care and generalsupport services for children
affected by a range of learning andphysical disabilities.
Val Russell said “I am a huge fanof Strictly, therefore am expecting afew tears as well as laughter but it’sall in a great cause.
“The Chamber is delighted tosupport Aberlour, who are members,in this new fundraising venture andwould urge others to either sponsor
a dancer or come along and see usin action on 12th November.”
To support this event, tickets arepriced £50, tiered sponsorshippackages are available andcorporate auction/raffle donationswill receive recognition andpromotion, please call 0845 0990959. Or why not sponsor Val athttp://justgiving.com/ValRussell2
8 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
It has to be Eureka forSage productsFOR over 15 years, EastKilbride based EurekaSolutions really have proventhat if you are thinkingabout Sage software, theyare definitely the people totalk to.
Recent contract wins havebolstered the company’sreputation as one of the UK’sleading Sage Business Partnersin ERP, CRM, manufacturing andretail solutions.
Eureka’s recent wins includecompanies in the retail andwholesale industries such asLindy Electronics and TartanPlus, the Scottish souvenirretailer.
Lindy Electronics, amultinational wholesaler ofelectronic components, has itsUK base in Yorkshire. Eureka isto provide a new Sage 200system with integration to theirecommerce website.
Businesses will be able to findout much more about Sageproducts – and Eureka’s uniqueapproach – at an exciting
business show being held inEast Kilbride on 27th October.
Eureka360, the first show ofits kind, will include exhibitionsand seminars demonstratingbusiness solutions provided byEureka and their key businesspartners from throughout the UKand Ireland. This event willprovide information of vitalinterest to Scottish businessesas they plan for the future.
“Eureka is a long establishedSage Partner and areacknowledged as one of themost technically competent inthe UK - we are very proud ofthat,” explained managingdirector Alistair Livingstone.
“This coupled with our focuson customer service has beenkey part of our continuedgrowth.”
“Eureka360 will showcase arange of solutions we canprovide to make companies runmore efficiently on a day-to-daybasis and I would urgebusinesses across centralScotland to come along.”
Strictly FundraisingSCOTLAND’S children’s charityAberlour Child Care Trust is setto bring a night of glitz, glamourand live entertainment to Ayrwith the launch of Strictly ComePrancing.
Ten local couples, including ourvery own Deputy Chief Executive ValRussell, will take to the floor toperform and compete for the title ofStrictly Come Prancing Champions2011, at The Princess Royal Suite,Ayr Racecourse in November.
Guests will enjoy a champagnereception, three-course meal and alive floorshow from the great andgood of Ayrshire, with all moneyraised going to Aberlour, the largestsolely Scottish children’s charitywhich runs over 40 services acrossScotland.
Funds raised are set to benefitlocal service Ardfin Road inPrestwick, which provides short-break respite care and generalsupport services for children
affected by a range of learning andphysical disabilities.
Val Russell said “I am a huge fanof Strictly, therefore am expecting afew tears as well as laughter but it’sall in a great cause.
“The Chamber is delighted tosupport Aberlour, who are members,in this new fundraising venture andwould urge others to either sponsor
a dancer or come along and see usin action on 12th November.”
To support this event, tickets arepriced £50, tiered sponsorshippackages are available andcorporate auction/raffle donationswill receive recognition andpromotion, please call 0845 0990959. Or why not sponsor Val athttp://justgiving.com/ValRussell2
10 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Food for ThoughtFOLLOWING a rigorous review oftheir restaurants’ offerings,Heads of Ayr Farm Park’s newmenu has been recognised witha Healthy Living Award, which ismanaged and delivered by theScottish Consumer Council andfunded by the ScottishGovernment.
In conjunction with the Farm Parkowners, Craig and Edna Rankin, HeadChef Scott Mulveny carried out athorough review of the menus onoffer within the Park because as EdnaRankin explains; “We are a facilitywhich attracts thousands of youngfamilies each year, and many of themeat within our restaurants. Therefore,when we were made aware of thisinitiative, we felt it was ourresponsibility to ensure that we weredoing our utmost to provide a choiceof healthy, tasty and affordable
options for all members of the family.To that end, we have introduced avariety of dishes including homemadesoup, salads, baked potatoes andsandwiches all using local produceand suppliers whenever possible.”
An integral part of the Scottish
Government’s Healthy Livingcampaign, the Healthy Living Award isa national award for the foodservicesector in Scotland that rewardscaterers who make it easier for theircustomers to eat healthily wheneating out.
Success in thepublic sector minefieldIRVINE based company, TasteeeCatering Services, shows nosigns of slowing its ambitiousgrowth strategy. Havingstrengthened its procurementpractices by attending a trainingprogramme provided by the NorthAyrshire Council, the cateringfirm has recently successfullywon two highly sought-afterpublic sector contracts.
Having been awarded the cateringcontracts for both Eastwood ParkLeisure and Theatre cafe andBarrhead Sports Centre in EastRenfrewshire, Craig Denholm, MD ofTasteee Catering Services, attests hissuccess in part to the effective adviceprovided by the team at the NorthAyrshire Council Tendering Supportprogramme.
“I’d become increasingly conscious
of the potential opportunities withinthe public sector for cateringcompanies and wanted to invigorateour approach to applicationmethodologies and processes as aresult. I attended the day longworkshop earlier this year, and foundit a thoroughly valuable experience.Guiding us through the tenderingprocess, the course explained thecurrent procurement landscape,providing invaluable tips andtechniques to consider whenresearching potential clients and theirprocurement strategies.
The team delivered fantasticsessions, preparing me for thetendering process and enabling me totake a more proactive approach inapplying for contracts whilesuccessfully tiptoeing through theminefield that is public sector contractprocurement,” Denholm continued.
Designed to strengthen andfacilitate growth, the TenderingWorkshop provided by the NorthAyrshire Council BusinessDevelopment department is one ofmany courses available to localbusinesses. The value of suchcourses has been praised by theChief Executive of Ayrshire Chamberof Commerce, Martin Cheyne,
“Ayrshire Chamber is delighted tonote that Tasteee Catering hasrecently won two large public sectorcontracts.
“Public sector procurement isalways a challenge for ChamberMembers but this is a prime exampleof the Chamber being able to supportits members both by providing trainingcourses and by providing networkingopportunities. Congratulations toCraig Denholm and his team.”
NHS rations ‘non-urgent’ surgeryHIP and knee replacements,tonsil removal and cataractssurgery are just a few of theoperations being rationed by theNHS in a bid to save money.
Research by GPonline.com showsthat two thirds of Primary CareTrusts (PCTs) are now limiting ‘non-urgent’ treatments as part of a driveto reduce costs in the NHS by £20billion over the next four years.
One in three of the 111 PCTsinvolved in the research have alsoexpanded the list of procedures thatthey will no longer fund, with someexpecting to save more than £1million by restricting referrals fromGPs.
This rationing is leading tosignificant changes such as hip andknee replacements only being carriedout where patients are in severe pain,cataracts operations being put onhold until a patient’s sight problemsare ‘substantially’ affecting theirability to work, and children onlyundergoing tonsil removal if they havesuffered from at least seven bouts oftonsillitis in a 12–month period.
With different PCTs rationingdifferent treatments, we are nowfaced with postcode lotteries inprovision.
According to negotiator for theBritish Medical Association’s GPsCommittee, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, theGovernment must devise aconsistent set of national standardsof ‘low priority’ treatments across theUK to solve this problem.
He said: “The problem withdifferent low-priority thresholds isthat they are often drawn up on thebasis of local interpretation ofevidence. Ultimately that is not fair topatients.
“Patients and the public recognisethat with limited resources we needto make the maximum health gainsand so there needs to beprioritisation. What is inequitable isthat different PCTs are applyingdifferent thresholds and criteria.”
Waiting for non-urgent operationscan be a long and stressful processand increasing restrictions ontreatment will make it even more so.
Westfield Health, official healthcash plan provider to the BCC,recognises the importance of havingquick and easy access to treatmentand surgery. The Chamber PrimaryHealth Plan provides access to arange of cash benefits and health &wellbeing services including dental,optical, physiotherapy, diagnostic
consultationsand scanning.
Westfield’sS u r g e r yChoices isalso availableas an add-onbenefit, givingpolicyholdersaccess to upto 60 differents u r g i c a lp roceduresnormally classed by the NHS as non-urgent and that typically have longwaiting periods. These can includeoperations for hip and kneeproblems, cataracts, varicose veins,slipped discs and hernias.
For just an extra £1.24 peremployee, per week, employers whopurchase the Chamber Plan can alsoprovide their staff with SurgeryChoices cover, giving them morechoice and control over their ownhealthcare and helping them toreturn to work sooner.
The Chamber Primary Health Planis available to all members ofAyrshire Chamber.
For more information about theChamber Plan, please visitwww.westfieldhealth.com/chamberor call 0845 602 1629
10 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Food for ThoughtFOLLOWING a rigorous review oftheir restaurants’ offerings,Heads of Ayr Farm Park’s newmenu has been recognised witha Healthy Living Award, which ismanaged and delivered by theScottish Consumer Council andfunded by the ScottishGovernment.
