It’s hard to believe it is late summer already and once again hundreds of teenagers across the nation have received their exam results. To coincide with the day when the Scottish Qualification Authority notifies students of their grades, Developing the Young Workforce has for several years run a national campaign called #NoWrongPath. The #NoWrongPath social media campaign aims to inspire and reassure young people who may be disappointed with their results by highlighting the cases of people in interesting and important jobs across a range of sectors who have not taken conventional paths to reach their goal.
The campaign’s key message is that exams are not the be all and end all and that your options need not diminish because you didn’t get the desired grades. #NoWrongPath shows young people that, whatever their grades, they are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success and that there are myriad options available to them.
As hosts of DYW North Highland, Caithness Chamber of Commerce is passionate about helping young people achieve their potential. Indeed, we have just welcomed back our 12 young adults from their Sail Training Shetland experience with the Tall Ships Races. These placements were made possible through sponsorship from DYW North Highland, Pentland Floating Offshore Wind and Scrabster Harbour.
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Sail Trainnees, part of the crew on the Statsraad Lehmkuhl part of the Tall Ships Races 2023
The Sail Training initiative is designed to inspire self-confidence and teamwork, enabling participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. The skills and attributes achieved on board are designed to enhance their employability skills through hands-on learning and real-life experience.
Skills are something we learn through experience and that we can apply to things we do. We might pick these up at school, work, during activities, by spending time with our family and friends, or initiatives like the Sail Training.
By all accounts, the feedback received from the young people and their parents is that the Sail Training delivered just that.
So, my advice to young people is grasp every opportunity available to build your confidence and learn new skills. Qualifications are not the be and end all. There are many other opportunities to build your skills and routes to employment. Get in touch with DYW North Highland to find out how. Email skills@caithnesschamber.com or phone 01847 890076 and ask for the DYW team.
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Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce
View from the Board, Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder & COO at North Point Distillery.
From Canada to the Highlands of Scotland, my career path has changed as much as the scenery! When I was younger, I fully intended to be one of two things: a doctor or a comedian. This might have been spurred on by a fascination with Robin Williams and his movie based on the true story of Patch Adams, The Comedic Doctor.
Through my high school years in Canada, I found my skills were not suited to the medical field (mostly due to a disdain for Chemistry) and chose a different path. I always looked up to my father and his international adventures in business, so I decided to try my hand at business. After studying Business and Management at the University of St. Andrews, I was headhunted into a large corporate specialising in the government and public sector division. At this point, I had already cut my teeth in the public sector, working in the summers under my father’s instruction. The large corporate life taught me several lessons about discipline, working as part of a team, and understanding one’s role in the large scheme of things. I also learnt I was not a big fan of big companies!
From there, I decided that Tech Start-ups was the patch of ‘greener grass’ where I belonged. I spoke to recruiters, interviewed a lot, kept learning skills to apply to this new avenue and eventually landed a National Account Manager role in a Tech Start-Up. This role was engaging, it pushed me to travel around the country, and I started to shape skills of independent decision-making, negotiation, and communication. The role focused heavily on working with Government which was a safe place for me and one I continued to enjoy. This role allowed me to land my next role, as I was consistently presenting at Tech Summits for Amazon, KPMG, PWC, and Microsoft. After one presentation, I was approached by a founder of a new and growing cybersecurity company interested in my skills; they did not care about my lack of cybersecurity experience.
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Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder & COO at North Point Distillery
After working with this cybersecurity company for about two years, travelling around the world for most of my time, I found my repertoire of skills had been significantly bolstered. So much so that I decided to find a consulting company that helped other small businesses scale and grow. I founded this business with my current co-founder Struan Mackie, and this is where my life and career took a rapid left turn (in a good way).
Struan and I connected over many things. Sports, business, and even the occasional whisky dram. From this shared passion, we decided to take the leap of faith in 2019/2020 and found our distillery in the highlands of Scotland. We now run one of the fastest-growing and most award-winning craft distilleries in the UK.
