Stirling Eye Autumn Winter 2010

08�5 �77 7000

Autumn/Winter �010

Inside this issue...

Business profileBlairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy

Creative IndustriesInterviews with Small Majority, Peacock Technology Ltd and the Mugdock Makkers

Interview with Ken Thomson, Forth Valley College

Business Panel featureBusinesses network at the Autumn Trade Fair

Special features…The Sporting Chance Initiative and Going Carbon Neutral Stirling

Business spacedevelopmentsLatest developments, including the Barracks, Forthside and Whitehouse Road, Springkerse

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

ContentsLocal business news 3

Business profile - Blairmains FarmShop & Coffee Bothy 8

Calling all rural businesses 9

Safe Base 9

30 second interview 9

Stirling Business Panel 10

Special feature - Going CarbonNeutral Stirling 12

Business space developments 14

Scottish Enterprise help DolbyMedical save money 17

Trossachs Yurts are out of this world 17

Redundancy support 17

Sector feature - Creative Industriesand Technologies 18

New heritage plaques for Stirling 20

Forth Valley branch of CMI launched 20

Stirling taxi marshals 20

Number Eight nominated forDrapers award 21

Interview with Ken Thomson, Depute

Principal, Forth Valley College 22

Employability Service 23

Free business directory 23

At your service - Economic Support& Tourism 24

Give your business a SportingChance 26

Glasgow Commonwealth Games2014: What’s in it for Scotland? 27

Hubco to transform public

procurement 27

Free funding 27

LEADER update 28

Winter festivities in the City Centre 29

Filming update 29

Economic facts 30

Forthcoming events/training 32

Welcome

Our sector feature this time is on creative industries

and technologies. Stirling has many exciting businesses

involved in creative industries and it is pleasing to note

how they have been able to use their unique skills,

talent and new technologies to source opportunities

during the downturn.

The interview with Ken Thomson, Depute Principal of Forth Valley College

provides information on the new college campus at Kildean, Stirling. When

completed in 2012, the new college will provide state of the art learning

facilities amidst a stunning setting overlooking the river Forth. The college

will reflect key sectors in the Stirling area and national and local strategies,

specialising in hospitality, tourism and creative industries.

As ever, there is a lot of interesting business news to report from across the

Stirling area. Many businesses are capitalising on new and local markets, such

as the diversification of Blairmains Farm into a farm shop and coffee bothy,

the establishment of the Mugdock Makkers to support Stirling’s local arts and

crafts businesses and new inventions by Peacock Technologies Limited helping

businesses across the world improve efficiency.

I would like to take this opportunity to urge readers in the rural area to provide

us with information about their business space requirements. This is to help

Stirling Council and partners understand the location and nature of any unmet

demand for business space and why some existing rural business sites have not

been fully developed.

Stirling Business Panel members recently received the 2010 Annual Business

Panel Survey and, again, I would urge businesses to spare a couple of minutes

to complete this and let us know about key issues.

Councillor Scott Farmer

Depute Leader of Council and

Portfolio Holder for Economy,

Tourism and Finance. Contact us...Stirling Eye is published by Stirling Council’s Economic Support & Tourism service.

Editor: Joëlle RussellEmail: [email protected] Tel: 01786 442778Visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

Design: The Write People, StirlingEmail: [email protected]: 01786 445022Visit: www.thewritepeople.com

Print: Stirling Design & Print - issue number 10173

Cover photo: John Logan and Margaret Filshie outside the Blairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy - please see page 8 for more information. Photo by Laura Melville.

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

Local business news

Congratulations!Thank you to everyone who provided

feedback on Stirling Eye. And congratulations

to Kevin Wallace of Kappa Computer in Kippen

who won the feedback prize – Kevin has chosen

vouchers for Marks & Spencer as his prize.

Business rates - Small Business Bonus SchemeHave you claimed your

Small Business Bonus?

Could you be eligible

for up to 100 per cent

rates relief?

The thresholds for Small Business Bonus

changed in April this year and businesses

may be eligible for relief based on their

rateable value:

DiD you know?

Under the Small Business Bonus Scheme, some 63,000 business properties in Scotland in the last financial year did not have to pay any rates at all.

Construction commenced in August on Forth Valley

College’s new £29 million campus at Kildean East,

Stirling, scheduled to open to students in April 2012.

The new college building has been designed by Reiach

and Hall Architects and will be constructed by Miller

Construction (UK) Ltd, with project management by

Davis Langdon.

Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, visited the site to cut the first sod.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This campus will provide the staff and students of

Forth Valley College with first class education facilities, as well as greater

space, enabling them to grow as a college.”

“However, this £29 million investment goes much further than just improving the learning

and teaching experience. It brings real economic benefits to the local shops and businesses in

Stirling, enhances the tourist experience and, of course, creates jobs.”

Please see the article on Ken Thomson, Depute Principal of Forth Valley College on page 22 for

more information.

www.forthvalley.ac.uk

Artist’s impression of new Stirling campus

Nicola Sturgeon visits new college site

Construction starts on new Stirling campus

Callander business advice clinicsNew and existing businesses from Callander

and the surrounding communities are reminded

of Stirling Enterprise’s (STEP’s) continued

presence within the town during November and

December.

Business Adviser, Jim Fraser will be stationed

at the National Park Office in Callander on

Thursday 25th November as well as Thursday

9th December from 2pm – 4pm.

The clinics are open to anyone thinking about

getting started in business or at the early

stages of getting a business off the ground,

as well as existing businesses.

Help and advice with market research,

marketing, business plans, book-keeping, IT

& web issues, employing staff, rural grant

funding and signposting to partner support

agencies are just some of the areas where

STEP can help.

For further information and / or to reserve

an appointment slot, contact Denise

Mallinson on 01786 463416 or email

[email protected]

Companies occupying two or more

properties with a combined rateable

value of no more than £25,000 could

also benefit from this scheme. A

maximum of 25 per cent relief can be

awarded in these circumstances.

If your business is eligible for any of

these schemes and it is not shown

on your bill or if you have not already

claimed, please contact Stirling

Council’s Rates Service on 01786

443236 or email [email protected]

for an application form.

Rateable value Possible rates (up to) relief available

£10,000 100%

£1�,000 50%

£18,000 �5%

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

Local business news

Hardies Property & Construction Consultants

are pleased to announce that despite the

current economic conditions, they have

made a new appointment to their Stirling

office. Craig Mattocks BSc (hons) MRICS,

recently joined the team to promote and

extend the range of building surveying and

consultancy services provided.

Craig has extensive experience offering

professional pre-acquisition and

occupational consultancy advice. This

includes reducing landlord claims when

acting for tenants, and when working for

landlords, ensuring that property assets

are maintained during lease and returned

in good condition and fit for re-occupation

thereafter.

Hardies currently act for a number of local

clients including Clackmannanshire Council,

Forth Housing Association and the University

of Stirling. They are also providing quantity

surveying services to Historic Scotland for

the extensive restoration of the Palace at

Stirling Castle, having already provided

similar services during the restoration of the

Chapel Royal, restaurant and shop.

Hardies – Tel: 01786 474476

Congratulations to Touch Business Centre near Cambusbarron, which was

awarded Business Centre of the Month in August by officebroker.com. Part of

the prize included a free video of the Centre, which can be viewed by searching

for Cambusbarron at www.officebroker.com .

Jim Venables, officebroker.com founder and Managing Director said: “Touch

Business Centre were chosen as a Business Centre of the Month winner for many

reasons. One particular highlight is their excellent all-round offering to clients and high

level of customer service. They are personable, attentive to their clients’ needs, and they do

whatever they can to help their clients progress their businesses.”

www.touchestate.co.uk

Craig Mattocks, Hardies

Hardies appoint new surveyor

Luxury holiday cottage expansionKim and Fraser Proven, owners of Little

Briar, a 17th century B-listed holiday

cottage in Lochearnhead, are beating

the recession by expanding their

business.

Work is almost complete on a new

luxury holiday cottage, Briar Steading,

to compliment their current holiday

accommodation offering.

Kim said: “This region has so much

to offer and a number of guests who

have stayed with us at our existing

holiday cottage have already pre-

booked space in the new cottage so

we are very confident for the future.”

www.stayatbriar.co.uk

Callander businessman has a lot of bottle A Callander

wine shop

manager who

lost his job

when Victoria

Wine went in

to liquidation

has become something of a local hero.

Rather than accept the situation and ‘go

quietly’, 57-year old Athol MacMillan decided

to take on the premises and open up his own

wine shop instead.

As a result, MacMillan Wines opened for

business in June 2010. The decision has seen

Athol reinstate one of the employees who

originally worked alongside him and create two

new jobs within the Callander locality.

Undaunted by the task of setting up in business

himself, Athol did much research into suppliers

and IT systems. He also sought start-up advice

from STEP Business Gateway Adviser, Jim Fraser,

and will tap in to IT support to get his web site

up and running.

MacMillan Wines - Tel: 01877 339176

Touch wins Business Centre

of the Month

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

Local business news$7 million cash injection for Stirling’s Composite Energy

New name, new vibeYoung Stirling entrepreneur

Chris Flemming recently re-

launched his business, Liberty

Music.

22 year old Chris started the

business when he was just

18, fresh from college. Chris

said: “Over the last four

years I have learned a lot

and as I have specialised the

business into band coaching

I wanted to re-launch. The

focus of the business is on

giving students the freedom

to learn any type of music

they like, even if it isn’t in

music books.”

“My key objective is to

help inspire young people

and channel their energy

into their music. By band

coaching, I also help students

improve their communication

skills, meet new friends and

build up a social network.”

Chris has a number of

students across the Stirling

area and helps match young

musicians to bands. He has

also organised a number of

music events, including gigs

at the macrobert arts centre

involving student rock, indie

and metal bands. Chris is

organising a rock concert

at the macrobert’s on 26th

February 2011.

Tel: 07766895�78

Stirling based Composite Energy

Limited has received a US $7

million cash injection from

Australian company, Dart Energy

Limited. Dart has taken a 10 per

cent stake in the company and

has the option to make further

investment in the company or

offer to acquire the company at

an agreed price.

Composite Energy was formed in

2004 to pursue the development

of coal bed methane (CBM), an

indigenous onshore resource,

in the UK and elsewhere in

Europe. The company holds

licences across the UK, in Poland

and anticipates signing

additional licenses in Belgium

and Germany in 2010/11.

Composite also manages its own

fleet of modern purpose-built

drilling rigs through Geometric

Drilling Limited, a wholly owned

subsidiary also based in Stirling.

Commenting on the deal, Keith

Lough, Composite Energy’s Chief

Executive Officer, said:

“Dart is a highly experienced

coal bed methane operator and

one of the few companies in

the world to have taken coal

bed methane from exploration

through to production. We are

delighted to welcome Dart not

only as an investor in Composite

but as we continue to build our

CBM and shale gas extraction

business in the UK and Europe

we also expect to benefit from

the technical experience of the

Dart team.”

“The funds received from Dart

will be utilised in drilling CBM

and shale gas wells in Scotland,

securing further licences and

supporting drilling activities in a

number of European countries.”

shineBusinesswoman Dorothy

Parker recently moved from

Glasgow to Aberfoyle to enjoy

the wonderful quality of life

offered by the Trossachs.

