Issue 2, October 2002
Halloween biscuit INSIDE
You can help
takes the cake! town get
high-speed
service
Inverurie is losing out on
internet speed.
Business and domestic
users have to settle for
slower connectivity
because BT have not yet
made broadband servic-
es available to the town.
Find out what broadband
could mean to your busi-
ness and how you can
put pressure on BT to
The winning Inverurie Academy team of student bakers with representatives of North-east bakers, J G Ross: George Ross (centre) with
sons Cameron (left) and Graeme. Team from left are : Emma Sangster; Frankie Ferguson; James Mitchell; Leanne Anderson; Beckie make the service avail-
Mennie and Andrew Ritchie. (picture by Grant-Photo).
able.
A special biscuit for Halloween took the hon-
ours at an unusual business/schools chal-
ing, communication and team working, as well
as enterprise and entrepreneurship skills.” See page 4
lenge sponsored by local bakers J G Ross.
Teams of pupils had to create a season-
The community facilitators were Linda
Singer, IBA; PC Jim Mitchell; Jim Hatter, Inverurie
in bloom
al biscuit and take it to market. To make the Inverurie Rotary; and J G Ross managers,
competition even more tasty the winning bis- Suzie Laird, Jim Sinclair and Michelle Lorimer.
cuit would be added to the wide range of J G The judges were Charlie Taylor, Bob Minto,
Ross products on sale across the North-east. Cameron Ross, with J G Ross chairman, Floral displays are
The challenge covered everything from George Ross, and IBA chairman, John Glover. colourful, cheerful and
baking the biscuit to package design and plan- The event was organised by Susan Miller,
ning a marketing campaign. Each team had organisational development manager for J G
brighten up any town.
an external facilitator to help them and the Ross and Kate Wood, head of home econom- Inverurie Rotary and the
judging panel also toured the groups giving ics at Inverurie Academy. IBA think Inverurie
valuable business advice. The challenge was developed by Create
coulds bloom with the
Inverurie Academy Rector, Doug Milne Interest, a Scottish Food and Drink initiative to
said, “By taking part in this challenge our help raise awareness of career opportunities best. The next IBA
pupils were given an exciting opportunity to in the industry. meeting on October 31
gain hands on experience of what is involved IBA chairman, John Glover, said, ”This will focus on the issue.
in a career in the food and drink industry, while type of initiative positively enforces the local
developing core skills such as problem solv- business-school relationship.” See page 12
MELDRUM For a quality
HOUSE experience
HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
See our advertisements
connect Page two
October 2002
IBA chairman, John
Glover, third from left,
invited a class from
Inverurie Academy to
the recent IBA tourism
discussion.
The pupils were study-
ing for an SQA in
Travel & Tourism.
Their teacher, Irene
Bates, is fourth from
the right. Murray
Matthews, principle
teacher of guidance is
in the centre or our
picture.
‘Business & school links are so important’
Welcome to the second edition of By John Glover the pleasure of joining George Ross as a
Connect. judge at the J G Ross bakery challenge
It has been very satisfying for
IBA chairman for 4th years pupils at Inverurie Academy.
me to see our publication grow and devel- With objections and observa- J G Ross are to be congratulat-
op. Committee member Ranald Allan has tions due in to Aberdeenshire Council by ed on the effort and commitment they put
put tremendous effort into making this a 10 October, this event was an excellent into organising this challenge. I hope that
success and our main priority is to make opportunity to get a feedback to help the some of the students taking part will see
it a regular and sustainable feature of the IBA put forward an informed response. future career prospects in the bakery and
IBA. Committee member Colin catering industry.
Advertising will play a key role in Hepburn, D M Hall, has facilitated this It is so important that business-
achieving this, and with a circulation of and our main concern is that sufficient es continue to build links with Inverurie
1000 copies, it offers an ideal opportunity allocations of good quality industrial and Academy.
for you to market your business to other business land are available over the next All businesses will face skill
businesses in the area. 10-15 years. shortages in the future, so why not try
Our events continue to attract a Steven Grey, Planner Projects, to influence and encourage the career
good cross-section of businesses, with 34 Aberdeenshire Council, also gave a pres-
opportunities that could be available
participants at our Local Plan consultation entation on the Town Centre Master Plan.
to our local student population.
at the Barn & Bushel on 26 September. On Thursday 3 October, I had
Towns talking together
The Aberdeenshire Towns resentatives from other North-
Partnership (ATP) covers five east towns, are meeting regularly
towns in the Aberdeenshire area - as “Towns Together” to exchange
Inverurie, Ellon, Stonehaven, experiences, ideas, lessons
Peterhead and Fraserburgh. learned and to discuss areas of
The ATP supports initiatives in mutual interest and concern.
the towns to improve, among “These meetings should
other things, quality of life, the cement relationships and, hope-
environment and business fully, lead to efficiencies in moving
growth. The IBA publication, forward as each town can learn
Connect, is one such initiative. from the others’ successes and
The recent IBA business sur- mistakes,” said IBA chairman
vey was another initiative sup- John Glover.
ported by ATP funding. The meetings rotate round
Now the five towns, with rep- the various towns.
CONTACT CONNECT
CONNECT is written, edited, designed and printed in
Inverurie. Editorial contributions and letters should be sent
to CONNECT, c/o Linda Singer, Inverurie Business
Association, Thainstone Business Centre, Inverurie or by e-
mail to Ranald Allan at: rams@btclick.com
Design and edited by Ranald Allan Media Solutions.
Printed by Minto Printing. Published by Inverurie &
District Business Association with support from ATP.
Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the IBA. All content is copyright of the contributors and the IBA.
Material should not be used in other publications without permission.
connect Page three
October 2002
The twelve
months of
Christmas
(well five of
them anyway)
Christmas for most, is a once-a-year
event, however, for the members of the
Help Light-up Inverurie Committee, we
are lucky enough to have Christmas on
the agenda every month. One of our
most significant months has just
passed and another is almost upon us.
September is the main period for our
fundraising efforts, with two major
events. A Casino Dinner was held in
The Town Hall on Friday 13th. This
was a very successful night with Steve
Innes as master of ceremonies and
Mitchell’s providing an excellent buffet
dinner. Inverurie Rotary staffed the bar
and members of Inverurie and Ellon
Lights, cameras, action. This was the moment Inverurie Town Hall
Round Table were croupiers at various
gaming tables. Thousands were won
was floodlit, but only for an hour. Our picture shows the full “set”.
and lost during the evening, albeit of In the foreground a Press & Journal photographer shoots Help Light-
the Monopoly variety. up Inverurie chairman,Mike Hebenton, against the Town Hall backdrop.
