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Connecting | Campaigning| Championing

Winter 2011

Sponsored by

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CONTENTS:

4 New Members

8 People & Performance

12 The V&A at Dundee

14 Meet the Board

16 Let’s Talk Print

18 Member News

22 Agency Workers Directive

23 Ask the Coach

Dundee & AngusChamber of Commerce

enquiries@dundeeandanguschamber.co.ukwww.dundeeandanguschamber.co.ukt: 01382 228545

Cover photograph: offshore wind turbine courtesy of Repsol Nuevas Energías UK

Designed by Creative Graffix.Proofed by Pat Baxter Language Services.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce is proud to acknowledge its Platinum Partners:

A word from the PresidentWelcome to the last ‘Business’ of the year!

The latest surveys confirm that business and consumer confidence remains depressed, and economic recovery will continue to be slow in 2012. It’s not all bad news though, and some sectors are ‘bucking the trend’, with the tourism sector enjoying a good summer and exporters continuing to see growth.

Even though they have to bear down on spending to reduce the deficit, the Scottish and UK Governments can still make a big difference with relatively small investments and DACC will lobby vigorously to make sure that they do by: • investing in affordable housing to support the construction sector• supporting exporters and helping more firms to trade internationally• investing in transport infrastructure and skills• reforming procurement to give opportunities to more local SMEs• reducing business taxes wherever and whenever possible to encourage inward

investment and business start ups.

I would like to thank everyone who has attended our events, given us their feedback and supported us in our campaigns. I would like to extend my gratitude to my fellow Directors and the staff at DACC who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this young Chamber the driven and ambitious business that it is today.

I wish you and your families a truly Happy Christmas and I hope you have a successful New Year.

Best regards

Chris LundieDACC President

mtcmedia

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Pro DistributionPro Distribution is a dynamic Dundee-based company offering direct marketing solutions to small and large businesses. Whether you need the distribution of flyers, magazines or newsletters, either door-to-door or face-to-face, in the city centre, our GPS tracked staff will ensure your items arrive safely and your message reaches its audience. In addition, we offer a number of

new and exciting marketing tools, such as QR Codes; and soon to be arriving, Dundee’s first Ad Bike.

www.prodistribution.co.ukTel: 01382 250280

Pharos Parcelwww.pharosparcel.com provides a quick, online, easy to use service that enables you to send your parcels and documents in minutes to anywhere in the UK, Europe and worldwide. Perfect for busy businesses. Discounted rates – prices to Europe being one of the best found anywhere. Door-to-door service – no wasted time queuing. Central Dundee postcodes – order before

12 noon and your parcel will be collected the same afternoon. Full tracking, insurable service and peace of mind using the world’s biggest carriers.

www.pharosparcel.comTel: 08456 478 479

The Macdonald Rusacks HotelThe Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is within a sand wedge of the 18th hole of the famous Old Course at St Andrews. Stylishly remodelled on a golfing theme, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel offers luxurious accommodation that has been occupied by some of the great names in the game’s history. Their award-winning Rocca Bar & Grill serves up fine food and drink against a backdrop of the world’s

oldest golf course. Magnificent views out to sea take in St Andrews’ West Sands, immortalised in the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire.

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/rusacksTel: 0844 879 9136

As we reach the end of a difficult year for many businesses, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2012. Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce has fresh ideas for the months ahead, and we are continuing to offer 50% off Chamber membership to business start-ups, for that extra helping hand in growing your business. You can look forward to more Master Classes, Explorer Breakfasts and new ideas, keeping things fresh and exciting. A big ‘Welcome’ to the new members over the next three pages, and all of us at DACC look forward to seeing you at events over the coming months.

Cleaning Systems UKCleaning Systems UK provides market-leading expertise in the cleaning, restoration and maintenance of carpets, fabrics and floors. This is coupled with a cleaning machinery and chemical supply facility incorporating repairs and servicing. We have particular expertise in large area carpet maintenance, and in stone, wood and other prestige floors. Our portfolio includes blue

chip clients, flooring manufacturers, large facility providers, hotel groups, nursing home groups; advice and guidance is freely given. Private commissions for training and consultancy are regularly undertaken.

www.cleaning-systems-uk.comTel: 01334 656787

EHS Solar LtdThe growing interest in renewable energy and the desire to utilise the experiences of 17 years in running his building supply business were the motivating factors for George Hood in establishing EHS Solar. ‘The government backed “feed-in tariff” is proving an attractive incentive for anyone looking to invest, particularly at a time when

the banks and other institutions are offering such low returns’, explains George. He added that he is eager to prove the company’s advertising strap-line of ‘Possibly the best investment you will ever make’ to potential new customers.www.ehssolar.co.ukTel: 01382 450008

Jack & Jill’s Cleaning ServicesJack & Jill’s Cleaning Services is a Carnoustie company founded in 2001 by Jackie Law and Gillian Gall, starting in the domestic market and then moving wholly to commercial contracts. The company has expanded and now has a diverse range of eight contracts, including multinational companies such as Bonar Yarns Ltd and Flint Group. The company now has a staff of 30 and

aims to increase new business. Its objective is to continually evaluate their service in order to create a culture of high quality within the staff.

www.jackandjillscleaning.comTel: 01241 859126

Jude Adams – the art of persuasive communicationA range of services to support your business - this includes copywriting from brochures to advertising and PR. Need to effectively contact existing customers or prospect new ones? With proven results in validating client lists and prospecting in many business sectors,

we offer an account management service to handle specific projects. For your French connection, I am fluent in French and versed in French business practice, offering translation and interpreting across many industry sectors.www.judeadams.co.ukTel: 01382 737769

KPMGKPMG’s restructuring team in Scotland operates with more than 140 people across the country. Within our practice we have a highly experienced team of restructuring experts who undertake a wide range of advisory work, including cost reduction and cash management for SMEs and PLCs. Additionally, we have significant experience in both corporate and personal insolvency and provide free

initial consultation on all services. Locally, Barry McKenzie joins the team, bringing with him an extensive background in Banking and Financial Services with responsibility for developing KPMG’s presence in Tayside and the North-east, assisting professional advisors and corporates with all aspects of business finance.www.kpmg.co.ukTel: 01382 562 200

