Edinburgh’s St Columba’s Hospice Care has, this week, received the final report of an extensive two-day inspection carried out by its regulator, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), on 17-18 April 2024. The organisation was graded ‘Exceptional’ for all quality indicators reviewed during the unannounced visit, highlighting a clear vision and purpose, effective leadership, robust processes and procedures and an excellent quality of care delivered both in the Hospice and in the community.  

  

The focus of HIS inspections is to ensure that independent health services in Scotland are person-centred, safe, well led, and complying with the necessary standards and regulations. HIS evaluates independent health services in Scotland against its Quality Assurance Framework and the National Health Services (Scotland) Act 1978. 

  

Dot Partington, Deputy CEO of St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “I am incredibly proud to see this HIS Inspection report for St Columba’s Hospice Care published. Like most organisations, we’ve been through a challenging few years and the exceptional quality of care described in the report, is a result of the dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment of our staff and volunteers. 

 

“Every day, we focus on supporting the individual needs of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians facing the impact of life-limiting illnesses and their families. To have this care rated as exceptional reflects the compassion and dedication that we all put into our work, so I’d like to thank our outstanding team for their hard work, adaptability and dedication.” 

  

Jon Heggie, Director of Income Generation, said: “I am delighted to see the results of this inspection, the team work tirelessly to deliver services throughout the community so it’s great to see everyone’s efforts recognised in this way.

 

“I think it’s important to highlight that with just 24% of our running costs funded by the government, results like this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our amazing supporters and local community. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide our vital services across Edinburgh and the Lothians.” 

  

HIS report findings conclude; ‘The environment was clean, uncluttered and in a good state of repair. Patient and staff areas were bright and peacefully decorated. Staff working in the service spoke positively about their experience of working there and felt supported and valued. All staff were enthusiastic about the service. A thorough process was in place of recording the patient’s journey while in the care of the hospice. Patients and families told us the care they received was ‘excellent’. 

Ann Frances Cooney, employment partner at DWF, has commented on the latest labour market figures in Scotland. I have placed the commentary below and attached an image of Ann Frances for your use.

The Scottish Labour Market Figures for the period February to April 2024 indicate that over the quarter the unemployment rate increased, the employment rate decreased and the inactivity rate increased.  The cooling of the labour market is perhaps to be expected against a backdrop of a difficult economic climate.  The headline figures show that unemployment in Scotland was 4.7%, up 0.4% over the quarter.  By way of comparison, Scotland’s unemployment rate was above the UK rate of 4.4%.   The employment rate in Scotland was 73.1%, down 1.3% over the quarter.  Scotland’s employment rate was below the UK rate of 74.3%.

Early seasonally adjusted estimates for May 2024 from HMRC Pay As You Earn Real Time Information indicate that median monthly pay for payrolled employees in Scotland was £2,411, an increase of 5.8% compared with May 2023.  This is higher than the growth in median monthly pay for the UK over the same period.  Employees have consistently demonstrated that they are prepared to move jobs for higher salaries.  Employers are doing their best to stem the flow of lost talent by increasing pay where they can.

With the General Election less than a month away, we can expect further change in the labour market.  With opinion polls predicting a change in government, employers are likely to act with a degree of caution when recruiting – particularly with unfair dismissal set to be a day one right should Labour win the election.  Labour has pledged to bring in a raft of enhanced and new employment protections.  With political uncertainty and change on the horizon we may well see the labour market slow whilst employers adapt to the changes.

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially “open for business” today, 12 June 2024, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case and the designation of its three tax sites located in Grangemouth, Rosyth, Mid-Forth (Leith and Burntisland). This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.

This significant milestone for the public / private consortium, which is Chaired by Dame Susan Rice DBE, will attract new businesses and new jobs into the FGF area, aided by a suite of financial incentives to deliver major economic and net zero benefits for Scotland as a whole and the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Focusing on the key target sectors of offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, FGF will support the re-industrialisation of Central Scotland and large-scale economic regeneration over the next decade.

