Ayrshire Business News
The online business news magazine of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle
Sponsored by Frazer Coogans Solicitors * Published by Fame Publicity
 
Ayrshire Business News Press release archive ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE Elite Ayrshire's first meeting Ayrshire Business Directory Clydesdale Bank in Ayrshire AYR RACE COURSE Donald Ross Estate Agents PALIGAP creative marketing CKD Galbraith Ayr Office Solar power from William Skinner WILLIAM SKINNER - TREE HOUSES Culzean Castle Horse Trials 2007 Barrie Grant Business Coach Rolling news headlines Recruitment and Job Vacancies CONTACT US HERE Elite Ayrshire Department Store

 

Welcome to Ayrshire Business News, the online business news magazine of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle. We bring you news about our member companies, and celebrate and report the wealth and rich diversity of entrepreneurial talent, industry and business activity that abounds here within the county of Ayrshire, Scotland.

 Executive Editor: Murdoch MacDonald M.A. (Cantab.)

E-mail: editor@ayrshirebusinessnews.com


View Murdoch MacDonald's profile on LinkedIn

Visit our online department store! CLICK HERE

¯ Scroll on down to continue....


 

Andrew Lansley MP opens Skinner's

new Southern Office in Cambridge

Andrew Lansley CBE, MP for South Cambridgeshire performed the opening ceremony at Ayrshire-based building contractors William Skinner & Son’s new Southern Office premises in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on Thursday 17 April.



William Skinner & Son chairman John Quinton (left) and managing director Sandy Cunningham (right) welcome Andrew Lansley to the new premises of the company’s Southern Office in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire.

Founded in 1964, Skinners made their first move down south five years ago, renting a site and offices in Saffron Walden in Essex from which to carry out the substantial amount of refurbishment work they were then doing for supermarket giant Tesco.

But the company’s recent expansion and diversification into new areas of business including renewable energy and tree houses has made necessary the purchase of their own larger facilities comprising an 8,000 sq ft yard, 1,900 sq ft of office space, and a 1,620 sq ft warehouse.

William Skinner & Son managing director Sandy Cunningham said: “Our commitment at Cambridge is a measure of the importance to us of the market in London, the South East, Midlands and East Anglia.

“The Meldreth base provides high quality warehouse, workshop and office accommodation from which we can develop and control our market penetration. It has capacity for expansion to support several times its present level of activity.”

Combining the expertise and manpower of their Ayrshire headquarters on the perimeter of Prestwick Airport and the new site at Cambridge, Skinners have recently completed a second tree house for UK hotel and conference venue company De Vere at Shirrell Heath near Southampton.

The first tree house that Skinners built for de Vere at their Theobalds Park venue in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire has been a commercial success for the client as an unusual conference and seminar facility.

Sandy Cunningham commented: “Tree houses have, of course, been used for many years – as offices, play rooms, workshops, studios, tearooms, spare bedrooms.

“But whereas they might once have been seen as expensive, eccentric and extravagant, current building costs and the availability of new materials have resulted in their becoming a practical alternative to conventional construction.”

In addition to tree houses, William Skinner & Son has also made a successful entrance into the solar heating market, attracting a large number of new clients in England and Scotland.

The aim now is to offer general advice on the suitability of any of the available renewable energy techniques, or any mix of them, to solve individual energy supply problems, and they are developing a consortium of available local expertise to help them develop that.

Managing director Sandy Cunningham concluded: “William Skinner & Son is now expanding satisfactorily on all fronts from our headquarters in Ayrshire and our new base in south-east England. We are traditional building contractors who have developed a diverse range of untraditional new skills, and we want potential clients in England and in Scotland to be aware of the comprehensive building skills and experience that we offer.”

For further information visit www.williamskinner.co.uk

*    *    *


Winners of the Ayrshire Business Awards sponsored by Clydesdale Bank

Wednesday 20 February 2008

THE WINNERS of the Ayrshire Business Awards 2007/2008 hosted by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and sponsored by Clydesdale Bank have been announced at a gala ceremony at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock.

There was fierce competition in the eight categories. Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire Operations Director, Evelyn McCann said the high attendance demonstrated the strong level of commitment from the public and private sectors to ensuring Ayrshire had a vibrant and dynamic economy.



Evelyn McCann (pictured above) congratulated all the finalists and told the audience: “These business awards are a tremendous opportunity to recognise and showcase Ayrshire’s top performers.

“In addition to overall performance, we focus on some of those characteristics that are likely to bring about business success – entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity, accessing international markets, utilising technology, and investing in skills and learning.

