Edinburgh-based physical activity charity, Edinburgh Leisure, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Jen Holland will join Edinburgh Leisure on Monday, 18th March 2024, from Scottish Borders Council. Jen is currently Director of Strategic Commissioning and Partnerships having been with Scottish Borders Council since March 2019.
She will take over from CEO, June Peebles, who retired at the end of February 2024.
A qualified accountant by professional qualification, Jen Holland joins Edinburgh Leisure with a wealth of sector experience and insight, having previously worked with various public sector and charity organisations including Fife Cultural Trust, NHS Fife, Live Borders, and Scottish Borders Council.
Scott Haldane, Chair of Edinburgh Leisure’s Board said: “June’s outstanding leadership has left an indelible mark on the business, exemplifying exceptional skills and a clear vision for individual and organisational performance.
“While everyone – staff and customers alike – was sad to see June go, she has left behind an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose. A charity dedicated to make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more.
“She has nurtured a committed and enthusiastic team who will continue to work with the City of Edinburgh Council and other partners, ensuring Edinburgh Leisure continues to thrive.”
Jen Holland said, “I am delighted to be joining Edinburgh Leisure as CEO and looks forward to working with colleagues, customers, partners and local communities. Edinburgh Leisure has an incredible track record and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh through a huge variety of services, programmes and projects and I am very proud to be able to lead the organisation in the continuation of this work.
Edinburgh Leisure operate over 50 first class venues across the City and offer hundreds of activities for people to enjoy no matter what their age and stage.
From the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool, the brand-new purpose-built Meadowbank Sports Centre, Victorian Swim Centres, Europe’s largest climbing arena, six golf courses, leisure centres and school facilities; all facilities are based in the heart of Edinburgh’s communities.
Edinburgh Leisure is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be and stay active. This places them in the unique position to use their venues and expertise to harness the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity.
The Active Communities Team have a big role to play, working with partners and focusing on individuals and communities who need additional support to be active and enjoy improved wellbeing.
Active Communities support over 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to overcome barriers and tackle inequalities to improve their health and wellbeing.
The services Active Communities provide are at no or low-cost, and in her role as CEO June helped influence receipt of statutory funding to deliver this valuable work. Jen will take up this mantle as more and more people need support in Edinburgh.
Eden Scott worked with Edinburgh Leisure to support the recruitment process.
Responding to the latest Office for National Statistics data on UK trade for January, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“There was a slow start to the year in export volumes for both goods and services, with a modest rise in volumes of goods imports. But the UK is not alone in experiencing this, with US and major European markets experiencing similar trends.
“While there are several global factors at play in this, it was interesting that the ONS did not detect any impact in terms of Red Sea disruption on imports.
“UK firms remain keen to see a more effective delivery of the government’s Exports Strategy to help them stay competitive. This means taking steps to secure supply chains through critical minerals agreements with key partners, and a reduction in the costs of doing trade with our key export markets.”
In-depth analysis
The start of 2024 saw a further drop in goods exports, but an increase in imports. Services trade was broadly flat for January, but this was an improvement on the decline in these exports, to the tune of 4%, which marked the final quarter of 2023.
Goods Exports
On the chained volumes measure, which removes the effects of inflation, Overall, UK goods exports fell by 2.2% (£0.5bn) in January compared to December. Goods exports to non-EU countries fell by 4.3% (£0.6bn) but this was offset by goods exports to the EU – which increased by just under £0.1bn. The value of fuel and chemicals exports to the EU rose during January, offset by lower values of exports in machinery and transport equipment, including cars and aircraft.
Goods Imports
After removing the effects of inflation, goods imports were up by 1.8% (£0.7bn) month on month, led by an increase in non-EU goods imports of 4.8% (£0.8bn), including a modest rise in clothing imports from China and Bangladesh. However, EU goods imports declined by 0.4% (£0.1bn), although the value of fuel and food imports increased.
