Business Matters Spring 2015 edition

INSIDE: Property, 3rd sector, B2B 2015PLUS: Updates & news from Chamber, Council & members

MattersBusiness

SPRING 2015 EDITION HELPING RENFREWSHIRE GROW & PROSPER

YOUNG ENTERPRISE RENFREWSHIRE AREA FINALS 2015

Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 32 Business Matters Spring 2015

I recently presented St Vincent’s Hospice and Mary Russell School with our “big cheques” for £3,000 each as our main charities of the year – great organisations doing great things in Renfrewshire for the people of Renfrewshire.

As we do every year the Board held our annual strategy day at the end of January to plan the year ahead. Our starting point for discussion at that session is the annual member survey results – which showed the chamber is delivering what our members want at a consistently high level. The Board approved three areas of resource investment that impact directly on Members. It is recognised that the Chamber web site is a valuable

resource and communication platform used by many of our Members and it is our intention to develop our web site further to ensure it is accessible and continues to be a fit for purpose resource.

Our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system will be developed further and is critical, particularly in a large Chamber. Finally, our meeting rooms in the business centre are increasingly being used and we plan to refresh our facilities. The latter I am delighted to say will involve work experience and a live project for paint & decorating apprentices and photography students from the College.

The Scottish Government has,

in its response to the Commission for Developing Scotland Young Workforce report, set out the pivotal role that employers should play in developing young people and improving the level of recruitment directly from education.

Many of the recommendations in the report were designed to encourage and support greater employer engagement with education and youth recruitment.

A primary recommendation is the establishment of regional industry-led groups across Scotland. As you might expect Chambers of Commerce have a key role and contribution to make. The Chamber and College are actively involved in the formation of a regional ‘Invest in Young People’ group. Discussions are at the preliminary stage but will build on the excellent work the Chamber does with the local schools and College.

The Chamber continues to support the Paisley City of Culture BID and was actively involved in the OECD 3 day visit to Paisley during February – and will be again when they return at the end of March. Over the coming months we plan to provide more opportunities for our members to learn and understand more about City Deal – the £1.13 Bn initiative that will make Renfrewshire a better place to access, work & live. Examples of big infrastructure projects planned include the airport rail link and the bridge across the Clyde connecting Renfrew with Yoker.

In terms of big events coming up – I would ask you all to support our annual B2B event – Business Matters in Renfrewshire. The event will be held over 2 days, the 14/15th May. Both days are free to attend and provide an excellent opportunity for members and non-members to network & learn. At time of writing we have already booked almost 50 exhibitors from a target 60 so please get in touch very soon if you wish to exhibit.

Please share the magazine with colleagues (if you need copies, just ask) and remember to use our channels to engage with fellow members & businesses.

I hope to see many of you at future events.

President’s Welcome

Audrey Cumberford, President Renfrewshire Chamber

Welcome to the Spring edition of Business Matters 2015, in what is my first article as the new President of Renfrewshire Chamber. I look forward to meeting members during my tenure and indeed started that process by meeting many of you at our popular annual Burns lunch. Continuing on the meeting members theme I found my recent visits to Peak Scientific & Thermo Fisher extremely useful, gaining a useful insight to the success and inspiration behind the substantial growth of both organisations. I was particularly impressed with the commitment to Renfrewshire as a place to do business; to business innovation and growth; and to the importance of the development of staff skills, knowledge and expertise.


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 Summer 2015 Deadline for editorial and adverts is 5th June, issued end of June 2015Themes: B2B, education and training/development, business support & finance, tourism & leisure

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

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

Business Matters Spring 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’

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A Warm Welcome from our Chief ExecutiveGreetings to all our members and readers - welcome to the spring edition of Business Matters, our biggest ever at 56 pages. I hope the winter hasn’t been too harsh for you and like me you are looking forward to longer & warmer days.

Thanks to everyone that completed our annual members survey (just under 100 did) showing the team and Board that what we are doing is relevant, useful and delivered to a high level of customer satisfaction.

Our Burns lunch was another well attended affair with 80+ guests which meant that for the 1st time we had to split the event over 2 levels at Ingliston.

The centre spread in this edition is devoted to the area finals of the Young Enterprise Company Programme that took place on the 18th March – well done to all that took part and

supported the programme this year. I am Vice Chair and the Chamber has sponsored / supported this programme since 2010. Bob Grant, Euan & Stuart are also involved. The experience is great for the young people regardless of future careers paths; a great talking point in interviews and a strong addition to any CV.

I would encourage all members and readers to register for our 2 day annual B2B event this year that takes place on the 14-15th May. Both days are freed to attend and open to all members, non-members, senior school pupils and students from UWS & West College Scotland.

If you don’t already please follow us across our social media channels and read our fortnightly eNews. If you have any stories to share please get in touch. Our next magazine is our Summer edition

and comes out end June – deadline for all adverts and content is 5th June and the themes are B2B, education, training & development, business support & finance, tourism & leisure.

Have a great spring.


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

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

The Celebrating Success Awards are a great chance for Renfrewshire’s businesses to recognise the work of new employees. If you have taken on someone in the past two years and they have made a great contribution to your organisation, consider nominating them for an Award.

Renfrewshire is full of amazing people with immense potential, almost 2,000 of whom have now found work and training through Invest in Renfrewshire.

More than 700 local businesses have joined Invest in Renfrewshire. They have benefited from its support and, in turn, have done their bit for the area; creating work and training opportunities and helping the local economy to grow.

Invest in Renfrewshire is all about

cooperation. Businesses of all types, people with all sorts of ambition, and the team at Invest have all brought their own strengths to the programme.

Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, is looking forward to this year’s awards. ‘It’s important to recognise such widespread success. 700 companies are part of Invest in Renfrewshire and more than 2,000 people have found work, training and a career through the programme. They’re all winners – as is the whole of Renfrewshire - as we benefit from growing businesses and increasing numbers of jobs.

Recognise your employees by nominating them for: Top Intern, Best Trainee, Progression in Work, Renfrewshire Modern Apprentice of the

Year or Most Promising New Employee.The Invest Team is determined to

celebrate entrepreneurship, and is keen to receive nominations for Most Promising New Entrepreneur.

A new award this year will recognise the non-academic achievements and contributions made by Renfrewshire’s school leavers. The CV Builder Award will go to the young person whose extra-curricular interests, work experience and volunteering have best prepared them for the workplace.

Nominations must be submitted by 22 May 2015. You can fill in a form online at www.investinrenfrewshire.com.

The award ceremony will be held in the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew, on the evening of Wednesday 17 June.

Invest in Renfrewshire: Celebrating (even more) Success Awards - Call for Nominations


To achieve this, the programme will deliver: a £1.13bn infrastructure programme over 20 years; £75million support for further growth in Life Sciences through world class R&D facilities; £10million investment to provide incubator and business growth space for entrepreneurs; and a £25million labour market programme to tackle the problems caused by unemployment and low wages.

Renfrewshire will benefit from £274m of investment and Cllr Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, has a clear vision of what this will do for this area. “City Deal will help to grow and attract businesses, make local life better, and generate new wealth for Renfrewshire. The benefits of City Deal will far outweigh its initial investment because it will help to unlock our immense growth potential. The council is right behind our business community

and will ensure that it is kept informed of opportunities that the City Deal generates. We’re part of a great West of Scotland economic resurgence and we have the skills, drive and imagination to make the most of it.”

At this stage, there are five things that Renfrewshire’s business people need to know about City Deal.1. £274 million of this will be spent on

three major infrastructure projects in Renfrewshire:• Work will start on the Glasgow

Airport Investment Area in 2018 where £51m will be invested in roads, cycle lanes and, possibly, a new bridge over the White Cart to improve access and connectivity.

• The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will provide a new opening bridge that will link Renfrew with Yoker. Work on the bridge and an improved road infrastructure will

cost £78m and start in 2018.• The Airport Access Project will

connect the City Centre to the Airport with a rail link that also stops at Paisley Gilmour Street. This is budgeted to cost £144m and work is planned to commence in 2020.

2. The construction phase on Renfrewshire’s City Deal will generate approximately 15,000 jobs. When completed, the three projects are expected to create an additional 1,600 permanent jobs in Renfrewshire. Better connectivity will create access to a further 59,000 jobs across the City Region and businesses will benefit from easier access to the transport network

3. Construction is expected to finish in 2025, with the projects scheduled to minimise any disruption to existing transport links.

4. There will be opportunities for local businesses during the construction phase and these will become clearer as each project progresses.

5. Follow @investinrenfrewshire on Twitter for updates and information on the City Deal in Renfrewshire.

Five things Renfrewshire Businesses Need to Know about the £1.13bn City Deal

The Glasgow and Clyde City Deal has a clear vision; “To be one of the fastest growing City Regions in the UK – characterised by a strong core in Glasgow that exploits the opportunities across the City Region...In pursuing this growth we will also reduce economic inequality and disparities between people and places.”


27 High Street, Paisley is the base for a brand new business concept designed to help new and early stage creative businesses to grow and locate in Paisley. InCube will quickly bring new people, retail ideas and online traders to the town. In the longer term, it will help create jobs and attract visitors.

InCube offers a brilliant package of support; accommodation, training, the chance to show case products, and marketing expertise to as many as 20 new businesses. Its occupants will be the winners of a competition designed to identify fledgling businesses that can contribute most to Renfrewshire’s economy.

The business incubator is part of Invest in Renfrewshire’s growth programme and will also add impetus to Paisley Regeneration initiative which celebrates the towns creative and crafts heritage. Already, InCube has revived one of Paisley’s architectural assets with a £200,000 restoration of its base at 27 High Street.

Council Leader, Mark Macmillan, is a great supporter of the InCube initiative. “This will bring new businesses, new people and new customers to Paisley

and establish Renfrewshire as a springboard for creative businesses. This is an ambitious project in keeping with our ambitious plans for Renfrewshire’s economy.”

The council is keen to hear from start-ups and early-stage businesses that could benefit from a year at the InCube. To find out more, call 0300 300 1180.

Do something out of this world..... Support local young people to reach for the stars ... by pursuing highly skilled careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire is a unique and exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational programme offering students a once in a lifetime opportunity to work directly with former NASA astronauts, trainers and rocket scientists at a week-long space school.

Last year, Renfrewshire hosted this

outstanding flagship programme for the first time in Scotland and in June 2015 a further 180 young people in Renfrewshire will have this exciting opportunity.

How can you become involved?As a local business, you have the

opportunity to ensure that the programme is truly inclusive by sponsoring a young person or group of young people. You can also help to build a legacy that will benefit young people of all ages in Renfrewshire.

If sponsoring a young person or group of young people, your company will have

access to the event at appropriate times across the week – an excellent opportunity to engage with the talent of tomorrow. In addition, your business’ name/logo will also be made visible in the “mission manual” issued to young people at the start of the week.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities or ways in which you can help build a lasting legacy for Mission Discovery Renfrewshire 2015, please contact: Raymond Kane: [email protected], 0141 618 4866 Wilma Leburn: [email protected]

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire 2015 - The Sky’s No Limit

InCube in the High Street

Visit www.investinrenfrewshire.com/incube

Win a chance to build your business from a sound base Great new premises, 12 months rent-free, rates-free, utilities-free and worry-free

Know-how and learn-how

Business skills and entrepreneurship

training to help you grow

Set out your stall Access to the high street and on-line markets

Be part of something Work with people like you

Beat the curve Be a part

of Paisley’s renaissance

Believe As many as 20

new businesses each year will win an InCube package

worth over £11,000


Renfrew’s positive about Simplified PlanningThe Council has been consulting with the people and businesses of Renfrew to hear what they think about their Town Centre becoming Scotland’s first ‘High Street’ Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ).

In the last issue of this magazine, the council announced the creation of the Hillington Park Simplified Planning Zone. Hillington Park’s owners, Patrizia worked with Renfrewshire Council to develop and agree planning requirements that would allow Hillington to benefit from simplified planning opportunities. Hillington’s SPZ status is expected to create 2,800 new full time jobs and to boost the local economy by £217m a year over a ten year period.

Simplified planning zones support businesses by allowing them to improve the appearance of their premises or change their uses to keep up with commercial trends and to meet customer demand. It does not mean that Planning standards are compromised. Renfrew Town Centre would see its character and quality of offer enhanced and would also benefit from more investment. This would all help to create a stronger business community and thriving town centre.

Renfrew’s residents and existing businesses expressed positive views about the potential of a Simplified Planning Zone and so the council has decided to progress with the application to create Scotland’s first Town Centre SPZ.

If you have a view on Renfrew Town Centre as a business location, please email [email protected]

Close Encounters of the Third Sector KindRenfrewshire’s thriving social enterprise was in energetic form at a December conference hosted by Engage Renfrewshire and the council. Sixty three delegates assembled in Paisley’s Abercorn centre to hear leaders from local social enterprises describe the challenges and rewards of building a community business.

The Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Cllr Mark Macmillan launched a new £100,000 fund which will offer grants of as much as £5,000 to support the growth plans of as many as 20 Renfrewshire social enterprises.

Cllr Macmillan is keen to encourage grant applications. “Social Enterprises make a big contribution to the economy, the life of their community and the life chances of those they employ. Because profit is not their primary motivation, they can find it difficult to get the funding they need to grow. This grant fund is designed to help social enterprises overcome barriers to growth so that they can take their businesses to new levels of success and community benefits.”

The Conference heard from social entrepreneurs whose determination, quick learning and acumen have created strong businesses with positive futures.

The council sees real potential in this sector and is keen to encourage its innovation, ambition and commitment to community interest.

