During the period October to December 2023 Scotland’s labour market remained resilient despite the ongoing economic uncertainty. Over the quarter the unemployment rate increased slightly, the employment rate increased and the inactivity rate decreased. The highlights for the period show Scotland’s unemployment rate was 4.5%, an increase of 0.1% over the quarter. By way of comparison Scotland’s unemployment rate was above the UK rate of 3.8%. The employment rate in Scotland was 74.4%, an increase of 0.6% over the quarter. Scotland’s employment rate was below the UK rate of 75%. The economic inactivity rate in Scotland was 22%, above the UK rate of 21.9%.
Early seasonally adjusted estimates for January 2024 from HMRC Pay As You Earn Real Time Information indicate that median monthly pay for payrolled employees in Scotland was £2,359 an increase of 6.1% compared with January 2023. Despite the increase in pay the economic climate continues to challenge Scottish employers and employees alike with spiralling costs. With employers struggling to meet the demands for increased pay, we are likely to see more industrial unrest over the course of 2024. As ever, employee engagement with a focus on attracting and retaining core talent is vital.
How satellite technology helped explorers get closer to solving a 90 year mystery
Scottish tech company Clarus Networks Group is playing a key role in uncovering one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history – the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Supporting South Carolina-based marine robotics experts Deep Sea Vision on an extensive deep-water search mission, Clarus provided high speed satellite internet for the team’s search vessel, allowing them to use sophisticated search equipment in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where fast connectivity is otherwise impossible.
During an attempt to become the first woman to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937, Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean. Following a 90 day mission at sea, Deep Sea Vision now believe they have found Earhart’s Lockheed Electra aircraft on the ocean floor, releasing the sonar imagery to the world.
Using an autonomous underwater drone, the HUGIN 6000, nicknamed ‘Miss Millie’, Deep Sea Vision searched over 5,200 square miles. Miss Millie is able to reach depths of 6 kilometres and each search dive lasts approximately 36 hours, with the advanced submersible searching independently and only returning to the surface when a battery change is needed. Several terabytes of sonar data are collected with each search of the ocean floor, with a team working around the clock to analyse the imagery.
Remote connectivity specialists Clarus Networks Group provided low Earth orbit satellite technology, Starlink Maritime, to deliver high-speed internet for the team’s search vessel in the Pacific Ocean, where fast connectivity has not been possible until now. This allowed Deep Sea Vision’s 16-person crew to transmit and manage data from Miss Millie, as well as improving crew welfare on the long mission by allowing video calls back to shore.
Tony Romeo, CEO of Deep Sea Vision: “Our search mission took us to one of the most remote Oceans in the world, but working with Clarus we were able to maintain superfast connectivity. This was critical to our mission, allowing us to handle the massive amounts of data sent by our marine robotics and to Facetime with my 6 year old daughter back home who also had plenty of exciting things to show me. We only made the sonar discovery at the tail end of our expedition, so having fast connectivity had a huge impact on keeping crew morale high and allowing us to communicate with support teams back on shore. We are partnering with Clarus for our future search missions, including our return to investigate the site further, hopefully bringing closure to the legacy of an aviation pioneer.”
Chris Schonhut, Director of Maritime & Energy, The Clarus Networks Group: “The enormity of Deep Sea Vision’s mission demonstrates the sheer power of advanced satellite connectivity, allowing the team to search the largest and deepest ocean as a world first. By installing low Earth orbit satellite internet on the search vessel, Clarus used Starlink Maritime to deliver superfast connectivity to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawiaii and Australia, where it would have otherwise been impossible. This advanced satellite connectivity can handle the huge amounts of data produced by advanced marine robotics, as well as supporting the 16-person crew on their 3 month mission. We are proud to continue to support Deep Sea Vision, providing reliable and fast connectivity for their pioneering missions.”
Starlink Maritime delivers download speeds of up to 220 mbps at sea, with upload speeds of 25 mbps and less than 99ms of latency, creating new possibilities for navigation, crew welfare, and research. To cope with conditions at sea, Starlink Maritime has specialised high-performance antennas designed to withstand extreme temperature and weather, ensuring that connectivity can be delivered even in the most remote, challenging environments.
Clarus also offers a bandwidth management and crew welfare connectivity platform for the maritime industry. The system also allows for the bonding of multiple networks, such as Starlink and OneWeb, or integrating 4G technology, enhancing IT operation performance at sea.
Deep Sea Vision believes they are one step away from bringing closure to this great mystery and will be keeping all other information, including the exact location, strictly confidential. Unlocking the mystery of Earhart’s whereabouts is one of several projects for Deep Sea Vision, including a yet to be announced project in the Pacific and a longer-term project in Australia.
Responding to the latest labour market data from ONS, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Fewer vacancies show the labour market is softening but firms are still reporting difficulties finding skilled staff and the large number of inactive workers is concerning.
“To grow our economy we need more skilled, engaged and motivated people to contribute to the workforce in every part of the UK.
“Government must do more to remove barriers for people who want to work, including access to childcare, public transport, health support and training.
“By offering more flexible workplaces, training and upskilling, employers can make their jobs more accessible to a broader talent pool and help prevent people from leaving the workforce unnecessarily.
“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 for longer.”
IBM, in collaboration with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to extend an open invitation to the ground-breaking IBM TechXchange event, a premier gathering for industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers at the forefront of technology and business. This unique event is designed to delve into the most pressing topics shaping our future, including Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technologies, Sustainability, Security, and Client Engineering. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technological advancements and practical business applications, TechXchange aims to provide invaluable insights and solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and resilience in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The TechXchange event stands as a testament to IBM’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the Scottish business community. Participants will have the unparalleled opportunity to engage with thought leaders and experts, gain exposure to the latest trends and strategies in technology, and explore how these can be leveraged to address current challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your organization’s data capabilities, integrate sustainable practices, bolster security measures, or drive technological innovation, TechXchange is your gateway to advancing your business in the digital era. Join us in Edinburgh for an enriching experience that promises to propel your business forward through the power of technology.
Leading UK homebuilder, Miller Homes, has marked its first major milestone at its brand new Antonine Brae development in Bo’ness by beginning construction work on the first homes.
Launching for sale on Saturday 17 February, the new community of 183 homes and 32 affordable options, will be the builders’ third development in the area following on from the success of Kinglass Meadows which launched in 2023 and Kinglass Fields in 2016. The two neighbouring communities were hugely popular with the developments now home to 345 families who have settled in the town.
Antonine Brae will comprise 13 different energy-efficient home styles, ranging from 3-bedroom terrace and semi-detached, to four and five-bedroom detached homes. All Miller homes are designed with flexible family living in mind. Many of the home styles feature light and airy, open plan kitchen dining areas, French doors to the garden, separate laundry rooms and home office spaces making them perfect for modern living. With 90 years of building heritage, the Miller Homes team uses high quality materials and skilled workmanship to craft homes to be proud of.
Speaking about the new development, Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, Neil Gaffney said: “Bo’ness already has a strong reputation as a great place to bring up a family. We’re delighted to be playing our part in this by creating another new community for people both within the town and further afield to set up home. The town has so much to offer; from well-regarded schools, beautiful surroundings and plenty of recreational facilities it’s a thriving town with a strong community spirit.”
Homes at Antonine Brae are available to reserve from the nearby Kinglass Meadows development, off Borrowstoun Road. A five bedroom Harford showhome will open at Antonine Brae later this year with the first homes ready to move into this summer.
To be kept up to date with the latest news on Antonine Brae, or to find out more about the upcoming development, launching 17 February, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk.
DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has appointed Jonathan Kirkwood as a new corporate partner in Edinburgh.
With over 24 years of expertise in corporate law, Jonathan Kirkwood joins DWF as a corporate partner after nearly 15 years at Pinsent Masons.
Jonathan brings extensive experience in advising international clients and leading on large-scale M&A transactions, investments, joint ventures and reorganisations within the energy sector. His practice has a particular focus on oil & gas and renewables and on carbon capture projects and battery storage technology. He also advises clients within the fishing and higher education sectors.
Frank Shephard, Global Head of Corporate at DWF, said: “Jonathan’s arrival marks a significant addition to our corporate team in Scotland. With his extensive experience in advising international clients across complex transactions, Jonathan brings invaluable expertise to the business. His deep understanding of the energy sector, particularly in areas like renewables and emerging technologies, will further strengthen our existing international capabilities in this area.”
Jonathan Kirkwood added: “I am delighted to join DWF in Scotland with its energy credentials being a key draw to me given my experience in the sector. As a global, full service law firm, DWF is brilliantly positioned to deliver large corporate transactions for national and international clients. I look forward to supporting the growth of the corporate practice in Scotland through collaboration and innovation with clients and colleagues across the business.”
EiB Group Ltd, a work winning bid management consultancy, is excited to announce the opening of recruitment for our Graduate Bid Writer Programme.
The Graduate Bid Writer role offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality bid submissions across various sectors including rail, roads, construction, and healthcare. Successful candidates will work closely with industry professionals to craft compelling proposals that make a tangible difference in communities.
Key Details:
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Starting from £28,000 per year, with opportunities for growth
Location: Edinburgh and Birmingham with hybrid work options
Benefits: Company pension, Work from home
Provisional Start Date: September 2024
EiB Group is committed to fostering talent and providing a supportive environment for professional growth. As a Graduate Bid Writer, you will embark on a two-year graduate programme, gaining invaluable experience and industry knowledge while honing essential skills in bid writing, research, and project management.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the job description linked below for more information and to submit their applications. Assessment days will be held in March in central Edinburgh, offering applicants the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for making a difference. We are dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential while making a positive impact in the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your career with us.
https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=writer&l=Edinburgh%2C+City+of+Edinburgh&vjk=f7a3efe284e2bd0b
For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Amps – Professional Head of Graduate Recruitment
EiB Group Ltd
rebecca.amps@eibgroup.co.uk
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel in Edinburgh, has been awarded five-stars in the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide. It was announced today that the hotel has secured its position as a Forbes five-star property, retaining the world-renowned accolade for the fourth year running.
Forbes Travel Guide is the authority in genuine five-star service. In 2021 The Balmoral became the first hotel in Scotland to receive a five-star rating and has continuously worked hard to secure its position as an icon of luxury hospitality.
Last year, The Balmoral announced the appointment of Andrew McPherson to the position of General Manager. Andrew oversees the iconic Edinburgh hotel which boasts 167 rooms and 20 suites as well as a comprehensive spa and fitness centre and a diverse culinary offering.
General Manager, Andrew McPherson said: “It is a wonderful honour to be able to share that we have retained our five-star Forbes rating for the fourth year running. Forbes truly requires the very best standards for guests and we are extremely proud to be recognised with one of the most renowned hospitality awards in the world.
“Edinburgh’s most iconic hotel is highly regarded not only for its incredible architecture, history, restaurants and bars but also for the world-class Scottish hospitality delivered every day. The Balmoral team works hard to provide our guests with memorable experiences, and we look forward to continuing to deliver world-class service for our guests.”
A gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel rating recognises the world’s finest properties. Anonymous inspectors check into a hotel for at least two nights, then test up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences.
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.
For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.
To empower local businesses with cutting-edge knowledge and strategies to bolster their digital security, as TechForce Cyber we announce “Cyber Resilience And Recovering from a Cyber Attack”, featuring a lineup of renowned speakers in the Cyber/IT field. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th February 2024, at NorthLink Ferries in the heart of Aberdeen from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
The agenda promises an insightful morning, beginning with registration and a welcome address by Robert Smith, Compliance Manager at NorthLink Ferries. The event’s distinguished leader, Jai Aenugu, a true industry revolutionary, will introduce the esteemed speakers, including award winning Chief Information Security Officer and professional speaker Chelsea Jarvie, as well as IT Security & Risk Manager at NEO Energy, Mark McRitchie who will both delve into their perspectives and experiences of cyber during the talks.
