Category: ASSC Talks

ASSC Talks: Programme (Past: 2020/2021)

Main Talks Sponsor

We wish to thank all speakers, sponsors and attendees for the involvement and attendance at the following Talks, which have now taken place. 

  Tuesday, 10th August 2021

Tuesday, 20th July 2021

Tuesday, 20th April 2021

DEBT MANAGEMENT: A PATH TO PEACE OF MIND

Newly Formed Business group the Highland Business Partnership (HBP) has teamed up with the industry leading Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) to run an online expert led panel session on debt management and refinancing options for business owners throughout the Highlands.

The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone.  For some of the most affected sectors, we can look forward to a (hopefully) busy period ahead, as visitors start to return to our beautiful region.

Business owners may, however, not be looking ahead to the leaner winter months, when revenues are much reduced and mounting debts have to be repaid.

HBP/ASSC believe NOW is the time to plant a seed of thought – debt management and financial planning – before it is too late for some. It is important to face up to the challenges ahead and to facilitate conversations for operators to be honest with themselves and their supply chain partners. We hope that this session will assist people in navigating through the coming years.

Small businesses are currently being supported to some extent by grants, furlough payments for employees and government backed loans but the financial support schemes are due to come to an end in the autumn and with the onset of repayments for CIBLS and BBLs, the risk of insolvencies increases at that stage. The webinar’s aim is also to facilitate small businesses approaching restructuring in order to survive and grow post crisis.

The session will be chaired by Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, ASSC & John Murray, Highland Business Partnership

Speakers and panellists include –

• John Murray, Co-Founder, Highland Business Partnership

John has been involved in the Food & Drink Sector for over 30 years now – initially running a wholesale Fruit & Veg and distribution business, and then moving on to own and operate 15 convenience stores throughout the Highlands. After selling the stores, he worked with Scotland Food & Drink for 2 years – covering the Highland’s & Islands – growing their membership by 80% within 14 months. Currently involved in the creation and development of the Highland Business Partnership and Highland Food & Drink Club – Watch this space !!!!

For more information about Highland Business Partnership please contact

• John Murray, Co-Founder
• Highland Business Partnership
• john@highlandfoodanddrinkclub.com
• admin@highlandbusinesspartnership.com
• www.highlandbusinesspartnership.com

•  Allen Munro, Associate Director, Deal Advisory, Restructuring, KPMG

Allen is an Associate Director based in the Aberdeen office of KPMG’s Scottish Restructuring practice, specialising in corporate insolvency and restructuring advisory work.  Born and raised in Ardgay in Sutherland, Allen trained as a chartered accountant in Inverness and retains close links to the area.   He also holds the joint insolvency examination board qualification.

Allen assists businesses with cash management, financial projections, stakeholder management, business rescue, accelerated transactions and insolvency and has experience of many sectors, including oil & gas, construction, property, hotels / licensed trade and manufacturing.

KPMG is Scotland’s market leading Restructuring practice, with the largest and most experienced team of turnaround professionals. We work with businesses of all sizes in a variety of sectors.

Contact: Munro@KPMG.co.uk 

•  Donald Forsyth, Partner, Saffray Champness LLP

Donald is a partner in Saffery Champness LLP, chair of the Institute of Directors in the Highlands & Islands, a non-executive director of a natural resources business, and chair of a national Scottish charity. He is a regular contributor to the business press.

Donald was brought up in a family food & drink business and works extensively in the sector. He relocated to the Highlands in 2015.

Contact: Donald.Forsyth@saffery.com

•  Margo McLenan, Director, McLenan Corporate

Margo has been working in business recovery and insolvency services for more than 30 years.  She spent most of her career at a Big 4 firm before setting up her own practice.  Her experience as an owner Manager has given her considerable insight into the issues faced by individuals running their own business.

Margo is keen to improve the business rescue culture within the SME market in Scotland and consider that it is only as a measure of last resort that a business should enter a formal insolvency process.  She particularly enjoys working with directors to find solutions to the financial challenges their companies may be facing and likes to take a partnership approach in these situations and take great satisfaction in seeing companies return to profitability. However, where a business is no longer viable winding up a company may be the best option and Margo is fully licensed to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in such situations.

Contact:  Margo@mclenancorporate.com 

• Michael Thomson, Director, Bank of Scotland

Michael has over 28 years of retail and commercial banking experience in his career with Bank of Scotland as a Relationship Director. In his current role, Michael looks after the financial requirements of SME’s across the Highlands and Islands with a turnover between £10m and £25m. Understanding the needs of business owners, managing their financial risks and supporting their ambitions to grow has been a key priority. Having lived and worked across the Highlands and Island, Michael has experience of managing companies across a full range of sectors.

In addition to his role in the Bank, Michael is also a committee member of the Institute of Directors and a Director of the Great Wilderness Challenge Ltd, a charity raising funds for local good causes.

