OnTrade Scotland Magazine - April Edition 2023

NEW FIRST MINISTER WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE INDUSTRY?

Welcome to the April Edition of OnTrade Scotland Magazine. Well here we go …

We have a new First Minister and we offer our congratulations to Humza Yusef on his achievement and instantly look forward to him delivering on his televised commitment and promise to pause DRS.

We look forward to, at last, a FM who will stand by their promises and actively listen as he has promised.

Mr Yusef has a lot to be getting on with – not least his promised pausing of DRS – which will no doubt be a blow to our good friend Lorna “sound bite Slater MSP, but also the proposed advertising ban and many many more issues like NHS ( something he will know a great deal about) we wish you well as a man of his word.

Why do I sound so positive on this I hear you ask …

Well after such a passioned televised speech on his commitment to pause the scheme it would be unthinkable to start his tenure with a blatant lie and broken promise of such a magnitude right?

We wait with bated breath and anticipation of what comes new as I’m sure do you.

As always …. Stay positive Stay together

As together we are stronger. Have a great April.

Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia

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

Blair, Bowman on his campaigning on DRS

Blur 69 launches with a bang at Quirk, Glasgow

Derby Lane - a slice of the Hampton’s in the heart of Glasgow

Glasgow’s answer to Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Industry News

SLTA CONGRATULATES HUMZA YOUSAF AND CALLS FOR ‘RESET’

The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association), in sending its congratulations to Humza Yousaf, the new leader of the SNP, has called for a swift “reset” with business in the wake of turmoil caused by the Covid pandemic, Brexit and misplaced legislation.

Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said: “We congratulate Humza Yousaf on his appointment as the new SNP leader, and expected incoming First Minister, and pledge to work with his new Cabinet, officials and MSPs to solve the many ongoing problems and challenges facing the licensed trade as it recovers from the pandemic, deals with the fallout of Brexit, and navigates unprecedented levels of bureaucracy and misplaced legislation that is hampering business growth.

“Hospitality businesses and the licensed trade make a major contribution to Scotland’s economy and its important tourism industry – we are also a major employer across the length and breadth of the country.

“However, companies are weighed down by ill-thoughtthrough legislation at a time when they are still recovering from the pandemic, dealing with severe staff shortages and struggling with the realities of spiralling cost-of-living

issues and rising costs of doing business. We need to see an urgent reset in the relationship between the Scottish Government and the business community.”

Mr Wilkinson continued: “We urge Mr Yousaf to pause the deposit return scheme (DRS) until a more business-friendly solution can be found for those smaller businesses that will have to deal with the time-consuming bureaucracy and unnecessary layers of administration.

“In addition, we would seek dialogue at the earliest opportunity to discuss the proposed restrictions on alcohol advertising sponsorship which will impact on many everyday aspects of pub life.”

Accepting that VAT is not a devolved issue, Mr Wilkinson added: “A reduction in VAT would be a welcome move for everyone involved in hospitality and the licensed trade and we hope that Holyrood and Westminster can discuss this as an urgent measure to help businesses.

“We also hope that the new regime at Holyrood can find a meaningful solution to change the current non-domestic rates system which is hugely outdated and in need of further reform.”

TWO NEW SCOTTISH RESTAURANTS AWARDED MICHELIN STARS

The Michelin 2023 Great Britain and Ireland Guide has been announced and two Edinburgh restaurants have been awarded with stars.

Timberyard, on Lady Lawson St and Heron in Leith are the newest additions to the list to be awarded with one star.

Timberyard is a family-run restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh. Set in an authentic warehouse dating back to the 19th century when it was built as a props & costume store. Ingredient led cooking created with respect to nature & produce, sourced from local, artisan suppliers & Scotland’s larder.

Heron is a relaxed fine dining restaurant with views of Edinburgh’s picturesque Water of Leith, offering farm-totable fine dining with an a la carte or tasting menu that changes continuously, showcasing some of Scotland’s best seasonal produce.

Brand News

RADISSON RED GLASGOW PICKS UP BEST HOTEL IN SCOTLAND

We are very proud of our friends at Radisson RED Glasgow who has been named the Best Hotel in Scotland by the prestigious Scottish Excellence Awards.

