Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Archives

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce yesterday announced the shortlisted companies who have made it through as finalists in the biggest ever Edinburgh Business Awards.

69 nominees have been chosen from record levels of entries across the 15 categories.

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber (ECC) said: “The judges found this a challenging task, with very high quality entries for this year’s Awards demonstrating yet again the growing importance of these awards in the Edinburgh – and Scottish – business calendar. All of the judges were impressed with the quality of entries, which does credit to the city and its business community in all areas, from innovation to social responsibility.”

In the Best Performing Business category, AM Bid Services, AWS Recruitment, The Yard and Edinburgh Airport were among those who were recognised for their financial and operational successes and for their innovative approaches to expansion in their market.

The Edinburgh Chamber’s commitment to encouraging an equal society was reflected in their announcement of new category for 2018 – Inspiring Partnerships. Hibernian Football Club, The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, Cre8te Opportunities, The Kitchin and Grassmarket Community Project were nominated in this category, celebrating their strong and sustainable business-third sector relationships and the positive effect these have on their respective communities.

20/20 Productions, Doig & Smith and Steedman & Company are finalists in one of the most hotly-contested categories, Developing the Young Workforce, which recognises organisations who support young people into positive destinations.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce President Scott Black said today: “We had a huge number of submissions for the ECC Annual Business Awards this year. It’s great to see such a positive response, which highlights the excellent contribution our entrepreneurs and leaders, from all sectors, are making to the success of our capital city”

“With over 500 guests expected in February, we are looking forward to celebrating some of Edinburgh’s top business and third-sector achievements.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at the Awards Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 8th February 2018. Colin Temple, Managing Director at schuh and Sophie Dekkers, UK Country Director at EasyJet were recently announced as keynote speakers for the evening. For more information and to buy tickets, please contact the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce – awards@edinburghchamber.co.uk or 0131 221 2999.

The full shortlist of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 7^th Annual Business Awards

Best Performing Business 1-10 sponsored by DJ Alexander

Heehaw
AM Bid Services
The Outcomes Partnership Ltd
AWS Recruitment

Best Performing Business 11-50 sponsored by DJ Alexander

Grassmarket Community Project
Pufferfish
The Yard
Workflo Solutions
Specialized Signs

Best Performing Business 51+ sponsored by DJ Alexander

Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland
Edinburgh Airport
Lothian Buses
Activpayroll
ESPC
Sykes

Diversity in Business sponsored by Edinburgh Trams

Dishoom
The Yard
Cyrenians
Grassmarket Community Project

Responsible Business sponsored by City of Edinburgh Council

Anderson Strathern
Ogilvie Ross LLP
Vegware
Lothian Buses
Business Fives Ltd

Young Leader of the Year sponsored by Turcan Connell

Alan Surgeon, AWS Recruitment
Sarah Singh, Edinburgh Trams
Maryn Murray, Click Netherfield
Chris Kirk, Chisholm Hunter

Inspiring Partnership sponsored by Essential Edinburgh

The Kitchin
Grassmarket Community Project
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
Cre8te Opportunities Ltd
Hibernian F.C.

Creative Marketing sponsored by Cameron Presentations

Lothian Buses
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
Marketing Edinburgh
Represent

High Growth sponsored by Edinburgh Airport

Best Western Braid Hills Hotel
BSC Edinburgh
AM Bid Services
Farrpoint
Royal College of Surgeons
Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland

International Trade sponsored by Regus

Heehaw
Click Netherfield
Edinburgh Airport

Excellence in Health and Safety

SP Energy Networks
Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Trams

Director of the Year sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams
Scott Mitchell, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Commercial Enterprises
Jonathan Rayner, Edinburgh Airport
Andrew Morrison, AM Bid Services
Dominic Taddei, Mortgage Advice Bureau Network Partner Scotland
Angus MacFadyen, Pufferfish Ltd
Michael Field, Workflo Solutions Scotland Limited
Celine Sinclair, The Yard

Best New Start Up sponsored by Business Gateway

Projeckt42
Business Fives Ltd
Ergo Law Ltd

Developing the Young Workforce sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce

Company Net
Bluebird Care
Steedman & Company Ltd
20/20 Productions
Doig & Smith Ltd

Innovation in Business sponsored by Forth Ports

Cre8te Opportunities Ltd
Games without Frontiers
The Outcomes Partnership Ltd
20/20 Productions

He may be our Head of Membership at Edinburgh Chamber, but will he be ‘Top Dog’ next Friday?