For more information about ASSC please contact

• Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive / Eleanor McBain,  Administrator
• administrator@assc.co.uk
• www.assc.co.uk
• To Join: www.assc.co.uk/join-us

Tuesday, 20th April 2021

ARE WE NEARLY THERE YET?

• James Cassidy, Leader of the Partner Success EMEA, Vrbo

“The Future is Bright – A Look into UK Short Term Rental Industry Trends with the Vrbo Family Holiday Insider Report

Join James Cassidy for a discussion around Vrbo’s latest Family Holiday Insider Report. Not a regular trend report, the Family Holiday Insider reveals the emotional and psychological impact travel has on families’ wellbeing, hopes and expectations for their first getaway together after a very unusual year. It looks into aspects of how confident families are about getting away again, the impact the last year of restricted travel has had and their excitement of finally exploring the world again. The report also delves into 2021 holiday opportunities and discloses expert insights to help make informed travel decisions for a new year”

James Cassidy:  Working in the Holiday Rental Industry for 15 years, and Accommodation for over 17 years, James has run several online Holiday Rental businesses in APAC and EMEA, including the Expedia Group dedicated Vacation Rental platform, Vrbo for the last 12 years.  James’ current role is the leader of the Partner Success function for Vrbo in EMEA, with a team of ~100 Account Managers who help their holiday rental property managers and owners increase their bookings from Vrbo, through optimizing booking conversion processes, listing and property quality and value, and guest stay experiences. James is also a Holiday Rental property owner, who has managed his own bookings and property for the last 6 years.

• Laurie Piper, Chief Executive, Visit Moray Speyside

“Not Even a Dot on the Map – Building (and rebuilding) a Destination a Destination”

Think Speyside and you think whisky trails, distilleries and drams?

Laurie Piper, CEO of Visit Moray Speyside will talk about Moray Speyside’s journey from ‘the Bermuda triangle of tourism’ to becoming one of the UK’s fastest growing destinations. You will hear why collaboration and partnership between businesses was key in the growth of the region’s tourism industry, and why being engaged with destination organisations is an effective way of growing your market via the travel trade.

With the emergence from COVID on the horizon, Laurie will also talk about some of the ways Visit Moray Speyside will support the recovery of the region’s tourism industry in the years ahead.

Laurie is Chief Executive of Visit Moray Speyside, the destination marketing organisation for Moray and Scotland’s second operational Tourism Business Improvement District.

Laurie studied at Stirling University and over a 20-year career, has gained considerable experience in event management, marketing, public relations and tourism management. Laurie has held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations, from heading up marketing for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Eden Court Theatre to running libraries, museums and cultural facilities for local councils.

Wednesday, 13th April 2021

PRACTICAL STEPS 

• Andrew Ratcliffe, Director of Operations UK, NoiseAware

“How to be Neighbourly”  This discussion will explore noise monitoring, the potential new legislation by the Scottish government, and how being a great neighbour can turn into better profits for self-caterers.

NoiseAware is the leader in privacy safe noise monitoring designed for rentals. The company was built as the result of a 2015 short term let house party and has now monitored more than 1 million reservations. Widely adopted by the world’s top property managers, NoiseAware protects against parties, neighbour complaints, false complaints, and property damage.

Andrew has over 10 years experience in the travel industry.  After 3 years at Camping Pods UK in the glamping industry, he joined Airbnb in 2014 in the supply team.

Andrew led the UK expansion into the holiday rental & serviced apartments verticals before launching Airbnb for Work corporate travel program in the UK/IE in 2016.

In March Andrew joined NoiseAware as Director of Operations UK to lead their international expansion.

• Jen Burton, Director, Landlords’ Little Helper

“Perfecting 5 Star Cleaning”: How do you ensure your cleaners are well trained for your holiday let cleaning and to get you 5 star cleaning reviews? What’s the best way to ensure they do the job that you want them to do and they have enough time to do it, without paying too much for it? Jen will be running through some ideas to help you, as well as recapping on the Covid-19 Cleaning Protocols and any updates to them. Jen is also launching a new Holiday Let Cleaning school and has some courses to help you train your holiday let cleaners.

Jen Burton, Director, Landlords’ Little Helper – Landlord’s Little Helper has been providing holiday let cleaning services since they opened in 2017. They provide a fully tailored service of housekeeping to meet your needs. Keeping your property for long and short term lets fully compliant can be confusing and daunting – and Landlords’ Little Helper are here to help you through it all. Commissioned by ASSC, Jen developed a training course to accompany the cleaning protocols for the self-catering sector in the context of Covid-19, and she is currently writing a new course – details of which will be available shortly.

Wednesday, 7th April 2021

ASSC: SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HUSTINGS…. A SESSION YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS

With the election now less than a month away, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers will hold its first ever virtual election hustings. We have brought together candidates from Scotland’s five main political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament for you to question on their priorities for tourism in Scotland and how they can best support self-catering.