Dorothy runs a small business called shine which

delivers leadership development, psychometric

assessments, team building and coaching. Dorothy

said: “I love living in Aberfoyle – it’s great to be in

the country and yet it’s so easy to get into Glasgow.”

Dorothy was previously a senior BBC journalist

and Editor of ‘Frontline Scotland’, the investigative

journalism series. She uses this extensive experience

to deliver media training, giving organisation’s

spokespeople the skills and confidence to cope

confidently with the media, in print, radio or TV

interviews.

Dorothy also provides career/life coaching. She

helps individuals who want to develop their career,

who’ve been made redundant, or are looking for a

change of direction in life. Dorothy said: “Through

coaching I help people figure out what they really

want to do. It’s great to see them discovering a

more fulfilling life.”

www.dorothyparker.co.uk

Efficient Client ServicesDespite starting up

in the ‘recession’

in 2009, Efficient Client Services has seen business

boom. Based at Castle Business Park, Stirling, the

IT company has been successful in wining a range

of contracts, from providing support to Hewlit

Packard for major clients like Telefonica in Spain,

to a new contract to provide French speaking

hardware support for French Social Security.

Brother in-laws Jonathan Marnoch and Simon

Grey established the company in June 2009.

Jonathan said: “We created the business with a

view to providing affordable global IT support,

solutions and services. We chose to locate in

Stirling due to its central location and hope to

grow to a size where we can become a major

employer within the Stirling area.”

”Our contract with French Social Security is until

2013 and more interest has come from across

Europe, with Dutch service provider Kender Thijssen

in the process of finalizing a deal to work with us.”

www.efficientcs.co.uk

Liberty Music student Jake

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

Local business news

Melissa Young wins Forth Valley PSYBT Business AwardCongratulations to Melissa Young

from Fallin who won this year’s Forth

Valley Prince’s Scottish Youth Business

Trust (PSYBT) Business Award. 26-year-old Melissa received

assistance from PSYBT when she started up timber haulage company

MH Young Limited in March 2009. She beat off stiff competition from

the other finalist, John O’Malley of Alloa based O’Malley Property

Consultants, to win the award.

Having grown up watching her father and grandfather involved in

timber haulage, Melissa was determined to mark a career in the

industry. She became the youngest female driver in Scotland to pass

an HGV Class 1 test under a government training initiative and after

four years experience in the industry, launched her own business MH

Young Limited. Melissa operates a tractor unit with 42-foot trailer

and timber crane and is contracted to collect timber from forests and

deliver it to sawmills, paper mills and ports.

PSYBT awarded loans and grants to 33 businesses across Forth Valley

in 2009/2010 to the value of £56,250 and £8,495 respectively.

The Royal and the IvyWhen Jack and Anne Peters bought The Royal Hotel and The Royal

Lodge in Bridge of Allan, they knew they had found properties of

beauty, history and with much potential.

Two years on and they have beautifully renovated both properties to

the highest standard, offering 43 comfortable bedrooms. The Royal

also has six separate meeting rooms with complimentary WIFI, ideal

for a range of business needs.

Jack and Anne have re-branded The Royal Lodge as The Ivy Hotel.

The Ivy too has separate meeting rooms with complimentary WIFI,

available for hire.

Anne said: “As a finalist in Scotland’s Thistle Award for Service

Excellence, our staff offer a warm welcome and superior professional

service. Our dishes in the contemporary Windows restaurant in

The Royal are designed by our award winning chef and our Sunday

carvery has also proved very popular.”

www.royal-stirling.co.uk

Pilgramage to Dounefor Python fansMonty Python fans from all over the world travelled to Doune

Castle in September for the 35th anniversary of cult comedy film,

‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.

Fans of the spoof movie based on the legend of King Arthur have

been visiting Doune Castle since it was filmed there in 1974; it’s

estimated they account for around a third of the 25,000 annual

visitors to the 14th century stronghold.

DiD you know?

Coconut shells have been a fixture at Doune Castle since the Holy Grail film became a cult hit. Visitors use them to mimic horses’ hooves, just as King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his faithful servant, Patsy (Terry Gilliam) did in the film’s opening scene.

Stirling Rowing Club added two new boats to their fleet this year

thanks to the Sportsmatch Scotland initiative supported by Stirling

based business Dataspace Scotland.

The ‘Cambuskenneth’ and the ‘Jimmy S’ have been put through their

paces during this year’s racing season. The Club’s new four has been

named ‘Jimmy S’ in honour of club member Jim Steel of Dataspace

Scotland Ltd and in tribute to the ‘Jimmy O’ another four in the club

that was named after former president Jimmy Oliphant.

The boats have already been a winning success with the

‘Cambuskenneth’ the winning boat in this year’s St Andrew’s Head of

the River race. Brigid Hames, Secretary of Stirling Rowing Club said:

“The boats are a valuable resource in a growing club, giving more

members the chance to experience rowing using state of the art

equipment. The new boats also allow more members to train at the

club and gain experience on the water.”

www.dataspacescotland.co.uk

www.stirling-rowing.org.uk

DataspaceScotland supporting Stirling Rowing Club

Photo courtesy of PSYBT


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, please contact Joëlle

Russell on 01786 ��778 or email [email protected]

New and relocating businesses in the Stirling area include:

Alpha FacilitiesA new business providing

facilities support, e.g. commercial

moves, providing and installing

furniture and maintenance. The

business moved into Stirling

Enterprise Park in August.

Tel: 01786 449143

www.alpha-facilities.co.uk

Ariadne JewelleryA new jewellers in the Stirling

Arcade, specialising in handmade

and customised jewellery. The

shop opened in September.

www.ariadnejewellery.co.uk

CalfinITCalfinIT is a new Stirling based

IT company providing repairs,

support, maintenance and

installations for small and

medium sized businesses.

CalfinIT also repair individual

home computers and Apple Macs.

Tel: 01786 498408

www.calfinIT.co.uk

Cameron & Co Estate AgentsA new estate agency and coffee

shop located on Upper Craigs.

Cameron & Co provides relaxed

surroundings, networking

opportunities and offers all

clients a full refund on their fees.

Tel: 01786 358083

www.cameronandco.co.uk

City of Stirling Tourism New business providing

a website to promote

tourism business in

Stirling, Loch Lomond

& Trossachs area.

Also offers support

in project and event

management,

online marketing via

the web site and other media

services.

Tel: 0845 226 1896

www.cityofstirling.com

Crazy DaisyA new florist located in Main

Street, St. Ninians providing

flowers for all occasions; a

teleflorist service, delivering

locally, nationally and

internationally; as well as

chocolates and balloons.

Tel: 01786 472525

Crush Interior DesignA new interior design service

located on Henderson Street,

Bridge of Allan. Crush

specialise in upholstery,

custom made curtains, fabric,

wallpapers, paint and more.

Tel: 01786 831000

Families Central ScotlandFamilies Central Scotland is

a free bi-monthly magazine

for parents of 0-12 year-olds

in Forth Valley. Launched

in November, the magazine

provides articles and ideas

for parents as well as local

activities for their children.

Tel: 07930 264979

www.familiesonline.co.uk

FWR Garage ServicesA new car repair workshop

located on Edward Road,

Riverside, Stirling. The garage

is an extension to owner Craig

Fowler’s existing transportation

air conditioning business called

Klimacool.

Tel: 07773038699

www.fwrgarageservices.co.uk

Jumpback ToursA new walking tours company,

recently launched in Stirling.

Weekend tours include city walls

& back ‘o hill and top ae’ the

toon & cemetery, £13 for adults

and kids go free.

Tel: 07531471381

[email protected]

Mr Simms Olde Sweet ShoppeA new shop specialising in

fine confectionary, including

traditional boiled sweets, a large

sugar free range and exclusive

chocolates. The shop is located

on Port Street, Stirling City centre.

Tel: 01786 358812

Property BureauSpecialising in letting and

managing domestic property,

Property Bureau recently

relocated to a more prominent

city centre location at Allan Park.

Tel: 01786 464449

www.propbureau.co.uk

SkooshSkoosh is a new shop on Main

Street, Drymen, providing cakes,

sandwiches, ice-cream, drinks and

souvenirs.

Tel: 01360 661212

Sonas Therapy SpaA new boutique city spa on Baker

Street, Sonas offers skin health

and care treatments, beauty,

nail and body treatments all

carried out by qualified advanced

therapists.

Tel: 01786 469777

www.simplysonas.com

TaxAssist AccountantsA new accountants on Cowane

Street, Stirling, specialising in

services for small business clients.

Tel: 01786 447030

www.taxassist.co.uk/stirling

Te-aan’s Party PadA new party planning business

located on Wellgreen Lane,

Te-aan’s Party Pad provides a

complete children’s party planning

service, specialising in themed

and makeover parties.

Tel: 07581 215807

www.te-aanspartypad.co.uk

The Training BusinessA new consultancy located in

Balfron providing a range of

management skills development

to achieve practical improvements

in performance. Clients are from a

range of sectors across Scotland,

Europe and South-East Asia.

www.thetrainingbusiness.co.uk

Zassica Hair & BeautyA new hair and beauty salon

located in Upper Craigs, Stirling.

Zassica opened in August and

specialises in nails, tanning, nail

academy and wedding packages.

Tel: 01786 358264

www.zassica.co.uk

Sonas Therapy Spa


Business profile Blairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy

The businessBlairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy is owned by John and Elma Logan

and is located in the stunning rural setting of Blairlogie near Stirling.

DiversificationJohn and Elma originally ran a

dairy business with a Holstein

Friesian herd at Manorpowis.

Finding it increasingly tough to make dairy farming viable, they

diversified the business in 2001, establishing the farm shop and

coffee bothy. John and Elma run the farm shop and Elma’s sister

Margaret Filshie runs the coffee bothy.

Stirling Eye caught up with Margaret Filshie, who said: “I had

been running a travel agents for 20 years when John asked if

I would like to run the Coffee Bothy. I jumped at the chance

having always loved good coffee and home baking.”

“Although the foot and mouth outbreak postponed the

opening for a couple of months, it became clear from the

first week in business that it was going to be a great success. I have

since sold my travel business to concentrate on the Coffee Bothy full

time.”

TransitionThe transition from farming to shop

keeper has been easy for John

Logan. Margaret said: “John is so

passionate about people and the

business we call him the PR man.”

Model for successMargaret said: “We all emphasise

that the key to success is good quality food and fresh Scottish produce.

We source as much from Scotland as possible, even down to our

pakora. We source a lot of our fruit locally from Briarlands farm in

Blairdrummond and a berry producer from Kippen. All of our beef is

Scottish Farm Assured.”

Development of the business

The business has been extended over the years

and now employs around 38. The number of

tables in the coffee bothy has increased from

seven to 24 and the retail of arts, crafts and

quality furniture has been added to compliment the existing business.

Margaret said that a fantastic development has been the Coffee Bothy

Express run by John and Elma’s son Graeme. This additional facility

has increased their capacity to accommodate more visitors, which has

enabled them to get brown tourist signage put up.

Advice on diversificationMargaret’s advice to other farm business thinking about diversifying is

to never stint on quality. She said: “We ensure that every plate of food

served is of the same high standard to keep our good reputation.”

“It is important to note that diversification is not an easy option – it is

a lot of hard work and needs to be started with a passion to succeed.”

