OnTrade Scotland Magazine - December Edition 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Welcome to the December edition of OnTrade Scotland.

So this is Christmas …. And what has been done?

Almost another year over and soon a new one begun …. The pandemic now behind us in terms of virus but venues continue to deal with the impact to the economy and the continued what seems like a single minded mission from Scottish Government to damage the industry. We take our hat off to all of the trade bodies including SLTA & UKHospitality along with The STA for continuing to lobby and challenge to find a better way.

There are numerous reason for people not to go out it seems, weather, train strikes, no taxis, cost of living, fuel bills the list goes on. People’s habits have changed it’s a simple undeniable fact. So like it or not the industry has to change and adapt. We have to give people a reason TO GO OUT, create and experience, offer value for money, provide quality service & most of all value the customer.

I have witnessed worrying examples of indifference, entitlement, arrogance and disdain when I have been in venues which not only damages those businesses but also damages the entire industry and the venues, owners and brands that are doing amazing work to provide a great experience.

We have to evolve as an industry like it or not.

The definition of madness is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result So why continue to do the things in the same way the industry have done for over 20 years?

Collaboration is hugely important, collaboration with brands, suppliers, partners and other venues to change our industry for the better of everyone.

I want to thank our partners Gilson Gray LLP & Pure Radio for their fantastic support. We would also like to thank all of our commercial partner for their involvement and support over the last year without any of your support we would not be able to do anything we do and we never take those relationships for granted. Thank you to all of the venues that have featured over the last year for your support we have had some great laughs meeting people and filming AT THE BAR.

Finally from the bottom of my heart … Have a very Merry Christmas whatever you do and we will See you in 2023.

STAY POSITIVE COLLABORATE WORK TOGETHER

Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia

For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111

Industry News

POP IDOL’S GARETH GATES PERFORMS HIT SINGLE AT SCOTS KARAOKE BAR

The singer treated patrons of the Horseshoe Bar in Glasgow to a special performance of Spirit in the Sky.

Popstar Gareth Gates surprised patrons at a Glasgow karaoke bar with a special performance as he performed one of his hit singles.

The Pop Idol runner up took to the stage at the Horseshoe Bar on Sunday evening and belted out his number one single Spirit in the Sky, originally released in 2003.

The 38-year-old rose to fame in 2002 when he appeared on the hit talent show, eventually finishing runner up to Will Young.

Sharing footage of the singer’s shock performance on their Facebook page, the bar revealed he “popped in” after performing at the Go Radio Christmas Sparkle Ladies Lunch earlier in the day.

They wrote: “Karaoke off with a bang on this Sunday, any guesses on the singer?

“The one and only Gareth Gates!

“He popped in on his way by, must have heard about the best karaoke venue in the world.”

NOW ‘NOT THE TIME’ FOR ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS

“It would create an insurmountable barrier to growth for Scottish producers while ripping out much-needed funding from sports clubs, cultural events and venues, like theatres and cinemas, and reduce jobs in creative industries.

“Businesses in these sectors are desperate for additional funding to survive the current economic crisis. The Scottish Government should be looking at ways to support them instead of inflicting more damage on the economy.

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s publishing a consultation on Restricting Alcohol Advertising and Promotion, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) have warned of the potentially devastating economic impact to Scottish businesses, sporting, cultural and events infrastructure, should the proposed restrictions be brought into force.

Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said: “If enacted, these proposals would have a devasting impact on investment and jobs across a range of sectors, while hitting small, Scottish-owned businesses the hardest.

“There is already robust regulation of alcohol marketing and a recent report by Credos found ‘little evidence’ of a relationship between alcohol advertising and consumption trends and that ‘alcohol advertising spend trends are inversely correlated to alcohol-specific harms’ in Scotland.

“It would also be negative for public health goals by stifling innovation and growth in no and low alcohol products, that have a vital, recognised role in helping people moderate consumption and reduce health harms.