The past year has been incredibly challenging for all of those working in Scotland’s vital tourism industry, including self-catering. Nonetheless, we should be proud of the manner in which we have conducted ourselves, showing perseverance, tenacity and considerable patience in responding to the significant difficulties faced. The prospect of some self-catering reopening later this month provides some optimism for the future.

Looking ahead, the ASSC have published our first ever election manifesto entitled, Recovering, Reopening, and Revitalising: Building a Scottish Self-Catering Sector for the Future. This sets out our sector’s four main priorities for the next Scottish Government. This includes:

• Introducing evidence-based short-term let regulations in partnership with industry that balance the needs of small business and local communities.
• Dropping plans for a tourist tax to allow the industry to recover and to support families to have an affordable staycation in Scotland.
• Supporting small businesses by enabling easier access to support funding while Covid-19 restrictions are in place.
• Championing the benefits of holidaying in Scotland through self-catering and provide financial support to all operators who will continue to be impacted by household meeting restrictions.

The Scottish Parliamentary elections matter immensely to our sector and we will be working closely with many across the next parliament for the good of the self-catering and wider tourism sector. We hope that you use your vote on 6th May and that our hustings session can help you determine your choice.

We have five speakers from each of the main five parties represented in parliament.

• Fergus Ewing, Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Tourism and who is the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn
• Jamie Halcro Johnston, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Tourism and is the Scottish Conservative candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch
• Rhoda Grant, Scottish Labour and Cooperative candidate for Inverness and Nairn and is Scottish Labour’s tourism spokesperson
• Liam McArthur, Lib Dem candidate for Orkney

We will

• Laura Moodie, Scottish Green candidate for South of Scotland

hear from each speaker on the panel for a maximum of five minutes before taking questions.

Tuesday, 6th April 2021

MEET THE EXPERTS – An Opportunity to Meet our Valued Partners for Business & Trade Supplier Plus Partners

As we look to open our doors and restart businesses across Scotland, now is the time to be looking at your business operations and review potential new opportunities.

We are excited to be launching our first ever industry partner event and invite you to “Meet the Experts” – an inspiring session to introduce you to our leading Partners for Business and Trade Supplier Plus partners.

In previous years, the ASSC Conference has given members a great opportunity to meet industry experts for advice, new product awareness and inspiration to hear first hand how they can help and what they can do for you in the coming months and on the road to recovery – during Covid this is our virtual solution, giving you the introduction you need, to access the expertise of our leading industry professionals.

“Meet the Experts” is an engaging new format which will bring you a short elevator pitch by participating partners during this “live” session.

Each pitch will introduce you to the partners and their business and after this session we will provide you with access on how you can contact them directly, to help you with your specific needs and answer your specific questions.

Meet The Experts – 6th April – Partner Slides

Meet the Experts – Contact Sheet

Tuesday, 30th March 2021

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 

• Moderator: Donna Bruce, Responsible Tourism Manager, VisitScotland

Donna is the Responsible Tourism Manager for VisitScotland, managing the Responsible Tourism team within VisitScotland which was recently formed to ensure the organisations commitment to Responsible Tourism, not only covering sustainability and the focus on transition to low carbon economy but also focusing on inclusive tourism, tourism accessible for all.  Donna has worked for VS for 13 years and has a varied background in Visitor Information as well as industry support.

• Janie Neumann, Sustainable Tourism Manager, VisitScotland

“Responsible Tourism: building back better”:  After an incredibly difficult year for the tourism industry, we can take the opportunity to look ahead at the recovery of the industry and how we can build back a more responsible and resilient tourism, benefitting businesses, communities, visitors and our stunning environment. The presentation will provide an introduction to Responsible Tourism in the Scottish context and the opportunities it can bring.

Janie is the Sustainable Tourism Manager at VisitScotland. She plays a key role in VisitScotland’s Responsible Tourism activity, with a focus on transition to a low-carbon economy, and industry engagement on sustainable practices. She has 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, working to continuously improve and support the delivery of responsible tourism, which benefits businesses, provides enriching quality experiences for visitors, enhances the communities it operates in and protects the natural and cultural heritage it depends on

•  Andrea Nicholas, Chief Executive, Green Tourism

“The World is Getting Greener” – The presentation will evidence the growing trend and demand for sustainable tourism from consumers, top tips for a green recovery, attracting greener customers and meeting / exceeding their expectations

Andrea is Co-founder of the Green Tourism Certification Programme during the past 24 years Andrea has assisted in development of green networks and certification programmes throughout the UK and in Europe, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada and Africa.  The Green Tourism Programme started in 1997 and has expanded to cover all of the UK & Ireland with over 2500 members.  In the past 2 years Andrea has driven the development of a digital platform for Sustainable Management, GreenCheck, which is being used for Green Tourism and adapted for other industries such as the health and transport sectors

• Case Study from Melanie Allen, Nithbank Country Estate

“Creating Your Green Story”  – Melanie is ASSC’s communications expert and also runs a Five Star Country House in Dumfries and Galloway with a focus on sustainability, the environment and localism. Melanie will provide tips and insights on best practice, how to market your business whilst taking a conscious and ethical approach.

