Scottish Business Briefing - Monday 21 May, 2012
RETAIL
High streets hit as cash-strapped Scots shoppers vote with their feet
SCOTLAND’S struggling high streets have been dealt a fresh blow today as figures reveal that the numbers of shoppers north of the Border plunged in the run-up to Easter (Scotsman).
BANKING
Bank chief: We want to lend more to companies
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Hide AdROYAL Bank of Scotland’s head of corporate banking says he wants to expand his balance sheet by lending to companies capable of paying him back (Herald).
ENERGY & UTILITIES
Challenges facing new green energy projects
Planning issues, the availability of finance, grid connection charges and objectors have been identified as main challenges to renewable energy projects in Scotland. This emerged in a survey out today by law firm Brodies (Scotsman)
MANAGEMENT
Complementary first acquisition for Hunter Adams
A HUMAN resources (HR) firm in Aberdeen has made its first acquisition as it remains on course to turn over £1 million during its first year in business (Scotsman).
TECHNOLOGY
Ecometrica wins National Express software contract
National Express has chosen Edinburgh-based software firm Ecometrica to help the coach operator measure the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by its vehicles (Scotsman).
TRANSPORT
Ryanair reports record 503m euro profit
Budget airline Ryanair has reported record profits as fare rises helped to offset a sharp rise in fuel costs (BBC).