Edinburgh-based 20/20 Productions, the creative communication, digital, film and event production agency, celebrates its 20th year of producing the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Annual Conference with biggest event yet.
Taking place in early November 2017 at the iconic Manchester Central Convention Centre, the 70th Annual CIPD Conference welcomed a record number of over 4,000 delegates this year.
Focusing on the major shifts that are affecting organisations, the HR profession and the world of work at large, the two key themes highlighted during this year’s two-day event were: digitalisation of work and the impact of technology on today’s workforce.
Providing full creative, technical and production services, 20/20 Productions took care of every aspect of the event, from design work to AV, including the use of their own digital signage technology – Smoke Signal – to help communicate with delegates across all eight event spaces.
20/20 Productions utilised new screen-blending and projection mapping technologies, constructed a unique screen of interlocking abstract shapes and used the surfaces to display presentations, camera relay and a bespoke mapped films and presentations.
Speaking about their involvement 20/20 Productions Managing Director said: “We have been working with the CIPD Annual Conference for two decades now, and it has been incredible to work with such a forward-thinking client, and be part of their positive journey. We have been fortunate that our ideas for developing the event, and keeping it up to date have been well received over many years.
“Working with a client for such a long period of time really showcases how much technology has advanced in the last twenty years, as well as the expectations of delegates in today’s conferences and events. There is so much more that can be achieved and we are so excited to be involved.”
Sarah Watson, Events and Exhibitions Manager at CIPD Events added: “20/20 Productions have been a valued partner to us over the last 20 years, we are grateful for their technical and creative support in putting together our annual conference. We have been lucky enough that we have stayed innovative and always delivered a top event for our delegates, and that is in part thanks to 20/20 Productions.”
Lindsays is expanding its corporate team with the appointment of David Dunsire who joins as a Consultant in Edinburgh.
David, a well-known figure in both legal and business circles across Scotland, has been advising businesses and third sector organisations for the last 35 years.
David joins Lindsays as a Consultant bringing his considerable expertise in company law, corporate finance and charity law. He has particular experience in the fields of acquisitions and disposals, MBOs, start-ups, joint ventures, hospitality and leisure, partnerships, reorganisations, commercial contracts and other corporate and commercial matters.
David also has longstanding experience advising charities on structuring, governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, as well as the issues arising with joint and collaborative working, and contractual advice.
Alasdair Cummings, Managing Partner at Lindsays, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to Lindsays. His appointment strengthens our firm’s position in the corporate sector which is a key element of our strategy. David’s experience will enhance the services we offer our business and charity clients.
“We look forward to working with David to continue growing our presence in this area and believe his collegiate approach complements our own.”
Commenting on his new position, David Dunsire said: “I am delighted to be joining Lindsays, which has an excellent reputation for quality and client service. I am sure this will be a very good fit for me and my clients. ”
• Vegware welcomes the much-needed focus on recycling, but instead of charging consumers, Vegware supports reforms to have industry pay for recycling
• State-of-the art cup recycling can be complemented through the use of compostable foodservice packaging; compostables can Close the Loop for all foodservice waste
• Packaging company Vegware to expand Close the Loop composting collections
Vegware wholeheartedly supports any initiative that boosts recycling. The public and businesses are all eager for a solution. The UK Environmental Audit Committee has recommended a 25p ‘latte levy’ on any disposable coffee cup. Whilst the report raises many valid points about the challenges we face, we do not see a ‘latte levy’ as the most effective way forward. Vegware support’s the Foodservice Packaging Association’s response, ‘Why charge consumers 25 pence a cup when industry is willing to provide funding for recycling’. In addition, Vegware would like to highlight the opportunity that compostable packaging brings to recycling of all foodservice waste, not only cups.
In 2017 there were great strides in recycling used coffee cups by major chains and independents alike. Food contamination is cited in the report as a major issue. To complement cup and other dry recycling, industrial composting is a form of recycling with a major role to play here. If all disposables are compostable, all foodservice waste – the cup, lid, spoon and sandwich wedge, leftover crusts and mayo – can be composted together, and food contamination is no longer an issue.
