Scottish Companies Expect £488 Million Additional Sales from Innovation

31/08/2016 - Companies working with Scottish Enterprise are expecting £488 million in additional sales as a result of their innovation activities over the next three years.

The figures, unveiled at the Venturefest Scotland 2016 event today, highlight the significant benefit that embracing innovation has on generating new products, services, processes, markets and revenue streams for businesses.

The expected sales come from innovation projects that 233 companies across Scotland undertook between April 2015 and March 2016 with Scottish Enterprise support.

Each company provided a sales forecast for the new products and services developed as a result of its innovation project, with a total forecast of £488 million in sales over the next three years.

Adrian Gillespie, Managing Director of Growth Companies, Innovation and Infrastructure, said: “These figures show that the companies we support are turning their ideas into successful products and services.”

“Over the past two years, the companies we work with forecasted £1 billion in additional sales, with the majority expected in international markets, highlighting the strong relationship between innovation and international success.

"While we’ve made excellent progress in the last two years, we’re committed to supporting many more companies and being among the most innovative nations by 2020.”

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “Innovation is essential for increasing competitiveness and improving Scotland's economic performance as well as the quality of life of those who live here; improving productivity can help keep a business ahead of its competitors, improve market share and profitability and the ability of an employer to improve wages.

“Scotland is a country that has contributed enormously to the modern world, but in today's competitive world economy, increasing Scotland’s business innovation performance is a key priority for the Scottish Government and this is reflected in initiatives such as establishment of Scotland's CAN DO Innovation Forum.

“These figures from Scottish Enterprise indicate that excellent progress is being made towards our goal of helping more companies to innovate, which in turn is helping drive up our national level of business innovation and yielding gains for businesses.It is vital to support many more ambitious companies to grow their revenue through innovating to establish new products and services."

One company that’s worked with Scottish Enterprise to develop its innovation activity is Jas P Wilson, a forestry and firewood machinery suppliers and engineers based in Dalbeattie.

The company works intensively with Scottish Enterprise through its account management approach to ensure it receives tailored support at the right time to accelerate its international growth. The company now exports its products across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

Most recently the company’s managing director participated in a series of innovation workshops designed to identify where innovation could be most beneficial to businesses and provide practical help to embed a culture of innovation.

Billy Wilson, Managing Director at Jas P Wilson, commented: “The biggest thing that Scottish Enterprise did for us last year was to invite me to the deeper innovation workshop.

“I came back from that looking at innovation in a totally different way. I used to think it was just about product development. Now I realise you can use innovation in all parts of your business.”

Source: Scottish Enterprise

Job Opportunities with the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland

31/08/2016 - FSB Scotland is advertised for the following two positions. Please click on the links for more information and application details. Applications close 5 September 2016.

Operational Support Administrator, Glasgow (FT)

The FSB is seeking a highly driven, motivated and experienced Operational Support Manager.  This is the perfect opportunity to join and lead a high-profile and respected team whilst ensuring the successful management, development and efficient performance of the Glasgow Office.

Read more.

Operational Support Manager, Glasgow (FT)

This is an excellent opportunity for a supportive and experienced Administrator to become part of a high-profile and respected team whose mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. Responsible for high levels of accuracy, whilst ensuring the smooth operation of the Glasgow Office with regard to social media support, administration and events.

Read more.

Next Stage of Regeneration Strategy for Glasgow City Centre Launched

30/08/2016 - The next stage of a ten year regeneration strategy for Glasgow city centre was launched yesterday by Councillor Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council.

Focusing on four of the city centre’s nine districts: Broomielaw, Blythswood, Central and St. Enoch, the next stage of the Glasgow City Centre Districts Regeneration Framework will see stakeholders have the collective opportunity to put forward aspirations for regeneration and physical change for the first time.

Councillor McAveety was joined at the launch by Winy Mass, founding partner and director at architectural and design firm MVRDV;Graham Ross, a partner at architects Austin-Smith:Lord; and members of business, civic, community, economic, hotel, housing, retail, investment and development organisations.

