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0845 �77 7000
Autumn/Winter �009
Perth Bull Sales come to Stirling
Inside this issue...Construction featureInterviews with Forth Construction, Ogilvie and Forth Plumbing & Electrical Services
Stirling Enterprise updateStirling Enterprise provide an update on business activity
Business Panel feature2009 Annual Business Panel Survey underway
Business spaceExpansion of Manor Business Park, new Business Space Strategy
Business profileDatabase Design & Development(d3) Ltd
� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
If you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 7064.
ContentsLocal business news 3
Business profile - Database Design & Development (d³) Ltd 8
Provision of work-orientated language skills 9
Dataspace Scotland launch new databackup service 9
30 second interview 9
Stirling Business Panel 10
Special feature - Stirling EnterpriseUpdate 12
Business space developments 14
Sector feature - Construction 18
Mugdock Makkers search for hiddentalent 21
Invite from Glasgow CaledonianUniversity to Technology Showcase 21
Old Town Cemeteries re-open after£1.7 million refurbishment 21
Interview with Neil McLean, Group JointManaging Director, United Auctions 22
Stirling businesses support the arts 23
Schedule for October Perth Bull Sales 23
Scottish Business Rates DeferralScheme 2009/10 24
Local distillery tours launched 24
Scottish Chambers of Commerce 24
Rally of Scotland 2009 update 25
St Andrew’s Day (Homecoming FinaleWeekend) update 25
At your service - Health and Safety 26
LEADER update feature 28
Hotel developments feature 29
Economic facts 30
2009 Autumn Legal Workshop Series 32
Forthcoming events/training 32
Welcome
Stirling Eye is compiled and produced by Stirling Council’s Economic Development Service.
If you have any interesting news with a business or economic focus, or would like to comment on this publication, please contact:
Laura Melville, Business Liaison ExecutiveEconomic Development, Economy, Employment and Youth Services, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET
Tel: 01786 443028 Email: [email protected]: www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Printed on recycled paper.
Our cover story is on the prestigious Perth Bull Sales
coming to Stirling. This is a fantastic win for Stirling,
bringing around 8,000 additional visitors to the city this
October and even more to the main Bull Sales in February.
The new Stirling Agricultural Centre is a fantastic development for the city and I
also look forward to the completion of Forth Valley College’s new Stirling Campus
on the site of the old auction market at Kildean.
Our sector feature, this time on the construction industry, touches on how the
recession has impacted upon local businesses. It is during these difficult times
that free support available to businesses, such as through the Forth Construction
Forum, becomes all the more valuable.
It is pleasing to note that Stirling Enterprise, who deliver Business Gateway services
across the Council area, has reported that business start ups remain buoyant,
despite a declining national trend. High levels of interest in business starts and
continuing business growth in the local area provide an indication of Stirling’s
entrepreneurial sprit, which will help us in this period of economic recovery.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all businesses to complete the
annual Stirling Business Panel Survey. The Council and partners
will be paying particular attention to the results to help shape
policy in 2010.
Councillor Scott Farmer
Depute Leader of Council and Corporate Resources
and Economy portfolio holder.
Focus on the local economy
Cover photo: The Executive Team of United Auctions at the new Stirling Agricultural Centre – from left to right - Robin Tough, Joint Managing Director; Neil McLean, Group Managing Director; and, David Leggat MBE, Executive Chairman. For more information on the Stirling Agricultural Centre and the Perth Bull Sales, please see interview with Neil McLean on page 22 and article on the Perth Bull Sales on page 23. Photo taken by Jim Whyler, Whyler Photos, Back O’Hill Industrial Estate, Stirling.
�www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Local business news
Stirling businessman Scott Laurie of Integrated Finance Limited (Bridge of Allan) enjoyed
climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of the Aberlour Trust so much that he has decided to do it again!
Scott has signed up for “Kiltimanjaro” which plans to get 100 kilts on top of Africa’s highest
mountain in late September 2010. Scott said: “The whole trek was an incredible experience
and I can’t wait to be up there with 99 other people in kilts.”
“Kiltimanjaro” is the brainchild of Bill Cook, based at Scottish Enterprise’s Stirling office, who
will be climbing the mountain for the third time in 2010.
Joining this trip will not only be the adventure of a lifetime but will also help raise vital funds
for the Stirling based Aberlour Child Care Trust.
To join Scott and Bill on the �010 expedition – go to www.kiltimanjaro.co.uk
Going back to school with Labels4Kids
For the second year running
Labels4Kids has been
nominated as one of ten UK
finalists in the Dell Small
Business Excellence Awards.
Labels4Kids was started
by Stirling mother
of three, Ann-Maree
Morrison, who was tired
of tracking down her
boys’ lost property at
school and play group.
Ann-Maree has three
boys in school and is
well used to the hassles
of labelling their clothes
and kit in preparation
for another hectic year
at school, and has all
the possible labelling
solutions you can imagine.
Launched in 2005, Labels4Kids supplies
a range of labelling products, from
waterproof vinyl microwave and dishwasher
proof labels to clothing labels that stick
on, iron on or sew on. Ann-Maree has
also developed a line of personalised gym
bags, bag tags and id bands.
Ann-Maree said: “I have found that during
these difficult economic times, parents
are spending a little on naming their
children’s property rather than having to
pay to replace lost property.”
www.labels4kids.com
Scott Laurie of Integrated Finance Ltd (Bridge of Allan), John Henderson of Falburn Engineering Ltd (Plean) and Bill Cook of Scottish Enterprise
Ann-Maree Morrison with some of her Labels4Kids products
Highland Cattle Societylocate in StirlingThe Highland Cattle Society are pleased to have re-located from
Dumfries & Galloway to the Stirling Agricultural Centre, which
opened at the end of July. With the society having members from all over Britain
and further afield, Stirling is a tremendous central location and their new office is
very easy to find. President, Andrew Kirkpatrick said: “The Society is pleased to
be part of the new Agricultural Centre and looks forward to welcoming members
and visitors old and new.”
www.highlandcattlesociety.com
Stirling Consulting has had a busy summer with expansion
into an office in Forsyth Business Centre, Stirling and the
achievement of an ISO9001:2000 award.
Formerly based in Alloa the company specialises in design, installation and planned
maintenance of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. The company is
also accredited to undertake Air-Conditioning Inspections and in conjunction with an associate
company Energi-Domain, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
Joanna Perkins, Director, said: “We are delighted to have achieved ISO9001:2000 in recognition
of the service which we provide. Stirling is an excellent central location for expanding our
client base here in Scotland.”
www.stirlingconsulting.com
Busy summer for Stirling Consulting
Stirling businesses support“Kiltimanjaro”Stirling businesses support“Kiltimanjaro”
4 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Local business news
In-toto ContractsThe Callander office of In-toto Contracts has
relocated and is now operating alongside the
In-toto retail studio in King Street, Stirling.
In-toto specialises in design, supply and
installation of kitchen cabinets, appliances and
accessories to the housing market.
www.intotocontracts.co.uk
Sunny times forStirling-based design companytensARC, a Stirling based design firm has been inundated with enquiries from across the UK and
overseas after running a successful marketing campaign in national newspapers and journals. The
company used the free publicity to generate interest in one of its new products – Freeform.
Freeform is a lightweight stretched fabric
sail for interior use. The sails come in a
variety of shapes and sizes and can be
used to mask ceilings, zone or screen
open plan areas, reflect artificial light and
control solar heat and glare. They can also
be used simply as decorative features.
Keith Wilkinson, tensARC’s Creative
Director said: “We anticipated that there
would be strong demand within the
commercial and public sectors but hadn’t
fully appreciated how many homeowners
would also want the sails. There are a
lot of people out there who have been
looking for an alternative to blinds
for controlling heat and glare in their
conservatories and Freeform provides it.”
“Launching a new product is expensive if
you rely only on advertising. We’ve been
doing what we can to gain exposure in
less costly ways, and investing time in
media activities has paid off. The Sunday
Times coverage, in particular, generated
hundreds of enquiries, including ones from
America, Europe and elsewhere.”
www.tensarc.co.uk
Providing services to corporate giantsDeveloping IT Ltd recently completed a major project in conjunction with
local communications training organisation Taleka Ltd, for financial services
giant Lloyds TSB.
Having worked with major Energy providers, small local businesses
and large financial technology organisations, this contract represents
another coup for the emergent Stirling
business.
The system developed is a data base driven
bespoke software application to enable data
gathering to be carried out by Lloyds TSB
site representatives for their new 38,000
telephone handset rollout.
Developing IT is a software and support
company based at Stirling Enterprise Park.
The company was established in 2004 and
offers software development, IT support
and a range of innovative IT solutions to
help organisations streamline processes
and improve business efficiency in ever
competitive markets. In just four years of
trading the company has officially reached
the highest level of competency and expertise
with Microsoft - the Microsoft Gold Partnership.
www.developingit.com
Join LETI and grow
your tourism businessThe Loch Earn Tourism Initiative (LETI), is an active community
of local business owners who work together to promote tourism
services in the four villages surrounding Loch Earn; Strathyre,
Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans. Members typically
provide holiday accommodation, hospitality and retail services.
Kim Proven who runs Little Briar Cottage, a self-catering business in
Lochearnhead commented: “The group is
currently looking for new members. It’s a
great way of attracting new business and
sharing best practice and only costs £40
per year per business.”
LETl’s website www.robroycountry.com
promotes local services via member
pages, area information, photos, links,
events and blogs. Volunteers meet
regularly to enhance, publicise and
optimise its on-line presence and discuss
areas of collaboration.
Members aim to offer the best service
and experience to visitors encouraging
repeat visits and word of mouth
recommendations.
For further information, email kim.
[email protected] or phone
01567 8�0 44�.
5www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
A new head for The Write PeopleHaving been with The Write People for ten years,
senior designer, Karen Nisbet purchased the
company in May from previous owners John and
Lorraine Brownbill.
The transition of ownership has been smooth, with
the news being well received by their existing
clients, all of whom have continued to use their
services.
The design team of Susan, Rachael and Jill has
remained unchanged and their support and hard
work over the past months has ensured consistent
customer service and high standard of work.
Karen is enthusiastic about the future challenges of running her own agency and, with a
wealth of experience and colleagues who are as passionate about design as herself, she is
certain that the foundations are in place to grow the business and build on its success.
Karen said: “Our goal is to not only fulfil clients’ expectations but also leave them feeling
we have provided an experience that sets us apart from our competition and that they have
chosen the right company…The Write People.”
www.thewritepeople.co.uk
New chapter forThe House of CommasFollowing the recent sale of The Write People
– the design studio they set up 21 years ago –
John and Lorraine Brownbill are concentrating
on developing their other business,
TWP Publishing Ltd.
The company has been re-named and
re-branded The House of Commas Ltd to
reflect the expansion of its core publishing
activity to include copywriting, editing and
‘creative thinking’ – devising themes, words
and images for marketing materials and
campaigns.
Since 2001, Lorraine and John have
published the increasingly familiar Stirling
Summer and Festive Guides and similar
guides for Perth and Dundee. Containing
local events, entertainment, shopping, food
and drink choices and leisure opportunities,
the guides are delivered door to door by
Royal Mail – Stirling’s to the 123,000 homes
with an FK postcode.
Lorraine Brownbill, Director, commented:
“The Write People was a huge part of our
lives but now The House of Commas gives
us the opportunity to use our other skills
and focus on the successful Summer and
Festive Guides.”
www.thehouseofcommas.co.uk
SMI target veterinary diagnostic marketStirling Medical Innovations Limited
(SMI) recently supported a successful
ten-week veterinary feasibility study.
The study tested the potential of using
an SMI diagnostic platform for the
veterinary market. Originally developed
for ‘at home’ monitoring of key cardiac
conditions in humans, the results of the
study found that the platform can be
used successfully in conjunction with
key veterinary applications.
