bto solicitors is hosting “Hot Topics in Employment Law” on Thursday 30 April 2015.
This lunch time seminar, aimed at all employers, will bring the law to life in a practical way in an informal setting with the opportunity to ask questions throughout. Employment law gives rise to a large number of issues that employers have to manage on a daily basis. At the moment, there are many topical issues about which employers should be aware. This practical session will discuss ways in which these thorny matters can be addressed fairly by employers.
The following will be considered:
• How do I select for redundancy when the employees are closely matched?
• What should I be including in holiday pay and when should I make the change?
• Can I stop my employee going off on holiday when supposedly off sick?
• Can I ensure that my self employed consultants don’t have employment rights?
• What TUPE/staff issues do I need to deal with when putting a contract out to tender?
• Can I take action in relation to a pregnant employee who is no longer working as hard as colleagues?
• How are the rules relating to shared parental leave working?
The seminar will ensure that employers take advantage of best practice and are fully up to speed with solutions to current issues.
Venue: bto solicitors, One Edinburgh Quay, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG. Registration: 12:15. Seminar starts: 12:30, followed by discussion and a buffet lunch.
This event is free of charge. To register to attend: click here.
Asia Scotland Institute is delighted to welcome on board Prof Ian Gow OBE, the latest member of our International Advisory Council.
Prof Gow is Director of the Confucius Institute, University of Glasgow. An Emeritus Professor of East Asian Studies, he is also an internationally recognised Japan specialist and was Scotland’s first professor of Japanese studies.
Prof Gow has spent the last decade working in China as Founding Provost/CEO of the multi-award winning University of Nottingham Ningbo, China’s first Sino-foreign higher education joint venture. He is also founding principal/CEO of the Sino-British University College Shanghai.
His outstanding service to the internationalisation of Chinese higher education has been recognised through many honours, including the Camellia Award (Ningbo City), the West Lake Award (Zhejiang Province) and the Magnolia Award (Shanghai). He was awarded the OBE in 2007 for services to British higher education in China.
Prof Gow said, “I am delighted to join the International Advisory Board of the Asia Scotland Institute. Roddy Gow’s vision in setting it up and the work he and his team are already doing are going a long way to connect up the public, private and voluntary sector people and organisations nationally and internationally to help Scotland maximise the benefits of its growing relationships with 21st century Asia.”
Roddy Gow, Chairman of Asia Scotland Institute, said, “Prof Ian Gow brings a wealth of knowledge of the higher education sector both in the UK and Asia.
“His expertise and input will be a significant addition to the deliberations of the International Advisory Council and the growth of the Institute’s education programmes.”
Edinburgh-headquartered law firm Gillespie Macandrew has appointed two new partners in its most recent round of promotions, following recent changes to their management structure.
Agnes Mallon and Alan White have been appointed Partner, bringing the firm’s count to 18. Mallon, a contentious trusts and executries specialist, and White, an experienced member of the Land & Rural Business team with particular expertise on Agricultural Holdings and renewable energy projects, will be promoted from 1 May.
A further eight promotions have been made across the firm. Alan Minty, Housebuilder; James Mackinnon, Private Client; and Stephen Gamba, Land & Rural Business, have been promoted to Legal Director.
In the Private Client department Michelle McNeill has been promoted to Associate and Collette Kerr to Associate Tax Director.
In addition, Lois Browning, Land & Rural Business, Gillian Campbell, Residential and Ewelina Kurek, Energy have been promoted to Senior Solicitor.
All promotions are effective from 1 May.
Chairman Murray Shaw said: “We recently announced our intention to lead growth and development from within the firm and these new appointments ensure we have the correct people and structure in place to grow the business. These appointments reflect the hard work and ability of each individual along with their contributions to their teams and the firm.”
The world’s mobile economy celebrated a giant leap forward today as the launch of a new scheduling tool has removed the pain of working across time zones. Scottish startup Appointedd is the first to crack inbuilt time zone conversion with its Zonedd online booking technology.
Using Appointedd, businesses can now show their calendar availability in the time zone they are being booked from as well as being able to set discrete time zone availability on given days or weeks. And booking the appointment is streamlined – everyone can see the availability in their own time zone so there’s no confusion with who’s available when.
For international businesses, each team member can set their own time zone availability, meaning a distributed team can work in perfect harmony, scheduling calls and meetings with each other and their customers without a hiccup.
Multi time zone booking is just one of a range of features provided by Appointedd for dynamic business owners. The suite of online tools includes; online appointment diary and business management tools, CRM, a dedicated online booking microsite, booking widgets for a business’s website or Facebook page, and marketing automation tools.
Appointedd’s Founder and CEO, Leah Hutcheon said: “We’re thrilled to have cracked the missing link in creating a truly global independent workforce by making it easier to connect wherever you are. Despite all the converter tools available, time zones are notoriously hard – and why should we have to do the process of working out the time zone when making an appointment or booking a call? How we do business internationally has changed, and it’s about time our technology caught up. We knew that if we could nail the experience of booking meetings and calls across time zones and make it as seamless as the rest of our booking process, we’d have a truly international product.”
