Turnberry Horse Trials sponsored by
Clydesdale Bank Sunday 31 August

By: Murdoch MacDonald

THE first annual Turnberry Horse Trials sponsored by Clydesdale Bank will take place at Turnberry, Ayrshire on Sunday 31 August.

The British Eventing affiliated Turnberry Horse Trials replaces the one-day event previously held annually at Culzean Castle.


[Pictured with two of the trophies on offer at the new Turnberry Horse Trials: Event organiser Katrina Geddes, Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie, and Agribusiness partner Rodney Wallace. Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr is the sponsor of the Turnberry Horse Trials. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION]

Turnberry Horse Trials organiser Katrina Geddes explained the change of venue and date (the Culzean Horse Trials were held three weeks later in September).

“The new Turnberry Horse Trials has been moved in order to provide the best chance of a good day’s sport for British Eventing members.


[Pictured during planning and construction of a new course for the Turnberry Horse Trials: Alex Anderson (activities guide, Turnberry Hotel), Gerry Lapsley (activities director, Turnberry Hotel), Douglas Weymouth (British Eventing course builder) and Robert Macskimming (assistant course builder).]

“Following the disappointing eventing season last year when many events were cancelled or abandoned, our objective this year was to obtain an earlier date on the British Eventing calendar, which hopefully will bring better weather.”


[Pictured: Robert Macskimming, assistant course builder.]

Katrina Geddes continued: “Our new venue at Turnberry offers good well draining ground, more space and good dressage arenas, a new cross- country course with water splash, and all parking is on hard standing.”

Entries for the Turnberry Horse Trials close on 27 August 2008.

The sport of One-Day Eventing is a challenging test of horse and rider over three different horse riding disciplines, all of which are completed in the same day.

The three phases of the event are dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding.


One-Day Eventing is a testing and inclusive sport open to members from the year of their 14th birthday upwards.

See http://www.britisheventing.co.uk/ for further information on this and other British Eventing events.

The Classes at this year’s Turnberry Horse Trials are Intro, Pre Novice and Pre Novice Plus. There will be further developments next year including a planned Novice course.

Clydesdale Bank sponsored the last Culzean Horse Trials in 2007, and are sponsors of the new Turnberry Horse Trials this year.

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie said: “Clydesdale Bank are delighted to be the main sponsor of the 2008 Turnberry Horse Trials.

“Under the auspices of British Eventing there will be a very high calibre field of horses and riders across a number of different classes.

“Contributing to the day will be the magnificent back drop of Turnberry which is sure to add a unique dimension to the event.”

Westin Turnberry Resort director of sales and marketing Stephen Walker commented: “We are delighted that the Turnberry Horse Trials will be taking place here on the on 31 August 2008.

“This supports our objective of having a reputation not only as a world-class golf resort but as a venue for a number of events linked to country pursuits like the Horse Trials.

“It also supports Starwood Hotels & Resorts desire to play an active part in community events taking place in and around our properties.”

Entries for the Turnberry Horse Trials close on 27 August 2008.

The location of the Turnberry Horse Trials is adjacent to Turnberry Hotel off the A719 road between Turnberry and Maidens.

Spectator entrance is FREE.

The first dressage event commences at 8am.

For details of how to join British Eventing and enter competitions and for lists of events schedules, directions and entry details see http://www.britisheventing.com/

For further enquiries, telephone Katrina Geddes, 01655 740345.

LINKS:

Turnberry Horse Trials 2008

Clydesdale Bank

Westin Turnberry Resort

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle gets the brutal truth about the economy

By: Murdoch MacDonald

THE Elite Ayrshire Business Circle held its latest breakfast meeting at 8am on Thursday 10 July 2008 at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Alloway Street, Ayr.


Eminent financial commentator Nick Parsons (pictured above) delivered a brilliant, comprehensive and brutally frank presentation about the present and future state of the UK economy in a global context, in which he told it as it is and pulled no punches.

Nick Parsons joined nabCapital (like Clydesdale Bank, part of the National Australia Bank Group) in 2007 as Head of Markets Strategy, based in London.

He has 24 years experience in Foreign Exchange and Money Markets, having previously held posts as Global Head FX Research, Head of Macro Research and Group Economist.

He is a regular contributor to CNBC, BBC, Sky, and Bloomberg News, and is frequently quoted by major newspapers and news agencies.



[Pictured at the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle’s latest breakfast meeting, left to right: South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan and deputy leader Margaret Toner; Lorna Alexander of the Ayrshire Association of Business Women; and Gloria Lambert of MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers.]

