News Archive

Sectors

Dundee College Wins Tender for Apprentice Training

Skills Development Scotland has informed Dundee College that they have secured funding to train nearly 100 modern apprentices.

27/04/12

Royal Seal of Approval for Angus Textiles Company

J&D Wilkie Limited has been awarded a royal seal of approval for its contribution to international trade, securing Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

27/04/12

Major Development Proposed for Craigiebank

A major redevelopment of a well-known landmark could provide an attractive new meetings and conference venue in the East end of Dundee.

27/04/12

WPA Helps Provide the Self-employed a Safety Net

The UK economy relies heavily on the self-employed, but while there are obvious advantages to being self-employed, such self-reliance comes at a cost

27/04/12

Chamber Member's Procurement Success

Capital Document Solutions takes advantage of procurement policies and sees turnover rise.

27/04/12

RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief Available - 23rd April

This week's Brief talks about the IMF declaring global economic conditions as 'somewhat improved'. The RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief is available online here.

23/04/12

Latest AAVO newsletter - 20th April

The AAVO newsletter for 20th April is now available. Read the newsletter here.

20/04/12

SCC Welcome Fall in Scottish Unemployment

Commenting on the news that the Scottish unemployment figures have fallen by 12,000 in the three months to February, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'This represents a significant fall in Scottish unemployment and importantly brings our unemployment rate back below the UK average. The news that employment has increased by 17,000 is particularly good news and underlines the strength of Scotland's private sector businesses and our capacity to create both jobs and growth. 'We believe that tackling high levels of youth unemployment remains a priority and Scottish Chambers of Commerce have been active in progressing our plans with the Scottish Government and others to focus on graduate unemployment, ensuring that Scotland does not lose out on the wealth of untapped talent our young people possess.'

20/04/12

Rooms for Rent at KLM Partnership

KLM Partnernship has rooms available to let at their Broughty Ferry office.

20/04/12

2012: Some Signs of a Recovery But Downside Threats Remain

Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have released their Business Survey results for the first quarter of 2012. The survey, conducted in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde's Fraser of Allander Institute, reports a slight improvement in activity in the Scottish economy in the first quarter of 2012, but widespread difficulties remain for Scottish businesses. Garry Clark, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Our survey suggests that Scottish businesses have had a better start to 2012 than to last year, led by more positive indicators in manufacturing and tourism. Across all sectors, except retail, the trends in orders and sales are stronger than at the same time last year and outturns are generally ahead of expectations at the end of 2011. Businesses are now more confident as to the year ahead, but confidence varies between sectors and Scottish regions. 'Scotland's manufacturing sector now appears to have returned to modest growth after a difficult latter half of last year, with a stronger trend in new orders and high expectations returning in terms of exporting. Importantly, our manufacturers are anticipating more positive trends in terms of both turnover and profitability. There are fewer signs of recovery in construction and clearly here more Government support is essential to stimulate demand. 'Tourism businesses reported a better than anticipated first quarter and expectations for the year ahead are at their highest levels for four years. Importantly, the return to a positive trend in daily rates means that the hospitality industry may be becoming less reliant on widespread discounting to fill accommodation. However, looking behind the tourism data reveals differences between urban and rural businesses, with concerns over the cost of transport, including ferry travel, being widely cited by rural and island businesses and this could have a material effect on their ability to attract visitors over the year ahead. 'The recovery remains tentative and uncertain and Governments at both the UK and Scottish level need to act to support and encourage the recovery and to recognise that a one size fits all approach is not always appropriate and that specific measures may be required to ensure that our rural and island businesses can grow and remain competitive. This is particularly true in terms of fuel and transport costs and, unless these are addressed, it may become more difficult for rural and island businesses to attract new customers. On a wider level, it also underlines the need for the UK Government to consider an extension of the 5% VAT rate for tourist related businesses and to devolve Air Passenger Duty, giving the Scottish Government the opportunity to reduce this tax to a level more appropriate to Scotland's airports and use the proceeds to invest in a new Air Route Marketing Fund, designed to boost Scotland's direct international connectivity, making our country a more attractive destination for tourists and inward investors and facilitating new exporting opportunities.'

19/04/12

Latest Angus Funding News Bulletin available - April 2012

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.

19/04/12

SCC Comment on BCC Economic Survey

Commenting on the publication of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for the first Quarter of 2012, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), said: 'This latest British Chambers of Commerce survey, covering the first quarter of this year, reveals a clear divide in Scotland between the fortunes of our manufacturing and service sectors. Whilst our manufacturers seem to be faring better than their competitors in other parts of the UK, our service sector appears to be struggling to find a path back to growth. 'This survey presents a mixed picture of the Scottish economy and it is important to focus on the positives whilst learning lessons from the negatives. Scottish Chambers of Commerce will be drilling down further into Scotland's economic data next week when we publish our own Quarterly Business Survey as we look to provide a clearer picture of where the Scottish economy stands at this time. 'What is clear is that our economy is not yet out of the woods. Governments at a UK and Scottish level have responded positively to business demands for a greater focus on capital spending over the past year, but it is clear that additional shorter term solutions may be required in the light of this year's expected shallow levels of growth.'

19/04/12