The 5th annual China-Scotland Business Awards will be recognising and celebrating achievements in trade and investment between Scotland and China, with five great awards up for grabs. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the Chinese-Burns Supper. To learn more about the Awards and our past winners please click here. View this year’s shortlist here.
Now going into its 9th year, CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar. The event will feature a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Chinese New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking for the China-Scotland business and educational community.
Please note: Guests attending the event can buy tickets individually or as a table. Each table will seat 10 guests.
Register here: https://portal.cbbc.org/civicrm/event/info?id=2542&reset=1
A MAJOR conference and events business is reporting that 2022 is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels – and looks to expand its headcount by 70%.
In a positive sign for Edinburgh’s crucial hospitality and business tourism sectors, Surgeons Quarter – the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – has experienced demand for in-person meetings and events well ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
The Living Wage-accredited organisation which manages a vast mix of historic and purpose-built RCSEd venues, as well as Ten Hill Place Hotel, Café 1505 and Surgeons Quarter Travel – has seen events and conferences that postponed due to the pandemic rebook their events for 2022 as well as a high level of new enquiries.
This trend which has included new bookings for major conferences such as the Functional Regulatory Genomic Disease Meeting, a conference which will bring together international leaders in the study of genetics of disease in April 2022, has led to Surgeons Quarter returning to operate at close to maximum levels.
As a result, Surgeons Quarter is set to recruit for 60-70 positions during April, May and June.
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “It’s a pleasure to be in a position to expand our hospitality teams again and add vital jobs to help us service the increasing levels of business we’re bringing in.
“It’s important that we get the recovery right – hospitality and the business tourism economy are integral to the city’s overall prosperity. We can see first-hand the direct effect it has on employment.
“In addition to our busy events calendar, Ten Hill Place Hotel is seeing encouraging occupancy levels predicted to exceed the pre pandemic levels.
“To further boost our activities in 2022, we are actively planning for the full return of the Festival Fringe for which we are one of the largest operators – and at the end of the year, we are looking forward to a busy festive period of celebration, which we have all missed in the past 18 months”.
The organisation is also launching its first TV advertising campaign on 25th February with the theme highlighting guests will be ‘In Good Hands’ as a reference to its surgical connections and charitable aims which should help further raise its profile.
During the first lockdown Ten Hill Place provided free rooms and meals to key workers tackling the pandemic. Over 2,100 rooms were supplied free of charge at a cost to the company of over £100,000.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.
For anyone interested in joining the dynamic and award-winning Surgeons Quarter team, please email recruiment@surgeonsquarter.com
For more information on events, conferences and meeting space at Surgeons Quarter visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/conferences-meetings/
International guests can book directly by visiting Surgeons Quarter’s own travel agency at: https://www.sqtravel.co.uk/
Leading player in the global solar sector, NextEnergy, has signed deals with Goldman Sachs and DLA Piper
Burges Salmon has advised the NextEnergy Group on signing a Virtual Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with part of the Goldman Sachs Group. This follows hot on the heels of advising NextEnergy on its Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with law firm DLA Piper.
Goldman Sachs will benefit from a VPPA, which will be powered by three solar assets in the UK, planned for delivery in 2023. This new renewable capacity will align with Goldman Sachs’ UK electricity demand and support its commitment to source 80% of its renewable energy from long-term agreements by 2025 on its way to achieving net zero in its operations and supply chain by 2030.
The PPA between NextEnergy and DLA Piper relates to the energy generated from a new build solar farm in the UK, as part of DLA Piper’s drive to reach its decarbonisation targets. The solar farm, to be built in Somerset, will produce 13 megawatts of renewable power.
NextEnergy Group is a leading player in the global solar and renewable energy market with a mission to generate a more sustainable future by leading the transition to clean energy. The Group has over 200 global staff, operates in nine counties across Europe, the Americas and India, and is made up of three key independent specialist solar companies and a charitable foundation.
The Burges Salmon team advising on the deals was led by partner and Head of Renewable Energy Ross Fairley, along with director Alistair Rattray, associate Charlotte Robinson and solicitor Andrew Parmar-Yee.
Ross Grier of NextEnergy Capital comments: “We very much appreciated Burges Salmon’s assistance in bringing this corporate PPA to fruition. Their insight and experience in corporate PPAs was a valuable complement to the NextEnergy deal team.”
Ross Fairley adds: “As one of the leading players in the global solar sector, these Corporate Power Purchase Agreements mark two significant deals for NextEnergy. We have developed a real specialism in these PPA arrangements and this is another example of us facilitating organisations to tackle their net zero targets. It was a pleasure to work with the NextEnergy team on these PPAs.”
