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.
ECONOMICS
Scottish firms hold better credit ratings than rivals across the UK
Scottish firms are less likely to go bust than those in the rest of Britain thanks to their better credit ratings, according to a new survey that further stokes the debate over whether independence would be better for the economy north of the Border ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/management/scottish-firms-hold-better-credit-ratings-than-rivals-across-the-uk-1-2591300|Scotsman|Scotsman}).
Holyrood urged not to copy Westminster business rates plan
FEARS have been raised that Scottish firms could face a “disastrous” delay in expected rates revaluations after the UK government postponed its business property taxes review until 2017 ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/management/holyrood-urged-not-to-copy-westminster-business-rates-plan-1-2591311|Scotsman|Scotsman}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/economics|Read all today’s economics news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s economics news from scotsman.com}
ENERGY & UTILITIES
Closer ties call in bid to find sea solutions
Developers of oil and gas technology are calling on major North Sea operators to work closer together to find solutions to technology issues as they prepare to gather for the fifth ITF technology showcase next week ({http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2980450|P&J|P&J}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/energy-and-utilities|Read all today’s energy and utilities news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s energy and utilities news from scotsman.com}
INDUSTRY
Martin Aerospace taking off with investment drive
AN engineering firm is investing in new machinery and creating 11 jobs after receiving £100,000 from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE). Martin Aerospace, which already employs 65 people at its base in Lanark, makes components for aircraft engines for customers such as Rolls Royce and is benefiting from growth in the commercial aerospace industry ({http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/company-news/martin-aerospace-taking-off-with-investment-drive.19192172|Herald|Herald}).
Albion aims to raise £15m through top-up scheme for VCT investment
A VENTURE capital investment firm that holds stakes in a medical technology outfit in Edinburgh and a renewable energy plant in Perth has launched a “top-up” scheme to raise £15 million. London-based Albion Ventures is raising the cash for its six venture capital trusts (VCTs), which currently focus on environmental schemes and healthcare businesses ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/albion-aims-to-raise-15m-through-top-up-scheme-for-vct-investment-1-2591324|Scotsman|Scotsman}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/industry|Read all today’s industry news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s industry news from scotsman.com}
TECHNOLOGY
IT company lifted by £2m Games contract
The potential economic legacy of the Commonwealth Games 2014 has been underlined with the award of a £2 million-plus contract to North Lanarkshire IT services firm NVT, which says it will use it to create 15 modern apprenticeships – including three for athletes ({http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/company-news/it-company-lifted-by-2m-games-contract.19180161|Herald|Herald}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/technology|Read all today’s technology news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s technology news from scotsman.com}