Royal Mail (RMG.L) has today received notification from the CWU of the results of their ballot for industrial action.

Royal Mail is very disappointed by the announcement that CWU members have voted (89 per cent Yes) in favour of taking industrial action. However, we note that with a 74 per cent turnout – and taking into account frontline employees who are not union members (18,000) – 57 per cent have backed a strike.

A ballot result for industrial action does not necessarily mean there will be industrial action. Royal Mail is committed to further talks as a matter of urgency, to reach agreement with the CWU. There are no grounds for industrial action. We want to reach agreement. Post Office is a separate business from Royal Mail and its employees are not involved in this dispute.

In 2013, Royal Mail and the CWU committed to the Agenda for Growth (AFG) – a legally binding agreement. Royal Mail has brought to the CWU’s attention the contractual dispute resolution procedures included in the AFG, which both sides are required to follow once instigated. They escalate to independent external mediation, which we expect will take close to Christmas to be completed, and may be longer. We believe these dispute resolution procedures must be followed. The union cannot take industrial action until they have been completed.

Industrial action is damaging for our business. It undermines the trust of our customers. It makes it harder to pay for the great terms and conditions we provide for our employees. National industrial action means the current offer from Royal Mail, including on pensions, will be taken off the table.

What we have offered
Under its proposals, Royal Mail would continue to provide the best pay and terms and conditions in the industry by some distance. We are not proposing to change our core terms and conditions or our commitment to a predominantly permanent workforce. Many competitors pay around the National Living Wage. Royal Mail pays 45-50% more than this.

We have offered to continue working towards a new pay deal[1], including an increase of up to 5% over two years, depending on productivity improvements, flexibility and a small number of trials. We are offering to replace our Defined Benefit pension scheme – the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP) – with another type of Defined Benefit scheme. RMPP members would also have the choice to join a Defined Contribution scheme instead if they wished to do so. We have also proposed significant improvements for members of the Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan, with a maximum Company contribution of 10%. We are also discussing how we can be more flexible to offer the services our customers want, including next day delivery for items ordered late in the evening.

Customers can find more information at www.royalmail.com.

Following the resounding success of ‘AG Elevate’, originally launched in November 2016, Addleshaw Goddard has today announced its 2018 programme to support FinTech growth with an expanded program for participants.

‘AG Elevate’ 2018 is launched today, 4 October 2017, by the firm’s head of FinTech Group, Fiona Ghosh, at PayExpo Europe, the UK’s largest Payments and FinTech conference, where she is chairing the event’s plenary, key note session on the challenges of FinTech maturity.

Scottish FinTech firms are being encouraged to enter the programme for the first time, following this year’s merger between HBJ Gateley and Addleshaw Goddard. The Scottish practice has a burgeoning FinTech practice, with clients including wealth management platform provider FNZ, as well as investors into Scottish FinTechs including Money Dashboard and MiiCard.

Like the original offering, ‘AG Elevate’ 2018 is a fast track, 12-month initiative that focuses on supporting ambitious FinTechs by providing free legal advice and mentoring under the banner of two programmes – one targeting ‘early-stage’ start-ups with no more than £1 million of investment, and one directed at start-ups with at least ‘Series A’ funding of more than £1 million. Both packages offer mentoring services and free legal advice, together with access to AG’s training sessions and networking events.

‘AG Elevate’ 2018 will look to build upon and secure FinTechs from the UK, with a particular focus on Scotland, as well as internationally, concentrating in particular on South East Asia and the Middle East.

David Anderson, a partner in AG’s Scottish FinTech team, said: “Scotland’s FinTech sector benefits from the country’s renowned financial services industry, and its growing influence was well demonstrated by the FinTech hub established by Scottish Financial Enterprise and Royal Bank of Scotland at Gogarburn and the successful FinTech conference run by DIGIT last week. It was no surprise for it to be named by the Scottish Government as a key tenet of its economic strategy.

“The AG Elevate programme is a valuable opportunity for Scottish FinTechs to take advantage of legal and commercial advice aimed at growing a valuable business in a hugely important sector. The combined network of AG means that we’re able to help them make connections quickly which might otherwise take a long time to develop.”

The programme will again be resourced by AG’s most experienced FinTech lawyers, who, in 2016 won an award for ‘Most Innovative Law Firm’ for their work with Microsoft, at the Financial Times (FT) Innovative Lawyers Awards 2016. The firm has, this year, been shortlisted for a further two awards at the FT Innovative Lawyers 2017.

