The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for a series of urgent improvements to unlock the planning system across the UK. The proposals are aimed at creating a more effective and efficient system that boosts business investment. The BCC’s immediate priorities are:

• Improved resources for council planning teams and more use of digitisation for applications. 
• Political stability on planning reform so the system can operate unhindered for a lengthy period.
• More priority for business’ needs in the development management and plan-making process. 
• Co-ordination between local and national infrastructure must be a key part of long-term planning.
• Planning system to make grid connectivity easier for infrastructure projects and new building developments. 

The proposals are outlined in a new report: Economic Growth – Planning for Business – 2023 and Beyond. It was put together by the BCC’s Planning Expert Panel, made up of industry specialists who are chamber members.

The policy document also highlights how the planning system must support the transition to net-zero and calls for a more robust appeals system.

Since the Covid 19 pandemic, most SMEs have not increased investment. In the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2023, the number of firms who said they planned to increase investment dropped to 23%, compared to 25% in Q1.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“The planning system has a major role to play in helping to unleash the potential of British business. But all too often firms are left frustrated by a slow and complex process.

“We urgently need more resources for local planning authority teams, greater stability of planning policy and more focus on the supply of land for business use.

“Our research shows that as companies continue to face an unprecedented set of economic challenges, investment is suffering. An improved planning system would help unlock investment.

“Co-ordination between local and national infrastructure projects must be a key part of the long-term planning strategy. Recent speculation about the HS2 project is deeply concerning. It highlights why businesses and local authorities need certainty from government. That will give them confidence to plan and invest.

“Successful businesses are at the heart of local communities. The planning system most focus more on economic growth and achieving the right balance of land for jobs and homes.”

Four senior politicians from the Scottish Conservative Party paid a visit to SSE Thermal’s Peterhead Power Station to learn more about plans to decarbonise the site using carbon capture technology.

The plant plays a critical role in keeping the lights on in Scotland, providing flexible power to back up renewables. As part of the push to net zero, SSE Thermal and Equinor are developing Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station, which could become Scotland’s first flexible power station equipped with carbon capture technology.

The visit was an opportunity for David Duguid, MP for Banff & Buchan; North East Scotland MSPs Douglas Lumsden and Liam Kerr, and Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson to discover more about carbon capture and to meet the next generation of apprentices and graduates on-site who could build a career at the proposed power station.

In July, SSE Thermal’s carbon capture plans received a major boost from the UK Government after it announced support for the Scottish Cluster. The Acorn Project, which underpins the Scottish Cluster, had been in ‘reserve’ status since late 2021 but has now been officially named as a Track 2 Cluster [1]. Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station would plug into the Scottish Cluster’s CO2 transport and storage infrastructure.

David Duguid, MP for Banff & Buchan, commented, “It’s always a pleasure to visit Peterhead Power Station and I was delighted to welcome my party colleagues to see SSE Thermal’s progress in carbon capture and to engage with staff throughout the station – particularly given their respective portfolios in net zero, skills and education.

“Peterhead Power Station is a significant employer in my constituency and SSE Thermal and Equinor’s carbon capture plans offer the north-east a secure and sustainable energy future.”

Andy Underwood, Project Director for Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station, said: “We need low-carbon flexible power to provide backup to renewables as we move to net zero and our proposed plant at Peterhead will deliver that while supporting a just transition in the region.

“We have several young apprentices and graduates forging careers at Peterhead and I know it was particularly special for our visitors to meet with them and discover the role they’re playing in delivering a low-carbon future for the north-east of Scotland.”

The proposed Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station would have a generating capacity of around 910MW and would capture up to 1.5MT of carbon annually, which represents around five per cent of the UK Government’s 2030 target.

According to a report commissioned from BiGGAR Economics, the new development would contribute £60m to the Aberdeen City and Shire economy during development and construction, with 980 years of employment supported. Over the station’s operational lifetime, it is estimated that around £25m would be added to the wider Aberdeen economy each year, with around 240 jobs supported on an annual basis.

