Following a competitive tender process against two rival firms, Ryden has secured a prestigious three-year contract with Edinburgh Airport to provide a property database management service to manage leases, legal documentation and billing support for a portfolio of 170 leases.
The firm’s ability to provide a bespoke service, offer access to local senior-level surveying and accounting teams and its proven track record of managing unique portfolios were key factors cited by Edinburgh Airport as to why Ryden was the ideal choice to service their instruction.
This is the latest appointment Ryden has secured with Edinburgh Airport, having previously won contracts to provide a property asset valuation service and a reinstatement cost assessment for the airport’s portfolio.
Clare Edgar, associate in Ryden’s Property Management team and project lead, said: “This is no ordinary management mandate given the specialist nature of the portfolio. Our team is therefore looking forward to getting started and providing a first-class service. We’ll be collaborating closely with the airport and implementing a robust asset management system that evolves with our client’s requirements.”
Judy George, Head of Property and Commercial Transport from Edinburgh Airport, commented: “Having access to a bespoke software system aligned to our portfolio requirements as well as being supported by the experienced team at Ryden will allow us to accelerate the delivery of our dynamic property strategy.”
Ryden’s property management team manages over 6 million sq ft of property throughout Scotland and the north of England, with over 1,300 tenants on a rent roll of over £54 million.
Hundreds of costumed performers are set to storm Fort George this weekend (12 and 13 August) and in their midst will be some famous faces from the Scottish traditional music scene.
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are bringing a brand new event to the Highland fortress, in celebration of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Amazing Ages! will explore 2,000 years of Scottish history and culture with an exciting programme of live music and activities for all.
Performers representing different periods in history will tell Scotland’s story through living history camps and a stellar line-up of Scottish folk musicians will be taking to the stage to perform, with a different headline act for each day.
Caledonian Ceildh Trail kick-off Saturday’s line-up, followed by renowned Gaelic singer and band The Margaret Stewart Trio and contemporary champions of Scots song Malinky follow suit. Saturday Afternoon’s line-up concludes with Edinburgh-based six piece Shooglenifty; renowned for fusing traditional melodies with a mixture of contemporary influences.
Multi-award winning Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis is the closing act on Sunday. Deeply influenced by her early upbringing on the Outer Hebridean island of North Uist, she is perhaps best known for singing the theme songfor Disney Pixar’s Oscar winning film Brave.
Speaking ahead of the event, Lorna Ewan, Head of Visitor Experience, Content and Learning at HES, said: “We’re thrilled to be marking the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology with this brand new event.
“We’re particularly excited to welcome such an array of Scottish musical talent to Fort George, with acts that are sure to create a festival atmosphere at this unique site against the beautiful backdrop of the Moray Firth.
“Amazing Ages! is set to bring the strands of Scotland’s history and culture together in a lively celebration that is not to be missed.”
The event will also offer a host of other hands-on historical activities, with the chance to have a go at traditional skills, meet archaeologists and find out about the fascinating finds that help piece together the puzzles of the past. Visitors are also encouraged to look to the skies as a spectacular parachute drop will take place each day at 3.10pm.
There will be an opportunity to view The Orkney Venus. On show here for the weekend only, the Orkney Venus is the earliest known representation of the human form in Scotland. Carved in stone about 4,500 years ago, it was found in 2009 during an excavation on Westray, Orkney. Visitors will have the chance to marvel at this amazing artefact from Scotland’s past.
Amazing Ages! has been funded in part by EventScotland, a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate. Stuart Turner, Head of EventScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the inaugural Amazing Ages! through our National Events Programme.
“In Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, this fantastic event, held within the iconic fortress of Fort George, will undoubtedly play its part in showcasing Scotland’s rich historic past and cultural heritage with an exciting programme of traditional music acts, fascinating living history camps, reenactments and family activities to entertain visitors of all ages.”
The History Bug will be in full effect as Amazing Ages! takes place at Fort George, near Inverness, on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August from 11am-5pm. Tickets are priced £13 for adults, £11 for concessions and £8 for children. Family tickets are also available. Book in advance online and receive a 10% discount.
This event is free for Historic Scotland members.
Over 500 cups of tea and coffee and countless traybakes have already been served at the Wee Train Café at New Cumnock Station since it opened in May, the ScotRail Alliance said today.