As the platform is light and portable,
the study demonstrated convincingly
the accuracy of the equipment when
used for diagnosis and monitoring of
inflammatory diseases in dogs and on-
farm testing of cattle for the bovine viral
diarrhoea virus.
David Lang, Managing Director of
SMI, said: “Seeing the ease of use
and flexibility of our platform in these
tests is really encouraging and I have
been impressed by the quality and
exciting work of the veterinary research
providers in this area. The platform
and technology we have developed
with ITI may, in addition to the human
diagnostic opportunities that we are
exploring, prove to have significant
applications in the veterinary, food,
drink and environmental testing areas.”
www.stirlingmedical.com
6 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Local business news
Stirling car dealers are making the most of the
Government’s car scrappage scheme by offering
motorists excellent savings on new cars.
Through the scrappage scheme, people can receive a standard scrappage allowance of £2,000
for their old car up until March 2010, provided it is more than 10 years old. To qualify for the
scheme, the old car must meet certain criteria:
l Be a car or small van weighing up to 3,500 kg
l Be first registered in the UK on or before 31 August 1999
l Be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in your name
l Have been registered to you continuously for 12 calendar months before the order date
of the new vehicle
l Have a UK address on the registration certificate (V5C)
l Have a current MOT test certificate before date of order for the new vehicle
Archie Morrison, a Director of Morrisons of Stirling, Whins of Milton, said: “The scrappage
scheme is allowing motorists to buy themselves a bargain. For example, SEAT doubled the
scrappage allowance to more than £4,000 on a number of their most popular models during
September.”
“We are able to offer the scrappage scheme across our SEAT, FIAT, Land Rover and MG
dealerships. It is now possible to buy a brand new Fiat Panda 1.1 Active Eco for as little as
£4994 using the scrappage allowance.”
Bagyourself a motor
John Brown Butchers in partnership with DobbiesBuchlyvie butchers John Brown has built
up a unique partnership with Dobbies
Garden Centre over the last four years.
After forming a successful supply chain
with Dobbies Stirling Garden Centre, which
opened in 2005, owner John McKay was
asked if he wished to open a butchers
shop within the Milngavie Dobbies Centre.
Leaping at the chance, the butchers shop
opened within the custom-built food hall
in 2006, selling everything from locally
sourced fillet steak to square sausage.
Following the success of the Milngavie
outlet, John opened another butcher outlet
at Dobbies Stirling Centre late last year.
John said: “The last four years have been
a bit of a whirlwind, moving from success
to success. I am extremely grateful to
Dobbies for the fantastic opportunities that
have allowed me to expand my business,
promoting quality local produce sourced
from Caledonian Marts Stirling and United
Auctions Stirling.”
“I am also thankful for funding I received
from Stirling Council which enabled me to
buy some of the equipment required to
initially start the supply chain with Dobbies
back in 2005.”
How to access world class fishingStirling Council owns the fishing rights for salmon and sea trout on the River Forth
between Cambuskenneth and Craigforth and on the River Teith at Callander.
The Council’s policy is to offer fishing at a price that can be afforded at all levels and with
annual catch returns in excess of 1,000 for salmon and several hundred for sea trout, it is
excellent value for money.
Stirling Council is looking to promote its fisheries alongside local business and is exploring
ways to offer access to their rivers in the form of corporate hospitality and sponsored
competitions.
If your business is interested in accessing the rivers for clients or finding out more about
sponsorship of major competitions, please contact Stirling Council’s Fisheries Officer, David
Jones on 01786 44�9��.
Stirling based brands agency Denvir is
celebrating a number of successes, despite
the recession.
Denvir was busy over the summer months
working in partnership with luxury
ice-cream makers Mackie’s of Scotland
to launch a new range of Potato crisps.
Mackie’s have joined forces with Taypack
Ltd, one of the UK’s leading potato
businesses to produce Scotland’s only
home grown and manufactured premium
crisp.
Mackie’s approached Denvir to devise
a strategy to launch the crisps. The
strategy involved extensive market
research, including blind tasting, which
saw Mackie’s come out on top. They
also designed the branding, including
packaging and corporate logos and
developed the major consumer launch
campaign, ensuring a formidable Scottish
entry to the market.
Denvir was also recently awarded the
‘Event Excellence’ accolade in a hotly
contested category at the Marketing
Society Scotland’s 2009 Star Awards. They
were presented with the award for their
‘Enjoy the Taste of Scotland’ campaign on
behalf of client, Tesco’s Scottish Office.
www.denvirmarketing.com
Catriona Tytler, Experiential Director at Denvir and
Lynne Roxburgh, Scottish Marketing Manager for
Tesco celebrate their Event Excellence award
Denvir celebrates success
Local business newsBusiness welcome…Body and Sole HealthcareA new multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic,
including chiropody. The business recently
located in Wallace House, Stirling.
Tel: 01786 358252
www.bodyandsolehealthcare.com
Euro Search & Selection LtdEuro Search & Selection Ltd has opened a
new office in Stirling Business Centre. The
company is an international recruiter for
the oil, gas and energy sectors with offices
worldwide.
Tel: 0845 869 9803 www.eurosearch.net
FascoFasco have opened a new Fasco Extra store
in Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling. The
store sells workwear, tools and safety gear.
www.fasco.co.uk
The Highland Cattle SocietyThe Highland Cattle Society recently located
to the Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling.
www.highlandcattlesociety.com
J & W CarpetsA new trade unit specialising in carpets and
accessories. J & W Carpets is located in the
Trade Park, Springkerse, Stirling.
Tel: 01786 470493 www.jwcarpets.com
Marvelus ProductionsMarvelus Productions have relocated their
office and entire warehousing from Falkirk
to Munro Road, Stirling. The company
specialises in audio-visual, stage hire,
entertainment, PA systems and roadshow
hire. Tel: 0845 869 6152 www.marvelus.co.uk
Midas Contracts LimitedA construction management business
specialising in shopfitting and internal fit-out
services to the retail, office and leisure sectors.
Midas Contracts are located in the Beta
Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park.
www.midascontracts.com
The Money ShopA new outlet specialising in cheque cashing,
payday loans, foreign exchange, pawn
broking and bought gold. The shop is
located on Barnton Street, Stirling.
Tel: 01786 449110
Oldbaum Services LtdOldbaum Services work in the wind industry
providing instruments and quality assurance
on wind speed data. The business recently
expanded from a home office to the Alpha
Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park.
Tel: 01786 469639
www.oldbaumservices.co.uk
Poundland LtdA new single price retailer located in the
Marches, Stirling Thistles Centre.
www.poundland.co.uk
Revolution Hair & BeautyA new hair salon specialising in colours and
extensions. The salon is located in Barnton
Street, Stirling. Online booking system:
www.myrevolution.co.uk. Tel: 01786 465573
RG AutotechA new garage specialising in vehicle service
and repair. The business is located in Kings
Court, Stirling. Tel: 01786 472321
www.rgautotech.co.uk
SpudzAn exciting new deli-style take-away
offering a wide range of healthy, fresh,
locally sourced produce. Spudz is located in
Murray Place, Stirling. www.spudzstirling.co.uk
Talking Mats Research & Development CentreTalking Mats is a low-tech communication
framework that uses a mat with
picture symbols to help people with a
communication difficulty express their
thoughts and feelings. The business
recently expanded into a unit in Scion
House, Stirling University Innovation Park.
Tel: 01786 458105 www.talkingmats.com
Tunstall Healthcare (UK) LtdA business supplying tele-health and tele-
care products to allow people to stay within
their own home. The business relocated
recently from Alloa, to Scion House, Stirling
University Innovation Park.
If you have recently set up a business in the Stirling Council area and would like
a mention in Stirling Eye or would like to report a business news story, contact
Laura Melville on 01786 443028 or email [email protected]
8 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Database Design & Development (d³) LtdBusiness profile
OverviewDatabase Design & Development (d³) Ltd is a new
business delivering affordable customised database
systems to the desktops of small to medium sized companies.
The business is located in Stirling Enterprise Park.
The business ideaPaul Amery, Director of d³, said: “I first became interested in
databases in the 1980s after buying an Amstrad 1512 (with twin
floppy disk drives!) and finding I could apply algebra to applications
such as Lotus123 to organise and structure databases. I also
studied Computing and Advanced Educational Studies and worked
in enabling technologies at the University of Stirling for a number
of years.”
“Over time I realised that database design and delivery could
be achieved more cost-effectively. I started developing my own
systems using Microsoft Access and found I could allow unlimited
access to anyone at one location provided they already have
Microsoft Office licences for their machines. Usually consultants
require separate licences to be purchased, so I saw an opportunity
to produce a more competitive product, particularly benefiting
small and medium sized businesses.”
Starting up the businessPaul said: “Following extensive market research I put together
a business plan and contacted Business Gateway. I attended a
number of free Business Gateway training events, finding the
marketing seminar particularly useful and learning lots about
targeted marketing as well as networking with other business
people.”
“I found the Scottish Government’s new Small Business Bonus
scheme really helpful as I was able to receive business rates relief,
which has made real difference in my first year.”
Telephone 0800 917 864� or 01786 8494�9www.ddd-�.co.uk
DiD you know?
Using a spreadsheet as a database can lead to trouble, however, a database built from spreadsheet data can be an inexpensive way to help develop your business.
Uniqueness of product and pricingA Microsoft Access database can hold up to two billion records – this
is more than sufficient for the needs of most businesses, small or
large. As long as a business has Microsoft Office licence(s), the
Access-based systems developed by d³ will run without the need for
any large enterprise solutions.
Paul continued: “We provide a complete service, with installation,
training and a one year Service Maintenance Agreement (SMA)
included free of charge. Our “local licensing” scheme is also
unique in that once a set number of users is reached there are no
additional costs.”
d3 has modelled four database designs around typical business
activities, with prices starting from £150:
l Customer Relationship (CRM); l Partial Accounts; and
l Stock Processing; l Asset Management.
What next for d³?d³ are currently developing their services to include speech
recognition software and screen readers for people who are visually
impaired. Paul reported: “The voice recognition software is excellent
for people with low dexterity, but it’s also great for people with a
lot to say – you can dictate text and it is typed up as you speak, or
simply plug in a Dictaphone and your words appear onscreen three
times faster than normal speech!”
d³ plan to apply the enabling technologies to their database
products in the future.
9www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Provision of work-orientated language skillsThe Stirling School of English would like to build closer ties with the
business community by asking them to advise their workers of the
existence of the school.
The school gives students an opportunity to learn English in a relaxed
atmosphere, practice speaking with fellow students and interacting
with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Volunteer Coordinator Lore Kelling said: “It would be of mutual
benefit if businesses could make their workers aware of our services
– we want to reach as many migrant workers and their families
as possible and we can offer free work-orientated language skills
to employees. In turn, improved English language skills increase
performance in the workplace.”
For further information contact the Stirling School of English on
0781774990� or visit www.stirling-school-of-english.com
Name: Amy Skelton & Krista Priestly
Job Title: Salon Owners
Place of work: Beauty at Ebu, The Stirling Arcade
How do you get to work? AS: Car KP: Bus
What is your favourite place to eat out? Why? AS: The Riverhouse, the lunch menu is good value for money
KP: At home, my husband is a head chef and a great cook
What do you think the Stirling area could most benefit from? AS: H&M KP: Good quality hotels to bring more business to the area
What is your favourite colour? AS: Purple KP: Pink
What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling? AS & KP: Our salon gets a wide range of clientele and as we are in the city
centre, it’s easy access to the train and bus stations.
