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businessfalkirkSeries 3 | Issue 9 | March 2015

Jobs creation, business investment and a milestone year for tourism have all contributed towards a successful 2014 for the Falkirk area.2014 was an important year for Falkirk’s economy. Opening of the Helix, a great year for lettings at Central Park, Larbert and progress of the TIF made 2014 a successful year.

• 400jobssustainedandcreatedthroughCentral Business Park expansion

• Fundingstreamsupporttops£1/2msinceBusiness Gateway was taken in-house

• FalkirkBusinessPanelattendancerises

• FalkirkDeliversreceivesaccoladesincluding

-theSilverGiltMedalfromKeepScotlandBeautiful,

-GreatBritishHighStreetUKrunnerup

-andafirsteverawardfromtheAssociationofTownandCityManagementtorecognisesupport for night time economy.

• Internationalisationactivityhasresultedinleads for local businesses

• Newattractionscreateda‘haloeffect’aroundarea’stotaltouristoffering

• Over500ModernApprenticeships

Activityunderthe£67mTaxIncrementalFinancescheme progressed in 2014 and, following the completionofthefirstphaseatM9Junction6and the Earlsgate roundabout, design work has startedonkeyprojectsandmasterplanningforsites such as the Falkirk Gateway.

InthewakeoftheINEOScrisisFalkirkalsoformedanEconomicPartnership,tohelpdevelopthearea’s economy with particular attention being giventothepotentialoftheGrangemoutharea.Early work is focusing on the energy needs of the Grangemouth complex.

Lookingaheadto2015theCouncilalreadyhasanumber of plans in place to continue to support and grow the local economy including the developmentofanewFalkirkeconomicstrategy.

TherewillbeafocusondrivingsupportandinvestmentinkeysectorsincludingChemicalSciences, Engineering, Energy and Food and Drink.AFoodandDrinkNetworkmadeupoflocal businesses in the sector will be officially launched to support Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.AnewtourismstrategyfortheFalkirkareaup to 2020 has now been launched.

Towncentreimprovementsaresettocontinue,withthecontinuationofFalkirk’s£5millionTownscapeHeritageInitiativeproject.ThefirstphaseofbuildingDenny’snewtowncentreisalsoscheduled,markingamajormilestoneinthearea’s multi-million pound regeneration.

In addition, four new industrial units will be constructedatAbbotsfordBusinessParkin2015,withtheCouncil’scommitmentinthedeliveryof

a£1mworkspacedevelopmenttoassistprimingofdevelopmentonthisstrategicsite.

The Council will also be playing its part in the implementation of the Employability Framework, produced by the Local Employability Partnership, involvingtheCouncil,DepartmentofWorkandPensions,ForthValleyCollege,SkillsDevelopmentScotland and third sector support organisation, CVS Falkirk.

Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for economic development,CouncillorDennisGoldiesaid:“2014 was a remarkable year for Falkirk, with the Council’s work helping to build the area’s profile bothathomeandabroadandresultinginmajoroutcomesacrossjobs,training,tourismandcommercialdevelopment.

“AnnouncementsfromcompaniessuchastheINEOSinvestmentandotherlocalcompanyinvestmentproposals,givesusconfidencethatwearecreatinganenvironmentthatisattractingbusinessandpeopletolocateandthriveinthearea.

Year of Progress for Falkirk Area’s Economy

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Falkirk Council on Course to Create Food & Drink Business Network for Year of Food and Drink 2015FalkirkhastakenthefirststeptoestablishaFood&DrinkNetworkforlocalbusinessestopreparefortheYearofFoodandDrink2015.

Afree,FalkirkCouncil-runbusinessbreakfastledbyChiefExecutiveofScotlandFood&Drink,JamesWithers,providedfeedbackfromattendeesontheformatofaNetworkandactivitytheCouncilshouldundertaketohelpthoseintheindustrybenefitfromtheyear-long celebration

Duringtheevent,heldattheFalkirkWheelonWednesday,12November,Scotland’sfoodanddrinkchiefalsoprovideddelegateswithinsightintoopportunitiestosupporttheYearofFoodandDrink2015anditssignificanceforthearea.

BusinessthatwouldliketobeapartoftheFalkirkFoodandDrinkNetworkshould contactFalkirkCouncil’sGrowthandInvestmentUniton01324590960ore-mailbusiness@falkirk.gov.uk.

The talk was one of three well-attended business breakfasts that took place this month, whichaimedtotargetthreemajoremploymentsectorsfortheareaandfeaturedhighprofileindustryfiguresinEngineering,Food&DrinkandEnergy.

ThisseriesofBusinessBreakfastswasestablishedasaresultofaGoodPracticevisitaspartoftheYoungSME’sEuropeanInterregproject.

FalkirkStadiumprovidedthelocationfortheothertwoevents,withScottishEngineeringChiefExecutive,BryanBuchandiscussingEngineeringOpportunitieson11November,whileDirectorofEnergy&CleanTechnologiesatScottishEnterprise,MaggieMcGinlay,addressedbusinesseson13NovemberontheNewEnergysector,coveringinternationalisation and potential partnerships with larger businesses and education. FalkirkCouncilHeadofEconomicDevelopment&EnvironmentalServices,DouglasDuffalsospokeattheNewEnergyeventabouttheworkachievedtobuildaworkinggroupacrossnationalorganisationsandbusinesseswithinEnergy,giventheFalkirkarea’seconomic strength in the sector.

