Inside this issue…
Transcription
Inside this issue…
Summer 2012 Inside this issue… Creative Stirling move into the Old Town Jail Business Panel feature Business profiles Interview with… Expro International Group and Go Country Pauline Munro, Business Club Scotland Features Trade Fair and Funding & Innovation Support Event New Stirling Campus, latest on food & drink and creative industries, tourism business development grants, 2014 and more 0845 277 7000 Contents Welcome Local business news 3 30 second interview 3 Welcome to this summer 2012 edition of Stirling Business profile - Expro International Group 10 Eye. The Stirling business community has been East of Scotland Investment Fund 11 busy these last few months, not only have we Tourism Development Grant Scheme 11 seen the launch of Creative Stirling with its Stirling Business Panel 12 focus on the creative industries, but the summer season has seen a record number of people visit Stirling Castle. With all these visitors, the Stirling tastes good makes a splash at the Royal Highland Show 15 attractiveness of the city centre comes into focus and the new unit on Fantastic food at your fingertips! 15 Murray Place showcasing local creative talent, ‘Made In Stirling’, will Special feature - creative industries 16 help to create a buzz around Stirling’s High Street. Interview with... Pauline Munro, BusinessClub Scotland 18 Stirling 2014. The Council needs to step up to the challenge to organise A weekend to die for 19 and support the events, this will create huge opportunities for local Clacksmax broadband services goes live 19 businesses to do likewise and grow on the back of the hoped-for influx STING in Stirling 20 of visitors. Leading management teams move their meetings to the mountains! 20 Rural business profile – Go County 21 Forth Valley College 22 City Centre Strategy taking shape 24 Stirling Economic Partnership 24 make the conditions for business better, please let me know. Stirling Careers and Jobs Event 25 With new shops opening on the high street, the opportunities that the Working well with mental health - the new guide 25 Business space developments 26 LEADER update 28 2014 business opportunities 29 Economic facts 30 Forthcoming events/training 32 Planning continues to maximise the opportunities presented by The new administration at Stirling Council will pursue economic prosperity in the area, but the Council can only support business to do this. I am under no illusion that it is the entrepreneurs and business community who make the wealth. The Council can set the conditions, by deregulating and helping business along, but it is no substitute for the work our business community does. If you see ways that we can help, or new Waitrose will bring to the city centre, rural businesses diversifying what they do, research and development and the fact that we are truly at the heart of Scotland, Stirling is an exciting place to be. This issue of Stirling Eye shows some of the truly marvellous activities our businesses and entrepreneurs get up to and some of the opportunities available. I hope you find it interesting. As always, feel free to contact me if you want to discuss any aspect of the Stirling economy, or follow me on Twitter. Contact us... Stirling Eye is published by Stirling Council’s Economic Support & Tourism service. Neil Benny Portfolio Holder for Finance, Economy & Tourism, Stirling Council bennyn@stirling.gov.uk Twitter: @neilbenny 2 STIRLING EYE Editor: Email: Tel: Visit: Joëlle Russell russelljl@stirling.gov.uk 01786 442778 www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Design: Email: Tel: Visit: The Write People, Stirling susan@thewritepeople.co.uk 01786 445022 www.thewritepeople.co.uk Cover photo: Creative Stirling Trustee Board members Zara Kitson, Joe Hall and Garry Freckleton in front of the Freedom Versions V.1 free public installation at the Old Town Jail, Stirling, funded by Year of Creative Scotland 2012 (http://freedomversionsstirling.tumblr.com/). “Transforming the courtyard of Stirling’s Historic Old Town Jail into a bold, collaborative art installation, Freedom Versions will be another spectacular addition to the Year of Creative Scotland 2012. Working with a number of talented artists the Creative Hub will enhance Stirling’s position as a tourist destination for national and international visitors.” Iain Munro, Director of Creative Development, Creative Scotland Photo taken by Steven Walker - www.steven-walker.co.uk Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Award-winning marketing support Stirling Health Food Store – one year on At a glittering awards ceremony, Stirling-based marketing consultancy Denvir was awarded bronze in Josine Atsma, Food Store Stirling Health the Marketing Society Scotland Awards PR category on behalf of corrugated packaging client Logson Group. Respectfully defeated by the Scottish Government’s One year after taking over the Stirling Health Food Store, Josine Atsma has Gift of Life campaign, Denvir’s submission beat off reported that business is strong. competition from Famous Grouse and the Scottish Government’s Eat in Season campaign. Following on from the awards success, the agency recruited Bob Dalrymple from Maxxium as Client Relationship Director to further bolster the senior client leadership team and specialise in channel and customer marketing services on behalf of clients. Denvir is a strategic marketing and creative communications consultancy working with fast growth organisations across the UK. Denvir was recently appointed by Scottish Enterprise to deliver Marketing Expert Help to account managed companies. If your business is account managed, you can find out more via your Scottish Enterprise Account Manager, or visit www.denvirmarkerting.com . The Stirling Health Food Store has been located in Stirling for over 30 years, and Josine is the third owner, making her stamp by introducing free consultations, such as from well-known naturopath Jan de Vries and local homeopath Joanne Brown from Heather Homeopathy. She has also introduced two annual events: l In summer – ‘Scotland weeks’, highlighting and celebrating all types of local produce, from oatcakes and honey to locally made toiletries. l ‘World Animal Day’, this year on 4th October, the shop will stage a drawing and painting competition for children. So, in the current slow economic climate, does Josine regret taking over the shop? “No, not at all! I still enjoy every minute of it and I am glad to say that there are still businesses surviving and even thriving in these difficult times. And we would all like to thank the people of Stirling and beyond for supporting our humble little store on Dumbarton Road.” www.stirlinghealthfoodstore.co.uk 30 second interview Name: Bryan Armstrong Job title: Business Owner Business: Spaced-Out Grafix & Signs Brief description: We are a design and signwriting company. We provide vinyl cut signs, digital printed signs, screen printing, clothing printing and vehicle wrapping. We can sign or print almost anything! How do you get to work in the morning? By car or motorcycle. What is your favourite place to eat out? The Westerton Arms in Bridge of Allan, amazing food and wonderful steaks. What could Stirling most benefit from? I think all businesses could benefit from any help at all in the current climate. What is your favourite colour?Titanium. What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling? The friendly customers and local businesses. What do you think the biggest issue is for businesses in the Stirling area? In a recession – rising costs and economic uncertainty, but this is an issue wherever you are based. What is the biggest issue for your business? Not being paid on time by the larger businesses. What is your favourite shop?Next. What is your greatest ambition? To make Spaced-Out Grafix & Signs even more successful, expanding in to logo embroidery on clothing. Spaced-Out Grafix & Signs: 01786 449945 www.spacedoutgrafix.co.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 3 Knitting Customers DMS Office Supplies raise money for CHAS Susan provides practical solutions for business improvement. DMS Office Supplies would like to thank all its customers who helped it raise £2,000 for charity, through recycling their used toner and ink jets. DMS donated 100% of the proceeds of the recycle programme to the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and plan to expand the programme in 2012 and beyond. She is able to draw on her in-depth multinational experience Graham Walker, DMS Office Supplies Retail Manager, said: “The recycle at executive level in customer service and business liaison and programme reduces items going to landfill. Its success is dependent on the experience on the board of various expert panels. support of our customers and we would like to thank all local businesses After being approached regularly by various company directors looking for advice on increasing footfall and overcoming challenges in the current market, Stirling based Susan Palmer Robertson decided to set up new business Knitting Customers. Susan helps businesses to improve by getting them to focus on the customer, to ensure that the customer returns. Susan said: “As we all know, the customer is the lifeblood of business. Customer service involves identifying your customer who have participated. We have collection areas in our shops, both in Stirling and Falkirk.” and satisfying their needs. There is a direct link between CHAS Fundraiser Amy Telford said: “A huge thank you to DMS Office Supplies customer service and market share growth. It is critical that and their customers. All the money raised will help children and young people businesses increase their customer levels, retain existing across Scotland who we support at our two customers and understand who their customers are and what children’s hospices and through the CHAS they require in order to remain competitive.” at Home service.” www.knittingcustomers.com www.dmsofficesupplies.co.uk Stirling’s top attractions come together again for Expo 2012 Stirling’s leading tourist attractions recently exhibited together at the VisitScotland Expo, held at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh in April. Expo is Scotland’s flagship business-to-business event for the travel trade. From a specially designed stand, ‘Stirling - Scotland’s heart’, some of Stirling’s key visitor attractions showcased their products and services to potential buyers from around the world. Leading partners exhibiting included Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, Stirling Old Town Jail, Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, Deanston Distillery Visitor Centre, Loch Katrine, Hike Scotland and the University of Stirling. Information about developments at key attractions, including the recent £12 million refurbishment of the Renaissance royal palace at Stirling Castle and the new Visitor Centre at Deanston Distillery near Doune which opened in May, was available to travel agents from across the globe. Ken Thomson from Stirling District Tourism, operators of the Old Town Jail and National Wallace Monument, said: “EXPO is the perfect opportunity for Stirling’s tourism businesses to showcase everything which the city and the surrounding countryside offers. It provides a platform to engage with contacts from the travel industry worldwide, and to give them an insight into the wide range of experiences which their clients can enjoy.” If you would be interested in participating in EXPO 2013 in Glasgow, please contact Jason Clark (Tourism Executive, Stirling Council) on 01786 442532, email clarkj@stirling.gov.uk . 4 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Trail blazing apprentices recognised at Scottish Parliament The Scottish Parliament has celebrated the first wave of apprentices to complete a brand new Modern Apprenticeship scheme that is headquartered in Stirling. Nigel Don MSP presented the four graduates of the Scottish Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship Council (SPADAC) with their SVQ Level 3 certificates at a ceremony in June. Set up three years ago at the request of the industry, SPADAC’s four-year training programme aims to better represent apprentices within the painting and decorating sector, lead to sustained employment and nurture the next leaders of industry. SPADAC registers the apprentices and is owned and run by national trade association the Scottish Decorators’ Federation, which is based in Stirling’s Castlecraig Business Park. Employers can access grants to assist with apprentices’ wages and seven industry manufacturers, including Artex, Crown, PPG Architectural Coatings and Purdy, support the programme by providing products for comprehensive toolkits presented to each apprentice in their first year. www.spadac.co.uk Web strategy for Stirling businesses Local company, G7 Design, has created an innovative and potentially Green Gates in Stirling transformational approach to web development. The recently opened Green Gates Under their new “Web Strategy” Restaurant in Queen Street, Stirling approach, the G7 Design team is making quite an impact on the city’s restaurant uses technical proficiency, time- scene, having already been critically acclaimed on Trip honoured business experience, and Advisor as ‘The Best Indian Restaurant in Stirling’ and as influence from the academic field ‘Excellent, almost like the old Green Gates’. Named after to deliver bespoke solutions, with one of Glasgow’s original Indian Restaurants, this venture is a view towards assisting clients in the inspiration of business partners Balram Bhatia and Tarun achieving their objectives. As a vital Wadhwa, both of whom worked for many years with the part of the web strategy process, award winning Glasgow based Mother India Group. G7 Design conducts research into Balram said: “We wanted to bring our own unique brand its clients’ industries, markets and customers; and learns about their clients’ businesses and aspirations. The research findings then become a component of shaping a company’s web strategy, whilst informing the development phases. of home style Indian cuisine to Stirling by opening our first restaurant together and we’re delighted at the feedback so far.” The talented duo have tastefully restored the Georgian Townhouse inside and out, preserving its quintessential period Scott Thomson, IT Consultant explained: “With businesses seeking to procure charm. Balram continued: “Aficionados of Asian food can look the best value for money when promoting their products and services via forward to an elegant, yet relaxed dining experience whilst the internet, it’s no longer enough to simply create a stylish web presence. tucking into deliciously different offerings such as delicately In response to this, our web strategy approach ensures that businesses spiced haddock sautéed in puy lentils or plum infused potatoes can attain better results online, by exploiting G7 Design’s knowledge and stuffed with Indian cheese. Well worth checking out.” experience of business, marketing and internet commerce, which can be deployed within any business context.” www.g7design.co.