Tag Archives: Scotland

News

Scottish Brand and Communications Agency Achieves 103% Growth in Top-Line Revenue and Doubles in Size in 12-Month Period

Rationale, a strategic brand and communications agency, has announced an impressive 103% growth in top-line revenue over the past 12 months. The strong financial growth has also been further supported by the business doubling its team in size and further international growth. 

 

The agency, headquartered in Edinburgh and with offices in London and New York, has seen phenomenal growth due to its authentic strategy creation around a brand’s ‘why’ and the cultivation of a stand-out culture.  

 

Co-MD Rowan Morrison comments: “We attribute our rapid growth to the unique approach and culture we’ve built, leading to the formation of an incredible, motivated team. Next year, we will be focusing on further growth in B2B verticals where we have a depth of expertise, such as healthcare and health-tech, financial services, engineering and architecture, and innovation.”  

 

As part of Rationale’s commitment to excellence, the agency welcomes Strategy Director, Caroline Olechowski, who joins as a key addition to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Caroline brings a wealth of experience and expertise, which officially begins in the first week of December 2023. She is joined on the SLT by a second recent hire, Aisling Cotter, whose experience includes management roles at Schuh and Edinburgh-based agency, the Union.  

 

Olechowski and Cotter join Paul Saag, Rationale’s Creative Director, to continue to drive the agency forward. In addition to the SLT, Rationale has recently welcomed Clodagh Laing as Finance Manager and Fraser Malone as Editorial Strategist. 

 

With an eye on continuing international expansion, Rationale is actively building on its US presence and plans to host a significant event in New York in Spring 2024. The agency also maintains its commitment to BCorp status, actively working on sustainability and culture initiatives to contribute positively to the business landscape. 

 

The agency’s new office space on the Shore in Leith has become a landmark in Edinburgh’s creative hub, positioning Rationale to launch a series of events, in collaboration with other agencies in the area. The office will also support community endeavors, offering the boardroom for use by local charities and exploring various charitable initiatives as the agency bolsters its charitable credentials. 

 

Co-MD Svein Clouston adds: “From the start, we have had a driving ambition to challenge traditional agency models and elevate the quality and motivation of our team. Rationale prides itself on achieving high levels of creativity and quality, changing perceptions of B2B brand communications by fostering a supportive and empowering work environment. 

 

“We’re hugely passionate about insight-led, highly relevant, creative communications and brand storytelling that deliver against our clients’ objectives. Our leadership team is directly involved in the work we do as an agency and intends to continue to be so, to support not only our clients, but also our team in terms of mentoring and training.” 

 

Rationale boasts deep, evidenced expertise in B2B, with a particular focus on SME and Corporate audiences, addressing the decision-makers crucial for client engagement. The agency’s extensive experience extends to financial services, healthcare and health-tech, education, SME services, internal comms, and employer branding, providing comprehensive solutions to a diverse range of clients. 

 

To find out more, visit: wearerationale.com 

Awards, News, Packaging, Sustainability

Scottish sustainability pioneer named country’s best entrepreneur

A Scottish sustainable packaging pioneer has clinched the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022, UK Transformational Leader title. Glasgow-based David MacDonald, owner of Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging, won the hotly-contested national award at the recent EY Awards ceremony in Manchester. A panel of entrepreneurial peers judged MacDonald the winner from over 30 semi-finalists and 19 finalists of the UK’s brightest and best entrepreneurs who are driving economic growth and job creation.

David has been a force in the sustainable packaging movement, producing over 1 billion eco-friendly packaging products since 2020, announcing the creation of 120 new jobs this year and driving a £15 million expansion plan to make the UK a sustainable products and packaging manufacturing leader. Additionally, he spearheaded the launch of the innovative Fibre Bottle, a patented biodegradable paper bottle that can, uniquely, remove 300 million plastic bottles, pouches or glass per year from our shelves, which has earned an endorsement from one of the world’s foremost environmental campaigners, Sian Sutherland of A Plastic Planet.

Under David’s leadership, Cullen has become a global company, growing from one export country to 34 destinations, with the skill and capacity to replace most single use plastic packaging with moulded fibre alternatives within one month. David is also recognised for transforming the whole culture of Cullen, with the company now united in supporting and driving his mission of helping the world achieve its sustainability goals.

