business – Page 20 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Job experts out and about to spread work message

Jobcentre staff are getting out and about and taking work support direct to jobseekers as part of a new blitz targeting unusual locations –from football clubs to prisons and homeless shelters.

Employment numbers have reached a record 30.8 million and the number of people on the main out-of-work benefits is the lowest it’s been for a quarter of a century and now Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches – the government’s ‘army of jobs experts’ – are heading out to meet the public in children’s centres, youth hubs, homeless shelters, and rural work clubs to offer targeted support to people who need it most.

This more direct approach to helping jobseekers back to work has also seen roaming Work Coaches partnering up with professional football clubs, including Arsenal, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur, to set up schemes that help young people build confidence and skills to prepare them to find work.

And they are setting up shop in prisons across the country to help prisoners who are soon to leave custody prepare for a new life away from crime and in work.

New figures released last week show that an average of 1,500 more people were in work every day over the last year and the number of people on the main out-of-work benefits is down by more than 850,000 to under 4 million – the lowest it has been since 1990.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “Our hardworking Jobcentre Plus staff have made a huge contribution to Britain’s jobs success this year. By doing things differently, and getting out to where jobseekers are, they’re helping thousands into work every day.

“We have broken record after record in 2014 – with huge falls in youth and long-term unemployment and the highest number of women in work on record.

“This new approach is working. What we can see at the end of the year is that our welfare reforms are ensuring that people have the skills and opportunities to move into work.

“But behind these record figures there are countless stories of individual hard work and determination – stories of people turning their lives around, of families who are now feeling more secure over the Christmas period with a regular wage, and of young people escaping unemployment and building a career.”

Specialist Work Coaches are based in prisons across the country where they can help parolees sign up to Jobseeker’s Allowance up to 6 weeks before they are released. Once they sign up, they are automatically placed on to the Work Programme to help them build up skills and experience.

The Work Programme is designed to get the hardest to help jobseekers back into work and has now helped 368,000 long-term unemployed claimants find sustainable work.

Jobcentre Plus staff have also helped budding entrepreneurs to set up more than 60,000 new businesses through the government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme, which helps jobseekers, lone parents and people on sickness benefits, with a good idea, to start up their own business.

Since 2011, more than 360,000 people of all ages have taken up opportunities through employer-led sector-based work academies, or work experience placements through Jobcentre Plus, to give them a job taster and a guaranteed job interview.

In Bootle, Merseyside, Jobcentre Plus has staff working from the local Youth Hub to provide guidance and advice to young people in the area and to offer chances to gain skills and experience through Sector-based Work Academies – which are employer-led training courses that lead to a guaranteed job interview.

And in Scotland, Stranraer Jobcentre Plus staff have established weekly work clubs in rural areas to provide help on budgeting, mock interviews, CVs and cover letters, and job applications.

Have you been supported into work this year? Has Jobcentre Plus helped you start your own business? Get in touch!

Politicians call for action to save Leith-based Pelamis

Wave goodbye? Local politicians say Pelamis must be saved

Edinburgh Green and Labour parliamentarians are calling for their respective governments to support a troubled local technology company before foreign rivals step in.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone has urged the Scottish Government to intervene to secure the future of wave technology firm Pelamis, which entered administration last week.

Questioning the Energy Minister at Holyrood yesterday,she said there was a real danger that Scotland would lose a global leader in the development of the technology to an overseas buyer, and end up importing wave technology in future years.

Pelamis employs 56 staff, with most based in Leith.

Alison Johnstone, Lothian MSP said: “Pelamis has been a global pioneer in wave technology and a leading Edinburgh company, which we cannot afford to lose. We hear so much about Scotland’s renewable energy potential but we will not reap the rewards without support to turn research into commercially-ready technology.

“Pelamis is a highly respected company which has built up a huge amount of expertise. I urge the Scottish Government to use every possible means to support this company and its employees at this uncertain time.”

North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz has also expressed concern and is urging Wstminster and Holyrood to work together to rescue the company. Speaking today, the Labour MP said: “The UK is currently the world leader in marine energy and the expertise of Pelamis Wave Power – based in Leith – has won it grants and awards from the UK and Scottish Governments: I want to see them act now to put together a rescue package.

“I have raised the urgent need to try and save Pelamis in a meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland and contacted the UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary urging him him to act.

