Business people: Party time for recruitment firm

THERE may be a jobs crisis, but there is no shortage of recruitment agencies, and another is joining their ranks.

Blair Bowman, founder of World Whisky Day. Picture: Contributed

2i Resourcing, an offshoot of software testing company 2i, will be specialising in the IT sector under the guidance of Northern Irishman Chris Murphy, who says the “geeks” are now taking a central role in company strategy. He also claims this is boom time for IT as companies are reinvesting.

Murphy, formerly of Bright Purple, was hired by 2i founder Ian Bell and fellow director Cheryl George who run the fast-growing 2i group from offices in Edinburgh’s Hanover Street. Their recruitment offering will differ by providing an in-house academy to train as well as hire people for their own company and external clients.

The business has been getting itself established, and Murphy, 30, is now planning a big launch party on the rooftop of the Glasshouse Hotel on 12 September.

Slater’s taste of Scotland

Saleswoman Olivia Slater is getting a taste for Scotland’s food and drink industry, moving from Nairn’s Oatcakes to dairy firm Graham’s as account controller. Before heading to Nairn’s, she worked for Scottish & Newcastle, the brewer.

Comedy rating for Carney

Mark Carney, the Canadian who is the first foreign governor of the Bank of England, is likely to bring some humour to the dismal science if his appearance before a business audience in Nottingham last week is any guide.

Just before the question and answer session began following his speech, deadpan Carney asked if questioners would identify themselves “by name and home address”. He went on: “The Bank of England has some security people here.”

Questioned by one of the region’s businessmen on his views on the likely direction of exchange rates in the coming months, the governor’s arrow was true, if inconclusive: “Some will go up and some will come down.”

Slainte for the whisky guy

IF you enjoyed a dram on World Whisky Day in May, then you can toast Blair Bowman – one graduate who has cut out an enviable career for himself.

He founded the international celebration of Scotland’s national drink. Last year, more than 150 events took place worldwide with whisky parties on every continent, except Antarctica.

With the support of VisitScotland, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Scotland Food & Drink, and the Scottish Government, Bowman, 22, has shelved plans to apply for jobs and has even turned down job offers within the whisky industry. Instead, he intends to devote his energy to the global promotion of Scotland’s finest.

“In just two years it has grown from nothing and now attracts support in many places around the world but I want to make sure next year is when it really becomes a global phenomenon,” he said.

• Contact Erikka on 0131 620 8586 or email [email protected] or Dominic on 0131 620 8464 or email [email protected]