People Growth LLPDo your employees have skills they’re not using? Do you have a system that would identify those people and help them contribute more to your business success? People Growth – based in Broughty Ferry – will help any business capture that potential and strengthen your company’s performance. Every client has its own dedicated project manager on call to work with you and

offer support for the duration of the project. To have a first no-cost conversation about how People Growth can help your business to get the best out of your employees.

www.peoplegrowth.co.ukTel: 07790 881760/0845 260 0079

Membership Matters

RSM TenonThrough a comprehensive suite of accounting and consultancy services, RSM Tenon offers intelligent solutions to a client base that ranges from individuals and entrepreneurially-led owner managed businesses, to large corporations and public sector organisations. With years of experience in the provision of business advisory, financial management, recovery, risk

management and tax services, RSM Tenon is the UK’s seventh largest accounting firm, employing nearly 3,000 people and with offices across the UK. In Scotland our offices are in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Grangemouth, Inverness and Perth, with clients throughout the country.www.rsmtenon.comTel: 01738 450478

P.S. Life Can Be EasyWe are personal development specialists who are passionate about supporting progressive individuals and ambitious companies. Using proven tools and techniques we help them understand how they can operate best to be more productive and fulfilled in all that they do. We help them overcome personal barriers

and procrastination, to create new opportunities for themselves. The world is changing; we must change too or face being left behind, and we can show you how. There has never been a better time to dig a bit deeper and access your true potential.www.PSLifeCanBeEasy.comTel: 08456 529100

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Other New Members:

Graham Pest Controlwww.grahampestcontrol.comTel: 01250 875 555

Kenneth J W RussellTel: 01382 540255

Self Guard Ltdwww.selfguard.co.ukTel: 07528 403725

Team TaskerTel: 07734 324 663

Kerry RobertsTel: 07834 727842

A & S Properties (Dundee)www.asproperty.co.ukTel: 01382 250034

Eurowind (UK) Ltdwww.eurowindholding.comTel: 0131 3326332

NALCO Ltdwww.nalco.comTel: 01698 404760

Number 95www.number95.co.ukTel: 01382 640191

Touching the Thistlewww.touchingthethistle.comTel: 07963 8878804

1 Stop Renewables Ltdwww.1stoprenewables.comTel: 01236 451835

Hospitalfieldwww.hospitalfield.org.ukTel: 01241 872333

Star Lifestyle Managementwww.starcleanservices.co.ukTel: 07414 804733

Chamber East Ltdwww.chambereast.co.ukTel: 01382 201132

Beam Orthodonticswww.beamortho.comTel: 01382 202604

Simpson and Marwick Simpson and Marwick is an award winning Law Firm that advises businesses and individuals nationwide. Harry Boyle is the managing partner of the firm’s Dundee office. Harry has extensive experience of all civil litigation in the Sheriff Court and Court of Session. The Dundee office employment law team is led by Law Society Accredited Specialist Deborah Inglis, who is

instructed by both employers and employees on a range of legal issues including discrimination, equal pay, disciplinary and performance matters, redundancy and severance, harassment and TUPE regulations.

www.simpmar.comTel: 01382 305195

Stirling ProofreadingWhen you ask John Stirling to proofread a document you will be receiving the services of an enthusiastic, hard-working and reliable proofreader. He provides a genuine, high quality service, at a fair price and within an agreed timescale. All work is priced individually. Contact John to discuss your

requirements after which he will give you a free, no obligation quote.

www.stirlingproofreadingservices.comTel: 01383 724143/07761861116

StoneridgeStoneridge Electronics is a leading provider of a wide range of aftermarket products for Workshops and Fleets, including tachograph analysis systems, digital tachographs, workshop equipment, charts, accessories and more. Three decades of design and manufacturing, coupled with their insight and experience, allows them to ensure customers receive exactly what they want:

highly reliable and robust products, backed up by a professional after-sales service. Stoneridge Electronics has direct sales and support locations in the UK, France, Sweden, Italy and Spain, operating in conjunction with our extensive worldwide distribution and service networks.www.stoneridgeelectronics.infoTel: 01382 866400

The VineThe meeting room at the Vine is an incredibly versatile space. Already it has shown its flexibility, having hosted produce launches, art displays, wine tastings and business seminars. Set up primarily in boardroom format where twenty four people can sit comfortably; the space also looks ‘furnished’ even if there are only half a dozen. Extras include Starbucks coffee and

biscuits – all the finishing touches associated with a fine venue. A grade A listed building, dating from 1836 it is only a ten minute walk from the city centre. You can enjoy this impressive set-up at a competitive rate. Email peter@impc.co.uk

www.vinedundee.co.ukTel: 01382 641999

PV solar panels are the technology of the future and one of the smartestinvestments you can make today. A typical installation by EHS Solar willprovide you with a high discount on your electricity bills and a guaranteedfinancial return on your outlay.At a time of record low returns on savings and ever increasing energy coststhis is the best time to take advantage of solar energy technology.

The income from a typical 4kWp installation is shown below.

3429 kWh x 43.3p feed in tariff50% of 3429 kWh - 1714 x 03.1p50% of electric used - 1714 x 012pTotal potential income per annum

Unit B Craigie Industrial Estate, Mid Craigie Road,Dundee DD4 7RH e-mail: info@ehssolar.co.uk

For more information call EHS Solar on

01382 456 911or visit

www.ehssolar.co.uk

Please note: the figures shown are for a typical 4kWp installation on a property with a southfacing roof at a 30 degree pitch and are representative, however each property will be surveyedto show the effectiveness of an installation and the likely level of return.

“Possibly the smartest investmentyou will ever make”.

£1484.76£53.13

£205.68£1743.57

Installers of High Quality PV Solar Panels

Comprehensive Warranty

‘Feed-in Tariff’ for bothBusiness and Home premises

This represents a return on capital of over 12% each year and thesesums are index linked and guaranteed for 25 years through a legallybinding agreement with the power supply companies. For domesticcustomers they are also tax free.