Tuesday, 23rd March 2021

VisitScotland: THE ROAD AHEAD – HOW WE NAVIGATE THE POTHOLES

The session will be co-hosted by Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, ASSC & Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Industry Manager (Development), VisitScotland

• Vicki Millar, Director of Marketing, VisitScotland

Vicki will outline the strategic approach VisitScotland are taking to keep Scotland top of mind in all our key markets. Plans have been developed which are agile and capable of responding to the opportunities presented as travel opens up. Hear how we all can respond to new customer trends enabling Self-Catering businesses to re-open in the best possible position.

Vicki joined VisitScotland in 2005 after three successful years with Dumfries & Galloway Tourist Board where she held the posts of Head of Marketing & Visitor Services and Acting Chief Executive. Vicki played a key role in the region’s recovery post foot & mouth and delivered a three-year European funded Marketing programme working with local stakeholders.

Since then she has held a number of Senior Marketing positions within VisitScotland including Head of Local Marketing, Head of Content Marketing and Head of Customer Experience. Vicki has also been instrumental in leading the organisation’s digital transformation programme of work.

On 1st November 2019 Vicki was appointed as VisitScotland’s Director of Marketing, having undertaken interim responsibility for the role for 15 months while the previous Director of Marketing was on secondment to Scottish Enterprise.

Prior to 2001, Vicki had eight years in Senior Marketing roles within the energy and financial services sectors working for Scottish Hydro-Electric and Bank of Scotland.

Tuesday, 16th March 2021

GETTING YOUR PRICING RIGHT & THE BUDGET EXPLAINED 

PRICING STRUCTURES 

• Jess Kelso, Director of Customer Experience, EMEA, Beyond Pricing

Beyond Pricing has several examples of how short term markets react to the easing of restrictions. Scotland’s Strategic Framework leaves a lot to be desired for clarity. However, we will look at what Scottish owners and agencies can do today to make sure they are ready for tomorrow

Jess Kelso leads Customer Experience in EMEA for Beyond Pricing. As a partner to both owners and agencies in Europe, Jess brings a unique perspective not only as a VR Industry Insider but also as a member of the small team that grew Beyond from a single-room office in San Francisco to the global leader in short term rental revenue management software. She is a graduate of the University of Queensland and is based in Lisbon, Portugal.

2020/21 BUDGET REVIEW

• Scott Greig, Partner, EQ Accountants

A review of the chancellor’s recent budget on tax changes taking effect on or after 1 April 2021 with a focus on business trading structure and planning ahead.

Scott Greig is a Partner at EQ Accountants and head of EQ Leisure, an experienced and dedicated team who act for a large variety of leisure clients including many self-catering businesses throughout Scotland. Scott and the team have provided assistance throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, helping clients secure funding to boost cash flow and continuing to support them as their businesses reopen to customers.

Scott is on the board of directors for The Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited as a non-executive director and was also named in the ICAS Top 100 One Young CAs list 2019, a prestigious list of rising stars and ones to watch in the future of the profession.

EQ are proud to be a Trade Plus member of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), and are here to offer members their advice and support.

Tuesday, 9th February 2021

SELF-CATERERS:  FINDING PLANNING FOR 2021 & BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE?  HERE IS SOME HELP – in partnership with VisitScotland

VisitScotland and the ASSC have worked together, using the STERG (Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group) Scenario Planning Toolkit*, to highlight key considerations for small and medium sized self-caterers planning for the different scenarios Scottish tourism may face through 2021 and beyond.

This workshop will help you:

• Understand why and how to use scenario planning
• Consider the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the sector
• Reflect on how your customers, your product/offering, staff members and suppliers may be impacted in the face of different scenarios – and how you may want to act
• Hear thoughts on what has worked for others and ideas you may want to implement within your own business

Be inspired with some real actionable ideas as you plan for the next 12 to 24 months.

*Details at https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus/sterg/scenario-planning-toolkit

VS Finding Planning Impossible – Presentation

Talk Recording – https://www.visitscotland.org/events/industry-events/webinars-training#sc

Tuesday, 12th January 2021

RE-IMAGINING: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF & ADAPTING FOR FUTURE TOURISM 

Session 1: Update on Activity

Chief Executive of the ASSC, Fiona Campbell will provide us with an update of current activity and challenges.

Session 2: We Only Have One Chance to Re-shape Our Sector: The Time is NOW!

Willie Cameron, Director of Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards & Founding Director of the Cobbs Group – will outline his views and suggestions for making the most of the current situation.  He says its an opportunity for us to re-imagine the landscape; consider where our market is and what they will want from Scottish tourism post-Covid-19.  We need to “look out to look in” and consider the myriad of options available.  What do we give our future tourists? How do we prepare our local areas?  What do we need to do differently to encourage and ensure our visitors get what they want?  We only have one chance to re-shape our sector… the time is NOW!