What do you think the biggest issue is for businesses in the AS & KP: As our salon is seen, people know where we are, whereas some
Stirling area? small businesses rely on advertising to make people aware of where they
are. The credit crunch has also affected some businesses.
What is the biggest issue for your business? AS & KP: We are one of the lucky businesses. We haven’t noticed a drop in
business as we keep our prices low so that our clients can still afford their
regular treatments.
What is your favourite shop? AS: Betti Loves It KP: Betti Loves It
What is your greatest ambition? AS & KP: We have already achieved our ambition as we love our work - we
have been running our own salon for over one year and we are continuing
to attract new clients.
30 second interview
Beauty At Ebu: 01786 451963
Dataspace Scotland launch new data backup serviceStirling based Dataspace Scotland
launched a new Fully Managed Data
Backup Service recently.
The service is aimed at small to medium sized businesses who
recognise the need for data backup but may not have the internal
resources to manage this. An automated tape library is used to
schedule which data is backed up. Tapes are physically swapped
by Dataspace and taken offsite daily for secure fireproof storage.
Dataspace remotely monitor the backup and any issues are
immediately dealt with.
One of the first businesses to take up the new service was Lomond
Plant. Ross Easton, Director, said: “This service has been excellent
value for money and gives our company complete peace of mind
over the safety of our valuable information. The service provides an
excellent solution to disaster recovery issues.”
www.dataspacescotland.co.uk
10 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Stirling’s Business Panel, led by the Executive Group, has been working hard to
address key concerns outlined in the 2008 Annual Business Panel Survey. One of
these concerns was the lack of support for businesses. In response, the Stirling
Business Panel held a Funding and Innovation Support Event at Castle Business
Park on Wednesday 30th September.
Part of the Business Panel Executive Group
Stirling’s
Business Panel
now represents
over 530 local
businesses.
STIRLING BUSINESS PANEL
Newest Executive Group member Rosie McLaren with Business Panel member Robin Thomson from The Cornish Pastry Bakery, Stirling Arcade.
Over 30 business support
agencies and organisations
were on hand to advise
business visitors about the
range of support available.
Running a small business
with few staff and limited
resources always makes it hard
to devote the time to research
the support that might be
available to help with activities
like new product development,
staff development, investment
in capital equipment and a
myriad range of other business
activities aimed at growing a
business. In many instances,
some form of support may be
available, but the criteria for
qualification varies, the support
is within a limited timeframe or
it is not generally known that
such support even exists.
Having a variety of providers
and support agencies under
one roof allowed attending
businesses to talk directly to
a number of exhibitors. By
doing so, they were able to get
a much better understanding
of the business support that
is available and how to gain
access to that support.
It is believed that this was
the first time that such an
event has been held in the
Stirling area. Depending on
the feedback from delegates,
Stirling Business Panel might
repeat this type of event at a
future date.
George Stevenson, Non-
Executive Group Chairman of
Mathiesons and part of the
leadership group of Falkirk
Business Panel also spoke at
the event. He described the
time, effort and
commitment
involved in
developing the
Falkirk Business
Panel to its present scale. He
also described the importance
to the business community of
having an active and effective
Panel to represent their views
to local and national government
on key strategic issues.
The venue for the event,
Strathallan House, was hosted
by Stirling Development
Agency, the joint venture
company co-owned by Stirling
Council and Valad Property
Group. Forth Valley College,
Stirling University Innovation
Park and Stirling Council also
supported the event.
Local Development Plan – Stirling Business Panel consultationAs Stirling Eye went to press, Stirling Council Planners were
preparing to host an event in the Council Chambers. The aim
was to consult with Business Panel members to gain insight
into business community views on the Stirling Area Business Space Strategy.
The Planners want to know what the main land use problems are for business, views on how these
problems can be addressed and ideas on how the business community would like to see Stirling
evolve in both the urban and rural areas, over the next 20 years. This is another example of the Stirling
Business Panel being effective in allowing the local business community to voice their views and
influence future policy.
If you missed the event and would like to contribute to the consultation, please contact Sandra Lindsay
(Planning Officer – Stirling Council) on 01786 44�985, email [email protected]
For more information on the Stirling Area Business Space please contact Iain Smith on 01786 44�47�
or email [email protected]
11www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Not already a Business Panel member? Please contact Bill Fortune (Business Partnership
Executive – Stirling Council) on 01786 443172,
email [email protected] or join online at
www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org
2009 Annual Business Panel SurveyMentioned in the last edition of Stirling Eye, this year’s Annual
Business Panel Survey was launched following the Funding and
Innovation Support event on 30th September.
This is a very important survey for Stirling businesses, to ensure that
the Council and its key partners are fully aware of the key issues as
they affect local businesses.
Last year’s survey highlighted low net satisfaction levels regarding
business space and car parking.
As reported in the last issue of Stirling Eye, this resulted in the
Chairman of the Panel holding a meeting with the Head of Roads.
This in turn led to the Head of Roads attending an Executive Group
meeting. During the meeting it was revealed that a complete review
of the city centre parking strategy is to be undertaken. As part of
the consultation process that will occur in the development of a city
centre parking strategy, it is expected that the Business Panel will
be consulted, allowing the views of local business to inform the
outcome.
Stirling Council’s Planning Department will be particularly interested
in the views expressed in the survey, so it is in the interest of all
Panel members to participate.
For members who have not received an electronic invitation to
participate, please contact the Panel at [email protected] or
phone 01786 44�17�.
MEMBER PROFILEKevin Ferguson
Managing Director Ancora-Imparo
In this issue, we profile
Executive Member Kevin
Ferguson of Ancora-Imparo.
Stirling born and bred, Kevin
studied Economics and Marketing
at Paisley and spent a year with
IBM in Greenock. From there he joined the regional headquarters
of Dutton Forshaw in Newcastle.
Kevin was then recruited by a management consultancy in the
North East of England and completed a post graduate diploma in
Business IT at the University of Northumbria.
Returning to Scotland, Kevin spent the next 10 years working
for companies involved with IT, Health & Safety, IT training and
Customer Relationship Management Tools. He then decided to go
it alone and start up his own company, Ancora-Imparo.
Within a month of starting the business in 2004, Kevin joined
the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and was appointed Vice
Chairman of Forth Valley branch in 2005.
This year his business was named UK and Ireland partner of the
year by Mamut Business Software.
Kevin said: “I joined the FSB as I saw it as an organisation
providing small businesses with a voice at national level.
I see the Business Panel in a similar way, raising the profile locally
of the business community and giving them a stronger voice in
their dealings with the local Council.
I look forward to the next major milestone for my business – our
tenth anniversary in 2013 and look forward also to helping develop
the Stirling Business Panel further.”
Ancora Imparo translates as “I am still learning”.
DiD you know?
Michelangelo wrote “Ancora Imparo” in the margin of one of his sketches when he was in the final stages of his life. Michelangelo lived to almost 90 years of age and was, like his great rival Leonardo, an artist, architect, sculptor, poet and engineer.
DiD you know?
Stirling Business Panel now has its own website designed by Stirling IT – to check it out, please visit www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org
www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org
1� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Special feature Stirling Enterprise Update
Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Executive Director,
Derek Gavin commented: “While start-up
figures nationally paint a disappointing
picture, in the Stirling area things appear to
be holding steady. STEP assisted a total of
221 businesses to make it to the starting
line during the 2008/9 time frame. This
figure shows a percentage increase of
9.4% on numbers for the same period in
the previous year, which saw 202 new
businesses commence trading with STEP’s
assistance.”
This sense of buoyancy isn’t restricted just
to start-ups. The number of businesses
demonstrating significant growth
aspirations continues to remain healthy
within the Stirling district. A total of 37
businesses from a range of sectors including
manufacturing, food and drink, tourism and
pharmaceuticals were accepted on to the
Scottish Enterprise Growth Pipeline through
Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business Gateway
during the same 2008/9 period. These are
businesses deemed capable of increasing
turnover by £400,000 within a three year
period.
Economic activity in rural Stirling remained
resilient with
31.2% of
business start
ups in 2008/9
emerging from
outwith the
city of Stirling.
Of the growth
pipeline
businesses
accepted for
the period, a
high 62% were
based in rural
Stirling.
Derek continued: “The effects of the credit
crunch starting to bite towards the end
of 2008 and early in to 2009 has perhaps
contributed to this upsurge in interest
and activity in the business start-up arena
within the Stirling district. With increasing
numbers of people facing redundancy and
unemployment, many look towards self-
employment as an alternative – and in their
eyes - more secure career option.
“Looking at the broader business picture,
we acknowledge however that it’s not
all rosy. We know from our interaction
with existing businesses across the Stirling
locality, that it’s tough out there. Businesses
are weathering the economic storm with
varying degrees of success. While some are
surviving literally on a week to week basis
we, encouragingly, still have businesses
with healthy balance sheets demonstrating
solid and ambitious growth aspirations. This
disparity is
something
we are very
mindful
of in our
day to day
dealings with
businesses
and the
support
mechanisms
we offer.”
The potential
to further
maximise on
the strength of the rural economy, which
continues to perform particularly well, is
one that has been recognised at national
level. The launch of the Scottish Rural
Development Programme (SRDP) Rural
Priorities Scheme in April 2008 has helped
breathe new life and enthusiasm in to key
rural business sectors.
The Scottish Government grant scheme,
which has the ability to match fund
STIRLING START-UP NUMBERS BUCK NATIONAL TREND
Derek Gavin, Stirling Enterprise Executive Director
“FIVE STAR RATED: Business in rural Stirling remains buoyant, bolstered by a thriving tourism industry (pictured Foxglove Cottages, by Drymen).”
Business start-up numbers in the Stirling district have remained
buoyant, despite a declining national trend.
The Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks which collates figures
from Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale, Lloyds TSB Scotland and Royal
Bank of Scotland reported recently that business start-up numbers
in Scotland for the first quarter of 2009 were 25% down on last year.
This picture contrasts sharply with the experiences of local Business
Gateway contractor, Stirling Enterprise (STEP) in the last financial year.
Business Start-Up awareness and training workshops delivered by
STEP during the April 2008 to March 2009 time period were well
attended, with 43 workshops delivered during the 12 month period
attracting a total of 340 people. Additional free business training
events addressing subjects like Online Trading, Search Engine
Optimisation, Book-keeping and Marketing attracted a total of 237
delegates to the 27 workshops that ran during the period.
1�www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Special feature Stirling Enterprise Update Stirling Enterprise Update Special feature
SRDP Rural Priorities update from STEP Since the launch of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) in April 2008,
three Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business Gateway clients have been supported in
making successful applications that have resulted in grant awards totalling £250,000.
The three tourism businesses, which are based across the Stirling district, have opted
not to receive any publicity concerning their grant awards.
The awards have supported the creation of a new B&B facility, the expansion of an
existing self-catering facility and the creation of five new self-catering units.
STEP continue to work with rural businesses across the Forth Valley district to
understand the opportunities existing within the SRDP Rural Priorities Scheme and how
to tackle the online application process.
A variety of businesses are currently engaged with and working their way through the
2-stage application process. This can take approximately 4 - 5 months to complete from
start to finish.
Three panel meetings per year are held across 11 Scottish regions to decide on the
outcome of applications that make it to the final stages.
Forth Valley businesses are able to access Business Gateway Advisory support to
complete the necessary paperwork required to satisfy Scheme assessors.
Caroline Brown, STEP Rural & Farm Support Officer said: “We work very closely with
SRDP Case Workers in Perth, providing local knowledge of business case applicants and
drawing in Business Gateway Adviser expertise to comment on the viability of projects
put forward. The relationship we have cultivated is working well and it is heartening
to see such good quality proposals come to fruition. We look forward to seeing many
more in the future lifespan of the scheme.”
Through part-funding from the Scottish Government Skills Development Scheme (SDS)
STEP also run outreach workshops across Forth Valley helping farmers and foresters
tackle the online application process.
