Based on excellent feedback and great response from last year, IFB, IT Managed Services Provider, is organising another event from Lunch & Learn series, this time in partnership with EXPO.e.

The next two Lunch & Learn sessions titled Future ready with Cyber Security Operations Centre will discuss the critical role of cyber security and capabilities of the Cyber Security Operations Centre.

The registration for both events is now open.

IFB & EXPO.e – Lunch & Learn: Future ready with Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC)

The sessions will highlight the following topics:

  • Inside of Cyber Security Operations Centre – Role of the CSOC and its fundamental functions and importance to monitor, detect, respond to, and mitigate cybersecurity incidents;
  • Significance of threat intelligence in CSOC operations – Learn how threat analysts gather, assess, and utilize intelligence to stay ahead of potential cyber threats;
  • Power of a layered security approach and discuss how multiple defense mechanisms can fortify your digital landscape;
  • OT Systems and security – CSOC capabilities, visibility and real-time response;
  • How IFB in partnership with EXPO.e can support your organisation;

and are aimed at IT Managers/ IT Directors, and Cyber Security managers within Enterprise level organisations.

 

Aberdeen Lunch & Learn

Date & Time: Wed, 20th March, 12-15:00

Location: IFB HQs, 54 Hareness road, AB12 3LE Aberdeen

 

Edinburgh Learn & Lunch

Date & Time: Thu, 21st March, 10-13:00

Location: Forrit, Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

Registration: https://www.ifb.net/ifb-expoe-csoc-lunch-learn-registration

Workplace design and management consultancy, Space Solutions, has launched the second series of The Changing Workplace podcast to mark International Women’s Day. The podcast has initially released five episodes spotlighting women in property and construction as it aims to inspire more women to join the industry.

The podcast brings together leading professionals across property, architecture and energy sectors, and deep dives into their career journeys and the advice they would give to others starting their careers or looking to make a change.

Guests include Anne Johnstone, Head of ESG at Vital Energi and one of ENDS’s 100 most influential UK environmental professionals; Kate Kelly, Project Development Manager at Hub West Scotland; and Victoria Scott, an architect at jmarchitects. Space Solutions experts also join the podcast, including Cheryl Harkin, Design & Build Manager; and Isobel Jones-Watt, Senior Interior Designer.

Leading the series, Vicki Walker previously worked as an Interior Designer and Project Manager before becoming Business Development Director at SPACE. Vicki said: “With women making up just over 15% of the Scottish construction workforce, we welcome the United Nations’ call to invest in women this International Women’s Day. Our new series of The Changing Workplace podcast celebrates these women working in property and construction by showcasing their diverse career journeys and providing advice for peers. We hope this series encourages more young women and men to join the industry.”

The first five episodes are now available on Spotify and Apple or can be streamed at www.spacesolutions.co.uk/the-changing-workplace-podcast.

Full-service legal firm Gilson Gray has further strengthened its corporate team with two new hires.

Donald Lawrie Morrison, a senior solicitor based in the firm’s Aberdeen office, joins from Squire Patton Boggs in London where his practice focused on multi-sectoral UK and international M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Morgen Opala, a solicitor based in the firm’s Dundee office, joins from Blackwood Partners in Aberdeen where she had experience in private equity backed transactions, M&A and banking and finance transactions predominantly in the energy sector.

Donald Lawrie Morrison, said: “I am pleased to join Gilson Gray at what promises to be an exciting stage of the firm’s growth journey. I look forward to leveraging my experience in complex and cross-border transactions to further strengthen the firm’s position in the evolving UK and international corporate market and support the firm’s vision for the future.”

Morgen Opala, said: “I am passionate about providing high-quality and efficient legal services that meet the needs and expectations of my clients. I enjoy working with a diverse and collaborative team at Gilson Gray, one of Scotland’s leading full-service law firms. My goal is to continue to grow and excel as a solicitor and to contribute to the success and reputation of Gilson Gray.”

Findlay Anderson, Partner and Head of Corporate added: “The corporate division has ambitious growth plans for the future including targeting new business both in the UK and internationally, further developing our existing multi-sectoral corporate finance capability and expanding our corporate footprint across our key locations. Donald and Morgen’s appointments complement these plans and will further strengthen the capabilities of our corporate practice.”

With offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, East Lothian, Aberdeen, Lincoln, and Forfar, Gilson Gray is one of the fastest-growing law firms in the UK.

