The US dollar is once again gaining favour among investors.
Since the end of June, the trade weighted dollar index has moved steadily higher, with several catalysts responsible for its dramatic move. The usual geopolitical suspects include renewed Russian activity in the eastern Ukraine and the increasing threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). On the economic front, recent European Central Bank actions on reducing interest rates and weakening the euro have also created an incentive for money to move, as the central bank tries to deliver a modicum of inflation to the currency bloc. Finally, the threatened dissolution of the 307-year union between Scotland and England, has added to international investors worries, increasing demand for a safe haven currency.
Examining the price action of the dollar during this period makes one wonder if the rise in the currency in July foreshadowed the surprises recorded in August. Comments from the Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen did little to clarify central bank policy during the annual Jackson Hole Symposium, meaning we still don’t know when interest rates may rise in the US. Interest rate differentials and, by extension, the growth rates they imply will likely be the most enduring driver and sustaining influence of the dollar’s rise.
Continued dollar strength will eventually exert a downward pressure on the profits of US multinational corporations as the value of foreign earnings are translated back into the “home currency” at less favourable exchange rates. This is important, since, if the past is anything to go by, investors tend to look through currency translations and focus on the operating performance of the businesses generating the earnings. The rise in the dollar began at the start of July, therefore investors should prepare themselves for the inevitable impact on third quarter profits and the headlines it will create.
Do you know of a volunteer group that devotes its time to helping others in your local area and deserves a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service?
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups, recognising the outstanding work they perform within their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation and is equivalent to an MBE for volunteer groups.
Any group of two or more people doing volunteering work can be nominated for the award. The majority of the group must be volunteers, and more than half the volunteers must have the right to live in the UK. Volunteer groups should have been running for three years or more to be nominated.
To be nominated, the group should do work that:
• provides a service that meets a need for people living in the local community
• is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it
• is run locally
Go to https://qavs.direct.gov.uk / and submit your nomination by 30 September 2014 to make sure they are considered for an award next year.
You don’t have to be part of the group, entry is free and you can make your nomination at any time. Notes to help you can be found at https://qavs.direct.gov.uk/guidance-notes .
The winners are announced on 2 June every year and they will receive a domed glass crystal and a certificate signed by the Queen.
Make your nomination for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2015 today!
When You Wish Upon a Star are delighted to be hosting a Fashion Show to preview the latest Autumn & Winter Collection in Hobbs, George Street on Tuesday the 7th of October 6.00pm till 8.00pm.
In addition to a short film on the Charity’s Harry Potter Trip guests will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne, a fashion show by the staff and 20% discount on purchases on the night. Tickets are only £5 and pre booking is essential. Contact Stephanie Donaghey on 01357 529950.
Tuesday 16 September 2014, Edinburgh – After serving as Artistic Director of Edinburgh International Film Festival for three festivals, Chris Fujiwara is stepping down from his role. Recruitment for a new Artistic Director for EIFF is commencing immediately and it is intended that they will be in place for the 2015 edition (17 to 28 June). In the interim, the existing programming team, led by Deputy Artistic Director, Diane Henderson, will have responsibility for programming the 2015 Festival.
During Fujiwara’s tenure at EIFF admissions increased by 33%, reaching 46,000 in 2014. The popular Audience Award was reinstated, along with the Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature Film and the Award for Best Documentary Feature Film.
Chris Fujiwara said: “It’s been a genuine honour to work with the team in Edinburgh and contribute to the rebirth of EIFF over the last three years. However, I have decided to step down from my role at the Festival to pursue other activities.”
Ken Hay, Chief Executive of EIFF, said: “Chris has played an instrumental part in reigniting EIFF, for which the Board of Trustees and I are very grateful. We are sorry to see him go, but are excited and ambitious for the future of EIFF, and we look forward to finding a fitting successor.”
Bob Last, Chair of EIFF, added: “Chris Fujiwara’s programming has reminded EIFF and our audiences of how important and inspiring it is to be challenged by technique, by content, by a diversity of view points, and by innovation. As we reach out to wider audiences we will remain grateful to Chris for his contribution to EIFF at one of its most challenging moments.”
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The evening is in aid of Royal Blind – an established Edinburgh based charity, that provides major services for those with visual impairments across Scotland.
Tickets are on sale for £10 and may be purchased on our website: http://www.royalblind.org/events/glitz-and-glamour-on-george-street
Ticket price includes a glass of Prosecco, nibbles and a fabulous fashion show, and an exclusive 20% discount offer on all L.K. Bennett purchases on the night.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.
All proceeds go to Royal Blind: www.royalblind.org
Apprenticeships combine work and training to give young people a real job, qualifications and experience that employers want. They are a cost-effective and low-risk alternative to graduate employment, allowing employers to bring young, high-calibre staff into their business, whilst providing them with an excellent platform to build a successful career without committing to large debts.
QA Apprenticeships is a multi-award winning provider of IT and business services apprenticeships throughout Scotland. QA’s programme has won Apprenticeship Programme of the Year 2012, 2013 and 2014 and 94% of QA Apprentices secure permanent jobs at the end of their apprenticeship.
In the last year QA has trained over 1,700 apprentices and created over 1,000 new jobs for the UK’s young people. Among the QA Apprenticeships employer partners are British Gas, BSkyB, Capgemini, Cisco and Capita.
Developing Scotland’s finest IT talent
QA is part of the 2016 for 2016 pledge to create 2016 IT Modern apprenticeships in three years which will double Microsoft’s apprentice intake in Scotland. It is part of the technology giant’s ‘Get On’ initiative to get 300,000 young people into work over the next three years.
QA Apprenticeships, as Scotland’s leading IT apprenticeships provider, will have a leading role in the initiative; creating, filling and providing training for as many of the new job roles as possible, working with Microsoft’s partner network.
Sam Foster, QA Apprentice, is the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year 2014. He works for the University of St Andrews and was chosen as the winner from the hundreds of apprentices backed by Microsoft and employed by its partner businesses.
Sam was nominated by the University of St Andrews for his hard work and excellence throughout the apprenticeship and was recognised specifically for his commitment and dedication.
He said “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University of St Andrews so far and I’m so happy to have won this award. My apprenticeship has made me certain that I want to work in the IT industry and has given me a chance to get the skills I need to do just that. I would like to say thank you to Microsoft, The University of St Andrews and QA for giving me this opportunity.”
To find out more, please contact Gary Standen on 0141 226 1347 or visit qa.com/apprenticeships
We cordially invite you along to meet the Team for an informal chat and private tour of the Castle before enjoying a delicious Afternoon Tea (for two) with our compliments!
Inlingua has been offering foreign language courses since 2005. Learning a foreign language is like opening the door to a rich new world.
• ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are hosting Big Curry lunch on Friday 10th October, 12-3pm in Assembly Rooms, George St, Edinburgh. Good for bringing groups of friends, work colleagues and clients – therefore could be work and/or play. All 3 types enjoyed last year, and many with no previous army links.
• Funds raised help soldiers, veterans & their families in Scotland. Charity is Army’s national charity (originally Army Benevolent Fund, since 1944); all money raised here stays in Scotland.
• Drinks & curry lunch – £55 ticket. Sign-up is at https://bbnc.soldierscharity.org/pages/events/regional/s-edinburgh-big-curry-lunch-2014, or please request invoice for corporate groups (Scotland@soldierscharity.org, 0131 310 5132).
Staff from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), one of Scotland’s largest commercial law firms, have raised more than £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) unit at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital. From bake sales and dress down days to the treacherous Three Peaks Challenge, staff at the firm’s Edinburgh office organised a range of fundraising activities, which also included Commonwealth Games sweepstakes and silent auctions, pub quizzes and cookbooks, to raise money for their charity of the year.
Amanda Jones, a partner at MMS, said: “Staff at MMS have a long history of fundraising for local charities. The fantastic result achieved this year is a testimony to the resourcefulness, innovation and dedication of each and every member of staff who has been involved in supporting this very important charity.”
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young cancer patients.
Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients, young people can feel very isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer. Being treated alongside others their own age can make a significant difference to their hospital experience and recovery. The TCT build specialist units within NHS hospitals to give young people a place designed just for them and for their needs. There are chill-out rooms, sofas, computers and gaming equipment as well as individual bedrooms designed for privacy.
Sharon Sheridan, East of Scotland regional fundraiser for TCT, said: “This is a fantastic amount of money that has been raised for us and it will go a long way to helping young people living with cancer in our units.”
TCT units do not receive government funding but require donations from the local community. It costs approximately £50,000 a year to run each one and MMS’ donation will pay for the running of the Edinburgh unit for at least two months this year.
(L-R) nurse Carron Smith, fundraiser Sharon Sheridan, with Rachel Dunn and Linzi Coates-Hedalen of MMS