For more information on how the council can help social enterprise, call 03000 300 1180

AMBITIOUS plans to use Paisley town centre and its collection of heritage and cultural assets to transform the area’s future over the next decade are now moving forward.

Last year saw Renfrewshire Council launch the Paisley Town Centre Asset Strategy (PTCHAS) – a collection of proposals aimed at driving a multi-million pound regeneration process and making the town one of the key destinations on Scotland’s tourist map.

The plans could create 800 jobs and be worth an extra £45m a year to the local economy – and will include a bid for UK City of Culture status in 2021.

It is worth reminding ourselves of some of the things Paisley has to offer – the globally-recognised Paisley Pattern; our rich textile and weaving heritage; an internationally-significant museum collection; a thriving cultural and events scene, including PACE, the UK’s largest youth theatre; one of Scotland’s best collections of listed buildings; central location and outstanding transport links; and a top-class university and college.

Through PTCHAS, the council and our partners in the community will use all of

that to retell the town’s story and sell it to the world. The strategy itself outlines plans for several big infrastructure projects which are set to take shape in the next few years.

Here are just some of the things that are already happening...

UK City of Culture 2021 bid - Paisley is aiming to be UK City of Culture 2021, with bids due to be made in 2017. Between now and then, the whole creative community will be pulling together as we look to boost our existing cultural and events programme. We will consult widely to bring all ambitions and ideas for the town into a compelling bid.

Restoring our built heritage - Paisley town centre has the highest concentration of listed buildings of anywhere in Scotland, second only to Edinburgh, and we are keeping them alive for future generations. That includes the Russell Institute, now being restored and turned into offices, creating 80 jobs. The council has also secured stage one funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards what it is hoped will be a multi-million-pound project to help restore historic buildings in the area around the High Street.

Bringing in new town centre residents - People are coming back into the town centre to live. 31 new flats on the site of the former Arnotts store are almost done, with work on a further 11 apartments inside the listed facade on Gauze St now under way. Plus, almost all the new flats in Westpoint Homes’ Abbey Place development have been snapped up.

Showing off our museum collections - One of the key PTCHAS projects is a planned revamp of Paisley Museum to be a national museum of textile and costume, and work is now starting on a comprehensive business case document around this. In the meantime, we have funding to photograph and digitise the collection of Paisley shawls which carried the town’s name around the world.

New theatre and cinema proposals - A new group – the Paisley 2021 Community Trust – has been formed to examine the feasibility of a new town centre theatre and cinema. The trustees are looking into possible sites and asking residents what they want from the facility. Follow @Paisley2021 on Twitter for more.

PLANS ARE BUILDING A NEW PAISLEY PATTERN

Renfrewshire Council Updates:


Social enterprises are businesses that trade in order to tackle social problems or to improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. They make their money from selling goods and services, but they reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community to create social benefits.

Renfrewshire is home to a number of well-known and leading social enterprises, including the Kibble Care and Education Centre and the Accord and St Vincent’s hospices.

But the sector also has a healthy number of new social businesses that are coming into the local economy. Many of these started off as community groups tackling particular issues but are now moving to becoming trading organisations as a way to help them grow and create more benefits.

One of these is Paisley’s Environmental Training Team (ETT) which started out in 2009 as a voluntary group doing gardening and maintenance work for older and disabled people in Ferguslie Park.

Today, ETT has teams of trainees working on projects across Renfrewshire. Last year they made the decision to set up as a social enterprise so they could offer their services to local businesses and public organisations.

Project manager Ian Williams said“We want to expand and take on more

trainees. To do that, we need to be able to bid for commercial contracts.

“When we said that we were interested in developing into a social enterprise, Engage Renfrewshire gave us a lot of valuable advice and information. Now we are getting support with putting together our business plan and training in quality management and building

our board of directors.“They have also developed a social

enterprise toolkit which we found very useful.”

Engage Renfrewshire chief executive Alan McNiven is encouraged by the growth in social enterprise in the local area:

“The development of social enterprise in recent years has been really exciting. Across the country, we are seeing businesses offering services from childcare to housing. We’re keen to see more social enterprises in Renfrewshire.

“Engage has a lot of knowledge and experience in this sector and we’d be keen to talk to any individuals or groups in Renfrewshire who think that social enterprise could help them realise their ambitions.”

To find out more about the help that Engage can offer, call 0141 887 7707 or email [email protected]

Engage Renfrewshire supporting local social enterprise

L-R: Alan McNiven, chief executive, Engage Renfrewshire; Iain Reynolds, Johnstone Community Sports Complex; Lesley Compston, KLAS Care; Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council; Ian Williams, Environmental Training Team, at the recent Social Enterprise in Renfrewshire conference at West College Scotland


Thinking about setting up a social enterprise?

Contact us for further information on social enterprise, community organisations or volunteering:

Engage Renfrewshire, 10 Falcon Crescent, Paisley, PA3 1NS0141 887 7707 • [email protected]

www.engagerenfrewshire.com

Engage Renfrewshire is responsible for supporting the development of social enterprise, community organisations and volunteering in the local area. We offer a wide range of support for social entrepreneurs and community organisations that could benefit from becoming trading businesses:

• Advice on whether social enterprise is right for you

• Advice on the best structure for your organisation

• Business planning support

• Signposting to specialist advice and sources of funding

• Help to find volunteer support

• Social enterprise toolkit to take you from your initial business idea right through to implementation

Business planning training for social enterprises at Engage Renfrewshire


St Vincent’s Hospice is working on ambitious plans to extend the level of care that they provide in the Renfrewshire community. This is the result of a major review that resulted in the recent launch of their five-year strategic plan.

The community is at the heart of the strategy as Chief Executive Kate Lennon explains.

As well as our work in the hospice we also provide a significant amount of care to people across our community. The demand for this support has increased dramatically over the last few years and we are determined to meet these demands.

We have always had close links with the community but believe that our new

garden can strengthen this and help demonstrate the warm and positive environment of the hospice. This will be a garden space not just for patients and families, but a space that can be enjoyed by the whole of Renfrewshire and beyond.

Work has now started on the community garden, which will open in the summer. This point has been reached through the hard work and dedication of volunteer Katrina Vine. With Katrina’s help funding for landscaping was from the Landfill Community Fund, through the support of the Malcolm Group, William Tracey Group and Helping Hands Association.

The garden will be fully wheelchair accessible and also dementia safe. There will be wheelchair adequate pathways,

seating areas, sensory raised areas and fully refurbishing of the current pond. Natural, local materials will be used as much as possible, with extensive use of dry stonewalls to give the garden a traditional feel.

If you would like to support St Vincent’s Hospice please call them on 01505 705635.

Work begins on the new community garden at St Vincent’s Hospice

St Vincent’s Hospice Chief Executive Kate Lennon

Leading Software Solutions Company IRW Systems Limited, based in Paisley, has acquired similar IT House and rival, Universal Technology Group Limited (UniTechTM) bringing together two of Scotland’s high-end software specialists.

Both established and recognised Microsoft Partners in Software and Cloud services, IRW’s acquisition of UniTechTM is a direct result of their business growth and ambition; which will consolidate the best of breed IT services both organisations specialise in.

UniTechTM, based in Edinburgh, was originally launched in 1996 and provides bespoke technology solutions and high-quality services for clients including; Heineken, BT and the British Transport Police. After facing some financial difficulty, IRW has acquired this organisation to fit their growth strategy, and will now have a stronger foundation better to serve Scotland, and the rest of the UK.

This renamed, IRW–UniTech, will continue to provide specialist services including SharePoint, Business Intelligence, Cloud services and Software service delivery throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.

IRW Systems, has over 40 employees, and their strengths

lie in software design and development. With a significant interest in the Azure and Cloud Microsoft technologies that IRW-UniTech specialise in, IRW has no intention to re-locate any of the staff; creating a larger, further enhanced business and team.

Although IRW already has a strong geographic footprint throughout the UK with clients such as McCurrach, The British Library, Scottish Power and NHS Lanarkshire, this will allow them to increase their capacity, skill set and services.

IRW’s Managing Director Ian Warnock, who sits on the advisory board of the University of the West of Scotland, says ‘IRW is a proven and profitable business with effective internal and external processes, this acquisition will extend our geography cover and Partner relationship with Microsoft. We are eager to harness the well-established capability of UniTech and develop our Edinburgh client base, as part of a wider and focused business.’

Creating a business with over 50 staff, retaining both main offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the IRW Systems Group organisation will continue to provide their combined client base with a wider and further enriched set of value add IT services.

IRW System’s growth continues throughout Scotland

Friday 9th May 2014 Grand Central Hotel

glitz & glamour, prizes & surprises:

prosecco reception from 7pm

3-course meal plus coffee

celeb host

live music from A Band Called Wanda

dancing until 1am

dress: black tie

Reserve your table of 10 at just £550 now on

[email protected] or 01505 705635

St Vincent’s Hospice is a charitable organisation at the heart of the community offering specialised care and services to all those affected by life limiting illness. If you think St Vincent’s Hospice could help someone you know, talk to your GP or District Nurse.

01505 705635 Midton Road Howwood PA9 1AF www.svh.co.uk @StVincentsHosp www.facebook.com/StVincentsHospice Scottish registered charity SC006888


Diversity CAN work for your businessValues Into Action Scotland (VIAS) is a registered Scottish charity which offers a range of training opportunities promoting diversity. One of our specialisms, under the banner of Diversity Works 4 U, focuses on improving employment opportunities for individuals on the autistic spectrum.

Now, we all know that applying for a job can be one of the most stressful things any of us do. For those on the autistic spectrum, job applications and interviews can be even more daunting and intimidating.

Recent statistics indicate that less than 15% of people on the autism spectrum are in full-time paid employment. This contrasts with the figure of 50% for those with other disabilities who are in employment. Figures suggest that more than 1 person in 100 are on the Autism Spectrum, which means that there are about 700,000 people in the UK on the spectrum. The lives or these individuals are impacted upon, to say nothing of the consequences for their families and communities.

The assumption that people on the spectrum either can’t or don’t want to work is very often wrong. Given the right support many can contribute new, unique talents and insights to the workplace.

The Scottish Government has invested £13 million over 4 years to enable organisations to address some of the issues people face, including employment, which is why we can offer this training free for a limited period.

Diversity Works 4 U assists businesses to incorporate diversity planning and implementation into a strategic business plan and operational framework.

Businesses can do this in a way that makes sense to their mission statement,

operational model and customer base. Globally 1.1 billion people have a

disability. They control $4 trillion annual spending. Put into perspective, this is the same size as China’s global market. There are 10 million people with disabilities in the UK with a combined annual spending power of £80 billion Disability is a significant UK and global market. Disabled people have a lot to offer you, to help you understand and tap into this growing market.

Our training courses raise the awareness, understanding and the practice of employers, support staff and families leading to more opportunities for those on the spectrum. Call us now to discuss what we can do for you.

Autism Awareness (1/2 day)For all staff• Increase knowledge & understanding of

autism• Improve working practices to support

colleagues with autism or asperser’s.• Help you to find more information and

support• Provide you with a range of training &

information options.

Human Resources, Recruitment & Retention (1 day)For HR and Personnel professionals• Improve your knowledge of inclusive

practice in selecting and interviewing people with autism Review your recruitment and retention policies

• Explore ways of making simple reasonable adjustments

• Improve your understanding of autism in relation to HR processes

Systematic Instruction (3 days)For supervisory staff or staff involved in mentoring/ training

• Certificated and contributes to SVQ qualification

• Tools & techniques for maximizing staff independence

• Methods of gathering information• Practical application of instruction

system • Methods of communicating instructions

Introduction to LEAN Methodology (1 day)For department/ section heads• To introduce to LEAN METHODOLOGY• To introduce you to LEAN tools and

techniques• To demonstrate how LEAN SYSTEMS

can assist you in supporting a diverse workforce

For more information on any of the above courses or if you would like us to design something bespoke to your needs please contact Hugh O’Donnell on 0141 880 9055 or email [email protected].


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


DP Group have a variety of well positioned offices to let in Paisley at Mirren Court, Renfrew Road, near M8 Jct 27 and Mirren Chambers, Gauze Street in the Town Centre. We are very keen to help new and existing Renfrewshire businesses expand their local operations. There are three individual extended impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren Court with ample private car parking. The suites available are from 250sqft suitable for one person up to space for 20 plus persons as well as a stand alone 8000sqft listed Headquarters Building.

At Mirren Chambers we have one last remaining 1150sqft open plan suite for lease with car parking well located close to all amenities.

Spring into a new office

Please call now to arrange a viewing.

Tel: 0141 843 4211www.dpgroup.org.uk

DP Group have a variety of well

positioned offices to let in Paisley at

Mirren Court, Renfrew Road, near M8 Jct

27 and Mirren Chambers, Gauze Street in

the Town Centre. We are very keen to

help new and existing Renfrewshire

businesses expand their local operations.

There are three individual extended

impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren

Court with ample private car parking. The

suites available are from 250sqft suitable

for one person up to space for 20 plus

persons as well as a stand alone 8000sqft

listed Headquarters Building.

At Mirren Chambers we have one last

remaining 1150sqft open plan suite for

lease with car parking well located close

to the Abbey.

Please call now to arrange a viewing.

Tel.: 0141 843 4211

Web. www.dpgroup.org.uk

DP Group have a variety of well positioned offices to let in Paisley at Mirren Court, Renfrew Road, near M8 Jct27 and Mirren Chambers, Gauze Street in the Town Centre. We are very keen to help new and existing Renfrewshire businesses expand their local operations.There are three individual extended impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren

impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren Court with ample private car parking. The suites available are from 250sqft suitable for one person up to space for 20 plus persons as well as a stand alone 8000sqft listed Headquarters Building.At Mirren Chambers we have one last remaining 1150sqft open plan suite for lease with car parking well located close to the Abbey.Please call now to arrange a viewing.