The team is currently working with seven FinTechs from the first cohort of ‘AG Elevate’, including Delio, Pace Invoice, Penta, Moneyfellows and Mespo and those programmes continue to thrive. The success of the programme and the benefit it brings to the participants is well voiced by the FinTechs themselves – see attached case study from David Newman from Delio, a complete white label platform solution for private asset management.

Fiona Ghosh commented: “Following the success of our 2017 programme, it made absolute commercial sense for us to take ‘AG Elevate’ to the next level. We have learnt much in the process of the original offering that we will build upon for the next round. The FinTech market has changed significantly over the last 12 months – people are realising that you can be a well-established global business and be FinTech. We want to continue the work we are doing and to keep providing a service that allows our clients to prosper and grow as well as providing a network to learn from each other and more established players. We look forward to welcoming the next round of applicants.”

For more detail on how to apply please see our website and AG Elevate.

 

Scottish five-star resort, Cameron House, has revealed its newly refurbished bedrooms and suites following completion of its £4 million investment.

The 136 bedrooms, including 26 suites, have all been fully refurbished to offer a contemporary, luxury look while retaining the warm and inviting atmosphere guests have always enjoyed at Cameron House.

The design scheme takes inspiration from the hotel’s stunning surroundings, injecting a Scottish flavour with contemporary nods to tartan and layered paisleys throughout the rooms.

The completion of the bedrooms marks the end of a 12 month refurbishment plan at Cameron House. The year-long project has included a revamping of the food and beverage offering along with the hotel’s other public spaces, and the addition of the new Great Scots Bar Terrace, which offers a stunning open-air space overlooking Loch Lomond.

The interior design gives the rooms a rich, colourful and opulent feel, by adding bold reds, including mixed eclectic furnishings and accessories that use a mixture of warm copper, bronze and antique brass fittings. Luxurious touches include fabrics from Osborne & Little, bespoke carpets from Gravity Flooring and upholstery from Zoffany with the main focal point in every room being the sumptuous handmade leather sleigh beds by Paton Developments.

“It’s fantastic to finally see the culmination of this exciting multimillion-pound investment,” says Resort Director, Andy Roger. “We hope guests will agree the new-look bedrooms now match the investment made throughout the resort, ensuring we continue to deliver a truly luxurious experience that offers guests only the best standards and showcases our hotel and its stunning location.”

Cameron House is a five-star resort situated on the banks of Loch Lomond. It offers a range of amenities, from Michelin star dining, seaplane trips and loch cruises to the ultimate relaxation spa and golf days. To find out more visit: www.cameronhouse.co.uk

Join Cameron House on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CameronHouseonLochLomond

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CameronHouseLL

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cameronhousehotel

Leaders from Scotland’s main opposing political parties came together on Thursday (21st September) in a pledge to work together with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to heed the concerns of business and prioritise economic growth.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network held its Annual Scottish Business Reception on Thursday, hosted by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP, and addressed by Derek Mackay MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution.

The reception was the second milestone event of the week for the Chambers network, which two days previously hosted the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, HE. Mr Liu Xiaoming at a dinner for 200 Scots business people in Glasgow.

In his speech to the gathering of business people and politicians in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Chambers of Commerce President Tim Allan called for elected members at all levels to put business first and to do all in their power to make Scotland a competitive place to do business.

Tim Allan said: “Scotland’s businesses are the creators of our jobs and our wealth. Collectively, they are the engine which grows our economy, pays for our essential public services and provides the opportunities for our people to reach their potential. It is essential that all of Scotland’s politicians from across the political spectrum understand this and deliver policies that support business growth and competitiveness.

“Scotland’s politicians must work hard to understand the issues facing businesses in their constituencies and regions, but with an active network of 26 local Chambers of Commerce across Scotland, our network is seeking to make that task an easy one.”

Ruth Davidson MSP congratulated the Chambers on the success of its China initiative and said that, after a period of successive elections and referenda, the three and a half years before the next Scottish Parliament election were an opportunity for business, led by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to “put their heads above the parapet” and voice their concerns and needs to their elected representatives. “Politicians whatever their strip should do everything they can to help business.”

“Business, entrepreneurship, the ability to help build and grow is virtuous in and of itself, it helps the country, it helps our young people to have opportunities and it is a public good. There is a shared belief across all the parties that we all have a role in oiling the wheels and getting the Scottish economy moving.”