Services
Services imports and exports increased very slightly by £0.1bn apiece in January, on the chained volumes measure, with rises of around 0.4% for both.
An extended three-year agreement with Santander Universities will result in £150,000 worth of further support for Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh.
Each year since 2007, Santander has donated funds accumulating to more than £1.5 million to its inaugural partner, QMU, to help with student success and progression.
The three-year renewal, which was formalised this week, will ensure funding until the end of 2027 – marking a two decade-strong relationship between the University and global bank.
The main aim of the partnership is to provide support for students who are most likely to face challenges when attending higher education. Santander’s support focuses on education, employability and entrepreneurship – helping to fund student start-ups, scholarships, internships and international educational experiences.
QMU Principal, Sir Paul Grice, and Santander Universities UK Director, Matt Hutnell, signed the agreement on Monday 11 March 2024 at the campus in Musselburgh.
Students and recent alumni who have benefitted from Santander funding also attended the event to share their experiences and the transformative impact the funding has made for them.
Lauren Murphy, a former Film and Media student who graduated from QMU in 2022, received enterprise funding from Santander to help set up her own business, Blue Skull Media.
Lauren, said: “I have been able to achieve my goals – which I previously felt were out of my reach – thanks to the support I received from QMU and the extra stability that was invested in me by Santander Universities.
“Following the funding, I was able to hone my skills in graphic design and content creation and apply these to the creative sectors of the media. I now run my very own business as a freelance graphic designer! I’ve achieved the unthinkable.”
The extended funding will be provided to QMU in £50,000 instalments each year with £15,000 of that for enterprise, £15,000 for internships, £10,000 for 10 student bursaries, and £10,000 for one student scholarship.
Sir Paul Grice, QMU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “The support from Santander Universities has been transformative in a myriad of ways for the many QMU students who have benefitted from its funding over the last ten years.
“The continuation of this support will allow more students, no matter their background, to take advantage of unparalleled opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge, and build their confidence, so they can reach their potential and build brighter futures.”
Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities UK, said: “At Santander, we are committed to supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Queen Margaret University and provide even more opportunities for students, staff and the local community to develop skills to help them achieve their full potential.”
Reacting to the latest GDP figures published this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Today’s data, showing an estimated 0.1% decline in GDP in the three months to January is further evidence that the UK economy remains in a precarious state. However, estimated growth of 0.2% in January may indicate the 2023 technical recession could soon be over.
“Businesses are clear about the factors that are holding back growth – high inflation, high interest rates, skills shortages, a lack of infrastructure investment, and trade barriers with the EU.
“Our most recent economic forecast expects GDP growth to be below 1% over the next two years.
“Last week’s Budget saw some positive measures for businesses, including an increase to the VAT registration threshold. However, the statement was not a game changer and the UK stills lacks a clear industrial strategy to unlock long-term growth.”
AAB Wealth, a leading independent chartered financial planning firm, has qualified as one of the top-rated financial advice firms for 2024 by VouchedFor, following outstanding client feedback.
This marks AAB Wealth’s inaugural VouchedFor accreditation since the initiative launched four years ago. The 2024 application process required firms to meet a higher standard of client experience than previous years, rendering the qualification particularly noteworthy.
VouchedFor analyses the ratings and reviews received by financial advisers the length and breadth of the UK, with just 112 firms securing their place in the prestigious guide this year.
In addition to qualifying as one of top-rated firms, eight of AAB Wealth’s financial planners have been recognised as top-rated financial advisers, demonstrating their commitment to delivering client service excellence:
Aberdeen – Lisa Tait, Ian Campbell, Martyn Paterson
Belfast – Debbie Connolly and Alastair Moore
Glasgow – Alan Turner
Edinburgh – Richard Johnston
Leeds – Tom La Dell
Head of Financial Planning at AAB Wealth, Ian Campbell, expressed a deep sense of accomplishment, stating, “I am incredibly proud of this achievement for AAB Wealth, and I commend the individuals who have deservingly secured their place in the list of top-rated financial advisers in the UK. AAB’s overall rating was 4.8 out of 5 – this achievement is testament to our team’s commitment to providing the best advice to our clients across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.”