Tel.: 0141 843 4211Web. www.dpgroup.org.uk

DP Group have a variety of well positioned offices to let in Paisley at Mirren Court, Renfrew Road, near M8 Jct27 and Mirren Chambers, Gauze Street in the Town Centre. We are very keen to help new and existing Renfrewshire businesses expand their local operations.There are three individual extended impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren

impressive sandstone buildings at Mirren Court with ample private car parking. The suites available are from 250sqft suitable for one person up to space for 20 plus persons as well as a stand alone 8000sqft listed Headquarters Building.At Mirren Chambers we have one last remaining 1150sqft open plan suite for lease with car parking well located close to the Abbey.Please call now to arrange a viewing.

Tel.: 0141 843 4211Web. www.dpgroup.org.uk

Santander Trade Missions 2015Santander have 3 trade missions coming up in association with UKTI that might be of interest to Chamber members:

• Madrid, Spain 18 – 21 May 2015 • Warsaw, Poland 15 – 18 June 2015 • Mexico City, Mexico 28 June – 4 July 2015

Please visit the Chamber website to view the PDFs or contact: Geoff O'Brien, Business Development Director - Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking Tel: 0141 275 7602 / Mobile: 07808 116556 / [email protected]

Get a 30d free trial on the Santander trade portal https://en.santandertrade.com/profile-30day-trial


Win new business? Reduce business risk? Make energy savings? Reduce your carbon footprint? Work towards an Environmental Management System? Need a boost with funding?

Green Umbrella is a funded programme delivered by Mabbett that helps you save on your energy, water and waste costs, whilst also taking you half way to ISO 14001.

How: Using expert help and group workshops, Mabbett will guide your business through the steps and opportunities in developing an Environmental Management System (EMS).

Cost: Support from business support organisations, Resource Efficient Scotland and Scottish Enterprise mean this programme is funded up to the value of £2,000.

Benefits: • Reduced overheads and cost-savings.• Low-cost way of aligning with an EMS

standard, such as ISO 14001 or BS 8555.• Energy, water, materials and waste

minimisation expert help.• Improved PQQ and Invitation to Tender

scores.• Challenge your competitors with tender

differentiation and credibility.• Access to new clients.• Group sessions to share ideas and

challenges with other businesses.• Progress towards the international

standard – ISO 14001.• Enhance your Corporate Social

Responsibility and PR opportunities.

Step 1: Baseline resource audit Step 2: Group EMS development

workshopsStep 3: A bespoke ‘green plan’ through

Environmental Management Standard BS 8555

Step 4: Optional - additional consultancy support and BS 8555 Level 3 certification, progressing to achieve ISO 14001 [*Non-funded aspect of programme]

Mabbett: We’re not only great trainers, but also experienced technical staff who have developed management systems

for hundreds of companies. Mabbett are delivering the similar “Green Light” programme through Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and are now delivering this “Green Umbrella” programme through the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. We think it rains more in Renfrewshire! Using our proven method and with the support of Resource Efficient Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, we’ll help you to See a Difference.

For more information about Mabbett and Green Umbrella, contact: Suzanne Maclean: 0141 227 2300 - [email protected]

Get your business under the Green Umbrella!

The SMAS team lives and works across the whole of Scotland, so wherever you are there is a SMAS practitioner ready to support you and your business. We come to you at a time and place that is convenient. Make contact with one of our experts by calling us on 0845 607 8787 or via the website at www.scottishmas.co.uk

Manufacturing in Scotland• 8,500 businesses

• Turnover of £33 billion contributing around £12 billion of gross value add

• 62% of Scottish Exports

• 6% of Business Innovation

The Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service is focused on developing a culture of excellence in all manufacturing businesses in Scotland.

We help businesses become more profi table, competitive and successful by designing and delivering tailored manufacturing improvement support.

• Develop, lead and engage your teams

• Make a step-change in production processes

• Embed a culture of continuous improvement

• Grow your supply chain and exports

• Learn from and with your peers

youtube.com/watch?v=g3gQ9YqXmX0

Fill R 16 G 127 B 28Fill R 16 G 127 B 28 Green Umbrella


Fill R 16 G 127 B 28Fill R 16 G 127 B 28

Previously, on similar programmes, 41 companies from a range of sectors made a combined environmental business cost savings

of over £446,000 and 750 tonnes of carbon emissions.

*Average of 19% cost savings per participant*

• Identify savings in transport, energy, water and waste costs

• Business improvement workshops and one-to-one support

• Increase good practice and boost staff development

• Environmental Mangament System development and implementation to BS8555 and ISO 14001

Get your business under the Green Umbrella!

Fill R 16 G 127 B 28Fill R 16 G 127 B 28 Green Umbrella

Through the Green Umbrella programme and #Funded support

How?

For more information about Mabbett and Green Umbrella, contact:

Suzanne Maclean: 0141 227 2300 - [email protected]


Scotland’s only Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) is now in place at Hillington Park having been approved by both Renfrewshire and Glasgow City Councils.

The innovative planning scheme means that the entire Park now has pre-agreed planning permission so anyone looking to develop, extend or enhance a property (new build or existing) can do so without submitting a planning application as long as the plans are underpinned with a set of simple development parameters.

In the past the process for all planning applications would be dealt with by the respective Councils’ planning departments alongside every other application. Under the pre-approved SPZ guidelines that process is no longer necessary.

Jamie Cumming, Director of Hillington

Park explained: “Every area of the Park’s 419 acres now has clear development guidelines meaning that from an initial meeting, a new bespoke building could be completed in less than 10 months. The SPZ will also encourage a greater range of development on the Park including car showrooms, small retail units and other complimentary uses and will act as a catalyst to help drive Hillington Park forward and make it a very attractive place to do invest and do business.”

Economic development forecasts have suggested that the new SPZ at Hillington Park has the potential to generate 2,800 full time jobs and generate additional economic wealth of £217m every year over the next ten years.

Jamie added: “It’s important to say that this isn’t just good news for the businesses

already based at Hillington Park. We have the potential to deliver around 85,000 sqm of new commercial floorspace so any business not already here but is looking to expand or perhaps build a new premises from scratch the SPZ should be a major consideration for them.

“Aside from all of the other attractive reasons for being based at Hillington Park – central location, links to transport networks, range of types of properties and available development land - the pre-approved guidelines within the SPZ lets businesses plan with confidence. If your vision and business requirements fit within the SPZ then you could see progress happening very quickly, something that is very appealing and something that couldn’t happen anywhere else in Scotland.”

New Simplified Planning Now In Place At Hillington Park

Leader Renfrewshire Council – Cllr Mark Macmillan, Hillington Park Commercial Director Jamie Cumming and Leader Glasgow City Council Cllr Gordon Matheson


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

www.hillingtonpark.com

As Scotland’s largest and most established Business Park,Hillington Park is a safe, well maintained environment with two train stations, two minutes from the motorway and two miles from Glasgow International Airport.

Hillington Park is now home to Scotland’s First Simplified Planning Zone.

Together, we are

0141 883 5760

Accommodation TO LETCall the Hillington Park team on

HP_Chamber_Ad_Full_pg.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2015 11:36 Page 1


The two year contract is an important award for the Group and builds upon the successful installation of 22,000 LED Luminaires in Salford, Greater Manchester which was the first Retrofit Project of its kind in the UK.

Power 1 MD Mark Ward said “We’re delighted to have secured this contract, as it validates the hard work and investment over the last 8 years, whilst achieving the Management’s aim of creating a sustainable Company, It enables us to secure and create local jobs and gives something back to the communities we serve. We have a strong track record in the Street Lighting Sector and look forward to using our skills and experience on such an exciting and challenging Project.

At a time of efficiency challenges to our Local Authorities, Mark believes that the company has a lot to offer, with innovation and efficiencies helping to dramatically reduce both energy bills and carbon footprint, whilst maintaining, or indeed improving upon current services.

The company have invested heavily in the training and development of their 45 strong workforce,

and developed key supply relationships over the previous three years. All of the company’s delivery teams are HEA accredited, and utilise their G39 trained electricians to carry out virtually all of the company’s work in this sector.

The recent accreditation as an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), has also given the group the ability to provide a complete “one stop shop” to its’ clients, where previously several different contractors were required, often leading to programming and delivery issues further disrupting the public.

Power 1 Group also carries out works in the communications sector, with their specialist workforce updating much of the aging infrastructure for many of the large Telecom providers, such as Vodaphone and O2. The company also has its’ origins carrying out electrical works in the off shore sector and providing temporary electric supplies to large Contraction sites, with particular logistic challenges.

Mark believes the company’s collaborative approach and its ability to build and maintain long term relationships, can only lead to a bright future for Power 1.

www.power1group.com

Power Up!£9 million Contract award for Paisley Contractor

Portakabin are the market leader in the provision of modular buildings to hire or purchase.

Paisley Hire Centre, located at McFarlane Street, proudly serves Renfrewshire and has provided buildings and accommodation solutions for numerous local organisations.

We cover a large geographical area of the West of Scotland and provide accommodation solutions to a wide range of customers including Councils, Education, NHS and private organisations.

Portakabin provides high quality, sustainable buildings constructed to permanent building standards for a wide range of applications.

In addition we compliment our buildings by offering a complete range of additional products and services to ensure we can provide the most complete turnkey option available.

Our goal is to ensure we provide the highest level of customer service whilst offering the best value for money solutions, backed up by our Unique Customer Charter.

Why not drop in for chat, or give us a call on 0141 887 9342.

Hello from your local Portakabin Hire Centre

Local Electrical and Communications Specialist Power 1 Group, have secured a £ 9million order to carry out the installation of 46,000 new Thorn Lighting, LED Luminaires, 16,000 new Column, along with all the associated Civil Engineering and Electrical Transfer Works for Northumberland County Council and Main Contractor GallifordTry Construction.

Power 1 MD Mark Ward


When local men John Workman and Iain Irvine purchased the St James Business Centre in 2007 it was half empty and had the feeling of an old industrial building. Now after painting every wall, re- carpeting every office and creating a ‘family’ atmosphere within the building by hosting coffee mornings, holding charity events and raising the profile of the Centre in the local area through the Imp Rally and being used for a Monte Carlo Rally photo

shoot, plans are at an advanced stage to further enhance the working environment for the many long term, loyal tenants within the Centre.

The plans will include new break out zones, café area and bookable board rooms. All common areas will have new décor and artwork which will reflect the site’s past history as the home of Scotland’s mass produced car, the Hillman Imp. Externally the building will have new white render.

To bring the Centre well into the 21st Century, energy efficiency will be at the forefront of the improvements with new boiler controls and LED lighting creating a more efficient building.

Commenting John Workman said “St James Business Centre is an important landmark building and home to many excellent local companies, our architect is planning to achieve a modern, but 60s inspired theme to the new internal design by having a sleek retro inspired look”

St James Business Centre announces new plans to further develop the former Rootes Group administrative block


Fri 15th May - Conference, Paisley Town Hall 9.30am - 12.30pmDay 2 is our morning conference held on Fri 15th May at Paisley Town Hall.

Speakers confirmed include:

Thu 14th May - sponsored by Microsoft - Exhibitors & Seminars in The Lagoon, Paisley from 10am - 4pm

Day 1 on the 14th May is sponsored by Microsoft and will be held at the Lagoon in Paisley from 10am-4pm with space for 60 exhibitors (at time of writing 48 are booked) plus 6 seminars ensuring a constant stream of visitors. We are expecting approx.400 visitors on the day.

The seminar outlines are:1. Microsoft – software & tech2. NSDesign – social media & digital

marketing3. Fission Creative – Futureproofing your

web presence4. UWS – Innovative thinking5. Council – City Deal6. Santander - Exporting / economy

B2B2015 - BUSINESS MATTERS IN RENFREWSHIRE Our 2 day B2B (Business to Business) event, the largest event of its kind in Renfrewshire, returns on the 14th-15th May 2015 for its 5th year.

Day 1 - 14th May Exhibition & Seminars - The Lagoon, Paisley 10am-4pmDay 2 - 15th May Conference - Paisley Town Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm

Cabinet Minister for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities – Keith Brown MSP

Deputy Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale MSP

RBS Head of Economics - Stephen Boyle

Our conference in 2014 attracted 230 guests – we expect approx. 250 this year. Both days are free to attend and open to all businesses, schools pupils and students.

There is a charge to exhibit at Day 1 – please contact the Chamber (£150+vat for members / £250+vat for non-members).

