New course builds on long-established journalism programme 

 

Scotland’s only dedicated Masters degree in sports journalism has been launched at Edinburgh Napier University.  

 

Building on the success of the University’s long-established journalism programme, this new offering will specialise in digital storytelling for sports coverage in print, online and broadcast.  

 

The course – which will utilise the University’s multi-platform digital newsroom and studios for both television and radio – will give students the chance to learn and develop a wide range of practical skills for sports journalism, including those required in the areas of commentary and punditry.  

 

Teaching will be adapted to cater for a range of mediums including TV, radio, podcast, online and newspapers, with students also getting the chance to learn software such as Burli for audio and Avid for video editing.  

 

The programme is being led by David Tanner. David is well-known in the national media scene, best known for anchoring live football on Sky Sports, he has also hosted on BT Sports, STV News, Sky Sports News and Sky News.  

 

His career has taken him to more than 30 countries to cover sport, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Alongside his role at Edinburgh Napier, David is Scotland correspondent for talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station.  

 

Edinburgh Napier’s long-established journalism programme celebrated its 45^th anniversary in December last year, with a number of its alumni going on to have highly-respected, high-profile careers within the industry.  

 

In sports journalism specifically, names like David Tanner and his Sky Sports colleague Jim White, Chris McLaughlin, Orla Chennaoui and Amy Canavan have all stepped through the University’s doors at Merchiston campus before going on to be regulars on TV, radio and in newspapers discussing all things topical in the world of sport.  

 

Last year, Edinburgh Napier was named a top 3 UK university for journalism, publishing and public relations in the 2023 Guardian University Guide. 

 

Programme Leader for the new MA in Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier David Tanner said: “The new MA Sports Journalism is a wonderful opportunity for people like me who have a passion for both sport and the media. I have been fortunate to travel the world to present live sport to big audiences and cover big sports news stories, enjoying every minute of the work.  

 

“There are many job opportunities covering men’s and women’s sports for media outlets and, increasingly, within sporting clubs and organisations, so it seems the right time to launch this new sports-centred offering. 

 

“I am looking forward to working with colleagues in the University, backed-up by well-known external contributors from the media. The MA Sports Journalism is a whole new ball game for the teaching of journalism.” 

 

Dr Diane Maclean, Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, said: “Edinburgh Napier’s journalism programme has a rich heritage and has helped to develop many of the country’s finest journalists throughout the past 45 years. The MA in Sports Journalism is an exciting new chapter for the programme and we look forward to nurturing the next generation of sports journalists, reporters, pundits and podcasters in the months and years ahead.” 

 

Applications for the new MA in Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier are now open.  

 

You can find out more about the course here. 

As part of St James Quarter’s commitment to putting the local community at its heart, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid have been named as the Quarter’s charity partners for 2023 – 2025.

Throughout the two-year partnership, St James Quarter will work closely with the charities, putting a spotlight on their important work, raising awareness of their services and the support they offer, hosting fundraising activities and events, and dedicating time to volunteering, to make a difference in the local community and beyond.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping over 2,000 women and 250 children each year. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and the incredibly valuable services the charity offers, including, employability support, legal support, safe refuge and support groups to promote positive wellbeing and recovery.  

Health in Mind is a leading Scottish mental health charity based in Edinburgh, with a vision that everyone in Scotland should have positive mental health and wellbeing, and can access high-quality support if, when and how they need it. Recognising the far-reaching impact of mental health, St James Quarter hopes that this partnership will shine a light on the many resources and support services that Health in Mind offer, and the real difference they can make to people’s lives.

Alex McGinness, Technical Services Director and Corporate Social Responsibility Chair at St James Quarter says, “St James Quarter is committed to supporting charities that do incredible and valuable work in the city and beyond and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid for the next two years.

“We will support each organisation’s charitable initiatives and work together on exciting events and activations to raise awareness or funds. The partnerships will also open up training opportunities for our employees on important matters relating to mental health and domestic abuse. The charities are truly doing transformative work and it’s a privilege to be partnering with them”.

Wendy Bates, Chief Executive of Health in Mind says, “Health in Mind has been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in communities across Edinburgh since 1982 and we’re pleased that now includes the St James Quarter community – from its staff to those who visit. 