MVRDV and Austin-Smith:Lord will work with Glasgow City Counciland city stakeholders and partners to deliver the Regeneration Frameworks collaborating as part of a multi-disciplinary team with an integrated approach to architecture; connectivity; delivery; economics; engineering; finance; landscape; planning; sustainability and urban design.

The first stage in the regeneration of the city centre was carried out in 2015 for the Sauchiehall and Garnethill District Regeneration Framework.  After the public consultation with local stakeholders, key recommendations for the regeneration of that district include a new cycle and pedestrian bridge as well as a new urban park over part of the M8 near Charing Cross.

Other recommendations focused on attracting and improving city living, encouraging better connectivity as well as harnessing local identity and vibrancy. Alongside these recommendations, the City Deal project will create a renewed  Sauchiehall Street from Charing Cross to Rose bringing with it a tree lined “Avenue”.

Councillor Frank McAveety said: “The future of Glasgow city centre is of huge important to so many of us as this area is without doubt the economic powerhouse of Scotland.  This next stage of the regeneration framework for the city centre will look at four districts that play a significant role in our economic and cultural life, to identify and support and then develop the assets they have in new and innovative ways to ensure Glasgow continues to grow.  There will be an investment of £115 million in the city centre from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and our engagement with the stakeholders of these areas will help decide how this investment is delivered. At the end of this process, we can look forward to a city centre that has changed for the better to become an even more attractive place in which to live, work, study, invest and visit.”

Winy Mass, founding partner and director at MVRDV, said: “It is both an incredible pleasure and a great responsibility to work on the transformation of Glasgow’s heart because it touches people’s lives and the identity of their city.  For this reason we collaborate with the Glaswegians on their city. The project is titled (Y)OUR CITY CENTRE and it is an overall plan made of many elements ranging from larger scale interventions concerning liveability, the infrastructure, the meaning of the river; to the small scale in which bottom-up initiatives, street furniture and the development of small plots is considered. The outcome will be presented to the citizens for an open dialogue about the future of Glasgow.”

Graham Ross, office principal of Austin-Smith:Lord’s Glasgow studio, added: “We’re delighted to launch the next step in the preparation of the Regeneration Frameworks for Broomielaw, St. Enoch, Central and Blythswood.  We’re starting a conversation with Glaswegians about their city centre; looking to work collaboratively and creatively to imagine how these Districts can be in the future. 

We’re keen to discuss (Y)OUR CITY CENTRE ideas. These can be shared at forthcoming on-street events and interactive workshops in the Districts, on a dedicated website, online questionnaire and via social media.”

Key priorities for the regeneration of the city centre include an improved environment, driven by the creation of Avenues to connect between and throughout districts, promoting cycling and walking; economic growth; development of vacant sites; and attracting investment to ensure Glasgow maintains its place as a top European investment location.

The framework will take an integrated approach to the following issues: architecture; connectivity; delivery; economics; engineering; finance; landscape; planning; sustainability and urban design.

A dedicated website for this next stage of the city centre strategy has been established and more information on the regeneration of Glasgow City Centre is available here.

Source: Scottish Housing News

Scottish Decline Share Reported in Inward Investment

30/08/2016 - Scotland's share of inward investment projects has fallen, according to the latest figures from the new UK Department for International Trade.

There were 108 inward investment projects counted in the 2015-16 financial year.

In the previous two years, there were 122 and 119.

The number of jobs created was well below a proportionate share of the British jobs, at 4,200.

The British numbers had another strong showing in both projects and jobs supported.

Foreign investment in the UK reached more than 2,200 projects, up 11%.

This Whitehall report says nearly 83,000 jobs were created that way, down slightly, but the second highest since the data began.

The projects counted in these figures included new factories and branch offices, expansion of existing plants, and firms being taken over.

