Stirling Eye - Summer 2011

0845 277 7000

Summer 2011

Insidethis issue…Business profileThunkit

Food and drink servicesInterviews with No.2 Baker Street, Terraces Hotel and Café Crema

Business Panel featureBusiness Panel welcomes 700th member

Trade FairNews and views from the Spring Trade Fair

Business space developmentsLatest on Manor Farm Business Park and take-up across Stirling

Gordon Bell, new Managing Director of STEP

meets Joanne Parkin of Select Laboratories Ltd

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

ContentsWelcome

Cover photo: Gordon Bell, new Executive

Director of Stirling Enterprise with Joanne

Parkin, Technical Director of Select

Laboratories Ltd. Please see interview

with Gordon Bell on page 23 for more

information. Photo taken by M.J. Clark.

In this edition of Stirling Eye we introduce Gordon Bell,

Stirling Enterprise’s new Executive Director. Gordon brings

a wealth of experience to the role, having previously

played a key part in establishing Scottish Enterprise’s very

successful Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service.

The business profile on Thunkit, a new motorcycle accessories shop in the Stirling

Arcade, shows how innovative new businesses are able to find niche markets,

despite the recession. The feature on food and drink highlights how Stirling

businesses are collaborating through the new Food & Drink Forum to raise

standards across Stirling, improving overall visitor perceptions of the city.

The Council has been involved in a range of activities to encourage business to

business networking and entrepreneurial activity, including the Business Panel’s

Spring Trade Fair, at which more than 50 local businesses exhibited and the Stirling

Careers and Jobs Event at the Albert Halls in June, matching local people to jobs,

training and career opportunities, including advice on starting up in business.

We also report on a range of business support mechanisms, including extension

of Skills Development Scotland’s Flexible Training Opportunities providing help

towards training costs for small to medium sized businesses, an announcement

by Stirling Enterprise of new LEADER supported Sustainable Tourism Grants and a

series of Mary Portas retail master classes that will be available in Stirling soon.

With regard business space developments, it is pleasing to note recent take-up

across all property types, showing investor confidence in Stirling. News from local

entrepreneur Tom Cox on significant plans for future investment at Manor Farm

Business Park reaffirms this confidence.

I would like to encourage local businesses to start planning now for opportunities

presented by 2014, including the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn,

the second Year of Homecoming, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the

Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. It is going to be a huge year for Stirling’s economy!

Please can I take this opportunity to encourage you to complete the Stirling Eye

feedback form – we are keen to hear your ideas on what you like about the

publication and your suggestions on how we can improve it.

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.co.uk

Local business news 3

Business profile - Thunkit 9

Stirling Business Panel 10

Mary Portas master classescome to Stirling 14

30 second interview 14

Customer First opens in city centre 15

Thistles Partners Against Crime 15

Qualifications to do the business 15

Business space developments 16

Sector feature - Food & drink 19

Action in Mind launches new mental health employment initiative 22

Don’t miss out on subsidised Flexible Training Opportunities 22

Interview with Gordon Bell, Executive Director, STEP 23

At your service - Land Services 24

RACMSA Rally of Scotland 26

New Forth Valley College Stirling campus takes shape 26

Stirling Careers and Jobs Event 27

LEADER update 28

Countdown to 2014 29

Economic facts 30

Thousands flock to Stirling Castle’s royal palace 32

Forthcoming events/training 32

Stirling Eye is distributed for free to over 3,000 local businesses. First published in 2007, Stirling Eye comes out three times a year.

3www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye STIRLING EYE Focus on the local economy

Local business newsPlease provide feedback on Stirling EyePlease provide your views on Stirling Eye, what

you think we do well and anything you think we

could do better by completing the Stirling Eye

feedback form at www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye .

Alternatively you can contact Joelle Russell

(Editor, Stirling Council) on 01786 4426778, email

[email protected] .

As an added incentive, everyone completing the

feedback form will be entered into a prize draw to

win £50 worth of vouchers for a Stirling shop of their choice, with

the winner featured in the autumn/winter edition of Stirling Eye.

www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye

A new online Business Directory for StirlingStirling Council has been working on

the creation of a new online business

directory. The Council’s Web Services team

has now completed the new directory

and it is available online, replacing the

previous directory.

This is a free service and any business located

in the Stirling Council area can register on the

directory. Almost 60% of businesses in the

area already feature on the directory.

Businesses can update and amend their

own record online ensuring that the

information provided on the directory is

instantly and continuously updated. The

directory provides a constantly up-to-date,

valuable reference resource for local and

national businesses as well as residents of,

and visitors to, the Stirling area.

To add your business to the directory or to

use the free of charge searchable directory,

please go to www.stirling.gov.uk/directory .

New business tees offIt is never easy to start a business during a time of recession, but Ladybank PGA professional

golfer Alan Lockhart and partner Emma McElhill have done just that.

Alan and Emma have developed a last minute booking site dedicated to helping Scottish golf clubs fill their

quiet and unused tee times.

Alan said: “We have developed a concept that will help golf clubs utilise the huge missed potential of

selling tee times that would otherwise lie empty. All of the tee times will be advertised for a maximum of

seven days in advance and will be discounted by a minimum of 50%.

This is a no risk strategy for golf clubs and also offers the golfer incredible deals and the luxury

of playing many different courses throughout Scotland at a fraction of the price.”

www.lateTtimes.co.uk

3 Focus on the local economy

Dron & Dickson secure multi-million pound contractDron & Dickson, specialist in design, supply and

maintenance of hazardous area electrical equipment,

has secured a multi-million pound contract with Talisman

Energy (UK) Limited.

The company, which has offices in Stirling, has signed a

three-year deal with two one-year extension options that will see it provide a wide range of

electrical consumables in support of Talisman’s North Sea assets.

Dron & Dickson operations director Colin Maver said: “Talisman is an extremely important client

for Dron & Dickson and we are delighted to be working with them.

Winning this long-term contract underpins our reputation for providing cost-effective, high-

quality products that help our customers reduce risk and comply with the latest legislation.”

As well as targeting growth in the oil and gas sector, Dron & Dickson operates in the renewables

and decommissioning markets. It also works in additional sectors of industry ranging from

pharmaceuticals to distilleries.

www.drondickson.co.uk

Dron & Dickson worker checking over

electrical equipment for an offshore order

Alan Lockhart


Local business news

Local dog grooming business scrubs up wellIn just over a year, new Stirling business Scrubadug has reached its 500th client.

After 20-years working in the retail industry, dog-lover Jackie Campbell followed her heart and started

up the mobile dog grooming business.

Now, instead of managing people, Jackie manages to wash, clip and trim her way through 36 dogs a

week across the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area - all from the comfort of her expertly converted van.

One of the dogs Jackie regularly grooms recently came in as a reserve at Crufts 2011. Jackie has

also developed strong working relationships with two other local dog focused

businesses, Top Dog Training and K9walks4u.

When Jackie first came up with the business idea, she contacted Stirling Enterprise to assess her options. After speaking

with a Business Gateway Adviser, she received help putting together a business plan, received basic legal advice and help

to find a suitable personal loan as there were no business loans available at the time.

www.scrubadug.co.uk

Westerlands Care Home awarded ASPIRE Employer of the YearCongratulations to Westerlands Care Home

who recently picked up an award for ASPIRE Employer of the Year.

The Care Home, based in St Nininas, Stirling was awarded Employer of the Year in recognition of its

commitment to staff development and personal wellbeing.

Irene Sharp, Care Home Manager, said: “We are delighted with the award. We are a small organisation,

so it is really nice to get some recognition. The award has also provided a good boost to staff morale.”

Around 10 members of staff at Westerlands received training through ASPIRE, including English language/

communication classes combined with dementia training to help communication with residents.

To find out more about the ASPIRE project and possible training opportunities available for your

employees, please contact Marianne Eik on 01786 432366 or email [email protected] .

New owner for Stirling Health Food StoreJosine Atsma recently took over the Stirling Health Food Store on Dumbarton Road,

Stirling from Mr D Robison, owner for 26 years.

The Stirling Health Food Store is an independent high street retailer, specialising

in quality health foods, whole and dietary foods, minerals and vitamins, herbal

supplements, homeopathic remedies, non-chemical toiletries and homebrew.

Josine said: “I have been working in the shop since 2007, first as shop assistant,

then as manager and now as the new owner.

We have a good customer base and some of our customers have been buying

goods from the shop since it opened in the 1970s!”

www.stirlinghealthfoodstore.co.uk

Stirling Wedding Show – now on 11th SeptemberThe September Stirling Wedding

Show has been brought forward

a week and will now take place

on the 11th September, not the

18th September as reported in

the Spring edition of Stirling Eye.

The show will be held in the

Albert Halls, Stirling and more

information is available from

Marie Kerr on 01786 870903.

www.stirlingweddingshow.co.uk

© Kingdom Photos

Josine Atsma


Love to escape?Stirling based business lovetoescape.com is one of the UK’s fastest growing

holiday accommodation and attraction websites with over 2.5 million visitors

per annum. Originally focused on accommodation and attractions in the

Highlands and Cumbria, the business has expanded to cover the UK, Ireland,

France and beyond.

Sarah Manson, Business Manager, said: “Lovetoescape.com began in our head

office in Kippen but due to expansion, we have moved into a bigger office at

Stirling Business Centre.

Our main focus is to ensure that we provide both unrivalled quality and value

for money to accommodation, attraction and business owners. We also aim to

provide a one stop shop for holidaymakers – allowing them to plan and book

all aspects of their holiday through one website. The site covers everything

from pubs and restaurants, to tourist attractions and sport venues.

The business is constantly evolving, such as through the recent launch of a

mobile version of the website for smartphone users and development of a

dedicated ‘iPhone App’.”

www.lovetoescape.com

macrobert turns 40macrobert, Stirling’s multi-arts centre based on campus

at the University of Stirling, celebrates its 40th birthday

this year, starting with a big party on 17 September. It

was 1971 when the macrobert opened the doors with

a jam-packed season. Over the past 40 years there

have been many changes including redevelopment of

the centre’s facilities in 2002.

Liam Sinclair, Artistic Director, said: “What has remained

constant throughout is our commitment to programming

only the best entertainment for all ages, supporting artists to

create exciting new work and ensuring that as many people as

possible from the local community have access to quality arts

experiences.”

After the arrival of new Artistic Director Liam Sinclair in

September 2010, the venue also appointed Darrell Williams,

former Head of Sales and Marketing at the Festival Theatre in

Edinburgh, as its new Commercial Director and Alice McGrath,

former Development Director at Imaginate, as Director of

Creative Development, Participation and Research.

www.macrobert.org

Wallingford powersinto StirlingWallingford HydroSolutions Limited has relocated its offices in Scotland to Touch Business Centre, Stirling. Technical Director Dr Andrew Black said: “Our decision to relocate our offices to Stirling was motivated by our desire to have an office that was more centrally located and could accommodate our growing business needs.”

