Summer networking
2011
Welcome to this week's Business Banter blog.
We welcomed 21 (twenty one in case you thought this was a typo) newbies into the Business Banter community over the past fortnight and all their profiles are below.
Good to see that so many meetings are taking place after the Business Banter in Esquires each week and just a quick note of thanks to Michelle, Jade, Megan and Jennifer who serve us well each time we're there.
Life is getting back to normal with pre-season training re-started after a break that was just far too long. Looks like we're going to have a second year at U21 level though may go amateur if we think it might bring the team on quicker. Finished third in the division last year, won a cup and lost in the semi final of another but could have been better.
Missed out publishing a blog last week as I was at T in the Park. Superb event, but glad to say I was there on a social rather than professional basis. Just like to thank Bronagh and Benedetto for finding this little gem from the EBC. Now if you take a brief moment and wait for what is said at 1 min and 34 seconds into the advert then you know that the Business Banter is spreading to areas even we've been surprised about!! ;-)
Banterers update
A few words about our regulars and what they've been doing over the past month or so.
Liz Leonard dropped me a line to say that she was really sorry she hadn't been able to put in an appearance at the Business Banter of late. I suppose she had good excuse.
She is now working flat out to get three documentaries finished for Radio 4. They go out in September.
But, in the meantime, Liz has also recently done a From Our Own Correspondent for the World Service about her China trip which she thought other Banterers might be interested in.
The link is above - scroll down 11 programmes to 21st June "India & China" - her bit is second in the programme at around 5 mins in.
China or Esquires in Hope Street of a Thursday morning in Glasgow? Difficult choice I know but can only assume that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!! ;-)
Rory Alsop has recently moved on and here he gives a brief update on what he's been up to together with a mention about his band.
Security - after leading information security for Ernst & Young in Scotland for the last few years, and running a small but successful partnership for the last 8 months, I have come to a decision point. I really enjoyed the freedom the small company gave me to spend more time with my family, but I also love the challenge of leading global teams on multimillion pound security programmes - so I am weighing up the pros and cons of small 
consultancy versus global company. Either way, I will still present at the various conferences, and will use my leadership roles within ISACA and IISP to continue to mentor and develop the security industry in Scotland.
Music - I have been working hard with my band to further develop our brand and footprint, releasing 2 EP's, playing many festivals last year and coming a close 2nd in the Metal category at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards this year, and the rest of 2011 looks to be exciting, with our new album out mid-August, more summer festivals, and a support slot at the Barrowlands for KMFDM in November amongst other activities. If you like a combination of classic eighties rock guitar, nineties techno beats and a bit of a stage spectacular, come and see us. Details onwww.metaltech.me or www.myspace.com/metaltech
Martin McLachlan lets us know that he's now added boudoir photography to his range of photographic services and very nice they are too. Just like to say that all web visits conducted in the development of this blog were purely for research purposes and any enjoyment gained was purely of a passing nature!!
Other Events
Social Media Week comes to Glasgow in September and glad to report that the Business Banter will be part of a whole host of events that week. Thanks to regular Banterers Daniella and Tim we hope that this week long series of events will put Glasgow at the forefront across the world. Watch this space for further details about the Special Business Banter events which we're organising.
Networking on the golf course
Contrary to meetings taking place in a boardroom or office, or over lunch or coffee, playing golf with a business associate guarantees a minimum of 4 hours of time with someone – their undivided attention. It gives all the players time to get to know each other and a host of opportunities to turn the conversation to business. There is plenty of time to share ideas, or even to ponder proposals during “quiet” times when someone is teeing off, hitting the ball or putting.
Whether you have an existing relationship or are just getting to know the person, golfing allows for the time to build a more personal relationship as well and get to know each other on a different level. And so it was that over the past couple of weeks I've had a few golf rounds with some of the guys, sorry no gals were available at the time of invitation, at Caldwell with Mark Houston and at East Renfrewshire with Frank Cozzo, Stephen Parker, Alan McKee, David Yeoman, Brian Tait and Lochlan O'Sullivan.
Sorry to report that Mark and myself were no match for a whole host of other partnerships at the Members Day and only came away with something approaching sunburn rather than some of the great prizes on offer. Caldwell is a lovely course and would recommend it to anyone who is offered the chance to play.