Richard Ellis has boldly volunteered to be ‘In The Dog House’ on Friday, October 6, at the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home’s creative fundraiser in which business leaders from across Edinburgh will be locked in a kennel with only a laptop and a mobile phone. Their aim will be to reach out to their network to raise as much money as possible for EDCH. £1,000 will free them from their confines, but will it be enough to claim the coveted ‘top dog’ title?

As is to be expected from Richard, he gave us a statement loaded to the brim with puns. He says “I’m really pleased to be supporting such a great local organisation. I’m happy to be taking the lead on this for the Chamber and hopefully I don’t have to hound our members for contributions. Let’s be honest, you’d be barking not to donate to this worthwhile paws… sorry, cause!”

Since 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been rescuing, reuniting and rehoming cats and dogs across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Home never turns away a lost or stray animal that comes through its doors, no matter its breed, age, or medical condition. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home provides veterinary treatment and does their best to reunite each animal with its owner. When and owner cannot be found or is unable to cope, they find each cat or dog a new loving forever home, no longer how long that takes.

Those looking to donate to Richard’s efforts can do so here.

Those looking to keep Richard locked up are urged to email him as many terrible animal puns as possible so as to cause his emails to crash.

More and more companies are joining in with Scotland’s national business five-a-side tournament as it enters its third full season through the continued support of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber member White Tree Chiropractic, the tournament has received constant support from the Edinburgh Chamber since inception. In one of my first acts of business I joined the Chamber and it’s been a brilliant decision. Their support has ranged from industry partnership, providing networking opportunities, opening conversations, mentoring support, social media support and being a constant friendly face to much more.

Through our Edinburgh Chamber journey we’ve made lots of valuable business connections, found suppliers & accountants, partnered up to support local charity The Yard through our golf events after meeting at a speed networking event and been connected to an invaluable business mentor in Andy Moorhouse. My Chamber journey has been thoroughly worthwhile having built lasting relationships with peers and I’m looking forward to remaining an active member and growing my business with their support.

Reigning champions and fellow chamber members, Anderson Strathern will be back to defend their Professional Services title this summer and we have three more sector specific events in Edinburgh throughout August.

Our event is once again in conjunction with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce as we return to the fantastic Powerleague venue.

This summer, Business Fives will be bringing a twist to the events to provide more networking opportunities and further integrate businesses through our events. We’ll also be sticking to our core values through our 10% company commitment to charity and this season the destination of this donation will be decided by the overall champions from our national final, with over 80 local and national charities benefiting from the fundraising efforts of our players along the way.

The events give you the chance to bond with colleagues outside of the office environment and get fit and active in the process, our Health and Wellbeing partners, White Tree Chiropractic, will be on hand to provide some help and guidance as to how your workplace can benefit and will even be giving players a free massage.

You can find additional info on our events on our website and by registering your interest. With teams involved in our Professional Services Edinburgh heat from Anderson Strathern, BT, KPMG, Bruce Stevenson, Addleshaw Goodard, Edinburgh Airport, Gilson Gray, Village Hotel Club, Spence & Spence, Pinsent Masons and still room for a couple more its sure to be a great event.

Come along to Business Fives and get the Chamber buzzing with chat and some friendly rivalry before Scotland’s business football tournament of the year.

A Queen Margaret University (QMU) student who became one of the first international tourism ambassadors at Edinburgh International Airport in 2015, has now landed a leading graduate position with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Rebecca Neish, 21, has been appointed as Training and Events Executive with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce after graduating with a first class BA (Hons) Events Management from QMU in July.

Rebecca’s new role with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce will include working as part of the operations team, where she is responsible for developing their existing portfolio of training and events and conducting quality standard checks to confirm members are being provided with the best opportunities to grow and develop their businesses. It is not only the members satisfaction that she manages, part of her responsibility is to liaise with the suppliers and support their needs and desires to collaboratively support the members development needs.

Whilst a student at QMU, Rebecca was one of only three university students to be appointed as part of the first Student Tourism Ambassador Role Scotland (STARS) team at Edinburgh International Airport, which is a partnership project between the University and the Airport. Rebecca talents were recognised during her time with the STARS project when she was promoted to the coordinator’s role. It was this position that she excelled as a people manager, gaining the skills set and experience which has helped secure her current job with the Chamber.

QMU’s STARS programme was designed to support the tourism sector in Edinburgh and has enabled a total of 50 students to find paid employment and develop employability and leadership skills. The programme has been endorsed by VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation, and has now been expanded to include Virgin Trains East Coast and Edinburgh St James. The initiative was also recognised in 2016 with an award from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in the category of innovation.