Appointedd has partnered with Cronofy to sync all bookings directly into any existing calendar. Appointedd users can view and manage their bookings via a two-way synchronisation across Google Calendar, iCal, Microsoft Exchange and Outlook 365.
Appointedd integrates with FreeAgent’s online accounting software to ensure appointments are managed from booking through to showing in the books.
To start taking bookings across timezones try Appointedd free here: appointedd.com/zonedd
The Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland’s most iconic and enduring annual events, is putting the finishing touches to its 175th Show, which runs from 18 -21 June 2015 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Billed as the biggest and best celebration of farming, food and rural life, the ‘Royal Highland’ is one of Europe’s most impressive rural shop windows, showcasing handpicked livestock, the finest food & drink and rural living at its most vibrant.
The Royal Bank of Scotland, partners of the Show since 1981, maintain their support for the four-day event, which attracted in excess of 178,000 people in 2014.
Scotland’s Larder Live!
This year sees the launch of Scotland’s Larder Live! at the Royal Highland Show. Showcasing the diverse range of quality Scottish farmed produce it will be a live, experiential food show, promoting and celebrating our Scottish food provenance, regionality and seasonality.
The loveliest of livestock
The Royal Highland’s big attraction is without doubt the livestock, with more than 5,000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry, heading for the showground over the four-day even
Hooved heaven
The Royal Highland Show is the largest equestrian show in Scotland with almost 3,000 horses and ponies competing in classes for light and heavy horses, private driving, heavy horse turnouts, harness and grooming plus top class show jumping.
An agricultural shop window
With the vast majority of agricultural manufacturers, dealers and specialists represented at the Show, farmers and others in the agricultural sector have a unique opportunity to review the latest releases and developments.
Grass roots learning
This year over 30,000 children are expected to visit the Royal Highland
Show where The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is providing free interactive activities for school groups and the public at their Education Centre.
Retail therapy
The Show offers a unique ‘High Street’ experience for all visitors, offering everything from luxury fashions, arts, crafts and home and garden accessories. Visitors will have the chance to pick up the latest country styles or take home a piece of rural life.
The Royal Highland Show, this summer’s moo-hoosive event, takes
place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh from Thursday,
June 18 to Sunday, June 21.
www.royalhighlandshow.org.uk
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) today announced American Airlines as the Official Airline Partner of EIFF 2015, supporting the main 2015 Retrospective ‘LITTLE BIG SCREEN’, during the 69th edition of the Festival.
American Airlines will be flying many of the high profile industry figures and invited guests in to the city for this year’s Festival which runs from 17 – 28 June 2015 on its newly introduced New York – Edinburgh route which will launch on Friday 8 May.
David Thomas, Director of Sales for UK and Ireland at American Airlines said: “We are delighted to be the Official Airline Partner of the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year. We work a lot with the film industry and last year we launched a luxurious transcontinental aircraft to connect the East and West coast of the US (offering fully lie-flat seats and a First Class cabin limited to 10 seats) inspired by travel from the golden age of cinema. We expect many of the stars heading to Edinburgh from Hollywood to sample it. This product, combined with our Edinburgh to New York launch, make it perfect timing for us to be involved in this prestigious event and particularly the Retrospective ‘LITTLE BIG SCREEN’.”
Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director said: “We are delighted to be working with American Airlines in supporting this year’s EIFF and in particular our exciting retrospective. The timing and the relationship couldn’t be better and this relationship will help bring attention to what will be an exciting and dynamic festival.”
‘LITTLE BIG SCREEN’ takes an affectionate look back at a selection of the most significant films from the 1960s and ’70s, celebrating the cream of the first golden age of American TV movies. As previously announced, the Retrospective will include screenings of films by some of Hollywood’s biggest directors including Steven Spielberg (DUEL), Michael Mann (THE JERICHO MILE), Tobe Hooper (SALEM’S LOT) and Sam Peckinpah (NOON WINE). Additional titles include John Llewellyn Moxey’s stylish horror THE NIGHT STALKER; Monty Python’s Eric Idle and Neil Innes’ razor sharp pop parody THE RUTLES: ALL YOU NEED IS CASH and animated children’s fable THE POINT directed by Fred Wolf with Dustin Hoffman narrating.
As a complement to the Retrospective and in honour of the late Joseph Sargent, the Festival will present a special screening of his most popular big screen outing, THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE. Famously referenced by Tarantino in RESERVOIR DOGS, Sargent’s cult classic sees an armed gang hijack a New York subway train full of commuters, forcing a downbeat transit cop (Walter Matthau) into a battle of wits with their wily leader (Robert Shaw).
Up to 30 new jobs are set to be created by businesses looking to expand, thanks to a proposal outlined in a report published by the City of Edinburgh Council today.
Growing small to medium sized businesses would benefit from the development of East Hermiston Business Park at Cutlins Road, Sighthill if the project is agreed by councillors. It would also be the first time the Council’s Strategic Investment Fund has been used. It was established in 2013 to help create new development opportunities, support business innovation, deliver jobs and promote economic growth in Edinburgh.
