A social enterprise and charity in the Scottish Highlands has launched a new service to refurbish unused and unwanted laptops – converting them into affordable, high-quality Chromebooks.
ILM Highland will sell the refurbished Chromebooks starting at £70 from its Alness store, providing affordable computing equipment to consumers in the north of Scotland – with plans to introduce online sales in the new year.
Two new jobs will be created to support the project, which is expected to renovate at least 800 unused laptops over the course of 15 months.
Martin Macleod, CEO of ILM Highland, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new laptop refurbishment project at a time when every effort should be made to reuse and repair electronics, in order to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
“Every year, 23.9kg of waste electronics and equipment are generated by every person in the UK. On top of this, each UK household is hoarding an average of 20 unused small electrical devices. There is a huge need to reuse this electronic equipment – ensuring it doesn’t end up in landfill. However, it’s estimated that only around 2.5-10% of electronics are currently reused.
“We’re firm believers in the circular economy – that electronic items can have a much longer life beyond their initial use, with simple refurbishment and repairs. That’s why we’re delighted to be providing these refurbished Chromebooks, to ensure that laptops from across the Highlands do not end up in landfill.
“We welcome any donations of old laptops that may be suitable for conversion. Ideally, laptops should come with any cables and batteries to ensure they are suitable for upcycling.”
Laptops collected through ILM Highland’s public and corporate electrical recycling services will be used for the project – with the company also offering free uplift of old laptops to any businesses in the Highlands. ILM Highland will install new storage lockers at four of its most popular recycling collection sites in the coming months, in order to ensure items are donated in a saleable condition.
The scheme stems from research carried out by the University of Strathclyde’s ‘Recycle Design for Sustainability’ project, in conjunction with ILM Highland. It has been supported by Zero Waste Scotland’s Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund.
Jayne Stirling, Business Investment Consultant at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “We are really looking forward to working on this exciting project with ILM Highland. Choosing refurbished laptops instead of buying new is another way we can all reduce the amount of materials that we use up when we buy things like tech. Extending the lifespan of electronic devices will reduce our carbon footprint, which is essential to ending Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis. This project cements Scotland’s reputation as a climate leader and showcases how a circular economy works in action.”
The refurbishment project builds on ILM Highland’s commitment to reducing electrical waste heading for landfill – and its aim to reuse and refurbish electricals wherever possible, to extend their lifespan and protect the environment.
Proceeds from the sale of Chromebooks will go towards expanding the scheme, as well as providing vital funding for the enterprise’s charitable services – providing home improvement support to vulnerable people in the Highlands, allowing them to live at home for longer.
ILM Highland is a social enterprise, supporting vulnerable people in the Scottish Highlands to live at home – giving them greater independence and freedom. It achieves this through its Handyperson and Care & Repair services, providing assistance with small and large home repairs and improvements.
ILM Highland’s charitable services are supported by income generated from its professional and fully certified service for businesses to dispose of their waste electronic and electrical equipment; a domestic small and large electrical recycling service; and its shop in Alness and online, which sells a wide selection of new and refurbished electrical appliances, refurbished Chromebooks, and spare parts for appliance repairs.
To find out more about ILM Highland, and its new refurbished Chromebook project, please visit www.ilmhighland.co.uk or follow ILM Highland on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
A HIGHLAND-based business has made history by becoming Scotland’s first employee-owned full-service accountancy firm.
All shares of Reid & Fraser Chartered Accountants have now been placed into an employee ownership trust [EOT] marking a significant milestone within the sector which has recently seen several Scottish firms bought over by international counterparts.
Established in 1915, the accountancy firm has been a cornerstone of the Highland landscape with offices in both Thurso and Wick, and the move to employee ownership will allow the practice to continue its focus on delivering excellent services to its pool of local clients.
With guidance from employee ownership specialists, Lindsays Solicitors and Ownership Associates, Reid & Fraser has been able to navigate the transition to the succession model -under the sector regulator ICAS – which will see all 17 of the business’s employees own a stake in the company through the EOT.
