business matters - autumn 2014

Themes: Export & International Trade • Logistics & TransportRegular features: Chamber News • Renfrewshire Council & Invest in Renfrewshire Update & lots more...

MattersBusiness

AUTUMN 2014 EDITION HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Chamber celebrates50 years & ROCCOfi nalists announced

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 32 Business Matters Autumn 2014

Please contact us to discuss your distribution, freight and secure warehousing requirements.

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For over 40 years the Gordon Leslie name has been acknowledged for providing highquality service in the freight and distribution industry.

We have invested considerably in our current warehousing facilities, ideallypositioned in Hillington Park. Within 2 miles of Glasgow International Airport and 5 miles of Glasgow City Centre, we operate from over 170,000 sqft on our 8 acresite. We offer tailor made solutions which can receive, store, rework if necessary

and despatch your goods throughout the UK and World Wide.

Please contact us to discuss your distribution, freight and secure warehousing requirements.

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For over 40 years the Gordon Leslie name has been acknowledged for providing high quality service in the freight and distribution industry. We have invested considerably in our current warehousing facilities, ideally positioned in Hillington Park. Within 2 miles of Glasgow City Centre, we operate from over 170,000 sqft on our 8 acre site. We offer tailor made solutions which can receive, store, rework if neccessary and despatch your goods throughout the UK and World Wide.


Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Chamber’s Business Matters magazine. I trust you all had a great summer break and returned refreshed and ready to do business in the important 4th quarter.

Scotland has recently been at the forefront of the world’s media due in the main to sporting events but also through the Referendum debate and vote.

Your Chamber, in common with all of Scotland’s Chambers, took a neutral stance and held a number of cross party debates to ensure the needs and issues of the business community were aired and discussed. As usual Renfrewshire Chamber was “on the ball” and was the fi rst Chamber in the UK to hold a cross party referendum debate which was followed up by numerous similar high level events over the period. The no vote will I feel have taken some energy out of other separative movements elsewhere in Europe. There will no doubt have been almost as much disappointment in Catalonia as there was in parts of Scotland. After a long campaign that engaged a record number of people across Scotland it is time to get together and focus on matters that will be best for Scotland – both sides of the debate agree that political change is needed. Commentators have the opinion that from a narrow business perspective, economic and fi nancial confi dence has perhaps regained its balance and that this will drive higher activity particularly in the property sector as pent up demand and projects that have been shelved for some time will be dusted down and pushed through. However concerns exist over the level of power the UK government will afford Scotland after the famous or infamous “vow”, particularly in relation to possible tax raising powers. Changes on this scale in my view always bring an element of uncertainty which is not good for businesses. Ministers at Westminster and Holyrood now need to come together to provide clarity.

Incidentally not a lot of our members will be aware that even prior to the vote a sweeping new levy has already received Royal Assent. This new tax is a variant of stamp duty and will be introduced next April. The Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) and its main mechanics have been worked out the actual levy and further information is published on Scottish Parliament’s website. It has also been announced that Landfi ll Tax will also be replaced and no doubt other Tax changes may be on the way.

A recent EY report indicated that

despite increased footfall in our High Streets consumer spending remains weak and is unlikely to get stronger in the foreseeable future as increases in household incomes continue to be driven by an increase in employment rather than wage increases.

The clear message in the report is that renewed growth is not feeding through to people’s wallets. The resultant belt-tightening combined with the improving quality of lower priced alternatives means that retailers and suppliers will have to rethink their strategy and make diffi cult and bolder decisions on their products and indeed their property portfolios.

British Chambers have warned that the UK risks missing a £1 trillion target by 2020 if exporting is not made easier and funding for Trade Missions increased. If any of our members need advice on exporting or indeed are giving consideration to it then your Chamber is available to help with advice.

Turning now to more local matters.... The initiative which is known as the “City Deal” was announced recently and this is possibly really good news for Renfrewshire. The initiative will be carried out in conjunction with neighbouring Councils in the Clyde Valley. The Chamber recently held an information event with our Council to inform members of what the funding could mean for our area. The main projects involve the Airport Rail Link, a new Bridge over the Clyde at Renfrew/Yoker and further Development around Renfrew Riverside and the Airport.

This foregoing announcement was followed by further good news for Renfrewshire with potentially more jobs being created at Braehead, Inchinnan and by Doosan Babcock at Renfrew.

As you are aware your Chamber has launched ROCCO 2014, all 16 awards are sponsored and a big thank you goes out to all our sponsors without whose support the Rocco’s would not be possible. The number of entries increased again this year seeing us surpass 100 for the fi rst time (it just gets better and better). Thank you to everyone who took time to enter and congratulations to all our fi nalists who you can read about in this issue. Also in this issue you can read about our fantastic Golf day in June and our 50th Anniversary Civic Reception enjoyed by over 200 members and friends in Paisley Town Hall.

Over the year we have been involved in numerous events both within the Chamber and indeed the local community.

I will mention a few of these; fi rstly I was delighted to see in person Kersland School participate in The Race 2 the Games in the run up to the July’s Commonwealth Games. Kersland School participated thanks to your support from ROCCO 13 allowing us to donate to Sailing for Disabled at Lochwinnoch.

On the successful Games themselves I was fortunate enough to get holding the Queens Baton as it passed through Paisley. We also supported and were involved in Mission Discovery (the Space School) which was a fantastic week for senior phase pupils that took place in Paisley Town Hall. The pupils were asked to carry out various experiments with the winning experiment being taken to the International Space Station. (Astronauts in Paisley, who would have thought it!)

I also had great pleasure in being invited to be one of the Quiz masters at the recently held Charity Quiz held on behalf of St Vincent’s Hospice, a great night which raised much needed funds for this excellent charity.

I must also mention our support for the Recruit program. This was the 5th year of our involvement and resulted in RCC being able to welcome management trainee Stuart Armstrong to the team.

Finally the Scotland’s Town Partnership with Renfrewshire Council is in November holding its annual conference in Paisley. Hopefully this Conference will act as a showcase for the Town’s outstanding heritage and provide an opportunity for Paisley to present its ambitious proposals to transform itself over the next decade. The Chamber will be there. Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper.

President’s Welcome

Tom Johnston, President Renfrewshire Chamber


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

Renfrewshire Chamber of CommerceBute Court, St Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport, PA3 2SWt: 0141 847 5450 / f: 0141 847 5499e: [email protected] / w: www.renfrewshirechamber.com Next issue of Business Matters is Winter 2014 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 1st December, released pre-ChristmasThemes are: Rocco winners, technology, marketing & PR

Advertising & Editorial: Euan Keltie 0141 847 5464 / e: [email protected]

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

Autumn 2014

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

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

Follow the chamber:

A Warm Welcome from our Chief ExecutiveBy the time you read this I expect the weather we associate with Scotland at this time of year will have

returned. As Tom has said the last few months have been busy in particular with our 50th celebration and launching the ROCCOs. We were delighted with the response to ROCCO 2014 and wish all our fi nalists the best of luck. I would like to add my thanks to all that entered, to our judges – who had to judge 95 entries; and to all our sponsors – thank you.

Our monthly network lunches after the summer have been very well attended, averaging around 70 at a time – showing that this form of networking & learning from others is still very relevant today. Check out our

up & coming events on our website and social media channels. If you don’t already please support us across our social media channels – by following us on twitter; facebook and our Linkedin group & company page.

I’m delighted to announce our latest Premier Partner, Thermo Fisher (Life Technologies). Having visited the site at Inchinnan on a number of occasions – the life science global player is a 1st class operation – and a fantastic organisation to have based in Renfrewshire. Thanks to all our Premier Partners (listed below) for their continued support.

A big warm welcome to Stuart Armstrong who won the position of Management Trainee with the Chamber following his involvement in this summer’s Recruit programme. Stuart will be with us for the next year and responsible for: business centre; website content; smartphone app & eNews.

Your Chamber continues to expand the work we do for young people, for example; supporting Young Enterprise;

Primary Engineer; Skills Ambassador; Mission Discovery and sponsoring & judging various student competitions and giving talks at schools / conducting mock interviews. If any member wants to discuss how they can give something back or get involved in supporting young people from an employability perspective please get in touch with me direct (example include; giving work experience; work place visits; school talks; apprenticeships; sponsorship etc…)

I hope you enjoy reading this edition – thank you to everyone that contributed with advertising and editorial. Our next edition comes out in December before Xmas and will focus on ROCCO winners, technology, marketing & PR. To advertise and submit editorial please contact Euan on [email protected] / 0141 847 5464.

Bob Davidson,Chief Exec’


PAISLEYGOLF CLUB

PAISLEY GOLF CLUB – COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!Memberships, Corporate Golf Days and Golf Outing Bookings available.

Call 0141- 884 3903 or e-mail: [email protected]

A uniquely located friendly Club with a great course and stunning views over Renfrewshire

to the Campsies and Ben Lomond.

Enable Safety Ltd is accredited by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) to deliver:• The National General certifi cate course

in Occupational Health and Safety• Health and Safety at Work Award 3 day

course.

Recently Enable Safety Ltd has received accreditation from NEBOSH to deliver a 1 Day Environmental Awareness at Work course. Fred Cullum (Director) is delighted and hopes the new course will help compliment the health and safety training already provided to businesses and individuals. Enable Safety Ltd is believed to be the only current provider accredited in Central Scotland to deliver this global course. Although a pilot course until December 2014 it is hoped that with a growing interest in environmental issues in the workplace this course will become an established course.

The Environmental Awareness course covers:• Basic environmental terms and their

meaning• Sources, impacts and controls of air,

water, noise and land pollution• Dealing with environmental

Emergencies• Introducing environmental impact

(risk) assessments• Introduction to Environmental

Management Systems.

Some of the benefi ts to businesses include:• your workforce will have an awareness

of environmental issues and the role they have in improving environmental performance

• Employees can apply their learning as soon as they return to work helping to reduce waste, improve energy effi ciency and achieve cost savings

• A business with a sound environmental

record has an advantage in the modern market place

The course can be taken by any employee who needs a basic understanding of environmental issues in the workplace and is assessed through 30 minute multiple choice examination.

Another new course which has been developed is ‘Health and Safety for Strategic Leaders’. This 1 day course will assist strategic leaders, such as directors, to manage for health and safety at work.

Remember that we have a range of services we can provide to businesses and we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.

For further information visit our website, email or call or follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

W: www.enablesafetyltd.co.uk E: [email protected]: 07714723505

Impacting on the Environment


It’s an issue that keeps many businesses OFF Twitter and Facebook.

