Understanding how to lead strategic change has become a vital skill for leaders in private, public and non-profit organisations. Despite this, the processes that lead to effective transformation are frequently ill-understood, resulting in the failure rate of planned changes exceeding 70%. Consequently, those who are able to engage effectively with change and provide leadership clarity are highly valued. This two-day programme will equip you with the skills required to evaluate why change is needed, develop change programmes that can be implemented effectively, and create an environment in which new practices and processes can be sustained. The programme will draw heavily on real-world experiences and case studies that will showcase more and less-effective ways to approach change, and provide a toolkit of experiential exercises that will be useful in implementing future change initiatives.
The masterclass is delivered by Professor John Amis, Chair in Strategic Management and Organisation, University of Edinburgh Business School
Who should attend?
Members of private, public, and non-profit organisations who are interested in learning more about how to lead change in their organisations and/or groups.
Cost
£895. Tea and Coffee breaks and lunch on both days is provided as well as all course materials, and a formal dinner at the end of day 1. There is a 20% discount for University of Edinburgh Alumni and staff – please contact: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk for more details.
To find out more and to register please click here
If you have any queries about the masterclass then please contact: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk or to see other Executive Education activities available at the University of Edinburgh Business School, please click here
Commenting on a new report titled ‘Avoiding the same old mistakes: Lessons for reform of 14-19 education in England’ published today by the IPPR, Marcus Mason, Employment and Skills Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The IPPR is right to call for greater employer engagement in education and for an improved vocational education and training system. This will help to ensure that young people are given the right technical and soft skills to secure a job and work their way up the ladder.
“The Chamber Network, which has over 700 schools and 300 further education colleges in membership, is already playing a crucial role strengthening local connections to build sustainable relationships between education and business.
“Our Workforce Survey 2014 found that many firms think young people are unprepared for work, with 76% citing lack of work experience as a key reason. However, more than half of businesses (52%) say they don’t offer work experience placements. We must see more businesses play their part if we want to tackle the persistent problem of youth unemployment.
“In our Business Manifesto 2014/15 we have proposed a number of measures to better prepare young people for work and to encourage companies to play a greater role in preparing the next generation of workers. In practice, this means introducing business governance into schools, proper careers advice with direct links to business, and measuring the success of schools and colleges based on the employment outcomes of pupils.”
A gift card collection for Aberlour – Scotland’s Children’s Charity
This Christmas Aberlour are asking fellow chamber members to get on board with a very simple CSR opportunity, collecting gift vouchers and thereby giving vulnerable children the gift of choice this Christmas.
Christmas is a time for celebration and sharing, but for many of the children and families that Aberlour support throughout Scotland it can be a challenging and upsetting time.
Many of these children struggle with self-esteem and confidence. Maybe they have grown up experiencing abuse or neglect, or perhaps they are living in poverty or coping with parental drug and alcohol misuse. All of these factors can impact upon vulnerable children and make it more difficult for them to take confident decisions about their lives.
We’re asking the people of Edinburgh to make a Token Gesture this Christmas, by donating a gift voucher in time for Santa’s imminent arrival!
Vouchers will then be distributed to children living in full time residential care this Christmas, or to young people who are experiencing difficult circumstances at home, or to our disability respite services that provide a life-line to families of children with complex physical and learning disabilities.
Gift vouchers not only ensure that children and young people of all ages will get a gift that is entirely suited for them, but it also teaches them the value of their money and encourages them to make a choice about the gift they’d like to buy themselves this Christmas.
It also ensures that families of children with severe disabilities can purchase a gift that is the perfect present for their child, who perhaps has very specific likes or needs.
Please consider this small intiative in your workplace this Christmas.
Further information is available here or email nicola.gandy@aberlour.org.uk
Thursday 4 December 2014, Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced details of a new ‘Doc of the Day’ initiative for the 69th edition (17 to 28 June 2015) which will shine a light on documentary feature films and see a host of Premieres, special activities and guest panellists.
Reflecting EIFF’s early beginnings in 1947 as a Documentary Festival, the new ‘Doc of the Day’ initiative will see a special spotlight turned on one documentary feature film every day. Each ‘Doc of the Day’ title will have special activities organised around its Premiere, including contributions from key guests, specialist panels, and input from local and national organisations. These and other documentary features from the Festivals other programming strands will be considered for the Award for Best Documentary Feature Film.
Diane Henderson, EIFF Deputy Artistic Director said: “This exciting new initiative will allow increased levels of engagement for our documentary audiences, whilst providing additional opportunities for local and national agencies to connect more fully with EIFF. ‘Doc of the Day’ is also a nod to EIFF’s long history of celebrating documentaries, whilst recognising our important function as a home for discussion, debate, and the wider appreciation of all things cinema.”
Over the years, the Festival has continued to bring UK audiences ground-breaking and exciting films from around the world. All genres and lengths of films will be considered, and EIFF is especially interested in films by emerging filmmakers whose work manifests stylistic boldness, strength of form, and the ambition to use the medium in a way that resists cliché. Films compete for various awards, including the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film, Award for Best Short Film, Award for Best International Feature, and the ever-popular EIFF Audience Award.
Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available for the 2015 Festival. Please contact Julianne Reddin, Development Manager at julianne.reddin@cmi-scotland.co.uk to discuss your business needs.
The Board of Forth Ports Limited announces today the appointment of Lord Smith of Kelvin KT as chairman, succeeding Michael Seymour who will stand down from the role at the end of the year.
Lord Smith is currently chairman of SSE plc and the UK Green Investment Bank and is a non-executive director of Standard Bank Group Limited. He chaired the Organising Committee of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and recently chaired the Smith Commission cross-party talks on strengthening the powers of the Scottish Parliament within the UK.
A chartered accountant and respected senior businessman, he has held numerous directorships with a range of blue chip companies and a number of high profile public positions. He will take up his chairmanship of Forth Ports on 1st January 2015.
Michael Seymour has been chairman of Forth Ports since 2011, following the company’s acquisition by Otter Ports Ltd, a subsidiary of Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 1 LP.
Commenting on the chairmanship change, Charles Hammond, Chief Executive Officer of Forth Ports, said:
“I would firstly like to pay tribute to Michael Seymour, under whose stewardship Forth Ports has continued to develop and make a significant contribution to the economies of both Scotland and the South East of England.
“Lord Smith’s reputation goes before him and we are delighted to have been able to attract a businessman of his stature to join us as chairman. I am confident that, under his guidance, Forth Ports will continue to thrive as the company enters the next stage in its development.”
Stuart Gray, Partner at Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP, said:
“Michael Seymour has played an important role in helping to grow the Forth Ports business over the last three years and, on behalf of the shareholders, we would like to thank him for his contributions and wish him well for the future.
“We look forward to welcoming Lord Smith to the Board of Forth Ports and to working with him over the coming years to ensure that the company continues to grow and provide high quality services to its customers.”
Lord Smith said:
“I’m delighted to join the team at Forth Ports and looking forward to getting involved in an exciting business with great potential.
“Ports play a strategically vital but unsung role in supporting a strong, successful UK economy, making a huge contribution to our economic success in everything from tourism to energy.”
Carbon is delighted to announce that for the second year in a row, it has won the coveted ‘Gold Standard for Independent Financial Advice’. Managing Director, Gordon Wilson, was presented with the award by Jonathan Evans MP at the House of Commons, in the Churchill Room, on 26th November.
Here is what Deborah Benn, Chairman of the Judging Panel, had to say when commenting on the awards: “Assessing a wide range of factors is the best way to develop a picture of whether a company has structures in place to cope with the requirements of an ever-evolving financial services sector, but also has the customer at the heart of its processes. Companies that have achieved a Gold Standard Award have demonstrated the capability to do this. The enthusiasm displayed for constant improvement can only be good news for financial services as a whole”.