Forecasts indicate that there is the potential to attract £7bn of private and public investment over the next decade, delivering Gross Value Added (GVA) of £8.4bn. This could generate up to 38,350 well paid, highly skilled, green jobs, with almost 19,000 of these being direct gross jobs linked to the FGF’s target sectors and tax sites.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business. It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.

“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.

“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training and access to high quality, green jobs.”

The potential of the FGF was highlighted by the news that Vestas, has identified the Port of Leith as a possible location for a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility. This is an example of how Green Freeport status can be used to boost Scotland’s renewable energy credentials with the potential to create hundreds of quality, green jobs in Scotland, supporting the just transition to net zero.

The investment incentives will only apply to businesses who commit to and deliver against a set of demanding Investor Principles that will guide all landowners and developers.  This will include abiding by the Fair Work Charter, which prioritises the rights, wages and working conditions of employees. The principles also require businesses to buy into Forth Green Freeport’s net zero commitments.

Strong governance is a key thread with a governing board with public and private sector members already established and active and with an independent Chair, Dame Susan Rice DBE. It comprises representatives from all consortium partners and includes elected members from all three local authorities and advisers from both the Scottish and UK Governments. An invitation has also been extended to the Scottish Trades Union Council (STUC) to have a worker representative on the board.

Dame Susan Rice added: “Strong governance is at the core of Forth Green Freeport as we focus sharply on ensuring that the Green Freeport operates to the highest standards. Workers’ rights will be protected, money will be spent wisely and all of the investors we attract to benefit from the incentives that the Green Freeport offers will be as committed as we are to ensuring that the most significant beneficiaries from this long-term initiative are the people from the communities around the Forth Green Freeport.”

Further detail on FGF:

The Outline Business Case (OBC) and tax sites were approved and designated on 12 June 2024, allowing the Forth Green Freeport to become operational. The consortium is currently working through the Final Business Case (FBC) which develops the detail in the OBC further and secures the seed capital funding linked to the Green Freeport. The FBC will be submitted for approval to the Scottish and UK Governments later this summer. Link to the tax site: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maps-of-forth-green-freeport-tax-sites 

The three strategically located tax sites and a number of potential customs sites, span 533 hectares in Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth, Burntisland and Edinburgh Airport. This is a refinement of the overall area following the inclusion of land owned by the Royal Navy in Rosyth (HMS Caledonia) and the joining of the Burntisland site with the Leith site to create the Mid-Forth tax site. For more information please go to the HMRC website: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65705e7b7391350013b03bc7/UK_Freeports_induction_pack.pdf

The Forth Green Freeport will drive growth in Leith, Burntisland and Rosyth through the manufacture of the next generation of offshore wind components, including floating offshore wind (FLOW), while stimulating innovative shipbuilding and advanced modular manufacturing and assembly at Babcock’s site in Rosyth. In Grangemouth, investment will support the just transition from the reliance on hydrocarbons to alternative fuels and energy sources. Together, these will have a far-reaching impact for the whole of Scotland and provide opportunities for greater trade across the wider Forth Estuary.

Apex Hotels is proud to announce that its CEO, Angela Vickers, has been awarded the prestigious HIT Industry Award at the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland’s annual industry dinner. This year’s event, which celebrated HIT Scotland’s 30th anniversary, brought together leading hospitality experts and influential figures to honour outstanding contributions to the industry.

The HIT Industry Award is a distinguished accolade that recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the hospitality sector. Angela Vickers, with her extensive 28-year career, has been a driving force in the industry, demonstrating remarkable leadership, innovation, and dedication. Beginning with the likes of Stakis and Hilton Hotels, Vickers is a hospitality veteran. Holding a Masters degree in Hospitality Leadership, Angela has successfully overseen the revitalisation of the family-owned Apex Hotel group since joining in 2004.

Under Angela’s stewardship, Apex Hotels has flourished, expanding its footprint and enhancing its reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Her commitment to excellence and her strategic vision have not only propelled the company to new heights but have also set benchmarks within the hospitality industry.

