Year: 2020

Member News – Portable desktop screen enabling vital face-to-face community support to continue mask-free

Yvonne McAulay
Gail Penman and Andy Simpson with the portable screen they co-designed. Picture: ASM Media & PR.

A portable desktop screen co-designed by an Angus therapist and Business Club member Andy Simpson is enabling community support workers to continue vital face-to-face sessions in a Covid-secure way.

 

The 60cm-square polycarbonate screen can be removed from its travelling case, assembled quickly and sit on a desktop thanks to removable feet – allowing support workers to talk face-to-face with their clients on the other side of the screen without the need to wear face coverings.

This enables better support than is possible via video calls through being more able to read clients’ non-verbal communication, allowing greater facial recognition and avoiding the distraction of masks or visors. It also allows children, or the therapist, to draw on it using whiteboard markers.

Supporting organisations

The screen is already being used by Angus community support organisations to continue vital face-to-face support sessions with the vulnerable people they serve. It’s hoped other groups in the county and elsewhere will use the screen to deliver the same benefits.

The idea and initial design for the screen came from Gail Penman, a director of North East Wellbeing Solutions CIC (known as NEW Solutions CIC), who provides a mental health and wellbeing support service to pupils, parents and staff in schools in Angus and Dundee from her Montrose base as well as bespoke mental health training programmes for workplaces.

During Lockdown she realised the limitations of working with clients over video calls – they don’t allow her to see what’s going on off-screen – such as the person fidgeting or the anxiety of a parent. Masks also have their limitations: “In therapy, wearing masks reduces the ability to see what’s going on. You need to see all communication – as you use a lot of observation to assess how best to identify and adapt the need and direction for intervention,” explains Gail.

Idea

So as plans were being made for reopening schools she came up with the idea of a portable screen which she and other support workers can carry with them – to enable mask-free face-to-face support sessions without screens having to be permanently installed at each location.

Gail took her initial prototypes and the challenge of making the screen freestanding to CeeD member Andy Simpson, managing director of Brechin-based Angus 3D Solutions. He designed the detachable polycarbonate feet and revised the screen so they can just slot in before making the new design for Gail.

She then had Montrose Rope & Sail create a custom padded shoulder bag to carry the screen in. Financial support for the project came from the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund.

Bought screens

After she started using the portable screen for school visits, together with Covid security measures such as wiping surfaces and the screen, Gail mentioned the project at a meeting of an Angus third-sector collaborative group. As a result, Angus Women’s Aid, Angus Carers Centre and Deaf Links – the Tayside Deaf Hub service – have all bought screens for their support workers from Angus 3D Solutions at a price of £95 each.

So far 12 have been made and Andy expects more orders as word spreads among groups for whom it can re-enable face-to-face contact within the relevant Covid security rules. He hopes the price per screen can reduce if the volume of orders increases greatly and the cost of materials allows it.

Speaking about the project, Gail said: “While I now have to use Zoom again for ‘home visits’, the portable screen has enabled me to provide the face-to-face support sessions in schools vital for those who need them, particularly with the extra pressures the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on peoples’ mental health. Andy’s design and manufacturing expertise has been vital in bringing my idea to fruition.”

‘Extra safety’

A spokesperson for Angus Carers Centre said: “The screens are practical, easy to carry around and assemble and have been used within our counselling services to adult carers, and within school settings with young carers, providing carers and staff with the extra dimension of safety.”

Andy Simpson said: “We’re delighted to have been able to use our R&D experience to help Gail create a viable product and manufacture more for other community support groups whose work is essential. We’re sure there are lots of other groups and companies for whom this would also enable Covid-secure face-to-face sessions and we’d be happy to make more for them.

“It also feels good to use our expertise to enable important support services to continue in a Covid-secure way. We also made custom screens for Angus Council vehicles – so workers can share them safely.”

To enquire about screens, email Andy Simpson on andy@angus3dsolutions.co.uk

Member News – Fife vintage specialist goes global with 1st HBO/Sky TV role

Yvonne McAulay
Jude Law stars in The Third Day as a man drawn to a mysterious island.

While most UK retailers are announcing bad news, Fife vintage specialist Scaramanga is celebrating its products being seen for the first time on a global network TV drama.

 

Innovative new show, The Third Day, starring Jude Law, Emily Watson and Naomie Harris, premiered on HBO on Monday and Sky Atlantic and NOW TV last night. It “chronicles the individual journeys of a man and woman who arrive on a mysterious island at different times” and will allow viewers to follow the events of a single day in real time.