“St James Quarter is a key venue in Edinburgh and our partnership will have a lasting impact in raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing and our available Health in Mind support.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid says, “In our 50th anniversary year, we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter.  Both Edinburgh Women’s Aid and St James Quarter are key actors in life in Edinburgh. 

“This amazing partnership creates an opportunity for us to jointly signal that supporting women and children to live safely and free from abuse is at the heart of Edinburgh’s community values.”

Both charities will also provide guidance and training to enhance the skills of the St James Quarter team, equipping them to identify and sensitively deal with issues surrounding domestic violence or mental wellbeing in the workplace. St James Quarter will also leverage its existing partnership with retail and hospitality academy, FUSE, to offer support and to individuals who benefit from the charities and are looking to get into work.

To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.

Hainan Airlines will operate a twice-weekly route between Edinburgh and Beijing

Edinburgh Airport will welcome the return of a direct service to Beijing this summer as Hainan
Airlines touches down in Scotland.

The airline will operate flights twice-weekly between Scotland’s busiest airport and the Chinese
capital from June 26 until October 8.

This will be the only direct flight connecting Scotland and China when it begins operating next
month.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said:
“The return of direct flights to Beijing is fantastic news as we gear up for a hugely exciting summer,
and is further evidence of the strong recovery we’re seeing here at Edinburgh.

“This service will be the only one operating between Scotland and China when it is introduced and is
a real show of faith in the market by Hainan Airlines. This important connectivity will provide a boost
to Scotland’s universities and tourism industry, open up a wealth of new business opportunities, and
enable better access to other parts of the world.

“We’re sure it will be highly valued whether it be by students travelling between the two countries
to study, families reconnecting, or tourists travelling to visit new places.”

Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said:
“I welcome the announcement of this direct service between Edinburgh Airport and Beijing, which is
an important development for both Edinburgh and Scotland’s international connectivity. “This direct connectivity is great news for people and businesses in both Scotland and China, building
strong links for business and exports, as well as making it easier for visitors and students to come
and experience Scotland.”

For background
Flights will depart Edinburgh Airport each Monday and Friday at 12:00, arriving in PEK at 05:10.
Services will then depart Beijing at 02:40 arriving in Edinburgh at 06:30.
For more information
If you require any further information please contact edicommunications@edinburghairport.com

This August, set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome local and international audiences to its new Show, Stories. Staged between 4-26 August, the Show will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.

Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.

Bringing together stories through music, dance, poetry, spoken word and imagery, a cast of over 800 UK and international performers will present Stories through a vivid and eclectic range of expression. From the musical prowess of the Massed Pipes & Drums, the physical storytelling of dance and precision drill, and stunning imagery captured through light and projection, audiences will be transported and enthralled.

This year The Tattoo Arena will host performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Switzerland, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland. As ever, the military will play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force the lead Service.  Audiences will also be treated to the wild skirl of the Massed Pipes and Drums supported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers.

Making their Tattoo debut on the Castle Esplanade, The United States Air Force Band will wow the crowds with a freestyle musical performance depicting America’s great songbook, while the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will bring a vibrant burst of colour and the excitement of their traditional art forms, including the limbo and fire dance.

Precision drill from the King’s Colour Squadron will feature familiar soundscapes from the world of gaming. Exploring the legends and traditions of Switzerland, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will also present an exhilarating drum corps talent, which is sure to send sparks flying.

His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will also be back to stun crowds. Their appearance this August will tell their story as a Regiment, reprising their history and heritage to present day.

After their exuberant debut last year, Electro Pipes will return to the stage, where once again Tattoo Performers will combine the traditional and new through EDM, electric instruments, lighting, and projection.

Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Stories builds on our Voices show of 2022 and promises a captivating celebration of connection through stories in all their forms. Most of all, Stories is a shared opportunity for audiences and performers to come together and experience an evening of unique and immersive entertainment.

“Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more.”

“At its heart, Stories celebrates the journey of individuals from many diverse backgrounds, and unity through common experiences.”

2023 marks the second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.

Buster Howes, the Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo is distinctive, iconic, and gleeful. It has mass, momentum and energy, and Stories will have all these qualities as well as being whimsical, exhilarating, and surprising. Our lives, loves, triumphs, and disasters are captivated and documented in stories. We grow up with fairy tales and folklore, with Winnie the Pooh and The Gruffalo, and progress to Wuthering Heights and Moby Dick. We are, as children, inspired by accounts of resilience, adventure and heroism; universal themes reinterpreted the world over. Edinburgh Castle is surely a perfect backdrop for all such narratives – come and see for yourselves. And nightly, in August, once you are all sitting comfortably, we’ll begin!”