“Scotland and the UK have Europe’s greatest wave resources, but we run a real risk that if wave power technology isn’t given the long term guarantees of support that it needs, other countries will become the leaders in the technology.”

He also raised his concerns in a debate on fracking in Parliament where he referred specifically to the situation affecting Pelamis, and said after the debate: “Supporting pioneering renewable energy technology is what governments should do, instead of giving generous tax breaks to fracking.”

Pelamis Wave Power has been awarded grants for development of its pioneering technology by the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change and earlier this year its Chief Executive, Richard Yemm, was awarded the Scottish Government’s Saltire Prize for marine renewable energy.

Keir welcomes New York flights

Flights from Auld Reekie to Big Apple next summer

Colin Keir, the MSP whose Edinburgh Western constituency covers Edinburgh Airport, has welcomed the news that American Airlines will be launching daily flights between Edinburgh and New York’s JFK Airport.

Mr Keir said: “This is great news for Edinburgh Airport and more widely for Scotland. I congratulate the management of Edinburgh Airport for securing this direct service to one of the world’s leading financial centres. One of the benefits of direct flights is that the Air Passenger Duty (APD) is less for travellers who don’t have to fly to another UK hub airport such as Heathrow or Gatwick. It will be a huge boost for business and tourism and I am sure this will prove a very successful destination.”

The new service will launch next summer and run between May and September.

Selex on target with Eurofighter contract

Finmeccanica, parent company of Crewe Toll-based Selex ES, has won a multi-million Euro contract to develop radar for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The deal is expected to secure around five hundred jobs in Edinburgh.

The contract, signed yesterday in Edinburgh by the European consortium Eurofighter GmbH andinter-governmental agency NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) to develop the electronically scanned Captor-E radar for the Typhoon, will bring Finmeccanica an order worth more than €400 million.

Finmeccanica will develop, produce and integrate the new radar through its companies Selex ES and Alenia Aermacchi.

“I am particularly proud of the contract signed today”, said Finmeccanica’s CEO and General Manager, Mauro Moretti. “It is further evidence of how the products and services provided by Finmeccanica Group represent cutting edge technological solutions capable of guaranteeing high performance levels in line with the best market standards”.

“The production of the new Captor-E radar will be managed, in the role of project leader of the Euroradar Consortium, by Finmeccanica-Selex ES which, together with Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi, will also jointly integrate it into the aircraft. Today’s signing represents an important step forward towards the future prospects of the Eurofighter programme since the aircraft upgrade will enable it to compete more effectively on international markets”.

Finmeccanica-Selex ES will produce the new radar at its facilities in Edinburgh and Nerviano (Milan) while Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi (Turin site), in the radar integration phase, will be responsible for the navigation systems.

Finmeccanica Group is responsible for over 60% of the electronics on board the Eurofighter Typhoon, roughly 20% of the aerostructures, and for the training and simulation activities for both the four Partner Nations (United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Spain) and export market customers.

Selex ES – formerly Ferranti – remains one of the biggest employers in North Edinburgh.

Ready, set, go! The Graduate Journey

Get ready, 2015 Graduates – your future awaits! Whether that’s a future of internships, experiencing other cultures, or as yet to be decided, your final year of University is the time to get this all under way. It might feel intimidating – adding more to the to do list than simply “pass 4th year” is a troubling prospect, but having the future you want depends on what you do now. What will it hold for you? (writes Sophie Craik).

Internships

As a current Intern with Eden Scott, I know first hand how valuable the experience of an internship can be. If you’re going into 4th year and haven’t yet managed to secure an internship, it’s not too late but it is crucial that you try to get one, even if it’s only for a few weeks. The fact that you went out of your way to track one down will really stand out to employers upon graduation, and the reason everyone says it’s important for your knowledge and skills? That’s because it is. If there’s one piece of advice that can be given in the hunt for internships, it’s “just ask”. If you’ve got a great CV, personal website and skill set, you might make a company realise that they could benefit from an intern just as much as you would love to have the experience. Make yourself known to them, and don’t be disheartened – if at first you don’t succeed, email, phone and email some more!

Shorter term work experience placements are also a really good way to build up different types of experience throughout your final year and in the summer after graduation. This will also help you to make connections in the industry and see what company cultures you fit best with. This is an especially useful tactic if you see your future in London or another big city – living expenses for a full internship can be difficult if you can’t stay with family members or have to support yourself, but a few weeks can be manageable if done on a budget. If hostels aren’t your thing, Room for Tea offers an alternative by connecting those with spare rooms in London with people coming from out of town for internships and placements.

