Category: Member News

2021 AGM – Guest Speaker Jamie Andrew

Yvonne McAulay

 

Remaining online for the Club’s 2021 AGM, the conference celebrated this season’s committee and members for hosting a share of memorable virtual events throughout these exceptional times. 

Immediate Past President Marie Paterson acknowledged the resilience and dedication of the club’s members in continuing to focus on business development despite the difficult challenges posed the past year. Despite membership dropping from its all-time high of 130, approximately being cut in half as a result of the pandemic, the organisation’s bank balance is in good shape as the club looks to start the new season with face to face meetings. 

Marie praised the outgoing Committee for creating engaging and productive zoom sessions combining the likes of food, wine, networking and education. Events covered a range of pressing topics including ‘leading change; podcasting; embracing diversity; and the impact of Brexit.’ Similarly, the club’s first partnering with the Home Start St Andrews charity at Christmas proves a new annual means of support to the community. 

 

2021-2022 Committee

The 2021-2022 elected committee are:

  • 65th President Christopher Trotter
  • Vice President – Heather Stuart
  • Secretary – Emma-Jane Kerr
  • Treasurer – Alasdair Kyle
  • Immediate Past President – Marie Paterson
  • Committee members – Reseda Muir, Edward Obi, Andrew Stewart.

 

Marie gave great acknowledgement to secretary Emma-Jane Kerr for her major role in improving the club’s operation. She also thanked Immediate Past President Caroline and past Treasurer Michael for their longtime service as they stood down from their respective positions. Similarly, Marie thanked her Vice President Reseda and the rest of the committee who are continuing their roles in the upcoming season. Last but not least she thanked Marketing-communications interns Sanaa and Stanley for all they have done in promoting the club the past two years. Stating, “I am especially delighted to be handing over to a really strong group of office bearers who I know will see us through the next year, whatever life throws at us.”

Lastly, Marie enthusiastically introduced the newly elected committee before ‘passing the medal’ on to Newly-elected President Christopher Trotter. Trotter, a longtime member and St Andrews native, thanked Marie for her unwavering service and saluted his Committee, marketing communications interns and members for a much-anticipated return in-person events.

Christopher’s first order as President was to encourage each member to invite a colleague to the club’s future events, a sure way to increase membership numbers for the coming season. 

Closing the AGM, Christopher introduced the long-awaited guest speaker for the evening’s inspiring presentation, which was given by Jamie Andrew, OBE. Jamie detailed his experience of losing all of his limbs after being trapped by a storm atop a mountain in the French Alps. Following this, Jamie’s inspiring story shows his recovery from his injuries and him going on to be the first quadruple amputee to climb the Matterhorn, as well as other mountains, alongside completing marathons and Iron Man triathlons. Jamie’s story, recounted with honesty and passion, is nothing short of incredible.  

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

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!

Festive Social – Fairmont St Andrews

Yvonne McAulay

Report by Sanaa Sachdev & Pictures by Stanley Parker  

 

Members enjoyed the Club’s 2019 Festive Social at Fairmont St Andrews. 

 

The five-star resort encapsulates luxury, elegance and truly breathtaking surroundings and prides itself on its array of facilities, including two championship golf courses.  

Along with 211 luxury guest rooms, it also offers a unique dining experience at the La Cucina Italian eatery and the recently awarded second AA Rosette – St Andrews Bar and Grill. Its services expand beyond dining with a world class spa facility that includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and relaxation room. 

Club President Caroline Rochford welcomes everyone to the event.
Stewart Elder, Fairmont St Andrews Director of Sales, welcomes Club members.

The event was held at the newly-refurbished Zephyr Sports Bar and began with a warm welcome and a short presentation by the Hotel’s Director of Sales, Stewart Elder. 

Members enjoyed networking over drinks in the Atrium on arrival at Fairmont St Andrews.
Members enjoyed networking and festive canapes and drinks in the Zephyr Sports bar at Fairmont St Andrews.
Members took part in festive quiz.

It was followed by an evening full of networking, drinks, canapes and a quiz! The Christmas spirit definitely brightened the ambiance, making it one of the many great nights we’ve had with our members. 

