Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has been ranked 13 in Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious readers awards.
The luxury lifestyle hotel, which was officially opened by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson earlier this year, was awarded a score of 95.59, placing it 13th in the list of hotels outside of London, and placing it 4th for the best hotels in Scotland.
- Just two fifths of UK firms (41%) now expect their prices to increase in the next three months, down from 55% in Q1.
- Labour costs are the biggest driver of price rises, across most sectors, cited by 66% of all businesses.
- Domestic sales, cashflow, turnover and profitability indicators are stable but remain at a low level.
- Business investment continues its long-term flatlining trend with only 23% seeing an increase, as the percentage of firms worried about interest rates rises to 45%.
The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q3 2023 shows the percentage of firms expecting to raise prices in the next three months has fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter.
The data also reveals that for the second quarter running the main factor for increasing costs is coming from wages.
The survey, by the BCC’s Insights Unit, of over 5,000 firms – 91% of whom are SMEs – also reveals business performance across different sectors varies considerably. The research took place between 21 August and 14 September before the Bank of England decided to hold the interest rate at 5.25%. Respondents were split into 28% manufacturing and 72% services industries, with 48% exporting.
Activity in the service sector ticks up but manufacturing is lagging behind
The percentage of all firms reporting increased domestic sales remained unchanged from Q2 at 35%. Meanwhile 23% reported a decrease and 42% reported no change. But the services sector saw a larger bump with 36% seeing an increase, diverging from manufacturers, where 29% saw an increase.
For cashflow, more businesses saw an improvement rather than a decline – a reversal of the situation in Q1 and Q2. But the changes remain small, as 28% of businesses said their cash flow has improved over the last three months (26% in Q2), while 26% have seen it decline (29% in Q2).
After a rocky end to 2022, business confidence bounced back and has now stabilised.
The percentage of firms expecting to see their turnover increase over the next 12 months stood at 53% for Q3, broadly similar to Q1 (52%) and Q2 (54%) but up significantly from Q3 and Q4 in 2022 (both 44%). Only 16% expect a decrease in the next twelve months.
Profitability confidence also remains stable at 45%, up from 44% in Q2, although it continues to remain weaker than turnover confidence. 23% expect a decrease in the next twelve months.
This recovery in confidence in 2023 is yet to feed into increased business investment.
The percentage of respondents reporting an increase to investment in plant/equipment remains stuck at 23%, while 59% reported no change and 18% saw a decrease.
Over the last six years the number of firms increasing investment has dropped as low as 9%, at the start of the pandemic, but it has never gone higher than 28% (Q1 2018). The hospitality sector remains under additional pressure with 33% reporting a decrease in investment, and 22% an increase.
Inflationary pressures continue to ease but remain the top concern.
The percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise fell for the fifth consecutive quarter. Two-fifths of firms (41%) now expect to put up prices in the next three months. This is down from an historic high of 65% in Q2 of 2022, indicating inflationary pressures are continuing to ease.
While inflation remains firms’ biggest concern, the level has dropped for the third quarter running, with 65% of firms now worried compared to 69% in Q2. However there has been a corresponding 4 percentage point rise in businesses worried about interest rates, increasing from 41% in Q2 to 45% in Q3.
Labour costs are now the number one cost pressure for businesses.
Concerns around wage costs was the biggest pressure for most firms for the second quarter running, although the percentage worried has dropped from 68% in Q2 to 66% in Q3. However, worries about utility prices fell even further from 63% to 59%, creating clear water with wage costs as the number one issue.
But there remain wide sectoral differences with manufacturers citing wages (68%), raw materials (65%) and utilities (65%) in a three-way tie as main factors driving price increases. While in hospitality, 81% of firms were most worried about utility costs, with wages in second place at 74%. The retail sector was least worried about labour costs, with 52% citing it as an issue, against 59% flagging utilities and 58% raw materials.
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The results of the QES continue to point to tough trading conditions for many firms as inflation, labour shortages, global trade barriers, and interest rate rises continue to bite.
“Manufacturers have reported a particularly tough quarter, and it will be crucial over the coming months to see how this trend plays out.
“Most firms continue to report no increase to their investment intentions. This is in part a reflection of broader uncertainty, with little clarity on major long-term projects and yet more trade barriers to come with the EU.
“Easing inflation and a recovery to business confidence provide brighter spots, but these need to be reinforced with a clear plan from Government on long-term investment and direction from the Bank on the interest rate.”
