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
Modest growth for UK services sector
THE UK’s dominant services sector managed to achieve “modest” growth in February, in contrast to declines in manufacturing and construction activity, a key survey has revealed {http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/markets-economy/modest-growth-for-uk-services-sector.20419294Z|Herald|Herald}).
{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
Keiller wants cohesion as Wood unveils profit hike
Wood Group chief executive Bob Keiller outlined his plans for a more “joined up” company yesterday as he reported a 35 per cent jump in profits in his first annual results at the helm of the energy services giant ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/energy-and-utilities/keiller-wants-cohesion-as-wood-unveils-profit-hike-1-2820561|Scotsman|Scotsman}).
{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
Banks show ‘bias’ against builders, says FMB
A QUARTER of small building firms have missed out on contracts because they say they cannot secure funding ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/banking/banks-show-bias-against-builders-says-fmb-1-2821152|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}
MANAGEMENT
Breedon set on reaping rewards from road projects
Breedon Aggregates said yesterday it was looking to benefit from the new Aberdeen bypass, the upgrade of the A9 Inverness-Perth road and investment in the renewable-energy industry ({http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/3149470|P&J|P&J}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/management|Read all today’s management news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s management news from scotsman.com}
e-BUSINESS
Web sales boost for Macfarlane Group amid profits lift
MACFARLANE Group is continuing its “self-help” remedy for business growth because there are few signs of economic improvement around the UK ({http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/company-news/web-sales-boost-for-macfarlane-group-amid-profits-lift.20419423|Herald|Herald}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/e-business|Read all today’s e-Business news from scotsman.com| Read all today’s e-Business news from scotsman.com}
RETAIL
Twin engines of growth as John Menzies takes off
JOHN Menzies’ outgoing finance director Paul Dollman promised profit growth in both the company’s aviation and distribution divisions this year ({http://www.scotsman.com/business/retail/twin-engines-of-growth-as-john-menzies-takes-off-1-2820560|Scotsman|Scotsman}).
{http://www.scotsman.com/business/retail|Read all today’s retail news from scotsman.com|Read all today’s retail news from scotsman.com}
SCOTSMAN CONFERENCE
The Future of the Media in Scotland
Join us on 9th of April at The Scottish National Galleries in Edinburgh as conference chair Juliet Dunlop leads a line up of formidable speakers as they tackle the big issues facing Scotland’s media. The full agenda can now be viewed online. Book your place today.
({http://www.scotsmanconferences.com|The Scotsman Conferences|SC})