Caroline continued: “Our target was to assist 60 farmers across the Forth Valley area to
access this valuable training opportunity over a one year programme period. We are on
track to surpass that figure.”
Any business looking for further information on the SRDP Rural Priorities Scheme
should contact Caroline Brown, Rural & Farm Support Officer, Stirling Enterprise
(STEP) Business Gateway on 01786 46�416 or
email [email protected] .
rural business development projects,
has so far granted £250,000 to projects
locally. Recipients in these cases were all
businesses operating within the tourism
sector. With uptake of the scheme gaining
momentum, Stirling Enterprise (STEP)
Business Gateway is optimistic about what
this will mean.
Rural & Farm Support Officer, Caroline
Brown commented: “While rural and farm
businesses have to make their way through
a rigorous application process to access
the funding on offer through the SRDP
Rural Priorities scheme, the gains make it
worthwhile. Never before has there been
a grant fund offering our rural businesses
such a significant cash injection. The
ideas that the scheme is generating and
the proposals that we are seeing coming
forward are impressive and, taken together,
demonstrate real potential to further
strengthen and grow our rural economy.”
For further information on Business
Start-Up, Business Growth or the SRDP
Rural Priorities Grant Scheme, contact
Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business
Gateway on 01786 46�416 or email
Busy times at new business start-up, Stirling Cycle Repairs
14 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Business space developments
Expansion of Manor Business Park, Blairlogie
Development is now underway at Manor Business Park, Blairlogie,
located adjacent to the A907, between Stirling and Alloa.
The development will form an extension to the existing Business
Park, providing modern industrial units, office accommodation and
children’s’ nursery facilities. Upon completion, the development will
provide flexible business space for small to medium sized companies,
particularly those who operate locally and are seeking a good quality
working environment within the Stirling area.
The new accommodation will provide modern industrial units, with
the flexibility to meet individual occupier requirements, through the
combination of the standard 116 sq m (1,250 sq ft) and 232 sq m
(2,500 sq ft) units. Two individual units extending up to 325 sq m
(3,500 sq ft) with the benefit of good eaves height are also proposed.
The additional space is aimed at meeting the needs of existing
occupiers, who wish to grow their business without undertaking a
major relocation exercise.
Re-development of the existing farmhouse will also see the creation
of a children’s nursery, with secure landscaped grounds, serving the
Business Park and surrounding areas.
The Business Park has been developed in sympathy with its rural
setting and the expansion will continue in this vein, while offering
modern commercial accommodation to rival any in the Stirling area.
Competitive rental levels and an attractive working environment are
the foundations of this new development aimed at keeping business
growing in the local area.
The man behind the expansion Mr Tom Cox, himself a successful
entrepreneur, said his objective was “…the creation of a development
which will address the needs of small businesses, particularly within
the local community, by creating an affordable property solution in
difficult economic times.”
Work is due to complete at Manor Business Park in January, 2010 and
full details of the development and available accommodation can
be obtained from Jennifer Sorley of Ross & Liddell on 0141 204 7355,
email [email protected]
Stirling Area Business Space Strategy
Jubilee House
Manor Business Park
Stirling Council recently
published its revised Business
Space Strategy for the Stirling
Council area. The Strategy
provides analysis
of demand, supply
and take-up of
business space
and also provides
recommendations
for the Stirling
Council and National
Park planning
authorities.
The Business Space Strategy
will help to shape provision
of land for future business
space development in the new
Stirling Local Development
Plan, currently being drafted
by Stirling Council’s Planning
Department.
Key findings from the Business
Space Strategy are:
l The majority of demand
for office and industrial
premises is for units of less
than 500 sq m.
l 40% of available industrial
floorspace is pre-1960s,
leaving limited choice and
supply of modern industrial
units with continued
opportunities for renewal
and redevelopment of stock.
l Since 2005, 46% of
employment land has been
developed for uses other
than office and industrial.
l Future economic growth
will require around 158,429
sq m of replacement
industrial space by 2032
to replace stock that is no
longer fit for purpose.
l 235,846 sq m of additional
office space will be required
by 2032, consisting
of 202,519 sq m to
accommodate new jobs
and 33,327 sq m to cover
replacement of stock that is
no longer fit for purpose.
l There is a lack of effective
employment sites allocated
for business space
development for the next
20 years.
The Business Space Strategy
also made recommendations,
including:
l An additional 34 hectares
of land needs to be
allocated for office space
development in the new
Local Development Plan.
l Stirling Council should
ensure that all effective
employment sites
identified in the strategy
for the next 20 years are
allocated through the
Local Development Plan
for office or industrial
use. The Council should
15www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Looking for property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property
DiD youknow?
Buchlyvie lends its name to
a very famous Clydesdale
stallion, the Baron O’Buchlyvie
who was involved in a legal
dispute over ownership, which
led to him being sold in 1911
for £9,500 – a record price
for any horse at the time.
The skeleton of the Baron
O’Buchlyvie is displayed in
the Kelvingrove Art Gallery &
Museum in Glasgow.
prevent the loss of such
allocated employment sites for
alternative uses.
l Stirling Council should work
with owners, agents and
partners to find a suitable
existing or new business
site / area for relocation
and expansion of Stirling
Enterprise Park.
For more information on the
Stirling Area Business Space
please contact Iain Smith
on 01786 44�47� or email
7 Melville Terrace, StirlingFirst floor office accommodation at the prominent 7 Melville Terrace
has also benefited from an internal upgrade.
The traditional cellular office space extends to 140 sq m (1,513 sq ft)
and benefits from having attic storage space of 42 sq m (508 sq ft)
above.
Improvements to offices include raised floors, carpeting and decoration
together with new kitchenette area.
Further details can be obtained from joint letting agents Andrew Peel of
Graham and Sibbald on 01786 463111, email [email protected] and Peter Fleming of Montagu Evans on
0131 229 3800, email [email protected]
Flexible business space in Buchlyvie
A former health surgery in Buchlyvie Main Street has been
refurbished to provide flexible business space in the rural area,
ideally suited to therapeutic professionals.
The development includes rooms for exclusive or flexible/sessional
use. Two rooms of 10.5 sq m (113 sq ft) and 11.5 sq m (124 sq ft)
are currently available, with shared reception/waiting area and good
car parking.
Local doctor Robert Lindsay bought and refurbished the old surgery
in 2008 and has already attracted a number of tenants including Dr
Elena Leschen, Consultant in Nutritional Medicine, Virginia Irvine-
Fortescue, Medical Herbalist and Angus Robertson, Therapeutic
Masseur. Robert also practices from the premises, specialising in child
and family mental health and
family business consultancy.
For more information about
the remaining opportunities,
contact Robert on
0778 865 6310, email
visit www.theoldsurgery.net
Dr Elena Leschen, Dr Robert Lindsay and Virginia Irvine-Fortescue, Old Surgery, Buchlyvie
16 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Wallace HouseWallace House recently benefited
from an extensive refurbishment
scheme of around a quarter of
a million pounds to the main
common areas and vacant offices.
The full extent of the
improvements include new ceiling
grids with integral lighting, dado
trunking and new carpeting and decoration, signage as well as enhancements to the lift and
reception area with frontage canopy intended to complete.
Recent occupiers, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Geothermal and a range of established
occupiers are taking full advantage of the improvements to the common areas as well as the
on-site concierge service.
Andrew Peel of Graham & Sibbald commented: “The refurbishment of the common areas and
vacant suites has brought Wallace House into the 21st century. The building now provides
superb office accommodation within an enviable City Centre location, only a few paces from
Stirling’s train and bus stations.”
Only three office suites remain for lease on flexible terms providing space from 67 sq m (720
sq ft) to 264 sq m (2,837 sq ft) although enquirer interest is currently being shown in two of
the suites.
Ground floor space of 86 sq m (927 sq ft) was recently leased to Body and Sole Healthcare for
their new chiropody and complementary treatments practice.
Further details on improvements and remaining space can be obtained from Andrew Peel
of Graham and Sibbald on 01786 463111, email [email protected] or contact Kate Byrne of
Savills on 0131 247 3821, email [email protected]
Business space developments
The former site of Stirling Auction Mart at
Kildean East is set to become the home
of Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus
following a landmark deal announced by
the site’s developer, Elphinstone Group Ltd,
and the College.
Land and property developer, Elphinstone,
acquired the 30-acre Kildean site as part of
its creation of the new Stirling Agricultural
Centre. Now Elphinstone has agreed to sell
Forth Valley College a seven-acre portion of
the Kildean site to create the college’s new
£29 million Stirling Campus.
The Kildean site is viewed as being
particularly appropriate for the new college
campus with its attractive riverside setting,
good transport links and its accessibility
from Stirling city, the wider rural community
and the College’s Raploch Campus.
Forth Valley College has already submitted
outline plans for the construction of the new
campus, to begin in August 2010 with the
campus opening in April 2012.
Elphinstone plans to use the remaining 23-
acre site to create a 250-home residential
development supported by commercial and
retail space including a 60-bed hotel, a 650
sq m restaurant and a 1,200 sq m shopping
development.
Dr Mike Cantlay, Chairman of the Board of
Management for Forth Valley College, said:
“This is an exciting time for Forth Valley
College with an ambitious estates strategy.
We are delighted to have secured the
Kildean East site for our new Stirling
Campus. This is an attractive location
with excellent transport links and close
proximity to our existing Raploch Campus.
Furthermore, the site will be accessible for
a wide range of learners and it’s also at the
heart of a business growth area.
“The campus will have a strong focus on
vocational training with an impressive range
of technical specialist facilities in areas
Elphinstone and Forth Valley College announce deal to house new College Campus in Stirling
such as Engineering, Creative Industries,
Construction and Hospitality.”
Commenting on the deal to create Forth
Valley College’s new Stirling Campus, Ken
Ross, Chairman of Elphinstone, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able
to accommodate the needs of Forth Valley
College by releasing seven acres of the
Kildean site to house their new Stirling
Campus. In doing so, I sincerely hope
that we will help Forth Valley College to
create a 21st Century site that will provide
employment, educational and training
facilities for the people of Stirling and the
surrounding area.”
Books and Mortar: (from left to right) Dr Mike
Cantlay, Chairman of the Board of Management
of Forth Valley College, Dr Ken Thomson, Depute
Principal of Forth Valley College and Ken Ross,
Chairman of Elphinstone are all excited at
the prospect for a new seat of learning at the
Kildean East site.
17www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Planning applications updateSeven planning applications with a
significant business focus have been
submitted to Stirling Council since the last
edition of Stirling Eye (July) and are still
being considered, pending a decision:
l An application by Whitbread Group Plc
for extension to hotel, alterations to car
park and change of use of agricultural
land (640 sq m extension of hotel – 22
new bedrooms proposed) at Pirnhall
Inn, Pinrhall Road West, Stirling.
l An application by Stirling Development
Agency for a new mixed use
development with total floor area of
18,000-19,700 sq m comprising civic,
commercial, retail, private residential,
library, hotel, restaurant, affordable
residential and commercial parking use
on land at Station Road, Stirling.
l An application by Elphinstone Land
Ltd for a mixed-use development
incorporating business, industrial,
storage and agricultural machinery and
vehicle sales (5.85 acres) on land to
north of Hill Of Drip Farm, bounded by
River Teith and River Forth.
l An application by the McNicol-Cox Trust
for erection of one industrial unit (292
sq m) at Manor Farm, Manor Road,
Blairlogie.
l An application by Forth Valley College
for development of new college campus
facilities, associated access, parking and
ancillary works (5.1 hectares) at Kildean
Auction Market, Drip Road, Stirling.
l An application by Struthers & Scott
Veterinary Surgeons for erection of a
new veterinary surgery with associated
parking (744 sq m) on land south of
Lochill Industrial Estate and north of
Kilmadock Cemetery, Doune.
l An application by Airtricity Developments
(UK) Ltd for development of 11 wind
turbines and associated infrastructure
including a temporary construction
compound, sub station and control
building, underground power cables,
2 permanent anemometer masts, site
access tracks, 5 water crossings and up to
2 borrow pits (11 turbines, 753 hectares)
on land some 1.5 km north west of
Muirpark Farm, Stirling.