Saturday, the 21st, was the date for The Aberdeenshire Council cherry-picker simulated a lamp standard
the second Paddy’s Market in The with floodlights picking out the lion and cupola on the roof.
Square and surrounding area.
Participants, too numerous to mention There are currently three proposals December - switch-on! On the after-
here, provided a range of games and from different suppliers being considered. noon of Sunday 1st, there will be music
activities suitable for young and old, food Two of those for the Town Hall involve and refreshments available in The
and refreshments, and a variety of music. attaching lights to the building, which due Square and at 4pm the lights will be
The weather was not as kind as last year, to its listed status, will not be easily switched on by cast members from
reducing the numbers in the morning but achieved. Inverurie Pantomime. After that the
a brighter afternoon helped increase The third suggestion is for lighting up committee can have a break and fit in
numbers considerably. time for such relaxing activities as
October and November - will see us Don’t miss the Christmas Christmas shopping.
planning, organising and then installing January - the lights come down and
the Christmas Lights. New lights have Lights Switch-on event: the twelve months of Christmas begin all
been ordered for the Christmas tree and Sunday, December 1 over again…
for some of the lamp-posts in Market If you’d like to have Christmas on
Place. We hoped to have floodlighting for The Town Hall from the pavement and your agenda every month then the
the Town Hall and Memorial Monument in lamp-posts in the small car park. This Help Light-up Inverurie committee
place for this Christmas but are still at the option was the one demonstrated on the would like to hear from you. Contact
planning stage as this project is more 27th August and met with considerable Linda Singer at Thainstone Business
complex than anticipated. approval from those who saw it. Centre on 01467 672528.
connect Page four
October 2002
Broadband has landed - but
not in Inverurie The internet has opened up world markets
Most people by now will have watched
BT’s national TV campaign for Broadband and created new sales opportunities.
high-speed Internet access – you know, Business and public demand is now for a
the one where the animals escape from faster and more efficient internet service.
the pipe in the ground. Impressive adver-
BT has the answer in broadband but will not
tising but not much good to Inverurie
take it to Inverurie unless there is evidence
because we won’t be getting Broadband
– unless we decide to do something of demand.
about it. Gordon Murray explains what broadband
The fact (and what the adverts fail to can do for you and what you can do to help
mention) is that BT will only be upgrading Inverurie get broadband services.
their telephone exchanges to accept
Broadband for towns where there is a suf- conferencing to keep in touch with your prioritising the remainder of their
ficient demand. And that demand has to colleagues and customers. It all helps to installation programme according to the
come from businesses and households. break down the boundaries between level of pre-registrations for each town.
Broadband is a very fast connection office and home, allowing you to enjoy the In the case of Inverurie (01467 code),
to the Internet that is always ‘on’. No advantages of home working without the provided 400 households and businesses
need to dial-up using a modem and no hassle. pre-register an interest BT will proceed to
waiting for a connection. The extra band- At home the whole family will be able upgrade the Inverurie exchange.
width means that large files, such as engi- to take advantage of Internet content Remember that BT are providing the
neering drawings, graphic designs, designed for broadband and improve their wholesale connections but you can pur-
videos and animations download much on-line experience whether studying, chase a broadband service from any one
more quickly - up to 10 times faster than communicating, shopping or being enter- of a range of ISP’s, including BT.
with a standard modem. tained.
* Gordon Murray is a director with Inverurie-
Broadband enables businesses to Although 75% of UK Internet users based IT service company, First eBusiness
take advantage of being permanently already have access to the service BT are
connected to the Internet. Savings can If you are interested in Broadband site. This registration will be
be made by communicating and trading for your business or home then passed on to BT who monitor the
online. Marketing can be more efficient
please follow these simple steps overall level of interest for the
and effective. Customer service can be
enhanced through real time interaction 1. Find out more at: www.work- 01467 area code
and your ability to respond speedily to ingwithyou.co.uk 4. Monitor the progress towards
email and web enquiries. 2. Choose a service provider (list- the target by visiting: www.work-
If you work from home, you will be ingwithyou.co.uk and checking
ed on the above site)
able to gain fast, reliable access to busi-
3. Register your interest in broad- registration Levels
ness information and online services.
Your email will arrive throughout the band through your chosen 5. Encourage work colleagues and
day. You may even decide to use video- provider, probably via their web friends to do the same
Tell the IBA
about
any issues
If your are in busi-
ness in Inverurie
and have any issues
of concern which
you would like
raised by the IBA
then please contact
a member of the
committee - see
names and contact
numbers on page
eight.
connect Page five
October 2002
Is your company being ripped-off?
TRADING Standards Officers regu- ring money into their accounts.
larly issue warnings about scam pro- There are many people who pre- Willing participants are promised up
motions, such as bogus prize draws fer the dishonest ‘buck’ to making to 30% of the profits. In practice their
and competitions. their money legally. Bill Cassie accounts get cleared out.
The schemes vary in form but
are all designed with one aim in
Head of Consumer Protection & b. Fake ‘official’ letters telling small
businesses that they need to notify
mind – to separate unsuspecting Support Services for
under the Data Protection Act and
consumers from their money. Aberdeenshire Council spotlights charging businesses up to £95, near-
The government estimates that come current scams. ly three times the standard amount
up to £100 million a year could be for notification. Most firms are actual-
lost by people who respond to bogus ly exempt from notification.
6. Rewards that are wholly depend-
promotions.
ent on persuading others to join the c. Bogus fax or business directories
Bill Cassie, Head of Consumer
scheme. based overseas. If published at all
Protection & Support Services with
7. Premium phone lines that have to they are produced in small numbers
Aberdeenshire Council warns people
be used to register or make a claim. and given limited circulation.
to watch out for:
d. Bogus invoices for stationery
1. Letters telling people they’ve won Ordinary consumers are the favourite allegedly ordered over the telephone.
a prize but they need to pay a ‘pro- target of the rip-off merchants but
some schemes are aimed at busi- So if you don’t want to be diddled by
cessing’ or ‘management’ fee to
ness people. Amongst the most com- such fiddles be on your guard.
claim it.
mon are: If you come across any suspected
2. Invites to ‘invest’ in a syndicate
scams then Consumer Protection
taking part in high-stake overseas a. Nigerian-based scams asking
staff will be glad to hear from you so
lotteries (may end up with unautho- recipients to help liberate large sums
that they can warn others.
rised withdrawals from credit card of money out of Nigeria by transfer-
accounts).