Please put the date in diary – registration for both days will open shortly. Twitter hashtag is #b2bpaisley

Seminars

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Helping Renfrewshire Grow & Prosper 21

New MembersOn behalf of the Board of Directors and the Chamber staff we would like to welcome onboard the following new members.AMG Training & ConsultancyPersonal Development TrainingAngela Gribben0141 571 [email protected]

Castle ResidentialProperty Lettings & SalesJacqueline McLelland0141 889 5464www.castle-residential.co.ukjacqueline@castle-residential.co.uk

G Porrelli & Co LtdManufacturers of Ice Cream & Frozen DessertsInes Durante0141 889 [email protected]

JAMP Design Ltddesign agency - internet smartsJames Sparks0141 321 [email protected]

Kuka Studios Ltdweb design marketing PRJill Glen01505 [email protected]

Linear 7 LimitedArchitecture & Product DesignDavid [email protected]

Paisley 2021 Community TrustDevelopment of Cinema/Theatre Paisley Town CentreGary Kerr07947 673482www.facebook.com/[email protected]

Paisley Autocare LtdGarage ServicesJohn Convery0141 848 [email protected]

PM Information Solutions Ltdtraining eduction & coachingPauline Morrison0141 442 0029www.pminformationsolutions.org.ukpauline@pminformationsolutions.org.uk

Portakabin Paisley Hire CentreHire of modular buildingsPhillip Thomson0141 887 9342www.portakabin.co.uk/[email protected]

PQRM LtdManagement consultancyAndy Shuttleworth07772 [email protected]

Ramsay Employment LawHR Consultancy Employment LawDonna Field0141 248 6996www.ramsayemploymentlaw.comdonna.field@ramsayemploymentlaw.com

Reel People Skills LtdTrainingJames Kennedy0770223771www.reelpeopleskills.comjames@reelpeopleskills.com

Secure Financial Management LtdMortgage & Insurance/Corporate AdvisorElaine Currie0808 178 8790www.securefinancialmanagement.comelainecurrie@securefinancialmanagement.com

Silver Cloud TelecomTelecoms ITAnthony Quinn0141 552 0000www.silvercloudtelecom.co.ukanthony.quinn@silvercloudtelecom.co.uk

Stratis UKArchitectural building products; Domus tiles & Shadbolt doorsChris McGlennon01505 610 [email protected]

Subsafe AudioManufacturingStuart [email protected]

Trumpet DesignWeb Design/Graphic DesignAdriana Dunlay0141 427 [email protected]

Values Into Action ScotlandTraining ServicesNorma Curran0141 880 [email protected]

Wallace Clark AssociatesMarketing ConsultancyAlison Clark07741 489 [email protected]

Wilson Imports LtdDesign, source and supply of clothing, footwear & accessoriesJohn Alexander0141 810 1050www.wilsondesignsourcesupply.comjohn.alexander@wilsonimports.ent


Chamber Pictures

Up & Coming

EventsSee our events section on our website:

www.renfrewshirechamber.com0141 847 5450

[email protected]

twitter.com/renfrewshirecoc

facebook.com/renfrewshirechamberofcommerce

Follow the chamber:

Annual Golf Day 19th June 2015Elderslie GC

May Networking Lunch28/5 with Jim Duffy CEO Entrepreneurial Spark

ROCCO 201520th Nov 2015 The Normandy with Fred MacAulay

March Networking Lunch26/3 with Malcolm Roughead CEO VisitScotland at the Erskine Bridge Hotel

August Networking Lunch 27/8 with MD Glasgow Airport & CEO AGS Airports Ltd, Amanda McMillan OBE

B2B201514th-15th May 2015, The Lagoon & Paisley Town Hall

Just before Christmas, and following our recent Investors in Young People accreditation – a short film was made about our IIYP experience. To view the film made by the team at the Career Studio please visit youtube.com/renfrewshirecoc

If you are interested in learning more about IIYP for your business please visit http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/investors-young-people

1. Burns fiddler Eilidh Firth2. Burns singer Ainsley Hamill3. Burns piper Russell Campbell4. Burns speaker Ken Mathie5. Mike Walsh being presented with Board

retirement gift from Tom Johnston 6. John Sharp being presented with Board

retirement gift from Tom Johnston7. Gary Ennis, MD NSDesign speaker at

Feb lunch8. Speed networking at The Normandy9. Tom Johnston presenting new President

Audrey Cumberford with the chain of office

Investors in Young People

1.

3.

5.

7.

9.

2.

4.

6.

8.


The Immediate Past President Tom Johnston has been appointed as Honorary President, a new role to recognise Tom’s ongoing involvement at a senior level with the Chamber and in which role he will be assisting the new President in the continuing development of the Chamber.

Commenting on her appointment, Audrey said “I’m honoured to have been appointed as President of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and with the support of the Board and the members look forward to continuing to helping Renfrewshire grow & prosper. It has been a privilege to be a Non-Executive Director over the last few years under Tom’s leadership and I am committed to building on his legacy and continuing in the role of President in what is one of Scotland’s most active Chambers, working closely with our Chief Executive, Bob Davidson and his team.

Tom Johnston commented “It has been an honour to have been the President of Renfrewshire Chamber; it has been a large part of my business and private life for a number of years and I’m delighted that I shall be able to continue to serve on the Board as Honorary President. As we transition to our new President, I give Audrey my full support knowing that the Chamber is in a healthy position and we will continue to build on that success”.

Renfrewshire Chamber celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014 with membership just under 600 and has completed its 5th consecutive year of returning a financial surplus. The Chamber was recently awarded Investors in Young People status recognising the work it does employing young people directly and the support it gives to the young people of Renfrewshire. Audrey will be the 2nd female President of the Chamber in its 50 year history, following on from Sheila Laidlaw in 1991.

Renfrewshire Chamber announces new President

ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE AT GLASGOW AIRPORT• Ideal for meetings, interviews, training,

seminars & workshops• 4 rooms, space for 1-20 people• Free wifi & free parking• Presentation equipment / catering available• Price guarantee

Glasgow Airport Business Centrec/o Renfrewshire Chamber

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

0141 847 [email protected] www.renfrewshirechamber.com

Renfrewshire Chamber is delighted to announce that Audrey Cumberford, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland has been appointed as President of the Chamber.


Thank you to everyone that complete our annual survey - we received 98 responses. The image below shows the results by question compared to the previous 4 years. We believe these results to be the best yet.

Could you offer a young jobseeker work experience?

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

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

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

the young person may be eligible for a training allowance.

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

can help them earn a certified SQA qualification which shows they have the right work experience for the career they want.

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

an increasingly difficult employment climate

• Earn an industry recognised SQA accredited qualification upon completion

• Gain work experience.

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

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

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

To sign up please email [email protected]

CERTIFICATE OF WORK READINESS

Renfrewshire Chamber annual survey results for 2015

Our events (networking lunches / seminars etc..) 11 0 2 47 38 98% 99% 91% 90% 90%

The ROCCO Awards 18 0 1 18 61 99% 98% 95% 91% 92%

Our Services (HR, Legal, Health, Merchant etc..) 68 1 3 19 7 87% 86% 76% 74% 81%

Export Documentation 86 0 0 7 5 100% 81% 82% 80% 100%

Business Mentoring 55 1 2 22 18 93% 94% 89% 85% 83%

Business Centre / Meeting Rooms 68 0 5 21 4 83% 82% 85% 63% 71%

Business Matters magazine 1 0 4 49 44 96% 97% 86% 84% 87%

eNews (email bulletin) 4 0 9 54 31 90% 93% 85% 87% 84%

Website 12 1 9 49 27 88% 83% 79% 81% 80%

Social media (facebook / twitter / Linkedin etc..) 30 0 4 28 36 94% 96% 83% 84% 75%

iPhone / Android app 78 0 3 8 9 85% 77% 68% 74% 71%

Access to lobbying support 71 0 9 9 9 67% 77% 80% 64% -

Our connections via SCC / BCC 59 0 8 17 14 79% 88% 89% 68% -

The Chamber team 3 0 0 21 74 100% 97% 93% 96% -

The Chamber Board 14 0 2 34 48 98% 88% 84% 82% -

Opportunities to network, learn and promote your business 7 1 7 33 50 91% 87% 85% 83% -

Our customer service 6 0 3 25 64 97% 97% 88% 92% 91%

Membership price 8 0 15 47 28 83% 83% 75% 77% 71%

Overall how do you rate the Chamber 1 0 2 35 60 98% 99% 86% 91% 85%

Average across all: 86% 85% 84% 81% 83%

Don’t use / not

relevantPoor Satisfactory Good Excellent

2014% Good /

excellent

2015% Good /

excellent

2013% Good /

excellent

2012% Good /

excellent

2011% Good /

excellent

highlighted = highest scoreResponse count2011 = 80 • 2012 = 102 • 2013 = 88 • 2014 = 75 • 2015 = 98


Renfrewshire Chamber has been working on a pilot with colleagues in the council education depts. and 5 members of the Chamber. The Skills Ambassador pilot involved experienced business people working with identified groups of boys or girls in a number of schools including:

• Paisley Grammar (2)• St Benedict’s• Linwood High• Gleniffer High

The skills ambassadors were:• Craig Campbell owner of

Pro Website Solutions• Gary Turnbull and Paul from

intu Braehead• Andy McLaughlin from the

Braehead Clan

• Amanda Bennie – Erskine Bridge Hotel

• Bob Davidson – CEO Renfrewshire Chamber

The Skills Ambassadors were there to help build confidence in the young people and make them think about and be more prepared for life after school.

All groups were involved in a number of activities including sessions on:• CVs / interviews• Careers aspiration / routes

in• What employers are looking

for?

An evaluation report has been submitted and the Chamber is waiting on a decision re next steps.

1 Dominic Mellan | Policy & Research Unit

Scottish Rate of Income Tax FACTSHEET FOR EMPLOYERS

What is it?

As part of the Scotland Act 2012, the UK rate of income tax will be reduced by 10p in the pound for all Scottish rate payers. The Scottish Government will then decide the remainder of the rate (SRIT), providing it with increased fiscal powers.

When does it happen?

SRIT will begin to be collected on 06/04/2016 and the Scottish Government should announce the planned rate in Autumn 2015 alongside the 2016 – 2017 draft budget announcement.

What do I need to do?

The only responsibility of employers is to update their own payment systems when the new employee tax codes are received from HMRC in 2016. HMRC will contact rate payers directly for all other aspects of administration and compliance.

What happens next?

HMRC are working on a Technical Guidance Publication to define the Scottish rate payer, including a residency guide, to be published in May 2015.

In Nov and Dec 2015 Scottish rate payers will be contacted directly to confirm their tax code has changed to an S pre-fix. This is the only direct notification they will receive and includes explanation of the new coding.

Scottish Parliament should announce the planned rate of SRIT along-with the 2016-2017 draft budget, around Autumn 2015. Only direct communication with employers will be when the new tax codes are issued to them prior to the beginning of April 2016.

Where do I get further information?

www.gov.uk/scotland-act-2012

What is it?As part of the Scotland Act 2012, the UK rate of income tax will be reduced by 10p in the pound for all Scottish rate payers. The Scottish Government will then decide the remainder of the rate (SRIT), providing it with increased fiscal powers.

When does it happen?SRIT will begin to be collected on 06/04/2016 and the Scottish Government should announce the planned rate in Autumn 2015 alongside the 2016 – 2017 draft budget announcement.

What do I need to do?The only responsibility of employers is to update their own payment systems when the new employee tax codes are received from HMRC in 2016. HMRC will contact rate payers directly for all other aspects of administration and compliance.

What happens next?HMRC are working on a Technical Guidance Publication to define the Scottish rate payer, including a residency guide, to be published in May 2015.

In Nov and Dec 2015 Scottish rate payers will be contacted directly to confirm their tax code has changed to an S pre-fix. This is the only direct notification they will receive and includes explanation of the new coding.

Scottish Parliament should announce the planned rate of SRIT along-with the 2016-2017 draft budget, around Autumn 2015. Only direct communication with employers will be when the new tax codes are issued to them prior to the beginning of April 2016.

Where do I get further information? www.gov.uk/scotland-act-2012

Skills Ambassador

Scottish Rate Of Income Tax

- Factsheet For Employers


Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), Liz Cameron, has been recognised with an Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) for her services to Business and Commerce in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2015.

With a career spanning three decades and recognised as one of the top 10 ‘Women of Influence’ in Scotland, Liz has been head of the leading business organisation for 10 years since she was appointed CEO of Scottish Chambers in 2004. Prior to that she was CEO at Renfrewshire Chamber

of Commerce, a post she took over in 1996, where she merged three companies to form a new Chamber for the area.

Throughout her career, Liz has represented and promoted the needs of business and she has successfully spearheaded a number of ground-breaking initiatives in this area. She established COMPACT, one of the first business-led public/private partnerships between business and education - an initiative to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies,

which guaranteed securing jobs in disadvantaged areas. She led Scotland’s business community establishing the early Enterprise Trust Networks in the 1990’s, focusing on encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs through providing advice, support and ideas to help them plan and run their own business ventures in regenerated areas across Scotland. She was also responsible for developing and establishing the first pilot of a Finance Loan Fund to help young people aged 16-25 set up their own business.

More recently, as part of SCC, Liz has overseen the delivery of the highly successful Business Mentoring Programme which has seen over 8,000 businesses benefit from business advice and support services, driving significant economic growth in the SME sector in Scotland. She has also been closely involved with the Scottish Government review of the public procurement process to ensure easier access for small and medium sized businesses in particular.

As part of SCC’s international trade programme, Liz has been instrumental in setting up new trading partnerships with overseas organisations in countries such as China, Mongolia and Turkey.

Liz was recently recognised as a finalist in the Scottish Business Female Entrepreneur of the Year. She is also the Vice Chair of the Scottish National Lottery Fund.

SCC Chair Nora Senior commented “Liz is one of the most highly respected and influential voices in

the business community in Scotland and has been a trailblazer throughout her career. She has worked tirelessly to promote the interests of business, both nationally and internationally at the highest levels of Government. Her vision and innovation continue to foster stronger links between education and business, with a particular passion for getting young people into the world of work. She is a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Liz Cameron commented “I have had the honour and privilege of supporting and helping businesses across Scotland throughout my career. Working with the Chamber Network has provided me with many opportunities, enabling me to meet and engage with so many exciting and inspirational people in business, education and the public sector. To be personally recognised in this way is truly wonderful. I owe so much to so many others who have helped me throughout my career, and am so grateful.”