The highly rated ceremony sees the biggest and best in the world of hospitality honoured.

And Radisson RED once again picked up the big one – for the second time in three years.

Radisson RED is famed for its iconic RED Sky Bar overlooking the Hydro and Finnieston Crane, home to intimate shows with Clyde 1 starring Tom Walker, Callum Beattie and more.

Graham Chalmers, curator of the stunning hotel, said: “This is a real honour for us – we’re thrilled to be recognised with such a big award and it’s a massive boost to the whole team at a time when the

industry is finding things difficult.

“We try to innovate, lead and pioneer in all we do at Radisson RED, from our events in the RED Sky Bar to Boogie Brunches and authentic Neapolitan pizzas in the Oui Bar.

“We want every guest to feel at home in our relaxed, welcoming and stylish hotel – and it’s truly rewarding to hear people do feel that way.”

The awards “celebrate the leading people, products, services and organisations that are setting new benchmarks in quality and creativity.

“Judged by a panel of independent experts from across the industry, the awards highlight the hard work and commitment of individuals and businesses who are helping to raise standards throughout the sector”.

MIDLOTHIAN CRAFT BREWERY ANNOUNCES OVER £300,000 INVESTMENT IN NEW SOLAR ENERGY AND CARBON CAPTURE INITIATIVE

Stewart Brewing, Edinburgh’s Original Craft Brewery, has strengthened its drive towards Net Zero with an exciting new sustainability programme for 2023.

The family-owned business was established in 2004, supplying high quality craft beers to Edinburgh and the local area. At the core of Stewart Brewing has been sustainable development, and 2023 has started with a renewed commitment to improving energy, raw material, and packaging efficiencies at its Midlothian brewhouse.

This month, the business has invested in two major projects; £180,000 in a project to instal 210 kW of Solar PV across its building roofs and walls

£150,000 in a Carbon Capture initiative to harvest, collect and bottle CO2 produced on site.

Co-founder and Managing Director Steve Stewart said: ‘‘One of our founding principles was to brew great beer in a sustainable and efficient manner and this remains at the heart of our business today, and these two projects will contribute significantly to that. The best part is that the electricity required to drive the Dallum CO2 capture machines is produced by the Solar Panels!”

“Our carbon capture will prevent 250 Tonnes of CO2 over a 3 year period being released to the environment, meaning also that we will become self-sufficient and avoid the need to have liquid CO2 made elsewhere and transported to the brewery.”

“Because of the long daylight hours during the summer, Scotland has exceptional Solar potential for businesses like ours, and we expect that our solar panels will deliver over 165,000 kWh per year which is around 65% - 70% of our total electricity requirement. That’s power to produce nearly 2 million pints of beer - Shine on!”

“We are grateful for the help of Scottish Enterprise and Business Energy Scotland to assist in funding these projects.”

Further to its capital projects, Stewart Brewing offers a refillable ‘growler’ service at its Loanhead taproom. Open 7 days a week, customers can purchase 1L or 2L fills of its award-winning craft beer, with a selection of its classic favourites and limited-edition special beers.

Blair Bowman on his campaigning on DRS

This month we speak to Blair, Bowman, whisky consultant and broker who has been in the Whisky industry in a self-employed basis for over a decade, and has built a strong network within the hospitality industry in Scotland on his campaigning on DRS and his feeling on where we are & what needs to happen moving forward.

The proposed Deposit Return Scheme first came onto my radar a long time ago when I noticed it rambling on in the background of the media, but I didn’t engage with it at the time. It wasn’t until April 2022, while reading an article discussing it, that I realised how totally unworkable it was proposed to be.

I was completely taken aback. How could this be allowed to happen?

After reaching out to journalists and friends across the industry, either they were unaware of it, or if they did know about DRS, it was met with a feeling of disbelief. Mainstream journalists at the time were not interested. There were far more important things going on across the UK, as far as they were concerned, to focus on an issue that

the hospitality or drinks industry was having was seen as insignificant.