3. Official-looking invoices for pay- Local contact details:
ment to release a ‘shipment’ of Inverurie: Tel: 01467 628323. Fraserburgh: Tel: 01346 510505
goods. Email: trading.standards@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
4. ‘Cheques’ made out to people, Some useful websites:
requiring a ‘document release fee’ to DTI website for reporting rogue traders - www.ripofftipoff.net
receive the real cheque. Office of Fair Trading - www.oft.gov.uk
5. Mailings from overseas clairvoy- Direct Marketing Association - www.dma.org.uk (can help consumers avoid
ants inviting people to send money unwanted unsolicited mail)
in exchange for good luck. Fax Preference Service - www.fpsonline.org.uk (allows businesses to avoid
unsolicited fax messages)
New Business park
at Thainstone THE MELDRUM HOUSE BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Work on the development of a new busi-
Experience
ness park at Thainstone Centre,
Inverurie, will commence next month follow-
the unique location and surroundings
ing the granting of
planning permission by Aberdeenshire
Council. Experience
The ANM Group Ltd has been granted per- the quality of our conference & meeting rooms
mission for the development of a
20-acre site for business and light industrial
premises.
INSPIRE YOUR PEOPLE
Serviced sites are available for lease or pur-
chase, with all roads and
services included, and already the first five To mix business & pleasure contact: Meldrum House, Oldmeldrum,
acres have been sold.
Aberdeenshire AB51 0AE. + Tel: 01651 872294 + Fax: 01651 872464
Earth moving is due to start in November
and building work will commence in the
e-mail: dpmeldrum@aol.com + website: www.meldrumhouse.com
spring. + SPECIAL RATES FOR IBA MEMBERS +
connect Page six
October 2002
New IBA stand shows
it’s all about people
Business is about people and the new
IBA display stand reflects this featur-
ing dozens of faces from various
recent meetings - and the local com-
mittee. The stand had its first outing
at the ATP event in Inverurie Town
Hall on Sept 9.
Our picture show IBA member, Willie Lippe,
checking it out with Laura Black who
recently joined ANM Group, Thainstone, as
events manager.
Social economy thrives in Garioch
The social economy is a thriv-
ing and growing collection of
Funding from the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership Local SE
has enabled a Social Enterprise Network to be set up
organisations that exist
between the traditional private locally. Linda Singer reports on the social economy groups make
and the impact on the Garioch.
their mark
sector on the one hand and
public sector on the other.
The term Social guishing features are their goods or services (market
social aims and social owner- resources) government subsi- Here are some of the Social
Enterprise has become a
ship combined with trading dies and private donations Enterprise groups operating in the
generic term used for those
viability. (non-market resources) and Inverurie area.
enterprises or organisations
which have a clear social pur- The activities of voluntary work (non-monetary Computers and Integration, set up
pose and which are non-profit social enterprises are resources). to provide access to computers and
distributing. Their key distin- financed by a combination of The scale of such computer learning for disabled peo-
earned income for the sale of activity in Scotland is signifi- ple. They are now an approved test
cant. They are estimated to centre for the European Computer
generate a turnover of over Driving Licence and can provide IT
£2bn (about 3% of Scotland’s training for all sectors of the commu-
GDP) employ 100,00 people nity. Contact tel: 01467 623600; email:
(4% of Scotland’s labour cai.inverurie@zoom.co.uk
force) and attract the support
of about 600,00 unpaid volun- AWARE Consultancy Ltd provides
teers. training and consultancy on equality
There is a cluster of issues. They can assist you to devel-
Social Enterprises in the op inclusive customer care, plan rea-
Inverurie area providing a sonable adjustments and avoid
range of services. unnecessary expense, which will
The Social Enterprise help you comply with the Disability
Unit established by the DTI in Discrimination Act and avoid costly
2001 aims to create an litigation. Contact tel: 01467
enabling environment, ulti- 629367: email: awareltd@aol.com
mately making social enter- Gordon Dementia Day Care Group
prises better businesses, is a working example of the commu-
while also establishing the val- nity caring for people with dementia.
ues of a social economy. A committee of local people employ
a paid coordinator to support volun-
teers provide a range of activities for
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK people with dementia giving carers
S is for strong, self-organised members
and family a period of respite.
E is for each one of us making a difference Contact Evalyn Collie tel: 01467 629046:
email: gddcg@msn.com
N is for not-for-profit organisations
E is for empowerment
Fly Cup Catering provides training
T is for taking control for people with disabilities in an
W is for working together industrial kitchen, covering produc-
O is for our community tion and service skills working
R is for risks
K is for knowing the support is there towards employment.
Contact tel: 01467 625645
connect Page seven
May 2002
FOUR PAGES ON INVERURIE LOCAL PLAN
COLIN HEPBURN on the housing debate - over the bypass or over the Ury?
RAYMOND BISSETT gives his vision for the future & how to get there?
KEY PROPOSALS - location of proposed housing & employment land.
WILLIE LIPPE on planning gain - what it is & how it works for you.
East or west - which is best?
The finalised version of the In addition to commercial
Aberdeenshire Local Plan is developments, the Business
now out for consultation, and
Colin Hepburn, a partner Association strongly support
by the time this article has with D M Hall, Inverurie the development of new
reached the printing presses, and a member of the leisure and recreation facilities
the opportunity for objecting to within the town centre, and the
the content of the plan, will
IBA committee discuss- provision of a caravan site
have passed. es Inverurie’s future which is not, so far, included in
However this document will development options the plan proposals. Improving
undoubtedly be the subject of tourism in the area is also
a public inquiry during 2003. vitally important.
Insofar as Inverurie is con- ing town centre as the com- mercial and industrial purpos- The proposals for com-
cerned, the main proposals mercial heart of Inverurie. es. mercial development, howev-
by Aberdeenshire Council will Development of a northern At the present time a plan- er, are unlikely to be satisfac-
involve the development of link road, which would hope- ning and development frame- tory as some of the land iden-
around 250 houses North East fully eventually join up with the work brief has been prepared tified may not be marketable
of Inverurie beyond the Ury old A96 and ultimately onto by the Local Authority for owing to various factors.
floodplain, with possibly 465 the by-pass, would ease traffic Inverurie Town Centre, to The Local Plan is our
additional houses in the years congestion in the town centre. ensure that the vitality of the opportunity to influence the
ahead. The key however to this pro- town centre is continued and Planning process, so let us be
The proposal would also posal, is clearly the construc- enhanced. At the centre of bold in making these deci-
include the provision of a sub- tion of the northern link road. these proposals, are transport sions.