“We will engage constructively around these proposals but the Scottish Government and MSPs must think very carefully about the potential impact these measures might have on the economy. Now is not the time to be risking investment and jobs.”

Brand News

‘THE ABSOLUT CHOIR’, LED BY MUSIC ICON OLLY ALEXANDER

louder and together, they can make people listen. Better body representation in fashion and the media, policy change for trans rights, and an end to the marginalisation of disabled people and queer joy are all changes that The Absolut Choir wants to see.

Within The Absolut Choir are trans rights advocate Kenny Ethan Jones, disability champion Sian Lord, body positivity advocate Nyome Nicholas-Williams, Trans Voices Choir directors Coda Nicolaeff, ILĀ Sebastian and their members, and creatives from the Trans Creative Collective (TCC). Together, they perform a never-heard-before new arrangement of Shine, which has been reimagined into a new, powerful, and progressive version.

Absolut, the UK’s no.1 premium vodka, has launched ‘The Absolut Choir’, fronted by one of the world’s most trailblazing modern popstars Olly Alexander of Years & Years, to raise the voices of inspiring changemakers, pioneers and creatives across the UK.

Singing an entirely new version of his hit song Shine, Olly and The Absolut Choir aim to turn up the volume on a variety of causes and conversations, including body positivity, disability awareness and equal rights.

Absolut believe that whether it is drinks, ideas or people, life is better when we mix things up – we were all Born To Mix – so The Absolut Choir sees individuals from different backgrounds, with different beliefs and passions, come together for the first time to prove that together they are

A three-week media campaign is launching on 8th November, which will see Absolut visible across online video and social channels, as well as support through a media partnership with LadBible. The brand is also offering its media spend, channels and social platforms to the people in The Absolut Choir and their causes so their voices can be heard. The campaign will see Absolut funding content and taking over London billboards to support the individuals within it. Supporters of the campaign are encouraged to share the videos and take pictures of the billboards to help spread the important messages.

To celebrate the new project, Olly Alexander has designed a limited-edition bottle wrap for 30,000 of Absolut’s iconic bottles. A limited number of bottles are now available to purchase online at DrinkSupermarket.com with further bottles being released in Dhamecha and Booker Retail Partners in January 2023.

Princes Street, including work experience at bars and hotels in Edinburgh, honing their skills and preparing for employment in the hospitality industry.

The students are the latest graduates of the Learning for Life programme, which is delivered in partnership with Springboard and The Princes Trust. The programme aims to drive recruitment in the hospitality sector and support the long-term prosperity of the industry.

Leading drinks company Diageo is celebrating the graduation of 14 students, including seven Ukrainian refugees, from its award-winning Learning for Life hospitality training programme.

The students have spent six weeks in intensive training at the Learning for Life Academy at Johnnie Walker

Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager for Diageo in the UK, said: “At Diageo, we are committed to creating a positive impact within our communities. Learning for Life plays an important role in allowing us to champion diversity and inclusion, not only in our business but across the industry. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, so many people have had to uproot their life and give up careers that they have worked so hard to develop. It has been a real honour to support the participants on this course to develop new skills and build relationships in the Scottish hospitality sector, which has so much to offer those looking for an exciting and rewarding career.”

WE GET DIRTY WITH THE DUCHESS

In this edition we get cosy and festive in the fantastic Dirty Duchess in Finniston in Glasgow. A favourite local with a warm welcoming atmosphere & hang out for stars of the small screen and international rock stars alike.

Opening the doors for the first time as ‘The Dirty Duchess’ back in 2018 the venues has been massively popular in Finnieston with lots of customers and have daily regulars that come in every day since first opening We Selena to Emma Brown GM of the amazing venue about what gives The Dirty Duchess its unique atmosphere and more.

“We have now become quite the celebrity hotspot with the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Greg, Ford and Rod Stewart making

multiple appearances in the venue, they have even turned their hand to pouring a pint or two! The Dirty Duchess is also a found to be one of the best venues to watch the 6 Nations, The World Cup and other large sports competitions with our large projector there is space for everyone to see “Emma told us.