The full line-up for 2023 includes:  The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1^st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, The United States Air Force Band and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 4-26 August 2023, with Innis & Gunn once again offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.

Burges Salmon advises The Electric Car Scheme on asset-backed lending facility

The firm has advised ECS, the salary sacrifice employee benefit start-up, on its funding transaction with Triple Point Private Credit.

Burges Salmon has advised The Electric Car Scheme (ECS), a UK-based salary sacrifice employee benefit start-up, on an innovative asset-backed lending facility from Triple Point Private Credit.

Set up in June 2020 by Tom Eilon and Thom Groot, ECS allows employees (through their employer – similar to the popular Cycle to Work scheme) to lease electric vehicles at a 30-60% lower cost than they could otherwise access through salary sacrifice.

Electric vehicle adoption plays a pivotal role in the transition to carbon-free transportation and urban sustainability but the process of purchasing low-carbon assets is expensive for consumers. ECS offers a win-win for those employees looking at new car leasing, as it allows them to lower their environmental impact while also reducing their motoring costs.

ECS was advised on the transaction by partner Rachael Ruane and senior associate Nick Middleton from the firm’s Banking and Finance team.

Rachael Ruane comments: “We are pleased to have supported Tom, Thom and their team through this latest round of financing. Their service offers a crucial difference for individuals choosing electric over cars powered by fossil fuels.”

Burges Salmon also advised ECS in December 2022, on a £2.5 million seed funding round.  Both this and the latest facility will fuel its rapid growth ambitions, with the money raised being used to invest in technology and to supercharge its development including by growing its team and reaching as many employers as possible.

Surgeons Quarter MD toasts award win to loyal staff and pioneering initiatives

THE COMMERCIAL arm of a historic Royal College has joined the ranks of fintech firms, EV charging providers and plastic-free shopping ventures as the winners of a prestigious innovation award.

Surgeons Quarter (SQ) has become the first hospitality business to win the Innovation in Business category at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s recent business awards.

The entry highlighted the company’s unique offering of being the only hospitality organisation in the city to provide an events package which includes travel. The package includes the process of booking meeting space and accommodation as well as organising and booking delegate travel and providing event management at one of SQ’s four meeting venues.

The innovative launch of travel agency SQ Travel took place during the pandemic. It was initially set up to streamline travel for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and in particular for surgeons carrying out examination work on behalf of RCSEd.

It has subsequently supported travel needs for hundreds of delegates and has quickly expanded into providing both business and leisure travel for college members, guests and now the general public.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: “While RCSEd continues to lead the way in surgical practice, we apply the same world-class standard of care in hospitality”.

“To be the first hospitality business to bring home the award is an extremely rewarding achievement especially as we pride ourselves on being a pioneering enterprise with the same ambition as our parent organisation.”

In recent years Surgeons Quarter has also established itself as a sector leader for promoting innovative sustainable practise. It has held a Green Business Tourism Gold Award since 2008, removed plastic bottles from all rooms in its Ten Hill Place Hotel saving an estimated 80,000 single-use bottles and £22,000 per annum, installed six EV charging points in the hotel car-park and powered its hotel by wind and hydro technology sourced in Scotland.

Scott added: “Our innovation is enabled by the brilliant team we have, who have weathered recent economic storms and remained positive and open-minded to change and opportunity.”

Surgeons Quarter’s profits go towards the RCSEd’s charitable objectives of improving surgical standards and patient outcomes worldwide.

SQ Travel uses systems provided by Hays Travel Independence Group allowing it to benefit

from the Hays Travel Group’s expertise, buying power, technology, and back-office functions. Its independence is key to impartial advice and the best offers available.

For more information on Surgeons Quarter, visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/

Scottish technology firm Bioliberty has secured £2.2 million in funding to develop a unique soft robotic glove which can restore upper limb mobility in patients following a stroke.

The funding round was led by Archangels, the world’s longest running business angel investment syndicate, with participation from Eos Advisory, Old College Capital and Hanna Capital SEZC.

The Edinburgh-based business has created the Lifeglov – a soft robotic glove which offers rehabilitation for both the closing and opening strength of the hand. The glove monitors key metrics related to upper limb mobility and can show improvement as the patient progresses through their rehab.