The proposal is for the creation of small starter units totalling 1,600sqm (17,200 sq ft) of modern industrial space to met increasing demand and a shortage of quality units in the city as well as giving the Council a new high quality income generating asset. Research by the Council has identified an increasing shortage of good-quality industrial space in Edinburgh, with a report on supply and demand in the industrial market currently being prepared as part of the Edinburgh 12 initiative.
The business park would be designed to best practice standards in terms of sustainability and it is proposed that solar photovoltaic panels would be mounted on the units, generating renewable electricity.
The development of the business park is projected to have a total development cost of approximately £2,000,000. This represents slightly over one-quarter of the total £7,500,000 allocated to the Council’s Strategic Investment Fund.
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “This is a very exciting proposal and if agreed by Committee could help to support the creation of up to 30 new jobs. The site has excellent transport connectivity, lying within 500m of the City Bypass and within 100m of Edinburgh Park railway station and tram stop.
“This would be a great boost to Edinburgh’s economy by businesses who may currently be struggling to find quality units to expand. If successful, we will look at a follow up proposals to build much needed industrial space elsewhere in the city.”
The report will be considered by the Economy Committee on Tuesday, 28 April and will then go on to the Council meeting in May. If agreed, the units could be ready for occupation in the latter half of 2016.
Hopetoun Farm Shop have announced that the next installment of their popular series of cooking masterclass will be hosted by Craig Wood, head chef of award-winning The Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry.
The masterclass, which takes place on Thursday 7th May, will be focusing on Hopetoun Farm Shop’s free range Chicken, which is a recipient of a Great Taste Gold Award.
The class will see Craig demonstrating how to cook up a mouth-watering spring menu, bursting with fresh flavours, using Hopetoun Farm Shop’s award-winning free range chicken along with other produce from the Estate.
His masterclass dishes will include:
Confit chicken leg with spelt grain and wild mushroom risotto;
Ballotine of chicken supreme with pistachio nuts and spiced peppercorn jus;
Roast chicken breast with garlic, lemon and herbs, asparagus and truffles
Craig will show how to prepare each dish and give helpful tips and advice along the way.
Craig said: “I am delighted to be working again with Hopetoun Farm shop as we move into the summer months. At this time of year the produce is always fantastic, and as the weather warms up and we feature many exciting ingredients on our menu at The Wee Restaurant.
“Last year we hosted a Venison masterclass and this time we will be using their free-range chicken. These succulent chickens are full of flavour and remind us of how chicken should really taste.”
Finally, making sure those fresh, spring flavours are complimented perfectly is Philppe Larue from L’Art du Vin, who will be on hand to share his knowledge and love of wines whilst providing the best pairing for the Hopetoun Farm Shop chicken.
Hopetoun Farm Shop General Manager, Marc Cherrie, said: “We are delighted to welcome Craig back to Hopetoun Farm Shop masterclass kitchen as he was such a big hit the last time he was here. Every one of these events sells out, which I think is because customers relish what is a rare opportunity to learn first hand how to create incredible dishes from award winning chefs. They are already buying the ingredients from us, this just helps them be more creative in their kitchens!”
Craig’s Master Class will take place at Hopetoun Farm Shop near Newton on Thursday 7th May between 6.30-8.30pm. Tickets are £10 each and can be purchased direct from the Hopetoun Farm Shop or by calling 01506 830716
Following the success of the 2014 Fringe Exhibition held in the Blackfriars Street Studio, Tete-a-Tete Foto have launched a new photography tour based largely around the Old Town in Edinburgh.
Foto Tours Edinburgh is a photographic walking tour which takes an alternative view of some of Edinburgh’s landmarks and unique features. Tours begin in the studio in the heart of the Old Town and are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced photographers. During the tour we discuss and apply some of the techniques we use to capture our images and we talk about the significance of our chosen subjects and locations.
Whether you’re an Edinburgh resident or visiting the city for the first time, we’ll help you see things from a new perspective.
Book now at www.fototoursedinburgh.com
Scottish Renewables’ Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, established with the aim of recognising talent and innovation in the renewable energy sector has announced its nominations shortlist of 30 young professionals.
Among the shortlisted nominees are solicitors Stephanie Mill and Ian Mack, both from UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn. Stephanie and Ian are being considered for an award in the same category: Professional.
To be considered for an award, they, together with other nominees, had to demonstrate positive work and outputs for clients in the sector over the course of the last two years, and evidence that through client testimonials. Stephanie was praised for her grasp of the law, commercial astuteness and the ability to offer pragmatic advice. While Ian was noted for an outstanding level of professional commitment and inspiring confidence within the project team.
Jillian McKenna, Director of Marketing at Scottish Renewables said
“The Young Professionals in Green Energy Awards have been designed to acknowledge the brightest talent in Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Shepherd and Wedderburn’s two nominations demonstrate that the firm is at the forefront of providing professional services to those looking to develop our green energy resources into the future.”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre on 28 May.