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 5 Business news from rural Stirling Stirling children’s adventure farm expands with bank support Briarlands Farm recently reopened, following the completion of a new custom built indoor facility, supported by funding from Clydesdale Bank. The popular visitor attraction, Growth strategy, which helps from the farm gate and providing run by the Inglis family and successful businesses grow. an outdoor area for children to located next to Blairdrummond Briarlands Farm has been in the Safari Park, was supported by hands of the Inglis family for Over the years, as the number of a significant six-figure funding three generations and remains visitors has increased, Briarlands Previously Briarlands Farm only package from Clydesdale Bank’s a mixed use working farm, Farm has expanded and opened to visitors between the Stirling Financial Solutions Centre. growing fruit, raising beef cattle upgraded its range of attractions months of May and September The new facility has enabled and producing hay for shipment to meet demand. Activities but the new 1,800 sq ft indoor Briarlands Farm to open to visitors to the Western Isles. In 2006 now on offer to visiting families facility has enabled the all year round. the family made the decision include pedal go-karts, jumping business to welcome families The funding was provided through to diversify in to the tourism pillows, adventure playground throughout the entire year. Clydesdale Bank’s Investing for industry, selling strawberries and animal paddocks. www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk play in the fresh air. New Heritage Trail in Killin launched Visitors will be able to discover much more about Killin thanks to a new heritage trail. The aim of the trail is to encourage people to explore the whole village and enjoy the rich history it has to offer. Interpretation panels are located along the trail illustrating the landscape, architecture and local folklore. A leaflet has also been produced to guide visitors along the trail and features wider events and activities in the local area. Some interesting features of the trail include how the building styles in Killin evolved, the stories of the people who helped shape the village and the legends that surround the area. The Killin heritage trail is part of the Killin Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). CARS is jointly funded by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Historic Scotland. Stirling Council is also a contributing partner in the project. Susan McGowan, Built Environment Adviser for the National Park explained: “The recent closure of the Breadalbane Folklore Centre has meant that the completion of the interpretation panels and heritage trail will be particularly important, providing the many visitors to Killin with a permanent and easily accessible source of information on the history and development of the village.” www.lochlomond-trossachs.com Online pet business celebrates its first birthday Not many companies welcome dogs into the office… That’s why one Stirling dog owner decided to form her own business. Joanne O’Hara, proud owner and founder of pet accessories business AlphapetOnline.co.uk said: “Setting up an online business selling accessories for dogs and cats seemed the ideal solution to my employment dilemma. “The biggest challenge was achieving an online presence, but I received a huge amount of help and support from Stirling Enterprise, with advice about search engine optimisation and, later on, a full web audit to ensure my site was working effectively.“ AlphapetOnline now has a Google ranking, and a regular social networking presence on Facebook and Twitter. Born out of Joanne’s passion for her four-legged friends, the online pet accessories business has been enjoying steady growth since its inception and recently celebrated its first birthday. www.alphapetonline.co.uk 6 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye New shoots for Snapdragon Garden Media collaboration loves Loch Lomond Quirky Drymen crafts business Snapdragon Garden has branched out to provide a collection of custom-made wedding mementos for couples. Drymen based Paul Saunders Media and Photography is producing a series of podcasts for the Love Loch Lomond tourist group. The podcasts showcase the wealth of activities and facilities in the area, helping tourists to get more out of their visit. Snapdragon’s founder and chief embroiderer, Jane Lindsey said: “Everyone in the team loves working on bridal commissions. Our favours include personalised mirrors and bottle openers/fridge magnets and we also make bespoke herb scented wedding ring cushions. All items can be matched to the chosen colour theme, coordinated with bridal wear, or made with fabrics that have a special meaning to the couple.” Snapdragon can also sketch with a sewing machine and use a mix of recycled, vintage and precious fabrics to create personal and one-off embroideries. Jane said: “Our inspiration is taken from the 1930-50s, the plants, flowers and animals that surround our Stirlingshire studio and memories of a 1970s childhood.” The business has grown successfully from a kitchen table start-up into a vintage airstream caravan and then into a purpose built workshop. A team of five now serve over 300 stockists in the UK and Europe. Each audio podcast is 20 minutes and available for free download. The process is easy – simply search for Love Loch Lomond on iTunes. The podcasts are being downloaded all around the world. Paul’s background is in radio and he regularly presents and produces features on BBC Radio Scotland. Paul, in partnership with Stirling company Small Majority, is also producing a series of promotional videos for Love Loch Lomond members offering them attractively priced short films. Paul said: “It has been a pleasure working with Love Loch Lomond capturing the amazing beauty of the area with its incredible tourism businesses.” Gill Robertson manager of Love Loch Lomond said: “We really hope that this series of podcasts and videos will help to inspire visitors to the area with the huge variety of things to see and do here, all year round.” www.paulsaundersmedia.com www.paulsaundersphotography.com www.lovelochlomond.com www.smallmajority.co.uk www.snapdragongarden.co.uk Balmaha Brewery opens next to the Oak Tree Inn One of the most frequently asked questions in the bar of the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha over the past 15 years has been ‘what’s the local beer?’ There is always disappointment, especially from the West Highland Way walkers when they find out that it is largely the same as their own local. “We are passionate and committed to consistency at the Oak Tree Inn, Sandy Fraser, owner of the Oak Tree Inn said: “About ten years ago, we and this helped us to win the CIS Excellence Bar/Restaurant of the started thinking seriously about turning a dream into reality and last Year 2011. The same principle will also apply to our beers. They will year we finally submitted plans for a micro brewery and smokehouse be quality, locally produced real ales and ciders, using local ingredients facing onto Balmaha Bay. and supporting green credentials. We would very much like to be part “We have been fortunate enough to have had great advice from of the proposed new beer trail. Caroline Brown, Business Growth & Enterprise Manager at STEP Stirling. “We will be experimenting to get that ‘oh, that’s different’ statement Douglas Ross of DMR Brewing Consultancy Service at Bridge of Allan from customers. The idea is that you will be drinking a beer brewed has also been invaluable in assisting in all aspects of consultancy, on the premises and you will be able to ask for tasting notes.” design, training and quality control. www.oak-tree-inn.co.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 7 Stirling hosts World Charolais Congress Dinner Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival Success Stirling’s first whisky festival has been hailed a success after the sold-out event attracted visitors from as far afield as New Zealand, the US, Hungary, Germany and from all over the UK. Many of the major whisky brands were exhibiting at the May event, adding up to approximately 200 different whiskies which were Stirling welcomed around 300 UK and international Charolais available for tasting. beef breeders to a special Gala Dinner at Stirling Castle in The Festival was organised by two local businessmen, Cameron June, thanks to United Auctions and Stirling Council. Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers were a major sponsor of the 37th World Charolais Congress, which was hosted in the UK from June 19th to 27th 2012 by the British Charolais Cattle Society to coincide with its Golden Anniversary celebrations. More than 200 international delegates attended the Congress McCann and Iain McMenemy and supported by Stirling Council’s Tourism Development Grant scheme. They said: “We always believed that Stirling would be the ideal location for a whisky festival. As well as having some local distilleries right on our from 12 major beef producing countries, including Australia, doorstep, Stirling has some of the best transport links anywhere in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, USA and Zimbabwe. They joined scores Scotland. of delegates from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and “We hope to be able to make the festival an annual event. We are Scotland to visit some of the UK’s most prominent Charolais herds, including the herd of local Stirling farmer Andrew Hornall at Falleninch Farm. looking into 2013 already. We hope we have demonstrated that events like this have the potential to bring tourists and day visitors into Stirling. Our aim is to grow the Festival so that people will travel The Gala Dinner at Stirling Castle’s Great Hall was the to Stirling and stay here for a few days to enjoy the whisky festival, culmination of the UK tour and UA worked with Stirling Council but also to visit the many other attractions in the area. to facilitate the event. Neil McLean, Joint Group MD of UA said: “Hosting this event in Stirling was of real benefit to the city as it represented an injection of around £1 million to the local economy and cements Stirling as the heart of Scottish agricultural excellence.” “Following feedback received from our visitors, we have brought out a special limited edition bottling to commemorate the event. There are only 156 bottles available, each hand numbered. More information is on our website.” www.spiritofstirlingwhiskyfestival.co.uk Charolais is regarded as Europe’s number one beef breed. A 17-month-old Charolais bull called Barnsford Ferny recently took less than two minutes in the sale ring to attract the record breaking price of 70,000 guineas (£73,500) at UA’s Bull Sales in Stirling. Ferny was bred and exhibited by Tom and Sheena Gatherer from Barnsford, Inchinnan, Glasgow. Sporting Chance Initiative produce factsheets Sporting Chance Initiative (SCI) has published a suite of new factsheets, summarising some of the market research information held by the team. Topics include: Rugby, Cycling, Golf, Sailing, Running, Snowsports, Goal-line Technology and Sensors. If you’d like to receive any of these, please contact SCI through www.sportingchanceinitiative.co.uk 8 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Collective of Independent Stores in Stirling Collective of Independent Stores in Stirling (CISS) was launched on 4th July 2012. CISS is an initiative to put the independent stores of Stirling back on the map. Stirling Eye spoke to Josine Atsma, owner of Stirling Health Food Store and founder of CISS to find out more… Why did you establish CISS? Who does CISS currently represent? Being the owner of an independent shop in Local independent stores already signed Stirling, I feel that while we probably all face up to CISS include: difficult times, there is no time to sit around l#hashtag and wait until it just blows over. When we combine our forces as local independent stores, we should be able to attract more customers, increase sales and improve our reputation. What sort of activities could CISS progress? further include: Discount days: Offering discounts on special occasions in CISS members stores. l Awareness: Joint promotions, celebrating Independents’ Day and other joint events. l Cost reduction: Deals for buying in bulk After 8 Retail l Barnton Street Music l Betti Loves It What’s next? l Connie’s Closet My intention is to form a collective with the ability to launch initiatives on a larger scale. lDivinity Some of the ideas that CISS could investigate l l We will have regular meetings where we can l Europa Music l Framed Images information on how to grow our businesses. l Gavin’s Pet Centre It is important that we get as big a group of l Pembertons Sewing Machines independent stores together as possible, so I exchange ideas, knowledge and other relevant urge other local independent stores to sign up lPinky’s l Stirling Health Food Store office supplies, etc. and shared cost l Stirling Optical for advertising and promotion. lStraitwurly free at www.stirlinghealthfoodstore.co.uk/ciss or contact me for more information on 01786 464903, email contact@stirlinghealthfoodstore.co.uk . Successful rebrand for Stirling Printworx Castle success The number of visitors to Stirling Castle Formerly Prontaprint Stirling, the Kemlo family rebranded its Cowane Street business to Stirling Printworx earlier this year, after becoming wholly independent. increased by a massive 17% in 2011, with 441,924 people through the gates. This was mainly due to the reopening of the palace and The family run business provides a high quality digital print, copy and design service. Royal apartments in