Thanks to Fairmont St Andrews for kindly hosting this event and becoming a corporate member of the club and to all our members for attending it. 

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

NEXT EVENT : The Club’s Next Event is Sustainability – benefiting your business and the planet on January 22.

Our first event of the New Year brings this in to focus with three guest speakers: Fiona Flynn of Resource Efficient Scotland, Reseda Muir of Muir Walker Pride and David Stutchfield of University of St Andrews, who will talk about ways in which you can make your business have less environmental impact, an example of how it’s done and how you can market your ‘greenness’ to build relationships with stakeholders.

Member News – Stan & Ollie – the 9th fine movie Scaramanga has gotten into!

Yvonne McAulay
A poster for Stan & Ollie, which includes an antique suitcase supplied by Scaramanga.

Cupar vintage specialist Scaramanga, founded and run by Club Member Carl Morenikeji, is on Cloud Nine after one of its antique suitcases is used in a ‘significant’ scene in the new Laurel & Hardy biopic Stan & Ollie, released in the UK last Friday.

 

The film is the ninth Hollywood or major UK movie to use products from the Cupar-based firm in seven years. It stars Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and Oscar nominee John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy and follows the comedy legends’ ill-starred variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. It was written by Philomena screenwriter Jeff Pope and was filmed at Pinewood Studios, Dudley, Bristol and Worthing.

The new role for the Cupar vintage specialist came about when a props buyer who’d sourced items for 2015 movie Pan from Scaramanga called owner Carl Morenikeji in December 2016 looking for a period suitcase urgently for a “a significant scene”. Carl was able to supply a very large 1920s/’30s brown leather suitcase with corner-protecting patches and leather internal straps.

The large antique suitcase supplied by Scaramanga to Stan & Ollie.

Now Carl and the staff at Scaramanga are waiting with bated breath to see what role their case plays in the film, which reveals the tensions in the relationship between the comedy legends.

Major movies

Other major movie supply roles for the Fife firm have included last summer’s Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, Paddington 2, Maleficent, Victoria & Abdul, Pan, The Legend of Tarzan and Dark Shadows.

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

Speaking about the firm’s latest silver screen success, Carl Morenikeji said: “It’s great to see another of our products chosen for a key role in another fine film. Although this is the ninth major movie to feature our products, we’re as excited as we were the first time.

“I’ve been a fan of Laurel and Hardy since I was a child and have visited the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston, Cumbria.

“We recently decided to stock even more of this kind of vintage travel case and trunks as they’re becoming more popular for use as home storage, so anyone wanting to buy something similar can do so on our website. Or pop into our store on the outskirts of Cupar to see these and other items just like those we’ve sold to film and TV productions.”

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

They can also walk around its Cupar store in Google Street View® via its Google Street View Trusted® tour at https://goo.gl/maps/vi7oYKCxck92

Member News – Powercases sails RYA member deal across the line

Yvonne McAulay
The Powercases Marine Jumpstarter.

Members of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) can from today buy cutting-edge off-grid power products at privileged prices after a young Scottish company started by a St Andrews Business Club Member sailed its way to its second deal with a well-established brand.

 

Created this year, Dundee-based Powercases (Scotland) Ltd has a partnership to exclusively represent the Canadian Powercases brand in Europe. Since 2012 Powercases has created state-of-the-art Lithium-Ion rechargeable power packs and cases for devices such as phones and laptops as well as jump-starters for cars, motorcycles and boats.

The Scottish firm, headed by sales coach Peter Waggott, will from today offer a range of its products to the more than 110,000 members of the Royal Yachting Association at privileged prices via Staples Solutions UK, with which it recently entered into a supplier agreement.

Speaking about the deal, Peter Waggott said: “We’re delighted to be accepted as a recognised Member Reward Partner by the Royal Yachting Association – the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating in the UK.

Crucial

“Having power on demand when you’re at sea is crucial. Our products allow sailors to stay connected wherever they are and our Marine Jump Starter battery allows you to check your running lights with the mast down – the first product to offer that feature.

“We’re already talking with other trusted brands and expect to be announcing more similar agreements with major, trusted and well-established names in their sectors in the coming months.”