Fast forward to November of last year, after having many conversations with people across the industry from brands to venues to suppliers. The feeling that this just wasn’t right and couldn’t be allowed to happen in its current state grew and became more of a driving force and a passion for many people across the industry. Something needed to be done to address the situation.

A number of people, including myself, chose to write to Lorna Slater, MSP, and voice our concerns over the plan for the DRS and its current state. We felt it was completely unworkable and offered to work closely with her and any other relevant body in the Scottish government to find

solutions that were better placed within the industry and government to make amends and make it work. Well, that was the plan. We gained over 600 signatures from senior individuals across the hospitality and drinks industry in Scotland. The proposal and plans involving the trade bodies were delivered to Lorna Slater but were subsequently ignored. There was no response, no request for more information, and no solid input. Absolutely nothing at all. The industry was ignored.

Some weeks later, I received a standard reply letter from Lorna Slater’s office. It was just a combination of soundbites, which seems to be her modus operandi. There was no real traction and no real answers to any of the issues we had raised in the letter.

One of the things that astonished me was that not only did she ignore the letter, but she also ignored the input and concerns of 600 senior individuals representing a massive industry in Scotland.

That was in November, and I thought there really needs to be serious work on this. So, I sought out the advice and engagement of the industry myself.

I chose to set up a WhatsApp group and invited as many senior individuals, venues, brands, suppliers, and anyone connected with drinks in the hospitality industry in Scotland as possible to understand how the proposed deposit return scheme was affecting them. The goal was to raise awareness and challenge Lorna Slater and the government on their proposed plan.

I did not intend in any way to become a lobbyist or a campaigner, but it has become a full-time role for me effectively since January of this year. I’ve basically been on a sabbatical, trying to do as much as I can every week lobbying MSPs, speaking with contacts in Westminster, engaging with businesses and people across the industry. I believe it is such an important issue, and I believe so strongly that something has to change that I couldn’t let it rest.

Let’s be totally clear, if the proposed DRS in its current state is allowed to go ahead, it will put thousands of jobs in jeopardy, cost hundreds of businesses, and potentially damage the drinks and hospitality industry in Scotland beyond repair. All this comes after businesses have had to deal with a pandemic, which has already decimated the industry, and businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet after the last two years of some of the most challenging times in the industry’s history.

These people are my friends, colleagues, business owners, and employers in an industry that I love, and we cannot allow this to happen.

Under the current plans, consumer choice is going to be massively impacted, with only approximately 15% of suppliers having signed up. This means that over 85% of customer engagement choices will be removed almost overnight.

This is utterly ludicrous. However, as it stands, Lorna Slater and the Scottish government do not seem to care about that at all.

I simply do not believe, as many others do not, that we are getting what we deserve from MSPs such as Lorna Slater, or from Circularity Scotland.

We deserve far more. We deserve better engagement, and the industry deserves to be listened to.

We now know that Hamza Yusuf has won the vote to become the new First Minister of Scotland, although there are still obligatory processes to go through. We will see from his first First Minister’s questions whether DRS is something that is going to be continued, amended, or scrapped, and what this means for Lorna Slater, DRS, and the entire industry. However, he did state clearly that if he was brought to power, he would delay DRS for SMEs for at least a year. Let us see what changes his plans now that he has gained power, if any, and what this means for the industry and Lorna Slater.

If there has been one positive thing to take from DRS discussions, it has been the togetherness of the industry in terms of the WhatsApp group that was set up. It has been vital and hugely positive to be able to speak to like-minded individuals and businesses across the industry and, in some way, help bring them together and communicate even more.

Whatever comes next, hopefully, we will stay together as an industry, and the groups employing hundreds of people with millions and millions of pounds of turnover, along with small niche operators, will stay together for the betterment of the industry now and in the future.

We all believe across the industry that the scheme needs to be urgently paused. There has to be a better way found that does not cause so much damage to a thriving, vital industry to the Scottish economy and business. The new First Minister needs to actively engage with the trade as a whole to achieve this. There are still major unanswered questions surrounding the complexities of the DRS, not least the VAT issue, on which we have only received guidance up until now. There is also the UKIMA exemption and the list goes on.