Despite being a new kid on the block, the café, which is largely staffed by 16-25-year-olds, has firmly established itself as a popular meeting place for locals and train customers alike.
East Ayrshire Carers Centre oversees its operation and the young volunteers, who gain customer service, hospitality and business skills, are supported by the group.
The ScotRail Alliance’s Head of Economic Development James Ledgerwood said: “Making our stations community hubs rather than just somewhere to board a train is an important part of our ScotRail in the Community work.
“As well as providing opportunities to learn workplace skills for the young volunteers, the Wee Train Café is also a source of great locally-produced refreshments. What could be better than that?”
As well as the café, East Ayrshire Carers Group has also adopted the station and looks after the flower planters on the platforms. Joint Chief Executive Officer Fiona Pirrie said: “We support our young carers in many ways and it’s important for them to have some time away from their caring duties meeting other people and learning new skills.
“And, of course, everyone likes a cuppa and some home baking. Whether you’re waiting for a train or you’re local and fancy meeting some friends for coffee, this is now a popular venue on the doorstep for locals.”
New Cumnock native Dale McTaggart (19) has been volunteering in the Wee Train Café since it opened and he enjoys integrating with customers: “I’m proud to see the village doing so well and along the way I’m gaining food handling skills and meeting new people.”
For further information please contact ScotRail Alliance Communications on 0141 555 4105 or email; communications@scotrail.co.uk
One month on from the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Monday) publishes a post-election survey of over 2,400 companies, which shows that while businesses have a range of views on their preferred objectives for the UK in Brexit negotiations, there is almost no support to conclude UK-EU talks without a trade deal.
Asked to consider which option came closest to their view about what the UK’s Brexit negotiation objectives should be, the survey – carried out just after the election – showed:
• 2% said leave the Single Market and Customs Union, and rely on WTO rules for trade (leave without a trade deal with the EU)
• 34% said remain in the Single Market and Customs Union
• 13% said remain in Customs Union only (no hard borders or tariffs, but limited scope to negotiate trade agreements with third countries)
• 11% said remain in the Single Market only (accept EU regulations and rules in return for full access to market)
• 28% said a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a customs agreement (the government’s pre-election objectives, set at the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House speech)
Respondents were also asked about a transition period, and which of the following options they believe is best for their business:
• 46% said ‘a transition period of three years’
• 22% said ‘a transition period of longer than three years’
• 17% said ‘no transition period’
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Our results make it clear that there are a range of business views on what the UK should be seeking in a final deal with the EU, but there is near-universal consensus that a deep and comprehensive agreement is needed. ‘No deal’ isn’t seen as a viable option. Businesses want a pragmatic settlement on the practical, real-world issues that affect their operations, not arbitrary political red lines.
“By more than three to one, businesses want a transition period on the way to a final agreement with the EU. This is critical to prevent firms facing the prospect of repeated, costly adjustments to new trading conditions. If companies have to change their business model once in 2019 and again several years thereafter, the competitiveness and investment potential of our firms will be undermined.
“Getting transition arrangements on the negotiations agenda as quickly as possible would give businesses – many of whom are considering big investment decisions now – the confidence to press ahead.”
The ScotRail Alliance is advising those heading to the TRNSMT festival this weekend to make their travel plans now.
Music fans heading to see the likes of Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro are warned that trains to and from Glasgow will be busier than normal all weekend, and those planning to attend are encouraged to travel early in the day where possible.
The ScotRail Alliance will be adding extra carriages to services through Bridgeton, and on key routes to and from Glasgow wherever possible all day on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be extra carriages on late evening services on Friday.
The last trains on many routes will depart before, or very shortly after, the event ends each night. Fans are urged to double-check the times of their last trains, and make alternative arrangements to get home if they plan on staying later.
With huge numbers expected to attend, queueing systems will be in place at key stations across the network and extra staff will be on hand to help things goes smoothly.
Top five tips
1. Buy your ticket before you board. You’ll need a valid ticket for travel, and checks will be in place at many stations.
2. Check your train times. Remember to leave time to catch any connecting services that you need.
3. Listen up! We’ll have extra staff on the ground to help things go smoothly. To help them help you, please listen to their instructions.