David MacDonald, Cullen ECO-Friendly Packaging’s Owner, said: “I’m so proud to be named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 UK Transformational Leader Winner. I am delighted and humbled to be recognised for my achievements in growing the business, generating jobs and creating sustainable, market-disrupting products and packaging that are viable replacements for single-use plastics. Sustainability is my passion and I’m driven by innovation and finding solutions to our clients’ challenges, solutions that will bring about real change.”

Gregor Angus, EY regional judge commented: “Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates leaders with inspirational stories – those who are creating long term value, reframing our future, and contributing purpose beyond profits. Entrepreneurship can be demanding and isolating, so the programme goes beyond a competition and enables leaders to reflect on their successes and share their most pressing challenges with like-minded peers in this outstanding entrepreneurial community.

“It has been a privilege hearing the stories of our inspiring Scottish cohort as they demonstrate the talent, passion and entrepreneurial flare we have throughout the country, and the value they create within their business, across local and international markets and for their communities.”

News

Grant Thornton’s Scotland Limited Report 2022 shines light on Top 100 private companies in the nation

Grant Thornton has today released its Scotland Limited Report 2022, which identifies the country’s Top 100 private limited companies, and explores what lies behind their position as the nation’s most dynamic and successful businesses.
The Scotland Limited Report is compiled using the most recent publicly available accounts of Scotland’s best performing private businesses, which are ranked based on a hybrid measure of data, which includes turnover and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
This year’s report highlights the various achievements and contributions the Top 100 have made to the Scottish economy over the last year and provides key data for economic trends across oil and gas, manufacturing and engineering, real estate, food and beverages and other core sectors. It also analyses M&A activity, debt levels, export figures, and regional and international trends, offering detailed insights into the Scottish business landscape for 2022.
Food and drink companies dominate the list (22), with the majority based in the West – the region that is home to nearly half (47) of the Top 100 companies. The dominance of energy and natural resources and manufacturing and engineering in the North East of Scotland will surprise nobody, but it’s not a market that stands still – especially with the changing offshore landscape. Following a trend seen in previous reports, the north and south have the lowest number of Top 100 companies.
This year saw several large companies leave the table, including businesses that were sold to foreign or listed buyers. Unsurprisingly, businesses that were significantly impacted by COVID-19, such as Edinburgh Airport, Caledonian Heritable, and Apex Hotels also left the list – it will be interesting to see how quickly they make a return.
To read the full report, please follow this link: https://www2.grantthornton.co.uk/scotland-limited-league-table-2022.html
Neil McInnes, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance for Grant Thornton in Scotland, said: “Despite the more recent setbacks from multiple challenges posed by geo-political factors and global issues, the evolving story since Scotland Limited first launched in 2014 is still one of growth.
“The report highlights that Scotland is a successful trading nation and is an increasingly connected, global economy with good support and interest from funders and other key players in the financial ecosystem. The country has great strength in innovative technologies that underpin key industries such as food and drink, and energy and natural resources. If the leading private companies continue to capitalise on new international markets while implementing well-considered, measured growth strategies, they’ll undoubtedly remain the engine of the Scottish economy.
“Whilst inflation, supply-chain disruption and rising interest rates continue to test the navigation skills of management teams across Scottish business, it’s especially instructive to look at the private companies which have already demonstrated how to ride out the turbulence.
“Overall, the report for Scotland’s Top 100 businesses this year is positive, and the country has the international reputation, expertise, and opportunity to tackle the issues that lie ahead. While there’s uncertainty caused by ongoing geo-political turbulence, unlike the pandemic, we have the foresight of some of these challenges and we can predict, plan and prepare for the future.”
News

Musselburgh Racecourse celebrates evolution of style as they announce new host for Stobo Castle Ladies Day

Scotland’s most stylish date in the calendar is returning this year at Musselburgh Racecourse with a new host, a new date and an exciting new focus on fashion. Part of Musselburgh’s Sensational 7 series, the glamour of Stobo Castle Ladies Day takes place on Friday 5 August 2022.

Award-winning TV and radio presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, will host this year’s Stobo Castle Ladies Day which promises to be the best one yet. With a selection of luxury hospitality packages, a new Style competition and first-class entertainment, Ladies Day is sure to be one of the biggest fashion extravaganzas the country has seen in a long while.

