Scottish Business Briefing

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Tax grab will 'force us to switch from North Sea' says Centrica

GAS AND electricity giant Centrica said yesterday that the Chancellor's tax grab on the North Sea may force it to switch some of its investment programme towards Norwegian waters and to other territories such as Trinidad.

Read all today's energy and utilities news from scotsman.com

FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE

Macaroon maker Lees produces a tasty turnover despite rising costs

RISING commodity prices are eating into Lees Foods' profits as higher coconut, cocoa and sugar costs continue to put the iconic macaroon maker under pressure.

Read all today's food, drink and agriculture news from scotsman.com

INDUSTRY

GB Group secures deal for Advanced Checking Services

FOUR technology entrepreneurs are to share a windfall worth up to 5 million after Glasgow-based Advanced Checking Services, a company that specialises in checking driving licences, was snapped up by quoted identity management specialist GB Group.

Read all today's industry news from scotsman.com

MEDIA & LEISURE

BBC iPlayer creator Highfield takes top job at Johnston Press

THE man who launched the BBC's iPlayer online TV service was yesterday named as the new chief executive of the publisher of The Scotsman.

BSkyB annual profits fall by 15%

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB has reported a 15% fall in annual pre-tax profits to 1.01bn. News Corp has said it will not be trying to buy the 61% of BSkyB it does not already own following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.

Read all today's media and leisure news from scotsman.com

RETAIL

Gloom reigns on the high street as sales slowdown gains traction

FRESH evidence of a slowdown on the high street emerged yesterday as a closely-watched industry survey showed sales falling at their fastest pace in a year.

Read all today's retail news from scotsman.com

Scottish Business Briefing – July 29th 2011