Stuart Walker, Director at Reid & Fraser Chartered Accountants, believes the move towards employee ownership secures the future of the firm.
Stuart said: “We have loyal employees who have developed relationships with our clients, so adopting employee ownership felt like the obvious route to take. It was an easy decision.
“This move will hopefully give both our senior and our junior accountants, and perhaps those looking to make the move to Reid & Fraser, a clear path of progression to director level and a sense of stability that may not be present at other firms.”
Having spent 25 years at the company, Stuart has seen other firms within the region being bought over and relocated, leaving local professionals with little options, and thus felt it was important to maintain the accountancy firm’s independence.
Stuart added: “To think of selling or merging the practice didn’t sit right with me because there would always be that uncertainty surrounding the future for our staff and clients should there be a merger or relocation. However, with employee ownership it shifts the control and emphasis of the business to those which matter most, the staff.”
Director Stuart looked towards the professional accountancy body ICAS for advice on a succession plan as the 50-year-old began to plan his future exit strategy. Through discussion with ICAS Stuart found employee ownership to be the most viable succession route. Long serving employees Steven MacGregor and Linda Cameron will join Stuart in an enhanced management team.
Jeremy Clarke, Assistant Director, Practice at ICAS said: “Stuart contacted me in early February about his options and it was clear from the outset that employee ownership was the right route to go down.”
Stuart then called on the help of experienced advisers to ensure that this historical transition would go smoothly.
Douglas Roberts, a Partner at Lindsays has advised on many employee ownership transactions. He said: “Reid & Fraser is a trailblazer, setting the path for other firms of accountants to follow. They are possibly the first full service firm of chartered accountants in the UK to move to employee ownership so we are sure that others in the sector will be watching with interest to see the benefits it brings, which are many.
“By opting for a sale to an EOT, Stuart has secured the practice in its local community, employment is protected and the firm’s loyal clients will see no interruption to service.
”As Reid & Fraser is a chartered accountancy practice, we had to seek approval from ICAS for the proposed structure, although that did not cause any delays. Overall it was a smooth transaction that has delivered positive outcomes for the sellers, the staff and the clients of Reid & Fraser. It was a privilege to provide advice in this memorable deal.”
Carole Leslie of Ownership Associates provided expert advice on the structure and on the engagement with employees. Carole has supported the transition of more than 70 companies to employee ownership.
Carole said: “This is a landmark moment for employee ownership in Scotland. Stuart Walker has demonstrated great vision in transferring Reid & Fraser to his employees. We are seeing unprecedented interest in the model at the moment, precisely because business owners like Stuart want what’s best for the employees and customers, as well as define their own exit route.”
Reid & Fraser offer services in accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals.
The employee ownership trust was introduced in the Finance Act 2014 to encourage companies to consider a sale to employees as a feasible succession solution.
Ownership Associates works exclusively within the employee-owned sector, supporting companies on their move to employee ownership and working with established employee owned businesses enabling them to maximise the ownership advantage.
For more information on Reid & Fraser Chartered Accountants, please visit: https://www.rfca.co.uk/
For more information on Ownership Associates, please visit: https://ownershipassociates.co.uk/..
For more information on Lindsays Solicitors, please visit: https://www.lindsays.co.uk/
Energy crisis placing “enormous” pressure on Scottish businesses
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has warned that Scottish businesses are being placed under “enormous” pressure by the rising cost of energy. Ahead of the UK Government Autumn Budget, Dr Cameron has written to the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP, calling for the introduction of a Small and Medium Enterprise Energy Price Cap to protect Scottish businesses from the increasing price of gas and electricity ahead of the winter months.
One Scottish hotel group, The Caithness Collection, which operates across the north Highlands have reported a potential rise of £53,170 per year in electricity costs as they move to a new contract, the equivalent to a 70% increase on their current yearly bill.
An SME Energy Price Cap could include firms transferred to new providers to strengthen the ‘reasonable costs of supply’ limit at present, and firms locked into enforceable multi-year contracts.
