Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Moray Chamber Update

Hello Members & Friends

What's the big idea?

Have you ever wanted to run your own business? Do you dream of being the next Alan
Sugar or James Dyson? Maybe you’ve pioneered a ground breaking product or invented
the next must have gadget.

“What’s the big idea” could help turn your business ideas into a commercial reality;
with a chance for one would be Moray entrepreneur to win an investment of up to
£30,000.
Based on a similar format to the hit TV series Dragons’ Den, “What’s the big idea”
is a competition where budding entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their big idea to
a panel of business leaders, in front of a local audience. Four finalists will
compete to win the £30,000 cash injection for their business, offered by a secret
Moray based investor.

Lesley Ann Parker, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said: “As the home
of some of Scotland’s biggest brand names, including Baxters and Walkers, Moray has
no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit. ‘What’s the big idea?’ aims to build on this
success and support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Moray. This is an
exciting opportunity for aspiring tycoons to turn their business ideas into a
commercial reality. For our winner, it could mean the start of a successful new
venture that not only rewards their ingenuity, but also provides jobs and investment
for Moray.” The competition is sponsored by local law firm Ledingham Chalmers. Peter
Murray, a partner in the company, said: “What’s the big idea?” is a fantastic
opportunity for entrepreneurs to raise their profile and that of their product or
service. That combined with the cash available will make this a catalyst for many
2011 business plans. I wish all the contestants the best of luck.”

How to enter
The competition will be launched at Baxters, Fochabers, on Monday 28 March, from
3.00pm. Tickets are available from Moray Chamber of Commerce, priced £8 (members)
and £10 (non-members). Afternoon tea will be provided. Entry forms are also
available from Moray Chamber of Commerce. Email info@moraychamber.co.uk or call
01340 881226 for details. The deadline for entries is 18 May. The four finalists
will be selected on 25 May and invited to pitch their big idea to a panel of local
business leaders on 1 June.

East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) - UPDATE

The above fund is now open to Sole Traders, Partnerships, LLPs and Limited
Companies. The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) is a consortium of nine Local
Authorities working together to provide loan finance to new and growing businesses
within the east of Scotland. The main aim of the fund is to encourage and support
the creation, development and growth of small and growing businesses within the east
of Scotland so that they will in turn be able to contribute to and strengthen the
local economy in terms of jobs, growth and wealth. Further information on criteria
and eligibility, along with application forms can be found at
www.eastscotinvest.co.uk/ The fund is managed on behalf of Moray Council and contact
details are:
Craig Robertson - craig.robertson@highland-opportunity.com Or Lloyd
Cornfield - lloyd.cornfield@highland-opportunity.com


Moray Economic Strategy & Elgin – City Region for the future

You are invited to attend one of a series of seminars, hosted by the Community
Planning Partnership, taking place 5 - 7 April. Moray Economic Strategy encompasses
a broad range of initiatives and actions needed to diversify the area’s economy. The
Community Planning Partnership has commissioned consultants to produce
recommendations for this Strategy with a view to implementation over the next ten
years. For more information, please contact Pamela Harty (Planning and Development
Services) by email at pamela.harty@moray.gov.uk or by telephone on 01343 563265.

Earth Hour

In Moray we recognise the significance of climate change and welcome Moray Council’s
support of WWF’s Earth Hour 2011. We would like to give our members and friends the
opportunity to sign up to Earth Hour – taking place this Saturday, 26 March at
8.30pm. There are no commitments or costs associated – it is more of a petition to
show awareness. Thousands of companies and individuals around the world will be
turning off surplus electricity for one hour in an effort to reduce energy waste
helping protect our planet for the future. Please see link below if you would like
to support this: https://support.wwf.org.uk/earth_hour/index.php?type=business




Sale of Iconic whisky to aid Japanese quake and tsunami victims

Gordon & McPhail have decided to donate bottle No. 1 of Generations Glenlivet 70
Years Old to a special charity auction to raise money for the relief effort. All
funds will be paid to the Red Cross who will use them to help the Japanese people
recover from this devastating natural disaster. Bonhams Edinburgh, who are giving
their services for free, will deliver the special charity auction on Tuesday 29
March 2011 at 7.00pm GMT. The auction will be held at Bonhams 22 Queen Street,
Edinburgh and online at http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19503/lot/1/

Tartan Ball, Saturday 2 April – last chance to book!

