Organised and run by

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce


Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has served the business community in the city for 227 years and offers a comprehensive range of business services, products and expert training, to help business realise its potential. We offer a wide range of services including the provision of:

Members benefit from exclusive discounts on essential business supplies - negotiated on their behalf by the Chamber. The Chamber also plays a crucial role in representing members views at local, regional and national policy level.

As an accredited Chamber of Commerce our work is regularly assessed by the British Chambers of Commerce to ensure that it is of the highest quality. We also work with Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and other partners to benefit business in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

For more information on Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, visit our website - www.glasgowchamber.org       Back to Top  

 

Main Sponsor

Bank of Scotland


Bank of Scotland is one of the largest institutions in UK banking. As part of Lloyds Banking Group we have knowledge of both Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB heritage, and have over 300 years' experience of providing guidance and support to businesses across all sectors, from sole traders to larger, well established companies.

We put great emphasis on a long-term relationship-led approach to banking and are committed to providing businesses with a service that goes beyond day-to-day banking facilities.

We recognise the importance of working closely with our customers so we can fully understand their needs and we are actively looking to meet their funding requirements, whether it is to launch a new venture, improve liquidity or support expansion. We remain committed to Scottish businesses and continue to provide a range of funding options.

Keen to demonstrate our continued assistance for business customers, as part of the wider Lloyds Banking Group we launched the 2012 SME Charter in November 2009. The Charter sets out a clear three year commitment, detailing how we will help firms grow as the economy continues to improve.

The measures we announced as part of the Charter will help provide companies with the confidence to do business. We have made commitments under three broad dimensions: encouraging enterprise, access to finance and clearer pricing.

Access to the right resources is crucial and our website is packed full of information to help you navigate a course through the current climate. We have dedicated guides, expert guidance and real life business stories.

For more information on Bank of Scotland, visit our website - www.bankofscotlandbusiness.co.uk     Back to Top


Category Sponsors

 

Cardonald Training Solutions

Made for Business. Made at Cardonald.

Cardonald Training Solutions is nationally recognised for designing and delivering excellence in customised training, meeting the needs of businesses large and small. As part of Cardonald College Glasgow, we have over 35 years experience in providing training to organisations in the UK and across the globe.

As an example of the standard of our service, Cardonald Training Solutions won a Gold Award at the inaugural Scottish Business to College Awards for providing a bespoke training solution to a small business which had an immediate positive impact on its competiveness and efficient use of staff. You can hear directly from the company about their experience as one of our customers here.

All training is delivered by professionally experienced staff with up-to-date industry expertise. In a recent survey of our business customers, 96% highly rated the quality of our training staff.

We work in partnership with our customers to devise client-led training solutions, delivered at a pace and place to suit their needs. We aim to ensure training costs are easily recovered in increased sustainable profitability for our clients.

We are close to all major transport links and with extensive parking, our Business Centre provides the perfect location for the hire of excellent accommodation facilities for training, conferences, meetings and events.

We would be delighted to visit you at your premises to discuss and advise you on your training needs and options.

For more information on Training Solutions, visit our website - www.cardonald.ac.uk/ts       Back to Top

Dunning


We’re one of Scotland’s leading creative communications consultancies, operating in a ‘360 degree’ media environment. By using a blend of strategy, creativity and technology, we help companies and organisations of all kinds stand out from the crowd.

We believe detailed knowledge of the ever-changing digital and other media platforms, creative flair and high levels of customer service excellence are merely ‘givens’ in the commercial and marketing climate now. Fifteen years experience and Investors in People status obviously count for a lot but rather than trot out the usual ‘relationship’ chat, we let our creative work, our engagement and our strategic know-how do the talking.

In essence, it’s usually more about ‘you’ than ‘us’.

For more information on Dunning, visit our website – www.creatingsparks.com       Back to Top

Glasgow Airport


Glasgow Airport is Scotland's gateway to the world, offering a wide range of domestic, European and long-haul flights.