Liz lives in Gourock and is married to husband Sam. She has two children, Lloyd and Rebecca.

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

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

Scottish Chambers CEO awarded OBE for services to Business & Commerce


The donation helped pay for new computers in the schools’ ICT suite where pupils can do homework, learn new skills and research business & employers in the area. Commenting on the donation Acting Post 16 Deputy Head Teacher Liam Coyle said “Thanks to this generous donation our young people are benefiting daily from a refurbished IT resource. This upgrading of facilities is enhancing the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence across the curriculum, from IT classes to vocational skills and digital media. Day and daily the learning experience of our young people is being enhanced. A heartfelt thank you to the Chamber from all our staff and students for your generous support”

Chamber president Audrey Cumberford said “ …we had a great time at Mary Russell School - we were made very welcome. Many of the pupils commented on how great the new PCs were. Without the support of our members, donations like this would not be possible”

Commenting on the donation Hospice chief executive Kate Lennon said “St Vincent’s Hospice were delighted to have been chosen by Renfrewshire Chamber as one of the nominated charities for 2014/15. We wish to thank the Chamber and its members for their support and Bob and Audrey for taking the time to visit the hospice and present us with a cheque for this magnificent amount. Every penny of this donation is essential in supporting us to continue delivering and growing our services to ‘care for all’ - children, families and individuals- across the communities of Renfrewshire”.

Chamber president Audrey Cumberford said “I was made very welcome in what was my first visit to the Hospice. Kate spoke passionately about the new Hospice community garden – it was great to see in person this great resource taking shape. Both the Hospices in Renfrewshire do a fantastic job – working tirelessly to raise funds to deliver the excellent services they provide. The Chamber will alternate between St Vincent’s & Accord – as one our main charities each year.”

Renfrewshire Chamber recently visited its two main charities of the year to present cheques from monies raised via member donations from the ROCCO raffle, Christmas lunch and annual golf day. The two charities supported in 2014/15 are St Vincent’s Hospice & Mary Russell School.

Chamber in the community...

In picture from left; Chamber president Audrey Cumberford (Principal & chief executive West College Scotland), Chamber chief exec Bob Davidson and Hospice chief executive Kate Lennon.

ST VINCENT’S HOSPICE

MARY RUSSELL SCHOOL

In picture from left; Chamber president Audrey Cumberford (Principal & Chief Executive West College Scotland); Simon Mann -Deputy Head Teacher; Bob Davidson, Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Exec. Pupils: Billy Willis, Samuel Gray, Chelsea Lindie, and Christopher Lafroimboise

Friday 9th May 2014 Grand Central Hotel

glitz & glamour, prizes & surprises:

prosecco reception from 7pm

3-course meal plus coffee

celeb host

live music from A Band Called Wanda

dancing until 1am

dress: black tie

Reserve your table of 10 at just £550 now on

[email protected] or 01505 705635

St Vincent’s Hospice is a charitable organisation at the heart of the community offering specialised care and services to all those affected by life limiting illness. If you think St Vincent’s Hospice could help someone you know, talk to your GP or District Nurse.

01505 705635 Midton Road Howwood PA9 1AF www.svh.co.uk @StVincentsHosp www.facebook.com/StVincentsHospice Scottish registered charity SC006888


The Company Programme is aimed at senior phase S5 & S6 school pupils and involves pupils in schools developing and running a real business in a safe but competitive environment. The teams have to come up with an idea for a product & service and market it throughout the year – gaining valuable experience around teamwork, customer service, marketing & finance etc. Established for over 40 years the programme this year involved approx. 200 pupils supported in school by a Link Teacher with external support by way of a Business Advisor.

The YE Renfrewshire Area Board that runs the programme is made up entirely of volunteers. The programme relies 100% on funding and this year were kindly support by all 3 councils in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde, plus Renfrewshire Chamber.

There are 4 main milestones in the Company Programme year that runs from August to March.• The launch – takes place at West

College Scotland (Aug/Sep)• Christmas Trade Fair – at Soar intu

Braehead (formerly Xscape – in December)

• The Strathclyde Business Exam (January)

• The Area Finals – March

The crowd were inspired by two local entrepreneurs – Graeme Harvey CEO & Executive Producer of mobile games company Tsumanga Studios (Graeme is from Houston and his business is based in Glasgow) –and 2 time ROCCO award winner Craig Bickett co-owner of Saporito in Paisley. Both speakers commented on how relevant the Company Programme is and that the skills they learn and the whole experience, whether they win an award or not – is great for them as individuals and for their CV – with their participation viewed favourably at interviews and by future employers, as for many the programme is extra-curricular.

The day saw 17 teams judged on 3 areas:• Display stand• Business report & interview• Business presentation

Young Enterprise Area Finals 2015The Area Finals of the Young Enterprise Renfrewshire Area Company Programme (incorporates Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde) took place on the 18th March at The Normandy Hotel.

1. Overall winners – Red Thistle from Mearns Castle

2. Team being interviewed

3. Graeme Harvey – Tsumanga Studios

4. Craig Bickett - Saporito

3.

2.

1.

4.


If you would like to get involved in the Company Programme in Renfrewshire – please get in touch with Bob Davidson at the Chamber. We are always looking for new Business Advisors

and sponsorship is always very welcomed.

You can follow us on twitter at @YE_Renfrewshire and like us on facebook/youngenterpriserenfrewshire

Young Enterprise Area Finals 2015

The Overall Winner, Red Thistle who turned over in excess of £6,000 by designing and selling a new school scarf will go on to represent the area at the National Finals on the 17th June at the Glasgow Thistle Hotel.

Commenting on the finals Vice Chair Bob Davidson said “well done to all the teams that took part and made it to the finals & to all our winners. We recognise that the Company Programme is a lot of work for the pupils – but the experience they gain is invaluable whatever career path they choose. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Link Teachers, Business Advisers, sponsors, judges and the Board – without all your support, the programme would not be possible – thank you”.

Award School Company

Innovation award Port Glasgow HS Dram Products

Quality award Gryffe HS oppARTunity

Marketing award Williamwood HS Poser

Runner up Best Display Stand Inverclyde Academy Kiss My Glass

Winner best display stand Mearns Castle HS Red Thistle

Runner up best business report / interview Port Glasgow HS Dram Products

Winner best business report / interview Mearns Castle HS Red Thistle

Runner up best business presentation Notre Dame HS Everest Enterprises

Winner best business presentation Mearns Castle HS Red Thistle

Best Inverclyde company Port Glasgow HS Dram Products

Best East Renfrewshire company Mearns Castle HS Red Thistle

Best Renfrewshire company Linwood HS Cutting Edge

Best overall company 2015 Mearns Castle HS Red Thistle

The full day was hotly contested and the 13 award winners were:

Linwood HS

Notre Dame HS Williamwood HS Port Glasgow HS

Inverclyde Academy Gryffe HS


Anne McKelvie in S4 represented Renfrewshire in the Central and South Scotland Springboard FutureChef regional finals on 23rd February in Glasgow.

Springboard’s FutureChef was developed in 1999 as a result of research findings into young people’s perceptions of the industry. It revealed that young people regarded chefs such as Brian Turner, Gary Rhodes and James Martin almost as highly as pop or television stars - surprisingly, however, few genuinely considered a career as a chef!

The event involves a cook off against the other schools with 12 pupils in total, then a presentation and fund-raising dinner. Anne has been preparing for the competition with the help of Executive Chef Donald McInnes and mentor Scott Blair who is the Head Chef at Ingliston Country Club at Bishopton.

Anne prepared her meal to a really high standard and it was an absolutely fantastic achievement to finish her meal on schedule. Her hard work was rewarded with a meal in the Thistle Hotel.

OppARTunity is a Young Enterprise Scotland Team from Gryffe High School for 2014-15. Our Mission Statement is “Promoting the work of young artists to develop awareness and opportunities whilst enhancing creativity in our community”.

We as a team are selling art work and photography from school pupils in Renfrewshire. The prints come in a variety of different sizes: small £3, medium £4 and large £5.

If anyone is interested in buying this work or even interested in selling their art through us where you can receive a 10% commission, you can contact us on our Facebook page: the name is oppARTunity or view our website at:- www.oppartunity.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.

OppARTunity

St Benedict’s High School S3 ASDAN class arranged a visit to Paisley Sherrif Court. Pupils were given a tour of the court and were involved in a Question and Answer session with a member of staff from the court.

Pupils were then invited to sit in on a morning session in the remand court. Pupils enjoyed the real life experience and they recorded the visit as a part of their ASDAN bronze award.

School updates:

St Benedict’s High School

Anne represents Renfrewshire in FutureChef competition


Primary 4/3 at Lochfield Primary had been learning ‘Caledonia’ written and sung by Dougie MacLean for their upcoming performance at the school’s annual Scottish afternoon.

The class had begun learning about Dougie’s life and work and they asked if they could email him to invite him to our performance. So they did and the very next day they received an email from Dougie’s wife Jenny. She said that they both loved reading the children’s emails and they would be delighted to come and see our performance!

The children were so excited. P4/3 shared the good news with the rest of the school and everyone got involved. The whole school learned about Dougie’s wonderful career, listened

to his music and watched his performance back from the Commonwealth Games.

The big day finally arrived and every class put on a spectacular performance for our star guest. Dougie accompanied P4/3 on the guitar to Caledonia, he led Auld Lang Syne for us and also led a whole school sing along to Caledonia at the end. We all had a wonderful time!

P4/3 have now created a DVD that includes all class performances and our guest Dougie. We had a competition to design a DVD cover to have their design on the cover. The children in P4/3 have sold it to the parents in our school as a fabulous memento of a great afternoon not to be forgotten for a long time. So far we have raised £197.

Our Eco sensory garden is starting to take shape with the pupils putting in a lot of effort and hard work. In the coming weeks we will be starting to grow our own fruit and vegetables for use within the school.

Our Enterprise class also created a sensory literacy pack for Clippens School. In order to buy the materials for the packs pupils held a Halloween themed bake sale at the school Ghost Tour and at break times. Once they had raised enough money the pupils were able to buy books and create props to go in the packs. The pupils then donated these packs to the pupils at Clippens School.

World of Work week is a whole school event that runs annually. The aim of the week is to raise children’s awareness about the different career and job opportunities out there. It allows children to hear about what different jobs involve and about the skills, qualities and qualifications required.

It ran from Monday 26th January to Friday 30th January 2015. We were so fortunate to have over 40 guests attend across the week and present to the classes from Primary 1 to Primary 7. We had visits from a Lawyer, Vet, Doctors, HP employees, Football coaches, Nurse, Police Officers, PHD student, Firefighter, Personal Trainers, IT Customer Advisor, Baker,

Fishmonger and many more.

The Primary 7s ended the week by hosting a Work Cluedo event, where the pupils had the opportunity to interview a large number of guests and then try to guess their occupation. The pupils had to devise a range of questions

to gain information before deciding on the occupation. This was great fun for all the pupils and guests involved.

We were delighted with the offers of support and so grateful to our guests who took time to plan, prepare and deliver excellent and engaging talks to our pupils.

Enterprise and Employability at Kirkandneuk Primary School

Renfrew High Eco garden and Enterprise

Lochfield Meets Dougie Maclean

“RAISE FOR RESEARCH”A group of enterprising and thoughtful Primary 7 girls are currently running a business to raise funds for Cancer Research called Raise for Research. The pupils have used a variety of their skills to produce a range of exciting products to sell to pupils during intervals.

They are selling hand-decorated hairbrushes, stationary, phone cases, mugs, hand-drawn images as well as organising a raffle with Hampers for one lucky boy and girl.

They are delighted with the support the other pupils have given them and are excited by the number of orders that have been placed to date. We are very proud of the pupils’ enthusiasm and commitment they have given to such a worthy cause.


Plans have been submitted for a £3.5m luxury hotel in the centre of Paisley.

The development would transform two historic buildings into a 40-room boutique hotel with bar, brasserie and conferencing facilities.

Local entrepreneur Tom Stewart is behind the plans and hopes to start work in the summer of next year.

If approved by Renfrewshire Council, the new hotel, to be called the Patternmaker, could create more than 50 full and part-time jobs.

The site for the proposed development is opposite Paisley Abbey and consists of two buildings - Kelvin House, which was built in 1939 and has an Art Deco front elevation, and Forbes Place, which was built around 1830 and was used for patternmaking and as a shawl warehouse by the thread industry.

There are also plans for a microbrewery and short and long-stay car parking facilities associated with the hotel.

‘Focal point’Mr Stewart, who also owns the four-

star Ashtree House Hotel near Paisley Museum, said he hoped the project could help drive the regeneration of Paisley.

He said: “Successful regeneration projects tend to have an anchor development around which other developments and investments are stimulated. We see the regeneration of Kelvin House and the Patternmaker building in the same way.

“It is an outstanding location adjacent to the Abbey and has the potential to become a focal point as the economy of the town develops.

“There is a lot of grassroots work under way at the moment to put the right infrastructure and strategies in place to build the town’s economy.

“Tourism, in particular heritage tourism, support for

businesses and public realm investment are just some of the initiatives now under way. A lot of tourism and business traffic currently bypasses Paisley but that is going to change.”

He added: “Currently the town has just two hotels, so there will be significant demand for a quality hotel, leisure and business services venue of the type that we will be targeting.”

