Jan 2013 update

My 1st blog post in a while, such has been the busy nature of the Chamber. Best to list updates by month:

Aug – Chamber awarded Investor in People Silver (up from Bronze)

September – Scottish Cabinet came to Renfrew Town Hall

New Recruit started – Alison Fraser from Johnstone High –

November – 9th ROCCO Awards – busiest ever – 483 guests and most awards – 14 – and new trophy – fantastic night – The Winners – http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/news-ROCCO2012TheWinners.asp

We were runner up in UK Chamber of the Year – 2nd time running

December  – we welcomed the BCC Director General John Longworth to Renfrewshire for the 1st time

December – AGM – another successful year – strong finances and members growth

So to 2013….

At the moment we have our annual member survey out – closes 25/1 – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFZT32L   – takes 2 mins to complete

And we have a 25% off deal on plus 1st lunch for free – to all new members that join before end of January – http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/Newmemberoffer2013.asp

In February we have our annual speed networking event – http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/EventSpeedNetworking2013.asp

Plus in Feb we have a high profile event – Independence Cross Party Debate – http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/event-IndependenceDebate.asp

March – Renfrewshire will host all the CEOs from around the UK at the BCC CEO residential at Mar Hall in early March

May – our annual B2B event – Business Matters in Renfrewshire returns – this year a 2 day event – Day 1 8th May – conference – speakers confirmed include Nicola Sturgeon and Tom Hunter – venue Paisley Town Hall. Day 2 – exhibitors and seminars

So lots going on and lots to look forward to / keep us all busy

ps – remember the Graduate Recruitment Incentive we are managing on behalf of SCC / Scottish Government – £3k toward salary of a graduate recruited to a company of <=100 staff, min salary £14K – http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/GraduateRecruitmentIncentiveRenfrewshire.asp

If I can help in any way please get in touch via www.renfrewshirechamber.com – thank you

Regards

Bob Davidson
CEO Renfrewshire Chamber

 

 

July 2012 update from Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Exec Bob Davidson

Our June 2012 lunch was another well attended affair at Ingliston Country Club (Salerno Suite) with Andrew Maclean, Managing Partner with the Clydesdale Bank. Andrew gave an interesting presentation covering his 30 years in the banking industry – tied in with a number of local & global events that have taken place in that time. It was a well received presentation, and a different and refreshing take on what given the current climate can be a tricky subject to talk about. To view pics please click here

Our next networking lunch is on the 30th August at the Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport with speaker Anne MacColl the CEO of SDI – Scottish Development International. To book please click here

The Summer edition 2012 of Business Matters is now out – you can view it online here. The next edition will be Autumn 2012 and out end Sep / early Oct 2012. If you are interested in advertising / supply editorial for the Autumn edition, the deadline is 14th Sep – please see our rate card, full details here.

 

 

Invest in Renfrewshire - a major new council initiative designed to tackle youth employment and support local businesses was formally launched on Mon 25th June. The Chamber encourages all Renfrewshire based members and non-members, of all sizes & sectors, to take a serious look at the programme. If every business signed up the impact would be long lasting and significant. Visit the site for more info – http://www.investinrenfrewshire.com

ROCCO 2012 will be launching soon – the ROCCOs are the annual business awards of Renfrewshire Chamber and are the area’s premier business event. Hosted by Fred MacAulay, the awards this year are on the 16th Nov at the Normandy Hotel. Keep up to date via www.roccoawards.com, we will have new categories this year in addition to our most popular favourites

Regards

Bob Davidson, Chief Exec’ – Renfrewshire Chamber

June 2012 update

Our May Networking Lunch was with Kate Lennon, CEO & Peter Logue, Chairman – of one of our charities of the year – St Vincent’s Hospice on the 31st May at St Mirren FC - pics are here

Our June networking lunch is with Clydesdale Bank, Managing Partner – Andrew Maclean, on the 28th June 2012 at Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton – more info & to book here

Local Chamber Celebrate Affiliation

Friday 4th May 2012

An event to celebrate the affiliation of Dunbartonshire Chamber to Renfrewshire Chamber took place at the Erskine Bridge Hotel on the 1^st May. Around 40 members from across the two counties came together to hear about the benefits of affiliation and network. The official paperwork was signed by both Presidents;  Tom Johnston from Renfrewshire Chamber and Gary Groves from Dunbartonshire Chamber.

Affiliation with Renfrewshire allows Dunbartonshire Chamber members to access the products & services of a fully accredited Chamber including HR & Legal, Health, Merchant Services as well as the association with Scottish and British Chambers. Members from either chamber are encouraged to support local events and network – providing potential business opportunities for the members.

Commenting on the affiliation, Chief Exec’ Bob Davidson said “…we are delighted that Dunbartonshire have decided to affiliate with Renfrewshire. We look forward to sharing our learnings and experience and helping them grow & develop. We aim to do more joint events such as today and give members the opportunity to network and expand their contacts”.