The Lifeglov is accompanied by a Digital Therapy Platform, which provides the patient with tailored exercises to help develop natural hand strength. For stroke survivors, the glove helps carry out rehabilitation from the home. For Occupational Therapists, the glove is a tool to help manage their patients remotely and improve patient outcomes.

The new funding will allow Bioliberty to complete development of the trial product and finalise the development of its platform. The funding is also anticipated to fund the business through obtaining FDA approval and early commercial engagement in the US with rehabilitation clinics.

In the US alone, there are more than 800,000 strokes every year, with 88% of patients left with upper limb weakness. At the same time, there is an urgent need for at-home occupational therapy services, with demand for such services forecast to outpace the supply within all 50 states of the US by 2030.

Bioliberty’s Lifeglov provides a solution and its use of soft robotics in rehabilitation, which is currently unique in the market, means the product is more pliable, comfortable and complementary to the upper arm whilst also generating useful data related to stroke recovery.

The initial application is in the upper limb rehabilitation market, but it is anticipated that the technology will have a broad range of clinical applications including lower limb.

The business was co-founded in 2020 by Rowan Armstrong (CEO), Conan Bradley (Chief Design), Ross O’Hanlon (CTO) and Shea Quinn (COO) and currently employs a team of 7.

Rowan Armstrong, CEO at Bioliberty, said: “Our aim at Bioliberty is to empower every human to live a longer independent life by providing assistive robotics and rehabilitative technologies. The Lifeglov is a first step on this journey and the funding announced today will allow us to complete its development, along with our software platform, while preparing the runway for our US sales push. We’re confident in our technology and excited by the benefits it can deliver for both patients and occupational therapists.”

Niki McKenzie, Joint Managing Director at Archangels, said: “Bioliberty has developed a highly effective solution for helping patients with hand weakness, with the potential to improve the quality of life for millions worldwide. We believe its technology has far-reaching benefits beyond this first application, providing the business with an excellent opportunity to grow quickly from its base here in Scotland. Archangels is excited to be supporting the team as they finalise what we hope will be the first of many products and start scaling up their sales activity.”

Lothian is delighted to today, (03 April) unveil a new specially designed bus in partnership with VOCAL, their newly announced Charity of Choice partner.

The bus, designed in collaboration between Lothian’s in-house design team and VOCAL, will promote the charity’s message across various Lothian routes over the next two years.

The sides and rear of the bus will feature a striking message along with VOCAL’s contact details to encourage unpaid carers to reach out and access support.

VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – supports over 10,000 unpaid carers per year, in all caring situations and relationships. The charity was announced as Lothian’s new Charity of Choice partner earlier in the year following a staff vote. The partnership will run throughout 2023 and 2024.

VOCAL and Lothian will soon be launching a campaign to name the bus – keep an eye out on their channels to vote for your favourite!

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian said:

“Lothian is proud that our new charity partnership with VOCAL will help to raise awareness of unpaid carers.

“We are delighted to launch our charity bus which will promote VOCAL’s message across Edinburgh and the Lothians and encourage those who might need support to contact the charity to find out what help is available for them.“

Rosemary McLoughlin, Chief Executive for VOCAL said:

“If someone is supporting a partner, relative, child or friend, then they may not realise that they are a carer and can miss out on vital support. Connecting carers to practical, emotional and financial supports at an early stage can make a big difference.

“We are delighted, through our partnership with Lothian, to have a vehicle which will be seen in communities across Edinburgh and Lothian over the next two years, and will enable more carers to get the support they need.”

For more information visit: www.lothianbuses.co.uk / www.vocal.org.uk

• Over half (52%) of UK firms believe their business turnover will increase over the next 12 months, up from 44% in Q3 2022.
• However, only one in three (34%) firms experienced an increase in sales over the past three months.
• Almost half (47%) of hospitality businesses reported a drop in cashflow in the last quarter.   

 

The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2023 shows that while business confidence has improved from a very weak base, most firms see no improvement to business conditions. 

The survey of over 5,200 firms – 92% of whom are SMEs – reveals a sectoral division in business performance, with hospitality and retail firms consistently more likely to report worsening cash flow, investment, and turnover than other sectors.

The research took place between February 13 and March 9, before the Chancellor’s Spring Budget was announced.