This year’s event will celebrate the changing styles of Ladies Day past and present, a theme that will be part of the entertainment throughout the day. Showcasing all the top racing action alongside dazzling fashion competitions – style and elegance will be obligatory.

Jennifer Reoch said: “I’m so excited to be hosting this year’s Stobo Castle Ladies Day. It’s been such an important date in people’s calendar’s for so many years, and I know everyone will be so excited to get dressed up and really celebrate being out this summer. I can’t wait for everyone to experience all the exciting things planned for this amazing sell out event.”

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “This year, we are looking forward to welcoming back thousands of spectators to enjoy our stylish Stobo Castle Ladies Day. It’s a great opportunity for people to really go for it and get dressed up after what feels like so long and enjoy a jam-packed day of first class racing, great food and entertainment including our infamous after-party with an exciting celebrity DJ that will be able to announce very soon!

“It’s interesting to think about the evolution of Ladies Day style and, we want this to be a day where we can really celebrate the style and individuality of our racegoers year on year. We are working with some great brands including Harvey Nichols, Sally Ann Provan and Charlie Miller, to spotlight the amazing range of clothes and looks available to buy to ensure people are feeling fabulous on the day.”

The Style Awards will be the new fashion competition for this year and leading Scottish stylist Eva Arrighi will be one of the judging panel. Eva and the other judges- who will be announced in July – will be looking for persons with style, elegance and individuality.

Eva Arrighi Stylist and judge at Stobo Caste Ladies Day said, “Ladies Day is synonymous with getting dressed up, and each year we see a collection of stunning styles and fashions. This year we are looking at the evolution of style at Ladies Day and will welcome the glamour and elegance of the past. Florals are still going to be a hardy perennial at Ladies Day but this year they will be more delicate ditzy affairs. If you’re looking to be bolder – block colours are still a firm favourite on Raceday and the cooler hues of blue and green are having a moment although white, always an elegant option, is a firm favourite this year.”

As well as first class racing and exciting entertainment and music throughout the day, there will also be plenty of fantastic food and drink offerings, as well as an after-race party with a celebrity DJ to keep the party going.

Hospitality packages for Ladies Day are already sold out but there are lots of ticket options still available including the beautifully decorated Picnic Pavilion marquee, located alongside the running rail. With a prime position for viewing the action, the picnic pavilion has its own dedicated bar, betting facilities and private washrooms and are always popular with racegoers.

 

Hybrid Working, News

Mid-sized businesses champion true hybrid working, but adoption struggles remain

New research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* finds that, since the lifting of legal COVID-19 restrictions in February, just over half (51%) of the 604 mid-sized businesses surveyed have adopted a hybrid working approach.

This is quite a significant dip compared to responses from the December 2021 round of the Tracker, when 88% of respondents surveyed were working in a hybrid way.

The new findings show that hybrid working is offering many benefits to the 310 businesses who said they were adopting this approach. These benefits include boosting productivity (54%) and improving their people’s wellbeing (65%).

Overall, just over half (51%) of those who have adopted a hybrid working approach find that it is working well in their business. This is a drop compared to December however, where 64% of those working this way believed it was working well, suggesting that struggles remain with adopting an effective approach.

In fact, almost one in five (19%) of those currently adopting a hybrid working approach said that they’re struggling to implement it effectively.

Andrew Howie is Managing Partner in Scotland for Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:

“While flexible approaches and working from home has been the norm for many office-based workers over the last two years, most of the time has been spent with everyone having little choice and working the same way – remotely. With legal restrictions now completely removed, we have entered a new environment where companies and their people are learning to embrace and adopt true hybrid working approaches. With more disparate workforces, potentially spread across the country, it will take time for teams to find a rhythm that works for the individuals, the team itself and clients.

“While having a choice over ways of working may take some time to adjust to, for both businesses and their people, it’s vital that businesses do prioritise this and support their talent in helping them decide how to work. The reliance on technology to keep us connected has been key over the last couple of years, and this next step is no different. Effective and efficient use of technology, and ongoing communication with your people, will once again be critical. But the technology required may change slightly, with requirements for more in-office tools that enable seamless communication and interaction with those at home to support different ways of working and keep a more agile workforce connected.