Further failure was recorded when the Red and Black Sharks of Cozzo and Parker comprehensively out powered, out precisioned and out putted the dynamic combination of McKee and Jack over East Renfrewshire, however managed to regain a bit of self pride when the older generation of Yeoman and Jack out scored the youthful zest of Tait and O'Sullivan.
Before we go on to talk about the Business Banter newbies last week just a further reminder that the Business Golf Association event is taking place on 25 August and I'd really appreciate any help in getting this event into people's mindset for that date. While the Business Banter remains a free event, it'll be the success of the BGA and a few other events I'm looking to kick start in the coming months which will help fund the time and resource in putting the Business Banter together.
Click on the image below to find out more about the event and how to get involved.
The Business Banter this week
This week's forthcoming Business Banters are at the usual times and places.
Glasgow, Thursday, Esquires, Hope Street 0800-1000
Newbie Corner
This is the area where we introduce the newbies to the Business Banter Community. We've also created pages for the newbies in the Who's Who section of the Business Banter website, so if you want to find out more visit their pages here. If you have a Banter Cup beside your name it means I couldn't find a photo of you.
While I have LinkedIn with many of you, I'd be delighted to accept an invitation from any I haven't connected with to date.
Stephen Parker, Senior IFA, Haines Watts
If you ever get to play golf with Stephen remember to ask him about his driving prowess over East Renfrewshire the other week. Especially the par 5 8th where he launched a 300 yard plus drive and then a six iron through the green. Unfortunately he took a further three for the last 20 yards and lost the hole!!
An IFA for 17 years, I’m the Senior Consultant for Haines Watts Financial Services/Chartered Accountants in Glasgow. I work with the Accountancy practice to add Independent Financial Advisory guidance to clients, maintain proactive relationships with a range of like-minded professionals as well as retaining my own client base. Our Financial Services business strategically and successfully merged with BestInvest in January 2010. This merger has allowed HWFS to meet the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) requirement before it comes into effect in 2012. We offer, in conjunction with BestInvest, a full range of Investment Management Services and have in excess of £7bn in funds under management for Individuals, Corporates, Charities and Trusts. In the knowledge the Investment Management is being run by BestInvest, this allows our business to spend more time doing what all Financial Planners should - spending more time with our clients.
Alan McKee, Associate Director, Macdonald Henderson
Like Stephen above, I first met Alan on the golf course. Just as he finished the words I'm not very good at this, he launched a drive into the stratosphere. From then on he was called Boomer McKee, a nickname he was so chuffed about we named an invitational event after him. it would be fair to say Alan doesn't take life too seriously and I'm sure all his clients benefit from his common sense approach to the law.
Our entrepreneurial approach ensures we strike the right balance for your company, providing comprehensive legal solutions with commercial awareness. After all, you have a business to run.
We pride ourselves on making things as straightforward as possible, and speaking in a language that we all understand. There are those who enjoy making life difficult, hiding behind jargon and the way things have “always been.” And then there are those who want to add a personal touch to a professional service, who are clever and commercial, without making life too complicated.
Kat Boyle & Isabella Gold, both consultants at FPSG Connect.
Always good to hear that the recruitment sector is doing well good to see both Kat and Issy come along to the Business Banter and help identify the sectors looking for palcements at this moment in time. The media may be giving out some negative messages about the economy but the same can't be said at the Banter.
As the companies home page states -
We challenge traditional perceptions of the recruitment process through a proactive approach to Connecting with top quartile candidates and clients, therefore developing talent pools for the most challenging and rewarding positions. At FPSG Connect we know that Business is about People. We approach each partnership, client and candidate, as a long-term relationship, managing the full recruitment cycle from first contact onwards. We recruit for retention and recognise that each candidate, each client, each market and each industry has individual requirements. We help you get it right the first time so that your organisation / career can flourish - creating time efficiencies and providing peace of mind that you're in safe hands.
