Business Matters Autumn 2015

INSIDE: ROCCO Shortlist, Members News, Chamber updates & lots more…

MattersBusiness

AUTUMN 2015 EDITION HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

shortlist announcedROCCO 2015

Matters

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 32 Business Matters Autumn 2015

This is a busy time of year for the Chamber with a particular focus on the support we provide to our export customers. We are also preparing for our British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accreditation. The Chamber will be externally evaluated against national standards to identify where we can improve our performance and provide you, as members, with the assurance that we meet an important quality standard. Our annual fi nancial audit also takes place over the coming weeks.

And there are the ROCCOs, our annual Business Awards, showcasing and celebrating the business success and talent in Renfrewshire. The number of entries continue to rise

with 110 submitted this year – a strong indication of the confi dence, pride and ambition of our business community. The number of entries makes this a hugely competitive event and I know that many of the organisations who have not made the shortlist will be disappointed but please do not let this put you off entering again.

Finalists for 14 of the 16 categories will present to a panel of judges in October. All winners will be announced at the ceremony on the 20th November at the Normandy Hotel hosted by Rocco favourite, Fred MacAulay. As ever, demand for tables at the event has been high so we anticipate a full house on the night. Thank you to all our sponsors

for 2015 – and special mention to our main sponsor, the Ministry of Defence, who are keen to engage and promote the benefi ts of reservists to employers across Renfrewshire and the West of Scotland. We also have a new category this year – Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business sponsored by our ROCCO media partner the Paisley Daily Express.

Your Chamber Board recently met with our 2 new MPs, Mhairi Black and Gavin Newlands. I think it is fair to say they were impressed with the breadth and depth of activity the Chamber is involved in. We had a positive fi rst meeting and discussion and look forward to forming a strong relationship to ensure we effectively represent the needs of the Renfrewshire business community.

I am delighted to welcome 3 new Directors to the Board – Jamie Cumming - MD of Patrizia Hillington Park, Morag Malloy - MD Fission Creative and Robin Stevenson - MD (Non-Hazardous Waste) at the William Tracey Group – all from sectors previously not represented on the Board. I look forward to working with them, championing the needs of our members and Renfrewshire as a place to do business.

Finally, the Scottish Government has set out its youth employment strategy which outlines plans to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need from the early years right through to employment. The ambition is to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021 and businesses have a key role and contribution to make to this agenda, as do Chambers. A private sector employer led group has been established for the West Region which spans 4 local authority areas and includes Renfrewshire. The purpose of the group is to drive and lead change in how employers work with and infl uence education and the skills development of young people, our workforce of the future. The Renfrewshire Chamber is playing a key role in this work.

Thank you again for all your support, I look forward to seeing many of you at the ROCCO Awards.

President’s Welcome

Audrey Cumberford, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Dear members, welcome to the Autumn 2015 edition of Business Matters, the quarterly magazine of Renfrewshire Chamber. By the time you read this summer has been and gone. I hope you managed to get a break and recharge the batteries.


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

Renfrewshire Chamber of CommerceBute Court, St Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport, PA3 2SWt: 0141 847 5450 / f: 0141 847 5499e: [email protected] / w: www.renfrewshirechamber.com Next issue of Business Matters is Winter 2015 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 4th December, issued pre-Christmas 2015Themes: ROCCO winners, technology, marketing & PR

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

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

Business Matters Autumn 2015

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

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

Follow the chamber:

Bob Davidson,Chief Exec’

THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHINSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND

First Aid

West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills.

“ I’d like to update my professional qualifications ”

t 0300 600 6060w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Clydebank Campus0141 951 7555

Greenock Campus01475 553 044

Paisley Campus0141 581 2121

INSPIRING BUSINESS PEOPLE

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

Contact Richard PattersonPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]

www.campbelldallas.co.uk

I have now been at Renfrewshire Chamber for 6 years – can’t believe how fast that time has gone by. I’m very proud of everything that the Chamber Team has achieved in that time. A lot of which contributed to Renfrewshire Chamber being the 1st Chamber in the Scotland to be awarded recently with the prestigious Investors in People Gold Award.

We are heavily in “ROCCO mode” at the moment and would like to wish all our fi nalists the best of luck and to thank all our sponsors for their support.

At the end of August we said farewell to Stuart who has been our Management Trainee for the last year – and said hello to our 6th consecutive management trainee from the Recruit – Nicole Cameron. Look out for Nicole at Chamber events.

We have recently welcomed back Laura – who has been on maternity leave after the birth of her 2nd son Adam

A big well done to Mark who recently

successfully completed a skydive from 10,000 feet raising funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Well done to Stephen McNairn from Boyd & Co Insurance who won our annual golf day – this year held at Elderslie Golf Club in June, with a magnifi cent 50 stableford points.

We are also very busy behind the scenes preparing for our BCC accreditation. This “must pass well” event happens every 3 years and requires your Chamber to provide documented evidence for over 100 different areas. We hope to be sharing some good news with the members regarding that soon.

Info for our AGM 2015 will start to come out in November. As in previous years we will hold our AGM just before our Christmas lunch at the Glynhill on the 17th December.

Please remember to keep us informed of any staff changes for our systems and with any news that you want shared with the membership such as offi ce move,

award win, anniversary, new product or service etc.…

Thanks for the continued support.

A Warm Welcome from our Chief Executive


Clyde Marine Training has grown to be the largest Maritime Training Provider in the UK, recruiting approximately 50% of the annual Trainee Officer intake for the British Merchant Navy. Our Trainees are managed through their training by a dedicated team of over 20 Clyde Marine Training staff, who are based in both our head office in Hillington, Glasgow, as well as Southampton.

We also specialise in the provision of Marine and Workplace short courses, with our highly qualified team conducting anything from Maritime Security courses for marine personnel through to First Aid at work courses, at either our Hillington base or on site as required.

To find out more about either of these services please visit our website: http://www.clydemarinetraining.com/

Clyde Safety offers a wide range of

safety services for public and private business within the UK, including Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Extinguisher Servicing and Maintenance, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Boat Safety Scheme, and Health and Safety Approved Courses. We can also supply protective equipment including fire extinguishers and first aid kits etc. To find out more please visit our website: http://www.clydesafety.com/

And at Clyde Uniforms we aim to provide workwear clothing and footwear that is both hardwearing and comfortable for a number of sectors including Maritime, Aviation, Security, Healthcare and Catering. We know it’s important that you not only look your best but that you feel your best too. To find out more please visit our website: http://www.clydemarineuniforms.com

Clyde Marine Training - the largest Maritime Training Provider in the UKAs part of the wider Clyde Group, Clyde Marine Training provides support services to the marine, offshore and commercial business sectors, focusing specifically on training, short courses, workplace safety and uniforms, with the latter through subsidiary companies outlined below.


Clyde Marine Training

Clyde Travel Management

Topstaff Employment

Clyde Healthcare

Alba Travel

Clyde Marine Consultants

Clyde Safety

Clyde Uniforms

Clyde Medicals

For over 30 years The

Clyde Group, now based

in Hillington Park, have

delivered a range of services

– training, business and

leisure travel, recruitment,

healthcare, uniforms and

workplace safety – to

businesses throughout

the UK.

To find out more visit us at

www.theclydegroup.com

or contact us via

[email protected]

or 0141 427 5100

Clyde Marine Training are proud to be shortlisted in the categories of Employer of the Year, Outstanding Business with 5-25 Staff and Business Leader of the Year at the upcoming ROCCO 2015 Awards.


Enviraz (Scotland) Ltd have over 40 years’ experience in the asbestos industry, managing asbestos for a diverse portfolio of Clients across all sectors and industries.

With our dedicated Management and Site Teams, we can tackle projects of any size and complexity. Our fl exibility, experience and reliability has been rewarded with enviable Client loyalty and the formation of long-term, positive and sustainable Client relationships - helping us accomplish substantial growth and become one of the largest licensed asbestos removal contractors in the UK.

Our experienced Management Team, Health and Safety Offi cers and highly skilled Site Team have multiple years of experience successfully delivering a variety of projects ranging from one-off small value contracts to long term, complex multi-million-pound projects. Our Management Team and Site

Operatives are independently trained by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and/or the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA).

Since its formation, Enviraz have been fully licensed by the UK HSE and are current members of ARCA. To further reinforce our commitment to quality and corporate social responsibility, we hold various independent accreditations, including ISO9001, ISO14001, Constructionline, safecontractor, UVDB Verify and CHAS.

Our commitment to quality has secured several awards which highlight outstanding achievement within the industry, most recently being the ARCA Gold Training Award – recognising our commitment to 1stclass training, offering existing and potential Clients reassurance of our quality control procedures and internationally recognised management systems.

We believe each project deserves an individual approach and strive to provide safe and effective services, always.

Our specialist environmental services include:

• Fully Licensed Asbestos Removal Services

• 24 Hour Emergency Response• Licensed Waste Disposal • Thermal Insulation Trades • Duct and Solum Cleaning • Soft Strip Demolition • Reinstatement Trades • Waste Transfer Station• Asbestos Encapsulation & Remedial

Works • Specialist Environmental Cleaning

T: 0141 882 8440/07623 940 797(24h emergency)[email protected]

ESL are dedicated to delivering excellence, offering our Clients cost effective, reliable and pragmatic services by our highly experienced and competent team.

We are a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service, standard ISO17020) accredited company, delivering Management, Refurbishment and Pre-Demolition Asbestos Surveys, as well as Priority Risk Assessments. Less than a handful of independent companies in Scotland hold this full accreditation, giving our existing and future Clients additional reassurance and guarantee of our quality control and superb management systems in place.

ESL have more than 20 years’ experience within the asbestos industry,

managing the risks posed by asbestos in all types of commercial and residential properties. Our extensive level of expertise enables us to offer sensible, Client-focused solutions to all asbestos concerns.

Our projects include measured term contracts and framework agreement with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Utility Providers and Construction Companies and are of similar scale and complexity to the proposed NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde framework. We also cater for private Clients, such as Homeowners, Property Development/Management Companies, 5-Star Resorts, etc. We are fortunate to have the operational ability to tackle all types of project, regardless

size or complexity, whilst delivering our well-known exceptional level of care and attention to detail to all Clients, as standard.

In 2015, we invested in a brand new purpose-built laboratory offering asbestos bulk analysis on-site at our Head Offi ce in Glasgow. In August, we successfully obtained our UKAS accreditation (ISO17025), allowing us to further meet the needs of our valued Clients well in to 2016, and beyond.

For a free quotation, advice or more information, please get in touch and one of our dedicated team will be delighted to help guide and reassure.

T: 0141 882 1414 www.envirazsurveys.co.ukoffi [email protected]

Making the UK and Ireland a safer place to live and work

Worried about asbestos? ESL have your solution...

Enviraz:




Contact Aileen GatesPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]




Contact Aileen GatesPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]


The Chancellor announced in his Emergency Budget in July that there would be significant changes to the tax on dividends. These will be introduced from 6 April 2016. The changes represent good news for those holding shares as an investment, as the first £5,000 of dividends will be tax free. However, the position is distinctly less favourable for those using dividends to remunerate themselves from a personal or family company, as is explained further below.

Under the current rules, only dividends exceeding the basic rate band are taxed. This means that a taxpayer could potentially receive dividend income of £42,385 without any tax liability. The new rules will tax any dividends over £5,000 at 7.5%. Once the changes are introduced, only £16,000 of dividend

income can be declared tax free. Further to this, the tax rates for dividends exceeding the basic rate band have increased significantly.