“There is no doubt that those that fully embrace true hybrid working, and work with their people to support them in deciding what work is best done at home and what sort of work achieves the best results when done in person, will have a sustainable, competitive advantage. Both in productivity and, critically, in attracting and retaining talent.”

The new research follows the findings of an internal survey from Grant Thornton earlier this year which found that, of the 2,206 people in the firm who responded, the majority believe that hybrid working allows them to be more productive (93%) and supports their wellbeing (91%).

A more recent internal firm survey in early May also found that 95% of the 2,018 people who responded feel trusted by their manager to work in a hybrid way and do their job effectively no matter how, when or where they work.

News

Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre sets up gift donation hub

New initiative to spread birthday joy to local children

A Scottish business with children at its heart has set up a new initiative to help young partygoers spread birthday joy to less fortunate children across Scotland.

Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre, near Edinburgh, have created a Birthday Club initiative where children celebrating their birthday with a party – and their guests – can donate an extra gift for a child in need.

The venture follows the success of the festive Toy Appeal collaboration which ran during Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre’s Christmas Experience and is the brainchild of Fiona Shapcott, Founder of local charity  Kids Love Clothes. Last year the generosity of Conifox customers, in partnership with Kids Love Clothes, helped to provide 400 gift bags of toys for distribution via the charity’s established network.

Deborah Gammell from Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre says: “The response to our Christmas Toy Appeal was fantastic and while we recognize that some families struggle at Christmas time, we also acknowledge that there are those who struggle with birthdays too. This project will help spread a little extra happiness all year round by reaching out to families and offering them the chance to celebrate their child’s birthday.

 “At Conifox, we host several parties every week, both in our outdoor Adventure Park and indoor Activity Centre. We often host up to 12 separate parties per. Each party can be attended by up to 25 children. If just some of those guests were generous enough to donate an extra gift, the potential to help others would be huge.

 “We hope children and their families will agree it is a lovely way to share the pleasure that celebrating a birthday brings.”

 Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre, situated at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, caters for youngsters from 0 to 13 and is inviting donations of gifts suitable for that same age group. Only NEW toys can be donated and placed unwrapped, into the big Toy Box in the Activity Centre. Any donations of wrapping paper and gift bags will also be gratefully received.

“We are a family-owned company,” says Deborah, “and we have young children ourselves. We believe that the well-being of local children is a shared priority, and we are confident visitors to the Adventure Park & Activity Centre will join us in this initiative.”

Fiona Shapcott, Founder of local charity; Kids Love Clothes comments, “The Kids Love Clothes team is delighted to partner with Conifox on our Birthday Club initiative.” says Fiona, ‘and giving toys is a natural extension of our core clothing service. As a wholly volunteer-led charity, we rely on the valuable support from businesses and individuals. Donated toys will be delivered in gift bags with the same care as our clothing gift bags, and with the community support, we will be able to reach even more children, giving them a birthday to remember.”

 To find out more about Conifox Adventure Park & Activity Centre visit https://www.conifox.co.uk/

News

Freshwave brings mobile private networks to Verdant Leisure parks in a first for Scotland

  • Guests and owners at Verdant Leisure’s Erigmore and Thurston Manor parks can enjoy superior broadband connectivity, with Pease Bay and additional parks benefitting soon
  • The 4G mobile private network uses Vodafone’s spectrum, which it previously agreed to share with Freshwave, in a first for a Scottish holiday park operator

Verdant Leisure guests and owners staying at Erigmore or Thurston Manor Leisure parks can now enjoy improved wireless connectivity on a 4G mobile private network. Leading UK network service provider Freshwave, working with telecoms reseller Online Systems, have designed, built and now manage the 4G mobile private network using outdoor small cell technology.

In a first for a Scottish holiday park, the private network is sharing Vodafone’s 4G spectrum. Vodafone agreed to share some of its spectrum with Freshwave in 2019 to help offer high-speed broadband in areas without 4G connectivity, as well as to promote efficient use of its spectrum. Freshwave was the first business in the UK to acquire a Local Access Licence through Ofcom’s “Enabling wireless innovation through local licensing” framework.