Plan for £3.5m luxury hotel in Paisley town centre - The hotel would be called the Patternmaker

For the past two years I have completed the 5 mile ‘Walk in the Park’ to help raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s UK and thanks to your support raised over £1500. As it will be 3 years this April since I was first diagnosed with this disease I thought I would set myself a new challenge!

So ….. On Saturday 5 September 2015, I will be completing a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet above the Perthshire countryside. The jump involves being strapped to an experienced instructor, and, on leaving the plane, freefalling for about 30 seconds at approximately 120 miles per hour before the parachute opens.

My aim this year is to raise as much money as possible of which 75% has to be raised by the end of June.

Just as an aside and a further challenge is that all entrants have to be under 14 stone (90 kgs) in weight and therefore I need to get down and stay at “drop weight” before the day. I’m slightly over that just now! I’m

thinking The Eye of the Tiger music from the Rocky film may help!!

Your support again this year would be much appreciated in helping me to raise funds for the vital research into finding a cure for this illness.

Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer

to tick the gift aid box and for every £1 raised, HMRC will donate an extra 25p at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

To donate please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Brown49

Mark Brown's Skydive for Parkinson's UK


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

We are delighted to announce that Allstaff is now the new official recruitment partner of the Braehead Clan, Glasgow’s only professional ice hockey club!

Allstaff will be able to bring over 30 years experience within the recruitment industry to assist the club with all off-ice recruitment, as well as offering our services to both sponsors and supporters of the club.

With our offices based in both Glasgow city centre and Paisley town centre, the partnership with Braehead Clan is a fantastic opportunity to reach the club’s supporters who are based in the area who are wanting to use our professional and reliable service.

Allstaff Operations Director Carolyn Moir-Grant said: “Being based in Glasgow and Renfrewshire we can see the phenomenal growth of the Braehead Clan and we know working with them will allow us to provide an even better service to our clients and candidates, we would welcome any Clan fans looking at their career options to contact us.”

Braehead Clan’s Commercial Director, Andy McLaughlin, commented: “We are delighted to be able to announce Allstaff as our partners and look forward to working with them in the future. We would recommend to all our supporters that are considering a career change or looking to return to work to contact them via their website with their details.”

We are proud to announce the launch our new website, created by FatBuzz ltd.

The new site is much more user friendly and should make the search for the perfect job much easier and if you’re an employer looking for a candidate, you’ll find all the information you need on all our specialist divisions; Office, Finance, Senior, Engineering and Industrial.

We’ve included in the website a blog section where we will update you all regularly with industry and company news we think you will find interesting.

We’ve also introduced for the first time a section where you can ‘Meet the Team’ which will be useful for everyone because we know everyone likes to be able to put a face to a name if they’ve been in contact before meeting.

Allstaff sponsor the Braehead Clan!

Allstaff Launch New Website - www.allstaff.co.uk

Glasgow Office 0141 221 3923 email: [email protected]

Paisley Office 0141 887 1137 email: [email protected]


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Glasgow Airport Reports Busiest February In Eight Years

glasgowairport.com twitter.com/GLA_Airport

NEW FOR 2015

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13.9% increase in February passenger numbersGlasgow Airport has continued its positive start to 2015 after more than 510,000 passengers travelled through its doors in February, representing an increase of 13.9% on the same period last year.

It was the airport’s busiest February in eight years and its 24th consecutive month of growth. International traffic grew by 24.9% which was largely a result of the continued demand for the range of Eastern European destinations served by Wizz Air and Ryanair. Passenger numbers also received a welcome boost from Celtic’s Europa League clash with Inter Milan which saw thousands of football fans descend on the city.

Domestic traffic grew by 6.9% with British Airways, Flybe and Loganair all reporting a strong February. Ryanair’s three daily services to Stansted also continued to perform well.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Our success

in securing new routes and attracting airlines to Glasgow has translated into sustained passenger growth and we could not have asked for a better start to the year. The next three months will see the launch of a further 13 new routes including direct flights to Las Vegas, Munich, Prague and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“We are continuing to make improvements to the airport in order to accommodate this growth and are making excellent progress with the £3 million extension of our east pier. It is an exciting time for Glasgow Airport and there is much to look forward to with major events such as the World Gymnastics and IPC Swimming World Championships still to come.”

In February, Aer Lingus launched its

new service to Donegal, and Citywing confirmed it will increase its services to the Isle of Man to 11 per week during the summer season. Flybe will launch a new double daily service to Bournemouth on 29 March and the airline confirmed it will introduce a direct service to Cardiff in June.

February also saw Glasgow Airport receive the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award for its achievements in health and safety and assurance standards.

Traffic summary January 2015

Terminal passengers (000s) Month % Change March 2014 to Feb 2015

% Change

Glasgow 510,665 13.9% 7,822,497 5.58%


Glasgow Airport MD Amanda McMillan will become chief executive of the new AGS Airports Limited, the partnership between Ferrovial and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) established to invest in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.

AGS officially became owner of the three airports from Heathrow Airport Holdings on 18 December 2014, following the announcement of the deal in October.

Amanda will work closely with AGS’ chair Sir Peter Mason to oversee operations while allowing each airport to be managed locally. Her role will include management of the Glasgow-based Support Services team, providing centralised co-ordination, as well as further strengthening the external relationship of the group and assisting shareholders in governance and planning.

Amanda retains her full-time role as MD of Glasgow Airport, focused on maintaining momentum set by the

airport’s best year since 2008. Carol Benzie and David Lees remain MD of Aberdeen and Southampton respectively.

Speaking of the appointment Sir Peter said: “I look forward to working with Amanda, as well as the MDs of Aberdeen and Southampton as we look to continue the growth of the three airports, which are both vital to their communities and key destinations for national and international travellers. Amanda has been part of the group for eight years and is well respected both internally and externally. She will play a key role as we look to grow passenger numbers and routes at the airports.”

Amanda McMillan joined Heathrow Airport Holdings from Diageo in October in 2005, initially working in the Business Support Centre before moving to Glasgow Airport in September 2006. She is a qualified chartered accountant, a Non Executive Director with Business Stream and was awarded an OBE in June 2013 for

her services to business and tourism.She said: “This is a great opportunity at

a very exciting time in the development of our airports. In addition to continuing as managing director of Glasgow Airport, my role will be to support the new owners and local management, while allowing the airports to operate individually.”

Amanda McMillan appointed CEO of AGS Airports

The Braehead Clan, currently Scotland’s fastest growing sports brand are once again looking to lead where others follow by forming the Braehead Clan Business Club.

The concept of the club that meets monthly is to allow club sponsors and their guests the opportunity to network with each other and on behalf of each other, in essence the club will operate with an objective which is to foster business relationships and opportunities for our ever growing number of corporate partners, the Clan will provide a light lunch and refreshments for all those attending and there are no costs involved for anyone to attend. Chamber members wishing to come to any of these meetings should email [email protected] with their name and that of their guest, please note that invited guests must be from the business community and must be able to advise those attending of their services (there is no restriction on the number of guests you bring). It is hoped that the Braehead Clan Business Club is a great success and there are many opportunities gained by those attending.

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Linda Galvin


A leading Scottish independent IT services firm has moved into one of Glasgow’s most prestigious city centre offices – highlighting tenacity, innovation and staff development as key to its ongoing success.

Bridgeall, which designs, develops and supports software solutions for a number of public, private and third sector clients, has seen a significant increase in business over the last few years. As a result, the company has moved its 30-strong workforce from Hillington to premises in George House on George Square, one of Glasgow’s most prominent addresses.

At the official opening night held

recently, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of Strathclyde University, with which the company has strong ties, congratulated the firm on its success. He spoke of the importance of linking business with education and the ongoing benefits to both through the provision of workplace learning.

Stephen Beer, Managing Director of Bridgeall, welcomed the support from Professor Sir Jim McDonald. He said: “Our business success can be attributed to a number of factors but our staff are at its heart”.

“In the last 12 months alone, we have seen our headcount increase by 43 per cent and we have invested

£45,000 into training, upskilling and their ongoing development. Our links with Strathclyde University continue to offer mutually beneficial opportunities with over 50 per cent of our staff now heralding from there.

“Our approach to business is to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills, working with the right clients – it’s not a one size fits all”.

“Our move to George Square marks a milestone in Bridgeall’s journey. We are proud of everything that has been achieved over the last twelve years and look forward to delivering our ambitious growth and development plans in the years to come.”

Leading Scottish IT Firm Move To Prestigious City Centre Location

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of Strathclyde University & Stephen Beer, Managing Director of Bridgeall


At Business Gateway Renfrewshire our team of advisers know exactly how it feels to grow a successful business – because they’ve done it themselves.

Running a successful company presents many challenges, but our range of services will give youthe confi dence, skills and information you needto achieve your growth ambitions.

Our network of support includes one-to-one advice to support your plans for growth. A series of online guides and a programme of workshops and surgeries are also available.

In addition to one-to-one advice, local businesses have the opportunity to meet with an expert on a specifi c business subject at our one hour surgeries. Appointments can be made for surgeries covering the following business areas:

• Expert help for Tendering and Procurement

• Expert help for HR

• E-Business and Website Development

• Expert help for your Business Marketing Needs

• Expert help for your Legal Needs

One business that has benefi ted from Business Gateway Renfrewshire’s support is successfulPaisley based aviation specialist, Cloud Global.

“The business has gone through a period ofrapid expansion and Business Gateway has beenan important member of the team as we have developed our services,” said Director, Graeme Frater.

“The marketing and strategy workshops he organised have really helped us chart the way forward.”

To fi nd out how Business Gateway Renfrewshire can help you, or to book an appointment at one of our surgeries visit www.bgateway.com/Renfrewshireor call 0141 530 2406.

You’re doing well. What’s next?Want to grow your business? Start here.

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

Achieve your growth ambitions with Business Gateway

Download our free business support app.


The recent high profile discussion of the activities of HSBC and the account holders at their Swiss branch again brought into focus the confusion in both the media and, of more concern, the political classes regarding tax evasion and tax avoidance.

Tax evasion, such as not declaring the interest income from an overseas bank account, is illegal. There can be no sympathy for those who are deliberately evading tax, but their actions should not be allowed to colour the debate around avoidance.

One man’s tax avoidance is another

man’s tax planning. This is not the black and white world of evasion, but rather a sliding scale depending on how artificial and contrived the planning is. If we imagine a scale from 1 (simple planning) to 10 (very contrived and aggressive schemes), the General Anti-Abuse Rule (‘GAAR’) now effectively means that anything above say an 8 on this imaginary scale is not effective.

However, there are volumes of tax legislation which set out the rules by which the tax liability should be calculated. Taxpayers are entitled and indeed required to order their affairs in accordance with these rules, whether

those rules help or hinder them. For example, delaying the completion of a transaction until the following tax year to delay the date on which tax is due is simply sensible planning and should in no way be comparable to the actions of a tax evader.



Contact Aileen ScottPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]




Contact Aileen ScottPhone 0141 886 6644Email [email protected]


Avoiding Evasion and Evading Avoidance

Craig Coyle, Director


West College Scotland has been working in partnership with the Renfrewshire Council to provide traditional construction training programmes for the local communities of Renfrewshire. The training included traditional skills such as natural roof slating, lead dressing, bossing and natural stone work. This initiative came about as result of the Renfrewshire Council’s success in securing funding to improve the historic buildings in areas of Paisley, primarily on Causeyside Street and adjoining streets.

The programme comprised of a series of training events to address the shortage of traditional skills in the Renfrewshire area and introduce young people to the skills necessary to

the maintenance and regeneration of historic buildings.

Included in the programme was a Lead Roofing course dedicated to providing Renfrewshire contractors with additional skills and an employability programme for young people aged 16-24 to learn traditional construction skills such as natural roof slating, lead dressing and bossing and natural stone work.

Additionally the programme included a series of hands on workshops for Renfrewshire primary school children allowing them to experience College life while increasing their knowledge of the construction training and job opportunities available.

Tommy Campbell, Head of Construction at West College Scotland, commented: “This project has been very successful

in engaging with a wide section of the local community while also introducing todays and tomorrows workforce to the traditional skills necessary to maintain Paisley heritage.”

“This programme has also allowed the young people of the Renfrewshire community to gain construction and employability skills to improve their job prospects with two students from the group gaining an apprenticeship with a local contractor.”

The programme was designed in Partnership with Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Employability Partnership Programme (REPP) to reenergise the traditional construction skills required for conserving and regenerating the local areas outstanding architectural heritage.

Traditional construction training programme boosts youth employability in the sector and secures a better preservation of the local architectural heritage

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HEREFULL-TIME COURSES NOW OPEN

FIND A COURSE THAT SUITS YOU

www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

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

SUCCESSFUL JOINT INITIATIVE FOR WEST COLLEGE SCOTLAND AND THE RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL


Did you hear Green Party leader Natalie Bennett falling apart in a live radio interview recently?

She sounded under prepared, confused, and couldn’t give answers to basic questions such as ‘how are you going to pay for this?’

Be in no doubt - that interview will cost her party votes.

Credibility is everything in business. It takes years to build up and can be swept away in a few careless seconds - whether that’s a faux pas in a TV or radio interview or a careless Tweet or Facebook status update.

Pitching and presentation skills are becoming more important no matter what level of the organisation you’re at and what sector you operate in; and the good news is that all these communication skills can be practiced and taught.

Invest in yourself, your career, your business. And get some training from the experts.

NSDesign has worked with clients just like you and as your fellow Chamber members we want you to know we’re on hand whenever you need us.

If you have something to say, whether online or offline, we’ll help you say it.

Failure to prepare, is to prepare to fail

Colin Kelly, NSDesign

Don’t be like Natalie Bennett,

busking it, hoping things go

your way.