The following planning application has been
supported in principle, but is subject to detailed
negotiations to draw up a planning agreement:
l An application by Stirling Enterprise (STEP)
for a convenience superstore with service
area, car parking and landscaping (6,900
sq m retail) at Stirling Enterprise Park,
Springbank Road, Stirling.
Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule
The following planning applications have
been approved:
l An application by Kippendavie Group
Trust for an 18 hole golf course with
club house, car parking, open air
practice facilities (renewal of permission
under Article 5 of General Permitted
Order 1992) (98 hectares golf course)
on land at Kippendavie, Ramsay Drive,
Dunblane.
l An application by Ian MacLeod Distillers
Ltd to replace and extend storage
facility, siting of potable tank, car
parking and ancillary works (3,702 sq m
storage facility) at Glengoyne Distillery,
Strathblane.
l An application by Stirling Development
Agency for phase 1 infrastructure works
including road access (5.1 hectares
– footpaths, cycleways, street lighting,
foul and surface water drainage and
public utility services) at Kildean Auction
Market, Drip Road, Raploch.
l An application by Gladman
Development Limited for substitution
of consented buildings by three storey
office extending to 2,748 sq m on
land some 100 m north of Dunblane
Cemetery, Barbush, Dunblane.
Looking for property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property
Forsyth Business Centre, Castle Business Park
Forsyth Business Centre located in Castle
Business Park has a number of flexible
business space opportunities currently
available.
The Business Centre provides fully serviced
modern office accommodation with flexible
leases from 3 months plus. Office suites
vary in size from around 61 sq m (200 sq ft)
to 305 sq m (1,000 sq ft).
The Business Centre can provide meeting
room facilities suitable from two to twenty
five people and can arrange catering for
delegates as required.
Forsyth Business Centre provides excellent
access to Stirling’s motorway network
and is within easy reach of Stirling City
Centre. The Business Centre has ample
car parking for tenants and visitors alike.
Two of the largest occupiers within the
centre are Asian information technology
firm TATA Consultancy Services and the
British Dental Association. A few of the
most recent tenants to take advantage of
a flexible lease and modern office suites
are Efficient Client Services, an IT and
technology company and Stirling Consulting.
For more information on remaining flexible
business space or to book a tour of Forsyth
Business Centre, please contact Shirley-Ann
O’Hare, Centre Manager on 01786 431700,
email shirley-ann.o’[email protected]
www.forsyth.co.uk
18 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Sector feature ConstructionThe construction sector is vitally important
to Scotland’s economy. It facilitates
regeneration and economic growth by
providing new infrastructure, and in 2007,
consisted of 41,435 businesses employing
161,000 people and generating a turnover
of £13.4 billion. The construction sector
accounted for around 14 per cent of Gross
Domestic Product in 2006.
There were around 400 construction
businesses in the Stirling Council area in
2007, employing over 3,400 people.
However, the construction industry,
particularly private house building, has been hit hard
by the recession. The global downturn, limited
access to finance and the collapse of the housing
market have meant that many construction
businesses are increasingly reliant on public sector
work. This has resulted in strong competition for
public sector contracts, as well as tough market
operating conditions.
Indications are that the housing sector is beginning
to pick up with a number of private sector
house builders resuming construction on private
developments in the Forth Valley area. There are also
a number of significant construction projects planned
or underway across the Central Belt, including:
l £29 million new Stirling Campus for Forth Valley
College;
l Contracts for the 2014 Commonwealth Games
(£90 million Velodrome and sports arena);
l £320 million Private Finance Initiative upgrade of
the M80;
l £850 million planned retail and leisure centre in
Edinburgh;
l £40 million revamp of Edinburgh Airport; and
l £1.72-2.34 billion new Forth Replacement Crossing.
All public sector construction contracts are now
advertised on www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
This feature includes interviews with key individuals
from the local construction sector, detailing changes
to the construction industry over time and the impact
of the recession.
Forth Construction ForumThe Forth Construction Forum was launched in Stirling in 2005 to provide support to construction related businesses located within the Stirling area to help them take advantage of contracting opportunities. With businesses eager to join, there are now over 350 members and the local forum has expanded to cover Falkirk and Clackmannanshire too.
While promoting good practice, the Forum facilitates the flow of information between clients, the industry and key agencies. The Forum has already helped Stirling area members to win over £1.5m worth of work on the Raploch Regeneration project.
The type of business help and solutions provided by the Forum includes putting operatives through Construction Skills Certification Scheme tests, sourcing Health and Safety training and providing procurement training. Martin Reid, Coordinator of Forth Construction, has even attended Holyrood to lobby on behalf of Forum members.
Membership of the Forum is free and any construction related business in the Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk area can join. Events and training are delivered directly by Forth Construction. Martin said: “The current economic climate has driven home more than ever the need to be competitive and have the ability to deliver what the client wants; and we can help with that.”
Forth Construction is publicly funded and supported by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils.
Martin and Forum Administrator Jackie Mitchell are always ready to hear from businesses wishing to join the Forum and explain to them the benefits of membership. For more information, please phone 01�59 ��6685 or visit www.forthconstruction.co.uk
19www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Construction Sector feature
Interview with Martin Reid, Coordinator of Forth Construction ForumWhat is your
background? “Growing up, most of
my family worked in the
construction industry,
so when I left school I did my apprenticeship as a plasterer.
Soon after I went to University and went on to work for the
Construction Licensing Executive and the Scottish Building
Federation before taking the role of Project Co-ordinator for
Forth Construction.”
What does your role with Forth Construction involve?“It is my job to provide business support and solutions in order
to help our members expand and grow. This includes providing
training, encouraging major contractors to take on local sub-
contractors or even ensuring members concerns or issues get
to the ears of the Scottish Construction Centre or the Scottish
Construction Forum. All this is free for members.”
What impact has the recession had on construction?“Projects have been delayed due to lack of money and many
that had started have been mothballed. The housing sector has
suffered more than most.
Many apprentices have lost or are in danger of losing their jobs.
However, it is important to retain apprentices and look at ways
of making room for more, so that we can take full advantage of
economic recovery. “
Do you think the economic climate is improving?“I feel there are signs that we may have gone past the worst of
it but I think recovery will be slow for some time yet to come.”
What is your advice for getting through the recession?“Avoid working for bad payers and look outside your normal
parameters for opportunities. Survivability is all about adapting
to change.”
What are the current barriers?“A major barrier for construction companies is obtaining credit.
As suppliers feel the squeeze, credit lines shrink or disappear. “
What are the key opportunities?“There is the opportunity to make sure your company is ready
to take advantage of the upturn in work when it comes. The
Government recently announced a schools building programme
of £1.25 billion up to 2017 and there is also the new Forth
Replacement Crossing estimated at £1.72-2.34 billion to name a
couple of projects in the offing.”
Phil McEwan, Managing Director, Ogilvie Construction LtdThe companyFollowing wartime service
two Stirling brothers
established Ogilvie in 1946
to build houses, however,
the business really took off after they built a bonded
warehouse. Duncan Ogilvie is the third generation to run
the company as Chief Executive. One of Stirling’s largest
companies, with a turnover of £147 million and more than
400 employees, the company is involved in construction of
hospitals, schools, pubs and hotels.
Phil McEwan, Managing Director of Ogilvie Construction outside the new Stirling High School, built by Ogilvie.
Phil, what are the key changes to the industry?“The move to novated design
and build, where clients
‘risk dump’, e.g. the design
of a project is passed to the
contractor and if the architect
doesn’t perform, the risk is
also passed to the contractor.
PPPs (Public Private
Partnerships) have taken
this to a new level, making
contractors responsible for
the long term operating and
servicing of buildings. We
have benefited from PPPs,
recently completing our tenth
£25-30 million school in the
Forth Valley area.
While PPPs remain in England,
the Scottish Government has
abolished them. This will affect
our turnover as there is currently
nothing to replace them.
Procurement procedures are
slower due to the introduction
of new European legislation,
which has also resulted in
contractors from overseas
bidding for work in Scotland.”
What about the recession?“It’s hard to predict what will
happen next. Who could have
predicted the problems with
RBS?
Clients are pulling out and not
proceeding with contracts –
commercial developers cannot
access finance to continue
with planned developments.
With increasing competition,
tenders are going in at
negative margins – this isn’t
sustainable and is a recipe for
lawyers’ litigation. We’ve had
to follow the trend, but have
stopped short of ludicrous
tender margins.
Although public sector work
will see us through the worst,
we’ve had to downsize and
lose some very good people.
But I think that the strong
will become stronger and we
will be in a good position for
economic recovery.”
Are there advantages to
being based in Stirling?“Yes, Stirling is viewed as a
neutral location, enabling us
to win work in both the East
and West and across Scotland
as a whole.”
www.ogilvie.co.uk
�0 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Sector feature Construction
Hugh, what have been
the key changes to the
construction industry?“Since the 1990s, health and
safety has been overhauled
and procurement procedures
are now more rigorous.
While the construction industry
has become more professional,
small companies have had
to develop skills to cover
estimating, surveying, pricing
and more.
The economic slowdown
has made construction more
competitive. Larger all trade
companies have started to bid
for work traditionally taken up
by smaller companies – these
companies can afford to be
quite aggressive with their
pricing.”
What about the recession?“As I run a small business, I am
able to manage the finances
closely in light of the current
economic situation.
From my point of view, it
appears that the main effect
of the recession has been
on the private sector clients
as people are more careful
about spending money and
re-investing in their property.
However, having said that, our
client numbers are up on last
year and hopefully this is a
signal that the worst is over.
Fortunately, we also have
public sector clients as we had
expanded into public sector
work before the recession.”
Are you involved in the
Forth Construction Forum?“Yes. The Forum Coordinator
has provided useful advice
when we are preparing
tenders and I have attended a
number of meetings, engaging
with other businesses and
procurement specialists; this
has been helpful.
In addition, our employees
have benefited from CSCS
training and asbestos
awareness training – both
are essential to assist us
gaining a CHAS health and
safety certificate. We are able
to access this training and
information free of
charge, which I believe
all members should
take advantage of.”
What advice do you have for other construction businesses?“I have benefited from
being an active member of
organisations such as SNIPEF
and Forth Construction.
These organisations are
Since 4th July �009 it has been a legal requirement for all businesses that install,
maintain or service stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment
containing F Gas refrigerants to obtain certification. All companies affected by the
regulations must have an Interim Company Certificate or a Stationary Equipment
Qualification Company Certificate in place.
**STOP PRESS – F GAS COMPANY CERTIFICATES**
Hugh Lawson, DirectorForth Plumbing & Heating ServicesThe companyForth Plumbing & Heating Services was established in 1996. The
business employs seven people, including four tradesmen, two
apprentices and an Office Manager. Recent public sector contracts
include toilet refurbishments for local schools and the NHS in Clydebank.
Forth Plumbing & Heating
apprenticeBlair Craig
Hugh Lawson, Director of Forth Plumbing & Heating Services
Fasco launch new store in Stirling Engineering supplies specialist Fasco has bucked the economic trend with the launch of a new
concept store – Fasco Extra – in July.
