Stirling Eye - Summer 2010

0��5 �� 000

Summer �010

Insidethis issue...

Food & drink industryInterviews with Stirling Farmers Market,

Nicky Tams and Scotbeef

Interview with local entrepreneur John Quinn

Business Panel featureSeptember Trade Fair, �00th Panel member

Business space developmentsLatest developments, including Evans Easy

Space and Manor Business Park

Business profileH&R Gray Haulage

Special feature on the Stirling Arcade

� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

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ContentsLocal business news 3

Business profile - H & R Gray Haulage 8

Opportunities to work with the University Career DevelopmentCentre 9

Strategies a go go … 9

30 second interview 9

Stirling Business Panel 10

Special feature - Stirling Arcade 12

Business space developments 14

Sector feature - Food & Drink 18

Business Mentoring Programme 20

Forth Valley Business DiversityAwards 2010 21

RACMSA Rally of Scotland 2010 21

Business Club Scotland 21

Interview with John Quinn, Senior Partner of Bluewater Scotland LLP 22

ASPIRE – helping employeesimprove skills 23

Stirling picks up Top EXPO Award 23

At your service - Roads andTransport 24

Bull sales success 26

Retailers Against Crime 26

Fit like 26

Touch Business Centre celebrates10 years of success 27

Forth Construction 27

Bringing life to Stirling’s street 27

LEADER update 28

Hollywood comes to Stirling 29

Economics facts 30

Diversification Funding TrainingEvent For Farmers 32

Help with training costs forbusinesses 32

Forthcoming events/training 32

Welcome

Our cover story this Summer is on the Stirling

Arcade. It is pleasing to note that investment in

the refurbishment of the Arcade is starting to pay

dividends for the owners with many new independent

retailers moving into the Arcade over the last year.

Continuing on the entrepreneurial theme, our interview this time is with

property developer John Quinn. Having sold his successful engineering supply

business, John has invested significant sums in the development of new

business space in the Stirling area. He is also actively engaged in Stirling

Enterprise, the organisation that assisted him when he first set up in business.

It is good to note in the local business news the amount of business activity

and new start-ups in the Stirling area. While the business case studies in

this edition note the impact of the recession, it is encouraging that they

have been able to diversify or find new clients and markets to sustain future

business activity.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage businesses to attend

the Trade Fair being held in September by the Stirling Business Panel.

50 businesses will be exhibiting at the Fair and there will be excellent

opportunities for networking.

Councillor Scott Farmer

Depute Leader of Council and Portfolio Holder for

Economy, Tourism and Finance.

Stirling Eye is compiled and produced by Stirling Council’s Economic Support & Tourism service.

If you have any interesting news with a business or economic focus, or would like to comment on this publication, please contact:

Joëlle Russell, Business Research & Intelligence ExecutiveEconomic Support & Tourism, Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET

Tel: 01786 442778 Email: [email protected]: www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Printed on recycled paper.

Focus on the local economy

Cover photo: Joan Colston from Lipstick and Jodie Hughes in the Stirling Arcade – please see pages 12-13 for feature on the Stirling Arcade. Photo taken by Caralin Montgomery-Cichy.

�www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Local business news

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Stirling Castleshuttlebus launchedThe Castle Shuttlebus is running over the summer months from Castleview Park & Ride to

Stirling Castle Esplanade.

The bus operates 09.10 – 17.15 Monday to Saturday, operating every 20 mins.

Adult £1 return, child 50p return, concession card holders free.

Bett Homes start a new phase at its Waterfront developmentBett Homes is challenging the

common perception that the housing

industry has stalled with the news

that it has already sold 89 apartments

at its Waterfront development at

Forthside, Stirling City centre.

Bett Homes’ Sales and Marketing Director,

Tricia Malek said: “The versatility of the mix

of one, two and three bedroom apartments

is very appealing to a wide range of city

dwellers and the development has now

moved on to a new phase. Prices and

incentives also remain attractive and there’s

no shortage of enthusiasm and interest as

the market starts to pick up momentum.”

Another local business, Guardian Systems

(Scotland) Ltd, is also pleased with the

latest phase of development after winning

the contract for the supply and installation

of windows. Garry Bowman, Sales Manager

said: “Having previously worked with Bett

on the prestigious Waterfront development,

we are confident our products

and services will be required

in future phases. Our local

factory and workforce make

us ideal for similar projects

in Central Scotland.”

www.betthomes.com

www.guardiansystems.co.uk

Big Wheelskeep onturning!Wheels Cycling Centre in Callander is

going from strength to strength. Late

last year it acquired Trossachs Cycles and at Easter this year it opened a new joint venture

with the SS Walter Scott Trust at Loch Katrine. With over 23 years experience, Wheels will

bring a new level of professionalism to ‘Katrinewheelz’.

The timing could not have been better as the new venture coincides with Scottsland 2010,

which celebrates the 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem, Lady of the Lake.

Mark Shimidzu of Wheels said: “We have an all new team at Loch Katrine and are looking forward

to offering a much higher quality service that is in keeping with this world class destination.”

Katrinewheelz is an important part of their development plans, which include a proposed new

facility at their existing Callander site as well as other possible hire centre locations.

www.wheelscyclingcentre.com

Launch of Katrinewheelz

www.surveymonkey.com/s/stirlingeye


Local business news

Nearly outof date?

Local entrepreneur Ray Conn has created

an online market place for retailers to

advertise their products that will soon go

out of date. Ray is hoping to cut down

the amount of food waste that ends up in

landfill sites all over the world.

Ray said: “Retailers will list their nearly

out-of-date products free of charge, while

customers will feel the benefit in their pocket

and it all helps to lessen the damage to our

environment and the impact of waste and

pollution on nature’s balance.”

Some 6.7 million tonnes of food are thrown

away every year in the UK, most of which is

still safe to eat. The average British family

spends some £3,500 a year on food and costs

are moving in an upward direction at a time

when wages are on the slide.

If you are a business who would like to list

your merchandise, you can register free of

charge on the website.

www.nearlyoutofdate.com

Making fitnessbusinessStirling mum of two Mandy Beer has made

it her business to get more children eating

healthily and keeping fit.

Mandy started the official Lazy Town Sports Club classes in Stirlingshire

in 2009 as part of the FitKid franchise. With strong demand for fun ways to keep children

active, Mandy now runs classes in Riverside, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Dollar, Alloa and four West Lothian leisure centres.

New classes started at Gleneagles hotel in May and the company now provides PE for all Little star nurseries and Bright Beginnings in Stirlingshire.

Mandy said: “I was quite unfit and unhealthy as a child and I was determined that my own children would find enjoyment in healthy eating and

exercise from an early age. I decided it would be good to set up the classes and I loved the idea of classes based on my children’s favourite TV

show LazyTown.”

“When I looked into it I discovered that I could start a franchise in the Stirlingshire area through FitKid and things have just taken off from there.”

www.fitkid.co.uk

DiD you know?

The building occupied by the Burgh Coffehouse once housed an agricultural museum owned by the Drummond family. The museum stocked agricultural and horticultural implements, produce, scientific curiosities and a large selection of Scottish tartans. The Drummonds also ran the Drummond Tract Depot next door, now occupied by Carters Toys. The family also paid for the Pyramid Star (also known as Salem Rock) in the Valley Cemetery, commemorating religious martyrs; and the statue of William Wallace on the Steeple at the top of King Street.

A caffeine hitTwenty-four year old David McDonald

recently opened Stirling’s newest

independent coffee shop, the Burgh

Coffeehouse.

David decided to open his own

coffeehouse after visiting coffee shops

where he felt that the quality of the

coffee didn’t live up to the price. He

has chosen his own custom blend of coffee for the Burgh

Coffeehouse and sources sandwiches and paninis from Get

Real, the same company that supplies Gleneagles Hotel.

Their homemade soup is made by three times Red Rosette

winning chef Gregor Powell.

The Burgh Coffeehouse brings back into use one of King

Street’s most iconic units. David, who made a significant

investment in the refurbishment of the property, said: “I made

the most of the economic situation, taking advantage of lower

property rents and building costs. Since opening in December,

business has been good with excellent feedback.”

www.burghcoffee.com

5www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Local business newsA new national brandfor NHSScotlandStirling business Vizibility was recently

commissioned to develop a national

brand and marketing initiative

to promote volunteering within

NHSScotland.

The new brand is being used on a

variety of marketing material, aimed at

highlighting the role volunteering can

play within NHSScotland. Commencing

in August, the campaign is being piloted

within four area health boards and is

targeted at people using or entering

major NHS outlets.

Vizibility’s Managing Director Scott

Dickson stated: “This is a new national

brand and it is another example of the

high level of creativity our Stirling team

can operate at. This campaign will be

highly visibile and has the opportunity

to make a real impact on the number

of people coming forward to volunteer

within the NHS.”

Vizibility is currently expanding into

larger premises within Stirling Business

Centre due to an increase in the level

of online work they produce as more

clients shift marketing budgets into

digital areas.

www.vizibilitydesign.co.uk

Local letting agency shortlistedfor national awardThe Stirling office of UK letting agency Martin & Co was a finalist at the Company’s ‘Local Market

Leader’ Annual Award. Only four offices out of over 175 made it to the finals.

Imtiaz Ahmed, Managing Director of the Stirling branch, said: “Being a finalist for this award is

a real honour and a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff. Such success

can only help our business further and give much needed confidence to our clients in this largely

unregulated industry in which the right choice of letting agency is of paramount importance.”

Martin & Co Chairman Richard Martin said: “Imtiaz instantly embraced everything that Martin &

Co stands for. Landlords and tenants alike clearly know where they stand and I have been really

impressed with the positive feedback I have received.”

www.martinco.com

Richard Martin, Chairman of Martin & Co UK

Ltd and Imtiaz Ahmed, Managing Director

of Martin & Co Stirling Ltd

Talking Mats wins national awardA University of Stirling venture that helps people to

communicate has won a prestigious UK award.

At the 2010 Advancing Healthcare Awards in London,

the Talking Mats resource was recognised for its outstanding

work in improving communication for people with aphasia.

Not only was this the sole award presented for speech and

language therapy work, but Talking Mats was the only Scottish project to be recognised in this way.

Devised in 1998 by Dr Joan Murphy, Talking Mats was used originally with adults with cerebral palsy,

but has since been developed to help people with a wide range of communication difficulties.

www.talkingmats.com

Highland upgradeThe four star Barceló Stirling Highland Hotel

has undergone an extensive makeover to

refurbish over half of its bedrooms.

A quarter of a million pounds has been invested

in the refurbishment of the hotel, located in the

former high school on Spittal Street, Stirling.

57 of its rooms were refurbished; complete

with new furniture, beds, upholstery, lights and

even state of the art LCD flat screen TVs. The

remaining 39 bedrooms, which were refurbished

earlier, have also had a light makeover to mirror

the hotel’s contemporary new look.

www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk


Local companycleans up!Aquaklenz Limited, providers of specialist

maintenance services to local authorities and

housing providers, has bucked the recession by doubling its staffing levels.

An increase in services that the company now offer and winning public sector

contracts for cleaning services, gum removal and bird control, has increased

their staffing from five to nine. The company is also looking to employ

students and part-time workers as part of their “on-call” service.

Pat Duffy, Director of Aquaklenz, said: “We are recruiting at the moment due

to the new pest bird control service we provide; basically we install spikes

or netting to curb the roosting of gulls or pigeons which are a real issue in

buildings with their waste having health issues.”

“We founded the company in 2003 and are delighted that, even through the

harshest of recessions, we have continued to grow.”

www.aquaklenz.com

Local business

Dairy strengthenslinks with University

The Graham family of Bridge of Allan based Graham’s the Family Dairy,

have gifted £30,000 to support the rebuilding of the University of

Stirling library.