Inverurie has a vibrant
stantial area of employment The community council, in and infrastructural improve-
future. It is the place where a
land at the northern end of the favouring development to the ments as well as redevelop- growing number of people
site identified with a new link West suggests that this would ment of the area to the north of want to come to live, work and
road to be built from the allow traffic to travel to the Town Hall. play.
Oldmeldrum road across onto Aberdeen without travelling
the Rothienorman road. through the town centre.
The alternative proposal Surely, however, as a com-
supported by the community munity, it should be our goal to
council, comprises the strive to develop our econom-
Calabancon development ic base to allow existing com-
west of the bypass. The panies the space to expand
development, would comprise and indeed for new companies
around 750 houses, with some to come to Inverurie and bring
associated retail and commer- their jobs with them.
cial land provided. The only way to address
The consensus view by the the problem of commuting, is
members present at the recent to bring the jobs to the people.
Business Association meeting It is our view, as a Business
on 26 September 2002, was Association, that Inverurie has
overwhelmingly in favour of tremendous potential, both for
development East of the Ury. commercial, industrial and
Although the development retail development.
would be divorced from the It must be a goal of the
existing town by the Ury flood- Local Plan to ensure a consis-
plain, it was felt that this large tency of supply of the basic
area could be developed to raw ingredient for develop-
accommodate a large amount ment, which is land, otherwise
of public open space and there is a very real danger that
development East of the Ury, economic development could
would help to foster a more be stifled as it has been for the
rounded feel to the whole last 10 years or so through the
town, whilst retaining the exist- lack of supply of land for com-
connect Page eight connect Page nine
October 2002 May 2002
Key proposals for Inverurie in the local plan
Contact
Inverurie
‘My vision for our
1
Business
Association
town’s future’ 2
By Cnclr Raymond Bissett
The central point of contact for the
3
IBA is Linda Singer, network devel- The Aberdeenshire Local Plan (A.L.P.) which
9
opment officer, Enterprise North East
Trust, Thainstone Business Centre,
sets out the detailed guidance for new devel-
opment in Aberdeenshire up until 2015 is ‘All avenues must be pur-
8
on 672528. E-mail:
linda.singer@enetrust.com
now “on Deposit.” Regardless of whether
Inverurie expands East or West I believe that a sued so that the jigsaw
Indiividual committee members may
successful Inverurie will require the following to be
put in place. pieces that form a success- 4
be contacted on the numbers listed.
ADEQUATE INDUSTRIAL LAND full community are fitted
Committee This has been lacking since 1992, resulting in a
number of firms going elsewhere. Such land must together in a smooth and
John Glover (chairman)
JH Connon Ltd
be easily accessible and with the owner prepared
to sell as this has been a problem in past years. planned manner’
621406
AN EXPANDED & VIBRANT TOWN CENTRE
Neil Connell (vice-chair) Inverurie presently bucks the trend of many other NEW LEISURE & CULTURAL FACILITIES.
Tesco similar North-East towns and continues to be a Better Library provision, an Arts Centre as envis- 7
667500/667562 popular shopping centre. Inverurie’s success could aged by the Inverurie Cultural Strategy and Town
well be down to the mix of provision (specialist Hall group, a new or enhanced Swimming&Fitness
Heather Cameron shops and nationals) available, and it is important Centre, are all extremely desirable developments
(treasurer/secretary) to try and maintain such a balance, although the for an expanding Inverurie with a modernised Town
Cassie & Co. market will decide. Hall building providing a magnificent focal point for
623311 a magnificent town.
EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Ranald Allan A mix of strategies - better public transport facilities FUNDING
Media Solutions (an enhanced commuter rail link with Aberdeen All very fine but I can hear the question now: How
621146/07802 471 705 is all this to be financed and how much longer do
and Stonehaven which meshes with a modern bus 6
system) with reasonable parking facilities adjacent, we have to wait? The answer, quite bluntly, is that 5
Jackie Allen nobody knows.
to make it easier for the car driver to use public
B’s Knees One thing that is certain is that it will not just
transport.
629400 or happen. A successful conclusion will necessitate
A Traffic Management System for the Town
01651 873270 a corporate effort from all or some of the following:
Centre to reduce congestion is important although I
Nigel Cattanach have no hesitation in saying that congestion is
+ Public Agencies including both the Local Authority and Health
Clydesdale Bank PLC preferable to an economically dead Town Centre
Board - both limited nowadays in what they can provide.
625061 anytime! + Developers through the Planning Gain process.
It is important, however, to ontain and reduce + Grant Aid bodies particularly these funded through the National The schematic above shows the key sites for 3. Uryside: Housing and employment land (Barratt devel-
Richard Cowling the amount of heavy industrial traffic using the mid- Lottery
proposed development of business interest in the opment); Riverside Park; Northern Link Road (Stage 1).
PDC Systems Ltd dle of town except where necessary. + The Scottish Executive and various Government Agencies
629933
including Scottish Enterprise Grampian and Community Scotland. local plan. The deadline date for objections to 4. Souterford Road extension: Employment land.
+ Certain Voluntary Organisations.
HEALTH & EDUCATION FACILITIES. + Private Investment. the proposals was the second week in October. 5. Employment Land.
Colin Hepburn A new Health Centre catering for the promotion of + The Business Community.
DM Hall + The General Public.
Full details of the plan proposals are avail- 6. Thainstone: Employment Land.
Health and Healthy Living as well as treatment of
624393 Illness and providing appropriate integrated Social able at the Garioch Area Office, Aberdeenshire
All avenues must be pursued and, in many 7. Upperboat: Housing Land.
Services provision. Council, Gordon House, Blackhall Road,
Kenny Middler A new Primary School depending on where cases, coordinated so that the jigsaw pieces that
Garioch Blinds Inverurie, or from the council website (see page 8. Golf Club Road: Housing Land.
Housing Development is finally located with plans will form a successfully expanded community are
625494 being developed for the provision of a new fitted together in a smooth and planned manner. 16). 9. Blackhall Road: Housing and Employment Land
Academy either on the present site of the school or This will require commitment, determination, (Malcolm Allan development).
Brian Pack Key to schematic:
on a new site in the area, to provide Educational trust and faith from all those involved. The
ANM Group Ltd Challenge is there and the Inverurie Business 1. Conglas: Employment land & housing land.
