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Latest business news from around alloa
Makeover for Alloa McDonalds
February 27th 2010
Mcdonald's are investing £4.5million on makeovers for 15 of its restaurants in Scotland one of which will be Alloa. Staff will also benefit from facilities such as computer access for studying and dedicated seating areas etc.
Matchmaking event for local business and schools.
February 10th 2010
Clackmannanshire Council are holding an event to help schools find their
perfect partner in business to promote enterprise in education.
Over 20 local businesses will attend the Business Breakfast at Dunmar House
on Tuesday 16th February in a networking event which will endeavour to partner
local businesses with local teachers in order to discuss possible ways in which
they can enhance the curriculum.
Ethel Austin on brink of Administration
February 6th 2010
Fashion chain Ethel Austin have filed an intention to appoint administrators, following poor sales and cash flow difficulties. The news cast doubts over the Alloa store which could close within the next few weeks.
Happit close their doors in Alloa
January 6th 2010
Happit the ladies fashion chain have closed their retail outlet in Alloa.
Planning Applications
January 6th 2010
Planning permission has been sought by the Alloa School of Tae Kwon Do for a
change of use and subdivision of Unit 1 Block 6 Dumyat Business Park, Tullibody
to form a Martial Arts Centre.
Planning permission has been sought by Mr and Mrs Wilson of Forestmill, for the
erection and establishment of a Farm and coffee shop to be sited at Muircot
Farm, Coalsnaughton.
Cheque Centre to open in Alloa`s Town Centre
January 6th 2010
Cheque cashing provider Cheque Centre are opening a branch in Alloa`s Town Centre.
Krackers close their Alloa Shop.
January 6th 2010
Discount store Krackers have closed down their retail outlet in Maple Court Alloa.
SRG Estates to build new office complex at Forestmill
December 12th 2009
SRG Estates Ltd have applied for planning permission to erect a new three storey office building with car parking and associated landscaping at Castlebridge Business Park, Forestmill. This will be the first new build in a complex already consisting of a mixed use of modern office accommodation and industrial units.
Green Team Call-Up
November 25th 2009
Specialists from WYG Environment have secured a three-year agreement with Clackmannanshire Council to provide environmental consultancy services to the Wee County. The consultants will provide services which include contaminated land desk-based studies, site investigation, risk assessment and remediation.
Alloa Town Centre Improvements
November 08th 2009
Much of Alloa Town Centre is currently undergoing extensive landscaping work, as the bid to improve the Town Centre image continues. Work is expected to run until March 2009.
Alva company receives takeover approach
October 22nd 2009
Omega Diagnostics who make medical diagnostic kits as well as Food Detective, a food intolerance testing kit, have received a preliminary takeover approach but at this stage the identity of the interested party is unknown. the Alva-based company recently raised £1 million through a share placement to fund the acquisition of Devon-based Co-Tek.
Continental Market comes to Alloa
October 15th 2009
Many people turned up to sample Alloa'`s first Continental Market which is taking place over the next three days.
Traditional continental foods were on display along with craft and designer accessories. The event organised by Alloa BID team is aimed at attracting more visitors to the town centre.
Alloa based Wasp Leisure Ltd to run Leisure Bowl
September 7th 2009
At a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council it has been agreed that Wasp Leisure will continue to manage the Leisure Bowl at Parkway Alloa.
Acorn Pet Chain goes into Administration
September 2nd 2009
Acorn Pet Chain has gone into administration. 11 of the 36 stores will be closed immediately which includes the Alloa outlet in Mill Road. It is thought that the group had lost money within their expansion programme. The store was closed at 4.30pm today.
Alloa Athletic aquire Zones Complex
August 18th 2009
Clackmannanshire Council have agreed to sell the former Zones Complex to Alloa Athletic. Investment of up to £450,000 will be put into the complex including resurfacing of pitches and surfaces. There will be a price concessionary system put in place for groups such as the elderly, students and people from deprived areas.
Solicitors continue to support Alloa Athletic
August 10th 2009
Solicitors and Estate Agents Russel & Aitken have announced that they will be continuing their sponsoring of Alloa Athletic for the new season ahead.