‘What if someone uses it to say something nasty about us?’

The truth is, it happens less than you think.

Take Facebook.Almost everyone is there under their

REAL name. It’s extremely diffi cult to create a fake account and if you did you wouldn’t fi nd friends and would have little credibility. So while unhappy customers may post legitimate criticism when things go wrong, they’re not likely to post anonymous random abuse.

Some within hospitality worry a single, bad, anonymous Tripadvisor review, perhaps fabricated by a competitor, could sink them.

That’s why it’s important to engage with everyone who leaves a review - good and bad. You’ll be judged on the tone of your response and readers will draw conclusions about the type of person you are, and by extension, the quality of business you run.

If, for example, a hotel receives a broadly positive review which suggests adding more vegetarian options to the menu, and the manager replies saying she’s going to implement this, then a scathing review saying the whole place is horrible and the manager couldn’t care less, will likely be dismissed by most readers.

People using social media to decide whether they’re going to use a business carry out a range of research before making a decision. They look at

multiple channels and one of the key infl uencers is not what the reviewers or the happy or unhappy customers say. It’s what YOU say.

That’s the opportunity social media presents. For you to demonstrate how you respond to the good, the bad and the ugly.

And that’s what you’re judged on. Not by your website which says you’re brilliant not by the crazy guy who thinks you tried to poison him but by a series of interactions, across several channels that all add up, quickly, to an overall impression.

Social media has been around long enough now for many businesses, just like yours, to overcome the doubts and the fears and enjoy the benefi ts.

If you need help, we’re here.

HandlingSocial Media Criticism

Carrier bag chargeReminder that as from October 20th 2014 all retailers (food and non-food) will have to charge a minimum of 5p for each new single-use carrier bag (including paper, those made from some plant based materials and plastic).


It’s a proven fact that trained and qualifi ed staff are more motivated, more reliable and more productive. Through your own dedicated advisor, we can give you all the support you need to connect with SQA.

Wired intoScottish businesses

Business Development T: 0303 333 0330 E: [email protected] W: www.sqa.org.uk/wired


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At Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking we’re here for Scottish business, supporting opportunities for growth and encouraging enterprise.

We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our customers to offer them the support and guidance needed to take their business forward.

From growing your business in a recovering economy and beyond, you can be sure that we’ll be with you all the way.

For more information visit bankofscotland.co.uk/business or your nearest branch.

We’re here to help Scottish business grow.

Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ.

BoS_WHTH_245_170037AP_0914.indd 1 16/09/2014 10:23

Bank of Scotland, part of Lloyds Banking Group, has over 300 years’ experience of providing guidance and support to businesses across all sectors, from sole traders to larger, well established companies.

We put great emphasis on a long-term approach to banking and are committed to providing businesses with service that goes beyond day-to-day banking facilities.

We recognise the importance of working closely with our customers so we can fully understand their needs and we are actively looking to meet their funding requirements, whether it is to launch a new venture, improve liquidity or support expansion. We remain committed to Scottish businesses and continue to provide a range of funding options.

To fi nd out how we are supporting businesses here in Renfrewshire, contact:

Derek Macgarvie on 07764288060 Shona Austin on 07900135231

If you have identifi ed an import or export fi nance requirement in your business, or just a need for additional support as you expand into new markets, please contact our International Business Manager Alistair McMillan on 07768823549.

For more information on Bank of Scotland and information to help you navigate a course through the current climate, visit: http://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/business

Lending is subject to status.

Bank of Scotland plc Registered offi ce: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Registered in Scotland no. SC327000.

Authorised by the Prudential Regulation authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under Registration Number 169628.

The Lloyds Banking Group includes companies using brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland plc and their associated companies.

More information on the Lloyds Banking Group can be found at lloydsbankinggroup.com

At Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking we’re here for Scottish business, supporting opportunities for growth and encouraging enterprise.

We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our customers to offer them the support and guidance needed to take their business forward.

From growing your business in a recovering economy and beyond, you can be sure that we’ll be with you all the way.

For more information visit bankofscotland.co.uk/business or your nearest branch.

We’re here to help Scottish business grow.

Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ.

Bank of Scotland - here to help Scottish business grow


The Braehead Clan have now fi rmly established themselves as one of Renfrewshire’s fastest growing organisations, that they are doing this at a time that most sports and entertainment venues are showing a decline in business is further testament to the saying “get the product right and the people will come”.

Coming to a Clan game at Braehead you will be met by a sea of purple as the crowds fl ock to the arena to see their heroes take on one of the nine other teams that make up the UK wide Elite league. It is important to stress that an Ice Hockey gamey isn’t just about what happens on the ice it is about the

carnival of colour and excitement that precedes the game as well as the game spectacle itself, crowds have grown by over 33% year on year and average attendances are now over 3,000, these 3,000 souls are made up mainly from families, and as well as a strong representation coming from Renfrewshire it is made up from people who regularly travel from Ayrshire and all around greater Glasgow. Your average Ice Hockey crowd is an even split between male and female and this is another dynamic that makes Ice Hockey different to the more traditional sports.

What are the other differences? Well it’s indoors for one, its covers

a full nights entertainment, (doors open at 6pm and the game fi nishes about 9:30pm) it gives you sport, games, music and community singing all rolled into one.

This season also sees the Clan launch their “Clan Suite” hospitality facility; whether it is corporate entertainment or a family and friends celebration this allows you to see a game not only in comfort but with the added bonus of a VIP food and drinks facility. Chamber members will receive a 10% discount on all hospitality bookings and £2 of any tickets for a home game at the Braehead Clan.

For more details email [email protected]

Michael GrevilleMobile: + 44 (0) 7887 637 742Email: [email protected]

Contact:

• Personal safety at work• Managing conflict and challenging behaviour• Assault avoidance skills• Safety skills for lone workers• Lone worker remote monitoring• Manager guidance and support• Post incident - Handling the media skills

Helping youstay safeat work

SALVAS are leaders in effective conflict management training helping you create safe andpositive work environments for your customers and staff.We provide clients with innovative and leading training in personal safety skills, management ofviolence and aggression, managing challenging behaviour and safely dealing with difficult situationsat work. Salvas are the key training partner in Scotland of Maybo Ltd and provide their leadingPhysical intervention skills training for clients whose staff are required to deal with situations wherethe risks from violence and aggression are high. Maybo PI programmes are BILD-British Institute ofLearning Disabilities accredited which is a key requirement for organisations providing Communityand residential care services.Since 2010 we have worked throughout the United Kingdom and Europe advising, training andsupporting clients in the public,private and charity sectors in the fields of Community and residentialcare, Local authorities and housing, Retail leisure and hospitality, Passenger transport, FE Colleges,Security, Events and Facilities management.As a Salvas client you’ll benefit from our workplace violence reduction tools and advice which covers • Guidance on employer and regulatory requirements• Support with all aspects of your policies,risk assessments and risk control measures• Help in identifying operational training needs• Tailored training courses based on identified needs of staff and customersUnlike ‘off the shelf’ or ‘open training courses’ all of our conflict resolution and physical interventiontraining programmes are created on a bespoke basis and are tailored to meet the specific needs of yourorganisation.Each programme is developed in partnership with you, using a consultation process that explores keycriteria, such as the operating environment, the current risks and behaviours, the specific roles of thestaff to be trained and the most appropriate training delivery methods. This results in training programmesthat are relevant to each client and are therefore, more effective. They are proven to reduce verbal abuse, threats and assaults on staff, increase staff confidence and performance, enhance customer service andbetter protect your organisation from legal claims and reputation damage.

Conflict Managementand Assault

Avoidance skills for staff

Going From Strength to Strength!


Glasgow Airport will welcome Ryanair when it launches its new base on 26 October 2014. It will be the first time the airline will have operated from Glasgow and it will serve nine destinations.

Ryanair will serve its two largest bases – London Stansted and Dublin – along with Derry, Riga, Warsaw Modlin, Wraclow, Bydgoszcz, Carcassone and Chania. It is expected that the 57 weekly return flights will generate more than 850,000 passengers per year.

Kate Sherry, Ryanair’s deputy director of route development, said: “Ryanair is pleased to launch these new routes from Glasgow Airport to London and Dublin, starting this October, with three daily return flights on each route at fares starting from just £19.99. We are responding to strong demand for Ryanair’s low fares from Scottish consumers and business customers, and increased competition between Scottish airports.

“Scottish consumers already choose Ryanair for our low fares, industry leading customer service and great route choice. Now they can also book their

flights on our improved website, carry a free small second carry-on bag, enjoy allocated seats, avail of our recently announced new Family Extra service, and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families and friends. We also have a new app and business product coming soon, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.

“However, Scotland cannot fulfil its true tourism potential until Air Passenger Duty is removed and we would urge Scotland to follow the example of Ireland, where Ryanair has launched 21 new routes and will deliver over 1.2 million new customers this year, in response to the Irish Government’s welcome decision to scrap APD. Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, Scotland cannot unlock its full potential until APD is repealed.”

Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ryanair to Glasgow Airport. Not only will it complement our already strong mix of airlines, it will

provide our customers with even greater choice.

“The airline has ambitious plans for growth and this includes a focus on opening bases at primary airports, such as Glasgow. This announcement underlines our commitment to enhancing our route network and delivering the services our customers demand. We can now look forward to working closely with the team at Ryanair to ensure it enjoys success at Glasgow Airport.”

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RYANAIR TO LAUNCH NEW BASE AT GLASGOW AIRPORT

From left, Lesley Kane, Ryanair head of corporate travel, Kate Sherry, deputy director of route development for Ryanair and Francois Bourienne, commercial director Glasgow Airport


Almost 2.5 million passengers used Glasgow Airport during the peak summer months of June, July and August - an increase of 2.8% on last year - ensuring the airport enjoyed its busiest summer in six years.

The airport made a strong start to August, which was its 19th consecutive month of growth, when thousands of athletes and offi cials returned home following what had been one of the most successful Commonwealth Games ever. Passenger numbers were up 4.9% for the month.

Other highlights included the unveiling by Jet2.com of further expansion plans for Glasgow. The airline will introduce four new routes,

including direct fl ights to Prague, and a sixth based aircraft which will see it operate its biggest ever fl ying programme from Glasgow Airport in 2015.

Ryanair also confi rmed it will operate direct fl ights to Carcassone in France and Chania in Crete bringing the total number of routes it will operate from Glasgow to nine. The airline will launch its new base in October.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “August was an extremely busy month for the airport and the city. We started the month by waving off the thousands of athletes who had descended on the city for the Commonwealth Games which

were a resounding success. This was quickly followed by events such as the World Pipe Band Championships and the UDO World Street Dance Championships which attracted thousands of visitors to Glasgow.