Powercases in Canada is in advanced talks with Kia Canada to offer its range of products via dealerships there. It’s looking to do the same in the UK.

RYA Members can take advantage of this great new offer by visiting the Powercases Member Benefits page for their exclusive discount code www.rya.org.uk/go/powercases

For more about Powercases, go to https://uk.powercases.com

Member News – Powercases helping GB Snowsports Coach #GoBeyond for winning edge in World Championships training

Yvonne McAulay
Powercases Brand Ambassador Jamie Matthew using the 2-in-1 Phone Case Charger during training.

Portable power products brought to Europe by a young Scottish company headed by a Club member are helping the Scot coaching GB Snowsport’s top park and pipe World Championship hopes use his video camera and phone longer on the slopes to help them gain a winning edge.

 

Started last year, Dundee-based Powercases (Scotland) Ltd has a partnership to exclusively represent the Canadian Powercases brand in Europe.

The Scottish firm, headed by sales coach and Club Member Peter Waggott, last October arranged for the GB Snowsport Park and Pipe Freeski Head Coach Jamie Matthew (31), from Kirriemuir, to test its 2-in-1 Phone Case Charger and Universal Charger products during training in Austria.

Impressed

Jamie was so impressed with their ability to extend how long he can use his phone and video camera on the slopes for performance analysis in sub-zero temperatures that he agreed a one-year rolling contract as ambassador for the brand in November.

Since then he’s been promoting the products via Instagram posts to his more than 2,400 followers and in person to the athletes. He’s also giving the company product feedback to improve their performance even further.

Jamie said: “I’m using the Powercases 2-in-1 Phone Case Charger to keep my phone charged on the hill and the Universal Charger to keep the camera charged.

“I film the athletes in practice and go over their planned runs with them prior to competition. Having a fully-charged video camera is essential in this review process. It allows the athletes a direct visual aid in helping to make final tweaks and decisions on game plans.

Godsend

“The temperatures in Colorado average around -15 to -20C in December, so the powerbanks’ ability to keep them fully functional in the extreme cold is a godsend as it avoids having to take breaks to change batteries or recharge.

“It’s also very important to keep my phone charged during competition as that’s how I keep an eye on the live scoring and  make judgement calls throughout including any changes in strategy. It also allows me to keep in close contact with management back at HQ – to co-ordinate any media-related information or pass on info to our medical team.”

Jamie, who was one of two coaches who trained teen Izzy Atkin to Britain’s first Olympic skiing medal at PyeongChang last year, is a former ski slopestyle and half pipe skier. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire from competitive skiing in 2012 after shattering both heels in an accident. But his talent is so great he was immediately offered a coaching post.

Jamie had competed at European and world level before his injury, but at that time they weren’t Olympic events. He won some European-level competitions. Jamie has been instrumental in nurturing the talent of Izzy Atkin and James Woods.

Speaking about the deal and Jamie’s role, Peter Waggott said: “I’m delighted our products are playing an important role in helping our GB Snowsports stars go for gold.

“Jamie is a fantastic ambassador for our brand and a pretty good photographer too. We’re excited to be supporting him and the team.”

You can see Jamie’s posts at https://www.instagram.com/jamie_matthew15/

 

For more about Powercases, go to https://uk.powercases.com

Member News – Ethiopia coffee trip helps Leo (24) go for career and tackle anxiety

Yvonne McAulay
Leo Hector learning about coffee production in an Ethiopian forest.

A 24-year-old Fife coffee professional in training overcame issues with anxiety to organise his first solo foreign trip – to learn about coffee in Ethiopia and work towards a career as a green coffee buyer.

 

Leo Hector, from Ladybank, landed a job at social enterprise We Are Zest Café in St Andrews after impressing on an eight-week post-college work experience placement during which he gained more control over his anxiety. The self-funding ethical café provides training and paid work for people with additional support needs to help them learn valuable work skills and maintain or achieve employment.

Leo developed a passion for coffee after learning more about it from owner Lisa Cathro, who’s a member of St Andrews Business Club.  After he set himself a career goal to become a green coffee buyer, Lisa suggested he go to Ethiopia to learn further on one of the coffee tours organised by her friend Joost Leopold, a Speciality Coffee Association trainer and coffee expert.

