The team at Quensh HSEQ and HR Specialists had a fantastic time at the Offshore Wind Drinks event in Edinburgh, held at All Bar One, marking an excellent start to 2025. It was an evening filled with opportunities to connect with industry professionals, expand networks across Scotland, and catch up with familiar faces in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
As a proud co-sponsor of the event, Quensh would like to extend a huge thank you to the other co-sponsors: Ventus International, Tadek Ocean Engineering, Apollo, and AJT Engineering Ltd. Their support played a key role in bringing everyone together for this enjoyable and productive evening. A special thanks also goes to Blackfish Engineering Design Ltd. for hosting the event and providing a fantastic platform for networking and insightful discussions.
Held at All Bar One, the event offered the perfect atmosphere for industry professionals to discuss the latest trends, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It was an invaluable occasion for everyone in attendance to connect and discuss the exciting opportunities ahead for the offshore wind sector in 2025.
At Quensh, headquartered in Aberdeen, and supporting clients across Scotland, with their 40+ strong team, the importance of building strong relationships within the industry is always a key focus, and this event was no exception. The team is grateful to everyone who joined, contributed to the lively conversations, and helped make the evening so enjoyable. The shared insights and enthusiasm demonstrated that the offshore wind sector is poised for great things in the year ahead.
Looking forward, Quensh is excited to host similar events in Aberdeen later this year. To keep up to date on future events follow Quensh on LinkedIn or visit their website at www.quenshspecialists.co.uk.
Strong industry-Government partnerships are key to ensuring the UK’s visitor economy continues to thrive, according to a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• To help grow the tourism, hospitality, events and attractions industries, the report makes a series of recommendations to policymakers. It calls on Government to:
• Reform apprenticeship funding in England to support more training opportunities by firms in the visitor economy
• Reform business rates by reducing the multiplier for both small and standard rates
• Reconsider the evidence around tax free shopping for visitors and the benefits it could have on local economies
• Prioritise road connectivity to ports and rail terminals to help boost the visitor economy
The report says that the visitor economy is critical to driving growth and job creation in the UK economy. In 2023, 38 million overseas visitors travelled to the UK, spending £31.1bn and that figure is forecast to increase to £32.5bn this year.
The Covid pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union reduced the pool of available workers especially in seasonal roles that are crucial to the visitor economy. The report says that addressing workforce shortages in the sector are ‘imperative for its recovery and growth’.
The report urges caution around the introduction of visitor levies and tourist taxes, warning that they risk being an ‘economic disincentive for the tourism industry’. It also calls on the government to reconsider the decision to scrap tax-free shopping for overseas visitors in 2020, adding that the consequence of not re-introducing a similar scheme ‘could lead to further damage to our international competitiveness as a global visitor destination.’
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Brexit and the Covid pandemic dealt a severe blow to the UK’s visitor economy. While recovery has been promising, major challenges still persist.
“Our report outlines urgent steps the Government must take to boost visitor numbers and drive economic growth.
“If tax-free shopping for tourists isn’t reinstated, we risk losing ground to other countries, with visitors choosing to spend their money elsewhere. Workforce shortages, particularly in hospitality, can only be addressed with a strong skills strategy and an immigration system that truly supports businesses.
“The UK has a proud tradition of welcoming the world. For our tourism sector to flourish in this post-pandemic, post-Brexit landscape, decisive action from the Government is essential.”
Yasmin Diamond, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:
“Hospitality and tourism play a key role in the everyday economy, supporting millions of jobs and operating at the heart of communities across the nation. It is a real growth industry, which generates billions worth of exports, attracts capital to the UK and acts as a huge contributor to national GDP.
“To support the visitor economy so it thrives, and helps drive wider economic growth and job creation, it’s vital that the UK is an attractive investment environment to start and grow a business, and a great place for people to live, work and visit.
“This, in turn, is driven by strong partnerships between industry and government, working together towards shared aims of growth, opportunity and prosperity and these recommendations from the British Chambers of Commerce would be a positive step forward to achieving that goal.”
Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel will be adding some festive magic to one of Edinburgh’s ultimate afternoon tea experiences from 20th November until 4th January 2025.
Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal will provide a classic setting for friends, family and colleagues to indulge in the ship’s new five-course Festive Afternoon Tea.
Available daily from 12pm until 3.30pm in the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar, Fingal’s galley team have created the new Festive Afternoon Tea to offer guests and non-residents one of the most decadent of British traditions in a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist.
Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage.
Savoury highlights of the new Festive Afternoon Tea menu include Loch Linnhe salmon rillette with cucumber gel, lemon and mandarin; Kintyre blue cheese and fig tart with walnut emulsion; and Lochaber free-range turkey, sage, onion and cranberry brioche bun.
People with a sweet tooth can indulge with Matcha cake with yuzu and vanilla mousseline; Gingerbread house with speculoos biscuit; Mouneyrac pear with chocolate financier; and Coconut and salted caramel macaron.
Open to non-residents for Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of private dining booths for small pre-booked groups.
Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining.
Re-launched as a luxury hotel in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just 10 minutes away.
Fingal’s Festive Afternoon Tea menu is priced at £70 per person, or from £85 per person for the extra special Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservation required.
Fingal is located opposite the Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
For more information on Fingal and to make an advance reservation for the ship’s new Festive Afternoon Tea experience, visit www.fingal.co.uk/food-drink/festive-afternoon-tea
Follow Fingal on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh
- To support their business and the country’s prosperity, Scottish firms want the Chancellor to prioritise a competitive tax system that incentivises growth at the Budget
- Businesses seek support to introduce waste reduction and recycling programmes to help them align with the UK’s 2050 net zero target
Scotland’s businesses are calling on the Chancellor to prioritise a competitive tax system that incentivises growth when she delivers her first Budget, according to the latest data from Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer.
When asked about the key areas they want prioritised to support their businesses, 46% of respondents highlighted the need for a competitive tax system that incentivises growth.
Just over two-fifths (42%) expressed a desire for solutions to skills shortages and the training needs of businesses. Another 32% called for improvements in both digital and physical infrastructure, while the same percentage (32%) wanted incentives to promote investment in new products, services and innovations.
To support the prosperity of Scotland’s economy more generally, firms also wanted the Chancellor to prioritise a competitive tax system that incentivises local growth (43%), along with addressing skills shortages and the training needs of businesses (41%) and improving physical or digital infrastructure (27%).
And, with the UK pressing ahead with decarbonisation, 55% would like the government to prioritise supporting businesses to improve their energy efficiency to help them align with the UK national target of net zero by 2050.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Firms across Scotland have said that they are hoping that their priority areas of a competitive tax system that incentivises growth and addressing skills shortages are supported in the Budget.
“These priority areas are seen by businesses as crucial to help drive their operations. At Lloyds, we remain committed to supporting our customers to help them reach their growth aspirations.”
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
Blackadders LLP has been crowned the Legal and Property Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards.
The firm took the inaugural title in the category which was a new addition this year to the long-running awards.
The judges praised the overall success of Blackadders and its investment in its people and strategy for expansion.
Emma Gray, Joint Managing Partner, said: “This award recognises the growth and change within the business in the last year. We’ve rebranded, we’ve heavily invested in our people, our premises and our offering. We are harnessing technology to offer our services in a different way.
“This is great recognition for the whole team and a positive endorsement of our ambition.”
The Courier Business awards were held on Friday October 25 at the Apex Hotel in Dundee. The award ceremony is one of the biggest business events in Scotland with more than 700 guests attending. They were hosted by broadcaster Jackie Bird and saw businesses from across east and central Scotland honoured in 16 categories. The top Business of the Year prize was won by Montrose Port Authority.
Blackadders also sponsored the Business Leader of the Year category which was awarded to Angela Linton, Chief Executive of Hillcrest Homes.
Blackadders has embarked on an ambitious journey to become one of Scotland’s top five law firms. It has set itself five key targets to meet by the end of the financial year 2025/26 which will see it grow both revenue and profit margin as well as being a destination lawyer across all service areas and an employer of choice.
Blackadders has offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and an ambitious team that provides expertise across private and commercial law, delivering tailored, innovative solutions to individuals, businesses and organisations. The firm has an unwavering commitment to client service and adopts the smartest and most efficient ways of working which is blended with modern practices and the firm’s traditional values.
