Published on:
08
March 2005
Work on the second Clackmannanshire Business Directory is well advanced and local businesses are being advised that now is their last chance to update or create an entry.
The 2002+ directory was the first of its kind in Clackmannanshire and has become an invaluable tool for assisting local business people source local goods and services.
The new Directory, which will be available later this year, promises to be bigger and better. The production of the Directory is being co-ordinated by staff from the Council's Enterprise Services team and designed by Alloa-based firm Art is an Option.
The bulk of the day-to-day work on the Directory has been carried out by the Media Mill- a pilot social enterprise project developed by Clackmannanshire Council's Enterprise Services and the newly formed Wee County Development Trust. The Media Mill aims to train local school leavers in a range of design and publishing skills aligned with the production of local directories, newsletters and promotional materials for community and voluntary groups.
The pilot scheme initially took on two trainees and one of them - 16-year-old Kevin Kippen - has already been successful in finding work thanks to the skills he acquired through the Media Mill.
Former Alloa Academy pupil Lorna McArthur (16) is finding her time with the Media Mill invaluable.
She said: "It is a good experience and I have learned a lot since November. As well as working on the Business Directory, including designing a logo, I have helped local voluntary and community groups with newsletters and benefited from work experience at local businesses."
Trevor Andrews manager of Art is an Option added: "We were lucky enough to win the tender to do the design work for the Directory and have also been mentoring and training the Media Mill staff. We have given them guidance on the design of a logo and have encouraged them to sit in on production meetings to give them an idea of the process involved.
"I think the Directory is very useful for local businesses and for people from out with the area who want to find out more about what Clackmannanshire has to offer."
You are invited to send a photographer to Kilncraigs at 1.30pm on Thursday when Lorna and Trevor can be pictured with a large mock up of the Business Directory.
Call 01259 727300 if you would like business to be included in the Business Directory.