Opportunity to celebrate family values at annual business breakfast
The location for this year's breakfast meeting will be at the office of Virgin Money in Glasgow on Thursday 28th August, when the focus for discussion will be legacy through the lasting impact that family-run businesses contribute through Environment, Social and Governance.
With their roots firmly anchored in their local communities, businesses like these contribute more than just economics, as was demonstrated during last year's event when those taking part learned of the importance that Walker's Shortbread, the Speyside bakery firm which has developed an international profile over the course of four generations, has had on creating jobs, opening up career paths and bringing prosperity to Speyside.
What was also made clear during the same briefing was that all family businesses share similar issues, regardless of size, product or location and that events such The Herald Family Business Breakfast can help to forge ties and share knowledge on how others have successfully overcome similar challenges.
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway, says: 'Business Gateway has had the privilege of working with the Herald since they began their focus on this hugely important sector of the Scottish economy. Over the many years of our involvement we've seen a number of family businesses of all shapes and sizes. What is common to them all though is their commitment to the world around them and their grasp of the importance of environmental, social and governance principles in all they do. They are the powerhouses of local communities providing employment and improving wellbeing. The ongoing recognition of their importance through the breakfast and The Herald Family Business Awards later this year is testament to their contribution to the Scottish economy.
And David Henderson, head of strategic finance, Virgin Money, says: 'Purpose led businesses are increasingly focused on the impact that their operations and activities have on wider stakeholders and on the environment. That is very much the case for family businesses who are seeking to create a legacy which positively impacts not just the owners and successors, but their employees, customers, and the wider communities in which they operate.
'At Virgin Money our purpose is to deliver fairer, more rewarding relationships and to assist current and future generations to drive progressive outcomes for society. We are delighted to be collaborating with the Herald and our other partners to support this event which will provide a forum to examine and debate the legacy which family businesses can create and to meet other family business owners who are already on that journey.'
Meanwhile Andrew Malcolm, director, Malcolm Group, says: 'The Malcolm Group are delighted to be sponsoring the herald Scottish family business breakfast, as a family company with over 100 years existence and 4th generation of family employed in the company.'
News of the event's keynote speaker and panel will be made soon and in the meantime full details of the event exclusive for family businesses are available from https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/fambizbreakfast/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Campaigners win legal battle against 171-turbine Sutherland wind farm
Scotland's highest civil court ruled that minister had not given adequate reasons for the approval of the Strath Oykel wind farm near Rosehall. Resident could be surrounded by 171 turbines if built, with what has been dubbed as a 'ring of steel'. German developer Energiekontor lodged the application in 2022. The turbines were expected to remain in place for 35 years within the Strath Oykel Forest. READ MORE: Storm Floris Live: Latest warnings, transport cancellations and road closures One campaigner from the No Ring of Steel (NOROS) group, Tisi Dutton, told STV News that ministers must now 'reconsider the application'. She said: 'I believe the legal process is being followed as it should be. It's now up to ministers to reconsider the application. 'The encirclement of the strath is at the forefront of NOROS' thinking. We will request that ministers follow the refusal, as has been recommended by the two reporters. 'We're not against windfarms per se, but you've got to have the right development in the right place.' The development proposal had faced more than 150 objections, was unanimously rejected by Highland Council, and a public inquiry took place in October 2024, in which councillors did not waver after they were asked to reconsider by the Government. Reporters working on behalf of the government also recommended that the plans be refused. However, the government green lit the project, with Highland Council responding with a legal challenge. Judges have now ruled that ministers failed to provide adequate reasons, with ministers arguing the development will 'provide a contribution to renewable energy targets and carbon savings' and 'will provide economic benefits which also weigh in its favour.' READ MORE: How war became a route to growth for the west With Strath Oykel known for its wildlife and fisheries, Dutton said: 'It's endangerment of the significant area of conservation which is the River Oykel and it's there to protect critically endangered freshwater pearl mussels and endangered Atlantic salmon. 'Freshwater pearl mussels are very susceptible to any pollution and any kind of mitigation has been found to be usually and most likely to be unsatisfactory in protecting these creatures. She added: 'We're, in a way, guardians of this strath – of its biodiversity – but also of its community because if you destroy the river you destroy employment. 'If you destroy the beauty of the place you destroy tourism, and the river and tourism are two key areas of employment here. 'It's heartbreaking and it's constant, but Noros will keep going within the planning framework. It's immensely important that we keep fighting against the developments that threaten this strath.' Scottish Government ministers now have four options under consideration: they may invite further public comment on the planning application; issue a revised approval; uphold the recommended refusal put forward by two independent public inquiry reporters; or initiate a new public inquiry under the oversight of a different reporter. The Scottish Government can now:
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Public funding row bus firm Alexander Dennis may get more
