• Anderson Strathern will provide a suite of legal services to government and public sector bodies for a further four years.
• Murray McCall, Managing Partner: “This win keeps us at the top of the tree for public sector work.”

Scottish law firm Anderson Strathern’s public sector legal credentials have received a boost with the news that it has been reappointed – for the third successive four-year period – to five ‘lots’ of the Scottish Government’s Legal Services Framework.

The appointment signals a total of over 16 years’ service by the firm within the Scottish Government Frameworks and follows a competitive tender exercise which attracted strong bids from the Scottish legal community.

The Framework includes contract, commercial and corporate law, debt recovery, litigation, employment and property law. Further, Anderson Strathern has been top ranked for litigation and employment, debt recovery and ‘one-stop-shop’, meaning that the bodies using the framework can make direct awards for legal work within these areas if required.

Murray McCall, Managing Partner at Anderson Strathern said: “This win puts us at the forefront for public sector work.  The Framework covers a comprehensive range of legal services and is hugely sought after within the Scottish legal community.  To be re-appointed to five lots reinforces our exemplary credentials across the full gamut of public sector law and will enhance our current growth trajectory.”

Under the Framework Agreement, several law firms are appointed to each ‘lot’ and can be used by Scottish Ministers, including agencies, Scottish Non-Departmental Public Bodies, other Scottish central government organisations as well as the UK Government in Scotland.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) marginally upgrades its 2023 GDP forecast to 0.4%, but economic activity will remain very weak throughout 2024 and 2025, according to the organisation’s latest Quarterly Economic Forecast.   

  

UK Economic Outlook

  

The UK economy remains on course to avoid a technical recession, but growth is likely to remain so feeble that it will be hard to spot the difference. A growth rate of 0.4% is expected for the whole of 2023, dropping to 0.3% in 2024, and nudging up only slightly to 0.7% in 2025. Consistently low economic growth of this nature is comparable to previous periods of economic shocks and recessions such as the oil crises of the 1970s and financial crash of 2008. 

  

Core inflation is proving sticky. But while BCC research shows inflation is the top concern for UK firms, fewer businesses now expect their prices to rise over the coming months. The forecast for the CPI rate, therefore, remains unchanged at 5.0% in Q4 2023. 

 

However, CPI is now forecast to take longer to return to the Bank of England’s 2% target – only reaching this goal in the last quarter of 2025. 

  

Slight upwards revision to GDP  

  

While the first ONS estimate of GDP growth for Q2 2023 was better than expected, the BCC forecast expects the next two quarters to flatline – leading to overall growth of 0.4% for the year. This is in line with the Bank of England’s forecast. 

 

However, with interest rates now predicted to remain higher for longer, the BCC expects the economy to grow by just 0.3% in 2024 and 0.7% in 2025.   

   

This downward revision for the next two years, from the BCC’s previous Q2 forecast of 0.6% and 1% respectively, reflects the negative impact of inflation and interest rates on disposable income and household spending, and their dampening effect on overall business investment. 

 

Evidence from recent BCC business surveys also showed business confidence levelling off after a brighter start to 2023.   

   

Trade is also likely to continue to suffer, with both imports and exports forecast to be down significantly in 2023 (-4.7% and -4.3% respectively) due to weak global demand and the continuing impact of Brexit. Further regulatory changes at both the UK and EU borders are also likely to weigh on trade flows. 

   

With a stronger start to 2023, but a number of economic indicators now flashing red and a subdued global outlook, the BCC predicts business investment will contract by 0.1% in 2024, a downward revision of 0.7 percentage points, before rebounding to 1.2% in 2025. 

   

Average earnings to perform more strongly  

   

Despite the gloomy economic outlook, average earnings are now expected to grow more strongly over the next three years, with 5.5% growth in 2023 and 3.5% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025, this is marginally above the forecasts for year-end CPI inflation in the next two years. 

   

With core inflation remaining stubborn, and fears that wages could continue to put upward pressure on prices, the Bank of England interest rate is now expected to peak at 5.5% in the second half of 2023. It will then fall more slowly than previously forecast – decreasing by just 0.25 percentage points in 2024 to 5.25%, and then 4.5% in 2025.  