Angela Vickers expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the HIT Industry Award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Apex Hotels team. It is a privilege to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving and to contribute to its growth and success. I am excited about the future and remain committed to driving excellence in all that we do.”

A second award on the night was given to James McGuire, Commercial Manager at Coca Coca Europacific Partners. The Future Leader Award is an accolade awarded to a professional who has displayed immense commitment to the industry and marked as ‘one to watch’ for the future.

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland’s Chief Executive, said of the awards:

“The HIT Industry Award and Future Leader Award are HIT Scotland’s most prestigious accolades, celebrating the industry’s brightest and most committed talent. This year, the calibre of nominations was truly outstanding – which is an excellent reflection on the state of the industry and the people who work tirelessly to make it better.

“Our 2024 winners were highly deserving of their award, displaying the values, commitment and dedication that continues to raise the standards for the hospitality industry. Congratulations again Angela and James!

The 30th annual HIT Scotland dinner was a memorable occasion, celebrating three decades of support and development within the Scottish hospitality industry. Attendees included a diverse array of hospitality professionals, from emerging talent to seasoned veterans, all gathered to honour the accomplishments and advancements within the industry.

Following a full refurbishment by Forth Ports, the Category A Listed Victoria Swing Bridge located at the Port of Leith, was officially reopened at the weekend with a walk over procession and a colourful community flag parade.

The six figure investment in the refurbishment of the 150 year old bridge, which is the largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland, was a programme of specialist works which ensures that the bridge is protected for the future. Repairs were made to the two pedestrian walkways and the central carriageway which included replacing the existing timber decking, steel work repairs and a full repair and repaint of the well-known blue bridge’s metalwork.

The procession included three new 6-metre Leith Flags which were commissioned by The Port of Leith and created in collaboration with Kinetika and the local community. Local Leith MSP Ben Macpherson, the Citadel Youth Centre and members of the Leith community all took part in the bridge walk at the weekend. The colourful flags encapsulate the rich history, the exciting present and ambitious future of Leith through artistic design which has been inspired by local stories, memories and aspirations from the local community.

The reopening of the bridge coincided with a weekend of events as part of the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival and included vintage bus tours around the Port of Leith which were led by the port team themselves.

Commenting on the reopening event, Stuart Wallace, Group Chief Executive Designate at Forth Ports, said: “It is fantastic to be at the reopening of the Victoria Swing Bridge which is an important landmark for the community in Leith. The bridge work is just one part of the exciting ongoing regeneration activity in Leith of which we are proud to be part of. The glorious Leith flags brought colour and creativity to the reopening bridge procession and we are excited to show these flags off to the community.

“We are grateful to everyone who collaborated in the creation of the flags and I hope the local community enjoyed the vintage bus tours of the port. I know our team had a great time leading the tours and showing the dramatic, innovative redevelopment taking place as we build Scotland’s largest offshore renewables hub.”

The reopening of the Victoria Swing Bridge, coupled with the refurbishments and reopening of the Rennie’s Isle Bridge last year by Teuchters Landing, ensure that the people of Leith have better access around the local shore area. Further work will continue next year on the Victoria Swing Bridge with the refurbishment of the timber decked turning circles. This work will not impact on access for people crossing the bridge.

The Victoria Swing Bridge was designed by Alexander Rendel and opened in 1874 to provide an efficient road and railway route for the port following the completion of construction of Albert Dock in 1869. The bridge was originally B listed but was upgraded to an A listing in 2014. It is constructed of riveted wrought iron, timber and steel and originally carried a double rail track along its central deck (providing access for both trains and road vehicles) and features pedestrian walkways on either side (NB: see Notes to Editors for more detailed information).

With a General Election only weeks away and a mixed outlook for the construction industry, Turner & Townsend is urging businesses to prioritise adaptability in their approaches to long-term projects and programmes to set them up for success.

In its Summer 2024 UK Market Intelligence report, the global professional services company is forecasting that tender price inflation will continue to fall from the highs of recent years.  In 2024, within the real estate sector, this is expected to nudge down to 3.0 percent.