Growth in business activity remains weak, with retail and hospitality sectors facing most significant challenges. 

The percentage of firms reporting increased domestic sales has not seen any bounce back since it fell significantly in Q3 2022. Only one in three (34%) firms experienced an increase in sales over the past three months, while 24% reported a decrease and 41% reported no change.

The retail and hospitality sectors remain particularly weak. Almost two in five (38%) retail firms experienced a decrease in sales over the past three months, with one in three (32%) hospitality businesses reporting a fall.

More businesses continue to report a decrease, rather than an increase, in cash flow, highlighting the precarious state many SMEs are still in. Only one in four (25%) businesses said their cash flow has increased over the last three months, while 30% have seen it decrease.

The hospitality and retail sectors are again facing the greatest challenges. 40% of retail firms, and almost half (47%) of hospitality businesses, reported decreased cashflow.

 

After a significant fall in Q3 2022, business confidence is now on the up. 

After business confidence plummeted to historically low levels in the second half of 2022, there has been a marked improvement in sentiment in the first quarter of 2023. Over half (52%) of firms believe their business turnover will increase over the next 12 months, up from 44% in Q3 2022.

While profitability confidence has also improved, it continues to remain weaker than turnover confidence. 42% of businesses now expect their profits to increase over the next year, up from 34% in Q4 2022.

 

Little discernible improvement to business investment over past six years

Three quarters (75%) of respondents reported no increase to investment in plant/equipment. There has been little discernible improvement to investment over the past six years; only a quarter of firms planned to increase investment in Q1 2023, the same level as reported in Q2 2017.

 

Inflationary pressures continue to ease slightly, but still remain the top concern 

Following a drop last quarter, the percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise shows further signs of easing, as it fell five percentage points from 60% in Q4 2022 to 55% in Q1 2023.

The overall level of concern regarding inflation has dropped for the first time in over two years. However, at 74%, the level remains close to the historical high.

 

Cost pressures are varied, but labour costs and utilities come out top overall

Cost pressures vary considerable across sectors; 87% of hospitality firms reported utilities as a factor driving price increases while 86% of manufacturers cited raw materials.

 

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“After a significant decline in business confidence in the second half of 2022, results from QES Q1 show an improvement in business sentiment as political turmoil and inflationary pressures show some signs of easing.

“However, this comes from a very weak base, and while confidence has improved, this is yet to translate into an overall improvement of business conditions. Most SMEs still report no improvement to sales, cash flow, and investment.

“Three years of economic shocks – Covid lockdowns, global supply chain crises, inflation, and Brexit – have taken a significant toll on UK SMEs. The QES Q1 data once again confirms that these shocks have disproportionately impacted the retail and hospitality sectors, which are once again most likely to be reporting worsening sales and cash flow.”

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

“Last month’s Budget included several positive measures for business, including increased childcare support as well as plans for full capital expensing. However, it did not go far enough to shift the dial on growth which remains stubbornly low.

“The Government failed to tackle some of the major issues holding firms back from their potential, in particular energy costs and the tight labour market which remain top business concerns.

“The Government’s new energy support package represents a drop of 85% in the financial help available to businesses. We reiterate our calls for increased, targeted support for those firms who desperately need it.

“The energy crisis faced by firms and households are two sides of the same coin. Yet, non-domestic customers do not enjoy the same protection as households.

“To ensure competition in the business energy sector, and solve market failures, Government must also ensure Ofgem has the necessary powers to properly regulate the industry.

“While we welcomed the Government’s decision to add five new construction jobs to the Shortage Occupation List, the lack of skilled labour is having a corrosive effect on our economy. This shift to a new system cannot come fast enough and other sectors facing huge recruitment pressures, such as hospitality, must be given help.”

 

What businesses say:

“Increases in prices, in general, have affected profitability and cash flow to the point I am having to borrow more finance. If I don’t get the finance, my business will fold.”– Micro services firm in Northern Ireland

“As an advanced manufacturing organisation, we have a huge reliance on energy, we’re a very high user consuming >27Giga Watts of electricity. Our fixed pricing contract expires in March and the uplift in cost will be >£5m so will need to be passed through to our customers.” – Large manufacturer in Business West

“The market feels buoyant, lots of enquiries and activity, it doesn’t seem to fit with the mood music from government or the media.” – Small retail or wholesale firm in the East Midlands