Campus tours, university application advice and course talks are just some of the things on offer at Queen Margaret University’s up and coming open days.
The open days, which will take place on Thursday 4th September and Saturday 4th October, will give visitors a chance to find out about a wide range of undergraduate courses. The event, which is suitable for individuals looking to start university in September 2015, will offer visitors the opportunity to meet academics and students, view accommodation and hear about student life. A range of presentations will provide helpful tips for applying through the UCAS system and understanding student funding.
The University offers a niche range of undergraduate degree courses in the areas of Health Sciences; Business, Enterprise and Management; Media, Communication and Performing Arts; and Social Sciences. To help visitors get a better insight into these areas, academics will present subject talks on, for example, Performing Arts, Costume Design and Construction; Business & Management; Media, Film and PR; Nursing, Podiatry and Physiotherapy. Visitors will also be able to find out about new degree programmes which the University will offer in 2015. These include ‘Public Sociology; Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing; and Nutrition & Food Science.
In addition to course information, visitors can take organised tours of the campus to view teaching, learning and clinical areas, as well as accommodation and sports facilities.
The event will run from 11am – 4pm on Thursday 4th September and Saturday 4th October.
Register for the event via the QMU website http://www.qmu.ac.uk/marketing/bulletins/opendays.htm#UG
(Registration is not compulsory. You are welcome to attend either of the days without registering but in order to speed up your arrival at the university it is best to register at:
http://www.qmu.ac.uk/marketing/bulletins/opendays.htm
Anderson Strathern is hosting a referendum breakfast debate on 11 September, which will explore with both the Yes and Better Together campaigns the opportunities and challenges for the Food and Drink sector.
Alyn Smith MEP will present the case for Yes and Michael Moore MP for Better Together. With a week to go till the Referendum, this comes at a critical time for the sector and for Scotland.
Alyn Smith was Elected to the European Parliament in 2004 for the SNP and is Scotland’s youngest MEP. He is Honorary President of the Young Scots for Independence as well as a member of the SNP’s National Executive Committee.
Michael Moore is the Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk and former Secretary of State for Scotland. In opposition, he focussed on foreign policy, defence, international development and Scotland.
The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session, enabling delegates to pose questions to the two speakers which will no doubt provide a lively discussion.
To register your place on this event, please click here.
The only Scottish exhibitor to feature at International Property Investor Show in Dubai
Edinburgh property investment and lettings specialist Cullen Property will attend for the first time the International Property & Investor Show 2014 in Abu Dhabi as part of the owner’s strategy to target Middle Eastern property investors and high net worth expats who are increasingly keen on purchasing Scottish property.
Providing a platform for businesses looking to target high net worth individuals from the Gulf & South-East Asia region, this year’s International Property Investor Show 2014 takes place at Hotel Sofitel, Abu Dhabi, from Saturday 27– Sunday 28 September.
Cullen Property’s Managing Director Malcolm Warrack says: “We now have a number of active investors based in the United Arab Emirates and investors there are increasingly interested in property here in Edinburgh so this event seems like the perfect opportunity for us to concentrate on the Middle Eastern audience.
“We will be very interested to see the types of investors this show attracts and, as the only Scottish exhibitor, of course we’ll be flying the flag for Edinburgh and Scotland in the United Arab Emirates!”
Now in its thirteenth year, the iPIS is being held in Abu Dhabi as it possesses the world’s wealthiest sovereign fund, managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), with up to 8% invested in overseas property.
Sumit Pal, Director of the iPI Show says:“iPIS Abu Dhabi are delighted to have Cullen Property representing Scotland in the realty market by exhibiting at the event. The Edinburgh property investment and lettings specialist will attend for the first time and will be the only Scottish exhibitor. Cullen Property’s strategy is to target Middle Eastern Property investors who are keen on investing in Scottish property and iPIS are proud to provide them that platform”.
Cullen Property is also due to host two investor presentations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai whilst visiting the United Arab Emirates and will also present on what they can do for investors at the iPIS.
Cullen Property will be at stand B10 on both days of the show, which opens at 10am and closes at 6pm daily. Visitors can book individual appointments with Malcolm Warrack or Steve Coyle, Cullen Property’s operations manager, by email: steve@cullenproperty.com / malcolm@cullenproperty.com / Tel: 0131 221 1818.
Alan Smith, a Business Coach with Action Coach is running a complimentary seminar for business owners on Friday 12th September at the Double Tree by Hilton (Bread Street) from 9am – 12pm. The seminar is for business owners who are doing well and want to move their business to the next level. My definition of a successful business is a “commercial, profitable enterprise that works without YOU”. The 6 Steps to Better Business seminar takes you through how to make this definition become a reality for your business. There will also be a free lunch provided!!!
If you want to register for the event please contact me at alansmith@actioncoach.com or call 07972 310997.
LUX Assure Ltd are delighted to announce the launch of our new and improved website, with enhanced functionality and a fresh new look
In early 2013, LUX Assure gained a £3.25million investment through investors within the energy industry, which was used to change our positioning from a technology research and development company to a service company within the oil and gas community. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength, expanding on an international basis, and we’ve redeveloped our website to reflect just that.
The new LUX Assure website has been developed by Omnia Creative, designed with the needs of our customers in mind. It uses the latest digital technology to create a more fluid and engaging online experience.
Our new website is solutions focused and will let you see the truly innovative and unique technology we have to offer along with our in-depth expertise. This is mirrored in our new company branding – Independent Assurance, Delivered – which has been launched alongside the new website and gives a clear reflection of our commitment to the customer.
As well as the new ‘Solutions’ area and a number of case studies which highlight our credentials, our new website has many other improved features.
On the new ‘contact us’ section you will notice we now have a world map which will allow our potential customers to easily locate their nearest sales agent, wherever in the world they are based.
We would love if you could take the time to have a look around, we’re sure you’ll find it informative and engaging, and we’d be delighted to hear your comments.
Maggie’s Edinburgh had a fantastic weekend in North Berwick for Fringe by the Sea. Thank you to everyone who came to see us, we hope you all enjoyed the festival as much as we did!
We have some exciting events coming up in the next few months so look out for updates in our newsletters, website and social media sites.
Race the runway – Thursday 4 September
On Thursday 4 September drivers will be racing their own cars down Edinburgh Airport’s second runway to raise money for Maggie’s. If you would like to come and watch, you can do so for a £25 donation. Contact Mark Cooper for more information.
The Stand Comedy Night for Maggie’s – Tuesday 16 September
Come along to The Stand for an evening of entertainment with five hilarious comedians on Tuesday 16 September, all in aid of Maggie’s. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased by calling 0131 537 3135 or by emailing Amy Robertson.
Pout – lifestyle show Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 September
We are delighted to have been picked as charity partner for the Pout event at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.
Pout is a ladies lifestyle show featuring, fashion, beauty and leisure time. You can shop, test products, buy treatments and have fun with friends. Maggie’s Edinburgh will have a stand there so please do come and say hello to us.
Téte-a-Téte: Paris-Edinburgh, is a collection of more than forty original photographs featuring street images as well as architecture and interiors in the two cities – all taken near the Blackfriars Street Venue and the 17th/18th arrondissement in Paris. Compare and contrast the photographs from each city – there isn’t a Castle or Tower in sight. At 52 Blackfriars Street, until 31st August 2014 from 10.30am – 7.30pm. Closed Mondays. Please click on the blog link below for further details.
Are you thinking about letting a property for the first time? It can be a daunting prospect, but done properly can reap substantial rewards. How can you ensure you’re successful? What are the common pitfalls to avoid? What rules and regulations do you need to follow? What are your obligations as a landlord, and how do you go about managing tenants? Lots of questions!
Click-let has been helping first time landlords for over a decade. We’ve built up a wealth of experience and expertise, so we’re well-placed to help you answer these and any other questions you have about becoming a landlord.
Come and hear first-hand from Ross Macdonald, Click-let’s Operations Director. He’ll give a short talk about becoming a landlord. Then there’ll be a Q&A, and our independent financial and insurance partners will be on hand to answer your questions too.
Spaces are limited, so please book early!
The Event Brite page to book is http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/becoming-a-landlord-for-the-first-time-tickets-12122598017
Air quality is improving across Edinburgh, according to a report published this week.
Assessment of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) data from different parts of the capital shows a general improvement during 2013.
Monitoring of the pollutant, which is commonly associated with road traffic exhaust emissions, has confirmed a positive trend throughout the city’s Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
A report to the Transport and Environment Committee details the results of the Council’s annual Air Quality Progress Report to the Scottish Government, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
The assessment focuses on the city’s five AQMAs, designated due to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in the vicinity. These are: City Centre, St John’s Road, Great Junction Street, Newbridge and Inverleith.
Amongst the areas of improvement are St John’s Road, where hourly average NO₂ levels fell to their lowest since measurement began, and the Great Junction Street AQMA, including Commercial Street and Bernard Street.
Changes to levels of pollution have in part been attributed to efforts by Lothian Buses to introduce cleaner buses to routes, including low emission and hybrid vehicles. With buses contributing a high proportion of NO₂ to each area, improving the emission standards of the city’s fleet will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the air quality of AQMAs.
It is also hoped that proposed amendments to traffic management at Newbridge could reduce queuing on the A8 and therefore lower NO₂ levels, and plans are now underway to secure funding for the alterations.
But while air quality is generally getting better, the report still shows areas for improvement. As a result it has been recommended that the AQMA for the City Centre is extended to cover part of the South Bridge/Nicolson Street corridor to the south and at Angle Park Terrace/Slateford Road in the west, where, in parts, NO₂ levels have exceeded national standards. The extensions will allow appropriate actions to be taken to improve air quality in these areas.
Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Monitoring carried out allows us to see the invisible effects traffic has on our environment, but I am heartened by the general positive trend in air quality.
“Work carried out by bus and freight companies is having an undoubted impact on emissions, and I am certain that our approach to integrated transport will continue to have an effect.
“However, it is clear that there is still a lot to be done to reduce harmful emissions in Edinburgh, creating a cleaner, greener city for everyone, and we are committed to continuing this work with partners.”
The Council has undertaken a range of measures to improve air quality across the city over recent years, such as participation in ECOSTARS, a Europe-wide project recognising cleaner goods and passenger vehicles, and Plugged in Places, which has funded the purchase of electric vehicle charging points at park and ride sites and Council premises.
The Council’s own fleet now has 10 fully electric vehicles – including cars, vans and a motorcycle – and it is anticipated that more will be added in the near future.
In addition, Lothian Buses is continuing to improve its fleet’s emissions, with 46% of its vehicles at Euro 5 standard, while First Scotland and Stagecoach Fife are also investing in cleaner buses.
Thanks to air quality improvements a number of streets and areas within AQMAs now comply with NO₂ standards, including the top of Leith Walk, Easter Road, Queen Street, large parts of Great Junction Street and St John’s Road.
As a result, air quality specialist consultants will review these areas and, if appropriate, begin the process of reducing the boundaries of the current AQMAs.
Heating (and cooling) makes up around 50% of Scotland’s overall energy demand. District heating systems present significant opportunities for organisations to enhance their business sustainability by reducing their heating costs and generating income under the RHI. The systems also present valuable opportunities for landlords to deliver affordable warmth to tenants in off-gas grid areas, helping to alleviate local fuel poverty.
However, there are numerous challenges to developing district heating including: high capital costs, revenue uncertainty and phasing issues. According to a recent paper from WWF, however, the single largest barrier to renewable heat uptake is the lack of an economic case. The RHI is expected to provide sufficient incentive to stimulate the renewable heating market but it may not be accessible to all consumers and doesn’t address the issue of capital costs.
Debating the issues will be our expert panel, including:
Rebecca Carr, Senior Heat Policy Manager, Scottish Government
Kathryn Dapré,Energy & Climate Change Manager – Health Facilities Scotland, NHS National Services
Alan Wilson, Head of Generation & Renewable Engineering, Iberdrola
Dave Pearson, Director, Star Renewable Energy
Moderated by: Allan Crooks, Energy Team, Zero Waste Scotland
Topics to be discussed include:
- What incentives can be put in place to enable district heating to become a viable addition to urban and private development across Scotland?
- What lessons can be generalised, eg. Commonwealth Athletes Village, for increasing district heating programmes across Scotland?
- The Scottish Government is prioritising District Heating as a means to tackle Scotland’s heat problem however, how effectively is the funding trickling down to communities, small business and housing associations?
- How will Scotland’s newer technologies such as biomass and geothermal energy be integrated into the development of district heating?
- Should the focus be on CHP to tackle the issue of heat and power at the same time?
- What is the role of ESCOs and Councils regarding the development of district heating systems across Scotland? One lesson from Denmark is that District Heating should not be seen as a utility, how will ownership and management be relayed to consumers?
Followed by a drinks and networking reception hosted by Anderson Strathern LLP
WHEN
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE
Anderson Strathern LLP
1 Rutland Court, Edinburgh EH3 8EY
FORUM FEE
£25 + VAT for non-members
ecoConnect Members attend at a 50%-100% discount
Read more about this forum, view Delegates attending
and Speaker biographies