Vegware takes its producer responsibility seriously, and offers expert environmental support to help foodservice clients recycle used Vegware and food waste. Launched initially in Scotland in 2017, Vegware’s Close the Loop service collects used compostables and food waste from Vegware clients, taking it for commercial composting. Now that we have a successful model to roll out, Vegware will be announcing good news in other areas of the UK in 2018.
To see a true shift in foodservice recycling and litter reduction, Vegware believes a comprehensive raft of improvements are needed to recycling systems and major public awareness campaigns. We welcome ambitious plans and are keen to drive innovation and collaboration in the packaging and recycling sectors.
Irish/Scottish business exchange group, Causeway, is kick starting 2018 with an event on 18th January designed to empower business leaders to embrace change in times of uncertainty.
Chaired by Terry Murden, editor of Daily Business, the event will hear from two leading strategists – Brigid Whoriskey and Tom Byrne – on how to market, engage and influence customers post Brexit.
Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Mark Hanniffy, will provide an overview of the current Brexit negotiations, followed by an open floor discussion on how businesses can take competent business decisions in light of changing operating environments.
Taking place on Thursday 18th January from 6pm to 8pm, the free-to-attend event will be hosted by leading communications agency, Represent at its offices on Calton Road.
Speaking about the event, Brigid Whoriskey, managing director of Envision Business Solutions said: “The disruptive business environment could be a real opportunity for business to make significant changes for the better. However, it is important to consider the impact of external and internal factors when making decisions. This event is designed to encourage senior management to consider the potential and what needs to be put in place to become Brexit ready.”
Judith O’Leary, managing director of Represent, added: “Clients are without doubt concerned about the impact of Brexit. Our role is to assist businesses in defining what their future looks like and communicating this positively to their various stakeholders. Brigid and Tom are experts in change management and have the right experience to draw upon to make this session interactive with practical takeaways.”
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-only-certainty-is-uncertainty-embracing-change-to-drive-prosperity-tickets-39657017206
What do you get when you merge five-a-side football and business? You get Business Fives.
The five-a-side event for footie-loving firms, which runs through January and February with events throughout the country in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and the home of the tournament, Edinburgh.
The tournament, which encourages firms across Scotland to enter a five-a-side team in both a winter and summer event, is entering its fourth season.
Entries are now being taken for the forthcoming winter season and so far more than 300 companies have taken part in the events which offer a mix teambuilding and networking whilst raising money for charity.
The Edinburgh Professional Services event on 1st February is supported by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce who have been actively involved in the football and golf events throughout the year.
It’s even has some famous ex-players and sporting celebrities taking part as ambassadors including ex-Hearts star Gary MacKay and Hibs legend Pat Stanton, BBC Pundit, Tam McManus along with TV presenter David Tanner.
Tournament founder and Business Fives managing director John McClarey – who also organised a highly-successful inaugural Business Fours golf tournament – says it’s a great opportunity for professionals to make new connections and for businesses to bond with colleagues outside of the office, get fit and raise money for charity.
This winter Business Fives is continuing to allow companies to play for their chosen charity over with the winning company taking its company commitment to donate 10 per cent of everything to their cause this winter.
Previously it elected a sole charity partner, but now firms who take part can elect their own chosen charity with the destination of the final donation being decided by the overall champions.
John said: “By allowing companies to play for their chosen charity we have made a much bigger overall impact to charity.
“The summer season saw us almost double our original target of £10,000 and raise £19,600 which was a brilliant achievement from everyone involved.”
The tournament is now open for entries and to register a team go to businessfives.co.uk/winter-2018
Business Fives Dates for your Diary
Edinburgh Events
Construction, Housing & Property Heat Tuesday 23rd January – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Professional Services Heat Thursday 1st February – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Food, Drink & Hospitality Heat Thursday 8th February – World of Football, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
Cycling Scotland are pleased to announce a further round of the Cycle Friendly Employer Development Fund 2017/18. Open from today 4th January until 5pm 2nd February this fund will be for capital projects of up to £20,000.