This will be the first official engagement of our new President George McNeil,
retail managing director of Johnstons of Elgin, who is the guest speaker. Tickets
are £30 and include a welcome drink sponsored by the Ugie House hotel where it will
be held, a three course dinner and unique raffle. Please email Linda Gorn at
kiltsandtextiles@btconnect.com for more information.





Kind Regards

Miss Lovat Hamilton
Administrator and Social Media Co-Ordinator to
Lesley Ann Parker, Chief Executive
Moray Chamber of Commerce

17 Victoria Street
Craigellachie
Aberlour-on-Spey, AB38 9SR

Tel: 01340 881 226

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Moray Chamber Investment Pitch & ESIF Fund

Book now to attend the launch of our ‘dragon’s den’ style, investment pitch event
aimed to introduce entrepreneurs to a potential investor with investment opportunity
of up to £30,000.
Four lucky entrepreneurs shortlisted will be invited to make a pitch on 1 June 2011
in front of a local audience and will be quizzed by a panel of business leaders. The
Moray investor wishes to remain anonymous, whose identity will only be revealed to
the winner.
Come to the launch for further information and to receive your application form. To
book, email info@moraychamber.co.uk Afternoon tea and coffee will be served at 4pm
with the opportunity for networking. Members £8/ Friends £10
Pitch Dates:
Monday 28 March - Hot Topic & Afternoon Tea
Wednesday 18 May – Deadline for receipt of applications
Wednesday 25 May – Deadline for final four candidates selection
Wednesday 1 June - Pitch event

East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) – UPDATE from Business Gateway!

From March 2010 the above fund is now open to Sole Traders, Partnerships, LLPs and
Limited Companies for application.

The East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) is a consortium of nine Local
Authorities working together to provide loan finance to new and growing businesses
within the east of Scotland. The main aim of the fund is to encourage and support
the creation, development and growth of small and growing businesses within the east
of Scotland so that they will in turn be able to contribute to and strengthen the
local economy in terms of jobs, growth and wealth. Further information on criteria
and eligibility, along with application forms can be found at
www.eastscotinvest.co.uk/ - The fund is managed on behalf of Moray Council and
contact details are as follows:

Craig Robertson - craig.robertson@highland-opportunity.com
Or
Lloyd Cornfield - lloyd.cornfield@highland-opportunity.com


Save the Date:

Friday 29 April – Whisky Supper
Monday 9 May - CIFAL - Counting Carbon Workshop
Saturday 9 July – Moray Chamber 10th Anniversary Celebration, Zorbing and Barbeque –
information and ticket price to follow

For further information please contact me at info@moraychamber.co.uk

Kindest regards


Miss Lovat Hamilton
Administrator and Social Media Co-Ordinator to
Lesley Ann Parker, Chief Executive
Moray Chamber of Commerce

17 Victoria Street
Craigellachie, Aberlour-on-Spey
Moray
AB38 9SR
Tel: 01340 881 226

ScreenHI goSURF & Wave Culture News March 2011

We have an exciting opportunity that has just come up for a motivated and
ambitious filmmaker who can hit the ground running. Read on to find out
more....

...and calling all Radio podcasters for an opportunity at Wave North in
Thurso!

What’s in this issue ++

- Wave Culture - Filmmaker REQUIRED NOW!
- Wave North / goSurf Radio Podcasters

FILMMAKER REQUIRED ++

Wave Culture Project ++



Motivated and Ambitious Self-Starter Required for Creative Project in
Caithness and Orkney.

In collaboration with ScreenHI, HIE are seeking a filmmaker to create a
short film (maximum duration 10 minutes) to celebrate renewable energy, in
particular wave energy, the role it plays in the North of Scotland and how
it fits into a cool, modern, cultural society.

