Award-winning developer Cruden Homes and leading social enterprise, Places for People, scooped the top ‘Development of the Year’ title at the Herald Property Awards 2023. The annual awards ceremony took place on Thursday 28 September at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central, bringing leading property experts from across Scotland together to shine a light on the most impressive projects that have contributed to the industry over the past year.

Revealed as ‘Development of the Year’, Longniddry Village in East Lothian comprises a range of two- to five- bed high quality homes expertly designed for flexible family living.

Quietly placed in the heart of Longniddry’s coastal village community, the new homes offer calm rural living within close proximity of Edinburgh’s thriving city centre. Longniddry Village has been praised for its use of traditional design features uniquely crafted to embrace the distinctive village life that surrounds it, paired with contemporary interiors with a classic twist that perfectly mirror the needs of modern homeowners.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “Longniddry Village is exemplary of our commitment to building homes with people at their heart. This unique neighbourhood not only provides unique, quality homes, but a place where families and homeowners can grow together and build a fulfilling life amongst East Lothian’s welcoming, close-knit community.

“We’re honoured to have our achievements recognised by the judges and look forward to continuing to add community value through our pipeline of developments in the coming year.”

Allison Sutherland, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Scotland at Places for People, said: “Longniddry Village is a unique development and community that we are incredibly proud of, this award is a testament to the development.

“Longniddry Village is a great example of the benefits of working closely in partnership with organisations who have a shared vision of creating thriving communities. For us, creating homes where community matters – communities with social and sustainable values at their core – is our goal. With Cruden Homes, we have been able to create incredible places for people to call home and give them the opportunity to become part of a vibrant and prosperous local community.”

• Business confidence in Scotland fell three points during September to 33%, but remains above the year-to-date average of 30%
• Firms’ optimism in the economy rose 10 points to 29% as Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (40%), entering new markets (39%) and investing in their team (30%)
• Overall UK business confidence dipped five points in September from 41% to 36%, with firms’ outlook on future trading prospects down marginally on last month’s reading of 46% to 41%

Business confidence in Scotland fell three points during September to 33%, but remains above the year-to-date average of 30%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 14 points at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 10 points to 29%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 33%.

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (40%), entering new markets (39%) and investing in their team (30%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 31% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.

National picture

Overall UK business confidence fell five points in September from 41% to 36%. Firms’ outlook on their own trading prospects remained strong at 41% despite a five-point drop on last month, and their optimism in the UK economy also remained robust at 30%, down by seven points on August’s reading.

Businesses hiring intentions remained upbeat with 26% of firms reporting plans to increase their staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.

Companies in London reported the highest levels of business confidence for the second consecutive month at 44% (down eight points month-on-month). Firms in Yorkshire reported the second highest reading at 40% (up eight points month-on-month), followed by those in the North West at 38% (up four points month on month).

The fall in business confidence this month centred around the retail and services sectors, following strong sentiment in August. Retail confidence fell to 32% (down 12 points) dragged down in particular by trading prospects, while services confidence declined to 36% (down eight points). Construction confidence also fell to 36% (down eight points). However, manufacturing was stronger, with confidence rising to a three month high of 36% (up six points).

Chris Lawrie, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:

“Despite a small dip this month business confidence in Scotland remains positive, with many firms seeking opportunities to grow by expanding their teams and investing in new markets.

“As we move into the winter months, those operating in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors should be planning carefully for any increase in Christmas trade and getting ready to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. We’ll remain firmly by the side of businesses to support their ambitions and offer the tailored funding needed to thrive.

Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:

“As part of the Barometer survey data, we asked firms what represents the biggest issue for the UK Economy. The overwhelming answer from businesses this month was a combination of inflation, interest rates and energy prices.

“With recent data from various organisations in August showing inflationary measures having their desired effect, including our own UK Sector Tracker which showed demand falling across most sectors, the coming months may see a more stable environment where prices are concerned.