To those looking at what path you want to take, do not be rigid in your approach. Follow your skills, and your passion will be unveiled. All too often, people try to go down the path that is expected of them. So make sure to collect skills, listen, learn, revise, make mistakes, and eventually, you will find yourself in the career you truly belong in.
Eastern Airways announce two fantastic offers on the Wick/John O’Groats-Aberdeen air service.
Moving away for studies can be a stressful time for all, especially with all of that luggage!
Eastern Airways are helping all students this September using our Wick – Aberdeen and Newquay – London Gatwick routes by offering a FREE upgrade on baggage allowances.
Kids fly free this October between Wick and Aberdeen!
Make memories this half term and let Eastern Airways take the whole family away for less. Receive one free child ticket with each adult booking between Wick and Aberdeen.
Take in the city delights as a family, or make the most of a rural getaway.
Booking should be made with Easter Airways directly by calling: 01652 680600
Wick Harbour Authority – Appointment of Board Members 2023
Closing Date for applications – Friday 8th September 2023 Close of Business Day
Due to completion of the term of two existing Board Members, Wick Harbour Authority is seeking applications from high quality individuals interested in being considered for Board membership. Each term of office will run from 1 November 2023 for three years.
The Board, as a whole, requires to have special knowledge, experience and ability in a broad and complementary range of matters as specified in the Wick Harbour 2005 Revision Orders which are relevant to the efficient and economic discharge of the Board of their functions.
The ability to work well within a committee, to grasp and deal with complex issues and to express your own views clearly will also be required. Residence within a reasonable distance (e.g. 50 miles) of the harbour and familiarity with local issues will also be desirable.
The appointments will be made on the basis of merit and aptitude in accordance with the Modern Trusts Ports for Scotland – Guidance for good governance. Board Members will be expected to attend meetings and otherwise devote one to two days per month to the work of the Board. Duties are similar to those of a company director and will include responsibility for the proper exercise of the statutory functions of the Board. No remuneration beyond necessary expenses will be provided.
Applicants will also be required to demonstrate ability and a proven track record in their chosen profession or other activities and, to complement the existing range of expertise on the Board should ideally have professional or personal experience in one or more of the following areas:
• the trade and industry of the North-east of Scotland, preferably with knowledge of the freight or maritime transport sector; and/or
• knowledge and interest in the local and wider community and the economic and social context within which the Port operates
Wick Harbour Board is committed to equality of opportunity, encouraging a diverse range of application, and to the principle of appointments on the basis of with openness and transparency of process in accordance with the Guide to Good Governance for Trust Ports.
Go to www.wickharbour.co.uk/news-events for an application pack.
Alternatively, application packs can be collected from Wick Harbour Authority at its office located at Harbour Office, Wick, KW1 5HA or requested via email office@wickharbour.co.uk
Completed applications should be sent to : office@wickharbour.co.uk or to our postal address below:
FAO Board Secretary
Wick Harbour Authority Board
Wick Harbour Authority
Harbour Office
Wick KW1 5HA
Get to know Reid’s of Caithness – The baking family bringing a taste of Caithness to an international market!
From delicious all-butter shortbread boarding first-class rail services and jetting off on Atlantic flights, to rainbow rows of their signature tartan tins displayed inside premium malls and delicatessens from Asia and to Australia; Reid’s of Caithness is delivering a taste of Caithness to a truly international market.
The family-run business was established by Donald and Joyce Reid in 1966, using recipes passed down through the generations. 57 years later, the business has grown in scale to employ over 50 people and produces hundreds of thousands of biscuits, cakes and oatcakes every year from their 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art bakery, office and warehouse facility in Thurso.
Today, the bakery is managed by the second generation of the family, with Gary and his wife Tracy leading the way for this award-winning business, most recently recognised Scottish Wholesale Baker of the Year 2023. An accolade which demonstrates not only an exemplary product, but also praise for their business operation, level of customer service, ambition, and professionalism.