The backdrop for this project will be the renewable energy industry in
Caithness and Orkney, goSURF, Wave North and the O’Neill Cold Water
Classic International Surf Competition.

goSURF 11th - 16th April, Thurso

Wave North 9th - 17th April, Thurso

O'Neill Cold Water Classic International Surf Competition 13th - 19th
April, Thurso

EMEC, European Marine Energy Centre, Orkney

This is an ideal opportunity for a new or semi established filmmaker
wanting to further their experience and portfolio as well as developing a
profile within the Highlands and Islands. The turnaround is tight so an
immediate production start will be required. If you are interested ask for
more information here. Deadline for applications is Wednesday 30th March.

Wave North Festival, Thurso ++

9th - 17th April 2011 ++

++

As part of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic International Surfing
Competition held annually in Thurso, ScreenHI is delighted to announce we
are working with the local community in producing WAVE NORTH, or as we are
affectionately calling it, goSURF.

RADIO PODCASTING

Its getting closer but there is still time to apply.

We are looking for 6 intrepid radio producers to take part in a two day
radio packaging workshop starting Monday 11th April, followed by an
opportunity to complete your own audio package by the end of the week.
Full training in how to use recording equipment and editing software will
be given. Applications to Caithness Horizons.

SCREENINGS

Screenings of films made by Highlands and Islands filmmakers will be shown
throughout the week with a special feature screening on Friday 15th April
taking place in the centre of Thurso, outdoors! (weather permitting)

All events are free to attend though please do sign up for them
beforehand. More info can be found at Caithness Horizons Wave North
Facebook page.

That's us for now. Hope to see you at some of our events.

Thanks for reading,

Amanda Millen
Development Producer
ScreenHI

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Mac Film showing at the Warehouse, Lossiemouth

Film: The Turning Point - a return to community
Director: Alex Page

The age of cheap oil is over. See how this ecovillage community is preparing for a life beyond oil.
How can we turn the challenges of Peak Oil and Climate Change into an opportunity for a better world?

The Turning Point shows you how!
Shows real life examples of low carbon enterprises: It can be done!
Provides positive models of how to survive and thrive in a post-oil world"
Demonstrates what a resilient community can look like
Gives hope for a healthy future
Being screened at The Warehouse on Thursday 24th March 2010 - film starts at 7.00pm

Thursday, 17 March 2011

ARTISTS' SUBMISSIONS

Exhibit at Moray Art Centre – Invitation for Submissions

As Moray’s first and only public art gallery, Moray Art Centre provides
the wider Moray area with access to visual art exhibitions. The
exhibition programme features a broad programme of contemporary and
historical works of art from major public collections and from
individual artists and groups. The facility includes two excellent
gallery spaces for the exhibition of art as well as four artists studios
and three teaching studios.

Moray Art Centre is currently receiving applications from artists
seeking to exhibit. The Exhibition Committee meet six times per year to
review proposals. To be considered for inclusion at the next Exhibition
Committee meeting, artists are requested to submit applications,
according to the guidelines stated below, by Friday 29th April 2011.

Submissions will be considered using any theme or medium, although
there is limited capacity for exhibiting AV work. Artists can apply
individually or as part of a group. Please note that Moray Art Centre
does not acknowledge the receipt of proposals and will only contact
artists after the work has been considered and a decision made. Moray
Art Centre will respond by letter as soon as possible when a decision
has been made.

Please include the following in your submission:


Selection of artworks formatted as jpeg files on a non-returnable CD.
Original artwork will not be accepted. Please clearly label each
submission with artist’s name, title of work, date, media, approximate
size and price before commission if the work is for sale
A brief statement of practice
Current CV, including contact details

Please send submissions by email to exhibions@morayartcentre.org or by
post to Exhibitions Committee, Moray Art Centre, The Park, Findhorn,
Forres, Moray, IV36 3TA.

