FSB Networking Lunch 27.7.12

On Friday 27^thJuly the WL Branch of the FSB held our monthly Lunch at Ashoka Shak, McArther Glen where once again Gaurav hosted us superbly and fed and watered us with the help of his excellent staff. 15 of our members gathered to talk through the merits of social networking using smart phone apps for all the popular platforms including Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter. One of the benefits of these apps is the ability to network when sitting in front of the TV allowing even the men to multi task. We were pleased to welcome

Kerry Stein,Photographer – www.21mainstudios.com

Steven BurrowsIT – www.pyramid-it.co.uk

Darren and Julie – www.room108.co.uk

Ian Pritchard – www.dynamiccolour.co.uk

Micky Cooper – www.mickmickdesigns.co.uk

Andy Hutton – www.onelifeleisure.co.uk

Craig Scott – www.gomobileapps.co.uk

Jack Marshall – www.tapside.com

Plus Aiden, Drummond, Ron, Tam and me from the FSBcommittee

Plus Gaurav who joined for lunch.

This lunch is a great way to meet new business ownersin West Lothian who collectively have a wealth of information and experience toshare. Watch out for the August Lunch and please feel free to join us.

Best regards.

Bruce.

Before you build it… Plan-It

WHAT YOU MISSED.

The FSB networking lunch held in Ashoka shak on 29 June was yet another fabulous event. 15 of us broke bread under Gaurav's famed hospitality. The fine Indian cuisine helped to get the tongues wagging and tales were told of renewable energy, smart local vouchers and sharp photography. The FSB is the leading Business organization in West Lothian although our networking events are open to all. If you would like to join in please let me know and I'll book you in for next months event.
Happy business
Bruce.
Before you build it...plan-It.

FSB Lunch ~ Ashoka Shak 25/5/12

Hi to the 9 friends of the FSB who met for lunch today to thrash out the nitty gritty of social networking for business.
Thanks to Geoff and Alison for all the SEO tips. One I would like to pass on is "make sure you have a privacy statement on your blog/web site" this a legal requirement especially if your site uses cookies.
Other gems I need to check out are "instagram" "addthis" and "pintetest" all blog programmes to enhance your visitors experience.
Our next lunch will also be held in Ashoka Shak on Friday 29th June when we will be discussing the new "Green Deal" initiative to improve the fuel efficiency of our homes. To join us. Just get in touch.
Bruce

Smoke alarms

You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm.
A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape. They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.

The more smoke alarms you have, the safer you'll be - as long as they are working - so make sure you test them weekly. You should have a minimum of one alarm on each floor. However, if you have only one alarm and two floors, put it somewhere you’ll be able to hear it when you're asleep.
If you have a large electrical appliance, like a computer, in any of the bedrooms, you should fit a smoke alarm there too. You should also make sure you test it weekly.

WLCM 9.3.12

Another good coffee morning and a great way to end the week and start a Friday. It's not all biz chat though, this morning it was music and jamming with Ian McKenzie (magic Mac) and Janet Munday. Turns out Ian is a pro with the guitar and Janet can get a tune out of the ukulele, I struggle with the piano but we still had a good discussion.
If your in business and in west lothian you need to visit WLCM.

West Lothian Council launches App

West Lothian council has launched a free app that provides news, events, alerts and information on council services for residents.

The app, which is for iPhones, iPads and iPods and can be downloaded from Apple's App Store. It also includes addresses, contact details and opening times for council services. Residents will also be able contact the council via email using the app. West Lothian said it is one of the first council's in the country to launch its own app specifically for Apple devices.

Extracted from Guardian Professional

FSB - Sponsorship Opportunity

FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES
WEST LOTHIAN BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER
Deer Park Golf and Country Club
Friday 18th. November 2011, 7:00 pm - late
　
　
　
I am delighted to announce Beatlie School Campus as our chosen charity to benefit from this year’s annual event being held at the fabulous Deer Park Function Suite just off J3 M8. The school provides a holistic approach to the care and education of children with disabilities and their families within West Lothian. Education, health, social work and the voluntary sector work in partnership and on site to provide a comprehensive range of services for children with special needs from birth to school leaving age.
The dedicated staff at the school provides:

Child Development Centre
First Steps Playgroup
Pre-School Home Visiting
Social Work
Therapy Services
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Music Therapy
Speech and Language
School Nurses

I am positive, with your support, we will again be in a position to donate a healthy sum to our chosen charity. Sponsoring the event gives you a superb opportunity to elevate your business profile and support a worthy cause within our community at the same time.
Our special guest at the event is Alex Neil MSP who will address our members and update us on The Scottish Government’s initiative for Small Business. We congratulate Alex on his recent promotion to the Cabinet as Infrastructure & Capital Investment Secretary. His extensive portfolio covers Housing, Transport, Procurement, European Structural Funds, Scottish Futures Trust as well as Communities and Regeneration.
As we expect an attendance of over 100 members and guests representing businesses and organisations from across the region, we would like to offer you this unique opportunity to sponsor the event.

1 GOLD SPONSORSHIP £1000.00
To headline the event with your company name on display in the dining room
Your company name as headline sponsor on each menu cover at the event
Ten tickets to attend the event for your staff, colleagues or clients
Your company name mentioned and appreciated in our Regional Magazine VOICE* and on Twitter
　
15 SILVER SPONSORSHIPS £150.00
Your company name as a sponsor on each menu
Two tickets to attend the event for your staff, colleagues or clients
Your company name mentioned and appreciated in our Regional Magazine VOICE*
　
25 BRONZE SPONSORSHIPS £50.00
Your company name listed on each menu with special thanks
Your company name mentioned and appreciated in our Regional Magazine VOICE*
　
*VOICE circulation is currently 4,912 throughout the Lothian’s, Scottish Borders and Fife.
To purchase your tickets and sponsor the event, please visit:
www.eventelephant.com/fsbwestlothianannualdinner
or contact Jim Gardner Tel: 01324 623740, Mobile: 0776 112 1673, Email: jim.gardner@fsb.org.uk
　
Yours sincerely
　
Bruce Fairbairn
FSB West Lothian Branch Chairman