You can reach some of the world's most exciting destinations from Glasgow, with more long haul links than any other Scottish airport.

There are direct flights to North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Gulf and Asia.

These are operated by some of the world's top international airlines such as KLM, Continental, US Airways, Icelandair, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates, who operate Scotland’s most successful long-haul service to Dubai.

Glasgow also serves more Scottish destinations than any other Scottish airport, with direct flights to the beautiful and remote Highlands and Islands.

In 2010 we are investing millions to improve your airport experience with new and enhanced facilities, including a new dedicated drop-off zone and improvements to the road network.

In the last few years we've worked hard to improve your journey through the terminal, with more check-in space and a fantastic new security area which processes more than 90% of our passengers in less than five minutes.

Once through security there is space to relax and a host of well known bars, shops and restaurants to choose from before you board your flight.

Glasgow Airport is also a major employer and economic driver in the West of Scotland, generating around 5,000 jobs on the airport campus alone.

For more information on Glasgow Airport, visit our website – www.glasgowairport.com or www.twitter.com/GLA_Airport       Back to Top

Glasgow City Council


Glasgow City Council is Scotland’s biggest local authority, providing key services to its population of over 584,000 with the ultimate aim of ensuring the city is an attractive place to live, work or study in, and visit.

Glasgow is Scotland’s commercial capital and is one of Europe’s top twenty financial centres. The retail sector is very strong in Glasgow, with wide recognition that the city is the top retail centre in the UK outside of London.

The City Council and its arms-length external organisations supply essential services such as nursery, primary and secondary schooling, social work, cleansing, planning, environmental health, business support, community safety, roads and parks maintenance and home care to the people of Glasgow.

Other areas of activity that develop Glasgow’s profile, economy and quality of life include our outstanding municipal art galleries and museums, leisure centres, apprenticeship programmes, regeneration projects and work to attract jobs and business to the city.

The City Council works with many different partner organisations including Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise, the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS, public sector organisations, educational institutions and the private and voluntary sectors to help make Glasgow the strong, forward-thinking city that it is.

The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games will offer a tremendous platform and unique opportunity for the city’s people and businesses. The City Council will play a key part in delivering the Games and will engage with Glasgow’s citizens and businesses to ensure the maximum benefit for the city before the Games and their subsequent legacy.

For more information on Glasgow City Council, visit our website - www.glasgow.gov.uk        Back to Top


Glasgow Works


Glasgow Works was launched in September 2007 and is the delivery arm of the Glasgow City Strategy. It is led by a partnership of Glasgow City Council, Skills Development Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Glasgow Employer Coalition and the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership. It is chaired by Jim McColl OBE, of Clyde Blowers and has Professor Alan McGregor as an independent advisor. The partners have signed an agreement to align their decision making structures and to direct resources towards the priorities in the Glasgow Works Business Plan.

Glasgow Works has contracted the delivery of a city-wide service that provides employment, skills development and effective employer engagement.

We have particular interest in supporting those currently on incapacity benefit, lone parents, ethnic minority groups, the over 50s and young people towards sustainable employment.

The Glasgow Works' dedicated Employer Engagement team supports vacancy filling, diversity and job retention and links to regeneration projects and job growth.

For more information on Glasgow Works, visit our website - www.glasgoworks.eu      Back to Top


GTG Training


GTG Training is Scotland’s leading training provider and was recently named ‘Learning Provider of the Year’ at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2009. The company has gone from strength-to-strength since opening its state-of-the-art training and conference centre, located on South Street, Glasgow, in September 2007.

The purpose built 61,000 sq. ft. training centre offers a multitude of industry-leading training courses delivered by industry professionals, ensuring the most up-to-date training and advice is on offer. Courses can be delivered at GTG Training's centre on South Street or at company premises, these include IT, Business Skills (including Prince 2), Health & Safety, First Aid, and a whole range of Transport and Driver CPC training programmes. GTG Training is one of the largest providers of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland and is the only DSA approved test centre in Scotland.

