As Christmas approaches, Cruden has launched its annual appeal in support of local UK foodbank charity, The Trussell Trust (Scotland), to collect much-needed food items and cash contributions for communities across the central belt of Scotland.
This marks the fourth year of the successful campaign, which aims to give back to local people and bring winter joy to families and individuals at a time which can be particularly challenging for many.
Last year, the generosity of Cruden’s staff, partners, suppliers and friends saw over six tonnes of food items collected and distributed to local food banks, and an incredible £11,000 cash donation raised to support people in need. £5000 worth of donations were gifted by the developer’s registered sister charity, The Cruden Foundation.
This Christmas, Cruden is encouraging even more people to show their support and help to provide household items for those who may be struggling. In particular, they are asking anyone who can spare an extra gift this year to kindly donate toiletries and non-perishable food items, such as long-life milk, fruit juice, tinned food, pasta, breakfast cereals, biscuits and festive goodies.
To support Cruden’s 2023 foodbank appeal, please drop off any items to your nearest Cruden site, sales suite or office. Cash donations are also welcome and can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cruden
Colin Kennedy, Construction Director of Cruden, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many, but it can also be an extremely difficult and stressful time for those less fortunate. Our team is delighted to once again be working closely with The Trussell Trust to touch the lives of those in need this holiday season.
“The kindness and generosity that we have seen in previous years has been amazing and we hope that we can bring even more happiness to vulnerable people this year. Christmas is all about giving and adding just one extra item to your shopping list could make an enormous difference to someone. We’d encourage anyone who can to help spread some joy this Christmas to join us in supporting local communities by donating to our foodbank appeal.”
Reacting to news of plans for a fresh trade deal with South Korea, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:
“An improved trade deal with South Korea would be very welcome. It could deliver for the UK’s food and drink sector, manufacturing companies and services providers, as well as locking in record inward investment into the UK.
“South Korea is a vital export market for our Chamber Network, but also a key source of semi-conductors for the UK manufacturing sector, as well as many everyday consumer goods – such as cars, electrical goods and electronics.
“The BCC has been at the forefront of campaigns to expand and simplify digital trade for services as well as goods. Building on the ideas in our Trade Manifesto, these negotiations can create a new bespoke agreement which fires up online trade and e-commerce between our countries.
“We have clear interests to defend too. This includes continuing flexibility for manufacturing exports, preferential tariff treatment in the South Korean market, and trading terms for data flows and intellectual property.
“But we enter this process with hope and optimism. If Government works closely with business, throughout these negotiations, we can produce the best trading terms for economic growth with a key partner. This would benefit small, medium and large firms, across the UK.”
Pictured at Oriam in Edinburgh: Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain with Robin Mitchell, real estate partner in the Edinburgh office of Shoosmiths.
Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain recently met Robin Mitchell, real estate partner at leading law firm Shoosmiths as the Scottish FA and law firm celebrated the impact of their four-year partnership.
Statistics from the Scottish FA reveal that since 2019 there has been a marked increase in the number of female coaches enrolling on Level 1 courses across Scotland. In 2022 alone, 622 individuals participated, an increase of almost 200 based on a yearly average. In addition, support from law firm Shoosmiths has helped drive the increase in the number of female referees in Scotland, with over 100 introduced into the game since January 2019.
These figures far exceed the initial target Shoosmiths set itself of supporting the training in women’s youth and senior football of 200 new coaches and 20 new referees over the 2019-2023 period.
Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain, commented: “Our increased enrolment levels of female coaches and referees over the past four years has underlined the significant contribution of a number of factors, including the commitment Shoosmiths has made to the development of the women’s game north of the border.”
Robin Mitchell, real estate partner at Shoosmiths in Edinburgh, added: “Equality, diversity and inclusive working practices are embedded in our culture. We feel very privileged to have had the chance to further apply these values in women’s football through our four-year partnership with the Scottish FA.
“Shoosmiths is very proud to have supported the training and resourcing of hundreds of female coaches and 100 female referees in the women’s game since 2019. Looking to the future, we are confident that our contribution will serve to further strengthen the grassroots structure of the sport and ensure more young women can play football and enjoy being active throughout Scotland.”