DouglasDuff,HeadofEconomicDevelopmentandEnvironmentalServicessaid:“Falkirkbusinesses and the area as a whole were able to reap rewards from Homecoming Scotland 2014andtheCouncilistakingaproactiveapproachtohelpfirmsunderstandhowtheycan benefit from next year’s nationwide food and drink celebrations. The importance of FoodandDrinkhascomethroughstronglyfromtheconsultationFalkirkCouncilhasbeenhavingwithlocalbusinessestodevelopitsTourismStrategy.

Local Energy Project FalkirkCouncilhasapprovedworktobegininvestigationintoanenergyprojectbasedinGrangemouthandtheopportunities from establishing an energy servicecompany(ESCo)todeliverarangeofenergyrelatedservicestocommercial,industrial and residential premises in Falkirk and Grangemouth.

High energy costs are a common concernforlocalfirmsandtheprojectcould utilise renewable technologies to address this with substantial energy cost savingstotheGrangemouthindustrialcomplex. This could be complemented bythedevelopmentofadistrictheatingschemetoofferwiderlow-costenergyopportunities and reduce the area’s carbon footprint.

Potential options for the structure of an ESCo were set out together with anticipated benefits for the area. Falkirk Councilisleadingthedevelopmentofadetailed business case along with Scottish EnterpriseandScottishGovernment.

Upcoming Events IfyouenjoyedourAnnualConferenceorifyoumisseditthenwehavemoreFalkirkBusinessPaneleventsplannedthroughout the year.

March Update Event 25th March 2015 9.15 – 11.00 am (Registrationfrom8.30am) Falkirk Town Hall Thisannualeventgivesthebusinesscommunity an opportunity to feedbacktoEconomicDevelopment,Business Gateway and the wider Councilonservices,supportandideasforfutureprovisiontosupportlocalindustriesanddeveloptheFalkirkeconomy.

To book your place, please contact Ashleyon01413572235ore-mailashley@starkeventsuk.com

Falkirk Business Day 3rd June 2015 All Day Falkirk Town HallTo book an exhibition stand email info@starkeventsuk.com

Annual Conference 18th September 2015Timeandvenuetobeconfirmed

For more information about any of theseeventspleasejustgiveusacall on01324590988

Falkirk Council Chief Executive, Mary Pitcaithly, announced plans to produce a new economic strategy based on the Falkirk area’s potential to contribute even more to Scotland’s economy. MrsPitcaithlyspoketoover200delegatesatMacdonaldInchyraHotelonthejoined-up approach to the threatened closure of the Ineos complex last year, which could haveledtothelossof10,000jobsacrossScotland.Thepublicsectorandindustryhaveestablished the Falkirk Economic Partnership todriveforwardcontinuingdevelopmentofthe area’s potential.

MrsPitcaithlyalsospokeoftheneedforaninternational focus to make the most of the area’s assets. In the past year the Council has led a trade delegation to China and promotedthehugelysuccessfulKelpiesontheinternationalstageatNewYork,inChinaandattheRyderCup.Withrecentinvestmentin Helix Park and on-going infrastructure programmes, the theme of the conference, “FalkirkWelcomestheWorld”isnowareality.

MrsPitcaithlysaid:“Wehaveseensomegreatprogress but we know there is more to do and the proposed economic strategy will set out a

plantohelpusachievethisandkeeppushingFalkirkforward.”

Alsoattheconference,highlightingFalkirkCouncil’seffortstodevelopthearea’sinternational links, were China specialists DrKaiLiuofUniversityofGreenwich,andJamesBrodiefromtheChina-BritainBusinessCouncil. Both discussed the prospects for building stronger connections in the Far East through existing and emerging markets.

AspecialhighlightoftheconferencewastheannouncementbyDrKenThomson,Principalof Forth Valley College, that the College had receivedthegreenlighton£68moffundingto build a new state-of-the-art campus and headquartersinFalkirk.DrThomsonsaid:ThisisaveryexcitingdevelopmentfortheFalkirkareaandwelookforwardtodeliveringa new campus which will meet local needs.

DeniseHill,HeadofInternationalMarketingat VisitScotland, outlined the emerging opportunities in tourism and Falkirk’s increasing contribution to the sector.

The conference, which was hosted by BBC journalistBillWhiteford,alsoincludedpresentationsfromKenBarclay,theChairmanforRBSinScotland,andpropertyexpertandChairmanofScotsRenewableEnergyLtd,KenRossOBE.

Scottish Fine Soaps CompanyAsoneofthefewsoapmanufacturersleftintheUK,ScottishFineSoapsCompany saw an apprentice as a solution to help safeguard its future.

Maintainingtheuniqueskillsneededto manufacture its bath and body products has been a priority for the business as it manages its growth and theEmploymentandTrainingUnit(ETU)was able to help the senior management team identify young talent to learn the ropes.

BillyWilson,aDirectoratScottishFineSoapsCompany,said:“Wehaveveryspecificmachineryso,toplanforthefuture,wefeltitwasvitalthatourcurrent engineer was able to pass on his skills.Anapprenticewastherightfit,aswecouldmouldthemintheirfirstjobandgivethemtheopportunitytobuildacareerbygaininglifelongskills.”