INTRODUCTION

HR policies and procedures play a pivotal role in shaping a company’s culture, maintaining compliance, and ensuring fair and consistent treatment of employees. They are the foundation of any organisation’s HR framework. HR policies define the rules and guidelines that govern employee behaviour and expectations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of HR policies, the main policies every company should have, and the importance of keeping them up to date. We’ll also discuss how these policies should align with a company’s culture and be easy for employees to use and navigate.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

1. Consistency and Fairness: HR policies set the standards for consistent and fair treatment of employees across the organisation. When everyone knows what is expected, it fosters a sense of equity and trust.
2. Legal Compliance: Keeping up with employment law, regulations, and industry standards can be daunting. HR policies serve as a compass, helping companies navigate the legal landscape.
3. Employee Rights and Responsibilities: These policies outline the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers. Creating a clear understanding of what is acceptable behaviour in the workplace.
4. Conflict Resolution: Having policies in place can help resolve conflicts more effectively. Employees can refer to the guidelines to understand how disputes are handled, promoting a more harmonious work environment.

WHAT HR POLICIES SHOULD YOUR COMPANY HAVE?

While the specific policies may vary depending on the size of your organisation and your industry, Albany HR recommend these fundamental HR policies as essential for almost every company:

1. Equal Opportunities Policy: This policy ensures that all employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristics.
2. Code of Conduct and Ethics: It defines expected behaviour, including honesty, integrity, and professionalism, and provides guidance on reporting unethical conduct.
3. Disciplinary & Grievance Policies: Guidance on how to deal with employee relation issues, which can expedite resolution of conflict in an organisation.
4. Absence Management and Family Friendly Policies: Clear guidelines on sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and other time-off entitlements are crucial for work-life balance.
5. Performance Management Policies: Outlining the performance appraisal process, including goals, feedback, and consequences, helps employees understand how their performance is assessed.
6. Harassment & Bullying Policy: These policies establish a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment and discrimination in any form.
7. Data Protection Policy: A policy can ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations, while also protecting the privacy of employees and clients.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING POLICIES UP TO DATE

HR policies are not set in stone. They should evolve to reflect changes in the business landscape, changes in employment law, and societal norms.

REFLECTING COMPANY CULTURE

HR policies should not only be legally sound but also reflect the company’s unique culture. For example, if your company prides itself on innovation and flexibility, your policies might allow for more flexible work arrangements. Conversely, if you have a more traditional kind of company, you may have more rigid policies that value the hierarchical structure, face-to-face interactions, and a focus on productivity.

SIMPLICITY AND NAVIGABILITY

Lastly, HR policies should be written in clear, understandable language, and reflect your company’s style. Employees should be able to easily find and understand the policies they need to reference. Use language that is not overly legal or use acronyms that a new joiner may struggle with. Simplify language and use accessible formats, such as using an online portal, shared drive or provide handbooks, to enhance usability.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, HR policies are not just a bureaucratic necessity; they are essential tools for fostering a positive work environment, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining fairness and consistency in the workplace. Critical policies, such as those related to equal opportunity, data protection, code of conduct, and harassment prevention, should form the foundation of any HR policy framework. Regularly updating these policies to reflect changing laws and cultural shifts is equally crucial. By aligning policies with a company’s culture and ensuring they are simple to use and navigate, organisations can reap the benefits of a more engaged, and productive workforce.

As an outsourced HR consultant based in Edinburgh, and operating across the UK, Albany HR can support with:

• HR Policy Review
• HR Policy development
• HR Audit
• Employment Contract Templates

Please get in touch for a chat about how we can support you letstalk@albanyhr.com, 0131 364 4186.

New analysis by PwC UK has highlighted Scotland as the UK’s most productive manufacturing region – with output per hour 19% higher than the UK average, at £47 per hour.

The new findings come as part of PwC’s Industrial, Manufacturing and Services Productivity Tracker, which analyses productivity progress – with a focus on key sectors that contribute to UK growth including manufacturing, construction and services.

The Industrial, Manufacturing and Services Productivity Tracker, produced by PwC UK attributes Scotland’s success in manufacturing to key subsectors including food and drink (26.6%), chemicals (10.6%) and pharmaceuticals (8.4%) – with strong performance in the hydrocarbons and oil industry and a strong pharma services community within the region.

