NEW START // ISSUE 6 // 05 WELCOME

CABINET MINISTER ED BALLS RECENTLY WARNED THAT THE CURRENT GLOBAL RECESSION IS ‘THE MOST SERIOUS FOR OVER 100 YEARS’. AND AS THE COUNTRY SINKS DEEPER INTO RECESSION, THE NEED FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.

Thankfully, New Start Scotland returns to the SECC for the fifth year running on 27th & 28th March. So whether you’re a new start in business or you’re looking for ways to give your existing firm a bit of a boost, you’ll be able to find all the support and guidance you need under one roof.

And Sir Tom Farmer, arguably Scotland’s best known entrepreneur, will be on hand to share his highs and lows of business. Having founded Kwik-Fit in 1971 before selling it to the Ford Motor Company for £1.2 billion 28 years later, Sir Tom certainly knows his onions. Read our exclusive interview with Sir Tom on page 26.

Many Scottish businesses continue to thrive during these tricky times. Sandra McClumpha, the Scots entrepreneur who brought Fake Bake tan to the UK, has just spent £10 million on acquiring the brand’s American parent company. Despite the economic downturn, McClumpha says she isn’t worried as the beauty industry has what it takes to survive. Read more on page 21.

And entrepreneur Roman Rock certainly knows a thing or two about business - having survived the recession in the early 90’s, his paintball company is experiencing growth of over 100%. Read the secrets to his success on page 30.

As usual, we want to hear your news, views and opinions. Drop us a line via our forum at www.newstartscotland.com or by e-mail, carrie@axismediagroup.co.uk

See you at the show SIR TOM FARMER,

ARGUABLY SCOTLAND’S BEST KNOWN

ENTREPRENEUR, WILL

BE ON HAND TO SHARE HIS HIGHS AND LOWS OF BUSINESS. HAVING FOUNDED KWIK-FIT IN 1971 BEFORE SELLING IT TO THE FORD

MOTOR COMPANY FOR £1.2 BILLION 28 YEARS LATER, SIR TOM

CERTAINLY KNOWS HIS ONIONS.

PAUL MURRICANE EDITOR