The show is unique in that, as well as pre-recorded, scripted episodes, it will include a live broadcast of a theatrical event on Sky Arts and online planned for October 3. It’s also the first original drama co-production between Sky’s new production house, Sky Studios, Brad Pitt’s production company Plan B Entertainment, world-renowned immersive theatre company Punchdrunk and writer Dennis Kelly.

Cupar-based vintage interiors and leather bags firm Scaramanga supplied an extra-large iron antique padlock and a large iron one to the show’s props buyer in August last year for filming, which took place in the UK. They’re now being seen by a global audience with up to 5 million subscribers in the US alone as well as up to 19 million on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK.

Reputation

Speaking about the firm’s first global network TV supply role, Scaramanga founder and Managing Director Carl Morenikeji said: “While our reputation as vintage specialists has seen our products used in 12 Hollywood and major UK movies to date, as well many UK network TV shows, this is the first time they’ve been aired on TV around the globe. We’re natural delighted.

“Better still, another three US network-made shows have bought Scaramanga products for props use and these will air next year as most are still being filmed. We’re hoping this will drive interest in our brand Stateside and in other places the shows are aired.”

The company, which also sells its bags, vintage furniture and homewares online and in its Cupar store, has previously been used as a supplier of vintage and antique props for UK TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Peaky Blinders, The Crystal Maze, Celebrity Big Brother, Hollyoaks, The Greatest Dancer, 60 Minute Makeover and Jericho.

 Movie supply roles include Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, Paddington 2, Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Dumbo, The Hobbit and Dark Shadows.

Vintage fans can find the full range of Scaramanga trunks, chests, homewares and bags on their website at www.scaramangashop.co.uk

Member blog – Horisk Leslie Development

Yvonne McAulay

Fife software firm’s new platform for Scottish Procurement helping public bodies kickstart Covid-19 economy response

A new platform developed by Fife software consultancy Horisk Leslie Development for Scottish Procurement is helping Scotland’s public bodies embed sustainability requirements in their procurements, kickstarting the national economic recovery post-Covid-19.

The Sustainable Procurement Tools platform

The Sustainable Procurement Tools platform brings together three tools designed to help Scotland’s public sector organisations identify and address how they can optimise the economic, social and environmental outcomes of their procurement. It makes them easier to access, reference and use – with a similar look and feel to each. It also enables better sharing of knowledge and experience within and beyond the organisations and makes them more likely to be used and deliver their benefits to the organisations, businesses and the public.

The Flexible Framework Assessment Tool is used to assess the current level of performance and actions required to embed good procurement practice to realise intended sustainable outcomes. The Prioritisation Tool assists early-stage strategic planning and brings a standard, structured approach to the assessment of spend categories. The Sustainability Test helps embed relevant and proportionate sustainability requirements in the development of frameworks and contracts. It can be used on its own or on the results of prioritisation assessment, where done.

Made live recently, the bespoke platform developed over five months by the Cupar-based consultancy replaces several offline Excel-based tools and is already being used by just under 100 procurement officials. Horisk, which specialises in bespoke software systems to simplify using organisation processes, won the £61,000 contract through a competitive tender in one of the Scottish Government’s national frameworks designed to ensure best value and quality in privately-sourced services and products.

Using the sustainable procurement tools on the new platform to assist early-stage strategic planning can form a helpful part of restarting activities, contributing to Scotland’s four-step economic plan:  Response, Reset, Restart and Recover. Using the tools in the new platform can also help embed relevant and proportionate social, economic and environmental requirements in public frameworks and contracts.

Horisk’s public sector projects include work for the Historic Environment Scotland, Scotland’s Charity Regulator (OSCR), the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS), National Museums of Scotland, The Robert Gordon University, University of St Andrews, University of West of Scotland, The London School of Economics with more being created.

Director Brian Horisk.

Speaking about the new platform, Director Brian Horisk, said: “We’re delighted to have had another large public sector client – a directorate of The Scottish Government – select us to develop a key tool which will be used by many organisations throughout Scotland to help us not only recover from the social, economic and environmental damage done by Covid-19 but also rebuild in a socially-inclusive and environmentally sustainable way so the benefits are enjoyed by all and help Scotland meet its climate goals.

“As someone committed to sustainable development, this has been a very satisfying project to use our specialism in bespoke software systems which simplify using organisation processes. It’s great to see it being adopted so widely already – allowing the benefits to be realised so soon.”