In conjunction with the Farm Parkowners, Craig and Edna Rankin, HeadChef Scott Mulveny carried out athorough review of the menus onoffer within the Park because as EdnaRankin explains; “We are a facilitywhich attracts thousands of youngfamilies each year, and many of themeat within our restaurants. Therefore,when we were made aware of thisinitiative, we felt it was ourresponsibility to ensure that we weredoing our utmost to provide a choiceof healthy, tasty and affordable
options for all members of the family.To that end, we have introduced avariety of dishes including homemadesoup, salads, baked potatoes andsandwiches all using local produceand suppliers whenever possible.”
An integral part of the Scottish
Government’s Healthy Livingcampaign, the Healthy Living Award isa national award for the foodservicesector in Scotland that rewardscaterers who make it easier for theircustomers to eat healthily wheneating out.
Success in thepublic sector minefieldIRVINE based company, TasteeeCatering Services, shows nosigns of slowing its ambitiousgrowth strategy. Havingstrengthened its procurementpractices by attending a trainingprogramme provided by the NorthAyrshire Council, the cateringfirm has recently successfullywon two highly sought-afterpublic sector contracts.
Having been awarded the cateringcontracts for both Eastwood ParkLeisure and Theatre cafe andBarrhead Sports Centre in EastRenfrewshire, Craig Denholm, MD ofTasteee Catering Services, attests hissuccess in part to the effective adviceprovided by the team at the NorthAyrshire Council Tendering Supportprogramme.
“I’d become increasingly conscious
of the potential opportunities withinthe public sector for cateringcompanies and wanted to invigorateour approach to applicationmethodologies and processes as aresult. I attended the day longworkshop earlier this year, and foundit a thoroughly valuable experience.Guiding us through the tenderingprocess, the course explained thecurrent procurement landscape,providing invaluable tips andtechniques to consider whenresearching potential clients and theirprocurement strategies.
The team delivered fantasticsessions, preparing me for thetendering process and enabling me totake a more proactive approach inapplying for contracts whilesuccessfully tiptoeing through theminefield that is public sector contractprocurement,” Denholm continued.
Designed to strengthen andfacilitate growth, the TenderingWorkshop provided by the NorthAyrshire Council BusinessDevelopment department is one ofmany courses available to localbusinesses. The value of suchcourses has been praised by theChief Executive of Ayrshire Chamberof Commerce, Martin Cheyne,
“Ayrshire Chamber is delighted tonote that Tasteee Catering hasrecently won two large public sectorcontracts.
“Public sector procurement isalways a challenge for ChamberMembers but this is a prime exampleof the Chamber being able to supportits members both by providing trainingcourses and by providing networkingopportunities. Congratulations toCraig Denholm and his team.”
NHS rations ‘non-urgent’ surgeryHIP and knee replacements,tonsil removal and cataractssurgery are just a few of theoperations being rationed by theNHS in a bid to save money.
Research by GPonline.com showsthat two thirds of Primary CareTrusts (PCTs) are now limiting ‘non-urgent’ treatments as part of a driveto reduce costs in the NHS by £20billion over the next four years.
One in three of the 111 PCTsinvolved in the research have alsoexpanded the list of procedures thatthey will no longer fund, with someexpecting to save more than £1million by restricting referrals fromGPs.
This rationing is leading tosignificant changes such as hip andknee replacements only being carriedout where patients are in severe pain,cataracts operations being put onhold until a patient’s sight problemsare ‘substantially’ affecting theirability to work, and children onlyundergoing tonsil removal if they havesuffered from at least seven bouts oftonsillitis in a 12–month period.
With different PCTs rationingdifferent treatments, we are nowfaced with postcode lotteries inprovision.
According to negotiator for theBritish Medical Association’s GPsCommittee, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, theGovernment must devise aconsistent set of national standardsof ‘low priority’ treatments across theUK to solve this problem.
He said: “The problem withdifferent low-priority thresholds isthat they are often drawn up on thebasis of local interpretation ofevidence. Ultimately that is not fair topatients.
“Patients and the public recognisethat with limited resources we needto make the maximum health gainsand so there needs to beprioritisation. What is inequitable isthat different PCTs are applyingdifferent thresholds and criteria.”
Waiting for non-urgent operationscan be a long and stressful processand increasing restrictions ontreatment will make it even more so.
Westfield Health, official healthcash plan provider to the BCC,recognises the importance of havingquick and easy access to treatmentand surgery. The Chamber PrimaryHealth Plan provides access to arange of cash benefits and health &wellbeing services including dental,optical, physiotherapy, diagnostic
consultationsand scanning.
Westfield’sS u r g e r yChoices isalso availableas an add-onbenefit, givingpolicyholdersaccess to upto 60 differents u r g i c a lp roceduresnormally classed by the NHS as non-urgent and that typically have longwaiting periods. These can includeoperations for hip and kneeproblems, cataracts, varicose veins,slipped discs and hernias.
For just an extra £1.24 peremployee, per week, employers whopurchase the Chamber Plan can alsoprovide their staff with SurgeryChoices cover, giving them morechoice and control over their ownhealthcare and helping them toreturn to work sooner.
The Chamber Primary Health Planis available to all members ofAyrshire Chamber.
For more information about theChamber Plan, please visitwww.westfieldhealth.com/chamberor call 0845 602 1629
13your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Innovation: A Scottish ClassicA SCHOOL project planted theseeds of an Ayrshire basedpublishing company, which hasmoved from paper based booksto developing a series ofScottish classic ebooks.
Giglets are currently adapting andillustrating classic texts and plan tokeep up with the revolution byreleasing two new titles everymonth. The stories are illustratedand retold in modern language.
The ebook revolution is onlyslowly catching on in Scotlandalthough globally it is moving at amuch faster pace. A growingnumber of people across the globeare embracing ebook technologyand carrying their reference textsand favourite novels around ontheir mobile device to readwhenever the mood takes them.
Managing Director, CraigJohnstone says: ‘Innovationcombined with skill and talent,drives the creative industries inScotland. We now have the scopeto create inventive original productsand launch them into a globalmarketplace. We’ll be relying on thecreative workforce available inScotland to develop and driveGiglets titles as ebook salescontinue to grow and out-performtraditional paper publishing.’
Five new Giglets ebooks havebeen published already and areavailable on all leading ebookstores. The Giglets team wasdelighted to see their first ebooksenter the ‘new and notable’ sectionin three categories on Itunes.
Tom Brodie-Browne says: ‘Wewere delighted with this initialsuccess. Our first titles were alladaptations of classic texts byScottish authors. It’s great to seeour home-grown creativitycombined with Scotland’s richliterary heritage result in productsthat appeal to consumers aroundthe world.’
www.giglets.net
Employers can gettraining cash andboost jobsEMPLOYERS across Scotland are being encouraged to takeon people who have struggled to find work in the pastthrough assistance from Skills Development Scotland(SDS).
The Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) is delivered by SDS,Scotland’s skills body, and offers businesses up to £2000 whenthey take on someone who has faced barriers to employment inthe past.
This year, SDS has widened the criteria to offer 6,000 additionalincentives to support businesses in Scotland to benefit from theERI. Among those who will now become eligible for the initiativeare individuals aged 18 years and over who have previously beenunemployed.
For further information, contact Frances Ridge, SDS ExternalCommunications Executive on 0141 285 6031 or 0779 868 2960
13your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Innovation: A Scottish ClassicA SCHOOL project planted theseeds of an Ayrshire basedpublishing company, which hasmoved from paper based booksto developing a series ofScottish classic ebooks.
Giglets are currently adapting andillustrating classic texts and plan tokeep up with the revolution byreleasing two new titles everymonth. The stories are illustratedand retold in modern language.
The ebook revolution is onlyslowly catching on in Scotlandalthough globally it is moving at amuch faster pace. A growingnumber of people across the globeare embracing ebook technologyand carrying their reference textsand favourite novels around ontheir mobile device to readwhenever the mood takes them.
Managing Director, CraigJohnstone says: ‘Innovationcombined with skill and talent,drives the creative industries inScotland. We now have the scopeto create inventive original productsand launch them into a globalmarketplace. We’ll be relying on thecreative workforce available inScotland to develop and driveGiglets titles as ebook salescontinue to grow and out-performtraditional paper publishing.’
Five new Giglets ebooks havebeen published already and areavailable on all leading ebookstores. The Giglets team wasdelighted to see their first ebooksenter the ‘new and notable’ sectionin three categories on Itunes.
Tom Brodie-Browne says: ‘Wewere delighted with this initialsuccess. Our first titles were alladaptations of classic texts byScottish authors. It’s great to seeour home-grown creativitycombined with Scotland’s richliterary heritage result in productsthat appeal to consumers aroundthe world.’
www.giglets.net
Employers can gettraining cash andboost jobsEMPLOYERS across Scotland are being encouraged to takeon people who have struggled to find work in the pastthrough assistance from Skills Development Scotland(SDS).
The Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) is delivered by SDS,Scotland’s skills body, and offers businesses up to £2000 whenthey take on someone who has faced barriers to employment inthe past.
This year, SDS has widened the criteria to offer 6,000 additionalincentives to support businesses in Scotland to benefit from theERI. Among those who will now become eligible for the initiativeare individuals aged 18 years and over who have previously beenunemployed.
For further information, contact Frances Ridge, SDS ExternalCommunications Executive on 0141 285 6031 or 0779 868 2960
15your ayrshire business autumn 2011
THE Ayrshire Food Network was founded on theprincipals of collaboration and connectivity andhas thrived over 8 years as a result. As proactive members of the Ayrshire & Arran ChamberTourism Partnership, we were pleased when an inclusivepan Ayrshire brand was developed. To show ourcommitment we publicly endorsed the brand, at thelaunch last October. This fortuitously timed perfectly withthe print of our 2011 brochure, so we adopted itimmediately. From the choice of alternative strap lines, “Just be connected” seemed a near ideal match. Happily, the brandcolours complemented our own, reflecting the land and sea.Reactions have been very positive, but more importantly, it has provided us with a core theme for internalcommunications and external audiences. No more so than in our communications within the impending Leaderproject TORE (Tastes of Rural Europe) transnational partners, and with domestic and international trade buyersat the successful Tourism Expo in Aberdeen.We consider the Brand to be inspirational. Let us all get behind it and put into practice the slogan.Howard Wilkinson, Chairperson - Ayrshire Food Network www.ayrshirefoodnetwork.co.ukalso embracing the brand arewww.thedouglashotel.co.uk/discover-arran andwww.renaissancerestorations.co.uk who have incorporated the brand into websites and marketing materials.Keep up the good work!
Ayrshire Food Networkbenefits from brand
Chamber event hits the spotTHE recent Chamber familybusiness event at the HorizonHotel was very enjoyable andinformative. I found bothMartin Stepek and GeorgeStevenson to be exceptionallygood speakers who made thesubject matter come alive inan amusing but informativeway. I was particularlypleased to be able to meetboth of them as I have heardso much about them.
Coming from a family businessbackground, I was already wellaware of the myriad of problemswhich can arise. Relationships inmy own family never reallyrecovered from years of feudingso I am keen to help others dealwith the emotional conflict and
differences of opinion which canescalate.
These differences may well leadto the disruption of familyrelationships and unsatisfactorybusiness strategies andprocedures, in some casesresulting in the downfall of thebusiness.
As a result of my experiences, Iam now qualified in WorkplaceMediation and Family Mediationand this leads naturally toeffective Family BusinessMediation.
If you would like to know more visit:www.glasgowindependentmediation.co.uk orwww.aliciasmithconsultancy.co.uk orcontact me on 07761237646 Words by Alicia Smith
15your ayrshire business autumn 2011
THE Ayrshire Food Network was founded on theprincipals of collaboration and connectivity andhas thrived over 8 years as a result. As proactive members of the Ayrshire & Arran ChamberTourism Partnership, we were pleased when an inclusivepan Ayrshire brand was developed. To show ourcommitment we publicly endorsed the brand, at thelaunch last October. This fortuitously timed perfectly withthe print of our 2011 brochure, so we adopted itimmediately. From the choice of alternative strap lines, “Just be connected” seemed a near ideal match. Happily, the brandcolours complemented our own, reflecting the land and sea.Reactions have been very positive, but more importantly, it has provided us with a core theme for internalcommunications and external audiences. No more so than in our communications within the impending Leaderproject TORE (Tastes of Rural Europe) transnational partners, and with domestic and international trade buyersat the successful Tourism Expo in Aberdeen.We consider the Brand to be inspirational. Let us all get behind it and put into practice the slogan.Howard Wilkinson, Chairperson - Ayrshire Food Network www.ayrshirefoodnetwork.co.ukalso embracing the brand arewww.thedouglashotel.co.uk/discover-arran andwww.renaissancerestorations.co.uk who have incorporated the brand into websites and marketing materials.Keep up the good work!
Ayrshire Food Networkbenefits from brand
Chamber event hits the spotTHE recent Chamber familybusiness event at the HorizonHotel was very enjoyable andinformative. I found bothMartin Stepek and GeorgeStevenson to be exceptionallygood speakers who made thesubject matter come alive inan amusing but informativeway. I was particularlypleased to be able to meetboth of them as I have heardso much about them.
Coming from a family businessbackground, I was already wellaware of the myriad of problemswhich can arise. Relationships inmy own family never reallyrecovered from years of feudingso I am keen to help others dealwith the emotional conflict and
differences of opinion which canescalate.
These differences may well leadto the disruption of familyrelationships and unsatisfactorybusiness strategies andprocedures, in some casesresulting in the downfall of thebusiness.
As a result of my experiences, Iam now qualified in WorkplaceMediation and Family Mediationand this leads naturally toeffective Family BusinessMediation.
If you would like to know more visit:www.glasgowindependentmediation.co.uk orwww.aliciasmithconsultancy.co.uk orcontact me on 07761237646 Words by Alicia Smith
16 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
17your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Get ahead, get a student!DO you have a short term project you needprogressed within your business? Maybewebsite development, strategy review, productdesign, marketing implementation – the list isendless. An exciting new partnership betweenthe Scottish Chambers of Commerce, theAlliance of Sector Skills Councils Scotland anda consortium of educational establishmentscan help you tap into the expertise of anambitious, enthusiastic student to suit yourproject needs. Education into Enterprise, abusiness-led student work placementprogramme, can help you get ahead.
As employers know, there are many workplacement schemes to choose from and finding theright one for the business can be time consumingand even confusing; so we’ll help to put EiE intoperspective:• The emphasis of this programme is for the host
employer to lead on the length, location and timingof the placement to best suit the businessrequirements.
• A website will be available for employers to registerplacement details and for students to register theirskills and availability. Dedicated Work PlacementCo-ordinators, based at each college/university,will work closely with employers to place the mostsuited students. If your project is applicable to theskills available, you will receive a shortlist ofcandidates to interview.
• Working closely with the student and the EiE team,the employer will be assisted in translating the
business requirement into a defined project withmeasurable outcomes. Typical project duration willbe 30-90 days
• Students participating in the programme within theAyrshire area will come from James Watt College.Many of the courses within the college will beparticipating in the programme, providingemployers with students studying from HNC levelup to Degree level.
• Host employers would pay only reasonableexpenses incurred e.g. travel. A key focus of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce
(SCC) will be to ensure our Chambers’ members areintroduced to the initiative, and their needs managedeffectively, should they wish to take advantage ofboth the student and the EiE team resourceavailable. SCC involvement in the programme isbeing managed by Fiona McCann. Fiona comes tothe SCC with many years of business experience andis using this to ensure that the business voice isheard within the ongoing delivery of the programme.
The main drive for registering student availabilityis commencing now as students start a newacademic year. Employers will be invited to registerplacement opportunities from October 2011.Should any employer wish more information on EiE,or wish to register interest in participating, pleasecontact Fiona directly at:
RIDDOR Reporting UpdatePLANNED change forreporting work relatedinjuries and incidents underRIDDOR 95From 12 September 2011,the system for all reportablework-related injuries andincidents under RIDDOR (theReporting of Injuries,Diseases and DangerousOccurrences Regulations1995) will move to apredominantly online system,with a suite of seven forms
available on HSE's websiteto make the statutoryreporting process quick andeasy.
Presently more than half ofreportable injuries are alreadynotified to HSE through thewebsite and this proportion hasbeen increasing steadily overrecent years. Taking advantageof the growing use of theinternet allows HSE to be moreefficient in the way it works.
Businesses and members ofthe public seeking information
and official guidance on healthand safety can use HSE'swebsite, www.hse.gov.uk whichfeatures information on themost frequent health and safetyenquiries such as those onRIDDOR reporting, First Aid andthe health and safetyresponsibilities of newbusinesses.
If you need help with yourhealth and safety issues pleasecontact qdos 01455 852028 oremail [email protected]
Burns Monument CentreThis spectacular new buildingsituated in Kilmarnock’s Kay Parkis a major asset to East Ayrshire,and Scotland. Rising out of theashes of a fire that almostdestroyed the renowned WGStevenson statue of Burns and thefamous monument, Alex Salmondsaid “The creation of the centreinvolved snatching triumph out ofdisaster” and the idea of housingfamily, local history, archives andregistration services under one roofwas “an act of genius”.The Burns Monument Centre boasts an85 seat state-of-the-art, fully equippedauditorium, the Robert Burns Suite,designed for use as a Civil Ceremony orConference Suite, making the BurnsMonument Centre a spectacular venuein which to hold weddings or otherceremonies. An attractively designedand flexible space, it can be tailored tosuit individual needs. It has hosted awide variety of high profile eventsincluding Imprint, East Ayrshire’s annualBook Festival.The Burns Monument Centre is the firstcustombuilt venue in Scotland designedto make it easy to trace your family treeand to place that information in a local
context. You can come into the centreknowing only your own birth date andcome out with a printed family tree chartshowing who your ancestors were,where they were born, were married,lived and died. Importantly however, youcan also get the information that locateswhere they are buried and through thelocal history and archives services thecontextual information that gives apicture of what their lives were like.Services provided in the BurnsMonument Centre:• Registration of Births, Deaths and
Marriages• Family and local history services• Archives services
• Conference centre• Venue for civil weddings and
ceremonies• The Robert Burns Suite and Meeting
rooms can be hired out for privateconferences
• BMC houses a Burns Collectionconsisting of 1500 volumes whichcontain poetry, songs, letters andinformation on Burns’s associationwith Ayrshire
• BMC houses archives (stored to BS5454) which have been previouslyscattered across Ayrshire.
