Latest news with #BenMacpherson
Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Taking big steps towards solving housing emergency
City of Edinburgh Council depute leader Mandy Watt As Edinburgh continues to grow, one of the most pressing issues we face is the shortage of affordable housing. We've seen demand for homes increase year after year, but at the same time housing costs keep rising. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... The city's supply of social housing and the grant funding we receive from the Scottish Government to build new homes just hasn't kept pace with demand. We're working to tackle this housing emergency by both building homes and buying them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With around 5500 households in temporary accommodation every night because of homelessness, we've set a target to significantly improve housing and to source homes quickly, within the means that we have. Leith MSP Ben Macpherson with the First Minister John Swinney at the Granton Waterfront development Edinburgh continues to be the lowest funded local authority in Scotland per head of population and currently has fewer council-owned homes, so we need to do things differently from other councils. In the same way that homebuyers need a mortgage, borrowing has become a vital and standard part of our financial planning when we buy or build homes. It's the most straightforward way to overcome the shortfall in our grant funding. At the same time, we're also continuing to make considerable investment in net zero energy improvements to existing council homes and retrofitting buildings because we need them to be more sustainable and in good condition. This too is supported by capital borrowing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While our debt levels remain prudent and in line with our income and spend, our financial planning in this area is enabling us to fund the regeneration the city needs. We're using this approach to build and extend schools for the next generation, restore important structures like the North Bridge and create new communities, like the Granton Waterfront. We've also taken a big step this week towards finding a solution for the existing community on Dreghorn Estate and it's an excellent example of the power of well-managed borrowing. At a special meeting of our Finance and Resources Committee on Monday, we agreed in principle to purchase 38 homes from the Ministry of Defence for £6.65 million, using a mix of funding from the Scottish Government housing grant together with long-term loans. Rental income, over the life of the properties, will cover the borrowing costs. If agreed at full council, this purchase will secure the futures of families already living on the estate and it will also provide us with an already thriving community for other council tenants to move into. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is a huge step towards a positive outcome – a fantastic example of doing things differently to make sure we address our housing emergency and I know residents are very grateful that this proposal has had so much support from councillors. Cllr Mandy Watt, Edinburgh City Council Depute Leader and Finance and Resources Convener
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
D.LUXURY, Clearco, and Finaloop Partner on Sweepstakes
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- a premier facilitator of growth for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, has partnered with Clearco, a leading ecommerce capital provider, and Finaloop, a pioneering financial management platform, to launch the x ClearCo x Finaloop Built to Last Sweepstakes. This strategic collaboration aims to empower ecommerce brands with critical resources and financial tools necessary for sustained growth and success. The Sweepstakes, running from 05-28-2025 to 06-27-2025, invites eligible U.S.-based ecommerce businesses to enter for a chance to win comprehensive growth-oriented prizes designed to accelerate business performance. The primary prize package includes a DIGITALRx+ deep dive audit and personalized ecommerce playbook to unlock hidden growth and profit from 12 months of advanced online accounting and bookkeeping provided by Finaloop, and a $1,000 Clearco gift card. "Our sweepstakes with Clearco and Finaloop signifies a collective commitment to removing barriers that ecommerce entrepreneurs commonly face," said Ben Macpherson, CEO at "This sweepstakes encapsulates our vision to provide powerful insights, strategy, and tools to help unlock the true potential of ecommerce businesses." In addition to the grand prize, the first 100 participants in the Sweepstakes will receive a complimentary ecommerce health scan from and exclusive discounted pricing from Finaloop. The collaboration highlights the complementary strengths of each partner: Clearco's robust financial offerings, Finaloop's cutting-edge accounting solutions, and specialized ecommerce growth insights and strategies. "We continually strive to broaden access to financial services and essential strategic resources," said Olivier Grinda, COO at Clearco. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." To enter the Sweepstakes, business representatives are encouraged to visit and submit the required entry information. Winners will be selected under the supervision of the Sponsors and notified by email following the Sweepstakes Period. "Our goal is always to enhance financial visibility and democratize access to financial services and strategic resources," said Rafi Ganz, Head of Partnerships at Finaloop. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." Full details, including Official Rules, eligibility criteria, and further information about the Sweepstakes, can be found at About is the leading insights, strategy and growth execution firm for DTC businesses. provides deep e-commerce and customer insights through its DIGITALRx audits, strategy from leading growth experts, and precision growth execution services, including paid media, creative, and retention. Founded in 2018, has partnered with leading direct-to-consumer brands, helping to drive measurable increases in revenue, profit and overall enterprise value. To learn more, visit About DIGITALRx™ DIGITALRx™ has been used by hundreds of leading ecommerce brands to help unlock growth and profitability. This proprietary, proven process is the culmination of our deep industry experience as consumer brand owners and operators, marketers, and analysts—plus advanced data analytics technology, industry benchmarks, and research. About Clearco Clearco is the non-dilutive working capital solution for ecommerce businesses in the United States. Clearco's Invoice Funding and Receipt Funding allow businesses to access the capital they need for invoices and receipts pertaining to inventory, marketing expenses, shipping, logistics, tax bills, and more. Clearco funding has capped weekly payments, is non-dilutive, and does not take collateral or personal guarantees. Founded in 2015, Clearco has funded more than 10,000 businesses with $2.5B invested. For more information, visit Funding subject to meeting eligibility requirements. About Finaloop Finaloop is a leading end-to-end accounting solution built for ecommerce and multichannel brands. Powerful automations and integrations work in tandem with a team of top-level expert accountants to build your complete financial statements in real time. Through live insights down to SKU level profitability, founders are empowered to make informed decisions and optimize their business operations. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Victoria Thomsoninfo@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
D.LUXURY, Clearco, and Finaloop Partner on Sweepstakes
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- a premier facilitator of growth for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, has partnered with Clearco, a leading ecommerce capital provider, and Finaloop, a pioneering financial management platform, to launch the x ClearCo x Finaloop Built to Last Sweepstakes. This strategic collaboration aims to empower ecommerce brands with critical resources and financial tools necessary for sustained growth and success. The Sweepstakes, running from 05-28-2025 to 06-27-2025, invites eligible U.S.-based ecommerce businesses to enter for a chance to win comprehensive growth-oriented prizes designed to accelerate business performance. The primary prize package includes a DIGITALRx+ deep dive audit and personalized ecommerce playbook to unlock hidden growth and profit from 12 months of advanced online accounting and bookkeeping provided by Finaloop, and a $1,000 Clearco gift card. "Our sweepstakes with Clearco and Finaloop signifies a collective commitment to removing barriers that ecommerce entrepreneurs commonly face," said Ben Macpherson, CEO at "This sweepstakes encapsulates our vision to provide powerful insights, strategy, and tools to help unlock the true potential of ecommerce businesses." In addition to the grand prize, the first 100 participants in the Sweepstakes will receive a complimentary ecommerce health scan from and exclusive discounted pricing from Finaloop. The collaboration highlights the complementary strengths of each partner: Clearco's robust financial offerings, Finaloop's cutting-edge accounting solutions, and specialized ecommerce growth insights and strategies. "We continually strive to broaden access to financial services and essential strategic resources," said Olivier Grinda, COO at Clearco. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." To enter the Sweepstakes, business representatives are encouraged to visit and submit the required entry information. Winners will be selected under the supervision of the Sponsors and notified by email following the Sweepstakes Period. "Our goal is always to enhance financial visibility and democratize access to financial services and strategic resources," said Rafi Ganz, Head of Partnerships at Finaloop. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." Full details, including Official Rules, eligibility criteria, and further information about the Sweepstakes, can be found at About is the leading insights, strategy and growth execution firm for DTC businesses. provides deep e-commerce and customer insights through its DIGITALRx audits, strategy from leading growth experts, and precision growth execution services, including paid media, creative, and retention. Founded in 2018, has partnered with leading direct-to-consumer brands, helping to drive measurable increases in revenue, profit and overall enterprise value. To learn more, visit About DIGITALRx™ DIGITALRx™ has been used by hundreds of leading ecommerce brands to help unlock growth and profitability. This proprietary, proven process is the culmination of our deep industry experience as consumer brand owners and operators, marketers, and analysts—plus advanced data analytics technology, industry benchmarks, and research. About Clearco Clearco is the non-dilutive working capital solution for ecommerce businesses in the United States. Clearco's Invoice Funding and Receipt Funding allow businesses to access the capital they need for invoices and receipts pertaining to inventory, marketing expenses, shipping, logistics, tax bills, and more. Clearco funding has capped weekly payments, is non-dilutive, and does not take collateral or personal guarantees. Founded in 2015, Clearco has funded more than 10,000 businesses with $2.5B invested. For more information, visit Funding subject to meeting eligibility requirements. About Finaloop Finaloop is a leading end-to-end accounting solution built for ecommerce and multichannel brands. Powerful automations and integrations work in tandem with a team of top-level expert accountants to build your complete financial statements in real time. Through live insights down to SKU level profitability, founders are empowered to make informed decisions and optimize their business operations. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Victoria Thomsoninfo@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
D.LUXURY, Clearco, and Finaloop Partner on Sweepstakes
CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- a premier facilitator of growth for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, has partnered with Clearco, a leading ecommerce capital provider, and Finaloop, a pioneering financial management platform, to launch the x ClearCo x Finaloop Built to Last Sweepstakes. This strategic collaboration aims to empower ecommerce brands with critical resources and financial tools necessary for sustained growth and success. The Sweepstakes, running from 05-28-2025 to 06-27-2025, invites eligible U.S.-based ecommerce businesses to enter for a chance to win comprehensive growth-oriented prizes designed to accelerate business performance. The primary prize package includes a DIGITALRx+ deep dive audit and personalized ecommerce playbook to unlock hidden growth and profit from 12 months of advanced online accounting and bookkeeping provided by Finaloop, and a $1,000 Clearco gift card. "Our sweepstakes with Clearco and Finaloop signifies a collective commitment to removing barriers that ecommerce entrepreneurs commonly face," said Ben Macpherson, CEO at "This sweepstakes encapsulates our vision to provide powerful insights, strategy, and tools to help unlock the true potential of ecommerce businesses.' In addition to the grand prize, the first 100 participants in the Sweepstakes will receive a complimentary ecommerce health scan from and exclusive discounted pricing from Finaloop. The collaboration highlights the complementary strengths of each partner: Clearco's robust financial offerings, Finaloop's cutting-edge accounting solutions, and specialized ecommerce growth insights and strategies. "We continually strive to broaden access to financial services and essential strategic resources," said Olivier Grinda, COO at Clearco. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." To enter the Sweepstakes, business representatives are encouraged to visit and submit the required entry information. Winners will be selected under the supervision of the Sponsors and notified by email following the Sweepstakes Period. "Our goal is always to enhance financial visibility and democratize access to financial services and strategic resources," said Rafi Ganz, Head of Partnerships at Finaloop. "Through this collaboration, we aim to equip ecommerce brands with the critical financial and strategic tools they need to scale efficiently." Full details, including Official Rules, eligibility criteria, and further information about the Sweepstakes, can be found at About is the leading insights, strategy and growth execution firm for DTC businesses. provides deep e-commerce and customer insights through its DIGITALRx audits, strategy from leading growth experts, and precision growth execution services, including paid media, creative, and retention. Founded in 2018, has partnered with leading direct-to-consumer brands, helping to drive measurable increases in revenue, profit and overall enterprise value. To learn more, visit About DIGITALRx™ DIGITALRx™ has been used by hundreds of leading ecommerce brands to help unlock growth and profitability. This proprietary, proven process is the culmination of our deep industry experience as consumer brand owners and operators, marketers, and analysts—plus advanced data analytics technology, industry benchmarks, and research. About Clearco Clearco is the non-dilutive working capital solution for ecommerce businesses in the United States. Clearco's Invoice Funding and Receipt Funding allow businesses to access the capital they need for invoices and receipts pertaining to inventory, marketing expenses, shipping, logistics, tax bills, and more. Clearco funding has capped weekly payments, is non-dilutive, and does not take collateral or personal guarantees. Founded in 2015, Clearco has funded more than 10,000 businesses with $2.5B invested. For more information, visit Funding subject to meeting eligibility requirements. About Finaloop Finaloop is a leading end-to-end accounting solution built for ecommerce and multichannel brands. Powerful automations and integrations work in tandem with a team of top-level expert accountants to build your complete financial statements in real time. Through live insights down to SKU level profitability, founders are empowered to make informed decisions and optimize their business operations. To learn more, visit
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
SNP names Edinburgh and Lothians constituency candidates for 2026 Holyrood elections
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Two SNP MSPs who were facing possible deselection have won the battle to stand again at next year's Scottish Parliament elections. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Edinburgh Northern & Leith MSP Ben Macpherson saw off a challenge from former Edinburgh council leader Adam Nols-McVey to become the candidate for the new seat of Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith. And Midlothian North & Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie, the former SNP treasurer questioned in the long-running investigation into SNP finances but cleared of any wrongdoing, will stand for the redrawn Midlothian North constituency despite a bid by Midlothian council leader Kelly Parry for the seat. Sitting MSPs Ben Macpherson and Colin Beattie were both reselected for next year's elections despite challenges | collage Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The SNP released a full list of all its constituency candidates for the 2026 Holyrood elections after local votes by party members across the country to decide who would stand in their area. Candidates for the regional lists will be chosen later. Edinburgh council SNP group leader Simita Kumar was selected in Edinburgh South Western, formerly Edinburgh Pentlands, where current MSP Gordon MacDonald is retiring. Former Edinburgh housing convener Kate Campbell was chosen for the new Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh & Tranent seat, where sitting MSP Ash Regan defected from the SNP to Alba. And Euan Hyslop, SNP education spokesman on the council, was chosen to fight the new Edinburgh Northern constituency. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad East Lothian SNP group leader Lyn Jardine will be the candidate in Edinburgh North Western and Sally Donald in Edinburgh Southern. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson was reselected for Edinburgh Central, Justice Secretary Angela Constance for Almond Valley and Housing Minister Paul McLennan in the newly-named East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs. Former MP Martyn Day, who represented Linlithgow and East Falkirk at Westminster from 2015 until 2024,will now try to win the same seat at Holyrood. West Lothian SNP deputy group leader Pauline Stafford will fight the new Bathgate seat. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And former MP, Calum Kerr, who represented Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk from 2015 to 2017, is the new candidate for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, where veteran MSP Christine Grahame is retiring. Angus Robertson, chair of the SNP's election campaign committee, said: "I am delighted the Scottish National Party has selected a group of brilliant, talented and diverse candidates to take forward our positive vision for Scotland's future at next year's Scottish Parliament elections. "Under John Swinney's leadership, the SNP will be offering the people of Scotland the opportunity to vote for party laser focussed on creating a vibrant economy in every part of our country, tackling the challenges faced by our public services, and creating a better future for everyone who lives here. "When people go to the ballot box next year, they can be assured that a vote for the SNP is a vote for a party who will always be on Scotland's side."