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THIS ISSUE:People &Performance

Edith AdamMirror, Mirror, tell me what you see ... æIT IS THE DAY OF YOUR BIG PRESENTATION, YOU are ready! However, studies have shown that within the first 30 seconds you have made a lasting first impression through your appearance and body language. Your entrance, deportment and outfit are essential: for example, do your clothes overwhelm you or do they complement your colouring, shape or build?

If you think nobody takes any notice of these details, you’re wrong. Your audience may spend up to 30 minutes looking at you, so don’t let poor self-presentation detract from your content. After undergoing a radical makeover 10 years ago and seeing her career take off as a result, Edith Adam started her image consultancy in 2009. Through individual sessions, workshops or presentations, she gives an honest opinion of what people see, and offers, in her inimitable French style, essential advice to improve your look and confidence.

Tel: 01241 859216

HealthyWorking LivesThe Health & Wellbeing Network æHEALTHY WORKING LIVES IS A FREE LOCAL network covering the Dundee, Perth & Kinross, and Angus areas. It’s designed to aid workplaces by helping to identify safety, health and wellbeing issues for businesses, as well as providing access to specialist advice and peer support to make improvements in current performance.

Businesses who join up will attend up to six network events over a six-month period (these are fitted, where possible, around your business needs). At these events, members share issues and successes with other organisations in the network, growing knowledge throughout the group. All members have a commitment to wanting to improve safety, health and wellbeing within their business.

www.healthyworkinglives.com

People GrowthMaking a difference æWHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREAT business performance and an average one?

One key factor that has been identified over the years is the degree of employee engagement. According to the Gallup Organisation, companies that turn in a world-class financial performance have double the level (66%) of employee engagement compared to the those with only average performance (30%).

The same research shows that engaged employees are more productive employees. They are more profitable, more customer-focused, safer, and more likely to withstand temptations to leave the organisation.

The businesses that perform best constantly review their employees and make sure they know what other skills and knowledge are present in their workforce. In an ideal world, managers will be familiar with staff, but this is not always possible and there are often advantages of cost and objectivity in outsourcing this type of service.

People Growth LLP is happy to discuss how this type of approach can help your business.

www.peoplegrowth.co.uk

Michael WoodMaking it happen æMICHAEL WOOD, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AT Dundee City Council sets out his ambitions for ‘Making it Happen’ in Dundee’s schools.

‘There is much to commend the quality of learning and teaching across Dundee schools. Teachers and staff strive to provide a high standard of education for the children and young people in their care. There is a recognised need to raise attainment levels further and to ensure that all learners continue to experience well planned and delivered academic, sporting and social activities.

‘One of my priorities in improving the quality of education across Dundee is to ensure that all teachers and staff are actively involved in the successful implementation of a Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). The CfE initiative represents a significant reform of the Scottish education system, with the aim of providing a more flexible and relevant curriculum for all learners from the ages of three to 18. The central focus in Dundee at present is on the promotion of core literacy and numeracy skills. In addition, an equally strong emphasis is being placed on increasing their understanding of the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Over the coming years, as schools fully implement each area of the curriculum within CfE, we want every child and young person to experience a coherent and relevant curriculum, a broad and well planned education, a quality senior phase of education from S4 to S6, and opportunities to develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.

‘To achieve this, we need to work together with parents and carers, support agencies, stakeholders and the business community. We need to maintain the focus on improving attainment, explain the new curriculum and continue to provide information on the new qualification framework to be introduced in 2014. This will see a major change in the nature and type of qualifications, with the removal of the current Standard Grade examinations and the introduction of National 4 and National 5 qualifications. Major changes are in hand but I am confident that we can all work together to tackle the challenging agenda we have set.’

www.dundeecity.gov.uk/education

The Enterprise GymA first step for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs æTHE ENTERPRISE GYM (TEG) IS A SMALL, independent unit at the University of Dundee, formed to help develop student self-reliance and employability. It is the embodiment of a partnership between the university and the business community to produce enterprising and business-ready graduates.

This is achieved through structured and semi-structured flexible programmes, all undertaken on an extra-curricular basis, that develop business enterprise and entrepreneurship skills. TEG is open and free to all students, but only attracts those who can spot an opportunity and have the drive and stamina to follow it through after a busy day of classes. All of TEG’s accredited and non-accredited programmes are certificated, which allows its students to differentiate themselves from other graduates and have an extra opportunity to impress prospective employers.

The teaching faculty is senior business people and entrepreneurs, allowing the ‘can do’ attitude that marks out successful businesspeople, and that employers look for, to rub off on to the students. TEG is always seeking to form new partnerships with more local businesses, so if you want to help develop the next generation of business leaders, while also making a head start in identifying the best, sharpest and most driven graduates to work in your own business, the TEG team would like to hear from you.

www.enterprise-gym.com

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To join a network or find out more information please contact Sylvia Mudie NHS Tayside Healthy Working Lives team tel. 01382 424135 or email sylvia.mudie@nhs.net

www.healthyworkinglives.com

Could your workplace benefit by being part of a FREE local safety, health & wellbeing network being set up in the Dundee, Perth & Kinross and Angus areas?

The network will help you to:

• identifysafety,healthandwellbeingissuesforyourbusiness

• provideaccesstospecialistadvice

• providepeersupporttomakeimprovementsincurrentperformance

Your commitment will be:

• attendingupto6networkeventsoverasixmonthperiod(wherepossiblefittedaroundyourbusinessneeds)

• beingpreparedtoshareissuesandsuccesseswithpeersinthenetwork

• commitmenttowantingtoimprovesafety,healthandwellbeinginyourbusiness

Health Profits

Young Enterprise ScotlandYES urges local businesses to rise to the challenge æFOR OVER 38 YEARS YOUNG ENTERPRISE Scotland (YES) has been dedicated to improving the future of young people everywhere in Scotland. Designed and created specifically to equip young people with practical business knowledge and skills, and to provide hands-on training, YES has established itself as a leading not-for-profit education organisation, engaging with all young people between the ages of five and 25 years.

YES encourages local businesses and companies across the Tayside region to get involved and aims to strengthen and develop links within the business community and education. Chris van der Kuyl,

CEO of brightsolid, commented, ‘Having been involved with Young Enterprise Scotland for many years, including as Chairman for seven, I am delighted to see the expansion of the school-based programmes which will enable even more young people to better prepare for the world of work’.