For more information visitwww.burnsmonumentcentre.com
16 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
17your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Get ahead, get a student!DO you have a short term project you needprogressed within your business? Maybewebsite development, strategy review, productdesign, marketing implementation – the list isendless. An exciting new partnership betweenthe Scottish Chambers of Commerce, theAlliance of Sector Skills Councils Scotland anda consortium of educational establishmentscan help you tap into the expertise of anambitious, enthusiastic student to suit yourproject needs. Education into Enterprise, abusiness-led student work placementprogramme, can help you get ahead.
As employers know, there are many workplacement schemes to choose from and finding theright one for the business can be time consumingand even confusing; so we’ll help to put EiE intoperspective:• The emphasis of this programme is for the host
employer to lead on the length, location and timingof the placement to best suit the businessrequirements.
• A website will be available for employers to registerplacement details and for students to register theirskills and availability. Dedicated Work PlacementCo-ordinators, based at each college/university,will work closely with employers to place the mostsuited students. If your project is applicable to theskills available, you will receive a shortlist ofcandidates to interview.
• Working closely with the student and the EiE team,the employer will be assisted in translating the
business requirement into a defined project withmeasurable outcomes. Typical project duration willbe 30-90 days
• Students participating in the programme within theAyrshire area will come from James Watt College.Many of the courses within the college will beparticipating in the programme, providingemployers with students studying from HNC levelup to Degree level.
• Host employers would pay only reasonableexpenses incurred e.g. travel. A key focus of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce
(SCC) will be to ensure our Chambers’ members areintroduced to the initiative, and their needs managedeffectively, should they wish to take advantage ofboth the student and the EiE team resourceavailable. SCC involvement in the programme isbeing managed by Fiona McCann. Fiona comes tothe SCC with many years of business experience andis using this to ensure that the business voice isheard within the ongoing delivery of the programme.
The main drive for registering student availabilityis commencing now as students start a newacademic year. Employers will be invited to registerplacement opportunities from October 2011.Should any employer wish more information on EiE,or wish to register interest in participating, pleasecontact Fiona directly at:
RIDDOR Reporting UpdatePLANNED change forreporting work relatedinjuries and incidents underRIDDOR 95From 12 September 2011,the system for all reportablework-related injuries andincidents under RIDDOR (theReporting of Injuries,Diseases and DangerousOccurrences Regulations1995) will move to apredominantly online system,with a suite of seven forms
available on HSE's websiteto make the statutoryreporting process quick andeasy.
Presently more than half ofreportable injuries are alreadynotified to HSE through thewebsite and this proportion hasbeen increasing steadily overrecent years. Taking advantageof the growing use of theinternet allows HSE to be moreefficient in the way it works.
Businesses and members ofthe public seeking information
and official guidance on healthand safety can use HSE'swebsite, www.hse.gov.uk whichfeatures information on themost frequent health and safetyenquiries such as those onRIDDOR reporting, First Aid andthe health and safetyresponsibilities of newbusinesses.
If you need help with yourhealth and safety issues pleasecontact qdos 01455 852028 oremail [email protected]
Burns Monument CentreThis spectacular new buildingsituated in Kilmarnock’s Kay Parkis a major asset to East Ayrshire,and Scotland. Rising out of theashes of a fire that almostdestroyed the renowned WGStevenson statue of Burns and thefamous monument, Alex Salmondsaid “The creation of the centreinvolved snatching triumph out ofdisaster” and the idea of housingfamily, local history, archives andregistration services under one roofwas “an act of genius”.The Burns Monument Centre boasts an85 seat state-of-the-art, fully equippedauditorium, the Robert Burns Suite,designed for use as a Civil Ceremony orConference Suite, making the BurnsMonument Centre a spectacular venuein which to hold weddings or otherceremonies. An attractively designedand flexible space, it can be tailored tosuit individual needs. It has hosted awide variety of high profile eventsincluding Imprint, East Ayrshire’s annualBook Festival.The Burns Monument Centre is the firstcustom-built venue in Scotland designedto make it easy to trace your family treeand to place that information in a local
context. You can come into the centreknowing only your own birth date andcome out with a printed family tree chartshowing who your ancestors were,where they were born, were married,lived and died. Importantly however, youcan also get the information that locateswhere they are buried and through thelocal history and archives services thecontextual information that gives apicture of what their lives were like.Services provided in the BurnsMonument Centre:• Registration of Births, Deaths and
Marriages• Family and local history services• Archives services
• Conference centre• Venue for civil weddings and
ceremonies• The Robert Burns Suite and Meeting
rooms can be hired out for privateconferences
• BMC houses a Burns Collectionconsisting of 1500 volumes whichcontain poetry, songs, letters andinformation on Burns’s associationwith Ayrshire
• BMC houses archives (stored to BS5454) which have been previouslyscattered across Ayrshire.
For more information visitwww.burnsmonumentcentre.com
19your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Communication is the keyA THIRD of UK businessmanagers will sack serviceproviders who they feel neglector ignore them, according toresearch published by customercommunication experts PitneyBowes.
Lack of communication was thekey issue prompting customers tofind alternative suppliers; nearly athird of respondents saying theyaren’t told about updates anddevelopments, while more than aquarter found it difficult to getanswers from call centre employees.
Phil Hutchinson, Pitney BowesTactical Marketing Director, said:
“It’s essential for small andmedium business enterprises toprotect their existing customer basein the current economic climate,where business owners areconstantly forced to consider their costs.”
Many business managers felt theefforts of their service providers,including office suppliers, IT supportservices and printing, were skewedtowards customer acquisition ratherthan customer retention.
“Winning new business can bemore expensive than retainingexisting customers, which not only
provides stability but can also lead toimpressive growth,” Hutchinsonadded.
According to the findings, smalland medium businesses includingoffice suppliers, printing and ITsupport services are most at risk ofcustomer churn according to thefindings, while law firms – who havecommunications at their core – wereleast at risk.
Hutchinson believes there are fivesimple ways to dramaticallydecrease customer churn andnurture existing customers:
1. Make your existing customersfeel special with loyalty deals andsales, throwing in a freebie from timeto time to thank them for theirbusiness and calling or mailing themto tell them the good news. A majorcomplaint of existing customers isthat special offers and freebies areonly offered to new clients.
2. Ensure internal communicationis a high priority; often small andmedium businesses see little valuein this area because it isn’tcustomer-facing, but in fact sharingcustomer data appropriately in anybusiness can open up obvious cross-and up-selling opportunities basedon the past behaviours of existingclients.
3. Find out straight away how theyprefer to be contacted. If they don’twant to be called on the phone, thendon’t call them – they could end upfiring you just to get some peace. Ifit’s mail or e-mail they’re after, makesure yours are personalised andstand out from the crowd.
4. Make sure your sales and callcentre staff know what they’retalking about: and understand theimportance of existing clients. Oftenthe first point of contact, an unhelpfulphone call or incorrect information can lose you a lucrative client.
5. If you do lose a customer, findout why they left and offer to makeamends but do it tactfully. Know theirname, their business and how longthey’ve been with your company.Make it personal and send a smallgift and note thanking them for theduration of their business with you.
Hutchinson said, “Alternativeservice providers and suppliers areonly a phone call or mouse-click awayfor those businesses unhappy withhow they are being treated, so it paysto nurture the customers you alreadyhave.”
www.pitneybowes.co.uk(article by Michelle Fowler, Senior
Account Executive, Lucre)
Chamber Golf Challenge 2011West Kilbride Golf ClubOVER 40 golfers were ready toGET TEED OFF, as theygathered at the picturesqueWest Kilbride Golf Club, for acompetitive round of golf inteams of 4, for a Stablefordcompetition.
The sun shone all day providingexcellent golfing conditions, for ourgolfers, along with spectacularviews of the Ayrshire Coast fromthe fairways!
After a great lunch in the clubhouse, the all important prize givingrevealed the winning team, to beIvory Solutions Ltd, on 51 points,they were presented with a trophysponsored by Reids Trophies, 4ball at the famous Kintyre Course,sponsored by the Westin Turnberry
Resort and golf bag and clubssponsored by Amer Sport , Ltd.