Graduate Schemes vs Entry Level Roles

When it comes to grad schemes, it’s best to follow the mantra “apply early, apply often”. Before the applications can start though, you need to know the lay of the land. For example, for 2015 some schemes won’t open until January of that year, whereas others have a deadline of October 2014 – just a month after you’ve returned to Uni. If you’ve already decided on an industry you want to be a part of upon graduation, now is the time to sit down with a trusty spreadsheet and get organised. Even a column of the company name, the deadline and a link to the application page/mechanism will make you feel a little more on top of things.

If you haven’t gotten to that stage yet, dedicate a few days to completely immerse yourself in the world of grad schemes. Some great websites to find them include Milkround and Target Jobs, but don’t let these limit you – if there’s an industry or company that you have an interest in, add them to your spreadsheet and find out if they have a graduate scheme. If you can’t see one listed, there’s no harm in asking – some companies may not have specific graduate channels, but will still hire graduates they see potential in.

Of course, the graduate scheme route isn’t for everyone – if you would prefer to have more responsibility from the beginning and the opportunity to work your way up, then you may be more suited to an entry level role. They tend to be less structured in terms of training, mentorship and guidance, and yet this can be ideal for self starters who prefer to impress through hard work and networking.

Gap Years

Taking a gap year after University is the perfect opportunity to see the world and travel for an extended length of time, especially so if you are heading towards a career that doesn’t offer very much time for travel in the future.

To have the most successful gap year possible, 4th year needs to be spent saving – how much depends on where you’re going. Travelling around Asia, for example, can be relatively cost effective once the flights have been purchased, whereas America or Europe can be more expensive in terms of living costs. You might be able to work on your year abroad, but again, this must be planned well in advance to ensure you have the correct visa and haven’t missed out on any employment opportunities.

Many employers value gap years in job applications, but only if they are pitched in the right way. You don’t have to be doing something constructive with the whole time you’re away – everyone’s allowed some downtime. It is important, however, to be able to demonstate how the experience has strengthened you as a person in terms of skills, experience and global understanding, and so planning activities that you will be involved with accordingly is important to factor in.

Whether you already have your graduation journey all mapped out, or you’re leaving things a little more open ended, the most important thing to remember is to never be closed to an opportunity – you never know which path might be a shortcut to your dream future!

Sophie Craik

City’s social enterprises making a splash!

ONE of Edinburgh’s best-known social enterprises, Re-union Canal Boats, played host to the new Monster branding ‘Buy the Good Stuff’ to encourage Edinburgh citizens to buy more from local social enterprise businesses.

‘Buy the Good Stuff’ is a call to action to the general public to consider how they shop around the city and can really make a difference by purchasing from social enterprises. Over 150 social enterprises are trading in Edinburgh, from cafes and retail, to creative industries and leisure generating income and reinvesting their profits into the community for social or environmental benefits.

Edinburgh is the first place in Scotland to run such a marketing campaign which goes citywide this September. Adverts for ‘Buy the Good Stuff’ will be appearing all over town including on the side of five Lothian Buses.

Linsay Chalmers, network coordinator, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network commented: “We want to let people know that you can buy fantastic products and services from social enterprises and do your bit to make the world a better place at the same time. Social enterprises get excellent ratings from customers and, as our strapline says, they plough monster profits back into the community too.”

Pat Bowie, manager of Re-union Ltd, added: “We’re really pleased to be involved in the launch of Scotland’s first social enterprise brand. ‘Buy the Good Stuff’ will make it easier for people to find social enterprises and is something that all Edinburgh social enterprises can get behind.”

Councillor Frank Ross, Edinburgh’s Economy Convener, said: “Social enterprise is a key and influential part of our city economy and has the potential for significant growth. We have many highly successful businesses running throughout the city and we want to encourage consumers to consider their purchasing options. We recognise through this new campaign, that we can really build on the fact that these businesses offer a very attractive competitive product or service with community at their heart.”