The futureMargaret said: “We constantly innovate, source new products and

bring new ideas to our menu. We are passionate about using local

produce and would like people to realise that the loss of farming from

the countryside will change the environment as we know it.”

“We are also engaged in the huge campaign against the construction

of the new electricity pylons for the Beauly to Denny line, backed by

the Stirling Observer. If the line is required and can’t be put offshore

we want it to be buried underground. If constructed, these pylons will

scar Stirling’s landscape forever.”

www.blairmainsfarmshop.co.uk


DiD you know?

John Logan, friends and family walked the West Highland Way in September raising more than £15,000 for Cancer Research and Breast Awareness Scotland, to add to the £32,000 already raised.

www.justgiving.com/blairmains

John Logan and Margaret Filshie


30 second interview

Chrystal Funeral Services: 01786 ��7699 www.chrystalfuneralservices.com

Name: William Chrystal

Job title: Funeral Director

Place of work: Chrystal Funeral Services, Cowane Street, Stirling

Brief company description: We are an independent funeral director who aim to provide an affordable and personal

service to all our families.

How do you get to work? By car

Where is your favourite place to eat out? Why? Azad tandoori Restaurant in Alloa, delicious food and friendly staff.

What do you think the Stirling area could I actually think Stirling is already well serviced.

most benefit from?

What is your favourite colour? Black (only kidding) it is red.

What is the best thing about doing business Encouragement and support from other local businesses.

in Stirling?

What do you think the biggest issue is for Lack of affordable premises and access to funding.

businesses in the Stirling area?

What is the biggest issue for your business? To make more people aware that an independent funeral director can offer a service

equal if not better than its larger competitors.

What is your favourite shop? Any type of gadget shop.

What is your greatest ambition? To do a world tour on my motorbike.

Safe BaseStirling’s night-time

initiative ‘Safe Base’

is returning to the

city centre over

the 2010 festive

period, after it’s

success over the

last two years.

The Safe Base is located in the City centre in

the ‘Basement’, just below the Library at the

Back Walk. It provides a safe environment for

vulnerable individuals or those in need of basic

medical assistance and is aimed at addressing

anti-social behaviour associated with excessive

alcohol consumption. Safe Base will commence

on Friday 19th November and will be open

from 10 pm – 2 am every Friday and Saturday

for the five weekends before Christmas.

For further information about city centre safety

issues contact Peter Walker on 01786 443137

or email [email protected]

Calling all rural businesses

The Council would like to hear from

businessmen and women from across the

rural area, from Crianlarich and Tyndrum in

the north, to Strathblane in the west and

Plean to the east.

Susan Harvey MBE, Convenor of the

Kilmadock Community Development Trust

and owner of Doune-based business Harvey

Maps, said: “It is important that business

space is provided in rural Stirling, particularly

where new housing is being built. Small

local businesses want workspace close

to where they live. This is particularly

important in rural areas where there is little

or no local business space available and

where the only option is to travel to the

town, which is expensive, time consuming,

and not environmentally friendly.”

A questionnaire has been sent out to a

number of rural businesses; but there are

many home-based businesses and people

working self-employed in the rural area

that will not have received a copy. If you

have a business in the rural area or work

from home and would like to take part,

please access the survey online at www.

stirling.gov.uk/ruralsurvey or contact Joelle

Russell (Economic Support & Tourism, Stirling

Council) on 01786 442778 to ask for a copy

to be sent to you.

The results of the study will help Stirling

Council and partners to understand the type

of business space required in rural Stirling

and if there are barriers to expansion or

diversification that prevent businesses

taking up space.

Stirling Council, in partnership with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park,

is carrying out a study to understand demand for business space in rural Stirling.


Businesses network at

Autumn Trade Fair

STIRLING BUSINESS PANEL

Autumn Trade FairThe Stirling Business Panel held a trade fair at Strathallan House, Castle Business Park on 21st September. Over 50

organisations exhibited their services and products at the event, which was attended by around 150 local businesses.

The Stirling Business Panel would like to thank the Stirling Development Agency, the Stirling Observer and Central FM who

sponsored the event.

Initial feedback has been really positive. Businesses reported that they made useful contacts and strengthened existing links

with other businesses. Everyone providing feedback noted a desire for the Panel to hold more trade fairs in the future.

Stirling Eye caught up with some of the exhibitors and visitors at the trade fair…

ATTENDEE: Charlotte Smith, Teed Business Continuity, StirlingWhy attending: “I wanted to come along

and see what Stirling has to offer as we

prefer to use local suppliers where possible.

The event has been really useful with good

representation of businesses from the area.”

About Teed Business Continuity: “We help

to ensure that organisations, when faced with

an unexpected incident or loss of resource,

continue to be able to maintain their critical

activities and manage the effective recovery of

their business and services.”

www.teed.co.uk

ATTENDEE: Maureen Cooper, Personal Alchemy, DouneWhy attending: “I heard about the Trade

Fair through the Small Business Club. I almost

never came, but I am delighted I did as within

half an hour I made a new contact with the

potential of a day a months’ business!”

About Personal Alchemy: “I am a colour

therapist and life coach.”

ATTENDEE: Colin Dick, The Training Business, BalfronWhy attending: “I came to make some new contacts and I

am really glad I did, meeting some potential clients for my

management training business. I also met some potential

business partners and suppliers. This has been a good event

for me, bringing together a range of people in one place.”

About The Training Business: “We are a consultancy

providing a range of management skills development, to

achieve practical improvements in performance. Clients

are from all sectors and include organisations in Scotland,

London and South-East Asia.”

www.thetrainingbusiness.co.uk

ATTENDEE: Angus Holden, W.I.P. Publishing House Ltd, AlloaWhy attending: “I am interested in speaking to anyone who can get involved in putting a new Forth Valley wide magazine together. I’m looking for businesses to sponsor sections, advertise and write articles to help promote their business.”

About W.I.P Publishing House: “We are a small editorial and production team. We take people’s ideas – e.g. a novel or poems, and turn them into a published product. We are also looking at creating a high quality general interest magazine for the people of Central Scotland.”

www.wippublishinghouse.com


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

Executive – Stirling Council) on 01786 ��17�,

email [email protected] or join online at

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

MEMBER PRoFILESteven Tolson, Director of Ogilvie Group Developments Ltd

In this issue, we profile Business Panel Executive Group member Steven Tolson, a Chartered Surveyor and Director of Ogilvie Group Developments.

Before joining Ogilvie, Steven worked at

EDI, an arms length property company of the City of Edinburgh Council.

He was engaged in mixed-use regeneration projects including master

planning, new schools, housing and infrastructure.

Steven now undertakes similar projects for Ogilvie, working

with public sector partners. He’s also engaged in commercial

developments in various parts of Scotland.

Steven said: “I was attracted to Ogilvie as it is a Scottish family

operated business that is ambitious and sees its strength in its people,

working as a team and having the benefit of maintaining a local

dimension to its operations.”

Steven is currently managing a joint venture with North Lanarkshire

Council’s development company, Fusion Assets. This joint venture

involves developing Drumpellier Business Park for local companies and

businesses that are seeking to invest in Lanarkshire.

With regard to representing Ogilvie on the Executive Group of the

Stirling Business Panel, Steven said: “Ogilvie has always played its part

in making a contribution to Stirling. As part of our corporate social

responsibility our staff perform a variety of roles and activities for the

city and the local community. Ogilvie staff are enthusiastic charity

fund raisers holding events for local charities throughout the year.”

“In this difficult economic period it is important that businesses

and the Council work together and seek ways of creating business

opportunities that project jobs and create the right conditions for local

sustainable economic growth.”

Steven is also a visiting lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art and

frequently represents the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in

Scotland on a range of design and regeneration initiatives.

EXHIBIToR: Sonya Murray, The Baby Gurus, DunblaneAbout The Baby Gurus: “We are

an education business specialising

in maternity, paternity and

early parenting issues. I have a

background in midwifery and my

business partner Emma Thomson

has a background in human

resources. Together, we are keen

to use our knowledge and expertise

for both parents and businesses.”

“We have developed a service called Corporate Bumps, which

helps expectant women cope with their pregnancy whilst

working, and to successfully manage their return to work.”

Why exhibiting: “We came to a Stirling Business Panel event

last year and made contact with Glasgow University. We recently

received two £5,000 First Step Awards from them to look at

different aspects on returning to work following maternity, so we

were keen to come back and network some more!”

�010 AnnualBusiness Panel SurveyWe recently sent out the 2010 Annual Business Panel Survey and urge

all members to complete and return their surveys to help give Stirling’s

business community a stronger voice.

The survey will help Stirling Council and partners formulate policy

and can have a direct bearing on the conditions under which local

businesses operate. If you have not received a copy, please contact Bill

Fortune 01786 443172 or email [email protected] .

EXHIBIToR:Derek White, Stirling Fire ProtectionAbout Stirling Fire Protection:

“We offer supply and servicing of

portable fire extinguishers, staff

fire awareness training, fire risk

assessments, all types of signs

and many fire related products.

Established more than eight years ago, we now have over 900

customers, including Rangers Football Club, United Closures &

Plastics, Calor Gas Scotland and a wide range of small businesses.”

Why exhibiting: “We want to get our name out to other local

businesses and promote what we do. We already have positive

networks with local businesses, such as Stirling Electrical who we

pass fire alarm requests onto, but would like to build up more.”

“We’ve already had some positive leads today, including a

business moving to new premises wanting us to look at fire

protection for them.”

www.thebabygurus.com

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

Special feature

Interview with Rachel Nunn, Manager of GCNSRachel founded GCNS in 2008 and now

works with a team of eight, based within

Keep Scotland Beautiful in Stirling. Stirling

Eye met up with Rachel to find out more…

Why did you establish GCNS?“When I learned more about climate change in 2004, I gave up my

career in business growth and marketing to focus on communicating

climate change to the masses. With two small boys, it suddenly

seemed a huge issue!”

“I developed the GCNS engagement model and secured £1.3 million

funding to deliver it. The key aim is to engage the local population,

including businesses, to overcome psychological and infrastructure

barriers to implementing change.”

How can businesses lower emissions?“Many businesses are trapped in a cycle of not having enough time to

make changes, but increasingly struggling to pay rising energy bills.

That’s where we come in – we can break the cycle by looking at your

business for you and recommending how to lower emissions.”

“Much of it is simple advice, like actively controlling heating and

cooling systems. We can also connect you to organisations that will

conduct a free energy audit, and if you aren’t eligible for one, we will

arrange one for you.”

“We recently ran a pilot project with the Carbon Trust, training up

students from the University of Stirling who then advised businesses

on how to lower their emissions. Scottish Business in the Community

(SBC) is now running this project using students from Edinburgh

University. To find out how to receive assistance from this project,

please contact Andrew Millson (SBC) on 0131 451 1102 or email

[email protected] .”

How can businesses lower the carbon of products/services?“This is about localising what we do – encouraging local production and

consumption.”

“A large proportion of the population would choose to buy low carbon

products and services if they were readily available, identifiable and

competitively priced. We would like to help businesses move in this

direction and are happy to talk to any business wanting to reduce the

carbon of products or services.”

How can businesses inspire transformational change?“This can be done in a variety of ways, such as arranging to provide

volunteer buddies through GCNS to cycle into work with staff who wish

to try commuting to work by bicycle.”

“We would like businesses to show great leadership and help create

new positive habits.”