GTG Training also provides a comprehensive Health & Safety Advisory Service to guide and support employers to comply with their statutory duties, and has meeting / training rooms and conference suites for hire, which are ideally suited to small or medium conferences, meetings , training sessions or product launches.

Its proven track record of providing quality training and education is evident as some of Scotland's largest companies, namely, Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd, the Emergency Services, the NHS and the M.O.D., as well as many local authorities who are loyal long-term clients.

Awarding bodies who have given GTG Training their stamp of approval include: the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA); the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) ;City & Guilds (C&G) , the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB), Joint Approvals Unit for Period Training (JAUPT) and the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).

GTG Training has held its Investors in People status for over 10 years and supports The Prince’s Trust Scotland’s ‘Get into Cars’ programme that was launched 3 years ago in partnership with the Arnold Clark Group.

For more information on GTG Training, visit our website: www.gtg.co.uk       Back to Top

Health at Work


NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s Health at Work team are proud to host this year’s new award for Happiest Healthiest Workplace.

Health at Work’s mission is to establish health improvement programmes within the workplace setting in Greater Glasgow and Clyde in order to:


Health at Work provides support and advice to workplaces across Greater Glasgow and Clyde as part of the Healthy Working Lives Award Programme. Employers who value the health and wellbeing of their staff find that they have a healthier, happier and more motivated workforce. This in turn can reduce sickness absence, improve productivity and help create a safer healthier working environment. Workplace health promotion programmes create a win-win situation for both employer and employee.


Our services include:

For more information on Health At Work, visit our website: www.healthatwork.org.uk       Back to Top

Radio Clyde


Clyde 1 and Clyde 2 entertain Glasgow and the West of Scotland with a mix of music, showbiz gossip, what’s on in the West along with all the latest news, sport, traffic and travel information. Together Clyde 1 and Clyde 2 reach 664,000 listeners every week*.

Radio Clyde bring all the top names in music and showbusiness to Glasgow and recent guests have included Rihanna, Robbie Williams, Cheryl Cole, U2, Lily Allen, Paul Weller, Paul McCartney, the Nolans, Michael Ball, Katherine Jenkins, the cast of Sex and the City 2, Gerard Butler, Simon Cowell, the cast of Glee, Cate Blanchett, Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman, Nicole Sherzinger, Pamela Anderson, Mel B, Helen Mirren, Kelly Osborne, and Nigel Lythgow.

Clyde 1’s presenters are well known within Glasgow from George Bowie and Suzie McGuire at breakfast to Late Night’s Gina McKie. All our presenters host and appear at many corporate and charity events including Glasgow’s major events like the Womens 10K, Glam in the City, Great Scottish Run and Glasgow Fireworks.

Clyde 1 and Clyde 2’s Superscoreboard is the number sports programme for football fans during the week and on Saturday afternoons with a line up including Peter Martin, Hugh Keevins, Derek Johnstone and many more pundits.

Radio Clyde Cash for Kids is a charity which helps children who face financial, physical, emotional or educational challenges within Glasgow and the West of Scotland. The charity is unique because every single penny raised by listeners goes directly to the listeners. The 2009 appeal raised over £1 million pounds and helped 105,000 needy children.

For more information on Radio Clyde, visit our website: www.clyde1.com or www.clyde2.com        Back to Top

Scottish Water


Scottish Water is always serving Scotland, providing a vital public service to 2.4 million households. Our ambition is to be one of Scotland’s most valued and trusted businesses, one that we can all be proud of.

We are always striving to deliver increasing value for money and a positive experience for our customers, and believe this is even more important in the current economic conditions.

We are continuing to invest across Scotland and at the same time have kept customer charges low. In 2010/11 the average household charge in Scotland is £15 lower than in England and Wales.

The quality of our drinking water has reached an all time high and investment is continuing to deliver the benefits our customers and Scotland need, while we are supporting thousands of construction jobs.