Whilst the current domestic price cap(s) came about following a prolonged CMA investigation, SCC have asked the UK government to look carefully at this option as quickly as possible.
Commenting, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of SCC said:
“In the past few weeks, the UK has reached a crisis point over gas and electricity prices, and businesses are feeling the consequences.
“Many businesses in Scotland are still operating in survival mode and continue to recover from the dual challenges of the UK’s departure from the UK and the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. It’s impossible for firms to keep pace with these exorbitant rises in energy prices and these cost pressures are putting many businesses under enormous pressure and resulting in these rising costs pressures increasingly being passed onto the consumer.
“The UK Government need to support business recovery over the winter months and SCC believe there is now a clear case to create an SME Energy Price Cap, including for microbusinesses, to protect smaller firms from some of these price increases which they would otherwise face.”
Commenting, Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce said:
“The Scottish and UK economy remains in a fragile position and there are mounting challenges for businesses across sectors being created by inflationary pressures, labour market shortages and supply chains, an SME Energy Price Cap would take away one of these pressures and place business recovery on a firmer footing.
“Hospitality and tourism are key sectors for areas like Caithness and it’s vital that government, at all levels, use all the economic levers at their disposal to ensure businesses are able to recover during the winter months and not have a return to growth derailed by rising energy prices.”
Commenting, Andrew Mackay, Owner of the Caithness Collection hotel group said:
“The hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic and recovery is already proving challenging, with difficulties finding and retaining staff, increased wage demands, other supply chain issues and tax increases.
“Rising energy costs are creating huge burdens and challenge for the business and it’s vital that Scotland’s businesses are afforded some buffer to guard against energy prices that are hitting them hard.”
Fast-growing Moray-based digital telecoms company Fibre 1 has recently been shortlisted for Reseller of the Year at the Comms Business Awards, for the second year running. In contrast to last year’s virtual ceremony, the Team are getting their glad rags on for the first face-to face event on the 21st of September – and it’s a big one! The team are ecstatic to be recognised for their continuous hard work through tried and testing times and look forward to more success in the future.
“We are proud to have developed relationships with a number of industry leaders allowing us to provide a product portfolio of data, voice and hosting services to businesses across the UK, either directly or indirectly, through our rapidly growing channel. Our product portfolio includes but is not limited to, fibre connectivity, hosted telephony, FTTC, FTTP, leased lines, VPLS networks. The strong professional relationships we have developed with suppliers ensures we can provide services to customers at the best possible price.
We work with businesses of all sizes and only offer services that we are in no doubt that we can successfully deliver. We have been able to successfully provide services to customers who have been advised previously that these were not available due to location. We believe that no job should be impossible providing you have a strong relationship with suppliers, an excellent project management team and exceptional level of customer care.”
The firm take pride in their fantastic customer service, providing the best possible support throughout projects whilst meeting deadlines, coming in under budget and exceeding expectations.
The company believes strongly in supporting the local community. It is currently the short sponsors for both League Two side Elgin City FC and Lossiemouth FC who compete in the Highland League. Both clubs have signed affiliate deals along with Ross County FC and Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, which will see revenues go back to each club to support their fundraising strategies and community development programmes and they are extremely pleased to add Premiership side Ross County and Championship side ICTFC to the mix. They are looking forward to re-launching the Affiliate Partnerships now restrictions have lifted.
As previous years, the firm continued their support as the Moray School Bank’s first corporate sponsor. Fibre 1 provide connectivity at its HQ in Craigellachie and give a percentage of revenue of all contracts signed to support this invaluable charity.
After the launch of their successful Switch and Save campaign in 2020, the company continued to ensure businesses were saving money on their telecoms and connectivity with its hassle-free service. The switch and save service is a quick and effective way to highlight these savings and the best part is Fibre 1 take care of all the hard work for you. They want to ensure that companies are getting the best deal on their telecoms and connectivity. They are now focusing on the ISDN Switch-off, with Openreach phasing out ISDN lines by 2025, Fibre 1 are encouraging businesses to make the switch to a VOIP system sooner rather than later. Talk to Fibre 1 today about how they can help explore your options and explain the advantages. They have supported many companies through their switch already, with minimum downtime and in a totally controlled, hassle free manner.