“Despite the increase in numbers, it was one of our best summers in terms of operational performance with 99.6% of passengers passing through security in less than 10 minutes during the summer months.

“From a route development perspective we continued to strengthen our European network and provide passengers with greater choice with the addition of a number of exciting new destinations including Prague.”

Glasgow Airport enjoys busiest summer in six years

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Employers often forget that the employment contract presents an ideal opportunity to protect the business as well and set out the respective obligations and rights that apply when the employment relationship subsists. The employment contract can also be used to protect the business in the event that the employee decides to leave. These clauses are called “restrictive covenants”, and seek to restrict the employee in some way after their employment ends, such as from working for a competitor, poaching clients, etc.

A local service, operated by local people with local knowledge, underpinned by a national business infrastructure goes to the heart of enabling Europcar in Scotland deliver a truly competitive service for businesses.

With access to a 50,000 strong fleet across the UK, Europcar always has the right vehicles for particular conditions and circumstances in Scotland. Plus, on average cars in the total Europcar UK fleet are under 5 months old, enabling customers to benefit from the newest models and the latest safety and green technologies to deliver optimum fuel efficiency and lower fuel emissions.

Local car & van hire is available from the Europcar Inchinnan Road, Paisley branch covering Renfrewshire at competitive rates and within close proximity of Glasgow Airport. Plus a delivery and collection service means that customers don’t need to take time out of busy schedules to collect and return hire cars.

To find out more contact the team on 0371 3841156 or check out our website www.europcar.co.uk

“I’m stuck! Get me out of here”: Contractual restrictions for staff

VEHICLE RENTAL FOR ALL BUSINESS NEEDS

Ordinarily such restrictions are unenforceable, being against public policy. However, they will be enforced by the courts in certain cases. Indeed over the last year or so, the courts have become more inclined to uphold such restrictions and issue appropriate orders requiring an ex-employee to comply with the restrictions.

The courts increasingly recognise that often these restrictions do represent a valid and proper attempt on the employer’s part to protect legitimate business interests from abuse at the hands of the ex-employee. However, in order to be enforceable such clauses need to be carefully considered and precisely

drafted. They need to protect a well recognised commercial interest (such as confidential information, clients or staff) and the provision must be drafted in the least burdensome way possible. If the legimiate interest can be protected in a less onerous way, it is unlikely that a court will enforce the restriction.

In one recent case, the Court of Appeal in England demonstrated that there is a limit to the enforceability of these provisions, and refused to give effect to the intention behind what was ultimately a badly drafted contractual term. In that case the restriction prevented the employee from competing with the employer by being involved in any business which sought to sell to the public the “same products” as the employee had been selling for the employer. In fact, the former employer was the only company selling these products (as it was also the manufacturer) and the employee’s new employer was selling similar, but not the same products. Although this meant that the restriction was meaningless, the court refused to rewrite it to give effect to what had presumably been intended in the first place (“similar products”), and the former employer was left with no protection against this competition.

This case emphasises the need to ensure that restrictive

covenants are carefully and tightly drafted with regard to your own particular circumstances. A “one size fits all” approach will not work and such restrictions are unlikely to be generally enforceable. Employers should not underestimate the harm which can be done by a departing employee. But proactive steps can be taken to ensure that contracts are up to date in relation to restrictive covenants, confidentiality, intellectual property, the return of property and information upon termination of employment.

By taking expert employment law advice on the terms of contracts of employment, the business can secure maximum protection. It is possible therefore to acquire an enforceable restriction that binds the former employee and provides solid protection for your business going forward. It’s never too late to get specialist legal advice to help you craft suitable and enforceable clauses to minimise the risks. Can you afford to risk it?

David Hoey, Partner, Accredited Employment Law Specialist


When it comes to the best place for your business everyone will tell you it’s all about location, location and location.

And when it comes to the logistics sector these words couldn’t be truer.

Close proximity to transport links – roads, rail and air – are crucial for an industry where success comes from its ability to respond and supply quickly and efficiently to an ever increasing spread of customers, be it domestically or internationally.

Craig Leslie from international logistics business Gordon Leslie Group, said: “The logistics industry cannot stand still with increasing demands on service coming from all sectors and from all corners of the globe. We continue to invest in making sure we have the best resources to respond to all customers’ demands and to make us stand out from our competitors. One of our most recent investments sees us now operating one of the few open-air bonded storage facilities in Scotland. The large outside space at our Hillington Park premises is ideal for large items which are unaffected by the elements, something of particular interest to the important, and growing,

renewable energy sector.” A survey carried out earlier this year

(of businesses based on Hillington Park) revealed that 65% of those already exporting expect to see the volume of overseas trade increasing in the following 12 months.

Jamie Cumming from Hillington Park added: “We know that all businesses based at Hillington Park benefit from its unrivalled connections but for the logistics, transport and warehousing sectors it takes on even greater significance.”

Together, we are

www.hillingtonpark.com

Great Transport Links • Full Range of Property Options • Park Management Team • Amenities • Sustainability

0141 883 5760

Accommodation TO LETCall the Hillington Park team on

As Scotland’s largest and most establishedBusiness Park, Hillington Park is a safe, wellmaintained environment with two train stations,two minutes from the motorway and two milesfrom Glasgow International Airport.

LOGICAL CHOICE FOR BUSINESSES ON THE MOVE

Aerial view of Hillington Park


The renewable division of the company was established in 2011 as we anticipated our customers’ need for a cheaper, more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to heat their homes.

“Our first aim was to find premises in the epicentre of the Central Belt where we could proudly show our confidence in the quality of our work. Our search led us to Hillington Park which has proved to be the ideal location for us. “Our plans were to install our own biomass boiler into the showroom, this would provide heat to a total of 49 radiators

in the adjoining offices. The biomass boiler would also generate an income over a period of 20 years through the Government’s commercial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).”

After finding suitable premises, the second task on our list was to find a way to fund our dreams! We had heard about WSLF and thought it may be worth approaching them. A few weeks later our loan application was agreed and we were able to push ahead with our plans and invest in the future of the business. Without the funding this would not have been possible. It paves the way forward to be able to educate both installers and the public on the benefits of a “greener” way of thinking.

Carol added: “We are very excited

about the future; our new Heatquarters will demonstrate a varied range oflive displays including gas boilers, wood burning stoves, pellet stoves and biomass boilers. All these products will be of great interest to customers from many sectors. We have already installed these quality appliances in many homes, churches, farms and hotels so it’s fantastic we can invite our customers to our new Heatquarters to see how they work and how the different Government incentives can help them.”

Gillies Gas

Jaw Brew

Providing Renfrewshire Businesses with essential funding

For more information or to apply online visit www.wslf.co.ukThe launch of Jaw Brew at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival earlier this year was the successful culmination of months of effort to get a micro-brewery up and running following a career change.

Mark and Alison Hazell embarked on the project after Mark took voluntary redundancy from a thirty year career in

IT. Whilst he had long brewed beer as a hobby in his garage at ‘The Jaw’ (a 250 year old cottage to the north of Glasgow), the step up to brewing commercial quantities required somewhat larger premises which would need to be modified with floor drains and a cold room as well as a considerable amount of brewing equipment and stock in the form of casks to deliver ale to pubs.

The money from the redundancy package plus savings went some way

towards the setup costs, but the shortfall was significant enough to be a showstopper considering the cost of borrowing from banks.

Fortunately for Mark and Alison, the brewery was eligible for a loan from the West of Scotland Loan Fund and that enabled them to finance the equipment and get brewing in time for the Glasgow festival organized by the local Campaign for Real Ale branch.

Local Renfrewshire Businesses, funded by WSLF

Our aim is to ensure that good, commercially viable proposals do not fail from a lack of access to finance. Additionally, we want to encourage and support the creation, development and growth of businesses within each of the twelve local authority areas which will in turn be able to contribute to, and strengthen, their local economy in terms of jobs, growth and wealth.

Below are some of the businesses we have helped fund and how WSLF has helped them moving forward.

Today, with a fund of £18m, we have been able to support over 1100 businesses by providing them to access to gap funding, thereby helping to create some 4000 new jobs and generate an additional £200m of sales.

• Supporting thousands of businesses throughout the West of Scotland• Offering real solutions to help your business grow• Providing essential funding throughout the West of Scotland• Discover the full potential of your business• Unique funding solutions tailored for your business• Providing essential help allowing your business to grow stronger


Providing Renfrewshire Businesses with essential funding

For more information or to apply online visit www.wslf.co.uk


West College Scotland has significant contracts in the UK and internationally with business clients, educational institutions, public sector organisations and professional organisations. The College have been delivering SVQ and Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programmes for over 10 years and recent External Verification reports highlighted the centre as having one of the best candidate support systems among training providers.

The College supports over 1,000 work-based learners undertaking a variety of SVQs and Modern Apprenticeships in areas including: Hospitality, Engineering, Customer Service, Business Administration,

Hairdressing, Motor Vehicles, Textiles, Health and Social Care, Childcare, and IT.

The College is a sector leader within Scottish Further Education in the fields of employer engagement and workforce development, with extensive experience of delivering corporate training programmes including vocational SVQ/MAs to a wide range of employers, from SMEs to blue-chip companies in various sectors across Scotland.

West College Scotland’s work-based programmes are very much focussed on the needs of both the employer and the apprentice, helping employers to build a skilled and productive workforce.

The College recently developed an

award winning partnership with the Scottish Leather Group (SLG) based in Renfrewshire and Fraser Murray, an apprentice at the SLG Apprenticeship Academy, has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Apprentice Ambassador of the Year’ Award at Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2014.

Modern Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the College works in partnership with SDS to ensure local employer needs are being addressed.

For more information about Modern Apprenticeship or SVQ programmes offered at the College please call the Sills Programmes team on 0141 951 7570.

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Modern apprenticeships at West College Scotland


Media students from West College Scotland were competing with the BBC and ITV to interview some of the world’s top athletes as they arrived in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow Airport and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce offered their facilities to the students, allowing them the opportunity to make video and audio recordings as teams landed (and left) the airport. The students were able speak to the sportsmen and women, capturing their refl ections on the Games, their own performances and on Glasgow itself.

West College Scotland Assistant Principal Angela Pignatelli said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for West College Scotland media students to work at a unique sporting event. It will give them experience of doing interviews and gathering audio / visual material in real-time, under real pressure.