623700 facilities appropriate to the Technological advances
of the 21st Century. Association has a large part to play.
2. Town Centre Extension * Drawing and key supplied by Aberdeenshire Council
connect Page ten
October 2002
Inverurie archi-
tect, William
Lippe, explains
Dangers
the term ‘planning
gain’ and the
related issues
of a local
When planning permission is
granted for development of
any significant scale – hous-
ing, commercial or industrial
wish list IBA members met with councillors (above) on
June 13 to ask questions on Inverurie’s future.
uses, for instance – it is · sports/leisure facilities It is required because new an existing community.
increasingly common to find · toddlers play areas development must be properly The planning gain must
that planning gain is involved. · cycleways serviced, and capital finance, be linked to the impact of the
Either as applicants for · local shops which would oth- from both central and local planned new development
planning permission on which erwise be unviable during the government, has been and not the existing shortfalls.
planning gain is levied or as development period restricted in recent decades.
beneficiaries in a community · education facilities Moreover the standards of 5. Affordable housing
on which elements of planning · roads what is required have risen, As with other planning gains,
gain are bestowed, we should · contributions to other public for example as regards the the main need for this arises
all know what it is, what it is transport facilities type of community centre to through increased govern-
not and how it can be used. be provided for new housing. ment controls on funding (ces-
The above are only indica-
tive suggestions. Other items These include a far wider sation of council house build-
1. What is planning gain? range of facilities than was ing).
The term refers to various can be justified in certain cir-
cumstances, while many of common even a decade ago. Unlike the others, how-
kinds of infrastructure which ever, it is not the direct result
developers should provide in the above will not apply in
every case. The most impor- 3. The justification for plan- of the impact of new develop-
association with planning per- ning gain ment.
mission. Some typical exam- tant thing is, normally, not the
number of items, but the Planning gain is designed to Instead, the government
ples which could be associat- compensate, directly or indi- has said that councils can
ed with residential or business amount of gain.
rectly, for the impact of new seek affordable housing
development might include: development. Thus, if it caus- where there is demonstrated
2. Why is planning gain
· affordable housing es congestion on the roads, or housing need, and where the
required?
· community centre in facilities such as existing development can afford the
community centres, then there subsidy (usually a land sub-
is likely to be a basis for a sidy) involved.
claim for planning gain. Hence, the viability of
the development affects the
4. Unjustified gains amount of affordable housing,
It is common for the existing where is does not in the same
community, through its elected way affect the provision of
councillors, to hope that new other planning gains.
development will solve exist-
ing problems. This is unlaw- 6. How to ensure the opti-
ful. mum level of planning gain
Such things as ‘a wish list’ The best approach is to
of desired items (play areas, ensure that the Local Plan
swimming pools etc) are dan- (see Colin Hepburn’s article in
gerous, as they are likely to be May 2002 Connect) has rele-
generated by current short- vant policies in it, and that
falls in the provision of servic- each site likely to generate
es. Such lists are not justifi- planning gain is approached
able as planning gain. in a deliberate way.
However it is perfectly all This means that assess-
right to locate new develop- ments of planning gain are
ment in such a way that it trig- made before any detailed
gers infrastructure which, indi- negotiations with the develop-
rectly, may be of use to exist- ers take place.
ing communities. Planning gain is a com-
This is part of the wider plex issue. Although large
job of land-use planning. amounts of infrastructure
Hence, a new development
can properly be obtained as
may be located in such a way
planning gain, the penalties
as to generate a requirement
for community facilities which for getting it wrong can be
can, incidentally, be of use to quite severe.
connect Page eleven
October 2002
Stress is part of the human condition – in order
to survive and be alert, everyone needs a cer-
tain amount.
Positive stress or pressure can stim-
Stress is NEGATIVE INFLUENCES
- Long working hours
ulate and enhance performance. However, - Management style
long term or excessive stress is counter pro-
ductive and has a negative effect on creativity,
achievement and health.
Everyone has a threshold at which
bad for -
-
-
Insufficient resources
Inadequate training
Poor communication
point the pressure becomes too much. This - Lack of control
threshold varies between individuals and in dif-
ferent situations and at different times.
Research has shown that stress is
business
one of the most common reasons behind sick-
ness absence and that stress may be experi-
POSITIVE STROKES
enced as a result of an exposure to a wide + Improve the physical environment
range of work demands and in turn can con- + Training to meet individual needs
tribute to an equally wide range of health out- + Changes in job design
comes.
+ Involve employees in decision making
So what is stress?
Stress is the reaction that people have to
+ Make time for face to face meetings
excessive pressure or other types of demands + Improve communication channels
placed on them. It arises when they worry that
they cannot cope.
The feeling of “not being able to organisation can include higher absenteeism,
cope” is a common denominator in any defini- HR practitioner, Jane Hepburn, staff turnover, low production and missed tar-
tion of stress and it is important for employers explains how stress can damage gets, poor decision making and frequent mis-
takes.
to note that stress is not confined to managers,
it is common among all levels of workers. your business. There is no single solution to pre-
venting harmful levels of stress in organisa-
Pressure can be a good thing when action to remain competitive employees can be tions. Solutions will be unique to the culture
it helps to provide motivation and stimulation. It placed under considerable pressure. and practices of organisations. At the heart of
becomes a problem when it leads to stress, It may not always be possible to pre- any intervention is good management which
resulting in ill health or an employee’s poor vent stress associated with job insecurity and shows a consideration and respect for the peo-
performance, and sickness absence can mean work intensity but employers must become ple who work in the organisation.
lost productivity. That’s why stress is bad for more aware of factors they can control in the More information from the Health Education
business. workplace that can lead to stress Board for Scotland (www.hebs.com) & Health
As organisations change and take If left unaddressed the impact on the &Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk)
T H E M E L D R U M H OUSE E X P E R I E N C E
HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
Experience the warm hospitality and welcoming log fires
Experience the 14 individually styled en suite rooms
Experience the quality of our food & service
Experience the perfect setting for your special celebrations
or family occasion
Experience the challenge of our 18-hole championship
golf course (residents only)
To treat yourself to a new experience contact:
Meldrum House, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire AB51 0AE. + Tel: 01651 872294 + Fax: 01651 872464
e-mail: dpmeldrum@aol.com + website: www.meldrumhouse.com
+ SPECIAL RATES FOR IBA MEMBERS +
connect Page twelve
October 2002
Inverurie can be a Are we selling a
blooming town vibrant 21st
During the summer of 2002
flower baskets and window
boxes once again adorned the
By Jim McColl of the BBC’s
Beechgrove Garden
Century town?
