Scottish Business Briefing - Thursday 10 October

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.
Highland Spring: Poor 2012 hits profits. Picture: Alan RichardsonHighland Spring: Poor 2012 hits profits. Picture: Alan Richardson
Highland Spring: Poor 2012 hits profits. Picture: Alan Richardson

ENERGY

SSE to raise gas and electricity prices by 8.2%

SSE customers will see an average 8.2% rise in gas and electricity prices from 15 November, the company has announced. (Scotsman)

FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE

Poor 2012 summer hit Highland Spring profits

MINERAL water producer Highland Spring suffered a tumble in profits last year as the 2012 “summer that didn’t happen” prompted heavy promotional activity to support planned sales growth.

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RETAIL

Hunter Boot seeks to overcome drop in sales

Hunter Boot, the Edinburgh-based maker of the iconic wellington, has seen its annual profits fall by more than a third but is embarking on an investment strategy aimed at creating a “strong platform” for growth. (Scotsman)

WH Smith to hand £50m to investors as profits rise

Retail chain WH Smith today unveiled plans for a fresh £50 million share buyback scheme as it delivered a 6 per cent rise in annual profits. (Scotsman)

TRANSPORT & INDUSTRY

BAE hails ‘vibrant’ international market activity

Defence contractor BAE Systems today said activity in the international market remains “vibrant” and it hopes to conclude talks over a fighter jet order with Saudi authorities before the end of the year. (Scotsman)

MEDIA, TECH & LEISURE

Optos back on road to recovery with US deal

DUNFERMLINE-based Optos has agreed a deal that will see the first of its Daytona eye scanning machines operating in the United States. (Scotsman)

The Fracking Question - 11th December - Edinburgh

Join us as we hear how fracking challenges the basic premise of the UK energy story – resources are declining and prices are rising. The conference will look at the current and potential impacts of fracking on a local and global scale.

Early bird discount ends Friday 11th of October. Visit (the Scotsman Conferences) website for more details.

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