‘Very beneficial’

So, in September, Leo set about organising the 10-day trip after he got the backing of his parents. The group set off on October 27 and after, arriving in Addis Ababa, they spent a day visiting coffee related places including the Ethiopian coffee exchange (ECX) – the Government market place where coffee is traded nationally and internationally.

They later visited a centre where the beans are graded, a storage facility, plantations and got to pick coffee cherries. Leo even got a pat on the shoulder from a farmer – which means he picked well! The group also visited Mankira forest, the location where the first coffee tree was found, and sampled different varieties. Leo and the group also learned about the financial side of buying and exporting.

“For someone who wants to be in this industry, the trip was very beneficial,” says Leo. “This trip has given me more understanding of coffee processing and lots more on the economics of coffee trading.

“I’m going to continue developing my coffee knowledge and gaining more experience, so I can find a job where I can increase my portfolio and get a foothold in the industry.

Grateful

“I’m so grateful to Lisa for giving me that opportunity! Lisa is someone who will help to get you where you want to be. She’s made me believe in myself and my capabilities to go forward in life and for that I’m truly thankful.”

“Putting the coffee aside, I learned that I can’t take anything for granted because we can get what we want when we want it but Ethiopian people can’t. Seeing it first-hand has changed my outlook on life – not to take things for granted and to appreciate everything I have.

“One of the highlights for me was visiting a wild coffee plantation which grows in the cloud forests in Kaffa. It was stunning and just listening to the owner talk so enthusiastically about how coffee should be grown and how people should respect the coffee more was inspiring.”

Lisa Cathro says: “The whole Zest team are really proud of Leo for pursuing his goals and pushing himself to keep learning and developing. I have no doubt Leo will get to where he wants to be career-wise and we’re happy to have played a part in his journey.”

Joost Leopold said: “Leo shared a great interest in the coffee trade. Maybe one day in future he will be a green coffee buyer. Leo showed lots of enthusiasm during the trip and it was obvious that this experience was a crucial step for him.”

For more about We Are Zest, go to http://wearezest.co.uk 

Member News – Directors become owners at West Port Print & Design

Yvonne McAulay
Retiring founder Terry Scanlon (left) is presented with his Auchterlonies vouchers by Stephen and Claire Simpson.

St Andrews businessman Terry Scanlon is handing over his ink roller to swap printing for more putting and poolsides in the sun after 35 years running West Port Print & Design and 54 years in the print trade.

 

Terry (69) started the business in 1983 with just two staff and one small, single-colour press after learning his trade over 18 years with the University of St Andrews Printing Department.

Over the years West Port’s reputation for quality fuelled its growth and in 1997 it bought its first full-colour press and was one of the first to offer a ‘while-you-wait’ colour copy service. Since then the business has expanded to a staff of 12 and continues to advance through embracing the latest technologies for its clients, many of which are prestigious locally-based brands such as the R&A, St Andrews Links Trust and the Old Course and Fairmont hotels.

For customers the story is ‘business as usual’ because the new owners are existing directors Stephen and Claire Simpson. Stephen, a Member of St Andrews Business Club, joined the firm in 1997 and became a director in 2008. He and Claire aim to continue the firm’s growth.

Expanding

While they’re expanding its services, Terry plans to be hitting the fairways and travelling to Portugal with his wife Catherine (who used to help out in the shop on Saturday mornings) more often, where he enjoys golf, cycling and eating fresh fish by the sea. His retirement gift? What else but Auchterlonies vouchers!

Speaking about hanging up his printer’s apron, Terry said: “It has been a blast for 54 years. The changes in technology have been unbelievable!

“I must thank all my staff for their hard work and my customers for their loyal support over the years. I hope they’ll support Stephen and Claire just as much.”

Stephen Simpson said: “Terry’s legacy in building West Port Print & Design to the high standing it now enjoys now has to be acknowledged as a phenomenal achievement. Claire and I have a very hard act to follow, but we’re keen to build on the reputation we’re inheriting.”

For more information about West Port Print & Design, go to its website at www.westportprint.co.uk