We provide clear, fresh drinking water across Scotland, via a network of more than 29,000 miles of pipes that stretch across an area one third the size of the UK.

Every day we supply 1.3 billion litres of safe, clean drinking water to our customers’ taps and take away the waste water, which we treat before returning to Scotland’s natural environment.

Our responsible approach to managing our assets and resources provides secure, sustainable services to our customers. We will drive innovation and look to maximize all opportunities to deliver what is right for our customers and for Scotland.

We remain fully committed to adapting to climate change and reducing our carbon emissions.

For more information on Scottish Water, visit our website: www.scottishwater.co.uk       Back to Top

ScottishPower


As one of the UK’s leading energy companies, ScottishPower is a major player in the energy market with more than 150,000 SME customers throughout the UK.

ScottishPower is committed to providing a first class service to its customers and is delighted be working in association with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

The company is part of the Iberdrola group, the fourth largest energy company in the world by market capitalisation, and the world’s No1 for wind energy.

We believe it is vital to make small businesses aware of the steps they can take to make a difference to their overheads. Saving money within a company is crucial in these tough economic times and we do our part by ensuring we have extremely competitive prices and a 25% discount for paying by monthly Direct Debit.

ScottishPower adds value by providing excellent customer care and support and by giving informed advice not just to keep energy bills down but also on a range of energy efficiency measures which companies can adopt in the day to day running of their business.

ScottishPower can also help businesses save time with its online energy service.

This is a simple and secure way to manage your account online and will allow easy access to bills and will give customers an at-a-glance view of their energy use.

For more information on ScottishPower, visit our website – www.scottishpower.co.uk/smallbusiness       Back to Top

Thistle Glasgow

Thistle Hotels are part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited operating a number of hotels throughout the UK. Thistle has 33 hotels across the country, many in superb city centre locations including Glasgow and eleven in central London. With a selection of restaurants and a choice of excellent health and leisure facilities, there is something for everyone. Thistle is transforming what they do, and how they do it.

The guest experience is everything. A relaxing, comfortable ambience in which guests can work or rest at their own pace. Wireless internet access in every area of the hotels. Personal service delivered in a warm, efficient and straightforward manner. The perfect locations for both business and leisure.

Thistle is constantly reviewing its standards to offer guests exactly what they need, at a fair price, with the peace of mind that they don’t have to compromise on quality or service.

To bring it all to life, Thistle is investing over £100 million in the next two years. With 33 hotels nationwide, including two in the exotic peninsula of Malaysia, the name may be the same, but they’re showing the world a very different face.

For more information on Thistle Glasgow, visit our website – www.thistlehotels.com       Back to Top

Sponsorship Opportunity Available


Your chance to profile your company here.

For further information, Tel: 0141 204 8325, Email: annemarie.hughes@glasgowchamber.org

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Media Partner

Evening Times


Nobody Knows Glasgow Better

For over a century the Evening Times has been keeping Glasgow up to date with everything that happens across the city. Today, through our print and online editions, more than 250,000 people are kept informed with all the latest in news, business, sport and entertainment.

The Evening Times has been media partner of the Glasgow Business Awards for almost a decade, and since our involvement we have supported a unique category in the competition - the Evening Times Favourite Business Award.

Voted for by our readers, previous winners include Bradfords Bakers, Auchentoshan, the Pavilion, Slater Menswear and The Q Club - all firms close to the heart of the public.

In 2005 we introduced a dedicated daily business page, helping make sure that our readers are kept up to date with not only the news affecting the blue-chip companies in Glasgow, but telling the tales and revealing the issues impacting on the small and medium sized enterprises – the lifeblood of commerce in this city.

Once again we are proud and privileged to be involved in the Glasgow Business Awards and to help celebrate the success and achievements of our top companies.