AAB Wealth will be listed in 2024 Guide to Top Rated Financial Advisers, which is distributed in The Times, The Telegraph and The Mail on Sunday, reaching over 3 million people across the UK.
Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team. Lorna qualified into this team in 2015 and her appointment brings the number of partners in this 25-strong team to six, including Lizzie McFadzean who joined the firm in January. Lorna has experience in a broad range of rural property matters, in particular the purchase and sale of estates, farms and forestry, carbon sequestration and all aspects of estate management.
Furthermore, the firm has made a round of internal promotions in its Land & Rural Business, Private Client, Energy & Strategic Land, Dispute Resolution, Residential and Commercial Property teams. Tessa Petrides, Caitlin Keegan and Arlene Taylor have been promoted to Legal Director, Melissa Strachan, Conner McConnell and Kevin Sturgeon to Associate, as well as, Laura Fairgrieve, Kirsten Holmes and Sam Conington to Senior Solicitor. In addition, Gillespie Macandrew has appointed two to Manager positions, in its Finance and HR business support teams.
The announcement of these promotions immediately follows the completion of the firm’s financial year in February, preliminary figures for which indicate another year of strong financial growth.
Chief Executive Officer, Robert Graham-Campbell commented:
“I am delighted to announce these well-deserved promotions within Gillespie Macandrew which further consolidate the extensive depth and breadth of our talented teams in our chosen areas of practice. They demonstrate the continued success of our investment in developing our people throughout their careers and we thank them for their dedication to the firm and our clients.”
The firm advises clients across Scotland with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise.
Leading law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) has announced the appointment of Stephen Grant to Partner, marking a significant milestone as the first promotion since its investment from Irwin Mitchell and the recent regulatory approval for the deal.
Speaking of his promotion, Stephen Grant, who has specialised in Corporate, Commercial and IT work for the Scottish firm for almost nine years, said: “It’s a huge privilege to be the first Partner promotion post-collaboration, signifying an exciting phase for both of our teams.
“Linking up with Irwin Mitchell will open doors to a range of new opportunities to work together. I’m very much looking forward to being able to expand my knowledge across the border and progressing further in my career.”
The promotion comes as Irwin Mitchell Partners Bruce Macmillan, Craig Marshall, and Mark Higgins recently joined the newly formed WJM Management Board as the two firms seek to share best practice and take advantage of opportunities to further grow their businesses.
The firms have complementary skills north of the border with Irwin Mitchell Scotland operating out of Glasgow predominantly in banking and finance and complex personal injury work, while WJM specialises in corporate, private client, property, renewables, and asset management.
Acknowledging the potential for cross-border engagements, Stephen commented: “The synergy and shared values between our firms presents avenues for diverse and compelling work. I am particularly eager to advance our corporate and commercial endeavours, encompassing a spectrum from business sales to intricate commercial contracts, including specialised areas like data protection for esteemed blue-chip clientele.
“Our combination with Irwin Mitchell positions us as a local Scottish legal resource with the benefit of a top tier UK behind us.
“As part of my new role, I’ll continue to contribute to this Scottish resource, extending our services seamlessly to clients with Scottish interests.”
Reflecting on recent developments, Grant shared insights from his first ever inaugural partners meeting, following a series of other promotions and appointments across the business.
He said: “The celebrations surrounding the investment have been both exciting and inspiring. I look forward to deeper collaborations with both internally and our colleagues at Irwin Mitchell, tapping into their renowned expertise and resources.
“In addition, I’m looking forward to developing my own technology practice, engaging with trailblazing clients at the bleeding edge. Educating clients and peers on the transformative potential of AI will definitely be a key focus, emphasising it as a tool for growth and generating efficiencies.”
Fraser Gillies, Managing Partner at WJM, offered congratulations to Stephen in his new role, stating: “Stephen’s promotion to Partner is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our firm over the years. We are immensely proud of his achievements and the role he will play in shaping our collective future.