In close second place, also with51 points was Stellar UK Ltd,beaten on a count down at the finalhole, and O’ Neil Gas Servicespicked up the third team place.Individual prizes went to GaryWallace of Fortress Security Ltd forlongest drive and nearest the pin,was Mark Raymond, also ofFortress Security Ltd.
Prize and hole sponsors includeMurphy Financial, The PinewoodRestaurant, Everything Everywhere,The Waterside Hotel, AtlasCommunications, AyrshireBusiness in the Community,Fortress Security Ltd, Adcraft Ltd,Reid Trophies, Westfield Health,Spirit Aero Systems , Stellar UK,Dewar Rattray, and West KilbrideGolf Course.
19your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Communication is the keyA THIRD of UK businessmanagers will sack serviceproviders who they feel neglector ignore them, according toresearch published by customercommunication experts PitneyBowes.
Lack of communication was thekey issue prompting customers tofind alternative suppliers; nearly athird of respondents saying theyaren’t told about updates anddevelopments, while more than aquarter found it difficult to getanswers from call centre employees.
Phil Hutchinson, Pitney BowesTactical Marketing Director, said:
“It’s essential for small andmedium business enterprises toprotect their existing customer basein the current economic climate,where business owners areconstantly forced to consider their costs.”
Many business managers felt theefforts of their service providers,including office suppliers, IT supportservices and printing, were skewedtowards customer acquisition ratherthan customer retention.
“Winning new business can bemore expensive than retainingexisting customers, which not only
provides stability but can also lead toimpressive growth,” Hutchinsonadded.
According to the findings, smalland medium businesses includingoffice suppliers, printing and ITsupport services are most at risk ofcustomer churn according to thefindings, while law firms – who havecommunications at their core – wereleast at risk.
Hutchinson believes there are fivesimple ways to dramaticallydecrease customer churn andnurture existing customers:
1. Make your existing customersfeel special with loyalty deals andsales, throwing in a freebie from timeto time to thank them for theirbusiness and calling or mailing themto tell them the good news. A majorcomplaint of existing customers isthat special offers and freebies areonly offered to new clients.
2. Ensure internal communicationis a high priority; often small andmedium businesses see little valuein this area because it isn’tcustomer-facing, but in fact sharingcustomer data appropriately in anybusiness can open up obvious cross-and up-selling opportunities basedon the past behaviours of existingclients.
3. Find out straight away how theyprefer to be contacted. If they don’twant to be called on the phone, thendon’t call them – they could end upfiring you just to get some peace. Ifit’s mail or e-mail they’re after, makesure yours are personalised andstand out from the crowd.
4. Make sure your sales and callcentre staff know what they’retalking about: and understand theimportance of existing clients. Oftenthe first point of contact, an unhelpfulphone call or incorrect information can lose you a lucrative client.
5. If you do lose a customer, findout why they left and offer to makeamends but do it tactfully. Know theirname, their business and how longthey’ve been with your company.Make it personal and send a smallgift and note thanking them for theduration of their business with you.
Hutchinson said, “Alternativeservice providers and suppliers areonly a phone call or mouse-click awayfor those businesses unhappy withhow they are being treated, so it paysto nurture the customers you alreadyhave.”
www.pitneybowes.co.uk(article by Michelle Fowler, Senior
Account Executive, Lucre)
Chamber Golf Challenge 2011West Kilbride Golf ClubOVER 40 golfers were ready toGET TEED OFF, as theygathered at the picturesqueWest Kilbride Golf Club, for acompetitive round of golf inteams of 4, for a Stablefordcompetition.
The sun shone all day providingexcellent golfing conditions, for ourgolfers, along with spectacularviews of the Ayrshire Coast fromthe fairways!
After a great lunch in the clubhouse, the all important prize givingrevealed the winning team, to beIvory Solutions Ltd, on 51 points,they were presented with a trophysponsored by Reids Trophies, 4ball at the famous Kintyre Course,sponsored by the Westin Turnberry
Resort and golf bag and clubssponsored by Amer Sport , Ltd.
In close second place, also with51 points was Stellar UK Ltd,beaten on a count down at the finalhole, and O’ Neil Gas Servicespicked up the third team place.Individual prizes went to GaryWallace of Fortress Security Ltd forlongest drive and nearest the pin,was Mark Raymond, also ofFortress Security Ltd.
Prize and hole sponsors includeMurphy Financial, The PinewoodRestaurant, Everything Everywhere,The Waterside Hotel, AtlasCommunications, AyrshireBusiness in the Community,Fortress Security Ltd, Adcraft Ltd,Reid Trophies, Westfield Health,Spirit Aero Systems , Stellar UK,Dewar Rattray, and West KilbrideGolf Course.
20 your ayrshire business autumn 2011 21your ayrshire business autumn 2011
SUICIDE. DON’T HIDE IT.TALK ABOUT IT.“SUICIDE. Don’t Hide it. Talkabout it”. That’s the messageChoose Life is sending out topeople in Ayrshire to markSuicide Prevention Week (5-11th September).
Every day, two people take theirown lives in Scotland and it is thebiggest killer of young people. In 2010 , 46 people in Ayrshire losttheir life to suicide, leaving behind atrail of devastation and unansweredquestions.
To help tackle this issue, anationwide campaign consisting ofradio and online advertising launchedduring Suicide Prevention Week.
The message is simple: if you arefeeling suicidal, call a helpline suchas Breathing Space or Samaritans, ortalk to someone you trust. If you areworried about someone please takethe time to talk to them. Just talking
can make a difference.Choose Life Co-ordinators from
North, South and East Ayrshire say “We hope to reduce the stigma and
myths that surround suicide and givepeople the confidence to talk aboutthe issue and not ignore it”
The campaign is part of the work ofChoose Life, Scotland’s nationalstrategy and action plan to preventsuicide.
Since the launch of the strategy in2002, Choose Life in Ayrshire hasworked hard to raise awareness ofsuicide prevention and offer training(safeTALK, ASIST and STORM) andawareness raising for communities,workplaces and organisations. If youwant to find out more about thesetraining opportunities please contactyour local Choose Life Co-ordinator:
North Ayrshire 01294 475954 South Ayrshire 01292 513989East Ayrshire 01563 576717
Or phone the training co-ordinationteam on 01560 826 243 for bookinginformation
If you are feeling suicidal orsuspect that someone you know isconsidering suicide, there are anumber of helplines to contact:
- Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90- Breathing Space: 0800 83 8587
(Mon – Thurs 6pm-2am; Weekends:Fri 6pm – Mon 6am)
- ChildLine: 0800 11 11- Copeline: 0800 056 81 81- National Debt line: 0808 8084000 (Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm, Sat
9.30 – 1pm)Or if you have been bereaved by
suicide contact Touched by Suicide01294 229087
For more information about howyou can involved with Choose Lifevisit www.chooselife.net
SUICIDE. DON’T HIDE IT. TALKABOUT IT
Suicide Prevention Week across Ayrshire
Free advice to drive downyour costs IN today’s competitivebusiness environment it isvital to reduce costs toincrease profitability. One wayof achieving this is by usingenergy and resources moreefficiently.
The local Energy SavingScotland advice centre, based atAuchincruive, can provide apackage of free services to assistyou in identifying potentialsavings. Furthermore there areinterest free loans available tosupport you in taking forward anyrecommendations. The loans arefunded by the ScottishGovernment and TransportScotland.
The services include:• Free in-depth energy audits –
(for businesses with energy billsless than £30,000p.a.) you will
receive a half day consultancyon site followed by acomprehensive report detailingpotential savings ;
• Transport reviews – you willreceive consultancy from atransport specialist to identifycost saving measures followedby a comprehensive report ofrecommendations;
• Fuel efficient driver training – theadvice centre can organisetraining for a heavily subsidisedrate of only £10 (excluding VAT)per person. After training youcould save as much as twomonths’ worth of fuel in a year.
• Employee awareness training –the advice centre can help youto promote energy efficiency andsustainable transport toemployees throughpresentations, leaflets andnewsletter articles. This is an
effective way for a business todemonstrate its corporateresponsibility to its workforce aswell as motivating staff.
Laura MacAulay, MarketingManager for the advice centresaid, “The continuing rise inenergy and fuel prices is makingit more expensive for all of us todeliver services. We can providelocal businesses with a tailoredpackage of free advice services tohelp address this issue andhopefully show a positive impacton their balance sheet.”
To find out more about the services and financial support available call Laura on 0800 512 012 or [email protected]
Don’t let conflictget out of handTHE Scottish Mediation Helpline(SMH) is set up to provide thepublic with a simple, low costway of resolving a wide range ofdisputes. The SMH answersgeneral enquiries aboutmediation and puts parties incontact with a mediator.
What is Mediation?Mediation is an effective way of
resolving disputes without going tocourt. It involves an independentmediator who helps both partiesagree a solution to their problem.
Who are the Mediators?The Scottish Mediation Helpline
mediators are all members of theScottish Mediation Register andmeet the benchmark standards of
the Scottish Mediation RegisterStandards Board.