• Willie Cameron was the founding Director of The Cobbs Group of companies who have hotels / coffee shops and retail all in high amenity tourist areas and  today, Willie is their Business Development Director.  Willie is also the owner of Loch Ness Marketing a media service company and is a sought after contributor on television and radio on tourism/food and drink of Scotland. He is on the board of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and sits on the National Council of Rural Advisers for The Scottish Government.
• An Ode to the ASSC by Willie Cameron.docx

Reference materials: 

“Wish You Were Here” – The Stories Behind 50 of the World’s Great Destinations – by Terry Stevens

This book will give tourists and travellers a description of each of the 50 destinations with a personal explanation giving an insight as to why, and how, these destinations consistently deliver high quality visitor experiences. It aims to show the visitor how good management and an understanding of the importance of hospitality underpins the success of each destination. Tourists are now very interested in knowing more about how the places they visit are organized and how they get things right.

Including a detailed analysis of international best practice in destination management written with deep insight and research supported by extensive bibliography. This will be a major reference book on successful destination management based on Terry’s 40 years working in the industry in over 55 countries.

‘This is not a typical language-driven, promotional bucket-list guidebook. Stevens gives these destinations real world context. He tells us its personality, its mood and not just the reason for being but its reason for resilience, perseverance and ultimate success.’ Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor/CBS News

• Amazon Link
• Graffeg Link

McKinsey & Company –  helps organizations across the private, public, and social sectors create the Change that Matters most to them.

• Reimagining Marketing in the Next Normal – Report
• Various Interesting Insights – Here

SKIFT – deciphers and defines trends for global CEOs and CMOs across travel, dining, and wellness sectors through a combination of news, research, conferences, and marketing services

• About Skift 

Tuesday, 8th December 2020

QUESTION TIME – YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS

The Titans of Tartan Tourism –  Marc Crothall, CEO, The Scottish Tourism Alliance and Riddell Graham, Director of Industry and Destination Development, VisitScotland together with Caroline Millar, Owner – The Hideaway Experience, CAS Millar Consulting and Scottish Agritourism, (Go Rural), this is a great opportunity to get the latest insights on tourism in Scotland as we look towards planning an opportunities in 2021.

Tuesday, 1st December 2020

THE UNINSURABLE RISK:  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Jo Millar, Legal Director at Gilson Gray LLP and Derek Nicol, Accounts Executive at Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers – to learn more about what is meant by uninsurable risk; why there is a need to review your booking terms and conditions and ensure you have the right insurance policy in place for your properties going forwards.  The session will chaired by Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, ASSC. Followed by a question and answer session.
• Fiona  Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC will give a potted background in terms of Business Interruption Insurance and the Uninsurable Risk: why the business interruption element of insurance policies, in the vast majority of cases, excludes the spread of viruses and other communicable diseases.
• Derek will talk about “Insurance: A “must have” despite the current issues and market turmoil” – Whilst the outcome of the FCA ruling remains outstanding we must not lose sight that obtaining the correct insurance cover is instrumental in protecting your business and property assets. I will provide an update on the current state of play with regards to the FCA appeals and what the likely timescales will be. A hardening insurance market may also restrict the markets offering within the hospitality sector and insurers may not offer renewal in some cases. A discussion regarding the types of claims which are impacting the sector and a recommendation to members to asses their current covers to see if they are still fit for purpose.
  • Derek has worked as an Insurance Broker for over 30 years and for the last 15 years specialising in Private Clients and the Hospitality Sector. He heads up the Bruce Stevenson Stay Safe Self-Catering and Bed & Breakfast scheme which doubled it’s client base in the previous 12 months. Recognised in the sector as someone who understands the market and how best to protect clients interests. As well as being a Partner for Business, Bruce Stevenson are key supporters of the Hospitality Industry Trust, Patrons of the STA and proud sponsors of the Best Self-Catering category at Visit Scotland’s Thistle Awards. Derek and his team are committed to providing ASSC members and our clients with the very best service all times.
• Jo will discuss “The Uninsurable Risk” – This year has seen significant changes for everyone. Some of these have been brought about by the current pandemic, however, others were considerations prior to that.  One such change is the proposed licensing regime for short term lets affecting those offering self-catering accommodation across the board. The current pandemic has brought to light issues with business insurance and terms and conditions.  There is a dispute about loss of business cover which was the subject of court action and a recent appeal.  It is clear business loss takes many forms, and while court action is very relevant, a bigger immediate issue for the self-catering industry is the fact insurers will no longer cover cancellationsIt often takes something to interrupt our daily life and force us to stop and consider.  This is an opportunity to review working practices, such as refund of deposits and the terms and conditions which are used by providers in the self-catering industry on a day to day basis. I will consider key clauses which should be in place and recommend other aspects of terms and conditions which operators’ should consider including.
  • Joanna Millar is a Legal Director with Gilson Gray LLP. Joanna is qualified over 25 years and during that time has specialised in Licensing and Corporate law. Prior to joining Gilson Gray in November 2019, Joanna ran her own firm. Her team moved as a whole to Gilson Gray but this background allows her to understand first-hand the challenges which face owner operated and small/medium sized businesses. Joanna has been involved in licensing at ground level throughout her career and has now been involved through the ASSC and her membership of the Law Society of Scotland in discussions about the proposed licensing regime for short lets affecting all self-catering accommodation providers. Joanna is well placed to advise clients on all aspects of their business from the licensing process, business structure, supplier contracts and terms and conditions. Gilson Gray as a firm provides support through all aspects of life and business from buying a first home or flat, upsizing and downsizing property, second homes, business premises, pre and post nup agreements, will, powers of attorney and executory matters. We can also offer assistance from Gilson Gray Financial Management who take away the confusion often surrounding areas such as pensions, life insurance, mortgages and all aspects of investments and protections such as medical cover and similar.

