Scottish Business Briefing – Tuesday 9 July, 2013
ECONOMICS
Reports signal Scottish property market recovery
There was a glimmer of hope for Scotland’s beleaguered property market as reports signalled hints of a recovery. There is a “sustained demand” for new properties, the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (Rics) Scotland said. Regional property groups also celebrated good news (Scotsman).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
Record figures for Isle of Arran whisky maker
Isle of Arran Distillers has toasted its 18th anniversary with record sales and profits despite a fall in visitors to the island. The malt whisky maker, which celebrated its coming of age at the end of June, said success last year was driven by exports as its brand becomes known among Scotch drinkers around the world (Scotsman).
Entrepreneur in bid to sell ‘waiter calling’ device
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Hide AdA SCOTTISH entrepreneur is in talks with a number of businesses about a management tool that he initially designed to help restaurants provide better customer service. Ron Hounsell, who runs bottled water cooler distributor Cameron Water in Bellshill, has spent more than two years and £250,000 developing the Utellme device and its software in his spare time (Herald).
SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE
Scottish Food & Drink: Keeping it in the family – 10 Sept, Edinburgh
20% Early bird discount until 19 July
Join us as we examine the success of Scottish family food and drink business. Hear experts share their strategies for growth and how to avoid pitfalls along the way. If you have an interest in the sector, whether as a producer, policy maker or someone setting up a new business, you can’t afford to miss this event. (The Scotsman Conferences)
INDUSTRY
Raynesway lands £2.5m deal for heliport
A construction firm has won a £2.5 million contract to build a new heliport that could be used by stars visiting the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow. Raynesway Construction has been appointed by SECC to design and build a new heliport and support facilities in Govan south of the Clyde (Herald).
MANAGEMENT
Brodies says growth due to its ‘focus on Scotland’
LAW firm Brodies said yesterday it was continuing to reap the benefits of its focus on the Scottish market as it announced a third consecutive year of revenue and profit growth. The firm, the largest in terms of turnover and partners based in Scotland, said substantial investment across the business as part of a three-year strategic plan was paying dividends (Scotsman).
RETAIL
Murray fever gives retailers reason to cheer as sales rise
BRITAIN’s shopkeepers are hoping a combination of Andy Murray fever, the return of blue skies and an imminent royal baby will create a feelgood factor and encourage consumers to return to the high street. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said today that June had witnessed a “strong performance” with growth across all categories, led by fashion sales as the weather warmed up (Scotsman).