Brian McClean Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Glasgow Airport said: “We are delighted

to give the media students land-side facilities at Glasgow Airport. I’ve seen for myself the media frenzies which can develop when a big name arrives and experiencing that will be great for the students. I can tell them – they might need some sharp elbows!”

Bob Davidson, CEO of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, who brought all the organisations together, said: “One of

our Board of Directors, John McConnell is Head of Commercial at Glasgow Airport and he saw the opportunity available for the students. The Chamber has given the College the use of one of our larger meeting rooms at the airport to use as their base which is directly opposite international arrivals. It’s great to see all three organisations work together for the benefi t of young people.”

West College Scotland is pleased to announce the launch of a series of tailored training packages designed to fast track people into the Renewable Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.

t 0300 600 60 60w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

West College Scotland’s Funded Renewable Energy Programme

Candidates can choose from one of the following programmes:

Energy Assessor and Green Deal Advisors Green Deal Advisor Upskilling Domestic Gas Engineers & Plumbers for Solar Thermal Upskilling for Electricians & Electrical Engineers for Solar PV Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps Green Gas RHI Cross Over

For more information please email:[email protected]

Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.Energy Sector. All training packages detailed below are offered on a fully funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.

tailored training packages designed to fast track people into the Renewable tailored training packages designed to fast track people into the Renewable

funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.funded basis to organisations and individuals who meet the funding criteria.

Upskilling Domestic Gas Engineers & Plumbers for Solar Thermal

College Students Take On International Broadcasters!


University of the West of Scotland (UWS) recently launched its new Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies (IEET).

The Institute aims to create a research environment where staff, students and industrial collaborators can come together to conduct studies in aspects of engineering and energy technologies that are innovative and challenging and which have potential wide-ranging benefi ts and applications in the wider community.

The Institute has been established under the leadership of Professor Abdul Olabi, who is based at the University’s Paisley Campus, and will have signifi cant emphasis on innovation, knowledge transfer and enterprise on a range of engineering and energy technologies.

Professor Olabi said: “This new Institute is a hugely important development and will facilitate student projects, placements and internships of interest to local industrial organisations with students working in both the Institute’s

laboratories or on site as required.“It will also provide opportunities

for strong co-operation with interest groups in the local community, such as sustainable energy generation and environmental protection projects.”

The Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies has been established to provide a platform from which four interlinked research streams are being developed - Materials and Mechanics; Energy and Environment; Construction; and Engineering Process Management.

University of the West of Scotland is set to become Scotland’s fi rst Dementia Friendly University, reinforcing its commitment to improving the lives and inclusion of people with dementia, their families and carers.

In close collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland, UWS has developed a vision for a Dementia Friendly University with a clear action plan to establish itself both as a dementia considerate employer and one that recognises and responds to the needs of staff and students whose lives are affected by the condition.

People with dementia will inform and guide developments at the University through its close association with the Scottish Dementia Working Group, whose members already actively contribute to teaching.

In addition to drafting new policy and guidance for staff and students advising how best to support colleagues and visitors who may have dementia, the University is also in the process of considering ways to further increase the ‘dementia friendly’ nature of all of its campuses, such as making changes to signage and other aspects of the physical environment. The aim is to ensure that best practice is followed at all times

and that campuses will be welcoming, accessible and enabling environments for people with dementia. The University is also planning specialist training for managers, lecturers and support staff.

Dementia is a growing health concern with around 800,000 people living with the condition in the UK, and numbers projected to rise to over a million by 2021. It is hugely important that as many people as possible are aware of the condition, the challenges people with dementia may face and the positive steps we can all take to make a difference to their lives.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are very proud of the research and capability of our staff working in dementia. UWS is totally committed to enhancing the care and treatment of dementia as is highlighted by our research and work in the community and we are delighted to be working towards becoming Scotland’s fi rst Dementia Friendly University.

“We are extremely grateful to our colleagues at Alzheimer Scotland who continue to work closely with us to enable UWS to become a Dementia Friendly University.”

The University enjoys close ties with

Alzheimer Scotland and in 2012 launched the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, based at its Hamilton Campus. The Centre, a collaboration between UWS and Alzheimer Scotland, aims to become a recognised centre of excellence advancing dementia policy and practice through collaborative working.

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: "We are delighted to support UWS in its commitment to being a Dementia Friendly University. Being dementia friendly means making real and tangible change for people living with the illness; not only people with a diagnosis, but also partners, family members and friends involved in support and care. It is wonderful to see UWS put these principles into practice.”

For more information regarding University of the West of Scotland’s Dementia Friendly University status visit www.uws.ac.uk/dementiafriendly

UWS commits tobecoming Scotland’s fi rst Dementia Friendly University

UWS launches new Institute of Engineering & Energy Technologies


Research undertaken by UWS has revealed that language use on the social networking site Facebook impacts the perceived employability of an individual.

The study, ‘It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it: Language use on Facebook impacts employability but not attractiveness’, has been published online in the journal, Cyberpsychology, Behavior, & Social Networking.

The research, which was carried out by UWS in collaboration with University of Aberdeen and University of Bedfordshire, saw 112 volunteers, who use Facebook on a regular basis, being asked to view six Facebook profi les, which each contained three status updates by the profi le owner and three posts by a ‘friend’. All three status updates were either spelled correctly, contained two spelling mistakes, or were written in text speak.

Participants were instructed to view the profi les like they would that of a friend or peer for as long as they wanted to form an impression before completing

the questionnaire, which contained three measures of attractiveness and three measures of employability. Profi les were presented to participants in a pseudo-random order. Upon completion, participants were debriefed as to the purpose of the experiment.

The expansion and increasing diversity of the internet has seen a growth in user-generated online content, and an escalation in incorrect and non-standardized language use, such as text speak. This evolution has been exemplifi ed by social networking sites such as Facebook.

The results of this study show that language use had no impact on attractiveness, but users who used correct language were seen as more intelligent, competent, and employable. These results highlight that the language individuals choose to convey information online could have unforeseen consequences.

Although the main motivations for using Facebook are social, employers are increasingly evaluating – and

vetting – potential job candidates based on their profi le content. This is highlighted by the fact that many recent studies have reported that both job and internship candidates were refused positions as a direct result of the content of their profi les on social networking sites (SNS).

Graham Scott of University of the West of Scotland’s School of Social Sciences was the lead academic on this research project.

He said: “With the continued rise in the popularity of Facebook and other social networking sites this research is particularly timely.

“This study project is hugely important as it found that, while no effect was shown on measures of social, physical, or task-attractiveness, owners of profi les containing correct language were rated as more employable than owners of those containing incorrect language or text speak. This clearly underlines the implications to users’ careers of employing certain language types in this domain.”

UWS research reveals language use on Facebook impacts employability

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Blackbourne Integrated M&E have recently became members of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

Blackbourne have over 50 years’ experience in the Construction Industry sector, offering clients fully integrated mechanical and electrical contracting, maintenance and Energy Solutions such as LED lighting, wireless energy management and Voltage Optimising across many different sectors such as, commercial, industrial, retail & leisure, hotel & hospitality, education, health, defence and aviation.

The company have been operating in Scotland since 2008 from their office in Rosyth, delivering M&E services for new build, refurbishment and maintenance

contracts for both public and private sector clients.

Blackbourne selected Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce as it offers excellent channels to promote and develop their business within the area, allowing them to become more accessible and offer services to a new range of clients.

Ross Whitelaw, Regional Manager at Blackbourne said: “This investment reinforces our company’s growing commitment to the area. We hope this is the beginning of a new chapter which will help provide growth, prosperity and employment in the region.

Visit www.blackbourne.co.uk/dsp_PortfolioCat.cfm/Ext/Projects to view Blackbourne projects

New Member – Blackbourne Integrated M&E

After 18 months of consultation with Paisley town centre businesses, the official ballot period began on 3rd October 2104 to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in Paisley Town Centre. Voting closes on Thursday 13th November.

Over 670 business premises have been balloted to create a BID and have been given a copy of a costed BID Business Plan to digest before making an informed decision. The Plan of Action to bring business benefits over the 5 year term of the BID rests around 7 key themes :1. First Impressions Count : Making the

business trading environment cleaner, safer and more welcoming

2. Bringing Life to Paisley : coordinate marketing, promotions & events for the benefit of businesses.

3. Property and the High Street : work with stakeholders to bring vacant properties back into use.

4. Helping Businesses : act as a “buying group” for and on behalf of businesses, reduce operational costs and help deliver a business training programme

to bring business benefits.5. Providing a Business Voice : represent

the interests of Paisley Town Centre businesses.

6. Keeping Businesses Aware of the BID’s work : maintain contact with BID businesses in a variety of ways the BID’s achievements throughout the year.

7. Making it Happen : employ a team of staff to deliver the Business Plan projects.

If the overall result is a “YES” vote, then all businesses will make their contribution towards an overall budget of over £355,000 per annum and £1.78m over 5 years. The BID fees paid by local businesses - from as little as 55p a day - to fund initiatives contained in the BID Business Plan. PAISLEY businessman Bill Kelly was the first to cast his vote and commented,

“I’ve come to the definite conclusion that the BID is a real opportunity for local businesses to not only make a difference for themselves but to the town centre as a whole. In today’s

marketplace, doing nothing is not really an option and I strongly believe a Paisley BID would attract more people to the town centre and deliver many new opportunities for businesses to flourish.”

Chamber President, Tom Johnston, added his support and encouraged businesses to get involved and do the same.”There are exciting times ahead for Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire region – around the Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy, the City Deal and now the Paisley BID”

The ballot result will be announced on Friday 14th November 2014, the day of the Chamber Annual Dinner. The BID Business Plan can be downloaded from www.paisleyfirst.com

PAISLEY “BIDS” FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE – POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL £1.78m FOR PAISLEY TOWN CENTRE

Billy Kelly posting his ballot paper


New Member – Blackbourne Integrated M&E

Burns Express FreightCurrent holders of Transport News Scotland’s Most Innovative Haulier of the Year 2014 award, Burns Express offer a complete logistics solution across the UK, Ireland and Europe as well as providing a storage and warehousing solution at our 40,000 sq ft facility at Barrhead.

Large or Small, UK or Europe, Urgent or Economy, Burns Express have a delivery option to match your requirements, deadline and budget.

A member of The Pallet-Track Network for the past 6 years, we have also recently joined The Hazchem Network enabling us to provide ADR and Dangerous Goods transport throughout the UK.

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Join the largest gathering of Scotland's towns in Paisley this year. With around 150 practitioners gathering to network, share and learn. The conference this year is set to be bigger than ever; the Town Centre Action Plan launched by Government will have guided our town developments for over a year. The conference provides opportunity to refl ect on the year's activities, progress and restraints allowing to form strategies and ideas for the year ahead.

Based around the overarching message: Proud Past - Positive Future, we look to the untapped wealth of towns and places, and explore innovative ideas to ensure a positive future. The day is a mix of keynotes; short stories from town and city projects large and small; walkabouts; and cafe style space for learning, sharing, exhibiting and networking.

The event is on the 19th November at Paisley Town Hall 9am-5pm. For more info & to register visit scotlandstowns.org

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If you’re looking to fi nd out more about credit or debit card acceptance or take advantage of bespoke rates, Nicola Docherty is our new contact at First Data Merchant Solutions.

‘I’m thrilled to be working with such a prestigious organisation as Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce,’ said Nicola. ‘I am looking forward to building on the close relationship that First Data has developed with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.’

In addition to offering Bespoke rates to members, First Data is keen to help members understand more

about related issues and upcoming trends in credit and debit payment acceptance. ‘Contactless payments are gaining traction amongst consumers and we’ll see that trend continue but, as a global business, we are looking further beyond that into mobile commerce and how payment types will evolve into a new ecosystem centred around the consumer.’

If you’d like to discuss your card acceptance services, hear about our bespoke rates or have any questions about electronic payments, please call Nicola Docherty on 07852 000102.

Meet our new card payment contact


It’s a very exciting period for Phoenix Car Company, with the addition of a new member to the family – MG.

The iconic British brand has encountered a recent revival and we’re proud to be at the forefront.

Our Head Office has recently gone through a make over to become Phoenix MG’s new home. From here, our team will be showing off the impressive MG range in all its’ glory. These include the MG3, MG6 GT and the MG6 Magnette, in addition to a comprehensive aftersales service.

The MG3 is a supermini packed with technology which can be highly personalised from adding graphic packs and choosing from a vast array of colours. Our top of the range MG3 3Style comes with cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, plus reverse parking sensors. All for only £9,999.

The MG6 is an award winning fastback that comes packed with gadgets and a sporting prowess that makes it extremely popular amongst business users.

Our Managing Director Russell Smith said: “we’re really excited to get the MG brand. The range is a great balance of fun, economy and style that’s been

embraced by MG enthusiasts and first-time enthusiasts alike.”

In the month of October we will be throwing a launch event at an award winning location to celebrate our new partner and would like you all to be

there. The occasion will include a static display to showcase the MG concept cars, followed by a sponsored drive to our new MG showroom. We will be revealing all in due course – so follow us on Facebook and our website for all information.

The new face of Phoenix


Rapid Response

Pupils at Wallace Primary have put their entrepreneurial skills to the test by starting their own social enterprise. Primary 6 pupils worked together to create a business idea that they hoped would appeal to pupils in their school – a new school library.

Pupils were invited to apply for jobs within the business which best suited their skills and abilities by completing an application form. The candidates were interviewed by their class teacher and Depute head teacher. Fourteen lucky pupils were selected to become a part of the business.

The group refined their business model and applied for a start up grant from Renfrewshire Council through the Dragon’s Den competition.

In June 2014, the pupils pitched their idea and were awarded a £500 grant and named as winners of the Primary category. Since returning in August, pupils are making plans to spend the money and start their business.

Primary Engineer launched in Renfrewshire at West College Scotland during September. The primary school STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) focused initiative is designed to encourage young people to get interested in STEM related activities and for some, potentially a career.

The program is piloting across 25 primary schools across Renfrewshire – and will see each school team allocated a real life engineer to provide the extra wow factor

The teachers are taught how to deliver the primary engineer lesson plans that involve the children making a model car that has to travel down or up a ramp – there are 3 levels:

1) How far the car can travel down a ramp2) As above, with a seatbelt3) As above, with power The Primary Engineer pilot has involved the council, the Chamber and was suggested by local STEM ambassador Gary Kerr, of local engineering company EPM Solutions.

Next stage is for the children to get designing and building their cars in class, there are then competitions in school where winners from each come together for a celebration event to be held locally around Feb/Mar 2015.

Wallace PrimaryLinwood High school welcomed STEM ambassadors to support their Rapid Response Engineering event. The event saw 80 pupils involved in building disaster relief shelters and water transportation systems.

The event included first aid and language tasks and building weather instruments. Pupils overwhelmingly fed back that they had enjoyed the day and learned from it. Fingers crossed it has inspired the next generation of Renfrewshire engineers!

Shaping engineers of the future


Six Renfrewshire students are reaching for the stars after hearing their science experiment will be blasted into space and carried out on the International Space Station.

The once-in-a-lifetime prize was their reward for taking part in Mission Discovery Renfrewshire – a week-long space school run by former NASA astronauts.

Paisley Town Hall was the venue for the first-ever visit to Scotland of the event, run by a team including former Space Shuttle Commander Ken Ham and his wife Michelle, a former NASA astronaut trainer.

Around 200 local S4 to 6 pupils were split into teams, each mentored by a student from University of the West of Scotland or West College Scotland, and asked to devise a science experiment knowing the winning concept would go into outer space to be carried out for real.

And amid emotional scenes, a delighted winning team of Apollo 12 – who want to test bacteria to help find a cure for the eye condition conjunctivitis – were named as the winners, in a moment captured by a TV crew from STV News.

There was further joy when Michelle

Ham surprised the runners-up by announcing that there may be room on the space station for their experiment too.

The winning team are: Ben Herrington, Christopher Withers, Katherine Bogan, Lara Cumming, Callum Mort and Olivia Ramsay.

Ben, 15, of Park Mains High in Erskine, said: “The whole thing is just amazing. When we were told we were the winners I almost collapsed – it was really overwhelming.

“Michelle and Ken are such inspiring people – they make you think that anything is possible.”

Ken Ham added: “The whole reason we do these things is for that moment of realisation when the when the winning team is told their intellectual property is going into space. It’s always just a really amazing moment.”

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire was run by the International Space Station Educational Trust, and brought to Paisley by Renfrewshire Council, along with support from event sponsors University of the West of Scotland and West College Scotland.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan added: “I would like to thank all connected with Mission Discovery

and ISSET for being such superb guests.“They made the whole week an

unforgettable one for the young people who took part, and were utterly inspirational figures to be in the company of.

“We want to provide the very best opportunities for our young people and last week they did us proud – the organisers were full of praise for their commitment and the quality and ingenuity of their work.

“The next decade or so opens up massive opportunities in terms of commercial space flight – and with the science and technology industries we already have here in Renfrewshire, this area could be a part of that.

“Ken and Michelle have certainly shown the sky is no limit in terms of what you can achieve if you put your mind to it – and who knows whether the first-ever Scottish astronaut may well have been in that room last week.”

Mission Discovery is returning to Paisley in the summer of 2015 – if any organisation wishes to be involved in sponsorship please contact Bob D at the Chamber.

Renfrewshire youngsters’ experiment heading for outer space - Mission Discovery finale


CHAMBER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS



Renfrewshire Chamber, the main business organisation in Renfrewshire, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by being given a Civic Reception by Renfrewshire Council. 200 members, guests and friends of the Chamber packed Paisley Town Hall for a night of refl ection and celebration. Chamber president Tom Johnston hosted the night with speeches given by Provost Hall, Nora Senior – President of Scottish & British Chambers who comes from Paisley & Robert Fernie, Customer Service Director with Chivas Brothers who have been members of the Chamber since 1964. The guests were welcomed by young piper Jack Guthrie playing outside and inside by a quartet from St Andrews Academy.

Continued on next page...


Guests signed a giant birthday card and many took part in a big photo at the end of the night.

Entertainment during the evening was provided by the Renfrew Burgh Band, and local school of rock Loud n Proud gave two performances; a guitar duel from Jeff & Jay and a Baker Street sax solo from Sam.

Two videos were shown on the night – 1) charting the chambers progress from its incorporation in 1964 to present day and also showing the changes in the business landscape over the last half century. The 2nd video, of a more light hearted nature – was a compilation of videos from members wishing the Chamber a happy 50th. The videos were compiled by Frank Paterson of GapTV.

A special commemorative publication was issued on the night compiled by the Chamber with assistance from local historian Andrew Eadie and printed by local print company The Printbrokers.

Commenting on the evening, chamber president Tom Johnston said “thank you to Provost Hall and Council Leader Mark Macmillan for the wonderful civic reception. We worked closely with the Provosts office to make tonight a real celebration for the members. I was delighted that not only our whole Board attended but a number of past presidents, directors and indeed past members of

staff came along. Big thanks to our chief exec Bob Davidson and the chamber team for putting on a great event.”

“The speeches given by the Provost, Nora & Robert – were very powerful and acknowledge the breadth and depth of the work our Chamber does – and how the Chamber network is the strongest it’s ever been – with a whole new overseas network of Chambers being created to help local businesses develop international links and grow their business. Many members will have left the event seeing and hearing that we are indeed far more than just a lunch club”.

“Our 100% score in our recent independent BCC accreditation shows that not only are we a well-established business member organisation – but also one that is well governed and run. Being a member of your local Chamber is more relevant now than ever. We have embraced the new ways of engaging via social media and apps but still keep alive the traditional way of face to face meeting and supporting local businesses in any way we can. I wish the Chamber, our members and indeed Renfrewshire all the best for the next 50 years. And with new initiatives such as the new Paisley Town Centre Heritage Asset Strategy and City Deal – Renfrewshire truly does have a promising future”.

Continued from previous page...


All the pictures from the event are available on the Chamber facebook page. Copies of the commemorative publication are available via the website to

download and from the Chamber office.

Chamber team VIP guests

St Andrews Academy quartet Bob Davidson CEO Tom Johnston, President & partner, Linda

Renfrew Burgh Band Table setting Chamber Presidents

Jack the piper Sam on the sax

Provost Hall Robert Fernie, Chivas Bros

Guitar duel

Speakers


Renfrewshire Chamber recently held its annual golf competition at Paisley Golf Club – 18 teams competed on a beautiful sunny day. The competition that has been running for just short of 50 years was a hotly contested affair:

The winners were:• Longest drive – Stuart Drysdale from the Santander Team • Nearest the Pin – Dominic from Redpath Construction Team • Winning Team – William Tracey Group • Winning individual and rose bowl winner – Stuart Mitchell of

Chivas Brothers

Chamber chief exec and keen golfer, Bob Davidson commented – “thank you to all the teams that took part and for the many that contributed to the raffle prizes. We raised £600 split between Accord Hospice and Sailing for the Disabled at Lochwinnoch. The staff & members at The Bushes gave us a wonderful welcome and the course looked magnificent on what was arguably the best weather of the year for golf. Well done to all the winners – but very special mention to Stuart from Chivas who not only won the rose bowl – but won it with an amazing hole in one!