Until there is a UK-wide unified system, you cannot address legislation, potential fraud elements, or any of the key challenges. That is why I believe there has to be an immediate pause.

One of the most infuriating parts, of which there are many, is when we listen to Lorna Slater, MSP, stating that the scheme is industry-led. It makes my blood boil, and many people across the industry’s blood boil because the claim that the scheme is industry-led is nothing short of a blatant lie.

We want to work together, and we want better. However, all we seem to get in the industry are soundbites and more questions.

Blur 69 premium vodka launch with a bang in Quirk, Glasgow

Blur 69 vodka is making its mark in Scotland with a busy start to the year. William our director has made a strong introduction to the industry by securing a prime pitch at the Scot Hot Trade Show at the SEC. The event resulted in samples given out to thousands of visitors, all of whom gave amazing feedback. Not only on the great-tasting vodka but the design and shape of the bottles too.

Having had a busy two days at Scot Hot, we are now focusing on creating a bespoke menu with industry-leading Scott Gemmel from Drink Think and LA Bar Tenders, who will be focusing on a list of cocktails for each flavour which will show bars how well our flavoured vodkas work either as a perfect serve or within a cocktail.

We are an ultra-premium Scottish Vodka and thought it was only right to supply the Ultra-premium venues. We are now being stocked within Cameron house, the Dakota hotel, The Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, and the Radisson Red to name a few.

March has been an extremely busy month for the brand ending with a launch at Quirk in Glasgow. Well-known guests were in attendance, including Still Game star Jane McCarry and ‘A place in the sun’ host Jean Johansson. Guests were treated to a fantastic performance by flamethrowing, stilt-standing dancers from Flex UK and music entertainment from the talented sax player Tony Gilmour.

March ends with us having secured a meeting with wholesaler Inverarity Morton and United C&C which will see us able to service more on-trade and off-trade locations across the central belt of Scotland.

Sunday the 25th of March saw us invited to our stockist Gleddoch Hotel & Spa in Inverclyde, to provide drinks for Scottish & other world football legends at their private bar. There we served the likes of world cup winner Emanuel Petit, and champion league winner Michael Essien, Rangers Legends Barry Ferguson & Kris Boyd and many more football legends.

The rest of the year is set to be just as exciting with our calendar packed until December 2023, the journey for this brand is an exciting one. Our director William Woodburn says ‘we are really excited about the year ahead for Blur 69 Vodka, having noticed a gap in the market for an actual flavoured vodka we feel that our range of flavours and exceptional smoothness gives us the edge over those already on the market’.

SPRINKLING OF STARDUST

Sky Garden Gin is the first offering from Scotland’s most southerly distillery, Dark Art Distillery, which opened in July 2021. Sky Garden Gin takes its inspiration from the dark skies above the nearby Galloway Forest Park, which in 2009 became the first designated dark sky park in the UK and only the 4th in the world. It is famed for having no light pollution and its beautiful quality of light, especially at dusk. This coupled with 300 square miles of rugged beauty means that over 7,000 stars are visible. As night-time arrives a crystal clear inky-blue curtain descends upon the forest, studded with sparkling and twinkling stars creating rivers of light, colours and amazing shapes. In essence a stunning sky garden.

Sky Garden Gin was deliberately designed to have an incredibly smooth taste to reflect the crisp evenings and skylines above the forest. It has won numerous awards including Best Newcomer at The Scottish Gin Awards 2021, Gold at the Peoples’ Choice Awards 2022, Silver at International Spirit Challenge 2022. Beyond plaudits for the liquid, testament to our design with Best Label at the World Gin Awards 2022. Described by World Gin Awards: “Beautiful and elegant. An accomplished modern classic with citrus zest, juniper and cardamom seeds. Opens up nicely, with classic botanicals, silky texture and long peppery finish”.

42% ABV with 18 different botanicals including orange peel, grapefruit peel, calamint, coriander seeds, lavender and 3 botanicals that have a nod to the night-time in that they either bloom or scent at night. These are grown locally for the Distillery.