The development comes amidst a public funding row which saw ADL receive tens of millions from the public purse even after it embarked on a plan to axe a third of its Scottish workforce five years ago. ADL has been warned by the Scottish Government that some of the millions could be subject to clawback if goes ahead with the move to England. The Scottish Government's Scottish Enterprise agency has said in a briefing from July 18 that in its most recent review in December, "no risks had been identified that would preclude continued funding". Scottish Enterprise says that that a joint UK working group involving themselves and the UK and Scottish governments are identifying solutions that they say "support continued investment and employment at ADL's Scottish sites". It has said that no funding has been paid out since the company announcement but that any support was subject to "rigorous monitoring and safeguarding measures". Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said: "We will continue to work closely with all partners to explore all avenues to retain jobs and secure long-term investment". Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said all further [[pub]]lic funding of ADL should cease unless there is a commitment to remain in Scotland and that millions should be clawed back if ADL departed. Last month, Alexander Dennis began consultations on a plan to close its Falkirk operations and cease manufacturing at its Larbert base with the loss of 400 on site jobs. Manufacturing would be centralised at its Scarborough operation which has the capacity to produce around 1,200 buses a year. The agency analysis came in response to a group of MSPs seeking a clear outline of the actions Scottish Enterprise is taking now, in coordination with the Scottish Government and other partners, to support continued manufacturing and investment at the Scottish sites. Unite Scotland estimates that up to 1,600 jobs could be at risk when supply chain roles are included and has warned of a 'devastating' impact on communities already reeling from the Grangemouth oil refinery closure. Ministers have confirmed that should Alexander Dennis go ahead with exiting Scotland, the financial assistance paid may be subject to "clawback". They have said that it will be down to Scottish Enterprise to decide on how to proceed. Kenny MacAskill According to Scottish Government records, ADL received £58m of public 'subsidy' for green vehicles since 2020 under two schemes aimed at transitioning Scotland to green buses - despite the company having embarked on a 2020 plan to axe a third of its Scottish workforce. And some £30m of jobs grants for research and development over 10 years has come from the Scottish Government's economic development agency Scottish Enterprise. Some £11.2m of those jobs grants from Scottish Enterprise came in 2023, three years after concerns were raised over ADL embarking on major job cuts. By the time the 2020 jobs cut was in place, ADL had already received over £8m in 'job securing' taxpayer funding which was promoted as supporting building a new greener business in Scotland. The Herald revealed that ADL warned the First Minister it was "'reconsidering' its 'entire investment' in Scotland — a year before announcing plans to relocate to England. He was also told they had already been 'forced' to offshore certain manufacturing functions to China. The First Minister intervened after learning of potential redundancies at the firm, suggesting 'further capital support' and advising Scottish Enterprise to 'exhaust all options to support the business'. Finance secretary Shona Robison has said that Scottish Enterprise "is continuing to work closely with ADL to try to find a positive solution". ADL has allowed an extra fortnight for efforts to save the jobs of workers in Falkirk and Larbert. A deadline for a consultation is now set for August 15. SNP's Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon once set out the economic case for Scottish Independence from an Alexander Dennis depot (Image: Newsquest) Mr MacAskill, who said the job losses were "unacceptable", said ADL "must be held to account if they choose to relocate south of the border". And he said any further financial support given must contain firm guarantees that ADL is staying in Scotland and that funds can be recouped if there is any change of mind. He said: "Falkirk and Larbert have served them well over the years and Scottish Governments and agencies have supported them handsomely. Closure is bad enough but relocation rubs salt into the wound. "Any funds that can be clawed back absolutely must be. The workers community and Scotland deserve no less. READ MORE from Martin Williams: How buying Chinese sparked public funding row over Scots bus jobs going to England? Swinney got year-long warning England-bound bus firm was 'reconsidering' Scotland FM in funding row as £90m public cash for Scots jobs given to firm going to England Union says 1600 Scots jobs at risk if government doesn't act in 'national interest' "Workers are entitled to loyalty from their governments as well as their employers. Public funds are for public good." Ministers have said they are working with bus operators to drum up interest for much-needed orders for ADL. The company has previously said that it would need to see a significant rise in bus orders – between 70 and 100 by the end of the year and 300-400 next year – to remain open. In a briefing, Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said that it remained "fully committed to supporting ADL and safeguarding Scotland's strategic manufacturing capabilities". He added: "We will continue to work closely with all partners to explore all avenues to retain jobs and secure long-term investment." Adrian Gillespie (Image: SE) The agency has said that past funding typically include obligations such as job creation or retention, matched funding from the company involved. And while it said that while the specific terms agreed with ADL are "commercially sensitive" it "rigorously monitors all funded projects to "ensure compliance and value for public investment". "Monitoring includes regular reporting on technical progress, milestone achievements, and any deviations from the original project plan. Risks are assessed prior to each payment," said Mr Gillespie. "As of the most recent review, no risks had been identified that would preclude continued funding. Scottish Enterprise's grant conditions include key safeguards and the option to claw back funding." He added that "we remain fully