“I’ve been struck over the past few years that businesses in Ayrshire are often modest about their successes. There’s no reason to be. There are fabulous stories to tell.”



Willie Mackie, Managing Partner of Clydesdale Bank’s Financial Solutions in Ayr (pictured above) said “We are proud to have been involved with this prestigious event and extend our congratulations to all the winners. The competition was as fierce as ever and the diverse range of sectors demonstrates the strength and depth of the business community in Ayrshire.”

AYRSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS 2007-2008

Business Growth through People Development Award

Category Sponsor: GlaxoSmithKline

Winner - The National Autistic Society Daldorch House School and Continuing Education Centre

http://www.nas.org.uk/daldorch

* * *

Potential Business Growth by Most Entrepreneurial Young Company Award

Category Sponsor: The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock

Winner - AvantiCell Science Ltd

http://www.avanticell.com/

* * *

Best Performing Business Award (25 employees or under)

Category Sponsor: Cunninghame Housing Association

Winner - Consolidated Carriers Ltd

http://www.ccl-logistics.com

* * *

Business Growth through Sustainable Development Award

Category Sponsor: Kilmarnock College

Winner - Gas Call Services Ltd

http://www.gascall.co.uk/

* * *

Business Growth through Marketing & Sales Award

Category Sponsor: West Sound and West FM

Winner - Neogen Europe Ltd

http://www.neogeneurope.com/

* * *

Business Growth through International Activity Award

Category Sponsor: DIAGEO

Winner - Alchemedia Interactive Ltd

http://www.alchemedia-interactive.com/

* * *

Best Performing Business Award (26 – 250 employees)

Category Sponsor: Clydesdale Bank

Winner - Neogen Europe Ltd

http://www.neogeneurope.com/

* * *

Business Growth through Innovation and Creativity Award

Category Sponsor: Alba Smart Thinking and ICASS

Winner - William Tracey Ltd

http://www.wmtracey.co.uk/

* * *

Clydesdale Bank website

Ayrshire Scotland Business News

I-Newswire OpenPress FreePress

*    *    *


The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle entertains Rabbie Burns to lunch

Saturday 26 January 2008

THE latest meeting of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle was a Burns Lunch held at Fouters Restaurant in Ayr.



Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes welcomes Rabbie Burns and Ayr MSP John Scott.

Guests of honour included John Scott MSP for Ayr, invited members of the press, and Scotland’s national bard himself, Rabbie Burns.

Rabbie recited the Selkirk Grace as Fouters head chef George Ramage and his team served up a resplendent menu of traditional Scottish fare.



Just some of the members and guests at the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle Burns Lunch

After lunch Rabbie led a discussion about how local businesses could make better use of the Burns name and tradition in marketing brand Ayrshire, especially with The Homecoming just around the corner in 2009.

The next meeting of the Circle will be a presentation about the implications for business of Alistair Darling’s first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer, led by Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants and hosted by Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr. Date to be announced nearer the time.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is a newly formed association of some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

Its purpose is to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

John Scott MSP commented: "Representing some of Ayrshire’s premiere companies, the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle plays a valuable role in boosting the Ayrshire economy and in particular promoting through the internet the benefits of doing business in Ayrshire. I’m delighted to support the aims of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, and wish them continued success in the excellent work they do."

For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com

*    *    *


Clydesdale announces expansion of

business banking team in Ayrshire

Thursday 13 December 2007

WILLIE MACKIE, managing partner of Clydesdale Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr, has announced two new senior appointments to further augment his Commercial and Agricultural Banking teams.



Picture shows, left to right, new managerial appointees Jennifer Craig and David Kennedy with Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie.

David Kennedy (43) from Troon joins has been appointed as senior partner, Corporate and Commercial Banking.

Reporting directly to Willie Mackie, David will be responsible for managing the team of Commercial Business partners who are all based in Ayrshire.

David has over 20 years experience with Clydesdale Bank, having held various senior management roles within Business Banking, most recently as a credit executive within the Bank’s central credit team.

David is already well known in Ayrshire, being a member of Royal Troon Golf Club.

Jennifer Craig (27) from Blackwood, South Lanarkshire joins the team as Asset Finance partner supporting the Agricultural, Commercial and Private Banking teams.

Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, where she will be looking to expand the Clydesdale Bank’s hire purchase, leasing and contract hire business across Ayrshire.