Alloa Town Centre wins £2million funding award
6th August 2009
The SNP Scottish Government has today awarded £40 million to towns across
Scotland to invest in Scotland's high streets and town centres. £2million
of funding will go towards Alloa Town Centre`s rejuvenation announced by SNP`s
Alex Neil. The money will be used to improve retail, transport, leisure and
community facilities in Alloa.
The bid was put together by the Alloa Business Improvement District Team,
Clackmannanshire Council and the Clackmannanshire Alliance.
19,000 shops close in England & Wales
July 31st 2009
19,000 shops closed this year about 12,000 independent retailers and nearly 7,000 branches of major chains have closed so far this year in England and Wales according to research by LDC.
LDC has said the average retail vacancy rate has risen from 4% a year ago, to 12% this year. Some towns in England have vacancy rates in excess of 20% with Margate in Kent showing a vacancy rate of 1 in 4 shops. LDC said empty shops have a "corrosive effect" upon the confidence of an area.
New Homes for Solsgirth
July 31st 2009
Lomond Homes have lodged a planning application to reclaim the former mine site at Solsgirth with the erection of 45 houses with helipad and hanger cafe and museum.
Alloa Bids for funds
July 30th 2009
Alloa Town Centre BID team are waiting to hear if their application for over
£2m funding for town centre improvements will be successful.
The Scottish Government has made £60m available for the regeneration of Scottish
town centres which has attracted over 100 applications throughout the country.
Omega deal
July 17th 2009
Medical diagnostics firm Omega Diagnostics, have signed an exclusive deal with Finnish company Biohit Healthcare to distribute Omega's Genesis products throughout the UK NHS hospital network.
Building Standards Customer Forum
July 8th 2009
Chief Executive Angela Leitch will be the guest speaker at the next meeting
of Clackmannanshire Council's Building Standards Customer Forum.
Topics covered will include: e-Building Standards,An update on e-Planning,
Legislative changes and new guidance issued by the Building Standards Division
in January and May 2009
In light of the ongoing recession, the Building Standards Team will also be
asking Forum members for suggestions on how the Team can assist local developers
and others involved in the industry in these challenging times.
The meting will he held at the Council Chambers, Greenfield House, Alloa at 2pm
on Wednesday 22nd July.
Forestmill Development
June 15th 2009
The Scottish Government has given the go-ahead for a new development at
Forestmill. The development, will include housing, a hotel, golf course and
leisure and community facilities,
The development will complement existing visitor accommodation, with a
championship level golf course and Clackmannanshire's only 100 room hotel
attracting high-spending visitors.
ILS - Alloa picks up award
June 9th 2009
Alloa care company Independent Living Services (ILS) has won Best Overall
Provider at the Scottish Care at Home Awards. ILS was selected from more
than 200 entries as the winner at an award ceremony celebrating the brightest
stars in the care industry.
ILS, which was nominated in a number of categories including Adult Employee of
the Year and Trainer of the Year categories, was also runner-up in the
Innovation of the Year.
Birthdays goes into administration
MAY 21st 2009
Clinton Cards have put their subsidiary company Birthdays Greeting Cards into administration. This follows dire trading results which have cost the parent company £7m in losses. The administrators are currently exploring options to save the company. Birthdays have a store situated in Alloa's High Street.
Solicitors to open branch in Alloa
MAY 14th 2009
Black and Markie Solicitors and Notaries are opening an office in Alloa. The office will be based in Mar Street.
Clacksfirst delivers signage project
MAY 13th 2009
The Clacksfirst Business Improvement District (BID) has commenced one of its priority projects - improving the signage across its ten business parks. Monolith style entrance signage and internal directory board signage has been produced to help direct visitors quickly and easily to their desired destination. The signage was funded by the levy contributions made by businesses in the BID area.
Plans for new Care Home in Alloa
MAY 1st 2009
Allan Water Developments have applied for planning permission to build a 60 bed care home on land west of St. Mungos's Primary School.
Poundland fills Woolworths Gap
APRIL 22nd 2009
Discount store Poundland are to relocate to Mill Street in June. The successful store will move into the premises once occupied by Woolworths. Poundland which attracts thousands of shoppers a week, will be a welcome boost to this part of town which has experienced a cooling of trade since Woolworths went into receivership.