Core to the success of EiB is its people. The team of Professional Heads play a crucial role in leading teams of Bid Directors, Managers and Writers, with over 40 strategic work winning professionals at EiB. With their expertise, they provide guidance and direction to ensure our teams are reaching their full potential. With this in mind, it’s worth getting an insight to their roles and aspirations for 2024.

Professional Head of Bid Direction and Management, Sam Burns

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

Supporting the development of our senior, experienced team is incredibly rewarding. This ensures we stay ahead of best practice and continue to deliver an exceptional quality to our clients. We continue to develop a culture where we can share learning and innovations across sectors and plan how we can create the best possible team environment that supports individuals to the best of their ability, nurturing and celebrating diversity.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?

We are currently working together to develop a framework for all bid managers and directors, which offers consistency throughout the team, and provides a benchmark for what we feel the industry standard should be. I’m excited to see how we progress over the next 6-12 months, knowing the pipeline of training and development we have in place. As part of our masterclass series, we will be looking at major projects that will significantly impact the UK infrastructure footprint, and how we can help shape solutions with our clients to ensure a better and more prosperous future for us, our clients, and the people we serve.

Professional Head of Bid Writing, Frances Farren

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

Since launching our new Professional Head Structure in August, our writers are functioning more efficiently as a team. We have developed new internal tools where our writers can share knowledge, good practice, and resources; or just catch up, share non-work stories, and improve wellbeing by helping colleagues to feel less siloed.

The most rewarding part of my role has been that the whole team appear keen to develop and learn from each other now that they have improved contact. My philosophy is ‘we leave no-one behind’, so we have set up a system where we provide mentoring and support for people on lone bids, or for less experienced writers, to ensure we all reach deadlines at the same time, with the right quality.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?

I am looking forward to seeing our team expand further. With a Deputy Professional Head of Bid Writing now in place, we can share the load and benefit from the ideas and experience we are both keen to bring to the team. We will be looking at targeted training and development for both writing and behavioural skills, to ensure we continue to provide a first-class service to our clients and contribute to EiB’s continued growth.

Professional Head of Graduate Development, Rebecca Amps

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

As Professional Head of Graduate Development, I lead the EiB graduate programme working alongside our Graduate Mentor Stacey Macdonald. This has proved hugely successful, with EiB graduates nominated at the APMP Awards in the Best Newcomer category for four years running. For some of our graduates, this is their first role in bidding. The most rewarding part of my Professional Head role is contributing to their continual professional development as they gain experience within the industry.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?

I am most looking forward to recruiting and training our newest cohort of graduates, contributing to the expansion of the EiB team. Our graduates join our team with exceptional writing skills, receiving dedicated support to develop their natural skills and competencies, enabling them to flourish as successful bid writers who drive success for our clients.

Hunter Adams is delighted to announce the launch of a new Retained HR service.

The outsourced service is aimed specifically at SMEs and charities with no internal HR function, or just a small in-house HR team.

For just £135 per month, businesses can access 100 minutes’ of HR support from a dedicated HR Manager.

In contrast to typical models, Hunter Adams is offering a shorter one-year agreement, no-insurance model; giving practical HR advice and guidance as and when required.

As an introductory offer, Hunter Adams is giving members of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce their first month free.

For an easy and commercial way to manage your HR, get in touch with Hunter Adams today to find out more – team.admin@hunteradams.co.uk

For further information on Hunter Adams’ Retained HR service, visit: https://hunteradams.co.uk/services/retained-hr/

 

  • Polling for the British Chambers of Commerce reveals a quarter of surveyed employees (25%) believe that not everyone in their workplace has the same access to opportunities.
  • Over a quarter (28%) of employees surveyed aren’t aware of the term ‘workplace equity’ or have no understanding of what it means.
  • 28% of respondents say they believe they’ve unfairly missed out on a workplace opportunity in the past two years 

 

On International Women’s Day, new polling carried out for the British Chambers of Commerce by polling agency ‘Find Out Now’ highlights the scale of the challenge to make workplaces across the UK more equitable.

Six months into the BCC Workplace Equity Commission’s UK wide inquiry, new data has been published alongside an interim report by the Commission.

The polling found that:

  • 93% of respondents said they understood the term ‘Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion’, while 6% did not understand or were not aware of the term.
  • 73% said they understood the term ‘Workplace Equity’, while 28% did not understand or were not aware of the term.
  • A quarter of respondents (25%) ‘disagree’ that everyone in the workplace has the same access to opportunities, resources and treatment, while 75% ‘agree’.
  • 28% of respondents said they felt they’d unfairly missed out on a workplace opportunity in the past two years, which they believed they were suitably qualified for, while 71% ‘disagreed’.

This month marks the half-way point of the BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission. The commission has brought together businesses, UK and international Chamber representatives, as well as key stakeholders from across civil society. The group first met in September and issued a call for evidence. A summary of the evidence has been published today. Some of the main themes emerging from the evidence are:

  • Firms who have taken steps to improve fairness in the workplace have seen tangible benefits and there is a lot of good practice in local business communities across the country.
  • Fair recruitment practices are critical to making equitable workplaces.
  • The main barriers for firms were knowing where to go for information and a lack of time and resource.
  • Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing can lead to paralysis which does not benefit the employer or the workforce.
  • Businesses are aware that skilled people are being forced to leave the workforce because of the cost and availability of care/childcare.
  • SMEs value opportunities for peer-to-peer learning with organisations of similar size or within their sector.

The BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission will now look to come up with practical recommendations for SMEs, to be published in a full report in September.

Sarah Howard – chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, and co-chair of the Workplace Equity Commission said:

“Our research results confirm what the BCC hears consistently – there’s still a huge task ahead to create level-playing fields for everyone in more workplaces. We now need to turn this evidence into action.

“A quarter of people told us they don’t believe everyone in their workplace has the same access to opportunities. That’s means many people in workforces aren’t being employed at their full potential. Our Workplace Equity Commission is determined to help companies, particularly SMEs, to make real change.

“Making workplaces equitable makes good business sense. Ensuring everyone has the support they need to reach their full potential in the workplace not only helps to improve staff recruitment and retention, but also boost productivity and growth.

“The ambition must be to see firms creating a level playing field for all individuals, no matter who they are.

“Over the coming months our experienced commissioners will be considering the wealth of evidence we’ve received and looking to make practical recommendations for employers, intermediaries and government.

“On International Women’s Day our research findings are a timely reminder of the work ahead. We want to help firms break down the barriers to workplace equity and for everyone to reap the benefits.”

In today’s Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled a series of tax reforms which will significantly alter the UK’s fiscal landscape. One of the positive changes will see National Insurance contributions for employees decreasing from 10% to 8%, which will result in average savings of around £450 annually for approximately 27 million workers nationwide. This follows on from the previous 2% cut made to employee National Insurance rates in the Autumn Statement.

In a similar vein, self-employed individuals will also benefit from a 2% decrease in National Insurance rates, aligning with efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.

On another positive note, the Chancellor announced adjustments to the High Income Child Benefit Charge, whereby the threshold will rise from £50,000 to £60,000 from April 2024, providing additional relief for families. More households will also benefit from the raising of the top of the taper – where benefits begin to be withdrawn – to £80,000. A consultation is expected on a shift to a household-based system.

In a bid to stimulate investment and economic growth, the government has decided to reduce the higher rate of property capital gains tax on residential properties from 28% to 24%. This aims to incentivise owners to sell second homes or buy-to-let properties by lowering the rate of tax, generating more transactions in the property market to help those wanting to move or get onto the property ladder.  However, in another bid to address concerns regarding housing availability for long-term rentals, particularly for local residents, the tax breaks surrounding the furnished holiday lettings regime are being abolished.

The Chancellor confirmed that the non-domiciled (non-dom) tax status is to be abolished. A simplified residency-based taxation system will replace the current rules, in a move that is designed to align the taxation of overseas income and capital gains for all individuals residing in the UK, with a significantly more limited period of grace for foreign nationals relocating to the UK. With the new rules taking effect from April 2025, those individuals who are impacted have a full year in which to review their circumstances and make appropriate planning arrangements.

With a raft of reforms encompassing both tax cuts and rises, it is a carefully balanced Budget with an eye on the forthcoming General Election.

A new survey has found that more than half (59%) of female business owners in Scotland are confident about the future of their business in the next three years.

While confidence remains moderately high, the impact of Brexit, cost-of-living and the COVID-19 pandemic endures, with three-fifths (61%) of respondents saying the recent economic climate has negatively affected their operations.

The survey also found that almost a third (30%) of respondents felt a fear of failure when starting their business. This was mirrored when asked about access to funding, where over a third (35%) confirmed a lack of funding was their biggest challenge when setting up their business.

Conducted by Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service, the survey gathered responses from 577 women in business around the country, to understand the current landscape for women-led and women-run small businesses.

The findings have been released today, ahead of International Women’s Day (8th March).

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Chair of the Business Gateway Board and COSLA Spokesperson for Environment and Economy, said:

“It is positive to see confidence remaining strong for women in business, especially against the backdrop of recent years which have created a challenging environment for small businesses.