When searching for an office, Senior Consultant Olivia Burns,

responsible for the operation of the Stirling office, said: “We looked at

a lot of offices within the area, but the friendly and bespoke service

offered at Touch meant that it was the right choice for us. It really is a

beautiful and unique setting. We feel very lucky to work here.”

Wallingford HydroSolutions is a well-established environmental

consultancy offering services relating to all aspects of the water cycle

including river flow estimation, flood risk assessment, environmental

impact assessments and services relating to water and catchment

management. They also provide specialist software and training in this

field, including flow estimation and hydropower assessment tools.

www.hydrosolutions.co.uk

© Kingdom Photos

Wallingford HydroSolutions new office

at Touch Business Centre, Stirling


Local business news

Top Mark for Stirling A new business providing a modern twist

on regular tattoo outlets recently opened

in Barnton Street, Stirling.

Billy Saunders and Ross Duncan opened

professional studio Top Mark Tattoos as they

wanted to focus on the artistic and creative side of the business in an attempt to further get

away from the stigma that some people still have of the profession.

Billy said: “Times are changing and tattoos are more fashionable, especially for women. We

wanted to create a new experience for people, embracing the new and changing clientele and

providing welcoming, modern and respectful surroundings. Clients are more demanding than

ever so the skill and quality at the design stage is crucial. This is all done in-house to ensure

that the ‘end product’ is second to none.”

With almost fifteen years experience between them, Billy and Ross looked at different areas

when setting up their business. They decided on Stirling due to its central location and their

existing customer base.

www.topmarktattoo.com

Diversification isn’tjust mind gamesMcAdam King, a recruitment consultancy based at

Laurelhill Business Park in Stirling, has launched a

new business, McAdam King Business Psychology.

The new company offers clients a range of specialist

services designed to improve business performance

through behavioural analysis and staff development. The

move has created two new jobs and paves the way for

further expansion for the ambitious Stirling firm.

Maureen Blenkharn, one of McAdam King’s founding

directors, said: “The whole issue of talent management,

staff retention, and leadership development is directly related to the recruitment process and

we’re now equipped to work with any business that wants to invest in its staff.

People are the most valuable asset for any business and ensuring that performance is optimised

from the boardroom to the shop floor has a direct correlation to profitability.”

www.mcadamking.com

City of Stirling discount leafletsStirling Council has recently produced, on behalf of the Stirling Tourism

Forum, discount vouchers aimed at visitors to the city. The Stirling

discount leaflet includes basic information for visitors to the city along

with a range of tear out discount vouchers for key visitor attractions,

cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

If your business would like leaflets to display or would like be included

in the next leaflet, please contact Jason Clark (Tourism Executive) on

01786 442532 or email [email protected] .

New Castle Park & Ride routeIf you or your guests are

travelling into Stirling to visit

the stunning refurbished Royal

Apartments at Stirling Castle,

then why not take advantage of

the summer Park & Ride service?

Avoid traffic jams and car parking

charges by taking the Park &

Ride, which will operate from

Monday to Saturday until the end

of September from the Castleview

Park & Ride to the Castle.

This year Stirling Council’s

Economic Support & Tourism

service is supporting a new route

that takes in Murray Place and

King Street. The route is designed

to encourage visitors into the city

and not just to the Castle and it is

hoped that this will have a positive

economic impact for businesses in

the city.

The Castleview Park & Ride is just

off the M9 motorway at junction

10 and the service runs every

30 minutes from 8.35 am until

6.20 pm.

Costs: Adults £1.20 return

Children 60p return

Holders of a concessionary pass travel for free.

www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/home/visit/facilities/parking

Billy Saunders and Ross Duncan

McAdam King Directors – Maureen

Blenkharn with Colin McAdam (L)

and Rob Miller (R)


Stirling success at VisitScotland Expo Stirling Council recently collaborated with key local tourism businesses at VisitScotland’s major travel trade event in

Aberdeen in April.

Expo is Scotland’s flagship business-to-business event for the travel trade. With a new specially designed stand, ‘Stirling - Scotland’s heart’,

key visitor attractions from Stirling showcased their products and services to potential buyers from around the globe.

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

Wallace Monument, Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd, Stirling Castle, Stirling Old Town Jail, the Smith Museum and Art Gallery and the University

of Stirling.

Ken Thomson from Stirling District Tourism said: “EXPO is the perfect opportunity for Stirling’s tourism businesses to showcase their products.

It provides a platform to engage with contacts from the travel industry worldwide.”

Stirling Council is looking for partners for next year. If your tourism business would like to be involved in EXPO next April in Edinburgh, contact

Jason Clark (Tourism Executive) on 01786 442532 or email [email protected] .

Sun shines on Stirling Electrical ServicesFallin based electrical contractor

Stirling Electrical Services Ltd (SES)

has added to their core services

with the introduction of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.

Solar PV is a renewable energy technology capable of generating electricity from

daylight. The electricity can then be used in the home, with any surplus being

exported back to the National Grid. After the initial setup costs, homeowners save

on any electricity the system produces, plus benefiting from a government-backed

scheme where they can receive payment for the energy generated.

SES director Scott McLean said: “As a company we carry out electrical maintenance,

installation and testing work throughout Scotland and offering solar PV installations

was a natural progression for us as we look to embrace sustainable energy solutions.

We have already invested in and implemented a solar PV training scheme for our

electricians and we are now working on solar PV installations across the country.

We are well positioned to expand in this field as the market grows and this will also

have employment benefits for the central Scotland area, as well as contributing to

the recovery of the Scottish economy.”

www.solarpvelectrician.com

Central Links, new local publicationCentral Links is a brand new publication for

Stirling and Clackmannanshire that lets people

know what is on their doorstep, supporting

local companies and services.

The publication will be produced twice yearly,

starting this autumn with a distribution of around

44,000 from Dunblane to Clackmannan. It will

provide exposure for local companies to promote

their products and services to their community.

The publication will also include local editorial,

offers, discounts, competitions and information on

events and places to go in the area.

Central Links is the business venture of Fiona Jones

(editor of Dunblane’s theWire) and Louise Owen

who feel passionately about supporting their area

and being part of a community. Fiona said: “Getting

people to use all the talents on their doorstep and

support their local businesses is our aim. The fact

that this will also protect our environment and

sustain our local economy is a definite bonus!”

www.centrallinks.co.uk


Local business news

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 442778 or email [email protected]

Admajora Ltd A new network security services company

based in Callander providing solutions

and support to small and medium sized

businesses. All aspects of networking,

security and remote access are provided.

Tel: 07403 278882

www.admajora.co.uk

Andrew Baird OptometristA new opticians practice, providing free

NHS eye examinations and contact lenses

fittings. The business is located on Main

Street, Callander. Tel: 01877 330034

www.andrewbairdoptometrist.co.uk

Bob’s LocksBob’s Locks has opened a new shop in

Upper Craigs, Stirling. The business provides

24-hour locksmith services as well as key

cutting, number plates, passport photos and

much more. Tel: 01786 470740

www.bobslocks.co.uk

Dress DivaLadies boutique Dress Diva recently

relocated from Doune to Upper Craigs,

Stirling city centre. Dress Diva sell a range

of unique brands and also retail bridal wear.

Tel: 01786 445800

www.dress-diva.co.uk

Gartcarron Fire EngineeringA new business specialising in a full range of

fire safety services, from fire risk assessments

and general fire safety advice to full fire

engineering solutions for new and existing

buildings. The business is located at the

Commercial Centre, Stirling Enterprise Park.

Tel: 01786 449944

www.gartcarronfireengineering.co.uk

Head To Toe IncA new beauty salon specialising in nails,

eyebrow threading, eye lash extensions and

fish pedicures. The business is located on

Main Street, St Ninians. Tel: 01786 445778

www.head-to-toe-inc.co.uk

Kilted CampersA new business

providing fun

and affordable

campervan hire,

such as for romantic weekends for two, family

holidays and road trips with friends. The business is

located on Whitehouse Road, Springkerse Industrial

Estate, Stirling. Tel: 0843 2890652

www.kiltedcampers.com

Natures AbstractA new business specialising in paintings and crafts

using natural materials including drift wood. The

business is located on Baker Street, Stirling and

opened in Spring 2011. Tel: 01786 449225

NY SliceA New York style pizza restaurant/café,

specialising in a variety of New York inspired food,

including fresh pizza by the slice from a 20 inch

pie. NY Slice is located on King Street, Stirling and

includes dine-in, home delivery and takeaway.

Tel: 01786 447180

www.nyslice.co.uk

Pinky’s Nail BoutiqueA new nail and make-up boutique located within

Dress Diva, Upper Craigs, Stirling. The business

specialises in bespoke nail art including digital

printing, celebrity look make-up and designer

lashes. Tel: 01786 445800

www.dress-diva.co.uk

SelectA new designer ladies fashion store, selling

designer fashion at high street prices. The store

opened in the Stirling Thistles Centre in April.

Tel: 01786 450502

www.selectfashion.co.uk

StephensFamily run bakers Stephens recently opened a

new bakery in Port Street, Stirling city centre.

Established since 1873, this is the Stephens

family’s 15th bakery shop in Scotland.

Tel: 01786 449056

www.steakbridie.com

Sweet TreatsSweet Treats is a new business in

the Stirling Arcade, which specialises

in luxury handmade body products.

The business opened in May and all

products are handmade on site.

Tel: 01786 478610

Tracy Rich DesignA new, Stirling based Garden Design

consultancy. The business launched in

December 2010 and offers a full range

of professional design services from

planting plans to construction drawings.

Tel: 01786 470243

www.tracyrichdesign.com

Wren Kitchens & BedroomsWren Kitchens & Bedrooms recently

opened a new store at Springkerse

Retail Park, Stirling. The store

specialises in pre-built kitchens and

bedrooms.

Tel: 01786 241397

www.wrenkitchens.com

Business welcome…New and relocating businesses in the Stirling area include:

Kelly Walker (Owner of Pinky’s Nail Boutique) and Laura Farrant (Owner of Dress Diva)

Business profile Thunkit is a new motorcycle accessories shop located in Stirling city centre.

Owned by Rodney and Marcelle Pearson, the business specialises in

fashionable motorcycle accessories for men, women and children.

Thunkit

Rodney and Marcelle Pearson toured South Africa on their motorbikes from 2000 through to 2003, travelling to places like the famous ‘God’s Window’ in Mpluanga (Eastern Transvaal) down to the most southerly point in Africa.


From South Africa to StirlingRodney and Marcelle emigrated from South Africa to Scotland around

two and a half years ago.

Stirling Eye met up with Rodney to find out more…

talked us through the tax

system and advised us on

bookkeepers, accountants,

etc. We’ve also been

working with local business

The Write People, who

produced concept designs and

marketing material for us.”

Doing business in StirlingRodney said: “There are a lot of women out

there who ride – about 60% of the people

who come in our shop are women and they

currently account for around 30% of sales.

Most motorcycle shops only stock male or

uni-sex clothing, providing little choice or

unflattering clothing for women. We have

found a niche in the market, retailing fitted

and fashionable biking accessories for the

whole family, women and children included.”

