Scottish Business Briefing – Friday 15 June, 2012
INSURANCE
Standard Life gears up for move into Asia’s expanding markets
INSURANCE giant Standard Life has bolstered its management structure in preparation for a major move into emerging markets in Asia. David Nish, the group’s chief executive, said the changes would allow the business to target “exceptional opportunities” in the region. (Scotsman)
ECONOMICS
Bank and Treasury look to boost bank lending
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Hide AdThe Bank of England will launch two new stimulus packages in response to the worsening economic outlook, governor Sir Mervyn King has said. Together with the government, it will provide billions of pounds of cheap credit to banks to lend to companies. (BBC)
ENERGY & UTILITIES
Falling coal prices send miner’s share price into a steep decline
SHARES in Scottish coal mine operator ATH Resources halved in value yesterday after the firm warned that falling international coal prices had forced it to put pit expansion on hold. (Scotsman)
Energy is key growth factor for firm – boss
Design and engineering consultant W.S. Atkins said yesterday the oil and gas sector played a key role in its plans for future growth. The firm employs around 1,200 people in its energy business, including 170 in Aberdeen.
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2812263
TECHNOLOGY
Early stem cell findings boost ReNeuron’s shares
SHARES in life sciences outfit ReNeuron surged by up to 20 per cent yesterday after the firm unveiled “intriguing” early results from its stem cell trial in stroke patients at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital. (Scotsman)
TRANSPORT
Lower debt bill boosts Interbulk
CHEMICALS distribution firm Interbulk, in which engineering tycoon Jim McColl holds a stake, has grown its underlying profits by a fifth to £2.5 million as it continues to reap the benefits of last year’s debt restructuring. (Scotsman)