What businesses have you assisted? “We started by working with the Thistle Centre and engaging with the retail

businesses there – it has been hard work achieving buy-in, but we are now

moving forward with many tenants actively involved.”

“Some examples of assistance across Stirling include:

l We helped outdoor clothing store Tresspass, Stirling reduce their energy

bills by 40 per cent.

l We recently conducted an energy audit for Volunteer Development

Scotland, Stirling.

l We recently held an ‘energy breakfast’ for tenants of Stirling University

Innovation Park, discussing ways to reduce energy bills.

l We recently supported ‘green cuisine’ events by The Bistro, Raploch

Campus, where trainee students learned to prepare fresh local produce.

l We helped Sports Direct, Stirling reduce their energy bills through simple

changes, e.g. turning lights off in parts of the store not used at night.”

Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) is working to create a low

carbon future in Stirling. Support is available to businesses

and communities to cut carbon and save money.

Based on a behaviour change model, GCNS provide a free service to Stirling

businesses, including:

l creating Carbon Cutter Plans

l engaging staff on carbon cutting actions

l helping to identify instant changes to how you manage business infrastructure

l linking you to carbon reduction support partners and ensuring they respond to

your needs in a timely manner

l co-ordinating events for businesses with similar issues and needs

l connect you with other local businesses to help support you in new activity

To find out more about how GCNS can help you to cut carbon, please contact Joe Hind

on 01786 477175 or email [email protected] .

www.goingcarbonneutralstirling.org.uk

GCNS Facilitator Emily with chefs Ype and Shaune at the The Bistro, Raploch Campus

The Thistles management team

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

Case studies on businesses supported by GCNS:

Karen Warrington,

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car Scotland LimitedEnterprise Rent-A-Car is an industry-leading, multi-national

company with more than 700,000 vehicles in its worldwide rental

fleet, more than 68,000 employees, and more than 7,000 locations,

including a branch in Stirling where the Scotland & Northern

Ireland head office is also based. Stirling Eye caught up with Karen

Warrington, Group Operations Manager, to find out about assistance

received from GCNS…

How did you find out about GCNS?“At an environmental event where GCNS were exhibiting.”

Why did you get involved?“Sustainability and environmental management are right at the heart

of Enterprise’s business ethos. We place huge emphasis on identifying

local initiatives that can have a direct impact on our local business. I

could see that signing up to GCNS could have a positive affect on our

carbon reduction both at our head office and our local rental branch.”

What advice or assistance did you receive?“We received carbon cutter plan advice and support.”

“I now set employees a task every month – such as turning off PC’s

and monitors, saving on heating, and being water wise. I collate

results and feedback, which I send to GCNS. This month’s task is for

employees to come up with a new idea and implement it. The best

idea will win a prize.”

“I was awarded a Green Champion Award in June 2010, which was

very exciting for Enterprise.”

How has this helped your business?“We have increased awareness of the importance of reducing our

carbon footprint and the cost benefits. Employee feedback shows

that they are adopting the tasks as part of their daily routines, not just

in the office but at home too, and Enterprise has reduced its energy

consumption, which makes for happy accountants!”

www.drivingfuture.co.uk

DiD you know?

Out-of-season cut flowers are among the products with the largest carbon footprint per pound generated in the tills.

Stuart Wilson,

Ravenswood Guest House, StirlingRavenswood Guest House provides bed and breakfast on

Causewayhead Road, Stirling. Stirling Eye caught up with owner

Stuart Wilson to find out about assistance received from GCNS…

How did you find out about GCNS?“In an article in the Stirling Observer.”

Why did you get involved?“I am concerned about climate change and wanted to minimise

the amount my business contributes in terms of CO2 emissions and

physical waste.”

What advice or assistance did you receive?“A GCNS representative visited my business several times to review

it and make me aware of changes I could make and where to source

information. Advice was provided on purchasing locally produced

food, purchasing FSC branded paper products, loft insulation, closing

curtains at night and turning the heating down.”

How has this helped your business?“I’ve put a page on my website to advise clients how I have

minimised the environmental impact of the business – guests have

commented on this when booking and some advise that they

specifically book with me because of these actions. Our energy

consumption is lower making cash savings and I don’t have to pay

for additional waste uplift as so much is now recycled.”

www.ravenswoodguesthouse.com

Going Carbon Neutral Stirling

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

Business space developments

Industrial

Springkerse Industrial EstateDevelopment activity is underway at 19 Kerse Road,

Springkerse Industrial Estate with a new build unit for

the Bathstore well under construction. Occupation is

expected before the end of this year. Michael McIntyre

of DM Hall is also encouraged to report that interest is

being progressed in remaining space at this location.

A new industrial development in Whitehouse Road is

also expected to start early next year. More details will

be provided in future editions of Stirling Eye.

Space has also been taken up within Muddy Fields LLP’s

Munro Road development in Springkerse, with a 248 sq

m (2,670 sq ft) unit leased to Stuart White Racing and a

unit of 376 sq m (4,050 sq ft) under offer.

More information on remaining space from 248 sq

m (2,670 sq ft) in the Munro Road development can

be obtained from Sandy Falconer of J&E Shepherd on

01786 450438, email [email protected]

or John Quinn on 07876 658980, email

[email protected]

Broadleys Business Park376 sq m (4,050 sq ft) of space at Broadleys

Business Park, Springkerse, has been leased to the

Salvation Army for recycling of furniture, following

on from improved signage within Imex Business

Centre. The Salvation Army plan to take a further

232 sq m (2,500 sq ft) within the Centre.

STEP provide a range of

business support services to

pre-start, new and existing

businesses, including delivery

of the Business Gateway service

throughout the Stirling area. They also provide managed workspace and serviced

office property from three distinct locations within the city of Stirling:

Stirling Enterprise Park, providing a

range of workspace and office units

from 18 sq m (200 sq ft) to 530 sq m

(5,700 sq ft);

Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen,

providing office suites from 18 sq m

(200 sq ft) to 74 sq m (800 sq ft);

and,

Enterprise House, Springkerse

Business Park, providing office suites from 18 sq m (200 sq ft) to 418 sq m

(4,500 sq ft).

Around 120 businesses operate from these locations sustaining around 400 jobs.

The businesses cover a variety of activities including design, manufacture, sales

(non direct retail), service and storage operations.

Each of the locations provide a staffed reception area, conference and meeting

room facilities for hire and on site car parking. Occupiers can access all STEP’s

business support services, including Business Gateway services. Stirling Enterprise

Park also offers a business address facility and two IT centres for hire.

Quoting rents (including service charge) are from £8/ sq ft to £18/ sq ft. The usual

lease period is for 12 months, although flexible shorter or longer lease terms can

be arranged.

Alison Davidson of STEP explained: “The flexible approach to property has enabled

a number of businesses to develop within and between the STEP locations as well

as moving onto other business locations within Stirling. This approach has had a

positive impact on the local economy.”

“Although average levels of occupancy are around 75 per cent, STEP still have a

range of accommodation from 18 sq m (200 sq ft) to 530 sq m (5,700 sq ft) on

attractive and flexible terms.”

For further information on accommodation available through STEP please contact

Alison Davidson on 01786 463416, email [email protected] .

Alison can also provide information on unique office space being promoted at the

Old Town Jail, Stirling.

STEP into an enterprising locationStirling Enterprise Park Ltd

(STEP) was formed in the

early 1980s to support the

local business community.

DiD you know?

The Peak, Stirling’s contemporary new sports and leisure building achieved a nomination for the prestigious Scottish Design Awards 2010.


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

Office

Wallace HouseA new occupier has been

secured for one of the last

remaining suites in Wallace

House, Stirling city centre. A

suite of 107 sq m (1,159 sq ft)

has been leased to national

charity Sue Ryder for their new home care service. This leaves only

one suite of 67 sq m (720 sq ft) remaining for lease at £12.50/sq ft.

Andrew Peel and Kate Byrne

of Savills explained: “This

further letting to a high

profile occupier highlights

continued demand for

competitively priced, quality

refurbished office space

within central Stirling.”

For further information on

remaining space please

contact Andrew Peel of

Graham and Sibbald on

01786 463111, email

[email protected] or Kate

Byrne of Savills on 0131

247 3821, email kbyrne@

savills.co.uk .

Barracks, ForthsideA new occupier has also been

secured for first floor space in the

Barracks at Forthside, Stirling,

extending to 386 sq m (4,149 sq ft).

Andrew Peel and Peter Fleming

of joint letting agents, Graham

and Sibbald and Montagu Evans,

confirmed: “This letting has resulted in the landlord, CTP, bringing

forward their plans to refurbish the building’s

ground floor on a speculative basis as a

show office providing further evidence of

developing confidence in the commercial

property market.”

With Block A of the Barracks already occupied

by Volunteer Development Scotland and

other interest being shown, the joint agents

are hopeful of further announcements in the

near future.

For further information on remaining space for

lease or sale within the Barracks please contact

Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald on 01786

463111, email [email protected] or Peter

Fleming of Montagu Evans on 0131 229 3800,

email [email protected] .

Earlsgate HouseOffice space within Earlsgate

House, Kings Park, Stirling

has benefited from internal

decoration and new carpets with

suites from 15 sq m (167 sq ft).

Leases start from £8/sq ft and

various incentives are available.

Earlsgate Court, situated to the rear of Earlsgate House, also has

space for lease or for sale extending to 303 sq m (3,257 sq ft).

Further information can be obtained from Andrew Peel of

Graham and Sibbald on 01786 463111, email

[email protected] or Simon Capaldi of GVA Grimley on

0131 469 6065, email [email protected]

Case study: Whitehouse Road, Springkerse Industrial Estate, StirlingType of accommodation: Terraced unit development with individual and combined units for lease for

flexible duration. Remaining space from 110 sq m (1,186 sq ft) to 331 sq m (3,558 sq ft) is being promoted

by letting agent, Allied Surveyors Scotland. Quoting rental £6.50/ sq ft, with incentives available. Tenants are

responsible for maintenance and insurance of units.

New tenant: Zanart LtdZanart Ltd are the developers of this industrial/workshop location.

They have also taken occupation of one of the units.

Zanart Ltd is a local general building contractor, based in Bridge of

Allan since 1981. The business is involved in construction works

from extension and refurbishment to new builds for various private

clients and local authorities. Zanart Ltd employs 12 people.

Why did you locate at Whitehouse Road?Stuart McLachlan of Zanart Ltd explained: “We were tight for space

and moving to an attractive unit in an established industrial estate

has allowed us to develop our operations and serve customers

from a more central location. We provided a new internal office

accommodating three staff as well as racking in addition to

external storage.”

For further information on remaining space at Whitehouse Road please contact Allan Imrie of Allied Surveyors Scotland on 01786 450291, email [email protected]


Business space developments

Planning applications update

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

The following planning applications with a significant business focus

have been submitted to Stirling Council since the last edition of Stirling

Eye (Summer 2010) and are still being considered, pending a decision:

l An application by the directors of Powercrofters (Scotland) Ltd

for erection of a waste to energy facility comprising a unit to sort

pre-approved waste for recycling or reprocessing plant generating

energy from suitable wastes, formation of an access via a new

roundabout and traffic calming measures on the A905 for Throsk,

and formation of a new district heating main utilising hot water

generated as a by-product of the main process (2.84 ha). The

application is for land west of Bandeath Lodge, Throsk.

l An application by William Ross for renewal of permission for a

car boot sale and open air market (current car boot site area) on

Sundays 6 am to 1.30 pm at Caldeonian Marts, Millhall Road.

l An application by Tradstocks Ltd for construction of offices,

showroom and resource centre (0.38 ha) on land to south east of

travelling people’s site, Stirling.

l An application by Mr G Singh for erection of a new Post Office,

shop and five flats on land and buildings at 9, 11 and 13 Old

Mugdock Road, Strathblane.