“Energy prices, from the wholesale market, have decreased and while businesses are not eligible for the same consumer price cap, most businesses will have longer term agreements with energy suppliers that shelter them somewhat from short term volatility. However, as we move into winter, it would be prudent for businesses to review their utility contracts and see if there are savings to be made.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:

“While the gains in business confidence we saw in August have not been maintained, it’s important to see the wider trend clearly reflected in the data which paints a very different picture to this time 12 months ago, when the economy was in significant difficulties.

“Despite some month-to-month movements, if you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and now an average of 27% in the third.

“Although the economic environment remains uncertain with inflation and interest rate pressures playing their part, the recent decision by the Bank of England to leave interest rates unchanged is likely to help businesses feel more upbeat about the future, which may underpin confidence in the last three months of the year.”

Last month, Scotland made history by becoming the first country to ever host the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships.

Over the course of 11 days, a total of 13 World Championship events took place, from indoor track cycling at  the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, to BMX riding at Glasgow Green, Elite Road Race events  in Glasgow’s city centre and across the central belt, Individual Time Trials in Stirling, Mountain Biking at Fort William and Glentress Forest, and Para Road Racing in Dumfries & Galloway.

Commsworld made history by becoming the first telecoms network provider to deliver connectivity for this new global event. The Edinburgh-headquartered company is a regular provider of connectivity for high-profile events – including golf’s Open Championship, UEFA Euro 2020 and TRNSMT – but the UCI Cycling World Championships, combining indoor and outdoor cycling within a concentrated 11-day period, were the first of their kind on this scale.

In total, the World Championships were watched by an audience of millions on TV and online around the world, plus by those who headed to fan zones across Scotland, as well as taking in live events in venues and on the road, as more than 200 rainbow jerseys were awarded to the new world champions.

To deliver a successful Championships, Commsworld was tasked with providing a Wide Area Network (WAN) capable of providing the bandwidth necessary to facilitate global TV broadcasts – by the Host Broadcaster, EBU, (European Broadcasting Union)  to the BBC and to partner networks around the world,  Including online streaming of events.

Commsworld also provided internet access, and Local Area Network (LAN) and on-site WiFi connectivity for broadcasters, event operations, media, UCI, hospitality and technical teams at a number of venues across Scotland.

Being an inaugural event, there was no template to work from. Not only that, events were staged all over the country, with two of the most remote Championships taking place at the Nevis Range near Fort William and Glentress Forest in the Scottish Borders.

Commsworld’s team rose to the task and excelled. The result was highly resilient connectivity of 10 gigabits to key Championship venues in Glasgow, including George Square, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow Green and the BMX Centre, as well as to the BBC Scotland’s headquarters in the city.

These venues were linked to its ultra-fast UK-wide Optical Core Network, which allowed Commsworld to maintain full control and deliver scalable bandwidth to keep connectivity fast-flowing and reliable. The result was reliable coverage, both on TV and online.

Meanwhile, venues at Glentress Forest and the Nevis Range were connected through fibre transported by Commsworld staff up steep hills and into wooded areas. Delivering connectivity to areas with such challenging terrain geography was a major achievement for the team.

Commsworld worked with the UCI and Cycling World Championships to establish effective design and implementation of the LAN environments at selected venues. LANs were also connected to Commsworld’s Optical Core Network, which allowed for the flexibility needed for a massive upsurge in connectivity as events neared their climax.

Commsworld engineers covered each of the sites in person for 16 hours a day, providing the project management and professional service expertise to every single event, as well as the technical resource to help those who needed it on site.

In total, 50 people provided more than 2,000 hours of support, laid 45,000m of structure cable, more than 10km of fibre cable, 137 wireless access points, 36 switches, configured over 1,000 switch ports, and connected 5,779 clients to WiFi. More than 200 hours of cycling was live streamed and footage from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships was broadcast all over the world.

Once the cyclists had all crossed the finish line and the media and spectators had headed off to the next event, Commsworld’s work was not finished. Staff had plenty of work still to do dismantling the infrastructure put in place, as is usual after events, returning the venues to their pre-race condition.

