Return to service for Shetland Bus buffs
IT sailed in some of the most daring and clandestine missions of the Second World War, carrying spies, refugees, weapons and explosives under cover of darkness.Now, the largely unknown story of the...
View ArticleRetail rewards scheme to help smaller shops
SCOTLAND’S independent shops are fighting back against the invasion of chain stores and the march of online retailers by launching their own customer loyalty scheme.Clickypoints, which gives retailers...
View ArticleSports Direct on the ball with strong figures
SPORTS Direct is expected to post another strong set of figures this week, including continued growth in its brands division, where operations at youth fashion label Firetrap are being overhauled with...
View ArticleDirector dealings: Breedon feels results will be set in concrete
CONCRETE firm Breedon recently said that providing weather conditions don’t disrupt trading conditions this month, it expects results to be in line with market expectations.Sales volumes of aggregates...
View ArticleSoftware firm unveils program to beat costly computer failures
A SOFTWARE firm that traces its origins to Scottish Enterprise’s controversial Intermediary Technology Institutes (ITIs) has developed a program to help avoid the computer chaos that saw investors lose...
View ArticleBill Jamieson: Homing in on solutions to our economic woes
WANTED: a bold, dramatic step that could help counter the risk of a prolonged triple dip recession next year. Is there a game-changer that could help cushion another relapse?Let’s be in no doubt of how...
View ArticleStead & Simpson to close 90 shoe stores
The owner of shoe retailer Stead & Simpson is to close 90 stores following a “thorough review” of the business.The news is a further blow to Britain’s beleaguered high street, which has seen a...
View ArticleBusiness news in brief: Virgin Atlantic | Bank of England | John Lewis
SIR Richard Branson was yesterday said be in talks to sell part of his 51 per cent stake in airline Virgin Atlantic to Air France-KLM. A three-way deal would also see US-based carrier Delta acquire...
View ArticleGolden Olympics helps Sports Direct
MIKE ASHLEY’S Sports Direct International is expected to unveil higher half-year profits this week as it benefited from Olympics fever and the demise of rival JJB Sports.Sports Direct, which has nearly...
View ArticleComment: Producers and middlemen alike come under pressure
IN ALL the views provided on why multinational company Vion, owner of Hall’s of Broxburn, has placed a “for sale” notice on all its UK operations, there seems to me to be one missing. I have seen...
View ArticleShoe chain Stead & Simpson will shut 90 branches to stem losses
Britain’s beleaguered high street has been dealt a fresh blow after the owner of shoe retailer Stead & Simpson said it will close 90 stores, including seven in Scotland, following a “thorough...
View ArticleDismal start to the new year likely for Europe’s banks
MORE JOB losses, a further squeeze on lending and a fresh wave of asset disposals are on the cards as Europe’s banking sector heads into the new year.Almost two-thirds of UK lenders expect a reduction...
View ArticleRBS unveils £200m fund to help firms shrink their energy bills
BUSINESSES are to be offered discounted loans to help them trim their energy costs under a £200 million deal launched today by Royal Bank of Scotland.• £200m fund available for firms with turnover of...
View ArticleScottish private sector struggles for growth in November
SCOTLAND’S private sector economy grew marginally during “challenging” conditions last month, though the rate of expansion eased, a report out today reveals.Output rose slowly, employment was unchanged...
View ArticleBig expansion plans for Pizza Hut Delivery
ARMCHAIR pizza lovers will be licking their lips today after one of the country’s top delivery chains announced multi-million-pound expansion plans.Pizza Hut Delivery said it aimed to open at least...
View ArticlePeople: Journalism’s inaugural ‘Napiers’ prove a success
EDINBURGH Napier University’s inaugural journalism awards provided an opportunity for a bit of back-slapping last week.Hosted by broadcaster Kirsty Wark and organised by students Andy Mackie, Jenny...
View ArticleGood concepts grab interest
The deal pipeline remains strong in the bars and restaurant sector, with demand for quality “concepts” grabbing investors’ interest, a report out today indicates.Accountancy firm BDO’s research notes...
View ArticleMonday interview: ESpark co-founder Jim Duffy
GETTING involved in a new business can be daunting and occasionally troublesome. Jim Duffy should know, as it happened to him, writes Terry Murden.After a year in the US on a Saltire Fellowship...
View ArticleDiageo discusses expansion into US brands with Japanese brewer
JOHNNIE Walker-owner Diageo has held talks about grabbing a slice of US-based bourbon whisky producer Beam.The drinks giant, which also owns Guinness and Smirnoff, is said to have held discussions with...
View ArticleFurther term at the helm of Brodies for Bill Drummond
BILL DRUMMOND has cemented his position as one the legal sector’s longest-serving managing partners with his re-election as head of Edinburgh-based Brodies for a sixth consecutive term.Drummond,...
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