June 2011 following a £12 Graeme Kemlo said: “After 27 years of being franchisees, the opportunity arose to become million restoration. wholly independent, which has enabled us to focus more on the Forth Valley area. Since the Stirling Castle was also recently awarded a rebrand, the results have been extremely exciting, with our workload increasing three fold in number of accolades including Best Visitor a relatively short space of time. With our investment in Attraction in Central/South East Region at the the latest technology, we can give our clients, both old VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards, a gold and new, the best possible service available to meet award at the Transform Awards for the Best their needs.” Rebrand in the heritage category, and the coveted Judges gold award for Client of the Year Andrew Kemlo said: “A ‘can do’ attitude, along with quality and value, is our aim. We are proud that we have at the Roses Creative Awards. many clients who have been with us for over 25 years.” www.stirlingprintworx.com www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 9 Business profile Expro International Group Expro International Group is an upstream oil and gas service company, with a New Product Development Centre at Laurelhill Business Park, Stirling. Expro has six major operating regions (Europe, North America, Latin America, South West Africa, Middle East and Asia), nine product lines / business units and a global workforce of 5,000. Stirling Eye met up with Tom Gollan, Head of Development, to find out more… Customers Expro exists to develop products and provide services to enable customers to realise the About Expro Expro is a market leader in provision of products and services that measure, full potential of their oilfields, maximising the performance of their wells. Customers improve, control and process flow from high include BP, Total, Statoil and Talisman value oil and gas wells, from exploration Energy, to name a few. and appraisal through to mature field Tom said: “No two oilfields are the same optimisation and enhancement. and customers often require bespoke Expro in Stirling product designs. A key challenge is The Stirling New Product Development Centre opened on 1st February 2010, providing a dedicated research and development team to develop Expro’s reaching a balance between bespoke and standardised products, with technology key to maintaining and growing competitive advantage.” “We have recently made good progress product portfolio. Expro in the Community in transforming our graduate engineer Tom said: “When we opened the centre in Being a relatively new employer to the development scheme, begun to formalise Stirling, we had just six employees. Today area, Expro is keen to raise its profile and our links with carefully selected universities, the team is almost 50 strong and continues to really play a part in the local community. are making significant advancements in how to grow. The vision for the centre, as part Tom said: “Expro is committed to being an we manage technology innovation and have of Expro’s Global Engineering Group, is the organisation that gives something back.” established important partnerships with delivery of engineering excellence and pioneering product development that will Future plans keep our technologies and our people ahead Tom said: “In addition to growing our of the competition. capabilities as a global product development “Part of the thinking behind establishing the team we are assessing the establishment of centre in Stirling was to enable access to a state-of-the-art R&D test and qualification talent in the central belt, both engineering facility in the Central Belt. This would and other professionals. The team consists enable us to assemble and test new largely of Designers and Engineers of products and components locally, reducing various disciplines including Structural our time to market and easing the pressure Analysis, Mechanical Design, Process and on our facilities in Aberdeen, Norway and Instrumentation, Controls and Software.” the USA. 10 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Scottish Engineering and Scottish Enterprise. We are all really excited about the future.” www.expro.com The average depth of the North Sea is just 95 metres. Expro products are operating at depths of up to 3,000 metres in deep water areas around the world. East of Scotland Investment Fund The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) offers loans of up to £50,000 to new and growing, small and medium sized businesses. The aim is to ensure that good, commercially Sectors currently eligible for ESIF funding are: viable proposals do not fail from a lack of l Manufacturing access to finance. l Services related to manufacturing ESIF can provide up to 50% of the funding l Construction package required to help start up and grow l Wholesale your business. No other source of public l Transport and distribution funds can be used to contribute anything l Software development over 50% of the package, the balance must l be provided by the private sector, usually l from the business owners / directors and the l bank. l Pubs, clubs and restaurants l Local services What the loan can be used for Farm diversification Tourism & tourism infrastructure Loans may be used for: Service based (providing they are not one of the ineligible sectors) l working capital l purchase of plant and equipment l purchase of business property Who can apply Sectors currently ineligible for ESIF funding are: Applications are welcome from sole-traders, l Retail partnerships, limited liability partnerships l Motor vehicles or limited companies. However, certain l Real estate/property development restrictions apply, so please contact Stirling l Professional services For more information on ESIF and how to apply, please visit www.eastscotinvest.co.uk or contact Bill Fortune (Stirling Council) on 01786 443172, email fortuneb@stirling.gov.uk . Council to confirm eligibility. l Social and personal services www.eastscotinvest.co.uk Tourism Development Grant Scheme Stirling Council runs a Tourism Development Grant Scheme, which is designed to encourage collaboration between local tourism businesses and to develop innovative tourism products and improve the local tourism product offering. Recent awards have included a diverse range of tourism businesses. PR costs for the inaugural Festival in Love Loch Lomond received £1,000 towards radio advertising and PR. Love Loch Lomond is an industry led destination organisation that works on a collaborative basis to capitalise on the areas strong tourism potential by marketing the area as a must see year round destination. Albert Halls and was a sell–out weeks in Local events have also benefited, The Callander Jazz & Blues Festival received £2,000 towards the new yurt venue in central Callander at the 2011 Festival. The locally made Yurt was a big hit with festival goers and formed an unusual and innovative backdrop for festival explore the scenery, trails and attractions performances. Stirling Tourism Association If you have a collaborative project, received an award of £2,000 towards the which might be eligible for cost of Highland dancing and pipe band support, why not get in displays on the Castle Esplanade during touch to see if the July and August 2011. The organisers Council can help? May 2012. The festival was held at the advance and the organisers are hoping to build on this success to make it a firm fixture in Stirling’s events calendar. The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer is a hop-on hop-off mini-coach summer Stirling’s sell out Whisky Festival in the Albert Halls, May 2012 service offering visitors the freedom to around the Killin-Aberfeldy-Crieff loop. It is For more information on the scheme and an also a new public transport service for rural application form please contact Jason Clark communities in the area. The Breadalbane (Tourism Executive) on 01786 442532 or Tourism Cooperative received £2,500 email clarkj@stirling.gov.uk towards this pilot project. of the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival received £2,000 towards marketing and www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 11 Stirling Business Panel “Stirling Business Panel’s membership now exceeds 800!” FUNDING & INNOVATION Fair e d a Tr g n ri p S SUPPORT EVENT Tuesday 4th September 2012 In the lead in to 2014, it was felt crucial to hold another Funding & Innovation Event this autumn, to ensure local businesses are fully aware of the opportunities available and the organisations there to help and support businesses along the way. This year’s event will take place in the macrobert centre on Tuesday 4 September from 10 am until 4 pm and will again gather as many business support organisations as possible in one place. With constant demands on time for businesses, this is an ideal way to see if there is help for which your business is eligible and to gain a better understanding of the business support market. It is also a good Trade Fair was held on 22 The Business Panel’s Spring r , Castle Business Park. Ove March at Glendevon House . 48 organisations exhibiting 200 people attended, with networking sessions There were also two speednts for Business. hosted by Janet Torley of Eve ough feedback about the Fair, alth The Panel received positive er could be marketed to a wid it was recommended that it is el that the Business Pan audience in future, something looking to address. ns exhibiting at the event are Some of the Stirling organisatio profiled below… way to network and identify similar or complementary businesses with whom to partner in tendering for larger contracts, both in the private and public sectors. The business support landscape has changed since the Panel’s last Funding & Innovation Support Event, so this event will also provide a Exhibitor: Mary Laiolo (Area Account Manager) & Graham Walker (Retail Manager), DMS Office Supplies, Springkerse, Stirling Council good opportunity to become fully aware of the current support options DMS Office Supplies available. provide bespoke office supplies solutions, with Sector forums access to over 30,000 There is now in our area, the Stirling Food & Drink Forum, the Stirling next day basis. Creative Industries Forum and a group of local food producers Why exhibiting: working together under the ‘Stirling Tastes Good’ brand. By working within a joint framework, the Panel is ensuring that all businesses, irrespective of industry or sector, have the opportunity to network and be aware of activity in and around Stirling. products, delivered on a “This is the third year that we have exhibited at the Trade Fair. We are here to promote our business and There is no doubt that through the breadth of different skills let other businesses know we are here. We have also been speaking contained within the Stirling Creative Industries Forum, other to existing customers and generating new leads. businesses can benefit. Graphic design, communication, visual arts, “We find this a valuable event. We generated a really successful lead and online applications are just some of the skills present in this at one of the past Trade Fairs, which led to significant business.” group. The Panel looks forward to investigating how to link these www.dmsofficesupplies.co.uk skills to the wider business community. 12 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org Not already a Business Panel member? Please contact Bill Fortune (Business Partnership Executive – Stirling Council) on 01786 443172, email panel@stirling.gov.uk or join online at www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org Exhibitor: Nicky Pritchett-Brown, Fundraising Manager, Sistema Scotland / Big Noise Raploch. Sistema Scotland is a charity that is transforming lives with music. The Big Noise is an orchestra programme established by Sistema Scotland in Raploch, Stirling in 2008 as an engine for social change. It aims to use music making to help children realise their full potential, transforming not just individuals but whole communities. It is based on Venezuela’s highly successful “El Sistema” movement. MEMBER PROFILE Gordon Jeffrey, Managing Director, Aqualife Services Ltd Gordon is one of the founding partners of Aqualife Services, established on the Isle of Skye in 1996. Gordon had a varied career prior to Aqualife, with time spent in the forces, as a computer programmer and as a sheep farmer. The company started life as Skye Vaccination and quickly experienced rapid growth, completing 3 million salmon vaccinations in its first year, rising to 24 million by 2001 and in 2011, the company individually vaccinated 110 million fish in Scotland and Norway. The company changed its name to Aqualife Services Ltd in 2000 and Why exhibiting: moved its headquarters from Edinburgh to Stirling in 2011. Gordon “This is the first Stirling Trade Fair that we have exhibited at. We chose to come today to raise the profile of our work and make sure the business community know about what we do and are trying to do in the future. On the whole, the objective has been to raise the profile of our work in Raploch and promote The Big Concert in Raploch in June. said: “Our workforce comes from all over Scotland and Stirling’s “I have found the event really interesting – a great opportunity to talk about our work with people who didn’t already know about us.” Continued development has included extending the company’s www.sistemascotland.org.uk industry. It is now Norway’s leading service provider. central location and excellent road and rail links makes it perfect for serving those employees and also our customers. It is also well placed for the major airports when flying to Norway.” fish vaccination service into the significant Norwegian fish farming Gordon said: “We have set the standards for fish health and welfare Exhibitor: Liz Melville, owner of Liz Melville Social Media in all of the areas we operate in, including benchmarks on double vaccinating for pancreatic disease. Liz Melville Social Media helps businesses to use social networks like Facebook and Twitter and get results. “We are currently exploring new opportunities throughout Europe and Asia, in addition to completing fish vaccination in France, Ireland and the Faroes.” Why exhibiting: Gordon joined the Business “I exhibited at the Trade Fair last year and came back today to meet other business owners that I might be able to help. Panel because being new