    

Further growth in unemployment rate  

   

While the number of vacancies continues to decline, the slow rate of change means the labour market is expected to remain tight. This is backed up by BCC research showing record numbers of organisations reporting recruitment difficulties – particularly in the hospitality, retail, and manufacturing sectors. However, some modest growth in the unemployment rate is also expected, with upward revisions for all three years – rising to 4.2% in 2023, 4.7% in 2024, and 4.6% in 2025.  

  

Commenting on the forecast, Vicky Pryce, Senior Member of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, said:  

  

“The BCC’s latest forecast shows the UK economy is continuing to teeter on the edge of a recession. But the fact is, that with growth predicted to hover so close to zero for three years, it will still feel a lot like one for most people and businesses. 

 

 “The impact this will have on consumer spending, coupled with a poor trade performance, will only generate more uncertainty for firms. 

 

“The Bank of England’s own forecasts take a similarly dour view, so firms will be watching closely to see how this feeds into decision-making around interest rates.  

 

“There is currently little on the table to provide companies with any crumbs of comfort. As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to find solutions.”  

  

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:    

   

“Our latest forecast reflects how many SMEs firms are struggling to rebuild confidence following three years of economic shocks. Prolonged inflation, skills shortages, and new trade barriers with the EU have fed into a climate of little or no growth.   

 

“A rapidly increasing proportion of SMEs are also now worried about interest rates, which have dramatically raised borrowing costs in many cases. 

 

“With further trade barriers looming, leading to higher import costs, and tightness in the labour market persisting, it is difficult to see how large-scale investment will be unlocked. Government needs to work with business to develop a clear path for the economy to promote investment and growth.” 

Today Humza Yousaf announced his first Programme for Government for 2023-24, which he described as anti-poverty and pro-growth. One of the key announcements for business was to implement the recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, which the Chamber network has been heavily involved in. This includes steps to identifying and remove regulations that are no longer required, establishing a new Small Business Unit and considering improvements to the Non-Domestic Rates system. Some of the other announcements around business, the economy, and related areas were:

On supporting business and the economy

• A promise to implement the recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, of which the Scottish Chambers of Commerce are a member. This will include:
  • working with business to identify and remove regulations that are no longer required
  • ensuring that businesses are engaged from the earliest stage of policy development
  • establishing a new Small Business Unit to ensure that the interests of small businesses are always considered
  • working with partners to transform the way the Government and their agencies provide support to small businesses and to help businesses raise productivity and reduce costs
  • considering improvements to the Non-Domestic Rates system – work is ongoing with the New Deal group on this
• A new £15 million package of measures was promised to support entrepreneurship and innovation, including continued work to implement the recommendations of the Logan review, the Innovation Strategy, and Anna Stewart’s report on supporting women into enterprise
• A dedicated Investment Unit will be established within the Scottish Government to act on the forthcoming recommendations of the First Minister’s Investor Panel and to provide a clear route for investor engagement
• They will work with local authorities and employers to help those who face barriers to starting or re-starting work, including helping care leavers into employment
• A commitment was made to work with the UK Government on promoting growth, including a discussion of some of the recent recommendations from the Hunter Foundation around using tax incentives and wider economic policy to support investment in key areas such as renewables
• Recognising the role of childcare in helping parents return to work, benefiting families as well as the wider economy, the Programme promised to extend and simplify childcare provision, with expanded access to funded childcare for 13,000 more children and families by the end of this Parliament

On transport, housing and infrastructure

• October will bring the start of a pilot scheme to remove peak fares from ScotRail services
• Promised to continue planning reform, including digital transformation of the system
• A Housing Bill will look to introduce long term rent controls, new tenants’ rights, and will create new duties around the prevention of homelessness
• Committed to investing £752 million this year through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, to help meet the longer-term target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032
• Continued investment of over £600 million in broadband networks was promised, as well as the launch of a seventh 5G Innovation Hub
• Various commitments were made around improving roads including progressing the dualling of the A9, as well as investing in ferry services

On net zero and environmental policy

• Almost £5 billion of investment will go into the net zero energy economy in Scotland over this parliamentary term
• A Green Industrial Strategy will be developed, setting out how the Scottish Government intends to help businesses and investors realise the economic opportunities of the transition to net zero
• Government will establish a sector deal with the onshore wind industry to half the consenting time for new wind farms, whilst also streamlining offshore wind processes
• Committed to publishing a Solar Vision for Scotland, as well as continuing to implement the Hydrogen Action Plan
• Agreed to work with businesses to develop plans for the delivery of the Deposit Return Scheme from 2025, subject to UK Government legislation

Over the coming days and weeks we will engage with members, policy makers and the wider Scottish Chambers network to analyse the full impact of the announcement on our member businesses and the wider Edinburgh economy.  As ever, if you have any thoughts, views or comments you’d like to share with us, or any insights into how you believe these measures impact your business, please contact policy@edinburghchamber.co.uk

UK top 50 and leading Scottish law firm Brodies LLP has been reappointed to the Scottish Government’s new Legal Services Framework where it will provide support in five out of the six available Lots.

The result of a competitive tender process run by the Scottish Government but creating a framework that can be used by public bodies across Scotland, Brodies will provide legal services relating to contract, commercial and corporate law; litigation, reparation, employment and inquiries; major infrastructure and commercial projects; property and a ‘one stop shop’ incorporating legal services from all Lots.

The appointment is for four years, from 2023 – 2027, and sees Brodies increase the range of services it provided under the previous Framework from three Lots to five.

Commenting on the appointment, Brodies chair, Christine O’Neill KC, said: “We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and the other public bodies who use this Framework. That we have been selected for an increased range of services is testament to the quality of our lawyers and our commitment to provide excellent service.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is transforming into the ultimate wellness retreat, bringing good vibes only for an exclusive wellbeing event on Sunday 10^th of September with yoga, sound healing and delicious brunch treats in Eve – the hotel’s all day dining destination.

Designed to let Edinburgh locals relax and recuperate after a busy Fringe season, the Good Vibes Sunday event will begin at 1.30pm with a wellness session, followed by the ultimate afternoon brunch and cocktails in Eve.

Featuring sound healing, gentle movement, and meditation, the 90-minute session is open to all, from absolute beginners to yogi fanatics. The accessible wellness session will be guided by expert meditation teacher, Frazer McGlinchey of happysense, and Yoga instructor, Mika Benjamin.

Mika will be leading the session in collaboration with Frazer and local mindfulness meditation organisation, happysense, creating the ultimate urban retreat in the heart of Edinburgh, using the holistic healing technique of sound therapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.

After the restorative session, yogis can enjoy a delicious brunch offering in Eve from 3pm-4pm, all included in the ticket price. With brunch classics that will satisfy every craving, guests can enjoy everything from wholesome granola bowls to pancakes and more, all paired with delicious cocktails and mocktails, expertly crafted using Chandon Garden Spritz and distilled alcohol-free spirit, Feragaia.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said, “The Fringe has been a busy but fun month and we want to help everyone recuperate and reset by offering up the ultimate Fringe blues cure. In partnership with experts in all things yoga and meditation, we’ll be transforming Virgin Hotels Edinburgh into the ultimate zen space for a one-off relaxation session. 

“We’ll also be treating everyone to the best brunch in Cowgate with delicious treats from Eve and specially curated drinks. You won’t want to miss it!” 

Spaces are limited so guests are advised to book tickets in advance, available here. For £30, guests can expect yoga, meditation and relaxation, and the ultimate brunch selection in Eve.

Good Vibes Sunday is just one of many events hosted at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow along on social media here:

• Instagram @eveedinburgh @virginhotelsedi
• Twitter @virginhotelsedi

Cruden Homes is poised to unveil an innovative development of new properties that is set to change the face of home buying.

The award-winning housebuilder is collaborating with property technology experts, Pixel and estate agents, Monarch Legal to create an exciting customer experience that responds to the changing requirements of modern-day buyers.

West Craigs Green, Cruden Homes’ latest residential development, will launch this Autumn. Ideally positioned in the heart of west Edinburgh, it will comprise of 122, one-two- and three-bedroom apartments, many with balconies, together with three- and four-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and townhouses, all with private gardens.

But the way that potential house buyers can view and choose their property is shaking up the market, allowing them to explore the development, take a virtual tour of each house style, and tailor-make their new home before it is even built.

Thanks to innovative new technology, which can all be viewed from a phone or laptop, the system’s pre-sale HomeSelector allows prospective buyers to enjoy a virtual walk-through of the development and view the inside and outside of every home. They will even be able to see the size of each garden or balcony, view the proximity to neighbours’ homes, and find out more about points of interest in and around the development and local area.

Enhancing the full buying journey, those who have purchased a property will be able to use the OptionsSelector to choose their own tailored design options and track any upgrades. This easy to use, intuitive state-of-the-art technology makes everything ‘real’, allowing buyers to explore options and experiment with different design looks in extremely accurate detail. They can also select kitchens, bathrooms and carpets, tailor-make any extra features and take time to involve the whole family in making a house their home.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes said:

“Buying a new home is one of the biggest purchases that we will ever make, so home buyers want to make more informed, considered decisions. This dynamic system allows potential home buyers to completely customise their actual home, shortlist their preferred properties and compare them on the platform so they can get a really clear picture of the whole development and home of their choice, without having to leave the comfort of their couch. West Craigs Green offers a fantastic location in the Capital with so many options to choose from. I urge anyone interested in this contemporary new development to register their interest today, so they are ready to snap up their dream home as soon as we go live this Autumn.”

Cat Smith, Founder of Pixel said:

“This new development offers a huge leap forward to house buying in an increasingly tech-savvy market. Today’s home buyers now demand greater flexibility, transparency and choice to be able to see and customise their home in the same way they would expect with a new car. Cruden Homes is showing great commitment to ensuring its buyers have an all-encompassing experience which lets them visualise their home from the get-go.

“This partnership is the first of its kind, with an estate agency agreement that allows us to showcase the development to its full potential by giving buyers the virtual experience both before and after they purchase their home. Alongside Monarch, we are delighted to partner with Cruden Homes to help bring their vision to life using our new technology that really does set an exciting blueprint for the future of new home buying.”

Home buyers can register their interest by visiting: www.westcraigsgreen.co.uk or by calling 0131 600 0095

Two local bus drivers have been named among the top 3 of the UK’s best bus drivers in this year’s UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals held in Blackpool at the weekend.

Gary Black (Lothian Buses) and Thomas Gilhooley (East Coast Buses) finished second and third respectively, with Gary also scooping prizes for Best Driver from a Scottish Depot and Best Placed Finisher by an ALBUM (Association of Local Bus Company Managers) Member.

Drivers from all over the UK participated in a series of tests on Sunday 3 September, including a two-mile road drive through the iconic seaside town, and a highway code and theory test.

Lothian held its own local competition in May of this year at Ingliston, with Gary, Thomas and John O’Hara (from Lothian’s Longstone depot) going through to the national final where they took on the best of the best from other operators across the country.

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director for Lothian, said: “We are thrilled that two of our drivers have finished in the top three at the UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals.

“The final is a fiercely contested affair, with the competition fought in the best possible spirit between all the drivers. I would like to congratulate Gary, Thomas and John for their excellent performances over the weekend.

“Their success is a testament to their talent and skill, but also our amazing driving teams and incredible in-house training school.”

The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2023 now open.

To broaden the range of nominees it has been agreed to widen the eligibility criteria to include people who have ‘a substantial association with Edinburgh’. The update was approved at a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council last week (Thursday 31 August).

Previously, some nominations received have been excluded due to an individual not having been born or lived in Edinburgh. Consequently, the Edinburgh Award Panel agreed unanimously to reflect this by adding in ‘substantial association with Edinburgh’ and the panel is particularly keen to welcome nominations which reflect the diversity of the city.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated an individual who has made a truly unique contribution to the city. With the new criteria it means that someone can now be nominated – whether or not they were born or lived in Edinburgh – if they have gained national and international recognition for Scotland’s Capital through their work.

The 2022 recipient was Sir Geoff Palmer, in recognition of his ground-breaking contributions to academia, his indefatigable defence of human rights in Edinburgh and beyond, and most recently his work heading up the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group. Sir Geoff was presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and had his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle.

Edinburgh has four weeks to cast nominations for this year’s award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has urged individuals and businesses in the Capital to nominate someone for the Award:

“I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and someone who clearly has a substantial association to Edinburgh will be eligible to receive the Edinburgh Award.

“Edinburgh has been a global force in many fields, for over two centuries and this is down to the character, achievement, and excellence of our citizens. The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate exceptional individuals who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today and have enhanced the city’s reputation nationally and internationally.

“By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give that person the recognition and praise they deserve.

“From outstanding individual feats to the work of community groups, as Lord Provost I am consistently inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh calmly persevere and look out for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.

“Edinburgh, its reputation, and its enduring global appeal is down to its people. Now looking for its 17^th recipient, The Edinburgh Award needs the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy winner.”

Nominations opened yesterday (September 4) and close at 5pm on October 2, 2023.

More details about the criteria for the Edinburgh Award 2023 and to submit a nomination can be found here.

Five years after it was signed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.

The delivery milestones are captured in the Deal’s latest annual report – Read here.

Significant progress has been made on delivering 3,500 new homes in Winchburgh. Over 540 mid-market rent homes have been delivered by Edinburgh Living, and nine new industrial units have opened in Fife, with more on the way in the Scottish Borders.

£3 million has been secured to improve regional bus services, and over 700 small to medium-sized businesses have been supported.

Some of the Deal’s impacts are captured in a video series, highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects. Featured projects include data skills in primary schools, circular economy and low carbon in the Fife Innovation Zone, and a construction academy for members of the region’s Ukrainian community.

With an investment of £1.5 billion over 15 years, the UK and Scottish governments, along with regional stakeholders, are committed to enhancing transportation, housing, culture, skills, employability, and innovation across the region. This investment, in the region with more than 24% of Scotland’s population, is one of the most ambitious deals in the UK.

At the fifth anniversary, 18 out of 20 business cases are approved and either in their implementation or delivery phase. Project milestones in the last 12 months include opening the National Robotarium in September 2022, launch of the Usher Innovation Community in November 2022, and completion of the Edinburgh Innovation Park A1 grade separated junction in May 2023.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, said:

“The Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal is a triumph of regional collaboration in delivering jobs, skills, opportunities, well-being and prosperity. It demonstrates what can be achieved when central and local government, higher and further education, and the business, social enterprise and third sectors work strategically and collectively. We are on track to significantly exceed the benefits anticipated through this transformative Deal and have exciting plans to maintain and enhance the region’s global reputation, become the Data Capital of Europe and to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all who live in this diverse region.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

“The Edinburgh City Region and South East Scotland deal has reached some remarkable milestones in the five years since its signing. We are already seeing the benefits the projects are bringing to the region through the breakthroughs in science and innovation and developments in infrastructure.

“The UK Government’s £300 million investment continues to support the deal to deliver sustainable economic growth in South East Scotland, part of more than £2.4 billion to level up right across Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome great progress since the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest £300 million in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in 2018.  These projects build on the strengths of the region’s economy, delivering improvements in innovation, housing, culture and critical infrastructure plus a new skills programme; unlocking opportunities for communities across the area.”

Read the full annual report here. 

The firm’s Corporate Group has advised Legatics on its latest funding package to boost growth and support expansion plans into the US

The Corporate Group at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Legatics, a legal project management platform that simplifies and automates legal processes, on its £4 million investment from FINTOP Capital and Gresham House Ventures.

The investment will support Legatics as it targets further growth and expansion into US markets whilst also allowing for the further development of its platforms with new project management capabilities and AI-powered add-ons.

The Burges Salmon team acting for Legatics was led by Corporate partner Alex Lloyd and solicitor Elena Kaltsas-Walker.

Alex Lloyd comments: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Legatics team to secure this important investment which promotes and supports innovation and technology in the legal sector. As lawyers we understand the importance of investing in technologies to enhance the client experience, something our firm is very much committed to, and so we’re excited to see Legatics go from strength to strength as it embarks on the next phase in its growth journey. “

Daniel Porus, Chief Commercial Officer at Legatics, adds: “We’d like to thank Alex and the team at Burges Salmon for getting our financing round over the line. The firm is commercially-minded, has supported us through two successful fundraisings and understood from the get-go what was needed to get the deal done.”

Burges Salmon has a strong Corporate practice in the UK, acting on high value and complex transactions, and supporting fast growing companies with their growth ambitions. Over the past year, the team has advised on over 110 transactions for domestic and international clients, particularly in the energy, healthcare, life sciences and financial services sectors.