If you are interested in making a difference and contributing, contact YES. Educating and investing in the next generation of budding entrepreneurs and encouraging economic growth are vital to the future of Scottish business.

www.yes.org.uk

HEALGet maximum performance from your staff æBUSINESSES LOOKING FOR MAXIMUM performance from their staff should do everything possible to help keep them fit and injury-free. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that muscular and joint disorders including back pain cost UK employers around £600million a year.

Heal Physiotherapy, based in a modern purpose-designed clinic at Dundee’s City Quay offers a range of educational seminars to prevent injury and time off work as well as workplace treatments and rehabilitation programmes.

With eight experienced physiotherapists, Heal is able to provide a wide range of treatments and has an extensive client base covering all walks of life. The highly- trained staff treats and advises everyone from office workers suffering from stiff necks to elite professional athletes. Having formed strong links with SportScotland, the therapists at Heal keep locally-based members of national squads fit for competition.

In addition to specialised physiotherapy, Heal also runs Pilates classes and two massage therapists are on hand to help keep clients in top condition.

www.healphysiotherapy.co.uk

The Infinite GroupBe careful what you feed your mind æGORDON BERRY OF THE INFINITE GROUP discusses having the right mindset to grow your business.‘If perception of your product or service is no different from anyone else’s, then all you are left with is competing on price ... and that is a recipe for disaster.

‘Most of the businesses I work with have seen growth in sales, profits and business value... whilst many around them are lamenting the constant bad news in the media. Be careful what you accept as true from the media. What you feed into your mind will affect your attitude and actions. Your actions determine your results.‘If there is still 80% of the business out there and your competitors have stopped marketing... could you actually be growing your business?

‘Once you have got your mindset in the right place there are some clever, important steps to put in hand. Adjusting your mindset is a good beginning.’

www.the-infinite-group.com

It is targeted at small and medium-sized businesses that can benefit from the flexible leasing structure. Rentals are all inclusive of rent, service charge, buildings insurance, cleaning of common areas and heating/lighting. In most instances, companies can benefit from the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus scheme, including 100% rates relief. The centre is not manned, but telephones and business grade broadband lines can be provided. Viewings can also be arranged remotely in conjunction with Murphy Young Business Centres, who have been employed to manage the centre. www.james-keiller-estates.com

æTHE PROMINENT BUILDING FORMERLY OCCUPIED by Real Time Worlds at 152 West Marketgait has gained a new lease of life following the opening of the Marketgait Business Centre on the second floor. It is only a short walk from the city centre, Dundee’s vibrant cultural quarter and the University of Dundee.

Initially, nine contemporary suites offer flexible offices that can also be used as studios or labs. Sizes range from 168 sq ft to 696 sq ft, allowing accommodation for between two and ten people. A larger open plan section has been retained, which will form phase 2, or alternatively, can provide a large office for a single user. The building has a lift and is Disability Discrimination Act compliant.

Marketgait Business CentreOpen for business

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‘Everyone is looking forward to the opening of the V&A at Dundee in 2015. But, apart from a great new building, what will be the full effect of the V&A? I think it will be really positive, and I want to explain why.

‘It is already giving people greater confidence about the city’s future. Chamber members can see the potential for the V&A to boost the city’s profile and its prospects, and they are excited about Dundee being ‘on the map’ in a way it hasn’t been for a very long time. The building design excites many people, but it is also the V&A effect: a globally recognised and renowned brand wants to be in Dundee, and that gives people an enormous amount of pride.

‘There will be short-term benefits during the build phase: hundreds of people employed in construction plus designers, architects and consultants who visit the city to work on the project and spend money here.

LESSONS FROM BILBAO AND THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM‘Comparison can be made between the impact that the Guggenheim Museum had

in Bilbao and what the V&A might bring to Dundee. Although there are differences between the two cities and their situations, there are enough similarities to make me believe Dundee will enjoy the same range of benefits as Bilbao and, in some cases, may actually get more.

‘A striking similarity between the two cities is that the Guggenheim was built as part of the wider redevelopment and regeneration of Bilbao. The same is true of the V&A, which is only one part of the transformation of Dundee that is underway or planned through the Central Waterfront Project (CWP). Linking into bigger redevelopments providing good infrastructure seems to be essential if projects like the V&A at Dundee are to succeed.

‘Bilbao is a much bigger city than Dundee and its regeneration is much more extensive than what is planned for Dundee. Bilbao had five or six separate redevelopment projects, each of which was on par with the CWP in Dundee. Also, the Guggenheim immediately established itself as one of the world’s most iconic buildings. It captured the imagination in a way that few modern buildings do. Quite literally,

people visit Bilbao to see the building. So, it is highly unlikely that the V&A will get a million visitors a year in the way that the Guggenheim has.

‘But Dundee’s regeneration plans are big by any standards and the V&A name and Kengo Kuma design will still make the V&A at Dundee a major draw. The biggest cultural attractions in Scotland draw around a million visitors a year. The McManus Galleries in Dundee attracted 200,000 visitors in the first year following its refurbishment. I can’t see why the V&A won’t attract at least 300,000 to 400,000 visitors a year, with many of them coming from the rest of Scotland and the UK.

And we can expect that the much touted arrival of the Malmaison hotel chain in Dundee will be followed by the arrival of other premium leisure brands, making Dundee and Angus an even more attractive destination for visitors. Nor, given the scale of other leisure and cultural attractions we can offer visitors, is there any reason to suspect that many of these visitors won’t stay here for more than a day. Bilbao can’t boast two Open Championship golf courses on its door-step. That means an annual

windfall for local hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops, and in turn for the firms that supply them.