Leading independent law firm MacRoberts has launched AMLIFY, a dedicated anti-money laundering consultancy service, in response to the growing importance of AML compliance in the legal sector and at local and national level.
Headed by Fraser Sinclair, MacRoberts’ Head of AML and former Law Society of Scotland AML specialist, AMLIFY works with AML-supervised firms to ensure their AML and CTF processes are up-to-date, robust and reduce firms’ vulnerability to financial crime.
Whether firms are looking for reassurance on small points of compliance or a full risk review, AMLIFY offers consultation advice on firms’ policies, controls, procedures and file reviews. AMLIFY supports firms whether they are pre-, mid- or post-AML inspection, supporting them in preparing for inspections and responding to reports and findings from the Law Society of Scotland.
AMLIFY also offers tailored training and workshops to help firms ensure compliance with AML laws and regulations and best practice. These sessions can be provided to MLROs or to all staff for general CPD purposes.
Fraser, who was the Law Society of Scotland’s first AML Risk Manager, also designs and delivers the Society’s official accredited AML specialist course to solicitors in Scotland each year. This course gives MLROs and AML Managers the opportunity to be taken through the fundamentals of compliance and grow in confidence in their approach
Fraser Sinclair, Head of AMLIFY, said:
“The legal sector is clearly defined as being at high risk of money laundering and, as such, it is vital that legal professionals have the correct processes and procedures in place to ensure they won’t unwittingly support criminal activity through financial transactions in their firms.
We know that AML compliance can be daunting, the regulatory framework can feel unclear and the scope for firms to tailor their own risk-based approach can often leave firms wondering if they are doing the right thing – the purpose of AMLIFY is to support legal, and other AML regulated, firms in their compliance journey and ensure they are fully-equipped with the right tools to ensure their legitimate services are not used for an illegitimate purpose.”
The Scottish Energy Forum is set to welcome speakers from across the renewables sector in Scotland for three recently announced dates this spring. These events will all take place at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh.
They are:-
– Lindsay McQuade, CEO of Scottish Power Renwables who will speak at the Forum’s annual James Watt Lecture held at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh on the 3rd of March
– Gunther Newcombe, OBE, Project Coordinator of the ORION Clean Energy Project who on the 24th of March will discuss “Building a World Leading Clean Energy Island”
– Sian Lloyd-Rees, Managing Director UK of AKER Offshore Wind (title TBC) on the 21st April
Registration for these events is available on the SEF Eventbrite page
At the forefront of energy debate, the Scottish Energy Forum is a national forum for the presentation and discussion of views on the economic, industrial, technological and political aspects of all forms of energy.
Its annual programme of regular meetings gives members the chance to hear briefings by specialists of international standing. Members enjoy opportunities for lively and informed debate in informal surroundings, and benefit from networking with others from a range of energy-related enterprises.
The Scottish Energy Forum is a key non-profit energy NGO and a highly credible energy discussion forum with significant membership across Scotland, Europe, and the world.
‘Protecting IP for Growth: conversation on the practical and legal opportunities of securing your business’ valuable IP and trade secrets’
Wednesday 2 March 2022, 11am – 12pm
This seminar is suitable for those who need to consider corporate and employment law.
Douglas McLachlan and Musab Hemsi of Anderson Strathern together with Basil Manoussos of Edinburgh Napier University’s Cyber Academy will explore the important steps tech businesses must take to secure and protect their valuable IP and trade secrets against internal and external threats.
As well as summarising the key stages in legal compliance, this discussion will look at how securing IP provides the foundations for talent attraction and retention, commercial success, sustainable investment and growth.
Nearly 600 business people enjoyed Celebrating Edinburgh at the Capital’s most prestigious awards dinner of the year.
Edinburgh Chamber Annual Business Awards were back live and onstage at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night, as more than 140 entries were whittled down to the winners.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes MSP, was a keynote speaker at the event along with Larah Bross, founder of Bross Bagels, a local business success story. They were joined onstage by Chamber President Jane Clark-Hutchison and Benny Higgins, Chair of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
With a theme of “Celebrating Edinburgh”, this year’s Awards saw a focus on the importance – economic, cultural and social – of the city’s arts and culture including its world-famous festivals.
Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber, said: “It has been wonderful to come together again for our 11th annual awards, to celebrate the brilliant work of our city businesses as they provide the growth, opportunities, employment and wealth on which Edinburgh relies.
