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Chamber Building's New Lease of Life

Old Chamber home becomes arts and events venue.

29/10/12

Latest VAA Community Bulletin - 26th October

The VAA Community Bulletin for 26th October is now available. Read the newsletter here.

29/10/12

RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief Available - 29th October

This week's Brief looks at the UK economy growing, American consumers helping US growth and China's economy stabilising. The RBS Chief Economist's Weekly Brief is available online here.

29/10/12

Greener Fuel Now Used on all Stagecoach East Scotland Buses

Stagecoach East Scotland plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 22% through the use of cleaner, greener fuel on its entire bus fleet.

26/10/12

SCC Demands Clarity on Key Constitutional Issues

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Economic Affairs on the second day of their visit to Scotland to gather evidence for their inquiry into the economic effects of Scottish Independence on the United Kingdom. Liz Cameron addressed the committee on a range of constitutional issues. Speaking afterwards, Liz Cameron said: 'To make a decision about Scottish independence, businesses wants and needs answers. We require not only the Scottish Government, but also the UK Government to set out the parameters within which they see any post-referendum negotiations taking place. The UK government has now agreed to this referendum, but if it wants to see the UK kept together, it too must make its case. 'I am delighted that my fellow panellists agreed with Scottish Chambers of Commerce that continued membership of the EU is of huge advantage to Scottish businesses. Whatever the outcome of the referendum, ensuring that this can continue is a priority. 'Issues about currency, about the European Union, about regulation, and about the liabilities of a new Scottish state, will have a huge impact on the views of business and their decisions about Scottish independence. Definitive answers may not be forthcoming on some of these points until any post referendum negotiations take place, but we look forward to engaging with both governments and with the wider policy community as we work towards clarity. 'Businesses' decision-making must be able to be driven by data and facts, not emotions. Businesses must be able to assess all options, to identify opportunities and any risks; only this will enable them to effectively reach a view. 'Throughout 2013, discussion and debate will be taking place in Chambers of Commerce across Scotland, resulting in detailed questions which SCC will be putting to both sides of the constitutional debate, and both governments.'

26/10/12

Croatian Trade Delegation in Dundee and Angus

Trade, cultural and education opportunities discussed.

23/10/12

Latest VAA Community Bulletin - 19th October

The VAA Community Bulletin for 19th October is now available. Read the newsletter here.

19/10/12

Closing Pandora's Box: Employment Contracts Key to Keeping a Lid on Commercial Secrets

Employers worried about losing commercially sensitive information when employees move on are being told to tighten up employment contracts if they want to protect themselves and have the courts on their side.

19/10/12

AWPR Decision Must Pave Way for Radical Reform

Welcoming the decision by the Supreme Court that paves the way for the eventual progress of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Business across Scotland and particularly those in the North East will welcome this decision by the Supreme Court. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will help to facilitate greater opportunity and prosperity in the North East of Scotland and this common sense judgement should at last allow the needs of the vast majority of those in and around Aberdeen and Grampian to prevail. 'Quite frankly it is an affront to our planning and legal processes that this essential development has been delayed for so long by the spurious arguments of a tiny minority, whose case has been dismissed time and time again at every forum at which it has been considered. Action is needed now to stop this costly farce from ever happening again. 'The ball should now be squarely in the court of the Scottish Government and their indicative timetable reveals that they expect this project to be completed by spring 2018. We urge them to proceed with haste. 'It is unacceptable that a vital infrastructure project that was announced by the then Scottish Executive in January 2003 should take over 15 years to be completed. Scotland deserves and requires better from its planning and legal systems. Lessons from this debacle must be learnt and implemented forthwith.'

19/10/12

Continuing Recession Necessitates Direct Support for Business

Commenting on the publication of statistics which show that Scotland's economy shrank by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2012, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'We have now had three consecutive quarters of contraction in the Scottish economy, with our own surveys suggesting that business sentiment during the summer remained at a low ebb. If our economy is to return to strong levels growth then it will be down to the private sector to provide this through the creation of wealth and employment opportunities. 'That said, demand at the moment is low and needs to increase. Business needs support from Government to assist us through these lean times. Scottish businesses have been remarkably resilient and have the spark to succeed but in some cases support is necessary at crucial phases of business development and the public sector can help to deliver the solutions. 'Government needs to recognise that this support must be delivered direct to where it matters. Where Government can support business, the priority for investment must be the business itself, not the creation and support of public sector structures. By getting support direct to Scotland's businesses, it will help them to succeed and grow, bringing our economy back to prosperity.'

19/10/12

Bank of England Agents' Summary of Business Conditions for October published

The Bank of England Agents' Summary of Business Conditions for October has been published and is available here. An archive of previous editions of the Summary is available here.

18/10/12