Lorraine Hook, of Scottish Procurement, said: “Horisk’s experience of developing similar tools for other public sector organisations was invaluable and meant they could hit the ground running on our project. They were able to offer innovative solutions to our requirements and, despite the pandemic, continued to work with us to deliver our project on time. As a result, we now have a single platform which provides easier access to our suite of tools and supporting guidance.”

For more about Horisk Leslie Development, go to its website at https://horisk.com/

Summer Food and Wine Social

Yvonne McAulay

Report by Sanaa Sachdev

 

Marie Paterson, Business Club President and Christopher Trotter, Fife Food Ambassador, and one of the Committee Members hosted the Summer Social

Members and Guests enjoyed the first-ever virtual Summer Food and Wine Social.

 

The evening was hosted by Marie Paterson, Business Club President and Christopher Trotter, Fife Food Ambassador, and one of the Committee Members. Whilst the event was held virtually, attendees enjoyed 3 specially selected wines and some delicious food. Christopher provided the recipes and everyone prepared the food in advance. Some attendees cooked poached wild sea trout, and green bean and potato salad, while others bought poached trout and served it with mayonnaise. For dessert, Members and Guests had the choice of strawberry tart or strawberries with black pepper and this was followed by Anster cheese. He also shared some information about the wines and local food, and everyone agreed the food and wines were delicious. Whilst it would have been lovely to have been together in person, everyone agreed it was still such great fun.

Members’ Presentations – How to get your business through Covid-19

Yvonne McAulay

Since we started holding our Member Presentation Evenings two years ago, it has been one of our most popular annual events. Club members, talk for five minutes each and answer questions to share some useful knowledge and demonstrate their skills and expertise.

 

This year, given the challenges presented by Covid-19, we asked them to talk about what will help businesses survive and thrive during and after lockdown.

First to speak was Club President and well-being expert Marie Paterson who provided top tips for maintaining health throughout lockdown, whether it be through a healthy structured diet or a consistent sleeping pattern.

 

Next to speak was new Club committee member and Director of HRHUB Plus, Edward Obi who offered detailed HR advice to employers during the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Third to speak was Club Treasurer Michael Stephenson, of EQ Accountants, who offered advice on furloughing employees and accounting throughout lockdown.

 

Next to speak was Andrew Stewart from A S Wealth Management, who discussed the importance of financial planning during and beyond lockdown.

 

Fifth to speak was Heather Stuart, Chief Executive of ONFife who talked about opportunity spotting during lockdown.

 

Last but not least was committee member Jonathan Gibson of Wells Gibson who talked about the importance of purpose driven wealth.

Thanks to Members and guests who took part.

NEXT EVENT: The Club’s next event is June 24: Summer Social with a difference. While we’re unable to meet and taste some wine and food as planned, we will still join together virtually with two specially-selected wines and some delicious food, hosted by Christopher Trotter. Notice of the wineand food which needs to be bought in advance will be available soon!

2020 AGM Evening – Guest Speaker Andy Lothian

Yvonne McAulay

By Sanaa Sachdev

64th President Marie Paterson (left) and Immediate Past President Caroline Rochford at the Club’s 70th birthday dinner-dance in February.

In the Club’s 2020 AGM, held online for the first time via Zoom, outgoing President Caroline Rochford reported Club membership was 132 by the end of April, 12 ahead of this time last season, making it a third successive year of growth for the Club.

 

The Club’s finances are also in a healthy state, allowing the new Committee to consider more new initiatives next season.

In her President’s Report, Caroline reminded members of the events held so far this season before thanking the outgoing Committee, Marketing Communications interns and Marketing Assistant for their hard work.

Speaking about the club year, Caroline said: “As I step down from my presidency, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge what an incredibly friendly and successful business club we are. I love hearing from visitors that they have found the club to be friendly and welcoming and long may that continue.

“It has been hard work behind the scenes, but I know that I have been able to build on the great work that previous Presidents and Committees had already put in place. Thank you for the privilege it has been to be your President.”

2020-21 Committee

The 2020-21 Committee elected are:

  • 64th President – Marie Paterson
  • Vice-President – Reseda Muir
  • Secretary – [Position vacant]
  • Treasurer – Michael Stephenson
  • Immediate Past President – Carolyn Rochford
  • Committee members – Alasdair Kyle, Jonathan Gibson, Christopher Trotter, Heather Stuart, Kirstin Uhlenbrock

Newly-elected President, Marie Paterson, thanked Caroline for her dedicated service to the Club before asking members to approve honoraria for Emma-Jane Kerr and Alan S. Morrison for ‘going the extra mile’ for the Club during the year and a gift to Caroline.