Marketing is often regarded by
front of Inverurie Town Hall and and the drive towards not only By Jackie Allen of Bee’s Knees
not before time some would repeating the exercise at the businesses as an unnecessary
argue! Town Hall but perhaps increasing principle, but marketing is about of service, cultures, individualism
With the moves to light up the the number of displays along finding your niche or unique sell- etc. and expect much more from
square for Christmas, it seemed some of the main shopping ing point (USP). the retailers in this country in
a logical step to restore the sum- streets which radiate from the The idea is then to get your terms of style, presentation and
mer display. square. message across in a style that will service.
In the main thanks are due to Following on from the experi- attract new customers or pitched A large majority of people auto-
members, family and friends of ences of other towns and vil- in such a way as to make your matically opt for Aberdeen as their
the Rotary Club of Inverurie who lages, the way to proceed could existing customers see you in a main shopping option and only
organised, financed and main- be to form a ‘Bloom Committee’ different light. when they can’t find it do they
tained the displays. Particular to co-ordinate and run the Marketing Inverurie in the past come out to Inverurie and wonder
mention must be made of Pat scheme. as been based on the “town why they didn’t try us first!
Mitchell, once again the driving Just think, in a year or two’s comes to the country” principle. It is our responsibility to make
force behind the time, Inverurie Our USP was good old fash- them aware of the wide range of
project. Euna Scott, chairman might just feature ioned country service, reasonably modern products and services and
Indeed, the old of Perth in Bloom in the Britain in competitive pricing and the relative events we have on offer.
saying about ‘lead- which, once again, won Bloom Awards! proximity made coming to Shopping in Inverurie has its
ing from the front’ the ‘Large Town’ cate- Such a commit- drawbacks, the parking situation is
Inverurie a nice “wee jolly for the
surely applies in his gory in Britain in Bloom tee would be non- still a major problem, and there is
toonsers”!
case; the front of the will be the main speak- political, voluntary I believe the Inverurie of today, a case for pedestrianisation adopt-
Mitchell family shop er at the next meeting and self-financing. while importantly still maintaining ed in so many town centres
in the corner of the of Inverurie Business It would organise these strengths and characteris- across the country.
square is always a Association at the Barn the acquisition of tics is very much a busy thriving Safety, family friendliness and
great riot of colour in ‘n’ Bushel at 7.00pm on baskets, the dis- town of the 21st Century. access for the disabled are all
summer. It’s not October 31. plays and mainte- We must move with the times areas where even small improve-
easy to say ‘no’ to nance, financed by when marketing Inverurie, as ments could encourage new cus-
Pat! grants and spon- Inverurie itself is changing and tomers.
Where two or three of like mind sorship from individuals and growing and the lifestyles and Looking to the future, shopping
are gathered together, much can traders in the area. shopping patterns of our cus- patterns are changing as peoples
be achieved. We see that each The committee would control tomers are also changing. lives and routines change. The
year as the Beechgrove Garden the purchase of materials, plants Whether working separately or fact that so many women work,
team travels round Scotland get- and all equipment and it would combining, through vehicles like shift work, job sharing, flexi time,
ting involved in Community organise the initial annual plant- the IBA, if we capitalise on our and the huge shift to families
Garden projects from the ing. strengths for our core customers shopping on Sundays have all
Borders to the Northern Isles. The major commitment and by using a different marketing influenced changes on the high
They are most enjoyable expe- through the season is watering emphasis, we can attract new cus- street.
riences characterised and made and tidying up the displays. tom to the town. The population in the U K is an
memorable by the people who It would therefore be neces- We must not forget either that a ageing population so simple
work tirelessly on behalf of their sary to draw up a budget to be large number of customers travel changes such as more seating in
fellow citizens to better the envi- able to acquire the equipment to work in Inverurie and as a rela- shops, areas for leaving shopping
ronment in which they live and necessary to streamline this tively captive audience are we etc. may all be accepted services
work. operation. In addition, a rota of doing enough to attract them to in the future.
The fact that we are there and competent and conscientious shop not only in their lunch hour If we work together we will all
can bring a bit of recognition to individuals would be necessary but to come back as a family in benefit, the customers, the
their efforts is a bonus and not to carry out the work. their leisure time? employees and, in turn, the busi-
only rewarding but surely when At the outset, discussions with Consumers today are very nesses of Inverurie will be more
shown on the TV, it will encour- Local Authority representatives streetwise and are sophisticated successful.
age others to try to emulate that would seek support for the initia- shoppers. They are travelling all Shopping is an experience so
success. tive and agree potential sites for over the world, experiencing differ- lets make shopping in Inverurie
And so to Inverurie displays. ent shopping environments, styles “an experience for the better”.
Building Business Profiles
Press releases + Media strategy
Specialist articles + Photography
Publication planning + Editing
Ranald Allan Media Solutions
PO Box 97, Inverurie AB51 3WW
Tel: 01467 621146 or e-mail: rams@btclick.com
connect Page thirteen
October 2002
Ten local businesses Unlocking the
potential in
to get growth advice women
Launched in April 2001 the Women Into the
Network (WIN) initiative aims to increase the
Independent development reviews are now avail-
able for the Inverurie businesses with the greatest Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership has cre- number of women owned businesses and
potential for growth. ated a fund to provide free development unlock the huge potential within Scotland’s
The IBA/ATP Inverurie business survey reviews for companies with strong growth businesswomen.
showed that many businesses are experiencing A series of Business and Personal
potential. Graeme Rigg, senior business Development Seminars are planned locally to
high growth levels and are forecasting future
expansion. History has shown that managing development executive, explains. assist women in the creation and better man-
growth can be as problematic as managing down- agement of their business.
turns in trade. know their place and recognise that it is the busi- The events target women thinking about or in
Funding has been secured from ATP to nesses management who clearly know much more the process of starting a business, as well as
provide up to 10 Inverurie businesses with reviews about their business than they will after 4 days. businesswomen running companies up to
of their operations. This is a programme, which is The consultant has however seen many three years old.
being trialed first in Inverurie as a result of interest previous businesses and is therefore in a position Meetings take place in a friendly and relaxed
shown by the IBA. to advise on best practise and can be an effective environment, and open up the opportunity to
The review consists of a consultant visit- sounding board. network and talk to like-minded people.