ADVICEIf currently incorporated, it may be favourable to take advantage of the lower rates now and declare additional dividends before 5 April 2016.

If you are considering incorporation, now is the right time to seek advice on the most efficient structure for your circumstances in light of the new rules.

Campbell Dallas would be pleased to provide these services to you. If you would like to explore this issue further or have any general tax questions you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact Aileen Gates at [email protected] or telephone on 0141 886 6644.

SUMMER BUDGET REVIEW: THE DASH TO DECLARE DIVIDENDS

Aileen Gates, Partner, Campbell Dallas

Scotland’s Accountancy Firm of the Year, 2015


The effective and efficient movement of goods and people is crucial for our personal and business lives and for the competitiveness of our local, regional and national economies.

Therefore it is great news that Renfrewshire transport networks are the first to receive unlocked funding from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal. With a combined value of £129 million, work on the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project and on the Airport Investment Area is starting to take shape.

The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will see a bridge being built over the Clyde, linking Renfrew

to the west of Glasgow. The Airport Investment Area will develop a much needed rail/tram access link between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow Airport, including a stop at Paisley Gilmour Street.

Following the general rule that overall accessibility leads to an increase in economic productivity and development in an area – it is highly probable that these two projects will benefit Renfrewshire in a number of ways. To start with local businesses will increase their abilities to provide goods and services and people will have easier access to education, employment and local services.

With Glasgow Airport growing as an international hub - securing 22 new routes over the last year – and local logistics operators like Malcolm and Russell both leaders in their field, these new City Deal projects have the infrastructure and support around them to be certain successes. Both looking to benefit productivity, employment, business activity, property values, and investment in the Renfrewshire area.

Neil Amner, Partner MacRoberts LLP [email protected] Tel: 0141 202 1100

Neil Amner is one of Scotland’s leading transport and parliamentary lawyers.

www.macroberts.com

The future is looking bright for Renfrewshire

Neil Amner, Partner at MacRoberts LLP


Scotch Whisky Auctions began life almost fi ve years ago in the back of a tiny whisky shop in the Finnieston district of Glasgow. Partners Tam Gardiner and Bill Mackintosh wondered why there was no UK-based internet auction site purely for whisky. Within weeks they had www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com up and running. As the auction business grew, it took up more and more fl oor space and the decision was taken to close down the whisky shop and concentrate on selling online. Within months they had to move to bigger premises. Today Scotch Whisky Auctions employs 12 people and sends old and rare whiskies all over the world.

Bottles arrive at their headquarters on a daily basis. They come all corners of the world. Single malt Scotch is the big seller,

although Japanese whiskies and older B ourbons always attract high bids and many bidders. So frenzied has the market become for Japanese whiskies such as Karuizawa, that whiskies which have been sent from Taiwan to auction very often are bought by Taiwanese bidders, and so are shipped right back where they came from!

Director Tam Gardiner said: “For anyone with a love of whisky, as Bill and I have, this is the dream job. We get to see and talk about some of the best whiskies in the world with some of the keenest collectors.

“But it’s not only the investment aspect that makes buying old bottles at auction such an interesting and rewarding hobby. If the bottom ever drops out of the market, you can always drink your investment!”

• The UK’s biggest and best online whisky auction - from regular drams to highly sought-after collectibles

• Excellent commission rates for sellers and buyers

• Courier collection available throughout Scotland and most of England

scotch whisky auctions

Bidding to be the bestwww.scotchwhiskyauctions.com

The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ United Kingdom

Tel: 0141 243 2585 • @scotchwhiskyauc

That’s the spirit - whisky underthe hammer


Advertorial

Download our free business support app.

Graeme Frater Cloud Global

Specialist business support when you need itExisting business owners across Renfrewshire can access expert advice and support from Business Gateway to give their businesses a boost this autumn.

In addition to a comprehensive online resource and one to one support from a team of experienced advisers, Business Gateway Renfrewshire’s free workshop programme covers a range of issues of importance to the business community.

One of many Renfrewshire businesses that has been helped to grow by Business Gateway is Cloud Global.

In just four years the Paisley based aviation group has become a leader in its field with an international client base that includes 16 different airlines across three continents.

Founded in 2010, the business (www.cloudglobal.co.uk) now offers a range of specialist services including recruitment for the aviation industry, aircraft leasing and aviation support.

“The strategy of developing various divisions has proven very successful and we can now count prestigious names such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Aeros Flight Training amongst our clients,” said Director Graeme Frater.

With almost 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry between them, there is no doubt the Cloud Global directors understand their industry inside out, but they were also acutely aware that they would benefit from some specialist business advice to help them grow.

“The business has gone through a period of rapid expansion and Business Gateway has been an important member of the team as we have developed our services. Not only did our adviser guide us through the start-up process but the marketing and strategy workshops he organised have really helped us chart the way forward.

“We also received market research support from the Business Gateway Information Service, which helped us identify potential new customers that we would otherwise not have been able to contact.”

To find out how Business Gateway can help you, visit www.bgateway.com/renfrewshire or call your local office on 0141 530 2406.


Business Advice • Networking • Events • Routes to Finance • HR • Sales & Marketing

Business Gateway can help your business grow.

With free advice from Business Gateway, Strathleven Distillers was able

to open up new export markets in Europe and the Far East for their premium

single malt vodka and gin products. Find out how we can help your business.

Visit www.bgateway.com/renfrewshireor call 0141 530 2406.

Business Gateway’s support

was crucial for breaking

into new markets at

home and abroad.

Oliver Storrie, Strathleven Distillers

Download our free business support app.


A successful Paisley company has been contracted to install carpets this month, October 2015 for the Duke & Duchess of Northumberland within their new shooting lodge at Earnscleugh in the Scottish Borders.

Handmade Killim – A tapestry woven carpet – was sourced in Afghanistan by designers Cecile & Boyd from Cape Town in South Africa, who in turn following many conversations with Director Alastair Donnell contracted his company CarpetworksUK Ltd of Paisley for the installation.

Alastair revealed that this will actually be their second contract and installation for the 10th Duke of Northumberland Ralph Percy following on from their first job in September 2014.

A “little – known” fact is that one of Carpetworks professional carpet fitters Kenny, also installed carpet in the

Queens bedroom at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST:Argyll Holidays: “We have always been impressed with the quality of service & products by Alastair & the workmanship of his team”Holiday Property Bond: “ I look forward to our continued working relationship for many years to come”Students Union Association: “Show a fine detail to quality and finish and provide competitive prices”.Prime Contracts: “They are professional, honest and reliable; there is no need to look anywhere else”.

Other contracts that will be keeping them busy is the refurbishment of the Fox And Hounds in Houston, where they are contracted to supply and install over

500m2 of contract quality carpet, as well as the supply and installation of 10 Row Axminster carpet for Carlton PLC in Stirling with a value of just under £20k And a continuation of works for HPB at Tigh Mor in the Trossachs, Hunters Quay Dunoon and Ross Hall hospital in Glasgow.

Alastair advises that they are also in the “front running” for Pacific House in Glasgow (value £27k) and are currently pricing work in Croydon London, St Clements Jersey and for the Aramante Hotel in Cannes, France.

CarpetworksUK Ltd are a specialist Scottish flooring contractor, supplying quality carpeting and floorcoverings for Offices, Leisure and Residential markets throughout the UK.

Should you have any flooring requirements now or in the near future, please contact them on 0141 887 3509 or email: [email protected]

No, but they have for Her Majesty The Queen and now a Duke and a Duchess!

Fit For A King?


Welcome to the next level of functional training. Commando X Fit is committed to promoting fi tness for all levels and abilities. With our knowledge and facility we can offer you an experience like no other.

t: 0141 883 4391 / 07875 763 724e: commandoxfi [email protected]: www.commandoxfi t.co.uk

CLASSES AND GYM SESSIONS OPEN TO NON MEMBERS • CORPORATE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

47a Lorne Road, Hillington Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G52 4HG

See our Facebook page Commando-X-Fit-Scotland for more information and a full class timetable.

NO ORDINARY GYM

NO ORDINARY GYM

t:e:w:

See our Facebook page Commando-X-Fit-Scotland for more information and a

full class timetable.

FULL MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPIncluding all classes

£40.00PER MONTH

INDIVIDUAL PERSONALTRAINING FROM

£25.00PER SESSION

CLASSES

only £5.00PER SESSION

GYM ACCESS ONLY

£5.00PER VISIT

Commando X Fit moved in to Renfrewshire opening their fl agship Functional Training Centre in Hillington Industrial Estate in January 2015.

Priding themselves on high quality functional training, the personal touch and offering a community of people with like-minded goals in health and well-being. If you’re looking for something special, something that will push you to that next level then this is it!

Director, Ross McGaffney served 18 years within the Royal Navy as a Personal Trainer, specialising in Rehabilitation. This military foundation carries through the organisation and type of training they deliver. He was recently awarded the ‘Most Promising New Entrepreneur’ award at the recent Invest in Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Employability Awards 2015.

This really is ‘No Ordinary Gym’, the warehouse facility with state of the art innovative equipment including a 17m multi-purpose body weight training rig, full Olympic lifting sets and platforms, prowler sled, squat racks and an extensive free weights area to name a few.

The services are aimed at improving cardiovascular performance and muscular strength in a way that clients can incorporate these attributes in to everyday activities and improve their general health and wellbeing. This is delivered through personal training and classes that include functional

fi tness, TRX, strength and conditioning, commando combat, BuggyXFit or even take up one of the Commando Challenges, not for the faint hearted!

Commando X Fit also run popular day camps from various locations, our next is on Saturday 31st October, a Halloween zombie themed day of outdoor fi tness!

Best in the West


Essential products needed for the production of biotherapeutics and vaccines for diseases such as influenza and dengue fever will be produced in Scotland, following the launch of the new state-of-the-art facility near Glasgow.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, has expanded its campus in Inchinnan, Scotland, with the addition of a cutting-edge facility that will manufacture a novel and proprietary dry media powder known as Gibco™ Advanced Granulation Technology (AGT). Used to manufacture biologics, including vaccines, anti-cancer therapeutics and other life-saving drugs, AGT offers customers the benefits of traditional liquid media without the associated cost, storage, and transportation challenges.

The £14 million investment increases the assurance of supply for customers and complements another Thermo Fisher facility in Grand Island, New York, where AGT is also manufactured. The new facility is adding to the Inchinnan site’s existing manufacturing operations, which produce liquid media for a range of research and production applications.

“This is a strategically important facility that will secure supplies for our target markets all over the world,” said Mark Smedley, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Life Sciences Solutions, for Thermo Fisher. “It’s important to choose the right location for a factory of this significance, and we felt the depth of experience, skills and expertise at Inchinnan made it the perfect place to make this investment.”

This investment is linked to on-going support from Scottish Enterprise to assist Thermo Fisher in expanding the company’s global manufacturing network.

“Congratulations to Thermo Fisher on the opening of their impressive new facility at Inchinnan,” said Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise International Operations. “Scotland is already home to a thriving life sciences cluster which is recognised worldwide as one of the most accessible, well-connected and collaborative in Europe. It is major investments like this that allow us to continue to attract ambitious, international companies such as Thermo Fisher to not only locate in Scotland but to strengthen their business base here and to invest in long-term growth.”