to the Stirling area, he wanted to find “The event has been really useful, I’ve spoken to a number of other exhibitors and visitors to the event today. There is a fantastic range of exhibitors here, but I do think there is potential to attract more outside visitors. “I have received some positive leads from other exhibitors here today. The Trade Fair is a great show case for Stirling businesses and shows the range of local businesses we have in Stirling.” out about the local business community and keep in touch with what’s going on. www.aqualifeservices.co.uk www.lizmelville.co.uk www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 13 Stirling Business Panel ber of visitors to the Stirling Stirling Eye spoke to a num , de Fair at Glendevon House Business Panel’s Spring Tra Castle Business Park… Jenny Kumar, JK Consultancy, Glasgow (Communications company specialising in PR, events and copywriting – www. jkconsultancy.com) Derek Robertson, Managing Director of Robertson Training Ltd, Bannockburn “I do PR for two Stirling-based (Robertson Training Ltd provide Scottish Decorators’ Federation) and management development and wanted to see the range of other business skills – businesses operating in the area - it’s www.robertsontraining.co.uk) good to know what is happening. I was “I thought the Fair was great and I also intrigued to see inside Glendevon House and how the Trade Fair have done lots of mingling. I’m re- worked within the space. establishing my business locally after “I found out about the Winnock Hotel in Drymen. I organise events working a lot abroad for a number of and am potentially interested in it as a venue as it looks like a really years, so it has been a good opportunity interesting hotel. to network with other businesses. Our business has a principle “I also enjoyed looking at the work of local arts and crafts people.” businesses (United Auctions and the of spending locally, so it has been useful to find out about local services.” Sandra McLean, DSL Finance Nick Smith, Managing Director of RCS Promotions, Glasgow (Not-for-profit organisation providing business loans to new start and existing businesses in the Central belt – (RCS Promotions is a Glasgow based www.dsl-businessfinance.co.uk) events management company - “I went to the speed networking – it www.rcspromotions.co.uk) was really good and I got to speak to “Really useful – I found out about a lots of different people. number of new companies. It was “As I cover this geographic area, it good to get in touch with Central FM, was good to talk to a variety of people and going forward, I might look at and let them know that we can provide an alternative source of advertising with them. funding to the banks. I will also follow up by contacting some of the “It was useful to put my name out there, but I was mainly looking accountants I met.” for opportunities to work with Stirling business, e.g. the Stirling branch of printing.com seem to have a really good pricing strategy and I am looking at possibly moving my print work to them.” Gavin Watt, First Base Accountants & Business Advisers, Stirling (First Base provide year end accounts, personal and corporate tax, VAT and payroll services – www. firstbaseaccountants.co.uk) “I came for the speed networking Stirling Business Awards The inaugural Stirling Business Panel Awards event originally scheduled for October has been postponed for logistical reasons. The awards evening will be re-scheduled to Spring 2013, with the new date being confirmed in the early Autumn. which I did last year and found really The judging panel is pleased with the quality of award useful – it’s a really good way to get in submissions by local companies. However, there are a few front of a lot of people. award categories which require more applications in order to “I’ve made some useful contacts and caught up with a number of provide sufficient numbers for assessment and nomination. people. Great for getting round a number of people! I find the Fair Current submissions remain valid and further entries will be useful for marketing my business and finding out about other local invited over the coming months. businesses.” 14 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Stirling Tastes Good makes a splash at the Royal Highland Show Fantastic food at your fingertips! Local food and drink producers group, Stirling Tastes Good, had a spectacular first exhibition at the Royal Highland Show in June 2012. The collective has reported sales in excess of £20,000 serving up their produce, all made in Stirling. This initiative was funded by Stirling Council’s Economic Support & Tourism Service and Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER programme and coordinated by economic development agency STEP Stirling. The local businesses also had great success in showcasing their produce to some of the country’s top retailers as first steps into expanding into new markets. Buyers showed great interest in the brands and subsequent meetings have been set up. l Mhor Bread sold out of their bread, meringues, doughnuts and pies across the four days. l Edenmill Farm Shop served visitors some of Stirling’s finest beef, lamb, pork, venison and game. The free resource, available now on the iTunes App Store, is a handy guide to hundreds of local places to enjoy a drink, snack or meal, giving directions to each venue and a summary of what’s on offer. Users can search by location, price and food type, and the App also highlights any special offers available. l T&R Skinner, home of the Extraordinary Sausage Co, cooked up delicious and unusual sausages, including banana and madras flavoured, serving over 7,500 samples to visitors. Over 170 businesses are already included on the App. Stirling Council Tourism Executive Jason Clark is hoping more food and drink businesses will now join the initiative so their information can be added to the App: l The chef from Fallin based Mushrooms (Scotland) Ltd cooked up a storm serving over 3,000 samples of their mushroom Highlights from the exhibition included: l Launching Scotland’s first gluten free beer range, Allanwater Brewhouse sold out of its honey and treacle gluten free beers within the first day. l Following its success at the Scotland Food and Drink awards, Knockraich Creamery served up award-winning dairy produce, including yoghurt, crowdie and ice cream. l Get Juiced offered visitors the chance to taste its range of 100% freshly squeezed juices made in Scotland. l Deanston Distillery showcased their new Visitor Centre, capitalising on the inclusion of the Distillery in the recent successful feature film ‘Angel’s Share’. Over 3,500 samples of Deanston Highland Single Malt Whisky were hand poured to consumers throughout the show. l Monachyle Mhor Hotel’s Tom Lewis and Edenmill’s Neil Clark hosted a live cookery showcase of all Stirling Tastes Good’s products – a great opportunity to taste Stirling! Choosing from the tempting selection of food and drink businesses across the Stirling area just got easier thanks to a new iPhone App developed by Stirling Council in association with the Stirling Food and Drink Forum. recipes. Caroline Brown, Business Growth & Enterprise Manager at STEP Stirling said: “We’re keen to make this key resource as comprehensive as possible,” he said. “It covers all kinds of eateries, bars and pubs right across the Stirling area, so it’s a terrific chance for businesses to reach a huge number of potential customers at no charge.” Anyone who would like their business included can contact Jason at clarkj@ stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 442532. “Stirling Tastes Good made its debut appearance in the Food and Drink Hall at this year’s Royal Highland Show – and For more information visit www.stirling. gov.uk/food-app the group of eight companies certainly made their presence felt. The stand was consistently busy over the four days with sampling and sales. Feedback on the quality of produce available to taste and purchase was high and there was notable buyer interest. It just goes to show what can be achieved when local businesses and support agencies collaborate and work together towards a common goal.” For more information on Stirling Tastes Good please visit www.stirlingtastesgood.com is pictured Mark Gibson of Edenmill Farm terchef Mas BBC from Gregg Wallace with www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 15 CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Following on from the article on Stirling Council’s creative industries research study in the last edition of Stirling Eye, this feature outlines exciting new developments, including the establishment of the Stirling Creative Industries Forum, its first project providing creative retail and exhibition space in the city centre and the launch of Creative Stirling. Stirling Creative Industries Forum Stirling Eye spoke to Garry Freckleton, Chair of the newly formed Stirling Creative Industries Forum (SCIF)... Garry Fre ckleton, director Architect of Twenty ure and Ten Chair of the Stirlin Creative g Industrie s Forum I work in the creative sector in Stirling as a director of Twenty Ten What do you hope SCIF will achieve over the coming year? Architecture, but I also have a keen personal interest in music, art and I see a great potential in Stirling for collaboration between individual craftsmanship. I attended an event at the Tolbooth held by Stirling artists, small businesses, organisations such as University of Stirling, Council last year, which demonstrated the great number of local Forth Valley Open Studios, the Tolbooth, the Macrobert, Creative people working in the creative industries and I wanted to see if there Stirling and the new Creative Industries department at Forth Valley was potential for joint working. College. Stirling Council were also looking at the possibility of creating a We have started work on our first project, Made In Stirling – please sub-group of the Business Panel, of which I am a member, along see article below for more information. We will have a launch and the lines of the existing Food & Drink Forum. This seemed to me to networking event for the Forum later in the summer, and we plan to be an opportunity to get involved in the cultural life of Stirling in a organise a showcase event in a city centre location for SCIF members productive way. Many artists and craftspeople work as sole traders before Christmas. How did you get involved in SCIF? or micro-businesses and don’t necessarily see the Business Panel as a good fit for them, but they might be missing out on good opportunities to network and have their collective voice heard. We welcome suggestions from SCIF members for future activities to promote the sector and also contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Stirling. To join the Stirling Creative Industries Forum, please visit How is SCIF linked with the Stirling Business Panel? www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org/creative-industries News from SCIF is fed into the Business Panel and SCIF members are also kept informed of Business Panel events that might be useful or interesting to them. When members of SCIF wish to raise issues or lobby organisations such as the Council, our link with the Business Panel provides an opportunity for that to take place. What are the key aims and objectives? SCIF will provide opportunities for those involved locally in creative industries to network and share ideas, provide a shared voice for the sector and facilitate linkages between the creative sector and the wider business community. Made in Stirling: Pop up shop Stirling Eye spoke to Sarah Frood, Creative Director of Icecream Architecture and SCIF Vice Chair to find out more about the pop-up shop she is managing at 58 Murray Place over the summer on behalf of SCIF… What is Made in Stirling? Made in Stirling is a SCIF project utilising a long time vacant retail unit in Stirling city centre, providing a platform for local creatives to promote and showcase their work. The creative businesses and individuals involved are able to test the market with their products and begin to understand the process involved in retailing in the city centre. It is also a key information point for locals and tourists to find out what’s on in Stirling and demonstrates some of Stirling’s exciting creative talent. 