“Stephen embodies the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that defines our firm, and I have every confidence that he will continue to thrive in his new role. On behalf of everyone at WJM, I extend our warmest congratulations to Stephen and look forward to the continued success and growth he will bring to our team as we begin the next chapter in our history.”
The Scottish labour market figures for the period November 2023 to January 2024 indicate that over the quarter the unemployment rate decreased, while the employment rate increased and the inactivity rate decreased – a continued positive trajectory despite the challenging economic climate.
The highlights for the period show the unemployment rate in Scotland was 4.1%, down 0.3% over the quarter. By way of comparison Scotland’s unemployment rate was above the UK rate of 3.9%. The employment rate in Scotland was 74.2%, an increase of 0.4% over the quarter but was below the UK rate of 75%. The economic inactivity rate in Scotland was 22.5%, down 0.2% over the quarter but above the UK rate of 21.8%. Against a backdrop of a difficult economic climate the latest figures show continued resilience in the Scottish labour market.
Early seasonally adjusted estimates for February 2024 from HMRC Pay as You Earn Real Time Information indicate that median monthly pay for payrolled employees in Scotland was £2,341, an increase of 3.6% compared with February 2023. Despite the increase however, for many it is not enough to match rising costs. The battle for talent continues with employers struggling to meet the demands for increased pay. Employers should not underestimate the importance of workplace culture when attracting and retaining talent. Although pay is a significant factor, diversity and inclusion, flexibility and creating a genuinely great place to work can all help employers retain a competitive edge in the labour market.
With a general election around the corner we will have to wait and see what policies are drawn up which will undoubtedly impact the labour market.
Responding to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“With wages continuing to outpace inflation, alongside high levels of economic inactivity – including long-term sickness, the picture for businesses trying to recruit remains challenging.
“Yet at the same time, the number of vacancies continues to fall, and rates of employment and unemployment remain stable.
“Overall, the labour market is still much tighter than it was before the pandemic, and the long-term structural issues it faces have yet to be addressed.
“While the Government took positive steps to ease problems with childcare access in the Budget last week, there is still more to do to get people back into work. This includes removing barriers to work and ensuring job seekers are well prepared to succeed in the workplace.
“Business also has a role to play in tackling shortages. By ensuring fair and flexible workplaces, alongside training and upskilling, employers can make their jobs more accessible to a broader talent pool. This would also help slow the loss of people from the workforce for health and other reasons.
“The BCC’s own research indicates the labour market remains tight for many. Unless we get more people back into the workplace then the risk of higher inflation and interest rates will persist.”
Scotland’s leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland today (5th March) launched the search for a new Chair to join its experienced board.
The new Chair will join at an exciting time for the organisation, which recently set out its No Life Half Lived strategic goals for the next five years. The charity aims to reach 175, 000 people living with the conditions it supports per year by 2028 via its community healthcare and support services model.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is committed to uncovering the true picture of how many people in Scotland need support to manage their chest, heart, stroke and Long Covid conditions, campaigning to ensure they get the Right to Rehab, and securing the funding needed to provide more services, growing its income from £10m to £15m by 2028.
Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson, said: “Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has been supporting people living with our conditions for 125 years. Throughout that time the organisation has adapted to support the changing needs of people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
“Now is no different. Last year, we carried out our biggest ever survey of people living with our conditions, and discovered they are struggling to access the support they need. They feel lonely and scared and want and need practical advice and rehabilitation support and information a throughout their recovery journey.
“We are looking for a Chair to join the board of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to realise our ambitious strategic aims and to support the 1 in 5 people in Scotland living with our conditions. This is a very exciting time for the charity, and we are looking for an exceptional Chair to work with our CEO and Board a to ensure that there is no life half lived in Scotland.”
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is working in partnership with executive search firm, Aspen People, to fill this role. To find out more about Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Chair application process visit Become our Chair – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)