Mark Smedley (President of EMEA Life Science Solutions) & Jim Carswell (Operations & Site Leader)

Advanced Granulation Technology™ (AGT™) media manufacturing site expands in Scotland


“Delivering specialist palliative care to over 1000 patients from our community each year”

www.accordhospice.org.uk

0141 581 2000Reg Charity No SC013682

Following a period of consultation with a diverse range of supporters, the Directors of ACCORD decided to implement a project to develop the way in which the Hospice portrays itself to the community.

The well recognized clasping hands logo has served ACCORD well for over 30 years, and the team responsible for this project recognized that the best solution to development would be to retain the logo in the new design but concentrate on a more modern appearance focusing on our name.

We hope you like our new image and hopefully it will serve us well for another 30 years.

Developing our Image

branding. it’s in our bloodbeing a family business, we all have one thing in common -

we have branding in our blood. it’s embedded in our dna andwe use it to help companies build, grow and succeed.

call us on 0141 561 8262 to find out more.

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS

BRANDING | MARKETING | ADVERTISING | WEB | SOCIAL MEDIA | STRATEGY

[email protected] | www.brandingboutique.com

helen

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Allstaff is proud to be considered a strategic partner to the manufacturing industry in the west of Scotland. Our aim is to support organisations in supplying headcount on an “as and when required” basis, supplying staff daily, weekly or indeed in some cases as long as it takes to ensure productivity targets are met. The companies we work with enjoy the total flexibility and cost effectiveness of recruiting only when targets are increased or to cover holiday and absence. Should you wish to discuss where Allstaff could support your company in either temporary or permanent recruitment, please contact our Operations Director Carolyn Moir-Grant who will be happy to meet with you at your convenience. Tel; 0141-887-1137 / [email protected]

AllStaff advert with bleeds.indd 1 12/03/2015 17:15


AllStaff advert with bleeds.indd 112/03/2015 17:15

With over 30 years experience in the recruitment Industry both our clients and candidates can be assured of a professional and reliable service.


Allstaff Recruitment Solutions - Specialists in the supply of temporary and permanent staff to the manufacturing sector

Phoenix welcomes Mitsubishi UK MDPhoenix recently invited Lance Bradley, MD of Mitsubishi Motors In the UK, along to introduce him to some of our partners. He visted Celtic FC as well as meeting Bob Davidson, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and also Andy Mitchelmore, Regional General Manager of The Great Run Company, Scotland here at our dealership in Paisley. Lance has been instrumental in driving PHEV to record sales of a Hybrid vehicle with his passion for the product. Lance’s confidence in the product is backed up with over 15,000 sales this year already.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been very successful since its launch particularly with business users. With the PHEV offering huge savings to the business community, mostly due to the fact that you pay just 5% tax as Benefit In Kind compared to the 25% or more which

is normally paid, we are sure many more chamber members will be interested to find out more about this car.

We are pleased to offer unique offers

for our chamber partners while anyone wanting to have a test drive of the new generation launching over the next month please contact us on 0141 849 5000.

From left – Bob Grant Deputy CEO at RCC, Lance Bradley MD Mitsubishi Motors UK, John McGuire - Phoenix Car Chairman, Bob Davidson RCC CEO


Phoenix’s relationship with Mitsubishi extends back to 1997, and has the prestige of being named ‘Mitsubishi Dealer of the Year’ on three occasions.

The Mitsubishi range is as appealing and diverse as any, with options like the bold and capable L200 and the innovative and game-changing Outlander PHEV.

The PHEV has rejuvenated the hybrid market in the UK, and offers company car drivers 1,000s of pounds worth of savings. This is in the most part down

to the fact that you pay just 5% tax as Benefit In Kind compared to the 25% or more that most business users will pay.

On top of this, at just 44 g/km, the Outlander PHEV’s ultra-low emissions mean that it is completely exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. The combination of a high efficiency petrol engine and the electric battery that drive the PHEV make it capable of extraordinary MPG.

Mitsubishi Dealer Principal, Dom D’Agostino, says: “The benefits of the PHEV extend beyond the savings of benefit in kind to the driver and the

national Insurance Contributions. Free charging points and free

parking are aspects that my customers mention as a huge bonus, and are just a few of the many advantages.

I’m delighted at the way the car has been received and the enhancements to the model will certainly grow its appeal even further.”

In this respect, we’re very excited that this month the new PHEV model will arrive with us. You can book your visit to experience it for yourself on 0141 849 5000.

OUTLANDER PHEV IS THE REAL DEAL


Are you certain the navigation and links all go to the correct places, and don’t result in “404 - page not found errors”? Are you sure that your site looks great on the most common mobile devices? Are you confident that it all works as best it possibly could, and that your customers can easily find what they came to find?

And what about the design of your site? Can you honestly

say that you like what you see? Are you happy with it, and confident it helps promote your brand the way you want it to?

When was the last time you looked at your own website through the eyes of a first time visitor? Or better yet - sat beside a customer as they browsed their way around your website with the aim of making a purchase, or to find

your contact information.If you’re being honest - it’s

been a long time since you did any of the above isn’t it? You’ll maybe even admit to never really having done any of this, apart from maybe just before it first went live all those years ago.

Your website is the hardest working member of your entire staff. It doesn’t sleep, speaks to more potential customers than everyone put together, and is the first point of contact with nearly all new leads.

Yet we know for a fact (because we ask these questions all the time in our workshops), that despite the importance of your website, you don’t really pay much attention to it. You don’t look

after it, check it’s working, or ensure it’s fit and healthy. And I’ve not even asked you when you last checked your spelling and grammar, or last updated your ‘latest news’ page.

You wouldn’t dare hire a new member of staff, check they were “good to go” on day one, then never talk to them again. You’d regularly check how things were going, arrange meetings, ask for reports, agree targets, give them training and set development goals. You might even invite them to lunch and just chat for a while.

Do yourself a favour. Look at your website. Properly look at it.

Gary Ennis Web: www.NSDesign.co.uk Twitter: @NSDesign

A WEBSITE IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMASWhen was the last time you looked at your own website? Properly looked at it. When did you last check it actually all worked?


63 Main Road, Elderslie, Renfrewshire PA5 9AZ www.eldersliegolfclub.com

Golf Days • Corporate Memberships • Meeting Venue

Great value, off-peak memberships available including Corporate options from £175.

Let us host your 2016 golf day.Great course. Great golf. Good times.

Contact Kelly on 01505 323956 or email [email protected]

ELDERSLIE GOLF CLUBFOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS GOLF NEEDS

Great central location: Glasgow Airport under 5 minutes, and within 10 to Glasgow City.Multi-functional business hub accomodating up to 400 delegates with 11 full integrated conference suites, state of the art AV equipment, free on-site car parking and free unlimited Wi-Fi. Full service hotel with 145 luxurious club-concept accommodation, choice of two excellent restaurants and full leisure facilities.Bespoke deals and packagesare tailored to meet clients’ individual needs.

www.glynhill.comtel: 0141 886 5555 • email: [email protected]

Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew, Glasgow, PA4 8XB. 200 yards from M8 Junction 27.

For all your Conference & Corporate EventsReel People Skills specialise in developing the “Soft Skills” in your business, using Role Play Scenarios designed around your business needs. Our experienced Professional Actors bring out the best in your people and help to creatively identify learning needs that each individual or team can work on to improve business performance.

Self-Awareness is recognised as a key factor in the difference between good leaders and great leaders, our unique Video Analysis of each Role Play Scenario delivers innovative and memorable learning experiences and actionable development focus for each individual.

We have worked with businesses across many different sectors and delivered courses on a number of business critical functions such as: · Leadership· Confl ict Resolution· Sales Performance· Managing Client Relationships· Managing Diffi cult Situations· Motivation & Coaching· Professionalism & Ethics Contact [email protected] to discuss how we can help your business. www.reelpeopleskills.com

A Different View of Learning


It’s never been truer that as one door closes another one opens and that is exactly what has happened to the Braehead Clan. Now established as Scotland’s fastest growing professional sports brand, “the Clan” who fi nished the season as the second team in the Elite League (fi nishing one point behind champions Sheffi eld) became the FIRST Scottish team to play in Ice Hockey’s Champions League. With Ice Hockey the number one sport in many European countries and playing some of the world’s top teams and in turn welcoming them to Renfrewshire this has been a great achievement for a club still in it’s infancy.

On top of all this the Clan became the FIRST Scottish club to win a Champions league game when they defeated top German side Ingolstadt 6-4. This prompted another ground breaking achievement with the Club becoming the FIRST in the UK to receive a parliamentary commendation thanks to the proposal from local MP Gavin Newlands.

To help us celebrate all these fi rsts the Clan would like to offer Chamber members two free tickets to come to our game on the 15th of October v Manchester Storm.

To secure your tickets just email [email protected], if you also are looking at trying our VIP hospitality for the fi rst time email the same address for a 10% discount for any available game.

CARD (Cards for African Relief and Development) is the CSR project run jointly by Superior Homes (Kenya) Ltd and Henderson Properties Ltd. SHK is was founded by Paisley property developer Ian Henderson (pictured above) of HPL and is located 25km outside Nairobi city centre.

The purpose of CARD is simple. To improve the education experience of the poorest secondary school students in the area surrounding the SHK development, Greenpark. They do this by training selected students in arts and crafts, and how to make bespoke,

handmade greetings cards, which are then sold in Scotland and around the UK. Every single penny of profi t is then given to the schools to go toward selected projects to improve school infrastructures. The students in turn learn a lifelong skill, business sense, teamwork, school pride, and on top of this, they get massive enjoyment in making the cards. It really is a win win for the schools and the customer.

As we head into the festive market CARD are producing a few thousand Christmas cards for general sale around the Glasgow area, these would make a perfect gift

for your customers, clients, friends or family, and you can be rest assured you are genuinely making a difference to less fortunate kids around the world. You can keep up to date with what your money is being used for, as well as learning about the students themselves at www.cardsoutofafrica.com which should be live before end of October.

Cards are priced at £3.00 each (discounts for large quantities) and are available by calling 0141 886 5020 or email: [email protected].

Asanti sana! (thank you!) and have a happy Christmas!

It’s Been Five Years For All These Firsts!

Cards out of Africa


Rewarding staff for their efforts and going beyond the call of duty is a great way of encouraging them to keep up the good work. And there’s nothing better to keep the customer satisfied - and getting their repeat business - than rewarding them for their loyalty.

But what little extra can you give staff, or customers as an incentive to make them feel valued? The answer’s quite simple – a gift card from intu Braehead.

That way, your staff and customers can chose to buy something they really want and need from a huge range of stores, restaurants and leisure activities; from shoes to sushi and even skiing.

And the appreciation of your gesture continues long after you present them with the gift card because when staff and customers go to spend their gift cards, your generosity will be at the forefront of their minds.

You can buy the gift cards in the centre or online and payment can be made using credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. General manager for intu Braehead, Gary Turnbull said: “Using our gift cards couldn’t easier for businesses.

“We manage the fulfilment of your order and can even help promote your business by enclosing your literature, or personalised messages to the recipients, if you don’t want to present the cards personally.

“After placing your order our account management screen provides you with order tracking facilities, a complete history of your purchases and the ability to reprint invoices.

“You can also check the balance and activate any cards ordered online giving you the flexibility to order in bulk and distribute the gifts as you need to.

“We offer a range of delivery options that you can select depending on the urgency, value, and number of gift cards in your order. For orders placed before 11am we will aim to ship on the same day.”

www.intu.com/braehead

Play your cards right

The intu Braehead Prepaid MasterCard® Gift Card

When it comes to rewarding your staff, the sky’s the limit

To fi nd out more visit intu.co.uk/braeheadMasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. The intu Braehead Prepaid MasterCard® Gift Card is issued by Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd (“WDCS”)

pursuant to licence by MasterCard International Inc. The card operates on a limited network and as such is not regulated under e-money regulations.

