Hello All

Yes, The-Grapevine is back!  And very many thanks for all the responses to to interim newsletters sent out.... its great to know how much you missed the weekly newsletters.

On a personal note my warmest thanks to all Grapeviners (and there were a huge amount) who sent kind and supportive words whilst my Sister was ill and indeed on learning of her death earlier this year.  Many of you will know that The-Grapevine newsletters were only produced infrequently during this time  - Click here for the full story. 

May I also extend a very warm welcome to all first time readers of The Harvest, hundreds of new members signed up since the last newsletter; we are almost at the ten thousand mark now, and unfortunately it has not been possible to make personal contact with you all.However, I am now back at my desk daily and I am pleased to report that behind the scenes a lot of work has been taking place. I have been making changes!  

We have new members, new advertisers,new columnists, a new sponsor and the website has a new, fresher look and feel (heartfelt thanks to Andrea at Dialogue) … well I felt it was time it was given a  re-vamp. On the surface, it may look like the site has had just a make-over, but the improvements run a lot deeper.  I’ve kept all the elements that have made the website, a must-visit, since its launch; many of the old favourites are still there, but I’ve de-cluttered some areas and in others added more functionality.  I’ve also introduced The Vineyard the area where our new Business Forums sit.

And finally, appreciating that the most successful businesses are built on partnerships; partnerships that understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, partnerships with common objectives, shared views, and partnerships with shared but different skill sets, work the best together. To this end, The-Grapevine has blossomed, and extended its reach across to the North West of America.  Click here to find out about nwgrapevine.com. And I’ve not finished yet, this is very much a ‘work in progress project’ – so watch this space, watch it grow and reap the rewards! If you know an equally creative and forward thinking business, or a colleague or friend who supports the business spirit of giving and sharing, then please feel free to recommend The-Grapevine - there is no cost to subscribe. If you have received it from a colleague, and wish to subscribe yourself, please click the link.

Finally, I want to say a huge thanks to everyone I've worked with and networked with this year, I've had a wonderful year because of all the brilliant, talented and clever people I meet! I very much look forward to being in touch with you all again next year and wish you a Happy Christmas and a very successful 2009!________________________________________________________________

GRAPEVINE MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS/DISCOUNTS: ________________________________________________________________

EDINBURGH TRANSLATION SERVICES
Edinburgh Translation provides complete language services for your document translation needs. They can enable you to communicate your message in more than 30 languages to customers worldwide. Edinburgh Translation is equally dedicated to serve both world-renowned clients as well as small and start-up businesses, reputed for its quality, speed, reliability and competitive pricing.  Preferential rates for Grapeviners apply.  Click here. 

DIALOGUE WEB DESIGN - OFFERING A 10% DISCOUNT TO GRAPEVINE MEMBERS
Dialogue are a small Edinburgh based company; they offer professional web design services, web site maintenance and re-design.  Many of you will appreciate that websites can be very daunting to deal with. Well aware of this, Dialogue set up a service that makes dealing with even the most complicated technical issues a breeze. Communication is friendly, jargon free and everything is presented to you in a way you can understand it – I know this to be true as Andrea has worked with me for many years and indeed recently developed the new look Grapevine website.  Click here. 

INTRODUCING ‘FEEL GOOD HANDBAGS’
Feelgoodhandbags are new Grapevine members and provide ethical handbags and accessories. They seek to use designers and suppliers who have a strict ethical standards in place thus providing an alternative to people who wish to make certain lifestyle choices in their purchases. All products are 100% animal free. Grapeviners also benefit from a great introductory discount. Click here.

DELIVERING YOUR MESSAGE THROUGH THE LETTERBOX
Distribution Unlimited specialise in highly targeted print distribution. This includes the effective distribution of all types of printed materials (leaflets, flyers, vouchers, magazines, pamphlets, newspapers, etc).  Their door to door leaflet distribution service allows the selection of areas via specific postcode regions, suburbs or even specific streets where YOU want your leaflets or print material to be distributed. With 16 years of experience under their belt, they provide a quality distribution service with high customer retention rates. Click here to find out why and to learn about Grapevine member rates. 

FREE ADVERTISING FOR START-UPS!
As a previous start-up, I am keen to help other start-ups as they embark on what can be a
precarious and frustrating journey. In a bid to help,The-Grapevine offers free advertising for start-up companies. In addition, I have pulled together a team of tried & tested suppliers who offer their services to start-up Grapeviners at preferential Grapevine rates. Click here. 

SEE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE
The Harvest e-newsletter is sent to over 9500 business folk every issue. advertise in the Harvest from just £50 per issue. Please e-mail me for details.
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GREAT VINE BUSINESSES: ________________________________________________________________

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS & HOME ACCESSORIES FROM MOMUI
Momui is a new, online home accessories boutique selling stylish and decorative gifts for the home
and garden.  They've just added a new Collection called Christmas Chic to help you create just that
look, it includes Natural Wreaths, Decorative Branches, Gorgeous Scented Candles, Beautiful Tea Light Holders and Fabulous Candlesticks. Click here  

PILATES CLASS OFFER FOR JANUARY
Pilates is an invigorating form of exercise for your mind and body that can improve strength, flexibility and overall mobility. Book now with a friend and each get 8 classes for the price of 7 at AtticSalt, Edinburgh’s premier city centre Pilates studio. Easily accessible for classes at lunch time or immediately after work. Click here.

RAISE YOUR PROFILE ON THE-GRAPEVINE
The-Grapevine is offering members the opportunity to advertise on The-Grapevine website. Advertising
on the large banner places your company prominently at the top of the site, giving you prime advertising positioning and a click-through to your own website - all for only £175.00 per month. The-Grapevine site enjoys an increasing volume of traffic and this is a very cost effective way of promoting your business. There is also a limited amount of small banner adverts available with costs starting at only £50 per month. Your banner advertising is easy to arrange - to find out more and to book your place on the website, please click here or call 07797 896 442.  Please note that website advertising is limited.
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VACANCIES ON THE VINE: ________________________________________________________________

INTERESTED IN... BECOMING A WOMEN ONTO WORK BOARD MEMBER?
Women Onto Work has a 20 year record of success of supporting vulnerable andexcluded women into training, education and employment. WOW welcomes applications from women and men who are interested in becoming a board member and with experience in a range of
professional backgrounds. Click here 
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RECOMMENDED READING: ________________________________________________________________ 

INNOVATION TO THE CORE In a global economic era marked by dramatic transformation, hyper-competition, and rapid commoditisation, innovation stands out as the crucial tool for companies striving for sustainable,
profitable growth.  Making innovation a corporate-wide capability remains one of the greatest business challenges. Companies like Apple or Google seem to have been born innovative, but how can other companies make innovation a reality?  The good news is that innovation can be taught, and that all companies can learn, benefit and profit. Click here. In the intervening months since the publication of the last newsletter I have had the chance to read many books that I feel will be of interest to other Grapeviners.  Take a look at the GRAPE PUBLICATIONS section of The-Grapevine website to find out more. Click here.
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VINE VERNACULAR: ________________________________________________________________________

Our members do the talking when it comes to proving that The-Grapevine is your number one choice for virtual networking:

"Just a quick but "big" thank you to The-Grapevine. I advertised our self catering accommodation in the Grapevine.  As a result  of this advert, we were approached by another Grapeviner, Nichola Hunter
of Dinky Media, who very kindly wrote an article about www.airhouses.com  which appeared in the Scotsman magazine.  This was a definite bonus to advertising and many thanks to both The-Grapevine and Dinky Media." 
Carol Houghton of Airhouses
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