Bev Dixon, Chief Operating Officer at Verdant Leisure, says: “With our parks busier than ever due to the staycation boom, it’s great to be welcoming so many owners and guests. We’re pleased to be able to offer those staying at Erigmore and Thurston Manor Leisure Parks this exciting new broadband connectivity and we’ve received great feedback on it from holidaymakers already. People have been streaming, gaming, and working remotely, with no hitches to their connectivity. We’re looking forward to introducing it to our other parks in the future, with installation currently underway at our Pease Bay Leisure Park.”

Outdoor small cell technology brings broadband data speeds to each lodge in the park via a network of small cells and a mini antenna on each lodge. A SIM-based router inside then distributes the signal via Wi-Fi. The network uses Vodafone’s 2600MHz spectrum in areas where the operator does not yet use it for public services.

Greg Morton, Managing Director at Online Systems, says: “With staycations in Scotland more popular than ever, I’m pleased that we were able to work with Freshwave on this innovative approach which will give those staying at the parks great connectivity. Using small cells rather than outdoor Wi-Fi meant installing less infrastructure, so it’s less disruptive to the resort while also overcoming issues challenging environments can pose for Wi-Fi. And with very little underground cabling needed with a network like this, you don’t run the same risks of encountering unmapped utilities during installation. Not only do the park’s guests and owners enjoy improved connectivity, but it also benefits the corporate services on site, such as maintenance and housekeeping.”

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, says: “Staying connected is more important than ever before and people holidaying outside city centres need to keep in touch too, especially when there’s probably never been more of us taking a staycation! We’re proud to pioneer the use of shared mobile spectrum to deploy private networks, another new way of helping our customers connect their customers.”

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone, comments: “We’re committed to rolling out high-speed mobile to rural communities, and sharing spectrum with Freshwave complements our efforts. We’ll continue to endorse novel approaches that help bridge the digital divide and connect more people and businesses.”

There are around 800 lodges and caravans at Thurston Manor, 190 at Erigmore, and 360 at Pease Bay, which between them welcome thousands of owners and guests.

Telecoms

Passenger hand signalling at end of line as Telent installs new request to stop technology

Warwick, U.K., February 28, 2022 – Passengers at remote rail stations on the Far North Line in Scotland will soon wave goodbye to years of hand-signalling train drivers if they wish to board the train.

A new ‘request to stop’ system is being deployed by critical infrastructure firm Telent at Altnabreac, Culrain, Dunrobin Castle, Invershin, Kinbrace, Kildonan, Rogart, and Scotscalder stations. Trains on the line currently operate on a request to stop basis – meaning passengers must hand signal approaching trains to stop.

Telent is currently installing the new technology – part of a contract for a £5m Network Rail improvement package – using the existing RETB radio signalling system. With the new system, the driver will be notified on approaching the station if there are passengers waiting to board. Trains will be able to maintain line speed if no passengers are alighting or boarding the train, whereas currently they need to slow down every time they pass a station.

Ken Kyle, Business Development Manager at Telent, said “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail Scotland to deliver an improved passenger experience on the Far North Line. Many people depend on transport links like the Far North Line on a daily basis, so we’re really proud to be part of making needed upgrades to make people’s lives easier and help encourage positive impacts on the local economies.”

The new equipment is scheduled to go live across all eight stations on the line from late Summer 2022. Installations are underway across the stations and Scotscalder has been selected for initial trials and functional testing of the enhanced system prior to it being rolled-out.

Partnership Manager at HITRAN the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership Frank Roach, who lives on the line, said: “Allowing trains to pass through at linespeed if there is no requirement to call at the station means an environmental gain as brakes and fuel are saved and provides a performance buffer. The request to stop kiosks will be of great benefit to local residents and visitors alike, additionally providing real-time running information for the first time.”

As well as the request to stop deployment, Telent has been contracted by Network Rail to enhance the radio coverage across the route through deployment of additional network infrastructure at Muir of Ord, Kildonan, Wick and Invergordon.

This will improve the reliability and resilience of the communications network across the route which will improve the overall passenger experience for those travelling on the line.

For more information about Telent, please visit: https://telent.com/

Education, News, Scotland

Aspiring Investors to Battle it out in Record-Breaking Schools Contest

Future Asset shortlists Scottish candidates for next generation of winning female investors 

Schoolgirls from across Scotland are in line to be crowned the country’s most promising new business brains.

The finals of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, which nurtures the next generation of female investment experts, will be held in March, when a total of eight teams compete for the top spots in junior and senior contests. 