Characterized by an immediacy and informality, the straight to the point, succinct style of most social media sites can sometimes seem to set a pace which organisations and their employees struggle to sustain. But the potential such platforms offer in terms of promoting a positive public image of a business or brand and for sharing information in an incisive and innovative manner, means that a patience and persistence in understanding the nuances of their use can bring tangible rewards.

Different businesses will have differing views on the strategic importance of social media in the context of their culture and creative output, but all (but the most prehistoric) are surely now recognising that it should feature somewhere within their communications framework. For organisations keen to embrace the opportunities offered by these alternative communication channels, there are certain key considerations in ensuring effective administration of a social media strategy.

From the outset it is crucial to ensure you have clear, formal privacy policies and terms of use for any social media platforms or services the business offers or allows access to. Provided these do not impose unnecessary or impractical restrictions on employees they should be effective starting points for your overall framework.

Thereafter you should provide comprehensive guidance and training to all employees on business-related use of social media. People are often overlooked as the most vulnerable link in the technological chain – education, awareness and open discussion are the foundations of a productive and positive social media strategy.

Providing parameters for personal use of is trickier, but making employees aware of acceptable use of social media inside and outside the workplace is similarly important so that an organisation or employee doesn’t do unintentional damage to one another.

Where the platform in question allows, features, or is built upon, user generated content, a suitable understanding of the risks involved, your responsibilities relating to content accuracy and appropriateness, and the necessary safeguards you must have in place in place are all key elements in establishing an effective forum.

Disclosure of material connections with third-party vloggers or bloggers who may be involved in promoting products or services is now a requirement, providing transparency to prospective customers.

Maintaining an awareness of cyber-security vulnerabilities and threats is critical, especially where identifiable personal data is a part of any service used or provided by an organisation.

Ensuring security structures are set up to withstand.

Making sure the personal data of third parties or employees is not used for promotional or commercial use without consent is a major part of overall data protection responsibilities. Implementing a ‘privacy by design’ approach as part of any social media activity will ensure social media slip ups are minimised.

Being very cautious in conducting any due diligence on prospective employees via social media services or relying upon unverified information uncovered on the internet is essential.

Adhering to these simple rules for social media in a business setting will help protect and promote this fundamental resource as an appreciable asset rather than a lingering liability.

For more advice on this topic please contact Valerie Surgenor on 0141 303 1100 or email [email protected].

Social Media 101

Val Surgenor, Partner, MacRoberts

It is safe to say that social media has transformed the way modern business is conducted. It has been a catalyst for change in the language and landscape of commerce as the rapid growth of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a myriad of other platforms has turned traditional methods of business communication upside down. Such a drastic digital revolution has brought just as many challenges as opportunities for organisations aware of the risks posed by being too close to the cutting edge, but equally as anxious not to be left behind.


Silver Cloud are excited to join Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Silver Cloud are excited to join Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and as an introduction of our capabilities, we are offering a free of charge communication audit to all fellow Members contact our Chamber representative, Joseph Frew on 0141 552 0000 to discuss how we may assist you as a local business. We also look forward to meeting many of you at the Chamber events throughout the year.

Silver Cloud is an innovative provider of telecommunication and IT solutions.

Simple, honest, valuable advice. Our ethos is built around providing clients with the correct solution to match their individual requirements, ensuring flexibility and maximum efficiency. From

initial consultation to product selection, implementation and on-going support, Silver Cloud will guide you to the correct solution first time, every time, with a dedicated consultant there at each step of the project.

Through the advancement of our IP development team, Silver Cloud Telecom can offer both traditional PBX solutions whilst also providing the most advanced cloud based communication technology available on today’s market. Our bespoke solutions allow clients to tailor their communication package with advanced functionality and software delivering additional features.

Our end to end offering eradicates multiple suppliers and allows clients to have a central point of contact for all

communication requirements. Not only does this approach increase efficiency and ensure first class customer care, it allows our clients to reduce operational overheads over their existing structure

Please find below a list of the services offered by Silver Cloud;

• Telephone systems• VoIP • Unified Communications• Fixed Lines• Mobile• Internet • Structured Cabling• Server Maintenance• Remote/ onsite support

www.silvercloudtelecom.co.uk

When Harry and Jill decided to move their successful digital agency from a fancy Glasgow office to a converted bridal studio in Lochwinnoch, not everyone was convinced they were thinking straight, but since moving to Renfrewshire in October the company has not only significantly reduced their costs, they’ve nearly doubled their business!

Kuka Studios started as a web and digital agency in 2006, and made their name in Glasgow, but with clients spread across Scotland and England, their physical base didn’t seem to have an impact on where their clients came from.

Specialising in all aspects of online marketing including web design and social media, it’s not surprising that location wasn’t a big factor for the team, as most of their business is completed online. What is surprising is that the move has opened up markets of offline work which they did not have in the more competitive city centre, forcing

the team to quickly upgrade all of their printing equipment to cope with the demand!

“The move to Renfrewshire has been the best decision our company has

ever made.” Said Jill, “We’ve hired some fantastic local talent, including through the Invest in Renfrewshire scheme which I cannot recommend highly enough. I just wish we’d moved sooner!”

Is location still important when business is digital?


Scotland’s future is prepared for work

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

SQA’s Vocational Qualifi cations enable learners to develop their knowledge and skills for the world of work.

Our qualifi cations are developed with industry experts ensuring learners have the kind of skills employers need. SQA — providing skills for Scotland.

SQA_VA_Business_Matters_Renfrewshire_A4+3bleed_ad.indd 1 24/2/15 10:21:59


Are you optimistic about manufacturing in Scotland? Yes I definitely am. There’s certainly been recognition from all quarters about how important a vibrant manufacturing sector is to the economy. Scottish manufactured goods make up over 60% of Scottish exports and we know that this export performance is a bellweather for the health of the overall economy. In Scotland there is a focus on premium, quality and provenance and we have strong sectors such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals and food and drink to name but a few. Manufacturing has a huge role to play.

Generally, Scotland’s Manufacturing is not as productive as our European and Global neighbours. To be competitive in the global economy we need to be as productive as possible and have a relentless focus on continuous improvement and excellence.

What are the biggest opportunities for change?All sectors have their own opportunities for growth and specific challenges. But there is one main generic theme for me, and it’s all to do with people. Since I joined the SMAS team 8 years ago I’ve seen a real shift in the focus of our work, from solely operational efficiency to combining operational improvements with organisational and culture change.

Companies used to talk about tactical problem solving projects using Lean or six sigma tools and techniques to address specific issues they had. While these play an important role,that’s actually the easy bit! The real challenge is addressing the underlying culture in the organisation and its impact on performance. If this bit is ignored, operational improvements will not be optimised or sustained.

We know that 70% of continuous improvement programmes will fail if

companies don’t take its most valuable asset – its people - on the journey. Although embarking on cultural and behavioural change within your business may be daunting, the potential rewards are high.

So how do companies practically do this?Continuous improvement must be seen as a long term journey. Excellence needs to be instilled right across a manufacturing business, from the shop floor, offices and wider supply chain. This provides a framework for everyone in the business to constantly look for opportunities to improve.

Improvement techniques such as Lean and Six Sigma provide a structured approach. However, more importantly, they also provide a vehicle for people engagement and change behaviours to support improvement.

This approach releases the full potential of employees and can allow a business to transform. We see companies in Scotland doing this everyday…Optos in Dunfermline see ‘Excellence Everyday in Everything’ and Peak Scientific in Inchinnan ‘Constantly Seeking Perfection’.

Developing and leading people through involvement in continuous improvement releases their ambition and drive to do more, and leads to everyone contributing towards a company’s goals.

How can SMAS help?Every manufacturer faces a range of challenges ...but there are huge similarities too. Changes in one area of a business can have unintended consequences on another, so we always take a holistic view of the business.

SMAS Practitioners have the skills to support the implementation of a

structured longer term improvement programme, but can still help fix immediate business critical issues. We always focus on transferring skills to the business and sharing best practice. Our support is tailored to the individual needs of each business, and this is one of the reasons SMAS’s reputation is so strong within the manufacturing sector.

And coming full circle our customers tell us that the number one benefit of working with SMAS is the improvements to staff morale and engagement! When our clients have an empowered and engaged workforce, we know we have successfully embedded sustainable change that will underpin the company’s growth. That can only be a good thing for all of us in Scotland.

Get In Touch The SMAS team live and work all over Scotland. For more information on how we can support your business in 2015 please get in touch via the website www.scottishmas.co.uk or calling the team on 0845 607 8787.

Opportunities for Manufacturers to Make a Real Step Change in 2015














Robert Cowan Head of the West Team at the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service Outlines the Opportunities for Manufacturers to Make a Real Step Change in 2015. If you’re a manufacturer you will know that to be successful you need to be as competitive as possible. But how does the business all come together to help make this happen?

Robert Cowan


Opportunities for Manufacturers to Make a Real Step Change in 2015















Wednesday 4th February saw intu Braehead host their second annual Retailer Awards at Glasgow’s stunning venue ‘The Old Fruitmarket.’ With over 220 guests, the event has almost doubled in size from last year due to popular demand. Guests were welcomed by William Macaskill, their ‘in house’ bagpiper who is also a member of the tech services team at intu Braehead, guests then enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a three course meal and dancing late into the night.

The awards ceremony was to follow and intu Braehead were delighted to give winning retailers a much deserved award within one of 13 categories , as voted for by the public and within the management team. Host Edward Reid kept the crowd laughing and dancing

throughout the evening before local band ‘Franco’ hit the stage to keep the dance floor full until the wee small hours. Renfrewshire chamber of commerce were proud sponsors of the ‘Jewellery store of the year’ which was awarded to Beaverbrooks.

intu Braehead would like to say massive thank you to all the retailers, sponsors, guests and suppliers for making this event such a great success.

The intu Braehead Retailer Awards 2015

TM

a unique production...with signed shows for the

hearing-impaired or deaf

based on the Mill Girls poemsand songs

factory floor and war efforts to dancing and love

a tribute to the women who worked in the thread mills

POETRY - MUSIC - THEATRE


Practical Solutions, Successful Partnerships

WHY CHOOSEMALCOLMMAINTENANCE ?

www.malcolmgroup.co.uk

Malcolm Maintenance works in partnership with your business in providing a tailored fleet maintenance package to suit your business needs.

Keeping on top of essential maintenance scheduling, including services or MOT’s, is a large task for any business and a significant use of resources. Working together with Malcolm Maintenance you can be confident your vehicle fleet will be maintained and repaired to the highest standards, at competitive prices.

Outsource your fleet maintenance, lighten the load and let Malcolm Maintenance take care of it for you.

To discuss your maintenance requirements contact George Scott on 01505 333301 or 01505 333303.


Who am I? My name is Gavin Divers I am 31 and live in Glenburn, Paisley. Over the past 6 years I have built up my own business from scratch and self-taught all the skills that were required to make it happen including video editing, SEO, social media management and graphic design.

My business: My business is the only “Facebook for gamers” globally, it is the first gaming community to come up when Googling “Xbox Community” and has held 1st Google status for 4 years with “Xbox Social Network”. Currently ran by 13 volunteers of writers, editors, video producers, community managers and graphic designers. I want to turn my passion into a commercial venture where I can generate an income to pay my staff and provide opportunities to the young people of Paisley – and to do that I am looking for support (e.g. funding, investors, expert advice)

The business is a hybrid gaming publication and social network in one; we provide gamers with tools to find each other and express themselves and we generate news, reviews and video content to drive traffic and secure Google spots.

With over 20,000 members, over 11,000 followers on twitter and over 5,000 likes on Facebook.

Currently: The company is backed by Xbox who provide our writers with games post launch to review, which secures traffic to the website. We are also invited to PR gaming events round the UK. Microsoft UK developed a Windows app for us (the only app of its kind in the UK).

Future: This year we are launching a new site and have finalised a deal with Microsoft to become an officially licensed affiliate and we will start to sell Xboxes and games to the community with the launch of the new site. Jason Bradbury the presenter of the Gadget Show has offered to promote the new site on launch.

I am looking to seek funding to marketing this opportunity, by creating a series of videos which I can use to promote and also have advertisements on Google, Facebook, YouTube and magazines. As well as approaching all news outlets and peers within the games industry to promote the site on launch.

My expectation is to drive sales in and then go for further funding to develop

the premium membership part of the community, which would see our 20,000 members paying £4 a month; I also expect to triple the numbers within the community within the first year of trading.

In the future my goals are to launch a PlayStation equivalent and to do gaming events nationally, finishing off with a Gaming exhibition in the SECC.

XBLG is unique and ready for further growth & investment – but I need funding / expert support to get XBLG to the next level. I would love to have this developed into a real commercial business, with Paisley as its base and the world as our customers.

If you can help or know someone who could – then please get in touch with me direct please via email at [email protected]

Links for more info are below:Video Presentation: https://www.

youtube.com/watch?v=ZpZQRk68jaQ W: www.XBLGamerhub.com F: www.Facebook.com/XBLGamerhubUK Y: www.YouTube.com/XBLGamerhub T: www.twitter.com/XBLGamerhub

Paisley entrepreneur seeks support

Gavin Divers


Golf is an excellent sport that offers you the opportunity to build meaningful business relationships with new or existing clients, thank your customers or reward your staff for a job well done.

Imagine asking a potential new customer for a 5hr meeting. What are the chances?

Now imagine asking that same client for a game of golf at Paisley Golf Club - much more likely isn’t it? And, the more you get to know that client, the greater the likelihood of doing business.