Dark Art Distillery is based in the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright, south-west Scotland where Andrew, the

founder’s family have lived for 5 generations. Fiona, our distiller, moved to Kirkcudbright from Raasay. The Distillery has a 450L still named ‘Peggy’ after Andrew’s gran who hailed from Kirkcudbright. The Distillery has been built in an old primary school that had been derelict for 11 years since it closed in 2010. The building is listed and many original features of its former school days have been retained such as the old-style chalk board, wood wall panelling and reclaimed floor boards in the visitor centre. The Distillery’s name has its heritage in both the town of Kirkcudbright and the region of Galloway. The ‘Dark’ comes from the dark skies above the Galloway Forest Park and the ‘Art’ as Kirkcudbright is known as The Artists’ Town due to its long standing and rich association with the art world and in particular the Glasgow Boys and Girls art movement. The town’s art theme continues in the Distillery with 2 original artworks commissioned for the visitor centre. First, a full mural by London based street artist, Zabou, and a modern day version Kirkcudbright Gin Lane by Scottish illustrator, Carl del Angel, which is based on William Hogarth’s 1751.

Derby Lane - a slice of the Hampton's in the heart of Glasgow

This month we feature a beautiful venue in Finnieston which is taking Glasgow by storm with its fun, relaxing, chilled vibe not to mention the fantastic food and stunning cocktail offerings.

Derby Lane offers a fun, stylish, laid-back experience with the best quality comfort food, high end cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, great vibes and the very best service. Is situated on Argyle St in Glasgow’s Finnieston and the decor is simply beautiful.

A gorgeous mix of pink neon, open brick and plush non fussy seating makes you feel relaxed straight away.

Based over 2 floors with ample seating it is a great venue for couples heading out for a romantic meal or a group of friends heading to a gig at the nearby Hydro or SWG3. The artwork and decor on the walls make you want to look everywhere and just take it all in.

Hiding down stairs is one of the coolest speakeasy we have ever had the pleasure of being in.

Decked out in neon and UV lighting and covered in bespoke

artwork which is truly Glasgow it the perfect place to continue your night after a gig or socials & rub shoulders with a host of celebrities that regularly visit the venue. Derby Lane is a Hamptons-style eatery, which serves breakfast, brunch & lunch, afternoon teas and dinner as well as a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and high-calibre cocktails that will keep you coming back for more time and again.

Whether you want the most incredible New York-style signature brunch, a lighter bite or something to share, we have it all. From eggs just about every way you can imagine to our flat iron steak or the ultimate lobster roll, our food is our passion – and it will be yours too. We promise.

We can’t recommend you visit the venue highly enough you will have a great experience.

Glasgow venues come together to bring Glasgow's version of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to life

Some of Glasgow’s iconic hospitality venues like Thundercat, Kong and the Dirty Duchess have came together with other venues for the filming of Glasgow’s answer to Lock Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, The Burger Club. The trailer for the comedy, drama has been filmed in Glasgow, using some of the cities, most iconic venues as a base for the storyline, which tells the tale of a group of friends and their plans for revenge on one of Glasgow’s biggest gangsters, and the rollercoaster ride it takes them on through the NO MEAN STREETS of Glasgow.

that ilk have no real endearing features about them at all. I wanted to write a story that was not only funny, but reflected true, Glasgow, or a true sense of Glasgow, for people from the city can relate to and see their own city in the matter how ugly, but also funny it can be.”

The trailer staring a cast from well known projects like OUTLANDER, ANGELS SHARE & GAME OF THRONES also showcases some actors that as yet have had no major roles that deliver some fantastic performances.

TopGun Media Head Justin Wingate explains why he was excited by the project “When we were approach by Hugh in relation to the filming I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the real Glasgow, not the River City version of Glasgow that is portrayed on TV or in movies and to involve some of the venues from the hospitality industry that have become such an important part of our lives over the years.