The opening of Fasco Extra in Springkerse Industrial Estate celebrates
a homecoming for the company, which closed its previous outlet in
Stirling two years ago. With trade stores in Grangemouth and Shetland,
the Stirling store is the first to open to both business and general
customers. The Stirling store features workwear, a wide selection of
tools, power tools and accessories, safety gear and janitorial equipment.
John Scott, Managing Director of Fasco, said: “We are taking a positive and bold step forward in what is a
difficult economic climate. With its central location and great transport links, Stirling is the ideal location
for the first Fasco Extra and we hope this will be the first of many that will open across the country.”
www.fasco.co.uk
there to help businesses and
the more you engage with
them, the greater the benefit.”
�1www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Invite from Glasgow Caledonian University to Technology ShowcaseDuring the current economic crisis, the Government has been very keen to encourage
academia to work closely with the business sector to enable companies to become more
competitive and ready to prosper when
the economy picks up again in the months
ahead. As part of its outreach activities,
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is
holding its annual Technology Showcase
on Friday 23rd October 2009, from 11am
– 3pm in the University’s Saltire Centre.
The event provides Stirling businesses with
an excellent opportunity to see first hand
what expertise, technical assistance and
support are available through engaging
with a university. As well as demonstrations
of GCU’s own expertise and technologies,
there will be a number of companies from
the Stirling & Trossachs area exhibiting. The
companies will demonstrate the benefits to
their business of collaborative projects they
have undertaken with GCU through the KIT-
OUT project. (see www.kit-out.org ). One of
these companies is Callander based Wheels
Cycling Centre, whose owner Mark Shimidzu
approached the University for advice on
incorporating the latest green technologies
into a planned new development.
Delegates attending the 2009 Technology
Showcase will also be able to meet and talk
with a range of support agencies who can
give advice on funding, grants and other
assistance available to small and medium
sized businesses.
The event is free to attend and a buffet
lunch will be provided. Registration is now
open and places can be booked on-line
at www.kit-out.org/event-form.htm or
contact Audrey Meikle on 0141 ��1 8458
for further information.
Mugdock Makkers search for hidden talentThe Mugdock Makkers are on the lookout
for new members – creative people and
craft workers of quality.
Eric Lewis, a member
of Makkers, said: “We
are keen to find hidden
talent and reinvigorate
dormant entrepreneurial
skills. So if you are a
quality craft worker and
would like a new avenue
for publicising and selling
your work, we would
love to hear from you.”
The Mugdock Makkers
are a collective of artists
and craft workers who
offer a range of original
products at their craft
centre and gallery at
Mugdock Park Visitor’s
Centre. The Makkers
promote crafts and hold
demonstrations of their
work in action most
weekends.
If you join the Makkers,
you will be expected
to help in the gallery
and talk about or
demonstrate your craft
at weekends on a rota
basis.
To find out more,
please email info@
mugdockmakkers.org.uk
or phone 0141 956 6555.
www.mugdockmakkers.org.uk
Old Town Cemeteries re-open after £1.7 million refurbishmentThe £1.7 million project to restore Stirling’s Old Town
Cemeteries was recently completed.
Work on the project involved bringing the physical
infrastructure of the cemetery back to the original
Victorian style, with restoration of stonework, ironwork,
and, hard and soft landscaping. The Cemetery
interpretation project has been developed to include still
photographs, a series of documentary films on the
restoration of the Cemetery itself and a dedicated website.
The Old Town Cemeteries together with Stirling Castle,
Argyll’s Lodging and The Old Town Jail make up a
world-class experience for visitors. It’s hoped that the
restoration project will further enhance the Top of the
Town visitor experience, bringing more visitors to the
area for longer, generating additional spend for local
businesses.
The project received funding of £824,000 from the
Heritage Lottery Fund, £430,226 from Stirling Council,
£376,126 from Historic Scotland, and £18,183 for a
specific piece of work to Pithy Mary Pond from Scottish
Natural Heritage.
www.oldtowncemetery.co.uk
�� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Interview with...
What is your background?Stirling born and bred, I have been with United Auctions (UA) for 25 years, originally in accounting, then general management and as a company Director for more than 10 years.
My job is challenging but rewarding. The best bit is the people – those I work with and the characters I meet on a daily basis.
We recently relocated our headquarters from Perth to Stirling, and have a network of different auction marts across Scotland including Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Oban, South Uist, Islay and Tiree.
Can you tell us about the Stirling Agricultural Centre?The Stirling Agricultural Centre opened in late July with an inaugural sale attended by the First Minister. Over 4,000 people were there to see the first animal – a Highland heifer – sold in a charity auction, for 10,000 guineas, raising £10,500 for a breast cancer charity.
Stirling has been excellent for UA – the value of the City as a central location for movement of livestock has not changed across the centuries. It made sense for us to centralise activity in Stirling for marketing of livestock and ease of access to motorway connections.
£15 million was invested in the new Centre,
based on a 51-acre site at Hill Of Drip.
The centre has a 13,500 sq m building,
including three auction rings, an exhibition
hall for showing bulls, 400+ livestock pens,
a restaurant, a conference room for 100+
people and 18 paddocks for resting sheep
coming from places like the Western Isles.
The Centre will also secure 300 long-term
jobs for the local economy.
I am delighted that local companies
like Ogilvie, FES and Tradstocks have
been involved in the construction and in
maintaining the Centre in the future.
What about the Perth Bull Sales?These world famous Sales are coming to Stirling this October and will be held here every October, February and May.
We are expecting around 8,000 visitors to the first sale – many will travel from afar providing huge benefit to the local tourism industry. We have worked with VisitScotland to put together an accommodation list, which has been sent to regular customers and is on our website - www.uagroup.co.uk.
As well as local established pedigree herds, we attract herds from across the UK.
The importance of the sale has increased
worldwide thanks to greater recognition of
genetics in livestock breeding. Buyers come
from as far as Argentina, Australia and Canada.
Are there other businesses located at the Centre?The developer, Elphinstone, is securing
tenancies for office and agri-retail space
within the Centre.
The demand is encouraging and we look
forward to other agri-related businesses
opening at the Centre soon. Stirling is
unique in that it boasts two auction marts
and two abattoirs and my vision is for the
Stirling Agricultural Centre to cement the
City as the agri capital of Scotland.
Elphinstone has also submitted a planning
application for construction of two further
buildings on the site in response to the high
demand for space.
What is your involvement with Forth Valley College?I was recently appointed to their Board. I
believe in lifelong learning and I’m excited
about the new Stirling Campus, which will
be a fantastic development, enhancing the
Western part of the city.
www.uagroup.co.uk
Neil McLean, Group Joint Managing Director, United Auctions
Stirling Auction, 1966. Copyright: Collections of Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum
DiD you know?
United Auctions has had a presence in Stirling for over 150 years.
��www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Stirling businesses support the artsStirling businesses are providing vital support to the arts, helping Stirling to host a range of
exciting exhibitions.
Schedule for October Perth Bull SalesThe Perth Bull Sales in October will be held at the Stirling Agricultural Centre over three days. The proposed
schedule of dates is:
l Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October Bulls arrive
l Sunday 18th October Inspection of Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Limousin and Simmental.
l Monday 19th October Shows and sales of Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn bulls and
females. Sales of other native breeds, Limousin show and Charolais
inspection.
l Tuesday �0th October Sales of Limousin, British Blue, Blonde D’Aquitaine and Saler females.
Show and sale of Simmental bulls and females and Show of Charolais.
l Wednesday �1st October Sale of Charolais.
The Perth Bull Sales in February are even bigger and will be split over two weeks.
www.uagroup.co.uk
Bell & Craig Solicitors (Stirling) were one of
11 local businesses to sponsor last year’s
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition at the Stirling
Smith Art Gallery and Museum. Fergus Bell
said: “We were delighted to be involved.
This was an opportunity for the Smith and
for Stirling to show that it could hold an
exhibition of national importance. The
resulting publicity that we obtained raised
our profile in the area and was a great piece
of advertising. I would recommend other
businesses to sponsor events such as these.”
Councillor Colin O’Brien, Chairman of the
Trustees of the Stirling Smith, said: “There
isn’t the same history of sponsoring the arts
in Britain as there is in America, but this is
something Stirling businesses are starting to
change. A growing number of businesses
are sponsoring the activities of the Smith
Art Gallery and Museum, and in return have
received excellent publicity.”
Sponsorship for last year’s Leonardo da
Vinci exhibition helped to pay for additional
security, upgraded catering facilities and
improvements to environmental conditions
within the Gallery. The Government’s Arts
and Business programme also match funded
contributions from Stirling businesses
sponsoring the arts for the first time.
There are a number of ways to support the
Smith, and indeed, for the Smith to support
your business:
l You can sponsor an event or exhibition
and be included in publicity for the
event, including having your business
name on banners throughout Stirling.
l You can suggest an exhibition or
publication that ties in with your
business, e.g. the history of agriculture
in Stirling exhibition linking in with
the opening of the Stirling Agricultural
Centre and winter sales.
l You can suggest a leaflet or publication,
e.g. the Burns in Stirling leaflet produced
for the year of homecoming and
sponsored by the Stirling Burns Club.
Other events sponsored by local businesses
include:
l The ‘Men of Bannockburn’ exhibition
– sponsored by Graham’s the Family
Dairy; and
l The history of agriculture in Stirling
events running in November to coincide
DiD you know?
Martinmas on the 11th November used to be an important date on the agricultural calendar, with cattle that were too costly to feed over the winter slaughtered and the beef salted. It was also a traditional day for hiring and firing of staff.
with Martinmas and to celebrate the
opening of the new Stirling Agricultural
Centre – sponsored by United Auctions.
www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk
�4 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Logoxpres Limited: 01786 447454 www.logoxpres.co.uk
Scottish Chambers of CommerceChambers of Commerce are the world’s oldest and most internationally
recognised business organisations. They have been serving Scottish
businesses since 1783, and have never been more relevant than they
are today.
Local distillerytours launched
Deanston Distillery near Doune is opening to the public
for the first time, with its recently launched tours.
Originally the site of a cotton mill dating back to 1785, the
buildings were converted to a whisky distillery in the early 1960s.
Owned by Burn Stewart Distillers, Deanston has impressive green credentials. Using specially
grown barley, free from pesticides and chemicals, Deanston produces an award-winning range
of organic whiskies and is the only distillery in Scotland self-sufficient in electricity. Located on
the banks of the stunning River Teith, its water-powered turbines generate enough power to
run the distillery, and excess which is sold back to the national grid.
Commenting on the decision to open up tours to the public, Distillery Manager Callum Fraser
said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit a Distillery still making whisky using
traditional methods.”
In terms of the local tourism offering, this now means visitors to the area can combine two
fantastic experiences, a whisky distillery tour and tasting with a trip to the nearby Doune
Castle.
To find out about tours and corporate facilities, call Ann Shackell on 01786 841422, email
To request an application form for either
scheme, please contact The Rates Service
on 01786 443236 or email
HAVE YOU CLAIMED YOUR SMALL BUSINESS BONUS?From 1 April 2009 the percentage relief
available changed. Businesses with
rateable values up to £15,000 may
have their rates reduced by between
25% and 100%.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce is
the umbrella organisation for 20 local
Chambers of Commerce across Scotland.
They have over 9,500 business members,
which together employ more than half
of Scotland’s private sector workforce.
Chambers serve businesses of all sizes and
across all sectors and their services include
networking opportunities, the Business
Mentoring Scotland programme and high-
level policy engagement with Government
and key decision makers.
Chambers of Commerce provide a channel
for businesses to raise issues with Government
and help to shape the business environment
to make our firms more competitive.
Liz Cameron, Chief
Executive of Scottish
Chambers of
Commerce said: “It is
with good reason that
Scottish Chambers of
Commerce is labelled
as Scotland’s Ultimate Business Network,
and our goal is to ensure that every
business in every part of Scotland is able to
benefit from our wide range of services.”