As Thunkit is the only motorcycle shop in

Stirling city centre, they have been able to

secure stock from major brands, including

Duchinni, Buffalo, Bell, Bike It, Spada, Sidi and

Wolf M.X. clothing for adults and children.

Rodney said: “The brand reps have been

quite excited by our business model and we

have received good advice from them, such

as Marian Knight of Bike It who has really

gone out of her way to help with ideas,

letting us know what is selling well, etc.

Being a small shop, we are able to take

small orders and reps bring

us their latest products.

This means that we always

have something a little bit

different in store, catering

for all types and styles of

motorcycling.”

Rodney said: “We decided to emigrate

due to the political unrest in South Africa.

Marcelle worked in the banking industry and

there were various countries that we could

have emigrated to. We chose to locate in

Scotland as we used to holiday at the Forest

Hills Hotel in Aberfoyle and had fallen in

love with the stunning scenery.”

Once in Scotland, Rodney and Marcelle began

scoping out various business plans. They

wanted to establish a business that would

bring in an income, while allowing them to

spend time with their young children.

The couple are keen bikers and they soon

identified a gap in the market. Rodney

said: “The business plan for motorcycle

shops is completely different in South Africa.

Motorcycling is lifestyle orientated and

shops cater for women and children. We

found that motorcycle shops here in the

UK are much more male orientated, so we

decided that there was an opportunity to

bring the South African model to Scotland.”

Starting up the businessRodney and Marcelle decided to locate

their business in Stirling city centre, making

the shop easily accessible to families and

breaking with the UK trend for motorbike

shops to be located on industrial estates.

Rodney said: “Due to the Scottish weather

being so unpredictable, we decided to

locate our shop within the Stirling Arcade.

The Arcade’s fashion boutiques and beauty

services also attract a lot of female shoppers,

providing a good target market for Thunkit.”

Although the business has been self-funded,

the Pearson’s received advice from Business

Gateway on getting started. Rodney said:

“Frank Dunne, our Business Gateway Adviser

Future plansLong term, the Pearsons would like to take on

additional space within Stirling and they are

also considering franchising Thunkit.

Rodney said: “We’ve started up Thunkit as if it’s

going to be a big company, getting the business

VAT registered from the outset. We have made

a massive investment, but this will make us

savings in the long run. This might sound like

overkill for a small shop, but there will be a

return when we expand in the future.”

Thunkit - Tel: 01786 445501


Stirling Business Panel

Stirling Business Panel – Executive Group updateIn the last edition of Stirling Eye it was mentioned that a

workshop had taken place at which members of the Executive Group

had discussed the structure and objectives of the Business Panel, looking to the future.

This has been a comprehensive review taking a little longer than anticipated. However, if at the end of this exercise we have a stronger and more

focused Group to lead the way forward, it will be for the benefit of all businesses in the area.

As Stirling Eye goes to print, we are preparing for another meeting to start planning future events and activities, building on the success of the

Spring Trade Fair.

Quest becomes our 700th member!Stirling Business Panel was pleased to welcome its 700th member in June, Fiona Gavine, Director of Quest Business Consulting Ltd.

The business offers business consultancy,

coaching and mentoring with a particular

focus on improving performance in life

science and health related companies.

Although based in Stirling, Quest serves

clients across the UK, Europe and beyond.

With 25 years experience in industry and

commerce in senior roles across a number of

business disciplines, Quest and Fiona are well

placed to offer a range of services to clients.

Starting her career in post-graduate

biochemical research, Fiona then trained

with Touche Ross and Co and qualified as a

Chartered Accountant, before moving back

into the scientific industry with ICI PLC and

then Astra Zeneca PLC.

Fiona then moved into the electronics/

IT sector, working with Compaq in financial

and operational roles. After a merger with

Hewlett Packard, Fiona became a director of

a European business unit with specific focus

on developing a strategy for the SME market

place.

This depth and range of experience at a

senior level gave Fiona the ideal background

to start her own business consultancy,

launching Quest in 2006.

Fiona has a portfolio of non-executive

directorships; NHS Forth Valley, Stirling

District Tourism and Accountant in Bankruptcy

(Scotland’s Insolvency Service).

When asked why she joined the Panel, Fiona

said: “I’m very keen to support local business

groups, get a feel for what’s happening in

and around the Stirling area and add my

voice to a group who can influence the

strategic direction of business development

in Stirling.”

Tony Moulsdale, Chairman of the Stirling

Business Panel, said: “The Stirling Business

Panel is delighted to welcome Fiona as our

700th member, almost a year to the day

since we welcomed our 600th member,

Morag Meighan of Comfort Zone Interior

Designers. This

healthy interest

from Stirling

businesses in

the Panel and

its activities is

encouraging

and gives

confidence that

we can work

together to

make Stirling

even more of a

success.”Fiona Gavine, Director of

Quest Business Consulting Ltd


Not already a Business Panel member?

Please contact Bill Fortune (Business Partnership

Executive – Stirling Council) on 01786 443172,

email [email protected] or join online at

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

MEMBER PROFILEJohn Epps, Crannaig House, Aberfoyle.

Born of Scots grandparents

in England and proud of his

Scottish roots, John Epps

is a Chartered Engineer

and experienced tourism

businessman. This unusual

skill mix originates from a life in two parts.

John’s first career choice was to work in the high-tech world of

electronics – a number of things we accept as a normal part of

life in the 21st Century have felt John’s professional influence in

the late 20th Century; not least the systems that keep our sea

lanes open to trade and our airspace safe.

With his children educated and with the freedom to choose

where to settle, John retired early from the rush-everywhere

life and joined his wife Ann (herself a native of Luss on Loch

Lomondside) to start a tourism business in Stirling’s rural area 15

years ago.

John said: “This has been an entirely wonderful experience – not

least as founder members of the Aberfoyle Traders Association

(now known as Trossachs Business Partnership) and key

organisers of The Trossachs Mushroom Festival for the past

decade. We now also have friends all over the world as a result

of our business.”

John has been active in initiatives to promote business in the

rural west of the Stirling area, not least as chairman of the

Trossachs Area Network, at a time when road improvements

and floodwater control featured highly on a list of priorities for

the area.

He has also been involved with Destination Trossachs, sat on the

steering group for the Trossachs Enterprise & Rural Mentoring

Programme (TERMS) and has been a member of the Business

Panel Executive Group from the outset.

As a Business Panel Executive Group member, John serves the

interests of the rural area and also promotes Zero Waste Scotland.

www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org

2010 Annual Business Panel Survey resultsAs we reported in the last edition of Stirling Eye, the publication of

the 2010 Annual Business Panel Survey was delayed until April. This

was because the survey was kept open longer than usual due to the

severe weather. Many businesses were focused on surviving all types

of disruption that seemed at times to show no signs of abating.

The full report is now available online and can be found in the ‘Reports’

section of the Business Panel website, www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org .

One key point to note is that net satisfaction with Stirling as a place

to do business has increased by almost 14% since 2008, from 59 to

67. When most businesses also record that the key factor inhibiting

productivity is the current economic climate/market conditions, rather

than Stirling specific issues, this is an encouraging figure. Businesses

completing the survey also reported a decrease in the proportion of

full time employees and an increase in part time working over the

same period.

This is the third annual survey that we have conducted and while the

results have a key role in influencing the priorities of the Council in

addressing needs, it is disappointing that the response rate has fallen

from a high of over 50% in 2008 to around 30% in 2010.

It may be that members are suffering ‘survey fatigue’ or that we need

to review the questions that are asked. Alternatively, we may use very

short question sets throughout the year to gather information, which

take literally a couple of minutes to respond to.

This is something that your Executive Group will be discussing over the

next few weeks, but what do you think? Do you have a view?

You can let us know what your view is by emailing

[email protected] .Stirling Eye wishes to remember with affection the life of

Ann Epps who sadly passed away on 28th June 2011.


Special feature

Speed networking – what’s it all about?Janet Torley, Director of Events for Business, facilitated the speed

networking events on behalf of the Stirling Business Panel.

Janet, why speed network?The networking events are based on round tables of delegates, who by a

series of moves, speak to everyone else participating. The purpose is to

facilitate business introductions and provide an opportunity for participants

to meet new businesses and start potential business relationships.

How did it go today?I thought the events went really well with good participation. Quite a few

people seemed to be meeting new businesses for the first time.

Exhibitor profilesThe following exhibitors provided their thoughts on the Trade Fair….

Elsi Duncan,

Managing Director,

D-Signs

Elsi said: “The Trade Fair

has provided a fabulous

opportunity to meet with

and talk to other local

businesses, in a friendly and

focused format. It has been

great to share information,

find out what other people

are doing and of course, generate enquiries and sales.

We have just created 1.5 new jobs and after a tough winter,

spring is really looking up. Effective communication is

crucially important and the Trade Fair has raised our profile

in the local business community.”

Based in Stirling, D Signs has specialised in effective signage

since 1983. Products include vehicle graphics, A-boards,

banners, posters and stickers all with free marketing advice.

Local clients include Arnold Clark, Prudential, SYHA, FES FM,

United Auctions and Stirling Council.

www.dsigns.co.uk

The Stirling Business Panel hosted its second successful

Trade Fair in April this year. Held at Strathallan

House, Castle Business Park, the Fair attracted over

50 exhibitors and more than 200 visitors.

Stirling Eye attended the event to find out more

about the speed networking and to catch up with

exhibitors and visitors…

Janet Torley,

Director of

Events for

Business

Events for BusinessEvents for Business is a Dunfermline based company which

facilitates business to business events, exhibitions, seminars and

networking. The business is geared to small businesses, focused

on helping them to grow.

www.eventsforbusiness.co.uk

Jim and Charmain Yule from Wi Link

Solutions

Jim Yule, Technical Manager, said: “We came to the

Trade Fair last year and made some useful contacts.

We are a relatively new family run business, so

getting our name out there is important and we

took the opportunity to do this at the April Fair.”

Charmain Yule, Business Development Manager,

said: “We promoted the Trade Fair through our

website. I would encourage as many businesses as

possible to promote the next Trade Fair – the more

visitors we can attract, the better for all attending.”

Wi Link Solutions is a Falkirk based company offering comprehensive technology

led solutions to other businesses. Individual solutions are designed to help

customers maximise the business benefits of wireless technology in a cost

effective manner. Services include WiFi help and design, wireless surveys, CCTV

services, maintenance and project management.

www.wi-linksolutions.co.uk

Stef McCutcheon, Chris Hope

and Elsi Duncan of D-Signs


Stirling Spring Trade Fair

Visitor profilesStirling Eye chatted to the following visitors as they left

the event…

Gordon Cowtan, Director,

Department-E LtdGordon said: “I spent around an hour and a half

at the Trade Fair today. I have hopefully made

some good contacts and would like to come

back to the next one.”

Fintry based Department-E Ltd design and build websites and

provide a range of web related services, such as commissioning

foreign translations of website content, creating interactive cd-roms

and commissioning photography and illustrations.

www.department-e.co.uk

Valerie Smith, Owner,

Valerie Smith SolutionsValerie said: “I thought the Trade Fair this year

was better than last time, with more stalls and

the addition of speed networking events. There was a real buzz

and I met lots of people through the speed networking.