The sectors most affected were in finance, professional services, and manufacturing.

Although London dominates, with 889 projects attracted last year, Scotland is rated as being attractive to foreign investors.

Scottish Enterprise

In a separate annual survey by the business consultancy EY, it has recently come second, after London.

It has been helped by the experience built up in Scottish Enterprise and the government agency 

Scottish Development International. By contrast, in recent years, English regions' efforts have had to adapt to the dismantling of regional development agencies.

They may now be catching up. Northern England saw 228 new projects in 2015-16, a rise of 24%, linked to 10,700 jobs. Wales secured 97 projects, with 5,400 jobs attached.

Commenting on the most recent figures, International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said they show "the UK continues to be the place to do business".

He added: "We've broadened our reach with emerging markets across the world to cement our position as the number one destination in Europe for investment.

"This continued vote of confidence in the UK will help attract foreign investment to create jobs, security and opportunities for people across the UK."

BBC News

Highlands & Islands Enterprise - September 2016 Events

This September, we’re encouraging businesses to take a step back and assess how well they are innovating. Innovation is about seeing opportunities and grabbing them, or being faced with a problem and finding a way around it. It’s about adapting to remain competitive, and it’s sometimes about taking risks - that pay off.

There are a number of events focusing on innovation taking place this September, come and join us or get in touch to book a session with one of our innovation advisors.

Book a session >

Events this September

• 01 September, Venturefest - SECC, Glasgow
  Scotland’s annual innovation summit for ambitious growth businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
  Register here >
• 07 and 08 September, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service annual conference - Westerwood Hotel, Stirling
  The only event of its kind in Scotland, this brings together the ‘who’s who’ in manufacturing – mixing the practical and the inspirational to accelerate innovation in Scottish manufacturing.
  Register here >
• 14 September, SME Innovation Forum, Venturefest Ventures North - An Lochran, Inverness Campus
  Limited places for a group of SMEs with high growth ambitions to take some of the learnings from Venturefest, Scotland’s national innovation summit. Will include group working and guest speakers. Advised to book early.
  Register here >
• 15 September, Innovation in Packaging - An Lochran, Inverness Campus
  *For HIE account managed clients only*
  This will be of interest to food and drink companies and anyone delivering a packaged product. This event has a varied programme of expert support, from high profile speakers to 1-2-1 clinics.
  Register here >
• 21 September, Innovative and Transformative Work and Scotland's Digital Future - An Lochran, Inverness Campus
  *For HIE account managed clients*
  Speakers from Scottish Centre for Employment Research, University of Strathclyde, will discuss how digitisation can transform workplace efficiency.
  Register here >
• 29 September, Fair, Design Innovation – not just for designers! - An Lochran, Inverness Campus
  Run in conjunction with the  V & A Museum of Design, this workshop will explore how the principles of design are used to drive innovation and solve problems by businesses across all sectors.
  Register here >

Source: Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Scottish Government Launches Labour Market Strategy

Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn today launched Scotland’s new Labour Market Strategy.

Scotland’s Labour Market Strategy is a top priority for the Scottish Government and has been delivered within the first 100 days of the new Government. The Strategy sets out how the Government will put fairness at the heart of its drive to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting future economic demands.

With substantial funding already in place, Mr Hepburn confirmed a further £820,000 of new investment will help further embed equality in the work place. This is part of the Government’s on-going efforts to support business and create good quality jobs paying at least the living wage.

Unveiling the strategy the during a visit to Scottish Gas’s Training Academy in Hamilton, Mr Hepburn said;

“The labour market is the beating heart of our economy and its future performance is fundamental to our prosperity and success. This is why we have published a new Labour market strategy within the first 100 days of this Government, to ensure our support is tailored to meet economic conditions.

“Creating a fairer society is not just a desirable goal in itself, but is essential to the sustained, long-term prosperity of the Scottish economy. As an integral part of our Economic Strategy, today’s Labour Market Strategy outlines in more detail how our inclusive approach to the labour market will drive economic growth.

“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to a different and more inclusive approach to our economy. An approach that is supported by a growing body of evidence, which shows that countries with more equal societies typically enjoy stronger and more sustainable growth. That is why we are focused on working with employers and unions to create more, better paid, quality jobs that work for the individual in terms of skills, security and future prospects.

“Scotland’s labour market is fundamentally strong, but maintaining the rights and protections workers enjoy under the EU is of vital importance to delivering our vision for the labour market. Scotland delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain, and given that strong support, we have committed as a priority to exploring all options to protect Scotland’s relations with the EU – both to protect workers’ rights and boost jobs and growth.

Mr Hepburn continued:

“I would like to thank Centrica for their commitment as a progressive forward thinking company on becoming a Scottish Business Pledge signatory and welcome your leadership in this area. I’m pleased that the Pledge is becoming a badge of pride for Scottish businesses, sending a clear signal to employees, customers, and the wider community that companies acknowledge their contribution to creating a fairer society.”

Jane Wood, Managing Director of Business in the Community Scotland said:

“A strong and fair labour market is a critical pre-condition for the achievement of sustained and inclusive growth, which is a hallmark of a successful business. As the organisation which leads the responsible business agenda and with 1:5 of all employees being employed by our business membership we welcome Scottish Government's creation of a Labour Market Strategy. This is a huge step forward and one which shows Scotland as leading the way globally in its commitment to responsible business. We are particularly pleased that the Labour Market Strategy describes a commitment which is shared by our members and with Scottish Government to create a Scottish National Action Plan for Responsible Business. This is a unique collaboration in which businesses will work together and with government to set the agenda for more inclusive growth for business and society.”

Anne Douglas, co-chair of the Fair Work Convention said:

“I am pleased to welcome this Labour Market Strategy from the Scottish Government and in particular, I am pleased to see their continuing commitment to the work of the Fair Work Convention. The Fair Work Framework, which we published earlier this year, showed the important role Fair work has to play in delivering clear benefits, not only for individuals but also for businesses through higher productivity, performance and innovation. These concepts are central to this strategy and I look forward to building on these themes as the Convention enters the next phase of its work.”

Paul Haines, Director of Regional Public Affairs and Policy at Centrica, said:

“Our people are vital to the on-going success of our business – that’s why we are very pleased to sign up to the Scottish Government’s Business Pledge.

“Whether it’s our Scottish Gas engineers, our colleagues in contact centres or in our exploration and production teams, everyone at Centrica shares the aims of the pledge. We already pay our people the Living Wage, we’re investing in the skills of young people and playing a role in the communities we serve. After signing the pledge, we now look forward to working with the government to support business growth across Scotland.”

Source: Scottish Government

To read the Labour Market Strategy, please see here: http://www.gov.scot/labourmarketstats

Commitments include;
• Fully endorse the Fair Work framework, produced by the Fair Work Convention
• Up to £500k to support the work of the Fair Work Convention
• Establish a Strategic Labour Market Group which will work alongside the independent Fair Work Convention, to advise Ministers on future developments in the labour market.
• Work through the Enterprise and Skills Review to ensure our delivery bodies are best positioned to support inclusive growth
• Use of new powers to better align employability support in Scotland
• £200k to support for the National Action Plan for Responsible business
• £110k for the Fit Work Project
• £10k to sponsor of the Fair Work Employer of the year award
• The development of a Workplace Equality Fund
• Continued investment in sustainable physical and digital infrastructure
• Supporting sectors and companies to exploit opportunities that boost growth and export. 

Largest Showcase of Innovative Scottish Companies to Date at Venturefest Scotland 2016

25/08/2016 - This year’s Venturefest Scotland innovation summit will host one of the largest collections of innovative companies of any Venturefest event across the UK.

Comprising 33 of Scotland’s most innovative companies, the showcase will help inspire other businesses to put innovation at the heart of their activities.