Iain Dubrey is the owner of the Direct Media Group
Only had a brief chat with Iain who had been recommended to attend the Business Banter by the good ladies at Square Circle HR but hopefully be able to find out a bit more about what he does and who he is looking to work with in the future. With 20 years experience in the industry, Iain’s role has been pivotal in contributing to the growth and development of Direct Media Group's loyal client base. Iain liaises with our existing clients, such as the NHS and other Public service organisations, Retail(such as Panasonic), Home Improvement and Education Clients, to understand their needs and cement long-lasting and trusting relationships. Iain also recently graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a Masters in Business Administration, his first degree was in Graphic Design.??Responsible for significant client budgets in both the public and private sector. Iain ensures that each client’s budget is utilised effectively by maximising resource, through vigorous media planning and buying to gain optimum results.
Elaine McKelvie, Dream Day Photography
Elaine and her colleague Paul came from the local branch of Barclay's but didn't have any business cards with them!! The Networking Police will be on their case shortly. However Elaine did tell us a bout a business her and here husband runs - Dream Day Photography which is based in Irvine Ayrshire, although covering weddings and civil partnerships anywhere in the UK is not a problem. Grant and his wife Elaine are the heart of the company. Their years of experience makes them true masters of creating both beautiful traditional albums and contemporary storybooks. Grant is also a qualified member of the Royal Photographic Society. As one of the most important days of your life, we want to make sure every detail is perfect! At Dream Day Photography you can be rest assured knowing that we will give you the highest quality and customer service available.
as for Paul from Barclay's? I didn't even get a surname to guess what he does. Maybe next time he's passing through the Business Banter we'll find out a bit more.
Chick Douglas is infrastructure sales consultant at Turnkey
Like his colleague Stuart McDonald, Chick works with Turnkey and they hope to be sharing the visiting rota at the Business Banter in the weeks ahead. As they say on the website, Turnkey provide a comprehensive range of IT Network services. Our existing portfolio includes the following:• Professional services & consultancy • Managed IT Support packages • Server and PC hardware supply • Professional Microsoft training • Microsoft & Business Software supply • Installation & configuration services • Partner services • Project Management • Backup Solutions • Virtualisation Consultancy Based in Central Scotland, Turnkey Infrastructure Solutions Ltd (TIS) work in partnership with our client base and help empower them to use current and evolving computing and networking technologies.
Katie McKay, Tender & Estimating Coordinator, McKay Flooring
A few weeks ago, I'd never heard of McKay Flooring now I feel I'm part of the family with four of family team attending the Business Banter. As mentioned in earlier postings it's really good to see a successful business based in Glasgow and visiting their own showroom to find out a bit more about what they do and maybe how Think Different Events and the Business Banter can support what they want to achieve. The products and services offered by McKay Flooring include:
The supply of quality hardwood, granite and speciality floor coverings across the UK from this website, and from our central Scotland showrooms
The installation of our flooring in homes across Scotland, Dust free sanding and resealing of existing wooden floors, 
Supplying and installing hardwood floors in commercial premises across the UK, Installation of parquet block and marquetry, Supply and fitting of acoustic subfloor systems, Supplying and installing Junckers sports flooring - we're one of only two Junckers approved contractors in Scotland.
Stuart Russell, photographer
A quick chat with Stuart and I found out that he used to work with the Police in some capacity. A few of the Banterers obviously already knew that and there was a trickle of bodies sloping out the Emergency Exit in Esquires just in case he recognised them from their past.
I’m a freelance photographer with an HND in photography, I have had a passion for photography for 30 years or more. My recent clients are Phoenix Mazda, Strutt and Parker, Scottish Training Federation, The Rotary Club of Paisley Quest for Talent and young Enterprise Scotland. I like working with people and they say that I’m very easy going. I have undertaken some self initiated work as in fashion and architectural. As you look through my web site you will see that my photography is to a very High standard.
Euan Wilson, Financial Adviser, One Solution Group
The picture here doesn't do any justice to Euan as he is a big guy. Having worked with a couple of the major high street banking organisations he's now with the One Solution Group providing a range of financial advice to personal and corporate clients on pensions, savings/investments and protection.
The One Solution Group has been created to provide our clients with a unique consultancy service. By bringing together a combination of resources that provide a holistic approach to financial planning and business support, we can create the vision that helps our clients to achieve their life goals. Fundamentally we believe that our clients deserve the best.