Responding for the Scottish Government, Derek Mackay MSP described the Chambers as “a force for good”, and his own government as “pro-business and pro-growth” he said: “There is a great deal of agreement [with Chambers] around the skills agenda, around employment, around the fair work agenda, infrastructure investment, internationalisation and empowerment. We appreciate all of the great work you do nationally and locally in mentoring and supporting SMEs. Your work is absolutely invaluable.”

Liz Cameron OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “We are grateful to Ruth Davidson and to Derek Mackay for joining us at our Business Reception, and are very encouraged by their words of support for the Chamber Network.

“We sensed a renewed mood of constructive engagement between business and government, firmly placing the economy at the centre. We will continue to work hard to play our part in making Scotland the best place to do business and all Governments will be measured by the impact of their decision making.”

• Scotland scores in the top four of all UK regions in an assessment of nationwide digital skills
• 60% of Scots have ‘above-basic’ digital skills, meeting current demand from employers
• Scottish digital workers have the best problem solving skills in the UK
• Edinburgh performing better than Glasgow for digital skills and safety
• Scottish workers with ‘expert’ digital skills can earn £9,029 more a year

New research from Barclays reveals that employees in Scotland score among the highest of all UK regions for their digital skills and are currently meeting the digital skills demand from employers.

The Barclays Digital Development Index 2017, which analysed 88,000 UK job adverts and 6,000 adults, found that Scotland ranks in 4th place overall for digital skills – following London, Northern Ireland and North West England. With 3 in 5 (60 per cent) of Scots boasting ‘above-basic’¹ digital skills, it seems demand (59 per cent) from employers is being met.

In the UK, Scots topped the poll for ‘solving problems’ scoring 6.70 out of 10 in The Index (0.22 above the UK average). However, although Scotland is above the UK average for 5 out of 6 of the digital skills categories², the region is below the UK average for ‘content creation and coding’ skills (3.42 vs UK average of 3.44).

When comparing cities, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh – which has long been considered as Scotland’s digital hub – is significantly outperforming the friendly city. The capital scored 5.90 out of 10 for digital skills and 6.25 out of 10 for digital safety (versus Glasgow’s scores of 5.51 and 6.05).

If workers are willing to up-skill and become digital ‘experts’, they could earn more money as Scottish employers will pay a premium of £9,029 a year for digital skills that include programming and software design. Earnings boosts of more than £7,000 a year are also up for grabs for those with graphic design, data and 3D modelling skills – a significantly higher premium than the UK average (£3,000 a year), demonstrating Scotland’s demand for graphic design, data and 3D modelling skills.

The nationwide picture
Unlike in Scotland, digital skills across the UK are not keeping pace with demand. The Barclays Index finds that 63 per cent of UK jobs require digital skills such as word-processing, database spreadsheet or social media management skills, but only 57 per cent of the workforce has these capabilities. This mismatch will worsen as digital skills become even more vital to British businesses.

And although they have up to 30 years left in their working lives, it seems Generation X (35-54 year olds) is being left behind. Those aged 35-44 are 11 per cent less likely than their millennial colleagues to say they are very confident about their digital skills. Generation X workers are also more worried about their ability to keep their skills up-to-date (21.5 per cent have confidence in their ability to do so, versus 28 per cent for millennials).

Education also boosts digital scores; Masters Graduates score 35 per cent higher than those who leave school without any qualifications. And those in management positions score far better in the tests than those in junior positions, and 20 per cent above the UK average.

Jamie Grant, Head of Corporate Banking for Barclays in Scotland, said: “In recent years, we’ve seen a movement across Scotland to tackle digital exclusion and with improved digital skills returning a range of social, cultural and economic benefits it is clear why it is of such importance.

“With this come the issues of cybersecurity and cybercrime. Digital safety has never been more important but with Scotland sitting at the half way point of the UK Digital Safety Index, it’s evident that more can be done to upweight our ability to deal with these issues as well as improving skills.

“In direct response to this, we launched a multi-million pound #digisafe campaign earlier this year, the centrepiece of which is a new online digital safety quiz – a great starting point for anyone looking to develop their knowledge.”

To find out how digitally safe you are, take the new quiz at the Barclays Digital Safety Hub www.barclays.co.uk/security or simply search for “Barclays Digital Safety”.

