News Archive

Sectors

My Pinkie Promise's Showcase Event at the Royal National Mod

My Pinkie Promise met Prince Charles at The Showcase during the Royal National Mod in Caithness.

26/10/10

Comprehensive Spending Review is only the first stage

Commenting on today's Comprehensive Spending Review, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce has called on the UK Government to deliver on its promises to tackle waste and inefficiency and urged the Scottish Government to prioritise investment on the areas of the economy that will generate long-term economic growth and prosperity in its budget next month. Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: "There can be no dispute over the need for the Coalition Government to act swiftly and decisively to tackle the budget deficit. This will lead to the most significant public spending cuts seen for decades. But it is necessary and the measures announced today must be placed in context. First, UK governments have been spending more than they earn for too long. That is bad policy and not sustainable. Second, even with the proposed cuts, expenditure will still rise year-on-year and will dwarf what was spent less than a decade ago." Mr Mitchell added: "The Chancellor was right to say that tacking the public sector budget deficit was necessary but isn't on its own enough to transform our long-term economic prospects, and create opportunities for future generations. We welcome the emphasis that they have placed on investing in skills, transport infrastructure, broadband coverage and science. George Osborne isn't the first Chancellor of the Exchequer to promise to reduce waste and bureaucracy or prioritise economic growth. He and the Government need to deliver." Mr Mitchell concluded by saying: "Attention will now switch to the Scottish Government and its forthcoming Budget. Scottish Ministers must invest for the long-term as well. We need to significantly improve Scotland's physical and electronic infrastructure: the road, rail, air, sea and digital routes along which we move goods and services and grow knowledge. Scotland needs world-leading skills and talents in its boardrooms and on its factory floors, which can only be delivered through world-class education provision at every level, from the nursery upwards. Scotland must invest in growth industries and sectors where we already have a competitive edge. Academics, politicians, business leaders and commentators of all political persuasions have been talking about these sectors for years, so we know what they are - life sciences, digital media, renewables, tourism, and advanced engineering. The Scottish Government must give them 100% backing."

22/10/10

Comprehensive Spending Review - Can the Government Deliver?

The Government's Comprehensive Spending Review is only the first stage on the path towards a more prosperous and stable future. We are supportive of the broad strategy outlined by the chancellor

14/10/10

'High Noon 5' Questionnaire Results

At our recent High Noon 5 event, we polled members on two subjects: 1) What lobbying issues should be the Chamber's priority? and 2) What new or improved Chamber service do you want to see most? The results for the lobbying issues were: 35% of the members polled want more lobbying on bank lending and getting access to capital. In second place with 12% was public procurement, and third was red tape and regulation with 9%. On Chamber services, 41% want more events like our High Noon series, giving local businesses access to high-ranking individuals, 24% would find more best practice learning (such as our Master Class events) helpful, while 22% want more networking events. Our next Master Class is on the 25th of October, with Lady Susan Rice from Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, followed by 'High Noon 6' on the 12th of November, featuring Geoffrey Podger of the UK Health and Safety Executive. Our priorities and events are shaped by you, the members, and we'll be taking all responses into account as we shape our future. And remember, don't be shy about giving us your thoughts via email: drop us a line at mikestirling@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk with any comments or suggestions.

14/10/10

Tesco Dundee Customer Service Centre Wins Major European Award

At the recent European Call Centre Awards in Birmingham, the Tesco Customer Service Centre in Dundee was named as the winner of the award for Best Centre for Customer Services in Europe, along with its counterpart in Cardiff. Karen Hutchison of the Dundee Tesco Customer Service Centre said of the prestigious award: "This accolade is a fantastic confirmation of the first-class service our teams are providing to Tesco customers."

13/10/10

In Your Shoes