“With more than 140 entrants across the categories, there was a tremendously high standard, and all of those organisations who made it through to short-listing should be very proud. In particular, we congratulate those who were winners on the night.
“Edinburgh has so much to be proud of – from our world-class universities to our world-leading festivals. As we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic and the challenges posed by Brexit, we believe it is worth reflecting on the city’s rich history and lengthy record of innovation and creativity, iconic architecture, vibrant culture and role as an international hub for business, tourism, and research.
“It is an important role of the Chamber, and the awards, to bring people back together to re-connect and celebrate all that is great about Edinburgh, its business and its leaders, especially at this time.”
FULL WINNERS LIST
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by LNER – Zen Consultants
Mid-sized Business of the Year, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin – Edinburgh Construction
Large Business of the Year, sponsored by LNER – Edinburgh Trams
Developing the Young Workforce, sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce – Zen Consultants
Responsible Business, sponsored by the City of Edinburgh Council – Tartan Blanket Co
Inspiring Partnership, sponsored by Openreach – Dishoom and Magic Breakfast
Director of the Year, sponsored by Rathbones – Nick Ravenhall, Holyrood Distillery
Service Excellence, sponsored by ORB Recruitment – The Yard
Young Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Forth Ports – Alexander Galpin, Luxford Burgers
Excellence in Digital Marketing, sponsored by Cameron – Edinburgh Napier University
Innovation in Business, sponsored by Balfour Beatty – Tronius
Employer of the Year, sponsored by CMS – Muckle Media
Net Zero Champion, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland – Edinburgh College
Export Business of the Year, sponsored by Hibernian Football Club – Heehaw
Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce – Ailsa Sutherland, FWB Park Brown
Registration is Now Live!
Registration for the 2022 SelectUSA Investment Summit is now live. Join us in-person June 26-29, 2022 as the annual Investment Summit returns to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest-profile event in the United States dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI.) This year’s Investment Summit returns in its familiar format to provide exciting opportunities for more investors from more markets and greater representation from economic developers (EDO) across the nation to engage and interact – the 2022 Investment Summit will be the most highly anticipated and productive FDI event you attend all year.
- Explore interactive exhibitor showcases featuring EDOs, service providers, industry experts, and international tech startups.
- Network with 50+ states and territories, companies from 80+ markets, speakers, government officials and more; set up one-on-one or group meetings and make your investment deals happen.
- Learn from policy and industry experts in 100+ sessions providing you with actionable information on everything from developing a workforce to understanding incentives.
- Meet and form valuable partnerships with industry partners from across the United States.
The 2022 SelectUSA Investment Summit continues its commitment to feature exciting opportunities with innovation and entrepreneurship at the forefront.
- SelectUSA Tech returns to connect early-stage and startup technology companies to prospects for advancement in the U.S. market, where participants can exhibit at branded booths, upload a product and service demo video, and apply to pitch in from of a panel of judges, and much more.
- Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT), launched at the 2021 Investment Summit, returns for its second year! Geared towards international female founders, entrepreneurs, and executives in the technology sector, SGWIT participants will participate in matchmaking with mentors to help them develop a market entry strategy, tailor their product and promotion for success in the U.S. market, have access to an exclusive networking platform, and hear from successful global female founders.
- Addressing Climate Change – in recognition of the importance of global climate priorities, agenda sessions are being organized to bring together stakeholders in clean energy and key sectors such as advanced batteries, energy storage, civil nuclear energy, offshore wind, and semiconductors.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit draws more than 3,000 attendees and has directly impacted more than $57.9 billion in new U.S. investment projects, supporting over 47,000 jobs across the United States and its territories. Historically, the Investment Summit attracts more than 1,200 business investors from approximately 80 international markets who join economic developers from almost all U.S. states and territories.
Join us to be part of this successful history and take advantage of all the information, innovation and investment opportunities the 2022 Investment Summit has in store. Apply now and we will see you in June 2022.
Tuesday 1 March, 7pm to 8.30pm
A panel of experts will give their views on Fairtrade and its impact on climate change before opening the floor to discussion and questions.
Learn how the last 12 months of international pandemics has impacted Fairtrade as well as the benefits Fairtrade can have on climate change as a whole.
Find out and book here: https://co-operate.coop.co.uk/events/fairtrade-and-climate-change/
Edinburgh Fair Trade City Steering Group https://www.facebook.com/edinfairtrade has reminded us that Fairtrade Fortnight is coming up shortly. Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity to stand with farmers in low-income countries affected by the climate crisis; a show of solidarity with communities on the frontline. Together we can help farmers benefit from fairer prices and fairer trading practices, and obtain the resources they need to tackle the climate emergency.