¹ ‘Above-basic’ digital skills include proficiency with word processing, database spreadsheet and social media management. ‘Basic’ digital skills include the ability to send and receive emails and search online.
² Digital skill categories include: Researching and evaluating information; communicating and collaborating; protecting data and devices; content creation and coding; solving problems; knowledge and attitude.

The first of the ScotRail Alliance’s high-speed trains has arrived in Aberdeen for driver training ahead of the fleet being rolled out next year.

When the fully refurbished fleet has entered passenger service, the high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities.

The first train will be based in Aberdeen, from where it will travel the network in the North East of Scotland for driver training over the coming months.

Key features of the high-speed trains include:

– More seats
– Increased luggage space
– Power sockets at seats
– Enhanced on-board catering

ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said:

“The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. Our refurbished high-speed trains will connect Scotland’s seven cities, offering better connections for commuters, business travellers and an opportunity for tourists to get out and about across this great country.

“The refurbished high-speed trains will mean more seats, better services and an improved experience for our customers.

“The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said:

“It is great to see this train arrive in Scotland for driver training, an important step towards delivery. Next year sees the start of a transformed inter-city service – connecting Scotland’s seven cities with high-speed trains.

“The refurbishment programme has already started. And when the 26 fully upgraded trains roll out across the country, I know they will be popular with passengers: more seats, better journeys, the latest standard of comfort, better accessibility, and enhanced catering.”

The high-speed trains will be leased from Angel Trains. CEO Malcolm Brown said:

“We are delighted to have delivered the first of our high-speed train fleet to ScotRail to enable driver training to commence.

“The fleet will undergo interior and technical improvements prior to entering into passenger service to ensure that it can meet the requirements of modern intercity travellers.

“With the support of Transport Scotland and ScotRail, Angel Trains has committed to invest in excess of £50m in the fleet in the coming years. We will be excited to see this fleet introduced next year.”

Commercial property consultant Ryden has been appointed as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Estates Professional Services (EPS) Framework in Scotland.

This is the first time the CCS has created regional frameworks across the UK for estates services. The new frameworks will improve the accessibility of public sector contracts for SME suppliers. Public sector organisations, including local government, health, education and emergency services, will gain an easier route to procuring the services of local commercial property experts.

Ryden has been awarded a place on the Scotland regional Lot of the framework following a competitive tender process. Ryden has also maintained its position on the National EPS Framework as a member of the Regional Agent Partnership (RAP) led by Sanderson Weatherall.

Ryden is headquartered in Scotland and offers a full range of advisory services for commercial property and development land. Projects previously secured by Ryden through the national EPS Framework include the disposal of the City of Glasgow College sites, development of the Murray Royal Hospital site and project management and agency advice on the Dundee Waterfront development.

Mark Robertson, Partner at Ryden, said “The launch of regional Estates Professional Services framework by the CCS is very welcome and we are delighted to have won a place on the Scottish regional Lot.

Employing local professional services firms through CCS will help public sector organisations reduce their property overheads, dispose of unwanted assets, and identify opportunities to make savings and generate income from their estate. It also helps speed up the process of securing advisors by avoiding a cumbersome full tendering process.”

Glasgow-based surgeon Colonel Sir George Thomas Beatson, acclaimed artist Joan Eardley and mathematician Mary Sommerville are among the latest recipients to be recognised through the Commemorative Plaque Scheme in Scotland.

Now in its fifth year, the scheme – run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) – celebrates the life and work of significant persons from history by highlighting the link between them and a building connected with their work or life, giving an insight into both the life of the person and the social history of local architecture.

Each year, the scheme recognises 12 notable recipients and amongst this latest batch is physician George Thomas Beatson (1848 -1933), who published a paper in 1886 which detailed pioneering treatment of advanced breast cancer; Joan Eardley (1921 -1963), one of Scotland’s most enduringly popular artists, noted for her portraiture of street children in Glasgow and for her paintings of the fishing village of Catterline; and Scottish science writer and polymath Mary Somerville (1780 -1872), one of the first female members of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Martin Ross, Policy and Projects Manager forHES, said: “By running this scheme, we are placing a spotlight on the social and human stories behind Scotland’s local and national architecture and the different contributions of those who helped to shape Scotland’s story. This latest group of recipients highlights this diversity and ranges from explorers and writers to mathematicians and golfers. We hope that by recognising them in this way it encourages people to find out more about their role in Scotland’s varied and extensive history.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “This latest round of plaque recipients celebrates a range people from different walks of life and various periods of Scottish history. It’s especially encouraging to see a greater representation for women – from astronomer Mary Sommerville to artist Joan Eardley, whose powerful paintings transformed Scotland’s everyday surroundings. I hope that today’s announcement will lead to a far greater recognition of the contribution each of these remarkable people have made to Scottish society and, in many cases, to the wider world.