As part of its support of the women’s game, during Shoosmiths partnership with the Scottish FA, a total of 650 match-day tickets for a dozen of Scotland’s home international women’s football fixtures were distributed to schools, soccer centres and grassroot girls football clubs throughout the country. The lucky recipients of tickets included young players from Westerton United, Heston Utd, Glenburn & Houston Utd in Glasgow.
Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play parties are back this festive season at Clambers, Scrambles and Tumbles soft play. From rocking around the Christmas tree to burning off all that Christmas excitement across the city’s soft play venues, there’s plenty to keep kids active.
Children can dance and prance to the jolly disco, make new friends with the preppy party games and unwrap their creativity with Christmassy arts and crafts. And at Edinburgh Leisure’s Christmas parties, you won’t find the Grinch present – each child will leave with a celebratory gift.
In preparation for burning off all those mince pies, Santa Claus will be consuming this Christmas, he’s been seen on the climbing wall at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Ratho, perfect for practising descending all those chimneys. He’s also been making a splash at The Royal Commonwealth Pool and practising his jumps at Tumbles at Portobello, in preparation for leaping from roof-top to roof-top.
Tumbles at Portobello, 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR
What: Tumbles Christmas Party with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 15 December 2023 – 15.00–17.00 hrs
Monday, 18 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA
What: Scrambles Christmas Party, with soft play included, arts and crafts and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 22 December 2023 – 15.00 – 17.00 hrs
Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB
What: Clambers Christmas Party, with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
When: Thursday, 14 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Thursday, 21 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Cost: Non-members – £13.00 per child / Members – £9.00/ Free – 0 – 11 months –
To book: Book at reception at the respective venues.
More information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/soft-play-christmas-parties
Performers from across the firm showed off their talent at a sold-out event to support Bristol and Edinburgh charities
Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon was amongst the very first to perform at Bristol’s new iconic venue, Bristol Beacon, in a mammoth charity event aimed at raising funds for the firm’s charitable theme, No Child Goes Hungry.
Burges Salmon’s Got Talent saw partners, lawyers and business professionals perform at the newly renovated Lantern Hall, in front of a packed audience of almost 300 people with over 100 people also watching the live stream. They treated the crowd to a series of exceptional music, singing, dancing and stand-up comedy acts with the firm’s choir also belting out some iconic tunes including a moving rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
The sold-out event raised more than £23,300 through ticket sales, donations, auctions and a raffle. Funds will be distributed to a number of charities across Bristol and Edinburgh, who are working to tackle the issue of food justice for children and young people in different ways, including Feeding Bristol, the Trussell Trust and the Edinburgh Food Project.
Burges Salmon has been supporting the charitable theme of No Child Goes Hungry for almost four years. In that time, the firm has supported over 30 different groups through its fundraising and has also worked in partnership with many organisations to provide pro-bono advice, volunteering and in-kind support to help them tackle food poverty and support vulnerable children lacking access to food.
The talent show also marked a celebration of Burges Salmon’s long term partnership with the Bristol Beacon, with the firm supporting the charity on its once-in-a-generation transformation.
Jamie Cameron, director in the Employment team and head of community engagement at Burges Salmon, says: “Our talent show was a roaring success and we’re so proud to have raised such a phenomenal amount for our charity partners in Bristol and Edinburgh and play our part in supporting the all-important work they do in our communities to end food poverty and ensure no child goes hungry. Responsible business sits at the heart of our culture and values and is core to our ambition to being a sustainable and inclusive firm to ensure our clients, people and communities flourish. On behalf of the whole firm, I would like to thank our brave and talented singers, dancers, musicians and comedians for treating us to such a fantastic show, to our supportive audience for being so generous in their donations, and of course huge thanks to Bristol Beacon for giving us the unforgettable opportunity to be amongst the very first to perform at its new impressive venue.”
Alice Honeywill, partner in the Pensions team and chair of Burges Salmon’s charity committee, adds: “The event was a real display of Burges Salmon’s culture at its best, working together to put on a fantastic event and supporting our hugely talented performers with great encouragement. It was a fabulous and fun evening, all in support of our local communities.”
Rosa Corbishley, development director at Bristol Beacon, comments: “We were thrilled to host Burges Salmon’s talent show as one of the first events to take place in our newly transformed spaces. The ongoing support from Burges Salmon means that we have been able to deliver on our promise to build one of the best, most accessible performance and music education venues in Europe. The partnership we have built together will ensure that many more people in our community will benefit from life changing musical experiences.”
Earlier this month, Burges Salmon was named the Overall Leader 2023 in the Lamp House Strategy Responsible Business Annual Report, recognising the impact of the firm’s overall ESG strategy to advance its people, protect the planet and preserve good governance. With a robust Responsible Business Framework and a 2026 Responsible Business Ambition, Burges Salmon’s initiatives are based upon five core objectives which deliver on the firm’s ESG priorities.
The Chancellor must take bold steps to unlock the untapped potential of UK business if the economy is to weather continued global headwinds.
BCC research shows less than a quarter of firms are investing, as fears over high inflation and interest rates, alongside concerns around trade barriers and skills shortages, continue to bite.
The BCC Autumn Statement submission has 23 recommendations and includes five major policy calls that could put the economy on the best footing possible to absorb further shocks. They are:
- Reforming the planning system to speed up infrastructure projects and give businesses much needed room to grow.
- Introducing a rolling five-year guarantee for the continuation of the full expensing tax break, to increase take up.
- Upgrading the energy grid to unlock new business development and investment.
- Extending business rates relief for hospitality and retail businesses, freezing the multiplier, and looking at reforming the system to better reflect firms’ ability to pay.
- Introducing tax breaks to encourage firms to offer Occupational Health benefits that keep people in work.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “Businesses are holding onto their money as inflation remains stubbornly high and fears over further interest rate rises continue.
“With the ongoing war in Ukraine and the awful new developments in the Middle East there is real concern over oil prices and further turmoil in the wider financial markets.
“This is likely to further impact the Chancellor’s headroom to provide any fiscal stimulus. But we think there are some options open to him that could make a real difference without breaking the bank.
“Businesses have told us they have billions of pounds in private investment waiting to be pumped into the UK economy, but our creaking planning system and overloaded grid are holding that back.
“It’s vital we unlock this money and take steps to put British business in the best place possible to remain competitive in the global marketplace and weather any further shocks.
“Business confidence is in a much better place than it was a year ago. But the pandemic, the energy costs crisis and higher interest rates all mean firms are less resilient than they were.
“If we invest more in our energy grid network then private funds will follow and there will be a multiplier effect that will ripple out across the UK’s supply chains.”
The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the New Deal for Business implementation plan announced by the Scottish Government. This plan aims to address the concerns that the Chamber has been voicing for a while now, particularly those related to the individual and cumulative effects of new legislation on businesses.
The plan also proposes to enhance consultation processes and introduce opportunities for earlier-stage consultations. In addition, it promises to keep Non-Domestic (business) Rates under constant review. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce represents the Chamber network on the New Deal for Business Group.
Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, announced that this plan would offer “certainty and consistency” by establishing a forum to monitor the impact of regulations on industry and conducting a comprehensive review of policy development to ensure improved consultation at all stages.
Joanne Davidson, Policy Director at Edinburgh Chamber, commented: “This is a positive move that seems to address some significant concerns that we have been raising on behalf of our members for quite some time. It’s reassuring to know that these concerns have been acknowledged. However, businesses will watch with interest to see how the implementation plan works in practice.”
This November, W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 brands, is set to bring energy and flair to the city’s lively culinary scene with the highly anticipated opening of W Edinburgh. Bookings for the three hero dining outlets are open now HERE for tables from 14th November.
The new hotel will bring a playful twist on Scottish culinary culture with three innovative dining concepts. The top floors and panoramic terraces of the hotel will be home to the country’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant alongside a buzzing iteration of the W Lounge, and Brazilian-inspired speakeasy cocktail bar named Joao’s Place.
SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA, born of the energy and spirit of the three distinct cultures of Japan, Brazil and Peru, will be bringing its imaginative cuisine to W Edinburgh. From Japanese tempura and exquisite sushi, to Brazilian churrasco and moqueca, to Peruvian anticuchos and seviches, the culinary creativity is limitless with something for every palate. The ever-evolving menu will feature a selection of SUSHISAMBA signatures among new Edinburgh specialties incorporating the finest local Scottish produce. The open kitchen and fiery robata grill offer brilliantly roasted and flavored meats, vegetables and fish, while SUSHISAMBA’s small plate style of service encourages a “shared” dining experience.
Inspired by Scotland’s bountiful selection of produce, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh specialties will include robata grilled Highland Wagyu Flat Iron with honey soy, Loch Fyne Oysters Teriyaki, and the Samba Edinburgh Roll location’s namesake specialty roll.
Complementing the menu is the impressive cocktail list, a curated collection of premium sake and a Scottish and Japanese whiskys.
The dynamic interiors will feature a stunning dining room, and an outdoor terrace with sweeping views of Edinburgh’s skyline, private dining room with a bespoke mural by local artist while SUSHISAMBA’s signature orange tree sculpture will take root in the bar and welcome guests as they enter the space, creating a highly discoverable destination for cuisine, music, and design from day to night.
W LOUNGE
The destination W Lounge will serve as the social epicentre of the hotel, reimagining Gaelic cuisine and rewarding guests with the finest unfettered and unrivalled 360-degree views of Edinburgh. Transcending day to night, the sharing concept menu and cocktails will focus on using the best produce from Scotland, Ireland & Wales. On the open-air rooftop W Deck, custom igloos will allow guests to enjoy the breath-taking views of the city no matter the weather. Moving inside, the all-day dining venue offers comfortable lounge decor coupled with a convivial atmosphere.
Dishes to be served in the new sleek club-style dining space have many nods to the city’s famous flavours and produce and include; Grilled West Coast Razor Clams with Seaweed & Citrus Butter, Perthshire Venison Loin with Celeriac, Scottish Girolle, Brambles and Whisky Jus and XL Scottish Rarebit. Entries on the Sweets menu include a delightful signature: Baked Ben Nevis.
W Lounge will also offer an inventive cocktail menu that leans into the myths and creatures of the Gaelic nations, which is also reflected in the design of the space. Tipples on offer include Èiridh – The Rising (Plum Teeling Poitin, Pear Eau de Vie, Peychaud Bitters, Lemon & Scottish Honey Cordial) and Ùrachadh – Awakening (Highland Park 12, Treacle Cordial, Coffee, Cream & Flamed Spices).
JOAO’S PLACE
Finally, guests and visitors to W Edinburgh alike will be offered the opportunity to discover Joao’s Place. A secret speakeasy offering incredible Brazilian-inspired cocktails, Joao’s is an intimate apartment-like space inspired by the São Paulo neighbourhood of Liberdade.
A first of its kind, Joao’s Place will act as a new destination for the best in pioneering mixology in Edinburgh, offering an enviable menu of premium spirits and curated closed-loop cocktails. The space itself is inviting, warm and humble, with low lighting and curated lounge music with a Brazilian twist playing from a vinyl selection. Guests are set to enjoy the intimate atmosphere from relaxed couches, tableside, or at the bar, alongside a spacious terrace with outdoor fire features and stunning views of the city.
“We can’t wait to unveil W Edinburgh’s dining concepts and welcome SUSHISAMBA to the city. The acclaimed restaurant will offer our guests and visitors a Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian gastronomic experience unlike anything else in Edinburgh, in parallel with our unique 360-panoramic terrace views. Our aim is to celebrate the city’s culture and history – as you’ll see through our W Lounge menu – but also offer brand new horizons for locals and visitors alike” said Ken Millar, General Manager at W Edinburgh.
W Edinburgh invites guests to embark on a culinary adventure to honour the city and discover it anew, where they can enjoy the unexpected and make meaningful gastronomic memories that will last a lifetime. It is located in the heart of city’s newest neighbourhood, St James Quarter, a stylish lifestyle district where guests can benefit from world-class retail on their doorstep and immerse themselves in the best that Edinburgh has to offer in all aspects of their visit.
Book now HERE for tables from 14th November, or follow on Instagram or Facebook for further pre-opening updates.