Falkirk ETU simplified the recruitment process by finding suitable candidates who had completed its Engineering pre-apprenticeshipprogrammedeliveredinconjunctionwithMetTECH.ScottishFine Soaps Company management team were impressed with 21 year old CallumMcPheeandtheETUaccessedfundingtocoverthecostofCallum’sthree year college course as well as 50%financialcontributiontowardshisfirst year’s wages through the employer recruitmentincentive.

Nowafull-timeemployee,Callumismaking a worthwhile contribution to the workforceashecompleteshisModernApprenticeshipinEngineering.

BillyWilsonadded:“Wefeltweweregivenalotofcontrolintherecruitmentprocess and the ETU has made the whole process a smooth experience. Callum continues to be on day release at college and is mentored by the team at ETU.

“ThetimeinvestedtofindandsupportCallum is definitely worthwhile. He has settledverywellintotheworkforceand we’re committed to making hisapprenticeshiphereapositiveexperience.”

Grangemouth Developments and International Opportunities to be Included in New Falkirk Economic Strategy

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TheSMEloanschemeisopentoScottishbusinesses which fall within the European Commission’s definition of a Small and MediumsizedEnterprise(SME)[1]andprovidesinterestfreeloansof£1,000to£100,000fortheinstallationofenergy,material resource and water efficiency measures,andloansata5%interestratefor renewable energy technologies where the applicant plans to claim the Feed in TarifforRenewableHeatIncentive.Theavailabilityofsuchfundingcanmakeasignificantdifferencetobusinessesconsidering installing these measures.

The proposed measure must be recommended in an independent qualifyingreport[2].DeliveredbyZero

WasteScotland,ResourceEfficientScotlandisaScottishGovernment-fundedprogrammewhichcanprovidesuchreportsthroughtheadviceandsupportserviceandcanalsoadviseontheloanscheme.ResourceEfficientScotlandcanbecontactedon08088082268,

enquiries@resourceefficientscotland.com or at www.resourceefficientscotland.com.

[1]Havefewerthan250employees,haveaturnovernotexceeding€50million(approximately£42million)and/orabalancesheettotalnotexceeding€43million(approximately£36million)andhavenocontrollinginterestmorethan25percentbyanon-SME.

[2]ApplicationsforaSMELoanFundmustbesupportedbyaGreenDealassessment,oraResourceEfficientScotlandreportiftheprojectstobefundedarenoteligibleunderGreenDeal.Thecostofanon-domesticGreenDealcanbeaddedtoyourloan application.

Entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Falkirk areaarenowabletoaccessamajornewfunding stream to kick-start their business with the help of Business Gateway Falkirk.

Start-Up Loan Fund Scotland, which has beendevelopedbyStart-UpFinanceScotland,providesfundingtoindividualswithaverageloansof£6000awardedperperson. Only one Start-Up Loan can be grantedperperson,howevermorethanoneindividualinabusinesscanbeeligibleforaloan,withamaximumof£25,000availableperbusiness.

Applicantsthathavealreadystartedtheirbusinessventureareeligibleforaloaniftheyhavebeentradingforfewerthan12months, extending to two years in certain circumstances.

The launch of the nationwide partnership between Start-Up Finance Scotland and Business Gateway means that the

finance scheme is now rolling out across Scotland. Business Gateway Falkirk, which isdeliveredbyFalkirkCouncilGrowth&InvestmentUnit,isonhandtooffersupportandadvicetolocalbusinessesthroughout the application process, with successfulapplicantsreceivingcontinuedsupportfromadvisorstoestablishanddeveloptheirbusiness.

PeteReid,Manager,GrowthandInvestmentUnitsaid:“Lackoffundingremains the biggest barrier for potential start-ups and our new partnership with Start-Up Finance Scotland enables us to supportbusinessesinovercomingthisforthefirsttime.Weareveryexcitedfor Falkirk Council through our Business Gatewayteam,tobeofferingthislatestboosttoourservicesandthedoorsitwillopen for start-ups and entrepreneurs in thelocalarea.”

Start-Up Loan Fund Scotland welcomes applications from all sectors, which can be submitted online. The exact terms of the loan will be agreed with a Business GatewayFalkirkAdviserduringtheapplication process and repayment is expectedwithin1-5yearswitha6%interest rate.

Anybusinesseswishingtoapplyshouldcontact Business Gateway Falkirk on 01324590960,emailbusiness@falkirk.gov.ukorvisittheteamofadvisorsatFalkirk Council’s Business Gateway offices, second floor at The Falkirk Stadium.

Glenbervie,whichhousesavarietyofchildcareservicesforover150children,wasleftdevastatedafterafiretorethroughthebuildingin2012.Followingtheblaze,FalkirkCouncilworkedwithownersHelenandIainBelltoprovidestorageandquicklyre-housetheKindergarden’sservicesinschoolsacrossthearea.

Now,afterafullre-buildandrefurbishment,Glenbervieisbackopen for business at its original Carron Grange location. Owner HelenestablishedGlenbervieKindergardenin2003.TheCarronGrangesitecurrentlyemploystwentystaffbutwillbecreatingafurthersixtoeightfulltimepositionsoverthenexteighteenmonths.

Helensaid:“GettingtheKindergardenbackupandrunningagainhas been a long, hard and emotional process but the support we receivedhasbeentremendous.

