Scottish Business Briefing - Monday 11 March 2013

WELCOME to scotsman.com’s Scottish Business Briefing. Every morning we bring you a comprehensive round-up of all news affecting business in Scotland today.

ECONOMICS

Scotland to avoid ‘triple-dip’ after activity rise

BANK of Scotland chief economist Donald MacRae believes Scotland will avoid a triple-dip recession after business activity rose for the eight month in a row. A rise in both domestic and export orders during February pushed the bank’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) up to 52.5 from 52.3 in January. Manufacturers created more jobs last month, while the service sector maintained its employment levels (Scotsman)

SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE

The Economics of Independence 2013

This conference tackles the crucial issues facing business and industry in the Scottish independence debate. Join expert speakers Alistair Darling MP, Jim McColl (Clyde Blowers) and Rupert Soames (Aggreko). Book your place today.

FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE

Uisge Source to sell ‘drop that makes dram’ in US

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A START-UP firm that has ­already sold 50,000 bottles of its specially-sourced water is aiming to break into the lucrative United States market with its “drop that makes the dram”. Uisge Source has been selling waters suited to accompany Islay, Highland and Speyside malts since October, when it filled its first order for the Whisky Shop chain (Scotsman).

INDUSTRY

Mactaggart & Mickel in Miller Homes and Premier Inn deals

MACTAGGART & Mickel ­Timber Systems has won a series of contracts worth more than £1.4 million in total since the start of the year. The Bellshill-based company will provide 76 units for a Miller Homes development in Winchburgh, its second contract with the housebuilder. The firm has also secured its fifth contract with Ogilvie Construction, which is kitting out a 60-bed Premier Inn in Stirling (Scotsman).

MANAGEMENT

French Duncan hunting for its next merger opportunity

ACCOUNTANCY firm French Duncan has signalled it is still on the merger hunt just a few months after a tie-up with Macfarlane Gray. Managing partner Graeme Finnie admitted French Duncan was looking at expansion in the east and north of Scotland. A move into the north of England is also part of the long-term growth plan and has been considered at board level (Herald).

MEDIA & LEISURE

Scottish ports on course for record year for cruise ships

Scottish ports are heading for a record-breaking number of leisure passengers this summer, marketing body Cruise Scotland said yesterday. But it also warned that stricter checks by the UK Border Force could threaten growth (P&J).

TECHNOLOGY

£60m fund for Scots life science and technology firms

SCOTTISH life science companies and technology firms are to share in nearly £60 million of fresh investment that is due to be unveiled today by UK science minister David Willetts. Cyclacel, the Dundee University spin‑out listed on Nasdaq, and fellow Tayside-based firm Integrated Magnetic Systems, will each receive a slice of the £47.2m being handed out (Scotsman).

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