16 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Launch of Creative Stirling Businesses in Stirling now have a new creative partner – Creative Stirling. The brainchild of social entrepreneur Joe Hall, the Community Interest Company is seeking to develop the cultural side of the city whilst offering a range of business support services to fund its work. Based at the Old Town Jail, the skills in the arts, the team offer individuals, independent company has already delivered other commercially valuable businesses and the city’s range live outdoor music events, expertise including graphic of cultural agencies, making the creative classes and pop-up design, architecture, business cultural offer of Stirling visible art network nights. Architect organisation and growth, web and attractive to visitors. Garry Freckleton, a Trustee development, marketing, arts Board member as well as Chair project management and skills of Stirling Creative Industries building for young people. Areas Forum, said: “It’s great to see currently under development Creative Stirling demonstrating include forums for photography what can be achieved when and moving image technology talented, passionate individuals and new hot desk and digital come together to achieve a technology facilities. common goal. They are making a great contribution to the cultural life of Stirling.” The company has been awarded investment under Culture and Tourism from Creative Scotland for a project ‘Freedom Versions V.1’ based at the Old Town Jail enriching Stirling as a place to live, work and play.” Yard. It includes a 31m mural Joe is keen to meet with by ten Scottish artists, which potential new clients and also can be viewed onsite until mid those who have something to As well as offering letting space September and is well worth contribute or want to be involved for cultural tenancies within seeing. with this new model of creative the heritage property, Creative At the heart of Creative Stirling Stirling has launched a virtual sits a young creative talent platform. A new website has base with a shared passion to been designed with capacity see Stirling’s cultural identity to develop new business fully realised. Alongside their potential, promote local creative Board member Zara Kitson explained: “In partnership with other organisations and institutions, we are looking enterprise. For more information, see the new Creative Stirling website – www.creativestirling.org to provide opportunities for skills building, education and work experience Who’s involved? We have had fantastic local support – the project idea came from SCIF and has had financial input from Stirling Council, while the Stirling Development Agency has provided access to 58 Murray Place. It was only through the support of local businesses such as Stirling Electrical, Norbord and Ogilvie that we were able to fit out the space. for graduates, young people and novices alike. We want to help them to engage with new Made in Stirling is linked to the wider Start up Street Stirling (SUSS) technologies, city centre initiative, and it is hoped that it will pilot the way improve media forward for further SUSS projects. literacy and Creative Stirling team express their Will there be lasting legacy? creative talents. The long-term plan is for the people involved to form new Not only will this connections. We are also creating a template to help guide future enable people to projects. The interior fit out has also been created so that it can be better reach their easily removed and relocated into another unit, with a hope that full potential, this could reduce the cost for the next project. but will also To find out more about Made In Stirling, please contact Sarah at sarah@icecreamarchitecture.com . add to Stirling’s cultural and creative economy, www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Interior of O ld Town Jail Focus on the local economy 17 Pauline Munro, Programme Manager, BusinessClub Scotland BusinessClub Scotland is an initiative designed to help businesses capitalise on the opportunities generated by major events in Scotland both in the run up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond. Pauline, what is your background? I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and previously worked as Marketing Manager with Glasgow North Regeneration Agency and in roles in the further education, public and private sectors. I took up the post of Programme Manager with BusinessClub Scotland in October 2011. What’s on offer to businesses? BusinessClub Scotland facilitates contract opportunities, business networking and business engagement around major sporting and cultural events in Scotland. It works to ensure that Scottish businesses are supported, engaged and business-ready to maximise contract opportunities and win business. The Club is funded by Scottish Enterprise, supported by the Scottish Government and leading business organisations and works closely with EventScotland and other partners. What types of opportunities does the Club promote? We have promoted opportunities related to major cultural and sporting events, including the IRB Rugby 7’s, The Open Championship, the Rally of Scotland, the Senior Open Championship, Sport Your Trainers and the Ayr Flower Show. The focus for contracts for the Commonwealth Games to date has been on the main construction sites, but now these are nearing completion, you will find opportunities for the following: l Temporary seating – by mid 2013 l Marquees/Tents – by mid 2013 l Portable buildings – by mid 2013 l Broadcast lighting – by early 2014 l Fences – by end 2013 l Exhibition equipment by end 2013 l Sports equipment by end 2013 The last quarter of this year should see an increase in opportunities relating to the Commonwealth Games posted on the Glasgow Business Portal – you can keep up-to-date with these by registering at www.glasgow.gov.uk/businessportal . How will you engage with Stirling businesses in the run up to 2014? How can businesses join BusinessClub Scotland? You can register for BusinessClub Scotland via the membership page at www.businessclubscotland.co.uk . Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about the Club and what we can do for you and your business. We already have some members from the Stirling area but there could be many more. We recently delivered an event in partnership with STEP Stirling and Stirling Council, which looked at how local businesses can be in the running to win contracts associated with the Commonwealth Games. In the lead in to 2014, we will be promoting opportunities related to the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming through our website. We plan to roll out a programme of seminars towards the end of this year which will highlight opportunities around the Ryder Cup 2014 and each of our events will include time for networking. We are happy to take requests from local businesses on what types of events they would like to see the Club deliver and where. Have Stirling businesses won contracts through the Glasgow Business Portal? Yes. So far the main types of contracts to be won have been in relation to construction and ensuring the infrastructure is in place, for example FES Ltd, Ultimate Power Supplies Ltd and Clyde Insulation Contracts (UK) Ltd won contracts relating to the National Indoor Sports Arena & Velodrome and SECC Scottish National Arena and car park. The Club is open to event sponsors, suppliers, investors, distributors, media, international business people as well as representatives from education and the third sector. It is free to register and members are kept up-todate about latest contract opportunities, networking events and news through regular eBlasts. Members also have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and potentially do business with other members. You can register for the Glasgow Business Portal which promotes contracts for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games at www.glasgow.gov.uk/businessportal . PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles. www.businessclubscotland.co.uk / Tel: 0141 566 0860 / Email: pauline.munro@businessclubscotland.co.uk 18 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye A weekend to die for Reading titles like ‘Touching Evil’, ‘Fascinating Forensics’ and ‘Deadlier than the Male’, it’s reassuringly comforting to find a session at the forthcoming Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival called ‘We Make it All Up’. This September, Stirling will host the first crime-writing festival, Bloody Scotland. Attracting top writers from the UK and internationally, it’s great to see so much tartan noir talent supporting this event which hopes to be groundbreaking in its approach to crime and technique: this year, Ann Cleeves, writing and book festivals. author behind the character of ‘Vera’ in At venues in The Albert Halls and Stirling the recent tv series will be delivering the Highland Hotel, serving police and forensics keynote address. officers will speak alongside home grown Bloody Scotland aims to bring devotees authors Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre and Val of crime writing from throughout the UK, McDermid all giving their unique take on one and is already attracting significant interest of the UK’s most popular literary genres. from the American market. Organisers There’s a real focus on ‘Fresh Blood’, with a hope that the event will grow annually, special appearance from Gregory’s Girl actor and that local businesses will work John Gordon Sinclair debuting his first crime with them to make the Bloody Scotland novel ‘Seventy Times Seven’. weekend a real highlight in Stirling’s The University of Stirling will also be championing aspiring authors through a series of masterclasses aimed at developing talent events calendar…. ‘Crime in a Cold Caro Ramsay Craig Robertson Climate’ … bring it on… Stirling’s ready! Chris Brookmyre Alex Gray www.bloodyscotland.com Clacksmax broadband services goes live The new Clacksmax broadband service is now live and available for businesses. As Stirling Eye went to print, coverage included parts of Bandeath near Throsk but it is hoped that this will soon be extended further. The service is being provided by Briskona, working in partnership with Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils and Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER. Martin Waddell, Briskona’s newly appointed Area Manager said: “We are excited to offer customers in underserved areas the experience of high speed broadband in the coming months. Briskona will offer packages starting at £19.99 with speeds “One of the things that attracted me to the job is Briskona’s high level currently up to 12 Mbps. of expertise and European wide experience in delivering broadband Introductory period discounts are to rural and underserved areas. This will be done with high speed available and Briskona plan to fixed wireless solutions from Cambium Networks (formerly Motorola add telephone and other value wireless) and our strong commitment to the concept of community added services. broadband. Martin said: “One of the great benefits of Briskona broadband is that you don’t need a land-line and can transfer your existing telephone numbers to us.” “It’s been an interesting and valuable process working in partnership with Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils. We have had tremendous support and encouragement from them, in particular the Clacksmax Team in getting to the point where we can now deliver the much needed services we specialise in.” To find out more about the ClacksMax service, please contact Briskona on 0845 415 4498 or email enquiries@briskona.com. More information on Briskona is available at www.briskona.com . www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 19 Leading management teams move their meetings to the mountains! STING in Stirling (18th to 25th August 2012) August will see teams setting out on a mammoth race from the historic city of Stirling covering an impressive 500 km, across lochs and mountains, where the highlands meet the lowlands. The magnificent diversity of Scotland’s landscape will allow participants to take on trails, tracks, hills and water in unspoilt surroundings. The idea of this event was generated when London won the 2012 Olympic bid – two of the UK’s leading adventure race organisers, Nick Gracie and James Thurlow had the inspiration of creating a large expedition style Adventure Race in the UK, resulting in The Sting in Stirling. James Thurlow, Open Adventure Director, said: “We knew that the excitement of the Olympic Games would captivate everyone in the UK and we wanted to give all those adventure athletes and adventure enthusiasts out there an athletic goal of their own for 2012.” With a beautiful landscape filled with mountains, hills, lochs and rivers, Stirling is a perfect destination for such an event. The race takes Nearly 50 teams from some of Europe’s biggest companies and top management teams took part in three days and four nights of challenges in and around Stirling in June as part of the UK’s largest corporate adventure event, the Intelligent Sport® UK Challenge. The event saw the teams of seven embark on nine missions designed to thrill, inspire and push them to the limit. Testing physical, intellectual and strategic skills, companies sign up to the event for numerous reasons varying from team development and leadership training all the way through to charity fundraising and networking. The event gets teams out of the office, out of their comfort zone and challenges them to stretch themselves to their full physical and intellectual capabilities. Dame Kelly Holmes also took part in the event, which was a bit of a coincidence considering the Olympic torch passed through Stirling on the first day. Her charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust was the official charity partner. Dame Kelly said: “I’ve loved getting involved and meeting the teams who have done so well to already raise nearly £100,000 for my charity, with more funds still to come. With the money raised by leading corporate companies competing in the UK Challenge, the charity will be able to create life chances for many more disadvantaged young people right across the country.” The event culminated in an awards ceremony at the University of Stirling. Sainsbury’s won the Best Fundraising Company award for raising a staggering £18,750, whilst specific Industry Cups went to the likes of Accenture, Heineken, adidas and Johnson & Johnson. The overall winners were the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Julia Warne, Head of Marketing for event organisers IMG Challenger World said: “This is the second time this event has made its way to Stirling in the last decade and we are never disappointed with this location. From the moment we kicked the event off at Stirling Castle we knew the teams were in for a treat. The range of beautiful countryside in the surrounding area allowed us to put some simply breathtaking stages together and the teams loved every minute; many have already told us they can’t wait to come back.” The final stage of the event was broadcast on channel 4 on the morning of Sunday 5th August. If you wish to find out more about next year’s event, which will take place in Dartmoor, please visit www.ukchallenge.co.uk . participants to all those hidden gems, and offers them a chance to marvel at the stunning views. Participants must be prepared for anything and everything. www.adidas-ar.com 20 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Rural Business profile Go Country Go Country is a charitable outdoor centre located on the idyllic banks of Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle. The centre provides a full range of outdoor activities, including unique Total Wipeout style water park, quad biking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing/abseiling, cliff jumping, archery, mountain biking, orienteering and more. Stirling Eye met up with Jim Greig, referral links with local businesses Chief Executive Officer, to find out such as Great Time Scotland, the more… Wee Blether Tearoom, Forest Hills The story so far When Jim was made redundant in Hotel & Resort and the Aberfoyle Deli to name a few. 2001, he established Go Country, Opportunities for all a charity providing outdoor Jim said: “The best part of the activities for young people with job is the people – it is amazing When Go Country moved to diverse social backgrounds. Jim to take someone with little or Kinlochard, it found that some is passionate about the charity’s no