- Programme brings together Edinburgh’s outstanding academic talent and event industry professionals to form a network of ambassadors championing the city as a world renowned destination for academia and events
- Since the 1990s, over 1000 events have been attracted to the city, generating in excess of £900 million for the local economy
- It is estimated that over 70 per cent of international association conferences are secured by ambassadorial activity
- Launch event takes place at National Museum of Scotland on Wednesday 11th October
- Guests including the Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Professor Rowan Parks, Professor of Surgical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Professor Lis Neubeck, Professor of Cardiovascular Health in the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University, and the EICC’s CEO Marshall Dallas
Convention Edinburgh, Edinburgh’s convention bureau, is launching a new Ambassador Programme for Edinburgh this week, a programme bringing together Edinburgh’s academic talent and event industry professionals to form a network of ambassadors championing the city as a world renowned destination for academia and events.
A similar ambassador programme was previously launched in the 1990s, and is being revised by Convention Edinburgh, which itself was relaunched last June under the guardianship of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). Since that period, over 1000 events have been attracted to the city, generating in excess of £900 million for the local economy. It is estimated that over 70 per cent of international association conferences are secured by ambassadorial activity.
The launch event takes place at the National Museum of Scotland on Wednesday 11th October, with guests including the Deputy Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Professor Rowan Parks, Professor of Surgical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Professor Lis Neubeck, Professor of Cardiovascular Health in the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University, and the EICC’s CEO Marshall Dallas.
Marshall Dallas, CEO of the EICC, said: “Conferences generate significant economic impact for Scotland, and serve to raise the international profile of the capital’s many centres of excellence – including its universities, royal colleges, financial institutions, and research centres. Collectively, they spotlight Scotland’s capital as a modern, dynamic city that’s continuing to extend its centres of excellence into new fields of expertise and ground-breaking research. We also recognise the power of ambassadorial activity, and are excited to launch the new programme this week.”
Earlier this year, Convention Edinburgh launched an Advisory Group comprising Sue Stuart (Surgeons Quarter), Amanda Ferguson (University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection ), Shona Clelland (Cultural Venues, City of Edinburgh Council), Elaine Elder (National Museums of Scotland Enterprises), Neil Ellis (Edinburgh Hotels Association), Rob Lang (Edinburgh Airport), Colin Horsburgh (En Pointe Solutions), and Stuart Evans (Fusion Meetings and Events).
Led by the EICC’s Sales & Marketing Director Amanda Wrathall, Convention Edinburgh’s remit includes attracting conferences and events to Edinburgh by supporting venues across the city with their bids, and assisting event bookers during the destination and venue selection process for their conferences.
Reacting to the latest Office for National Statistics data on Trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“August was not a good month for UK goods exports. There were falls in both EU and rest of the world trade – where after removing the effects of inflation, volumes fell by 7.2% month on month.
“The export gains of July went into reverse during August, which brings the UK more into line with the global trade picture for June-July this year.
“On the services front, it was another broadly flat month for UK exports – suggesting that the growth in overseas demand for services from last year is not being sustained. This may be a function of weaker than expected global economic conditions, especially in consumer spending.
“The overall picture on UK goods exports volumes to the EU has been flat over the last 18 months, when you remove the effects of inflation. The BCC has recommended several areas where this could be addressed, including a veterinary deal, youth mobility schemes, and improved conditions for firms on VAT compliance and fiscal representatives.”
In Depth Analysis
There was a 4.6% fall in UK goods export chained volumes (the measure which removes the effects of inflation) on the previous month, and a 1.1% decline in goods imported. The trade deficit increased slightly by £0.3bn to £12.7bn in the three months to the end of August.
Goods export volumes to the EU declined by 1.8% month on month, and to the rest of the world by 7.2% month on month. Goods imports volumes from the EU fell by 3.2% from July but import volumes from the rest of the world rose by 1.7%.
Estimated UK services export performance remained flat for a further month – on both the chained volumes and current value measures.
Imports
The fall in goods imports from the EU was driven by reduced chemical, machinery, transport equipment and manufactured goods imports. Fuel imports rose slightly compared with July 2023. A rise in non-EU goods imports was down to increased gas imports from Norway, and higher levels of manufactured goods from China.
Exports
Exports of drink, tobacco and other manufactured goods fell slightly to the EU during August 2023. Exports to the rest of the world experienced downward pressures in August in the chemicals, machinery, cars (to US and China) and fuels sectors.
More detail on the ONS data can be found here.