Lorna Baird, social enterprise adviser with Business Gateway, said: “Here at Business Gateway we support a wide range of businesses including those that generate profit for social good – better known as social enterprises. We are delighted to be supporting the ‘Buy the Good Stuff’ campaign as it will not only put social enterprises on the map but also help raise awareness of the incredible work they do in Edinburgh and beyond.”

Find out more about Buy the Good Stuff at www.buythegoodstuff.co.uk and @SocEntEdinburgh

Getting connected

Lothians and Fife set to benefit from Edinburgh broadband scheme

Thousands of businesses in the Lothians and Fife are set to benefit from free superfast broadband thanks to a successful scheme led by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The initiative is being delivered until March 2015 by Business Gateway in Edinburgh as part of the UK Government’s £100 million Super Connected Cities programme, and is now being extended to cover organisations located within five miles of the city’s boundaries.

Vouchers are awarded to businesses to help cover the installation costs of connecting to superfast broadband services up to the value of £3,000.

To qualify for a voucher, applicants should be small to medium-sized businesses or third sector organisations located within five miles of Edinburgh, with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m.

Councillor Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “This is an excellent example of Edinburgh helping small to medium sized businesses in the City Region access funding for a fast broadband connection. We have worked hard to secure this opportunity for local businesses and I would strongly recommend those without a fast connection apply for a voucher as high grade broadband is more reliable, faster and it will make your business more efficient and competitive.”

West Lothian’s Executive Councillor for Development and Transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “I would encourage any West Lothian companies within a five mile radius of Edinburgh to check if they are eligible for free connection to fast broadband under this scheme, as it can deliver a significant boost to their business. This could include businesses in Livingston, Broxburn, Mid Calder and East Calder.

“West Lothian Council has pledged to invest £2.5 million in next generation broadband by 2017 to ensure the area is one of the best connected areas in the UK.”

Councillor Jim Bryant, Cabinet Member for Economic Development in Midlothian, said: “Reliable and fast broadband is an essential service for Midlothian businesses. We are pleased to be part of the Connected Capital Programme so that businesses within five miles of the Midlothian / City of Edinburgh boundary can take advantage of the voucher scheme incentives and sign up with their preferred supplier from the recommended list. We will continue to work with partners in the Scottish Government on their Step Change, and Community Broadband Scotland, programmes to ensure wider access to high speed broadband in Midlothian.”

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “I hope local businesses will explore this option which offers an opportunity for faster connection. We continue to look at all the options available to connect all businesses and homes in East Lothian to faster broadband and will work with others to bring this about as quickly as we can.”

The scheme is being marketed via the Business Gateway Service in each local authority area. In the meantime, applicants are welcome to contact the project team directly on 0131 469 3990.

Organisations located within five miles of Edinburgh’s council boundaries are encouraged to check their postcode and apply online.

Carmichael welcomes positive economic report

A report highlighting positive signs for Scotland’s economy has been welcomed by Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

The Bank of Scotland’s latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey says business activity rose at the fastest rate in six months in July, supporting continued employment growth. It also reports a ‘robust increase’ in overall new business and adds that Scotland’s private sector output increased at a “sharp and accelerated rate”.

The bank’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) – a measure of the month-on-month change in combined manufacturing and services business activity – was at a six-month high of 56.8, up for the second straight month from 55.9 in June and 54.0 in May.

Commenting on the latest economic report, Mr Carmichael said: “Today’s PMI report shows that being part of the UK with its larger market, stronger and growing economy and stable currency is creating more jobs and better opportunities for Scotland.

“As we move into the second half of 2014, this report shows that Scottish employment has grown for the 20th straight month. This builds on the encouraging economic signs so far this year, such as reaching a record high in employment, more Scottish women in work than ever before and the UK’s economy being predicted to grow faster than any other G7 economy.

“It is also very encouraging to see a rise in the number of new Scottish businesses. Backing small businesses is a vital part of the government’s long term economic plan. Since 2010, 3,300 entrepreneurial Scots have moved from Jobseekers Allowance to becoming their own boss and since its introduction in April this year, 57,000 Scottish businesses have already taken advantage of our employment allowance.”