And this year the competition is tougher than ever with entries up by a record-breaking 300%. 

Making it to the last stage in the 16-18 year age group are pupils from: Lochaber High School (Fort William, Inverness-shire); North Berwick High School (East Lothian); St Columba’s High School (Gourock, Inverclyde) and Wellington School (Ayr). In the 13-16 year age group, those in the finals are from: Bishopbriggs Academy (East Dunbartonshire); Craigmount High School (Edinburgh); Deans Community High School (Livingston, West Lothian) and Larbert High School (Falkirk).

Financial educators Future Asset believe that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment management, demonstrating how working in the sector provides engaging opportunities and can change the world for the better. 

During the competition youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment opportunity by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a great long-term prospect 

And teenagers have reacted enthusiastically to the opportunity, despite the challenges of the pandemic, with 62 groups, comprising 240 girls, from all over Scotland taking part.

They have been mentored by investment management professionals offering advice, inspiration and career insights, and supported by teachers who have gone above and beyond in providing extra-curricular activities.

Business Education Teacher Hannah Fox, North Berwick High School (East Lothian) says: “The Growing Assets Investment Competition connects classroom learning to the Investment Industry as the students are able to make use of their learning from Business Management and Economics related subjects. 

“The task set makes it abundantly clear what a role in the industry might look like, breaking away from the stereotypical portrayal of the industry in movies. It pushes students out of their comfort zone in areas such as interacting with professionals to ask advice and run ideas past and allows them to experience managing a varied workload as well as the value of team work.

“The enthusiasm from the Future Asset Team and their guest speakers is second to none, as is the support the students receive throughout the competition. The students are very fortunate to be given access to such talented individuals and high-quality resources.”

This year more than 80 investment mentors from 28 firms, including Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors, Walter Scott and Partners and Rathbone Investment Management, volunteered to counsel the youngsters.

Mentor and investments expert Amanda Forsyth says: “The competition has proved to be a superb exercise, not just in demystifying some elements of the working of the stock market, but also in helping the teams identify skills in themselves, the relevance of which to investment processes might not have been obvious. 

“Good communication is crucial in writing research and finding that the ability to construct a flowing argument is something that truly matters was a real breakthrough moment for the members of the team who already enjoy writing. The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition has very obviously unlocked for these young women a plethora of new opportunities – and for me, as their mentor, seeing that happen has been a joy.”

Experts from journalism and business have also advised the teenagers with Executive and Voice Coach Susan Room boosting their skills and confidence with online masterclasses in Mindset, Body Language, Speech and Voice, and author, broadcaster and financial journalist Iona Bain explaining how they can invest their way to a better future.

Now in its second year, the teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch. The eight finalists will deliver an extended pitch to judges at the beginning of March with the winners announced on March 2.

The champions will receive: £1000 for the winning senior team and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior team and £150-worth of vouchers each.  Senior and junior runners-up receive £500 and £100 of vouchers and £400 and £75 of vouchers, respectively.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “The response to this year’s competition from the youngsters has just been astounding – matched by a fantastic level of commitment from teachers and mentors.

“And the calibre of entries has been so impressive. The judges are going to have a challenging job on their hands determining which teams are the true future stars of the investment industry.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

Logistics, News, Scotland

Arrowxl Trial With Argos To Promote Large Deliveries And Service Equality In Main Scottish Islands

Leading 2-person delivery company ArrowXL is trialling an extension to its established Highland service with Argos which will see customers on the main Scottish Islands – including Shetland – able to order large items for home delivery from the leading on-line retailer, on an available day of their choice at prices that match the rest of the UK. Customers will also benefit from ArrowXL’s network of local service providers who offer regular communication about the progress of the delivery.

Laurence Garnett, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics Strategy at Sainsbury’s said: “Argos is committed to delivering convenience and flexibility for customers alongside outstanding choice and value. It’s our mission to make their lives easier and this trial will mean that whether shoppers are in Shetland or the Western Isles, they can choose from around 20,000 products and get them delivered quickly and conveniently. We’ll be listening closely to customer and colleague feedback over the next few months.”

Charlie Shiels, CEO at ArrowXL, said: “We are working closely with Argos to promote service equality across the UK and give choice and certainty to 41,000 additional homes in the Scottish Islands “