Latest news with #ScottishChambersofCommerce
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
UK Government funds new ‘Brand Scotland' trade mission push
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the aim was to leverage Scotland's already strong international reputation. 'No matter where you go in the world, when you tell people you are Scottish their eyes light up,' he said. 'We want to give Scotland a global platform to sell everything our brilliant country has to offer — from whisky and seafood to our world-class services.' READ MORE In recent weeks, the UK Government has secured trade deals with the United States, India and the European Union. Mr Murray said this presented 'a huge opportunity for Scotland's economy — with the most populous country in the world, the richest country in the world and our most important market'. He added: 'The Scotland Office will be Scotland's window to the world. 'That is why I am so excited about this partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, which will create valuable opportunities for Scottish firms and help kickstart economic growth as part of our plan for change. 'I have already been to Norway, Singapore, Malaysia and the United States to bang the drum for Scotland — and with this partnership, we will take businesses to even more markets, starting next week with a trade mission to Spain.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (Image: PA) Liz Cameron, chief executive of the SCC, said: 'We are excited to work with the Scotland Office. This grant will empower us to deliver impactful trade missions that strengthen Scotland's global presence, help more businesses trade internationally and encourage more investment into Scotland.' READ MORE The UK–India free trade agreement is expected to sharply reduce India's steep import duties on Scotch whisky. Scotch remains Scotland's most famous export — worth £5.6 billion in 2023, with around 1.35bn bottles shipped worldwide. Yet India has traditionally imposed a 150% tariff on imports, severely limiting Scotch's reach. It will now be halved to 75%, dropping to 40% after 10 years. The Scotch Whisky Association believe the deal could result in £1bn of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs. The new agreement with the European Union, has been welcomed by exporters. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75m. The deal with the EU should make it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.
The Herald Scotland
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
The historic Golden Lion hotel in Stirling has a new owner
Mr Atkinson, who will be joined as a partner in The Golden Lion by wife Ros Wardley-Smith, declared he is 'absolutely delighted to be the proud new owner of such an iconic established hotel, restaurant and hospitality venue'. He said: 'I look forward to bringing my hospitality knowledge and experience in leading a passionate team to enhance their fabulous Scottish hospitable service, whilst sourcing quality local produce and supporting local suppliers, making The Golden Lion hotel the venue of choice for those wanting to stay, dine, drink and socialise. 'It's in a great location just two minutes from the train station and five minutes from Stirling Castle, with so much potential including a 250-seat ballroom and five ground floor meeting rooms. 'It is exciting to work alongside many long-serving colleagues, listening to their ideas, thoughts and suggestions to help build on the hotel's reputation and reach new markets.' Read more: The hotel was built in 1786 when the street, known in medieval times as the High Gait, was originally known as Quality Street. It was renamed King Street in 1821 to celebrate the coronation of George IV. Mr Atkinson said: "With the historic connections we will be aiming to focus on 'quality for a King' and I will be on site working hard to make a positive difference, raising both standards and expectations for those choosing to stay, dine, celebrate their memorable wedding, or simply meeting up for a coffee or drink with colleagues and friends savouring over the vast selection of Scottish malt whiskies, exciting cocktails and late night bar nibbles. "My aim is to always strive for focused care, attention to detail and professionalism in our offering, and to enjoy the love and energy of every project I have been involved in. I had been looking for the right hotel to buy for some time and this was an ideal and exciting opportunity I was very keen to secure. "Together with the team, we will steadily work to improve every aspect of the business, putting the emphasis on providing superb hospitality as well as helping to promote Stirling as a fantastic visitor destination." Mr Atkinson is described as a 'seasoned' hospitality expert currently offering consultancy advice to the hospitality trade, having previously owned and run hotels and stadiums. He is also a business ambassador for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and a member of its Scottish Business Advisory Group. Ms Wardley-Smith will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the hotel and will continue to work full-time for Scottish Chambers of Commerce. However, Mr Atkinson noted that Ms Wardley-Smith is from Stirling and "knows the hotel well which puts me under huge added pressure to make her proud of what we deliver for the city".
The Independent
29-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Heathrow expansion hailed as ‘huge opportunity' for Scotland
The expansion of Heathrow Airport will create a 'huge opportunity' for Scotland, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has said, with billions in investment and thousands of jobs. Rachel Reeves has announced the UK Government's support for a third runway at the London hub and put it at the heart of her plans to kickstart the UK economy. In a speech, the Chancellor said the move would increase opportunities for Scottish whisky and salmon, 'already two of the biggest British exports out of Heathrow'. Scottish salmon is Heathrow's biggest export by weight. The Chancellor said the major infrastructure project would spur growth in the UK's ailing economy and support 100,000 jobs. Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the move but said the Chancellor must ensure Scotland plays a role in the runway's creation. The Scottish Government said expansion must not come at the expense of long-haul flights to Scotland or result in more centralisation of the economy to London and the South East of England. Ministers have previously backed the plans, with Heathrow saying it would result in 16,000 Scottish jobs and £14 billion in growth. Dr Cameron urged Labour to make good on previous commitments for the construction of a new supply chain hub in Scotland where materials would be pre-assembled before being sent to London. She said: 'Direct access to the airport's biggest suppliers allows us to provide a pipeline of expertise, and will provide Scottish business with the credibility and leverage to secure work on other projects both in the UK and internationally. 'What will also be key is making sure we have increased domestic connectivity to Scotland and more direct flights, helping us provide the national and international connectivity vital to economic growth.' Dr Cameron said investment in infrastructure 'must be delivered as part of a wider strategy for the development and investment to follow'. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said ministers 'need to understand the wider economic impact of Heathrow expansion on Scotland', before adding: 'Any further centralisation of economic growth to the South East of England would be unacceptable. 'Enabling or supporting the expansion of any airport in the south of England must not make the potential for long haul growth to service Scotland's trade, tourism or connectivity more challenging. 'The Scottish Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Heathrow Airport in 2016, with the aim of ensuring that Scotland would benefit from this major infrastructure project. Given the UK Government's announcement this morning, we would like to see that MoU reviewed. 'The Scottish Government will engage with the UK Government and Heathrow Airport to understand any potential impact of the Heathrow expansion on Scotland, particularly on our climate targets and connectivity. 'We would also welcome more UK Government support to develop low-carbon aviation in Scotland, including the production of sustainable aviation fuel.' But the Scottish Greens condemned the decision to back a third runway, with transport spokesman Mark Ruskell saying it will be a 'disaster for future generations'. He said: 'This is yet another climate-wrecking decision from a Labour Government that is determined to fund so-called 'economic growth' by pouring billions of taxpayers' money into the pockets of private companies. 'A third runway will be a disaster for future generations; increasing carbon emissions at this crucial time for our planet's future is nothing but climate vandalism. Transport emissions across the UK are still far too high; we need to invest in reducing them through cheap and efficient public transport. 'Instead of forcing an unnecessary new runway, we could connect cities across the UK with cheap and effective high-speed rail, cutting the cost of commutes and our national carbon emissions, whilst also funding regional-rail expansion, restoring rail connectivity to communities across Scotland.'
