Lisa Boyle’s Business Bulletin

Apr 29 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S been a busy year for businessman Francis Black.

And his blossoming firm is set to go from strength to strength over the coming months.

Francis started his cabling business in the heart of the recession last year. He installs aerial and satellite equipment, data network cabling, coaxial tv points, BT telephone points, plasma TVs and LCDs, Sky multi-room, home cinema and audio systems.

But his 15-years of experience and reliability means it’s been a booming first 12 months for him.

For weeks after he started Multi-cabling Solutions, the Mauchline man landed a huge contract with Laurel Homes to install cabling to support multiroom audio systems. The new homeowners can then call Francis back to supply and fit the systems as and when required.

And things are set to get even busier for Francis, 30, as Ayrshire prepares for the digital switchover.

He said: “While being involved in this contract I have also been doing other work including the installation of aerials, home entertainment systems and any general cabling work.

“Most of my work involves audio and vision, so whether you are looking for a TV to be installed, an aerial to be installed in preparation for the switchover next month, or if you want Sky throughout your home without adding any additional Sky boxes then these are all possible options.”

For more information, call 01290 552 193 or 07960 424884.

l THE ORIGINAL Factory Shop in Girvan is celebrating after helping the company win the most-coveted title of Growing Retailer of the Year at the recent Retail Week Awards.

The ceremony, attended by over 1600 of the UK’s top retailers, saw The Original Factory Shop beat off stiff competition from the likes of Clas Ohlson, Mint Velvet, Tiger and DRL on the way to glory.

Rodger Hamilton, store manager at The Original Factory Shop in Girvan, said: “We feel very proud to have been named Growing Retailer of the Year. It is dedicated to all the colleagues at the store, and to our local customers who have been behind us from day one.”

l BUSINESS Gateway will be the principal sponsor of the Ayrshire Business Awards 2011.

The Ayrshire Business Awards are a great opportunity for local businesses to demonstrate excellence and gain widespread recognition for their achievements.

Val Russell, deputy chief executive of Ayrshire Chamber, said: “We have some exceptional companies operating in Ayrshire who deserve to be recognised.

“The awards dinner will be an opportunity to celebrate the many successes of our local business community.”

Last year more than 50 local businesses made applications to win one or more of the eight awards categories. The most hotly contested being the Most Promising New Business Award, which was sponsored by Business Gateway.

Councillor John Reid, North Ayrshire Council portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Business Gateway is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Ayrshire Business Awards 2011.

“Business Gateway is very active in the local business community and provides support to both new and existing businesses across Ayrshire while exploring and developing opportunities for growth.”

The awards will be celebrated at a dinner hosted by Kaye Adams on October 13 at the Gailes Hotel in Irvine.

Members of the Ayrshire business community are encouraged to enter the awards, when full details of all categories and how to apply are announced in the near future.