Starting his presentation to the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, Nick Parsons warned that he was no ray of sunshine, and kicked off by stating quite unequivocally that we are entering a new era, and that economically speaking, the good times are definitely over.

Addressing the question as to whether the UK is facing a recession, Nick pointed out that the answer depends upon how you define recession.

However, using the generally accepted definition of two consecutive quarters of negative growth, then the answer is probably no, but the question is largely academic, as it is going to feel like a recession.

Money is scarce - it is harder to get finance, and if you can get it, the cost of it has gone up. Although the official UK interest rates have fallen, the actual rates that people and businesses have to pay have risen, due to the difficulties being experienced in the money markets at the present time.

House prices are falling, and will continue to fall. Retail sales - which follow house prices - will collapse, and inflation and unemployment will increase. Inflation will probably peak towards the end of the year at around 4.2%, and then fall sharply back to, or below the 2% target during next year.

But Nick Parsons welcomes what is happening. Because recovery - when it does come - will herald a new situation in which we as a nation are no longer spending beyond our means in a debt bubble fuelled and dependent upon unrealistic house price rises.

Neil Wilson, partner at Clydesdale Bank Treasury Solutions in Glasgow added: “As Nick Parsons conveyed, we are indeed heading towards difficult times.

“The important aspect here is that we at the Clydesdale Bank are honest with our clients and contacts about the depth of the problems and deliver these messages, good or bad, to allow them to make informed decisions about their own businesses and their position in the marketplace.”


[Pictured left to right: Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie; Elite Ayrshire Business Circle guest speaker Nick Parsons; and Clydesdale Bank Treasury Solutions partner Neil Wilson.]

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie commented: “I was delighted to welcome Nick Parsons on his first visit to Ayrshire. Nick is a regular contributor to Sky TV, CNBC, BBC and Bloomberg and to hear his thoughts and views so clearly articulated in person was an illuminating experience.

“The response from the audience was so positive that we will be inviting Nick back to Ayrshire to provide a further update towards the end of the year.”

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan added: “It was a privilege to listen to Nick Parsons’ presentation on the present and future state of the national and world economies.

“He certainly laid it on the line straight and to the point, and all in attendance were left in no doubt that the next 18 months are going to be hard going.

“He managed to put across the realities of the credit crunch with humour, honesty and in a straightforward manner which to those of us not in the financial world made perfect sense. There are many who could learn from him!”

Photography by:

Graeme Pollock
Tel: 07792 327693
E-mail: graeme@pollock1968.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.GraemePollock.com

LINKS:

www.cbonline.co.uk

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle / Clydesdale Bank
Golf Day raises £10,500 for Ayrshire Hospice

THE first annual Elite Ayrshire Business Circle / Clydesdale Bank Charity Golf Day was held at Belleisle Golf Course on Tuesday 17 June followed by a Dinner and Race Night in the Princess Royal Exhibition, Banqueting & Conference Centre at Ayr Racecourse.

More than 100 golfers from the Ayrshire business world took part in a 3-ball golf tournament during the day, and 144 people attended the Dinner and Race Night in the evening.


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine (left) receives a cheque for £10,500 from event organiser David Jellema on behalf of the Clydesdale Bank and the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The twin events were held to benefit the Ayrshire Hospice, and a cheque for £10,500 was presented to Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine.


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Events Co-ordinator Anne Drennan presents the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle Golf trophy to Martin McKinney, captain of the winning Clydesdale Bank Private Banking team. On the right, Glenn Fulton of the Graham Group, who sponsored the trophy.]

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes commented: "Thanks to the marvellous support received from our members, their guests and the sponsors we have been able to raise this magnificent sum for the Ayrshire Hospice. This is an outstanding result for a first-time event, and is a tribute to the generosity of the Ayrshire business community. We look forward to building on this success in future years to increase our support for such a worthy cause."


[Pictured: Ayrshire Hospice Events Co-ordinator Anne Drennan (centre) presenting the prizes to the winners of the coloured ball competition (left to right): Stephen Brownlow, Transition Interiors; David Kennedy, senior partner at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr; and Stuart Stevenson of Stevenson Antiques. On the far right is Glenn Fulton of sponsors the Graham Group.]

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald said: “All of us in the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle were delighted to join with our friends in the Clydesdale Bank to host this inaugural Golf Day, which because of its initial success will now become a regular annual event.

“Since fundraising for the Ayrshire Hospice first started nearly 25 years ago, it has become a cause very dear to the hearts of local people and businesses alike. We are therefore pleased that all funds raised by today’s events will go to benefit a local charity that is worthwhile by anybody’s standards.

“I have been gratified by the success and growth of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle in this its first year, and now look forward to many more Ayrshire companies joining us in the months and years to come.”