Tuesday, 24th November 2020

THE ONE YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS

With everybody looking to save money in these uncertain times, we would like to introduce you to two new partners, who will really help you save an incredible amount of money.

• Are you owed a Cash Tax Rebate? A majority of business property owners are missing out thousands of pounds that they are entitled to. HJR Tax are a team of property tax specialists and unlock hidden tax relief that accountants cannot claim.   Jason Batty, Director of Operations, HJR Tax Consultants (specialists in capital allowances claims for commercial property acquisitions), will explain what you need to do.
  • Jason is a former Financial Adviser who specialised in mortgages and property for a number of years before helping build HJR in 2017. Since then, across the country, Jason and the Team have helped a large number of business property owners get their hands on thousands of pounds in tax savings and cash rebates that they were unaware they were entitled to.

• Renewable Energy – Providing Efficiency Solutions. It’s an exciting time for the EV and the renewable energy industry, Cleaner EV are accelerating forward with our projects, most notable in Scotland where we have had great success delivering public charging units, helping to expand Scotland’s EV Charging infrastructure. Using all our skill and knowledge gained over many years we are adding value to business by reducing energy consumption and helping our customers keep more money in the bank. CleanerEV’s Craig Halloran, Technical Director and Calum Mathieson, Sales Director will outline how they can help you.
  1. Craig Halloran, Technical Sales Director at CleanerEV – Has  over 28 years experience as an electrical and renewable engineer, Craig has been at the forefront of the Renewables and EV charging game and lives to make green solutions work for his clients.
  2. Calum Mathieson, Sales Director at CleanerEV– is the main man when it comes to frontline, face to face support for our clients. Travelling up and down Scotland, he uses his extensive knowledge of the Electric Vehicle market to provide bespoke charging solutions.

Feedback: Hi Fiona. Just a quickie to say thank you to you and all at ASSC for organising the webinars over the last weeks. They have been a great resource over the last months since lock down. Today’s was especially good with 2 topics very close to my heart and will hopefully be getting in touch with both guys. All the best.  Alan Macdonald, Glasgow Green Apartments

Tuesday, 10th November 2020

BUSINESS FINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

Funding Your Self-Catering Property Investment: What Has Changed?

Grant Seaton, Senior Business Lending Manager at The Cumberland, will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on self-catering lending

• What has changed?
• What does that mean for self-catering accommodation owners and investors?
• How can you prepare for discussions with your mortgage provider?

Grant Seaton is Senior Business Lending Manager at The Cumberland, specialising in self-catering and hospitality mortgages.

BUSINESS FINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

Catering for Changes in Tax

Scott Greig, Partner at EQ Accountants and Head of EQ Leisure will provide a strategic level review of recent tax changes pertinent to the hospitality and leisure sector with a focus on self-catering businesses. Practical examples highlighting the temporary reduction in VAT for both standard and flat rate VAT businesses. The importance of accurate and up to date management information along with the tax implications of COVID-19 grants and loan support.

• Scott Greig is a Partner at EQ Accountants and head of EQ Leisure, an experienced and dedicated team who act for a large variety of leisure clients including many self-catering businesses throughout Scotland. Scott and the team have provided assistance throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, helping clients secure funding to boost cash flow and continuing to support them as their businesses reopen to customers.
• Scott is on the board of directors for The Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited as a non-executive director and was also named in the ICAS Top 100 One Young CAs list 2019, a prestigious list of rising stars and ones to watch in the future of the profession.
• EQ are proud to be a Trade Plus member of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), and are here to offer members their advice and support.

The session will be chaired by Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, ASSC

Tuesday, 3rd November 2020

DIGITAL RESET FOR THE NEW NORMAL 

An ASSC webinar hosted in partnership with VisitScotland.

This Talk will be looking at the Fundamentals of Digital, with a focus on powering up social and horizon scanning for new opportunities.