The climate crisis is the biggest threat to the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and agricultural workers in low-income countries. Without a fairer income they are unable to invest in the mitigation and adaptation techniques needed to protect the environment and their businesses.
Thousands of Fairtrade communities play a key role in raising awareness of the link between trade and poverty. Fairtrade fights the climate crisis: Fairtrade Standards encourage producers to protect the environment by improving soil, planting trees, conserving water and avoiding pesticides, while Fairtrade’s climate academies help farmers share best practices and learn the latest agricultural methods to adapt to conditions. Engage with Fairtrade Fortnight to protect people and planet, and buy Fairtrade products to make trade fairer for those in lower-income countries.
We are facing an existential planetary threat. Global heating is already disastrous for the farmers and workers who grow our food – they need cash to adapt. Poverty and environmental damage in food supply chains will not end until exploited farmers are paid fairly and can plan for the future. Only then can they effectively fight the impacts of the climate crisis. This matters to you as climate change threatens the survival and sustainability of supply chains behind some of the UK’s best-loved imports, such as coffee, cocoa and bananas.
Being a farmer shouldn’t be a route to poverty, and the Fairtrade Premium is vital to give farmers in low-income nations the tools to tackle the climate crisis. For example, without it cocoa farmers only earn 3% of the price of a chocolate bar.
Join us this Fairtrade Fortnight and act for climate justice.
Should you wish to join some of the online events taking place, a selection is given below:
Edinburgh Libraries, in association with Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group, is highlighting Fairtrade Fortnight in each of its libraries, with printed materials, videos, and perhaps some free samples.
Fairtrade Foundation has a range of online events across Fairtrade Fortnight, which can be accessed here: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose-the-world-you-want/lineup/
Shared Interest Foundation: “Focus on Climate Smart Agricultural projects”: Monday 21 February 2022, 10-10:45am online: Shared Interest Online Member Events (office.com)
Shared Interest Foundation: “Focus on the Impact of Climate Change on East African Customers”: Thursday 24 February 2022, 2pm online: Shared Interest Online Member Events (office.com)
Edible Edinburgh: “Inspiring Food”, Friday 25 February 2022, 11am-2pm, Edinburgh College Granton Campus: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inspiring-food-an-event-to-promote-sustainable-food-in-edinburgh-tickets-260074057507
Scottish Fair Trade Forum: “Fairtrade, Our Carbon Footprint and the Bigger Picture”, Saturday 26 February 2022, 10:30-11:45am online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fairtrade-our-carbon-footprint-and-the-bigger-picture-registration-254480898217
Coop, Dalry Road, Saturday 26 February, 10am -12noon. “an opportunity to tell the Fairtrade story/celebrate our Fairtrade supplier relationships and to showcase some of our merchandise”
Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group: Fairtrade Stall at Stockbridge Market, Sunday 27 February 10am-4pm, featuring goods from One World Shop and Hadeel
For teachers only: One World Centre and SFTF: “Exploring Fairtrade and Climate Change in the Classroom”, Tuesday 1 March 2022, 4-5:30pm online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-fairtrade-cpd-tickets-252952245977
Fair Trade Wales: “Fair Fashion? A Conversation on Fashion, Race and Climate Justice”, Wednesday 2 March 2022, 6:30-7:30pm online: https://www.facebook.com/events/455221169611322
Scottish Fair Trade Forum: “Climate Change, Women, Agriculture and Fairtrade”, Thursday 3 March 2022, 12:30-2pm online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-change-women-agriculture-and-fairtrade-tickets-254496645317
Shared Interest Foundation: “Focus on the Impact of Climate Change on West African Customers”: Thursday 3 March 2022, 2pm online: Shared Interest Online Member Events (office.com)
Fairtrade National Campaigner Committee: “Fairtrade Fortnight Chocolate Tart Baking Masterclass”, Thursday 3 March 2022, 6pm online https://www.facebook.com/events/359309372194725/
Koolskools: “Threads: A Sustainable Cotton Journey”, Friday 4 March 2022, 11am-12:30pm online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/threads-a-sustainable-cotton-journey-tickets-259568816317
Fairtrade National Campaigner Committee and Fairtrade Yorkshire Event: “Chocolate has a Name”, Sunday 6 March 2022, 6pm online https://www.facebook.com/events/227954772865831
Shared Interest Foundation: “Focus on the Impact of Climate Change on South American Customers”: Monday 7 March 2022, 2pm online: Shared Interest Online Member Events (office.com)