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie said: “Clydesdale Bank were delighted to be involved with the inaugural Elite Ayrshire Business Circle Golf Day. To raise in excess of £10k for the Hospice was a real credit to all the people involved, and I am sure that this event will now feature on an annual basis.”

Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager Louis Jardine said: “The Ayrshire Hospice is delighted that the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and the Clydesdale Bank chose the Hospice to benefit from their inaugural Golf Day and Dinner. The weather conditions did nothing to detract from the enjoyment of our day’s golf and the event was perfectly rounded off by the evening’s entertainment at the Ayr Racecourse Princess Royal Suite. Special thanks to David Jellema whose drive and enthusiasm led to the superb sum of £10,500 being presented to support the work of the Hospice – we look forward to our continued partnership at next year’s tournament.”

LINKS:

Ayrshire Hospice

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THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association formed last year of some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

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

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse and the Western House Hotel, and member company activities include building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

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

Founder members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle:

Clydesdale Bank
Ayr Racecourse
Western House Hotel
CKD Galbraith Property Consultants
Frazer Coogans Solicitors
Accident & Injury Claims Centre
MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers
Donald Ross Estate Agents
William Skinner & Son Building Contractors
Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants
Paligap Creative Agency
ARP Lorimer & Associates Architects
Brunston Castle Golf Club
Easton Property
Easton Kitchens & Bathrooms
Visimetrics
Fouters Restaurant
Christie Financial Planning Ltd
Allison Lightbody Waddell Chartered Surveyors
Kestrel Press
Fame Publicity Services

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There are currently 270 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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Praise for Evelyn McCann on her departure from Scottish Enterprise

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AS a result of the reorganisation of Scottish Enterprise and the winding-up of the local enterprise companies into six regional operations, Evelyn McCann has resigned from Scottish Enterprise with effect from today 31 March 2008.


Evelyn McCann (pictured above) joined Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire as Chief Executive in January 2001 and as CEO was responsible for the effective delivery of the agency’s contribution to the Scottish Executive Economic Development Strategy “Smart Successful Scotland”.

In addition she had a key responsibility for the development of new economic opportunities for Ayrshire, in partnership with the private and public sector.

Prior to that, Evelyn operated in the UK training and education field for some 18 years. During that time she was involved in the policy development and operational implementation of Scottish Enterprise's education and training provision to individuals as well as industry and commerce.

Evelyn is currently a member of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire Board, Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company, the Court of the University the West of Scotland and a member of Strathclyde European Partnership Board.

Evelyn, who was born and educated and lives in Ayrshire, gained an MBA from Glasgow University in 1995. She participated in the World Bank Executive Development Programme at Harvard University in 1999.

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner and Elite Ayrshire Business Circle founder member Willie Mackie said today: "My colleagues in Clydesdale Bank and the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and I wish to place on record our admiration and appreciation of Evelyn's unstinting efforts and substantial contribution over the years to the growth of the Ayrshire economy.

"Evelyn is an outstanding ambassador for Ayrshire, and our sincere hope is that her full-time talents will not be lost to the area for long."

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Successful Inaugural Meeting For
The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle

THE Inaugural Meeting of the The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle took place this week at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Alloway Street, Ayr.


[Photo by Derek McCabe 01292 611578. Larger image: CLICK HERE]

Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie welcomed members to a buffet breakfast, before outlining the range of business banking services available from the Clydesdale, and the conference and meeting facilities provided to customers and non-customers alike at the recently revamped and refurbished Financial Solutions Centre.

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes then thanked Willie Mackie for his hospitality in hosting the meeting, and went on to summarise the aims and purposes of the newly formed Business Circle, namely to significantly raise the business profile of individual member companies both at home and abroad, as well as increasing awareness of Ayrshire in general as a worthwhile place in which to do business.

Norman then proceeded to invite members to give a brief introduction to their own businesses, including latest news and developments.

The meeting was generally agreed to have been a success.

Willie Mackie commented: “The energy and enthusiasm shown by the Circle members was very infectious. It was great to hear of so many success stories and how many of the members were looking to move their businesses forward.”

Norman Geddes concluded: “The contributions from members highlighted the dynamic business community which exists within Ayrshire. We look forward to working together to promote the interests of all members.”

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

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

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse and the Western House Hotel, and member company activities include building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, commercial property investment, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

To find out more, and to apply to join The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, e-mail: eliteayrshire@gmail.com

The next meeting of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle will take place on 14 November 2007 at Ayr Racecourse. It will feature a presentation on Marketing by Stephen Cosh, managing director of Ayrshire creative agency Paligap.

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