The money will be used to create a dedicated reading room within the

archive section of the £11.7 million new library. The room will be called

‘The Robert and Jean Graham Reading Room’.

The donation and opportunity to put their family name to the reading room,

cements a 71-year relationship between Graham’s the Family Dairy and the

University. In the 1960s, the family gave up rented grazing land to allow

construction of University buildings and for over a decade, the family ran the

campus supermarket. They still own the adjacent Airthrey Kerse Farm.

Work on the new library is scheduled for completion in August this year.

www.grahamsfamilydairy.com www.stir.ac.uk

Over thecounter petproduct dangerStruthers & Scott, a veterinary practice in Doune recently held a

series of animal education talks, where they warned pet owners

of the dangers of buying certain treatments over the counter.

Struthers & Scott partner Colin Scott, said: “With over 60 per

cent of people buying their products over the counter, there is

a real lack of essential professional advice being given. We all

realise the benefit of that advice when administering drugs for

ourselves, so we should do the same for our pets.”

“Our practice, and many others, do not charge for advice and we

would prefer pet owners to get the correct information at the

outset rather than have to bring a sick animal in for treatment.”

Struthers & Scott animal education seminars have been taken

into livery yards and local schools. If you are interested in

attending or hosting one of these events please contact Stacy

Gamble on 01786 841304.

Disasterplanning awardDavid Teed, founder of Stirling based Teed Business Continuity

took the top award of Business Continuity Consultant of the

Year at the CIR Business Continuity Awards in May. Ruby Wax

presented the award at the ceremony in London.

David started Teed Business Continuity in 1999. Eleven years on,

Teed is a thriving consultancy with a strong team of experienced

professionals located at Laurelhill Business Park, Stirling.

Business continuity planning is fast becoming essential for

organisations who recognise the importance of ensuring

they can protect their business interests from the impacts of

unforeseen disruptions. By thinking ahead and understanding

their critical activities, organisations can develop appropriate

contingencies to mitigate against bad weather, power failure, IT

loss, fire, volcanic ash or worse.

David said: “It is an honour to have received this external recognition

of Teed’s achievements in the field of business continuity.”

www.teed.co.uk

Ruby Wax; David Teed, Director & Senior Consultant of Teed Business Continuity; and, Marc Beveridge, Chair of the Emergency Planning Society

(L to R) Ms Carol Graham; Dr Robert Graham; University Principal and Vice-

Chancellor, Professor Christine Hallet; Mrs Jean Graham and Mr Robert Graham.


Business welcome…

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 Joëlle Russell on

01786 442778 or email [email protected]

New and relocating businesses in the Stirling area include:

Local business news

New Stirlingdeli hits the martHartsmailing Hams is a new

delicatessen situated at the £15

million Stirling Agricultural Centre.

Owned and run by Paul and Carole

Richmond, the company stocks both

local and international foods and prides

itself on its range of quality products.

Before setting up the business, Paul

worked as a Procurement Director for a multinational company. The role

called for extensive worldwide travel and, with the arrival of two young

children, came the decision to turn a passion for food into a business.

Hartsmailing Hams has three elements to its business - a café, a deli

and a soon to open meat counter that will sell fresh meat from David

Bennett & Son family butcher in Dunblane.

While the business benefits from the trading surges that high profile

events such as Perth Bull Sales bring to the agricultural centre,

Hartsmailing Hams has seen turnover steadily increase month on month

as awareness of their presence has spread to the wider Stirling public.

Alison Kirk BridalA new bridal boutique in the

Stirling Arcade. The shop is an

expansion for Alison Kirk, who also

has a bridal boutique in Perth.

Tel: 01786 479996

www.alisonkirk.co.uk

Avenue LettingA new letting company located in

the Stirling Arcade, specialising in

letting domestic property.

Tel: 01786 430301

www.avenue-lettings.co.uk

Bannjaxx ComicsA comic book store in the Stirling

Arcade. Bannjaxx comics opened

in November 2009.

Tel: 01786 463699

www.bannjaxxcomics.com

Bluebell’s Baby WearA new independent retailer

specialising in baby wear. The

shop opened in the Stirling Arcade

in June. Tel: 01786 463841

DivinityDivinity is a new gift shop in the

Stirling Arcade specialising in

retail of unusual and unique gifts.

The shop opened in January.

Tel: 01786 478097

www.divinity.uk.com

Euronet TranslationsEuronet Translations is a

traditional translation company

with over 30 years experience.

The family run business recently

moved from Wales to Strathyre.

www.transeuronet.co.uk

Fat FaceFat Face, the active lifestyle clothing brand, opened in the Stirling

Thistle Centre in May. Fat Face specialise in quality clothing, footwear

and accessories for men, women and kids, who enjoy those everyday

adventures. www.fatface.com

Hartsmailing HamsA new delicatessens located at the Stirling Agricultural

Centre near Stirling. The business includes a café, deli and

soon to open meat counter. Tel: 01786 464747

Khushi’s Indian RestaurantA new Indian restaurant on

Upper Craigs, Stirling. The

restaurant is an expansion

for the Khushi family,

who have successfully

run Khushi’s in Edinburgh

since 1947. Khushi’s has

a unique bring your own

bottle policy without

corkage charge.

Tel: 01786 470999

www.khushis.com

Kiddie KoutureLuxury childrenswear

and accessories retailer

Kiddie Kouture recently moved from the Stirling

Arcade to a bigger premises in the Thistle Marches, Stirling.

Tel: 01786 473113

www.kiddiekouture.co.uk

LipstickLipstick is a new boutique

specialising in ladies fashion.

Lipstick is located in the Stirling

Arcade. Tel: 01786 446347

Morelands Insurance BrokerA new branch of general

insurance broker Morelands

located in the Stirling Arcade

in May. Morelands Insurance

Brokers specialise in business and

home insurance.

Tel: 01786 473469

www.morelandinsurance.co.uk

Printing MattersPrinting Matters specialises in design, marketing, print and distribution. The shop opened in the Stirling Arcade in April. Tel: 01786 472475 www.printingmatters2u.com

Shoe TreeA new shoe shop on Upper Craigs, Stirling specialising in retail of Rieker and Gabor shoes. The shop opened in May and also stocks handbags and accessories. Tel: 01786 469959 www.shop4rieker.co.uk

Top Class BarbersTop Class gents barbers opened on Port Street, Stirling in March. Top Class also specialise in authentic Turkish shaving. Tel: 01786 474664

WD Harley ArchitectsWD Harley Architects recently expanded into premises on Cross Street, Callander. The business specialises in the tourism sector, with a well established client base from hoteliers to B&B owners. www.wdharley.com

(L to R) Former Miss Scotland Katherine Brown, River City actress Pamela Byrne and weatherman Sean Batty at the opening of Khushi’s, Upper Craigs

Ruby Wax; David Teed, Director & Senior Consultant of Teed Business Continuity; and, Marc Beveridge, Chair of the Emergency Planning Society


www.hrgrayhaulage.com

DiD you know?

l HGV drivers can not exceed 90 hours driving per two week period.

lAn HGV vehicle or trailer has to be inspected and maintained to MOT standard every six weeks.

Business profile

45,000 litres of fuel per year. A 1p per

litre increase in the price of diesel has a

devastating effect on our costs. The cost

of fuel is a worry for the whole industry

with around 35-40 per cent of costs being

made up of fuel and another 30-35 per cent

comprising of wages.”

The futureThe Company is pleased to be getting the

volumes of work back. Jayne said: “We

have a very low turnover of staff and many

now have ten years plus service. Our key

aim is to provide job security for everyone

who works for us by exploring all new

opportunities that arise. We want to ensure

that we emerge from the recession focused

on the future. The health and strength of

the business going forward is paramount.”

Robin Gray said: “Many of our customers

are local to the Stirling area such as

the Scott Timber Group, Taylor Maxwell

Timber and Tradstocks and we have grown

alongside these businesses to provide a

customer focused quality of service and a

reliability over the years.”

“We have always taken pride in delivering

a high quality of customer service and this

has benefited us well with repeat custom

making up about 75 per cent of orders.”

H & R Gray Haulage

The companyH & R Gray Haulage is a family owned and run transport company currently located in Bandeath

Industrial Estate, Throsk. Robin Gray is from a third generation farming family based near

Thornhill, where his brother John still farms. The haulage business was originally based at the

farm; however as the haulage arm grew and diversified from the main farming enterprise in the

mid 1990s, more suitable premises were required to provide a higher profile and quicker links to

the main arterial motorway system.

We have always taken pride in delivering a high quality of customer

service and this has benefited us well with repeat custom making up about

75 per cent of orders.

The company has around 40 members of

staff including 24 drivers and 10 garage staff.

The HGV workshop not only services and

maintains its own fleet but has developed

alongside the transport side of the business

to provide safety inspections, servicing, MOT

preparation and repair facility for a number

of local customers.

The recessionJayne Gray said: “The haulage industry

was first to feel the impact and warning

of recession before the Government even

admitted there was a credit crunch. Our

customers were a lot quieter, but thankfully

we didn’t lose any. We had a major downturn

in haulage demand but we managed to

pick up a couple of new customers last year,

which meant that we did not have to pay off

any staff. On the bright side, since the turn of

the year, things have picked up and we are

starting to see our customers getting busier

again but 2010 will still be a very tough year.”

“Fuel prices continue to be a big concern.

On an annual basis a truck can travel approx

120,000 km and will burn in the region of

The fleetThe company is a general haulier with 24

HGV tractor units in a variety of marques.

The trailer fleet consists of flat-bodied

trailers, curtain siders, skeletal and low

loader trailers. They can move pretty much

everything from round logs, palletised

goods and stone, to containerised goods.

You may have noticed H & R Gray’s

distinctive black on silver liveried lorries on

roads around the Stirling area.

The company transports goods on a

national basis with in excess of 30 trips

over the border each week. Following the

re-opening of the Port of Rosyth to short

sea cargo the company has re-established

and continues to build good relations with

European customers.


30 second interview

Briarlands Farm: 01�� 1�0� www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk

Name: Joanne Inglis

Job title: Co-owner

Place of work: Briarlands Farm

Brief company description: A working farm and visitor attraction offering ‘A fun family day out in the fresh air!’

How do you get to work? Walk

Where is your favourite place to eat out? Why? The Portcullis, have been going here for years and always enjoy the food and surroundings.

What do you think the Stirling area could Couldn’t think of anything, it’s a wonderful place to live and work in!

most benefit from?

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is the best thing about doing business Location

in Stirling?

What do you think the biggest issue is for Seasonality

businesses in the Stirling area?

What is the biggest issue for your business? The weather!!

What is your favourite shop? Doune Antiques Centre

What is your greatest ambition? At present to build a new visitor centre for 2011 and continue to develop our business

for the future of our family.

Opportunities to work with the University

Stirling University’s Career Development Centre (CDC) is organising a Sport,

Tourism and Food & Drink Careers Fair on Thursday 14th October 2010. The

event is designed to help organisations within these sectors raise their profile

and promote positions and work experience opportunities to students at the

University. The event also gives students the opportunity to talk to potential

employers. Any local employers wishing to exhibit at the event should contact

the CDC for more information.

The CDC is also working on other projects to bring businesses and students

together. They are keen to work with local businesses to identify the skills

employers are looking for and also to promote paid vacation work to their

students, giving them specific experience on projects employers might not have

time to carry out otherwise. If you are a public or voluntary sector organisation,

you may also be interested in offering a 30-hour volunteering project as part of

the CDC’s accredited ‘Active Learning in the Community’ module.

The CDC also has an online vacancy system where local employers can

advertise any paid vacancies free of charge, from graduate vacancies to part-

time work (part of the University Job Shop).

For further information, please contact 01786 467070 or e-mail

[email protected]

www.careers.stir.ac.uk

Strategies a go go …New economic and business

space strategies have been

produced for the Stirling Council

area.

‘Open for Business’ – the Stirling

Economic Strategy for 2009-

2013 is based on principles of

sustainable growth, innovation

and enterprise, resilience and

economic opportunity. The strategy,

prepared by the Stirling Community Planning Partnership, is

supported by detailed implementation plans focused on:

Economic success

Business support

Skills development and access to jobs

Financial inclusion

The ‘Stirling Business Space Strategy and Appraisal’ reviews

the commercial property market and identifies future

business space requirements. The Business Space Strategy

will inform the Stirling Local Development Plan 2012-2032. A

key conclusion is that an additional 34 hectares of land needs

to be allocated for office development over the next 20 years.

Both strategies are available online at

www.stirling.gov.uk/strategies

Community confidence

Building for the future

10 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Scottish regional

finalist at the Enterprising

Britain awards

September Trade Fair – Tuesday 21st September - mark your diary now!

Stirling Business Panel was pleased to welcome its 600th member in June.

Designer Morag Meighan, owner of Comfort Zone Interior Designers in

Bridge of Allan registered online.

Formally trained in design, Morag started the business in 1997, with help from STEP training. Initially operating

from home while she built up the business, Morag was able to move to business premises in 2002.

Morag works with both corporate and domestic clients. One of her more prominent commissions was tendering

for and winning the contract to design and install a multifunctional Internet Zone in John Dewar and Sons world

headquarters building in Glasgow. Quite an achievement for a small local business!

Reflecting the current economic climate, Morag has given more time to the consultation part of her business, where she uses her professional

experience to provide advice to clients on how to fully utilise their existing space and fittings. Full commissions are still undertaken for a

variety of clients, but this flexibility of response has ensured that Comfort Zone has continued to flourish.

Tony Moulsdale, Chairman of the Stirling Business Panel, said: “Stirling Business Panel is delighted to welcome Morag as our latest member.”

www.comfort-zone-interiors.com

Morag makes the panel 600 strong!

The Stirling Development Agency is kindly

sponsoring the trade fair by providing the

venue, Strathallan House at Castle Business

Park. We are also pleased to announce

sponsorship of the event by Central FM and

the Stirling Observer.

A whole range of businesses will be

represented at the show, which will run

from 10 am until 4 pm on Tuesday 21st

September.

As well as the many exhibitors, the day will

provide a great opportunity to network and

develop new business contacts.

Tony Moulsdale, Chair of the Stirling Business

Panel and Managing Director of M.A.C.

Electrical & Heating Engineers, said: “There

was a clear need identified by the Panel

to provide an opportunity for members to

display their goods and services to the local

business community and this event is in

response.”

We have deliberately kept the exhibitor

costs low for two reasons: to make the event

accessible to all local businesses and in

acknowledgement of the current economic

conditions.”

This venue proved an ideal location when

we held our Funding & Innovation event last

year. I am sure that this year’s business-

to-business event will be an even bigger

success. Thanks to our sponsors, the day will

be promoted throughout the Forth Valley, and

will include some exhibitors from outside the

Stirling area.”

Entry to the Trade Fair is free for pre-registered

visitors. To register to attend, please visit the

‘Events’ section of the Business Panel website

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org or phone

01786 443172.

STIRLING BUSINESS PANEL

All 50 exhibitor stands for the Stirling Business Panel Trade

Fair have been snapped up.


Not already a Business Panel member? Please contact Bill Fortune (Business Partnership

Executive – Stirling Council) on 01�� 1��,

email [email protected] or join online at

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

BUSINESS PANEL WEBSITE Don’t forget to take advantage of the Stirling Business Panel website by reporting any news,

awards or expansion plans - www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

The site receives regular hits, if you are a local business take advantage of this and get your

business some coverage. All we ask is that you give us business news and not an advert.

Update on the ‘Have Your Say’ event It took some time to collate the many action points raised

in the lively workshop we held at the Double Tree by Hilton

Dunblane Hydro back in March.

Business Panel members contributed to developing actions to address

the four main themes under debate that day. They were:

Business Support Training & Skills/recruitment

Business Space City Centre Revitalisation

On the day, Dr John Rogers of the University of Stirling and Chair of the

Stirling Economic Partnership, promised to raise these points at the

next meeting of the Economic Partnership. The Economic Partnership

is key to developing the Economic Strategy for Stirling and for

developing the Action Plans that will help to deliver the strategy.

Panel members are now actively engaged in the ‘Business Support’

working group for the Economic Strategy, which has been tasked with

developing an Action Plan to deliver business support objectives. The

Business Panel members on the group will seek to integrate some of

the action points suggested at the Dunblane Hydro meeting.

In addition, a steering group is being formed to look specifically

at City Centre Re-generation and the Business Panel will be well

represented, with four members of the Executive Group participating.

This group too will look to integrate some of the many suggestions

made at the ‘Have Your Say’ workshop.

We hope that by the next edition, we will be able to report how

some of the actions suggested by Panel members are being

incorporated into the main Action Plans for the Economic Strategy.

Not every suggestion will be practical or

affordable. We are confident that by being

represented in the groups developing

the detail of the main Action Plans, Panel

members can contribute, wherever that is

possible.

We will keep Panel members up to date as

this matter is progressed.

MEMBER PROFILEJane Steel of Dataspace Scotland

In this issue, we profile

Business Panel Executive

Member Jane Steel of

Dataspace Scotland.

Jane started her career as an

electronic engineer in the semi

conductor industry working for

major international companies

like Motorola and National

Semiconductor, travelling all over the world in the course of her work.

With family came new priorities and after a spell with Scottish

Enterprise attracting inward investment in the electronics

industry, Jane joined the Virtual Component Exchange (VCX),

helping to develop this important online facility for the global

electronics industry.

Jane joined Dataspace Scotland in 2002 when the business

was almost exclusively involved in electronic data back up and

recovery. Since then, the business has expanded its operations

into secure document storage and has partner facilities in

Cheshire, Oxford and the Netherlands.

Jane believes that her business development skills and overall

company focus on customer service are the key to this continued

expansion.

Jane said: “Dataspace are active in the local community, and

sponsor various clubs in the area (Stirling Rowing Club & Stirling

County Rugby Club). We joined the Business Panel and specifically

the Executive Group in order that we can, by actively contributing

to discussion with other businesses and Stirling Council, help drive

the growth of Stirling as a business community and to help make

Stirling and the surrounding area a better place to live and work.”

www.dataspacescotland.co.uk

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

1� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Special feature Stirling Arcade Stirling Arcade Special feature

Christine Maciver, Stirling Arcade ManagerChristine Maciver joined the Stirling Arcade

as Manager in September last year. Her key

objectives are to attract new tenants and

increase footfall, following the extensive

refurbishment of the interior of the Arcade carried out in 2008.

Christine said: “I am delighted to be working in the Stirling Arcade, it provides such a lovely

atmosphere. It is my pleasure to continue to develop the Stirling Arcade as a destination to come and

relax – shopping as it should be!”

“Since September, we have welcomed ten new tenants and increased occupancy of the

retail units to 95 per cent. Businesses are predominantly local independent retailers

– recent tenants include Printing Matters, Alison Kirk Bridal, gift shop Divinity, babywear

shop Bluebell, licensed café Full Stop and Morelands Insurance Brokers.”

“We are looking at ways of increasing footfall from the current average level of 1,500 per

day. In March we introduced a farmers market in the Arcade and now host one every

second and fourth Friday of the month – the market is already boosting the number

of people passing through. All goods sold at the market are sourced from businesses

within a 50 mile radius of Stirling.”

Celebrations will begin next year for the 130th anniversary of the Stirling Arcade and

Christine is looking at a programme of events to attract visitors, including a historical

exhibition engaging with the Smith Art Gallery.

Next on the agenda is work to brighten up the entrances to the Arcade. Options

are also being considered to bring the Alhambra Theatre back into use, possibly as

working or learning space.

Christine is currently promoting a number of upper floor office units that the Arcade’s

owners would like to bring back into use, with lease opportunities for office units ranging

between 500 and 2,100 sq ft. If you would like to find out more about the office units,

please contact Christine on 01786 450719 or [email protected]

www.stirlingarcade.com

Stirling Arcade tenants:

Alison Kirk - specialist bridal wear

Andy Simpson Music - musical instruments

Avenue Lettings - letting agents

A Wee Sweetie and All the Best… - confectionery and chocolates

Balaclava Club - The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Social Club

Bannjaxx Comics - comic store

Beauty at Ebu - beauticians

Betti Loves It & Betti Loves Shoes - fashion boutique

Bluebell - babywear and accessories

Connie’s Closet - ladies fashion boutique

Cornish Pasty Bakery - hot & cold food

takeaway

Divinity - niche gifts and complementary

therapies

Full Stop - licensed café

Furnish - furniture store

Homes for You - estate agency

Lazybeez Toning Clubs - ladies toning club

and gym

Lipstick - fashion boutique

Morelands Insurance Brokers

Pretambeau - hairdressers/beauticians

Printing Matters - design, marketing, print & distribution

Silver Gems - jewellery

Stirling Albion Supporters Trust - campaign shop

Stirling Council – Youth Services: Information Station

The Personal Touch - specialist lingerie

The Stirling Arcade

was recently

renovated and has

been successful in

attracting a number

of new tenants over

the last year. Stirling

Eye caught up with

Stirling Arcade

Manager Christine

Maciver and a number

of Arcade businesses

to find out more…

1�www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Special feature Stirling Arcade Stirling Arcade Special feature

Alison Kirk BridalAlison Kirk Bridal is one of the Stirling

Arcade’s newest tenants. The business

was launched with a fashion show at the

end of May.

Alison Kirk opened her first bridal shop in

Perth in 2008, after she identified a gap

in the market for a small friendly designer

bridal business. Following success of the

business in Perth, Alison decided to take

the same model to Stirling.

Alison said: “I was looking to expand

the business and thought Stirling would

be perfect for the business model. We

are highly focused on customer service,

making the whole experience of choosing

a dress fun and unique.”

“When an opportunity became available

within the Stirling Arcade I thought it was

the perfect location for an independent

bridal shop, providing a welcoming, fun

and exciting experience.”

Lesley, Manager and Co-owner

commented: “I am really impressed

with the direction the Arcade is going.

The quality shops compliment our own

– customers can enjoy a coffee at Full Stop

and look for mother-of-the-bride outfits in

Connie’s Closet or wedding outfits in Betti

Loves It and Lipstick.”

Alison Kirk Bridal stocks designer

wedding dresses by Christina Rossi,

Justine Alexander, Ella and Alfred Sung.

Bridesmaid dresses are by Forever Yours.

www.alisonkirk.co.uk

Andy Simpson MusicAndy Simpson Music is the Stirling Arcade’s

longest serving tenant. Andy Simpson

was a music teacher and manager of a

music shop in Edinburgh before opening

his own business in the Arcade in 1994.

Andy combines teaching with the retail of

musical instruments - customers receive

free lessons with every keyboard sold.

Being a specialist shop, most custom

comes through word of mouth and a

strong customer base has been established

over the years. Andy puts this down to the

high level of customer service delivered.

Andy said: “We like to move with the

times, always stocking the most up-to-date

instruments. For example, we now have

Yamaha’s new range of digital pianos in

store, starting from less than £600.”

With regard to the recent improvements

to the Stirling Arcade, Andy said: “The

refurbishment of the Arcade is fantastic

– many people coming into our shop have

remarked on it.”

