Core celebrates a decade in business

The occasion is being marked by a string of events including a one-day masterclass in "negotiation and mediation strategies", to be held on 20 January. That evening, Sturrock will be in conversation with guest of honour Sir David Edward, a former European Court of Justice judge, at a dinner in Edinburgh's The Hub.

Enterprise minister Jim Mather is also set to put in an appearance, while music will be provided by the ever-popular Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

"It has been a tremendously exciting ten years, with 400 mediations and hundreds of courses and events," reflects Sturrock - consistently ranked one of the UK's leading mediators by industry bibles Chambers and Legal 500.

"We are delighted with the anniversary programme and honoured to welcome Sir David Edward as our special guest conversationalist."

With research showing that conflict costs UK business a hefty 33 billion a year, there's every likelihood Core will be around to celebrate a few more anniversaries.

A "well done" must also be extended to Markinch-based timber specialist James Donaldson & Sons after it scooped no less than three awards within one week.

As well as having to find space in the boardroom for two gongs picked up at the Fife Business Awards, including Outstanding Business Achievement of the Year, the company was named Family Business of the Year at a national awards ceremony in London.

James Pow, the boss of designer fashion group Cruise, has reason to cheer, after being welcomed into the burgeoning GlobalScot network.

Pow, who took over the helm at the Scots fashion firm last year, has 30 years' experience working with some of the industry's biggest brands, including Aquascutum, Mulberry and Pringle.

He says: "I am delighted to be welcomed into the GlobalScot network, and think that this organisation really helps to promote Scots in business at a national and international level."