Commenting on her new role with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, experience as one of the first STARS, and QMU journey, Rebecca said: “The opportunity I was given through QMU’s STARS programme has directly supported me in my current role. I strongly believe I wouldn’t be in the role I’m in today without QMU investing in me, believing in my ability, supporting my growth and giving me the opportunity to learn practically.

“The experience I gained as a result of being the coordinator of the STARS programme, liaising with clients, performing evaluations and acting upon their outcomes has definitely given me the confidence to pursue my current role at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. The opportunity QMU gave me gave me the skills and experience to help start my career and owe the programme and QMU a lot.”

A short film of Rebecca talking about her experience as a QMU student is now available to watch on the University’s YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/CX89tX

This month, we’re inviting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members to share their #MyEdinChamber stories.

We pride ourselves on providing a platform for businesses to create high-quality connections – through our member database, or face to face at one of our many networking events. We love to see our members connect and collaborate.

One such example is the partnership formed between Business Fours and The Yard. We invited John McClarey of Business Fours, and Anna Robinson of The Yard to share their experience and their story.

1. Why did you both join the Chamber?

John: I joined the chamber having been a member at a previous job and found the events very beneficial. I rejoined to meet new local companies and connect with the Edinburgh business scene as well as avail of the mentoring service the Chamber provides. I try to get along to the events regularly and enjoy meeting and engaging with like-minded members seeking to grow their business.

Anna: The Yard joined the chamber so we could meet new people across the business sector within Edinburgh to raise awareness of our work as well as build links with new people to support our work. The events and the training courses that the chamber offer was also a good incentive to join.

2. How did this partnership begin?

John: I attended a speed networking event and met the Celine from the Yard at the event, we had a great chat over breakfast before the networking began and I was really impressed by the fantastic work the Yard are involved in. Celine suggested I came down to see the facilities, which I did and also invited me down to their fantastic Boundaries Edge course which I would highly recommend. I was hugely impressed by their work and the passion they have for enhancing the lives of not just the children who use their services but also providing a support network for parents to share experiences with other families with children with complex needs. We were delighted to support their work through Business Fours and hope we did a small bit to raise the profile of a wonderful organisation.

Anna: As John has already mentioned, Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive at The Yard, met John at a speed networking event hosted by the chamber. It was fantastic that John came to visit The Yard and also attend the ‘Competitive Edge’ course which is a course run by Boundaries Edge at The Yard and is a free course offered to people across the business sector. After John attended the course we were delighted to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries for the inaugural Business Fours tournament, which enabled us to raise funds and awareness about our work.

3. What role has the Chamber played in this collaboration?

John: The Chamber provided the platform which facilitated the initial meeting and it’s a testament to the variation in delegates of their events. From their the chamber has supported the partnership through their promotional channels something our business finds very important.

Anna: As John has said the Chamber facilitated the initial meeting and it’s great to be able to meet a wide variety of delegates at your events. It has also been great to get additional PR from the Chamber who promoted the Business Fours tournament and the partnership with The Yard.

4. What value have you received as a result of this collaboration?

John: We hope we have added value to the work of the Yard and will continue to support them moving forward. We benefited from having mutual clients and hopefully the Yard have made some worthwhile contacts from our events as well as the money raised through our fundraising efforts.

Anna: The Yard has receive financial support from the event, which will go to supporting our wide range of services for disabled children and young people. The Business Fours event was a great platform for us as it enabled us to meet new contacts who we hope will support us in the future. We have already had some sign ups to our next Boundaries Edge course in September as a result!

5. What do you love most about your membership?

John: It’s a toss up between the networking events and access to such a wide variety of clients and the mentoring scheme, both have been hugely beneficial to our business since we launched.

Anna: The opportunities that the Chamber membership gives The Yard to raise our profile as a charity in Edinburgh is what we love most about the membership. This includes the networking events, talks as well as the opportunity to speak at the Women in Business event earlier this year. The wide variety of businesses and events that the Chamber run makes it beneficial to be a member.

Over the month of July, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce are exploring stories of success that our members have had through their membership with us. We’re inviting all members of the Edinburgh Chamber, small and large, to share their news of partnerships, business wins, and collaborations.

Share your story on social media using the hashtag #MyEdinChamber, or email our Marketing team to be in to win fantastic prizes from fellow members Ten Hill Place courtesy of Surgeon’s Hall, and G&V Hotel.

For more details, get in touch with Emma Reid or Daniel Tipping in the Marketing & Communications team.

This month, we’re inviting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members to share their #MyEdinChamber stories.