confidence, integrate them community groups could work and has a strong track record within a group using outdoor not afford to transport their in working with young people activities and watch as they members to the centre, so it having previously worked as an develop – amazing! purchased a number of mini- outdoor activity co-ordinator for “One of the things we do, is CSV Training Options Glasgow. supply all equipment from boots Jim doesn’t think that anyone should miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and the benefits it brings. He said: “We engage people in positive to wetsuits, rucksacks to midge nets, it’s important when groups arrive to get them to change into the same outdoor clothing as this promotes unity and team building. buses. Jim said: “Aberfoyle is Future plans a great location – it provides Jim said: “We want to open a a fabulous environment and residential centre for young tremendous scenery, but is still people. At the moment, we do central, so groups come from all some residential courses, but over, including Glasgow, Stirling have to take groups to other and Edinburgh. centres further north. I think We ensure everyone is equal “We also get good passing when we run residential courses, trade, particularly from the so spending money is limited to neighbouring Forest Hills Hotel Starting out with just a computer, £5 per week – our objective is to & Resort.” Jim quickly secured premises remove social stigma.” activity to build their self-esteem and confidence.” in Renfrewshire. The charity moved to Kinlochard around five Overcoming challenges years ago, when Jim jumped at As it proved challenging to the chance to secure the site on the banks of Loch Ard, and now employs more than five people plus sessional workers. secure funds to develop, Go Country established a trading company, providing outdoor activities to the general public. residential courses definitely help to change young people for the better. “We would like to develop When Stirling Eye met Jim on site on a rather dreich summer day, the place was surprisingly busy, with a large group of excited youngsters from the Callander Youth Project heading out onto Loch Ard and a group The charity uses the money of Londoners and Sri Lankans, Now well established in the generated to subsidise its who happened to be passing Aberfoyle area, Jim reported that programme of activities for by, stopping to hire a boat to Go Country has built excellent cross community groups. explore the loch’s islands. the residential centre here in Kinlochard and for it to be something really special, treating young people with the respect they deserve. Just because someone doesn’t have money, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have access to the same opportunities as other people.” www.gocountry.co.uk Staff training on Buachaille Etive Mòr www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 21 FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE’S STIRLING CAMPUS OPEN Forth Valley College’s new state-of-the-art Stirling Campus opened in April 2012. Dr Ken Thomson, Depute Principal, spoke to Stirling Eye about this exciting new facility and the benefits it will offer to the local area. What’s your vision for the new campus? Our aim is to be a hub for education and training in Stirling, offering a wide range of new opportunities for the area. As part of a new regional approach, provision at Stirling is mainly focused on the creative industries, hospitality, construction and tourism linking in with local industries and Stirling Council’s Culture Strategy. The College also has a strong relationship with Historic Scotland and this has also influenced the specialist areas for the campus. As a College it’s vital we provide education and training which ties in with local and national skills strategies and corresponds to opportunities in the local employment market. What types of training are on offer? The new campus offers a wide range of full-time and part-time courses from access to degree level. In addition to the specialist areas mentioned previously, there are courses available in care, science, computing and business. We also continue to offer Skills 22 STIRLING EYE Development Scotland funded activity such as the Get Ready for Work programmes in construction and hospitality. Forth Valley College is also an accredited provider for the Chartered Management Institute and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development professional qualifications. We are also keen to develop bespoke training in line with individual business needs. How accessible is it for businesses? The campus is located on the west side of Stirling which is perfect for any business whether they’re based in the town centre or in rural Stirling. It’s especially handy for Castle Business Park! The proximity to the M9 is also excellent for anyone commuting to the new campus. What types of facilities are available? The facilities really are outstanding and offer everything a 21st century learner could want. There is a range of flexible learning spaces kitted out to a really high spec with access to SmartBoards and IT and wireless access throughout the building. Our sound and recording studios have the best equipment in the business and our training kitchens have everything a five star restaurant would have. Our construction workshops also have top of the range equipment. Dr Ken Thomson, Depute Principal, Forth Valley College The campus also provides smaller specialist facilities including a clinical skills suite, home economics suite, simulated office, science laboratory and simulated nursery. Learners, staff and the general public can make use of our new fine dining restaurant – The Gallery and our learners and staff have access to our fully equipped fitness suite. These facilities will allow the College to build its profile in the local area and extend the services currently offered to the public via the Raploch Community Campus including a hair and beauty salon, bistro and external catering service. What gives the campus the ‘wow’ factor? You can’t buy the views the new campus has and the architects have made full use of this stunning location. It’s such a relaxing environment with open spaces, lots of natural light, glass and natural wooden finishes. It’s truly a unique work and learning environment. What other opportunities does the campus offer businesses? We’re hoping to offer seminar and conferencing facilities linking with our catering and hospitality services and we’re also keen to play host to large corporate events. We provided rehearsal space and catering in relation to the recent Big Noise Concert and are also in discussions with Stirling Business Panel to host their annual awards. Focus on the local economy economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye www.forthvalley.ac.uk New campus makes it mark An innovative training programme recently delivered at the campus is set to shape third sector services in the area. The exciting ‘Make Your Mark’ programme was initially piloted with those using mental health services in Stirling, providing participants with the skills and knowledge to actively engage with the services and contribute to their future development. Historic Scotland has installed the best equipment available at the new training facility at Forth Valley College. Included are hydraulic tables, which keep manual handling to a minimum, and ventilation systems which remove airborne dust and debris. The programme is the result of an exciting collaboration between Forth Valley College, Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling Council and third sector partners. New world-class stonemasonry training facility to open in Stirling The group created a programme to provide support to those service users interested in getting involved in service development, Historic Scotland has created a new Stonemasonry Training Facility at the College, where with potential for them to become trustees or the agency will develop world-class teaching based on its leading UK facility in Elgin. committee members. Historic Scotland is the country’s biggest employer of stonemasons, and currently has 30 multi–trade apprentices across Scotland. The new facility will be used by some of the additional 30 apprentices being recruited over the next three years. It will also help the agency promote traditional building skills as one of its key priorities, and encourage wider public appreciation of how these skills can contribute to a sustainable future for Scotland’s construction industry. Historic Scotland’s Director of Conservation, David Mitchell said: “Historic Scotland has a unique stewardship role in protecting and enhancing the nation’s historic environment. Our traditional buildings contribute to Scotland’s economy in many ways, and it is important that we care for this valuable asset. We are committed to putting those skills at the heart of Scotland’s construction industry. The new facility at Forth Valley College will contribute substantially towards that aim. Offered both classroom based and online, 19 participants completed the pilot programme. The feedback from the students is being used to shape a more ambitious programme of learning opportunities to support development and delivery of social services in the Stirling area. Dr Ken Thomson, Depute Principal of Forth Valley College said: “We’re extremely pleased “The environment and in particular the dust extraction system we have installed is state of the art, and demonstrates the level which we aspire to in training our people. Forth Valley College also provides a contemporary learning environment for our students, and we see this as a strong partnership.” to have been involved in the development of Students will also benefit from a low pupil-to-teacher ratio, mirroring the successful training centre in Elgin. service development for the Stirling area.” The recruitment of 30 additional apprentices is part of a Scottish Government strategy to sustain and develop traditional building skills, driven by Historic Scotland in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland, the Sector Skills Council, and Construction Skills. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye the ‘Make Your Mark’ programme and look forward to strengthening our relationships with the other partners. Our new facilities will allow us to develop more and more unique training opportunities for the third sector which will benefit both individuals and the local area. Going forward, we hope to play a prominent role in Deirdre Cilliers, the Head of Social Services in the area, said, on behalf of Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley who jointly funded the pilot, “We are delighted at the feedback from the first students and we thank them for their contribution to this pilot scheme. We look forward to supporting the continuing development of innovative approaches to creating learning opportunities for our service users and partners in service planning and delivery.” STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 23 Stirling Economic Partnership City Centre Strategy taking shape The Stirling Economic Partnership is currently developing a City Centre Strategy for Stirling. The City Centre Strategy will define the vision, set direction and encompass a wide range of physical, social, economic and cultural actions to improve the experience of the city centre for residents, visitors and As part of the wider Community Planning Framework, the Stirling Economic Partnership oversees the planning and implementation of economic activity in accordance with Stirling’s Economic Strategy, ‘Open for Business’. The Economic Partnership’s agreed areas for action in 2012 are: 1. Developing a City Centre Strategy & Action Plan. 2. Delivering an integrated business support service. businesses, based on both needs and opportunities, to ensure that the city centre performs as the economic hub of the wider Stirling area. The importance of city centre strategies is recognised at national planning level and in terms of promoting the retail and wider commercial offering. The strategy will support and endorse the Local Development 3. Developing the food and drink and creative industries sectors. Plan, City Transport Strategy and the associated Development 4. Joining up and implementing the employability and skills Framework and masterplanning for the area. provision pipeline. Towns and city centres are also geographical areas of significant 5. Maximising the economic opportunities from 2014. policy focus across a range of themes, and in tandem with 6. Aligning all aspects of the marketing and promotion of Stirling Government initiatives, the strategy will provide a context for from the perspectives of ‘visit’, ‘live’, ‘learn’, ‘work’ and ‘invest’. 7. Delivering the ‘More Choices, More Chances’ actions. 8. Delivering the ‘Tackling Poverty’ action plan. 9. Improving the local supply chain. Stirling city centre within a wider economic development agenda. The key roles of the City Centre Strategy will be to: (a)Inform the future role/direction of the city centre; (b)Assist in the allocation of resources and prioritising actions, 10. Establishing a profile of the rural economy indicating who is responsible for implementation and the The Economic Partnership also oversees the work of a number of sources of funding required for delivery; sub-groups including: More Choices, More Chances (ensuring positive and sustained destinations for Stirling’s young people), the Skills Pipeline Group, the Cultural Forum, the Advice Services Partnership and the Tackling Poverty Group. The Economic Partnership is chaired by Dr John Rogers, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University of Stirling. Membership also includes the Stirling Business Panel, Stirling Council, Forth Valley College, JobCentre Plus, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Raploch (c)Provide an agreed framework for action; supported by implementation plans; (d)Facilitate dialogue with all organisations/stakeholders involved in the use, management and future of the city centre and in building consensus between these partners; (e)Act as the key city centre reference document that links organisations, work streams and projects across partners. Urban Regeneration Company, Scottish The development of a City Centre Strategy is a priority action of Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, the Economic Partnership and is integral to achieving the outcomes Stirling Enterprise, Stirling University of the Stirling Economic Strategy ‘Open for Business’. The strategy Innovation Park and Stirlingshire will also underpin the Partnership’s Single Outcome Agreement Voluntary Enterprise. aspiration to make Stirling a place with a growing economy, and it For more details on the work of the is recognised that having a diverse, vital and vibrant city centre is Stirling Economic Partnership, please critical to this aim. contact: Christine MacLean (Stirling Council) on 01786 443439, email macleanc@stirling.gov.uk . 