Reid’s are passionate about innovation, and although the bakery has significantly developed its production capacity and product line since its founding days, the focus on high-quality ingredients and producing well-made product remains at the heart of the business.
The business also remains committed to its investment in its people. In the last 10 years, Reid’s have put over 35 team members through apprenticeships in production & processing, bakery skills, food & drink operations, distribution, and food manufacturing excellence and take an active role in developing their skills, an attribute reflected in every aspect of their business.
Tracy and Gary Reid, outside the family owned bakery in Thurso.
What opportunities are ahead?
“We’re continuing to invest in the business, our ambition is for larger oven capacity and faster wrapping stations and we’re looking at automating our biscuit-forming line.
“But it’s not about replacing people with machines, we’ll always need skilled staff, and eventually some of them may be engineers to work alongside robots, or ‘co-bots’ as they’re sometimes called.”
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
“We use quality local ingredients and employ around 50 people locally. We are committed to their personal training and development and believe that we have a responsibility to make sure our team is well skilled.
However, because we can’t compare with the wages offered here by the nuclear industry or the distillers, we often struggle to attract people and hang onto our workforce. As a bakery, our people are crucial to our operations.
Current consumer behavior and attitudes are also making it increasingly hard to sustain a profit from our type of food production, and like all in the food manufacturing sector, inflation, volatile ingredients pricing and cost-of-living crisis are also having a huge impact on our business – but we believe the quality of our award-winning products shine through.”
What are your proudest moments?
“Winning Wholesale Baker of the Year for the third year was fantastic, and a great boost and credit to our whole team.
Of course, we are proud of all of our awards and achievements, but our ability to react during Covid and support the supply chain with our breads both locally and nationally, into major supermarkets is something we are especially proud of.
Our business is SALSA accredited, meaning we could be audited at any point. It’s extremely important to our business and means our customers and retailers know our products adhere to the strictest health and safety food regulations. If you are a consumer and see a Reid’s product on the shelves, you know it has that guarantee.”
Where is the furthest place away from Thurso that you can buy a Reid’s Biscuit?
“We are exporting our award-winning shortbread and biscuits to over 30 countries, including Costa Rica, South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
We love hearing from our customers and have a huge amount of support from our locals here in Caithness. We often get people sending us pictures of our products when they are travelling – we’ve even had images from as far away as New Zealand”
The West of Orkney Windfarm will be hosting a supply chain event in Thurso on September 14 where local businesses can meet members of the project team and learn more about how to bid successfully for future work packages.
The event, which has been organised in partnership with the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, will be hosted in the Pentland Hotel.
“We would like to encourage companies from across the north of Scotland to come along to this event and engage with the West of Orkney team,” says Rob Heaton, Supply Chain and Local Content Lead.
“Although construction of the wind farm will not ramp up fully for a number of years, we believe early engagement is critical in helping local firms understand how work will be advertised and procured, and in enabling them to bid successfully for future contracts,” Rob says.
In addition to the Caithness event, the West of Orkney Windfarm will also be participating in a number of other supply chain events in Aberdeen, Inverness and Orkney this Autumn.
The West of Orkney Windfarm has already committed to a £105 million investment initiative during this initial phase of the project to develop the supply chain that will be enhanced to at least £140 million by match funding from third parties.
“We will be making announcements in the coming weeks on specific initiatives which will create opportunities for the supply chain in Scotland, and I would encourage companies to come along to one of the supply chain events to meet the team and understand more about our project,” Rob concludes.
Event bookings will be live mid August, for further information contact Fiona@caithnesschamber.com
Further details on supply chain events can be found here: www.westoforkney.com/supply-chain
Social Enterprise Scotland has announced the shortlist for the prestigious Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023 recognising some of Scotland’s most pioneering social enterprises.
The Awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good – that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.
The shortlist includes social enterprises that are early-stage potential; those with a clearly evidenced environmental impact; health and social care organisations; businesses that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity; and innovators using technology to achieve social impact. This year two categories recognise individuals working in a social enterprise that go above and beyond to make a difference – an employee and a volunteer.
With a total of 9 categories open to all Social Enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the Awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector. They highlight the agility, ability, and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and positively impacting our environment and wellbeing.
This year, three new categories have been introduced providing further opportunities for social enterprises and those who work with them to be recognised for their impact. These are: ‘Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Award’; ‘Tech for Good Award’; ‘Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award’.
These are in addition to the existing six award categories, which are ‘Social Enterprise of the Year Scotland Award’, ‘One to Watch Award’, ‘Buy Social – Market Builder Award’, ‘Health and Social Care Award’, ‘Environmental Social Enterprise Award’ and ‘Social Enterprise Employee Champion Award’.
Kim Wallace, Director of Membership and Policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level. We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels. This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement. Our Awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”
Awards ceremony
The winners will be announced at an evening awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th October hosted by Beatrice Wishart, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP.
The 2023 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland are proudly supported by our sponsors: Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Gold Sponsor: Keegan & Pennykid; One to Watch Award – Bold Studio; Environmental Award – Circular Communities Scotland; Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice Award – Social Investment Scotland; Health and Social Care Award – The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland; Tech For Good Award – Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise); ‘Buy Social’ Market Builder Award – Social Enterprise Academy; Volunteer Champion Award – Volunteer Scotland.
More information can be found at socialenterprise.scot/awards
A full list of finalists is listed below.
1. Social Enterprise of the Year Award Category sponsored by Keegan & Pennykid
This award is for a social enterprise that has demonstrated a clear vision, excellence in impact, customer service, and management, plus that little something extra in terms of creativity and innovation.
Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company
2. One to Watch Award Category sponsored by Bold Studio
A social enterprise that shows early potential and can clearly articulate their future vision, how they are going to achieve it, and how they will drive growth in their business.
Carrick Rugby Football Club (SCIO)
3. Environmental Award Category sponsored by Circular Communities Scotland
For a social enterprise in the green and environmental sectors that can show a clear, evidenced environmental impact.
Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co Ltd
4. Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice sponsored by Social Investment Scotland
Social justice is fundamental to the social enterprise movement. This category is open to all social enterprises that are addressing issues around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Resilience Learning Partnership
5. Health and Social Care sponsored by The ALLIANCE: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland
For a social enterprise in the health and social care sector with excellent vision and strategic direction, clear leadership, evidenced social, environmental, and community impact.
Resilience Learning Partnership
6. Tech for Good sponsored by Breeze Digital (a Communities Enterprise Group social enterprise)
This award recognises a social enterprise that is using technology to achieve its social impact. This could be through developing a new product or service or enhancing their service delivery.
7. ‘Buy Social’ – Market Builder sponsored by the Social Enterprise Academy
For a social enterprise, public sector body or private sector organisation that has demonstrably made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities to buy from social enterprises.
The Good Stuff Network Edinburgh (operated by Edinburgh Social Enterprise)
Circular Communities Scotland Reuse Consortium
8. Employee Champion
This award recognises an individual working in a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Joyce Murray, CEO and Founder, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Lisa Gemmell, Community and Relationship Mentor, Be-inn Unity CIC
Rachel MacPhail, Employability Coordinator, Inspiralba
Rajkiran Atwal, General Manager, Merry-go-round
9. Volunteer Champion sponsored by Volunteer Scotland
This award recognises an individual volunteering with a social enterprise that goes above and beyond to make a difference.