Further details about Moray Art Centre including our facilities can be
accessed on our website at http://www.morayartcentre.org/

Project-based entity

Dear All,

It was decided during last night's meeting that the group will become a 'project-based' entity and meet less regularly. Currently, Tom is completing the Ideas Tap Top-Up Fund application and we are looking for 5 creative teams consisting of filmmaker, production designer/ graphic designer/ artisan to team up with a musician/ band to create a music video. The idea is that these mvids will be showcased at an event with live acoustic sets. This is an entrepreneurial venture for the Creative Moray Org and would like to encourage participation. On completion there will be scope to submit the mvids to showcase at the Go North festival aswell for increased exposure. This is a fantastic opportunity for local creatives!

We invite you to our Forum to get involved in production developments for this project. Please get onboard here;

http://creativemoray.freeforums.org/

Please do keep checking our Blog as we do hope to meet up to brainstorm for event ideas and other competitions which we could collaborate in. We hope that creatives identify that regular networking can open up sometimes 'hidden' opportunities and it's a great way to share skills, learn and pull on resources.

Kind Regards,

Anna.
Interim Secretary.

AESTHETICA MAGAZINE SHORT FILM & CREATIVE WORKS COMPETITIONS

In addition to the Short Film Competition, we also run a Creative Works Competition,
which has categories for creative writing and artwork (including
sculpture, photography, ceramics and various artistic mediums). This is
now open for entries and I was hoping that you might also be able to let
your artists and networks through Moray Council know about this
opportunity?

The competition is a fantastic opportunity for both established and
aspiring artists to develop their reputations on an international scale
and all finalists are published in our sister publication, the
Aesthetica Creative Works Annual. I’ve included the full details about
the competition below and it would be fantastic if you could pass this
on to your mailing lists, many thanks again!

CALL FOR ENTRIES: AESTHETICA CREATIVE WORKS COMPETITION

The 2011 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is now open for entries!
Aesthetica Magazine is inviting all artists, photographers, writers and
poets to submit their work into the Creative Works Competition, Now in
its fourth year, the competition is dedicated to celebrating and
championing creative talent across the disciplines and welcomes entries
from poets and writers as well as artists working in any medium,
including sculpture, textiles, photography, ceramics, paint, digital art
and more!
The Competition has three categories, Artwork & Photography, Poetry
and Fiction.
Winners and finalists are published in the Aesthetica Creative Works
Annual.
Winners of each category receive £500 prize money plus other prizes.
Entry to the Creative Works Competition is £10.
The entry fee allows the submission of 2 images, 2 poems or 2 short
stories.
The deadline for submissions is the 31st August 2011.
More guidelines on how to submit can be found online at
http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/submission_guide.htm


Many thanks for your time and I do hope that your contacts will be
interested in the opportunity.

Very best regards!

Bryony


Bryony Byrne
Marketing Officer
Aesthetica Magazine
PO Box 371
York
YO23 1WL
01904 479168
bryony@aestheticamagazine.com
www.aestheticamagazine.com ( http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/ )

Connect with Aesthetica on Facebook (
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1360358952&ref=profile
)| MySpace ( http://www.myspace.com/aestheticamagazine )| Twitter (
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Keep up to date with arts and culture news on the Aesthetica blog at
aestheticamagazine.blogspot.com (
http://aestheticamagazine.blogspot.com/ )

IDEAS GENERATION WORKSHOP

BUSINESS GATEWAY will be holding an IDEAS GENERATION WORKSHOP in Elgin on 24/25th March from 9.30 am - 5 pm. Please get in touch with Lynn Tel 01343 563634, or book your place by visiting them at 17 High St, Elgin.

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

Shared Docs

Dear All,

I have now emailed links to the following Google shared docs for review/amend:

Draft Press Release and Office Space spreadsheet.

You can also access the link from a post in the Forum.

Kind Regards,

Anna.
Interim Secretary.

Friday, 11 March 2011

Next meeting Weds 16th March

Hey everyone,

Just a friendly reminder to say our next meeting will take place at Brewers Fayre (Elgin) again this Wednesday from 6.30 - 8 pm (ish). Please email attendance/absence to anna@recitefilms.com, along with any items for Agenda. We look forward to seeing you there. Please note, we are happy to alternate days/times of the week to give everyone an opportunity to attend these meetings.

Best wishes,

Anna.
Interim Secretary