Forth Valley College Contracts worth £29m
APRIL 10th 2009
Forth Valley College is advertising for a contractor to build two new college campuses in Alloa and Stirling. The first contract will be for the Alloa campus with the Stirling project commencing 12 months later. The total value of the 2 contracts is in the region of £29m.
Local Builders to Streamline down.
APRIL 1st 2009
Marshall Construction are in consultation talks with their workforce
over possible lay-offs. The firm will shed between 15% - 20% of the workforce in
order to keep the firm viable and competitive in the current difficult financial
climate.
Floral Gems for High Street
MARCH 3rd 2009
Established florists Floral Gems have opened premises in the High Street, Alloa
ILS take over Banff care firm Deveron
MARCH 3rd 2009
Alloa based Independent Living Services, have acquired Deveron Care Services Banff. Deveron were in danger of closing down due to a cut back in care work commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council, but the stepping in of ILS has ensured that 40 jobs within Deveron will be saved.
New Estate Agency for Alloa
FEBRUARY 27th 2009
Independent Estate Agent John O' Malley is set to open a property outlet in
Alloa Town Centre. The Estate Agency based in Drysdale Street Alloa, signals a
new confidence being felt in the property market.
ILS Alloa install GPS Software into their vehicles
FEBRUARY 24th 2009
Leading care providers Independent Living Services have installed GPS fleet
management software in all 27 vehicles in order to dispatch support more
efficiently and promptly from its head offices at Alloa.
Town Traders express anger over BID Levy Charge
FEBRUARY 17th 2009
Alloa traders have expressed anger over being charged for a local initiative
which many thought would be financed by a dedicated grant. Some retailers are
faced with invoices for in excess of £1000 from the BID Project. A meeting has
been called by the traders to discuss the matter further.
Bridge Motor Factors to open MOT Centre
JANUARY 28th 2009
Planning permission has been granted to Bridge Motor Factors of Broad Street
Alloa, to extend their existing premises to incorporate a MOT Centre.
Former Filling Station up for lease
JANUARY 26th 2009
The Filling Station/Showroom site at Auld Brig on the road from Tullibody to
Stirling is now available to lease. Letting agents CKD Galbraith of Edinburgh
are the handling agents. Rent expected is £40,000 per annum.
New appointment for ILS
JANUARY 24th 2009
Alloa based Independent Living Services, has appointed Morag Day as their new HR
manager. Morag is a fellow of the CIPD and holds a BA in Business Mnagement and
a MSc in Human Resources Management.
Mortgage Company Closes it's doors
JANUARY 20th 2009
The dramatic slow down in the property market has claimed another local firm.
Mortgage Matrix a prominent firm in the town centre, has ceased trading due to a
down turn of mortgage enquiries.
Oran Group relocate HQ to Grangemouth
JANUARY 20th 2009
Leading waste management firm the Oran Group, have relocated their Head Office
from Midtown Business Park Alloa to Grangemouth.
Alloa Traders Fight On
JANUARY 17th 2009
Alloa Traders affected by the series of Christmas power cuts, have been urged by
the local BID partnership, to register their complaints in order to be eligible
for any possible extra compensation from Scottish Power. The electricity supply
company have offered £250 to traders, but this has been met with disdain by many
who in reality, lost out by thousands of pounds in lost sales caused by the
power cuts. Local politicians have also voiced their concern for Alloa`s Traders
and are currently having talks with the power company.
Clackmannanshire braces itself for job cuts
DECEMBER 30th 2008
The continuing economic crisis is reverberating around the County as more
retail outlets are set to close. Woolworths have now closed, with several other
town retailers expressing extreme concern over the immediate future. Sterling
Mills in Tillicoultry is also affected with at least 2 brand names set to close
their doors.
Zones centre will be Bowling Alley
DECEMBER 22nd 2008
The Zones leisure complex in Alloa, is to be sold to local developer Alan Bradie.
Mr Bradie intends to convert the premises into a 10 pin Bowling Alley.
Alloa town centre hit hard by power cuts
DECEMBER 21st 2008
The Saturday before Christmas was nothing short of a disaster for Traders in
Alloa Town Centre. Saturday`s power cut lasted the whole day damaging Christmas
sales for shops in the High Street and Primrose Street area.
Scottish Power worked through Saturday Night to fix the problem. This was the
third power cut in the town centre in the same week.
*Tuesday 23rd December - power now restored to Town Centre
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