This comes as construction output fell by 0.9 percent in Q1 2024 with the adverse weather conditions in February – one of the wettest months on record – making a significant impact.  However, the report points to forward-looking indicators which suggest a more positive outlook.  New orders have surged by 15.9 percent, supported by a boost in sales due to the improving domestic economy.

As the UK anticipates a cut in interest rates on the horizon, the professional services consultancy expects confidence in the sector to increase, stimulate activity and boost growth for 2025.  However, given the uncertainty on interest rates, Turner & Townsend has kept its 2025 real estate TPI forecast at 3.0 percent.

Analysis of wider metrics found that tender price inflation was stabilising due to deflationary influences on material prices – a major driver of construction costs in recent years.

The outlook for infrastructure remains strong with several major programmes in the pipeline, including the water industry’s AMP8 and the building of Sizewell C.  These programmes, along with new orders which are up by 1.8 percent, are keeping infrastructure TPI at relatively high levels of 4.5 percent for 2024, with the expectation that this will increase to 5.0 percent each year over the forecast horizon to 2028.

However, challenges still lie ahead.  As a result of the record number of construction insolvencies in 2023, the consultancy firm warns that, until the economy is on surer footing, contractors and sub-contractors will likely select smaller and more manageable projects, placing pressure on capacity for major programmes.

Turner & Townsend is advising businesses to focus on adaptable, responsive approaches as they progress major programmes that will likely span multiple political and economic cycles.  The report underscores the need for programmes to be set up to factor this in by embracing intelligent delivery models, strong governance structures and digital-first strategies.

James Darrie, strategic lead, Scotland at Turner & Townsend commented:

“The first quarter of 2024 has presented a mixed picture for UK construction as output continued to contract while new orders increased.  We know there is demand for development as public and private sector businesses across the region work to spur on growth and decarbonise our real estate and infrastructure, but political and economic uncertainty remains at home and abroad. It is good news that the macro-economic position has improved, but the cost of deploying capital remains high and the supply chain remains volatile with all the risk and uncertainty it is having to manage.

“With a General Election on the horizon, businesses across Scotland will be hoping this will bring greater clarity on the direction of travel for the country.”

Firm appoints Magnus Miller as the first partner in its Dispute Resolution team in Scotland

Burges Salmon is pleased to announce the appointment of Magnus Miller as a partner in its Dispute Resolution team, based in Edinburgh.

Magnus joins Burges Salmon from Davidson Chalmers Stewart.

Magnus is a seasoned litigator with experience in advising on a wide range of real estate disputes and commercial litigation matters across both the public and private sector. His expertise also extends to insolvency, professional negligence, regulatory matters and judicial review. Magnus has significant experience in both the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts, as well as acting for clients in arbitrations.

Magnus comments: “Burges Salmon’s reputation for the quality of its lawyers, along with its equally impressive client-base, is second to none. I am therefore pleased to be joining Burges Salmon at such an exciting time to help shape its dispute resolution offering in Scotland and work with colleagues and clients to support the firm’s ambitious strategy for growth.”

This latest appointment for Burges Salmon in Scotland comes as the firm marks its 5-year anniversary of launching an office in Edinburgh. Since 2019, Burges Salmon’s Scottish presence has gone from strength-to-strength, resulting in an early increase of its office footprint with the acquisition of 3,000 sq. ft of additional space in Atria One. The expansion meant the firm could accommodate a growing team that today boasts over 80 people.

Andrew Burnette, the Head of Dispute Resolution at Burges Salmon, says: “As we celebrate the firm’s 5^th anniversary in Scotland and our UK-wide Dispute Resolution practice continues to grow, I am delighted to welcome Magnus as our first disputes partner in Edinburgh. Magnus is a widely respected and highly experienced litigator, so I am very pleased that he will be leading our contentious offering in Scotland.”

Comprising a 100+ strong team of specialist lawyers, Burges Salmon’s Dispute Resolution team provides expert advice to multi-national organisations, institutions, entrepreneurial businesses, and high net worth individuals facing complex challenges in the UK and internationally.

Magnus Miller joined Burges Salmon on Monday 10 June 2024.