“We know and hear regularly from women in business about the challenges they face with imposter syndrome and confidence in seeking funding, especially compared with male counterparts. Our programmes are tailored to address these fears and help overcome them.

“Especially this week, ahead of International Women’s Day, we want to champion the inspiring women driving forward the small business community in Scotland, recognising the impact they have on the country’s economy.”

Business Gateway is an integral part of how councils support their local economies in Scotland. The service offers free advice to help all businesses start up and grow. From advice on turning an idea into reality, business planning, guidance on funding, marketing support, HR, and policy. Dedicated advisers across Scotland help businesses access the support and resources they need to take the next step.

UK top 50, and leading Scottish, law firm Brodies LLP has announced that ‘whistleblowing’ will be the theme for its first HR Academy sessions in 2024. The free, in-person seminars will take place in Aberdeen, Edinburgh on the 21st March and Glasgow on the 27th March and Aberdeen on 30th April. All sessions will run from 08:30-12.00.

In particular the Brodies HR Academy will discuss:

  • A recap of the whistleblowing legislation including what is whistleblowing?;
  • Differences and interaction between whistleblowing and grievance policies;
  • Practical guidance for what to do when an employee blows the whistle – investigating and giving feedback;
  • Key legal risks and pitfalls to avoid; and
  • Obligations owed by HR/ the business to regulators and other third parties

SeeHearSpeakUp, an AAB Group Company who will also give a demonstration of its confidential whistleblowing service.

Brodies Academy for HR Professionals is an in-depth, half day programme. It is designed to be highly interactive and will be delivered using case studies, worked examples and group exercises to ensure attendees get the most out of the day.  There will also be opportunities for networking.

Registration is free, secure your place by visiting brodies.com/events

Award-winning housebuilder, Cruden Homes, has launched the stunning new ‘Orchid’ show home at its West Craigs Green development in the heart of west Edinburgh.

The development offers a mix of 122 new homes perfect for first time buyers, growing families and downsizers, including a range of 3 bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and 4-bedroom townhouses, each with their own private gardens. 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom apartments, many with generous private balconies and sunny south or west aspects, are also available.

The West Craigs area is undergoing exceptional transformation and offers a growing and friendly neighbourhood with an abundance of green space, including the brand-new Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. There are also plans for a new primary school, cafe and health centre, all within walking distance.

Ideally located between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre and benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail and tram stops within close proximity. The Gyle shopping centre offers a range of amenities, including high street shops, a supermarket and eateries, all easily accessible on foot or by car.

The spacious three-bed ‘Orchid’ show home offers modern open-plan living with a large kitchen/dining area at the back of the home, a welcoming lounge, very generously sized master bedroom and a family bathroom.

Suzanne Thomas at Blocc Interiors designed the show home, which balances luxury interiors, with the use of neutral colours tones with accent colours earthy tan & terracotta throughout the design scheme. The show home uses natural woods and gentle hints of industrial metals, brought to life with statement wallpaper, bold decoration and abstract artwork. Sharing her inspiration to create a stylish yet comfortable living space for all the family to enjoy, Suzanne said:

“I wanted to create a luxurious and functional home to cater to a variety of homebuyers.  I used earthy materials to reflect the beautiful scenery that surrounds West Craigs Green, paired with bold statement pieces that perfectly match the modern way of life the development has to offer.”

Cruden Homes has also partnered with property technology experts, Pixel, to provide state-of-the-art technology that allows prospective buyers to virtually explore West Craigs Green from the comfort of their own home. Using the innovative HomesSelector, buyers can take a step-by-step tour of the inside and outside of each property, and enjoy a virtual walk-through of the wider development, with key points of interest shown throughout. The Options Selector enables those who have purchased a property to tailor their home to their personal taste, visualising different design options for their kitchens, tiling and flooring, and keeping track of upgrades along the way.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a thriving community-inspired development in Edinburgh providing the ideal place for growing families who want to live in a scenic position, yet within easy reach of city life.

“Our ‘Orchid’ showhome gives potential buyers a window into life at West Craigs Green.   To help build this picture even more, we’re using state-of-the-art technology to take a virtual step into the whole development so they can explore the plot of their choice and tailor make their dream new home.”

The first phase of homes are due for completion in Spring 2024, with prices starting from £290,000 for a two-bedroom home.

To view the Orchid show home or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit https://crudenhomes.homeselector.uk/west-craigs-green or call 0131 600 0095.