Thanks to their professionalism and dedication, the result was 11 days of excellent and unrestricted coverage that contributed to the 2023 Cycling World Championships being one of the top 10 most watched sporting events in the world this year, showcasing Scotland’s worldwide standing as a major event host.

Bruce Strang, Commsworld Chief Operating Officer, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are a clear demonstration of how Commsworld delivers reliable service in challenging conditions and timescales. Our excellent team planned meticulously – no stone was left unturned to make sure that the connectivity was efficient, resilient and 100% operational for the full 11 days.

“This was a high-profile and fast-paced environment and I cannot commend our people enough for their professionalism and can do attitude throughout the event.

“We have shown our capabilities at providing connectivity for a championships of this magnitude to not only a local but global audience, from multiple venues in some of Scotland’s remotest locations. I say well done to my team at Commsworld, congratulations to the UCI and 2023 Cycling World Championships, and congratulations to Scotland for making these inaugural championships so special.”

Balfour Beatty has today launched its refreshed UK Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Value Everyone, as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Having launched its first Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in 2018, the refreshed strategy builds on the significant progress Balfour Beatty has made in creating a workplace that is open and welcoming to all.

Guided by its employee-led Affinity Networks, the company has already implemented a wide range of initiatives, including tailored learning and development opportunities as well as reverse mentoring for the Executive Committee, and through the refreshed strategy, strives to create an even more inclusive and diverse workplace.

Balfour Beatty has a long-term ambition to have a workforce that reflects the population of the UK, in line with the England and Wales 2021 census. The refreshed strategy clearly lays out three targets to be achieved by 2030:

• 50% increase in female employees by 2030 on the 2021 baseline
• 60% increase in minority ethnic employees by 2030 on the 2021 baseline
• 60% increase in black employees by 2030 on the 2021 baseline

Delivering against seven strategic goals, the company aims to “lead the way”, “create opportunities”, “develop an inclusive culture” and “enable supply chain diversity” through targeted action plans which will be refreshed annually, whilst also raising awareness, educating, and celebrating differences.

Balfour Beatty has also introduced a fifth employee-led Affinity Network, Neurodiversity & Allies, to celebrate and educate employees about neurodiverse conditions and support the business in becoming industry leading in creating an accessible working environment for neurodivergent people.

Paul Raby, Balfour Beatty Group HR Director, said: “Becoming a truly diverse and inclusive company is one of our greatest focus areas. Whilst we have made significant progress since we first introduced our strategy in 2018, we recognise that there is still more work to do.

“Since then, the passion of our people has been instrumental in driving tangible change through focused action, spearheaded by our employee-led Affinity Networks. With our 2030 targets and a refreshed strategy, we will continue to work towards becoming a more inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is supported to reach their full potential”.

To read the refreshed strategy in full, click here.

As the UK gets ready for Challenge Poverty Week (Monday, 2^nd October to Sunday, 8^th October), Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, is working in local communities to support more people living in poverty and affected by inequalities to be active and well.

Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces some of the greatest levels of inequality.  The Edinburgh Poverty Commission estimates that almost 82,000 people are living in poverty. And in terms of life expectancy, a boy born in in the New Town, Edinburgh can expect to live 21 years longer, than a boy born in Niddrie.

Forty-four percent of adults living in the most deprived communities in Scotland do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared with twenty-eight percent of adults living in the least deprived areas.

Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Being active is one of the best things we can do for our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Yet many people living in poverty can face barriers to being active, such as cost, lack of confidence and knowledge of what support is available.

“As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we’d love more adults experiencing poverty and inequalities to take out our £10 Get Active Pass and enjoy the life changing benefits of being active with Edinburgh Leisure. The card is not available to buy online but anyone eligible can pop into any Edinburgh Leisure venue and sign up. It really is making a huge difference to people’s lives.”

One participant explained the positive impact it is having on their life: “I don’t often leave the house but since I’ve taken out a £10 Get Active Pass, I’ve been going swimming regularly which makes a huge difference to my mental health.

“I couldn’t afford a membership, so the £10 Get Active pass has been a godsend. It’s helping me both mentally and physically and encouraged me to meet new people.”