The fund is aimed at encouraging and supporting workplaces across Scotland to take a leading role in increasing the number of journeys by bike.
Capital projects which are focused on improving cycling facilities and physical infrastructure – such as cycle parking, signage, changing facilities – are the key focus on this funding opportunity.
The fund is open to those registered, working towards or current Cycle Friendly Employers. You can register for the award here and your local service centre will be in touch to arrange an assessment.
Due to the short application deadline, provisional costs can be submitted. Successful applicants will have a year from acceptance of grant to complete their projects.
Refer to the Guidance Notes on questions relating to; fund criteria, match funding; eligible and ineligible expenditure; scoring and assessment; how to apply.
The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday the 2nd of February 2018.
Download: Application Form, Guidance Notes, Funding Process, Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions please email Cycling Scotland Development Officer, Caroline Hammond on carolinehammond@cycling.scot or call 0141 229 5470
As The Royal Yacht Britannia, in Edinburgh, prepares to mark 20 years since opening its doors to the public in 1998, the team is also celebrating a remarkable achievement, ending 2017 with a phenomenal 390,482 visitors, the highest number of visitors ever recorded.
This also represents a 12% year-on-year increase on 2016.
Commenting on this success, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia, Bob Downie said, “2017 was a phenomenally busy year and it’s a great tribute to the professionalism of our staff that we also retained our position as Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for a record 12th year in a row.”
2018 is due to be another landmark year for the famous ship, marking 20 years since opening its doors as a visitor attraction in Edinburgh, together with the opening of Fingal in summer, a major £3.5million luxury floating hotel and events venue by Britannia’s trading company, Royal Yacht Enterprises.
Bob continued, “This success could not have come at a better time, as we look forward to the launch of our new 23-bedroom luxury hotel accommodation and unique events venue, on the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender, Fingal, opening in the summer of 2018.”
Bob and his team at Britannia are wholly committed to providing an exceptional customer experience for visitors and delivering great value for time and money, as demonstrated by the very high percentage of Excellent Reviews on TripAdvisor. To date, over 5.6 million people from across the world have had the opportunity to experience the five star visitor attraction.
Edinburgh Community Resilience Week 2018 will be held on 24 – 26 April.
Community Resilience Week aims to further enhance community resilience and promote understanding between key sectors and organisations within Edinburgh. This is an important week in Edinburgh’s resilience calendar and you are encouraged to put the dates in your diary.
The aims of the events are to:
• gain insight and knowledge into current resilience and national security issues from high-calibre speakers
• enhance your organisation’s preparedness
• network with other organisations across a wide range of sectors
• participate in training focussing on the Contest strategy
The week is aimed at specialists or those with an interest in business continuity, emergency planning and / or security issues.
All events are being held in the city centre.
Please email kimberley.campbell@edinburgh.gov.uk if you have any queries.
A city developer brought Christmas cheer to an Edinburgh school when he announced he would double the £5000 donation he had already made to assist with playground improvements.
Friends of Tollcross Primary welcomed the festive generosity from George Stevenson, chairman of GSS Developments Ltd, when he visited the project with Cinderella panto stars from the nearby King’s Theatre.
GSS Developments are currently onsite a short distance from the school constructing the 38,600 sq ft office building 2 Semple Street which will help alleviate Edinburgh’s chronic shortage of Grade A office space.
The company earlier donated £5000 to help start phase one of playground improvements after an appeal from Mairi Bannerman of the Friends of Tollcross Primary School.
During the visit Mr Stevenson announced that to mark 50 years in business in 2018 he will donate £50,000 to various charities and has earmarked another £5000 for the playground project.
Mairi Bannerman said: “In such a built-up area this playground is an important asset to youngsters in the Tollcross area and it is used by approximately 400 local children of all ages.
“It was badly in need of some love and attention so we approached local businesses to gather support and we were delighted when GSS Developments answered the call.
“Their generous donation ensured we could get the ball rolling with phase one and it also encouraged other businesses to get on board. This second donation of £5000 was unexpected and we are thrilled as it means we can go ahead much quicker than expected with the second round of improvements.”