4. Download the ScotRail app. You can use it to buy tickets, check train times, and see live service information.
5. Don’t leave it too late – services will be busy, and you might not be able to board your first choice of train.
Communications director Rob Shorthouse said: “The new festival is an exciting event, and we will be doing everything we can to help make it a success.
“Thousands of people will be travelling to the event, so we will be adding extra carriages to services right across the central belt and the west of Scotland to try to make things a bit easier for people.
“But trains will be much busier than usual, so we encourage people to plan their journey in advance and make sure they have their ticket before boarding.”
Ryden, on behalf of Standard Life Investments (SLI), has let Unit 3 at Bankhead Crossway North, Bankhead Industrial Estate, Sighthill, Edinburgh to The Edinburgh Beer Factory.
The family owned craft brewery, renowned for its Paolozzi lager, has taken the 660 sq m (7,109 sq ft) refurbished industrial / trade unit with offices and a small yard on a 10 year lease at £8 per sq ft. The firm already occupies Unit 15 at Bankhead Industrial Estate and this additional accommodation assists the firm with its continuing expansion.
Neil McAllister, partner at Ryden, comments:
“The Edinburgh Beer Factory has been located at Bankhead Industrial Estate for over two years and it is great to see the award-winning Edinburgh-based business grow and expand at the estate. In addition to the brewery, Bankhead Industrial Estate is home to Screwfix, Howdens, Dingbro, Wetrooms and Safestore.”
The Bank of England is walking a very narrow line on monetary policy and a rise in interest rates may come sooner rather than later following the narrow vote to maintain interest rates at 0.25% and the onus is now on Government to take steps to bolster demand and investment.
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This week’s higher than expected inflation rate has undoubtedly been a significant factor in a much more evenly balanced decision by the Bank of England to keep interest rates on hold this month. It seems clear that as the Consumer Price Index edges towards 3%, there is a strong case being made for interest rates to rise in the near future to keep prices under control.
“The problem that the Bank of England has that there are as many threats in terms of raising interest rates as there are in letting the inflationary pressures run their course. Expectations remain that inflation will remain above target for much of the next three years, but whilst the rate of inflation is not high by historic standards, it remains a problem because it is outpacing wage growth which, in turn, is being held in check by low productivity.
“As we have been saying for some time, the Bank of England has very little left in its arsenal to stimulate growth and that is why it is Government that must now come forward for a plan to stimulate investment and demand and get our economy back on track.”
One of the UK’s largest food packaging companies, Smith Anderson Group, has agreed a new financial package with Barclays, including day-to-day banking, invoice discounting and a facility to help manage longer-term foreign exchange (FX) exposures.
The deal follows Smith Anderson Group’s recent £35 million European contract win with the world’s largest fast food chain McDonald’s, which will see the company expand its operations to supply select markets in Central Eastern Europe. The agreement was secured in part by the company’s increased competitiveness due to the weaker pound.
Smith Anderson Group is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1859 and now has over 200 employees. It produces up to 60 million paper bags per week at its custom built facility in Kirkcaldy, Fife, suppling big brand names such as McDonald’s, Harrods, Starbucks, Waitrose and Boots.
With European trading now on the cards for the business well into 2020, Smith Anderson Group approached Barclays to discuss longer-term FX management.
Michael Longstaffe, Chief Executive at Smith Anderson Group, commented: “Securing the extended European contract with McDonald’s was a great achievement for the business. With this, however, came a degree of uncertainty, especially around the Pound to Euro value, so we felt it was essential to lock-in a foreign exchange rate to provide us a level of assurance and guaranteed margin.
“Barclays’ offering was second to none and they recognised our ambitions for long term sustainable growth. The entire process has been made simple by the team and as a result we’ve now moved over our day-to-day banking and invoice discounting facilities as well.
“I firmly believe that our partnership with Barclays and our new agreement with McDonald’s will consolidate the company’s position in the marketplace, helping us to achieving our vision to be Europe’s leading provider of paper packaging solutions.”
Paul Smith, Corporate Development Director for Barclays in Scotland, said: “Companies are operating in a challenging and uncertain market at the moment but Smith Anderson has taken advantage of the opportunities the current climate offers for growing international trade.
“Managing foreign exchange exposures has always been a complex task for businesses of all types but we have a range of FX services and expertise that help reduce the risk of volatility. We’re keen to help even more companies like Smith Anderson realise their global ambitions and successfully navigate the changing economic landscape.”