Sunshine & BirdiesAnnual Chamber Golf Competition at Paisley Golf Club (The Bushes)

Longest drive – Stuart Drysdale from the Santander Team

Nearest the Pin – Dominic from Redpath Construction Team

Winning Team – William Tracey Group Winning individual and rose bowl winner – Stuart Mitchell of Chivas Brothers


Could you offer a young jobseeker work experience?

The Certifi cate of Work Readiness has been developed for employers, using the key attributes they look for when employing staff. A mixture of work experience and employer assessments lie at the heart of the Certifi cate and prove that a young person, aged 16 to 19, has reached an employer defi ned standard.

The certifi cate has benefi ts for both employers and employees alike. For employers it has the following key benefi ts:• Helps employers hire 'job ready' staff• Employer controlled and endorsed

employee development• Support from a training provider• No requirements to pay a wage but

the young person may be eligible for a training allowance.

The Certifi cate gives a young person the chance to demonstrate the value they can bring to your business. You

can help them earn a certifi ed SQA qualifi cation which shows they have the right work experience for the career they want.

For employees it has the following key benefi ts:• A foot in the door with employers in

an increasingly diffi cult employment climate

• Earn an industry recognised SQA accredited qualifi cation upon completion

• Gain work experience.

What's involved?The Certifi cate takes around ten weeks to complete and includes a minimum of 190 hours work experience. A training provider will offer support to minimise the time you need to spend on the process.

How will it work?A training provider will visit you to

agree what will be expected in the workplace. You should allocate a supervisor who will be aware of the young person's attendance and attitude throughout the placement. You will assess the young person by completing a scorecard at the end of the placement with support from the training provider. A training provider will be on hand to offer support, liaising with the supervisor as required. During the work placement, the young person will visit with the training provider one day a week for follow up work.

To sign up please email [email protected]

Our latest edition to the Chamber team is Summer Recruit, Stuart Armstrong.

Stuart, 17, an ex-pupil of Linwood High took part in this year’s Recruit programme – and put himself forward for the Chamber’s post. Following a competitive interview process Stuart was announced as the Chambers new Management Trainee at the Recruit fi nale in August. Stuart takes over from our last Recruit Calum Breslin and will be responsible for website content, updating our app & eNews and managing the business centre. Whilst here Stuart will study for a Modern Apprenticeship in Business & Admin.

Calum Breslin, who was our Management Trainee over the last year started his new job on Monday 1st September in an oil and gas apprenticeship in Aberdeen

The Chamber wishes Calum all the best in his new adventure and welcomes Stuart to his new role and hope he enjoys his year at the Chamber.

Stuart, who is a keen guitarist (we’ve yet to see him in action) will be running our annual New Members event in November.

You can contact Stuart on 0141 847 5462 or [email protected]

CERTIFICATE OF WORK READINESS

New Chamber Management Trainee starts

Calum Breslin & Stuart Armstrong


Chamber Pictures

Adam Mair, Diageo

Doing Business in Malaysia & Thailand

Race 2 the Games: Chamber with Rory Wilson & Mick Kelly from Kersland School and Angie Malone, Sochi 2014 bronze medal winner for Paralympics GB.

Tom & Bob with the Queens Baton

Bob & Tom with Michelle Ham

Summer Recruit 2014 – Chamber Challenge


New MembersOn behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.Aldwych & CoSteven SmithB2B Telemarketing / Databases0844 415 [email protected]

Blackbourne LtdRob ClubbeMechanical/Electrical Maint.01383 435 [email protected]

Business First LtdJoe CullinaneCommercial Property07976 305381sh@businessfi rst.co.ukwww.businessfi rst.co.uk

Carpetworks UK LtdAlastair DonnellFlooring Specialists0141 887 [email protected]

Casa BebeLaura MorrowSpanish Baby Accessories0141 258 [email protected]

Douglas Park BMW LtdAlan RaffertyCar Sales0141 333 [email protected]

Effective HR & Development SolutionsNicola DillonHR Learning & Development07898 [email protected]

EuropcarAngela AppletonCar and van rental 0871 [email protected]

GBA ScotlandLorraine SmithFreight Forwarder0141 278 [email protected]

Iain Stewart HairdressingIain MathesonHair Design0141 848 [email protected]

Kalamath Consultancy LtdAlasdair CrawfordIT Consultancy Services0141 530 [email protected]

Kennett Watches LtdTom KennettWatches0845 056 [email protected]

Mail Boxes Etc. PaisleyAdrian KerrMail box Rental/parcel serv07759 [email protected]

Power One Electrical Contractors LimitedMark WardElectrical Contractor01505 [email protected]

Pro Website SolutionsCraig CampbellTraining / IT Services07581 396358seo@prowebsitesolutions.co.ukwww.prowebsitesolutions.co.ukRed MediaDael LinksDigital Media/Marketing0845 057 [email protected]

Salvas LtdMichael GrevilleManagement / Training0141 571 [email protected]

Stream Marine TrainingMartin WhiteTraining provider0141 212 [email protected]

Visit ScotlandScotlands National Tourism Board0141 204 4480www.visitscotland.com

William Duncan Business Recovery LtdKim WilsonBusiness Recovery / Insolvency0141 225 [email protected]


The Board are inviting members based in Renfrewshire to come forward if they are interested in becoming a Director on the Board of the Chamber.

This is a non-exec position, unpaid – and allows individuals to play a part in shaping the future of the main business organisation in the area, established 50 years ago. We are seeking individuals, men and women of all ages – that work in sectors not currently represented on the Board – you can see the current Board on our website.

If you are interested please drop an email to chief exec, [email protected]

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce

Follow the chamber:

Up and Coming

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

0141 847 [email protected]

October Networking Lunch 30th Oct 12-2pm at Ingliston Country ClubSpeaker is Ron Easton, CEO Smith & McLaurin

Events

Call for Board Directors

AGM & Christmas LunchThu 18th Dec, The GlynhillAGM 11.30amLunch 12-2.30pm

November Networking LunchTue 25th Nov 12-2pm,The LynnhurstSpeaker is Professor Donald MacRae OBE, Chief Economist Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland.

New Members event20th Nov 12-2pmThe Normandy

ROCCO 201414th Nov 6.30pm-lateThe Normandy

Business Matters (this magazine) is the magazine of Renfrewshire Chamber and is sent to all members, hotels, business centres, receptions and quality coffee shops across Renfrewshire.

Inform readers about: Your new product or service; awards; new offi ce; new member of staff etc…

2,000 copies distributed every quarter and shared online.

Contact Euan Keltie at the Chamber for more info.

[email protected] 0141 847 5464

Inside: Paisley Town Centre Asset Strategy • B2B event returns to Paisley

Themes: Construction & Property • Tourism & Leisure • 3rd Sector

Regular features: Chamber news • Schools & young people • Renfrewshire Council &

Invest in Renfrewshire & lots more...

MattersBusiness

SPRING 2014 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Chamber celebrates

50 yearsin 2014

1964 - 20 1450YEARS

Inside: Main feature ROCCO 2013

Plus: Retail, Chamber annual review, schools & young people,

members news & more…

MattersBusiness

WINTER 2013 EDITION

HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

ROCCO 2013THE WINNERS

Inside: Paisley Town Centre Asset Strategy • B2B event returns to Paisley

Themes: Construction & Property • Tourism & Leisure Regular features: Chamber news • Schools & young people Invest in Renfrewshire & lots more...

MattersBusiness

SPRING 2014 EDITION

Chamber celebrates

50 years50 yearsin 2014

Main feature ROCCO 2013

Retail, Chamber annual review, schools & young people,

members news & more…

MattersHELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

ROCCO 2013ROCCO 2013THE WINNERSTHE WINNERS

Inside: B2B 2014 Business Matters in Renfrewshire • Member newsThemes: Education & training • Business support & fi nanceRegular features: Chamber news • Renfrewshire Council & Invest in Renfrewshire update & lots more...

MattersBusiness

SUMMER 2014 EDITION HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

Business Matters in Renfrewshire 2014

Get your message out to the Renfrewshire business community


After recently celebrating our 3rd birthday, Tweetiepie Media is looking forward to its 4th year as we look forward to working alongside many of our long standing clients whilst helping plenty of new and exciting clients on their marketing journey.

Based in Inverclyde, you can visit us at our new offices in Inverclyde’s newly developed business hub - Aves Business Centre - along with a variety of different companies.

Tweetiepie Media started life offering social media management and consultancy to a variety of business spanning Argyll & Bute, Inverclyde and Edinburgh. Due to client demands, we’ve grown and developed our offerings to include website design and re-design, search engine optimisation, general marketing services as well as full scale business launches.

Most recently, following the successful launch of their 3rd store in Glasgow, the

team at Tweetiepie Media helped launch Pinto Mexican Kitchen’s 4th store. Pinto’s latest store was their first venture into Scotland’s capital which saw the company give away 1000 free burritos and a queue down Lothian Road to the Usher Hall - all thanks to the power of social media and online marketing!

We’d love to chat to you and your team about how we can help create an exciting buzz about your business whether you’re just in the early stages of setting up, or

you’re looking for a fresh take on your marketing.

Simply give us a call on 01475 603280 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Put a ‘buzz’ back into your business

Tweetiepie winning Award for Most Promising New Business at Greenock Chamber Bees Knees


We are a collective of dynamic creatives at Red Media offering a full digital service. We specialise in responsive web design, app design, videography, photography, digital marketing, branding and print design.

We have helped to build and assist a broad spectrum of clients in achieving their digital marketing goals in many industries.

Just some of Glasgow’s high profi le clients we have on board at the moment include La Vita restaurants, nightclubs such as St Judes and Sugar Cube, coffee such as Azzurro Coffee, energy drinks such as Dynamite, cosmetics, medical, building, planning, watches and accessories such as Kennett and Maserati.

At Red, we take our clients on a journey, building relationships with them from the very fi rst ideas through to the end designs, consistently and in synergy

with their desired brand direction. Our clients are very diversifi ed and

we are proud to have worked not only with brands from different sectors but globally, including clients in Qatar.

As a team, its really rewarding for us to see our company and portfolio grow so rapidly. Just over a year old, we envision our business accelerating in 2015 after a very buoyant and positive fi rst year.