When it comes to rewarding your staff, the sky’s the limit

To fi nd out more visit intu.co.uk/braehead

The intu Braehead Gift Card

Now shop onlineintu.co.uk/braehead


Air Canada has recently announced new seasonal non-stop flights from Glasgow Airport to its Toronto hub, Toronto Pearson, beginning in summer 2016. The route will be operated by Air Canada rouge, its leisure carrier, and provide Scottish customers with convenient options when travelling to Canada for leisure or business. The new service between the two cities will operate three times per week from 14 June to 25 September 2016.

“We are pleased to offer our Scottish customers even greater access to Toronto and beyond with direct flights from Glasgow next summer,” said Margaret Skinner, Air Canada’s Director, Sales - Europe. “These additional flights complement our existing summer service from Edinburgh, offering convenient connections to destinations across North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean through our Toronto hub.”

Francois Bourienne, Commercial Director at Glasgow Airport, said: “The decision by Air Canada rouge to introduce a direct service between Glasgow and its hub in Toronto is fantastic news for the airport and for Scotland. Not only will its arrival further strengthen our long haul connectivity, it will enhance our links with what is the world’s largest group of airlines, Star Alliance. Canada has always been a hugely important market for Scotland and passengers will be able to take advantage of Air Canada’s extensive route network throughout the Americas. The new Toronto service will also help generate significant inbound tourism for Glasgow and we look forward to welcoming the airline on board next year.”

Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay said: “I congratulate both Glasgow Airport and Air Canada

on the announcement of this new route, which will no doubt prove popular with both business travellers and tourists. Direct services like this provide Scottish companies with improved access to international markets and make Scotland even more attractive as a tourist destination, helping to build on the historic and cultural bonds between our two countries. I look forward to welcoming the first visitors from Toronto when the new service takes off next summer.”

Air Canada rouge to Launch Non-stop Service from Glasgow to Toronto for Summer 2016

NEW FOR 2015

3 NEW aiRliNEs 20 NEW ROutEsBordeauxBournemouthBudapestBydgoszczCarcassonneChaniaDerry

DubrovnikHalifaxKatowicelas VegaslublinMarrakechMunich

PoznanPragueRigaVilniusWarsaw ModlinWroclaw

@Gla_airport glasgowairport.com


Tel: 0141 886 4100Email: [email protected]

www.thenormandyhotel.co.uk www.normandytributes.co.ukLike us on facebook.com • Follow us on twitter.com

The Normandy Hotel - Glasgow Airport, Inchinnan Road, Renfrew PA4 9EJ

THE NORMANDY HOTEL- glasgow airport -

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” CHRISTMAS 2015

Book your festive party today!

From Fabulous Festive lunches, Disco parties, sensational tribute showcase Nights,

Christmas Family Dinners, Boxing Day Carvery, a glittering Hogmanay gala Ball, New Year’s Day Carvery,

First Footer’s party to many more spectacular events!

We are proud to present the Normandy Hotel fantastic festive programme for 2015, which is bigger and better than anything we have done before.

This year we will be welcoming over 10,000 guests to our many parties and our festive programme is packed full with entertainment and delicious seasonal food to get you in the party spirit’ There are even parties in November before the festive season starts – also January for all the Hospitality/Restaurant and our ‘999’ Services so no one loses out!

2014 was a ‘Spectacular’ Year at the Normandy Hotel. Our greatest yet. We were also Finalists at the Scottish Entertainment Awards which was another great achievement for us.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2016.

Special Chamber members advertising rate - call us now 0141 887 7744

At the heart of Paisley & Renfrewshire

Local news, local stories, local entertainment, local sport, local people...

IN PRINT | ONLINE

‘GOOD CHEER TO ALL OUR GUESTS’


Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce the 2015 shortlist for their annual business awards, the ROCCO’s. Established for over a decade, the ROCCO’s are the premier business event in Renfrewshire and are this year sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. 16 winners will be announced at the ceremony hosted by ROCCO regular Fred MacAulay (20th November at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew).

Commenting on the awards – Chamber chief exec’ Bob Davidson said “thank you to all the organisations that entered, we received more entries than ever before. As always the standard of entry was high so I know many people that are not shortlisted will be disappointed – we hope you will consider entering again next year. 14 of the 16 awards will require the shortlisted organisations to present to our judging panels w/c 19th Oct at the Chamber”.

The full shortlist is:

ROCCO 2015Shortlist announced

Invest in Renfrewshiresponsored by Invest in

Renfrewshire / Renfrewshire

Council:

• Xtensive• Pro Website Solutions• SSUK

Most Promising New Business sponsored by Business Gateway:

• Lochlie Construction• Braehead Clan• Commando X-Fit

Family Business of the Year sponsored by the Malcolm Group:

• Spectrum Service Solutions• Ashtree House Hotel• Branding Boutique

Innovation & Technology sponsored by Hillington Park:

• Thermo Fisher• Hoolahan Slides• Quarriers

Excellence in Manufacturing • Rolls Royce• Bridge of Weir Leather• Diageo

Excellence in Customer Services sponsored by the Scottish Leather

Group:

• Spectrum Service Solutions• Glasgow Airport• intu Braehead

International Trade sponsored by Glasgow Airport:

• Redrock Automation• Summits Outdoor• RSVP Design

Enterprise in Education sponsored by the University of the

West of Scotland:

• West College Scotland• Arkleston primary• A & D Logistics with Johnstone

HS, Linwood HS & St Benedict’s HS

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

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

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

0141 585 6353www.bgateway.com

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

(sponsorship available):


The Chamber is delighted to announce the main sponsor for 2015 is the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Colin Vooght, Regional SaBRE Campaign Director pictured with Chamber President Audrey Cumberford said: “The Ministry of Defence is proud be the main sponsor of this year’s Rocco awards. The British Armed Forces are being restructured and by 2020 there will be a greater dependence on the contribution of Reservists who bring a high level of skill and experience to the Armed Forces that they have acquired in the course of their civilian lives.

Defence, in turn, provides Reservists with a wide variety of training and

additional skills, many of which are transferable back to their civilian roles and which would benefi t their employers. Leadership, team work, physical fi tness, integrity, selfl ess commitment and loyalty are all traits we expect and actively encourage in service personnel. Other skills such as fi rst aid, driving qualifi cations, health and safety and more technical abilities are usually included in the ‘package’ that is a Reservist.

The recently announced Defence contracts for new warships to be built on the Clyde will benefi t the West of Scotland and those successful contractors will have supply chains that stretch into the

Renfrewshire area. As well as the Royal Naval presence the area is also served by a Royal Engineer Squadron from the Army and both offer opportunities for individual development.

MoD announced as ROCCO 2015 sponsor

Outstanding Business <5 staff sponsored by intu Braehead:

• Lochlie Construction• TPS Scotland Ltd• Kuka Studios Ltd

ROCCO Award for Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Diageo, shortlisted nominations are:

• Colin McMurray - MD Clyde Marine Training• Tracey Smith - BMI National Enquiry Centre Director• Helena Morrow - Sales Director, Paisley Daily Express• Craig Mahoney - Principal & Vice Chancellor of UWS

The winner will be announced on the night.

Outstanding Business >5 & <25 staff sponsored by Renfrewshire Council:

• Braehead Clan• Clyde Marine Training• Engage Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business sponsored by the Paisley Daily Express:

• Glasgow Airport• Porrelli Ice Cream• Blend Coffee

• Braehead Clan• Napier Hair & Beauty• Doosan Babcock

Outstanding Business >25 staff sponsored by the Phoenix Car

Company:

• The William Tracey Group• Glasgow Airport• National Enquiry Centre - BMI

Healthcare

Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by West College

Scotland:

• Sarah Johnstone - Tatty Rose & Blue Tin Events

• Justin Mayes - Summits Outdoor• Laura Kadakovska - Works from

Soul

Employer of the Year sponsored by Rolls Royce:

• Clyde Marine Training• intu Braehead• The William Tracey Group

Community Champion of the Year sponsored by Engage Renfrewshire

& RBS:

• I Am Me Scotland• Oskars• Active Communities

THE ROYAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHINSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND

First Aid

West College Scotland offers a range of professional training and development courses to help you update your skills.

“ I’d like to update my professional qualifications ”

t 0300 600 6060w www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Clydebank Campus0141 951 7555

Greenock Campus01475 553 044

Paisley Campus0141 581 2121

Top 6 voting is open online with the Paisley Daily Express. The company with the most votes at the end of October will be crowned the winner.

Audrey Cumberford, President & Colin Vooght, Regional SaBRE Campaign Director


ROOMS AVAILABLEFOR HIRE AT

GLASGOW AIRPORT• Ideal for meetings, interviews, training, seminars & workshops

• 4 rooms, space for 1-20 people • Free wi� & free parking• New LED screens - HDMI & VGA ports

• Catering available • Price guarantee

Glasgow Airport Business Centrec/o Renfrewshire Chamber

Bute Court, St Andrew’s DriveGlasgow Airport PA3 2SW

0141 847 [email protected]

We at Qdos are proud to have been a partner to the Accredited Chamber network, supplying ChamberHR to members across the UK for the last decade. During this time we have been able to support Chambers by supplying a premium quality service that is widely acknowledged to be a major hook for retention and recruitment.

Since developing ChamberHR in 2005 we have been measuring the usage of the service and it is amazing to see that in this period members have downloaded over 350,000 documents and made over 75,000 calls to the advice line.

In 2012 we introduced ChamberHR Value Statements and can say with some confi dence that during its 10 year life span ChamberHR has delivered well over £4million of value to Chamber members. Not only have members benefi ted – so far we have also paid over £150,000 in commission to Chambers offering enhanced services to members and this fi gure continues to grow.

Using your feedback we are continually developing ChamberHR to improve the service offered to members. The website has recently had two major upgrades, new functionality has been added and content is constantly being updated. And of course we are always developing the support services we offer to our Chamber partners so that we can work together to encourage members to use it.

Thank you and here’s to the next 10 years! http://www.chamberhr.co.uk/

ChamberHRCelebrates 10 Years With The Chamber Network

Business matters, so when it comes to events call Cameron’s - The Event People.

Business matters, so when it comes to events call Cameron’s - The Event People.


Business ImpactSCQF has developed Employer Guides and Levelling Tool which supports an improved method of writing, producing and understanding Job and Person Specifications, with a view to improving both the hiring process and workforce development, for the benefit of both employers and employees.

Route to Employment (RTE) and Minerva People have worked extensively with SCQF implementing the framework over the past 2-3 years with a number of organisations, and would now like to invite you to attend a ‘FREE Two hour ‘information awareness event, being held in the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce offices at Bute Court, where you can hear more about the benefits to employers, including: Increasing the effectiveness

of recruitment – enabling you to write more appropriate job descriptions and person specifications, utilizing specific competencies, underpinned where possible by National Occupational Standards, so you can recruit the right person with the right skills for the right job.

Improve workforce development – by carrying out more effective and focused skills audits which identify employee skills gaps, recognise what further skills your employees need and help you plan the most appropriate training programme to achieve this.

Improve retention rates for employers as it benefits both the employer and employee. The session will be delivered by both RTE and Minerva People.

A CPD certificate will also be made available acknowledging 2 hours personal development.