Responding to the findings, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said:
“Our research shows that business confidence has stabilised at much healthier levels following a rocky end to 2022. But the economic warning lights are still flashing.
“Firms are increasingly worried about interest rates, and while inflation concerns are falling, persistent wage pressures show we need a greater focus on relieving the UK’s tight labour market.
“With manufacturing lagging behind services, and low rates of investment across the board, especially in the hospitality sector, it is clear more needs to be done to spur growth.
“After the disappointment of HS2, firms want to see clear signals from Government to encourage investment. This means putting in place a five-year rolling guarantee on the full expensing tax allowance to give business some much needed certainty.”
What businesses say:
“We are looking to invest in new machinery as part of our growth plans so interest rates for asset finance are more an issue than previously.”
Small manufacturer in the East Midlands
“We cannot put our prices up much as [we] trade under the VAT limit and there is no sign that this will change. This means we are unable to expand or significantly up our prices despite all our suppliers increasing theirs.”
Small hospitality firm in Bristol
“Increasing interest rates is not reducing inflation on core costs which is crucial, as we cannot continue to absorb reduced sales prices and increase in costs.”
Medium sized construction firm in Aberdeen
To celebrate the launch of Phamie’s latest album, Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) is proud to present this rare opportunity to enjoy the brilliant music of this celebrated composer and performer, in the magnificent setting of Greyfriars Kirk, on Fri 27th Oct at 6.30pm.
Phamie is a gifted musician, celebrated in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2021, and has played at venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall, the opening of the Scottish Parliament and the closing ceremony for the London Olympics. She is recognised as being one of the most innovative harpists and her piano compositions have created a new wave of classical crossover music. Collaborations have been with Philip Glass, Ashley MacIsaac, Carlos Nuñez, Alan Stivell, LMO orchestra, McOpera String Quartet, Band of Horses, and many more.
Her long awaited latest album, ‘Dancing Hands (Remastered)’ was released in August 2023, and is full of sparks and songs that will leave you wanting to listen to it again and again. The 11th album from Phamie Gow featuring some of Celtic music’s finest players. Phamie is on harp, keyboard, low D whistle, accordion and singing. All music is written and produced by Phamie Gow of Wildfire Records and Publishing.
This is a key event for GCP, supported by ‘Greyfriars at 12’ and Phamie herself, to raise much needed funds to enable GCP to continue to support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised citizens in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The cost-of-living crisis, mounting energy bills, high inflation, and the onset of the winter months, means that more people than ever are struggling on the brink of poverty and homelessness, and needing the targeted support of GCP.
Our CEO, Helene, explains why this event is so important for GCP:
“Our work is deeply rooted in understanding the challenges faced by those most disenfranchised. From addressing homelessness and mental health issues to trauma and domestic violence, our approach goes beyond immediate relief. It’s about resilience, community, and empowerment.
With public funding stretched to the limit we at GCP, and across the charity sector, need to generate the income to continue to deliver our essential services. Whilst this event is a vital fundraiser for our charity, Phamie is an incredible artist and we are honoured to be hosting her incredible talents. Here at GCP, we bring people together through art, music and crafts, coupled with the sharing of delicious home cooked food, and this event highlights this inclusive approach.
Come and enjoy a wonderful evening of truly fantastic music and fine food, whilst supporting our work to empower some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.”
In an intimate cabaret-style setting in the glorious surrounds of Greyfriars Kirk, ticket prices are £38.50 per person and include a delicious two course supper, performances by Phamie, and a licensed bar will be available. Discounts for tables of 6 people.
Tickets can be booked at Phamie Gow live at Greyfriars Kirk Tickets, Fri 27 Oct 2023 at 18:30 | Eventbrite
For more information contact Helene van der Ploeg helene@grassmarket.org
Equate Scotland are conducting research into inclusivity in Scotland’s STEM sectors and are looking for employers to participate. Organisations often ask us how they can get involved in our mission to support gender equality in STEM and this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.
Underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM remains a stubborn issue and we are hoping to identify best practice for inclusivity through this research and identify gaps where organisations would benefit from support to become more diverse and inclusive.
Participation in this research will enable your organisation to be part of the solution towards making the sector a more diverse and inclusive space where people and organisations can thrive.
The research consists of an anonymous survey which will take around 20 minutes to complete. Due to the nature of the questions within the survey it would be best if it was completed by a member of a senior leadership team, EDI lead, or HR lead.