“The fire brigade worked tirelessly to manage the fire, business peopleintheareaofferedtheirpremisesandtheCouncildepartments all worked together to support us. The Council’s PrincipalSurveyor,JohnSmith,foundaunittohelpusstoreanythingwecouldsalvagefromthefire,theEducationserviceshelpedusrelocatetoprimariesinDenny,SkinflatsandLarbertandthe Planning and Building Control team made our case a priority to ensure we were quickly registered to be able to carry out our work inournewlocations.”

Support from the Council continues, with Falkirk’s Business GatewayteamhelpingGlenbervieKindergardenwithmarketingsupportandsuccessfullyapplyingfora£10,000BPLoan,whichwillbeusedtore-developthegardenwithafive-a-sidepitchandlandscaping.

CouncillorDennisGoldiesaid:“TheredevelopmentofGlenbervieKindergardenhashelpeddemonstratethecommunityspiritthatexistsacrosstheFalkirkareaandwearedelightedtohaveplayeda role in supporting the business through this crisis, to ensure it remains open for business. The Council was able to show how itsdepartmentscanworktogethertooffersolutionsforlocalcompanies.”

Loans Scheme to Encourage Energy Efficiency

The owners of Scotland’s newest castle are set to create further jobs after receiving £50,000 loan funding to support their growing events and hospitality business.Glenskirlie House and Castle, accessed theEastofScotlandInvestmentFund(ESIF)throughFalkirkCounciltosupportanincreaseinbusinessfor2015aftermarketinghelpitreceivedfromBusinessGateway Falkirk led to a surge in bookings for weddings.

The business, which currently employs 80,issettoemployafurther20fullandpart-timemembersofstafftohelpmeetdemand.Themajorityofthefundingwillgo towards refurbishments and general repair throughout the site.

ColinMacaloneyGMandownersaid“AfterBusinessGatewayFalkirkprovideduswithexperthelptoupgradethevenue’swebsite it’s been a excellent sales tool and, as a result, business in weddings isupbyaround20%fornextyear.TheESIF funding will ensure we can take on the increase in business and continue to functionatthesamelevelofhighquality.

“Thesupportwe’vereceivedfromouradvisoratBusinessGatewayhasbeen

first class; from the general support to identifying the opportunity to apply for funding and helping us through the applicationprocess.”

Availablesincetheendof2011,ESIFisfunded by Falkirk Council and attracts moneyfromtheEuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFund.Ithasbeenworkingtoprovideloanfinanceofupto£50,000tosmallandmediumsizedenterprisesintheregionwhohavegrowthprospectsandwillcreatejobs.

Carron Smith, Principal Officer, Business Supportsaid:“FalkirkCouncil’sbusiness

support through the Growth and InvestmentUnit,whereourBusinessGatewayservicesarebased,hasanintegrated approach which aims to help businessesofallsizesthroughthestagesoftheirdevelopmentandpathtogrowth.”

For any business within the Falkirk area interested in finding out more about ESIF fundinggotowww.eastscotinvest.co.ukorcalltheBusinessGatewayTeamon01324590960

For more information about Glenskirlie House and Castle go www.glenskirliehouse.com

£50K Funding Marries New Jobs to Growth for Luxury Wedding Venue

New Funding Stream for Falkirk Start-Ups

Community Spirit Thanked at Nursery’s Official Re-Opening

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Red Carpet is Rolled Out for Bo’ness Business TheHippodromeFestivalofSilentCinema,(HippFest)ismakingabigimpactforFestivalsponsor.Caledonian Produce, based in Bo’ness, hassponsoredtheFestival’sYouthEngagement Programme since 2012.

The successful partnership has enabled over600youngpeopleintheareatoparticipateintheFestivalthroughworkshops with local primary, secondary schools and youth clubs across Bo’ness.

ScottMcBride,OperationsManagerfor Caledonian Produce, recognises the benefits of supporting HippFest :“TheFestivalprovidesuswiththeopportunitytoinvestinyoungpeoplewithin our community. It is also exciting tobepartofsuchanimportantevent.”

2014 saw the best year yet for Scotland’s only annual celebration of classic silent films.Atotalofover2500attendanceswereachievedandticketsaleswereup20%onthepreviousyear.TheFestival’snationwide reputation was further strengthened with increased local and nationalmediacoverage.

FestivalProducerShonaThomsonispassionate about maximising impact for businesses whilst retaining the communityvaluesatthecoreoftheevent:“We’redelightedthatCaledonianProduce’s sponsorship has allowed us to extendtheFestival’sreach.”

ThefifthHippodromeFestivalofSilentCinematakesplaceon18-22March2015.Ticketsareonsaleandtheprogrammeisavailableathippfest.co.uk, they can also be purchased at the Steeple Box Office, Falkirk (01324506850)andattheHippodrome,Bo’ness.

FormoredetailsaboutFestivalsponsorship opportunities, please contact Shona Thomson, byemail:shonam.thomson@falkirkcommunitytrust.org.