Chamber Pictures

1. St Mirren legend, Tony Fitzpatrick

2. Paisley First Chair, Tom Stewart

3. Amanda McMillan, CEO AGS Airport Ltd

4. Stuart Armstrong’s last day at the Chamber

1.

2.

3.

Free SCQF workshop 11th November - Guide for Recruitment, Development & Job LevellingThe Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been developed to help employers, learners and the general public understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how qualifications relate to each other and to other forms of learning, and how different types of qualification can contribute to improving the skills of the workforce.

Event details: Wed 11th November, 2 pm to 4 pm. Maximum 15 places available.

To be held at: Renfrewshire Chamber, Bute Court, St Andrew’s Dr, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 2SW. If you would like to book your place or require more information on the event then please contact Robin McAuslan on 0779 222 4862 or Email [email protected]

Please book early as there are a limited number of places available and only one event planned for Renfrewshire. Others to be offered later in the year at Ayrshire & Aberdeen.

4.


Renfrewshire Chamber were delighted to receive a Business Recognition award at the recent Invest in Renfrewshire “Celebrate Success Awards”

Chamber Business Recognition award at the recent Invest in Renfrewshire

Mark Brown, Business Mentoring Exec for Renfrewshire Chamber has recently completed a successful tandem skydive from 10,000 feet.

Mark, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 3 years ago, has raised almost £3,000 to go towards research into finding a cure for the illness. Mark said ....”I was truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the donations and would like to thank everyone for their support.”

If you still wish to donate, Marks’ Just Giving link is : www.justgiving.com/Mark-Brown49

Sky High!

Our annual golf day held this year at Elderslie Golf Club was another great success. The sold out event saw 18 teams compete on Friday 19th June. The winners were:

• Winning Team - Brookfield Alarms• Winning individual - Stephen McNairn

from Boyd & Co.• Nearest the pin - Peter Cuthbertson

from the Agility team• Longest drive - Stuart Moncur from the

intu Braehead team

Commenting on the day, Chamber chief exec’ Bob Davidson said “Thanks to all the teams for supporting the event. The

weather stayed dry - allowing us to enjoy Elderslie - another example of the great courses on offer in Renfrewshire. The club were very welcoming with great food on offer for our party. I’m delighted to announce that we raised £1,800 from our raffle & charity silent auction - which will be split evenly between our 2 charities of the year; St Vincent’s Hospice and Mary Russell School. Special mention to Redpath Construction and Mac Asphalt for donating 2 great prizes for the auction that allowed us to raise so much money.

Selected images from Murdoch Ferguson are below - view the full set on our facebook page here.

Renfrewshire Chamber golf day - the results...

Clockwise from above:Winning Team - Brookfield AlarmsWinning individual - Stephen McNairn from Boyd & Co.Nearest the pin - Peter Cuthbertson from the Agility teamLongest drive - Stuart Moncur from the intu Braehead team


New Members

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 29

Acer View Boutique B&BBoutique B&BPaul Joseph0141 884 [email protected]

Amy McGregorLuxury TextilesAmy Price07909 587 [email protected]

Commando X-Fit LtdNo Ordinary Gym, functional fi tness & strengthRoss McGaffney07875 763724www.commandoxfi t.co.ukcommandoxfi [email protected]

DSR Restaurants LtdT/A McDonaldsFast Food RestaurantPeter O’Keefe0141 [email protected]

Elderslie Golf ClubGolf ClubKelly Forsyth01505 [email protected]

Endpoint Automation Services LtdIT Services Software DevelopmentLewis Hardwick079148 [email protected]

Gormac Coachworks LimitedVehicle Body RepairGraham McIntyre0141 886 [email protected]

Johnstone Business ConsortiumRepresenting the Businesses in JohnstoneStacey Thomson01505 [email protected]

Live RenfrewshireTourism PromotionRobert Shepherd01505 [email protected]

Lochlie Construction LtdConstrution Principal ContractorDouglas Aitken0141 212 [email protected]

Mathers Satellite & Security LtdAriel & Satellite InstallersRobert Mathers0141 848 [email protected]

Mcleod3RFinancial Advice/ConsultancyAllan McLeod07500 [email protected]

My Hair Guru LtdHair & Beauty ServicesDonna Gunn07940561190www.donnagunn.co.uk/[email protected] Pop Up! ScotlandPop Up Exhibitions & EventsAnne Rushing07719 161 [email protected]

Scotch Whisky AuctionsOnline Whisky AuctionsBill Mackintosh0141 243 [email protected]

Stugo LtdCustom Software DevelopmentKen MacKenzie-Leigh07711 [email protected]

Tatty RoseFurniture restoration /upcyclingSarah Johnston07860 [email protected]

Trinity MirrorMediaHelena Morrow0141 309 4300www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/[email protected]

Vonnie Print DesignsTextiles DesignSiobhan Gray07786 492 208www,facebook.com/[email protected]


Commenting on the achievement chief exec Bob Davidson said “our progression from silver was due to a number of factors including: 1) The enhanced training and development of staff including MBA, business degree, social media training & customer service mentoring. 2) The gender balance of the team is now 50/50 with the Board of Directors getting closer to that ratio also. 3) Our work from a CSR perspective including staff volunteering in young people related projects and the support we give to the local community also contributed to our progression.”

Bob Davidson who has now been in

the post for 6 years continued by saying “We’re always looking for ways that show our members we are a well-run, progressive and innovative organisation – that cares about its staff. We’re a small team, and like all small businesses, to be effective we need to trust each other, work hard and respect each other as individuals. We have developed that culture over a number of years and work hard to protect it. The whole team & Board are very proud of our IIP Gold accreditation.”

Chamber president Audrey Cumberford commented …“Achieving the gold standard awarded by Investors in

People reflects our commitment to our staff. The success and performance of the Chamber would not be possible without the dedication, skills, talent and professionalism of the Chamber team.”

This recent accreditation follows shortly after the Chamber became the 1st Chamber in the UK to become Living Wage Accredited. For more info on Renfrewshire Chamber please visit www.renfrewshirechamber.com

It’s Gold for the Chamber!

Renfrewshire Chamber has become the 1st Chamber in Scotland to be accredited with Investors in People Gold.


Nicole Cameron, 22, a former Castlehead pupil, started at the Chamber end August as the Chambers’ new Management Trainee. Nicole competed in this summers ‘The Recruit’ and showed that she would be a valuable asset to the Chamber.

Nicole has just completed 2 1/2 years at West College Scotland achieving a HNC in Administration and IT and then competed in the recruit.

The Recruit is loosely based on the TV show ‘The Apprentice’ and involves young people in Renfrewshire take part in a series of business related challenges with the stand out performers winning job placements. Nicole showed throughout the summer that she would be a valuable member of the team.

Nicole will be taking over responsibilities such as managing the business centre, operating the App, eNews, helping with events and managing and updating the website.

If you would like to contact Nicole, please contact her on [email protected] or on Telephone: 0141 847 5462

Please fi nd attached the latest edition of the Renfrewshire Local Economic Report, containing economic data, including the number of local businesses, new business start-ups and labour market information as well as key national indicators such as infl ation, GDP and export data.

Renfrewshire Economic report from Scottish Chambers

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

0141 847 [email protected]

New Management Trainee Starts

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce

Follow the chamber:

Up & Coming Events

October lunch 29/10with Bill Munro, Chairman Barrhead Travel at the Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport

November lunch 26/11with Sandra Black, CEO Renfrewshire Council at St Mirren

New Members Event3rd December 12-2pm, The Normandy

ROCCO 2015with Fred MacAulay 20/11 The Normandy

AGM & Xmas lunch 17/12at The Glynhill

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce


The Young Enterprise Company Programme for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde launched on the 2nd September at West College Scotland, Paisley Campus. Established for over 40 years and more relevant now than ever, the programme involves 5th & 6th year pupils forming a real company and marketing a real product or service to real customers aided by a teacher from their school and an experienced business person who acts as an adviser.

Commenting on the launch, Area Chair, Bob Davidson (CEO at Renfrewshire Chamber) said “200 people from 19 schools attended the launch. The Company Programme is an immersive experience for pupils – teaching them real business & life skills that will complement their school work and contribute to not only their CV but also conversations at interviews and personal statements such as those used for university places. For most of the teams this is extra-curricular – so to volunteer and get involved in a programme that will run from September all the way through to March the following year – at a time when pupils have exams – really shows to

employers and others that these young people are taking their future seriously and want to improve their chances in life.”

The Company Programme will see all teams display their products at the Christmas Trade Fair at intu Soar in December and again in the area finals during March 2016 that were held last year in the Normandy Hotel, where teams have to not only display their products,

but present their experience to the 200+ audience and be given a private interview regarding content of their business report.

The Area winner then goes on to the national finals in June. Last years’ area winners were Red Thistle from Mearns Castle who developed and produced their own school scarf. They also won the quality award at the national finals in June 2015.

Company Programme launches for 2015

Primary and secondary pupils in their hundreds are getting inspired by Renfrewshire based organisations that operate in the STEM sector (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) over the 1st 2 weeks of October.

Renfrewshire Chamber and education colleagues from Renfrewshire Council joined forces with a number of Renfrewshire organisations to provide opportunities for young people from primary and secondary schools across Renfrewshire to learn more about what goes on behind the doors of STEM related businesses & organisations in a fun and inspiring way.

The organisation involved over the fortnight include:

• Peak Scientific• Rolls Royce• Thermo Fisher• West College Scotland• Doosan Babcock• Hillington Park Innovation Centre• NSDesign• Cofficient• University of the West of Scotland

Commenting on the initiative Chamber chief exec' Bob Davidson said "Raymond Kane (Development Officer: Skills for Learning, Life and Work ) and I have been discussing this initiative for some time - and it's great to see it come to life. Based loosely on "Doors Open Day" - the initiative sees over 500 young

people from age 10-16 gain access to Renfrewshire based organisations to see and understand more about what goes on inside them. These visits are intended to help inform and inspire young people - help them understand what people in these companies do, spark their interest in STEM and help them make decisions about subject choices & careers paths. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations that responded positively to our request to get involved. The demand from the schools has been great - so once we evaluate our 1st go at this - we hope to repeat it on an even bigger scale."

The Chamber will issue a further update post the fortnight with pictures from many of the visits.

Renfrewshire STEM fortnight 2015


Company Programme launches for 2015

Scotland’s future is our young people – the workforce of tomorrow. SQA qualifications prepare them for work, and give them the skills employers like you are looking for.

Find out where SQA Journeys can take your business.

www.sqa.org.uk/journeys

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

FOR SCOTLAND’S FUTURESQA JOURNEYS

Press Lanarkshire 297x210 - AW.indd 1 09/09/2015 11:24


Jar Wars!Building Partnerships

St James’ Primary, Renfrew was very lucky to receive £3,000 from Food for Thought (Education Scotland) to support us in developing Food Technology lessons.

The project aims to build partnerships with businesses and the community.

On the 27 August, 64 Primary 5 pupils from St James’ Primary School in Renfrew were visited by Aysha Saeed, a member of the Scottish Food and Drink Federation’s (SFDF) Food and Drink Ambassadors Network and Moyna Kennedy, the Food and Drink Ambassadors’ Network Manager.

During the day pupils learnt how we taste with our noses and how colour infl uences our perception of food. Then they went on to make up their own fruit and vegetable smoothies whilst hearing about the importance of fruit and vegetables in their daily diet.

Aysha is in her fourth year studying for a BSC in Food Bioscience at Glasgow Caledonian University and has a particular interest in nutrition.