If you are interested in the establishment
of a Chamber of Commerce for the
Stirling area, please contact Bill Fortune
on [email protected] or phone
01786 443172.
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers ofCommerce
Scottish Business Rates Deferral Scheme �009/10
Scottish Business Rates Deferral Scheme �009/10On 1st April 2009 most business rates bills
in Scotland increased by 5%.
In response to the
difficulties facing
businesses as a result of
the economic crisis, the
Scottish Government
and all 32 Scottish local authorities have
implemented a new business rates deferral
scheme this year to minimise the impact
of this increase, help cashflow and provide
a much needed boost for the Scottish
economy.
The scheme allows businesses to choose to
spread repayment of part of their 2009/10
business rates over three years. You can
choose to defer payment of 3% of your
2009/10 bill. You will pay back half the
deferred amount in 2010/11 and half in
2011/12.
�5www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
St Andrew’s Day (Homecoming Finale Weekend) update
Rally of scotland 2009 updateThis year, Stirling and Perth & Kinross will host the RACMSA Rally of Scotland, the largest
motor rally to take place in Scotland for twenty years. The international-status event, which
is the deciding round of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series, will
involve three days of competitive driving over timed, special stages in Stirling, Perth and the
surrounding area.
The Ceremonial Start and
first stages of the event will
take place in Perthshire but
will then move on to Stirling
on the evening of Friday �0
November. The Forthside area
of the city will host a large
service park that will be open
on the Friday evening and
during the day on Saturday
�1 November, allowing rally
fans and families alike to get
up close to the cars and drivers
and enjoy some entertainment.
A traditional champagne
ceremony at Stirling Castle
Esplanade will bring to an end
the inaugural Rally of Scotland
and the whole international
series on Saturday 21
November. With commentary
and interviews with all the
crews and a large screen
showing images of the past
two days action there will be
plenty to keep the audience
entertained. The crews
competing in the National B
rally, who tackle the first 3
stages of the Saturday loop will
have their finishing ceremony
at Stirling Castle Esplanade too.
Viewing is free of charge at
the ceremonial finish.
Eurosport is the global
promoter of the IRC Series
and will be showing live
footage, as well as highlight
programmes, through their
international network. These
broadcasts will showcase
Stirling’s natural assets, with
the route taking in some of
the most stunning scenery the
area has to offer. For further
information on the Rally of
Scotland 2009 go to
www.stirling.gov.uk/rally
Giandomenico Basso
Kris Meeke
Ticket InformationTickets are now on sale.
Hotline: 0844 847 2488
Website: www.rallyscotland.tv
Or in person at: Barrhead
Travel, 29 – 31 Murray Place,
Stirling FK8 1DQ,
Tel: 01786 457780
Representatives from 26 countries took part in the World Fly
Fishing Championships 2009 in June. They are shown here
before the official opening ceremony in Drymen, with children
from Drymen Primary School and the Stirling Schools’ Pipe
Band. Funders and sponsors of the event included Stirling
Council, EventScotland and Glengoyne Distillery.
Stirling will celebrate St Andrew’s Day and the finale of Homecoming Scotland 2009 by hosting an exciting range
of events, from �6 to �0 November, that focus on Scottish culture – traditional and modern. Design by Iona CrawfordEvents will include ‘To See The Sky…’, a unique fashion show, gig
and exhibition featuring an exceptional collaboration between
contemporary Scottish fashion designer Iona Crawford and Japanese
fine artist Yukako Sakakura.
The event takes its name from Iona
Crawford’s Spring / Summer 2010
collection, which will be exclusively
shown within the setting of the
Tolbooth. Following the fashion
show, a hot selection of Scottish
indie bands will perform with a
contemporary Scottish DJ rounding
off the evening.
Other Stirling events for
St Andrew’s Day and the
Homecoming Finale Weekend
will include a fabulous ceilidh at
the Albert Halls, a Stirling Castle
ceilidh, city centre entertainment and a St Andrew’s Day Farmers’
Market. Entry to the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle
will also be free on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November to
mark this special occasion. For more information go to
www.visitstirling.org
At your service Health and Safety Health and Safety At your service
�6 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health & Safety ExecutiveGood practice in health and safety is good for
your business – and it’s the law. Whatever the
size of your business, the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) is there to help you.
The HSE has a wealth of information on its
website (www.hse.gov.uk) including online
advice and tools as well as a free, confidential
helpline that can save you time and effort:
l Their Better Business campaign shows why
health and safety is good for business, and
offers some simple steps and tools to help
you get started.
l ‘Your legal responsibilities’ tells you what you
must do as an employer and Getting started
– 10 steps shows you how to do it.
l You can download a free basic guide for
small businesses, including two ready-made
templates for a risk assessment and a health
and safety policy.
l The website also has information on how to
involve your workers in health and safety and
shows how effective leadership promotes
good practice.
Visit www.hse.gov.uk or call the confidential HSE Infoline on 0845 �45 0055.
Stirling Council’s Health and Safety team’s objective is to help people living and working in the area to be aware of the hazards to their health and safety and to reduce the likelihood of accidents and dangerous occurrences. The team also deals with noise complaints from commercial premises, safety of reservoirs and burial of the dead.
Stirling’s Health and Safety
team is responsible for making
sure that Health and Safety
regulations and legislation are
known and followed by
employers and their employees.
To do this they provide a free
advice and guidance service,
conduct Health and Safety
inspections, undertake accident
and incident investigations and
carry out enforcement action
where necessary.
All of the premises that Stirling
Council has enforcement
responsibility for, receive
programmed inspections at
varying intervals dependent on
the nature of their business and
according to the risks inherent
in that business. For example
tyre and exhaust fitters and
warehouses are inspected
much more
often than
small offices.
The Health
and Safety team is based at
the Municipal Buildings, Corn
Exchange Road, Stirling and can
be contacted on
0845 �77 7000 or eoadmin@
stirling.gov.uk
Who deals with what?Stirling Council and the Health and Safety Executive
The Council’s Health and Safety team enforces Health and Safety
legislation in non-manufacturing premises, such as offices, shops,
warehouses and service industries, while the Health and Safety
Executive is responsible for factories, workshops and construction sites.
Health and Safety At your service
�7www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
DiD you know?
Stirling Council’s Health and Safety team deal with 2,758 commercial premises from small corner shops up to the largest which is Prudential/Capita with almost 3,000 staff.
Health and Safety case studyName of Company: Blairdrummond Safari Park
Blairdrummond Safari Park opened in 1970 and prides
itself on its considerable visitor numbers and very low
accident rate. The safety of their visitors as well as their
animals and staff is paramount.
Every year changes and improvements are made to the park and
their collections of animals increases. Stirling Eye interviewed
Chief Game Warden, David Booth to find out how they work
together with the Health and Safety team.
David said:
“We work together with Stirling Council on a wide range of
projects. Ongoing projects include improving safety on our pedal
boats and the adventure playground. The Health and Safety team
assist us with our risk assessments and advise on additional safety
features such as improved signage.
We also recently worked with the Health and Safety team when
we constructed a new tiger enclosure with a visitor viewing
platform. The Health and Safety team gave us excellent support
from the planning stage to the completion of this project.
Each time the Park brings in something new, whether it be a
new animal or a new attraction, we work with the Council on risk
assessments and safe working practices. The Health and Safety
team give us invaluable advice on a wide range of subjects.”
www.blairdrummond.com
Health and Safety Officer
PROFILE
Name: Arthur Law
Job: Principal Environmental Health Officer, Health and Safety Team
Role: To develop and manage the Health and Safety Section
to ensure that, as a team, we promote health and safety,
deliver best value, continually improve our service and customer
focus, and ensure that we proactively meet our statutory
responsibilities and objectives.
Key areas of expertise: In our job, legislation changes
constantly and we have to keep abreast of any new laws,
initiatives, codes of practice, etc. I am here to offer technical
support to businesses, guidance on legislation and advice on any
enforcement action. I also accompany the team on inspections
where necessary.
Current workload: The work of the Health and Safety
team is extremely varied. We work with a diverse range of
businesses and provide advice and assistance on all aspects of
Health and Safety. Campaigns planned for the next six months
include slips and trips, noise, asbestos, violence at work,
handling goods safely, occupational asthma and hand arm
vibration disease reduction.
Although we enforce Health and Safety, we are also very keen to
offer practical advice to any new or existing businesses.
Currently, we are working on the recent changes to the Control
of Noise Regulations. Historically, any establishment that played
music was exempt from these regulations.
From April 2009, every establishment that plays music, has live
bands playing etc. must now comply with these regulations to
ensure the health and safety of their staff and clients. The team
must visit these entertainment premises to monitor noise levels.
The team also work with over 500 premises that have their own
private water supply, for example from lochs and burns. The
team test the water regularly to make sure it meets the legal
requirements for public consumption and we source grant aid to
fund any work required for improvements. We also monitor the
water quality at public and private swimming pools.
David Booth, Chief Game Warden with Dorothy, the White Rhino
DiD you know?
l The Park will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and has over 50 different species of animals.
l Estrella, the parks oldest elephant is the largest female elephant in Europe.
�8 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
LEADER update feature
How your business can get its hands on European LEADER cash!As reported in previous editions of Stirling Eye, the Forth Valley and Lomond area has been awarded £2.77 million to allocate to projects
which ‘Revitalise Rural Communities’ or ‘Conserve the Natural Environment’ between now and 2013 through the Forth Valley & Lomond
LEADER Programme.
LEADER is part of the Scottish Rural
Development Programme (SRDP) and has
been set up to fund pilot or innovative
projects that support the wider objectives of
the SRDP as well as meet the aspirations of
the local area.
Businesses in the rural area can benefit from
LEADER funds in four different ways:
l They can benefit from better facilities
or services that another organisation in
their area has applied for (e.g. a new
technology that has been brought to the
area).
l They can benefit from a mini-grant
scheme that has been set up by a public
agency (e.g. the local Council) but
funded by LEADER.
l They can benefit from a project that
their local business association has
applied for (e.g. a marketing scheme
that has some innovative angle to it).
l They can apply for funds directly if
their project idea will benefit the wider
community and they can demonstrate
support for their project.
LEADER is designed to be flexible and
straightforward to apply for – the application
and appraisal process is quite separate from
the main SRDP funds, which means it is a
much quicker process and development
staff are available to help you think through
your project and application. It also means
a wide range of activities and types of
organisations are able to apply.
Examples of businesses who have benefited
from LEADER funding in the past include:
1. Food producers and food retail businesses
across the area, as a result of the Buy
Local Directory and Visitor Map (which
has subsequently been reprinted).
�. Outdoor activity operators, as a result of
the Go Smile Outdoors campaign.
�. Businesses in Strathard, as a result of
tourism marketing workshops run on
a transnational basis, followed by an
e-Tourism training course on maximising
the potential of participants’ websites.
4. Businesses across rural Stirling, as a
result of the Scottish Enterprise led
rural broadband initiative (back when
broadband was a relatively new concept!).
5. Start up businesses in the Doune and
Kilmadock area, as a result of the
Kilmadock Development Trust business
plan for converting the Old Bakery into
office space for lease.
6. Tourism businesses around Loch
Lomond, as a result of the 4Bs bus
and bike service (boots, bus, bikes and
boats).
7. Businesses in Bandeath as a result
of the Throsk Hub project which will
provide them with meeting room
space.
“This isn’t an exhaustive list;” explained
Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, Manager of the
LEADER Programme; “it just demonstrates
the many ways businesses can, and do,
benefit from LEADER funding. LEADER
must be one of the most accessible parts
of European funding, so I would encourage
any business or community organisation
with a well-researched idea for a rural
project, which is supported by the local
community, to contact us.”