24 STIRLING EYE An update on progress with strategy development will be given in the next edition of Stirling Eye. Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Stirling Careers and Jobs Event Stirling Council recently held the 2012 Careers and Jobs Event at the Albert Halls in Stirling. This annual event is free and aimed at those who are considering a change of career, looking for work, facing redundancy, leaving school, college or university or wanting to start their own business. Around forty organisations exhibited at the who completed forms were entered in to a event including local employers, recruitment prize draw, kindly sponsored by Catering @ agencies, training providers and support the Campus who donated a meal for four at organisations, as well as specialist job search, the Bistro @ the Campus. career, business start up, volunteering, tax, welfare and benefits advisers. To improve future events, the organisers would like to involve more employers, With over 500 visitors attending, the Careers recruitment agencies, training providers, job and Jobs Event has become a popular and and career advisors etc. If your organisation essential annual event, and another example would be interested in exhibiting at future of the crucial support that is collectively events please contact Laura Melville on provided to the local economic community. 01786 443028, email, Many visitors to the event secured job melvillel@stirling.gov.uk . interviews, applied for jobs or found potential This event was organised by Stirling employment opportunities with others Council and sponsored by Catering @ receiving careers advice and finding out the Campus, the Stirling Observer and information on college and university courses Central FM. and starting a business. www.stirling.gov.uk/jobsevent Over three quarters of visitors to the event completed feedback forms, helping shape future events. To encourage feedback, people Working well with mental health – the new guide Stirling’s leading mental health charity, Action in Mind has published its new guide to support local employers to increase their awareness and response to mental health in the workplace. building a working environment that “The employers on the good practice demonstrated by a promotes positive mental health and we worked number of Stirling-based employers from the well-being. with must be Working Well with Mental Health draws private, statutory and voluntary sector. By l In support of the Working Well with Mental congratulated for highlighting the business and social case of Health guide, Bob Jack, Chief Executive their innovative supporting mental health in the workplace, of Stirling Council said: “Too often mental approaches the guide provides a number of options for ill-health is met with silence, lack of to promoting employers to consider, for example: understanding, feelings of shame and fear of positive mental health and, where necessary, l the importance of developing their own saying or doing the wrong thing. At Stirling responding to situations that were perhaps mental health policies so that both the Council, we are committed to changing this.” unique to their business.” Helena Scott, executive director of Action in For further information about how Action in Mind can help employers, or for a copy of the Working Well with Mental Health guide please call 01786 451203 or email info@actioninmind.org.uk . employer and employee know how to respond quickly and effectively to provide the right support at the right time; l Mind said: “It can be hard for many of us to imagine what life would be like if we were how to support line-managers and HR denied or rejected from the workplace simply personnel to provide better support because we were experiencing mental health through workplace training opportunities; difficulties. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Action in Mind present their employer’s guide at the Scottish Parliament Reception. www.actioninmind.org.uk STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 25 Business space developments Industrial Springkerse Trade Park, Stirling is now approaching full occupancy. The former Bay Furniture & Interiors unit has been sub-divided creating two new 325 sq m (3,500 sq ft) units. One unit is under The Bay Furniture and Interiors new unit, Springkerse Trade Park offer and the other has been let to Halfords Auto Centres for MOT, Service and Repairs. Bay Furniture & Interiors has moved to a nearby unit within the development. Deborah Kennedy of Ross & Liddell of Ross & Liddell on 0141 204 7355, email has confirmed that units are letting up d-kennedy@ross-liddell.com . fast at Manor Farm Business Park, with Bryce Stewart of Colliers International six new tenants taking entry within commented: “Providing good quality the past few months, including Linnet accommodation on such a high-profile Technologies Ltd, Emotion Energy Ltd, Alan site has paid dividends with the most Hutchison Photography Ltd, Multisense recent tenant, Halfords Auto Centre now Technologies Ltd, Energy Diagnostics in occupation and providing a welcome Ltd and IQ Ingredients Ltd. Deborah has addition at this location.” He added “The noted substantial interest in the location, trade counter market remains relatively particularly from businesses with a robust even in these trying times and on technological focus. the back of this success we hope to bring There are still several high quality units forward other opportunities in Stirling shortly!” Sandy Falconer of J&E Shepherd advised that part of the yard space associated with the former TNT buildings in Springkerse Industrial Estate has now been leased for parking of vehicles and discussions are underway in relation to remaining buildings. Also at Springkerse, Sandy confirmed that Central FM is fitting out its unit in Munro Road. Further information on remaining space at the Munro Road development can be remaining, ranging from 116 sq m (1,250 obtained from Sandy Falconer of J & E sq ft) to 315 sq m (3,390 sq ft), with In the rural area, two units at Lagrannoch annual rent still priced at £6.50/sq ft. With Industrial Estate, Callander have been attractive terms and incentives available, leased. One unit has been taken by W. the new accommodation Somers & Currid Stirling Ltd and the other provides the flexibility to by James Booth trading as High Days & meet the requirements of Holidays, reinforcing the popularity of many small to medium workspace at this location. sized businesses looking Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald confirmed: “Securing two varied occupiers at Lagrannoch Industrial Estate achieves 100% occupancy of workspace units and in one of Stirling’s premier and convenient locations. For further information competitively priced small workspace units or to arrange a at this location.” viewing please contact haulage company H & R Gray are expanding into larger accommodation, extending to in excess of 1,860 sq m (20,000 sq ft). sandy.falconer@shepherd.co.uk . for high quality premises underlines the demand for well located, At Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk, Shepherd on 01786 450438, email Upgraded form er TNT Main Deborah Kennedy Building, Sprin gkerse Indust ria l Estate Office Stirling Development Agency, the 50/50 joint venture between Stirling Council and Valad Further information on remaining space Property Group, has recently acquired 14.5 hectares (36 acres) of developable land at at Bandeath can be obtained from joint Kildean for the creation of Kildean Business Park. The Park will comprise grade A offices and agents, Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald associated business space plus around 1.2 hectares (3 acres) of commercial/retail and leisure on 01786 463111, email apeel@g-s.co.uk development. or Neil McAllister of Ryden on 0131 215 6612, email neil.mcallister@ryden.co.uk . 26 STIRLING EYE Further information can be obtained from Graham Blackstock, Valad Property Group on 0131 659 1660, email info@stirlingdevelopmentagency.com . Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Looking for commercial property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property Creative space The former Inland Revenue building on Spittal Street, at the heart of the city centre is to be transformed into a hub space for creatives and businesses around Stirling. The labyrinth of small office/studio spaces and large multifunctional rooms is hoped to become a resource for community groups, creative organisations, local business Former Inla nd Revenu e building, and interested individuals who require space to exhibit, work, meet or Spittal Stre et, Stirling develop their ideas. For more information contact Desmond Bernie or Sarah Frood from Icecream Sarah Frood and Desmond Bernie from Icecream Architecture Architecture at info@icecreamarchitecture.com . Planning applications update Retail Works are underway in relation to the Stirling Development Agency’s The following planning applications with a significant business Retail Park at Burghmuir focus have been approved by Stirling Council since the last edition in central Stirling. The of Stirling Eye (March 2012): main contractor, Muir Construction has started on site. The development l Aerial image of Burghmuir Retail Park under development development comprising retail (Class 1), financial, professional and other services (Class 2), and food and drink will consist of 5,575 sq m (60,000 sq ft), comprising three units and around 290 car parking spaces. Two of the units are pre-let An application for Burghmuir Industrial Estate for a (Class 3) (6,387 sq m GIA – 1.8 hectare site). l An application for the Stirling Arms Hotel, Dunblane for to Waitrose and TK Maxx with the remaining unit under offer to a alteration to existing hotel to include external decking for national UK retailer. It is expected that the development will be eating and drinking (965 sq m). completed early next year. l Andy Richardson, Valad’s Head of Scotland and Chief Executive of Stirling Development Agency, commented: “We are pleased to have already secured established occupiers as well as forward funding the entire scheme through Legal & General Property. Burghmuir Retail Park will provide a valuable economic stimulus to the surrounding area with new jobs and an enhanced retail offering for the city.” new two storey 20 bedroom wing with enhanced kitchen, enhanced staff changing facilities and new, whole home function room enabling new laundry, staff and administration facilities off central core of existing home, extended and improved car parking (9,105 sq m). l A prominent property in Airthrey Road, Stirling recently upgraded and converted by WS Dunsire to provide retail and office accommodation, has already secured Animal Tails Veterinary Practice Limited; the first employee-owned and operated vet practice in the UK and Sparkle Health & Beauty. An application for Unit 4, Carey Court, Plean for partial change of use from Class 1 to Class 3 to form post office and tea room (approx. 60 sq m). l An application for East of Hill Cottage, Aberfoyle for erection of a barn for a new livery business (165 sq m). l Graham and Sibbald has brought retail units within a mixed unit low carbon development at Huntly Crescent/Raploch Road, Stirling to the market. Although one unit is now under offer, units of 76 sq m (817 sq ft) are being promoted for lease with quoting rent £10/sq ft. An application for Randolph Hill, Perth Road, Dunblane for a An application for 47 Main Street, Doune for change of use from Class 1 retail to Class 3 restaurant (57 sq m). l An application for north east of Claylands, Fintry for a biogas development converting organic matter into renewable heat, power and fertiliser through anaerobic digestion (0.9 hectares). l An application for 27 Main Street, Bannockburn for change of use from barbers shop (Class 1 shops) to dental surgery (Class 2 Financial, Professional and Other Services) (58 sq m). For more information on remaining space at this location, please contact Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald on 01786 463111, email apeel@g-s.co.uk . www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 27 LEADER update www.fvl.org.uk LEADER is the European funding programme for the rural area. LEADER funding and businesses LEADER funding is available to businesses in rural Stirling to match fund projects (up to 50%) that demonstrate substantial community benefit. Stirling Eye spoke to David Niven and Sue Wyllie, FVL LEADER Development Officers, to find out more… Who is eligible for LEADER funding? Can you give some examples? Rural businesses developing community exhibition at the Royal Highland Show focused projects. The rural area covers all of involved a ‘community of businesses’, e.g. the Stirling Council area, excluding the city. small food producers from rural Stirling What do you mean by community focused? The LEADER funded Stirling Tastes Good collaborating together, and with STEP, to promote Stirling produce to a wider market and linking producers, suppliers and Do you have any advice on the process? LEADER funds come from both the Scottish Government and the European Businesses submitting projects to LEADER customers. need to be engaged with the community in An individual business example was the one of the following ways: quite involved. We are here to help you Argaty Red Kites Summer Guided Walks through it, so if you have an idea for a 1. As a community of businesses (e.g. a project, a then pilot summer visitor project, feel free to contact us for a chat. Union, so the application process is number of businesses collaborating, attraction, of benefit to the farm as well as sometimes with local communities, to the local school and community. sometimes as a group) By the end of the year we are hoping to 2. Providing a business idea/project that re-open our Sustainable Tourism Business will establish substantial community Grant Scheme through which, for example, benefit a business received LEADER funds to help 3. Providing business knowledge to a community project – there are many community organisations such as Development Trusts that manage major assets and large budgets. bring the Brig O’Turk Tea Room back into use, at the same time providing substantial community benefit by providing a grocery service and essential meeting space. What does the application process involve? It is important to remember throughout that the application needs to clearly define the additional community benefit that it will bring. For example, it isn’t enough to say ‘I run a business, if I get a grant, I can expand and that will be good for the community’. LEADER funding isn’t about scale of business activity; it is about additional benefit to rural communities. Successful applicants have to show that they have made contact with local LEADER has a two-stage application community groups and submit letters process: of support endorsing the benefits of 1. An initial enquiry form (one side the project. All LEADER applicants are of A4), submitted via the website www.fvl.org.uk . We then meet with prospective applicants, provided the project is eligible. 