Our nomination at Renfrew Chamber of Commerce Awards 2014 as “Most Promising New Business” is very inspiring for us, fuelling our creative plans to take Red even further. Dael Links, co-founder of Red Media said “This is an amazing time for us. We’ve grown so much in such a short space of time and our nomination in the 2014 awards highlights our promising growth. 2015 will be an exciting year for Red.”

Red Hot...our

nomination in the 2014 awards

highlights our promising growth...


Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the shortlist for their annual business awards, the ROCCOs, sponsored in 2014 by the University of the West of Scotland.

Commenting on the shortlisting process, Chamber President, Tom Johnston said "this year we received 95 entries, the most we have ever received and the standard of entry across the board was, as expected, of a high quality. 3 judges for each award independently scored every entry (sponsor, Board Director and a subject matter expert) and the top 3 scores go forward to the next stage that starts w/c 20th October, where the fi nalists present to the judging panel and convince them why they believe they are a worthy ROCCO winner.

“Frank from Gap TV also starts the process of recording an HD video for every fi nalist to be shown on the night. Thank you to everyone that entered and to all our judges & sponsors for their support."

The 16 categories & fi nalists are:

ROCCO 2014Shortlist announced

Community Championof the Yearsponsored by Engage Renfrewshire

& RBS:

• I Am Me• Intu Braehead• The Glitter Beach Foundation

Excellence in Customer Service sponsored by intu Braehead:

• Glasgow Airport• IRW Systems• Spectrum Service Solutions

Innovation & Technology sponsored by Hillington Park:

• Quarriers• Rolls-Royce• The Malcolm Group

Enterprise in Education sponsored by the University of the

West of Scotland:

• Childcare First – Hillview Nursery• Hubbell Scotland• Kickstart (Kirklandneuk Primary

School)

Family Business of the Year sponsored by The Malcolm Group:

• Carli’s Kindergarten• G Porrelli & Co• Spectrum Service Solutions

Employer of the Year sponsored by Rolls Royce:

• Carli’s Kindergarten• Clyde Marine Training• Glasgow Airport

Excellence in Manufacturing sponsored by the Scottish Leather

Group:

• Diageo• Rolls-Royce• Smith & McLaurin

International Trade sponsored by Glasgow Airport:

• CCR3 Limited• Peak Scientifi c• Smith & McLaurin


Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the University of the West of Scotland as the Main Sponsor for its annual business awards, the ROCCOs. Now in its 11th year the ROCCO Awards is the area's premier black tie business event attracting 500 guests every year.

Commenting on the news Chamber President Tom Johnston said "Thank you to UWS for their support, we are delighted they are main sponsor for the ROCCOs in 2014, the 50th anniversary

of Renfrewshire Chamber. The Chamber has enjoyed a strong relationship with the University for many years. Myself and our CEO studied there with our Deputy CEO currently studying for his MBA also. Under the leadership of new Principal Professor Craig Mahoney, UWS has an exciting future and we are committed to working with them".

Commenting on the announcement of UWS as ROCCO main sponsor, Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice Chancellor of UWS, said: "The University is

committed to working with organisations in its campus areas to help enhance the economy and skills of the local areas. This distinctive and important regional role is a key strand of our strategic aims for the West of Scotland, as well as strengthening our presence in the national and international arenas.

"Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce makes a hugely important contribution in creating prosperity for the region and we are delighted to support the Chamber and be the main sponsor for the

ROCCOs in 2014. I'm also encouraged, of course, to hear of the successful careers of our alumni, now in senior positions with Renfrewshire Chamber!"

All winners are announced at our awards ceremony on Friday 14th November 2014, that takes place at The Normandy hosted by Fred MacAulay. The ROCCOs are now in their 11th year and established as the premier black tie corporate event in Renfrewshire with a sell-out crowd of 500 attending every year. Visit www.roccoawards.com for more info & to book tickets

UWS announced as ROCCO 2014 Main Sponsor

Outstanding Performing Business <5 staff sponsored by West College Scotland:• Anchor Mill Consultancy• CCR3 Limited• Commercial & Asset Finance

Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Diageo:

Nominations are:• Audrey Cumberford - Principal & Chief Executive, West College Scotland• Robin MacGeachy, MD Peak Scientifi c• Craig Campbell, Owner, Pro Website Solutions• Colin McMurray, MD Clyde Marine Training

Invest in Renfrewshire sponsored by Renfrewshire

Council:

• Muir Slicer Associates• Pro Website Solutions• Saporito

Outstanding Performing Business >25 staff sponsored by the Phoenix Car

Company:

• Spectrum Service Solutions• Glasgow Airport• IRW Systems

Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by West College

Scotland:

• Kennett Watches - Tom Kennett• Saporito - Craig Bickett• Tweetiepie Media - Lizzy Todd

Most Promising New Business sponsored by Business Gateway

Renfrewshire:

• Saporito• Aldwych & Company• Red Media UK

Outstanding Performing Business >5 & <25 staff sponsored by Renfrewshire

Council:

• Boyd & Co• Bridgeall• Saporito

Running a growing business in Renfrewshire? Make us part of your plans

For any successful business a network of trusted advisers is vital. Business Gateway Renfrewshire

provides practical support and advice to growing Renfrewshire businesses every year.

0141 585 6353www.bgateway.com

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations.

Journey to Zero Waste sponsored by the William Tracey

Group:

• Glasgow Airport• Thermo Fisher Scientifi c• Spectrum Service Solutions


Clyde Marine Training

Clyde Travel Management

Topstaff Employment

Clyde Healthcare

Alba Travel

Clyde Marine Consultants

Clyde Safety

Clyde Uniforms

Clyde Medicals

For over 30 years The

Clyde Group, now based

in Hillington Park, have

delivered a range of services

– training, business and

leisure travel, recruitment,

healthcare, uniforms and

workplace safety – to

businesses throughout

the UK.

To find out more visit us at

www.theclydegroup.com

or contact us via

[email protected]

or 0141 427 5100

Clyde Marine Training are proud to be shortlisted in the categories of Employer of the Year and Business Leader of the Year at the upcoming ROCCO 2014 Awards


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

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

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

www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk

Business Mentoring Scotland

Leading the way to success.

11650 A4 portrait advert.indd 2 14/06/2012 15:53


ROCCO Accommodation Deal

£27.50 per person sharingin a Twin/Double Room.

Includes Breakfast, Service & Vat.

Call us on 0141 886 4100for more information or email

[email protected]

Quote ROCCO on booking

The 2 main charities ROCCO 2014 is supporting are St Vincent’s Hospice and Mary Russell School. To donate a good prize to help raise funds for these two

great causes please contact the Chamber.


Invest in Renfrewshire is the council’s programme to boost the local economy and tackle unemployment.

It aims to help create employment opportunities by offering funding to businesses to help them grow and take on new staff.

Since the programme started in summer 2012, we have signed up more than 670 companies and helped create

more than 580 new jobs in the area.In addition to that, 217 companies

have been offered grants to pursue development, training, exhibition and ICT projects, amounting to combined funding of more than £1m.

Invest in Renfrewshire can also offer your fi rm fi nancial help to train up your staff or fi nd new property, as well as grants for retail businesses to improve

their shopfronts.Would your company like to fi nd out

more? Call 0300 300 1180 where one of our business advisors will be able to talk you through your options.

Or visit www.investinrenfrewshire.com to see more detail on the different packages of funding we offer

You can also follow us on Twitter at @InvestinRen

Invest in Renfrewshire update

Recruits are told ‘you’re hired’Nineteen young people heard the magic words of ‘you’re hired’ at a ceremony to mark the conclusion of a popular council youth employment programme.

The group have now started their new careers after taking part in The Recruit – loosely based on TV’s Apprentice – which sees young people compete through a series of business-based and practical challenges.

Now in its fi fth year, this year’s summer installment had two groups – one featuring 30 S5/6 school pupils, and another with 17 unemployed young people aged 18 to 24.

The Recruits were joined by family, friends and supporters of the programme for a fi nale and awards ceremony at Paisley Town Hall, hosted by DJ George Bowie.

The successful Recruits were: Blaze Driessen, Martin Ruddy and Sarah Richford (Marks and Spencer); Erin Cairns, Jonathan McCart and Ryan Connelly (Kinder Handl); Wendy Thomson (Little Flowers Nursery); Mark McNicholl (Muir Slicer); Stuart Armstrong (Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce); Charles Fraser (Ecosse Furnishings); Stuart Murphy (Rainbow Technologies); Stephen Howie (BGL Contracts) and Steven Fallon (It’s all Food).

A further four were taken on by Renfrewshire Council – Declan Hamilton, Connie Lamb, Imaan Niven

and Christopher Duffi n, while Colleen McParland, Daniel Gronan received posts at Renfrewshire Leisure.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan helped present the awards, and said: “Once again, Renfrewshire has produced a batch of Recruits who are a credit to themselves and to the area.

“Although the Recruit has been running for fi ve years now, this is the most job opportunities ever to be handed out in one night – which shows the extent to which the programme is now established among the local business community.

“Creating opportunities for people to fi nd work is one of the biggest priorities of this council and through our Invest in Renfrewshire programme – of which the

Recruit is part – we have created jobs for almost 600 young people in just over two years.

“But we couldn’t run this programme without the support – in many cases, long-running support – of the fi rms who have created job opportunities, provided sponsorship for the fi nale, and offered time and expertise to run Recruit tasks.

“My thanks go to every one of them, and I am sure they would join me in wishing the Recruits all the best for the adventure that lies ahead.”

The fi nale event was kindly sponsored by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Leather Group, intu Braehead, Linstone Housing Association and Hillington Park Innovation Centre.

Invest in Renfrewshire can help your business grow

Top Recruits - Jonathan McCart and Erin Cairns


We have a range of funding packages available which could help your company, including:

• business growth grants of up to £10,000 to help develop new products, attend exhibitions, purchase equipment or carry out property improvements;

• help of up to £5,000 to help you take on a graduate intern;

• support towards the wage costs of taking on a young unemployed person; and

• loans to help with working capital or the purchase of equipment.

Calling all Renfrewshire businesses. We can help fund your growth.

Invest in Renfrewshire is Renfrewshire Council’s £8m programme to boost the local economy

and tackle unemployment.

Want to know more?

visit

www.investinrenfrewshire.com

email

[email protected]

or call

0300 300 1180

Some of the area’s top workers and best businesses were honoured at the first-ever Invest in Renfrewshire Celebrating Success Awards.

