Scottish Business Briefing – Thursday 6 June, 2013
BANKING
RBS ‘turning its back on taxpayers’ with closures
ROYAL Bank of Scotland bosses are “turning their back” on taxpayers who bailed out the institution during the banking collapse by pressing ahead with controversial branch closures, an MSP has claimed. Labour and SNP MSPs united to attack the bank’s latest decision to close branches in parts of Scotland during a Holyrood debate on the issue yesterday (Scotsman).
ECONOMICS
UK economy ‘firing on all cylinders’
Economists have predicted that the UK economy could grow by at least 1 per cent this year after figures showed activity in the powerhouse services sector rose at its fastest pace for more than a year. The stronger-than-expected performance from the sector, which accounts for some three-quarters of the economy, follows improved readings from both the manufacturing and construction sectors (Scotsman).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
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Hide AdScots paté maker secures funding as it sinks teeth into new market
PATÉ specialist Findlater’s Fine Foods is gearing up for a further surge in growth following a six-figure funding deal and the launch of a division serving mass caterers. The food service business will run alongside the niche firm’s existing operation of supplying delis, food halls and other retailers with its 20-plus range of hand-made products (Scotsman).
INDUSTRY
Scottish business advisory group’s ‘record savings’
The Scottish Government’s manufacturing support service took on 23 fewer projects last year but insisted that the programme delivered “record savings” for businesses to the tune of £21 million. The Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (Smas), part of Scottish Enterprise, said it fulfilled 184 business efficiency projects for manufacturing firms in 2012-13, adding that it had seen a move away from “fix it” type projects to higher impact “transformational” projects (Scotsman).
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.
MEDIA & LEISURE
Turnberry tie-up broadens hotel’s appeal
A NEW outdoor activity centre is being launched at Turnberry on Saturday as the five-star Ayrshire resort looks to broaden its appeal as a family destination. Turnberry Adventures is a joint venture between hotel operator Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Maximillion Events, the Edinburgh-based corporate events specialist (Herald).
Scottish hotel experts to boost Liberian tourism
SCOTTISH hotel management experts have been enlisted to support efforts to stimulate the tourist trade in Liberia as the West African country recovers from a long civil war. Marketing specialists in Glasgow aim to help a hotel near the capital Monrovia win business after Redefine BDL Hotels won a contract to manage the oceanfront RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas property (Herald).