We pride ourselves on providing a platform for businesses to thrive – through our networking events, at our training courses, by collaborating with other members, or taking advantage of the plethora of other perks that come with a membership with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

We love hearing the ways that members have found value in their membership, and below, Nancy Lynner details some of the top ways that membership has benefitted her business…

The Lucky Seven – Reasons and Rewards – Membership in the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

1) My one-person office for EPA Internships in Europe is so solitary– attending one of the many monthly Chamber event options introduces me to companies I had never heard of.

2) In my first year of Edinburgh Chamber membership I have had several successful internship placements for my students with supervisors I never would have met otherwise.

3) Fellow members have also given me referrals which have resulted in more business for the firm I work for.

4) My boss, the owner of EPA Internships in Europe, says he is so glad I joined, and he wishes he had thought of it sooner.

5) Participating in Chamber meetings, and having those events to look forward to, cultivates a social business aspect to my work week that improves my productivity.

6) The Chamber has so many events with varied schedules, pricing, and topics– I feel there are many opportunities still awaiting me.

7) Finally, the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has taken on two of my EPA-Edinburgh interns, and those students flourished as they observed, first hand, the terrific opportunities for businesses in Edinburgh.

Thank you, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce!

For more details, get in touch with Emma Reid or Daniel Tipping in the Marketing & Communications team.

This month, we’re inviting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members to share their #MyEdinChamber stories.

One such example is the partnership formed between Edinburgh Trams and the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home. We invited Dean Anderson of Edinburgh Trams, and Nicola Gunn of the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home to share their experience and their story.

1. Why did you both join the Chamber?

Nicola: We joined the Chamber as part of our new fundraising strategy was to increase our corporate network, building awareness and support for our work in the Edinburgh business community. As the Chamber is a well-respected organisation we thought it was an ideal place to start.

Dean: We joined the Chamber as part of the development of Transport for Edinburgh in 2013. We found the Chamber to be a well-respected organisation with high level members who are keen to network and discuss opportunities to collaborate, and the Chamber is key to us in developing these relationships.

2. How did this partnership begin?

Nicola: Edinburgh Trams got in touch to advise us that we had been put forward as one of several charities for staff vote to select their first ever charity of the year partnership. We were delighted to receive the majority vote and the partnership started from there!

Dean: We were keen to work with a local charity but wanted the staff to pick which charity that would be. Out of all the charities in Edinburgh and the Lothians, our staff nominated and overwhelming voted for the EDCH.

3. What role has the Chamber played in this collaboration?

Nicola: Our CEO Howard Bridges met Edinburgh Trams HR Manager Sue Bucher at a Chamber Dining Club networking meeting, Sue subsequently put us forward as one of the charities for the charity of the year staff vote.

Dean: We first met at a networking event through the Chamber which was coincidently a matter of days before our staff voted for them as their Local Charity of the Year. Having already made the connection, we got off to a quick start.

4. What value have you received as a result of this collaboration?

Nicola: The charity of the year partnership with the Trams is such a valuable relationship for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Not only are we receiving support from the business and its amazing employees but we are also able to raise awareness of our work with the Trams customer base too – people we may never have reached otherwise. Our mission is to rescue, reunite and rehome stray lost and abandoned dogs and cats across Edinburgh and the Lothians and this partnership is key to helping us do just that.

Dean: Not only have we raised money for a great cause but it’s also provided a way for our staff to become involved in our business activities and take part in events such as the charity cycle. It’s always nice to have a break from transport and talk about our next activity for EDCH.

5. What do you love most about your membership?

Nicola: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of networking and training opportunities which means that you are never stuck going to the same old event again and again. The huge member directory means you are always guaranteed to meet new contacts at each event which is ideal when you are looking to expand your network like us. We also love that since joining we have really got to know some of the Chamber team, they genuinely care about and look after their members.

Dean: Making connections goes without saying. We’ve attended many networking events over the years which are not only interesting but a great way to meet people in business. Our connections have led to some fantastic work not only with EDCH but other members too. We’ve also hugely benefited from training arranged through the Chamber. Our Customer Experience team enjoyed it so much we went on to work independently with the training provider.

For more details, get in touch with Emma Reid or Daniel Tipping in the Marketing & Communications team.

The UK water industry is poised for change. Last month, retail competition for businesses was launched and now Ofwat are focusing on introducing greater competition and efficiency. And, in a world of increased competition where the value chain is being reconfigured, Ofwat and the water companies are now directing their gaze towards the further opportunities in the sector.