“We are glad to do our part in developing

the ambience – we currently provide the

piano for the pianist who plays in the

Arcade at lunch times on Saturdays.”

Andy Simpson Music – 01786 449555

www.homeworld.yamaha-europe.com

Stirling Eye caught up with three independent businesses within the Stirling Arcade…

Betti Loves itSisters Connie and

Nichola Moore opened

fashion boutique Betti

Loves It in the Stirling

Arcade three years ago.

The shop provides a range of affordable fashion

from all over the globe, including designs by

Lipsy, Motel, Mina, MaxC and ARYN.K.

Connie Moore said: “I love fashion and

studied marketing and fashion at Glasgow

Caledonian University. I’m from Kippen and

used to find it quite difficult to get something

a bit different when going out at weekends. I

identified a niche market in Stirling and knew

a fashion boutique was something that would

go down well with locals and students alike.”

“I found out about an opportunity in the

Stirling Arcade and though this was before

the refurbishment, I was excited about the

plans and decided to go for it, in partnership

with my sister.”

“We went down to Pure at Olympia in

London, a big fashion event and picked out

our stock – every girls dream!”

“The refurbishment of the Stirling Arcade is

absolutely stunning! Shoppers are pleasantly

surprised by the changes and I’ve really noticed

an increase in footfall over the last year.”

Betti Loves It - 01786 451256www.bettilovesit.com

Alison Kirk with Lesley Dow, Co-owner of Alison Kirk Bridal, Stirling Arcade

DiD you know?

Andy Simpson Music Shop is one of only two Yamaha Homeworld centres in Scotland.

DiD you know?

Connie and Nichola Moore’s mum Patricia Jackson recently opened ladies fashion boutique Connie’s Closet in the Stirling Arcade with business partner Shona Snowie. Picking the name of the shop was easy, both Patricia and Shona have daughters called Connie!


Business space developments

Office

The latest office availability figures from Scottish Property Network (31st March 2010) confirm that Stirling’s office availability

rate of 14.6 per cent remains well below that of the Scottish rate of 18.2 per cent.

Laurelhill Business ParkDemand for good quality office space

continues with significant lettings

including space being taken up

towards the end of last year at Kings

Park House, Laurelhill Business Park,

Stirling. The Civil Aviation Authority

(CAA) and Expro North Sea Ltd each

took up 350 sq m (3,772 sq ft).

Interestingly, the office space had been refurbished to meet current

occupier standards and joint letting agent Iain Taylor of Ryden said:

“The recent letting activity at Kings Park House shows that there is

occupier demand for good quality office accommodation in Stirling,

despite the tough economic climate. We have also recently let 116

sq m (1,250 sq ft) within nearby Hillside House to the Waste and

Resources Action Programme (WRAP) who have expanded their

operations on-site, leaving only 176 sq m (1,896 sq ft) within Kings

Park House.”

Ryden and Jones Lang LaSalle act on behalf of the landlord at Kings

Park House. Ryden also act on behalf of the landlord at the adjacent

Hillside House and further information on opportunities can be

obtained from Iain Taylor of Ryden on

0131 225 6612, email

[email protected] .

There are also serviced office

opportunities at Laurelhill Business Park

within Springfield House, which includes

sub-division of a large office into a

number of smaller suites. Further details

can be obtained from Angela Ogilvie of

Ceteris on 01259 721454.

Stirling Agricultural CentreSundolitt Ltd and the Highland Cattle Society took up 200 sq m

(2,161 sq ft) of office space within Stirling Agricultural Centre

last year. There are still new office and retail space opportunities

for businesses associated with the agricultural industry. For

more information please contact Ewan Mackay of SGM Property

on 0141 285 7940, email [email protected] or Nicola

Cameron of Elphinstone Holdings Ltd on 0141 620 3000, email

[email protected] .

Wallace HouseWallace House provides modern office

accommodation in the centre of Stirling. Forth

Housing Association recently took up 263 sq m (2,837 sq ft) of

space, but there is still up to 174 sq m (1,879 sq ft) remaining.

Tenant case study:Forth Housing AssociationLocation: Wallace House

Type of Accommodation: Flexible modern office

space in Maxwell Place, Stirling city centre. Attractive lease

terms available.

Recent Occupier: Forth Housing Association – a not-for-

profit local housing provider and registered social landlord.

Established in 1988 Forth Housing Association manage 620

houses and flats for rent and shared ownership in the Stirling

area and currently employ 11 full time and 2 part time staff.

Why locate at Wallace House?John Cameron, Forth Housing Association, explained: “We

had been searching for suitable space in the city centre for

a considerable time when we noted that Wallace House had

recently been refurbished in an article in Stirling Eye. We

approached the joint agents and were able to secure an office

suite that met our requirements.”

“The suite’s immediate availability, recent refurbishment

and excellent location are key to meeting Forth Housing

Association’s medium term space requirements in the city.”

For further information on remaining space within Wallace

House please contact Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald

on 01786 463111, email [email protected] or Kate Byrne of

Savills on 0131 247 3821, email [email protected] .


Looking for commercial property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property

Castle Business Park232 sq m (2,500 sq ft) of space within

Lomond Court, Castle Business Park, Stirling

was recently secured by GVA Grimley on

behalf of Southerncross Healthcare on

competitive lease terms.

More information on current opportunities at

Castle Business Park can be obtained from

joint agents Mike Irvine of Montagu Evans

on 0131 229 3800, email mike.Irvine@

montagu-evans.co.uk or Craig Watson of

Jones Lang Lasalle on 0131 225 8344, email

[email protected] .

Forsyth Business Centre provides serviced

office accommodation and is also located

within Lomond Court, Castle Business Park.

More information on current opportunities

at Forsyth Business Centre can be obtained

from Shirley-Ann O’Hare of Forsyth Business

Centre on 01786 431700.

IndustrialIndustrial availability figures from Scottish Property Network (31st March 2010)

highlight that Stirling’s industrial availability rate of 6.3 per cent is lower than

the Scottish rate of 13.0 per cent.

Springkerse Industrial EstateA new build development by Muddy Fields LLP at Munro Road has its first occupier – FES

has taken 376 sq m (4,050 sq ft) for their developing operations. More announcements are

expected soon, according to agent Sandy Falconer of J&E Shepherd. Sandy also confirmed

that the yard at 17 Springkerse Road, Springkerse reported in the last edition of Stirling Eye

has now been sold for owner occupational storage purposes.

Further information on remaining space within the Munro Road development can be

obtained from Sandy Falconer of J&E Shepherd on 01786 450438, email sandy.falconer@

shepherd.co.uk or John Quinn on 07876 658980, email [email protected] .

Elsewhere in Springkerse Dial-a-Journey has purchased 867 sq m (9,334 sq ft) in Munro

Road, for their door-to-door transport service for people with mobility issues, and the last

unit in Springkerse Trade Park is under offer.

Business centre case study: Evans Business CentreEvans Easyspace was

established in February

2000. Since then, Evans

Easyspace has built a

network of 54 business

centres throughout the UK, including Evans Business Centre in

Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling. The company aims to

provide affordable flexible office and workshop space tailored specifically to the needs of

small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and business start ups.

Stirling Eye caught up with Sally Cassidy, Regional Manager of Evans Easyspace to find

out more about the Business Centre…

What type of space does Evans Business Centre offer?“The Centre provides small flexible office space for SMEs and business starts from

21 sq m (230 sq ft) to 74 sq m (800 sq ft).”

How are occupancy levels holding up?“The occupancy level is currently 80 per cent, over ten per cent higher than last year. In

June, occupancy levels were at the highest since we opened our doors for business in

Stirling four years ago.”

“I think the high level of demand for space in the Centre is as a direct result of offering

value for money, good standard of accommodation, comprehensive support services and

‘easy in, easy out agreements’ meeting business requirements.”

“Providing a quick turnaround is important – a recent enquirer viewed office

accommodation in the morning,

completed the agreement and moved

in that afternoon!”

Further details on opportunities

at Evans Business Centre can be

obtained from Sally Cassidy on

07919 186 892, email

[email protected] .

Sally Cassidy,Evans Easyspace


Business space developments

Murchison Park, Doune

There are showrooms with workshop and

retail opportunities at Murchison Park, near

Doune. A lease opportunity exists for a car

sales operation as well as a filling station

with store for lease as a going concern.

For further details on these potential

opportunities please contact Murdo Murchison

at Murchison Park on 01786 842222, email

[email protected] .

The Thistles Shopping CentreThe Thistles in Stirling recently benefited

from space being taken up by clothes

retailer, Fat Face. A lease has also been

agreed with a leading international clothing

company on the former Woolworth’s unit

extending to some 2,275 sq m (24,492 sq

ft), providing further evidence of activity in

the retail property market place.

LeisureStirling’s leisure offer is showing signs of

improvement with the opening of restaurants

Coq Au Vin in Baker Street, Kushi’s in Upper

Craigs as well as refurbishment of the Spice

Garden in Allan Park.

Industrial continued

Phase

one of the

expansion

programme

to Manor

Farm Business Park, Blairlogie, Stirling is

now complete providing a range of high

quality, modern industrial units of 116 sq

m (1,250 sq ft) and 232 sq m (2,500 sq

ft), as well as two units of up to 325 sq m

(3,500 sq ft).

The new accommodation provides

flexibility to meet the requirements

of small to medium sized businesses

looking for high quality premises in

a convenient and attractive location.

Features include electrically operated

up and over insulated doors, high load

bearing floors, six metre eaves height and

generous office and staff facilities in each

unit. The additional space also provides

expansion potential for existing occupiers

who wish to grow their business without

undertaking a major relocation.

The construction of a new children’s

nursery will serve the business park and

surrounding areas.

Graham Moore of Glendale Plc, an existing

tenant, said: “We undertake long-term

contracts for grounds maintenance and

carry out our work with a particular regard

for the environment. The ‘green’ location

of Manor Business Park suits our company

profile and as we work throughout Central

Scotland, the good road links have proved

particularly useful for ourselves and our

suppliers.”

Graham added: “This year Scotland

experienced the worst snow and ice for

thirty years and we found that roads in

this area escaped the worst of it, allowing

us to get through to other areas where

our snow clearing and gritting services

were required.”

The man behind the expansion, Mr Tom

Cox, himself a successful entrepreneur,

commented:

“The completion of Phase One of the

development marks the start of a

significant investment programme and

gives Stirling some of the highest quality

business premises in Scotland.”

“In addition to the new buildings I

have invested over a million pounds in

infrastructure which I believe clearly sets

out my ambition and vision for the future

expansion of this business park. Our

initial marketing has already successfully

attracted and relocated two new English

based internet businesses to the park and

despite the recent recession I am very

encouraged by the level of enquiries from

local and new start companies looking for

this type of business environment.”

Manor Farm Business Park offers flexible

and affordable lease terms, on site

parking and panoramic views of Stirling’s

countryside and landmarks, yet is only

five minutes from the city centre.

For further information on

accommodation, and incentives available,

please contact the sole letting agents

Ross & Liddell on 0141 204 7355 or

email [email protected] .

Manor Farm Business Park

Retail and leisure

Retail availability figures from

Scottish Property Network (31st

March 2010) highlight that Stirling’s

retail availability rate of 13.2 per cent

remains lower than the Scottish rate of

15.7 per cent.


Looking for commercial property? Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/property

Planning applications updateThe following planning applications with a significant business focus have been submitted

to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling Eye (Spring 2010) and are still being

considered, pending a decision:

l An application by Stirling Council Waste Services for erection of a waste management

centre and office block (255 sq m approx. floorspace) 200 m west of Polmaise

Recycling Centre, Fallin.

l An application by Joanne & John Inglis for erection of a visitor centre (520 sq m

approx. floorspace) at Briarlands, Blairdrummond.