THE WIDER ECONOMIC IMPACT...BIGGER STILL‘One of the key features of Bilbao’s experience is how the city and the wider regional business landscape has changed since the Guggenheim opened. We know this from the work done by Dr Beatriz Plaza, an economist at the University of the Basque Country. When she spoke at a conference at the University of Dundee she highlighted how there has been a great deal of diversification and growth across a wide range of business sectors in Bilbao. Employment in the hotels and restaurant sector increased by nearly 25% over a ten-year period, but the proportion of the total local workforce employed in that sector actually fell because so many new jobs sprung up in other sectors. That suggests to me that the Guggenheim and the wider regeneration initiatives grew and broadened the entire economy. What has been particularly noticeable is the rising number of firms in what might be called the creative sectors in Bilbao, such as computing/IT, R&D, business services and the professions.

‘Dundee and Angus already has a broad business base. It is already a major creative centre (games and life sciences). It seems inconceivable that we won’t also enjoy a wider business development bounce from the V&A. We were leading UK growth in new business start ups in the creative/digital sectors prior to the economic crisis starting in 2008, so we have form.

‘We will also get a boost because the V&A’s content will be aligned to our creative strengths because the V&A will have such a strong design focus. The exhibitions it presents won’t simply be random pieces of artwork or culture, but resign-related and able to showcase the region’s creative talents.

‘MAKING IT HAPPEN’‘The V&A at Dundee tagline is “Making it Happen”. I am more convinced than ever that the V&A will make really positive things happen for business in Dundee and Angus. I hope that you feel that way too and that you get right behind this exciting project, which really can transform our prospects for generations to come.

www.vandaatdundee.co.uk

The V&Aat Dundeea bright future

Alan Mitchell,

Chief Executive

of Dundee &

Angus Chamber

of Commerce,

offers his

personal

thoughts on

what the V&A

might bring to

Dundee and

Angus.

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0.5 SSE 1,184 16 XOM.US 38.52 0.36 ftO 7.38 0.08 EO 114.25 4.25

bp 398.4 5.50 aMEc 898.50 0.5 cna 307 4.80 DGO 442 5 pMO 1638 20

We were here yesterday, we’re here today and we’ll be here tomorrow – whatever happens to the stock market in the short term. As we are one of the largest independent private client investment managers in the UK, our clients in Dundee and Angus have access to a national resource that is delivered locally. Our own investment managers and financial planners are free to choose from the whole market and so can focus on creating bespoke portfolios for each and every client. Through focusing on fresh, results driven investment ideas and advice, we take great pride in building strong relationships based on trust.

For more information please contact our Dundee office on 01382 317200.

www.brewin.co.uk/dundee

Forward thinking since way back.

The value of your investment may fall and you may get back less than you invested.

Brewin Dolphin is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority No.124444

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce

M E E T T H E B OA R D

Alison Henderson,My Pinkie Promise

Dave Valentine,Angus Council

Kay Gilmour,Angus College

Richard Smyth,Creative Graffix

Help DACC’s Directors and staff plot a course for more growth and successThe Board and the Chamber staff came together with one objective: to put a financially secure Chamber at the hub of a network of alliances and partnerships that:

• provides a strong voice for business • supports regional economic development and growth• improves perceptions of Dundee and Angus• gives everyone the opportunity to share in the region’s success

Building on our strengths and facing up to our weaknessesThere was pride in what DACC has done. Its hard work for members is recognised. It runs excellent events with great speakers, and customer service and membership retention are good. There was no complacency though. The legacy of the ‘old’ chamber still affects perceptions and membership ‘churn’ is above our ambitious targets. We know we can improve our Customer Relationship Management performance to enhance our communications with members and give them more ‘real-time’ information.

Moving forward with confidenceWith the SWOT analysis setting the scene, ideas for new or improved services were explored. They were all only fleetingly touched on but they will be revisited for more analysis and assessment. Not just by the Directors and staff, but by everyone - through focus groups and surveys - who wants Dundee & Angus to have the best chamber of commerce in Scotland. We hope that you will want to play your part in this next exciting part of DACC’s journey.

DiscoverCredit UnionsCredit where it’s due æDISCOVERY CREDIT UNION WAS FORMED IN 2003 and is a locally based, not for profit financial cooperative owned and run by its members. When someone joins a credit union, they open a share account, so called because they become part-owners of the business, with the value of their savings determining how many shares they have in the company. Members’ savings are pooled and used to make low interest rate loans to Discovery members. Every member has an equal vote in the running of the company. Its operations are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, and like mainstream banks, members savings are guaranteed up to the same £85k limit. They can also refer people to a number of Dundee

Partnership supported, free, independent, benefits, money, and debt advice agencies in the city. In the Angus area, Angus Credit Union works with employers of all sizes to offer their staff an easy way to save and an affordable way to borrow and repay, via payroll deductions. Credit union membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Angus, and the largest employers – Angus Council, NHS Tayside and Angus College – have already set up payroll deduction schemes for their employees who are in the credit union.

www.discoverycu.co.ukwww.anguscreditunion.co.uk

Craig Nicol,Thorntons

Dave TudorGlaxoSmithKline

Dougy AgnewHenderson Loggie

Jim Pickett,Liftruks, Vice President

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Platinum Partner

Let’s Talk Print

Let’s Talk Print’s designers will work from a brief to create a proof or redesign basic layout and text supplied by the client.

The company can print both litho and digital depending on the customer’s requirements.

After printing, the work is finished ready for dispatch, fulfilment, mailing or storage.

www.letstalkprint.co.uk

Let’s Talk Signs

The team can produce vinyl, PVC, window, pop-up, 3D letters and a wide variety of signs mounted onto different substrates. They will always take the time to meet you on site to discuss your requirements then provide you with a clear proposal for the finished product.

Transportation and installation of the finished product are always part of the service.

www.letstalksigns.co.uk

Let’s Talk Shred

A secure shredding service is the company’s newest venture.

There are no minimum call out charges and every piece of work is evidenced with a ‘certificate of destruction’, giving customers the confidence that their sensitive information has been disposed of thoroughly in a controlled and secure environment.

www.letstalkshred.co.uk

Let’s Talk PrintPlatinum Partner Profile

Let’s Talk…to Tim Stobbs

When did you start the business?

I started the company in 1986, aged 21, with a £40 per week grant from The Scottish Development Agency.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in those early days?