committed to supporting ADL and safeguarding Scotland's strategic manufacturing capabilities. "Scottish Enterprise is working closely with ADL, the Scottish Government, and UK partners to exploit all viable options to retain ADL operations and employment in Scotland." Ministers say there is a commitment from ADL to consider keeping chassis manufacture as well as the possibility of single deck bus manufacture in Scotland. And they say action is being taken to liaise with commercial bus operators and local transport authorities to establish the current demand for double deck buses in Scotland and were working alongside the UK Government to identify demand in other parts of the UK. But there remains concerns that UK subsidy rules which has curbed [[Scottish Government]] action in providing a direct contract award to its own Inverclyde shipyard firm Ferguson Marine is hindering attempts to give [[pub]]licly funded support for ADL to try and keep the company in Scotland. But Ms Robison has said it was for the UK Government to make any changes to the Subsidy Control Act which might benefit Scottish businesses. She has told MSPs that the government was committed to looking at "all viable options" and are working with private bus companies. 'I agree about the importance of securing a short-term pipeline of orders,' she said. 'Please be assured that we are therefore liaising with commercial bus operators and local transport authorities to establish the current demand for double-deck buses in Scotland and are working alongside UK Government to identify demand in other parts of the UK," she said in a briefing. 'I am in full agreement with you about the importance of Alexander Dennis to Scotland and of retaining the jobs of the highly-skilled workers. 'That is why we are continuing to work at pace with Scottish Enterprise and UK Government, and alongside the company and trade unions, to explore all viable options to support ADL to retain bus manufacturing in Scotland.' Kate Forbes (Image: Colin Mearns) Deputy first minister Kate Forbes said: 'Our absolute focus continues to be on exploring all viable options to support Alexander Dennis Ltd, its workforce and the families and communities they support. 'The [[Scottish Government]] continues to work in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the [[UK Government]] during the consultation period. 'This work includes discussions on potential support for a company furlough scheme and urgently examining options to provide greater confidence regarding short-term demand for bus manufacturing in Scotland. "
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Remove roadblocks that delay new housing
UK governments must act on housing crisis, says Caroline Maciver Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland and other parts of Britain face a serious housing crisis. Think-tank Centre of Cities says there is a backlog of 4.3 million homes missing from the UK's national housing market. Both the Scottish and UK governments have made housebuilding a key policy commitment, but there are a number of developing legislative issues as well as major challenges facing the construction industry which stand in the way of addressing the need for new homes successfully. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In June, the Scottish Government appointed Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Housing and pledged £3.5 billion to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. South of the border, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner set out plans to build 1.5 million new houses in England by 2029. As part of the UK Government spending review announced in June, £39bn was pledged over 10 years for social and affordable housing in England. hy While this additional investment is essential and very welcome, new regulations on construction products will likely mean further challenges for home-builders and, in some cases, could present a barrier to progress. The Scottish Government's plans to introduce a new role of Compliance Plan Manager for residential buildings over 11 metres high could, like many new schemes, also create initial bedding-in delays for housebuilders. Meanwhile, the UK Government's Construction Products Reform Green Paper, which puts a strong focus on more third-party testing and certification to ensure product safety and reliability, creates further uncertainty for builders who are unclear how these reforms will work in practice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The current progress of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in England underlines the potentially detrimental impact of new regulation on housing projects. Set up to ensure high-rise buildings are fully compliant with fire safety issues, the BSR's initial 13-week approval timetable has more than doubled, creating a significant backlog in proposed new builds. Following action in England, the Scottish Government is implementing new measures through the Housing (Scotland) Bill around Awaab's Law, which aims to tackle damp and mould in social housing. While this is well-intended legislation, it will place a greater burden on social landlords to investigate and address disrepair and could set back their timetable for building much-needed new social housing across Scotland. Regulatory reform is undoubtedly important in the post-Grenfell era. It is, however, essential for governments to give clear guidance to the construction industry on new measures and ensure prompt timelines are met in the approval of new building applications. More broadly, the Scottish and UK governments must provide wider support to the construction sector to ensure it has the capacity required to build the thousands of homes needed. With 140,000 construction vacancies currently unfilled in the UK and a further 750,000 employees expected to retire in 2026, the government can help the industry to facilitate more workers it needs, including 240,000 new apprentices required over the next decade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are also geographical challenges such as a lack of accommodation for contractors in some areas, including in the North of Scotland. Governments can support the sector through the planning system and potential tax incentives to drive home-building in regions of high demand. If the Scottish and UK governments are to address the housing crisis and achieve their ambitious targets, they need to ensure they are a key part of the solution, not a roadblock to progress.
