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Scottish restaurants and bars business's major deal and big plans
Scottish restaurants and bars business's major deal and big plans

The Herald Scotland

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • The Herald Scotland

Scottish restaurants and bars business's major deal and big plans

And doubling of the size of the restaurants and bars group, the launch of new venues incorporating bedrooms, and the creation of hundreds more jobs are now on the menu at Ayrshire-based Buzzworks Holdings. Kenny Blair, co-founder and managing director, is taking control of the family business and continuing with the 'mission to become a £100m-plus [turnover] Scottish hospitality company', Buzzworks said. He talked about investing in "more towns and suburbs across the country", and "the next stage of the Buzzworks journey" being about to start. The business, which has 22 venues across west, east and central Scotland and more than 800 staff, said the deal had seen funding raised through Alchemy Partners. Buzzworks declared Alchemy has 'a successful track record in investing in hospitality businesses throughout the UK and Europe'. Sir Tom Hunter's West Coast Capital will remain a 'key investor', Buzzworks said, and Cynergy Bank will join as the new banking partner. Buzzworks was founded in Ayrshire in 1978 by Kenny Blair, who is 55, and siblings Colin, 68, and Alison, 66. Read more The company said: 'The deal has been part of the company's long-term succession planning and will see Colin and Alison remaining in the business in advisory roles, ensuring their insights and values remain part of the company's DNA.' Buzzworks describes itself as 'one of Scotland's fastest-growing independent restaurant and bar operators'. Its brands, which it describes as "stylish", include Scotts, House, Lido, Vic's & The Vine, The Duke, The Bridge Inn, The Fox, Herringbone and Thirty Knots. As well as flagging plans for the new venues, incorporating bedrooms, Buzzworks also revealed it was making senior hires. It declared it had 'gone from strength to strength' with a 'successful formula of bringing great hospitality venues to Scotland's towns and suburbs'. And Buzzworks revealed: 'The next chapter of growth is focused on investment in property, expansion in terms of sites and people, with plans to introduce new venues that will incorporate bedrooms as part of the offering. The commitment to growth and development will be fast-tracked as part of the deal with three new senior hires joining the business and new positions created in the coming months.' In January, Buzzworks announced it had achieved annual turnover of £34.8m for the 12 months to April 2024, up from £29.9m in the prior financial year. It declared this week that 'despite a challenging time for the industry as a whole, and an uneven playing field for business rates compared with England', it had 'continued to push the boundaries and possibilities for hospitality in Scotland'. Kenny Blair said: 'A life's work has gone into making Buzzworks what it is today, and our family couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved. However, our job isn't anywhere near done and we're as passionate about it now as we were 40 years ago. Along with my brother and sister, we've tried to stay true to our mission of making people feel great through hospitality and that founding spirit will continue to drive us forward in this next chapter as we aim to more than double the size of the business and create hundreds of new sustainable jobs.' He added: 'This deal gives us the momentum to move further, faster - investing in people, places and new formats including venues with rooms in more towns and suburbs across the country. Our foundations are strong and we know exactly where we want to get to. The next stage of the Buzzworks journey is about to begin.' Buzzworks emphasised its approach of 'providing bespoke training opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance for every member of staff'.

Scottish brand with staggering 517% sales growth named UK's fastest-growing company
Scottish brand with staggering 517% sales growth named UK's fastest-growing company

Scotsman

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Scotsman

Scottish brand with staggering 517% sales growth named UK's fastest-growing company