The following planning applications have been approved:

l An application by Stirling Council Waste Services for erection of

a waste management centre and office block (255 sq m approx.

floorspace) 200 metres to the west of Polmaise Recycling Centre,

Fallin.

l An application by Miss L Imrie for change of use from a toilet

block to a beauty salon (110 sq m approx. floorspace) at public

toilets, Borestone Crescent.

l An application by Joanne & John Inglis for erection of a visitor centre

(520 sq m approx. floorspace) at Briarlands, Blairdrummond.

l An application by Balbir Singh for change of use from a function

room/night club to a convenience store retail outlet and change of

use for public bar/restaurant to hot food takeaway outlet (fish and

chips) (425 sq m floorspace to change of use) at the Bannockburn

Arms Hotel, Bannockburn.

The following planning applications have been supported in principal but

are subject to detailed negotiations to draw up planning agreements:

l An application by Wordie Properties for a six storey hotel

development with ancillary bar and restaurant, including servicing

access and landscape details (hotel – 6,492 sq m) at 14-16 and

former toilets, Dumbarton Road east, Stirling.

l An application by Whitbread Group Plc for an extension to hotel,

alterations to car park and change of use of agricultural land

(extension to hotel – 640 sq m – 22 new bedrooms proposed) at

Pirnhall Inn, Pirnhall Road west, Stirling.

l An application by Forth Valley College for the approval of matters

specified in condition of planning permission for Class 10 college

campus facilities, associated access, car parking, landscaping

and other ancillary works (5.1 ha) at the former Kildean Auction

Market, Drip Road, Stirling.

The following planning applications have been refused:

l An application by Mr M Gibson for relocation of a landscape

business at Edenmill Farm, Blanefield.

l An application by Mr M Gibson for change of use to form tearoom

and play area at Edenmill Farm, Blanefield.

Hire the HubForward Scotland recently launched The Hub

– newly modernised meeting and training space,

ideal for business meetings, courses and events.

The space is flexible and can host sessions of

up to 20 people in meeting or theatre style,

equipped with eight workstations, a fully

integrated SMART ™ board and free internet and telephones.

The Hub @ Forward Scotland is centrally located on Livilands Lane, Stirling and the space is

available from Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 6.00pm at reasonable and competitive rates

For more details please contact Christine Benvie, on

0560 0010560, email [email protected] .

Office continued

DiD you know?

Forward Scotland is a charity that helps communities across Scotland to improve their local environment and achieve a better and more sustainable quality of life.


Trossachs Yurts are out of this world

Redundancy supportStirling Council, together with

its partners, operate a service

called PACE (Partnership Action

for Continuing Employment).

PACE provides support to local companies which

face making employees redundant, assisting any

employees facing redundancy to find alternative

employment.

Initially PACE provides information packs for employees.

These packs include information from various

organisations on a wide range of services for people

facing the prospect of unemployment.

The PACE partners can then arrange an event,

where those employees who are facing redundancy

can meet with organisations for help and advice

on alternative employment, job searching, career

guidance, training and volunteering options, business

start up, tax, welfare benefits and money advice.

Who are PACE partners?Stirling Council, Falkirk Council, Clackmannanshire

Council, Skills Development Scotland, Careers Scotland

and Jobcentre Plus.

For more information on PACE, visit

www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/redundancy

or contact Laura Melville, Stirling Council, on

01786 443028.

Scottish Enterprise help Dolby Medical save moneyA resource efficiency audit will save Stirling-based Dolby Medical

over £3,000 a year, thanks to support from Scottish Enterprise.

A leading provider of medical products and services for more than 40 years, Dolby Medical recognised

the cost benefits that could be achieved through more efficient use of its resources. Working closely

with Scottish Enterprise, through its environmental management initiative, the company has carried

out a resource efficiency audit and is now implementing a number of its recommendations.

Alan Speirs, managing director of Dolby Medical said: “Making best use of your resources, in our case

our water and energy use, is imperative to keep running costs low and profit high.”

“We saved over £1,500 a year by simply improving the way we use our boiler which is remarkable,

and a saving we wouldn’t have picked up had the audit not been carried out by Scottish Enterprise.”

The company has also cut back its water consumption through reducing all its cisterns to six litres

volume instead of nine litres, fitted a timer and solenoid value to the urinals and engaging staff in a

campaign on environmental issues.

www.dolbymedical.co.uk

Tourism accommodation in the Stirling

area just got that little bit more

interesting thanks to local farmer Kate

Sankey.

Kate, who farms organically on 140-

acres at West Moss-side by Thornhill,

has realised an ambition to introduce

three Yurts to the farm - with the

help of a grant from the SRDP Rural

Priorities Scheme.

The Krygyk yurts (to give them their

official name) are the result of a

fusion between the skills of local

yurt builder Paul Millard of Red Kite

Yurts (www.redkiteyurts.com) and

Krgykstan yurt builder, Nurlan from

the southern village of Kyzyl Tuu.

As well as helping Kate target the

broader tourism market, the yurts will

also enable her to offer residential

craft courses. This will help build on

the success of her first diversification

venture, which saw a 19th century

steading converted on the farm in

2006 to form a high quality venue for

meetings, seminars, educational visits,

craft workshops and IT training events.

With solar showers, a stunning location

encapsulating views of Ben Lomond,

Ben Ledi and Ben Vorlich and the

Flanders Moss Nature Reserve right on

the doorstep, there is plenty to attract

those with an adventurous spirit and

a great love of the outdoors to stay at

Trossachs Yurts.

www.westmossside.com


Creative industries and technologies case studies

Sector feature Creative Industries and Technologies


What are creative industries and technologies?Creative industries and technologies cover businesses focused

on individual creativity, skill and talent. These businesses create

job opportunities through development of knowledge and

intellectual property into new products and services. The sector

covers arts, crafts, film production, media, design, architecture

and creation of new technologies.

The shift away from traditional manufacturing and labour intensive

industries in Scotland has meant that the exploitation of cultural heritage,

individual creativity and new ideas has become all the more important in

driving economic growth.

A report on creative industries for the Scottish Government in 2009 found

that the sector employs around 60,000 people in Scotland and contributes

£5 billion per annum to the economy (based on 2007 data). 97 per cent

of businesses involved in creative industries are small with less than 50

employees and the majority (97%) are Scottish owned.

Although creative industries traditionally embody arts, crafts and

cultural sectors, businesses developing new technologies provide the

technological advancements required to drive growth across this and

other industries.

The sector in Stirling Stirling has a wealth of businesses

involved in creative industries and

technologies, with many small

businesses focused on design,

craft, film, media, advertising and

production of new technologies.

The University of Stirling has a

coveted Film & Media Studies

department and Forth Valley

College’s new Stirling campus will

deliver creative industries courses

in sound production, art & design

and communications & media.

VIEW STIRLING CREATIVE INDUSTRIES VIDEo CLIPLocal production company Small Majority has produced a video clip

to accompany this feature. The video captures the work of the case

study enterprises and can be viewed at

www.smallmajority.co.uk/events/stirlingeye.html

Alan McMaster and Michael Rea, Small MajoritySmall Majority is a film

production company

based in The Old Town

Jail, Stirling. Stirling Eye

met up with joint directors

Alan McMaster and

Michael Rea to find out

more…

Why did you establish the business?

“We met while

studying Film &

Media at Stirling

University and found it

difficult to find challenging production work when we graduated,

so decided to set up our own business.”

“It was hard for the first two years, but we persevered and things

have now snowballed. This year we are celebrating 10 years in

business!”

What projects are you working on?

“A wide range from producing European travel guides for the

Scottish Football Association, to information videos for NHS

Scotland. A particularly interesting project on the go just now

is producing video content for Creative Scotland’s new music

networking site Youth Music Forum Scotland.”

“In any down time, we work on our own projects, including short

films, music videos and researching gaps in the market.”

How important is technology?

“Very – having the best equipment available is essential. We

recently bought a new breed of video DSLR. Using prime lenses,

the camera shoots video in full HD – the same type of camera is

used to film the ‘House’ series for television.”

Has the recession had an impact?

“Things slowed down initially, particularly our public sector work,

but we are finding new opportunities. More organisations are

looking to produce videos online instead of sending out costly

brochures, and are sending out multi-media press releases.

Having video on your website is becoming a must for businesses

and the public sector.”

www.smallmajority.co.uk


Sector feature Creative Industries and Technologies

19

Alison Borthwick,Committee Member, Mugdock MakkersAlison Borthwick owns Buchlyvie

Pottery and is also a member of the Mugdock Makkers. Stirling

Eye met up with Alison to find out more…

What was the idea behind the Makkers?“Mugdock Country Park had a long-term vision to create a cultural

centre, making the park more than just a place to exercise. Part

of this involved establishing a gallery run by a local arts and crafts

association to compliment the existing theatre.”

“The park contacted a number of local arts and crafts people about

the opportunity and we formed the Mugdock Makkers arts and

crafts association. We spent two years marketing and building up

the group, before opening a purpose built art gallery in 2007.”

What is your background?“I studied ceramics and printmaking at Grays School of Art in

Aberdeen, started my business in Glasgow in 1983 and then moved

it, opening the pottery shop in Buchlyvie in ‘89.”

What support do the Makkers provide?“Members are able to exhibit work in the manned gallery and

network with other arts and crafts people. Each member works

a day per month in the gallery demonstrating their skills and

teaching people about crafts.”

“We have over 30 members and cover woodwork, painting, textile

arts, pottery, jewellery and glass crafts. We have a strict member

selection process to ensure quality and originality.”

What are the plans for the future?“We’re investing in a better website that will allow online sales and

the University of Stirling is also helping us to improve marketing of

merchandise.”

Has the recession had an impact?“No, the Makkers turnover has actually increased 25 per cent per

annum year-on-year. I think this is due to the bespoke nature of

our products – things the supermarkets can’t replicate!”

www.buchlyviepotteryshop.com

The Mugdock Makkers are always on the lookout for new members,

to find out more, please email [email protected]

or visit www.mugdockmakkers.org.uk

Andrew PeacockAlison Borthwick

Andrew Peacock, Director, Peacock Technologies LimitedPeacock Technologies Limited (PTL) is

a creative engineering business based

at Stirling University Innovation Park.

Stirling Eye met with founder and Director

Andrew Peacock to find out more…

Can you tell us more about the business?

“While PTL was established in 2008,

most of the team previously worked together for eight years on a

project to create a robotic milking machine.“

“We work with a variety of clients, from multi-national companies

looking to automate production processes, to individual inventors

looking to bring a concept they have to reality.”

“One of our first key achievements was building the latest time of

flight camera technology into our robots, enabling them to see and

sense things and work with a range of shapes and unusually sized

objects. This was the first commercial application of time of flight

technology – developed in Stirling!”

“We now have seven employees and hope to expand to ten over the

next 24 months.”

What projects are you working on?

“Current examples include work with the Scottish Agricultural College

to produce an automated meat quality system for Scotbeef’s abattoir

in Bridge of Allan, a robotic machine to provide visual inspection of

rubber parts and leak detection for a company in the Czech Republic,

and electronics for a hand held motion sensor.”

“Our expertise in electronics, software and mechanical engineering,

allows us to create inventions for just about any sector. We are

passionate about creative engineering, and invest more in training

than we hold in profit.“

Has the recession had an impact?

“No – we started up in the downturn and a lot of what we do saves

clients money.”

“Automation of processes minimises human labour requirements,

helping to keep manufacturing in this

country rather than it being taking abroad.“

www.peacocktech.co.uk

DiD you know?

PTL recently secured ISO 13485 accreditation for developing medical devices.

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

Forth Valley branch of CMI launchedThe Chartered Management

Institute (CMI) launched a new

Forth Valley branch in October

at a glittering event in Stirling

Castle. Speakers at the launch included Keith Brown,

Minister for Skills & Lifelong Learning and MSP for the

Ochils; Annable Goldie MSP; and, Geoff Mawdsley, Director

of the think tank Reform Scotland.

The CMI is the only chartered professional body in the

UK dedicated to promoting excellence in leadership

and management. It owns the National Occupational

Standards Institute and offers a variety of leadership and

management qualifications through local colleges and

universities.

Forth Valley CMI founder and Chairman Colin Millar of

Stirling based Volunteer Development Scotland said: “I

was a CMI Ambassador and thought we should be doing

more in Forth Valley. I established the local branch, which

now has over 300 members from large companies such as

INEOS, down to small local businesses.”

Membership is graded, costing between £50 per annum

for students to a member grade of £139 per annum.

Members have access to a wide range of online resources,

free legal consultations on personal or business issues, a

members library and negotiated reduced rates on personal

indemnity insurance.

Colin said: “We want to bring more networking events

to the Forth Valley. We have two further events in the

pipeline, which are open to businesses across Stirling,

including non-members:

An evening workshop on Employee Engagement with

C-T-C Ltd on 24th November at the Falkirk Wheel.

An evening event at Stirling University including

a presentation from the Hunter Centre for

Entrepreneurship ‘Looking Inside High Growth

Businesses’.

Both events will cost approximately £15 per event for non-

members.”

For more information on Forth Valley CMI or to register to

attend one of the events, please visit www.managers.org.

uk/forum/cmi-scotland/forth-valley-branch . Forth Valley

CMI can also be found on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.

New heritage plaquesfor StirlingThe latest phase of the Orientation and Interpretation Strategy in the City has

recently been completed. A further eight striking brass heritage plaques have

been erected at key historic buildings. Locations include, John Allan’s distinctive

building at 29-31 Friars Street, The Golden Lion Hotel, 55 Baker St, Central

Library, Wolf’s Craig building, Tollbooth, Argyll’s Lodging and The Cannons in

Broad Street.

Research from the City of Stirling Visitor Survey highlights the importance of

Stirling’s heritage to Stirling’s offering for visitors. The new plaques will be a

welcome addition for both locals and visitors to the existing informative heritage

plaques located throughout the Old Town, Back Walk and Valley Cemetery.

Colin Millar, Chairman of Forth Valley CMI

Stirling taxi marshalsThousands of evening revellers enjoy Stirling

City centre’s night-time economy, and after a

good night out, many people will catch a taxi

to get home safely and quickly. To help ensure

orderly taxi queues and reduce anti-social

behaviour, Stirling will once again utilise taxi

marshals over the festive period.

The taxi marshals will be present in the City centre on Friday and Saturday

nights from 12 midnight to 4 am, for the five weekends leading up to

Christmas, plus Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

Further information on city centre safety is available from Peter Walker on

01786 443137, email [email protected]

DiD you know?

The two canons on Broad Street were made by the Carron Iron Works, near Falkirk, Britain’s leading supplier of armaments during the Napoleonic Wars. When the War Office offered the 12 cannon that were surplus to Stirling Castle’s requirements in 1904, Stirling Council assumed that they were a gift to enhance the town’s public spaces. When the Council discovered that it had to pay towards the cost, only four cannon were installed, two on Broad Street and two nearby on Gowan Hill.

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

“My top tips are:

1. Think of new ideas – recessions are cyclical

so you need to be ready for the good times.

2. Analyse current market conditions and

ensure your prices are right in relation to

what the competition is doing. Sometimes it

is necessary to accept lower margins. Don’t

be greedy, but at the same time be patient

– just because fewer customers are coming

into your shop, it might not be down to

pricing.

3. Stop all marketing that is not working or

can’t be measured. I find that the most cost-

effective marketing consists of building up

a database of customers and looking after

them. 80 per cent of my custom is from

repeat business.

4. Provide exceptional customer service – the

customer isn’t king he’s god… And this

doesn’t cost anything either!

5. Make sure you are online – this is essential

for survival on the high street these days.

6. Relatively small mistakes can shut down a

business. Look six months ahead and don’t

over buy in goods. Retailers need to tailor

their stock and cut back in preparation for

lowered volumes in the high street next year.

Number Eight nominated for Drapers awardRetailer Number Eight has been nominated for a

prestigious Drapers Award. Number Eight, located

on King Street, Stirling, specialises in upmarket

lifestyle fashion with a country twist, stocking

Barbour, Gant, Joules and White Stuff.

Keith Ewing, Stirling Business Ambassador and

owner of Number Eight, said: “We are ecstatic

to have got this far, nominated for Best New

Business of the Year. Drapers is the bible of fashion

magazines for the industry! The award ceremony

is on 17th November – but even if we don’t win, it

is still a huge achievement.”

Keith Ewing, Number Eight

7. Have the best cash flow approach possible.

Make sure your stock doesn’t come in all at

once with 30 days to pay. Remember VAT is

going up next year.

8. a) Look at the main costs attached to

your business, namely rent and rates

– can you get them down? Speak to

your landlord and try and get your rent

down, even if you are locked in a lease.

Rentals have fallen on average by 30-40

per cent. In the current climate the level

of empty shop units is higher than ever,

so most good landlords are working to

keep their tenants.

b) Push your landlord for a monthly lease

instead of the industry norm of quarterly

– it will be better for your cash flow.

9. If you can get your rent reduced, the next

thing to do is to speak to the Assessor for

Central Scotland. If property values fall

and rents go down, such as on King

Street, Stirling, rateable values may

also decline. Getting your property re-

assessed might take a little bit of time,

but it is worth it in the long run.

10. From there, look at smaller cost

implications – what can you strip out of

the business? Do you really need three

phone lines; can you get by with fewer

staff? One advantage of the recession

is that there are lots of really highly

qualified people you can bring in who

can do more than just customer service,

e.g. book-keeping, marketing, etc.”

Stirling Eye caught up with Keith Ewing to find out more about beating the economic blues…Keith said: “There are a number of steps high street businesses can take to ensure they weather

the storm. Tough times can be lonely for small business owners – so get out and speak to people

and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.”

The Assessor for Central Scotland can be contacted on

01786 89��00.

Keith is happy to provide advice to other Stirling businesses free of charge.

Keith can be contacted on 01786 �61166 or email [email protected]

to make an appointment.

www.numbereightclothing.com

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

What is your background?I have a degree in Zoology from Nottingham University

and a PhD in biting insects (e.g. midges!) from

Edinburgh University.

I became interested in education while working

as a Senior Countryside Ranger for the Livingston

Development Corporation, working with school

children in their local environments.

I joined Falkirk College in the 1990s as a lecturer

in conservation management. In 2005, Falkirk and

Clackmannanshire Colleges’ merged, forming Forth

Valley College. I am now Depute Principal of the

College and will oversee the creation of the new

Stirling campus at Kildean.

When will the new college open?April 2012. Construction is already underway and the

new college building will be three times the size of

the existing facility at Kerse Road, Stirling. The campus

will provide an inspirational setting for learning,

overlooking the river, castle and Wallace Monument. It

has easy access to rural Stirling being on the western

Artist’s impression of new College

edge of the city and good transport links with a number of bus routes, the River

Forth footpath and junction 10 of the M9 close by.

The construction contract has gone to Miller, a national company, but we are

ensuring local construction training and work experience placements, a model

also used by the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company in their community

benefit clause model.

The new campus will offer far more than just vocational training. There will be

public access to the river fronted refectory area and learning centre, in addition to

a flexible learning directory. The boardroom, refectory area and restaurant will be

available for hire as will our new sound production facilities.

What’s on offer for local businesses?We deliver bespoke training to local businesses, covering a wide range of business

management, health & safety and customer service topics.

We worked with around 300 businesses across Forth Valley over the last year,

including:

Elementary Food Hygiene training for the Terraces Hotel, Stirling.

Personal Licence Holder training for Morrisons

Cold Beer Company, Stirling.

First Aid training for DSG Stirling.

Leadership & Management and Health & Safety

training for Bioreliance, Stirling University

Innovation Park.

17th Edition training for Forth Electrical Services

and Falcon Foodservice Equipment.

What subjects will the campus deliver?We have looked to tailor the curriculum to local and national strategies and reflect

the needs of rural Stirling. We will headquarter our Creative Industries, Hospitality

and Tourism departments in Stirling and will also deliver business, construction,

engineering, healthcare, sciences and computing training.

We provide flexible (distance) learning, day release, block release and evening learning

opportunities in addition to our full time courses.

How will you link with the University of Stirling?Our Creative Industries department will offer two degree programmes – one in

Graphic Art and the other in Communication & Media. All the teaching will be

done at the college, but the degree will be from the University of Stirling rather

than the Open University. We also have very good progression routes to the

University for students studying Highers.

Ken Thomson, Depute Principal, Forth Valley College

Interview with...

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

Employability ServiceThe Employability Service at Stirling Council provides a range of support to local employers. If your company is looking

to recruit or provide a work placement for someone trying to expand their skills and access new opportunities, the

Employability Service can help find you a suitable candidate.

The service is not mandatory, and the jobless people who engage with us simply do so because they want to work. The main barrier our

clients’ face is not a disability or health condition but finding a suitable opportunity.

As the pressure of an increasingly more competitive labour market develops, it is through the support of local Stirling companies that our

clients will succeed.

Employees that experience difficulty in the workplace due to ill health or impairment of any kind can also access support from Employability.

We will provide support, advice and access to reasonable adjustments or improvements in the workplace.

To find out more about Stirling Council’s Employability Service or what support is available for your business, please contact Gordon Wright on

01786 432290 or email [email protected]

Employability Service case studies:

Doreen Affleck, Ahdors Gold & Gifts, StirlingEstablished in 2002, Ahdors Gold &

Gifts offers unique designer jewellery.

With a fully fitted workshop and

comfortable consultation area, design,

manufacturing and repairs are done on the

premises by experienced goldsmiths.

Doreen, why did you engage with the Employability Service?“We had a staff vacancy recently and

I wanted help to find the right person for it. I contacted

Employability as they have provided valuable advice to us over the

years, helping us find the right staff for our growing company.”

What support did you receive from the Employability Service?“We managed to recruit someone who exceeded our expectations.

This is hugely important to us as only through finding the right

people will our company be able to grow appropriately.”