We are delighted to welcome David Ellis to our team as a non-executive Director. David’s appointment will help to support the continued successful growth and development of SortmyPC.
A specialist in working with SMEs, David brings experience to SortmyPC in finance, project and general management. An entrepreneur himself, David is Managing Partner at OMC Partners, a specialist management consultancy focused on the legal sector.
Previously, David, who is 57, was an Associate Partner at PwC Consulting for 15 years and prior to this held FD line management roles at Bunzl plc, Gulf and Western and Fujitsu, both in the UK and abroad. He has a law degree, is a qualified accountant (FCMA), and holds an MBA from ESCP, Paris’ leading Grand Ecole.
David is also non-executive director at Photonic Solutions, Europe’s leading supplier of optoelectronic photonics, and at Grampian Furnishers, a family owned furniture retailer.
We very much look forward to working with David and his contribution to the future development and growth of SortmyPC.
Visit David’s profile on LinkedIn.
Xeretec – Xerox’s largest MPS reseller – has acquired Landscape Group, the UK’s most accredited HP MPS and Solutions Specialist, in a move that creates a new managed print powerhouse.
The acquisition brings together two of the biggest resellers of two of the world’s largest print brands, offering new and existing customers the expanded Group’s technical knowledge, toolsets, service capabilities and market expertise.
In addition to uniting the companies’ skill sets, the customer experience is enhanced too, giving them access to an even broader range of advanced A4 and A3 multifunction devices from both Xerox and HP. Landscape brings with it exciting new service offerings, including HP’s Device as a Service (DaaS). This combines innovative devices, lifecycle services and HP’s expertise into an all-inclusive, HP-managed solution – with per-seat, per-month cost certainty for customers.
The companies share core values of customer care, transparency, service delivery, value for money and commitment to long-term relationships, benefitting new and existing customers alike. The companies expect the acquisition to drive additional customer demand and they are both recruiting now in order to upscale their sales and support operations, creating new employment opportunities across both businesses. The acquisition ensures greater scope for Xeretec and Landscape employees to develop their career within a growing, secure, successful and dynamic organisation.
Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Hawkins, Xeretec’s Chief Executive, said: “The game-changing acquisition of Landscape Group is a transformational moment for Xerox, HP, our customers and our staff. Xeretec will continue to consolidate and develop its longstanding commitment to the Xerox brand, building on its exceptional track record of success. This best-of-breed acquisition plays to the strengths of both respected brands and both resellers, while introducing new complementary HP devices and value-added services like DaaS to even more customers. With the potential it offers customers and staff, we are thrilled to see the Landscape Group become a Xeretec Group company, and we warmly welcome its team to the existing Xeretec family.”
Founded in 1996, the independently-owned Landscape Group’s engineers and sales team are specialists in the full range of HP printers and HP Managed Print Services. It is one of HP’s
Platinum Partners for Managed Print and it is also an HP Authorised Service Delivery Partner. Following the acquisition, the Landscape Group brand will remain and become a Xeretec Group company and it will continue to be based at its location in East Hampshire. To ensure consistency and assurance for its customers, all customer relationships, service and support will be served uninterrupted by the Landscape Group’s staff.
Speaking about the acquisition, David Smith, Landscape’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This announcement represents a real milestone for our current and future customers, who are, without doubt, the most important part of any business. But it also brings new opportunities for our staff and partners. By combining Landscape’s 20 years plus of dedicated HP expertise, the scale and nationwide reach of Xeretec and HP’s impressive new entrance into the A3 MFP market place, customers now have an obvious route to investigate what a $50BN “new comer” can offer to enhance their IT infrastructure.”
George Brasher, Managing Director of HP in the UK & Ireland, added: “Landscape has been a highly valued HP partner for many years and we congratulate both companies on what is an exciting acquisition. It comes at a pivotal time for HP, as we set out to disrupt and reinvent the A3 copier space and provides the perfect foundation for Landscape to play a major and highly successful role in that.”
This in no way changes Xeretec’s core relationship with Xerox, and the acquisition of Landscape means the Xeretec Group with Xerox and HP in its portfolio is now even more favourably positioned to effectively meet the changing print needs of a diverse range of customers across multiple industries; scaling from SMEs to corporates, whether UK based or located overseas.
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