To achieve a Gold Standard Award, companies have to complete a rigorous questionnaire designed to assess progress in five pillars – financial strength, capability, service, fair value and trust. Entries are assessed by an independent panel of judges. Only those companies demonstrating that they are going above and beyond standard procedures in order to meet the high levels of excellence set are in a position to be considered for the award.
On presenting the award, the judges made the following comments about Carbon’s success:
“Carbon Financial Partners has a crystal clear vision of how a financial planning firm today can utilise its talents.”
“Qualification and experience are leveraged in a way that maximise benefits to clients and improves the efficiency of services overall.”
“Access to advisers is exemplary as is going the ‘extra mile’ for clients.”
“Refreshing to see such transparency of fees applied.”
“Has the true essence of what financial planning is all about.”
Carbon’s MD, Gordon Wilson added, “I’m extremely proud to accept the Gold Standard Award 2014 on behalf of the whole team at Carbon. It is very pleasing to be recognised for all of the commitment and hard work we put in everyday to deliver the best advice and service to our clients. I was particularly pleased with the judges’ comments; it’s great that the independent panel appreciated so many of the attributes that make Carbon Financial Partners one of the best financial planning businesses in the UK.
It is a tough award to win, so it’s especially nice to have won it two years in a row and we’re already thinking about the standards we need to achieve next year to make it a hat-trick.”
If you would like to discuss your financial planning options, please contact Carbon Financial Planning Limited with any questions you might have. You can do this by calling Carbon’s head office on 0131 220 0000, or by emailing enquiries@carbonfinancial.co.uk. or you can also follow Carbon on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Managing Director, Gordon Wilson, presented with the award by Jonathan Evans MP
Technology consultancy, FarrPoint, has been appointed to the Scottish Government’s Network Enablement Services Framework.
The framework means that public sector organisations across Scotland have a clear and straightforward procurement route for consultancy and support services, to help improve their telecommunications networks and services.
FarrPoint is one of eight businesses to be awarded a place on the framework and is well equipped to provide independent technical advice to organisations, whilst at the same time helping to ensure the delivery of efficient and robust networks whilst reducing costs.
Through the framework, FarrPoint can assess current network services and identify ways to drive better value. They can provide services such as technical architecture, scoping, technical specifications, network and security audits and upgrades, and can recommend solutions. FarrPoint can also offer completely impartial advice to organisations considering connecting to the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN), which aims to establish a single shared network and common ICT infrastructure across Scotland’s entire public sector, including schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacists and local council offices.
Andrew Muir, Chief Executive of FarrPoint, said:
“We are delighted to have been appointed to the Scottish Government’s Network Enablement Services framework, which will provide clear and independent advice and support for organisations on their essential telecommunications and network needs. FarrPoint has a strong, positive track record in working with public sector bodies in this area, and we look forward to sharing our skills and expertise across a range of services, helping to ensure services run efficiently whilst delivering good value.”
FarrPoint is one of Scotland’s fastest growing technology and telecoms consultancies. Fully independent, FarrPoint works with businesses to assess their technology needs; helps define their strategy; considers all aspects of a project including efficiency, cost saving and productivity; and can assist with procurement and implementation. FarrPoint has an impressive client list and track record across various sectors. Services include Strategy and Design; Specification and Sourcing; Project Management; Technical Review and Optimisation.
For further information please contact:
Kirstin Stevenson, Spreng & Co
T: 0141 548 5191
M: 07803 970106
W: Scottish Government Website
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/directory/Telecoms/swannes)
Our Christmas Wish is… music!
The popular stage show, A Christmas Wish, returns to the Usher Hall with a full evening of music and entertainment in support of Barnardo’s Scotland.
The must-see event was launched in 2012 and brought warmth to winter when over 200 young people from the MGA Academy of Performing Arts sung and danced to Christmas-themed musical theatre and songs in a choreographed show. This year’s performers, from across Scotland, might be next year’s Broadway stars, so keep your Saturday free on 13 December 2014. Tickets are still available but selling fast.