Harry o’Harra, The Village Bakery, FallinWith premises in St Ninians and

Fallin, The Village Bakery has been

a fixture in its local communities,

providing fresh baking and produce

for over 30 years.

Harry, why did you engage with the Employability Service?“The Employability Service happened to contact us when we had an

impending staff vacancy. I was pleased to engage with Employability

as wanted help to find someone appropriate for the post.”

What support did you receive from the Employability Service?“In addition to helping us find a great new member of staff, the

Employability Service helped us access staff training, including IT

and first aid. It is re-assuring to know that if we are faced with any

difficulties in the workplace due to ill health, stress, and disability

or otherwise, we can access support from Employability.”

Free business directoryHas your company registered on Stirling Council’s free online business directory?

Inclusion in the directory is free to businesses located within the Stirling Council area

and registration is easy.

The directory provides up to date information for local and national businesses as well as

residents and visitors. Over 1800 businesses in the area are already benefiting from this facility and the directory has the potential to help

companies source good services locally and generate new business.

Local companies who have not yet registered can register online at www.stirling.gov.uk/directory or contact Laura Melville for an application

form on 01786 443028, email [email protected]

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

At your service Economic Support & Tourism

ECoNoMIC SUPPoRT& ToURISM Stirling Council’s Economic Support and Tourism team

actively participate in making Stirling a better place to

live, work and do business.

The team provides a wide range of advice and assistance to

businesses and are the initial point of contact for the local

business community.

The team will be happy to deal with any business or tourism

related enquiry – you can contact them on 01786 442467, email

[email protected] or visit www.stirling.gov.uk/business

Business advice and assistanceGeneral business advice and

assistance, including signposting

businesses to relevant organisations.

Business directoryA free of charge online business

directory. Free registration for

businesses within the Stirling

Council area and free for anyone to

use. www.stirling.gov.uk/directory

Business sites database Compile and maintain a database

of all employment and business

sites in the area.

Business start-up adviceStirling Council and its partners

manage Business Gateway, which

provides easy and convenient

access to a complete range of

assistance. Business Gateway

is delivered locally by Stirling

Enterprise, contact 01786 463416

Event liaisonWork with key partners to raise

Stirling’s profile and establish

Stirling as an events-friendly

destination. This includes providing

support and funding for events to

maximise economic, social and

environmental benefits for Stirling.

Film liaisonPromote and support film and TV-

related activity in the Stirling area,

encouraging economic benefits

through direct spend by production

companies and the employment

of local cast and crew. Maximise

the potential of film and TV-related

tourism development opportunities.

Funding search facilityProvide a free of charge, online

funding search facility.

www.stirling.gov.uk/funding

Inward investmentProvide relevant information and

local opportunities to inward

investment enquirers.

The Economic Support and Tourism team provide a wide range of services, including:

LEADERWork alongside the Forth Valley and

Lomond LEADER team. LEADER is

the European funding programme

for the rural area. For more

information, please see page 28.

Partnership for Continuing Employment (PACE)Provide redundancy support

to local companies and their

employees so that anyone facing

redundancy is assisted to find

alternative employment. PACE

also provides information and

organises events for people facing

redundancy. The events provide

a range of help and advice, and

information on training and

employment opportunities.

Property Provide a property search facility and

detailed information on property,

land and sites for businesses. Also

collate and analyse data on property

enquiries. Please see business space

development pages 14-16.

Business statisticsCompile statistics on

businesses new to the area,

business start-ups, businesses

leaving the area and business

closures, to enable us to

monitor the local economy.

City Centre InitiativeWork closely with the City

Centre Initiative to monitor

city centre activity, including

vacancy rates and footfall.

Construction industry supportWork closely with Forth

Construction, the National

Park Apprenticeship Scheme

and Raploch URC to assist local

companies with construction

contracts and workforce.

“Stirling Eye provides a good range of information for local businesses

and I find the stories on new and local businesses particularly interesting.

It is also good to read about new

developments in Stirling.”Iain McCarren, Slaters

www.slaters.co.uk

“Stirling Council’s property search

service was an invaluable time saver

when I was starting my business. It allowed me to view all of the

available properties from various agents on one website, ultimately

finding the ideal property in which to open Stirling Optical.”

Tony Bancewicz, Stirling optical

www.stirling-optical.co.uk


At your service Economic Support & Tourism Economic Support & Tourism At your service

Event and Film Liaison Executive

PROFILE

Name: Caralin Montgomery-Cichy

Role:I am responsible for adding to the portfolio of major

events in the area so that we can raise Stirling’s

profile internationally, bringing economic benefits

to the area. I am also responsible for co-ordinating

funding applications from EventScotland (Scotland’s

national events agency) to support local tourism-led,

event initiatives. I also promote and support mainly

private sector film and TV related activity in the area.

Current Workload:I have just finished two major events, the RACMSA

Rally of Scotland 2010 and an event in Stirling to

celebrate the handover of the Commonwealth Games

from Delhi to Glasgow. I am now evaluating these

events, and planning for next year’s rally has already

begun!

I am providing assistance and advice to various film

and TV productions that want to film in the area or are

looking for locations that match their requirements. I

am currently organising ‘Filming in Stirling’ seminars,

highlighting the benefits that filming brings to the

local economy.

I am continually populating Stirling’s film location

database, which requires identifying, researching and

photographing potential locations (manor houses,

farms, roads, forests, cottages, etc) that can then be

electronically catalogued for future location enquiries.

DiD you know?

The German made TV film ‘Starting Over’, filmed at Touch Estate, contributed £130,000 to the local economy in 2007. A more recent commercial, filmed around Loch Katrine contributed £34,750 to the local economy.

Current projects the team are working on:

Demand for business space in rural StirlingA project to help the Council and partners better understand demand for business

space in rural Stirling (please see article on page 5 for more information).

Rural broadbandWorking in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council, LEADER, and the Stirling

Development Agency to identify a solution to the broadband issues at Bandeath

Industrial Estate and Touch Business Centre.

Skills development for the retail sectorA project looking to address key aspects of skills development for the retail

sector, identified as an area of competitive advantage in ‘Open for Business’,

the Stirling economic strategy.

Research and intelligenceProvide economic research and

intelligence for the Council and

partner organisations. This includes

work on a range of research projects,

preparation and analysis of surveys

and monitoring local statistics.

Stirling Business PanelThe Stirling Business Panel gives the

local business community a strong

voice in shaping policies and future

planning for the area. Please see

Business Panel pages 10-11.

Stirling EyeProduce Stirling Eye, the Council’s

business magazine, providing local

business news and information for the

local business community.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

TourismWork to increase the volume and spend

of tourists and help make Stirling a

world-class destination. Assess tourism

revenue, tourism employment and

Stirling Visitor Survey feedback.

Tourism Development Grant SchemeAdminister a grant fund for local

businesses developing innovative

tourism products.

WebsitesEnsure the business pages of the

Council website (www.stirling.gov.

uk/business) and the VisitStirling portal

(www.visitstirling.org) are updated on a

regular basis

Wind farm planning consultationsSubmit economic reports on wind farm

and wind turbine planning applications

outlining the potential economic

benefits of the proposal in line with new

Planning Policy Guidance.

“Touch Estate

has been used

as a film location

many times over

the past few

years. Stirling’s Events and Film

Liaison Executive has actively

promoted us to location managers

as a potential venue and this has

raised the profile of our business

centre. Filming is a very effective

way of promoting the Stirling

area to an international audience,

an opportunity it rarely gets,

from which the entire business

community can benefit.”Margaret Plews, Touch Estate

www.touchestate.co.uk


Give your business a Sporting ChanceThe Sporting Chance Initiative is a business support programme

facilitated by the Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP). It offers

free support to help Scottish businesses to develop new or existing

products, processes and services for the sports market.

STAR grant awardThe STAR award is aimed at building

new relationships between small to

medium sized enterprises and higher

education institutes in Scotland. Awards

for individual projects can be up to

£5000, with the company contribution

expected to match the grant, either

through cash or in kind, such as staff

time or materials.

For more information on applying for a

STAR award, please contact the Sporting

Chance Initiative team on 01786

�5810� or email [email protected]

Support is provided through collaboration

with leading experts within Scottish

universities, enabling businesses to

capitalise on the opportunities presented

by major sports events. This could be the

London 2012 Olympic Games, the Glasgow

2014 Commonwealth Games, or simply, the

growing sports market. The Initiative also

offers a £5,000 STAR grant award to assist

small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to

collaborate with academia, making world-

class expertise far more accessible and

affordable.

John Rogers, Director of Research and

Enterprise at the University of Stirling and

Chair of the Stirling Economic Partnership,

said: “Sport is responsible for around 45,000

jobs in Scotland. An increased demand for

sports products and services can reasonably

be anticipated in the UK due to the London

2012 Olympic Games and Glasgow 2014

Commonwealth Games, especially given

the legacy aspirations of these events.

Businesses need to be able to access the

wealth of ideas, expertise and research

capability offered by Scotland’s universities,

to help them take advantage of these

opportunities.”

The sports sector is commonly associated

with large brands; it is in fact a highly

diverse sector, of which 50 per cent are

smaller companies. Many businesses are

able to carve out profitable niches in this

£70 billion worldwide market. The wide-

ranging nature of the sports market is often

overlooked, but businesses operating in

sectors as varied as tourism, technology,

manufacturing and food & drink can all

benefit.

Derek Houston, Project Manager for The

Sporting Chance Initiative, said: “Eight new

jobs have been created within the Initiative

team itself which is based at SUIP, Stirling.

It is anticipated that the Initiative will

strengthen Stirling’s position as the natural

location for the creation of sports based

businesses and activities in Scotland.”

Sporting Chance Initiative case study:

William McQuilterFair Sporting Masters, DumbartonThe Sporting Chance Initiative

helped William McQuilter enter into

collaboration with Anniesland College

to develop a DVD aimed at helping

people supporting or coaching children

in sports to become better role models.

William said: “I received a grant to

collaborate with Anniesland College, and

also a lot of support from the Sporting

Chance Initiative team. This assistance

was crucial in helping me to successfully

launch my business and forge the links

required to grow. We now work with

over fifty schools across Scotland.”

William is now exploring collaboration

with a Scottish university to develop

a new product that will allow them to

expand and develop into producing

exercise videos for children. William

commented that; “The last project

was so successful for our business that

turning to expertise in higher education

institutions to work on this new project

was an easy decision. The expertise and

assistance available for small companies

is astounding and well worth exploring.”


Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014: What’s in it for Scotland?Have you considered how your business

can adapt existing products, processes and

services for the sports market? Or how your

business could capitalise on the opportunities

presented by major sporting events such as

the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014?

The Sporting Chance Initiative is holding an

event – Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014:

What’s in it for Scotland’ – on 24th November

2010 at Hampden Park Glasgow.

This event will bring together a number of

speakers that will talk about the current

opportunities for businesses surrounding the

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014. There

will be a number of companies showcasing how

they have successfully innovated products for the

sports market as well as information on a number

of different funding mechanisms that companies

can access to innovate and grow their business.

The day will also include exhibitions, a

complimentary lunch and an opportunity to

network with members of industry and academia.

For more information please see www.

sportingchanceinitiative.co.uk or contact

one of the Sporting Chance Initiative team on

01786 458104.