This project shows what can be achieved in collaborating in the right way and peoples desire to embrace different things when you have strong relationships”

He continued, “the project has been put together with no money and has been a monumental effort by all concerned and would not have been possible without the huge support from venues like Thundercat, Kong, The Dirty Duchess & The Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central & many more as well as the support of the cast and crew who have all bent over backwards to deliver an outstanding piece of work that I’m sure we can all be proud of”.

The movie, the brainchild of writer, Hugh Robertson is a gritty, hilariously, funny teal of a group of friends, and a band of Brothers, who seek revenge for their friend, after being conned out of his business, and their desire for justice, and to right a wrong committed by some of the most horrible people in Glasgow is on the world.

When asked what brought the project about mr Roberson said “During lockdown, I had the opportunity to watch many movies, as I’m sure we all did and noticed the most gangster movies were inherently set in London around a group of friends that everyone can relate to, but the villain of the peace tends to either have numerous endearing features like he’s into classical music and loves art has a really good heart as a family man when the reality is most people of

The red carpet launch for the teaser will take place on Monday 24th April at The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central will approx 700 VIPS from across Scotland’s hospitality sector, music industry, Movie industry & press being invited to attend.

We can’t wait to see The Burger Club in all it’s glory on the bug screen it’s going to go off with a bang!

Anyone wishing to attend or for more information please email info@topgunmedia.co.uk

RoeHill Springs Blockchain project

Blockchain is a technology that has been the driving force behind crypto currency due to the extremely high levels of security it provides to the data that is generated for storing the digital assets in that application.

The technology is about so much more than cryptocurrency.

While the use of blockchain is used in certain applications in food and drink today, in a lot of cases, this relies on manual transcription of data, that still leads to the possibility of transcription errors and is open to abuse of the data that is being protected.

What we are doing at Roehill springs is taking that one step further, working with partners TrackGenesis and CENSIS. We are integrating the latest sensor technology with blockchain to automate the process of generating secure batch and production information that gives us complete transparency and trust in the data we are providing the consumer at source. We are removing the human element of the process of inputting data into the blockchain and can confidently ensure we can track quantities of ingredients that are used in our production processes. Initially piloting on our spring water capture process but scaling up to other areas.

BENEFITS OF ROEHILL SPRINGS BLOCKCHAIN PROJECT:

• Increased transparency & demonstrating Environmental responsibility: With the integration of blockchain technology directly with the latest electromagnetic flow sensing technology and mobile applications, Roehill Springs is able to provide complete transparency and trust in the data they are providing to consumers. This helps build mutual trust between the brand and its customers. Demonstrates the brands commitment to being environmentally responsible and reducing “food miles”

• Improved data accuracy: By removing the human element of the process of inputting data into the blockchain, Roehill Springs can confidently track

quantities of ingredients used in their production processes, eliminating transcription errors and reducing the possibility of data abuse.

• Enhanced efficiency: Automating the process of generating secure batch and production information speeds up the capturing process, allowing Roehill Springs to provide information to operations and customers more efficiently.

• Showcase brand differentiation: The use of blockchain technology and sensor technology sets Roehill Springs apart from competitors in the food and beverage industry, showcasing their brand differentiation and commitment to transparency and efficiency.

For companies like Roehill Springs, the provenance of the ingredients used in the production of our gin is of vital importance to the brand and mutual trust of our customers.

A life-long beauty and skin enthusiast with extensive knowledge and experience in the aesthetics, beauty and spa sector. Throughout her career Jennifer has worked with multiple award winning skincare and device technology brands specialising in sales and business development.

Jennifer has a strong background in skin therapies specialising in treatment development, training and marketing.

Jennifer’s passion and experience in the industry identified a high demand for the brand Hydra Pure+ providing professional business ‘skin pure solutions’ to a wider industry sector.

“I believe quality skin treatments can impact people’s lives in a positive way making them more confident and feel amazing. Hydra Pure+ is designed to do just that by providing clinic level top of the range technology, industryleading solutions & first-class support in an accessible cost effective way”.

Hydra Pure+ is a powerful, non-invasive total skin rejuvenation system tailored to all skin types and concerns delivering instant clinic level treatment results with no downtime.

Hydra Pure+ offers fantastic treatment solutions for hotels with or without beauty or spa facilities, bringing a high demand guest experience and excellent revenue stream.