Go to www.fvl.org.uk for more
information, or to note your enquiry.
Businesses in Bandeath Industrial Estate will be able to use the new community hub in Throsk.
Activity tourism businesses in the National Park benefited from the production of “Go Smile Outdoors”.Tourism businesses around Loch Lomond have benefited from the “4Bs” bus service.
�9www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Businesses in Bandeath Industrial Estate will be able to use the new community hub in Throsk.
Hotel developments feature
All new for iconic Hydro
The hotel sector in Stirling is a vital component of the tourism infrastructure. Ensuring that visitors to Stirling have a choice of
top quality accommodation options is essential if we are to continue to grow tourism locally. There have been a number of key
developments recently.
Adamo HotelsThe transformation of two hotels (formerly The Queens in Bridge of Allan and
Osta in Stirling) to an exciting new hotel group, Adamo Hotels, is now complete.
Both hotels are part of the developing Adamo Hotels brand, which will soon
include a further new property on King Street – situated in the very heart
of Stirling’s old town. This new property will feature superb boutique hotel
accommodation, conference space, restaurant, bar and its very own late night
venue – completion of this redevelopment project is expected in autumn 2010.
Stirling based Adamo Hotels offer a range of stylish accommodation, restaurants
offering locally sourced seasonal produce, private spaces for parties and events
and weekend late night venues.
www.adamohotels.com
The Dunblane Hydro, one of Scotland’s
most admired hotels has unveiled a new
name and a new look, following a multi-
million pound renovation.
To be known as Doubletree by Hilton
Dunblane Hydro, the hotel’s luxurious new
look combines contemporary style with
ageless elegance. A new restaurant, The
Kailyard by Nick Nairn is due to open in
November 2009 and is sure to add to the
overall ambience of this timeless classic.
200 beautifully appointed rooms
incorporate sumptuous furnishings,
stylish design and subtle lighting. In each,
the centrepiece is a welcoming “Sweet
Dreams” bed. A number of suites and
feature rooms are also available, offering
breathtaking views, superior toiletries and
welcome gifts.
The ultra chic Lounge Bar offers an array
of cocktails, fine wines and malt whiskies.
For a more sedate pace, the Stuart Lounge
offers oversized luxurious couches,
feature fireplace and occasional live
entertainment.
For the business market, the hotel
offers an extensive range of conference
Colessio - Stirling’s first 5 star boutique hotelPlanning permission has been granted for Colessio, Stirling’s first 5 star boutique hotel and
spa. Award-winning local entrepreneur Steven McLeod is planning to build the five-star
luxury boutique hotel and spa in one of the city’s historic buildings. The conversion of the
former Forth Valley NHS headquarters in Spittal Street into a world-class 40-bedroom hotel
with restaurant and spa will be a major asset to the tourism offering in Stirling.
Colessio will be a combination of executive rooms, suites and penthouses. It will also
feature Satsuma, a contemporary restaurant which will boast a “big name chef” at the
helm, a champagne and cocktail piano bar built in a glass atrium and an elegant ballroom
with capacity for around 180 guests for weddings and events.
Colessio is planned to open in Spring 2010 – for more information and updates please visit
www.colessio.com
rooms with break out areas and
syndicate rooms, all complete
with the latest audio-visual
equipment and presentation
aides. Everything from smaller
training days to conferences
with 600 delegates can be successfully managed.
Tricia Fitzsimons, General Manager commented:
“The transformation of the Hydro is truly remarkable
and we are all delighted with the positive feedback
and praise from both leisure and corporate clients.”
www.dunblanehydrohotel.com
�0 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Economic factsPopulation and Households Stirling �001-�008 % Change �001 �00� �00� �004 �005 �006 �007 �008 Stirling Scotland
Total Population 86,200 86,150 86,370 86,370 86,930 87,810 88,190 88,350 2.5% 2.1%
Working Age Population 53,771 53,501 53,667 53,268 53,588 54,310 54,367 54,341 1.1% 2.8%
Total Number of Households 35,544 35,961 36,454 36,658 36,958 37,164 37,328 37,555 5.7% 6.2%
Source: General Register Office for Scotland
Employment RateFigure 2: Employment Rate (as % of Working Age Population)
Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)
76.0
75.0
74.0
Empl
oym
ent
rate
2005 2008
Growth in Number of Jobs �001 �00� �00� �004 �005 �006 �007 �001-�007 �001-�007 Change % Change
Stirling 42,100 41,300 40,900 42,800 45,600 46,500 47,900 5,800 14%
Scotland 2,299,800 2,279,500 2,307,000 2,340,000 2,398,800 2,377,200 2,407,700 107,900 5%
Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)
Enterprise �00� �00� �004 �005 �006 �007 �008 �00�-�008 �00�-�008 Change % Change
Stirling 449 534 460 452 474 480 351 -98 -21.8%
Scotland 18,518 21,468 20,808 21,383 23,468 25,041 20,028 1,510 8.2%
Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers
Business Survival RatesFigure 6: 3 Year Business Survival Rate of Newly Born Enterprises
Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)
3 Ye
ar S
urvi
val R
ate
- %
2002 2004Year business started up
Figure 1: Population and Households
Figure 4: Jobs Growth
Figure 5: New Business Starts
Stirling
Scotland
Business DensityFigure 7: Number of VAT Registered Businesses per 10,000 Population
Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
No.
VAT
Reg
. bus
ines
s pe
r 10
,000
pop
ulat
ion
2000 2007
Stirling
Scotland
Unemployment RateFigure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of Working Age Population)
Stirling
Scotland4.54.03.53.02.52.01.51.00.50.0
Une
mpl
oym
ent
rate
Source: Claimant Count with Rates and Proportions (Nomis)
August 2004 August 2009
6665.5
6564.5
6463.5
6362.5
62
�1www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy
Active Businesses, Business Births and Business DeathsFigure 8: Businesses in 2007 – Percentages based on Stock of Active Businesses Stirling – Number Stirling - % Scotland - %
Business Births 395 11.9% 13.3%Business Deaths 250 7.5% 8.5%Stock of Active Businesses 3,315 - -
Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)
QualificationsFigure 11: % of the Working Age Population Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2008
Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0% o
f w
orki
ng a
ge p
opul
atio
n
Stirling
SVQ Level 4+
No qualifications
Scotland
EarningsFigure 13: Average Gross Weekly Earnings of people working full time �00� �00� �004 �005 �006 �007 �008 �00�-�008 % Change
Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling £425.9 £428.4 £419.7 £455.3 £472.1 £479.9 £493.2 15.8%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland £369.3 £381.8 £390.6 £409.8 £427.9 £440.9 £461.8 25.0%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling £376.4 £377.8 £390.1 £382.6 £419.3 £434.2 £452.8 20.3%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland £371.7 £381.3 £390.4 £408.6 £428.1 £441.5 £460.1 23.8%
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)
Industry
Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2007
Source: Annual Business
Inquiry (Nomis)
Employment by Industrial Sector, %
Occupational DistributionFigure 10: Occupational Distribution, Stirling, 2008
Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %
Source: Annual Population
Survey - Workplace Analysis
(Nomis)
Source: VAT Registrations and De-Registrations (Nomis)
Visitors to the Stirling AreaFigure 12: Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area
Visitors �007 �008
Argyll’s Lodging 50,573 28,470
Bannockburn Heritage Centre 61,410 40,925
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park 433,070 412,589
Mugdock Country Park 559,695 622,375
National Wallace Monument 135,000 117,466
Old Town Jail 30,719 27,045
Stirling Castle 389,011 375,344
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum 40,859 51,438
Source: Visit Scotland; Mugdock Country Park; Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park
Stirling Council Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000
email: [email protected] text: 0771 779 0001 web: stirling.gov.uk
Des
ign
by T
he W
rite
Peop
le, S
tirlin
g Te
l: 01
786
4450
22 w
ww
.thew
ritep
eopl
e.co
.uk
Service contactsBuilding Standards & Licensing, Stirling CouncilJoyce Wighton, Tel: 01786 442032, email: [email protected]
City Centre Management, Stirling CouncilAndy Kennedy, Tel: 01786 442534, email: [email protected]
Culture and Adult Learning, Stirling CouncilLynne Gibbons, Tel: 01786 432360, email: [email protected]
Economic Development & Tourism, Stirling CouncilTel: 01786 442467, email: [email protected]
Employability Service, Stirling CouncilGordon Wright, Tel: 01786 442866, email: [email protected]
Environmental Health & Trading Standards, Stirling CouncilLeslie Fisher, Tel: 01786 432180, email: [email protected]
Planning, Stirling CouncilPeter Morgan, Tel: 01786 442914, email: [email protected]
Rates Team, Stirling CouncilAlison McLean, Tel: 01786 443236, email: [email protected]
Waste Services, Stirling CouncilDavid Hopper, Tel: 01786 443038, email [email protected]
Forthcoming events/trainingFree Business Gateway training eventsOctober 200929th evening – Stirling – Advertising and Promotion.
November 2009
4th evening – Alloa – Women Into Business (Presenting &
Selling).
12th morning – Alloa – Advertising and Promotion.
17th evening – Falkirk – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.
26th evening – Falkirk – Mastering Selling Part 1.
30th evening – Falkirk – Mastering Selling Part 2.
30th evening – Stirling – Book Keeping – 1.
December 2009 1st evening – Stirling – Book Keeping – 2.
2nd morning – Stirling – Improve Your Search Engine Ranking.
2nd morning – Alloa – Get Real Results From Your Website.
2nd evening – Stirling – Women Into Business (Business
Planning).
9th afternoon – Alloa – Marketing Your Business.
January 201013th morning – Stirling – Trading Online.
19th all day – Alloa – Book Keeping 1 & 2.
28th evening – Falkirk – Customer Care.
To book your free place call 0845 609 6611 or check www.bgateway.com for up-to-date listings.
2009 Autumn Legal Workshop Series
McClure Naismith LLP in association with Stirling University Innovation
Park Ltd are running a number of free legal workshops for local
businesses:
l Tuesday 27th October – morning – Strategic partnering: Working
with agents and distributors.
l Tuesday 17th November – morning – Employee or not
employee?
l Tuesday 8th December – morning – Managing suppliers and
customers in a downturn.
To find out more and register, call 01786 448��� or visit
www.suip.co.uk
Each event will begin at 9.00am with coffee, registration and a
networking opportunity, with the workshop beginning at 9.30am.
The day will conclude at 12.15pm with a light buffet
lunch and a further opportunity to network.
At the end of each event, representatives
from McClure Naismith and the Innovation
Park will be available for 1:1 advisory
sessions between 1.00pm and 2.30pm.
Useful web linksBusiness Gateway – www.bgateway.com
Forth Valley College - www.forthvalley.ac.uk
Forth Valley Construction Forum - www.forthconstruction.co.uk
Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.uk
Funding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/funding
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park - www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
Lottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland
Property Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/property
Raploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.com
Scottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.uk
Scottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.uk
Scottish Government – www.scotland.gov.uk
Scottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.uk
Stirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/directory
Stirling Business Panel – www.stirling.gov.uk/businesspanel
Stirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/business
Stirling Enterprise (STEP) – www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk
Stirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
Stirling University Innovation Park – www.suip.co.uk
Trossachs Rural Mentoring Scheme – www.ruralmentoring.co.uk
University of Stirling – www.stir.ac.uk
VisitScotland – www.visitscotland.org
VisitStirling – www.visitstirling.org
Connect Scotland Investment ConferenceThe Connect Scotland Investment Conference is being held in Edinburgh on 5th November. This chargeable event promises to offer up to £45 million of funding to cutting edge technology businesses. Businesses with compelling investment propositions who are seeking growth finance are invited to come forward and pitch for between £500,000 to £3 million funding from investors at this one day event. For more information visitwww.connectscotland.co.uk