For more information on Evening Times, visit our website – www.eveningtimes.co.uk     Back to Top

 

Photography courtesy of

Stop Press! Media

Stop Press! Media brings together experienced journalists, broadcasters and multi-media professionals to provide a unique approach to media training.


Working alongside PR companies, professional media consultants and marketing experts we are able to provide a unequalled experience for companies looking to get a unique insight into how the modern media operates and how to work with it.


Our trainers are all skilled reporters, editors, photographers, and broadcasters with years of experience working for the BBC, ITN, IRN, SKY, Reuters, Associated Press, The Times, Daily Telegraph, Independent, Daily Mail, Sun, Record, People, Observer, Independent on Sunday and a wealth of trade and consumer magazines worldwide, both online and in print.


Few corporate communications teams have direct experience of working in the newsrooms of newspapers, magazines, radio or television. However, learning to work with the media positively and effectively - whether its writing eye-catching press releases, providing valuable expert comment or handling a tricky situation - can pay dividends for a company or an organisations profile, reputation and bottom line.


The media is one of the most powerful tools available to businesses. Every potential client can be influenced by what they see or hear but how to work with the media effectively remains a mystery to many.


Stop Press! Media goes further than other training companies. Our working journalists explain the basics and lead clients through the media maze from the beginnings of a story or crisis to the development of events and possible aftermath as it is played out in print, radio, television, internet and social media.

For more information on Stop Press! Media, visit our website - www.stoppressmedia.com     Back to Top

 

Print courtesy of

Creative Colour Bureau Ltd (CCB)

Creative Colour Bureau Limited (CCB) was established in 1993 by a strong team of highly skilled staff from a colour critical reprographics background.

During the last 17 years, CCB has invested heavily in both the latest technology and staff to remain at the forefront of Scottish print.

In 2010 CCB employ a total of 50 staff including highly trained and experienced colour printers, a dedicated print finishing team and our own delivery drivers.

From our Glasgow base we have gained a reputation for our high quality of colour print and dedication to customer service and presently work for a number of leading private companies in addition to working for a number of local authorities and other government agencies.

In 2010 CCB continue to have a strong focus on colour control and now offer their clients a comprehensive range of print services encompassing:

To ensure that market demands are met, CCB’s production facility operates 24 hours each day of the week.

CCB continue to invest in our future growth with investment culminating in a new purpose built production facility in Glasgow in 2008, the latest digital print technology and further investment in staff training with the implementation of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation in February 2009.

CCB are committed to the use of recycled and environmentally friendly substrates and received accreditation from the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC’s) Chain of Custody in September 2007.

For more information on CCB, visit our website: www.ccb.co.uk     Back to Top

 

AV provided by

Sound + Vision AV Ltd

Sound + Vision is an industry-leading event production agency that produces world class events across the UK and Europe from our offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. Our diverse client list includes blue chip companies, charities, the public sector and event management companies.

Over the years, by continually innovating and investing, we have grown into an integrated agency offering full technical and creative production, completely in-house. This has many benefits for our clients including cost-effective events, value for money, great service, high quality and one point of contact throughout – and no other local company in our sector offers this winning combination of technology + creativity.

At Sound + Vision we understand the value of developing live communications that really engage your audience – whether that means event branding and content development; motion graphics and multimedia stings; corporate or training video; or interactive technology and web video that lives long after the event itself is over.

By listening to our clients and understanding their objectives, we produce events that really stand out, connect with your audience and get results. Our talented team of event producers, project managers, designers and technicians are passionate about events and their creative thinking combined with technical know-how ensures that technology + creativity = a perfect result every time.

For more information on Sound + Vision AV Ltd, visit our website - www.savav.co.uk or www.soundandvisionevents.co.uk      Back to Top

 

Good Bags courtesy of

Hawes & Curtis

For both men and women, Hawes & Curtis provides a stunning selection of shirts which will transform your wardrobe and take you effortlessly from office sharp to casual cool.