The following planning applications have been approved:

l An application by Cameron Developments (Scotland) Limited for a new retail unit (360

sq m) on land at 19 Kerse Road, Stirling.

l An application by Graham’s Dairies for erection of a steel framed storage building,

steel framed extension to existing building and two additional parking spaces (995 sq

m of new floorspace) at Airthrey Kerse Dairy Farm, Bridge of Allan.

l An application by Scotbeef Meat Packers Ltd for extension to chills and replacement of

cooling plant (600 sq m approx. extra) at Longley’s Farm, Carse of Lecropt Road.

Planning applications correct at June �010. Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule

Local Development Plan – get involvedThe process of creating and adopting a

new Local Development Plan for Stirling is

well under way, with the Council having

published its Main Issues Report in May. The

Main Issues Report is a discussion document which sets out options for future land use and

development across the wider Stirling area and is a precursor to the Proposed Plan to be

published in May 2011.

After initial consultation with communities, landowners, individuals, key agencies,

Council service providers and external agencies, the Main Issues Report was agreed at a

Special Council Meeting on the 22nd April. As Stirling Eye went to print, the Council was

undertaking further consultation with anyone who has an interest in land in the area. A

series of Summer Roadshows were held around key settlements, providing information and

answering questions.

The Proposed Local Development Plan will be published for consultation next year, when

there will be a further opportunity for the public and businesses to comment on it. It is

intended that the Plan will be formally adopted in December 2012 and this document will

contain a detailed strategy for development for the first 5-10 years and guiding principles

for the following 10 years, up to 2032. All of the information relating to this process can be

found on the Council’s website at the address below. Any questions can also be submitted

to the Planning and Policy team on 01786 443071.

www.stirling.gov.uk/localdevplan

Forthbank Performance Sport CentreForthbank Performance Sport Centre

includes a new development by Active

Stirling comprising five conference suites

ideal for business meetings, educational

courses and team building events. The

suites were recently renovated throughout

and are kitted out with an array of state of

the art IT and AV equipment, including 50

inch LCD screens, an interactive white board,

wifi and video conferencing. The Forthbank

Performance Sport Centre also has free car

parking and excellent sporting facilities.

For more details please contact Katherine

Macgregor, Conference and Events Co-

ordinator, on 01786 448308, email meet@

activestirling.org.uk .

www.activestirling.org.uk

Planning

DiD you know?

Forthbank Performance Sport Centre plans to make the most of the increasing importance of sport due to the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by hosting sporting teams over the coming years, providing them with International outdoor pitches and a private strength and conditioning gym.


Sector feature Food & DrinkThe Scottish food and drink industry is worth

nearly £10 billion a year, with £7.5 billion

generated by processing companies and

their supply chain and the remainder from

agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.

There are many local food and drink

businesses that are passionate about the

idea of using Scottish

products and selling quality

produce to local people.

Stirling’s range of food

and drink businesses

includes shortbread

manufacturers, quality

beef providers, fine

dining, gastro-pubs,

food processors,

manufacturers of

catering equipment

and more. The

University of Stirling is a world

leader in aquaculture research and Forth

Valley College’s new Stirling Campus will

include a hospitality training facility to ensure

the future supply of quality staff for the

service side of the industry.

Scotland Food & Drink – www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org

Scotland Food

& Drink, a

Government

supported

not-for-profit

organisation,

has produced

a guide

for small

and medium sized food and drink

businesses to help them win public contracts.

Scotland Food & Drink also has a strategy

for the food and drink industry which

identifys a £2.5 billion growth opportunity.

Both the guide and strategy are available

from the website

www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org


Hilary and Bernard farm at Mid Torrie

near Callander and breed pedigree

Highland cattle. Bernard also manages

the Stirling Farmers Market on a

voluntary basis.

What is the Stirling Farmers Market?The Stirling Farmers Market sells fresh

local produce on the second Saturday of

each month in Port Street, Stirling City

centre.

Up to 25 stalls offer a wide range

of quality produce including organic

vegetables, Highland beef and other

red meats such as venison and game,

cheese, fish, jams and home-baking

including gluten-free foods, country

wines and natural berry drinks plus a

small selection of craft stalls.

What are the advantages of the Market?Started ten years ago, local producers

are able to add value to their products

by selling direct to the public. Several

new food businesses have developed

from these small beginnings, to the

benefit of the local economy and rural

areas in particular. For shoppers, the

market offers a friendly atmosphere in

which to buy fresh quality produce and

Interview with Hilary and Bernard Barkerwww.barkershighlandbeef.co.uk

Hilary and Bernard Barker with one of their Highland cows

often unusual foods, and the opportunity

to talk to stall holders and farmers about

how and where the food is grown or

produced.

On a like-for-like basis, prices are

comparable to goods available in

supermarkets or even less. Shoppers also

receive a high level of customer service

and can ask traders for recipes and advice

on preparation. At the same time the

traders value the direct feedback from

their customers, which helps with product

development and future sales.

All traders are vetted to ensure they meet

the rigorous standards set by the market

and to ensure the authenticity of their

produce. Obviously compliance with food

safety regulations and trading standards is

obligatory.

Plans for the future?There are plans to expand the frequency

and scope of the market so that the range

of products on offer can be increased still

further.

For information on selling local produce

at the Stirling Farmers Market, please

contact Mrs Pat Wilson on 01877 330151,


www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk


Food & Drink Sector feature

William Paterson, Nicky Tams Bar & BothyWilliam Paterson owns Nicky Tams

Bar & Bothy, located on Baker Street,

Stirling City centre.

French BarracksStirling Community Planning Partnership is currently considering an

outline business case to develop the French Barracks in Stirling’s

Forthside into a regional Food, Drinks and Creative Industries Hub.

The case includes proposals to develop the 19th century French Barracks

building to include:

A permanent shop, showcasing local produce.

A training café, offering training, employment and education opportunities.

Covered farmers’ market facilities.

Outdoor farmers market and event space.

Events and exhibition space.

The project is still in development, however, if you would like to find out

more about the plans being put forward for the French Barracks, please

contact Andy Kennedy (City Centre Initiatives Manager, Stirling Council)

on 01786 442534 or email [email protected] .

Suzie England, Head of Agricultural Livestock Liaison, Scotbeef LimitedScotbeef Limited is a wholly owned

subsidiary of J W Galloway Limited, a

privately owned company established in

the 1920s and still run by the Galloway

family. Originally a retail butchery

company with 54 retail shops throughout

the central belt of Scotland, Scotbeef

re-assessed its strategy by 1980 to focus on slaughtering and

processing cattle and lamb. Today Scotbeef has four sites which

supply major customers in the UK and Europe, including a state

of the art slaughtering facility in Bridge of Allan.

Suzie said: “Scotbeef specialise in developing, marketing and

exporting quality fresh meat products. We have over 1,000

producers in Scotland that we source our beef and lamb from,

with one third of them based in and around the Stirlingshire/

Perthshire area.”

“Our annual turnover is £190 million and we have over 620

employees located throughout our sites.”

Can you tell us more about your products and customers?

“We supply high quality beef and lamb to major high street

retailers, some of the largest UK manufacturers and the

restaurant and hospitality sectors. Local customers include the

Lion & Unicorn, Thornhill and MacDonald’s Hotels.”

“Our products range from ready to cook meats to fresh beef

and lamb. We supply 11 European countries with Scotch beef

and lamb on a weekly basis.”

What about the recession?

“We have had to become more competitive on some aspects,

but overall our business has continued to grow year on year.

We have seen a large increase in demand for low value

products in both the UK and on the Continent.”

And the future?

“Our future is very optimistic, and we are currently expanding

our production and chilling facilities at our Bridge of Allan

site. Our future depends on our innovations, and at present

we are involved with Quality Meat Scotland, and the Scottish

Government in a project looking at future technology to

improve and assess eating quality.”

Suzie England

William said:

“On the food side of things, our

focus is quality homemade food

prepared on the premises using local

produce. Our chips are freshly cut,

soup homemade and meat locally

sourced. Our vegetarian meals are

of a high standard – my vegetarian

wife has made sure of that!”

“Our customers include locals,

students and passing trade to the

castle. There is a high demand for

local produce from tourists.”

Can you tell us more about sourcing your produce?

“As I worked as a livestock

auctioneer for United Auctions in

Stirling for 14 years, I know only too

well the importance of supporting

our local farmers.”

“We source most of our meat from

Gray’s butchers on Port Street,

Stirling, who buy in their lamb and

beef from Stirling’s two auction

markets. In the prime seasons, we

source fruit from Briarlands Farm,

Blairdrummond and vegetables

come from Forsyths, Coatbridge.

We source our fish, chicken and

haggis from Campbells Prime

Meat, near Linlithgow.”

“We always try to use local

businesses where possible, such as

Cariel in Dunblane for soft drinks.”

What about the recession?

“We’ve had to innovate and work

extra hard to market the business,

handing out flyers and sending

Facebook promotions. We even

introduced a heavy metal night on

a Tuesday and this is now one of

our busiest nights.”

And the Future?

“I hope the Government brings

in policy to increase minimum

alcohol prices, bringing more

people back into pubs.”


�0 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Briarlands Farm, BlairdrummondThe Inglis Family diversified

the family farm five years

ago into a Visitor Attraction

offering ‘A fun family day

out in the fresh air’.

How did you first hear about Business Mentoring?Joanne Inglis, Co-owner, said: “I met Alistair Johnston at a Stirling

Business Panel event back in March 2009 where he explained

about the project.”

What was involved?“After an initial meeting with Alistair to find out more about

our business, he matched us up with Colin Smith from Glamis

Consultants as our business mentor. We then started meeting on a

monthly basis to discuss various issues.”

How has mentoring helped your business?“Mentoring has been a tremendous help as it coincided with a

period of change for the business. Our new attraction proved very

popular and we were at tipping point regarding infrastructure and

we had to decide how best to restructure the business to move

forward. Colin helped a great

deal by being a great listener and

someone we could bounce our

ideas off. He would try to see any

difficulties from two sides.”

www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk

Fiona Barratt,Your LaunchpadStirling based Fiona Barratt is a

Personal Coach and founder of

Your Launchpad. She works with

corporate organisations,

public bodies and individuals

to improve performance

and deliver effective and

sustainable results.

How did you first hear about Business Mentoring?“I was lucky to meet Alistair Johnston from Business Mentoring at

a networking event.”

What was involved?“I had a meeting with Alistair to assess my needs and discuss

the type of mentor I would like. I was quickly matched with my

mentor who I met on a monthly to two monthly basis.”

How has mentoring helped your business?“Mentoring has provided the opportunity to speak to people

who have been there and done it, who are established and have

achieved. It was great having an outside perspective, sometimes

what they said was not what I wanted to hear, but it was what I

needed to hear at that time, I really appreciated it.”

“In a nutshell, mentoring has significantly reduced the time it

has taken me to get where I am, I feel like it has accelerated my

growth and reduced the potential pitfalls I may have faced.”

www.yourlaunchpad.co.uk

Business Mentoring ProgrammeGrowing a successful business is difficult at the best of times and you will often

find you need a wide range of skills and experience. It can bring new challenges

from staffing, or where to get hold of new capital through to managing cashflow, or finding new markets.

That’s where the Business Mentoring Programme comes in, matching people with experienced businessmen and women. The mentors have a

genuine desire to make a difference to the business – they volunteer their time and are committed to sharing their skills, knowledge, experience

and contacts. An experienced mentor can help you boost profitability, enter new markets, launch new products and improve customer service.

Business mentors can help you stand back from your business and look at the ‘big picture’, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats. They can offer helpful advice, caution against potential pitfalls and build your confidence in your own abilities.

