Scottish Business Briefing – Tuesday 18 June, 2013

Paterson Arran have acquired two new contracts from Asda. Picture: TSPL

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Aggreko eyes flat first-half profits despite 5% revenue rise

Temporary power provider Aggreko today said that its revenues have grown by about 5 per cent during the first half of the year, but trading profits are likely to be in line with last year’s £159 million figure. The Glasgow-based firm said the strongest growth has come from the Americas, where revenues are expected to rise about 11 per cent during the six months to 30 June. (Scotsman)

FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE

Famous Grouse maker in £10m expansion

FAMOUS Grouse maker Edrington is preparing to follow in the footsteps of larger rivals Diageo and Pernod Ricard by expanding its production as the whisky industry gears up to sate the continuing overseas thirst for Scotch. The group is running the rules over plans to increase output from its distilleries as it prepares to post its full-year results in a fortnight’s time (Scotsman)

Paterson’s contracted to supply 300 Asda stores

PATERSON Arran, the West Lothian-based baker, has boosted its presence in supermarkets after winning listings for two Paterson’s shortbread products in 300 Asda stores. The company, which employs around 130 staff at its Livingston bakery and 20 on the Isle of Arran, has added Clotted Cream Shortbread Fingers and a Shortbread & Biscuit Assortment to the range already stocked in Asda supermarkets. (Herald)

INDUSTRY

160 jobs threatened in ClydeUnion cuts

AROUND 160 workers are facing redundancy at the ClydeUnion plant at Cathcart in Glasgow. US-owner SPX said it has entered into a formal consultancy with trade unions and staff across a number of functions at the former Weir Pumps business. White-collar office and administration staff are thought likely to bear the brunt of the cuts in what will be the second major redundancy round since SPX bought ClydeUnion less than two years ago. (Herald)

TECHNOLOGY

Indigo now aiming to hit £2m target

Aberdeen information technology specialist Indigo Technologies is targeting annual turnover of £2million within three years after breaking through the £1million barrier for the first time. Indigo, based in Rubislaw Terrace, said it turned over a record £1.1million in its 2012-13 financial year. (P&J)

RETAIL

Rox jeweller expands into England with two stores

SCOTTISH luxury jeweller Rox is investing £2 million to expand into England, with stores in Leeds and Newcastle expected to open in time for Christmas. It will be the first move south of the Border for the chain, which was founded in 2002 and boasts three shops in Glasgow, one in Edinburgh and one in Aberdeen. (Scotsman)