Following the individual talks, the event will transition into a Cyber Panel and Q&A Session. Jai Aenugu will host the Q&A, with all speakers participating in a panel discussion on hot topics in cyber as well as strategies to prevent businesses from potential threats. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions to the panel, creating an interactive and engaging environment.
The event will conclude with a summary of key takeaways, offering a comprehensive overview of the essential insights shared throughout the morning. Attendees will then be treated to lunch, providing an informal setting for networking and the chance to connect with Jai Aenugu and fellow speakers.
The “Cyber Resilience And Recovering from a Cyber Attack”, event aims to equip local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of digital security. We express our anticipation and extend a warm invitation to cybersecurity/IT enthusiasts and professionals to join this endeavour.
To confirm your attendance to the event please click here to sign up and confirm your place before they are all sold out! This event promises to be a unique opportunity you would not want to miss! Gaining valuable insights from industry leaders and connect with like-minded professionals in the Cyber/IT field.”
UK law firm TLT has achieved a ‘B’ score for good environmental management, from CDP, an independent, global non-profit that runs the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform. This maintains TLT’s score from last year, demonstrating a sustained commitment to environmental management and consistency in delivering results. This year has seen more than 23,000 companies disclose through CDP – a practice which is increasingly seen as a business norm.
CDP scoring provides a snapshot of a company’s disclosure and environmental performance and plays an important role in keeping companies on a journey of continuous improvement. To achieve a ‘B’ score, companies must “have addressed the environmental impacts of their business and ensure good environmental management.” TLT’s ‘B’ score places it in the 32% of companies that reached the ‘Management’ level in the specialised professional services sector, ahead of the average sector performance score of C.
Companies are assessed and scored across four consecutive levels representing the steps a company moves through as it progresses towards the highest level of environmental stewardship: Disclosure (D-/D score); Awareness (C-/C score); Management (B-/B score); Leadership (A-/A score).
TLT’s data will now be added to the CDP’s comprehensive inventory of self-reported environmental data and will be used to help to drive action through greater transparency.
The CDP scoring is the latest in a series of achievements for TLT’s environmental strategy including having its net-zero target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and winning the Lloyds Bank Sustainable Business of the Year Award at the edie Awards in 2023.
Maria Connolly, partner and executive board member who sponsors sustainability at TLT said: “Transparency is a key part of our sustainability strategy – benchmarking and understanding our impact is how we continue to drive action. Tackling climate change is an urgent priority and we are proud to have been scored among the top 32% of companies to reach the management level in specialised professional services by CDP, demonstrating that we are leading the way in our sustainability strategy and impact. The past year at TLT has been very exciting, as we continue to exceed what is expected of us and cement our position at the forefront of the professional services industry.
“Our focus for the year ahead is with our supply chain – tackling the source of the majority of TLT emissions. We will continue to work at every level, from the boardroom to our employee-led sustainability forums to achieve our sustainability goals.”.
Sherry Madera, Chief Executive Officer at CDP, said: “With over 23,000 businesses disclosing through CDP this year, it is clear that sustainability – and the data that underpins it – is not a ‘nice to have’, but an essential part of long-term success in the business community that is showing no sign of slowing down – nor should it.
“Disclosure works, and today we should take a short pause to celebrate the dedication to transparency and accountability shown by TLT reporting through CDP this year.”
Dexter Galvin, chief commercial and partnerships officer, at CDP, added: “As the global environmental disclosure system, CDP is dedicated to building the foundations for a thriving and sustainable economy and greatly appreciates the support of TLT LLP in our efforts to continue driving transparency and corporate environmental action.
“The situation is urgent, and the global community must act now to ensure that we limit global warming to 1.5C. Disclosure is the first key step in addressing current and future environmental risks through standardized, comparable data. TLT LLP has shown its commitment to transparency around its environmental impacts and strategies for action by disclosing through CDP in 2023.
Regular disclosure drives climate action and so we look forward to TLT LLP sharing their environmental data for years to come.”
Find out more about environmental sustainability at TLT in this video
Read the TLT 2023 Impact report
Find out more about the importance of CDP disclosure here and the CDP scoring methodology here.