Event attendees can chat to these businesses for advice on how to implement innovative practices and network with them to create new connections and business opportunities.

Each company selected to participate in the innovation showcase, which this year is supported by Marks & Clerk, will demonstrate innovation in action through the development of new products and services for new markets, new processes and business models and new methods of incorporating workplace innovation.

Companies confirmed to participate in the innovation showcase come from all over Scotland, represent a variety of industry sectors and are at different stages of business growth. What they all have in common is a desire to grow their business using innovation. A sample of the 33 businesses participating includes:

• CarGo Seat, inventor of the booster seat that converts to a roller travel suitcase that was seen on BBC3’s Be Your Own Boss programme
• Edinburgh Molecular Imaging’s revolutionary medical diagnostic imaging products
• Ecom’s workforce learning and development information using innovative technologies
• Global Trail, creator of location-based trail apps for book lovers, film enthusiasts and visitors to attractions and tourism destinations
• Scoop’s automatic monitoring of social media to give instant alerts to breaking news stories as they happen, and before they hit mainstream media
• SwarmOnline, a four-year-old web and mobile app development company providing solutions to multiple industries including the Energy, Oil & Gas, Property, Health & Wellness, Finance and Public Sector

Jim Watson, Director of Innovation and Enterprise Services at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “As Scotland’s innovation agency, we believe raising Scotland’s levels of business innovation is vital to our long term economic growth. To achieve this, we’re encouraging more companies to act on new ideas and innovations for commercial success.

“Venturefest Scotland is the ideal place for businesses to make all the connections they need to scale up and develop their competitiveness. Whether it’s finding a collaborative partner, exploring a new export market or honing pitching skills, you can access it all under one roof.”

Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, said: “New ideas are a spark that helps stimulates growth in our economy, which is why we’re fully committed to supporting an increase in business innovation and entrepreneurs.

“This is a central part of our economic strategy, which we are driving forward to protect and create jobs and prosperity.

“I am sure Venturefest will be a really important way to bring together cutting edge companies and expertise in innovation to make sure that even more great Scottish ideas are turned into success stories.”

Susie Logan, Head of Business Marketing at Standard Life – sponsor of Venturefest Scotland 2016, said: “At Standard Life we’re committed to supporting our SME clients and we collaborate with many innovative smaller businesses too. Like Venturefest, we recognise the importance of SMEs to our business and to helping our wider community to thrive. I’m delighted we’re supporting Venturefest for a second year and I’m looking forward to finding out more about the innovative businesses who will showcase there.”

This year’s Venturefest Scotland has the theme of Innovation and Design as enablers of business growth to reflect 2016 being Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

Inspiring industry leaders will be talking on this theme as part of Venturefest Scotland, with keynote speakers already confirmed including Keith Brown MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work; Chris van der Kuyl, Founder, Owner and Chairman of 4J Studios; Kevin Baughan, Chief Development Officer at Innovate UK; and Adrian Gillespie, Managing Director of Growth Companies, Innovation and Infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise.

Charlie Rohan, who is Senior Director of User Centred Design at NCR, joins the list of confirmed speakers and will be talking about his experience of designing, developing and implementing new technology solutions that benefit the widest possible range of users.

Trained as an industrial designer, Charlie was one of the small team of designers responsible for industrial design and human factors for the first range of NCR Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which were sold globally. Charlie has held several positions within NCR and participated in the US ATM Task Force that developed recommendations for the disabled user access requirements for ATMs and has been involved in the formation of and participation on standards committees for accessible self-service in UK, Canada and Australia.

Venturefest Scotland is a free one day event takes place on 1 September 2016 at the Glasgow Science Centre and brings together small and medium sized ambitious Scottish companies, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to connect and explore ways of growing and innovating.

The event was held for the first time last year and was a major success, attracting around 700 business owners, influencers, investors, entrepreneurs and academics from Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas.