At Edinburgh Waverley Station, presenter Kate Humble helped unveil a unique pop-up initiative designed to encourage sustainable travel. The innovative ‘Our Planet Can’t Wait-ing Room’ is an educational experience created by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to raise awareness about the environmental impact of travel and to promote greener choices. This initiative follows research which revealed a significant lack of understanding about carbon terminology among Scots, with nearly a third of respondents admitting they struggle with the complex language used in climate conversations. The survey, commissioned by LNER, highlighted that terms such as ‘carbon pricing’, ‘carbon budget’, and ‘carbon accounting’…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
Aberdeenshire-based Benzies Produce is deepening its long-standing relationship with Asda by expanding its range of locally grown vegetables. Having supplied carrots to Asda stores across Scotland for over 16 years, Benzies will now also provide the retailer with more than 500 tonnes of Scottish-grown parsnips, available in all 62 Asda Scotland stores. This marks a significant milestone for the family-run farming business, further cementing its position as a leading local vegetable supplier in Scotland. Benzies Produce was founded in the early 1950s and remains a family-owned and operated business. Currently run by Philip and Hazel Benzie, along with their stepson…
A Glasgow-based energy consultancy firm, Renew-Able, has secured a series of new business wins, including a significant seven-figure contract in the Caribbean. This major success comes as part of the company’s ambitious expansion plans, which include doubling its workforce over the next three years and supporting over 500 businesses in their journey toward energy efficiency. Renew-Able, often described as a “one stop shop” for energy solutions, provides consultancy and installation services for solar panels, heat pumps, and other energy-saving technologies. The company works with a variety of sectors, including luxury hotels, golf courses, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial properties. With a…
JLL, a global leader in real estate, has announced the launch of the sale campaign for Caledonia House, a prime detached office property located at 1 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh. Positioned in one of the city’s most sought-after business hubs, Caledonia House offers an exceptional opportunity for companies looking for high-quality office space or potential redevelopment options. Outstanding Office Opportunity in Edinburgh Caledonia House, originally constructed in 1992 as a purpose-built office pavilion, spans three storeys and covers a substantial 32,335 square feet. The property’s flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of business purposes, with the potential to accommodate alternative…
Knowvate Hub, a dynamic community dedicated to supporting ethnic minority entrepreneurs, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Ideation Bootcamp programme in Scotland this autumn. Designed to empower Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) entrepreneurs, this initiative aims to help them transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses while enhancing the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Onyinye Igbokwe and Enoch Adeyemi, Knowvate Hub is committed to fostering diversity within Scotland’s business ecosystem. The Ideation Bootcamp is a key part of this mission, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential tools, skills, and knowledge needed to launch…
Pathways Forward Pledge partners continue to grow as the organisation announces its second cohort of partners committed to advancing gender diversity and entrepreneurship in Scotland. This latest group includes Converge, The Open University in Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, SIS Ventures, Social Investment Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, and the University of Strathclyde, all of which have pledged to implement actionable steps in line with the recommendations of the Pathways report. Pathways Forward’s Chair, Ana Stewart, expressed her appreciation for the broad support the initiative has received: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support for Pathways…
A well-known Scottish family-run transport firm has been acquired by a significant player in the European food logistics industry. This acquisition signals an expansion of the firm’s footprint and services within the highly competitive UK and European transport sectors. The acquisition involves Langdons, a key player in the UK’s temperature-controlled food transport sector, taking over Long Lane Deliveries, a family-owned business with deep roots in Scotland. The move is part of the STEF Group’s broader strategy to consolidate its position as a European leader in the food supply chain logistics industry. This strategic acquisition not only expands the group’s geographical…
Scottish hospitality businesses are increasingly calling for a reduction in VAT as they grapple with declining consumer visits and escalating costs. The latest survey from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) reveals that pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels across Scotland are facing challenging economic conditions, prompting calls for urgent government intervention. Struggling Hospitality Sector The SLTA’s survey, which covers over 400 licensed venues across Scotland, shows that the hospitality sector is currently experiencing a significant drop in footfall. Colin Wilkinson, Managing Director of the SLTA, highlights the concerning trends: “For 62% of outlets, trading is down compared to last year,…
Cala Homes (West) is urging local businesses in the Hamilton area to take advantage of a unique opportunity by participating in its ‘Showhome of Support’ initiative. The deadline for applications is fast approaching, with businesses needing to submit by Sunday, 8th September 2024. As part of Cala’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, this initiative will see at least ten local products showcased in one of the three showhomes at the upcoming Cornhill Village development. Through the ‘Showhome of Support’ programme, Cala Homes will partner with independent retailers and creators, giving them a platform to display their products, designs, and…
Maven Capital Partners, one of the UK’s leading private equity firms, has bolstered its investment team in Scotland with the addition of three new hires. This move is aimed at enhancing its focus on deal origination and execution across Scotland, especially in line with the recently launched Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS). Key Hires Strengthening Maven’s Expertise Victoria McLaren and Craig McGill have joined Maven as Investment Managers, bringing significant expertise to the firm’s operations in Scotland. Their roles will involve spearheading deal sourcing and managing investments, particularly within the IFS Fund, which focuses on driving growth for smaller businesses…