However, the analysis also points out that there is still room for growth in manufacturing productivity, which has been modest at 5.2%.

The analysis highlights three key recommendations for boosting productivity across the UK’s regions – including championing regional ‘clusters’ of businesses within common goals and interests; a focus on future skills; and the development of ‘place-based’ strategies in the absence of a national industrial strategy.

Jason Morris, Regional Market Leader for PwC Scotland, said:

“It’s heartening to see Scotland leading the UK regions with regards to manufacturing productivity – particularly given that our manufacturing sector accounts for just over half of our international exports and a significant proportion of business expenditure [47%] on the research and development front.

“Scotland’s historic prowess in heavy industry and manufacturing has evolved over the decades, and we have successfully built and capitalised on new areas of strength. For example, with more than 150 companies and 9,000 skilled professionals based north of the border, Scotland is building a fantastic reputation in pharmaceuticals manufacturing, cementing its place outside of the traditional ‘Golden Triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge. The existing ‘hub’ of companies sitting on the outskirts of Glasgow, within and immediately adjacent to the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, is a prime example of how regional clusters and place-based strategy can boost certain sectors.

“However, there are certainly opportunities for growth – not only specifically in manufacturing, but in terms of overall productivity. Previous insights including our recent Golden Age Index and Green Jobs Barometer, have highlighted the need to reskill and upskill different areas of the labour market and we cannot ignore the persistent productivity gap that is often highlighted as part of our UK Economic Outlook. There’s a real opportunity for Scotland to step up productivity across key sectors.”

 

£71.6 billion  – The boost to UK GDP if sectoral productivity in some regions is raised to at least the industry’s median levels.   Impact on regional GVA (£bn) if lagging regions raise their productivity to the industry’s median level, 2023 Source: PwC Economic Outlook September 2022

Local managed services provider Mother Technologies are celebrating 21 years of being in business! Mother’s journey began back in 2002 with a bold move to introduce a new concept to the SMB market – IT support that was previously reserved for enterprise clients. It was a game-changer, and they were among the first few businesses to offer this service in the region.

In 2004, the Mother team expanded alongside their client base, leading them to move to a larger office space in Davidson House, Aberdeen. In 2006, Mother diversified by acquiring Grampian Business Products Telecom Division, marking their entry into the telecoms industry. Then, in 2012, they reached a pivotal moment by investing in datacentres, which enabled them to offer a secure private network for IT hosting, telecom services, private connections, and managed security. Then, in 2018, Mother answered the high demand for their services by launching their Edinburgh office, facilitating stronger customer relationships and doubled the Edinburgh team’s size from 2022 to 2023.

Alongside celebrating their 21-year anniversary this month, the Mother Technologies team are also celebrating being shortlisted for Services Company of the Year at the UK IT Industry Awards. This award recognises exceptional achievements in IT provision, underpinned by significant success over the past year, high levels of customer satisfaction, and tangible business benefits derived from their products and services. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on November 8th.

What does the future hold?

Looking ahead, Mother Technologies remains committed to delivering outstanding service to existing clients, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest technology trends. The company is also eager to welcome new clients and expand its team, particularly in Edinbugh, with additional expertise to meet the growing demand for their services.

For more information on Mother’s services head to https://www.mothertech.co.uk/

The BCC’s new Digital Revolution Challenge has held its first meeting to discuss ground-breaking research on how businesses are using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The survey, by the BCC’s Insight Unit – of more than 700 firms, mostly SMEs, found that:

• Almost half of all firms (48%) have no plans to use AI technology
• Customer facing businesses (B2C) are even less likely to use AI, with 58% stating they have no plans to use it
• One in four respondents (26%) think AI is going to lead to fewer jobs in their sector, with more B2B firms (29%) predicting a negative impact

Alongside the 48% that have no plans to use AI, the survey found a further 22% were not currently using it but planned to in the future.

