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
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