0845 77 7000 Autumn/Winter 009 Perth Bull Sales come to Stirling Inside this issue... Construction feature Interviews with Forth Construction, Ogilvie and Forth Plumbing & Electrical Services Stirling Enterprise update Stirling Enterprise provide an update on business activity Business Panel feature 2009 Annual Business Panel Survey underway Business space Expansion of Manor Business Park, new Business Space Strategy Business profile Database Design & Development (d3) Ltd
Stirling Eye is a quarterly round up of business news and key facts and figures on Stirling's economy.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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