News from Linlithgow Business Association

Firstly, Angus and Connor will introduce their new business and tell us a bit about what is on offer at Global Technology Hub; then a chance to hear from an expert on what you should be doing to give your business a lift with a planned social media campaign. Enjoy a glass of wine and meet business colleagues to round off what should be a most interesting and topical evening.

For those who haven't so far, click here to confirm attendance.

July 29, 1pm, Campbells Prime Meats

In July, we have an opportunity to enjoy a guided tour round Campbells Prime Meats state of the art production facility at Whitecross followed by lunch and sampling of their finest. Campbells is one of the largest employers in the area and this is a great opportunity to see and hear what they are doing to build their business and again enjoy the company of fellow members and guests.

For those who haven't already confirmed attendance, click here.

LINLITHGO

LinlithGO is a new local project to be launched by Linlithgow Climate Challenge and Linlithgow Cycle Action Group in support of a campaign to encourage walking, cycling and taking the bus in Linlithgow. More active travel will mean less congestion in the town centre as well as cleaner air, healthier residents and less parking problems.

The first part of the project will be launched in Springfield on Sunday 27th June 12-4 at the Bike Fun Day and all residents in Springfield are receiving a specially made map detailing all walking/cycling paths in the area to make active travel easier.

High on the list of priorities for both organisations is encouraging everyone to make more use of local shops and suppliers. Hence LinlithGO is looking for support from local businesses to help set
up incentive schemes for residents who choose to walk/cycle/go by bus. It could be 10% off a cup of tea, collecting stamps that can be converted into rewards, prize draws etc. This kind of scheme is currently being operated in Budapest - if a big city can do it, surely Linlithgow can too!

If you have any good ideas or for more information please email or visit our website.

LINLITHGROW: scottish food fortnight

Linlithgow Climate Challenge are planning to use some of our recent funding award to coordinate and promote events for Scottish Food Fortnight, 4th - 19th Sept. Owners of local independent businesses producing or stocking local, seasonal produce are invited to get in touch to discuss how they would like to participate. Events could include tastings, guided tours or themed menus - or any other fun, participatory events you can dream up. The emphasis is firmly on enjoying our fantastic, healthy, local produce and learning more about it, rather than offering discounts or vouchers.

We also plan to compile details of local producers and outlets into a free leaflet for widespread distribution. This is not a duplicate of the very useful 'Eating Out in Linlithgow' leaflet recently issued by Pride and Passion, but a guide to local, seasonal food in all its forms.

We would also like to identify a way in which businesses involved in local food can communicate (and work together) in future, and would welcome suggestions - does the LinkedIn network suit you, would another channel be better, or would you prefer to meet face to face?

These three aims are an opportunity for local food producers and outlets to work together to create additional demand for local food, as well as clearly indicating to both local residents and visitors where local, seasonal food can be found. There is genuine (and cost-effective) power in working together to increase demand, and wide-ranging benefits, including supporting local employment, reduced food miles & enjoying fantastic, fresh produce.

If you would like to get involved please contact Mel by e-mail or phone 07720186688.

CROSS VIEWS

If dropping the VAT to 15% last year had the effect of stimulating the economy, what effect do we think the coming rise to 20% will have? Hmmm. Is it a trick question? It doesn't seem like rocket science to me.

By the by, Cross Views recently learned that the software being used in the City of London's IT systems was created by out-of-work computer-programmers from NASA, so actually high finance really is rocket science...But I digress.

Sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but I predict that the rise in VAT to 20% will sound the death knell of the British economy in 2011. It will give me no pleasure to turn to turn to the next man in the dole queue in a year's time and say 'I told you so'.

"Come, come" I hear you say, "I'm trading business-to-business (B-2-B) and all my clients are VAT registered so the VAT rate is an irrelevance. Businesses all reclaim their VAT don't they? So, apart from a wee blip in the cash-flow, it will be business as usual when the rise takes effect in January won't it?"

But somewhere down at the sharp end of every supply chain some poor soul is slogging away priming the system's pump with business-to-consumer trading (B-2-C), and their business is about to take a severe beating. To read more, please click here.

By Cross Views

PATISSERIE DUJARDIN

Michael Bennett, owner of Epulum Restaurant (High street Linlithgow) and former Pastry Chef of Epulum, Carlien Dujardin, have recently created this new and exciting venture in Linlithgow.

Patisserie Dujardin is a bespoke bakery and patisserie producing for a range of delicious products. We are also one of the first bespoke bakeries in Scotland that offer wheat free and organic unbleached flour products are part of our core product list alongside classic cakes and patisserie goods.

Carlien is now baking full time at the Production Unit (Mill Road Industrial Estate) supplying delis, cafe's, coffee shops, small hotels and restaurants in central Scotland but more importantly providing a service to the local community of Linlithgow.

Patisserie Dujardin now regularly sells their products at the Farmers Market and also on Saturday mornings from Epulum. Orders may be pre-placed during the week and collected either on Saturdays (from Epulum) or during the week from the unit by appointment only. A delivery service is also available.

We can also produce goods for conferences and meetings alongside Epulum so if you are wanting some great food prepared locally and want to not only support local businesses but get the best products please call us on 01506 238311 or email

NEW MEMBER: Straight from the cask

I am delighted to introduce straightfromthecask.co.uk a new business offering a unique insight into the world of malt whisky.

I offer a corporate experience "The Spirit of Teamwork" utilising my extensive experience in People Management and Development and my passion for malt whisky to develop your people skills and team results in a most innovative and fun event.

I also offer private tastings and nosings with a difference. These can be for a private function or a club/association and will be bespoke to your requirements and budgets! Whisky Tours and Walks will be developed in 2010/2011 as will an Online shop.

Please look at our website and give me a call or send me an e-mail. I have a passion for Scotland and for Scottish products with whisky being our most celebrated product across the world.

Alan Mitchell, Malt Whisky Ambassador

Tel 01506842876; Mobile 07766405014