2. A detailed application form is then submitted directly through us. expected to provide: l A project/business plan l Letters of support from local communities l Evidence of match funding www.fvl.org.uk Please contact David or Sue for more information at 01786 442687, email nivend@stirling.gov.uk or wyllies@stirling.gov.uk . 28 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye 2014 business opportunities 2014 is going to be a huge year of opportunity for Stirling with the 700th Anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, 2nd Year of Homecoming, Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. This provides Stirling Council and partners with the opportunity to promote Stirling as a ‘must see’ visitor destination and ‘must be’ business location. Key events already in the pipeline for Stirling in 2014 are: l Bannockburn 700: The National Trust for Scotland intend to formally open their new Visitor Centre for the Bannockburn site on 23/24 June 2014, with a major re-enactment event the following weekend (28/29 June). l Clans 2014: A signature Homecoming Scotland event, with a provisional date of 11-13 July 2014. The event is intended to attract around 30,000 additional visitors to Stirling over the three day period. l Food & Drink Festival: Work continues to consider options for a food and drink festival in Stirling in September 2014, to coincide with the Ryder Cup. The objective of the festival would be to encourage visitors to increase the time they spend in Stirling, and preferably make Stirling their base for the event. The majority of economic return in 2014 will derive from increased visitor numbers and increased supply chain activity for local businesses. In the longer term, economic benefits should come from changed perceptions of Stirling as a visitor destination and location for business investment. Stirling Council and partners want to make sure the benefits of 2014 are felt across the business community and, through the Stirling Business Panel, initial briefings have been undertaken. These briefings will be followed up in the early autumn with a series of sector specific workshop sessions to raise awareness and assist businesses in preparing for 2014. Scottish Enterprise will assist in the development of this business support, and STEP’s Business Advice team will undertake delivery in conjunction with the Council. The opportunities presented by 2014 will be showcased at the Stirling Business Panel’s Funding and Innovation Support Day on 4 September 2012 (please see page 12 for more information). Latest LEADER Awards ApplicantProject Award River Forth Fisheries Trust Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme £80,545 West Dunbartonshire Environment Trust Moss O’Balloch £109,800 Westerlix, Killin Sustainable Tourism Business Grant: Wildgrass Studio £10,000 Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Stirling Tastes Good £10,000 Lomond Folk Festival Lomond Folk Festival Social & Economic Study £4,000 Mains Farm, Thornhill Sustainable Tourism Business Grant: Mountain Bike Track £10,000 Natural Trossachs, Callander Sustainable Tourism Business Grant: Natural Trossachs £2,408 Bespoke Community Development CIC Bespoke Events Co-ordinator £12,239 Drumbowie Environment Action Group Drumbowie Path £43,791 More information on the Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER programme is available on the website www.fvl.org.uk where you can also download an enquiry form. www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 29 Economic facts Population and Households Figure 1: Population and Households Stirling 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2004-2011 % Change Stirling Scotland Total Population 86,370 5.1% 86,930 87,810 88,190 88,350 88,740 89,850 90,770 3.5% Population Aged 16-54 55,754 56,095 56,866 57,127 57,213 57,406 58,212 58,870 5.6% 4.0% Total Number of Households 36,658 36,958 37,164 37,328 37,555 37,789 38,048 38,280 4.4% 5.3% Source: National Records of Scotland Figure 2: Employment Rate (as % of people aged 16-64) Figure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of people aged 16-64) 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 Unemployment rate Unemployment Rate Employment rate Employment Rate 2006/2007 2010/2011 Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis) 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Stirling Scotland (May) 2007 (May) 2012 Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis) Employment Figure 4: Number of People in Employment within Stirling Council area 2008 2009 2010 Stirling Scotland 2008-2010 Change 2008-2010 % Change 47,400 46,500 46,200 -1,200 -2.5% 2,604,600 2,530,700 2,451,800 -152,800 -5.9% Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (Nomis) Note: Figures exclude farm agriculture Enterprise 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2004-2011 2004-2011 Figure 5: New Business Change % Change Starts Stirling Scotland 460 452 474 480 351 272 329 274 -186 -40% 20,808 21,383 23,468 25,041 20,028 15,726 15,439 14,737 -6,071 -29% Source: The Committee of Scottish Business Survival Rates 66 65.5 65 64.5 64 63.5 63 62.5 62 2003 2007 Year business started up Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics) 30 Stirling Figure 7: Number of Active Businesses per 10,000 Population STIRLING EYE Stirling 400 Scotland No. Active businesses per 10,000 population 3 Year Survival Rate - % Figure 6: 3 Year Survival Rate of Newly Born Enterprises Business Density Scotland 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2007 2010 Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics) Notes: Active businesses cover PAYE and VAT registered businesses only Focus on the local economywww.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye Active Businesses, Business Births and Business Deaths Figure 8: Businesses in 2010 – Percentages based on Stock of Active Businesses Stirling – Number Stirling - % Scotland - % 355 425 3,485 10.2% 12.2% - 10.3% 12.6% - Business Births Business Deaths Stock of Active Businesses Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics) Notes: Active businesses cover PAYE and VAT registered businesses only Industry Occupational Distribution Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector (%), Stirling, 2010 Figure 10: Occupational Distribution of Workers (%), Stirling, 2010 Industry Agriculture, forestry & fishing 0.7%* Mining, quarrying & utilities 0.6% Manufacturing 5.8% Construction 6.5% Motor trades 2.5% Wholesale 2.8% Retail 11.0% Transport & storage (inc postal) 2.4% Accommodation & food services 9.2% Information & communication 1.6% Financial & insurance 5.2% Property 0.9% Professional, scientific & technical 4.8% Business administration & support services 7.0% Public administration & defence 9.1% Education 9.1% Health 17.1% Arts, entertainment, recreation & other services 3.7% Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (Nomis) Notes: * data excludes farm agriculture Source: Annual Population Survey - Workplace Analysis (Nomis) Qualifications Visitors to the Stirling Area % of Working Age Population Figure 11: % People Aged 16-64 Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2010 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 SVQ Level 4+ No Qualifications Figure 12: Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area Visitors Argyll’s Lodging Bannockburn Heritage Centre 2010 28,530 50,861 50,143 Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park 397,369 393,225 Mugdock Country Park 585,288 585,132 National Wallace Monument 126,237 110,809 Old Town Jail 17,503 18,224 Stirling Castle 383,293 377,204 39,408 35,110 Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Stirling 2009 32,439 Source: Moffat Centre Visitor Attraction Monitor; Mugdock Country Park; Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Scotland Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis) Earnings Figure 13: Median Gross Weekly Earnings of People Working Full Time Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland 2007-2011 % Change 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 £479.9 £440.9 £434.1 £441.7 £496.9 £462.9 £454.1 £462.6 £499.2 £471.2 £460.2 £472.8 £529.1 £486.9 £499.1 £488.2 £508.56.0% £490.611.3% £512.418.0% £488.810.7% Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis) www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy 31 Forthcoming events/training Supplier Development Programme workshops The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is a business growth initiative, which in partnership with Scottish Councils’ delivers a range of business support that includes assisting businesses to become more capable when competing for public sector contracts. The dates for free SDP workshops this Autumn are: October 2012 9th morning – Clackmannanshire – Maximising Your Tender Score. 16th morning – Stirling – Value Add and Innovation. 23rd morning – Falkirk – Expanding Your Procurement Horizons. To book at free place at any of these workshops, please visit www.sdpscotland.co.uk or contact Sandy Frickleton (Stirling Council) on 01786 443403, email frickletona@stirling.gov.uk for more information. Enhanced R&D Tax Relief Seminar Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, is running a series of free seminars, in conjunction with Stirling University Innovation Park, highlighting recent and forthcoming changes in Research & Development (R&D) tax relief. Service contacts Building Standards, Stirling Council Joyce Wighton, Tel: 01786 432032, email: eoadmin@stirling.gov.uk City Centre Management, Stirling Council Andy Kennedy, Tel: 01786 442534, email: kennedya2@stirling.gov.uk Culture and Adult Learning, Stirling Council Lynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: gibbonsla@stirling.gov.uk Economic Support & Tourism, Stirling Council Deborah Murray, Tel: 01786 442467, email: murrayd@stirling.gov.uk Employability Service, Stirling Council Gordon Wright, Tel: 01786 442866, email: wrightg@stirling.gov.uk Environmental Health & Trading Standards, Stirling Council Leslie Fisher, Tel: 01786 432180, email eoadmin@stirling.gov.uk Planning, Stirling Council Peter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: morganp@stirling.gov.uk Rates Team, Stirling Council Alison McLean, Tel: 01786 443236, email: rates@stirling.gov.uk Waste Services, Stirling Council David Hopper, Tel: 01786 443038, email hopperd@stirling.gov.uk August 2012 22nd, 12 noon -2.30pm – Stirling – Enhanced R&D Tax Relief. 28th, 12 noon -2.30pm – Stirling – Enhanced R&D Tax Relief. To reserve a place, please contact Vari Woods at vari.woods@jcca.co.uk or call 0131 220 2203. Free Business Gateway training events: August 2012 29th evening – Stirling – Marketing your business. September 2012 Useful web links Active Stirling – www.activestirling.org.uk Business Gateway – www.bgateway.com Forth Valley College – www.forthvalley.ac.uk Forth Construction Club - www.forthconstruction.co.uk Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk 4th morning – Alloa – Book Keeping 1. 4th afternoon – Alloa – Book Keeping 2. 5th evening – Stirling – Advertising & Promotion. 18th morning – Falkirk – Book Keeping 1. 18th afternoon – Falkirk – Book Keeping 2. 20th morning – Alloa – Marketing Your Business. Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/funding To book your free place, call 0845 609 6611 or check www.bgateway. com for up-to-date listings. Public Contract Scotland – www.publiccontractscotland.gov.uk Business start-up workshops Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk Stirling Enterprise (STEP) run free training and awareness sessions specifically for people looking to start up their own business. Forthcoming training dates are: Scottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.uk Scottish Government – www.scotland.gov.uk August 2012 Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/directory 21st evening – Stirling – Finance. 22nd evening – Stirling – ICT. 28th evening – Stirling – HM Revnue & Customs. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com Scottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.uk Stirling Business Panel – www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org Stirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/business September 2012 Stirling Enterprise (STEP) – www.stepstirling.co.uk 4th evening – Stirling – Start-Up Awareness seminar. 11th evening –Stirling – Business Planning. 12th evening – Stirling – Marketing. 18th evening – Stirling – Finance. 19th evening – Stirling – ICT. 25th evening – Stirling – HM Revenue & Customs. Stirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye For more information on the business start-up workshops, please contact Denise Mallinson on 01786 463416. Stirling University Innovation Park – www.suip.co.uk Trossachs Rural Mentoring Scheme – www.ruralmentoring.co.uk University of Stirling – www.stir.ac.uk VisitScotland – www.visitscotland.org VisitStirling – www.visitstirling.org Economic Support & Tourism, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 01786 442778 email: russelljl@stirling.gov.uk web: stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye