News Archive

Sectors

Seasonal Insurance Snippets

Here are Clark Thomson's festive Insurance Snippets for December.

14/12/11

GSK and Dundee University Are Developing Huntington's Disease Treatment Together

The University of Dundee and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have entered into a joint research project to tackle Huntington's disease, an inherited brain disorder.

14/12/11

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Welcome Focus on High Streets

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the publication of Mary Portas's report on high streets, and the ensuing media and political debate. Liz Cameron, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive, commented: 'Chambers of Commerce know better than most how important our high streets are to our towns and communities. The businesses that make up Chambers of commerce memberships across Scotland are the businesses that are at the heart of communities; they see each day the problems that arise from dying high streets. 'We therefore welcome the attention that this report draws to the issues our members tackle on a daily basis. While most of the recommendation apply mainly to England, they and the background commentary provide important food for thought for Scottish policy makers. 'Scottish Chambers of Commerce have identified town centre regeneration as a key policy priority for 2012. We are establishing an expert group of business leaders with direct experience of the issues to generate practical solutions to improve our communities, recognising the key role that local businesses play in creating safe, pleasant, active and vibrant high streets in Scotland's towns.'

14/12/11

Brewin Dolphin Poll Finds 2/3 of Scots Have No Will

Brewin Dolphin, one of the UK's largest private client investment managers, has commissioned research on writing a will - a daunting prospect for many.

14/12/11

SCC Welcomes Publication of New Business Case for Scottish High Speed Rail

Scottish Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the publication of Fast Track Scotland, the business case for bringing High Speed Rail to Scotland. SCC played a key role in working with Transport Scotland to develop this important milestone in the campaign to ensure that Scotland benefits fully from the next generation of the UK's transport infrastructure. Commenting, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of SCC, said: 'Fast Track Scotland sets out in clear and unambiguous terms the economic windfall that the development of High Speed Rail could bring to Scotland. As the UK moves towards a rapid, resilient and sustainable rail network for the 21st century, it is vital that Scotland is included from the outset. 'Last week, the Scottish Government set out a route map towards Scottish High Speed Rail which offered a realistic assessment of how and when it can be delivered. This week, we aim to set out why High Speed Rail is necessary and underline the strong support for it amongst the Scottish business community. 'The ball is now squarely in the court of the UK government and we are seeking a clear signal that they are prepared to work alongside the Scottish Government to deliver this essential infrastructure project. A vital first step will be for the Transport Secretary to expand the remit of HS2 Ltd - the body currently planning the UK High Speed Rail network - to include the potential routes north of Manchester and Leeds. 'We fully support the UK Government's plans to get High Speed Rail moving between London and the West Midlands and now we must look for a similar commitment from them towards planning for the Scottish end of the network.'

14/12/11

Scottish Engineering Quarterly Review - December

Large companies reporting positive figures, harder times for smaller companies but employment numbers sustained.

14/12/11

Inflation Figures Show Need for Government and Bank of England measures for Stability

As inflation figures published today show inflation continues to fall, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron has reiterated her call for the Government and the Bank of England to respond to economic realities. Liz Cameron commented 'Both CPI and RPI inflation have fallen back again in November. This is welcome news and not unexpected. 'The inflation figures published today are yet another illustration of why the UK Government should have moved away from its historic attachment to September's peak 5.6% RPI figure in determining next year's business rates poundage. The Scottish Government still has time to stop this extra burden being added to hard-pressed Scottish businesses, and pull back its poundage rate increase to the expected 5.2% figure, rather than rake in extra cash from businesses that can ill afford to pay, on the back of a coincidental 20 year peak in RPI inflation two months ago. 'The Bank of England must also play its part in stabilising the environment for businesses across Scotland and Britain. The still unresolved Eurozone crisis is just one, albeit major, factor creating a context of continuing economic uncertainty. Today's figures vindicate our call for the Bank of England to do its bit by committing to maintaining interest rates at 0.5% throughout 2012.'

13/12/11

DACC Meeting with Scottish Transport Minister

DACC joined representatives from Dundee City Council and TACTRAN for a meeting with Keith Brown, Minister for Housing and Transport in the Scottish Government.

13/12/11

RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief Available - 12th December

This week's Brief looks at the UK's decision to block amendments to the Lisbon treaty. The RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief is available to download here.

12/12/11

Report on Public Procurement in Scotland

'Building a Better Future?' - a report of the President's Commission on Public Procurement in Scotland.

12/12/11

Latest AAVO newsletter - 9th December

The AAVO newsletter for 9th December is now available. Read the newsletter here.

12/12/11

Latest Angus Funding News Bulletin available - December 2011

This month's Angus Funding News bulletin is now available. It covers latest news from the funders, funding opportunities, funding support, advice and useful information. View the newsletter (and previous editions) here.

12/12/11