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, alongside Patrick O’Shaughnessy,  VisitScotland’s Industry Development Manager together and one of Scotland’s leading digital expert – Rene Looper, Founder / Managing Director of Tuminds Social Media – will look at our visitors travel planning journey, pre and post Covid-19, to help you understand what platforms you should be using and optimising, with particular focus on social media as well as looking at what technology innovations to watch out for and  take advantage of.

Patrick O’Shaughnessy – As an operator of hotels, bars, restaurants and high street retail catering Patricks role has been industry focused throughout his career with VisitScotland. Leading a team of specialists whose focus is on supporting businesses to grow and in this environment remain sustainable.  With digital as one of the primary tools available to grow a businesses revenue much of his time is ensuring tourism businesses are getting the fundamentals right and are aware and take advantage of the support available to help their businesses survive and prosper.

Rene Looper has, for many years, been regarded as the go-to person in the Highlands for social media consultancy and training. He is an experienced and inspiring speaker, coach, strategist and trainer.

Rene was one of the first in Scotland to actively educate businesses on the potential of social media when he founded Tuminds Ltd in 2006 after setting up a successful 4 star hotel in Moray. In 2011 he was the industry expert on the Social Buzz Awards judging panel, alongside representatives from Google, Tesco, BBC and Microsoft.

Rene presents in an engaging, non-technical way. His practical and hands-on sessions are packed with useful information and delivered at a very accessible pace, and can be pitched at all levels of expertise. Participants leave feeling informed and confident about using social media in a way that will help them achieve tangible results for their business.

Working across the UK and Europe, Rene is able to apply his experience to all business sectors, with particular expertise in the areas of Tourism, Food and Drink and Retail.

He has worked with a broad range of businesses and organisations including Sky B2B, KLM, Johnstons of Elgin, Caledonian Sleeper, Balmoral Estate, Famous Grouse, VisitScotland, Diageo and Cairngorms National Park.

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, alongside Joanna Millar, Legal Director of Gilson Gray LLP, who will discuss the details of the Short-Term Let Consultation:

Are you involved in self-catering or short-term letting?

Are you involved in any of the following:

• ‘Home Sharing’: a type of STL involving the letting of a room or rooms where the host normally lives (their primary residence) with the host in residence
• ‘Home Letting’: a type of STL involving the letting of a room or rooms or the entire property where the host normally lives (their primary residence) when the host is absent (on holiday ow away on business)
• Secondary Letting’: a type of STL involving the letting of a room or rooms or the entire property where the host does not normally live

Does your STL / Self-Catering operation include:

• Conventional, independent (no shared facilities or concierge) and static homes, such as houses, flats and cottages (typically principal homes, second homes and holiday cottages)
• Less conventional static accommodation (which may be independent or rely on shared facilities, such as park homes, static caravans, chalets, huts and pods)
• Quasi-hotel accommodation (also static) comprising multiple properties in a tailored building, such as apart hotels and serviced apartments
• Mobile accommodation, primarily boats, such as canal boats and yachts.

Would you have concerns about your local authority applying the following conditions to your property:

• Meet and greet every guest
• Arrival and departure curfews
• Notification of any alterations to the layout to the property
• Setting occupancy limits
• Requirement to provide ‘adequate’ facilities for storage and disposal of refuse and recycling
• Minimising noise: replacing wood floors with carpeted or vinyl flooring / installing door closers / noise monitoring kits
• Requiring visits to inspect conditions have been met
• Data to be provided to local authorities on number of nights let (including number of persons per night)

Would you have concerns about a licence fee of approximately £1000 per annum plus a ‘monitoring fee’ of a further £1000 per annum, in addition to planning permission fee of £401?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, it is critical that you get involved in this session.

Discussions will be followed by a question and answer session.

This forms part of the ASSC’s Autumn Talks Series 

Tuesday, 29th September 2020

REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM LETS

Short Term Lets Delivery Group, Scottish Government  

We are delighted to announce that Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism & MSP for Inverness and Nairn will welcome attendees at the start of this Autumn Talk led by the Scottish Government’s Short Term Lets Delivery Group on the regulation of short-term lets.

This Talk will include a presentation by Andrew Mott, Chair of the Scottish Government’s Short-Term Let Delivery Group, Scottish Government and will will include a discussion around the regulation of short-term lets. In July 2020, the Scottish Government announced that they were resuming their plans, first unveiled back in January 2020, for the introduction of a licensing system, planning control areas, and a review of the tax treatment of short-term lets.

We are entering a period of engagement which provides an opportunity to properly assess and refine the detail of the regulations to ensure that there is an appropriate balance between the needs of local communities and Scotland’s important tourist economy.  This will be an important one-time opportunity to connect directly with the Scottish Government’s Short-Term Lets Delivery Group to discuss the proposed licensing and planning measures.

• Andrew Mott is Chair of the Short Term Lets Delivery Group, Scottish Government and is responsible for housing market policy across Scotland and for affordable homes delivery in the north of Scotland.  Andrew has worked in Scottish Government since 2001, having previously worked on policy and delivery in mental health, transport, education, protection of vulnerable groups and domestic energy efficiency.
• The Short Term Lets consultation paper can be found here.  We would recommend that you read the paper in advance of this session.