“With the festive period quickly approaching we are launching a brand-new festive cocktail menu which will run alongside our new recently launched cocktail menu which

has been very popular with customers. We will be offering the classic festive mulled wine and mince pies. We will be continuing to serve our freshly baked sourdough pizza slices which have been going down a treat to sit in or takeaway. “

There is also no party like a Dirty Duchess new year party with DJs, festive cocktails, shots and lots of other festive surprises!

“Since the pandemic hit back in 2020 there has been various challenges that we have faced as a business from outside only drinking, curfews and consequently reduced footfall and capacity in the venue. Since things have gone back to ‘normal’ in the industry we have still seen a drastic change as customers have got used to drinking in the house and now have the equipment and practice of making the own drinks and cocktails. We have found that

we need to give the customers more of a reason to come out now.”

“The festive period is such an important time for us at The Dirty Duchess as allows us to attract old and new customers and to celebrate the festive period with us and really helps with overall sales for the year. It also helps us to see through the quieter months that approach in January.”

How will the venue be impacted with by the proposed DRS (deposit return scheme)?

“We certainly know about DRS but like everyone else there doesn’t really appear to be a clear roadmap of what’s happening and practically how it will work both logistically and financially. We are hoping to learn more about things with less than a year to go!”

ENCOMPASSING THE VALUES OF THE YARDS HERITAGE, PASSION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP.

THE STORY OF SHIPYARD GIN GREENOCK, INVERCLYDE.

Shipyard Gin is an award winning premium small batch Scottish gin from Inverclyde, Scotland. It is made from neutral grain spirit distilled with juniper berries, seasonal gorse, elderflower and a fine selection of other botanicals.

Like many towns and cities across the UK, Greenock was a huge industrial powerhouse. When it came to shipbuilding, ‘Clydebuilt’ stood for quality, skilled craftsmanship and a passion for the craft. It was synonymous with ‘world class’ and known the world over. In terms of production, in its heyday the UK produced around 75% of the worlds ships and a third of that coming from the Clyde yards, falling just behind London and Liverpool.

Like many families from towns and cities along the River Clyde, Shipyard Gin’s founder Andy Samuel has close family ties to the yards. His grandfather John Samuel was a plater at Scott’s Shipbuilding & Engineering. A skilled trade, where he spent most of his career cutting and preparing metal sheets for fitting to the ships hull.

In his spare time, John had the fascinating hobby of making homemade wine for family and friends from locally foraged berries. John and Andy would spend many a Sunday afternoon in the parks and moors picking the berries and flowers to be made into wine. Andy has used some of these botanicals in the award winning Shipyard Gin.

SNOW BALL

Glass: Small glass bowl

Ice: Crushed

Garnish: Red berries and mint sprig 50ml coconut milk

35ml PANTHER M*LK 25ml vanilla vodka 12.5ml sugar syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Add crushed ice and give a stir. Add more ice if needed.

GOLDEN PANTHER

Glass: Gold sprayed Tall cocktail glass

Ice: crushed

Garnish: egg nogg ice cream and flamed cinnamon stick

35ml PANTHER M*LK

25ml brandy 35ml Double cream 15ml sugar syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and add to glass. Fill with crushed ice }and give a stir. Add ice cream to top. Flame the cinnamon stick and place ice drink

TOM CAT

Glass: Double Old Fashioned

Ice: Cubed

Garnish: Gingerbread Biscuit 50ml Oat Milk

35ml PANTHER M*LK 20ml Licor 43 12.5ml gingerbread syrup

35ml Strawberry puree

Pour strawberry puree into bottom of glass and add ice. Add other ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and double strain into glass layering on top of the strawberry puree. Place biscuit on side.