Mr Stevenson said he was delighted to see the progress made at the playground and that his company’s contribution was making a difference.
He said: “Since we started the 2 Semple Street project we have become increasingly aware of the vibrant community on our doorstep and we are delighted our donation will have a meaningful impact on youngsters living locally and attending Tollcross Primary.
“On reaching 50 years in the construction and commercial property business it seemed appropriate to donate £50,000 to charity over the next year and £5000 of that will help Friends of Tollcross Primary go forward with their very worthy improvement programme.”
The 2 Semple Street development is due to complete in July and will be the only Grade A office building to complete in Edinburgh in 2018.
Pictured (L-R): James Darch (Prince Charming), Gillian Parkhouse (Cinderella), GSS Developments chairman George Stevenson and Andrew Keay (Dandini)
The latest ultrafast broadband, known as Gfast, is now available to tens of thousands of people in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The cities are among the first UK locations to pilot Gfast technology, offering download speeds up to 330Mbps – about seven times the UK average.[1] People using Gfast can download a two hour HD film in just 90 seconds, a 45 minute HD TV show in 16 seconds and a nine hour audio book in three seconds.
Openreach, the business responsible for Britain’s largest phone and broadband network, has so far made the technology available to more than 390,000 homes and businesses ahead of a nationwide rollout, which will see ultrafast broadband reaching 12 million UK premises by 2020.
Locations in Glasgow set to benefit include parts of the following wards: Bishopbriggs, Calton, Cambuslang, Giffnock, Thornliebank, Langside, Linn, Netherlee, Stamperland, Williamwood, Newlands, Auldburn, Rutherglen, Shettleston and the Southside. In Edinburgh, parts of the following wards will benefit: City Centre, Corstorphine, Murrayfield, Forth, Fountainbridge, Craiglockhart, Inverleith, Leith Walk, Morningside, Sighthill, Gorgie, Newington and Almond.
Andrew Hepburn, Openreach’s infrastructure delivery director in Scotland, said: “It’s great news that Glasgow and Edinburgh are playing a leading role in the development of this exciting new technology. Gfast will help transform the broadband picture in the UK by ushering in a new era where ultrafast speeds are widely available.
“The amount people are doing online and at the same time, from streaming high definition movies, TV, gaming and online shopping to using mobile devices over wireless broadband, is growing every year and this pace shows no sign of slowing. We need to stay ahead in order to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Gfast will allow us to do that by building on the investment we have made in fibre to date. It will transform the UK broadband landscape from superfast to ultrafast, and it will reach the largest number of people in the quickest possible time.”
Gfast technology allows ultrafast speeds, which previously required fibre optic cables to be run all the way to a property (Fibre to the Premises – FTTP), to be transmitted over existing copper lines and fibre broadband cabinets.
It’s enabling Openreach to make ultrafast speeds available more quickly to a much larger number of homes and businesses than if it focused on FTTP alone.
Gfast technology is expected to exceed a million premises by the end of the fiscal year.
So far, Openreach has made ultrafast broadband available to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across the country – using Gfast and Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) services, which are both capable of delivering ultrafast speeds. More than 770,000 customers already have access to these ultrafast technologies.
The rollout of Gfast in Scotland’s largest two cities, builds on the existing deployment of fibre technology across both cities, where more than 98% per cent of homes and businesses already have access to high-speed broadband.
Andrew Hepburn added: “Pilot schemes, such as the ones in Glasgow and Edinburgh, are important for us to fully test the new network in a number of different situations before it reaches millions of homes and businesses across the UK. The areas we’ve chosen are carefully selected based on a variety of factors, including engineering considerations and the need to test the technology for a range of communities.
“We’d encourage anybody in one of the pilot areas to take part. You can check if you’re eligible with the Openreach fibre checker by entering your postcode or telephone number.”
Anybody wanting more information or wishing to check if they can get Gfast should visit www.openreach.co.uk/ultrafast
[1] https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/multi-sector-research/infrastructure-research/connected-nations-2017