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, will Chair the session.

Feedback:

• “I continue to be impressed with the manner in which the ASSC is engaging with the Scottish Government and the STL Delivery Group under Fiona’s patient, persistent and persuasive leadership.” Pitlochry Self-Catering 

Tuesday, 22nd September 2020

EXTENDING YOUR SEASON WITH UK & IRISH VISITORS 

ASSC in partnership with VisitScotland delivers an immersion webinar on “Extending your season with UK & Irish Visitors”.

Fiona Holmes, Marketing Manager for UK & Ireland at VisitScotland will give the latest update on holiday intentions from the UK market, and how to target the Scots and the wider UK & Irish consumers in the off season, to help secure your self-catering business throughout the autumn & winter months. Along with top tips on marketing to attract customers.”

Fiona has worked at VisitScotland for nearly 7 years. Her current role involves strategic planning and execution of marketing campaigns for the domestic UK market, as well as intermediary activity.

This session will be chaired by Rona Wallace, Senior Manager, Global Intermediary Marketing Team within the Industry, Destination and Development Team at VisitScotland.  With a career in marketing and tourism of over 25 years, Rona has worked both in public and private sector in the UK and New Zealand. She has worked for large commercial airlines, tour operator, owner operator visitor attractions along with leading the development of a Destination Marketing Organisation. With VisitScotland she has worked consumer and B2B marketing roles and now leads the Global Intermediary Marketing Team within the Industry, Destination and Development Team at VisitScotland.

Feedback:

• “I really enjoyed the VisitScotland presentation to the ASSC today – the information was first rate, really detailed and useable info” – Helen Watford Gray – The Green Lodge, Aviemore

Tuesday, 15th September 2020

CLEANING UP: FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR BUSINESS

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, ASSC will set the scene and talk about practical ways of using Covid-19 cleaning guidelines to your advantage, and opportunities during recovery.

Jen Burton, Director at Landlord’s Little Helper has developed a training course to accompany the cleaning protocols developed for the self-catering sector in the context of Covid-19, commissioned by the ASSC. On this Talk Jen will give you practical advice and recent adjustments to cleaning protocols in light of fresh experience post Covid-19 and offer you the opportunity to ask any outstanding questions you may have.

• Jen Burton – Biography

Iain Jardine, Water Hygiene Consultant, Solway Water Management will discuss safe hot tub management and the legal requirements of operating them in a business setting.

• Iain Jardine – Biography 

Tuesday, 8th September 2020

DYNAMIC PRICING – A NECESSITY IN SCOTLAND’S NEW NORMAL

Airlines and hotels have used dynamic pricing as a revenue management tool for decades, and the self-catering industry has followed suit in the last few years. With COVID-19 and the changing travel landscape, self-caterers need to invest in a dynamic pricing engine now more than ever before. Products like Beyond Pricing help self-caterers automate pricing variables such as seasonality, day of week, and local events to ensure an optimisation of average daily rate and occupancy. In this session, SuperControl and Beyond Pricing will highlight Scotland-specific self-catering data and provide insight on how to maximise revenue with a dynamic pricing solution.

This Talk will be presented by Jake Gingerich, Beyond Pricing’s Team Lead for European Markets. Jake helps self-caterers with 1 to 2,000 properties use Beyond Pricing to maximise their yield. Closely working with SuperControl and their customers, Jake is well informed on the Scottish markets and the unique challenges people face as an owner or agency.

The session will be chaired by Robert Kennedy, Product Director, SuperControl and Chair of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers. Robert has been involved in the holiday rental industry since 1998 when he took on three family-run holiday cottages near Kirkcudbright. Robert is a long-term board member of the ASSC and recently took over as Chair. Robert and his wife Melinda launched SuperControl in 2007 to a UK holiday rentals market hungry for a specialist property management system. Today, SuperControl is used by 1,000 accommodation owners and agencies to run more than 40,000 holiday rentals across the world. SuperControl continues to grow and has gone from strength to strength.

Tuesday, 1st September 2020

LEADERSHIP, RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES   

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, will Chair the session and provide an overview of the self-catering sector: the impact of Covid-19; upcoming threats to the sector and opportunities during economic recovery and beyond.

We are delighted that Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, will participate in our first Autumn Talks.  He will provide us with a ”State of the Nation” update for tourism in Scotland.  After an understandably anxious start, communities across Scotland have begun to welcome visitors back, and the tourism industry is starting on the long road to recovery, putting the safety of their guests and staff at the heart of everything they do.

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of The Scottish Tourism Alliance will also participate in this significant Autumn Talk speaking about the role of STA and how together with the tourism sector groups such as ASSC and UK counterparts they have been effective in getting our industry voice heard louder than the rest and get the traction and the many positive responses from governments to date – “Leadership & Collaboration – is a must to drive recovery and our future success!”.