Willie Mackie said: “These latest appointments represent a further significant step in the expansion of our regional team here in Ayrshire. The addition of such experienced managers will add further momentum to the delivery of our Integrated Financial Services proposition.”

*    *    *


Allison Lightbody Waddell Chartered Surveyors open branch office in Ayr

Monday 10 December 2007

AS part of their continuing expansion programme, Glasgow-based chartered surveyors Allison Lightbody Waddell have opened new offices in Ayr.



The office is situated at Falcon House in Barns Street, and will be managed by associate director Anthony Zdanowicz BSc MRICS (pictured above).

Born in Irvine, Anthony was educated at Kilwinning Academy and the University of Paisley, where he gained a BSc degree in Real Estate Management. He has worked as a chartered surveyor for seven years, specialising in commercial property.

Anthony said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of making a significant contribution to the expansion in Ayrshire of a dynamic firm like Allison Lightbody Waddell.”



Picture shows: Anthony Zdanowicz, second from right, with ALW Surveyors directors, left to right, Graham Waddell, David Allison and Sandy Lightbody.

Director Graham Waddell said: “At Allison Lightbody Waddell we pride ourselves on a close director-led service, valued by an established clientele and an increasing number of new clients. The underlying philosophy, shared by everyone at the firm, is to add value to the client at every opportunity, with a strong desire to extend this successful business concept geographically.

“With an increasing amount of work being undertaken in Ayrshire, partly helped by the M77 upgrade and relative ease of access to their head office at Glasgow, it was a logical move, and it was felt very strongly that for an Ayrshire operation to be a complete success it had to be firmly based in the centre of the principle county town of Ayr.

“Anthony will be able to significantly increase the existing business that Allison Lightbody Waddell conducts in Ayrshire, and help to make the firm a significant player in the area. He has a strong track record, having practised with a major firm in the area and has developed an excellent network of existing clients, being very much Ayrshire born and bred. As well as excellent business contacts and an in-depth knowledge of the Ayrshire property market, he has an intuitive understanding and empathy about what makes Ayrshire tick.”

Allison Lightbody Waddell advise and act for clients throughout the whole commercial property ownership experience, from initial acquisition to asset management, tenant matters, lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals and ultimate asset disposal.

For further information telephone 01292 430313 or visit www.alwsurveyors.co.uk

*    *    *


Fouters Restaurant in Ayr celebrates

30 years of fine dining

Monday 3 December 2007

DESCRIBED on its website as “the small restaurant with the big reputation”, the ever popular Fouters in Ayr’s Academy Street, off the Sandgate, is celebrating its 30th anniversary of fine dining this year.


Outwardly, nothing much appears to have changed. Located in an 18th century converted bank vault down off street level, the stone floors, uncomplicated décor and sense of subterranean calm make it a rather serene and familiar dining venue for its numerous regular clientele.


But new furnishings and fittings and a relatively new man at the helm have given the place an extra buzz and excitement.

George Ramage (45) took over earlier this year from Brian and Odette Murphy, and looks set to carry the famous restaurant on to new heights of achievement and popularity.

George, originally from Greenock, but who now lives in Troon with his partner of ten years Fiona, already boasts a distinguished CV in the catering industry.

Trained at the Gleneagles Hotel, he continued his career at Malin Court and several country house hotels in England before being appointed head chef at Auchrannie House Hotel on the Isle of Arran, where he stayed 10 years before moving to the Bank restaurant in Prestwick.


Insistent upon using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible, George continues a long tradition at Fouters of specialising in a cuisine that is essentially a blend of classical French and Scottish but with an original twist.

One of his favourite signature dishes is roast rack of new season local lamb with pine nut, garlic and herb crust accompanied by honey roast root vegetables and redcurrant and thyme jus.


Asked what his ambitions for Fouters is, George replied: “I want Fouters to be not only a special occasion restaurant as it has perhaps tended to have been in the past, but somewhere for everyone to come, on any occasion.”

Prices remain eminently reasonable at this fine dining venue that has already achieved success, but whose best days are undoubtedly yet to come.

For more information ring 01292 261391 or visit http://www.fouters.co.uk

[Photography by Derek McCabe. Telephone:01292 611578.]

I-Newswire PR-GB OpenPress UKPRWire Blog

*    *    *


Elite Ayrshire Business Circle

gets the power of branding

Wednesday 21 November 2007

THE latest meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle took place in the Red Rum suite of the Princess Royal Events Centre at Ayr Racecourse.



Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes introduced Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol, who described the corporate event facilities available both at the Racecourse and at the associated Western House Hotel.



Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol (left) and Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes.

New member companies Allison Lightbody Waddell and Paul Christie Financial Planning were introduced, as were guest companies Kestrel Press and Posterplus Media Group.

The main event of the meeting was a presentation called “The Power of Branding” by Stephen Cosh and Graeme Niven of creative marketing agency Paligap.

Stephen and Graeme gave a powerful demonstration of how the same techniques that made the likes of Coca-Cola and Apple into worldwide brands can also be used by small and medium-sized companies to create their own distinctive identity in the marketplace in order to maximise their business.



A touch of culture was added to the meeting by the presence of Kilmaurs-based artist Graham Korn, who exhibited some of his latest pastel drawings. Graham’s wife Jill Simpson gave members a brief insight into his work, and what it was like to live with a creative artist.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association of some of the top companies in Ayrshire. Its purpose is to publicise is members, and to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

OpenPress PR-GB I-Newswire

*    *    *


Tiger Woods coach visits Brunston Castle Golf Club in Ayrshire

Friday 12 October 2007


Brunston Castle Golf Club recently hosted the Scottish leg of a whistle-stop tour of the UK by American golf professional Rudy Duran - Tiger Woods’ childhood coach.
The UK tour took in three destinations - England, Scotland and Ireland, with Rudy primarily hosting a junior golf clinic at each of the venues.


Front right: Rudy Duran and, behind him, Stuart Smith, with some of Brunston Castle Golf Club's YMG pupils.

Organised in association with both Young Masters Golf (YMG) and Acculength, designers of the only extendable junior golf clubs in the world, the clinic gave some of Brunston Castle’s YMG pupils, both past and present, the chance to gain a few tips from the man responsible for coaching the world’s No.1, Tiger Woods from the age of four to ten.

Brunston Castle’s resident YMG professional Stuart Smith jumped at the chance of saying yes to the request for Brunston to host the Scottish leg.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for Brunston Castle Golf Club as a whole,“ Stuart explained.

“To be able to host such a one-off event, with a hint of the Tiger phenomenon thrown into the mix, was sure to open a few eyes. It was a fantastic opportunity for all concerned. It provided some of my YMG pupils the chance to meet the man who kick-started Tiger’s career and to pick up some of his tips for kids golf.

“It gave the professionals present, including me, an insight into his approach to coaching children in golf, in addition to providing Brunston Castle with some publicity - not just locally, but also nationally via Golf World.”

Following a thirty minute putting clinic for Brunston Castle Golf Club’s YMG pupils, Rudy hosted a ninety minute clinic for around fifty kids from both Brunston and West Kilbride, with a selection of kids demonstrating their skills on the range. All in all the day was a great success for all concerned, with the initial feedback from Stuart’s juniors being extremely positive.

Stuart will continue to develop his YMG coaching academy, with a new introductory Cadets course beginning on Saturday 13th October 2007 at 12 noon. Fort more information on anything relating to YMG or Acculength junior golf equipment, call Stuart on (01465) 811825 or e-mail: sjsgolfsales@aol.com

Young Masters Golf (YMG)

The exciting Young Masters Golf (YMG) Junior Golf Programme is the best way for youngsters to get into the great game of golf.

Developed by a team of highly experienced PGA professional golfers, it is the ultimate solution for boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 16 years old who want to start playing golf or, if they already play, to get better.

The YMG Junior Golf Programme gives youngsters the perfect introduction to golf by showing them everything they need to know to enjoy this brilliant game for the rest of their life.

Visit: http://www.ymg-golf.com

Brunston Castle Golf Club

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Ayrshire, Scotland, only four miles from the sea and five miles from Turnberry, the course is split by the Water of Girvan and lined with mature trees.

The superb clubhouse, which commands spectacular views over the course, has full dining and bar facilities and there is also a floodlit covered driving range on-site.

Visitors and groups are most welcome. A full range of dining facilities are available and company days, pro-ams and groups are expertly catered for.

Professional staff are available for lessons, golf clinics and are happy to advise on a wide range of equipment.

www.brunstoncastle.co.uk

*    *    *


Digital CCTV security provider Visimetrics joins Elite Ayrshire Business Circle

Monday 8 October 2007

AYR-based leading digital CCTV surveillance systems designer and provider Visimetrics (UK) Ltd is the latest new member to join The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Visimetrics (UK) Ltd specialises in the development, manufacture, distribution and marketing of high-performance digital systems for CCTV and video surveillance. As a major strategic player in the global security market, Visimetrics has gained a significant reputation for providing leading edge security solutions backed by a world class quality and service culture.


