News Archive

Sectors

SCC Chairman Highlights Risks of Rising Cost of Renewable Energy

Addressing the 2011 Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Annual Dinner, SCC Chairman Mike Salter has issued a warning that over-reliance on renewable energy could cost Scottish businesses dear unless urgent action is taken to broaden our energy generation and to manage demand. Mr Salter has nearly 40 years of experience in the energy industry. Mr Salter said: 'I think that everyone knows that petrol and Oil have gone up because the world price of the commodity has increased very significantly. But why has electricity gone up so much? The answer of course is partly because the cost of fuel, (Coal and Gas), have also gone up. But there is also an additional element and that is the Government's Renewables Obligation whereby the consumer subsidises renewable generation, both on and offshore. 'Scotland is almost uniquely placed in Europe as a source of wind and tidal generated electricity, and it is rightly seen as a major opportunity for Scotland and Scottish business, particularly in the area of offshore wind generation capacity. However the costs of these projects is going through the roof, a recently announced second round project in the Irish Sea speaks to an investment of £1.6bn for a windfarm of 389MW capacity - this is £4.1million/MW which is 25-35% more expensive than the next closest technology and 25% more expensive than the estimates of 18months ago. According to Mott McDonald

29/09/11

Scottish Chambers Welcome Move Towards Three Year Scottish Honours Degrees

Scottish Chambers of Commerce have welcomed Dundee University's initiative of creating a three year honours degree course for appropriately qualified Scottish students, believing that this would be good for students, good for business and good for our universities. Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'The prospect of a three year honours degree is an extremely welcome initiative from Dundee University. With a large number of Scottish school students already being educated to Advanced Higher level, it makes sense that Scottish university degrees reflect this fact and provide students with a tailored learning experience leading directly on from their school education, rather than having to retread old ground. 'For the students, this will reduce the cost of study by a quarter, even in the absence of tuition fees; for the universities, it will allow them to provide more focused and cost effective education; and for business, it will assist in placing young people into firms earlier, allowing them to develop their practical skills ensuring that productivity is accelerated and bringing us into line with the experience south of the border 'Of course, three year degrees may not be appropriate for every discipline, but this is exactly the kind of progressive thinking we need from our Higher Education sector as it seeks to provide world class, practical and efficient education to our business leaders of the future.'

28/09/11

Scarlet Bakery teams up with CraigOwl Communities

Chamber members working together to help the community.

28/09/11

Johnston Carmichael Donation Secures State-of-the-Art Technology for Cancer Research

Chartered accountants and Chamber members Johnston Carmichael, have presented a cheque for £40,000 to Cancer Research UK.

27/09/11

RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief Available - 26th September

This week's Brief looks at the appetite for action amongst policymakers to confront the global economic crisis. The RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief is available to download here.

27/09/11

Speed Networking Joint Event Feedback

Positive response to joint Chamber event.

27/09/11

Clearkit

Information and advice on recruiting and retaining disabled talent.

27/09/11

Only a Few Weeks Left to Enter the Shell Springboard Awards

The Shell Springboard programme awards the most commercially viable and innovative business ideas to reduce carbon emissions.

27/09/11

Simpson & Marwick Looks at Varying Terms & Conditions of Employment

Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) sheds light on the steps an employer can take when seeking to vary multiple staff contracts, and the impact this has on any subsequent dismissal and re-engagement process.

27/09/11

Scottish Chambers Seek to Engage Positively on Corporation Tax Devolution

Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have indicated indicated that they are supporting a constructive debate on the possible devolution of Corporation Tax to Scotland. Publishing their evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Scotland Bill Committee on Corporation Tax (CT), SCC are adopting an open and pragmatic approach to the devolution of the tax and are posing a number of questions that need to be answered as the debate progresses. Launching the consultation response, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'The ongoing debate over the Scotland Bill and what additional powers, if any, are needed to ensure Scotland's long term economic success has been a well trodden path in recent years. At Scottish Chambers of Commerce, we have been engaging with our members across Scotland regarding their priorities for devolving powers to a more local level. We have already adopted positions in favour of the devolution of Air Passenger Duty and additional borrowing powers for the Scottish Parliament but the devolution of Corporation Tax has generated a large measure of discussion. 'Our members have told us that low business taxes are important to them, and they are also key to attracting new businesses to invest in Scotland. Corporation Tax is an important example of this but there are also other taxes which fall into this bracket, including Income Tax, payable by sole traders and partnerships, and Business Rates, which are already within the control of the Scottish Government. Corporation Tax is not paid by all businesses

26/09/11