Mentors will meet with you to work on specific objectives and activities, but just as importantly, will also be only a phone call away to lend

support or talk things through.

The Business Mentoring Programme is free, but your business turnover needs to be in excess of the VAT threshold. To find out more, please

contact Alistair Johnston on 01698 426882 or email [email protected]

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and is supported by European Funding.

Business Mentoring case studies:

The Inglis Family

Fiona Barratt

�1www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Forth Valley Business Diversity Awards Ceremony 2009

RACMSA Rally of Scotland 2010Touch Estate was the stunning venue for the media launch of the RACMSA Rally of

Scotland, which comes to Stirling and Perthshire again on 15 – 17 October 2010.

The rally will be the penultimate round of the high-profile Intercontinental Rally

Challenge, which includes other events in Monte Carlo, Brazil, Argentina, Spain,

Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Czech Republic and Cyprus. The Stirling stages of this

exciting event will include Loch Ard and Achrey Forest in the Trossachs, with a

fabulous final ceremony at Stirling Castle on Sunday 17 October.

The Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort is the setting for rally hospitality for the final day of the rally. The venue is beautifully set

in landscaped gardens and woodland on the shores of Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle, an ideal base from which to enjoy the rally. There are also other

hospitality options in Perth

& Kinross. For more details

of RACMSA Rally of Scotland

2010 hospitality packages

email rallyofscotland@

matchpoint.co.uk or call

0131 477 7767.

Rally spectator tickets

for advance purchase are

now available and this

year entry to the rally

stages is free for children

under 15 years. For further

information on tickets and

stages go to

www.rallyofscotland.com .

Business Club ScotlandLaunched by the Scottish Government last year, BusinessClub Scotland owns the

exclusive rights to all Rally of Scotland procurement opportunities and, working closely with Rally organisers,

has already successfully facilitated tenders for design, printing and accommodation in relation to the event.

Jane Gotts, Programme Director for BusinessClub Scotland, said: “We are committed to helping companies

across Scotland reap the benefits available through the country’s major events programme. The Rally of

Scotland is expected to attract more than 50,000 spectators this year and will generate a considerable

amount of business for local firms.”

“I would encourage all Stirling businesses to register free with BusinessClub Scotland and keep abreast of

all tender opportunities that become available for the Rally of Scotland and the country’s other high profile

events.”

BusinessClub Scotland is free to join and Stirling’s businesses are encouraged to sign up to be the first to

hear about new procurement opportunities at www.businessclubscotland.co.uk .

Rally drivers Robert Reid & David Weston with Provost Fergus Wood & Councillor Scott Farmer

Businesses can be nominated if they have

employees with a physical or learning

disability, mental health issue or autistic

spectrum condition. Far from highlighting an

area of adversity, the Forth Valley Network

of SUSE (Scottish Union of Supported

Employment) are keen to recognise the ability

and valued contribution of employees who

have overcome barriers to employment and

employers who have supported staff through

difficult periods.

The fifth Annual Forth Valley Business Diversity

Awards are due to be held in the Autumn

and recommendations of local businesses are

being taken now. If you know of someone

who has overcome physical, health or other

barriers to enter or sustain employment, now

is your chance to nominate their company

for an award. Categories this year include:

Recruitment, Retention, Social Firm and

Overall Winner.

The Business Diversity Awards are organised

by the Forth Valley Supported Employment

Network, which is made up of Stirling Council,

Falkirk Council, Clackmannanshire Council,

Skills Development Scotland, Jobcentre Plus,

Capability Scotland, third sector and voluntary

organisations.

Forth Valley BusinessDiversity Awards 2010Stirling Council’s Employability Service, through the Forth Valley

Supported Employment Network, is looking to recognise the

good practice of local companies who support employees from a

background of disability or disadvantage.

Last year saw an increase in applications

and the Network is keen to encourage more

this year. Winners in 2010 included Capita

Life & Pensions Service (Retention), Candies

Cuisine (Social Firm), Asda Stenhousemuir

(Recruitment) and Stirling Management

Centre (Overall Winner).

Please contact Gordon Wright at Stirling

Council’s Employability Service on 01786

432290 to find out more.

�� STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Interview with...John Quinn, Senior Partner of Bluewater Scotland LLP

What is your background?I served my time as an engineer at Weirs in Alloa, before moving into sales,

selling engineering tools, nuts and bolts etc. After switching companies

twice, I decided to set up my own engineering supply company in Stirling.

When I started Hi-Fas in 1985, my first business unit was at Stirling Enterprise

Park (STEP) and I will always be thankful for the support I received from them

in the early days.

How did you get involved in property development?After outgrowing the business unit at STEP I found it really difficult to find a

suitable industrial unit to rent. Identifying a gap in the market, I purchased a

site with development potential at Kerse Road, Springkerse, and built a block

of industrial units beside my business premises. They let very quickly, thus

confirming the need and the opportunity.

At that time it was really difficult to find flexible leases and there were lots of

hurdles to overcome. My objective was to make it easy for people wanting

to let industrial space. I still hold this ethos close to heart, sitting down with

prospective tenants to agree flexible lease arrangements.

Do you still have your supply company?No. I amalgamated Hi-Fas with Fasco, which I bought in 1998, and later, after

struggling to identify a site in Stirling, created a central distribution centre in

Grangemouth. I sold the business to a customer in 2007 – this allowed me to

invest in my property development company Bluewater Scotland LLP.

How has your property

portfolio developed?Over the years I have bought land in Springkerse and developed

many industrial units – you may have noticed the distinctive blue

units with yellow doors. The latest development is on Munro Road.

I have also been involved in a number of joint projects with

Stirling Council to provide office and industrial space and joint

ventures with John and Norman Scott, through Muddyfields LLP.

Current development sites in Stirling include the new industrial

units on Munro Road, a redevelopment site on Cunningham

Road and a site off Borrowmeadow Road, for which I’m still

considering options.

Outwith the Stirling area, I have commercial and industrial

developments in Glenbervie, Larbert; Bothwell, Glenrothes,

Dunfermline and Grangemouth.

What about the recession?I think Stirling faired well through the recession (assuming it is

now over) – it definitely hasn’t been as bad as the early 1990s

when the commercial property market really took a dip.

Property enquiries have picked up and we’ve had strong interest

in the recently completed units at Munro Road, Springkerse.

FES have taken a unit and heads of terms sent to three other

businesses, with expressions of interest in the remaining units.

What is your role in STEP?STEP were crucial in the start up period of my business and

especially in the high growth period. I met many people who

advised and guided me through some difficult times. I now want

to support the organisation and help give something back to

other people starting out in business. I have supported STEP as a

shareholder and board member and I am now Vice Chairman.

What is your interest in radio?In 1992 I bought a small shareholding in Central FM and over

the years increased it to an 11 per cent share. In 2009 I bought

out the main shareholder and I now have a 75 per cent stake.

I plan to relocate Central FM to

a good central location within

its broadcast area in the near

future and would love to

form a creative industries

hub, here in Stirling.

www.centralfm.co.uk Joe and Nicky from the Central FM Breakfast team

��www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Airth Station Cattery and KennelsAirth Station Cattery and Kennels

provides boarding for cats and dogs.

Training requirement?ASPIRE training was required to put six

members of staff through the Animal Care

Qualification (SVQ).

Outcome?Laraine Binnie, from Airth Station Cattery

and Kennels said: “ASPIRE training is

helping staff further their careers working

with animals. It is helpful in terms of

business, customers find it assuring that

staff are qualified animal care assistants

and they feel confident leaving their

animals in our care.”

ASPIRE – helping employees improve skillsStirling Council’s European supported ASPIRE project offers free training to help employees struggling to progress or keep up with

changes in the workplace to sustain their employment. Around 70 people are currently in training through ASPIRE. Employer

training requests range from IT training and English language skills to helping with disabilities or health problems.

To find out if ASPIRE can help with your training needs, please contact Marianne Eik on 01786 432366 or email [email protected]

The following case studies provide examples of recent ASPIRE training…

Stirling picks up Top EXPO AwardThe ‘Stirling: Scotland’s Heart’ stand was praised for its quality contribution to VisitScotland’s tourism

EXPO exhibition in Glasgow recently, with its staff picking up the Most Effective Personnel Award.

EXPO is Scotland’s flagship business to business event for the travel trade and is entirely Scottish.

The Stirling stand was the result of collaboration between Stirling Council and partners Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, The National

Wallace Monument, Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd, Stirling Castle, Stirling Old Town Jail and the University of Stirling.

The Most Effective Personnel Award recognised the staff’s friendly and helpful manner, politeness and attentiveness, knowledge of their

product and active encouragement of pro-active stand participation.

The award was judged by independent industry judges and presented by VisitScotland’s new Chairman, Dr Mike Cantlay.

Jason Clark, Tourism Executive at Stirling Council, said: “EXPO gives us a great opportunity to showcase Stirling. It’s a good forum for us to engage with

international buyers and make them aware of what Stirling has to offer. The key thing is that we work together to sell the unique Stirling experience.”

This year VisitScotland EXPO attracted over 800 buyers from 30 different countries. With 530 international buyers travelling to the event, 2010

has attracted the largest number of international buyers in 10 years.

If your tourism business would like to be involved in EXPO next April in Aberdeen, contact Jason Clark, Tourism Executive on 01786 442532 or


Cowie Panel Processors LtdCowie Panel Processors Ltd are manufacturers

of wood products.

Training requirement?Cowie Panel Processors recruited a skilled deaf

member of staff through Stirling Council’s

Employability Service. ASPIRE developed

British Sign Language training to help

communication in the workplace.

Outcome?Andrew Fleming, Production Manager at Cowie

Panel Processors said: “During difficult and busy

times, this is not the type of training that we

would normally be able to prioritise, however

because the training is free and delivered

on-site, this has allowed myself and two other

members of staff to attend the classes.”

“ASPIRE will also be running classes to train 12 of

our staff in report writing skills.”

Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)Bannockburn RDA help people with

disabilities learn equestrian activities,

providing a wide range of learning,

therapeutic and social opportunities.

Training requirement?Training was required to assist two

members of staff to create and manage a

Microsoft Access database.

Outcome?Jennifer Kidd from Bannockburn RDA said:

“The ASPIRE training was tailored to our

requirements – we were able to work and

learn using our own database.”

Jennifer Kidd, Bannockburn RDA Laraine Binnie, Airth Station Cattery and Kennels

Andrew Fleming, John Bruce (Cowie Panel Processors Ltd) and Agnes MacQueen BSL tutor from Forth Valley College


At your service Roads and Transport Roads and Transport At your service

ROADS IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENTThe transport network plays a vital role in Stirling’s economy. The

Roads Improvement and Development team is involved in all aspects

of improving, managing and monitoring the transport network, and

is responsible for a wide range of activities, from road safety and

development control to parking management and transport planning.

To enhance the accessibility, efficiency and safety of the transport

network for all users, the team design and implement traffic and

pedestrian improvement projects; implement traffic regulation

orders and restrictions; and implement schemes to promote cycling

and walking.

The team works closely with businesses, contractors and developers to

control activities on the public road network. This includes a range of

issues, from road closures and permits to minor road alterations and

major housing or retail developments. The team also provide advice

to businesses on travel to work and transport planning issues.

PermitsBefore carrying out any works or activities

on a public road it is essential that you

obtain the relevant permission to:

l Place a builders’ skip on a road.

l Construct accesses, vehicular crossings etc.

l Make an opening in any public road.

l Place building materials, staging or

scaffolding on or over part of a road.

l Use portable traffic light signals.

l Site and operate a street café on the

public footway.

l Create a new road or extension to an

existing road.

l Excavate the road for a drainage /

service connection.

l Temporary parking permit for

construction traffic.