The hard work and dedication of Scotland’s farming community was honoured yesterday at a special Harvest Thanksgiving service held at Glasgow Cathedral, by RHASS (Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland).
The service, held on Sunday, 27th October, was the first official event organised by the RHASS 2025 Presidential Initiative and celebrated the RHASS presidency returning to the Strathclyde area, marking a significant milestone for the community. It provided a meaningful opportunity to recognise the vital role farmers play in feeding the nation, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by those in the agricultural sector.
This year’s Presidential Team will host a number of events throughout the next year, culminating at the 2025 Royal Highland Show with sustainability being at the forefront of the initiative. The team will use the RHASS Presidency as a platform to promote companies, research institutes and our farmers who are developing the new innovative solutions the industry can use to meet the challenge of net zero. These solutions will demonstrate that the agriculture industry can be part of the solution to climate change and not part of the problem.
The Initiative’s President, George Lyon, expressed his pride in the event, saying: “The Harvest service was a wonderful occasion to give thanks for a successful harvest despite it being one of the most difficult growing seasons in recent years. This event also gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the commitment and hard work of Scotland’s farmers who tirelessly provide food for our nation.”
Revd Mark Johnstone, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral, conducted the service and highlighted its significance. He said: “It was a delight and pleasure to welcome the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to Glasgow Cathedral in support of the Harvest. As a Cathedral for all people, we recognise the labour of those who work the land. During the special service, we found an opportunity to celebrate the vital role Scottish farmers play in providing for others. Within the context of the Church, we widened our thanksgiving to include an awareness of the pressures experienced by all involved in agriculture. The Harvest service was a time of thanksgiving for all Christians to recognise God in their life.”
The service featured displays of seasonal produce generously donated by Alistair Spittal, Berryhill Farm, Auchinleck and pumpkins generously donated by Jay Crawford, Dowhill Farm, Maybole. Following the service, the produce was distributed to Lodging House Mission, a Glasgow based charity dedicated to providing care and support to homeless, vulnerable, and socially excluded people.
Robert Hynd, Director of The Lodging House Mission, expressed his thanks to all the farmers who had grown produce: “We have been the Church of Scotland’s response to Glasgow’s homeless and lost communities, for various reasons, since 1909. The Harvest donations will allow us to stock our shelves and use them in the meals we will provide over the coming days. In 2023 we served 32,688 meals and in 2024, we’ve already reached 27,000 with 3 months to go, so last year’s figure will be easily exceeded. The money saved will allow us to invest in our services and support the increasing number of people who rely on us. We continuously strive to meet the growing demand for our services, from offering a listening ear and emotional support, to helping people to navigate the benefits system. Nobody is ever turned away.”
To mark the occasion, a tractor and a forage harvester were displayed outside Glasgow Cathedral, courtesy of Jim Watt of The Shields Farm, Auldhouse, offering a reminder of the modern machinery that supports farmers in their essential work.
John McNae of Mayfield, Tarbolton also provided a horse drawn plough to display in the church.
James Logan, RHASS Chair, said: “At RHASS, we are proud to support Scotland’s rural community all year round. This year’s Harvest service at Glasgow Cathedral was particularly poignant, following a challenging growing season for many of our farmers. The service allowed us to show our appreciation for the continued dedication of those who provide the incredible produce that fills our plates. We are also pleased that this year’s donations will help local charities feed those in need across Glasgow.”
The Harvest Thanksgiving service welcomed many from the community, all coming together to show their appreciation for Scotland’s farming industry.
For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk
Renewable energy experts from Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) and Irwin Mitchell are set to explore a range of bold topics at WJM’s annual renewables seminar, titled ‘Achieving Alignment: The Realities of Delivering Net Zero.’
Regarded as one of the most insightful and dynamic events of the year for renewables, the conference will bring together top experts to discuss the latest developments in the energy sector, tackling crucial topics such as biodiversity, planning, and grid alignment.
The joint event, being held at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on November 7, will help attendees gain insight into the key policies and industry trends shaping the future of Scotland’s renewable energy landscape, just as the nation strives to meet its ambitious energy targets.
Andy McFarlane, WJM’s Head of Renewables, said: “We’re delighted to again have such excellent speakers to talk about some of the most prominent issues faced by renewables developers at this time.