At the time I started, the industry was going through a period of huge technical change. This meant I had a lot of expensive kit to buy when we had a very small budget and virtually no bank lending facilities. These were the days when a basic computer cost £5000 and a fax machine £1500. Then, as the business started to grow, we inevitably encountered the cash flow challenges that confront so many young businesses.

What changes have you seen in the printing industry in the last 25 years?

When I started there were over 30 printing companies in the Dundee area, no fax, no computers and no email, deadlines tended to be longer and printing was seen as a bit of

a black art. Today only a third have survived, the ones who have accepted change, responded to it and invested.

Nowadays, everyone has a PC or Mac, so while there are far fewer small jobs than when I started, there are far more coming in as print ready files via email. There are more documents being created that need produced, and of course, everything is in colour.

Any useful tips for today’s start‑up entrepreneurs?

I have always believed in investing in machinery and keeping as much work in house as possible. We rarely sub-contract and it is a great source of pride to me that in 2010, after moving premises five times, we purchased our own site and built our factory.

What are your ambitions for the future?

We have enough space to double the size of the factory, so the number one focus is to continue to grow the company throughout Fife, Dundee, Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeen in our key areas of design, digital, print, signage and secure shredding.

We are fortunate that our customers come from all sizes of business and we will endeavour to continue to cater for them now and in the future.

We would like to offer the warmest welcome to our latest Platinum Partner – Let’s Talk Print.

Based in Dryburgh Industrial Estate in Dundee, where they moved in 2010,Let’s Talk Print offer design, printing, signage and secure shredding under one roof. They provide a complete service, giving customers increased efficiency in the buying process and a reduced carbon footprint.

Their growing customer base ranges from sole traders to PLCs. They do work for universities, colleges and NHS departments across Scotland and have contracts to supply four councils.

Let’s Talk Print is a proud member ofDundee’s Trusted Trader Scheme

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Dundee Science CentreInspiring people, sharing knowledge, improving practice æDUNDEE SCIENCE CENTRE’S SCIENCE LEARNING Institute celebrated the first anniversary of its innovative professional development and training initiative in November 2011.

The Science Learning Institute (SLI) has delivered courses to 371 professionals and students in its first 12 months and is a creative partnership between Dundee Science Centre, University of Dundee and Dundee College.

Courses have included the opportunity for local teachers to train with science education specialists from the University of Dundee, and science communication courses are helping industry and academia to engage with the public and excite children about science, technology, engineering and maths.

The courses have seen an impact in the classroom, with teachers feeling more confident and creative, and local scientists have come out of the lab to engage with the public and schools. Science communication courses not only build specific abilities, but enhance key employability skills and confidence.

www.DSCScienceLearningInstitute.org.uk

Dundee HouseFlagship customer centre æTHE CREATION OF A BRAND NEW £34M CITY-CENTRE base for Dundee City Council is one of the most exciting projects to have been undertaken in Dundee in recent years.

For the first time since Tayside House was put up in the 1970s, around 1000 council employees will have a modern, custom-built working environment that is already helping to enhance service delivery.

The new flagship customer centre underlines the city council’s commitment to modernising contact with the public.

Specifically designed to ensure that the public’s dealings with the council are as easy and comfortable as possible, Dundee House offers a bright, open-plan environment for staff and visitors.

A number of local firms were awarded sub contract work by main contractor Lendlease during the course of the construction of the building.

Many of the contractors completing works on the new Dundee City Council HQ donated a wide range of materials which are being used to support a variety of different training programmes in the city, as well as supporting social enterprise activity.

The building was completed in June 2011 after 22 months of work. It includes a mix of both new build and sympathetic refurbishment of a listed industrial building, producing a striking landmark on the Dundee skyline.

www.dundeecity.gov.uk/chiefexec/dundeehouse

Renewables SkillsColleges collaborate in renewables future æALL THE SIGNIFICANT STRANDS OF RENEWABLE energy and sustainability are coming together in Scotland, and Tayside is set to be at its hub. It is estimated that the renewables industry will require £100 billion of investment over the next ten years and our local colleges are investing heavily to be part of this future.

Through Energy Training East (ETE), Angus, Dundee and Perth colleges, along with Dundee’s two universities, are engaging with industry, local government, commerce and port authorities, locally, nationally and internationally. ETE is already far more than the sum of its parts and offers a wide range of options. It provides a one-stop shop to meet the training needs of organisations involved in the renewables sector.

ETE is working closely with Skills Development Scotland and JobCentre Plus, opening doors for apprentices, technicians, undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in a wide variety of areas of expertise. These include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, fabrication and welding, production engineering, control and instrumentation, pneumatic and hydraulic engineering, civil engineering and construction. Should any new company or organisation need training, ETE can call upon all of Scotland’s college resources.

The colleges already have a proven track record working with industry, having collaborated to produce the new HNC/D petroleum engineering programme. An award-winning project involving Dundee College and McGill saw the city-based company make successful inroads into the renewables market. Dundee College established the Sustainable Industries Institute, SI2, to combat a skills shortage in the sector. The college is demonstrating its commitment by pledging nearly £2 million to buy equipment – principally a training tower and turbine – to satisfy offshore energy industry training needs. Angus College is already one of the largest providers of apprenticeship training for the offshore sector in areas of mechanical engineering, welding and design draughting, and renewable training is a natural extension of this through some additional add-ons, such as working-at-height.

Find out more about Energy Training East at www.dundeerenewables.com

SAMHChrysalis Project æSINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1996 THE CHRYSALIS Project in Dundee, founded by the Scottish Association for Mental Health, has helped around 80 people on their individual roads to recovery from mental health problems.

In 2006 Chrysalis changed from being a ‘daytime activity service’ to a ‘training service’ and now delivers SVQ 2 in Horticulture, in partnership with Dundee College, to between 15 and 20 adults at any one time. Their service users are time limited to two years at the project, and in that two years SAMH focuses on barriers to employment and provides structured activity as well as trying to address confidence and self esteem.

Those attending Chrysalis at Dundee College’s Kingsway Campus find a realistic working and college environment that goes a long way to making further education and employment less daunting.