Industry gathers in Glasgow to prepare for Deposit Return Scheme

More than 600 representatives from drinks producers, retailers and hospitality businesses have been meeting in Glasgow as they prepare for the introduction of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme from August next year – the biggest ever change to how Scotland recycles.

The conference has been organised by the scheme administrator Circularity Scotland to bring businesses across Scotland together and help them plan for what will be one of the biggest environmental infrastructure projects in the UK.

From August 2023 every single-use drinks container sold in Scotland – be that plastic bottles, cans or glass – will

be subject to a 20p deposit. This will then be refunded to consumers when they take back the container to their local shop or one of tens of thousands of return points across the country.

Currently, Zero Waste Scotland estimates that only around 45% of recyclable drinks containers are recycled, with the rest ending up as waste and litter. The Deposit Return

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP

Scheme aims to ensure that 90% of all drinks containers are captured and recycled, preventing billions of bottles and cans each year from blighting the Scottish countryside and harming wildlife.

David Harris, Circularity Scotland CEO said: “With just under a year to go until the Deposit Return Scheme goes live, we’re calling for businesses across Scotland to join us in making sure the scheme is a success. We know that businesses have concerns about how the scheme will operate and how it will affect them – and we’ve heard from many of those over the last two days. But that’s exactly why we held this conference – to create a forum for all those who will be involved in delivering the scheme to get the information they need. Ultimately, by bringing businesses together and creating more opportunities to collaborate we can achieve what we all want: to reduce waste and protect Scotland’s environment for generations to come.”

The conference featured a keynote speech from Lorna Slater MSP, the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, who is responsible for introducing the

scheme. Ms Slater reiterated that there would be no delay to introducing the scheme, which she stressed was a key part of the Scottish Government’s work in meeting its climate commitments. She stressed that the Scottish Government was “listening and responding to industry concerns”, demonstrated by the recently announced streamlining of the exemption process for retailers who did not wish to act as return points. The Minister also told attendees to expect further announcements to address industry concerns around online takeback and said that the government would work with industry to ensure a “pragmatic” approach.

Gavin Partington, Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association said: “Our members are united in their commitment to reducing waste and increasing recycling and support the introduction of a well-designed deposit return scheme across the UK. While there are more challenges to overcome and questions that remain for producers, bringing industry together in this way is crucial as we build towards the scheme going live next year.”

Shahid “Mo” Razzaq, Convenience retailer and Deputy Vice President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) said: “Retailers like us will be at the forefront of the Deposit Return Scheme, providing thousands of return points in every corner of Scotland where consumers will be able to take back their bottles and cans. Delivering this is complex and presents different obstacles for retailers of all different sizes but being able to speak to experts and other businesses helps us to understand what is required and allows us to plan effectively for the future.”

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HOSPITALITY CAN DRIVE ECONOMY FORWARD, BUSINESS LEADERS HEAR

Leading figures in Scottish hospitality join together to celebrate the sector and its contribution to the economy and society.

Leading figures in Scottish hospitality join together to celebrate the sector and its contribution to the economy and society.

Speaking at the event, UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls highlighted the important role hospitality plays in Scotland, employing around 200,000 people and contributing £9 billion to the economy.

Commenting on the event, she said: “Scotland’s vibrant and world class hospitality community makes enormous contributions to our economy and society, but it is facing into the fiercest of economic headwinds that we have ever experienced.

“Of course, it’s not only economic turbulence that’s hitting us, with so many areas of Government policy and

regulation that touch our business.

“The Autumn Statement was more positive for our sector than initially feared, with encouraging news on business rates relief for venues in England.

“It’s important we see this translated across the UK though, and we now need to see the Scottish Government freeze business rates and implement rates relief in its Budget in December. In the long-term, there remains an urgent need to reform the business rates system, which is out-dated and not fit-for-purpose.

“If the sector is to drive the economy forward like we know it can, it’s essential that business rates bills are reduced in that Budget and that hospitality is a key pillar of Scottish Government’s economic plans.”