“This year, I have no doubt that for many, grid is right at the very top of that list and we are delighted to have developer and NESO representation on our panel of speakers. Alongside that the planning update is always a major draw and it will be interesting to look at specific issues like BNG and aviation lighting this side of NPF4 and the Sector Deal.”
“It is also a fantastic networking event and last year we were joined by over 100 renewables professionals from across the country to enjoy that and the content. We’re excited to build on that success.
A host of prominent speakers will be at the event, including WJM’s Managing Partner Fraser Gillies, who will present a comprehensive planning update, reflecting on the most significant planning decisions for renewables projects over the past year.
Claire Petricca-Riding, Partner and Head of the Planning and Environment team at Irwin Mitchell, will dive into the latest developments in Biodiversity Enhancement and Net Gain, providing a review of her experience in England and the lessons learned for Scotland’s renewable efforts.
Neil Copeland, representing NESO, will offer insights into NESO’s Clean Power 2030 initiatives, explaining how the organisation’s proposals align with the UK Government’s Clean Power Plan.
Kate Dooley of RES will focus on the ongoing REMA programme and market reform, shedding light on what the industry needs from planning policies and the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan to meet future energy demands.
Meanwhile, Geum Howatson, Senior Consenting Manager at Locogen, will be discussing the need for guidance, the Aviation Lighting and the Onshore Wind Sector Deal, as well as the work of the Aviation Lighting Guidance Working Group.
The seminar will be followed by networking, drinks, and canapés, offering attendees the chance to connect with other professionals in the sector.
WJM’s annual seminar takes place on Thursday, 7 November at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Places are free and can be booked by emailing events@wjm.co.uk
For more information on WJM go to www.wjm.co.uk.
CyberScotland Partnership launches flagship awareness week among rising cyber threat
Monday 28 October 2024 Businesses and community groups in Scotland are being urged to sign up to host an event as part of CyberScotland Week 2025. The theme of the awareness week, which will take place from 24 February to 2 March 2025, is ‘Can’t hack it?’, highlighting everyday actions people can take to improve their cyber resilience.
CyberScotland Week is organised by CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of key stakeholders brought together by the Scottish Government’s Cyber Resilience Unit with the aim of raising cyber security awareness and building Scotland-wide cyber resilience.
Now in its seventh year, the launch of CyberScotland Week 2025 comes as the threat of cyber-attacks to individuals, organisations and communities in Scotland continues to rise along with the rest of the world. In 2022-23, Police Scotland recorded an estimated 14,890 cyber-crimes – that’s more than 20 a day.
Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs said: “CyberScotland Week is an excellent opportunity to make everyone more aware of the ever changing cyber threats and the actions we can all take to become more resilient. It is also a chance to celebrate the efforts of the cyber security community across all sectors in helping to keep our accounts and services secure, and encourage others to consider a career in cyber.”
Clare El Azebbi, Chair of CyberScotland Partnership and Head of the Scottish Government’s Cyber Resilience Unit said: “To improve Scotland’s cyber resilience we need organisations in every sector, and people in every community, to have ongoing conversations with their staff, members, networks, family, and friends about cyber security, the risks, and what everyone can do to stay safe online. CyberScotland Week is designed to provide both an impetus, and an outlet for those conversations.
“It’s an exciting time for Scotland with the acceleration of the energy transition and the advancement of AI technologies, and we need to ensure we’re protected from the risks so we can leverage those opportunities. That applies to our national infrastructure and the digital systems supporting it, all the way down to our personal and work devices and data. No event is too small to register for CyberScotland Week – every conversation can have a positive impact on our cyber resilience as a nation.”
Any organisation, community group or individual in Scotland can host an event of any size during CyberScotland Week. You can find out more, and register your CyberScotland Week event, at the CyberScotland website.
Can’t hack it?
According to guidance from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), everyday things people can do to improve their cyber resilience include:
For individuals
- Using a strong and unique password for each site
- Turning on two-factor authentication
- Backing up your data (and enabling automatic backups)
- Reporting phishing scams to your IT department at work
- Installing the latest updates as soon as they’re available
For organisations
- Installing antivirus software
- Preventing staff from downloading dubious apps
- Keeping all your IT equipment up to date (‘patching’)
- Controlling how USB drives are used
- Switching on your firewall.