Hawes & Curtis provides supreme quality and superb value, while perfectly balancing a mix of vibrant colours and patterns with traditional style – all packaged up with trademark outstanding customer service.

As well as head-turning shirts, a range of accessories is on offer – whether it’s a statement tie for the guys or glamorous, sparkling cufflinks for the ladies.

Collections for Autumn/Winter 2010 see a blend of classic looks with more contemporary styles.

In formal shirts, classic blues, whites and champagnes are perfect when teamed with a luxury tie. Tailored and regular fits are now joined by the new St James style – a slim-fit formal shirt which is already a best seller in Hawes & Curtis stores.

The Curtis range for men is a more fashion-oriented, slim-fit line with bolder patterns and highlight colours such as magenta and lime adding something special to your shirt.

For ladies, that extra touch of chic can be added with pussy bow necklines, twisted pleat detail or patchwork print designs – all in fitted or semi-fitted shapes to compliment your style.

Across the store, strong, clean stripes are a recurring trend for AW10, as well as checks of all sizes and bolder print designs such as paisleys, florals and geometric patterns.

Visit Hawes & Curtis at Silverburn to refresh your shirt collection – from boardroom briefing to out-on-the-town.

For more information on Hawes & Curtis, visit our website: www.hawesandcurtis.com



Whisky courtesy of

Inver House Distillers (anCnoc)

Since 1894 this fine Single Malt, which has been described as ‘one of the most complete malts in the world’ by whisky guru Jim Murray, has been carefully crafted at Knockdhu Distillery in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, bordering the beautiful Speyside region.

Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce and his team of six each contribute their unique skills to making anCnoc. The traditional distilling method has remained unchanged for over 100 years.

The equipment has been upgraded throughout the years, but the copper pot stills, their bulbous bases and high necks, the traditional iron mash tun, wooden washbacks and the use of worm tubs have stood the test of time. These features contribute to anCnoc’s distinctive flavour, aroma and depth as do the region’s rich and pure natural resources and the undoubted expertise, enthusiasm and years of experience of the seven men of Knockdhu.

anCnoc, meaning ‘hill’ in Gaelic and pronounced ‘a-nock’ was re-launched in 2003 and since then has established itself as a firm favourite with whisky lovers and connoisseurs across the globe. It is a very well balanced dram; with a round and mellow nose and a sensational tasting experience that starts with a pleasant sweetness and culminates in an incredible fruitiness followed by a long smooth finish. Fully matured in a combination of American Bourbon and Spanish Sherry casks, anCnoc is a light malt for every occasion.

For more information on Inver House Distillers (anCnoc) visit our website - www.inverhouse.com      Back to Top

 

Website Host

Lumison

Lumison is the UK's leading Business Internet Service Provider. Founded in 1995, Lumison has enjoyed steady, sustained growth from offering simple dialup to the business-class, full-service ISP services our clients rely on today.

Lumison provides reliable and cost effective Internet Access, Hosting, Business Continuity and Hosted iPBX solutions to SMEs and large corporations across the UK.


Lumison is the only Business-class ISPs in the UK to own and manage Tier III datacentre facilities in London and Edinburgh, which are manned by our own technical staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing superior levels of service and support to our customers.

Through dedicated account managers we understand and deliver on your long term goals. Our business is all about supporting your business. We know that you need reliable service from your ISP so that is what we provide.

For more information on Lumison, visit our website –  www.lumison.net      Back to Top

 

Prize Draw Sponsors



Blythswood Square Hotel

Dinner, bed and breakfast
donated by
Blythswood Square Hotel

www.blythswoodsquare.com

Clyde Travel Management

A pair of tickets on any direct Flybe service
donated by
Clyde Travel Management

www.clydetravel.com

Thomas
Pink

£250 Gift Voucher
donated by
Thomas Pink

www.thomaspink.co.uk

 

How to Get Involved

We are always looking for Raffle Prizes, Table Gifts, Beverages and Goody Bags. Any donations of items or services would be gratefully received.

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