Jennifer Finestone - CEO of Hydra Pure+

BRAND NEW LAUNCH 2023

FANTASTIC TREATMENT SOLUTION FOR HOTELS WITH OR WITHOUT EXISTING SPA FACILITIES

HIGH DEMAND GUEST EXPERIENCE

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NON MEDICAL TREATMENT

TOTAL SKIN REJUVENATION DEVICE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.hydrapureplus.com

RETRO

2023

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We can provide filming and content creation for events, shows, advertising projects, music videos or bespoke plans due to the diverse crew experience.

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Retirement Planning

One particular area of confusion usually arises when trying to understand what is currently held within your pensions and what kind of income you are likely to receive on an annual basis from these pots.

Commonly, we find that an individual can accumulate a number of pension pots during their

working life. Whilst the accumulation of funds in pensions will help with saving for retirement, trying to make sense of multiple annual statements from various providers can become confusing.

By receiving financial planning advice in the lead up to retirement, this will give you a clear idea of what your retirement will look like in simple terms (e.g. your current pension pots will provide a projected income of £X per year), which will help to plan and provide clarity around your position. One particular exercise which can help to provide clarity, is to run through a cash flow modelling session. Cash flow modelling has various forms, however the main idea is that it combines all sources of income in retirement (e.g. pensions, sale of business, property, savings) and projects the amount of income these sources will help to provide in real terms, adjusting the figures over the longer term to account for growth in value and annual increases.

Your expenditure will form a key part of your retirement planning. The cash flow modelling tool adjusts your outgoings to account for inflation.

Further to this, commonly the expenses you are likely to face in retirement can cause worry, especially with the increases in the cost of living we have experienced in the last 12 to 18 months. Whilst everyone’s situation is different, there are several common expenses that retirees tend to encounter. Here are some of the most common expenses in retirement for people based in the UK:

Greg Davie, Financial Advisor, Gilson Gray Financial Management

As we plan towards retirement, there are several factors which can cause confusion or concern.

• Housing: Many retirees own their homes outright, but they may still have to pay for maintenance and repairs. Some retirees may also choose to downsize or move to a retirement community, which can come with its own expenses.

• Healthcare: As people age, they may require more medical care, which can be expensive. Even with the National Health Service (NHS), retirees may still have to pay for medications (out with Scotland), dental care, and other health-related expenses, often to avoid lengthy waiting lists.

• Travel: Many retirees look forward to traveling during their retirement years, whether it’s exploring new parts of the UK or going abroad. However, travel expenses can add up quickly, especially if retirees have to pay for transportation, lodging, and food.

• Leisure activities: Retirees often have more

time to pursue hobbies and other leisure activities, but these can come with expenses as well. For example, golfing, fishing, and other outdoor activities may require equipment and membership fees.

• Utility bills: Even though retirees may spend more time at home, they still have to pay for utilities like electricity, gas, and water. In some cases, they may even see an increase in their bills due to medical equipment or other special needs.

• Taxes: Retirees may still have to pay taxes on their pensions, investments, and other sources of income. In addition, they may also have to pay council tax and other local taxes.

Overall, retirees in the UK can expect to encounter a range of expenses during their retirement years however by planning ahead and budgeting carefully, retirees can ensure that they have enough money to cover these costs and enjoy their retirement to the fullest.

The right advice has never been more important.

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

To discuss any legal matters, contact the dedicated On Trade email - ontrade@gilsongray.co.uk.

With the cost of living continuing to skyrocket and food and drink price inflation at a record high, this year consumers will increasingly focus their spending where they are likely to garner some type of benefit. As a result, loyalty programmes will play a hugely important role in attracting and retaining customers in 2023.

Using EPoS systems or white-labelling apps, operators can fully leverage these benefits by providing customers with ‘rewards’ and ‘giveaways’ that feel unique to them. This is thanks to the software’s ability to analyse everyone’s purchase history and then promote specific meals and drinks to meet the preference of each customer. This will enable operators to not only stay competitive, but also improve customer service over time, retain customer data for targeted marketing campaigns, and introduce loyalty and reward programmes on an ad hoc basis.