In addition to dealing with soaring energy costs, staffing challenges and dampening consumer confidence, Scottish hospitality businesses are also facing the unique challenges of a new Deposit Return Scheme, outdated property taxes and a transport system that is not fit-for-purpose.

UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “Our hospitality businesses are already at the centre of Scottish society and our tourism offering to the rest of the world, but I’m hearing constantly that businesses are worried about their survival.

“Whether it’s rising costs or the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, businesses are seeing more and more cost and regulation inserted into their business at every level.

“The dual challenge of additional legislation from both the UK and Scottish Government has created a raft of bureaucracy that is holding business back. In both Westminster and Edinburgh, UKHospitality continues to press for effective and streamlined regulation that provides the support businesses need to survive the winter and also encourages growth.”

ON TRADE – IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME, BUT DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF LEANER TIMES IN THE NEW YEAR

Or so sang Band Aid in the opening lines to “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. No doubt with the festive season upon us, that track will be playing frequently for the next few weeks. Banishing shade is tempting at present, especially against the current economic climate with a recession forecast alongside inflation and a cost of living crisis. It is understandable many want to focus on the festivities and not the current economic picture, particularly in the licensed trade as it experiences one of its busiest period of the year.

Despite the festivities, business owners cannot afford to get carried away with the festivities but also need to be keeping a close eye on the strength of their business and speaking to their stakeholders and advisors about what the New Year may hold.

The licensed trade has taken a battering over the last couple of years with pandemic restrictions resulting in periods of no or very limited trading with limited customer numbers and hours. It is particularly galling to be thrown into the foothills of a recession and cost

“It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid. At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade.”

Jo Millar - Head of Licensing

Steven Jansch - Head of Insolvency

Craig Darling - Head of Business Restructuring And Recovery

of living crisis just after the challenges of the pandemic. The protections for businesses from insolvency measures are now long in the past, the result of which is HMRC and other creditors are returning to their usual harder-line approach to enforcement.

So instead of “banishing shade”, what should businesses be doing? A keen eye must be kept on cash flow projections and the wider financial position of the business. While this is no doubt a busy time for the licensed trade, it is important that business owners have a clear picture of where the business is going. The busy festive period will generate cash flow for the leaner period at the start of the New Year. But there are other considerations such as VAT bills in January and a quiet period at the beginning of 2022 where staff and utilities still need paid.

If there are doubts about the business’ financial position, it is imperative that the business engages with people who can help, such as suppliers, landlords, lenders and professional advisors to see what can be

done to turn the business around. This need not be because the business is about to go under but because there are areas which could be more efficient and cost effective. Finance can be seen as a bad word, but how many business may benefit from specific Vat finance? We can help with targeted and confidential introductions.

Do not delay on taking action as surely any improvement in cash flow is a good one. Time is of the essence – ignoring difficulties may quickly see the options open to the business disappear and leave it facing an unrecoverable position.

Where the business trades as a limited company, its directors need to particularly careful about continuing to trade if the company is insolvent or verging on insolvency. Directors who continue to trade while insolvent risk personal liability in the event the company goes under. Any directors who have concerns about a company’s financial position should get advice now.

For employment or shares/staff incentives advice please contact Jo, Corporate and Licensing on 0141 370 8116 and jmillar@gilsongray.co.uk, Steven Jansch on 0131 516 5361 and sjansch@gilsongray.co.uk, or Craig Darling on 0141 530 2044 or cdarling@gilsongray.co.uk

We’re honoured to have been chosen as the exclusive partner of OnTrade Magazine Scotland. As one of Scotland’s full-service law firms we’re able to offer specialist legal, property and financial services. We’re here to help in a time when support and clarity are needed most – offering valuable advice and insight on everything from licensing, business financing, employment and real estate. Different people. Different approach. Different results. To find out more please call Jo Millar on 0141 370 8116 or email jmillar@gilsongray.co.uk

gilsongray.co.uk

The right advice has never been more important.

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