Sludge, and the ways in which the industry manages it, has long been of particular interest to many innovators in the sector especially those who wish to realise the full potential of turning it into energy. Next week John Grady, partner at law firm, Shepherd and Wedderburn will explore some of the essential market and regulatory conditions required to achieve this, when he speaks at All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy event, which takes place in Glasgow on 10 – 11 May.

John will chair the session: Energy from Waste on the second day of the event and will also deliver his own presentation: Waste water and energy in the UK – the next big bang? Here he will look at issues relating to the scope for new contracting arrangements and key risk and compliance issues. He said: “There is no doubt that reforms will lead to further innovation. There are of course regulatory and structural challenges. However as the water industry moves from a vertically integrated world, the challenge to such collaboration will not only be of a technical and regulatory nature, it will also be a cultural one.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn has a strong reputation in the water sector with a long track record in advising on a wide range of regulatory issues and major water projects, both in the UK and internationally. The firm has had a prominent role in advising on the opening up of the English water non-household retail market to competition.

We are delighted to announce that the next Arts & Business Scotland Development Forum will take place at the National Galleries of Scotland on Thursday 1 June.

This event is also being promoted through our Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage programme, which through funding from HLF, has enabled Arts & Business Scotland, together with our heritage partner organisations, to encourage capacity building and skills development in fundraising across Scotland’s heritage as well the arts sector.

As the event is relevant to both the arts and heritage sectors, we are expecting a broad demand for tickets and therefore advise booking as early as you can to ensure that you have a place to attend.

The Topic in Focus is Capital Fundraising, which will provide a unique opportunity to hear from two speakers with considerable experience in this area. They will share their insight into and knowledge of the capital projects they have been instrumental in delivering.

Alan Horn, Director of Development at the Glasgow School of Art, will share his stories on leading on various capital projects. These include the award-winning and innovative £12.7m Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal, the successor Riverside Museum Appeal and the £32m Mackintosh Campus Appeal to reinstate the Mackintosh Building within the heart of a rejuvenated campus following the devastating fire in 2014.

Gill Poulter, Heritage Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, will share some key learning points and top tips from the significant capital fundraising achievements made by the Trust, to deliver the High Mill Project, Verdant Works.

We also pleased to announce that our sponsorship story will be on the ongoing developing partnership between National Galleries of Scotland and Aegon UK. From the initial sponsorship of the MC Escher exhibition matched by a New Arts Sponsorship Grant to most recent sponsorship of The Goldfinch (a flying visit from iconic painting).

This event is completely free to arts, heritage and business members of Arts & Business Scotland, as well as invited business guests. There is a small charge of £10 for non-members.

For full details of the event and booking please visit:
http://www.aandbscotland.org.uk/events/2017/06/01/development-forum-edinburgh/

Barclays has supported leading bar and club operator Attraction Inns Limited with a £1.05m funding package. The deal will consolidate the company’s position in the marketplace and provide capital expenditure to support acquisitions and future growth.

Attraction Inns owns some of the best known bars and clubs in east and central Scotland, including Movement, Opium, Pilgrim and Silk in Edinburgh and Dusk in Stirling, many of which it has operated for more than 20 years. Run by husband and wife team Robert and Michelle Orr, the company employs 150 staff across five venues.

The deal team at Barclays was led by Corporate Development Directors Malcolm Crawford supported by Lesley Barnwell and Relationship Director Gillian Lambert.

Robert Orr, Managing Director of Attraction Inns, commented: “The hospitality and leisure industry has undergone a dramatic change in the past decade but there are lots of opportunities for forward looking businesses and the banks willing to support them. We were aware of Barclays’ proactiveness in the sector and attracted by their positive approach.

“I’ve been in the business for 27 years and what has been key to this long term success is evolving with our consumers. We are moving away from the more traditional night club format to chameleon venues – those which work just as well as an eatery during the day then an after work drinks spot and a pre-club bar. Barclays shared our progressive vision.”

Jamie Grant, Head of Corporate Banking for Barclays in Scotland, said: “We have an appetite to lend to the hospitality and leisure industry which is evidenced by our strong track record of funding deals in recent years. The sector is operating in a challenging market at the moment but Scotland has a diverse H&L landscape and a burgeoning tourism industry helping drive long term success.

“Attraction Inns is a well-established business and the management team has a clear plan for continued growth which we were keen to support. We took time to understand their individual needs so that we could provide a flexible solution that worked for them and their ambitions.”

Barclays’ Scottish SME fund was launched in June 2016 to address gaps in the supply of finance for businesses in Scotland. It provides access to funding for companies across all sectors with turnover up to £25m.

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