Marie then closed the AGM before introducing the Guest Speaker, Andy Lothian, Chief Executive of Insights Group.

Insights Group CEO, Andy Lothian, was guest speaker.

“I’ve often said self-awareness is the foundation on which all else is built.”

Almost 30 years ago, Insights Group Chief Executive Andy Lothian left the City of London to build a business with his father, Andi Lothian, in his home town of Dundee. From a humble two-man operation, the Insights Group is now one of Scotland’s fastest-growing and most successful businesses.

Andy shared his personal story of success and revealed the principles that have guided him over the years before talking about how your personal purpose and strategy should help guide your thinking about how to take your business through the Covid-19 crisis. Thanks to Andy for sharing his story and expertise with our Members and other attendees.

For more information about Insights Group and its work, go to its website at https://www.insights.com/

NEXT EVENT: June 3 – Members’ Presentations Evening – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/members-presentation-evening-member-only-event-tickets-106209752228 

Wellbeing during this strange time

Yvonne McAulay

 

The Club held its first online event via Zoom, with networking and an informative talk on wellbeing during the Covid-19 emergency from Vice-President Marie Paterson.

 

The event kicked off with online networking in breakout groups, giving Members and Guests the opportunity for informal chats.

Wellbeing expert Marie gave her online audience some top tips on how to remain focused, productive, healthy and upbeat during this time of uncertainty.

For more information about this subject, you can visit Marie’s website at https://mariepaterson.com/

NEXT EVENT: The Club’s next event is May 20: AGM Evening, when Andy Lothian, Chairman of Insights Group, will explain the importance of focusing on your purpose rather than just your plan and the value of a people-centred approach to business.

Info & tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agm-evening-andy-lothian-insights-group-tickets-69999118247

Inspiring Women 2020

Yvonne McAulay

In the week of International Women’s Day, the annual celebration of the contribution women make to the world, St Andrews Business Club held its third annual Inspiring Women event, this time in conjunction with Fife Women in Business.

 

As in the past two years it welcomed two more inspiring women who have achieved much to date in their careers and lives.

Rachel Weiss, Partner at Rowan Consultancy, shared her story in St Andrews Business Club’s 3rd annual Inspiring Women event.

Rachel Weiss shared how after studying mathematics at Oxford she began her career as a school teacher before becoming a counsellor and coach, founding Rowan Consultancy in Perth in 1997. It now has a network of counsellors from London to Inverness, together with coaches and trainers throughout Scotland, helping people to live more satisfying lives.

In 2017, she also founded the Menopause Café charity which coordinates pop-up events worldwide, where people gather to drink tea, eat cake and talk about menopause. It also runs the world’s only Menopause Festival – #FlushFest2020 will be held in Perth on May 29 and 30.

Rachel spoke engagingly about her fascinating journey, the setbacks she’s faced and how she’s overcome them.

Rachael Nixon, Owner of Chanix Millinery, shared her career journey in St Andrews Business Club’s 3rd annual Inspiring Women event.

Rachael Jayne Nixon explained how she began her career as a children’s nurse. Her interest in millinery came after she moved back home from a spell living in Saudi Arabia, where she’d bought a large and expensive ‘hatinator’ to attend a race day organised by the British Embassy.

On her flight home, the hatinator was accidentally destroyed by another passenger. As she had several weddings to attend that year, Rachael, who’s been into crafts since childhood, ended up making a replacement herself because she couldn’t find any she liked and matched her outfits.

Her Chanix Millinery business began when she posted a photo of the hatinator on Facebook and got two orders for more! Since then she spent three years teaching herself the traditional millinery skills before studying it formally at Glasgow Clyde College .

She went on to share how in a short time she has become an international award-winning milliner, including first place at the Lincoln International Millinery Competition, Best Hat at a Melbourne Cup event in Australia and Winner of Amazing New Business Innovator in No1 Magazine’s Amazing Women Awards 2020. Rachael spoke movingly of how she’s gained confidence through overcoming barriers.

Thanks to both women for inspiring everyone!

For more photos, go to the Album on our Facebook page.

NEXT EVENT: The Club’s next event is April 22: Business Communications, when Eugene Clarke will help you achieve your goals through effective communication.

70th Anniversary Dinner

Yvonne McAulay

Club President Caroline Rochford welcomed everyone to the 70th Birthday dinner-dance held by St Andrews Business Club at The Old Course Hotel.