It’s a popular myth is that business takes place on the golf course; in our experience that’s not true! What we have found, is that ‘people buy from people’ and the reason that golf and business go hand in hand, is that the sport offers you an opportunity to spend time with existing clients and potential new customers. The sport provides you with an enjoyable and relaxing pastime which helps you develop your business

relationships as well as creating some shared experiences.

Think of all the time and effort you put into sales. Now think of how that time can be better spent creating more meaningful business relationships and how Paisley Golf Club can help make this a reality.

As a fellow member of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, you will receive a warm, professional welcome to Paisley Golf Club and be encouraged to make best use of the club’s facilities where you can hold meetings, interviews, team away days etc. With free Wi-Fi, excellent on-site catering and ample parking for you and your guests, we’ve got it covered. Fancy a game of golf after your meeting? Well, we have fully trained PGA staff based at the club who will be able to cater for all your needs on the course, and our excellent clubhouse staff can look after you off the course.

So let us concentrate on making sure your visit to Paisley Golf Club is a positive

one which allows you more time to concentrate on your business!

We have a number of corporate packages available and we will even tailor a package to suit your exact needs, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can support your business. Simply call our Managing Secretary, David Findlay on (0141) 884 3903 and choose option 1 or email [email protected]

If you’re a business owner when you visit Paisley Golf Club we want you to……

• Enjoy your visit to the Club• Relax (you’ve earned it)• Have an enjoyable and rewarding day

out• Want to come back and see us again• Bring your business partners, colleagues

and friends to Paisley GC

“You bring the Clubs, we’ll bring the views”

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Special Offer Book and pay your deposit for your outing by 30th April

and get an additional 10% off the cost of your golf.

Why Choose Paisley Golf Club?...as a Business Owner?


THERE’S never been a better time to look to Mitsubishi for your corporate needs.

The advent of the marque’s groundbreaking Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) means fleet users can enjoy compelling financial benefits.

As the world’s first four-wheel-drive hybrid SUV, it offers significant advantages for Benefit In Kind and fuel card tax ratings.

Similarly sized SUVs typically have Benefit in Kind and fuel card tax rates of 25 per cent.

For the PHEV, they stand at just five per cent.

This means when matched against a comparable diesel, a 40 per cent income tax payer can expect to save £10,000 over three years with the PHEV.

There are tax benefits for employers too. Companies who provide staff with vehicles enjoy a 100 per cent write down allowance in the first year of ownership and reduced National Insurance contributions due to the five per cent BIK.

Meanwhile low emissions (44g/km) mean there’s no road tax to pay, and no congestion charge, while fuel efficiency of 148 mpg means you won’t be shelling out at the pumps either.

The PHEV can recharge fully in less than four hours, and can be charged from a normal plug socket.

A free smartphone app which allows you to monitor and activate charging remotely also means you can take

advantage of timed electricity tariffs.The Corporate sales team at Phoenix

have been hand-picked for their expert knowledge, experience and excellent customer care, and can advise you on your fleet requirements and the range of finance and maintenance options available.

For more information, please contact Kathryn Quigley or Richard Anderson on 0141 849 5196/5197.

Phoenix Retail Park, Linwood Road, Paisley PA1 2BH 0141 849 5197 www.phoenixcar.co.uk

PHOENIX MITSUBISHI

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.

1. Outlander PHEV GX4h compared with Honda CR-V EX, BMW X3 Xdrive SE, Audi Q5 S-Line Plus and Mercedes E-Class E250 CDI - average saving £5,330pa for a 40% tax payer. The savings for business drivers with a company fuel card are higher. Class 1a NI only payable on 5% of list price compared to 25%+ average. 2. Prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%) and exclude First Registration Fee. Metallic paint extra. Prices start from £28,249 for an Outlander PHEV GX3h 2.0 petrol hybrid automatic (model shown) to £39,999 for an Outlander PHEV GX5hs 2.0 petrol hybrid automatic. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

SAVE £10,000 OVER 3 YEARS ON YOUR COMPANY CAR1.

PHEV Manufacturer of the Year

FROM £28,249 - £39,999INCLUDING £5,000 GOVERNMENT PLUG-IN CAR GRANT2

MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER PHEV

The Game Changing Outlander PHEV at Phoenix Mitsubishi


Regardless of their size and activities, we work hard with our customers to ensure we create a bespoke RED Alert Pest Monitoring and Control System which meets the following:

1. The swift detection and removal of any pests.

2. Ensuring pest free conditions are maintained by applying the basic principles of pest control, Restriction, Exclusion and Destruction.

3. Provide proactive advice designed to prevent pest ingression in and around your business.

4. Helps your business to comply with all regulatory requirements placed on it.

Specialist Services for all pest species, including:

• Rodents• Insects, flying and Crawling• Stored Product insects• Urban Foxes• Pest Birds

Chamber member, RED Pest Control, have recently been awarded accreditation to the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use, (CRRU) scheme.

The overall purpose of the CRRU scheme is to ensure that effective rodent control can be carried out while ensuring that the exposure of all non-target species, including wildlife, is kept to an absolute minimum.

Speaking of the award, R.E.D Managing Director, Gary Mitchell said; “We are delighted at the award. It is the culmination of many weeks of hard work reviewing our processes and procedures before the final approval was given in late 2014”

R.E.D. carry out a wide variety of pest related works throughout Renfrewshire, Glasgow and Ayrshire.

Gary continues; “We work with our clients to create bespoke pest monitoring and control systems for their premises.

This very often includes using toxic rodenticides. The CRRU encourages both us and our customers to look at alternatives to the industry standard of just putting down toxic baits with no thought of the consequences or indeed, if they are necessary at all”.

“These alternatives can range from simple actions such as fitting brush strip to the bottom of doors, to employing non- toxic detector monitor stations which send a text message or an email when pests are detected on a premise”

R.E.D. have not completely removed rodenticides from their arsenal as Gary explains; “Toxic baits and traps will always have a place in modern pest control

systems, but they should no longer be seen as the only method of control available”

“We are currently the only CRRU approved pest controllers operating in the west of Scotland, and see this award as an indication of our determination to provide our clients with innovative and imaginative pest control services”

The RED Alert Pest Monitoring and Control System

For a free pest control survey, please call free 0800 035 3055www.redpestcontrol.co.uk

RED Pest Control gains CRRU ApprovalChamber member at the forefront of a green revolution in pest control


UWS-led research discovers protein that stops cancer developingResearch headed-up by UWS academic, Dr Taranjit Singh Rai has discovered a protein in cells which stops cancer developing. The research project, ‘HIRA orchestrates non-canonical dynamic chromatin in senescence and is required for suppression of neoplasia’, was funded by CRUK and NIA and is a collaboration between UWS, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, and the University of Glasgow.

The research, published in the journal, Genes & Development, is hugely important in the field of cancer research, as most of the efforts to date have been focussed on genetic alterations in cancer. This work highlights that in addition to genetic alterations, key players are proteins that associate with DNA and are the major determinants of progression to cancer. This six-year project saw the researchers, through the study of cells present in our skin, discover a protein, HIRA, which helps stop cancer developing and could in time lead to new cancer treatments and is likely to open up new therapeutic targets in fight against cancer. Dr Taranjit Singh Rai of the University’s School of Science and Sport said: “Every one of us has moles on our skins that all have already acquired the gene that can mutate into cancer, however for most of us this does not happen. Our research investigated why this doesn’t happen and discovered a protein called HIRA that actually maintains the state in the cell which prevents the onset of cancer. “As cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, the discovery of this protein is relevant to all forms of cancer and not just those related to the skin. “However it is important to stress that we have found one way that a cell can stop cancer, but potentially there are many other ways so at present we are still quite far away from translating this discovery into therapy but it is gives us an important insight into understanding better how a cell prevents cancer.”

To view the full research report visit http://genesdev.cshlp.org

Figures recently released show UWS to be a top performer in providing knowledge transfer services to industry. Innovate UK, which manages the UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, lists UWS as the second most active knowledge transfer higher education institution in Scotland. This league table ranks the number of active KTP projects that UK universities are currently undertaking.

This ranking is a considerable achievement for the University, which is committed to increasing its research and consultancy with industry and using its expertise to positively affect local economies. Through the UK-wide KTP programme businesses are increasingly

teaming up with academic institutions enabling access to skills and expertise to aid the development of their company. Ian Bishop, Head of Research Services at UWS, said: “At UWS we are committed to ensuring that our research expertise benefits society. These figures recognise both the skills of our academics and the ability of graduates involved in our knowledge transfer projects. “We have been fortunate to work with such willing and open businesses for which we have developed new processes, systems and strategies. We look forward to developing further from this strong position.” UWS currently has 12 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

More info visit www.uws.ac.uk/iro or call 0141 848 3680.

Research at UWS has received very positive ratings in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The results, published on 18 December 2014 at www.ref.ac.uk, highlight the international excellence of the University’s research.

The REF is grouped into 36 broad subject areas for research known as Units of Assessment (UoA), with each UoA split into three assessment categories � Outputs, Impact and Environment. The University made submissions to nine UoA across all areas of its curriculum and almost doubled the number of staff submitted since the last research assessment exercise. Overall the University saw its research recognised at ‘international’ standing in terms of its originality, significance and rigour. The University’s research outputs were particularly highly rated, with more than half of the submissions being ranked at three to four star; with four star signifying ‘world-leading’ research. In the area of ‘Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management’ 100% of submissions were rated in the Impact category as being between three and four star. This confirms that the University makes a significant contribution to economic,

social, cultural, health and public policy both internationally and within its local regions. The University’s investment in 2012-13 in academic development saw over 30 early career researchers recruited, whose work the University anticipates will further enhance its standing in forthcoming assessments. Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: �These results give us a great platform on which to enhance and develop our research base and reflect the University’s strong position in the Scottish Higher Education sector. As a research informed, teaching-led modern university, achieving international ratings for our research is testament to the hard work and dedication of our academics and to the quality of their work. �Our new corporate strategy outlines our commitment to ensuring that our research is developed and commercialised for the wider benefit of society. The University continues to invest strongly not just in its research staff, but also in its facilities to aid the ongoing expansion of research and teaching at UWS. An investment commitment of over £16million on infrastructure over the next few years will ensure UWS is placed to deliver teaching and research of the highest quality.

University’s internationally recognised research

University of the West of Scotland Updates:

UWS ranks high in KTP league table

Dr Taranjit Singh Rai


Recently appointed UWS Honorary Professors Gerry McCartney and Katherine Trebeck delivered their inaugural lectures at University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley Campus on 18 November 2014 as part of a broader event entitled ‘Realising Social Justice’.

Professors McCartney and Trebeck, delivered lectures entitled ‘Fairness in life and death: what causes (health) inequality and what can we do about it?’ and ‘Realising Social Justice in a World of Multiple Crises: Lesson from Near and Far’, respectively.

Both professors have strong links with UWS; Professor Trebeck played a significant role in the creation of the successful UWS-Oxfam Partnership which was formally initiated in October 2012, whilst Professor McCartney has taken part in research collaboratively with the University and has been a key participant in the UWS-Oxfam Partnership Policy Forum.

Professor McCartney said: “I am delighted to have been offered and to accept an Honorary Professorship at the University of the West of Scotland, and to join with academics and students here who are

working to understand the problems and challenges facing people, not just in the West of Scotland, but also in the world much more widely. This includes the deep problems of health and mortality which affect the lives of so many in the West of Scotland, and the growing problem of health inequalities more widely. It is great to be able to work with people who are so committed to building knowledge and understanding in the pursuit of real and deep social transformations”

Professor McCartney has, since 2010, been Head of the Public Health Observatory at NHS Health Scotland. He was previously a general practitioner in Paisley and a public health doctor for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Professor Trebeck said: “It has been a real delight to work with people from University of the West of Scotland over several years now, and fantastic to have a University which has been prepared to put serious energy and resources into working with Oxfam and its community partners to help to bring about a more equitable and sustainable Scotland. Scotland is just one part, though, of a

much bigger global picture in which ordinary people are struggling to achieve greater social justice. And we are finding that this involves looking closely at how we organise our economies and at how we make them work to create better, healthier and more fulfilling lives, in which relationships and sharing are more important than economic growth and consumption for their own sake.”

Professor Trebeck is Global Research Policy Adviser in Oxfam’s research team where she is exploring an economy that delivers social justice, good lives, vibrant communities and which protects the planet.

Dr Chik Collins, Reader in Applied Social Science, who leads on the UWS-Oxfam Partnership on behalf of the University, said: “We are delighted to have Gerry and Katherine actively contributing in these professorial roles. They represent so well what UWS is as a University – young, energetic, with great experience and past achievements, and an even better future focused on positive social transformations and much greater social justice.”

A 21ST CENTURY UNIVERSITYDREAMING BELIEVING ACHIEVING

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND IS A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY. CHARITY NUMBER SC002520.

PROFESSOR CRAIG MAHONEY

Principal & Vice-Chancellor

Daring to be different:dreaming, believing, achieving a 21st century university

At UWS we aspire to establish our place as an outstanding Scottish university; one that dares to be different and that is committed to providing the very best student learning experience, underpinned by research-informed teaching. Our bold, new corporate strategy aims to guide the University’s development to help improve Scotland’s success and economic performance and to provide educated, culturally aware, socially responsible, active and participating citizens throughout our regions.

We aim to foster a culture of enterprise that will support economic growth locally and globally.

With our students central to everything we do at UWS, together we will dream, believe and achieve.

www.uws.ac.uk

HONORARY PROFESSORS DELIVER INAUGURAL LECTURES AT PAISLEY CAMPUS

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