A Cambuslang company are racing ahead in the corporate entertainment stakes!
Scotkart in Westburn Road are taking pole position in the race to become Scotland's premier kart racing business.
Set up nine years ago by local entrpreneurs Stewart and Duncan Matthews, the business has been so successful that this year they opened up a second race track in Clydebank's John Knox Street - the largest indoor karting facility in Scotland.
Stewart said: "I've always been interested in motorsports. Someone had opened a karting track in London and I liked the idea. It was then I decided I wanted to open my own track in the Glasgow area. Our Cambuslang centre was opened in 1991.
Scotkart has a fleet of 25 four stroke engine racing karts. Racers are then kitted out with helmets and overalls and are taken through the workings of the kart and safety. Then it's time for a practice circuit before the real racing begins.
"We've got the largest and fastest tracks in Scotland. Our main market is very much corporate hospitality and office parties whether itts for team building or just a night or day out. We also get stag and hen parties and general groups of friends who come to have a good day out."
"We can make it a real day out for our clients. All events are prebooked and participants are guarenteed serveral qualifying races. We offer a great alternative to a Christmas night out."
The company really does try to ensure their clients get a real feel of motor racing. Computer timing, commentary and genuine racetrack signs all add to the ambience of the event. All the participants get to race in the semi-finals with the top drivers getting to race in the finals. The first three past the post then get to stand on the winners podiums to accept their prizes.
"The karts can reach a speed of up to 40 mph which gives the driversa sense of racing on a real racetrack without spending thousands of pounds."
Scotkart can also do packages ranging from just racing to including a buffet meal.
Stewart added: " It's really good value for money."
As well as the business side, the company also puts forward its own racing team - Team Scotkart - at racing kart competitive events. They have already picked up a number of trophies and recently took part in the Scottish 24 Hour event in Edinburgh.
Added to that success is the news that the company has achieved its Investors in People (IIP) award thanks to the support of Small Business Gateway Rutherglen & Cambuslang. The enterprise trust organised for a consultant to visit the company to help them get up to standard for the award, then there was a year of preparation work before Scotkart were recognised as Investors in People.
Stewart said: " We are absolutely delighted to have achieved this award. We couldn't have done it without the help of Small Business Gateway Rutherglen & Cambuslang."
Scotkart is one of a number of South Lanarkshire companies which has successfully been awarded IIP status.
So what is it?
IIP is about making sure your employees have the training, motivation and knowledge to give your business the competitive edge in the marketplace. It?s not just about giving your employees individual assessments and the training of their choice. It?s about looking at the big picture, asking what your business and workforce need to succeed and carrying out the appropriate actions to ensure that happens.
And the benefits?
They are clear to see, Investors in People can:
Most of all, participating employees will benefit from being included . They will know what they are doing and why, something that is tremendously important if a company is to have an edge over its competitors. Arming employees with that knowledge gives them a sense of worth, of being part of a team and the benefits are reflected in productivity and quality of product.
For more information on Investors in People, contact your local Small Business Gateway:
Business South Lanarkshire - Autumn 2000
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