Businesses were also asked what types of AI they are currently using, with chatbots, such as ChatGPT, being the most popular application (18% of all respondents). Other technologies cited included:

• Machine learning data analysis (6%)
• Speech recognition (6%)
• Virtual agents for customer service (3%)
• Robotic process automation (3%)
• Natural language generation (3%)
• Deep learning or neural networks (1%)

The data also showed that companies with more than 50 employees were more likely to be currently investigating the use of AI in their operations than smaller ones, with 24% using chatbots, and only 37% stating they had no plans to use it at all.

Why firms are, or are not, using AI

Of the respondents who are currently using AI, common uses cited included coding, data analysis, language translation, content creation, and as a sounding board for ideas.

By contrast, of the respondents who have no plans to use cited the following barriers: lack of relevance, investment cost, reliability, lack of understanding, and risks around scams or privacy.

The research also found that 36% of businesses thought it was still too early to predict the impact of AI on jobs, while just one in 8 firms (12%) thought it would lead to an overall net increase in jobs in their sector.

Responding to the implications of the data, Priya Guha, Chair of the BCC’s Digital Revolution Challenge, said:

“With AI being considered so central to boosting the UK’s productivity this research on current levels of business engagement is an eye opener.

“It is certainly a concern that almost half of firms say they do not plan to use AI either now or in the future.

“But when we consider the economic conditions that businesses have been grappling with since the pandemic, it is no surprise that 51% of firms with fewer than 50 employees aren’t planning to use AI against 37% of larger businesses.

“The BCC’s Digital Revolution Challenge is clear that the benefits to business from using AI are many. It will lead to efficiency gains, improved decision-making, better customer experiences, enhanced risk management and game-changing innovations.

“It is essential for competitiveness in the modern business landscape, so we must make sure that every UK company is involved in this journey.

“Our task now is to pull together a set of clear and pragmatic recommendations, for both Government and UK companies, to make this happen.

“We have a position of responsibility here, and we must use our influence to improve awareness of the benefits of AI.

“Improving clarity and certainty amongst businesses on AI will drive confidence to use it effectively. As it stands, it is alarming that a sizeable number of firms think it is irrelevant.”

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced business environment, data migration has become an essential undertaking for an organisation aiming to keep up with technology advancements, achieve operational efficiency, and stay competitive. The successful execution of a data migration project can be a game changer, while failure can have far-reaching consequences. In this blog, we will explore the world of data migration and unveil how partnering with a project delivery specialist can be the key to mastering seamless and successful data migrations.

The Crucial Role of Data Migration

Data migration is the process of moving data from one system, application, or platform to another. Whether it’s transitioning from legacy systems to modern cloud-based solutions, merging data after an acquisition, or enhancing data quality, data migration is a critical procedure for organisations of all shapes, sizes and industries.

Data is not just a collection of bytes; it represents a company’s history, its customers, its products, its services, and its future. The ability to move this data efficiently and accurately from one place to another can have a profound impact on an organisation’s ability to adapt, grow, and compete in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Find out more about Agenor’s blog on Data Migration.

Award-winning developer, Cruden Homes has launched its eagerly-awaited show home at their highly sought after Wellwater Grove development in West Lothian. Prospective buyers can now view the Tweed show home, designed by interior design specialists, Designer Contracts Limited. 

Wellwater Grove offers a growing neighbourhood of 45 homes for sale, incorporating a stylish mix of three-bedroom semi-detached and four-bedroom detached properties, designed with family life at its heart. The brand new development is well positioned close to East Calder Main Street, with plenty of schools, leisure facilities and shops nearby. The beautiful Almondell & Calderwood Country Park and the award-winning contemporary garden, Jupiter Artland, both lie within close proximity. 

The Tweed is a 4-bedroom detached home with an integral garage. The spacious vestibule leads to a welcoming hall with plenty of storage, the large living room and well appointed WC. The property boosts an enviable open plan kitchen/dining area with access to a separate utility room and patio doors leading to a generous landscaped garden. Upstairs, the Tweed features a master bedroom with an en-suite as well as 3 double bedrooms, a well-considered family bathroom and superb study area in the vast galleried landing.  

The home offers flexible living, catering to the changing needs of modern families. The inspiration behind the home was to reflect wellness and to bring the outdoor palette indoors.  Discussing the new show home, Abbie Lockett at Designer Contracts Limited said:

“Our approach behind the Tweed home was a focus on wellness, a huge growing trend. The home promotes a healthy lifestyle and has a tranquil interior with nods to sustainability. 