The Roads and Transport team will be

happy to assist you with any permit

application or query. Please contact

Caroline Stewart on 01786 442864 or

e-mail [email protected] for

further information. All application

forms can be found on the website -

www.stirling.gov.uk/permits

New parking arrangements for city centreFollowing a review of parking arrangements in

the city centre, changes to parking restrictions,

charges and waiting times were implemented

in June this year in order to improve parking provision. A key part of this process was the

consultation with, and valuable feedback from local businesses.

The combination of Park and Ride and revised parking arrangements will provide enhanced

support to businesses and the tourist industry as well as residents. The review proposed

several options for improvements to the parking arrangements, including:

l Increasing the maximum lengths of stay in some areas.

l Reducing parking charges for short and long stay parking.

l Introducing season tickets for all day parking in outer parking areas.

l Improving resident permit parking areas.

l Increasing disabled parking, motorcycle parking and loading bays.

Linden Avenue and Forthside car parks are now promoted as ‘park and walk’ sites and have

a lower charge than other areas. This is to encourage their use and reflect their distance

from the City centre, with a flat rate of £1 per day.

Work has now started on reviewing parking arrangements in Bridge of Allan, Callander and

Balmaha which will also include consultation with businesses, residents and other interested

parties.

More detailed information can be found at www.stirling.gov.uk/parking or by contacting

Alan Ogilvie on 01786 442487, e-mail [email protected]

DiD you know?

You can now apply for a permit that grants temporary parking on restricted parking areas. This is, for example, to allow a contractor access to their place of work where the property has restricted parking.


Roads and Transport At your service

Case study

DevelopmentControl Technical Support Officer

PROFILE

Name: Caroline Stewart

Role: I am the initial point of contact for anyone wishing to

obtain consent to work on or occupy any part of a public road.

I provide advice on procedures and the type of permit

required. Our aim is to accommodate all necessary work whilst

maintaining the safe and efficient passage of all road users.

My duties include road adoption and maintaining the List

of adopted Public Roads. This information provides the

framework for the Scottish Road Works Register, which lists

all works programmed to take place within the road network.

From this we can manage when permissions are granted to

avoid different projects and permissions conflicting.

Current workload: My workload is varied and elements of it can be of a reactive

nature. I have daily contact with the public and permits are

often required at short notice for various permissions (see

permit feature opposite).

We are currently in the process of renewing all street café

permits and I am working closely with the City Centre

Management team to help promote the City centre and

minimise any inconvenience to the public and traders. For

example, erection of scaffolding is limited to a Sunday in the

City centre so as to minimise disruption.

Whilst we always try to accommodate everyone’s needs, it is

not always possible to grant consent due to the legislation we

must adhere to, but we are happy to assist and advise on any

permit application or query.

Graham Angus

and Alistair Dawson

DiD you know?

l Within the Stirling Council area, Roads and Transport manages the provision of public parking, including on-street parking and car parks. The authority operates a total of 36 car parks providing around 3,251 spaces.

lThe Springkerse Park and Ride service has carried over 1.2 million passengers since it opened in 2006, and now averages 29,000 passengers per month.

Friars Street and Baker Street improvementsEarlier this year, work began on the environmental improvements in

Baker Street and Friars Street. The work included new street surfaces,

improved layout and alterations to parking arrangements.

It was clear from the earliest stages of development that businesses

should have a significant input. Not only because of the impact that

the work would have on the businesses, but also due to the in-depth

knowledge that they have regarding the day-to-day operation of the area.

Project Manager, Alistair Dawson said: “We set up a working group that

encouraged engagement and interaction with businesses affected by

the work. This included consultation on the design process, satisfying

business needs in the area and ongoing liaison with the businesses

throughout the project.”

“More importantly, adjustments were made to the original scheme

following input from the businesses, loading bays and residents

parking were relocated and the ‘length of stay’ for visitor parking was

increased.”

Graham Angus, Owner of Mailboxes etc. and member of Stirling

Business Panel said: “While there was going to be some disruption for

local businesses, we recognise the benefits of this work in the longer

term. It was refreshing to know that local businesses had a voice and

had an input in to the whole process.”

Consultation has started on the next phase of the Baker Street

improvements so that businesses have the opportunity to provide

feedback on the design of the scheme. Work should commence on

this second phase in January 2011.

For further information on the project, please contact Alistair Dawson

on 01786 442565 or e-mail [email protected] .


Fitlike

On 6th April 2010 the sick note changed to the fit note and the new

system brings a number of changes. The key ones are:

l doctors will no longer issue statements saying someone is fit for work.

l a new option is for a doctor to advise if your employee may be fit

for work with some support.

l more space for a doctor to provide information on how your

employee’s condition will effect what they do.

l helpful tick boxes for doctors to use to suggest common ways to

help a return to work.

l the maximum duration that a medical statement can be issued for

has been reduced from six months to three months.

l Employer and employee guides are available on the Healthy

Working Lives web-site www.healthyworkinglives.com/sick-note-

to-fit-note.aspx or call their helpline on 0800 019 2211.

In addition, following successful pilot initiatives in Dundee, Lothian

and Borders, a new service for employees of small to medium sized

enterprises (SMEs) has also been launched by the NHS. Formerly known

as the Fit for Work Service, Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS)

is a new NHS service that aims to assist employees of SMEs to remain

in or return to work quickly after a period of absence. The service can

be accessed on the Healthy Working Lives helpline and further details

are available via their web-site at www.healthyworkinglives.com/

working-health-services-scotland/about.aspx .

Bull sales successIn a real off-peak tourism boost, 12,000 visitors were

attracted to Stirling in February for the Perth Bull Sales®.

The sales were held at United Auctions’ new headquarters at

the Stirling Agricultural Centre and included over 1,000 pedigree

cattle from across the UK. Breeds included Aberdeen Angus, Beef

Shorthorn, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, British Blue, Blonde d’Aquitaine and Salers.

The top price of 28,000 guineas (£29,400) was reached for an Aberdeen Angus Bull from Galashiels.

David Leggat MBE, Chairman of United Auctions said: “The sales have been particularly successful with record averages achieved. An exciting new

element is the terrific number of people worldwide who have accessed the Spring Sales via the new webcast.”

This is the first time there has been an audio webcast of the event. The Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn Sales were watched live over the

internet by 2,497 people across the world including viewers throughout Europe, Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

Local breeders who sold at the spring sales included:

l JR Galloway, Cardona, Doune

l J Burnett & Sons, Supper Spittalton, Blairdrummond (winner of Female Limousin Championship and Reserve Female Championship)

l WI & WA Callion, Bolfornought Farm, Stirling

l R Dick, Mains of Throsk, Stirling (winner of Reserve Intermediate

Limousin Bull Champion)

l AW Dunn, Glassick Farm, Braco

l D & L Graham, Mains of Burnbank Farm, Blairdrummond

l R & J Graham, Airthrey Kerse, Bridge of Allan (winner of the Limousin

Championship)

l D McBeath & SJ Jessop, Lower Greenyards Farm, Bannockburn

l JH Mitchell, Clarkton Farm, Doune

l R & M Paterson, Upper Auchenlay, Dunblane

The Perth Bull Sales® are held in October, February and May each year.

www.uagroup.co.uk

Retailers Against CrimeEvery tenant in the Thistles Shopping Centre has been provided with

membership of Retailers Against Crime (RAC), giving them access to

information and images of offenders, including organised shoplifting

teams, purse dippers and fraudsters.

In conjunction with this membership, a new radio system aimed at

making life tougher for shoplifters is now operational in the Centre.

The radio system, used in conjunction with the images, allows

the fast transfer and sharing of real-time information between

businesses and the Centre’s dedicated security staff.

Launched in February 2009 the scheme has achieved consistent

success in terms of preventing incidents and the apprehension and

removal of shoplifters from the centre.

Representatives of the five partner agencies: Thistles Centre, Retailers Against Crime, Central Scotland Police, Stirling Safer Cities Initiative and St. James Security.


Bringing life to Stirling’s streetsOne of the unfortunate impacts of

the recession has been an increase

in vacant retail premises in the city

centre. As empty shop fronts can

be unsightly and often become

a mecca for fly posters, Stirling

Council has taken an innovative

step to transform some of the

empty shop fronts.

The window art initiative engages

with young artists and youth

groups throughout the Council

area to fill vacant shop fronts with

designs and images of the city.

Andy Kennedy, City Centre

Initiatives Manager, said: “Towns

and cities throughout the country

are wrestling with the issue of

vacant units and the impact they

have on the high street. Working

with Youth Services, we have

utilised the skills of local young

people to improve the look of

vacant units.”

“I would like to thank all the

property owners and agents

involved for allowing us to utilise

their window space, making this

initiative a success.”

Touch Business Centre celebrates10 years of success

Touch Business Centre is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The converted 18th century former

stables sits adjacent to Touch House in the spectacular setting of Touch Estate near Cambusbarron.

The stables were converted in 2000 to provide modern commercial office space, ensuring the ‘A’ listed

buildings were preserved and continue to have a working use.

Tom Stones, from software company NeverFail Group Ltd said: “We

were one of the first businesses to move into the converted stables,

choosing to locate here for good access to motorway networks,

fantastic rural setting and modern office space, all within three miles

of Stirling city centre. The stunning views of the hills and beautiful

buildings never fail to impress visiting customers and partners.”

Margaret Plews, Office Manager of Touch Business Centre, said:

“After ten years the buildings have settled very well into their new

guise. Testament to this over the last decade has been the high

occupancy levels and very low rates of turnover.”

“In 2007 we converted the former Old Laundry cottage to add a further 1500 sq ft (140 sq m) of office

space. In 2008, a biofuel boiler was installed to provide occupiers with a sustainable, low cost heat

supply. The biofuel boiler runs on woodchip, grown and harvested in neighbouring commercial forestry.”

With regard the future, Margaret said: “We

are greatly encouraged by the success of the

business centre and this has given us the

confidence to look forward to other exciting

projects over the next ten years.”

www.touchestate.co.uk

DiD you know?

Touch Business Centre was recently listed by Officebroker.com as one of the Top Ten Historic Buildings in the UK providing office accommodation.

FORTH CONSTRUCTIONForth Construction is delighted to welcome Alison Morrison as their new

coordinator. Alison, a Chartered Surveyor said: “I am thrilled to take up the post

and I am looking forward to working with partners and members. Although not

ideal, the current economic climate has provided the opportunity to take stock

and develop ways to adapt while further improving growth, knowledge, practices and services.”

For more information on Forth Construction please contact Alison on 01259 226696

or email [email protected] . You can also visit their stand at the

Stirling Business Panel Trade Fair in September.

www.forthconstruction.co.uk

LEADER update

LEADER is the European funding programme for the rural area.


www.fvl.org.uk

More information on the Forth valley & Lomond LEADER programme is available on the website www.fvl.org.uk where you can also download an enquiry form.

Latest LEADER Forth Valley and Lomond awardsTwo projects have been awarded £125,781

between them since the last edition of Stirling

Eye went to print.

Thornhill Community Trust was awarded £5,781

towards their ‘Thornhill - a New Community Future’

project. The project includes bringing in specialist help

to assist them in updating their community Action Plan.

Camphill (Blair Drummond) Trust Ltd was awarded

£120,000 towards the construction of two modern

workshops as part of their ‘building for the future’

capital development project. Camphill Blairdrummond

is a well-established social enterprise in rural Stirling

that supports and provides purposeful community

life for people with complex learning difficulties. The

InTouch and Craft Workshops will expand and radically

modernise the service and care which will be offered

to day students and residents. In the longer term, the

development will also open up opportunities for the

local and wider community.