“With 2017 being the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, it is particularly important that we celebrate the achievements of some of the most remarkable figures in Scotland’s history and their links with our urban landscape and famous buildings. This scheme helps enhance our rich cultural tradition and diverse built heritage.”

Other recipients of the scheme include pioneers in the fields of engineering, architecture, literature, sport, science, and politics:

Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton 1874 – 1922

Polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, and one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
Location: 14 South Learmonth Gardens, Edinburgh

Charles Glover Barkla 1877 – 1944

British physicist and Nobel prize winner for Physics in 1917. He was a key experimentalist solidifying our understanding of the quantum world.
Location: Hermitage of Braid Nature Reserve, Braid Road, Edinburgh

Willie Park Snr 1833 – 1903

One of the most prominent Scottish golfers in the mid-late 1800s, who promoted the development of the game as an open event which came to be known as the ‘Open Championship’. He won the Open four times and was the greatest golfer of his day.
Location: 23 Ravenshaugh Road, Musselburgh

Walter Macfarlane 1817 – 1885

Local politician and pioneer of pre-fabricated architectural ironwork, who supplied rainwater goods, bandstands, fountains, banking halls and entire railway stations to India and South Africa.
Location: 22 Circus Park, Glasgow.

Margaret (Maggie) McIver nee Russell 1879 – 1958

The Barras Queen saved money to buy the land for a market to enable the hawkers to sell their goods. Enclosing the market allowed Maggie to build a second floor, which in turn could be used as a ballroom, later becoming a venue for dances, and attracted musicians from all over the world.
Location: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow

Phyllis Mary Bone 1894 – 1972

Renowned female sculptor and illustrator, who was the first female Royal Scottish Academy member, contributing to Scotland’s rich sculptural heritage and inspiring women artists in Scotland.
Location: Belford Mews, Dean Village, Edinburgh

Mary Burton 1778 – 1818

Scottish novelist and writer. Burton holds an important place in the history of Scottish women’s literature, standing alongside her contemporaries Susan Edmonstone Ferrier and Christian Isobel Johnstone in developing a tradition of national domestic fiction in post-Enlightenment Scotland.
Location: The Manse, 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh

Robert Stevenson 1772 – 1850

Famous Scottish lighthouse engineer and the grandfather of ‘Treasure Island’ author Robert Louis Stevenson. He devoted himself with determination to follow the profession of a civil engineer, and applied himself to the practice of surveying, and architectural drawing.
Location: 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh

Christian Isobel Johnstone 1781 – 1857

Prolific journalist and author, writing a number of popular fiction and non- fiction works during her lifetime. Mrs Johnstone wished to curate and present stories in a manner that could be received by the working poor, to open up the demographic of the readership and give more people the opportunity to read.
Location: 2 Walker Street, Edinburgh

• Scottish shoppers are leaving 68% of items unpurchased in their shopping baskets
• The offer of free deliveries (57%), selling the item cheaper than elsewhere (42%) and customer reviews (42%) are particularly likely to entice Scottish shoppers to convert to a purchase
• Glaswegians are more likely to browse online shops using personal smartphone (42%) compared to Edinburgh shoppers (23%)
• Investment in converting browsers to shoppers nationwide could cut basket abandonment in half by 2021, and boost retailer profits by £10.5bn

Shoppers in Scotland are particularly keen on free deliveries and competitive prices, finds new research by Barclays.

Shoppers in Scotland reckon that they buy only 32% of the products that they save to their shopping baskets. When asked what would encourage them to buy what they save to their baskets, 42% said customer reviews would help, versus the national average of 39%.

Shoppers in Glasgow (42%) are also more likely to shop using their personal smartphone compared to Edinburgh consumers (23%) and the rest of the UK (31%). Across the UK, the research finds that retailers may be losing out on valuable sales because consumers are finding it difficult to complete transactions using their mobile phones. This is leading to the phenomenon of ‘device switching’ where consumers browse for products on their mobile phone and then switch to another device, such as a laptop to complete their purchases.