This is the best event of its kind in Stirling that I have been to.

Speed networking is an effective way of communicating what I

do. A number of people approached me about the services my

business delivers and, over coffee, I had a chance to discuss these

in more detail.”

Valerie Smith Solutions is a Stirling based business start-up

specialising in facilities management, including consultancy,

training and cost management. The business is aimed at helping

other organisations make the best possible use of their workspace.

www.valeriesmithsolutions.co.uk

Paul Rice, Director,

Pura Designs llpPaul said: “I am a speed networking virgin no

longer! I found the speed networking really

constructive, managing to speak to a lot of

people quickly. It got me really focused on

communicating what I do very succinctly.

Stirling Enterprise recommended that I should go to the Trade Fair

and I would definitely be interested in attending again.”

Pura Designs is a Stirling based web design company offering

starter packages to ecommerce / content managed bespoke sites.

www.puradesigns.co.uk

Gill Joy, Director, Intend

Business DevelopmentGill said: “We exhibited at the Trade Fair last

September and made a number of useful

contacts, including a Stirling based business

that we are now helping to bid for financial

services contracts. We were keen to come

back this year to make more contacts and

provide information to local businesses on

the Public Contracts Scotland portal.”

Intend helps businesses bid for public

sector contracts, in all categories of goods, works and services. Intend

provide different levels of support and advice, depending on the

individual needs of their customers.

The business is based in Bridge of Allan and St Andrews.

www.intend-eu.com

Colin McKeand, Founder and

Partner, Nutri-ToxColin, of Denny based Nutri-Tox, said: “This

is the second Stirling Business Panel Trade

Fair I have exhibited at. The introduction

of speed networking this year was a good

development, attracting in more visitors.

My goal is to change people’s lifestyles for

the better by helping them to accomplish

diet, lifestyle, weight management, healthy

living and healthy eating goals.

I also have corporate and public sector clients across the Central

belt, who I work with to provide staff with the knowledge, skills and

understanding to choose and maintain good health and wellbeing.”

www.diet-nutrition.co.uk

Anne Turnbull,

Operations Manager,

LA Resourcing &

Business SolutionsAnne said: “The Stirling Trade

Fair is a good way to get

to know people and make

contacts. We exhibited

again this year to meet more

people, get our name out

and build business relations.”

LA Resourcing & Business Solutions is a Stirling based

family run generalist recruitment company. The business

also offers ‘full business solutions’ packages, including

recruitment, sales and marketing, telesales and websites.


30 second interviewName: Bob Conway

Job title: Owner

Business: Bob’s Locks, Upper Craigs, Stirling

Brief company description: 24-hour locksmith and lock supplier with a dedicated door fitting

service, emergency boarding up service and a retail outlet for key-

cutting, number plates and passport photos.

How do you get to work? Van

Where is your favourite place to eat out? Why? The Kilted Kangaroo, the food is great, the beer is cold and I can sit

out in the sun after a hard shift!

What do you think the Stirling area could most benefit from? The whole community working together for a better Stirling.

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is the best thing about doing business in Stirling? The customers.

What do you think the biggest issue is for Parking in the city centre.

businesses in the Stirling area?

What is the biggest issue for your business? The first six months!

What is your favourite shop? Bob’s Locks of course. Having completely renovated my new shop, I

feel proud and pleased with the end result.

What is your greatest ambition? To become a self made millionaire.

Bob’s Locks: 01786 470740 www.bobslocks.co.uk

Mary Portas masterclasses come to StirlingA two-hour Mary Portas retail master class taster session is coming to Stirling this Autumn.

Developed in conjunction with Skillsmart Retail and delivered exclusively through the National Skills Academy for Retail’s skills shops, the Mary

Portas guide to successful retailing gives a unique insight into improving independent retail businesses and includes Mary’s advice on essential

elements such as visual merchandising, marketing, buying, finance and the all-important vision for the store.

The taster session allows businesses to try before they buy, with seven specialist modules available following the taster session, covering every

stage of creating and running a successful business, with hints and tips on how to improve performance.

The topics include:

l My shop, my future Building, mobilising and maintaining a vision for the business

l Retail finance and business planning Understanding the key financial factors driving the business and what impact they have; how to keep

track of how well the business is doing; get a grip on the cash; and what to do when things aren’t going to plan

l Buying for your customer Buying the products that will attract and keep your customers as well as delivering profit

l Selling and service skills How to stand out from the crowd and use the customer service experience to bring more cash through the tills

l Merchandising, display and windows Creating desire and the wow factor to set the shop apart from the rest

l Marketing for more customers How to spread the word about the business without spending the earth

l You and your team Developing both the management and store team to create a forward looking, successful business

The Stirling Arcade will host the taster session. For more information, please contact Andy Kennedy (City Centre Manager) on 01786 442534, or

email [email protected] .


Customer First opens in city centreCustomer First, the Council’s one stop shop, has

opened its doors to the public.

Located in Port Street, Customer First brings new life right

into the heart of the city centre by occupying a unit that stood empty for over two years.

Customer First provides a one-stop facility in a convenient location for people needing

face-to-face help and information from the Council. Also located within the building are

advisers from HM Revenue and Customs and VisitScotland. The building has confidential

meeting rooms so that members of the public can make appointments to speak with

Council and other partner agency staff in private.

Councillor Scott Farmer, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Tourism and Finance, said: “We

understand that these are challenging times for city centre businesses, but through

investing in this property the Council is playing its part in boosting city centre footfall.”

“And, with the reopening of the magnificent Royal Apartments at Stirling Castle following

their £12m refurbishment, we’re anticipating an increase in visitors and we need to be

ready to extend a warm, Stirling welcome. Customer First will help us do this.”

Picture Shows: (L to R) Councillor Scott Farmer, Stirling Council Chief Executive Bob Jack,

HM Revenue & Customs Manager Cath Joyce and Vicki Miller, Head of Local Marketing at

VisitScotland.

Thistles Partners Against CrimeIn the first scheme of its kind anywhere in Scotland, the Thistles Shopping

Centre has given its tenants a unique opportunity to be involved in the

ongoing fight against business crime.

By providing every tenant within the centre with membership of Retailers Against Crime

(RAC), they now have access to information and images of offenders, including organised

shoplifting teams, purse dippers and fraudsters.

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

for shoplifters is now operational in the centre. The radio system, used in conjunction

with the images, allows the fast transfer and sharing of real-time information between

businesses and the centre’s dedicated security staff. This helps with the quick identification

of offenders and suspicious characters and increases the ability of security staff to deliver a

quick response to any incidents reported.

Launched in February 2009 the scheme has achieved consistent success in terms of

preventing incidents and the apprehension and removal of shoplifters from the centre.

The scheme is supported by five partner agencies: Thistles Centre, Retailers Against Crime,

Central Scotland Police, VSG Security and Stirling City Centre Initiative.

Qualifications to do the businessMany people know the

Scottish Qualifications

Authority (SQA) for

school examinations

and college courses, but it also offers a wide

range of qualifications and services designed

to support businesses.

SQA has a strong and consistent track record of

work with employers, Sector Skills Councils and

professional bodies. These partnerships ensure

that qualifications are designed and developed

to be fit-for-purpose and reflect the needs of

the industries and sectors they support.

If lifelong learning is the phrase on everyone’s

lips, then Scottish Vocational Qualifications

(SVQs) are the way we can make sense of it.

Designed to be delivered in the workplace,

SVQs are developed by industry and based on

national standards of performance.

Professional Development Awards (PDAs)

are qualifications for people already in a

career who are looking to develop their skills.

PDAs can form a central part of training and

development for forward-thinking companies.

National Progression Awards (NPAs) are

designed to not only provide specific skills, but

also to underpin the employability skills that

employers are looking for in their staff.

SQA offers qualifications to suit all sectors and

levels and also provide a customised awards,

credit rating and endorsement service.

Janice Anderson is SQA’s Business Development

Manager in the Stirling area and she would

welcome the opportunity to visit businesses to

keep them up to date with new qualifications

and services. She can be contacted on 0303

333 0330, email [email protected] .

Janice Anderson, SQA Business Development Manager for the Stirling area

15RLING EYE Focus on the local economy


Business space developments

OfficeOffice space is being taken up on the fringe of the city centre reflecting confidence

in quality traditional well-located accommodation in the city.

Andrew Peel of Graham and Sibbald, joint letting agents with Montagu Evans said:

“Two recent lettings within the traditional townhouse at 7 Melville Terrace, Stirling

has left only one suite of 232 sq m (2,500 sq ft) remaining within the extended

ground floor of this prominent building. It also reaffirms Stirling’s first class location

for business within central Scotland.”

Agape have leased the lower ground floor and Elgin based property development

company, Springfield, has leased the whole of the first floor, which extends to 140

sq m (1,513 sq ft) to manage their sales and construction activities for their central

Scotland sites.

For more information on remaining office space at this location please contact

Andrew (Graham and Sibbald) on 01786 463111, email [email protected] or Peter

Fleming (Montagu Evans) on 0131 229 3800, email peter.fleming@montagu-

evans.co.uk .

Although some space remains within Earlsgate House, Stirling, Simon Capaldi

of GVA confirmed: “Office space has been recently leased within this impressive

traditional building with terms out on other space showing service activity in the

marketplace.”

More information on remaining space is available from Simon (GVA) on 0131 469

6065, email [email protected] or Andrew Peel (Graham and Sibbald) on

01786 463111, email [email protected] .

At Stirling University Innovation Park, Symbiosis Ltd has relocated within the

Innovation Park to Scion House with construction of clean room accommodation

underway for their pharmaceutical business.

Within Springkerse Industrial Estate, Aqualife Services Ltd has taken a substantial amount of office space extending to 427 sq m (4,600 sq ft) for

their fish vaccination business demonstrating the attractiveness of Stirling as a headquarter location of choice.

IndustrialDespite a continuing challenging climate Andrew Peel

of Graham and Sibbald has confirmed that there has

been another letting at Imex Business Centre, Broadleys

Business Park, Stirling with skier Alain Baxter taking

space for ski repairs and sales.

There are now limited opportunities at this location

although more information on remaining space is available from Andrew (Graham and Sibbald)

on 01786 463111, email [email protected] .

The former TNT building in Broadleys Road, Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling has been

acquired by local entrepreneurs who intend to strip back and reclad the building providing

around 1,160 sq m (12,500 sq ft) of space. Quoting rental from £54 per sq m (£5 per sq ft).

Sandy Falconer of property letting agents J&E Shepherd said: “Once upgraded, the space will provide a welcome addition to Stirling’s property

market offer, situated within Stirling’s key industrial location.”

For more information on this space please contact Sandy (J&E Shepherd) on 01786 450438, email [email protected] .