The Employer Survey will be open until the 31st of October!
Your participation will help us to develop our advocacy and training programmes that benefit the women and non-binary people in your organisation, and across Scotland, and will help us understand how we can continue to support employers. As an acknowledgement of your contribution, we can offer you one free CareerHub job listing (worth £200) and exclusive access to an online lunch and learn by Equate Scotland on ‘Unlocking the power of ED&I in your organisation’ to be held in November 2023.
Scottish baby loss charity, Held In Our Hearts, are calling on the local community to join the charity as they fundraise and raise awareness of their work during October’s Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th-15th).
This year marks the 21st year of Baby Loss Awareness Week in the UK – a week for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember much loved and missed babies. For Held In Our Hearts, this is also an opportunity to connect with the community of bereaved parents that they support and for others to show their solidarity through taking part in fundraising challenges to raise vital funds for their work.
This year’s theme is ‘Stepping Stones,’ and the Held In Our Hearts team know from experience that after the loss of a precious baby, bereaved parents and families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. This year, they will focus on the steps along that journey, and how some steps can feel harder than others.
The charity are keen to involve as many of their amazing supporters as they can during Baby Loss Awareness Week and some of the ways they can get involved, are:
● 9th – Pop up stand at Lullabye, Princes Street Gardens
● 11th – Drop in at their Craiglockhart office (Adults only)
● 12th – Family drop in at Craigsfarm
● 13th – Eastgate Shopping Centre Pop Up Stand (Inverness)
● 14th – Fundraising Sea Dip (Wardie Bay, Edinburgh)
● 15th – Walk of Light (around Arthur’s Seat)
● 15th – Walk of Light (starting at the Glen Mhor Hotel – Inverness)
Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive Officer of Held In Our Hearts, says:
“As a bereaved parent myself I know how hard that walk was and still can be, living without my son, Theo. For the families that we support, we know that each step they have to make, can take a momentous amount of energy and courage – that first step out of hospital without their baby, that first step out of the front door, walking through the doors on their return to work…
We are asking as many people as possible to get involved in Baby Loss Awareness Week and help ensure we can continue to walk alongside bereaved families, providing a lifeline through our specialist counselling and peer support”.
More information regarding taking part in one of the charity’s Baby Loss Awareness Week events, or for more information on how businesses or the public can fundraise and support the charity can be found by contacting the charity at info@heldinourhearts.org.uk.
Chris Riach and Caroline Whitten, Legal Directors
Professional services firm Pinsent Masons has strengthened its financial services offering in Scotland with the appointment of Legal Director, Caroline Whitten, who has joined from Sainsbury’s Bank.
Based in Edinburgh, consumer credit specialist Caroline will work alongside recently appointed insurance regulatory and commercial Legal Director, Chris Riach, who has rejoined Pinsent Masons after several years in-house with a large life insurer.
Pinsent Masons’ Edinburgh office in the financial district’s Capital Square is also home to the firm’s UK Head of asset management and investment funds practice, David Young, who is adding two associate lawyers to his team.
The financial services team is also bolstered by the addition of two newly qualified solicitors from the firm’s traineeship programme and the recent Financial Services sector appointment of Amie Bain as a pensions Partner in Glasgow.
The appointments mean Pinsent Masons will have 10 funds, insurance and financial services experts working from Edinburgh and Glasgow which are part of a 52-strong group advising financial services clients in the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg and Dubai.
Colin Read, Partner and Head of Regulatory, Insurance & Funds at Pinsent Masons, said: “We are delighted to welcome Caroline to the team and her extensive retail banking and regulatory expertise will undoubtedly improve our overall offering to financial services clients in Scotland and further afield.
“Together with the earlier appointment of Chris Riach in Edinburgh, this signals a clear commitment to strengthening our capabilities in what is a dynamic and competitive market. Our enlarged Scottish team also benefits from Pinsent Masons’ wider London and international presence as we support clients looking to explore global growth opportunities.”
Film-loving teachers and educators now have the chance to develop their film skills for use in the classroom with a new suite of short film education courses run collaboratively by Queen Margaret University and Screen Education Edinburgh. The move also provides educators with the chance to gain a PgCert in Film and Screen Education. The new courses are perfect for educators who have a love of film and who want to be more proficient in their use of film and film education in their teaching with young people.