“We’ve achieved a peaceful look by keeping to a neutral palette with lots of natural and cosy textures. In the dining area we have selected a relaxed layout with wicker end stools and long benches that are in a recycled material. The master bedroom creates a luxurious and well thought out space which sets the mood and enhances sleep.  The child’s bedroom with an equestrian theme perfectly reflects just one of the many outdoor activities this area has in abundance.

“Wellness at home continues to grow as lifestyle priorities change. We created a separate office space that is becoming a ‘must-have’ for many buyers and we incorporated a standing desk into this space to promote health and activity. Equally, we zoned a small space of this home to create a meditation and yoga area to encourage mindfulness.

Hazel Davies, sales and marketing director of Cruden Homes, said: “Our all-new Wellwater Grove development offers high quality and sustainable homes in an extremely desirable location. 

“Our Tweed show home is a perfect example of the stylish and carefully thought out properties that this development has to offer. With the surrounding love for outdoors and wellness, it was important that this was reflected throughout to showcase the active, healthy lifestyle that East Calder provides for local families. We’re thrilled to have opened our doors to the public, and we are already receiving fantastic feedback from buyers that Wellwater Grove ticks all the boxes.”  

The first phase of homes at Wellwater Grove have just been released for sale, with prices starting at £255,000. The first plots are due for completion this Autumn.  

 

Already showing high demand, Wellwater Grove has received an influx in enquiries since its launch. To find out more about the development or book a viewing of the Tweed show home – Telephone 01506 303 009 or email wellwatergrove@crudenhomes.co.uk. 

Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel has been crowned ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24’ by the internationally recognised Automobile Association (AA).

Permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront, Fingal has sailed to the top of the AA’s prestigious list of hotels in Scotland for the first time following a glittering awards ceremony in London on Monday 25^th September.

This year’s AA Hospitality Awards were staged at JW Marriott Grosvenor House and were hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster, Claudia Winkleman.

The AA Hospitality Awards span 15 categories, each curated and judged by AA inspectors to select the best hotels and restaurants across the UK.

The AA inspectors singled out Fingal for the top accolade and praised the exceptional quality of the ship’s stylish interior design, meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience.

Opened in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender was developed and is managed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia. Fingal is now a world-class foodie destination with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance.

An AA Inspector said of Fingal:

“Fingal was built on the Clyde and has a rich history of service as a support vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board. Now permanently moored in Leith and owned by The Royal Britannia Trust, the ship was lovingly restored and converted into the luxury hotel it is today with this process being respectful to the history and service of this ship.

“Unique luxury bedrooms cater well for the needs of the modern guest. Award-winning food with fantastic surroundings from a professional and skilful team. Great hospitality is shown as well as warm and genuine customer care. This is a hotel experience unlike any other that Edinburgh can offer.”

Commenting on Fingal’s continued winning streak, hotel manager Mari-Nel Scorer, said:

“It’s with great pride that Fingal has been recognised by the AA as Scotland’s Hotel of the Year for our commitment to offering a world-class visitor experience to all our guests.

“This prestigious title is a real testament to the dedication and professionalism of our entire crew, who work tirelessly to ensure everything is shipshape.

“The inspectors paid particular attention to the exceptional quality of Fingal’s stylish interior design, our meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience in the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.”

In 2022, Fingal was awarded the top five-star rating from the AA for the hotel and two AA Rosettes for its Lighthouse Restaurant, joining an exclusive list of only 43 five-star hotels with two AA Rosettes across the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland and is only one of 25 hotels around the country with an overall quality assurance score of 87% or above.

Open to non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of self-contained 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 with a nautical twist.

Fingal’s double-height ballroom and bridge provide dedicated dining spaces for private events, corporate celebrations and weddings.

Fingal is located opposite the new Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith and Edinburgh city centre.

For more information on Fingal, visit www.fingal.co.uk and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh, Twitter https://twitter.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh

For more information on the AA Hospitality Awards 2023-24, visit https://aahospitalityawards.com