Imex Business Centre, Broadleys Business Park

7 Melville Terrace, Stirling

Earlsgate House, Stirling


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

Planning applications update

Stirling Agricultural CentreSince taking ownership of the Stirling Agricultural Centre in March 2011, United Auctions (UA),

Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement

specialists, has welcomed two significant businesses to

the Centre – and to Stirling.

Agricultural supply company, Carrs Billington Agriculture

has opened a new 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) ground floor

retail store and CKD Galbraith, one of Scotland’s leading

independent property consultants, will base their new

central Scotland ‘hub’ at the Centre.

CKD Galbraith’s move to Stirling marks a significant

expansion of their comprehensive property services to the

agricultural and rural sectors and enhances their four-year

alliance with United Auctions. They initially intend to staff

the new office with 20 personnel and will maintain their

presence in local estate offices in Houston, Renfrewshire,

and Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

www.uagroup.co.uk

The following planning applications with a significant business focus

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

Eye (March 2011) and are still being considered, pending a decision:

l An application by Dental Surgery Limited to convert a shop

into a dental surgery (220 sq m) at 64-66 Port Street, Stirling.

l An application by Eduardo Zaldua for change of use from

public toilets to hot food takeaway (55 sq m) at the public

toilets at Station Road, Stirling.

l An application by Burn Stewart Distillers for change of use of

a former canteen building to form a distillery visitor centre

including associated new car parking facilities (1,940 sq m) at

Deanston Distillery.

The following planning applications have been approved:

l An application by Mr Craig MacFarlane for change of use from

an education establishment to repair and sale of cycles and

associated goods and products (60 sq m) at 2 Alloa Road,

Causewayhead (see picture).

l An application by A1 Designs for change of use to incorporate

a restaurant with takeaway element and construction of

a wood burning oven and chimney (600 sq m) at the Old

Schoolhouse, Alloa Road, Stirling.

The following planning

applications have been

supported in principle but

are subject to detailed

negotiations to draw up

planning agreements:

l An application by the Stirling Development Agency for a mixed use

development comprising Class 1 (retail), Class 3 (food and drink),

Class 7 (hotel), Class 9 (Houses) and Class 11 (assembly and leisure)

– 4,784 sq m retail – at land and buildings at Burghmuir Industrial

Estate, Stirling.

l An application by Sainsbury’s Supermarket Ltd to erect an extension

to an existing store, including a mezzanine floor (to accommodate

new café), new entrance lobby, revised service yard and access,

associated car parking and landscaping (3,700 sq m increase from

existing store floor space) at Sainsbury’s, Back O’Hill Road, Stirling.

A planning application by the Angling Centre Stirling Ltd for a new

angling centre with residential accommodation above on land near

Craigforth roundabout, has been withdrawn.

Planning applications correct at mid-June 2011.

RetailStirling city centre is benefiting from

the opening of a new bank, HSBC

plc in a prominent retail unit within

Murray Place extending to 584 sq m

(6,284 sq ft).

Outwith the city centre, Stirling Cycle

Repairs has taken occupation of a

unit on Alloa Road, Causewayhead,

Stirling. A nearby retail unit at

Airthrey Road, Causewayhead,

Stirling, which extends in total to

386 sq m (4,155 sq ft), will benefit

from subdivision into two retail units,

workshop/storage and first floor

office space.

More information on the mixed

space at Airthrey Road is available

from Andrew Peel of Graham and

Sibbald on 01786 463111, email

[email protected] .

Stirling Cycle Repairs – www.stirlingcyclerepairs.co.uk

Planning schedules can be viewed at www.stirling.gov.uk/planningschedule

Neil McLean, Group Joint MD of UA with James Galbraith, Chairman of CKD Galbraith outside the Stirling Agricultural Centre

Business space developments


Manor Farm Business ParkStirling Eye met up with local entrepreneur Tom Cox to find

out more about his business investments and in particular,

Manor Farm Business Park.

our new build programme. Despite the tough

and challenging market conditions, we have

successfully let out four of our new units at

Manor Farm and have a further three currently

in negotiation. I believe this has been down

to our flexibility, the high quality of our units

and the fantastic location of our business park.

What does the future hold?We plan to expand the existing business

park and develop the land to the south

of the main road. We are looking at high

quality office space, 4/5 star hotel spa and

conference centre, tennis academy, sports

injury clinic and around 120 live/work

homes. We are currently in negotiation with a

number of local and international companies

and organisations on a range of bespoke

development opportunities. I can’t say more

at this stage, but I’m sure Stirling Eye will

keep everyone informed in the near future.

For further information on available units at

Manor Farm, please contact letting agents

Ross & Liddell on 0141 204 7355.

Tom, what is your background?I am originally from Coatbridge where I

left school at 16 to start my apprenticeship

as an engineer, gaining both ONC and

HNC qualifications in Engineering. I then

spent three years in the Merchant Navy as

an Engineering Officer before moving to

Marshall Food Group where I eventually

became Chief Engineer. After eight years at

Marshall’s I moved on to take up the role

of Group Engineer at Pinneys of Scotland,

before starting up my own business,

Oakwood Foods Ltd in 1989.

Oakwood, based in Bellshill, was the first

chilled sauce specialist in the UK and quickly

became the market leader in this sector,

with this success resulting in a new high

tech 26,000 sq ft factory in Uddingston

where we produced around 60 tonnes

of sauce recipes per week. In December

2000 I sold the company for several

million pounds to McPhie of Glenbervie

and after a short break, used the cash to

leverage a £50 million bank loan to invest

into the UK commercial property market.

Whilst property investment is now my

core business I have also been involved in

a wide range of industries including film

production, branding, water cost reduction

and juice manufacturing to name but a few.

Can you tell us more about Manor Farm?I bought Manor Farm near Blairlogie about

six years ago and immediately set about

expanding the existing business park. Our team

designed and built a range of 1,250sq ft to

3,500sq ft high quality industrial/storage units

aimed at the start up and existing business

market. We have also invested just over a

million pounds in infrastructure and landscaping

with new roads, water, sewage, electricity,

communication now in place for our future

expansion programme.

Features of the new industrial units include

steel portal frames with insulated composite

steel profile cladding, modern air conditioned

office space, eaves height of eight metres, high

load bearing polished concrete floors, automatic

sectional insulated up and over doors, flexible

open plan layouts and designated car parking.

Plans have also been approved for a high spec

children’s nursery and day care facility.

What impact has the recession had?I decided to offload the majority of our property

portfolios just before the recession, so we sold

at, or near, the top of the market. This has to a

degree insulated us from the severe effects of

the downturn and, on a plus side, allowed us to

take advantage of lower construction costs for

Tom Cox

Tom has owned 15 successful companies to date and has mentored numerous businesses throughout his career. He gives £1m of his personal fortune to charity every five years and has sponsored a wide range of sports including Judo, Football, Squash and Boxing.

Manor Farm Business Park


Interview with... Jason Clark Stirling Eye met up with Jason Clark, Tourism Executive at Stirling Council

to find out about the recently established Stirling Food & Drink Forum…

Food & drinkSector feature

Food & drink The food and drink industry is a major contributor to Scotland’s economy, generating

around £10 billion per annum. The Scottish Government has also recognised the sector as

having a significant role to play in growth of Scotland’s tourism industry.

Tourism Intelligence Scotland recently produced a booklet on the food and drink experience in Scotland

as part of a series detailing seven opportunities for growth in Scottish tourism. The booklet provides

practical advice on improving the tourism experience based on three trends impacting on tourism:

l New experiences – tourists want to try famous Scottish produce and dishes, and tell family

and friends about it when they return home. There is demand to sample luxury, but at affordable

prices. The social element of dining is increasingly seen as an important part of the experience.

Many establishments are using websites such as Trip Adviser to monitor and adapt their offering in

response to feedback, seeking to achieve excellent customer reviews to help market their business.

l Culture capital – people increasingly have a strong awareness of health issues and this is

driving demand for healthy local produce and information about how food is prepared. In response,

many eateries are adapting menus for specialist diets or introducing a social hook, such as a cultural

experience that compliments the food and drink experience.

l Authenticity – visitors want to experience the genuine article and are looking for a unique

experience. Businesses can help make their food and drink experience stand out by providing

information on ingredients, recipes and ethically sourced produce. This also provides visitors with

an additional educational experience.

The Food & Drink Experience in Scotland booklet is available to download from

www.tourism-intelligence.co.uk .

Jason, why establish a Food & Drink Forum?Research from the City of Stirling Visitor Survey over

the last three years has highlighted that there is room

for improvement in Stirling’s food offering. There does

seem to be a gap between what visitors are looking for

in terms of food and drink and what they are actually

experiencing. The food and drink element is a critical

part of visitors overall experience and the chance to try

local/national dishes forms part of an authentic and

memorable visitor experience.

With help from Scottish Enterprise, two half–day tourism

innovation workshops were held in The Golden Lion

Hotel and Albert Halls in March with a range of local

food and drink retailers. From the workshop discussions,

the group felt there was value in establishing the

private sector led Stirling Food & Drink Forum.

What is its purpose?The Forum aims to raise the profile of

Stirling’s food and drink outlets and

improve their bottom line. The Forum

will focus on the tourism market and

look at the opportunities to increase

business, exchange views, information

and marketing intelligence.

Who’s involved?The Forum includes a number of

Stirling based businesses, such as the

Golden Lion Hotel, Terraces Hotel,

La Ciociara Restaurant, Legends

Café (Wallace Monument), Imperial

Restaurant, No.2 Baker Street, The

Burgh Coffeehouse, Café Crema, Café

Nero and West Plean House.

How can local businesses get involvedThe Forum is actively looking for more

city centre food and drink retailers to

join. The next meeting is Monday 19th

September, 10 am, at the Golden Lion

Hotel in Stirling. New members are most

welcome. Please contact Jason Clark at

Stirling Council if you are interested in

attending on 01786 442532 or email

[email protected] .



Name: Alex Taylor, Owner

Business: Café Crema, Stirling

Café Crema is a coffee and sandwich bar

located in Murray Place, Stirling.

Background:Alex was a professional footballer for 20 years playing for a

number of clubs including Dundee United. After retiring from

football, he established a number of fishmongers in South

Lanarkshire with his brother.

Around 10 years ago, Alex opened Café Crema in Hamilton and six

years ago, opened Café Crema in Stirling.

Can you tell us more about Café Crema?I chose to open Café Crema in Stirling because it is easier to start

up a business and make an impact in Stirling than in larger cities.

As it is hard to make a business work on just takeaway, we also

have indoor and outdoor-seating areas. The four key elements to

the business are:

l Quality fresh produce made on site daily.

l Excellent customer service.

l Good look and vibe to the café.

l Pricing pitched at a level that people can afford.

Is there anything that would improve Stirling’s food and drink offering?I think the offering is quite similar to other areas and we would

benefit from more diverse independents locating here. As Stirling

is a prominent tourist destination I think there is good demand for

quality Scottish food.

I hope that the new Food & Drink Forum will provide the

opportunity to share ideas, discuss how Stirling looks and what

local businesses

can offer.