Visit the NCSC website for further guidance.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Chancellor to ease the workplace health crisis by reforming the tax system.
Its two calls ahead of the Autumn Budget are:
- For the Government to make all occupational health, cash plans and medical insurance a non-taxable benefit in kind for employees.
- To encourage business take up of health insurance for employees by cutting the Insurance Premium Tax.
BCC research has found that only one third of businesses (36%) currently offer staff well-being or occupational health support with a slightly lower proportion (30%) providing no services at all.
Yet sickness and ill-health are now at such high levels they are significantly impacting the UK’s economic performance.
The Health and Safety Executive estimated that stress, depression or anxiety alone accounted for 17.1 million working days lost in 2022/23, equivalent to a loss of £5.2 billion in output per year.
According to Government data, the number of people out of work due to long-term ill-health has soared by 650,000 to 2.8 million since the pandemic.
Data, from health plan provider Simplyhealth, found that over half of (52%) employees said that if their employer offered a form of health cover, such as GP appointments and physio, they wouldn’t need to take as much time off sick. In addition, nearly six in ten (57%) companies who don’t offer health cover are now considering it but are worried about the expense.
Making sensible tax reforms would make it easier for workers to access healthcare and for employers to provide it. It would help ensure people don’t have to leave the workforce unnecessarily due to ill health, and increase UK productivity.
The Simplyhealth data also found that 70% of businesses feel they have a responsibility to look after their employee’s health, with 40% noticing employees are struggling to access NHS care.
It backs up findings from the Association of British Insurers which found that more than 14 million sick days were prevented in one year by employers providing health cover.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Ambitions to grow the UK economy and increase productivity will be undermined if we don’t have a fit and healthy workforce. Businesses understand this and want to play their part, but the current tax system is leaving the UK hamstrung in its efforts to ease the workplace health crisis.
“The Autumn Statement is a golden opportunity for the Government to partner with business and deliver national solutions to a national issue. By coming forward with simple and proportionate healthcare tax incentives, the Chancellor can provide a much-needed lift to the UK workforce as we work together to deliver economic growth.”
- Business confidence in Scotland fell four points to 44% in October
- Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell two points to 45%, while optimism in the economy dipped six points to 43%
- Overall UK business confidence dipped three points in October to 44%
Business confidence in Scotland dipped by four points during October to 44%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down two points at 45%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down six points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 44% (vs. 48% in September).
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (43%), entering new markets (36%) and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (35%).
A net balance of 49% of businesses in Scotland also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 23 points on last month.
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National Picture
Overall UK business confidence dipped slightly in October to 44% – down three points from September’s 47%.
This was driven by marginal falls in firms’ confidence about their own trading prospects (53% vs. 56% in September) and the economy (35% vs. 38% in September).
The North East of England was the most confident UK nation or region in October (63%), followed by London (56%) and the North West (53%).
Sector Insights
Firms’ trading prospects pulled back for the third consecutive month in manufacturing to 46%, the lowest level since March. There were also moderate declines of 3 points in both retail and services to 51% and 57% respectively.
Expectations in construction bucked the trend, rising to 50%.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “This month’s fall in confidence reflects the wider UK trend.
“Scottish firms will still have their eyes on growth, and it’s encouraging to see businesses setting out clear plans to capitalise on new opportunities – from investing in their people to tapping into new markets. We’ll continue to be by Scottish business’ sides to help them on each step of their journey.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “Although overall business confidence dipped in October, it follows a sustained period of significant optimism, and business sentiment remains above historical levels. Encouragingly, many businesses remain confident in their own trading prospects, and the increase in hiring intentions suggests more employers will want to grow their workforce.
“Businesses’ broader economic outlook continues to reflect this rounded picture, and as they move into the final part of the year, they will look to manage these considerations effectively.”
Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Business & Commercial, said: “While our latest Business Barometer shows a slight dip in confidence, we continue to see resilience and adaptability among UK businesses. At Lloyds, we remain committed to supporting our customers to help businesses continue to capitalise on growth opportunities as we move towards the final quarter of this year.”