'There is always a bit of luck involved and anyone who has done well who says otherwise is not really telling the truth' – DFYNE founder 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... A Glasgow-based activewear brand has been named the UK's fastest-growing private company. The DFYNE business sells gym attire for men and women and has enjoyed 517 per cent average annual growth in the last three years, according to the latest Sunday Times 100 rankings. The firm generated revenues of £66.8 million in the 12 months to May. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Three Scottish companies made it into the 2025 listing - the other two being Ayrshire-based heating and insulation installer Green Home Systems, in 39th place, and Edinburgh-headquartered restaurant chain Maki & Ramen, which grabbed 78th spot. Activewear brand DFYNE is based in Glasgow, above. DFYNE employs almost 130 people at its headquarters in Glasgow, and it is the third business that its founder, Oscar Ryndziewicz, has launched. He said: 'There is always a bit of luck involved and anyone who has done well who says otherwise is not really telling the truth. But if you don't try you are never going to get lucky.' Health and fitness brands have emerged as being among Britain's fastest-growing private companies as entrepreneurs across the country tap into blossoming lifestyle trends. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the number two spot UK-wide is Healf, a London-based retailer selling health products from vitamins and minerals to fitness watches and sleep masks. The company's sales increased more than fivefold on average over the past three years, with it making £40m in the latest year, the research found. Other firms included in the top 20 that have tapped into the burgeoning demand for wellness include Ancient + Brave, a brand selling collagen and dietary supplements, and Rheal, a Sunderland-based superfoods retailer. Sportswear brand Montirex and health-focused meal delivery firm Simmer Eats also clinched spots in the annual list. The publication compiled its fourth annual list by examining sales growth figures across private companies - excluding those selling their own technology, which feature in a separate table. The listing is sponsored by Barclays Private Bank and supported by S&W, the professional services firm, Oracle NetSuite and Singer Capital Markets. Elsewhere, Nala's Baby, which sells skincare and haircare products for children and babies, was number ten in the rankings, having enjoyed sales growth of 175 per cent over the past three years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The brand was founded by Casyo Johnson - otherwise known as Krept, one half of UK rap duo Krept & Konan - with co-parent Sasha Ellese in 2022. The research also found that, of the 100 companies featured in the rankings, more than a third (36) are based in London, with the rest spread throughout the UK. There were 28 businesses included this year that have female founders or co-founders, including fashion brand Odd Muse, in fourth place, and jewellery business in ninth. About half of the companies on the list trade internationally, according to the research. Mo Syed, head of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management UK, said: 'This prestigious ranking celebrates the innovation, ambition and resilience of Britain's entrepreneurs - qualities that we at Barclays Private Bank are privileged to support.

Ayrshire-based civil engineering company cuts project time in half with technology investment
Ayrshire-based civil engineering company cuts project time in half with technology investment

Scotsman

time18-06-2025

  • Business
  • Scotsman

Ayrshire-based civil engineering company cuts project time in half with technology investment

Ayrshire-based civil engineering firm Dalcon Ltd has boosted onsite productivity and halved project timescales by investing in four Trimble® Earthworks excavator systems from SITECH UK & Ireland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. This machine control platform is designed to significantly improve productivity, cost efficiencies and sustainability onsite by integrating several advanced technology features. Neil Wilson, Director at Dalcon Ltd, said: 'This is our largest investment in advanced construction technology to date and the effect on productivity has been eye opening, with one project already being eight weeks ahead of schedule, and on track to be completed in half the estimated time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Since SITECH delivered and installed the systems, we have seen a significant increase in accuracy, efficiency and productivity across multiple projects. By automating processes that were previously achieved manually we have reduced the time taken on excavation jobs. The system enables operators to grade to specification whilst maximising each truck load, helping contractors to achieve more with the same machine. With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. 'Reducing downtime is key to enhancing productivity for contractors. By leveraging precision technology, we can minimise the risks of over-digging or striking hazardous areas and minimise the need to wait for updated site-data from surveyors. In addition, the system allows for site connectivity and remote diagnostics which further reduces the risk of downtime. Our team can monitor the integrated machines from anywhere, increasing the ability to run multiple sites as efficiently as possible.' Neil explains how the systems have also made an impact on safety for contractors: 'Crucially, the technology is accessible for operators of all skill levels, and by automating processes we have reduced the need for personnel to be working directly alongside heavy machinery by approximately 25%. The system uses angle sensors and GNSS receivers to provide highly accurate information on the excavator's position and bucket location, which reduces the risk of accidents on site, freeing up personnel for more vital tasks.'

Ayrshire group becomes first multi-venue firm to gain B Corp certificate
Ayrshire group becomes first multi-venue firm to gain B Corp certificate