Café Crema –

01786 464620

Name: Teresa Farmer, General Manager

Business: Terraces Hotel, Stirling

18 bedroom hotel, with bar, bistro and

beer garden.

Background:Teresa has worked at the Terraces Hotel

for 14 years since moving to Stirling from

Caithness. She was promoted to General Manager in January.

Can you tell us more about the Bistro?We offer really good quality Scottish pub food, combined with

fantastic service and are open to the public as well as guests.

Our staff are fully trained about the products we offer, so have the

confidence to talk to customers about our whisky collection, wine list

and food ingredients.

What is the best thing about Stirling’s food and drink offering?The variety. We often recommend other good places to eat, such as

Khushi’s and Papa Joes.

Is there anything that could be done better?Market better what is on offer, and there is always room to improve

the customer experience. We review websites such as Trip Adviser

and Late Rooms for feedback and enhance our services accordingly.

Is there anything big on the horizon?2014 is going to be huge for Stirling with the 700th anniversary of

the Battle of Bannockburn, the second year of Homecoming, the

Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup – it is going to be crazy for

bed nights!

www.terraceshotel.co.uk

Teresa Farmer and colleagues at the Terraces Hotel recently climbed Ben Nevis in aid of the Eilidh Brown Appeal, which is raising money to build a cancer respite centre in Stirling.

The designer of the interior of Café Crema also recently designed the interior of the Corinthian in Glasgow.

Case Studies ...

Alex Taylor, Owner

of Café Crema

Teresa Farmer, General

Manager of the Terraces

Hotel



Interview with... Nicola Haslem Stirling Eye met up with Nicola Haslem, Chair of Stirling’s Food &

Drink Forum and General Manager of No.2 Baker Street, to find

out more about the local food and drink industry…

Nicola, what is your background?My mum and dad owned a hotel, so

I have been involved in the food and

drink industry from an early age. I

trained as a chef and ran my own

pub and was also a manager at TGI

Friday’s.

I took up the post of General Manager

at Belhaven’s No.2 Baker Street,

Stirling in December 2009.

What is Belhaven’s involvement in Stirling?Belhaven, now part of the Greene King

group, has its headquarters in Stirling.

It owns six pubs in Stirling city centre,

including No.2 Baker Street, Molly

Malones, Drouthy Neebors, The City

Walls, The Corn Exchange and most

recently, it bought Morrisons Cold Beer

Company. It also owns the Borestone

Bar in St. Ninians.

Why invest in Stirling?Belhaven has identified Stirling as an ideal

place to invest, with so much going for it

including the university, good year round

tourism base, major branded shops, visitor

attractions and wealthy surrounding area.

What is your involvement with Stirling’s Food & Drink Forum?I attended the initial food and drink workshops

held at the Golden Lion earlier this year and was

elected Chair.

I am already using information provided through

the Forum to make my business more profitable

and raise Stirling’s tourism experience. In

response to results from the City of Stirling Visitor

Survey, I have added more salads to our menu

and extended the time we serve food for in the

summer months. This is working really well – we

sold 22 meals last night between 9 and 10 pm!

I have also introduced a ceilidh night every

Wednesday and this is already attracting in lots of

tourists.

The countdown begins to the inaugural Spirit of Stirling Whisky FestivalThe inaugural Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival has been officially announced for

12th May 2012, to be held at Stirling’s Albert Halls.

Festival organisers are in the process of lining up between twenty to thirty prestigious

Scottish distilleries to exhibit on the day, as well as a number of other key local

complementary businesses.

Event co-organiser Cameron McCann said:

“Our vision is to bring a new unique event to Stirling. This exciting event will enable visitors to

taste their way around Scotland in one day as they ‘nip’ from one whisky region to another – in the comfort of the Albert Halls in Stirling.

The initial response from the distilleries has been very encouraging. Two of the confirmed distilleries have agreed to run whisky master

classes on the day for those that would love to learn a bit more about selecting, nosing and tasting Scotch whisky.

We aim to attract an international audience to the event and have just launched the Festival website where everyone can read the latest

news and find out where to get hold of tickets.”

www.spiritofstirlingwhiskyfestival.co.uk

What are your aspirations for the Food & Drink Forum?I want the Forum to help establish Stirling’s

identity, with members working together to

raise the tourism experience across Stirling.

We are also looking into developing a

brochure for visitors with a footsteps map of

good places to eat and drink in the city.

Nicola Haslem,

General Manager of

No.2 Baker Street

The BBC recently filmed one of No.2 Baker Street’s ceilidh nights for BBC Alba.


Action in Mind launches new mental health employment initiativeOne in four people suffer from a mental health disorder

at some point in their lives. These include many talented

and well-trained employees who fall victim to depression,

work-based stress or more serious disorders like bipolar or

schizophrenia.

Recent statistics issued by Mind and the employment research centre

Incomes Data Services also suggest that anything between a fifth

and quarter of work-based absenteeism is due to long-term mental

health disorders.

It is in this context that Action in Mind, Stirling’s largest provider of mental health services, has launched a new mental health initiative aimed at

local employers called Working Well.

Launched in June at Holyrood in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament’s Community Partnerships Project, Working Well seeks to work with

local Stirling employers to monitor and evaluate best practice in the recruitment, training and retention of people with mental health disorders,

focusing in particular on how firms are making appropriate ‘reasonable adjustments’ to working conditions as specified by the Equality Act which

came into force last year.

The findings of this research will be published in a guide launched at the Scottish Parliament in March 2012.

Michel Syrett, Working Well coordinator and mental health champion at Action in Mind, said: “We know that gaining or retaining access to

fulfilling paid work is an important milestone for anyone recovering from a mental health disorder. At the same time, employers need to find

ways to reduce absenteeism due to mental illness and retain valued and skilled staff who fall victim to mental disorder. We hope to work with

employers to address these issues in the coming months.”

Employers interested in taking part in Working Well can contact Helena Scott, Executive Director, Action in Mind (formerly Stirling and District

Association for Mental Health) on 01786 451203 or email [email protected] .

Michel Syrett (centre) with members

of Action in Mind at the Scottish

Parliament on 15th June

Don’t miss out on subsidised Flexible Training OpportunitiesSkills Development Scotland’s Flexible Training Opportunities initiative has

been extended, with applications invited by no later than 31 March 2012.

Flexible Training Opportunities was first introduced as a concept in the

summer of 2010 to help small to medium sized enterprises weather the

recession by investing in staff training, and is supported by the European Social Fund.

Companies with up to 150 employees - including sole traders - can have 50 per cent of their training costs

met up to a maximum of £5,000. There is a limit of £500 per training session, but other than that the

initiative is really flexible with businesses able to train up to 10 individuals, invest heavily in just one or

two, or a number of variations in between.

For further information and to download an application form, visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

Interview with...

Joanne Parkin (Technical Director) and Robert King (Laboratory Manager), Select Laboratories Ltd (www.selectpharma.co.uk)


Gordon Bell,Executive Director, STEP

STEP has 22 employees There are 120 businesses located at STEP’s sites, employing around 400 people

STEP provides office and workspace accommodation on flexible lease terms at three separate locations

STEP assisted 251 business start-ups in 2010/11

Gordon, what is your background?I trained as an accountant in Northern Ireland

before joining Rolls Royce (Aerospace) in Derby

23 years ago. Following the manufacturing

theme, I then worked at the Bowater Group;

British American Tobacco; and, Cowie based panel

processors Norbord.

Latterly, I worked for the Scottish Manufacturing

Advisory Service (SMAS) at Scottish Enterprise,

progressing to the Director’s role.

Why come to STEP?Having played a key role to establish SMAS

as one of Scottish Enterprise’s most successful

support programmes, I wanted a new role that

would offer a bigger challenge. Being able to

help and support people who want to start their

own business is a great opportunity.

What is STEP’s history?STEP was established in the early 1980s when

Imperial Tobacco Ltd closed the John Player

Factory in Stirling, making around 400 people

redundant. Imperial gifted the building and

£400,000 working capital to STEP to convert the

building into flexible workspace for business

start-ups. In addition, STEP manages Enterprise

House and Stirling Business Centre.

What does STEP offer local

businesses today?Businesses can access a unique package of

flexible sized business premises at very good

terms combined with business support through

Business Gateway. Advisers are on hand to

provide advice and we deliver a range of our

own commercial training.

Stirling Enterprise (STEP) provides help and support for

starting and growing a business, delivers the Business

Gateway service, provides flexible business space,

training and more. Stirling Eye met up with STEP’s

new Executive Director Gordon Bell to find out more…

We recently secured LEADER funding to

deliver Sustainable Tourism Grants for local

businesses (see page 28 for more details).

We also help businesses’ to create websites,

and can provide businesses with free audits

of their websites, including advice on things

like boosting Google listings.

What kind of tenants do you

have?The tenants at our three business sites cover

a wide range of sectors, with everything

from painters & decorators, walking

holidays and antique restoration; through to

textile design, a knitted glove manufacturer,

ironing service and graphic designers.

Our biggest unit is 4,000 sq ft and is let to

Select Laboratories Ltd, and our smallest

unit is 150 sq ft, let to Forth Taxis.

What are your initial priorities

for STEP?To make sure that anybody thinking about

starting a business comes to talk to us

so that we can help make the business a

reality.

I would also like STEP to engage more with

communities and do more to stimulate

entrepreneurship. While we already hold

rural road shows and a regular clinic in

Callander, I feel there is an opportunity to

engage better with rural communities.

In 2010, 43% of working age adults in

Scotland who thought there were good

opportunities for starting a business

agreed that fear of failure would prevent

them from doing so - STEP can help

allay some of these fears and support and

encourage individuals to take that first step.

Entrepreneurial aspiration is even lower for

the 18-24 year old age group, so I would like

to target this group in particular.

We are currently developing a project that

will provide examples of local people who

have successfully started up in business,

providing practical advice to other aspiring

entrepreneurs.

What are your long-term

priorities for STEP?STEP is integral to the economic prosperity of

the Stirling area, and I would like to establish

Stirling as the preferred location for starting

and/or growing a business. STEP has a key

role to play in providing practical help, support

and encouragement that will be of assistance

to any new start or growing business.

www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk

Garry Bell, Forth Taxis (01786 449244)


At your service Environmental Protection Environmental Protection At your service

Air quality monitoringNitrogen dioxide levels are measured at

10 locations and particulate levels at one

location in the Stirling Council area. This

helps to build up a picture of air quality in

the area and allows future predictions of

air quality trends.

Animal control Stray dogs found during office hours are

picked up by the dog warden service

(by Police out of hours) and taken to

Bandeath stray dog shelter. Dogs may be

re-claimed by their owners within seven

days. After this period, Stirling Council will

attempt to re-home the animal. The dog

warden service also promotes responsible

dog ownership, investigates dog fouling

complaints and issues fixed penalty fines.

Animal welfare at licensed premises Issuing licences – a licence is required by anyone

wanting to operate a breeding and/or boarding

establishment for dogs, operate a pet shop

or riding establishment, keep dangerous wild

animal(s), performing animals or run a zoo.

Contaminated landIn common with local authorities throughout

the UK, Stirling Council has a legacy of land

contamination due to industrial and other historical

land uses. The service identifies and seeks the

remediation of contaminated land in the area and

has a responsibility to ensure that land is made

‘suitable for use’ through the planning process.

Noise and other statutory nuisancesInvestigation of noise from domestic, commercial

and industrial premises. Times when the noise,

smell or smoke etc. becomes obvious should be

noted to help with any investigation. A night noise

team is operational Thursday to Saturday 8pm-

3am.

Pest control service Technical advice and practical treatment is

provided for a range of nuisance pests – rats,

mice, insects, lice, birds, woodworm, slugs and

snails. Commercial pest control prices until 31

March 2012 are £37.50 per visit + £32.70 labour.

Stirling Council does not treat bats, Scottish Natural

Heritage should be contacted about bats on

01786 450362.

Radiation monitoring Obtain and assess data on environmental

radioactivity in and around the Forth estuary in

partnership with other councils bordering the

estuary.

Smoking

legislationEnforcement of smoking

regulations – smoking

is now prohibited in

all workplaces and

enclosed public spaces

to which members of

the public have access. Vehicles including

buses, taxis, company cars, ferries and

trains are also covered by the ban. It is also

compulsory for all businesses to display a

mandatory No Smoking sign.

Mains drinking water qualityScottish Water deals with complaints

regarding mains drinking water supplies -

telephone 0845 601 8855. The Public Health

Team is notified of any incidents regarding the

quality of mains water and become involved

in the management of any waterborne

hazard incident that could pose a threat to

public health. The Commercial Team deals

with private water supplies. The Scottish

Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) deals

with complaints regarding pollution of rivers,

burns and lochs – to report a complaint in the

Stirling area, telephone 01786 452595 and to

report a complaint in the west of Stirling area,

telephone 0141 945 6350.

Environmental Protection The Environmental Health Service monitors and controls various aspects of the environment that

have a direct impact on human health and quality of life. The service is responsible for ensuring a

healthy and safe living and working environment for residents and visitors to the area.

Environmental Health is based in Viewforth and can be contacted on 0845 277 7000 or email [email protected].

Here we focus on the various areas of work that the Public Health Team carries out:


At your service Environmental Protection Environmental Protection At your service

Animal Control Officer

PROFILE

Name: Bobby Cranie

Role:To provide a pest control service (except at food

premises), inspecting licensed animal premises

such as pet shops, animal breeding and boarding

businesses and providing advice and consultation to

new animal related businesses. A service to look after

stray dogs and to prevent dog fouling and dog barking

issues is provided. Dog training is also provided.

Current workloadBobby carries out licensing inspections of pet shops,

catteries, kennels and animal breeding businesses and

these business premises are inspected on an annual

basis. Occasional inspections are also carried out to

ensure that businesses comply with the conditions of

the licence.

For people wanting to start an animal related business,

such as a boarding or breeding facility, Bobby gives

advice from the outset, even when the business is still

just an idea.

Bobby said: “It is important that before work on the

building commences, the client benefits from our

advice to ensure any potential problems are overcome

at the outset. We provide advice and consultation from

concept stage, all the way through the build to the

opening of the business so that the end result is high

quality.

We inspect around 25 properties each year and we take

animal welfare very seriously. We are extremely proud

of the fact that boarding and breeding premises in

Stirling are of such a high standard.”

Bobby also works to promote dogs in a positive way,

for example, he recently arranged for a professional

search and rescue dog demonstration at Bridge of Allan

Primary School. The school children hid in the local

memorial park and the dogs found them.

The Contaminated Land team screens every planning application and building warrant submitted for potential contaminated land issues, to protect public health.

Case study

Harry Preston, Contaminated Land Officer and Ian Ferguson, Head of Business

Development at Active Stirling

Contaminated land is a serious issue. Officers Harry Preston, Helena

Dewar and Joanne Wilson make up Stirling Council’s Contaminated

Land team. They provide specialist advice on any contaminated

land issues, especially important for residential development on

brownfield sites.

The Contaminated Land team is currently working with Ian Ferguson, Head of

Business Development at Active Stirling on a proposal to bring land back in to use

at Borrowmeadow, otherwise known as the Forthbank Loop Project.

This derelict site was the main site for the disposal of domestic refuse from 1965

until 1982. It is the largest undeveloped and underused area of land within this

part of Stirling due to its location and ground conditions.

Active Stirling is looking to develop this site for outdoor recreation and sporting

activities. The team has worked closely with Active Stirling, providing specialist

opinion on the project to ensure what is proposed on the land can reasonably be

achieved.

Harry said: “Ultimately, this idea will have to go through the planning process

and the land will have to be shown to be fit for purpose. This includes adding

contaminated land ‘conditions’ to any planning approval and reviewing specialist

consultants’ reports regarding the proposed development.

If Active Stirling and their partners decide to progress with the project, we will

carry on providing advice and consultation throughout the process from the

application being submitted to the end result.”


RACMSA Rally of ScotlandFriday 7th – Sunday 9th October 2011

New Forth Valley College Stirling campus takes shapeConstruction is well underway on Forth Valley College’s fantastic new campus at East Kildean, Stirling.

The striking building is really taking shape now and is already a prominent feature on Drip Road, Raploch. The college is set to move from their

current campus on Kerse Road to the new site in April 2012.

The campus promises to transform education and training opportunities. It will offer increased provision and state-of-the-art facilities and with

the stunning riverside setting, overlooked by some of Stirling’s most famous landmarks, will provide an inspiring learning environment.

For all the latest news, please visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/building_your_future or join the College on Facebook and Twitter.

Artist’s impression of

new Stirling Campus

The spectacular high speed

route for this years’ RACMSA

Rally of Scotland – the UK’s

only round of the high profile

Intercontinental Rally Challenge

– has been announced with

several exciting changes in

place for 2011’s event.

From the 7-9 October, some of

the world’s leading rally drivers

and teams representing top

makes such as Ford, Skoda,

Proton, Peugeot and Subaru

will be in action on gravel

tracks in the forests of Stirling

and Perth & Kinross.

Again, the rolling countryside of

Stirling will provide a stunning

backdrop for the Rally of

Scotland and will also show

off the area in all its splendour

before a potential global TV

audience of millions, who will be

watching Eurosport’s coverage of

the event.

Cars will be waved off from a

ceremonial start at Stirling Castle

on the Friday (7 Oct) but then

comes an immediate change

with the first two bursts of

competitive action being held

on a new stage at Carron Valley

near Stirling.

All of Saturday’s action takes

place in Perthshire and Sunday’s

closing action moves again to

Stirling, starting with a third

blast around Carron Valley. Crews

then head towards Aberfoyle

for the Loch Chon and High

Corrie stages that are split by a

‘remote’ service in Callander.

Councillor Scott Farmer, Depute

Leader of Stirling Council and

Portfolio Holder for Economy,

Tourism & Finance commented:

“Stirling looks forward to hosting

this exciting event, with Perth &

Kinross, for the third year. With

the introduction of the Carron

Valley stages to this year’s route,

spectators and also the global

TV audience will be able to

enjoy even more of the stunning

scenery that Stirling has to offer.”

For more information on the

rally including the stages,

spectator options and hospitality

packages please visit

www.stirling.gov.uk/rally .

© Les Kolczak www.worldrallypics.com


Stirling Careers and Jobs EventStirling Council recently held an overwhelmingly successful Careers and Jobs Event at

the Albert Halls in Stirling. The event took place on 16th June 2011 and was open to

the public from 10 am until 4 pm.

The event was free and aimed at those who were considering a

change of career, looking for work, facing redundancy, leaving

school, college or university or wanting to start their own business.

Over 360 people came along to the event and the feedback has

been extremely positive. 95% of visitors, and all of the exhibitors

found the event useful and everyone agreed that the event

should be held on an annual basis, or more frequently if possible.

Forty organisations exhibited at the event including local

employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and support

organisations as well as

specialist job search, career,

business start up, volunteering,

tax, welfare and benefits

advisers.

Stirling Council’s Depute Leader

and Portfolio Holder for Economy,

Tourism and Finance Councillor Scott

Farmer said: “This event was very

much welcomed, especially in what

are economically challenging times.

Around 20 people came away from the event with an interview

or having applied for a job at the event. With the high

attendance numbers and such positive feedback, we will most

certainly be looking to deliver more of these events in future.”

Over three quarters of visitors to the event completed feedback

forms, providing comments to help shape future events. To

encourage feedback, completed forms were entered into a prize

draw. Stirling Castle very kindly donated a family pass to the

Castle and a goody bag. Special thanks must also go to the Stirling

Observer and Central FM who sponsored the event.

We are looking to improve future events and include more

employers, recruitment agencies, training providers, job and

career advisors etc. If your organisation would be interested in

exhibiting at future events please contact Laura Melville on 01786

443028, email [email protected] .

Further information and updates will also be posted on

www.stirling.gov.uk/jobsevent .

Comments from exhibitors:

“We were able to make contact with a wide

range of individuals who did not know about

the services we provide.”

Julia Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland.

“This was an excellent and worthwhile event

and a great opportunity to meet and engage

with people who want to start their own

business. We would definitely take part in

future events.”

Frank Dunne, Business Gateway.

“An excellent event, we were able to

network and speak to a number of people

who could benefit from our service.”

Gordon Wright, Employability Service.

“The event was efficiently organised. There

was a good variety of visitors and exhibitors

and it provided a very good opportunity for

networking and to promote employment

within the company.”

Lesley Byars, Prudential.

Comments from visitors:

“I liked the fact that you could find

out about available jobs and speak to

local employers.”

“A great all round event that put

hours of searching the web in to one

room. I have a wealth of knowledge

on where to go from here and a job

interview!”

“I obtained lots of information and

learned new techniques to get the

best out of job hunting”

“I gained a lot of information on

training opportunities and careers

advice.”

“I made some contacts, got information

on further education and the event also

made me consider new options.”

www.stirling.gov.uk/jobsevent

Local film production company Small Majority captured the event on video. This excellent footage captures the experiences of visitors and exhibitors on the day. The video can be viewed at www.smallmajority.co.uk/clients/stirlingeye.html .

l


Sustainable Tourism Grant Scheme tops the LEADER board

The one year pilot initiative

aimed at new and expanding

sustainable tourism projects and

with grant giving powers won

the approval of the Forth Valley

and Lomond LEADER programme

in its April 2011 funding round.

Stirling Enterprise (STEP), who

developed the innovative

new rural grant scheme,

will be responsible for

assisting businesses and

social enterprises through the

application stage. Businesses

with sustainable tourism

ambitions can apply for a grant

of up to £10,000 (or 50% of

costs, whichever is bigger) for

projects that show community

benefit and support.

There will be four funding

panels held in the scheme’s

12-month duration, with the

LEADER Local Action Group (LAG)

having the final say on whether

short-listed projects receive

grant support.