The findings are from the Barclays Corporate Banking Online Retail Report, From Browse to Buy: The Conversion Challenge and are based on the views of 300 senior retail managers, 2,000 UK consumers and economic modelling. The study found that through investment in basic techniques, British retailers could cut basket abandonment in half by 2021 and boost retailer profits by £10.5bn over the next five years.i

Euan Murray, Relationship Director, Barclays Corporate Banking, Scotland, said: “With retailers battling the continuing pressures stemming from wider economic developments and shoppers postponing or reducing discretionary spending, the last year has been an uphill battle for the retail industry. Throughout this, online sales have continued to motor ahead and make up a portion of the shortfall.

“With 36% of UK e-retail sales via mobile, retailers must invest in their online and mobile shopping platforms to improve the user experience and drive growth. Online is the driving force for sector growth and our research highlights the overarching benefits investment in sophisticated online and mobile shopping experiences can bring.

“If they get their online strategy right, we could be looking at UK retailers selling more that £80bn of stock online by 2021, but that will only happen if as an industry we respond to what the public want from us. This research shows that a streamlined mobile offering, flexible delivery and competitive pricing can help convert more browsers to buyers.”

Nationwide trends
Across the UK, British retailers are losing out on £3.4 billion worth of goods left in virtual shopping baskets each year. Consumers switching from mobile phone browsing to laptop purchasing, a lack of discount incentives and desire for a variety of delivery options are key reasons for ‘basket abandonment’, according to the research.

At an uncertain time for the retail sector, the report estimates that investing in measures that encourage purchase conversion would cut basket abandonment in half by 2021.

Furthermore, instead of fiddling around with mobile sites that aren’t optimised, or wasting time searching through a difficult to navigate website, 614 million hours of timei[i] could be saved over the next five years. There are productivity benefits too to the tune of £4.2bniii, as time is freed to work or spend on the economy.

Record numbers of Scottish school children are set to benefit from an award-winning employability skills programme, as Esh Border Construction’s Building My Skills launches for the third academic year.

The initiative, which will engage 42 businesses and 2,000 students from 14 secondary schools across Scotland, brings together pupils and employers.

Its aim is to offer students a well-rounded introduction to the world of work, equip them with valued employability skills, and deliver relevant and worthwhile advice from real business people.

Simon Philips, Managing Director, of Esh Border Construction said:

“It is wonderful to have such a wide variety of delivery partners on board for this year’s programme.

“The ethos of Esh Border Construction is very much rooted in the ideal of giving back to the communities in which we operate. That is why ‘Added Value’ programmes, such as Building My Skills, play such an important role in our delivery.

“We are extremely proud of the initiative and it has been truly wonderful to see how it has grown in Scotland. Special thanks should go to our valued delivery partners, our Added Value team, and of course the participating schools and their ever eager pupils.”

Darush Dodds, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Added Value at Esh, said:

“The collaborative nature of Building My Skills is what makes it such a unique offering and we’re very excited by this year’s programme. It is great to see so many businesses on board as we look to deliver worthwhile quality careers information to the workforce of the future.”

Students from schools across the Central Belt, Fife, the Lothians, and Borders will receive five 45minute sessions from a range of business sectors, delivered across the academic year

Businesses taking part include: Edinburgh Airport, Peace Recruitment, Jewson, Peter Brett Associates, Contract Scotland, Kwik Fit, NHS Borders, Dyslexia Scotland, Fife Council, and Rabbie’s Tours.

Each session is delivered by a different business guest who will provide an insight into their career path, their sector, valued employability skills and support the completion of a ‘checkpoint’.

The scheme is backed by the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) programme – which aims to better prepare children and young people aged 3–18 for the world of work.

Jen Henderson, Programme Manager with DYW said:

“The Building My Skills programme provides a fantastic forum to develop the employability of students. The programme is delivered by a community of business partners who, by the wide array of businesses and sectors they represent, also offer a diverse breadth of insights which we haven’t seen before. DYW Forth Valley are really excited to be part of this and supporting Esh and the business partners to grow and develop our future workforce in Scotland.”

Students who successfully complete the programme will be invited to the regional mock interview day – where they will be put through their paces by a local employer.

The scheme, which is now underway, has received national plaudits including nomination in the CSR category at the flagship Scottish Business Awards, Business in the Community’s coveted ‘National Big Tick for Education Partnership’, and CECA National Inspiring Education National awards.

Companies wishing to take part in Building My Skills can contact addedvalue@esh.uk.com for more information.