This reaching out to the wider community was evident at

the preview day held on 4th June to which residents, day

students and staff welcomed parents, Council members,

funders and people from the surrounding community. It

was a day to share information and celebrate progress

to date. The creative work of the residents and day

students was displayed in the gardens, the bakery, the

BBQ and the display of craft creations.

Funding boost for rural broadbandThe Scottish Government has now opened the bidding process for grant applications to the Rural Broadband Challenge Fund. The grants

are available for broadband infrastructure that will improve access and speed of broadband in rural areas. These will be administered

through the Scottish LEADER Programmes. Individual businesses, groups of businesses and community organisations are all eligible to

apply. Applications from the Forth Valley and Lomond area need to be with the LEADER office by 17th August 2010. More details are

available on www.fvl.org.uk or 01�� 1��.

Scottsland, celebrating the language of the landscapeForth Valley and Lomond LEADER awarded £13,800 to

the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for the

events grant scheme for businesses and communities.

Successful applicants include Callander Film Society,

Trossachs Business Partnership, Port of Menteith Heritage

Group, Women in the Trossachs, Kinlochard Village Hall,

Balquhidder Businesses, and Callander Youth Project. The

range of events taking place include Soaring Above The

Trossachs Kite Festival, Scottsland, Slates and Steamtrains,

Scottsland 2010 Amateur Photo Competition and an

exhibition and guided walks organised by the Woodland

Trust. For a full listing of exciting events taking place throughout the Trossachs

up to and including October 2010, see www.scottsland.co.uk . They are all

organised by local communities and businesses.


Hollywood comesto StirlingOver the past eight months, the Stirling area has played host to three

large-scale filming productions that have featured the likes of veteran actor

Donald Sutherland, Australian actress Isla Fisher, housewives favourite Sean

Bean and up-and-coming, action hero and heart throb Channing Tatum.

Jamie Bell & Channing Tatum on location at the Devil’s Pulpit

Burke & Hare Extras at Stirling Castle

The first of these productions was the pilot

film for a new HBO series Game of Thrones,

which was partially filmed at Doune Castle in

winter 2009. Game of Thrones is a medieval

fantasy based on author George R.R. Martin’s

cult series of novels, ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’.

Starring Sean Bean and Lena Headey and

directed by Hollywood director and actor

Tom McCarthy (act: 2012 and Meet the

Parents, dir: The Station Agent, The Visitor),

the film will be televised later in the year.

Also in winter 2009, filming for the latest

Kevin Macdonald film took place (dir: Last

King of Scotland, Touching the Void, State

of Play). Eagle of the Ninth stars Channing

Tatum, Donald Sutherland and Jamie Bell

and is set in Roman Britain around 140

AD. The story revolves around a young

Roman officer, Marcus Flavius Aquila, who

is trying to discover the truth about the

unexplained disappearance of his father’s

legion, the Ninth Legion, in the mountains

of Caledonia twenty years earlier. Location

filming for Eagle of the Ninth took place at

Devil’s Pulpit, a dramatic gorge set in the

countryside near Drymen (see image), and

on Touch Estate near the City of Stirling. The

production also spent several weeks in the

Highlands of Scotland.

In February and March of 2010, Stirling

also welcomed the Hollywood director John

Landis (dir: Blues Brothers, Michael Jackson’s

Thriller and Animal House) and a cast of

stars including Simon Pegg, Christopher

Lee, David Tennant, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher

and Jenny Agutter for the filming of Burke

& Hare. Stirling Castle doubled as part of

Edinburgh’s old town for the production.

Based on the true story about the famous

murderers, Burke & Hare follows the hapless

exploits of these two men as they fall into

the highly profitable business of providing

cadavers for the medical fraternity in

nineteenth-century Edinburgh. Eagle of the

Ninth and Burke & Hare are due for release

autumn 2010 / spring 2011.

There are many benefits to

encouraging Stirling’s image as a

‘film-friendly’ area. In 2008, £28

million of direct local expenditure

was generated in Scotland through

filming activity attracted by the

Scottish Locations Network (which

includes Stirling Council’s film

liaison service). Film tourism

accounts for 10 per cent of the

total value of tourism to the

British economy, which amounts

John Landis on location at Stirling Castle for Burke & Hare

to around £1.8 billion per annum. Apart

from spend on locations and services, filming

productions also assist the local economy

by employing local cast and crew. The

Clanranald Trust’s ‘Combat International’

team were utilised as extras for Eagle of the

Ninth and Game of Thrones and many of the

extras for Burke & Hare were employed from

the local population and surrounding areas.

If you live in the Stirling area and would like

to register as film crew (CV with evidence

of experience necessary) or register your

property as a potential location then contact

Caralin Montgomery-Cichy, Events & Film

Liaison Executive on 01786 442535 or email

[email protected]

�0 STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Economic factsPopulation and Households Stirling �00�-�00� % Change �00� �00� �00� �005 �00� �00� �00� �00� Stirling Scotland

Total Population 86,150 86,370 86,370 86,930 87,810 88,190 88,350 88,740 3.0% 2.8%

Working Age Population 53,501 53,667 53,268 53,588 54,310 54,367 54,341 54,530 1.9% 3.2%

Total Number of Households 35,961 36,454 36,658 36,958 37,164 37,328 37,555 37,789 5.1% 6.0%

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� �00� �005 �00� �00� �00� �001-�00� �001-�00� Change % Change

Stirling 42,100 41,300 40,900 42,800 45,600 46,500 47,500 45,500 3,400 8%

Scotland 2,299,800 2,279,500 2,307,000 2,340,000 2,398,800 2,377,200 2,408,500 2,420,400 120,600 5%

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (Nomis)

Enterprise �00� �00� �00� �005 �00� �00� �00� �00� �00�-�00� �00�-�00� Change % Change

Stirling 449 534 460 452 474 480 351 272 -177 -39%

Scotland 18,518 21,468 20,808 21,383 23,468 25,041 20,028 15,726 -2,792 -15%

Source: The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers

Business Survival RatesFigure 6: 3 Year Survival Rate of Newly Born Enterprises

Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)

3 Ye

ar S

urvi

val R

ate

- %

2003 2005Year business started up

Figure 1: Population and Households

Figure 4: Jobs Growth

Figure 5: New Business Starts

Stirling

Scotland

Business DensityFigure 7: Number of Active Businesses per 10,000 Population

Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)Notes: Active businesses cover PAYE and VAT registered businesses only

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

No.

Act

ive

busi

ness

es

per

10,0

00 p

opul

atio

n

2004 2008

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)

May 2005 May 2010

66

65

64

63

62


Active Businesses, Business Births and Business DeathsFigure 8: Businesses in 2008 – Percentages based on Stock of Active Businesses Stirling – Number Stirling - % Scotland - %

Business Births 400 11.6% 11.0%Business Deaths 290 8.4% 8.7%Stock of Active Businesses 3,445 - -

Source: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics) Notes: Active businesses cover PAYE and VAT registered businesses only

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 �+

No qualifications

Scotland

EarningsFigure 13: Average Gross Weekly Earnings of people working full time �00� �00� �00� �005 �00� �00� �00� �00� % Change

Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling £425.9 £428.4 £419.7 £455.3 £472.1 £479.9 £493.2 £499.9 17%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland £369.3 £381.8 £390.6 £409.8 £427.9 £440.9 £461.8 £472.2 28%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling £376.4 £377.8 £390.1 £382.6 £419.3 £434.2 £452.8 £462.0 23%Average Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland £371.7 £381.3 £390.4 £408.6 £428.1 £441.5 £460.1 £473.6 27%

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

Industry

Figure 9: Employment by Industrial Sector, Stirling, 2008

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: Business Demography (Office for National Statistics)Notes: Active businesses cover PAYE and VAT registered businesses only

Visitors to the Stirling AreaFigure 12: Visitors to Key Attractions in the Stirling Council Area

Visitors �00� �00�

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

�00�-�00�

Stirling Council Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000

email: [email protected] text: 0771 779 0001 web: stirling.gov.uk

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Useful web linksActive Stirling – www.activestirling.org.uk Business Gateway – www.bgateway.comForth Valley College – www.forthvalley.ac.ukForth Construction Forum - www.forthconstruction.co.ukForth Valley and Lomond LEADER – www.fvl.org.ukFunding Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/fundingThe Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park- www.lochlomond-trossachs.orgLottery Fund – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotlandProperty Search Facility – www.stirling.gov.uk/propertyRaploch Urban Regeneration Company – www.raploch.comScottish Chambers of Commerce – www.scottishchambers.org.ukScottish Enterprise – www.scottish-enterprise.co.ukScottish Government – www.scotland.gov.ukScottish Parliament – www.scottish.parliament.ukStirling Business Directory – www.stirling.gov.uk/directoryStirling Business Panel – www.stirlingbusinesspanel.orgStirling Council Business Pages – www.stirling.gov.uk/businessStirling Enterprise (STEP) – www.stirling-enterprise.co.ukStirling Eye – www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeyeStirling University Innovation Park – www.suip.co.ukTrossachs Rural Mentoring Scheme – www.ruralmentoring.co.ukUniversity of Stirling – www.stir.ac.ukVisitScotland – www.visitscotland.orgVisitStirling – www.visitstirling.org

Service contactsBuilding Standards, Stirling CouncilJoyce Wighton, Tel: 01786 432032, 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 Support & Tourism, Stirling CouncilDeborah Murray, Tel: 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]

Diversification Funding Training Event For FarmersAn event to help Stirling district farmers tap in to a multi million

pound government grant scheme to pursue diversification

projects will take place in September.

�pm, ��th September, Buchan Arms Hotel, Drymen –

Diversification Funding Training Event. Attendence fee: £20.

Contact Caroline Brown at Stirling Enterprise for more details on

01�� 1�, e-mail [email protected] .

Forthcoming events/trainingCallander Business Advice ClinicsStirling Enterprise (STEP) hold twice monthly Business Advice Clinics in Callander in the National Park Office. The clinics run from 2-4 pm and are scheduled for the following dates:Thursday 29th JulyThursday 12th AugustThursday 26th AugustThursday 16th SeptemberThursday 30th SeptemberAnyone interested in attending the Callander Business Advice Clinics should contact STEP on 01786 463416 or email [email protected] .

Free Business Gateway training eventsAugust 20103rd evening – Stirling – Bookkeeping 1.4th evening – Stirling – Bookkeeping 2.19th morning – Alloa – Getting real results from your website.24th morning – Alloa – Advertising & Promotion.24th afternoon – Alloa – Marketing your Business.25th morning – Falkirk – Bookkeeping 1.25th afternoon – Falkirk – Bookkeeping 2.

September 2010 15th morning – Stirling – Improve your search engine ranking.16th evening – Falkirk – Trading Online.22nd morning – Falkirk – Advertising & Promotion.29th evening – Stirling – Marketing your business.

To book your free place, call 0845 609 6611 or check www.bgateway.com for up-to-date listings.

Stirling Enterprise (STEP) also run free training and awareness sessions specifically for people looking to start up their own business. For more

information please contact Denise Mallinson on 01�� 1�.

Help with trainingcosts for businesses A new programme, 5000 Flexible Training Opportunities, has been launched to help small businesses invest in learning and development for their employees.

In order to help small businesses become more resilient through the current period of economic recovery, the programme gives Scottish businesses with 1-50 employees the opportunity to have up to 50 per cent of their employee training costs paid for with an overall maximum of £500 per employee.

Eligible training opportunities include learning based on national occupational standards, industry recognised qualifications, first line supervisory management and workshops. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there’s no need to pay it back.

To apply call the Skills Development Scotland helpline free on 0800 783 6000

Stirling Eye - Summer 2010

Documents

stirling business panel

stirling area

stirling enterprise

business club scotland

contentslocal business

future business activity

business mentoring programme

business case studies