When it comes to the future of EPoS systems, we are already seeing loyalty schemes growing in popularity. We can expect to see a rise in subscription-based schemes –– and sustainability-focused loyalty programs – such as giving points for eco-friendly purchases and planting trees.

At the same time, these capabilities also positively benefit hospitality staff by providing frictionless, convenient, and time-saving transactions for customers. This in turn reduces pressure on staffing during labour shortages that have persisted over the course of 2022 and into 2023, allowing staff to focus on higher value-adding tasks such as interacting with customers and enhancing their experience. This personability element is an important factor when a customer is evaluating whether to return to a restaurant. The next few years will be crucial in the evolution of the EPoS system, with any probability of EPoS being solely self-service channels (app and kiosks) along with the concept of cashiers and queueing reduced even further. As customers’ expectations evolve and demand for quick, convenient, and time-saving transactions grows, we’ll likely see more operators go fully digital in 2023.

Reward your biggest fans with a loyalty app that keeps your clients hooked on great deals.

You make great food that visitors love. But you want to improve efficiency, incentivise high-margin item purchases, and boost positive feelings at purchase to encourage repeat custom.

That’s where we come in.

We build stylish loyalty apps for restaurants that solve common problems. Diners gain custom loyalty rewards on all purchases – and the benefits don’t stop there. Our custom digital products can reduce staff costs and boost profits. We do this by increasing efficiency for orders made in-restaurant and for takeaway.

Unlike other restaurant apps, your 5Loyalty app integrates with your POS across all channels so you can monitor all your orders in one place – and never get caught out.

Rewards at all purchase points

Everyone loves a deal. Give something back to your diners with loyalty rewards that incentivise them to return again and again.

Diners earn loyalty points whether they eat in, get delivery, or collect.

Customise every aspect of the app.

Make the 5Loyalty app work for you. You can customise every aspect of the app.

Set rewards that benefit you, delivery boundaries and minimum spend thresholds to always maximise profit.

Complete POS integration

Keep track of all orders in one place with unique POS integration.

Accurately place orders with suppliers in advance of catering events with up-to-date order information. Everyone benefits with 5Loyalty.

The 5Loyalty app increases your diner’s positive feelings at purchase and looks great while doing it.

Whenever diners pay for their meal – whether that’s an order for takeout, collection, large event catering, or in-restaurant –we remind them of the loyalty rewards they’ve gained. Watching rewards pile up in the app is easy, and this loyalty card is one they can’t lose.

We combine the best contemporary app design with excellence in use. Diners will intuitively navigate the app to make orders, join a virtual table queue, settle their bill and more. You can customise rewards liberally across all purchase points. That way, you can incentivise orders of high-margin items and set minimum spend limits to maximise profit.

When diners have the freedom to order in-app and settle the bills themselves, you’ll reduce staff costs and boost table turnover. Increasing efficiency has never been so convenient. The app is the only one of its kind to offer complete integration with your POS so you can keep track of all your orders in one place.

Rewards for every order

However your customers spend.

Our stylish app allows your diners to order in a way that serves them. They’ll earn loyalty points if they eat in, collect, or choose delivery.

Loyalty rewards incentivise diners to order directly through your app rather than third-party delivery services.

Reward client loyalty

Choose your own offers

Set bonus point rewards for regulars

Allow diners to spend loyalty points like money

Since our humble beginnings nearly 70 years ago when the Company was founded by Bobby Lynas, Lynas Foodservice has been dedicated to one word, Service.

The aim is simple, to serve our customer with the best product and the best service we can provide.

We deliver to over 5,000 independant and chain customers every week throughout Ireland and Scotland. Our customers come from right across the catering spectrum so with our extensive range we will have the right product to suit your needs and your business.

Contact us today to find out more and arrange a visit with one of our experienced team.

We are here for you.

Boat Yard Lochwinnoch

Boat Yard Lochwinnoch

Boat Yard Lochwinnoch

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BrewDog Waterloo

BrewDog Waterloo