SFDF’s Food and Drink Ambassadors Network was created to enthuse young people about the range of careers available in the food and drink sector and is funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Ambassadors get involved with a range of activities such as classroom workshops, talking at careers hosting events, hosting site visits and many more. Further details can be found at http://www.sfdf.org.uk/sfdf/skills_ambassadors_network.aspx

School updates:

Three Renfrewshire Primary schools were recently awarded a top award for their work on Social and Emotional Intelligence.

St Anthony’s, Johnstone and Paisley schools, St Charles’ and Williamsburgh Primary were the fi rst 3 schools in Scotland to be awarded PAThS Model School Status.

PAThS stands for Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies and is a worldwide, evidence based programme that runs in Renfrewshire in conjunction with Barnardos’. It has already had a signifi cant impact on the mental health and emotional regulation of some of our youngsters.

Representatives from the 3 model schools travelled to London in March 2015 to receive their award from PAThS founder, Mark Greenberg.

Jar Wars was our latest fundraiser. Each class was issued with a jar which they had a week to fi ll with cash. The children knew that the class which raised the most would win a prize.

The children demonstrated excellent entrepreneurial thinking and managed to come up with some fantastic ideas as to how they could contribute to their jar as individuals and as a class. The children showed an understanding of what it means to be a team member and quickly recognised that to be successful would require a team approach. The children had great fun participating and their amazing efforts raised £1437.11 for the school.

Our winners were Primary 5.

l-r Dorothy Morelli, CEO of PAThS with Gillian Thomson, DHT and Nova Scott, HT of Williamsburgh Primary and Mark Greenberg, PAThS Founder.

Jacqui McBurnie, HT at St Anthony’s Primary with Dorothy and Mark

Steven Collins, PT at St Charles’ Primary with Dorothy and Mark

Renfrewshire’s Model Schools


Thank you to Doosan Backcock in Renfrew for inviting S2 girls for a tour a, presentation and lovely lunch to find out about pathways for women into engineering careers.

At present only 3% of engineers are women and there are 54,000 engineering jobs available in the UK – time to have a think about engineering!

Kersland and Clippens Additional Support Needs (ASN) Schools are looking for help from organisations in the Renfrewshire area to offer work experience opportunities for their students.

Although work experience may not be appropriate for all young people at Kersland and Clippens, for many, it can be a wonderful opportunity, which helps to build confidence and self-esteem.

If it is appropriate for a student to participate in work experience, every effort will be made to place them in a position that they will enjoy and that they will be able to complete adequately. Students are usually accompanied on placement by a member of school staff who can provide support and can deal with any questions or concerns.

Work experience can be a great opportunity for any student and this is especially the case for those who have additional support needs. Many young people and their families may never have thought it possible for them to experience the world of work and it can provide a real boost to their

expectations for the future. Michelle Welsh, Acting Head Teacher at

Kersland School said: “Work experience can help our young people develop confidence and self esteem. We are all about developing their independence, and work experience is an ideal opportunity for our young people to do this.”

Standard work experience placements last for one week, but can be as flexible as you wish and can arrange for placements as short as a couple of hours a week spread over several weeks.

Any help can make a real difference and would be greatly appreciated.

If you feel that your organisation can make a difference to the life of a young student with additional support needs, or if you have any questions, please contact Michael Kerr on 0141 889 8251 or at [email protected]

Careers-week 2015 was a huge success, launched by four fabulous superheroes. The message behind careers-week was that we all have the power to be anything we want to be. Each class had visits from ‘Superheroes’ from a wide variety of careers throughout the week.

Speakers were given detailed guidance beforehand. They were encouraged to not disclose their careers, but consider which superpowers they would require

to carry out their job, and see if pupils could elicit their job from these clues. One highlight of the week was the identification of a talent in one our P5 pupils. This pupil has additional support needs in many areas of the curriculum, however during a presentation from Iberdrola engineering and construction a passion and strong knowledge of wildlife emerged. Pupils were also set a micro-tyco challenge and spent a day at work with their parents.

National Women in Engineering Day 2015

Wallace Primary Careers Week 2015

Clippens and Kersland Schools put out call for work experience


Success Story – Helping Hubbell Improve Its ProductivityHubbell (Scotland) is part of the global Hubbell Group. Based in Glasgow, it employs nearly 200 people and is a world-leading supplier of electrical equipment to some of the most hazardous environments on the planet. Looking to improve productivity, the company asked WCS to deliver a bespoke

training programme to staff. Peter McGinty is Hubbell’s Production Manager: “The initial training was excellent but we realised WCS offered more, including apprenticeship training. We have now introduced Modern Apprenticeships in Engineering and Sheet Metal Fabrication. This is a direct result of our relationship with the College. We recognise the benefits of engaging with our local College to support our training needs and to help us build a highly motivated and professional workforce.”

GROWING THE WEST: WHY CLOSE BUSINESS - EDUCATION LINKS ARE ESSENTIAL

Developing a workforce which will help meet today and tomorrow’s social and economic challenges is a regional

priority. Success lies in matching what employers want to the training, education and skills development of the young workforce.

West College Scotland has close ties with the West of Scotland’s economic network. Being responsive to the demands of employers and engaging with businesses helps the College understand what they need and support them efficiently to compete at the local, national and global scale.

Success Story – Helping Young People Step Into The Retail Industry

In May 2015, the College linked up with the FTSE-100 company intu to launch the Retail Academy, a customer-

service training programme, combining on-campus learning with real-life work experience at Braehead, the vast shopping and leisure facility near Glasgow Airport. Almost 90% of students who completed the programme are now in employment, and all have gained SQA- accredited certificates

in Customer Service and Work Experience. Gary Turnbull, General Manager at intu Braehead, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this course, as it enables us to recruit and train some very talented people.” Another measure of its success has been the heavy demand for places for the second intake of the Retail Academy.

International collaboration plays a major role in the development of the local economic network: co-operating

and sharing knowledge and innovation globally are essential to sustain business growth in most industries.

West College Scotland has a number of partnerships with international colleges

and universities, and currently delivers accredited training programmes with partners from India, China, Tunisia and other countries including across the European Union.

The West of Scotland claims a rich industrial heritage. Its communities have been shaped by shipbuilding, engineering and textiles, but the decline of these industries has brought

challenges surrounding skills, employment and depopulation.

Tackling this requires strong partnerships between local authorities and businesses as well as educational organisations.

As a major education leader and influencer in the region, West College Scotland is committed to helping create the conditions that allow industries in the West of Scotland to grow and prosper.

communities have been shaped by shipbuilding, engineering

committed to helping create the conditions that allow industries in the West of Scotland

DEVELOPING THE YOUNG WORKFORCE

Each industry and each business has specific challenges and needs with regards to capacity-building and staff development. That’s why tailor-made training and support is essential to support business growth.

West College Scotland has strong partnerships with more than 500 businesses across and beyond the West region. By developing bespoke programmes, the College helps companies to meet the new challenges in their ever-evolving industry, to recruit, upskill or reskill their workforce.

SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF BUSINESSES

BRINGING WEST TO THE WORLD

Helping Vietnam Develop Its Capacity

intu Braehead Retail Academy Launch Eventintu Braehead Shopping Centre

Peter McKintyHubbell’s Production Manager

To learn more and see how we can tailor a training programme for you, contact us at [email protected] or visit www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/training-for-business

At West College Scotland, our Business & Enterprise team is committed to design training programmes to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for on-the-job training or fast-track qualifications.

Our innovative approach to training and upskilling has been developed through long-standing partnerships with commercial organisations and Sector Skills Councils in a wide-range of sectors including Construction & Engineering, Business & Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Care and much more.

Professional development training that’s right for you

We are really pleased to be able to offer this course, as it enables us to recruit and train some very talented people.Gary Turnbull, General Manager, intu Braehead


Success Story – Helping Hubbell Improve Its ProductivityHubbell (Scotland) is part of the global Hubbell Group. Based in Glasgow, it employs nearly 200 people and is a world-leading supplier of electrical equipment to some of the most hazardous environments on the planet. Looking to improve productivity, the company asked WCS to deliver a bespoke

training programme to staff. Peter McGinty is Hubbell’s Production Manager: “The initial training was excellent but we realised WCS offered more, including apprenticeship training. We have now introduced Modern Apprenticeships in Engineering and Sheet Metal Fabrication. This is a direct result of our relationship with the College. We recognise the benefits of engaging with our local College to support our training needs and to help us build a highly motivated and professional workforce.”

GROWING THE WEST: WHY CLOSE BUSINESS - EDUCATION LINKS ARE ESSENTIAL

Developing a workforce which will help meet today and tomorrow’s social and economic challenges is a regional

priority. Success lies in matching what employers want to the training, education and skills development of the young workforce.

West College Scotland has close ties with the West of Scotland’s economic network. Being responsive to the demands of employers and engaging with businesses helps the College understand what they need and support them efficiently to compete at the local, national and global scale.

Success Story – Helping Young People Step Into The Retail Industry

In May 2015, the College linked up with the FTSE-100 company intu to launch the Retail Academy, a customer-

service training programme, combining on-campus learning with real-life work experience at Braehead, the vast shopping and leisure facility near Glasgow Airport. Almost 90% of students who completed the programme are now in employment, and all have gained SQA- accredited certificates

in Customer Service and Work Experience. Gary Turnbull, General Manager at intu Braehead, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this course, as it enables us to recruit and train some very talented people.” Another measure of its success has been the heavy demand for places for the second intake of the Retail Academy.

International collaboration plays a major role in the development of the local economic network: co-operating

and sharing knowledge and innovation globally are essential to sustain business growth in most industries.



The West of Scotland claims a rich industrial heritage. Its communities have been shaped by shipbuilding, engineering and textiles, but the decline of these industries has brought

challenges surrounding skills, employment and depopulation.

Tackling this requires strong partnerships between local authorities and businesses as well as educational organisations.

As a major education leader and influencer in the region, West College Scotland is committed to helping create the conditions that allow industries in the West of Scotland to grow and prosper.

DEVELOPING THE YOUNG WORKFORCE

Each industry and each business has specific challenges and needs with regards to capacity-building and staff development. That’s why tailor-made training and support is essential to support business growth.

West College Scotland has strong partnerships with more than 500 businesses across and beyond the West region. By developing bespoke programmes, the College helps companies to meet the new challenges in their ever-evolving industry, to recruit, upskill or reskill their workforce.

SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF BUSINESSES

BRINGING WEST TO THE WORLD

Helping Vietnam Develop Its Capacity

In Vietnam, West College Scotland works with three colleges as well as the General Directorate of Vocational Training,

the government agency tasked with developing capacity across the country. In May 2015 College staff presented at an international conference in Hanoi where they advised on best practice, quality and college management. This visit was reciprocated when Vietnamese officials travelled to Scotland the following month. The College has also hosted visits from the Quality Council for India and the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training for India.

intu Braehead Retail Academy Launch Eventintu Braehead Shopping Centre

Peter McKintyHubbell’s Production Manager

To learn more and see how we can tailor a training programme for you, contact us at [email protected] or visit www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/training-for-business

At West College Scotland, our Business & Enterprise team is committed to design training programmes to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for on-the-job training or fast-track qualifications.

Our innovative approach to training and upskilling has been developed through long-standing partnerships with commercial organisations and Sector Skills Councils in a wide-range of sectors including Construction & Engineering, Business & Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Care and much more.