Free fundingStirling4Funding is a web-based

way to search and apply for

funding for your business,

community or social enterprise.

This service allows you to search online to see

what funding support is available and how to

access it. Stirling4Funding can search through over

1500 funding opportunities to pinpoint the right scheme for you.

Whether you’re running a business, social enterprise or other

organisation, the funding you need could be just a few clicks away.

Over £100 million of grant funding goes unclaimed in the UK every

year so make sure you don’t miss out.

www.stirling.gov.uk/funding

Hubco to transformpublic procurement Public sector bodies across the Forth Valley, Fife and

Tayside have agreed to work together in an initiative

designed to improve delivery of community-based

facilities. The hub initiative, which may be of interest

and offer opportunities to Stirling’s business community,

is aimed at improving procurement of public sector

infrastructure.

The initiative will lead to NHS community-based infrastructure

projects, with a capital value exceeding £750,000, as well as

some local authority, police and fire authority projects being

delivered by a new joint venture (the hub company or “hubco”).

The Scottish Futures Trust is leading this initiative on behalf of the Scottish Government.

It is being implemented across five geographical territories in Scotland, each with a

population of around one million. Stirling resides in the East Central territory.

As Stirling Eye went to print, potential private sector partners attended a bidder’s day

at Falkirk Stadium – details of the contract award will be provided in a future edition of

Stirling Eye. Ownership of the hubco will be 10 per cent Scottish Futures Trust, 30 per

cent public sector shareholders and 60 per cent private sector partner. It is expected that

the hubco will be up and running by October 2011.

Catherine McFie (East Central Hub Territory Programme Director) said: “The hub initiative

will revolutionise the way Scotland’s public bodies plan new facilities and deliver their

services. The hub initiative brings together local public sector organisations to increase

joint integrated service delivery and the shared delivery of sustainable community

buildings.”

Further information can be found at www.scottishfuturestrust.org.uk or by contacting

the East Central hub Territory Programme office on 01382 435159 .

Catherine McFie, East

Central Hub Territory

Programme Director


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.

In the summer issue of Stirling Eye we reported that Camphill (Blair Drummond)

Trust Ltd had been successfully awarded LEADER funds. Jason Glass (Director of

Operations) was interviewed to tells us more about the organisation and its plans…

Latest LEADER Forth Valley and Lomond AwardsSix projects have been awarded a total of £90,607 since the last edition of Stirling Eye.

Project (and Applicant) FVL LEADER award

Equestrian Tourism Study (Central Scotland Forest Trust) £3,750

Crianlarich Heritage Project (Strathfillan Community Development Trust) £6,250

Rural H2H Rural Pilot (Heart to Heart) £26,346

Shieldhill Youth and Community Hall (Sheildhill Youth and Community Hall Association) £28,745

Scotfest 2010 Food and Drink Festival (Synergy Event Solutions) £3,556

Throsk Hub II (Throsk Community Enterprise Ltd) £21,960

A further £60,000 has been ring-fenced for a capacity-building project for community groups developing small path projects across the FVL area.

Jason Glass, Camphill Blair DrummondWhat is your business, Jason?Camphill Blair Drummond has been established for over 30 years

as a charity, offering a warm and welcoming community, providing

homes and meaningful daily activities for people over 17 years of

age with the most complex learning disabilities. We currently have

32 residents to whom Camphill is their home and ‘work’, and 12 day

students, who have various supported roles in our day service and

workshops.

We are a major employer in rural Stirling. We

currently employ 68 people in a variety of roles,

which offer comprehensive skills training and career

progression opportunities. We also offer full and

part time volunteering opportunities for 50 people.

Where are you based? In and around the large Victorian mansion house

that looks over the Safari Park to the west of

Stirling. This offers great opportunities within the

grounds for meaningful activities around woodland

management, organic gardening, food production

and jam making. However, the listed mansion house

although very grand, does have limitations. We want to always

provide cost effective, creative, flexible facilities and opportunities for

our residents. Our development plan will realise that potential.

So, what are your plans?We have embarked on an ambitious £9.8 million capital development

programme, which is taking place over six years. By investing in

new residential and workshop accommodation, we will increase our

capacity and turnover by 50 per cent; create 18 additional full time

equivalent career grade posts in rural Stirling and construct additional

sustainable community owned assets.

What do you mean by community owned assets?The nature of our business is such that we are what is commonly

called a social enterprise. We are community controlled and run,

being a Charity, a Company Limited by Guarantee and managed by

a community Board. All surpluses are re-invested into the business.

How are you using Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER funding?FVL LEADER has awarded us £120,000

towards the building of our In Touch and

Craft Workshops within phase one of our

development plan which will allow us to

expand on our social enterprise activity,

whilst also radically modernising the service

and care we offer. Financial sustainability

will be improved through the increase in

day service capacity, and new opportunities

to share the workshop facilities with the

neighbouring community.

How can we learn more about Camphill Blair Drummond? You can organise a visit, attend one of

our regular Open Days or our popular

Christmas Sale. Once our building

programme is complete we will also

have a cafe on site selling produce

made by our residents.

www.camphillblairdrummond.org.uk

“Our mission is to provide a mutually

supportive and purposeful community life. Our values are based on

realising potential; the individual; creativity;

engagement; community and empowerment.”


Jason Glass, Camphill Blair Drummond Thistles Santa and real reindeer paradeThe Thistles Santa Parade with real reindeer and Christmas lights switch on will take place in

Stirling on Sunday 21 November from 12noon.

Visitors are urged to wrap up in winter woollies or wear fancy dress to join Santa as he arrives at

the Corn Exchange in his sleigh and travels down King Street with Rudolf and friends. Santa then

leaves his real reindeer outside Costa Coffee and takes the procession through the Thistles to take up

residence in his grotto for Christmas. The events on the 21st November include:

l Santa opening of the Thistles grotto, outside HMV, from 12.30pm.

l Meet the real reindeer, outside Costa Coffee, Murray place, from 12.30pm until 2pm.

l Central FM roadshow with Lazy Town Sports Club, at the bottom of King Street from 3pm until 5pm.

l Christmas lights switch on, bottom of King Street, at 5pm.

WINTER FESTIVITIES IN THE CITY CENTRECity centre businesses may be interested to know about events being held in the City this winter. These family events are

expected to significantly increase footfall and include the Christmas Lights Switch On, St Andrews Day festivities and the

Hogmanay Party at the Castle…

Filming updateFilming for a number of BBC productions took place across the Stirling Council

area over the summer months. This included:

l Filming at Stirling Castle, the Old Bridge and other locations across Stirling for a

comedy pilot called Freedom.

l Filming at the Cononish Gold Mine and around Crianlarich for an edition of Great

British Railway Journeys, featuring Michael Portillo as the presenter.

l Filming around the Trossachs for an edition of the series Camper Van Cook Book.

l Filming around Strathblane for an edition of Gary Tank Commander.

St Andrews DayStirling will be celebrating this year’s St Andrew’s Day with a number of events held at various venues throughout Stirling. Confirmed events include:l Day of Song at the Tolbooth on

Saturday 27th November.l Scots Song Concert on Tuesday 30th

November at the Tolbooth, organised for pupils of some of Stirling’s Primary Schools.

l St Andrew’s Ceilidh on Tuesday 30th November at the Albert Halls.

For more information and tickets, please call 01786 �7�000.

Tickets now on sale for Hogmanay Party at the CastleThe Party at the Castle, held on Stirling Castle’s Esplanade, promises to be the

best yet. The event will be hosted by Real Radio’s popular Ewen Cameron, and

will feature a fabulous line-up of acts. The programme is designed to appeal to

all ages and musical tastes. Artists will be announced over the coming months

and this year promises to have something for everyone, with real family appeal.

The event will culminate in a spectacular midnight

firework display in the sky above Stirling Castle.

Real Radio’s Ewen Cameron, said: “This is going to be

a fantastic night and I’m bringing my family along,

too. It’s great to have an event where families can

celebrate together - kids love getting to stay up late

and join the fun.”

Tickets are available from the Tolbooth, Albert Halls,

Macroberts, all of Stirling’s libraries and the Community

Resource Centre on Dumbarton Road, Stirling.

www.stirlinghogmanay.com


Economic factsPopulation and Households Stirling �00�-�009 % Change �00� �00� �00� �005 �006 �007 �008 �009 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)

Empl

oym

ent

rate

2006 2009

Growth in Number of Jobs �001 �00� �00� �00� �005 �006 �007 �008 �001-�008 �001-�008 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 �006 �007 �008 �009 �00�-�009 �00�-�009 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)

September 2005 September 2010

66

65

64

63

62

74.0

73.5

73

72.5

72

71.5

71


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

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, 2009

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 �006 �007 �008 �009 % 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, 2009

Occupational Distribution of workers in Stirling, %

Source: Annual Population

Survey - Workplace Analysis

(Nomis)

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

Visitors �009 �008

Argyll’s Lodging 32,439 28,434

Bannockburn Heritage Centre 50,571 40,925

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park 397,000 388,112

Mugdock Country Park 585,288 622,375

National Wallace Monument 126,237 115,774

Old Town Jail 17,503 18,192

Stirling Castle 383,293 375,345

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum 39,408 51,438

Source: Visit Scotland; Mugdock Country Park; Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

�00�-�009

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

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

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]

Forthcoming events/trainingFree Business Gateway training eventsNovember 201023rd morning – Falkirk – Book-Keeping 1.23rd afternoon – Falkirk – Book-Keeping 2.25th afternoon – National Park Office, Callander – Stirling Enterprise business advice clinic.

December 2010 1st morning – Alloa – Improve your search engine ranking.3rd morning – Stirling – What you need to know before setting up a website.7th morning – Alloa – Customer care 1.7th afternoon – Alloa – Customer care 2.9th afternoon – National Park Office, Callander – Stirling Enterprise business advice clinic.13th afternoon – Falkirk – Trading online.14th morning – Alloa – Get real results from your website.

January 201111th evening – Stirling – Business start-up awareness seminar.12th evening – Stirling – Advertising & promotion.19th afternoon – Falkirk – Advertising & promotion.28th morning – Falkirk – Customer care.28th morning – Stirling – Get real results from your website.

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

Business start-up workshopsStirling Enterprise (STEP) run free training and awareness sessions specifically for people looking to start up their own business. Forthcoming training dates are:

November 2010 16th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.17th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.23rd evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.24th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.

January 201118th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.19th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.25th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.26th evening – Stirling – Business start-up workshop.

For more information on the business start-up workshops, please contact Denise Mallinson on 01786 463416.

Finland’s Juho Hanninen celebrates victory of the 2010

RACMSA Rally of Scotland at Stirling Castle.

Enterprise enthusiasmA business start-up event aimed exclusively at Stirling’s

Polish community attracted a healthy turnout recently.

Thirty-four people made the journey to Stirling Enterprise Park as word of the event

quickly spread through local as well as wider Polish networks.

The free workshop delivered in Polish, offered information on steps for starting a

business. The event is the first of four that will target the Stirling district’s migrant

communities. Delivered by Stirling Enterprise (STEP), the programme is being funded

by the Stirling Council Aspire Project.

Workshops in Hungarian (21st November), Russian, as well as for those with English

as a second language, are scheduled to follow.

Stirling Eye Autumn Winter 2010

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Transcript of Stirling Eye Autumn Winter 2010