A Falkirk sports clothing company, which has doubled in size over the last year due to the growth in outdoor fitness, is being fast-tracked through business support to realise its worldwide sales potential.Sales for custom made and limited edition cyclingjerseysproducedbyFalkirk-basedeVentureWorksLtdhaverecentlybeen boosted thanks to the growing leisure cycling market and a number of prestigious contract wins, including supply of the official Tshirts for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games cycling team and this year’s Tour de France themed shirts forTimothyTaylorbeers.Asaresult,thefirm has been accepted on to the Scottish Enterprise Growth Pipeline through Falkirk Business Gateway as it has been identified ashavingtheabilityandaspirationtosignificantly grow sales within the next three years.

Through Growth Pipeline the firm, which employs three at its base in Laurieston IndustrialEstate,isnowreceivingexperthelptodevelopanonlinestrategytoimproveitswebpresencewww.

thecyclejersey.cominordertoincreaseUKand international sales. This includes the launch of an online design tool to enable customers to design and order their own jerseyonthewebsite.

eVentureWorkswasfoundedin2005bycycling enthusiast Brian Gibb. In the last yearthebusinesshasdoubledthesizeofits premises and accessed a Falkirk Council Granttoinvestinequipmenttotakeallitsservicesinhouseandmeetdemandforcustom printing on cycling clothing.

Brian Gibb said “The help through Business Gateway Falkirk has been crucial insupportingourdevelopment.BeingplacedontheGrowthPipelinegivesustheopportunitytocapturemoreUKand international sales, through the developmentofastrategythatfocusesonareaslikewebsitedevelopment,searchengineoptimizationandimprovingsocialmedia engagement.

eVentureWorkshasbeengaininglong-term support from Falkirk Business GatewayaspartofitsGrowthAdvisoryService,whichidentifiesfunding,experthelp to support local firms.

PeteReid,Manager,GrowthandInvestmentUnitsaid:“eVentureWorksisanexampleofthediversecompaniesthrivinginFalkirkandFalkirkCouncil’sBusiness Gateway team are able to identify their potential and the support neededtohelpthemgrow.”

For more information about the support availablefromBusinessGatewayFalkirk,visitwww.bgateway.comorcall01324808266.

FormoredetailsabouteVentureWorks gotowww.thecyclejersey.com

Business Gateway Falkirk 01324 808266 bgateway.com/falkirk twitter.com@falkirkbiz join My Future’s in Falkirk group on

Want to subscribe to Business Falkirk or want to be added to our mailing list for our monthly ezine?

Simply email business@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 808266

Top Scottish tailor Andrew Brookes, who has dressed names, such as Scots Hollywood star Billy Boyd, is set to boost the profile of Scottish design after receiving business support to make his new menswear brand an international success.Falkirk-basedAndrewBrookesTailoringhas been launched with strategy and marketing support from Business Gateway Falkirk.Thecompanyaimstocarveanewgrooveinthemarketforpremiummen’sfashion,offeringbespoketailoredbusinesssuits and highland, shooting, weekend and formal wear.

InadditiontoitsFalkirkbase,AndrewBrookes Tailoring has opened showrooms inEdinburgh,AberdeenandonLondon’sprestigiousSavileRow.Itsplacementonthe Scottish Enterprise Growth Pipeline willgiveAndrewaccesstoadditionalsupport from Scottish Enterprise, Scottish DevelopmentInternationalandGlobalScot, helping him increase his international reach.

Andrewhasalreadyfirmlyestablishedhis reputation as a quality designer and tailor with his highland wear sales and hireserviceKiltpin,alsobasedinFalkirk.Employingfourstaff,thecompanyhasbeenconsistentlyvotedthetopgroomswear company in Scotland.

TheAndrewBrookesCollectionwasintroducedthroughKiltpinatthe2012DressedToKiltScottishfashionshowinNewYork,afterwhichAndrewrecognised the need to create a distinct brand focusing on the bespoke designer aspectofhisservicesandsoughtsupportfrom Business Gateway Falkirk to launch AndrewBrookesTailoring.

Recently,Andrewturnedaroundathree-piecesuitinjustfourdaysforLordoftheRingsstarBillyBoyd.Billy,worethesuitto the world premiere of the Hobbit in London.

Andrewsaid:“AndrewBrookesTailoringaims to bring men’s fashion back into focus,offeringluxurytailoreddesignwitha Scottish feel. The help through Business Gateway Falkirk has been fundamental in helping me define my target market and developmystrategy.PlacementontheGrowth Pipeline will enable me to meet overseasdemandformyserviceandfurtherexpandintointernationalmarkets.”

CouncillorDennisGoldie,FalkirkCouncil’sspokespersononEconomicDevelopment,said:“AndrewBrookesTailoringisagreatexample of the exciting start-ups coming to the fore in Falkirk. Our aim is to help createavibrantandsuccessfulbusinesscommunitybyofferingadviceandsupportthat will enable entrepreneurs in the local area to establish companies that go on to thriveandgrow.

For more information about the support availablefromBusinessGatewayFalkirk,visitwww.bgateway.comorcall01324808266.