Professional development training that’s right for you

We are really pleased to be able to offer this course, as it enables us to recruit and train some very talented people.Gary Turnbull, General Manager, intu Braehead



well as the General Directorate of Vocational Training,

capacity across the country. In May 2015 College staff presented at an international conference in Hanoi where they advised on best practice, quality and college management. This visit was reciprocated when Vietnamese officials travelled to Scotland the following month. The College has also hosted visits from the Quality Council for India and the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training for India.


UWS PhD student appointed Scottish Institute for enterprise internUWS PhD student Julie McElroy has been appointed as an intern with the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE), based at UWS, for the academic session of 2015/2016.

Julie, who is currently a final year PhD student based within the University’s School of Computing, will join second year Web and Mobile Development student, Angela Castellano in the role, as SIE seeks to expand its services to more students across the University’s campuses

Angela will be reprising her role having started with SIE in a voluntary Ambassador position last year before becoming an SIE intern in full

Julie and Angela will start their Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) appointment later this month for seven months and will be stationed across all four of the University’s campuses. They will work closely with staff and students across the University and in particular the University’s Institute for Enterprise and Innovation along with fulfilling responsibilities associated with SIE out-with the University.

The Scottish Institute for Enterprise exists to help Scotland’s Higher Education students to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and skill-set through encouragement and support structures designed to assist them in launching new for-profit and non-profit ventures. The SIE Intern Programme is one of the key ways this is achieved.

The main goal of the SIE Intern is to use peer-to-peer communication to raise awareness of and engagement with entrepreneurship and enterprise through SIE and other programmes, events and services.

Julie and Angela’s remit with the SIE will be to complement the current activities of the SIE team, working closely to support initiatives which stimulate entrepreneurship within the student population at their institution. The key requirement will be to support SIE activities and initiatives, but also to support locally based projects, for the benefit of UWS.

Commenting on the appointment

Julie said: “I am delighted to be joining the Scottish Institute for Enterprise to promote entrepreneurial and innovation for University of the West of Scotland. I am looking forward to engaging with the students and staff at the University to ensure they are aware of resources available to consider entrepreneurship. Working closely with Scottish Institute for Enterprise will ensure we can set-out together, across Higher Education achieving a collective-impact approach through unleashing the entrepreneurial spirits, wealth of

knowledge, talent and creativity that will economically benefit our nation in the future.”

Fiona Godsman, CEO of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise, said: “It is really great to have Julie on board as part of the SIE team. She has an impressive knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape and has so much to bring, not just to the role of intern at UWS but to the intern programme as a whole. I am sure that between her and Angela, we are on the verge of an explosion of entrepreneurial activity at UWS.”

Angela Castellano & Julie McElroy


UWS recently announced the appointment of Johnny Mone as its new Head of Enterprise Services.

Johnny, who took up the post in May, joined UWS from the Scottish digital agency, Brightfire Ltd, where he held the post of Vice President of Business Development.

John is a vastly experienced business development and management professional and prior to joining Brightfire in 2012 he was Director of Strategic Alliances for Ephox, which specialises in content authoring software. From 2006 to 2010 he was Senior Vice President of Boston-based specialist software and services company, Vamosa Inc. During his career he has also held senior posts at Vamosa Ltd and the digital agency, Marcat Ltd.

As Head of Enterprise Services at UWS, Johnny takes a lead role in the transformation of UWS into Scotland’s foremost Entrepreneurial University. Johnny’s customer-centric philosophy will help build and maintain UWS’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most accessible universities for customer service as evidenced in revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

Johnny said: “I am delighted to have taken up the position of Head of Enterprise Services at UWS. The University, which was founded with a spirit of entrepreneurship, has an extremely strong reputation in the Scottish university sector for the quality of its enterprise services and it is great to have joined UWS at such an exciting time in its development.”

To find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate study options visit www.uws.ac.uk, call 0800 027 1000 or email [email protected]

/ New social and learning spaces

/ Entrance gateway hub, meeting areas and café

/ £13.2m Storie St student residence

A £12m investment programme in information services across our campuses is also underway

Investing in UWS Paisley Campus.

DREAMING / BELIEVING / ACHIEVING / WWW.UWS.AC.UK @UniWestScotland /UniWestofScotland

UWS appoints new Head of Enterprise Services

Head of Enterprise Services – Johnny Mone


University of the West of Scotland has been shortlisted in the ‘Most Improved Student Experience’ category of the prestigious, national Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2015.

The THE Awards 2015, which take place on Thursday 26 November at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London, celebrate the extraordinary things that are going on in the country’s universities and colleges on a daily basis.

Institutions were shortlisted for the ‘Most Improved Student Experience’ award category following a poll of up to 20,000 students by the student market research specialists YouthSight. This poll rated academic reputation, teaching, social life and facilities of institutions.

This award nomination is testament to UWS’ strong commitment

to providing student-centred, personalised and distinctive learning and teaching experiences underpinned by professionally relevant research, knowledge exchange and enterprise.

This is the second consecutive year that UWS has been nominated for a prestigious Times Higher Education Award, with the University being shortlisted last year in the ‘Outstanding contribution to the local community’ category.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “I am delighted that we have been recognised in the Most Improved Student Experience category, which builds on our continued improvement in the National Student Survey. At UWS we pride ourselves on our outstanding teaching and exceptional learning and to be nominated for such

an important national award is hugely satisfying. We aim to be a sector leader in personalised learning and continue to invest heavily in learning resources and learning spaces for the benefit of our students. We also enjoy strong business links that inform and propel our learning provision and provide students with access to a range of industries to help them gain additional skills and experience.

“Students are central to all that we do and at UWS we are committed to providing each and every one of them with a first-class learning experience. We continually look to build on our successes and enhance the overall student experience at UWS and I am thrilled that we have been recognised for our achievement in this area.”

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) hosted a networking event for local businesses at the University’s Paisley Campus on Thursday 13 August 2015.

UWS is one of the main driving forces in the centre of Paisley, supporting over 1,570 jobs in Renfrewshire and contributing £129.6 million to the Renfrewshire economy.

This informal event provided local companies and organisations with the opportunity to learn more about the University’s ambitious development plans in Paisley, across the UK and internationally and to find out how they could benefit from working in collaboration with UWS.

One such opportunity is provided by the University’s new International Centre, which is offering significant partnership opportunities for businesses in Renfrewshire.

Internationalisation of the student experience is at the heart of the

University’s Corporate Strategy and UWS is keen to work with local and regional businesses to offer professional international experiences to its students. These experiences could take a variety of forms, such as students undertaking work experience in overseas branches; students carrying out projects for a business overseas; or students working in Scotland but liaising with international branches to achieve agreed outcomes. These initiatives will provide invaluable work experience for students, whilst also increasing the promotion of Renfrewshire and its thriving business sector internationally.

Over 7000 students, 1,300 of which are from overseas, choose to study at the University’s 20-acre Paisley Campus, which offers study options in Business & Enterprise; Computing & Engineering; Education; Health, Nursing & Midwifery; Media, Culture & Society; and Science & Sport.

Professor Craig Mahoney said: “UWS is extremely proud of the hugely important

role it plays not just economically, but also socially and culturally in Renfrewshire and places a great deal of importance in continuing to aid the development of the area.

“I am delighted to have hosted this inaugural networking event which provided local businesses and organisations with an important chance to speak with colleagues and gain an insight into the exciting developments currently taking place at the University and the opportunities available to work in partnership with UWS.”

Local businesses benefit from UWS networking event

UWS shortlisted for national award thanks to the quality of its student experience

UWS Principal & Vice Chancellor Professor Craig Mahoney


Paisley’s iconic Arnotts building is being brought back to life by the owners of several of the town’s most popular restaurants.

The Cardosi brothers will next summer open a new 120-seat restaurant covering the entire ground-floor unit in the former Gauze Street store, in what is being hailed as a ‘sign of the town’s centre’s ongoing rebirth’. The new venture – to be titled Pendulum Bar and Grill – will offer a British and continental menu, complementing the Cardosi family’s existing Italian restaurant in Storie Street. The restaurant is part of a much bigger development on the site, with work set to finish this year on 11 luxury apartments on the upper floors overlooking Paisley Abbey and Town Hall – most of which have already been snapped up.

Earlier this summer, residents moved into 31 new flats on the corner of Gauze and Lawn Streets, owned by Link Housing Group.

The Arnotts site is owned and marketed by Park Lane Developments Renfrewshire LLP, a limited liability partnership between Renfrewshire Council and Park Lane Developments.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan met with Stefano and Riccardo Cardosi – whose family has run businesses in the town since the 1920s – to see inside the unit, which sits inside the listed façade on Gauze Street.

And Councillor Macmillan said: “We are thrilled that someone whose name is as well-known and well-regarded in the town as the Cardosi family has agreed to

lease the retail unit in the former Arnotts store.

“For years, the Arnotts site stood as the most visible gap site in the town – but for us to now fill that gap with a development of this quality is a fitting symbol of Paisley’s town centre’s ongoing rebirth.

“Of course we know there are still problems to be fixed but the signs of progress are now all around us – take a look at the number of new residents and businesses in the area around the Abbey for example.

“As the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 takes shape we hope to create even more opportunity for traders to thrive – and for businessmen such as the Cardosis to be investing in this way is a vote of confidence in where Paisley is heading.”

Stefano Cardosi added: “Things in the town are moving at such a fantastic rate and we want to complement what is already available by creating a new, exciting bar and grill.

“Pendulum will offer a varied menu, beer, wine and cocktail list in a stylish, contemporary setting currently not available in Paisley.”

Brian Clarke, joint managing director of Park Lane Developments added: “We are delighted to have secured such a quality tenant. This is a really good single use for the building and we don’t think we could have got anyone better for the town.”

The new restaurant is expected to open in June of next year. For more information on Paisley’s regeneration, see www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/paisley

Boost for Paisley town centre as new restaurant to open in Arnotts building

Renfrewshire Council Updates:

Council Leader Mark Macmillan pictured with Stefano & Riccardo Cardosi



Five Councils join Renfrewshire in £918 million City Deal ProgressFollowing the green light given to Renfrewshire’s £274million City Deal projects, the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley City Deal Cabinet has approved the first stage of funding for £918million worth of infrastructure. At a meeting on 18 August, the Cabinet approved the business cases for major projects in six of the eight local authorities who are part of City Deal.

West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Councils all joined Renfrewshire to unlock funding for transport links and land developments.

Bob Davidson, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, said, “Renfrewshire is to receive 24% of City Deal’s infrastructure funding for projects that are key to the region’s future. The business growth potential will be immense as Renfrewshire becomes a pivotal economic location.”

City Deal Update

Working Matters boost to employabilityAt the Renfrewshire Council Leadership Board, councillors agreed to commit £500,000 to address the needs of those who find it most difficult to find a job and sustain employment. They also agreed to combine this with a further £500,000 from Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal’s Working Matters funds to develop a three year programme to help people get back to work.

People in Renfrewshire who have been out of work and receiving health related benefits for more than two years can, since August, access new support in getting back into employment with a programme run by Invest.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council said: “We are determined that the opportunities that arise from City Deal, regeneration and Invest in Renfrewshire reach all of our communities and benefit people who need help to make the most of them. This is a £1m investment in our residents and their potential.”

The scale and scope of City Deal initiatives will create great opportunities for business of all sizes and sectors. The City Deal Procurement team plans to run events throughout the region to offer information and advice to businesses. The Renfrewshire event is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2016 and, in the meantime, opportunities are advertised through the national portal www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk.