The National

time14-06-2025

  • Business
  • The National

Ayrshire group becomes first multi-venue firm to gain B Corp certificate

Ayrshire-based Buzzworks now joins a select group of businesses recognised for their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. The B Corp certification comes after a successful year for the company, which saw its turnover increase 18% from £29.9 million to £34.8m in 2024. Buzzworks is also focused on expanding its portfolio, aiming to double its number of venues across various brands like Scotts, House, and Lido. Buzzworks earned its certification following an in-depth evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit organisation ­behind the B Corp movement. READ MORE: Edinburgh MoonWalk 2025 to be last in capital after 19 years The company's managing director, Kenny Blair, who was instrumental in leading the business through the rigorous process, said the achievement had been one of the most challenging and rewarding processes the business had ever gone through. 'With our scale, it was no small task but we were absolutely determined to make it happen,' he said. 'At Buzzworks, we've always believed in doing the right thing for our people, through industry-leading training and development initiatives for the communities we operate in, by creating jobs and supporting local charities and for the planet. Becoming a Certified B Corporation is a major step forward in our commitment to all three. 'We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It's a testament to the collective effort of our team and the values we live by every day at ­Buzzworks.' Blair (above) said the company would continue to work closely with a range of charities and community partners, while also taking significant steps to address its environmental impact – including a commitment to reduce waste and energy consumption. These efforts are underpinned by ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) tracking to measure Buzzworks' progress and ensure continued accountability. Blair added: 'Buzzworks has ambitious plans to double the size of the business, bringing its award-winning culture and values to even more communities. Its three core values – Care with Flair, Grow Forward Together and Value Every Voice – have shaped its B Corp journey and will continue to guide the company's future. 'Renowned for its ­industry-leading employee benefits, training and ­development, flexible working ­options and wellbeing initiatives, Buzzworks remains committed to ­being a great place to work and grow.'

Firm at centre of NHS corruption scandal moves business to new company as directors jailed
Firm at centre of NHS corruption scandal moves business to new company as directors jailed

Daily Record

time07-06-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Record

Firm at centre of NHS corruption scandal moves business to new company as directors jailed

Four men were jailed for a total of 29 years following a major investigation into the award of lucrative NHS contracts to Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm, Oricom. The firm at the centre of a £6m NHS corruption scandal is set to move its business to a new company linked to its jailed directors. Four men found guilty following a major investigation into the award of lucrative NHS contracts to an Ayrshire-based telecommunications firm were jailed for a total of 29 years on Thursday. ‌ Oricom directors Adam Sharoudi, 41, and Gavin Brown, 48, secured major deals with the illegal help of NHS telecoms chiefs Alan Hush, 68, and 60 year-old Gavin Cox. ‌ The probe was first revealed by the Daily Record after an NHS counter fraud team swooped on Oricom's offices in Irvine in 2015. Now a letter to customers from a current Oricom boss has revealed the service is to be managed by a company called Freestyle Communications Limited. Service Delivery Director David Ross said the change, set to take place from June 19, was 'part of a long-term plan to improve how we deliver your service'. Convicted directors Brown and Sharoudi were named on Companies House as having 'significant control' of Freestyle in May 2023, but filed a cessation in August last year. Prosecutors proved, during a mammoth three-month trial, that contracts for the supply and maintenance of telecoms equipment by Oricom broke rules on financial wrongdoing in the tendering process. ‌ Hush was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of nine charges. Cox was locked up for six years for the two jurors convicted him of. Sharoudi was also handed an eight year term having been convicted of seven charges. Brown was jailed for seven years for a total of six. Lord Arthurson said: "The reach and character of the corruption and, in particular, the corrupt relationship engaged by all of you was on a grand scale.' ‌ Hush was the telecommunications manager at NHS Lothian and then NHS Scotland video conferencing manager. Cox held the post of head of IT and infrastructure at NHS Lanarkshire. The pair abused their powers as 'public servants' to push deals through. One contract alone was worth £3.1m. In return, Hush got £18,231 of cash bungs and gifts, Cox a total of more than £70,000. ‌ All four men had denied the charges, spanning between 2010 and 2015, included bribery, corruption, fraud, theft as well as others under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In Oricom's letter to customers, Ross said the firm was 'moving to a dedicated telecoms management company focused solely on service delivery and support'. He said: 'Your contract terms, pricing, and service all remain unchanged. You'll continue to receive uninterrupted service. You'll still have access to the same support team under the new structure. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Why are we making this change? By moving your account to Freestyle Communications, we're simplifying operations and placing service management in the hands of a team 100% focused on telecoms. ‌ 'Freestyle Communications is part of the same group and is fully regulated by Ofcom.' Current directors of Freestyle are named as Ross, Stephanie Brown and Simon Agnew. Brown and Sharoudi resigned as directors of Oricom earlier this month, following their convictions at the High Court in Glasgow. They have also been banned from being a company director for the next 10 years and will face proceeds of crime proceedings. Over 250 witnesses were also interviewed and tens of thousands of text messages and emails reviewed as part of the probe. Gordon Young, Head of NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services it was a 'landmark conviction' of 'individuals who sought to exploit the NHS for personal gain'. We approached Oricom for comment.

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