Ross Mushet, Sales Executive, Anderson Commercial and Colour Print
If you can't come along to the Business Banter yourself then ask one of your colleagues and that's just what Sharon Low has done by introducing Ross to the Business Banter community. 'Integrity in Print' may sound a little old fashioned to some, but we don't mind. It's an ethos that's kept our customers coming back time and again since William Anderson & Sons was first founded in 1865. Throughout our 140+ year history we've always approached each project by considering our clients specific requirements and taking it from there. After all, you're unique, and we treat every job that way too. Ross is a Sales Representative who also happened to work for 7 years in the Graphics & Origination Department. Over the coming weeks hope to find out more about him and the company.
Liana Di Ciacca Solicitor and Paul Gallagher Trainee Solicitor both with Miller Samuel Solicitors
Miller Samuel have been well represented over the past few weeks and another couple of their team walked around the corner fromtheir offices in Renfield Street to meet the rest of us. Lianna specialises in Commercial Property and provides conveyancing support for a wide variety of property development work with particular expertise in commercial leasing (landlord and tenant) and acquisitions and disposals. She works closely with colleagues in the firm and associated firms through Miller Samuel’s membership of Lawnet and the International Lawyers Network to provide Scots law property input as part of larger national and international transactions.
Paul has two degrees - in Law and Accounting - and experience working in management consulting. He is currently working as a Trainee Solicitor and aims to be qualified in 2012.
Guy Hinks, Photographer
Met Guy a few years ago at another networking group and even got him to take a lot of photos of the team for our own website. HINKS PHOTOGRAPHY is based Kilmarnock, Ayrshire and covers Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Guy's passion for images was inspired by over two years independent travel to New Zealand, Australia, Bangkok and Nepal. His travel photography has been exhibited in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. His clients include a well-established large University in Glasgow, the Kilmarnock Standard newspaper for which he covers news, sport and features. He also has carried out work for PR companies to provide eye-catching images and has had images published in the Scottish Sun. Guy strives to provide innovative, original and inspiring images.
Ricky Singh, Personal Trainer Team Singh
Every Business Banter now comes with a health warning with Ricky and Nadia determined to get some kind of boot camp organised on a Thursday morning in Esquires. As a football coach I know the value of training and I also know that every sport tests various muscles. Just wonder if we should be training our arms to lift the large cups in Esquires then. Having a Personal Trainer can be the most efficient way of attaining results and reaching goals. If you are looking to become Fitter, Tone Up, Lose Weight and Feel Great then Personal Training is the way forward as it will get results fast. As a Personal Trainer, my goal is to inspire and motivate you, to push you to challenge your body physically and mentally thats when great things happen.
Adam Kelly, Fundraising Executive, Action on Hearing Loss
More of a news item that a statement of a newbie as Adam has been before though didnb't have a business card with him.
Action on Hearing Loss is the new name for RNID. We’re working for a world where hearing loss doesn’t limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced and where people value and look after their hearing.
We want: people to acknowledge their hearing loss and take action; more support for people with hearing loss; no one to be isolated through their hearing loss; people to protect themselves against hearing loss and tinnitus; to cure hearing loss and tinnitus.
Neil Millar, Senior Business Development Manager, Scotcampus
Like a few others, didn't get much of a chance to speak with Neil other than to find out he works very closely with the student population. As a sales professional for the last 15 years I have worked for large organisations such as Yell, Clydesdale Bank, RBS, B & Q, Norwich Union, very much in sales/Business relationship roles. I also hold 10 years experience in the motor & home claims market dealing with complexed claims. I have worked in Norwich Union in Glasgow & Brighton , Going forward, I continually look to develop my skills to achieve my goals and aspirations helping to provide a better service to all my customers, always a willingness to learn.
Shirley Gibson, Tea and Type
Stevenston, au-bord-de-la-mare, The Riviera of Ayrshire, can now boast (at least) two people who were brought up there. Not just in the town itself but within about 50 houses of each other. It would be fair to say that by the time I left Stevenston, Shirley wasn't even born, but that's another story.
As she says about herself on the website - I am a creative, confident, self motivated and ambitious designer with lots of enthusiasm. When I’m not working with clients I work on self initiated briefs at home and collect items of design which inspire me. I trained in design for print, with strengths in type styling and vector illustration. I have subsequently gained a number of valuable skills, including designing the look and feel of websites, art direction in photography, and working with 3D 
designers and illustrators to create large-scale graphics in various materials. I have experience in design for print, and interpretive design for museums and heritage. My goal is to get into front-end web design and work with developers closely to get it right. It is also a dream to become a type designer.
Ken Gordon, Network Enterprise Europe
Ken was another of those who came to the Business Banter while I was in belfast so can only go with the following which I found on LinkedIn - Currently helping Scottish organisations develop their businesses in Europe, through my valued colleagues in the Enterprise Europe Network, 600 organisations in 42 countries. The majority of my working life has been spent in the private sector, first as a designer designing electronics for explosives in a major multinational and then managing and developing two SMEs in the Scottish Electronics sector, both now sadly deceased. Having had unsuccessful experiences accessing European Funding in my SME days, and been convinced it was a waste of time, I am now the person I used to refuse to speak to! I am a European manager with a broad active network of contacts who enjoys releasing the creativity of team members, and the power of creativity and collaboration in both the private and public sector. An avid user of social media both in business and in my private life, I have been delighted to be invited to present at International conferences alongside network colleagues on the benefits of social media to network partners, as a user not an expert. Currently testing podcasting. Life is a minestrone. My experience covers R&D, managing SMEs and developing small businesses through innovation and new product development, working in Poland and Lithuania helping develop their Innovation strategies, managing a national Programme of Innovation projects, being part of Europe's largest Innovation support network and much more.
Like Ken above I didn't get the chance to talk to either Janine or Graeme so hope to catch up with them later and fill in the detail.
Janine de Fence, Marketing Assistant Interface Online
Interface- The knowledge connection for business- brings together business and acadamic expertise. As part of the Interface team I work with businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors to source relevant academic or research input that will take their business to the next level.
Graeme Lawson, Director Wallace and Lawson
Wallace & Lawson are based in Glasgow, Scotland, we are an independent studio delivering creative, profitable and unique work utilising high-end web technology and various different web platforms. We believe in clear communication and simplicity whether designing a brand identity or building a content management system. Being a small, dedicated team allows us to maintain enthusiasm and ambition on each and every project, and also means that each of us is friendly and approachable.
Musical Interlude
T in the Park was good especially, on Sunday with Cast, Professor Green, Hurts, Blondie, The Vaccines, Pulp and The Foo Fighters.
Saturday wasn't as impressive on the Main Stage but there were some notable highlights including the magnificent Primal Scream, The Strokes, The Streets, The Lafontaines and House of Pain. But I'm giving a nod to Bronagh's favourites at T in the park which she gave up to join me at Primal Scream. It's not her fault!!
Twits of the week
Forget about FFs or Friendly Fridays as they're called. This is the 'A' list of Twits this week from the Business Banter Community. So thanks for all the mentions using the #TDBB hash tag this week
Jackie Lee - @ArtemisScotland
Tom McCrorie - @atomcreate
Jim Henderson - @JimatShirlaws
Eric Hamilton - @coilleduine
Ricky Singh - @RickySinghPT
Esquires Coffee House - @PeekayPenguin
In the Spotlight
Think Different Business Banter is all about building business relationships and the Spotlight pages provide an opportunity for Banterers to tell us all a little bit more about themselves and what services or products they offer their clients. Providing this information online also gives Banterers an opportunity to update us all on changes to their company's services, special promotions, links to other media stories and the like. Find out more about how you can Get in the Spotlight.
This week the Spotlight falls on Bryan Little Click on Find out more to read the whole interview. Click on the photos below to see who has been put in the Spotlight so far:
Hot Desk Office Space
As some of you who have visitied our offices in St Enoch Square will know we have ample space to work in. To maximise the usage of this working space we are offering opportunities for Banterers and others within their network of contacts to share this space on a flexible footing. Details of the offer can be found by clicking on one of the images below. Colin Abercrombie, Clare McLeod, Norma Corlette and Jennifer Sutherland are already using space on a part-time basis. Come join us!! ;-)
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Until later this week
THURSDAY - GLASGOW
Take care and keep busy
Jacky
Previous Blog posts can be found here
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