Finding you a Mediator • You can either call us directly on
0131 556 8118 or [email protected]
• Your contact details will be takenand we will refer you to one of theapproved mediators local to you.
• They will contact you to discussyour dispute and, if all partiesagree to proceed with mediation,they will arrange a time and placefor the mediation.
• If a claim about a dispute hasbeen issued by the Court you mustinform the Court in writing, that thedispute is going to be mediated.
The Costs of MediationMediation can be cheaper than
litigation and takes less time for anoutcome to be reached. Parties candiscuss issues early on before legalcosts escalate. Taking a case toCourt can take months and involvesconsiderable legal expense. Therecan be extra costs for reading courtdocuments, consulting lawyers andattending court. The Court chargesfor enforcing settle¬ments and thereis no guarantee that theenforcement will be effective. Incontrast, Helpline mediations aretime-limited, meaning that costs arealso limited.
What do I do now?Call us on 0131 556 8118 or
20 your ayrshire business autumn 2011 21your ayrshire business autumn 2011
SUICIDE. DON’T HIDE IT.TALK ABOUT IT.“SUICIDE. Don’t Hide it. Talkabout it”. That’s the messageChoose Life is sending out topeople in Ayrshire to markSuicide Prevention Week (5-11th September).Every day, two people take their ownlives in Scotland and it is the biggestkiller of young people.In 2010 , 46 people in Ayrshire losttheir life to suicide, leaving behind atrail of devastation and unansweredquestions.To help tackle this issue, anationwide campaign consisting ofradio and online advertising launchedduring Suicide Prevention Week. The message is simple: if you arefeeling suicidal, call a helpline suchas Breathing Space or Samaritans, ortalk to someone you trust. If you areworried about someone please takethe time to talk to them. Just talking
can make a difference.Choose Life Co-ordinators fromNorth, South and East Ayrshire say “We hope to reduce the stigma andmyths that surround suicide and givepeople the confidence to talk aboutthe issue and not ignore it”The campaign is part of the work ofChoose Life, Scotland’s nationalstrategy and action plan to preventsuicide. Since the launch of the strategy in2002, Choose Life in Ayrshire hasworked hard to raise awareness ofsuicide prevention and offer training(safeTALK, ASIST and STORM) andawareness raising for communities,workplaces and organisations. If youwant to find out more about thesetraining opportunities please contactyour local Choose Life Co-ordinator:North Ayrshire 01294 475954 South Ayrshire 01292 513989East Ayrshire 01563 576717
Or phone the training co-ordinationteam on 01560 826 243 for bookinginformationIf you are feeling suicidal or suspectthat someone you know isconsidering suicide, there are anumber of helplines to contact:- Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90- Breathing Space: 0800 83 8587(Mon – Thurs 6pm-2am; Weekends:Fri 6pm – Mon 6am) - ChildLine: 0800 11 11- Copeline: 0800 056 81 81- National Debt line: 0808 8084000 (Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm, Sat9.30 – 1pm)Or if you have been bereaved bysuicide contact Touched by Suicide01294 229087For more information about how youcan involved with Choose Life visitwww.chooselife.netSUICIDE. DON’T HIDE IT. TALKABOUT IT
Suicide Prevention Week across Ayrshire
Free advice to drive downyour costs IN today’s competitivebusiness environment it isvital to reduce costs toincrease profitability. One wayof achieving this is by usingenergy and resources moreefficiently.
The local Energy SavingScotland advice centre, based atAuchincruive, can provide apackage of free services to assistyou in identifying potentialsavings. Furthermore there areinterest free loans available tosupport you in taking forward anyrecommendations. The loans arefunded by the ScottishGovernment and TransportScotland.
The services include:• Free in-depth energy audits –
(for businesses with energy billsless than £30,000p.a.) you will
receive a half day consultancyon site followed by acomprehensive report detailingpotential savings ;
• Transport reviews – you willreceive consultancy from atransport specialist to identifycost saving measures followedby a comprehensive report ofrecommendations;
• Fuel efficient driver training – theadvice centre can organisetraining for a heavily subsidisedrate of only £10 (excluding VAT)per person. After training youcould save as much as twomonths’ worth of fuel in a year.
• Employee awareness training –the advice centre can help youto promote energy efficiency andsustainable transport toemployees throughpresentations, leaflets andnewsletter articles. This is an
effective way for a business todemonstrate its corporateresponsibility to its workforce aswell as motivating staff.
Laura MacAulay, MarketingManager for the advice centresaid, “The continuing rise inenergy and fuel prices is makingit more expensive for all of us todeliver services. We can providelocal businesses with a tailoredpackage of free advice services tohelp address this issue andhopefully show a positive impacton their balance sheet.”
To find out more about the services and financial support available call Laura on 0800 512 012 or [email protected]
Don’t let conflictget out of handTHE Scottish Mediation Helpline(SMH) is set up to provide thepublic with a simple, low costway of resolving a wide range ofdisputes. The SMH answersgeneral enquiries aboutmediation and puts parties incontact with a mediator.
What is Mediation?Mediation is an effective way of
resolving disputes without going tocourt. It involves an independentmediator who helps both partiesagree a solution to their problem.
Who are the Mediators?The Scottish Mediation Helpline
mediators are all members of theScottish Mediation Register andmeet the benchmark standards of
the Scottish Mediation RegisterStandards Board.
Finding you a Mediator • You can either call us directly on
0131 556 8118 or [email protected]
• Your contact details will be takenand we will refer you to one of theapproved mediators local to you.
• They will contact you to discussyour dispute and, if all partiesagree to proceed with mediation,they will arrange a time and placefor the mediation.
• If a claim about a dispute hasbeen issued by the Court you mustinform the Court in writing, that thedispute is going to be mediated.
The Costs of MediationMediation can be cheaper than
litigation and takes less time for anoutcome to be reached. Parties candiscuss issues early on before legalcosts escalate. Taking a case toCourt can take months and involvesconsiderable legal expense. Therecan be extra costs for reading courtdocuments, consulting lawyers andattending court. The Court chargesfor enforcing settle¬ments and thereis no guarantee that theenforcement will be effective. Incontrast, Helpline mediations aretime-limited, meaning that costs arealso limited.
What do I do now?Call us on 0131 556 8118 or
23your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Building the Future THE Ayrshire Chamber ofCommerce was delighted tohost the Celebration andAssessment day for Go4SETAyrshire earlier this year.Go4SET is one of the schemesorganised by the EngineeringDevelopment Trust (EDT). TheEDT is a charity with the soleaim of working with industryand education to provide anopportunity for the best ofyoung Scottish students topursue a career intoengineering, science andtechnology.
The celebration andassessment day was theculmination of 10 weeks of hardwork by 16 teams of second yearpupils led by their teacher andaided by mentors from localcompanies and organisations.The teams presented theirprojects to a judging panel madeup of local business people whowere extremely impressed by thehigh quality of work produced byall the teams.
At the end of the day, theoverall winners were announcedas the team from KilmarnockAcademy, led by their teacherLynsey Johnstone and mentoredby Irene King from Asda(Kilmarnock).
The team then went on to take
part in the Scottish NationalFinal. This worthwhile endeavourwould not be possible without thegenerous support of the mentorsand their organisations so manythanks go to Alex McMail (BPI),Ian Kennedy and John Bradley(ArdaghGlass), Greig Blaney andMoira Weatherup (Dumfries andGalloway Council), Safaquat Safi
and James Weilding(GlaxoSmithKline), Ian McFadzean(Goodrich), Mathew Lamont(Asher Associates) and Irene King(Asda).
If you would like to know moreabout the Go4SET scheme pleasecontact [email protected] visit the website athttp://www.go4set.org
First Aid at Work Training CoursesTRAINING in skills and knowledge to achievestandards of competence of a fully qualifiedfirst aider in the workplace.
Health and Safety Executive Approved andcompliant with the Health and Safety (First Aidat Work) Regulations 1981
3 Day CoursesStart dates:19th September24th October28th November5th DecemberCost:£216 (£300 non members)Facilitator:ARC TrainingVenue:Harbour Arts Centre, IrvineTo book call Anne Reid
01292 678666
23your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Building the Future THE Ayrshire Chamber ofCommerce was delighted tohost the Celebration andAssessment day for Go4SETAyrshire earlier this year.Go4SET is one of the schemesorganised by the EngineeringDevelopment Trust (EDT). TheEDT is a charity with the soleaim of working with industryand education to provide anopportunity for the best ofyoung Scottish students topursue a career intoengineering, science andtechnology.
The celebration andassessment day was theculmination of 10 weeks of hardwork by 16 teams of second yearpupils led by their teacher andaided by mentors from localcompanies and organisations.The teams presented theirprojects to a judging panel madeup of local business people whowere extremely impressed by thehigh quality of work produced byall the teams.
At the end of the day, theoverall winners were announcedas the team from KilmarnockAcademy, led by their teacherLynsey Johnstone and mentoredby Irene King from Asda(Kilmarnock).
The team then went on to take
part in the Scottish NationalFinal. This worthwhile endeavourwould not be possible without thegenerous support of the mentorsand their organisations so manythanks go to Alex McMail (BPI),Ian Kennedy and John Bradley(ArdaghGlass), Greig Blaney andMoira Weatherup (Dumfries andGalloway Council), Safaquat Safi
and James Weilding(GlaxoSmithKline), Ian McFadzean(Goodrich), Mathew Lamont(Asher Associates) and Irene King(Asda).
If you would like to know moreabout the Go4SET scheme pleasecontact [email protected] visit the website athttp://www.go4set.org
First Aid at Work Training CoursesTRAINING in skills and knowledge to achievestandards of competence of a fully qualifiedfirst aider in the workplace.
Health and Safety Executive Approved andcompliant with the Health and Safety (First Aidat Work) Regulations 1981
3 Day CoursesStart dates:19th September24th October28th November5th DecemberCost:£216 (£300 non members)Facilitator:ARC TrainingVenue:Harbour Arts Centre, IrvineTo book call Anne Reid01292 678666
24 your ayrshire business autumn 2011 25your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Aberlour Child Care Trust36 Park TerraceStirlingFK8 2JRContact: Sarah NicholsonTel: 01786 450335Childrens Charity
Advanced Storage Systems37 Macadam PlaceSouth Newmoor Business ParkIrvineKA11 4HPContact: Jim FergusonTel: 0845 880 2626Design, supply & installation of palletracking shelving & associatedproducts, with free surveys.
AMAS Scotland Ltd14a Beresford TerraceAyrKA7 2EGContact: Jane GrantTel: 01292 291010www.amas.bizGeneral Accountancy Practitioner.Taxation work & managementaccountancy Services.
AMD Studios Ltd9 Inkerman CourtSouth Beach RoadAyrKA7 1HFContact: Anthony DarcyTel: 01292 263640www.amd-studios.comDigital video production &photography.
Aspire2getherAlexander Fleming BuildingHannah Research ParkAyrKA6 5HLContact: Louise ChristieTel: 01292 670674www.aspire2gether.co.ukDeliver services for councils &housing associations across Ayrshire.
Atomised Co-operative Ltd7 Loudoun CourtDarvelKA17 0BFContact: Alasdair MacmillanTel: 07866218073Branding, web design & developmentcompany.
Ayrshire Association of BusinessWomen 11 Lamford DriveDoonfootAyrSouth Ayrshire KA6 7LRContact: Liz CooperTel: 07729731984www.aabw.org.ukAssociation for professionalmanagerial & entrepreneurial womenin Ayrshire.
Ayrshire Tree SurgeonsFairliewardFairlieKA29 0BHContact: Chris CalveyTel: 0793192 7101www.ayrshiretreesurgeons.co.ukTree surgery, professional treeinspections & surveys, biologicalsurveys.
Beaver PrintingUnit 317 Avenue StreetStewartonKilmarnockKA3 5APContact: Mr John Ainsworth Tel: 01560 48541www.beaverprinting.demon.co.uk
Cann PrintCrookedholm Commercial CentreMain RoadKilmarnockKA3 6LXContact: Andi McCannTel: 01563 572440Commercial print, businessstationery, colour magazines, screenprinting
Carrick Lean Consultancy15 Neward CrescentPrestwickKA9 2JBContact: Alex MortonTel: 01292 476397Rapid sustainable improvements.
Coolbawn Consulting26 Dundonald RoadTroonKA10 6NRContact: Karen CallowTel: 01292 222307Quality, environmental & safetymanagement systems-implementation & audit.
Community Care Homes LtdWestbank Care Home28 Titchfield RoadTroonKA10 6ANContact: Mairi RileyTel: 01292 311246Nursing home for elderly clients.
Dumfries Arms Hotel54 Glaisnock StreetCumnockKA18 1BYContact: John CampbellTel: 01290 429230www.dumfriesarmshotel.co.ukHotel, conference & wedding venue.
Dyno-Rod Ltd SW ScotlandUnit 3 Kyle Business 2 Cunninghame RoadIrvineKA12 8JJContact: George KerrTel: 01294 27271324 hour emergency care & repair fordrains, plumbing.
Ecosse Group Limited11 Maybole RoadAyrKA7 2PZContact: Alan WeldonTel: 07736865170Telecommunications provider, niche &low cost general solutions.
Egger Barony LtdBarony RoadAuchinleckKA18 2LLContact: Debbie FitzgeraldTel: 01290 426026Manufacturer of wood based panels.
Emporium125 Main StreetPrestwickKA9 1LAContact: 01292 677991Tel: 01292 677991Clothing retailer.
Everything EverywhereEllismuir HouseEllismuir WayTannochside ParkUdingstonG71 5PWContact: Gordon JessTel: 07841192774Mobile network provider for businessto business mobile contracts.
GE Optical38 Main StreetKilbirnieNorth AyrshireKA25 7BYContact: Yvonne WilsonTel: 01505 683672www.geoptical-kilbirnie.co.ukIndependent Optician
Handy Haulage Logistics Ltd21 Whittle PlaceSouth Newmoor Industrial EstateIrvineKA11 4HRContact: Alan PorterTel: 01294 538133Independent transport company withextensive UK & international networks.
The Board of Directors wishes to take this opportunity to welcome these companies on recentlyjoining Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Member to members discounts are highlighted.
Keen prices for Chamber members
Hendrie Brothers (Millands) Ltdreferred by Braehead Cookschool3 Station RoadGalstonKA4 8HSContact: Wallace HendrieTel: 01563 820316Milk, beef, environment supply &procure dairy cattle replacements &process cull cows.
JD Embroidery LtdWundraleaNewfieldDundonaldKA2 9BQContact: David TorbitTel: 01563 850973Embroidery & printing for corporate,schools, leisure & catering.
J Gran Electrical2 Ladykirk RoadPrestwickKA9 1JWContact: John CannTel: 07766725955Electrical work; industrial,commercial, domestic & electricalinstallation, testing, alarms, 24hr callout.
John & Christine BoydT/A Brisbane TaxisT/A Waterside Motors3 George StreetLargsKA30 8AJContact: Christine BoydTel: 01475 689990Taxi company & MOT testing & repairservice
McCallum Bagpipes LtdMoorfield Industrial EstateTroon RoadKilmarnockKA2 OBAContact: Stuart MaCallumTel: 01563 527002www.mccallumbagpipes.comPiping, drumming & highland dressspecialists.
McCaig Renewables3 Old Farm RoadHeathfieldAyrKA8 9STContact: John McCaigTel: 01292 283018www.mccaigrenewables.co.ukSupplier & installer of solar panels,wind turbines & heat pumps.
New Horizons Creative Solutions43 Melville StreetKilmarnockEast AyrshireKA3 7EWContact: Ms Susan ChanTel: 01563 528801www.newhorizoncreativesolutions.co.uk
NMT Plant Ltd24 The Cross BeithKA15 1BSContact: Neil MacTaggartPlant Hire - civil engineering.
RoseangleGardeners CottageDumfries HouseCumnockAyrshireContact: Jonathan BryantTel: [email protected].
Sign Language Interactions Ltdreferred by Stobbs the Bakers127-29 Crown StreetSuite 10 AyrKA8 8AGContact: Andrew DeweyTel: 01292 269542www.signlanguageinteractions.comSign language interpreters &electronic notetakers.
Smyth Contract Services Limited12 Brailsford CrescentKilmarnockKA2 OLHContact: Scott SmythTel: 07861298145Quantity surveying services includingcommercial & contractual advice tothe construction industry.
TaxAssist Accountants Ayr10 Parkhouse StreetAyrKA7 2HHContact: Mike WoodPhone: 01292 619933www.taxassist.co.uk/ayrAccountant to small businesses,core services accountancy,bookkeeping, tax & payroll.
Team Singh Personal FitnessTraining7A Bensley AvenueGirdle TollIrvineKA11 1AHContact: Ricky SinghTel: 07725988144www.teamsingh.comPersonal training, fit camps, weightloss, boot camps, health & wellness.
Tom Cairns Photography1 Holehouse RoadKilmarnockKA3 7ARContact: Tom CairnsTel: 01563 535064www.tomcairnsphotography.comWedding, portrait, events, commercial& fine art photography.
The Eden Lodge HotelShore RoadWhiting BayIsle of ArranKA27 8QHContact: Finola GowTel: 07917809273www.edenlodgehotel.co.ukHotel, Bars and Restaurants
Wallacetoun & Newton Dynamic16 George StreetAyrKA8 0BLContact: Joe LaffertyTel: 01292 270005Social Enterprise company involved inproviding cleaning & clear up servicesfor clients with reference to voidproperties.