Funded by Screen Scotland, the courses allow teachers and educators to dip their toe into learning more about film, filming techniques and how they can use film as an educational tool to inspire and encourage young people in their learning. They can do one course, just for the love of learning, or they can opt for a more structured approach to upskilling themselves by completing all three courses. Successful completion of the three short courses would give them a PgCert in Film and Screen Education, and the skills and confidence to utilise new filming techniques, tools and knowledge that will enhance and modernise their teaching practice.
Dr Robert Munro, lecturer in film at Queen Margaret University, said: “This is a flexible approach to learning which is designed to support educators in Scotland in providing a quality film education experience for learners. The beauty of this unique opportunity is that participants can decide just to undertake one short course, or stack up three connected courses:(1) Introduction to Film Education; (2) Filmmaking in the Classroom; (3) Professional Practice in Film Education, with successful completion leading to a PgCert in Film and Screen. Not only will the courses develop the knowledge and practical skills of participants to be able to embed film in their practice and reflect, they will also equip teachers with a desirable skillset making them stand out in the jobs market. In addition, the courses also allow educators to reflect on the ways film can be embedded within Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.”
With decades of expertise in film, media and the creative industries, Queen Margaret University worked closely with SEE to create a PG Cert built on the success of their respective GTCS accredited courses in film education, both of which were funded by Screen Scotland. Dr Munro confirmed: “There was certainly a demand from people who wanted to develop their professional practice in film education, with our first participants coming from the teaching profession, professionals from independent cinemas, film access organisations and freelance film education practitioners.
“The short course that we ran last year, ‘Introduction to Film Education,’ is part of the suite of three courses and will be run again in February 2024. Course participants can expect a blend of online, and face-to-face learning on campus, with this combination really helping support and inspire students, and build their confidence by experimenting with new techniques, technologies, equipment and ideas.”
Dr Munro confirmed: “We are delighted that Screen Scotland has shared our vision for these courses and understands the value that they offer in helping upskill teachers and educators across Scotland to ensure they are equipped to offer young people in schools and beyond with a contemporary and engaging learning experience.”
Founded in 1981, Screen Education Edinburgh (formerly Pilton Video) is Scotland’s oldest filmmaking organisation and a national leader in the development of opportunities in filmmaking for all through the provision of high-quality film education and filmmaking training programmes. SEE’s programmes increase confidence, wellbeing, and attainment, enabling progression towards further and higher education study, and into the film, tv and media workplace. SEE prioritises the creation of opportunities for diverse communities, those situated in areas of multiple deprivation, and in rural areas. In recent years, SEE has increasingly collaborated with Screen Scotland to further enhance film education delivery within school settings.
Dr Laura Findlay, Creative Engagement Officer at Screen Education Edinburgh, said: “SEE is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity in partnership with QMU and with the continued support of Screen Scotland. The two short courses designed by SEE, ‘Filmmaking in the Classroom’ and ‘Professional Practice in Film Education’, were born out of a GTCS accredited course launched in 2022, ‘Using Filmmaking to Develop Your Teaching Practice’, giving teachers a PR Award in Filmmaking in Education. Our close work with teachers over the years has helped to shape these courses to ensure we’re offering something impactful and meaningful to their professional development. The courses will develop teachers in filmmaking, enabling them to apply this in their professional practice with the aim of making a short film with a class or group in an educational setting. We will also support teachers in developing skills in experiential learning and reflective practice, as well as different methods of evaluation, strengthening how they evidence the impact of creative and technical learning on their pupils, themselves, and the wider school community. The offer of a PG Cert on completion of all three courses will have a tremendous impact on teachers’ ability to deliver high quality film education to their pupils.”
The first Film and Screen Education short course begins in October this year, with the other two courses running in February 2024. Find out more about the three short courses at: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study/2023/pgcert-film-and-screen-education/
A ‘first of its kind’ toolkit to support newly qualified solicitors has been launched by independent law firm Anderson Strathern.
“One day you’re a trainee, working alongside your mentor, moving departments every six months and learning the ropes. Next day you are starting off your career as a newly qualified solicitor, managing client meetings, responsible for your own workload and reaching your billing targets. This toolkit will help immensely.” – Andy Richmond, solicitor
Designed to equip lawyers in the early stages of their career with a broader range of business and people skills, the toolkit will support them to deal with a variety of demands in the workplace.
