Scottish Business Briefing – Monday 10 June, 2013
ECONOMICS
Scotland’s economy: Domestic orders give boost
SCOTLAND’S economic recovery will be given a boost this morning when figures reveal the biggest jump in business activity for more than two years amid a raft of positive reports on the health of the broader UK economy. Output from the Scottish private sector rose at its fastest pace for 25 months in May, leading to the biggest increase in employment for more than a year (Scotsman).
BANKING
Osborne speech tipped to start Lloyds stake sale
Chancellor George Osborne is expected to confirm plans for the £17 billion sell-off of the state’s stake in Lloyds Banking Group at his Mansion House speech at the end of the month. The sale of the UK government’s 39 per cent holding in Lloyds is likely to take the form of discounted shares being offered to the public, who would be given the chance to buy stock at a lower price than that available to big investment funds (Scotsman).
ENERGY & UTILITIES
Second flotel builds future for Lerwick
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Hide AdA second huge barge which hundreds of oil workers will call home arrives in Shetland later this month. The Kalmar flotel will berth at Lerwick Harbour to provide accommodation for up to 220 offshore contractors for nine months. It follows the Bibby Stockholm, already alongside at the port, which can take up to 550 guests (P&J).
INDUSTRY
Shirt firm homes in on clients
A STUDENT entrepreneur and a Scottish international rugby player have ambitious plans to revolutionise the made-to-measure tailoring market. Robert Hoving and Edinburgh Rugby winger Tim Visser have already extended the ShirtbyHand business from Aberdeen to Edinburgh this year, with Glasgow next on the list. Customers arrange an appointment to be measured at their home or office with the sitting typically taking around 10 minutes (Herald).
SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE
Defence Policy: Protecting Scotland & Preserving Jobs – 14 June, Edinburgh
Join delegates from the defence industry, legal, PR, academia and more at this hugely important conference. Top speakers will tackle the burning issues facing the defence industry, one of Scotland’s most economically significant sectors. Book your place today.
TECHNOLOGY
Collbio seals £250k funding to relaunch business
LIFE sciences firm Collbio, which rose from the ashes of collapsed parent Angel Biotechnology, has secured more than £250,000 from private investors to relaunch its business. The Glasgow-based company was created in March after Aim-quoted Angel fell into the arms of administrators a month earlier, following the termination of rescue talks with a group of overseas investors (Scotsman).
Good Practice looking to expand as training budgets increase
A Scottish online learning firm plans to recruit more sales staff amid signs training budgets are being increased at home and overseas. Good Practice is preparing to expand in response to clear indications the market for management education products is recovering from the slowdown that accompanied the recession (Herald)