ing the business for four days, spending time look- The focus on day to day operations and Research undertaken recently by IBM
ing at many aspects of the operation and if ‘fire fighting’ can often mean that businesses are showed that founders of new firms are more
requested focusing on a particular areas which the forced to put long term strategy to one side and likely to be women than men and that
business deems to be of particular importance. this is an area where consultants can be invalu- employment in women-owned businesses is
After the review is complete, the busi- able. It should also be said that Non-Inverurie per- growing more rapidly than in businesses run
ness will be issued with advice and an action plan sonnel will undertake business reviews and all by their male counterparts.
in order to help focus future efforts. findings of the reviews are confidential. Membership of the Women Into the Network
Most large corporations use outside Ten Inverurie businesses will be able to programme and participation in all seminars
consultants on a regular basis but it is recognised participate in this programme. This is a great and training is free.
that some businesses may have some reluctance opportunity since none of the costs of the reviews Seminars will generally be held at 6pm for
and see an outsider coming onto their premises. It will be passed to participants. 6.30pm start – 9pm. Light refreshments will
is important to try to expel these fears. Participant businesses must be seen to be provided at seminars and full details can
The value of the review is that the inde- have growth potential and must be enthusiastic be found on
pendent consultant has no ‘baggage’ and can about being involved. If you are interested, please www.scottishbusinesswomen.com or email
often get a more accurate picture than company contact Graeme Rigg, Aberdeenshire Council win@enetrust.com
insiders can. Professional consultants should 01467 672536.
Kintore Arms
KA Hotel
83 High Street, Inverurie
Tel: 01467 621367
SUNDAY CARVERY
12noon - 8pm - £6.95
The Inverurie Car Centre Choose from 2 Home Made Soups and 3 Roasts
Fantail of Melon, Scotch Broth
or Home Made Soup of the Day
Make your way to I & K Motors and choose from
over 150 new, almost new and used cars. It’s an Roast Beef, Roast Turkey & Honey Roast Ham. Have a slice of
each accompanied with Roast and Boiled Potatoes, Fresh
established fact that cars cost less at I & K. The Vegetables, Stuffing & Yorkshire Puddings
I & K Service and MOT Centre provide a service
High Teas - served 5 - 7pm
second to none, with courtesy loan cars provided. Main Course, tea/coffee, toast,
Make your way to I & K - our reputation means a scones and home bakes
GREAT deal.
Lounge Serving Bar Suppers
5om - 9pm Mon - Fri
I & K Motors, The Inverurie Car Centre, Bar 12noon - 9pm Sat - Sun
Burghmuir Way, Inverurie.
Tel (01467) 624500 EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISED FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
MENUS NOW AVAILABLE
www.iandkmotors.co.uk
connect Page fourteen
October 2002
Reaching out for Can your business help?
skilled support Computers & Integration (recently
changed name from Computers and
Integration for the Disabled) have been
needs several new members in order to
develop the service.
Contact tel: 01467 625278 email:
Voluntary organisations throughout Grampian urgently able to purchase the laminator they tab@respite.fsnet.co.uk
require volunteers from all walks of life with a wide range wanted thanks to a donation from the
of skills. If you have business experience and time to Inverurie & District Ladies Circle. A Gordon Disability Action (GDA) offers
spare, why not offer your skills to a voluntary organisa- grant awarded earlier this year through a number of activities including a
tion. the Scottish Enterprise Community Disability Information Service (currently
The charity REACH provides a free service to volun- Challenge Fund has enabled C & I to working with Ian Will to set up a display
tary organisations by placing people who wish to volun- become an accredited training and test of equipment to aid disabled people).
teer with organisations where their skills and experience centre for the European Computer The Information Service is keen to
will be of benefit and help the voluntary organisation to Driving licence (ECDL). They will be able upgrade the computer they have and
develop and expand. to offer this service to disabled and non- would like advice on software and setting
Let REACH find you an interesting part-time or just disabled people. up a database. The main organisation is
occasional placement in your home area. As a volunteer Contact tel: 01467 623600 email: keen to find someone with an under-
your expenses will be covered and you can expect great cai@zoom.co.uk standing of finance to give advice and or
personal satisfaction from using your expertise to help a join the Board.
worthwhile cause. Advocacy North East was able to pro- Contact tel: 01467 629909 email: yvon-
REACH operates through a network of voluntary area duce an induction pack for their volun- nemacdonald@ecosse.net
managers and the area manager for The North of teers thanks to a grant from UVAF
Scotland is Colin Milligan who is based in Turriff. Colin (Unemployed Volunteer Action Fund). The Gordon Dementia Day Care
has placed volunteers with business experience with vol- Philip Eden (ex Shell employee) has Group offer activities and support for
untary organisations such as Young Enterprise Scotland, joined Advocacy North East’s board hav- people with dementia with one group
Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and Advocacy ing been introduced to the organisation member being supported to write her life
North East. He has many other positions available with through REACH. story. They would like to secure funding
a wide range of voluntary organisations in the area. Contact tel: 01467 622674 email: advoca- to support other group members record
If you are interested in volunteering please contact cyne@btconnect.com their stories and their management team
Colin on 01888 568855 and he will send you a Volunteer would like support from someone with a
Registration Form and explain to you the registration Support from business as advisors or legal or insurance background.
active board members is needed by a Contact email: gddcg@msn.com
arrangements. From the details you provide you will be
sent details of voluntary positions which may be of inter- number of local groups.
est to you and only when you confirm that you are inter- Groups can be contacted directly or through
ested will the voluntary organisation be given your name. Take a Break Respite Care Scheme the Gordon Volunteer Centre:
Being a volunteer means you decide how much time provides a sitter service for all ages and Liz Robertson 01467 626060 email:
you can spare or when you are available. For more organises several play schemes for chil- office@vbinverurie.fsnet.co.uk
information on REACH visit: www.volwork.org.uk. dren with special needs. The board or through linda.singer@enetrust.com
Inverurie’s No 1 independent Builders Merchants
BUILDERS MERCHANTS
Sand, Cement, Blocks, Gravel
Slates & Slabs
Head to Toe Safety Wear
Gas and Coal
Dulux Decorator Centre
Visit our new Bradstone display area
Delivery service
GPH Builders Merchants, Harlaw Road, Inverurie AB51 4FH
Tel: (01467) 621926 Fax: (01467) 629098
PART OF THE J H CONNON GROUP
connect Page fifteen
October 2002
Small company tax break is New Arts strategy
for Aberdeenshire
not quite what it seems - IBA response
The IBA has confirmed its support for the devel-
To Incorporate or not. on the CO2 emissions.
opment of Arts and Culture initiatives within
Much has been printed in the
press recently regarding the More It is worth noting that
vans are still charged at only
Inverurie and Aberdeenshire.