Co-Founder of MGA Academy Andrew Gowland, said: “The MGA Academy of Performing arts is once again extremely proud to be supporting Barnardo’s Scotland. As an organisation working for the development and empowerment of children and young people it’s clear to MGA that there is no better charity to support!
“A Christmas Wish is an evening of sparkling entertainment celebrating the festive season and we sincerely hope that the money raised for Barnardo’s Scotland will go some way to making sure that those children in need don’t get forgotten at this time of year.”
Barnardo’s Scotland Events Manager, Kara Gillies, said: “Over the last two years, the event has raised around £20,000 for specialist projects and services in local communities and with your support we hope to raise even more this year to help families struggling in winter.
Tickets are now on sale from the Usher Hall box office, and all proceeds donated to Barnardo’s Scotland go towards helping vulnerable children in Scotland.
Fundraising events enquiries to Jordyn Armstrong email jordyn.armstrong@barnardos.org.uk or call 0131 446 7021.
Established in 2013, new letting agency on the block, Crombie & Co Property Management hosts a team of highly experienced residential lettings and property management experts, dedicated to offering a professional and reliable service. Based in Edinburgh’s city centre, Crombie & Co has grown from a passion for offering a professional and reliable property management service.
As well as offering full property management services, Crombie & Co also offer a range of bespoke services tailored to support landlords during the letting process. We offer advice on how to maximise on investment and ensure profitable monthly returns on investment.
Whether you are a tenant, current landlord or investing in a buy-to-let property for the first time, the Crombie & Co team ensures that clients requirements are met and your needs are supported.
Crombie & Co’s owner, Harry Crombie says “New opportunities are constantly arising with the lettings market being in a strong position with excellent rent levels and high demand for quality properties. Crombie & Co have a long term vision to continue its honest, professional and personal service, whilst seeking out new ideas to benefit landlords and tenants in order to create positive experiences in the lettings market and become more than just another Edinburgh agent. We welcome you to our office on Comely Bank Road to discuss your property needs.”
The business has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time, and continues to grow.
Edinburgh based Soilutions were recognised as champions of business sustainability at the 15th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards held yesterday in Glasgow
Soilutions picked up the Circular Economy award, sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland. The awards ceremony was held at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel and attended by over 300 people from a wide range of Scottish businesses and organisations.
The VIBES Awards is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme. The Awards recognise businesses that contribute to the country’s sustainable development by taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment.
Each of the 14 finalists were subjected to a rigorous judging process, including a programme of site visits which saw the VIBES judging panel travel across the country to assess the environmental practices of the named finalists.
The awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, enhance business competitiveness, improve environmental performance and support wider sustainable development goals. Awards were presented for each of the eight categories: Management (Large and Small), Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation, Circular Economy and Micro Business (full list of category winners available in notes to editors).
Gillian Bruce, Chair of the VIBES Awards, commented: “Each of our winners deserve credit for the work they are doing to improve their company’s bottom line through sustainable practices. The VIBES judges were consistently impressed by the lengths that the winning companies have gone to in order to put environmentally responsible practices at the centre of their business operations.”
John Curran, Managing Director of Soilutions, said; “We are delighted to be recognised for our environmental achievements through this VIBES Award. At Soilutions we are committed to sustainability, from the projects we manage to the way we run our business. It is great to have this focus recognised by the VIBES judges. ”
Each of the VIBES winners is eligible to enter the European Business Awards for the Environment. In 2014 six out of the 12 entries representing the UK were chosen from previous VIBES Awards winners.
The VIBES Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and the 20:20 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.
Sponsoring the event this year are Business Stream, Albert Bartlett and Sons Ltd, ScottishPower, Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland, Lothian Buses Ltd., NetRegs, Chivas Brothers, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of Stirling Management Centre.
The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).
For more information on the VIBES Awards visit www.vibes.org.uk. Regular updates on the VIBES Awards 2014 are posted on Twitter (@VIBES_Awards), Facebook (Facebook.com/VibesAwards) and the VIBES blog (www.vibes.org.uk/blog).