A combination of webinars and in-person, practical training sessions, the toolkit is the brainchild of Anderson Strathern partner Siobhan McGuigan and director Sarah Lonie. The idea emerged via the firm’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme which encourages original thinking and nurtures future leaders within the firm at all levels.
“Completing a traineeship is a big achievement, following years of legal studies,” explains Siobhan. “But with that success comes a whole new set of challenges as they settle into careers as qualified solicitors. Our aim with this toolkit is to help plug that gap in skills and business knowledge.”
The programme will build newly qualified solicitors’ understanding of finance, time management, delegation, profile raising and business development, as well as provide training on creating effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
“Workshop topics were selected based on feedback from Anderson Strathern’s newly qualified solicitors, addressing areas they themselves identified,” said Siobhan. “The sessions will include practical and administrative skills that are pivotal to thriving in the role, but which are rarely covered in university textbooks.
“Ultimately, we are investing in our solicitors to support their career development,” added Siobhan. “It’s about bridging any gaps in learning that may have resulted from lockdown, helping them enjoy their careers with us and to make the most of the vast opportunities that exist for them within the firm.”
Andy Richmond, a solicitor in Anderson Strathern’s Dispute Resolution team, said: “One day you’re a trainee, working alongside your mentor, moving departments every six months and learning the ropes. Next day you are starting off your career as a newly qualified solicitor, managing client meetings, responsible for your own workload and reaching your billing targets. This toolkit will help immensely.”
The toolkit launch comes at the end of a strong year, as the firm’s Edinburgh team prepares to move to a newly built Grade A office in Capital Square in November.
David Watt, chief executive of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “At a time when Scottish Government ministers repeatedly speak about the importance and value of culture to our society and economy, the reinstatement of the £6.6M cut to Creative Scotland’s annual budget for the current year is unfathomable.”
“Just yesterday (Thursday September 28), I, alongside other cultural representatives, gave budget evidence to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee to hopefully ensure that this shortsighted budget decision does not extend into the 2024-25 budget for culture settlement.”
“Investment in culture is essential for society, local communities, tourism, the economy and Scotland’s international reputation. The ongoing challenges of the legacy impact of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis, are very real, with many arts and culture organisations operating on a knifes edge.”
“These issues are exacerbated as the majority have a lack of unrestricted reserves and continue to struggle to build these up due to slow growth in ticket sales and increased overheads due to high energy prices.”
“A reduction in public funding will rapidly increase the firefighting our culture organisations and venues are facing against challenge after challenge. If this budget pattern continues, with little opportunity to ensure future sustainability, there will be an inevitable shrinkage of the culture sector, and the economic and social impact of this will be significant for us all.”
Journalist and producer, Paris Gourtsoyannis, joins STV News at Six and Scotland Tonight teams
On Friday 29th September, STV announced that Paris Gourtsoyannis will join its news operation as Westminster correspondent on 23 October. He brings to the role a wealth of experience as a journalist and producer, having covered major political news stories across multiple high profile media outlets.
Paris joins STV from Channel 4 News where he worked as a producer across domestic and foreign news. Prior to this, he was senior producer at ITV’s political current affairs show, Peston. Paris has also worked as a broadcast journalist with BBC News and BBC World, and as a producer on BBC’s Question Time.
Before moving into broadcast, Paris spent over four years as Westminster Correspondent at The Scotsman, where he covered the EU referendum and its aftermath as well as two general elections. He has also worked as a journalist with Holyrood Magazine and The Times.
STV News at Six is the most-watched news programme in Scotland. With studios in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and London, two distinct editions of the programme are produced ensuring the service is relevant to audiences across the country. Paris will also contribute to political analysis on STV’s current affairs programme, Scotland Tonight.
Paris Gourtsoyannis, STV’s new Westminster Correspondent said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Westminster as a member of the STV News team, at such a crucial time for politics in Scotland and the whole UK. It’s a privilege to help viewers make sense of events at Westminster, in the lead up to what promises to be a dramatic general election campaign. STV News has some of the best broadcasters anywhere, and I look forward to helping them build on its success as Scotland’s leading news programme.”
Linda Grimes-Douglas, Head of News at STV, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Paris to the STV News team as Westminster correspondent. He brings with him a wealth of experience and insight from high profile news outlets as both a journalist and producer and will be a great asset to the team. Our viewers value highly the trusted news we deliver which is relevant to them, and it’s critical to us that we provide regular updates of news from Westminster that impacts on their lives – I’ve no doubt that Paris will do this with great skill and finesse.”