But the association had concerns that the new
taxing
new tax breaks afforded to £500 (£350 over 4 years old)
Arts Strategy proposed by Aberdeenshire Council
small companies whereby p.a. and a wide range of
was unnecessarily complex.
companies with profits under vehicles meantime qualify as
£50,000 pay tax at Nil % on
the first £10,000 profits.
times a van.
There are further
Concerns were also expressed that the new
strategy might lead to slow decision making and
have a negative impact on existing activities.
However people should changes coming in the way
be aware that the effective Heather Cameron that car fuel benefit is
The IBA emphasised that ‘Arts and culture’
FCCA, a partner in should not be seen as “high brow” and must
rate of tax on profits assessed and all company
embrace and encourage the widest definition.
between £10,000 and Cassie & Co, high- car drivers should consider
“It is important to encourage arts, crafts, music
£50,000 is 23.75%. A com- lights the latest whether they would be better
and writing in the widest sense,” stated the IBA
pany with profits between off to supply their own fuel
£50,000 and £300,000 will income tax changes. and reclaim business fuel
response.
“It is vital to create a favourable environment
pay tax at 19% on all these from their company at Inland
for arts, music, writing, etc to flourish. A vibrant
profits. are being transferred, Revenue agreed rates rather
arts community could benefit the local economy
So not as straightforward whether there will be good- than having fuel provided by
through tourism and rural employment.
as it seems. will on the transfer, the posi- their employer.
“Imaginative, flexible thinking will be required
Trading via a company tion with company cars and by Aberdeenshire Council to encourage such rural
gives greater flexibility in a range of other matters. Miscellaneous
development.”
helping to reduce the total Many of you will have seen
The IBA response stated that the association
tax bills as income can be in Company Cars the advertising campaign on
might provide a “bridge” between arts and busi-
the form of salaries, or divi- The days of the company car television recently regarding
ness and might provide advice to arts groups in
dends on which there is no being a “perk” of the job are the working family tax cred-
the areas of business planning and marketing.
national insurance payable. effectively over. its, and disabled persons tax
The association feels it is important to recog-
A planned transfer from Benefits are calculated credits.
nise and promote cultural activities to young peo-
the soletrader or partnership on the list price of the car As I mentioned in this
ple and encourage their participation in imagina-
is essential and it is impor- when new, irrespective of column in May these bene-
tive ways.
tant to consider carefully the age of the car with the fits are to be paid by employ-
The IBA also supported the idea of an annual
which assets and liabilities percentage charged based ers as of April 2003.
Civic Week to promote the culture of the area.
Offices to let: 39 West High Street, Inverurie
Situated in the heart of Inverurie, above Will Chemists, these
office premises comprise the first and second floors of a tradi-
tional granite and slated 3-storey buiding.
The building is presently being refurbished to provide a range
of individual offices including astaff room and toilet facilities.
The offices will be double glazed with gas central heating.
The offices can be let as a whole or as individual units.
The rent will be in the region of £10 per sq foot.
Viewing by arrangement with Ian Will (Tel: 01467
620475 - business hours)
Full details from:
Campbell Connon, Solicitors & Estate
Agents, 26 Albyn Place, Aberdeen
(Tel: 01224 585585)
connect Page sixteen
October 2002
Important diary dates
October
11: In Service Day (Academy)
14 – 28: School Holidays
21: Community Council Meeting
23: WIN seminar on Presentation Skills (Portlethen)
29: Garioch Area Committee
31: IBA open meeting – Barn & Bushel 7pm
(Inverurie in Bloom)
November
05: Social Enterprise Network (funding application
workshop Opt.In Centre 10am – 1pm)
15: In Service Day (Academy) The IBA meeting on June 24 turned the spotlight on
18: Community Council Meeting tourism. The main speaker was Ian Dunlop (second from
19: Garioch Area Committee right), chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist
20: WIN seminar – Christmas Fayre (Inverurie) Board. He is pictured with IBA chairman John Glover,
IBA business meeting – Barn & Bushel 7pm councillor Raymond Bissett and John Begg (left) of
(date to be confirmed - see local press) Caledonian Heritage Tours.
December February
18: Garioch Area Committee
01:Switch on Christmas Lights
19: WIN seminar – Networking Event (Ellon)
16: Community Council Meeting
10: Garioch Area Committee
23 – 3 Jan. School Holiday March
11: Garioch Area Committee
January 19: WIN seminar – Stress Management (Turriff)
06: Start of school term
22: WIN seminar – Personal Development (Aberdeen) April
28: Garioch Area Committee 01: Garioch Area Committee
23: WIN seminar – Creativity in Business (Banchory)
For inclusion in this section contact Linda Singer on 01467 621166
Web sites An instant guide to useful web sites for business
• Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce: • Health and Safety Executive: w w w.hse.gov.uk
w w w.agcc.co.uk
• Inland Revenue: w w w.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
• Aberdeenshire Council: w w w.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
• Institute of Management: w w w.inst-mgt.org.uk
• Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership: w w w.atap.org.uk
• International Trade: t
w w w.radepartners.gov.uk
• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service:
• Job Centre Plus: w w w.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
w w w.acas.org.uk
• Learning opportunities:
• Business Community Connections: w w w.bcconnec-
w w w.learndirectscotland.com
tions.org.uk
• Learndirect Scotland for Business: w w w.lds4b.com
• Caredata: w w w.grampiancaredata.gov.uk
• Patent Office: w w w.patent.gov.uk
• Careers Scotland: w w w.careers-scotland.org.uk
• Reach: w w w.volwork.org.uk
• Chartered Institute of Marketing: w w w.cim.co.uk
• Scotland’s Health at Work: w w w.shaw .uk.com
• Companies House: w w w.companieshouse.gov.uk
• Small Business Gateway w w w.sbgateway.co.uk
:
• Data Protection: w w w.dataprotection.gov.uk
• Step: w w w.step.org.uk
• Department of Trade and Industry: w w w.dti.gov.uk
• UK Online for Business:
• Disability Rights Commission: w w w.drc-gb.org w w w.ukonlineforbusiness.co.uk
• Enterprise North East Trust: w w w.enetrust.com • W omen into the network: w w w.scottishbusiness-
women.com
• Federation of Small Business: w w w.fsb.co.uk
• Search for government grants for businesses:
• Funding for learners: w w w.fundingforlearners.com w w w.j4b.co.uk