Scottish Business Briefing – Monday 24 June, 2013
ECONOMICS
UK austerity: Osborne signals more cuts ahead
George Osborne set out fresh plans to axe more defence jobs yesterday, in the latest indication that the era of austerity looks set to continue beyond the next Westminster election. A number of civilian staff will be axed and major spending contracts will have to be scaled back, the Chancellor said, although military personnel are now safe after thousands were laid off last week (Scotsman).
Ernst & Young Item Club upgrades economic growth forecast
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Hide AdA leading economic forecaster has revised upwards its prediction for growth in the Scottish economy this year - but only marginally. The Ernst & Young Scottish Item Club raised its growth forecast by 0.1% to 0.8%. It said it had revised the figure because of a strong end to 2012 and an improving global economic picture (BBC).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
Khushi’s in Edinburgh outlets expansion plan
A RESTAURANT chain credited with bringing Indian food to Scotland has unveiled plans to expand two of its outlets in Edinburgh. Khushi’s has applied for permission to double the seating at its 100-cover flagship restaurant on Antigua Street by building an extension to the rear and expanding into its cellar (Scotsman).
Scotty Brand growth plan set to be fruitful
A FRESH fruit and vegetables subsidiary of potatoes giant Albert Bartlett is planning to expand its product offering into salmon, haddock, biscuits, bacon and soups. Scotty Brand already provides a range of Scottish grown produce to supermarkets including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. A recent deal will also see branded Ayrshire potatoes stocked in Waitrose’s Scottish stores for the first time this summer (Herald).
SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE
The Future of the UK Aerospace Industry – 5 September 2013, Prestwick
20% Early bird discount until 12 July
The UK Government signed up to a £2 billion partnership to keep the UK aerospace industry at the forefront of world aerospace manufacturing. Join us and hear the government explain its strategy to secure large numbers of high value jobs. Book your place today. (The Scotsman Conferences)
TECHNOLOGY
Aircraft Medical returns to black after legal battles
AIRCRAFT Medical, the Edinburgh-based healthcare device maker, has returned to the black as it continues to bounce back from a series of long-running legal fights against a rival. The company – which produces video laryngoscopes, devices fitted with cameras that help medics to put breathing tubes down patients’ throats – won cases in the UK and United States this year and last year against rival Verathon Medical Scotsman)
TRANSPORT
Charter flights move after Scotia Helicopters sale
A HELICOPTER pilot training business has been sold in a seven-figure deal and the new owners are keen to step up its presence in charter flights for wealthy customers ahead of the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. Scotia Helicopters’ majority shareholder John Pearson is retiring and said he was “very pleased” to have struck an agreement with Heli Air Scotland (Scotsman).