Recently Visimetrics digital video recorders have formed part of the £15m refurbishment of the 55000 sq ft Casino at The Empire in London. The Empire is the third London Clubs site to use Visimetrics products, having previously been deployed at the Rendezvous Casino in London and the UK’s flagship northern casino, Manchester 235. A similar system is also being installed at the soon to be opened London Clubs casinos in Nottingham and Glasgow.

Visimetrics managing director Barry Rooney said: “We are very proud of our achievements in the casino sector. It is one of the most demanding applications for video and audio surveillance, and our growth in it is testament of our leading edge technology. We now enjoy upwards of fifty casino operations worldwide using our technology, and expect that to double in the next twelve months.”

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes commented: “It is a delight to welcome to our expanding Business Circle an outstandingly successful Ayrshire company like Visimetrics. Visimetrics will complement well the notable businesses who have already joined, and we look forward to working together to promote the interests of all members.”

www.visimetrics.com

Newswire Today PR-GB I-Newswire OpenPress

*    *    *


Google Groups
Subscribe to Ayrshire Scotland Business News
Email:
Visit this group


 

Glasgow Prestwick Airport reports

increasing passenger and freight

Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s performance in March signalled a strong end to the 2007/08 financial year.



The airport handled 192,142 passengers in March against 180,978 during the same month in 2007 - a year on year rise of 6%, and a 16% improvement on February’s performance.

Glasgow Prestwick handled 2,426,630 passengers from April 2007 to March 2008 – a marginal improvement on last year’s total.

New destinations that have started operating from the airport in the last year include Katowice, Belfast, Budapest, Cork and Poznan, with several of the new links exclusive to Scotland.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said the results once again demonstrate the importance of the airport to the Ayrshire and Scottish economies, particularly in terms of tourism and employment.

It is only weeks since Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond attended the launch of an economic study which found that inbound visitors using Glasgow Prestwick generate £173 million of expenditure, while the airport’s presence accounts for 3,000 jobs in Scotland.



Mark (pictured above) commented: “It is pleasing to see growth in the passenger sector, particularly after we discovered how important foreign visitors are to the Ayrshire and Scottish economies.

“Several new services have been introduced over the last 12 months and are performing well, which is encouraging as we move towards the peak summer season.”



A strong focus on developing the freight business is also starting to pay off, with the airport now breaking the 3,000 tonne barrier on a more regular basis.



The March total of 3,260 tonnes marks a 5% improvement on March 2007 and a 34% increase on February’s total.

Freight has also increased year on year with the 31,735 tonnes handled between April 2007 and March 2008 representing a 4% increase on the previous 12 months.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

*    *    *


Ayrshire Chartered Accountants

do a runner!

TWO intrepid Ayr-based businessmen are in training for one of the world’s biggest long-distance races.



Left to right: Stephen Wilkie and Andrew Sinclair, partners in Ayr-based Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants.

Andrew Sinclair (43) and Stephen Wilkie (40), partners in leading Ayrshire Chartered Accountants Sinclair Scott, will be lining up at the start of the famous New York City Marathon on Sunday 2 November.

The New York City Marathon is one of the world’s great road races, drawing more than 100,000 applicants. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers. As any one of the more than 700,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime.

Andrew and Stephen will be running in order to raise funds for the Muscular Sclerosis Society Scotland.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland is Scotland’s largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis, and is part of the MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. About 10,400 people in Scotland have MS.

Andrew said: “With relatives and friends who suffer from MS, I felt that this was a great opportunity to make a contribution to a very worthwhile cause, and at the same time to bring the marvellous work that the MS Society carries out to an even wider audience.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to support Andrew a Stephen’s efforts can do so online by following the link on the front page of Sinclair Scott’s website at http://www.sinclairscott.com

Businesses offering over £125 will have their logo displayed in the reception hall of the Sinclair Scott offices in Wellington Square, Ayr, and contributors of £500 or more will in addition be given the opportunity of a special feature page on the Sinclair Scott website.

For more information contact Andrew or Stephen on 01292 288999.

Links:

http://www.mssocietyscotland.org.uk/

http://www.nycmarathon.org

Blog I-Newswire OpenPress PR-GB

*    *    *


Ayrshire hosts international heritage

motoring event Culzean Autoclassica

Friday 22 February 2008

AFTER a successful launch last September, Ayrshire is to be the venue for a major annual international heritage motoring event starting this year.



Organised by Autospirit in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, the first Culzean Autoclassica will take place on Bank Holiday weekend 23-24 August 2008 at Culzean Castle & Country Park.

One of Scotland’s five star international tourist attractions, the grandeur of the castle and spectacular scenery makes it an inspired choice of venue.



Early forecasts indicate that the first Culzean Autoclassica weekend will be one of the top heritage motoring events in the country, with clubs and owners of vehicles from throughout the UK and Ireland already applying to attend.

Aimed at all marques of transport with particular emphasis towards top or significant marques, the Autoclassica not only features the history of the automobile and motorcycle, but also its associated lifestyle and service-related industries.

It revisits the golden ages of motoring by bringing together on display some of the finest and exotic vehicles in the country that embrace almost a century of motorised transport.

All forms of vehicles will be on display around the castle and estate grounds throughout the weekend, and by inviting all participants and the visiting public to arrive in period dress reflecting the eras of the vehicles present, a surreal atmosphere will be created.



Activities and attractions will include heritage racing and special marque displays, international and street concours d’elegance, classic and auto memorabilia displays, club and single entry enclosures, manufacturers and dealers enclosures, trade village, classic vehicle auctions, fashion shows, hog roast barbecues and live music.

Action events will include a Soap Box Grand Prix, an inter-club driving challenge, and motoring nostalgia with historic racing car demonstration runs, all to be held within the estate grounds.

Other park facilities include a visitors’ centre, shops, restaurants, gardens, children’s play area, deer park and castle with spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Kintyre.

To encourage participation from both manufacturers and dealers, a selection of events will take place both before and after the weekend. These include the Culzean Autoclassica Golf Classic played round the Westin Turnberry Ailsa Championship course, possible historic and modern vehicle demonstration runs at the old Turnberry circuit and scenic drives around the Ayrshire countryside and coastline.

For further information about the 2008 Autoclassica and to check out video clips and the photo album from the September 2007 launch event please check out the website at http://www.culzeanautoclassica.com or e-mail info@culzeanautoclassica.com

Enquiries:

Les Hannah, Autospirit

Telephone: 01655 880045

FreePress I-Newswire OpenPress

Ayrshire Scotland Business News

*    *    *


Creative agency Paligap makes new staff appointments

Monday 26 November 2007

TOP Scottish creative marketing agency Paligap has announced the appointment of two new members of staff.

Nick Lambert has been appointed as sales manager, and Colin Millar joins the studio team as its new graphic designer.


A graduate of Caledonian Business School, Nick has held project management roles with IBM and Sanmina - SCI, prior to accepting the brand manager’s position at global paddle manufacturer Lendal. Nick is currently studying for a Masters in Marketing at Strathclyde Business School.

As a member of Paligap’s sales team, Nick’s role will involve developing new business opportunities, managing selected key accounts and developing sales strategies aimed at achieving the agency’s ambitious growth targets.

“I’m in the fortunate position of being a previous Paligap client. I’m sure that having been on both sides of the fence will stand me in good stead,” commented Nick. “It’s also very exciting to be joining such a forward-thinking and dynamic team.”

Nick’s energy and enthusiasm, allied to his sound business sense and excellent ‘people’ skills, are sure to make him a success in his role.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys cycling and kayaking.

Having just returned to Scotland after spending two years living and working in Austria, Colin Millar is the latest recruit to join the Paligap studio team as its new graphic designer.

Educated in Perthshire, after a short spell studying engineering in Aberdeen Colin decided to abandon ship to pursue his real passion, graphic design. He studied multimedia and graphic design for four years in Glasgow before spreading his wings by travelling throughout Europe - France, Germany, Spain and Austria.

At the ripe old age of 25, Colin decided to head back to the motherland to establish his professional career as a graphic designer. The timing was perfect for Colin and for Paligap, who are delighted to welcome Colin as part of their ever increasing team. He brings with him a fresh, cosmopolitan approach to the studio and already many of the agency’s clients have expressed their delight with the work he has produced on their behalf.

Founded in 1999, Paligap has become one of Scotland’s premier full service marketing and creative agencies.

Paligap handle all elements of the communications mix covering branding, press, radio, TV and outdoor advertising, public relations and direct marketing, internet and print.

Paligap managing director Stephen Cosh said: “Our sole reason for existence is to boost our client’s business.

“Our proven track record has ensured that the agency has built up an impressive client list, which includes numerous organisations of all sizes and from every sector.”

*    *    *


Clydesdale Bank powers ahead

Wednesday 21