Cycling Jersey Producer on Fast Track Support to Steer International Sales

Designer Menswear Brand Launched with Made to Measure Business Support

Falkirk Council was pleased to support the FalkirkHeraldBusinessAwardsoncemoreandcongratulationstoallthosewhowon:

• Best Start-Up Business sponsored by Young Enterprise

Scotland GCM Services Scotland

• Best Green Business sponsoredbyAlexanderDennis Cloybank Estate

• Best Social Enterprise sponsoredbyMontanaHomeCareLtd Gingerbread Cafe

• Best Tourism Business sponsored by Falkirk Council The Bo’ness and Kinneil

Railway

• Best Sales and Marketing sponsoredbyDigitalKitbag Lion Safety

• Best Growth Business sponsored by Business Gateway Ecosse Holdings

• Best Business in the Community

sponsored by Forth Valley College ASDA Logistic Services

• Best Independent Retailer sponsoredbyFalkirkDelivers Hogan’s Fine Food Company

• Employer of the Year sponsoredbyWOW247 Macdonald Inchyra Hotel

& Spa and Montana Home Care Ltd

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year

sponsored by Ineos Lisa Wardlaw of The Belle of

the Ball

• Best Small Business sponsoredbyMrsTilly’s The Wheelhouse Restaurant

• Best Large Business sponsoredbyTapestryAV Central Demolition

• Outstanding Achievement of the Year

The Wheelhouse Restaurant

• Business Personality of the Year sponsored by The Falkirk Herald Steven McLeodAswellastheFalkirkHeraldBusinessawards, quite a number of Falkirk based businesseshavebeenbusycollectingawhole array of national awards.

• AmodoMio,ManorSt,Falkirk-winnerof best pasta – at the Scottish Italian Awards2014andGoldAwardatthePAPAawardstoidentifythebestingenuineItalianrestaurantsintheUK.

• SanamTandoori,CallendarRoad,Falkirk–wonCentral&FifeRegionRestaurantoftheYearattheinauguralAsianFoodAwardsfor2014.

• PatricksofCamelon–receivedatop-rated diamond and special bestproductawardforitssavourymeatballs which were named the best Scottish Lamb creation in the Smithfield awards and earned gold awards for its pork sausage, BBQ steakburger, mexican steakburger, Scotch pie, and macaroni cheese.

• ThomasJohnstonButcherspickedupfour gold awards for its beef links, pork links, beefburger, and haggis at the SmithfieldAwards.

• Catwalk,Falkirk–won‘BestWeddingPartyoutfitter’attheScottishVOWawardsinNovember2014.

• Carr’sHillDenny-wererunnersupintheCaravanClubnationalCLYearAwardsfor2014.

• Bo’ness&KinneilRailwaywonBestVisitorAttractionintheCentralandSouthEastRegionalVisitScotlandThistleAwards.

Awards Season for Falkirk Businesses

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The new visitor centre being built next to Kelpies is set to grow in size MembersofFalkirkCouncil’sexecutivecommitteeagreedtoadd£160,000fromanexistingbudgettoincreasetheareaavailableforretailspace,storageandstafffacilitiesatthecentre.Thenewspendisexpectedtotaketheoverallcostofthebuilding,includingfit-out,toaround£1.8million.

Allgoingwell,thebuilding–thecentrepieceoftheHelixParkbetween Falkirk and Grangemouth - should now be ready for the school holidays in October.

CouncillorAdrianMahoney,FalkirkCouncil’stourismspokesman,said:“ThecentrewillprovidewelcomenewfacilitiestotheHelixParktodealwiththehugenumbersofpeoplevisitingtheawesomeKelpies.”

ThankstoexternalfundingfromSCOREEnvironment–whichdistributes money raised from landfill tax – as well cash from the ScottishGovernment,BigLottery,FalkirkCouncilandScottishCanals,thebuildingwasabletogrowinsize.

AreportbyDirectorofDevelopmentServicesRhonaGeislersaid:“VisitornumberstotheHelix,andtheKelpiesinparticular,havefar exceeded expectations in the first year of opening, which wereestimatedat350,000peryear.UptotheendofSeptember680,000visitorsvisitedthesiteanditisprojectedthatinthefirstfullyearthattheHelixisopen(uptoendMarch2015)visitornumberswillexceed950,000.

Partnership Key to Promotion of the Falkirk AreaThe Visit Falkirk team within Falkirk Councilhavebeenbusyoverthelast few months working with a number of other organisations, including VisitScotland, to help promotethewealthofvisitorattractions in the area.

The Falkirk team, working with VisitScotland,placedTheKelpieMaquettesattheheartoftheGleneaglestentedvillage,whichwasthemainpubliczoneforthe250,000spectatorspluswhoattendedThe2014RyderCup.TheKelpieMaquetteshavealsovisitedanumberofothermajoreventsthroughouttheyearsuchasHopetounHouseHorseTrialsandtheRoyalHighlandShow.

WorkingwiththeHowgateShoppingCentreandtheFalkirkDeliversteam,animpressiveFalkirkareamapandliteraturedispenser has been installed in the heart of the shopping centre.

FirstBusalsojoinedforceswith VisitFalkirktobrandbusroutes3and4,whichrunbetweentheFalkirkWheel,FalkirkTownCentreandTheHelix/Kelpies,withfantasticnewliverythatincludestheKelpies,FalkirkWheelandtheSteeple.

FalkirkFootballClubhavealsoteamedupwith VisitFalkirktohelppromote the area for tourism. The club has kindly added the Visit Falkirk Logo to their sponsor board and website and will continue todistributeVisitFalkirkliteraturetovisitingfans.TheclubskitvanisalsonowemblazonedwiththeVisitFalkirkbrandingandimagery-afantasticmoveableadvertforthearea.

The Visit Falkirk team launched the Falkirk area Tourism Strategy - TourismFalkirk2020alongwithKineticFalkirkastopmotionfilmproducedbyWalidSalhabwhichyoucanfindonthenewtourismwebsitefortheFalkirkareawww.visitfalkirk.com.

Workisalsonowunderwaytolaunchapilotofatouristbuswhichwillaimtoimproveconnectionsbetweenthetouristattractionsand Falkirk Town Centre.

StrengtheningtheconnectionbetweenTheKelpies,TheHelixandQueenMargaretUniversitysawtheKelpiemaquettesspendingthewintermonthsinUniversitySquareattheUniversity’scampusnexttoMusselburgh.

QueenMargaretUniversityhasaspecialconnectionwithTheKelpiesandTheHelixproject.Workinginpartnershipwiththeprojectpartners,theUniversity’smediapracticelecturer,WalidSalhab,producedthestunningstop-motionfilmofTheKelpieswhichhasbeensharedonsocialmediaallovertheworldandhasreceivednearly93khitsontheHelixwebsitealone.Hewastheonlyfilmmakertohaveunlimited access to the full four month build phase, and his mesmerisingportrayalofTheKelpieswhentheyreachedcompletionhelpedlaunchTheKelpiesworldwide.

TowatchWalidSalhab’sfilmofTheKelpiesvisit: http://vimeo.com/90747645

Falkirk Runners Up for High Street of the Year 2014 Falkirk was recently shortlisted to the final three in the Town Centre category in the Great British High StreetoftheYearAwards,fromatotalof135applicants.Theschemewasjudgedoninitiativesintroducedto support and assist retailers in challenging times for High Streets.

FalkirkDeliversmetwithadelegationfromWestminsterwhoshowedgreatinterestinmanyoftheprojectsrun,includingFreeAfter3parking,theShop Local campaign with The Falkirk HeraldandMiFalkirkmarketingapp.

Guide to Successful RetailingFalkirkCouncil’sFREE‘GuidetoSuccessfulRetailing’workshopsareaimedatsmalltomediumsizedbusinesses in the area.

The6workshopsaredeliveredintheevening(6-8pm)byaspeciallytrainedretailexpertandcovereverystage of creating and running a successfulretailbusiness.Delegateswill get the skills, knowledge and tools to grow their business and the opportunity to network with other businesses in the area.

Stenhousemuir business woman, Fay Hawthorn has been employed in her fathersbusiness‘McLeodsJewellers’forover60years.FaytookpartintheNovembermaster-classes,andfoundthemextremelyinformative. Asanexperienced retailer, Fay thought shekneweverythingsheneededtoknowaboutbusiness. She said:“Thecoursesgavemesomuchinformationandtipstoimprovesales,displayingour stock and managing our cash flow. Ienjoyedtheinformalsessionsandmeetingnewbusinesscontactstoo.”

WatchoutforthenextworkshopsplannedforSpring2015.ToregisterinterestcontactJacquieMcArthurbyemailortelephoneat:

Jacquie.mcarthur@falkirk.gov.uk Tel:01324590973

Kelpies Visitor Centre to get Bigger and set to Open This Autumn

The Kelpies maquettes stabled at Queen Margaret University over winter

Tourism Falkirk 2020Falkirk Area Tourism Strategy 2015 - 2020

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at a glance falkirk council services for business

falkirk.gov.uk • myfuturesinfalkirk.co.uk • twitter.com@falkirkbiz

Business Gateway 01324 590960

Business Continuity 01324 501002

Business Property 01324 504999

Development Services 01324 504950

Eco Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme

01324 506070

Employment and Training Unit

01324 504400

Enterprise & Education

01324 501975

Environmental Health Unit

01324 504982

•FoodSafety•Health&Safety •TradingStandards

Growth & Investment Unit

01324 590960

Licensing 01324 501239

Non Domestic Rates 01324 506966

Procurement 01324 590788

Trade Waste Team 01324 504422

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Falkirk in FiguresA quick guide to key statistics within the Falkirk area New business bank accounts per 10,000 of population each quarter

Do Business Outside ScotlandGet the know-how and confidence to trade successfully in international markets, with guidancefromScottishDevelopmentInternational(SDI)expertsaroundtheworld.

Preparing to export introductory workshop30 March 2015, 9.30am to 4pmHilton Glasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow G3 8HTNewtoexporting?Thisworkshopwillhelpyou fast-track your skills, gain knowledge of international market research, finance, contracts and logistics.

AFreeEventOpentoallScottishbusinesses.

How to survive and thrive: building a culture of profitable sustainability31 March 2015 9am - 12pmEdinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation Scottish businesses are experiencing theeffectsofrisingglobaldemandforenergy,fuelandrawmaterials-improvingsustainability can help your company meet thesechallengesandimproveyoursocialandenvironmentalresponsibility.

AFreeEventOpentoallScottishbusinesses.

How to increase your international sales online01 April 2015, 9:30am - 1pmScottish Development International GlasgowJointhisfreeintroductiontoecommerceworkshop to build your digital skills to extend your company’s global reach, win business and boost your profits.

AFreeEventOpentoallScottishbusinesses.

Germany Exporter Bootcamp28 April 2015Apex House, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HDAnintroductiontotheopportunitiesforScottish-based companies in the German medtech market.