Sandy Slater, STEP Rural

Business Adviser, welcomed the

news and commented: “STEP

is delighted to have secured

the approval of Forth Valley and

Lomond LEADER and the funds

LEADER update

LEADER is the European funding programme for the rural area.

www.fvl.org.uk

Sustainable tourism projects in rural Forth Valley and parts of West

Dunbartonshire are set to benefit from a £150,000 cash boost thanks to

an innovative grant scheme designed by Stirling Enterprise. The award is

one of the largest made by Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER, reflecting

the potential for the scheme to deliver LEADER aims.

Sandy Slater, STEP Rural Business Adviser with Sue Wyllie, FVL LEADER Development Officer

to introduce, what we feel, will

be a very worthwhile scheme.

We recognised early on that it

would not be an easy decision

for the LAG to take. Our rural

businesses are not traditionally

thought to be drivers of

community or environmental

benefit. The motivating factor

was to challenge that belief

and to explore the capacity for

our rural tourism businesses

to embrace set social and

environmental outcomes in

tandem with

economic

objectives.

Our view is that our small

tourism businesses are an integral

and essential part of the fabric of

community life.”

When devising the grant scheme,

STEP was conscious of the need

to keep the application steps as

user-friendly and straightforward

as possible. Sandy continued: “We

want to bring to the fore adviser

input and timely decision making

to provide support specifically

for small businesses in the

tourism sector. Our message

to local tourism businesses

with potential projects in the

pipeline is to come forward

and speak to us at the earliest

opportunity, discuss your plans

with us and let us guide you as

to whether the project is a good

fit with this scheme.”

How it works:Paper-based application form. Advisor

support to complete if necessary. Four

funding panels in the year. A Business

Plan will also be required.

Key requirement:A project must be able to demonstrate

and achieve social and / or

environmental benefits to fulfil the grant

scheme’s sustainability objective. The

project must be able to demonstrate

community support.

Eligibility:Open to small rural tourism businesses

in the Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER

area (includes part of Dunbartonshire).

Must have 10 employees or fewer.

What can be funded: Funds start-up and expanding sustainable tourism

projects. Eligible items include feasibility studies,

capital expenditure, machinery, equipment, etc.

What’s not supported:Any expenditure already committed prior to

a decision being made by the LEADER LAG.

Accommodation and self-catering projects are

ineligible. The scheme cannot support staffing costs.

How grant is paid out:Subject to grant award letter. After completion of the

project and on submission of proof of expenditure.

How do I find out more?Contact Sandy Slater, Rural Business Adviser, Stirling

Enterprise on 01786 463416 or email

[email protected]

© Monachyle Mhor


Latest LEADER awardsApplicant Project Award

Cowie United Berryhills Pitch Project £ 84,108

Gargunnock Community Trust Gargunnock Community Centre Refurbishment £ 147,982

Gartmore Community Trust Ltd Gartmore Village Hall and Rural Arts Venue £ 200,000

Loch Lomond Steamship Company Maid of the Loch £ 8,050

STEP Administration of Sustainable Tourism Grant Scheme £ 15,000

RSPB Inner Forth Landscape Partnership £ 30,093

The Barrwood Trust Composting Toilet £ 19,750

Throsk Community Enterprise Ltd Throsk Hub £ 22,050

The Ochil Allotment Association Ochil Allotment Development Project £ 5,957

Communities Along the Carron Association CLEAR Project £ 17,440

Countdown to 2014‘Start planning now’ is the message from Stirling Council to

local businesses as the countdown to Bannockburn 700 in

2014 gets underway.

Sandy Slater, STEP Rural Business Adviser with Sue Wyllie, FVL LEADER Development Officer

In three years’ time, Stirling will consolidate

its position as a world-class tourism

destination with a programme of events to

mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of

Bannockburn. 2014 has been designated

Scotland’s second year of Homecoming,

and ex-pats and friends of Scotland around

the globe are being encouraged to get the

date in their diary now. Thousands are also

set to visit the area during 2014, with the

Commonwealth Games hosted in Glasgow

and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. Stirling is

set to benefit from the anticipated boost to

tourism and business.

Plans for Bannockburn 700 are already

underway and it is set to be a colourful

and enjoyable mix of the best Scotland has

to offer. A new £5 million visitor centre

is being built in Bannockburn in time for

the anniversary. This will be a world-

class visitor attraction incorporating digital

technology transporting visitors back the

14th century battle – King Robert the Bruce’s

finest hour.

There will be events to mark the

anniversary itself as part of a summer of

celebration including highland games,

clan gatherings,

living history

and activities for

people of all ages

to join in.

First Minister Alex

Salmond said:

“2014 will be a

momentous year for Stirling and for Scotland

as whole. Celebrations to mark one of the

most significant battles in Scottish history,

the 700th anniversary of the Battle of

Bannockburn - will put Stirling on the map

in a year when Scotland will be centre stage

as we host the Commonwealth Games

and the Ryder Cup in our second year of

Homecoming.”

Councillor Scott Farmer, Portfolio Holder

with responsibility for Economy, Tourism and

Finance, said: “We already have high hopes

for visitor numbers this year with the re-

opening of the renovated Royal Apartments

at Stirling Castle and the 150th anniversary

at the National Wallace Monument. This is

a great starting point and I’m convinced that

the international events and celebrations

being planned for 2014 will give a very

substantial boost to the local and national

economy.

We want to see 2014 generate jobs and

opportunities for local people. To do this,

we are calling on local businesses to make

the most of this opportunity both in the

run up to, during and after 2014. Our aim

is to deliver long-lasting international and

national tourism benefits and a higher

profile of Stirling as a great place to do

business.”

The Council’s Economic Support & Tourism

team will be working with local businesses

to identify opportunities to increase trade

in relation to the various events being

planned. Businesses interested in finding

out more or wishing to register an interest

can visit www.stirling2014.co.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.


Economic factsPopulation and Households Stirling 2003-2010 % Change 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Stirling Scotland

Total Population 86,370 86,370 86,930 87,810 88,190 88,350 88,740 89,850 4.0% 3.3%

Working Age Population 53,667 53,268 53,588 54,310 54,367 54,341 54,530 58,212 8.5% 3.5%

Total Number of Households 36,454 36,658 36,958 37,164 37,328 37,555 37,789 38,048 4.4% 5.7%

Source: National Records of Scotland

Employment RateFigure 2: Employment Rate (as % of people aged 16-64)

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

Empl

oym

ent

rate

2007 2010

Employment

Enterprise 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2003-2010 2003-2010 Change % Change

Stirling 534 460 452 474 480 351 272 329 -205 -38%

Scotland 21,468 20,808 21,383 23,468 25,041 20,028 15,726 15,439 -6,029 -28%

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 2006Year business started up

Figure 1: Population and Households

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

2007 2009

Stirling

Scotland

Unemployment RateFigure 3: Unemployment Rate (as % of people aged 16-64)

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)

January 2006 January 2011

696867666564636261

76

75

74

73

72

71

70

69

68

67

Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (Nomis)

Stirling 47,400 46,400 -1,000 -2%

Scotland 2,604,600 2,528,800 -75,800 -3%

2008 2009 2008-2009 2008-2009 Change % ChangeFigure 4: Number of People in Employment


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 2009 – Percentages based on Stock of Active Businesses Stirling – Number Stirling - % Scotland - %

Business Births 305 8.9% 9.8%Business Deaths 310 9.0% 10.2%Stock of Active Businesses 3.435 - -

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

QualificationsFigure 11: % of People Aged 16-64 Qualified to SVQ Level 4+ (or equivalent) and % with No Qualifications, 2010

Source: Annual Population Survey (Nomis)

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0% o

f W

orki

ng A

ge P

opul

atio

n

Stirling

SVQ Level 4+

No qualifications

Scotland

EarningsFigure 13: Median Gross Weekly Earnings of People Working Full Time 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 % Change

Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Stirling £472.1 £479.9 £496.9 £499.2 £529.1 12% Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Residents – Scotland £427.9 £440.9 £462.9 £471.2 £486.9 14%Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Stirling £419.3 £434.1 £454.1 £460.2 £499.1 19%Median Gross Weekly Earnings – Workers – Scotland £428.1 £441.7 £462.6 £472.8 £488.2 14%Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Nomis)

Industry Occupational DistributionFigure 10: Occupational Distribution of Workers (%), Stirling, 2009

Source: Annual Population Survey - Workplace Analysis (Nomis)

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

Visitors 2009 2010

Argyll’s Lodging 32,439 28,530

Bannockburn Heritage Centre 50,861 50,143

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park 397,369 393,225

Mugdock Country Park 585,288 585,132

National Wallace Monument 126,237 110,809

Old Town Jail 17,503 18,224

Stirling Castle 383,293 377,204

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum 39,408 35,110

Source: Moffat Centre Visitor Attraction Monitor; Mugdock Country Park; Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

2006-2010

Figure 9: Work Based Employment by Industrial Sector (%), Stirling, 2009

Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (Nomis)Notes: * data excludes farm agriculture

Industry

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 0.6%

Mining, Quarrying & Utilities 0.4%

Manufacturing 5.9%

Construction 6.5%

Motor Trades 2.4%

Wholesale 3.5%

Retail 11.3%

Transport & Storage (Inc Postal) 2.5%

Accommodation & Food Services 8.8%

Information & Communication 1.6%

Financial & Insurance 5.7%

Property 1.1%

Professional, Scientific & Technical 4.8%

Business Administration & Support Services 7.2%

Public Administration & Defence 9.7%

Education 9.2%

Health 14.8%

Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Other Services 4.0%

*

Economic Support & Tourism, Stirling Council, 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 events:

August 201124th morning – Falkirk – Marketing your business.

24th afternoon – Falkirk – Advertising & promotion.

24th evening – Stirling – Bookkeeping Part 1.

25th evening – Stirling – Bookkeeping Part 2.

25th morning – Stirling – Getting real results from your website.

31st evening – Stirling – Marketing your business.

September 2011

1st morning – Alloa – Getting real results from your website.

7th evening – Stirling – Advertising & promotion.

13th evening – Falkirk – Trading online.

20th morning – Falkirk – Bookkeeping Part 1.

20th afternoon – Falkirk – Bookkeeping Part 2.

20th morning – Alloa – Improve your search engine ranking

Part 1.

20th afternoon – Alloa – Improve your search engine ranking

Part 2.

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:

August 201116th evening – Stirling – Finance.

17th evening – Stirling – ICT.

September 2011 13th evening – Stirling – Business planning.

14th evening – Stirling – Marketing.

20th evening – Stirling – Finance.

21st evening – Stirling – ICT.

For more information on the business start-up workshops, please

contact Denise Mallinson on 01786 463416.

Thousands flock to Stirling Castle’s royal palaceStirling Castle’s renaissance royal palace is now open to visitors,

following the grand opening in June attended by around 5,000 visitors.

Historic Scotland’s palace project has involved investment of £12

million, returning the palace apartments to how they may have looked

in the 1540s. It has also included the creation of new exhibitions and

interactive displays and the modernisation of three shops.

www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

Stirling Eye - Summer 2011

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Transcript of Stirling Eye - Summer 2011