The Edinburgh Leisure £10 Get Active Card is aimed at people on a very low income and offers off-peak access to the gym, swim, saunas and steam rooms and group fitness classes, up to 4pm, 7 days a week.  Fitness classes can be booked on the day of use.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to keep people active and well. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues across the city and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be active and stay active.

Each year Edinburgh Leisure’s’ Active Communities team support more than 10,000 people who face the greatest barriers to being active, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to improve their health and wellbeing. They deliver over 20 different programmes city wide, which aim to break down barriers to physical activity and help people to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.

Each year, they raise over £800,000 from external funders to provide a range of targeted projects and activities which enable people on low incomes and those living with long term health conditions to be active to protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of live. The funding is an investment into health and wellbeing, providing a significant return by reducing the need for people to access more expensive health and social care services.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join/concessions#getactivepass

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/active-communities

ScottishPower has announced the nationwide launch of its ‘Returner’ employment programme, offering an exciting opportunity for people who have taken a career break to rejoin the STEM sector through a flexible, year-long paid placement.  

The programme offers a structured pathway for candidates to refresh their industry knowledge and rebuild confidence in their existing skills in a dynamic working environment, as part of ScottishPower’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

From marketing to renewable energy, the Returner Programme showcases the diverse array of career prospects at ScottishPower and with 50% of previous returners going on to secure permanent positions within the organisation, addresses the UK’s pressing STEM skills shortage head-on. 

Recent findings from the STEM Returners Index 2023 have highlighted numerous obstacles faced by people seeking to return to the STEM industry post-career breaks, including age and ethnicity biases. These challenges in recruitment have led to a situation where 30% of returning professionals in the industry are wrestling with reduced self-confidence. 

Addressing the challenge of self-confidence specifically, the flexible and paid placement offers successful candidates the opportunity to contribute to ScottishPower’s most high-profile projects. Matched with roles tailored to their skills and aspirations, participants will engage in specialised workshops designed to rebuild their confidence and benefit from expert mentoring and guidance provided by a dedicated Returner Programme manager, setting them on a path to sustainable long-term employability. 

The programme follows ScottishPower’s biggest ever recruitment drive, which created 1,000 green jobs as part of the company’s record £10 billion investment into green infrastructure in the UK. These green jobs will place people at the forefront of the transformation of the electricity network in support of the UK’s net zero emission goals. 

Sarah McNulty, Director of HR at ScottishPower said: “We are delighted to re-launch our successful Returners Programme, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. This project aims to empower STEM industry returners and boost their skills and confidence as they reintegrate into the workforce following career breaks.  

“Over time, our Returners Programme has yielded remarkable success stories, with many people not only finding a place within the ScottishPower family but going on to make their mark across STEM industries. We are excited to welcome our next intake of returners and look forward to seeing the incredible impact that our returning talents will continue to make in shaping the future”. 

Ashima Tandon, Implementation Lead at SP Energy Networks Operations: “As part of the Returner Programme, I began working with ScottishPower as the Technical Process Lead in Process and Systems, COE, SP Energy Networks. 

“For a professional like me who has a technical background and previously worked in the IT business for a number of years before taking a hiatus, this programme has been an excellent opportunity. I got the chance to work with a terrific team and received tremendous support from management, leadership, and teammates. After 4 months into the programme, I applied for a new role inside the organisation and was given the option of accepting a permanent position, which I gratefully accepted”.

The Returners Programme is now receiving applications and candidates have until Friday, 1 December 2023, to apply. More information on the criteria and how to apply is available at https://www.careers.iberdrola.com/job-invite/46641/  

At the Women’s Business Club we believe in creating intentional community and strategic support systems with women who pull out our perennial in ways we had not realised before and who challenge us to always be better. Join us at the Scotland Women’s Business Conference for an exhilarating session of Speed Networking!

Why Speed Networking?

In a fast-paced business world, time is of the essence. That’s where Speed Networking comes in – it’s the ultimate shortcut to building valuable connections. Connect with like-minded women, industry leaders, and potential collaborators in a fraction of the time it would take at traditional networking events.

Don’t miss this opportunity to fast-track your success and form connections that can transform your business and career. Join us at the Scotland Women’s Business Conference on the 9th of October, Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians, for a day of experts, workshops, networking and an awards ceremony. All expert sessions and workshops are CPD accredited.

Secure your spot now and accelerate your path to success!

Book your place here: https://womensbusiness.club/conference

Jo Gilroy, Balfour Beatty Group Director of Sustainability, has featured in the Construction Index’s ‘Re:Construction’ podcast, discussing the future of hydrogen and decarbonising the construction and infrastructure industry.

In the podcast, Jo shares the lessons learned from Balfour Beatty’s journey towards a Zero Carbon Construction Site of the future at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, highlighting that while early in its development, hydrogen will make up a key part of the renewable energy mix for the construction industry in the future.

She further explains that the journey towards achieving net zero isn’t a linear path and it’s only through trialling and experimenting with innovative ideas, such as hydrogen, and being honest about their limitations, that the industry can drive the adoption of practical and sustainable solutions.

Commenting on the importance of collaboration on sustainable initiatives, Jo said: “We’re ultimately trying to achieve the net zero goal but as a sector we’ve defined it as a race, to highlight its sense of urgency. However, the more we can co-invest and collaborate together, the quicker we’ll be able to achieve a sustainable future.”

To listen to the podcast in full click here.

Council Leader Cammy Day said:

“I was incredibly moved today upon seeing these images from Kyiv. These are an important reminder of the terrible human cost of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

“I’ve been clear for the past 18 months that Edinburgh stands in solidarity with Ukraine and with the Ukrainians who have made their new lives here in Edinburgh. I am incredibly proud of the support we have provided as a Council and as a city to those fleeing the most grave and terrible circumstances. We will continue this support for as long as is necessary.

“I would encourage all residents and visitors in Edinburgh to visit this exhibition from this weekend.”

Chair of the AUGB Edinburgh Branch, Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk:

“This photo exhibition is a powerful opportunity to show the world what is happening in Ukraine so that the world doesn’t forget about the brutal war in the centre of Europe, and the destruction to the Ukrainian people.”

Ukrainian Consul to Edinburgh, Andrii Kuslii said: 

“Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has had detrimental consequences for the Ukrainian people. They have faced unimaginable hardships and loss, yet their resilience and determination to reclaim their sovereignty is inspiring. By attending the exhibition, you have the opportunity to show your unwavering support for Ukraine. Together, we can shed light on the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

“The exhibition serves as a declaration that Ukrainian people’s fight for independence and stability will not be forgotten or diminished. By attending, you can add your collective voice to the chorus of support and ensure that the world recognizes the strength and resilience of the people of Ukraine.”

The exhibition runs from September 23 to November 12, 2023. Entry is free.

Accessibility guidelines for the Museum of Edinburgh can be found here.

Shepherd and Wedderburn is proud to be legal advisor to the newly formed Cask Whisky Association (CWA), a new organisation established to create a safer environment for whisky enthusiasts and customers to buy and sell casks for investment.

George Frier, Partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, who has over 30 years’ experience working with the whisky industry, provided guidance to the founding members in establishing the association, membership standards and criteria.

The CWA Members include cask whisky brokerages and businesses, distilleries, independent bottlers, and whisky experts working within what is presently an unregulated part of the sector.

Chairman of the Board Colin Hampden-White (photo, front left) says the Association’s goal is to uphold the overall reputation of the Scotch whisky industry.

“The Cask Whisky Association exists to protect private customers from unscrupulous business practices and traders and safeguard independent bottlers from over-inflated pricing,” Colin says, adding: “Our Members are committed to, and will provide guidance on, best practice.”

George commented: “The Association will help guide and bring together like-minded traders wanting to promote best practice in the industry.

It has also got a wider positive implication for the Scotch industry generally, as no one would want its worldwide reputation to be damaged by sales of rogue or mis-sold casks.”