FREE Workshops to Assist Your BusinessBusinessGatewayFalkirkofferarangeofFREEworkshopsforbusinesseswhoneedadviceandassistancetodeveloptheiron-line presence

14thAprilHalfday

Intro to You Tube

21stAprilfullday

Build your own web site

30thAprilfullday

You Tube Strategy for Business

12thMayHalfday

Intro to Facebook

19thMayfullday

How to build your on line shop

28thMayfullday

Facebook Strategy for business

9thJuneHalfday

Intro to P’interest

16thJuneHalfday

Blogging for Business Benefit

25thJunefullday

P’interest strategy

7thJulyHalfday

Google + Business Success

28thJulyfullday

Google Strategy for Business

11thAugustfullday

Build your own web site

18thAugustHalfday

Intro to Twitter

24thAugustfullday

Twitter Strategy

AlloftheseworkshopstakeplaceattheBusiness Gateway Falkirk, Falkirk Stadium, FK29EE.

To book a place simply register through www.bgateway.com/falkirkoremailbusiness@falkirk.gov.uk

Population growth rates - 20 years

Porportion of the resident population aged 16-64claiming job-seekers allowance

Gross Weekly Pay for Full Time Workers

Supplier Development Programme Events (how to tender for public sector contracts)Withapublicsectorspendofover£9billion,theSupplierDevelopmentProgramme aims to assist small businessesimprovetheirperformancein winning contracts with public sector organisations.

TheSupplierDevelopmentProgrammeoffersinformation,supportandtrainingeventstohelpunravelthetenderingprocess.

The courses below are organised inconjunctionwithStirlingandClackmannanshire Council. Falkirk companiescanattendSDPeventsforFREE,inanyotherpartnerareaandthereisafullcalendarofeventsonwww.sdpscotland.co.uk

Is the Public Sector for You?30th April 2015 Falkirk Stadium, FK2 9EE

Tender Portals Made Easy 5th May 2015 Alloa Town Hall FK10 1AB

Expanding Your Procurement Horizons9th June 2015 STEP, Stirling Enterprise Park FK7 7RP

• IfusingSATNAVforStirling pleaseuseFK77WR

To book your place, simply go online to www.sdpscotland.co.uk/events/events-calendar

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Business Gateway Workshops in FalkirkIf you are thinking of starting up or are running your own business – Business Gateway Falkirk has a great range of FREE workshops to suit your business needs.

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

your gateway to business expertise

Advertising & Promotion13th May, 09.30 - 12.30

Bookkeeping 20th May, 13.30 - 16.30

Improve Your Search engine Ranking 27th May, 13.30 - 16.30

Mastering Selling Skills10th June, 13.30 - 16.30

Marketing on a Shoestring17th June, 09.30 - 12.30

Networking Skills24th June, 13.30 - 16.30

HREmployment Law & the Small Business27th April, 13.30 - 16.30

Employment Law & the Small Business29th June, 13.30 - 16.30

E-Commerce CoursesIntroduction to YouTube14th April, 09.30 - 12.30

Build Your Own Website21st April, 09.30 - 16.30

YouTube Strategy for Business30th April, 09.30 - 16.30

Introduction to Facebook12th May, 09.30 - 12.30

How to Build Your Online Shop19th May, 09.30 - 16.30

Facebook Strategy for Business28th May, 09.30 - 16.30

Introduction to Pintrest9th June, 09.30 - 12.30

Blogging for Business16th June, 09.30 - 16.30

Pintrest Strategy 25th June, 09.30 - 16.30

To book a place:Visit: www.bgateway.com/falkirk

Email: business@falkirk.gov.uk Call: 01324 590 960

Taxation26th May, 13.30 - 15.00

Awareness1st June, 18.00 - 20.00

Planning3rd June, 18.00 - 21.00

Marketing8th June, 18.00 - 21.00

Finance11th June, 18.00 - 21.00

ICT15th June , 18.00 - 21.00

Taxation23rd June, 18.00 - 19.30

Business Skills CoursesMarketing Your Business1st April, 13.30 - 16.30

Branding Your Business15th April, 13.30 - 16.30

Negotiation Skills28th April, 09.30 - 12.30

Business Start-Up CoursesAwareness8th April, 18.00 - 20.00

Planning13th April, 18.00 - 21.00

Marketing16th April, 18.00 - 21.00

Finance20th April, 18.00 - 21.00

ICT23rd April, 18.00 - 21.00

Taxation28th April, 18.00 - 19.30

Awareness7th May, 13.30 - 15.30

Planning11th May, 13.30 - 16.30

Marketing14th May, 13.30 - 16.30

Finance18th May, 13.30 - 16.30

With a central location mid way between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Falkirk area is home to key industries and Scotland’s largest container port. We can offer businesses every advantage for growth and success including:

• Benefits from a major infrastructure programme and potential assistance for new development through Falkirk Council’s Tax Incremental Finance Initiative. (TIF)

• Property solutions for a wide range of business needs including modern business parks, industrial sites, warehousing, retail units, serviced offices, and development land.

• Business support including Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and a wide range of FREE training, workshops and networking events.

invest in falkirk

Grangemouth

To find out more: www.myfuturesinfalkirk.co.uk/invest call: 01324 590960 email:business@falkirk.gov.uk

follow us on @falkirkbiz join My Future’s in Falkirk group on