Fibre 1
Horizon Scotland, The Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray IV36 2AB
T: 0800 9890 052
E: info@fibre1.uk
https://fibre1.uk
Orano has been successful in securing a 1.5-year decommissioning contract at Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DRSL), the nuclear operator of the Dounreay facility in Scotland. The contract, subcontracted through Jacobs with a value of £2.7M, includes the development of the decommissioning plans for the Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (FRFRP), the Residue Recovery Plant (RRP) and the Evaporator Facility. Dounreay is one of Scotland’s most important decommissioning sites, representing, after Sellafield in North West England, some of the UK’s most significant decommissioning and environmental challenges.
As some of the most complex facilities on the site, DSRL is looking to accelerate the decommissioning of these plants with a partner who has directly relevant technical experience; experience that Orano has gained through the decommissioning its own fast reactor fuel reprocessing plant in France.
Furthermore, the decommissioning of these facilities will act as a flagship for further fuel reprocessing plant decommissioning in the UK, with FRFRP providing invaluable lessons learnt and engineering precedence for future decommissioning of similar facilities in the UK.
As part of the Jacobs-led Dounreay Waste Alliance with partners Jacobs, GDES and EDF Cyclife, Orano will be responsible for the overall project management, engineering management, and design and engineering services, which will not only develop the decommissioning plans but then take these through to scheme design. The scheme design stage will also see the Dounreay Waste Alliance author the decommissioning and environmental safety case, characterisation plans and waste management plans, which will include underpinning optioneering and design activities.
John Storer, Managing Director of Orano Limited stated that ‘Orano is proud to have been selected for the delivery of this nationally-important project at Dounreay. Bringing over 40 years of decommissioning experience to support the contract, our teams offer unique expertise that will help to shape and inform the future of fast reactor decommissioning in the UK.’
ILM Highland was shown a display of strength when World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman joined in a celebration of their environmental and social impact.
ILM, a charity and social enterprise based in Alness, has processed an impressive 2,054 tonnes of waste electrical items in the last 12 months, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly and avoid ending up in landfill. Stoltman – a passionate supporter of local businesses – dropped by to celebrate the achievement.
The organisation was able to salvage and refurbish almost 500 items throughout the year, which were then sold in its electrical retail shop both online and instore. As well as extending the life of appliances and providing high quality, affordable electricals to the local community, each sale funds ILM Highland’s charitable home improvement services which support vulnerable people to be at home.
Highland resident Stoltman, the first Scot to lift the World’s Strongest Man trophy, said: “It’s been really inspiring to visit ILM Highland and learn about everything they do. As a local, I’ve been a customer before but didn’t realise how much impact the business has on the area.
“Their work in our community and for the environment is incredible. I would encourage everyone to shop local and support businesses like ILM Highland that are making a real difference in the Highlands.”
ILM Highland’s waste electrical recycling directly funds its charitable home improvement services, which assist older people, veterans and people living with disabilities in the Highlands to stay at home.
Martin Macleod, CEO of ILM Highland, said: “We’re thrilled that Tom Stoltman has helped us celebrate another fantastic year for ILM; we’re proud to have been able to continue providing vital home improvement services to vulnerable people during the pandemic at a time when they were most in need of help.
“As household incomes have been unpredictable over the last year, it has also been so important to continue to provide affordable new and refurbished electrical appliances. We are pleased that so many Highland residents have chosen to recycle their electricals – allowing us to reuse, recycle and refurbish them for the benefit of our community and the planet.”
ILM Highland’s charitable services are supported by income generated from its online electrical retail shop which sells a wide selection of new and refurbished electrical appliances with home delivery across the whole of Highland; and its professional and fully certified waste electrical recycling service for households and businesses.