Cathy Costello, Volunteer & Trustee, Ayr Gaiety Partnership
Janie Conlon, Tartan Volunteer, Grassmarket Community Project
Sandra Hill, Volunteer Mentor, Positive Changes Scotland CIC
Susan Muir, Volunteer Instructor and Charity Trustee, Kanzen Karate
Commenting on the Electronic Trade Documents Act receiving Royal Assent, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Campaigners have worked for years to have the Electronic Trade Documents Act passed, and its introduction in mid-September will mark transformational change in digitalising international trade.
“With this major change, the UK’s sustainability efforts can be boosted by saving paper, but also cut processing time for trade documents down to mere seconds in some cases.
“SCC will work with our colleagues in the International Chambers of Commerce, with local Chambers and businesses across Scotland and the wider UK to ensure the full benefits of this are felt in global trade.
“This can also hopefully act as a beacon, leading towards further digitalisation of trade across the world. We also urge governments to accelerate their work to digitalise border processes.”
Background
The Electronic Trade Documents Act gives legal status to electronic Bills of Exchange and Bills of Lading and other commercial documents.
The new legislation will come into effect in mid-September this year providing opportunities to digitalise international trade documents and reap efficiency benefits. It also covers trade documents such as promissory notes, warehouse receipts, marine insurance policies, and cargo insurance certificates.
With our Annual Dinner returning on Friday 15th September 2023, we are delighted to announce that our Young Entrepreneur & Young Business of the Year Awards are once again open for entries!
These awards are designed to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the North Highlands great, and are a fantastic opportunity for a young person or business to boost their profile and gain recognition for their achievements.
Entries are open until 5pm on 11 August 2023, and winners will receive the following:
Young Business (less than five years old)
- 2 FREE places worth £160 at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- Young Business of the Year 2023 trophy
Young Entrepreneur (younger than 30)
- £500 cash prize, kindly sponsored by Saffery Champness
- 2 FREE places worth £160 on the top table at the Chamber’s annual dinner, for the presentation
- 1 year’s FREE membership of Caithness Chamber of Commerce
- Media coverage through press and the Chamber’s digital and social channels
- Highlighted profile on the Chamber’s website
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 trophy
Application forms and full details of entry criteria can be downloaded below:
- Application Form – Young Business of the Year 2023
- Entry Criteria – Young Business of the Year 2023
- Application Form – Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
- Entry Criteria – Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023
Completed applications should be sent to fiona@caithnesschamber.com by 5pm on 11 August 2023.
Please pass this on to anyone who you think would be interested in applying for either award. If you’d like any more information or just want to have a quick chat before applying, contact us on info@caithnesschamber.com or 01847 890076.
In keeping with its commitment to a minimal impact on the environment and the natural world, timber products specialist GMG Energy has announced that is planting another 10,000 trees in a swathe of forest it owns in the far north-east of Scotland.
The latest enhancement of its strategic reserve of timber is part of an ongoing resource replenishment programme which is based on the industry standard of one-for-one, but the company has substantially exceeded that target in most recent years.
The new planting will take place on 400 acres of softwood-planted land at Quintfall Forest, towards the east coast south of John O’Groats, which GMG Energy purchased early last year to protect future supply and increase its resilience to market shocks.
It will be overseen by forestry consultant Donald McClelland, from Caithness, who will assemble a team to undertake the planting and will then manage the growth and wellbeing of the crop until maturity after 35 years.
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GMG Energy Team
Malcolm Morrison, Director of GMG Energy, said: “We are committed to replacing every log of timber that we use in our sawmill, biomass and timber products facility in the Strath of Halladale in Sutherland and this latest tranche of planting maintains that momentum.
“We are also dramatically reducing our reliance on diesel fuels with the recent installation of a solar array of more than 100 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the main production facility at the plant.
“Quintfall is just over 20 miles from our base of operation at Bighouse Farm, so it will not add to the road miles burden and planting there will chime with our wish to invest locally and provide a reliable resource for other local companies.”
The company, which has a turnover in the region of £2 million, has also installed a high-tech preservation tank which will provide treated and stress-tested timber products for local concerns which previously had to source supply from much further afield.