The awards ceremony was held over the summer to mark the second anniversary of Invest in Renfrewshire, as was a day-long employability conference.

Around 200 people from the local business community gathered to hear some of the success stories connected to the programme.

The Invest in Renfrewshire team were pleased with the quality and quantity of response to the call for applications, and are looking forward to making the awards an annual event in future.

The winners were:• Top Intern – Sean Skelly, Solas LED

• Best Trainee – (Employability Fund) – Megan McAdam, Barnardos Works

• Progression in Work – Euan Keltie, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

• Renfrewshire Modern Apprentice of the Year – Fraser Murray, Scottish Leather Group

• Most Promising New Employee – Darren Morgan, Johnstone Health Centre

• Most Promising New Entrepreneur - Laura Morrow, Casa Bebe

Three businesses were also given Special Recognition Awards on the night for their commitment to helping local people into employment:• Marks and Spencer Braehead• Miller Joinery• Optima Training

Celebrating Success with Invest in Renfrewshire


Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan has said that a new strategic investment programme for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley' can transform the Renfrewshire economy' over the next decade.

Councillor Macmillan joined seven other local authority leaders and UK and Scottish Government Ministers for the formal signing of the City Deal programme.

The councils will share £1.13billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade with the UK and Scottish governments each providing £500m and the local authorities putting in between them a further £130m.

It is hoped the direct expenditure on City Deal will in turn attract over £3billion of private sector investment and growth.

15,000 construction jobs and 28,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created through the investment which will focus on major transport

and infrastructure projects, jobs and economic growth, and developing life sciences.

"Increasing employment and supporting economic growth are at the heart of the City Deal.

"This innovative programme has been brought together at local and national level to drive forward economic growth and put in place the conditions to sustain that increased competitiveness for decades to come.

"We are going to gain the benefi ts of fast-tracking investment to bring lasting benefi ts for our community and our economy.

"People in Renfrewshire will have the opportunity to take advantage of the tens of thousands of jobs that will be created.

"Renfrewshire is also at the forefront of some of the key investment priorities - refl ecting our importance to the regional and national economy.

"We will at long last see a rail link to Glasgow Airport. The proposed Glasgow

Airport Investment Zone will fully exploit the business and investment potential of the airport. There will also be further development at Clyde Waterfront/Renfrew Riverside along with a new bridge crossing between Renfrew and Yoker.

"Overall, the City Deal can help transform Renfrewshire's economic prospects."

Note: Renfrewshire Chamber will be involved in this process and communicate updates via our channels to the members

Signing the City Deal

City Deal 'can transform the Renfrewshire economy'

GBA Services are a dynamic, forward thinking, logistics company. Their core business ethos is provision of express transport, meeting time critical supply chain requirements to industry including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical and retail.

Founded 1987 in Preston, the organisation has evolved to a 24/7 network of 8 UK offi ces and 3 European offi ces. GBA Scotland opened in Paisley in 2013.

GBA moves a wide range of goods from sensitive high value items to exhibition stands, and runs a fl eet of 200 plus vehicles ranging from Sprinter vans to Refrigerated Artics.

The company is Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA) approved to Level 2 - an accreditation only two other British companies have achieved.

As part of their growth plan they focus on providing added value services to customers, offering full multimodal logistical support solutions such as LoadTrak software, warehousing, pick and pack , air charter and sequencing service.

Lorraine Smith, Business Development Manager0141 278 6080 [email protected]

Export DocumentationDid you know we certify 15,000 export documents a year for 70 clients?

Members receive a signifi cant discount. Contact Laura Connor at the Chamber for more info [email protected] / 0141 847 5465

GBA takes on global logistics lead time challenge


Making leather withoutcosting the earth.

Scottish Leather Group LimitedLocher House, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, PA11 3RN Scotland

T: +44 (0)1505 691725enquiries@scottishleathergroup.co.ukwww.scottishleathergroup.com


While many small and medium Scottish companies are fl ourishing in their home market, it’s no secret that exporting is the catalyst for real transformational growth. Earlier this year, Scottish Enterprise and the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce worked together to launch the Renfrewshire Export Partnership, demonstrating the international mindset of the Renfrewshire business community and the support available to boost economic growth from export activity.

It’s true that breaking into international markets is not without its challenges. It can be diffi cult to know where to start in the export journey, and, crucially, how to fi nance this. One of the main roles of the Scottish Investment Bank – the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise - is to guide companies through the process of raising fi nance for growth, and this includes raising fi nance for exporting. In

partnership with UK Export Finance, we help businesses get fi nancially prepared for exporting, including guidance on insurance, foreign exchange risks and available fi nancial support. We work closely with colleagues in Scottish Development International to help companies to export for the fi rst time and to expand existing export activity into new markets.

Whether it be your local council, Business Gateway or Scottish Enterprise offi ce, the support is there for companies who have a vision of what they want to achieve through exporting - and with the public sector agencies working together to achieve the same goal of helping more Scottish businesses grow internationally, there is no wrong door when it comes to seeking support.

For further information on the Scottish Investment Bank’s services, visit www.scottish-enterprise.com/sib

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has renewed its international focus with the recent launch of its new International Centre, which is set to result in signifi cant partnership opportunities for businesses in Renfrewshire.

Internationalisation of the student experience is at the heart of the University’s new Corporate Strategy and UWS is keen to work with local and regional businesses to offer professional international experiences to its students.

These experiences could take a variety of forms, such as students undertaking work experience in overseas branches; students carrying out projects for a business overseas; or students working in Scotland but liaising with international branches to achieve agreed outcomes. These experiences will provide invaluable work experience for students, whilst also increasing the promotion of Renfrewshire and its thriving business sector internationally.

This development will see local

organisations having access to talented, ambitious and energetic students who can make a valuable contribution to their business growth.

The International Centre will enable UWS to truly become an international university that advances diversity, promotes global citizenship and provides a springboard for all learners to contribute both locally and internationally.

The Centre underpins the University’s new Corporate Strategy’s ambitious goals and aspirations for the coming years, which includes offering all students the opportunity to undertake a period of outward mobility and for at least 80% of all students to undertake an academic, social or professional international experience by 2020.

Professor Jeanne Keay, UWS Vice-Principal & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), said: “At UWS we pride ourselves on being a truly international university. With the launch of our new International Centre there is a wealth of opportunities for Renfrewshire

organisations to work in collaboration with UWS for the benefi t of their businesses as well as for our students.

“The University has aspirations to attract international students from across the world to study at UWS as well as internationalising the experience of all students. Our goal is to be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as being a key driver in the economic, social and cultural developments of the regions we serve across the West and South-West of Scotland.”

Anyone wanting to discuss international partnership working opportunities should contact Professor Jeanne Keay on 0141 848 3580.

New UWS International Centre set to benefi t local businesses

Kerry Sharp, Head of the Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise

Exporting for growth – we’re here to help

Jeanne Keay, UWS Vice-Principal & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)


Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a market leader in its field, with a wealth of expertise in air, sea and road freight as well as contract logistics, customs brokerage and eCommerce. We speak to Paul McGrattan, Air & Ocean Business Manager at the company, about what the business is delivering on a global scale:

“When it comes to global logistical needs, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has it covered. With 443 branches operating in 157 countries, Hellmann is one of the largest privately owned and family run logistical global networks, offering a wide range of services such as airfreight, seafreight, sea-air, roadfreight, as well as eCommerce tools, with professional solutions for all areas

of electronic trade.“Hellmann’s Airfreight offering

provides a comprehensive service for airfreight solutions, including standardised products, charter of less-than-container and full-container loads, door-to-door deliveries, transportation of hazardous goods, as well as special solutions for automotive, fashion, healthcare and food transportation.

A truly global enterprise


A truly global enterprise

Similarly, with over 5,000 trucks on four continents, Hellmann’s Roadfreight service also assures the highest quality of customer service: speed, efficiency and careful handling.

“Partnerships with all large shipping companies and an extensive global network, allows for reliable and timely transport solutions on all the world’s oceans. Full-container loads, less-than-container load or entire project consignments delivered port-to-port or to their final destination, customs clearance, exact shipping documentation, and complete handling of import goods are part of the Hellmann Seafreight product range.

“Hellmann’s specific industry solutions for the Scottish marketplace include Healthcare Logistics, Automotive Logistics, Fashion Logistics and Perishable Logistics (Scottish seafood), which also incorporates Beverage Logistics (Scottish whisky).

“The family run company also places particular focus on renewable energy, recognising the importance of renewable sources, having created specialised logistics solutions for wind, solar and bio-energy. Customised services such as product testing, spare parts logistics and packaging solutions are all utilised to optimise supply chains at Hellmann UK.”

To find out more about the range of services Hellmann UK offers, please visit http://www.hellmann.net/unitedkingdom.

Hellmann is one of

the largest privately

owned and family run

logistical global networks...


INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE

Campbell Dallas is one of the most dynamic and progressive firms of independent Chartered Accountants in Scotland. Our clients come in all shapes and sizes and so do our disciplines. We tailor our services and shape them to fit your needs. Ultimately we are focussed on your peace of mind and helping you succeed.

Contact Aileen ScottPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]

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A UK company is chargeable to Corporation Tax on its worldwide profi ts whether or not they are also taxable on the profi ts in another territory.

Although double tax relief should be available for any profi ts taxed overseas the administrative burden of complying with the tax regime in the overseas country must be considered as well as the possibility of your company’s profi ts being subject to a higher rate of tax than were they to be taxed solely in the UK.

It is therefore important when trading overseas to understand what would give rise to a permanent establishment and therefore an overseas tax liability and determine whether it is necessary for your company.

A permanent establishment does not exist simply because a company has a building from which it trades in the overseas country. It can also arise in relation to decision making and where the contracts of the company are concluded and signed.

If you are going to trade overseas, it is important that you take tax advice to ensure you have the correct structure

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fi rms and would be delighted to help. Please contact Aileen Scott, Partner at

Campbell Dallas, on 0141 886 6644 or [email protected].

Trading overseas

Aileen Scott, Partner, Campbell Dallas


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Muir Slicer are an IiP Gold accredited company that specialise in developing businesses and people. We offer courses and qualifi cations that develop and reinforce skills, knowledge, confi dence and awareness.

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AWARD WINNINGBURNS EXPRESS

After 20 years on the road, we’re still leading the way.

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business matters - autumn 2014

Documents

business matters autumn

usual renfrewshire chamber

miles of glasgow city

business community

distribution industry

renfrewshire update

current warehousing

autumn edition