Wai-Yin Hattonreferred by Alf Hatton Associates22 Station RoadAyrSouth AyrshireKA7 4LLContact: Wai-yin HattonTel: 01292 [email protected]
Wm Murchland & Co Ltd10-16 Grange StreetKilmarnockKA1 2ARContact: Greg McTaggartTel: 04563 525051Construction services provider, corebusiness plumbing, sub contracting &general construction. Energyrenewable
XFM Information ManagementUnit 7 Wellheads CrescentWellheads Industrial EstateDyce AberdeenAB21 7GAContact: David RowanTel: 01224 214970www.xfmuk.comPrinting, reprographics, shredding,secure storage, mailroommanagement, scanning & archiving,web & graphic design.
10% Discount on all services
24 your ayrshire business autumn 2011 25your ayrshire business autumn 2011
Aberlour Child Care Trust36 Park TerraceStirlingFK8 2JRContact: Sarah NicholsonTel: 01786 450335Childrens Charity
Advanced Storage Systems37 Macadam PlaceSouth Newmoor Business ParkIrvineKA11 4HPContact: Jim FergusonTel: 0845 880 2626Design, supply & installation of palletracking shelving & associatedproducts, with free surveys.
AMAS Scotland Ltd14a Beresford TerraceAyrKA7 2EGContact: Jane GrantTel: 01292 291010www.amas.bizGeneral Accountancy Practitioner.Taxation work & managementaccountancy Services.
AMD Studios Ltd9 Inkerman CourtSouth Beach RoadAyrKA7 1HFContact: Anthony DarcyTel: 01292 263640www.amd-studios.comDigital video production &photography.
Aspire2getherAlexander Fleming BuildingHannah Research ParkAyrKA6 5HLContact: Louise ChristieTel: 01292 670674www.aspire2gether.co.ukDeliver services for councils &housing associations across Ayrshire.
Atomised Co-operative Ltd7 Loudoun CourtDarvelKA17 0BFContact: Alasdair MacmillanTel: 07866218073Branding, web design & developmentcompany.
Ayrshire Association of BusinessWomen 11 Lamford DriveDoonfootAyrSouth Ayrshire KA6 7LRContact: Liz CooperTel: 07729731984www.aabw.org.ukAssociation for professionalmanagerial & entrepreneurial womenin Ayrshire.
Ayrshire Tree SurgeonsFairliewardFairlieKA29 0BHContact: Chris CalveyTel: 0793192 7101www.ayrshiretreesurgeons.co.ukTree surgery, professional treeinspections & surveys, biologicalsurveys.
Beaver PrintingUnit 317 Avenue StreetStewartonKilmarnockKA3 5APContact: Mr John Ainsworth Tel: 01560 48541www.beaverprinting.demon.co.uk
Cann PrintCrookedholm Commercial CentreMain RoadKilmarnockKA3 6LXContact: Andi McCannTel: 01563 572440Commercial print, businessstationery, colour magazines, screenprinting
Carrick Lean Consultancy15 Neward CrescentPrestwickKA9 2JBContact: Alex MortonTel: 01292 476397Rapid sustainable improvements.
Coolbawn Consulting26 Dundonald RoadTroonKA10 6NRContact: Karen CallowTel: 01292 222307Quality, environmental & safetymanagement systems-implementation & audit.
Community Care Homes LtdWestbank Care Home28 Titchfield RoadTroonKA10 6ANContact: Mairi RileyTel: 01292 311246Nursing home for elderly clients.
Dumfries Arms Hotel54 Glaisnock StreetCumnockKA18 1BYContact: John CampbellTel: 01290 429230www.dumfriesarmshotel.co.ukHotel, conference & wedding venue.
Dyno-Rod Ltd SW ScotlandUnit 3 Kyle Business 2 Cunninghame RoadIrvineKA12 8JJContact: George KerrTel: 01294 27271324 hour emergency care & repair fordrains, plumbing.
Ecosse Group Limited11 Maybole RoadAyrKA7 2PZContact: Alan WeldonTel: 07736865170Telecommunications provider, niche &low cost general solutions.
Egger Barony LtdBarony RoadAuchinleckKA18 2LLContact: Debbie FitzgeraldTel: 01290 426026Manufacturer of wood based panels.
Emporium125 Main StreetPrestwickKA9 1LAContact: 01292 677991Tel: 01292 677991Clothing retailer.
Everything EverywhereEllismuir HouseEllismuir WayTannochside ParkUdingstonG71 5PWContact: Gordon JessTel: 07841192774Mobile network provider for businessto business mobile contracts.
GE Optical38 Main StreetKilbirnieNorth AyrshireKA25 7BYContact: Yvonne WilsonTel: 01505 683672www.geoptical-kilbirnie.co.ukIndependent Optician
Handy Haulage Logistics Ltd21 Whittle PlaceSouth Newmoor Industrial EstateIrvineKA11 4HRContact: Alan PorterTel: 01294 538133Independent transport company withextensive UK & international networks.
The Board of Directors wishes to take this opportunity to welcome these companies on recentlyjoining Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Member to members discounts are highlighted.
Keen prices for Chamber members
Hendrie Brothers (Millands) Ltdreferred by Braehead Cookschool3 Station RoadGalstonKA4 8HSContact: Wallace HendrieTel: 01563 820316Milk, beef, environment supply &procure dairy cattle replacements &process cull cows.
JD Embroidery LtdWundraleaNewfieldDundonaldKA2 9BQContact: David TorbitTel: 01563 850973Embroidery & printing for corporate,schools, leisure & catering.
J Gran Electrical2 Ladykirk RoadPrestwickKA9 1JWContact: John CannTel: 07766725955Electrical work; industrial,commercial, domestic & electricalinstallation, testing, alarms, 24hr callout.
John & Christine BoydT/A Brisbane TaxisT/A Waterside Motors3 George StreetLargsKA30 8AJContact: Christine BoydTel: 01475 689990Taxi company & MOT testing & repairservice
McCallum Bagpipes LtdMoorfield Industrial EstateTroon RoadKilmarnockKA2 OBAContact: Stuart MaCallumTel: 01563 527002www.mccallumbagpipes.comPiping, drumming & highland dressspecialists.
McCaig Renewables3 Old Farm RoadHeathfieldAyrKA8 9STContact: John McCaigTel: 01292 283018www.mccaigrenewables.co.ukSupplier & installer of solar panels,wind turbines & heat pumps.
New Horizons Creative Solutions43 Melville StreetKilmarnockEast AyrshireKA3 7EWContact: Ms Susan ChanTel: 01563 528801www.newhorizoncreativesolutions.co.uk
NMT Plant Ltd24 The Cross BeithKA15 1BSContact: Neil MacTaggartPlant Hire - civil engineering.
RoseangleGardeners CottageDumfries HouseCumnockAyrshireContact: Jonathan BryantTel: [email protected].
Sign Language Interactions Ltdreferred by Stobbs the Bakers127-29 Crown StreetSuite 10 AyrKA8 8AGContact: Andrew DeweyTel: 01292 269542www.signlanguageinteractions.comSign language interpreters &electronic notetakers.
Smyth Contract Services Limited12 Brailsford CrescentKilmarnockKA2 OLHContact: Scott SmythTel: 07861298145Quantity surveying services includingcommercial & contractual advice tothe construction industry.
TaxAssist Accountants Ayr10 Parkhouse StreetAyrKA7 2HHContact: Mike WoodPhone: 01292 619933www.taxassist.co.uk/ayrAccountant to small businesses,core services accountancy,bookkeeping, tax & payroll.
Team Singh Personal FitnessTraining7A Bensley AvenueGirdle TollIrvineKA11 1AHContact: Ricky SinghTel: 07725988144www.teamsingh.comPersonal training, fit camps, weightloss, boot camps, health & wellness.
Tom Cairns Photography1 Holehouse RoadKilmarnockKA3 7ARContact: Tom CairnsTel: 01563 535064www.tomcairnsphotography.comWedding, portrait, events, commercial& fine art photography.
The Eden Lodge HotelShore RoadWhiting BayIsle of ArranKA27 8QHContact: Finola GowTel: 07917809273www.edenlodgehotel.co.ukHotel, Bars and Restaurants
Wallacetoun & Newton Dynamic16 George StreetAyrKA8 0BLContact: Joe LaffertyTel: 01292 270005Social Enterprise company involved inproviding cleaning & clear up servicesfor clients with reference to voidproperties.
Wai-Yin Hattonreferred by Alf Hatton Associates22 Station RoadAyrSouth AyrshireKA7 4LLContact: Wai-yin HattonTel: 01292 [email protected]
Wm Murchland & Co Ltd10-16 Grange StreetKilmarnockKA1 2ARContact: Greg McTaggartTel: 04563 525051Construction services provider, corebusiness plumbing, sub contracting &general construction. Energyrenewable
XFM Information ManagementUnit 7 Wellheads CrescentWellheads Industrial EstateDyce AberdeenAB21 7GAContact: David RowanTel: 01224 214970www.xfmuk.comPrinting, reprographics, shredding,secure storage, mailroommanagement, scanning & archiving,web & graphic design.
10% Discount on all services
26 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
EVENTS ROUND UPby Chamber Events Co-ordinator Yvonne Munro
26 your ayrshire business autumn 2011
EVENTS ROUND UPby Chamber Events Co-ordinator Yvonne Munro