For more info on the Chambers visit www.renfrewshirechamber.com and www.dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk

From Ukraine to Paisley….

Renfrewshire Chamber recently welcomed a delegation from Zhytomyr Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ukraine. The 3 delegates were in Scotland for a business tour and chose Renfrewshire as their first full day in Scotland. Bob Davidson, Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Exec’ spent the full day with the delegation accompanied by multi-lingual member & interpreter for the day, Natallia Hinde – an international business consultant with specialist knowledge of many markets including the Ukraine & Russia.

The morning was spent at Diageo Shieldhall, the world’s largest & fastest Scotch whisky bottling plant. The group were given a presentation by senior member of the site leadership team, Caroline Joss, then a full tour where they saw the world’s no.1 Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, being bottled.

Lunch followed at members Ingliston Country Club in Bishopton, the UK’s top equestrian venue, where a chance meet with marketing manager Brian Main led to a full tour of the facility after lunch.

The group then moved on to world renowned members Rolls Royce at Inchinnan for a presentation and tour with Chief of Manufacturing, Andy Ryley and colleague Mick Gallagher.

Finally the group headed back to the Chamber’s HQ at Glasgow Airport for a private meeting with members of the Chamber Board, where followed an exchange of gifts. Paisley pattern shawl and ties for our Ukrainian friends and in return the Chamber received a special award for encouraging international relations and a hand-made vase, crafted by one of their members.

The Chamber would like to thank Diageo, Rolls Royce, Ingliston and Natallia for their support on the day.  The delegation was very impressed with the warm welcome received and the fantastic selection of businesses that are based in Renfrewshire. They also seen Renfrewshire at its best as the weather during their visit was excellent.                      

Renfrewshire Chamber Annual Golf Competition 2012 – Erskine GC

The 34^th Renfrewshire Chamber annual golf competition was another great success, with just under 50 golfers taking part at Erskine Golf Club on Friday 8^th June.

Apart from a light shower on one hole, the weather held up nicely allowing all the players to enjoy one of the top golf courses in the west of Scotland.

The winning team were Glasgow Airport (below)

and runners up were Phoenix Car (below)

The winning individual was Paul Robinson from Diageo – who also won the longest drive (below)

Runner up was John Sandells from Glasgow Airport (below)

Nearest the pin was won by Alan Watson of Chem Tech (no pic)

The raffle on the day raised £650 that the chamber will top up to £1000, for their charity of the year, St Vincent’s Hospice.

Chamber chief exec’ Bob Davidson, who organised the event said “I would like to thank all the companies that entered a team, supported the event & donated prizes for the raffle. A big thank you to all the staff at Erskine GC for a great event”.

That’s all for now folks – thank you for reading…

Regards

Bob Davidson, Chief Exec’, Renfrewshire Chamber

May 2012 update

Thanks to everyone that supported our b2b event – Business Matters in Renfrewshire 2012. Please take 2 mins to give us feedback on the event – click here. We have 2 sets of pics via our facebook page, here & here

Our May Networking Lunch is with Kate Lennon, CEO & Peter Logue, Chairman – of one of our charities of the year – St Vincent’s Hospice on the 31st May at St Mirren FC, 12-2pm – book here

If you are interested in advertising / supply editorial for the Summer edition of our quarterly magazine, Business Matters, the themes are technology, tourism and leisure. The deadline is 8th June and the edition is issued end of June – please see our rate card, full details here. The Spring 2012 edition of Business Matters is online here.

Our April 26th networking lunch speaker was Martin Stepek, CEO of the Scottish Family Business Association – venue The Watermill  - pics here

Regards

Bob Davidson
Renfrewshire Chamber Chief Exec’

Business Matters in Renfrewshire – your local B2B event

Business Matters in Renfrewshire – 2012
- your local B2B event, 10th May 2012, 9am-4pm Paisley Town Hall

 

http://renfrewshirechamber.com/event-B2B2012BusinessMattersinRenfrewshire.asp

Please support your local B2B event – the event is free to attend and all are welcome (all businesses, entrepreneurs, career changers, students – all welcome – you do not need to be a member to attend). Please share this email with colleagues.

