Scottish Business Briefing – July 16th 2013
INDUSTRY
Clyde Union pumps business sees upturn in fortune
Clyde Union, part of the pumps business sold by Jim McColl’s business empire to US-based SPX in 2011, saw its losses narrow last year, with a key executive leaving and jobs cut. The company, which last month announced a further 160 jobs were at risk at its Clyde Union Pumps’ Glasgow site, said 2012 had been a year of integration for the business under the new owner.
Tulloch’s £30m green light for new work and 180 jobs
A STRING of housing projects have been given the go ahead by Tulloch Homes in a move that will create some 180 jobs. The developments, which amount to an investment of £30 million, come as the Inverness-based firm racks up its best half-yearly sales performance in five years. It is the latest housebuilder to report a recovery as buyers head back into the market.
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE
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Carr’s business improves after mill closure and poor harvest
CARR’S Milling Industries has seen an improvement in its business, thanks to competitors closing and a greater dependence on overseas wheat. The company said the flour milling industry has been plagued with over capacity and volatile pricing in recent years. However, a poor UK wheat harvest in 2012 has meant a greater need for imported grains.
MEDIA & LEISURE
Cupid in £45m deal to sell sites to co-founder
CUPID yesterday agreed to sell its “casual dating” business – including sites such as Benaughty.com and Flirt.com – to co-founder Max Polyakov in a deal worth £45.1m. The Edinburgh-based firm had revealed in May that it was in talks with unnamed buyers and yesterday said the disposal would enable it to focus on its mainstream online dating sites such as Cupid.com and UniformDating.com.
RETAIL
Barnes and Brown exit in Dobbies boardroom shuffle
JAMES Barnes, the long-standing chief executive of Dobbies Garden Centres, has left the Tesco-owned company along with finance director Sharon Brown. The sudden and unexplained departure of the two senior figures in the Lasswade-based business emerged as Tesco unveiled its latest plans to develop the chain.
TECHNOLOGY
Game analysis firm secures investment for new platform
AN online data analysis business has secured $1.3 million (£862,000) of investment which will help it to double staff numbers. GamesAnalytics, founded two years ago, plans to use the money to boost the development of its technology platform Predict and add to its sales and marketing activities in Europe and the US. Management believe that will help the business attract several new customers.