Chrysalis has recently partnered with Dundee City Council in taking over the maintenance and development of Dawson Park in Dundee.

www.samh.org.uk

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Support for your organisation, to grow both your people and your business

Even in tough times, support is available to help grow your business, and the people within it. Here are some organisations which you may find it useful to contact:

Skills Development Scotland: investing in staff is one of the best ways for businesses to give themselves the opportunity to grow. Firms of every size can get help from (SDS) to build a skilled workforce. www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/employer

Scottish Enterprise: break into new markets with help in choosing the right direction, making the right connections, and finding the right support in the foreign market. They can also provide sector-specific help when diversifying into new fields.www.scottish-enterprise.com/newmarkets

Business Gateway: practical help and information both for new businesses and those looking for grow. www.business.scotland.gov.uk

Angus Centre for Enterprise: the centre doesn’t just cater for new businesses, it also provides training and mentoring to well-established businesses, offering a one-stop shop for training, advice and support in enterprise and entrepreneurshipenterprise.angus.ac.uk

Business Link: videos, tools and case studies designed to help you take your business forward. See the most talked about topics, share useful tips with other businesses and find business events and training you can attend. www.improve.businesslink.gov.uk

The Innovation Portal: a small grants scheme which can provide support to Scottish SMEs through grants to investigate the scope for potential larger projects, as well as offering advice on other funding and assistance that may be available. www.innovationportal.co.uk

Investors in People Scotland: IiP Scotland is a people management business tool which aims to help to improve your business’s financial performance, profitability, as well as increasing employee investment and focus. www.iipscotland.co.uk

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service: SMAS can help businesses to grow in a number of ways, and offer many useful services, including a manufacturing review, a diagnostic review of your office layout, helping to addressing barriers to growth and applying new thinking to business challenges.www.scottish-enterprise.com/your-sector/manufacturing.aspx

The Carbon Trust: provides specialist support to help business and the public sector save energy, cut carbon emissions and utilise low carbon technologies. They use a practical approach, focusing on two main areas: cutting carbon emissions now, and cutting them in the future. www.carbontrust.co.uk

Alistair FlemingCitroën Business Centre appoints new local business manager

æFOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS ALISTAIR FLEMING HAS been part of the Citroën Business Centre programme, whose main remit is to develop new customer relations within Dundee and surrounding areas, coupled with an impeccable after-sales structure.

Gummi Kalsi, Local Business Manager, is a recent arrival to the team at Alistair Fleming, and is looking forward to catering for the commercial sector and growing new relationships with clients in and around Dundee. Gummi, who has been in the motor trade for a number of years, has taken the bull by the horns and set about promoting Alistair Fleming as the ‘one-stop shop for all your commercial needs’,

With the commercial vehicle market bursting with offers, the Citroën Business Centre Programme offers a dedicated specialist centre, matched with an impeccable after-sales team who will do their utmost to meet your demands. It’s commercial buying without the headache.

www.alistairfleming.com

Caledonia Housing AssociationA new force in social housing

æDUNDEE-BASED SERVITE HOUSING ASSOCIATION has joined forces with Perthshire Housing Association to form Caledonia Housing Association, one of the largest associations in the region. The new organisation will boast a turnover of over £15 million and be a significant employer in the area. With offices in both Dundee and Perth, Caledonia Housing Association will employ almost 200 staff and own and manage around 4000 properties, with plans to build up to 100 additional housing units within Perthshire and Angus during the next year.

The new housing association will be working within the Montrose and Arbroath areas to build 42 homes for rent after securing funds from the Scottish Government’s Investment and Innovation Fund. In addition a further 54 homes will be provided within the Perth and Kinross area.

www.caledoniaha.co.uk

APP ZONESome useful iPhone apps for the business person on the move:

LinkedIn (free)Take the power of this useful business communication website wherever you go.

Quickoffice Mobile Office Suite (from £6.99)Lets you view and edit Microsoft Office documents.

Dropbox (free)Cloud-based storage system which allows you to upload and download files wherever you are in the world.

NavFree GPS UK & ROI (free)There are several SatNav apps for the iPhone, but here’s a free one which is more than capable of getting you from A to B with the minimum of fuss.

Evernote (free)A clever ‘note management’ system, Evernote helps you remember everything you can think of. Create text, photo and audio notes, and synchronise these with your Mac or PC.

Genius Scan (free / £1.99)Turn your iPhone into a document scanner with this handy app which lets you save scanned documents as JPGs or PDFs.

AroundMe (free / £1.99)Find nearby hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, pubs, parking and more with this really useful little app. The paid version removes the ads.

Parking Aid (69p)Ever forgotten where you parked your car? Or got a ticket because your parking expired and you lost track of time? Parking Aid addresses both these common problems using GPS, the ability to take a photo of where you parked and a reminder which warns you when you’re going to go over time.

1Password Pro (£6.99 / £10.49 for iPad version)Securely store your important information and automatically log you into websites with a single tap.

LogMeIn Ignition (£20.99)Remotely control your PC or Mac from your iPhone. The app also lets you transfer and save files or folders between your iOS device and computers.

DundeeNitrogen CompanyLocal firm going from strength to strength

æDUNDEE NITROGEN COMPANY IS AN EXAMPLE OF a local company which has seen significant year-on-year sales growth, with its ability to offer the customer a cost saving opportunity with measureable payback which greatly helps overcome barriers to market.

Nitrogen is an important industrial gas that has traditionally been supplied in pressurised cylinders. This brings associated financial and environmental distribution costs, as well as safety considerations for storage. A better approach is to generate nitrogen as required at point-of-use and DNC is leading the way in developing and selling this technology.

With a customer base that is already as far flung as India and Pakistan, and still growing, Dundee Nitrogen is a great example of a local business that can achieve great success. As Ved Sinclair, Managing Director, said ‘We know what we have to do to compete on a global scale.’

www.dundeenitrogen.co.uk

Remploy Frontline is a world leader in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) personal protection solutions. The UK-based company has experience developing customised solutions for the world’s military and civilian services.

Frontline’s highly specialised manufacturing skills and the incorporation of the latest advanced fabric technologies are making a real impact on the global CBRN market. Their design and sales teams work in close partnership with customers to provide them with solutions that specifically meet their needs and exceed the most stringent standards. As a result, Remploy Frontline has unique expertise in addressing the needs of the CBRN community.

