Business briefs: Paterson’s | Leith Agency | BMW

SHORTBREAD maker Paterson’s has extended its work with supermarket giant Asda, which is becoming the first retailer to stock the firm’s new biscuits.

The contract is the latest in a string of deals for Paterson’s, which is sponsoring television programme Loose Women on STV and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Susanna Lloyd, local buyer for Asda Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “We’re excited to be first to market with the product extensions. We’re confident the clotted cream flavour will prove to be just as popular as the classic taste.”

• Marketing group the Leith Agency has swallowed rival Newhaven Communications.

Under the terms of the deal, Newhaven will continue to operate as before for the “foreseeable future”, with Leith supplying additional strategic planning and creative input.

Richard Marsham, Leith’s managing partner, said: “Both companies share the same culture and values and we’re excited at the opportunities this merger brings.”

Newhaven is being sold by co-owners Jonathan Shinton and Ken Dixon for an undisclosed sum.

• The John Clark Motor Group is pumping £1 million into the refurbishment of its “flagship” BMW dealership in Aberdeen and is to create 15 jobs.

The company’s Mini franchise is being moved to make way for BMW’s “i” range of electric cars and its M-series sports cars.

Initially the Mini showroom will move to the chain’s former Skoda premises before a dedicated site opens next year.

Chairman John Clark said: “It is more than 36 years since I established John Clark BMW as my first solus franchised motor trade business. The local market is hugely important for us.”