To celebrate the Club’s 70th birthday a special dinner-dance was held at the Old Course Hotel.

 

Members past and present and their guests were welcomed by a piper before enjoying a glass of fizz and networking.

A photograph of all the Club Presidents present was taken before everyone took their seats.

Presidents past and present (from left): Frank Quinault (2007-8), Bruce Alexander (1985-6), Ewen Sparks (1999-2000), Caroline Rochford (2019-20), Alan S. Morrison (2018-19), Ronnie Murphy (1991-2) and Stephen Westwood (2010-12).

In her welcome, Club President Caroline Rochford explained the Club began in 1950 when ex-Provost George Bruce took up the idea of David Thomson to have a business club to help local businesses discuss and address issues affecting trade. Thus the first meeting was held on January 24 1950 in the Town Council Chamber.

Although Mr Bruce paid tribute to the part played by women in the business life of St Andrews, women were not initially admitted but it was agreed they might be permitted to attend meetings. Women were, of course, later admitted as members.

Caroline went on to explain that the club’s strength, then and now, is the breadth of its membership, who as individuals are involved in a wide range of business interests, local, national and in some instances global.

As Mr Bruce was keen to ensure younger businessmen were involved in the Club, Caroline said she was sure he would be delighted to learn of the introduction of the new daughter club, St Andrews Business Club Students, created last year by the current marketing communications interns, Sanaa Sachdev and Stanley Parker.

Caroline than through some of the Club’s past meeting places, including McArthurs Café – now The Rule – on South Street, the Scores Hotel and the New Golf Club, before listing some of its most prominent speakers, who include Sir Tom Farmer and Andy Irvine. A message was read out from Glen Pride, who was President in 1967-8, recounting how he was invited to join the Club before becoming its President the following year!

Caroline then thanked the committee members who helped organise the event, the staff of the hotel for their excellent service and to Audrey Clarke for her piping.

After dinner, Past Presidents Frank Quinault, Stephen Westwood and Ewen Sparks talked about times past in the Club before a raffle was held in aid of the Refugee Survival Trust, which Food For Support – a fundraising initiative co-founded by Stanley Parker – supports year-round through donations from special dishes sold at local eateries. It raised £534.

The prizes, mostly kindly donated by member businesses, were:

  • The Old Course Hotel – Champagne Afternoon Tea for 2
  • Fairmont St Andrews – Champagne Afternoon Tea for 2 in the Atrium Lounge
  • Scaramanga – Citylander laptop bag
  • Fife Cultural Trust – a Theatre gift voucher for one of their venues
  • West Port Print & Design – A voucher for a pull-up banner or box print from
  • Luvians – A bottle of wine
  • The club – A bottle of champagne

Finally, all enjoyed dancing till midnight to renowned band Ceilidhdonia.

For more photos, go to the Album on our Facebook page.

NEXT EVENT: The Club’s next event is March 4: Inspiring Women, when the speakers will be entrepreneurs Rachel Weiss of Rowan Consultancy & Rachael Nixon of Chanix Millinery.

Sustainability – Benefitting your Business & the Planet

Yvonne McAulay

 

Club President Caroline Rochford chaired the event.

As our climate heats, causing more regular severe weather events and permanent changes to our environment, more businesses are realising we need to change our everyday operational practices to make them more environmentally sustainable. 

 

This event heard three highly experienced and environmentally–conscious speakers discuss ways our businesses can have less environmental impact and how to market your ‘greenness’ and use it to build relationships with stakeholders.

Resource Efficient Scotland Implementation Adviser Fiona Flynn, explained why and how businesses can be environmentally sustainable.

Fiona Flynn, an Implementation Advisor at Resource Efficient Scotland, explained why and how SMEs can make their business environmentally sustainable and its benefits.  

Reseda Muir, Co-founder and Director of St Andrews-based Muir Walker Pride Chartered Architects and Interior Designers (MWP), explained how MWP made its business more environmentally sustainable. 

David Stutchfield, Sustainability Manager of the University of St Andrews, talked about what the university has done and how you can market your sustainability goals and commitments.

University of St Andrews Sustainability Manager David Stutchfield talked about its work on sustainability policies, carbon management plans, sustainable resources plans and utilities and waste, how businesses can do the same and market their new ‘green’ credentials. 

For more information about this subject, you can visit their websites at: 

For more photos, go to the Album on our Facebook page. 

NEXT EVENT: The Club’s next event is February 5: Structured Networking, a networking event open to all Members, Member’s guests and non-members.