Inside this issue…

Transcription

Inside this issue…

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

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