Free to attend, 30 exhibitors & 10 seminars plus keynote speech from Minister for Local Government & Planning, Derek Mackay MSP

Seminars:

Key Note Speech: Scottish Government Minister for Local Planning & Government, Derek Mackay MSP
9.30 – 10.30 Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Renfrewshire Council seminar – Invest in Renfrewshire
10.45 – 11.30 – Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor - more info / just register me – click here

Renfrewshire Council seminar – Trusted Trader
11.45 – 12.30 – Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Renfrewshire Council seminar – Regeneration & Development
12.45 – 1.30 – Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor – more info / just register me - click here

Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan – What it means for Business – from The William Tracey Group
1.45 – 2.30 – Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Employment law for business: What do you need to know? – from bto
2.45 – 3.30 – Alexander Wilson Suite, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Crowdfunding – A Blooming Revolution from Bloom VC
10.45-11.30 Loggia, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

What’s the difference between management and leadership?- from Dr Stuart Paul of UWS
11.45 – 12.30 Loggia, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Coaching People to Perform – from On Track Training
12.45 – 1.30 Loggia, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Social Media – The Good, The Bad and The Downright Mad – from NSDesign
1.45 – 2.30 Loggia, 1st floor – more info / just register me - click here

Love Your Brand from Branding Boutique
2.45 – 3.30 Loggia, 1st floor – more info / just register me – click here

Examples of companies exhibiting include:

Renfrewshire Council – various departments
Business Gateway
Renfrewshire Chamber
Scotia Marketing
NSDesign
PCR Business
Reid Kerr College
University of West of Scotland
Campbell Dallas
The Cosmopolitan Normandy Hotel
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Bibby
St Vincent’s Hospice
Ferguson Imaging
SQA
The William Tracey Group
Sabre
Dark silence
Engage Renfrewshire
Skills Development Scotland
Prolife Fitness
SPT
Skills Development Scotland
Kibble

hashtag for the event is #b2bpaisley

April 2012 update

Our April 26th networking lunch speaker is Martin Stepek, CEO of the Scottish Family Business Association – venue The Watermill – book here

Our March 29th networking lunch with Andrew Malcolm, Chief Executive of The Malcolm Group attracted 70 guests at The Lynnhurst. See pics here

The Spring 2012 edition of Business Matters is now out, view it online here. Summer 2012 edition is due out end June – deadline is 8th June for ads & editorial  – please see our rate card, full details here

We have a number of events coming up post Easter including:

HR Forum with MacRoberts – “Data Protection in the Employment Arena” – FREE
Tuesday 24th April 2012 Read more

Doing Business with Renfrewshire Council Wednesday 25th April 2012 Read more

April Networking lunch with Martin Stepek, CEO of the SFBA Thursday 26th April 2012 Read more

We are exhibiting at B2B Scotland Thursday 26th April 2012 Read more

Business Matters In Renfrewshire 2012 – Your Local B2B Event Thursday 10th May 2012 Read more (we have a few exhibition spaces left, all seminar spaces are booked)

Doing Business in China Tuesday 29th May 2012 Read more

Chamber Golf Day, Erskine GC Friday 8th June 2012 Read more

We are exhibiting at Business Scotland 2012 Thursday 14th June Read more

As always if you want to know more about how to get the most out of your membership, are interested in joining or just want a chat about doing biz in Renfrewshire – get in touch, anytime…

Regards,

Bob Davidson

Chief Exec’ – Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce
www.renfrewshirechamber.com

March 2012 update

Jan & Feb gone in a blink. A hint of Spring in the air maybe? – the midges were certainly hovering last night!

25 members took advantage of the 25% off deal we had in the New Year – so welcome new members.

The Chamber recently won it’s 4th award in the last 12 months – we were a finalist in the Renfrewshire Quality Awards

To see our other awards across 2011 / 2012 – go here

We have many events coming up… here is a selection, many are free. If you cannot attend, perhaps a colleague can? Remember our events are an opportunity to learn & network. If you are looking for an intro at an event – just ask a member of the Chamber team…

Export Forum Wednesday 7th March 2012Read more

Boosting your Organisation’s Performance with UWS Paisley – FREE
Wednesday 14th March Read more

Raise Your Profile Without a Budget Tuesday 20th March 2012 Read more

March Networking Lunch with Andrew Malcolm CEO The Malcolm Group
Thursday 29th March 2012 Read more

Poland: Trade and business opportunities for Scottish companies
Thursday 29th March 2012 Read more

Doing Business in Dubai Friday 30th March 2012 Read more

HR Forum with MacRoberts – “Data Protection in the Employment Arena” – FREE
Tuesday 24th April 2012Read more

Business Matters In Renfrewshire 2012 – Your Local B2B Event
Thursday 10th May 2012 Read more

Chamber Golf Day Friday 8th June 2012 Read more

…. here is a wee video about how “not” to network – an oldy but a goody – that I have used at many events..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNPmhBl-8I

Our online presence across social media continues to grow – if you not already, come and engage with members on twitter / facebook or linkedin – link are:

The Spring edition of Business Matters deadine is approachingit’s deadline – 9th March – there are some great deals available to promote your business. Please get in touch here for more info

As always don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to get the most out of your membership or are interested in joining. For a list of all the benefits that membership brings please visit here

Thank you

Bob Davidson

Chief Exec’ Renfrewshire Chamber
0141 847 5452 / bdavidson@renfrewshirechamber.com