For more information about ILM Highland, visit www.ilmhighland.co.uk or follow the social enterprise on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a world-renowned economics professor, bestselling author and global leader in sustainable development, will deliver the University of the Highlands and Islands 2021 annual lecture.
Held ahead of the United Nations climate change conference which takes place in Glasgow later this year, the talk will explore the role universities can play in tackling the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development.
The free event will feature an address from Professor Sachs live from America, where he works as Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. It will also include a question-and-answer session with the audience and a panel discussion with speakers, including Des Thompson from NatureScot and Timothy Cornelius from Global Energy Group. It will be the first fully online annual lecture the university has held.
Speaking about the event, Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: “We are delighted that Professor Sachs will deliver our 2021 annual lecture. Climate change and sustainable development are two of the biggest challenges faced by humanity. It will be fascinating to hear insights from an internationally renowned expert on how we can address these issues and the key role universities can play in this.”
Professor Sachs said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands has a strong focus on sustainable rural development and conducts cutting edge climate change research. I’m excited to be presenting the university’s annual lecture at such an important time in the climate change debate. Universities and colleges have a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development through their teaching and research and I look forward to discussing these issues with students, staff, panellists and audience members.”
The free, online event will take place from 5pm to 6pm on Tuesday 7 September. To find out more and to register, use this link.
Professor Sachs.
The August Executive Magazine is out now!
You can read it online, this month includes our usual quarterly Caithness Chamber Newsletter.
Read the full magazine here and see the Caithness Chamber Newsletter from page 21.
The Newsletter includes updates from;
- Stacks Deli, Bakery & Coffee House
- Vitality
- North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre
- Norscot
- Budding Engineers
- Fibre 1
- Strathnaver Museum
- Dounreay
- North Highland College UHI
Reading through the magazine, you’ll spot even more members! You’ll read about Andrew Mackay from the Caithness Collection joining the board of Highland Tourism CIC (p20) and Harper Macleod who are busy preparing for the SHIRE Awards which take place in November (p19).
Editorial inclusion in the quarterly Chamber Newsletter within Executive Magazine is free of charge while members also receive exclusive discounts on advertising within the magazine. To discuss including your next good news story or advert, please just get in touch. info@caithnesschamber.com
Sign up to have future Executive Magazines sent directly to your inbox using this link.
Dunnet Bay Distillers, the makers of Rock Rose Gin, are celebrating the brand’s 7th anniversary on 21 August 2021 with a delicious new cocktail consisting of 7 ingredients: The Rock Rose Blueberry Basil Martini.
Claire Murray and Martin Murray, a wife-and-husband team, are co-founders and co-owners of Dunnet Bay Distillers, which also produced Holy Grass Vodka.
From its Distillery on the most northerly point of mainland Scotland, the company sends its spirits to 24 countries.
The team is proud of its sustainable ethos and was the first gin producer to launch fully recyclable pouches which are used to refill the elegant ceramic bottles. In just 7 years, there are now 9 editions of the multi-award-winning gin, plus some special editions and liquid garnishes.
Claire Murray said: “We are so proud of what we’ve achieved in 7 years and are so grateful to our wonderful team, many of whom have been here since the start, and the retailers and venues that support us. We started small but with big ambitions. We had two aims: to make desirable spirits in beautiful packaging; and to be sustainable. We’ve stayed true to both aims. Apart from the excellence of our products, our innovation with recyclable packaging for refill pouches is one of our proudest achievements.”
Recipe for The Rock Rose Blueberry Basil Martini
50ml Rock Rose Original Gin
25ml blueberry juice
15ml elderflower liqueur e.g. St Germain
10ml sugar syrup
15ml lemon juice
4 basil leaves
Ice
Garnish: A basil leaf and 3 fresh blueberries
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Strain into a chilled
martini glass and garnish with fresh blueberries and a basil leaf.
For trade inquiries about Rock Rose Gin contact info@dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk