Scottish Business Briefing - Monday 17 December, 2012
BANKING
RBS could face £350m fine from US watchdog as decision looms on Libor
ROYAL Bank of Scotland (RBS) remained tight-lipped last night amid speculation that it will take a hit of £350 million from transatlantic regulators for its role in the Libor rate-rigging scandal. It was reported that RBS was close to a deal that would see regulators fine it more than the £290m suffered by rival Barclays after its admission of guilt (Scotsman)
ECONOMICS
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Hide AdSigns that confidence is rising as Scots firms hire more staff
SCOTTISH companies took on staff last month at their fastest pace since the spring, according to figures published today, sparking hopes for an upturn in business confidence. Bank of Scotland’s labour market barometer climbed to 54.9 in November from 53.6 in October, reaching its highest level for seven months (Scotsman).
ENERGY & UTILITIES
‘Jobs being lost’ over Super Puma grounding
An increasing number of offshore workers are being laid off as a result of the ongoing disruption caused by the grounding of some Super Puma helicopters, it has been claimed. The RMT union said it had evidence that workers were being made redundant because of ongoing logistical problems (BBC).
Aggreko eyes 12% rise in profits but warns of slower 2013
Temporary power supplier Aggreko today said its profits this year are expected to show a 12 per cent increase, but it warned that it is unlikely to repeat that performance in 2013 because of weakening economic growth in emerging markets (Scotsman).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
Arran Brewery bubbling up with deal to distribute Hofbräuhaus beer
ARRAN Brewery, the fast-growing micro-brewer that has taken over the Isle of Skye Brewery and the former Rosebank distillery in Falkirk in recent months, has sealed a deal to bottle and distribute beer from the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich (Scotsman).
MEDIA & LEISURE
Thousands stump up for Team Magnus mini skis
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Hide AdAN entrepreneurial former journalist is enjoying dramatic growth in sales of the mini skis she launched to give children in Scotland a taste of the outdoor. The Team Magnus business run by Kristin Moody is on course to sell 6000 pairs of its Stumpy skis in the current season, just two years after the product went on sale in the UK (Herald).