Business news in brief: Novus| Smiths| Space Solutions

PROPERTY maintenance firm Novus has chalked up £700,000-worth of contracts north of the Border, including work for St Andrews University, Starboard Hotels’ Smart City Hostel in Edinburgh and a raft of housing associations.

Under the largest of the seven deals, the UK-wide firm’s Bathgate office will carry out external repairs for Almond Housing Association in a contract worth £346,000.

The company, which is owned by the Seddon family, will also carry out work for the Dunedin Canmore, Muirhouse and Viewpoint social housing organisations.

Contract woes hit detection specialist

The world’s biggest maker of airport and port scanners yesterday warned that three troublesome contracts for detection gear would wipe some £15 million from profits.

Smiths said contracts in its detection arm have encountered problems including legal disputes with customers about payment, software glitches and cost over-runs.

But, it insisted the deals date from before 2010 and were signed under previous management. Operating profits for the year will be up to £15m lower than the £575m analysts were expecting.

Space has room for growth in Glasgow

Workplace design specialist Space Solutions has boosted its management team in central Scotland following an upturn in demand across the region.

Phil Muir, who joined the Aberdeen-based firm last year, has been promoted to studio director at the company’s Glasgow office, where he will be responsible for managing a team of architects and designers.

Regional manager Victoria Walker said: “Phil has managed a number of projects to the highest standard from our Aberdeen office and we are pleased to bring his wealth of experience to Glasgow.”