Scottish Business Briefing - Monday September 3, 2012
ECONOMICS
CBI chief making no apologies for bowing to the economic headwinds
JOHN Cridland, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, Britain’s leading employers lobby group, is unapologetic. Amid the chronic economic headwinds, the CBI has sharply cut its growth forecasts last week for this year and 2013 (Scotsman).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
Tunnock’s merchandise move takes the biscuit
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Hide AdCAKE and biscuit manufacturer Tunnock’s is launching official merchandise for the consumer market through its own online store in a ground-breaking move for the 122-year-old company (Herald).
INDUSTRY
Lawyers warning of HSE crackdown in Scotland
SCOTTISH businesses including manufacturers and builders are falling foul of health and safety rules, with enforcement actions on course to jump 38 per cent in the first six months of this year (Scotsman).
MANAGEMENT
Calls build for more female role models in Scottish firms
FEMALE representation remains stubbornly low in Scotland’s construction sector, according to a body set up to get more women into the industry. Networking organisation Women in Property celebrated its 25th anniversary last month, but Jane Meneely, chairman of the group’s central Scotland branch association, said that women still make up just 15 per cent of the workforce (Scotsman).
RETAIL
Several in running for JJB Sports retailer
Private equity investor Jon Moulton and French sports retailer Decathlon are thought to be among the possible bidders for troubled retailer JJB Sports, as figures show high street retailers have struggled to attract shoppers during the Olympic Games (Herald).
TRANSPORT
Weir is the latest big name capture for motoring legend Arnold Clark
ARNOLD Clark, Europe’s largest privately-owned motor group, yesterday swooped on smaller rival John R Weir in what is believed to have been a multi-million pound deal. All 321 workers at Weir’s 11 showrooms will transfer to Glasgow-based Arnold Clark, which already has 145 of its own dealerships and more than 8,000 staff (Scotsman).