City Deal Supplier Opportunities



Renfrew is about to become Scotland’s first town centre Simplified Planning Zone. Following a consultation with residents, businesses and community groups in the town, councillors agreed to the innovative scheme at the Planning and Property Policy Board on 25 August.

The Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ)

will allow town centre businesses and property owners to develop their property without the need for a formal Planning Application. It will encourage investment and support growth in the town centre.

Renfrew will also benefit from the £78 million City Deal Renfrew Riverside investment which will build a bridge and

new road connections between the town and Yoker.

Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of the Planning and Property Policy Board said: “These are exciting times. The Simplified Planning Zone will help Renfrew Town Centre to make the most of City Deal investments; creating growth, opportunity and a bright future for the town.”

Renfrewshire councillors have approved an Invest in Renfrewshire programme to create 10 traineeships with social enterprises for young unemployed people.

At the Jobs and Economy Policy Board, councillors agreed to build on the continuing success of Renfrewshire Council traineeships which have already given 46 local young people great starts to their careers. The new programme will offer the opportunity of part time traineeships with local social enterprises to people who have previously found it difficult to get a job.

Renfrewshire has a thriving social enterprise sector with successful businesses throughout the area ploughing profits back into their communities. As growing enterprises, they often need more staff and, because they often work on smaller scale

and local projects, they offer an ideal workplace for trainees who might benefit from extra support.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council said, “This is a great example of Invest in Renfrewshire identifying a need and addressing it to help young people into work. This programme also recognises the community value of Renfrewshire’s social enterprises and will help to support their growth with additional staff.”

The social enterprise trainees will gain the sort of experience, skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. The team at Invest in Renfrewshire can also offer them specialist support to overcome issues that can make it difficult to find or keep a job.

Win-Win for Job Seekers and Social Enterprises

Renfrew Town Centre Set for Simple Success



Council Leader Mark Macmillan with the team from Napier

The team at Paisley’s Napier Hair and Beauty lined up with Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, to applaud the work of Invest in Renfrewshire partnership and to celebrate the salon’s successes in staff training and development. The business support and employability partnership Invest in Renfrewshire has, in three years, worked with almost 800 businesses and found work and training opportunities for nearly 3000 unemployed residents.

Owner, Elaine Napier, started working with the team at Invest in 2013. Since then, she has been able to boost the salon’s training budget, create new positions and fi nd staff with support from the programme.

In the true spirit of Invest, Elaine has also worked with Renfrewshire’s young job seekers delivering industry awareness sessions. She is also getting ready to offer hairdressing skills training to young people– even if they do not

work at Napier. She said ”Invest is helping Napier a lot.

It is vital that our staff are trained to the highest standards and that we can offer them long term and fulfi lling careers. Everyone benefi ts from this approach and Invest has helped with staff recruitment, training and retention.

“Just as importantly, Invest is also helping trades and professions locally by linking young people to career opportunities and supporting the town’s business community.

“We haven’t looked back since we connected to Invest and met like-minded people from all sorts of local businesses. Renfrewshire has a strong community of entrepreneurs who are committed to excellence, to their staff and to their communities. Businesses who share these values tend to sign up to the Invest partnership.”

Elaine Napier’s belief in staff development is paying off. Now a stylist with the salon, Reece Phimister won The

Scottish Training Federation’s Modern Apprentice of the Year, was third in the Glasgow Trades House Awards and came Runner-up in the Renfrewshire Employability Awards. The salon has also just recruited Paisley resident, Toni Gallagher, who will train as hair spa specialist to add a further dimension to Napier’s customer service.

Councillor Mark Macmillan said: “Napier is one of many Renfrewshire businesses adding value to their employees’ prospects and to the local economy by committing to staff development and working in partnership with Invest. I’d like to congratulate Elaine and her team for their drive and professionalism and to thank them for their support.”

Businesses interested in joining the Invest in Renfrewshire partnership to fi nd support for their growth, employ new staff, contribute to the local economy and connect with other entrepreneurs, should call 0300 300 1180.

Looking Good with Invest in Renfrewshire


The InCube business base at 27 High Street Paisley is now established as a thriving hive of entrepreneurial activity. The next step for InCube is the opening of a shop at 9B Gilmour Street where the young businesses will sell their wares.

The InCube shop will be a distinctive addition to Gilmour Street’s retail offer. Its modern branding will be complemented by a contemporary interior designed by InCube business themselves. Using an intriguing mix of modern and natural finishes, combined

with creatively upcycled vintage pieces, the store will selling the full and varied range of products that the InCube businesses make.

This new store will promote and sell: textiles, furniture, art, music accessories, children’s clothes, soft furnishings and bridal accessories. It will also function as a retail academy where participants in Invest in Renfrewshire’s training programmes can develop the skills they need for careers in customer service and retail.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council said: “The InCube Shop will be good for the town centre; expanding the retail offer and adding something extra to Gilmour Street. It is important that the young InCube businesses get the chance to meet and understand potential customers so that they can develop products to suit real demands. The Retail Academy will help people build careers and will also act a seedbed for retail and customer service excellence, offering trained staff to other businesses in Renfrewshire. This is all about encouraging and retaining talent in Renfrewshire.”

9b Gilmour Street will, act as the Spree Box Office from 5 October and open as the InCube Shop in the week commencing 26 October.

Small Business Saturday - 5th DecemberThis year, Renfrewshire will harness the publicity that surrounds Small Business Saturday to support local entrepreneurs.

Invest in Renfrewshire will use social and traditional media to raise the public’s awareness of small businesses and to encourage shoppers to buy locally from independent traders.

Invest wants to hear from businesses throughout Renfrewshire who are interested in taking part in the promotion of Small Business Saturday. If you would like to work with Invest, support your fellow businesses and get some free publicity, please email [email protected] or call 0300 300 1180.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship. Each year, it plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation to consider starting up their own businesses.

This year, partners in the Enterprising Renfrewshire Network plan to use Global Entrepreneurship week to promote a range of networking and learning opportunities aimed at encouraging local business start ups.

To find out more about Global Entrepreneurship Week please email [email protected] or call 0300 300 1180.

Broaden your Skills Base with an Invest InternIf your business could benefit from some new skills, fresh ideas and an extra team member, a graduate intern might be just who you need.

The Graduate Intern programme makes it possible for businesses and social enterprises to take on a talented and motivated young person who can

add new expertise and skills to their businesses.

Interns come from all disciplines and work on specific projects that last from six to 11 months.

To find out more about graduate interns and the subsidies we offer, please call 0300 300 1180.

Renfrewshire goes Global for Entrepreneurship Week16-22 November

InCube Expands


The woman who will lead Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 is coming home – and wants the bid to inspire a new generation the way Paisley inspired her.

Having been brought up in Ferguslie Park, Jean Cameron will be back where it all started when she takes up her role as City of Culture Bid Director next month.

The former pupil of St Fergus Primary and St Mirin’s and St Margaret’s High has enjoyed a career in the arts which has taken her across Europe over the past two decades, including producing Scotland's exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2005.

She will join Renfrewshire Council having spent the past few years leading on the international strand of the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, working with artists from many of the 71 competing nations.

Her current role is as a senior arts producer at Glasgow Life where she has shaped many of the city's leading cultural outputs including the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts, Glasgow Mela and Aye Write!

And Jean, 46, is delighted to have come full circle as she prepares to help launch the town which inspired her career on to the international cultural map.

She said: “I am really thrilled to be coming home and it is an incredible honour to be able to work on this in my home town.

“My love of the arts and culture was fostered in Paisley – my first love was dance and my first time on a stage was aged three at a dance display in Paisley Town Hall.

“I left the town at 17 to study in Edinburgh but came back at 20 and worked part time at Paisley Arts Centre,

while helping out David Wallace at PACE with the choreography on their pantomimes.

“Sadly, I had to move away from Paisley because there wasn’t much here in terms of a career in the arts.

“But that’s why it is so exciting to see the range of courses in creative industries available now at UWS and West College Scotland - it is great to think that has changed in the past 20 years.

“I am really excited about the opportunities the UK City of Culture bid throws up to retain these people in the town – young creative people will have a reason to stay.”

Jean’s family are still dotted around Paisley, including her mum, who worked in the Ferguslie Mills.

And Jean – who grew up in Tannahill Road, named after the town’s most famous poet – was back on home turf when she visited her old primary school at St Fergus, where she met head boy and girl James Ramsay and Jade Corrigan.

In her new job, Jean will co-ordinate Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid document, while driving the campaign to support it. The bid is due to be lodged and decided upon by the UK Government in 2017.

And she is brimming with enthusiasm for the impact the bid can have on Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire area. She added: “The bid will help us change the town for the better and you can see the drive and momentum building up already.

“The benefits will be social and economic – we know culture is worth around £7.7bn to the UK economy and we want to increase the slice of that which comes to Renfrewshire.

“The bid offers a real opportunity to take the great strengths the town has with its heritage and built environment and to build on that.

“But ultimately this bid is for the people of Paisley and it will be them who make it happen – it has the potential to galvanise the entire town and I am very excited to be part of it.”

Councillor Mark Macmillan, chair of the Paisley UK City of Culture 2021 partnership board, added: “As bid director, Jean will have a key role to play as we look to pull together a bid which the whole town will get behind and be proud of.

“We are delighted to have appointed someone who not only has vast experience of the Scottish and UK arts scene but is already part of the cultural DNA of Paisley.”

Paisley's new City of Culture bid director Jean is coming home


Jean Cameron, pictured with St Fergus head boy & head girl James Ramsay & Jade Corrigan


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and tackle unemployment.

Want to know more?

visit

www.investinrenfrewshire.com

email

[email protected]

or call

0300 300 1180

At a recent RCOC Business Networking lunch I heard Carol Smillie talk about her business (Diary Doll) and how she had been supported by a local entrepreneurial accelerator programme called Entrepreneurial Spark. It sounded like a fantastic idea and I wondered if E-Spark could help me with a business idea of my own.

I’d been working for a number of months on an idea to provide a specialised ear acupuncture treatment for stress, anxiety and low mood to the corporate and business sector. To cut a long story short I applied to E-Spark, was invited along for an interview, did my 60 second business pitch and was delighted to be accepted for the August intake!

I’ve been on the programme now for 2 months and working on researching and validating my business idea. I’m

now actively seeking employers and business organisations who have high absenteeism rates due to stress/anxiety/low mood and who would be willing to take part in a 6-8 week pilot project that will provide me with valuable feedback about the validation of my business idea. Participation is FREE of charge and the project will involve me providing treatments to employees weekly on a 1-2-1 basis or in groups, preferably in the workplace. As I first heard about E-Spark at a Chamber event I’m extending this request for help initially to fellow Chamber members.

With 131 million sickness days lost to due to mental health related conditions in the UK in 2013 costing the UK economy £29 billion, I’m passionate about helping employers support their staff, reduce their absenteeism costs and increase

productivity. By providing this treatment my hope is that I can help businesses and employers reduce their annual workplace absence costs by as much as £900 per employee. If you would like to take part in this free pilot project and would like more information please contact me on 07757 020592 or e-mail me at [email protected] or [email protected].

Request for participation in free pilot study and opportunity to reduce workplace absenteeism

Adele Logan

SPECTRUM

A passion for excellence based on experience, expertise and professionalism

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0141 887 5000www.spectrumservicesolutions.com

Spectrum Service Solutions Ltd. 12 New Street Paisley PA1 1XYEmail: [email protected]

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Business Matters Autumn 2015

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