They are adaptable, able to do small orders for local businesses, offering a wide range of products. They also have marine garments which are produced on site.

Remploy FrontlineUnit 10, Dunsinane Industrial EstateDunsinane AvenueDundee DD2 3QF

Telephone: 01382 825426Fax: 01382 833923

www.frontline.remploy.co.uk

CHAMBERViews

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Gill Whyte of Peninsula Business Services answers your questions on:

Winter Weather Working Rights

In our regular “ask the coach” series, we answer your questions to help you grow your business.Ask The Coach

I have decided to send employees home because business is so slow in this weather do I have to pay them for the hours if they go early?

If it is your decision to send the employees home, either because you are closing the workplace part-way through the day or keeping it open with skeleton staff, you would normally still have to pay the employees for the full day. For full days of closure, employees will still be entitled to full pay unless there is provision in the contract of employment allowing for unpaid lay off.

Can I insist that employees take the time off as holiday if they’re off due to the snow?

Employers can make employees take holiday at times when it suits the business but only if certain advance notice requirements are met. To enforce a holiday, employers must give notice that is equal to twice the length of time that the employer wants to be taken off, e.g. 2 days’ notice must be given for 1 day’s holiday; 10 days’ notice must be given for 5 days’ holiday. Typically, the nature of bad weather means that employers could not rely on this provision for a short notice holiday. However, if the employee agrees to the employer’s suggestion to take short or no notice holiday, this is fine.

My employees have tried everything possible to get into work but all public transport has come to a halt; do I have to pay these employees?

Even though the employee’s absence is through no fault of their own, an employer has no obligation to pay an employee if he fails to turn up for work because public transport is not running, or for the hours missed if he turns up late. Whilst there is no obligation, employers may wish to be accommodating in this circumstance and offer to let the employee make up the time on another day so they still get paid, or suggest that holiday be taken on that day.

Do I need to give special dispensation to employees who have to look after their children if they are off school due to a ‘snow day’?

No. Employees with children do not have a statutory right to be paid in the event that they have to have an emergency day off with their children, but contracts should be checked to see if there is a contractual right to this. Again, consideration could be given to making the time up, or agreeing a day of holiday. Alternatively, if the shut-down of the school is the only reason for absence and otherwise the employee would have been able to get to work, the employee would be entitled to unpaid time off to look after the children.

www.peninsula-uk.com

Agency Workers DirectiveUK Government failing to cut red tape

æTHE UK GOVERNMENT WANTS TO REDUCE RED tape and regulation through a ‘One-in, One-out’ rule. When a new regulation is introduced, an existing one should be withdrawn or amended, so the overall burden doesn’t rise. A commendable aspiration, but there is little sign of early success. The expected £3.2 billion cut in 2011 is largely down to pension indexation changes, most of which will be wiped out when pension auto-enrolment commences.

Worse to come...The Agency Workers DirectiveThis is expected to cost £1.5 billion per annum. It came into force on 1 October 2011 and gives agency workers an entitlement to the same or no less favourable treatment as comparable employees with respect to basic employment and working conditions when they complete a qualifying period of 12 weeks in a particular job. They cover agency workers supplied by a temporary work agency to a hirer, which includes most agency workers that people refer to as ‘temps’ and agency workers supplied via intermediaries. They don’t cover the genuinely self-employed, individuals working through their own limited liability company, or individuals working on managed service contracts.

From the first day of their employment, an agency worker will be entitled to the same access to facilities such as staff canteens, childcare and transport, and the same right to be informed about job vacancies. After a 12-week qualifying period, he/she will be entitled to the same basic conditions of employment as if they had been directly employed on day one of the assignment. This includes certain aspects of pay: any fee, bonus, commission, or holiday pay relating to the assignment. It does not include redundancy pay, contractual sick pay, and maternity, paternity or adoption pay. It also confers new working-time rights, for example, including any annual leave above what is required by law.

The 12-week qualifying period does not have to be continuous. Most breaks between or during an assignment to the same job that are fewer than six weeks in length will simply pause the accrual of the 12-week qualifying period. Most breaks between or during an assignment to the same job that are six weeks or more will reset the 12-week qualifying period.

Pregnancy and maternity-related absences, maternity leave, paternity leave and adoption leave will not pause the 12-week accrual. Instead, the 12-week accrual period will continue throughout the duration of the absence and include these weeks as counting towards the 12-week total.

Guidance Notes are available from The Department for Business Innovation & Skills.

www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/employment-matters/docs/a/11-949-agency-workers-regulations-guidance.pdf

Thortons’ Winter PrepAre you ready for another bad winter?

æLAST WINTER, SNOW AND BAD WEATHER FORCED many businesses to close as employees struggled to get to work, costing the British economy an estimated £1 billion per day! The reports are that we are in for another bitterly cold winter, and with this in mind a clear, concise and up-to-date Adverse Weather Policy/Business Interruption Plan will give you the opportunity to make contingency plans by setting out what is expected of employees during such periods.

Considerations when drafting an Adverse Weather Policy include:• when the policy will apply • what absence reporting procedures are in place• how employees will be paid for absence• how the right to take unpaid time off for family emergencies

will fit in with your policy• how you will communicate with staff during any closure• how you will balance safety with unauthorised absence or with

those taking advantage of a bad weather situation.

www.thorntons-law.co.uk

Coming in 2012

‘Law Week’ Key law facts in one place at one time Supported by: Blackadders Peninsula Simpson Marwick Thorntons

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Alistair Fleming are striving to be Dundee’s “number one stop for all your commercial needs” With great offers on contract hire, lease options & the commercial range starting off at £37 a week, now has never been a better time to change your vehicle. At Alistair Fleming we are dedicated to pro-moting local trade coupled with a friendly & professional attitude towards all customers. So whether you’re needing a vehicle serviced or are looking to change or expand your fleet, make sure Alistair Fleming is your first choice! Call us today for a free no-hassle quotation!

www.alistairflemingdundee.citroen.co.uk

Macadam Place Dryburgh Industrial Estate Dundee DD2 3QR Tel: 01382 810 111 Fax: 01382 810 999