Cross-border skirmish marks St George’s Day

What’s Scottish independence got to do with the English, anyway? Well, quite a lot according to Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Cameron chose St George’s Day to launch a passionate defence of the union, but in the evening Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond launched a cross-border raid to assure our neighbours that social and business links will remain as strong as ever …

David Cameron relected on England’s role in the United Kingdom in his St George’s Day message. The Prime Minister said: “I want to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating St George’s Day. Up and down the country – including here in Downing Street – the flag of St George is flying high and celebrations – from the archaic to the eccentric – are taking place:

“In Plymouth – a patriotic festival; in London – a great feast in Trafalgar Square; in Leicester – a medieval re-enactment; and in Worcestershire – an annual ‘asparagus run’, to welcome the new harvest.

“St George has been England’s patron saint since 1350. But for too long, his feast day – England’s national day – has been overlooked. Today, though, more and more people are coming together on or around April the 23rd, eager to celebrate everything it is to be English. And there is much to celebrate. Because this is a country whose achievements in industry, in technology, sport, music, literature and the arts – they far outweigh our size.

Our counties and cities are known the world over:

In America, where Newcastle Brown Ale is the most imported ale; in China, where the most popular international football team is from London: Arsenal; in Australia, where they go mad for a Cornish cuisine – the humble pasty; in South Korea, where Yorkshire-set Downton Abbey is a TV favourite. And across the globe, where the best-selling band is from Liverpool: the Beatles.

“This St George’s Day, I want us to reflect on one of England’s greatest achievements: its role in the world’s greatest family of nations – the United Kingdom. In just 5 months, the people of Scotland will go to the polls and decide whether they want to remain a part of this global success story. So let’s prove that we can be proud of our individual nations and be committed to our union of nations. Because no matter how great we are alone, we will always be greater together.

So once again, to everyone across England, I’d like to wish you a very happy St George’s Day.”

Alex Salmond did not miss an opportunity to reaffirm Scotland’s commitment to our friends across the border. The First Minister said that Scotland will not wait until independence day to strengthen Scotland’s relationship with the north of England and celebrate ‘the ties that bind the nations of these islands’ following September’s independence referendum.

In a St George’s Day speech delivered in the shadow of Carlisle Cathedral, Mr Salmond told the invited audience of business people that a successful Scotland will become a new beacon of growth to the north, shifting the centre of economic gravity of these islands and preventing the flow of power, wealth and talent flow downhill to the south east.

He said independence for Scotland would cause an economic rebalancing of Britain and the Scottish Government would refuse to wait 30 years for high speed rail to be delivered by Westminster and instead will commission a feasibility study on work on HSR beginning from the north heading south. The Scottish Government will also push forward its responsibility to make improvement to the West Coast rail line north and improve the transport connectivity between Carlisle and the south west of Scotland, creating a ‘a conurbation of connectivity’.

Announcing the study, the First Minister said: “The vision – of these border lands as hubs – requires the transport connectivity to link Scotland and the north of England more effectively together.

“The UK’s current plans for high speed rail lack high ambition – for Scotland and for the north of England. They also lack speed – they may not reach Manchester and Leeds, let alone Carlisle, until 2032. Indeed even Sir David Higgins, who is in charge of delivering the project, has expressed concern about that current timescale.

“But since 2007, rail travel has increased by 144% between London and Glasgow; by 191% between Manchester and Scotland; and by 261% between Birmingham and Scotland. Demand for freight is also increasing, but line capacity is constrained.”

The First Minister continued:

“But by the time high speed rail first came to the UK, when the Eurostar link was completed, the regions weren’t served at all. There was no further development of services beyond London. In fact, a report by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee pointed out that “The acquiescence of Members of Parliament to the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 depended on the provision of regional services.” Its view was that “The regions have been cheated.”

“And we have seen in the last ten years that the major upgrade to the West coast Main Line focused on Southern parts of the line. We then missed the opportunity for faster services to the north because the UK Government’s procurement process for the InterCity West Coast franchise collapsed. That piece of incompetence which cost taxpayers £50m. At the moment, we may have to wait for refranchising in 2017 to see a significant improvement.

“To summarise, under Westminster control, high speed rail won’t come to Carlisle for decades. The west coast line doesn’t get upgraded, and the franchise process collapses. The east coast line has seen consistent failures of operators – and when they do have a public operator which works, their answer is to change the franchise!

“By comparison, I am pleased to report that our two rail franchise procurements are proceeding well and on schedule. And we’re keen to get on with making major improvements to connectivity.

“We are already working with the UK Government to prepare joint plans for high speed rail links between England and Scotland. Initial findings from this review are due in the summer. And we are taking the initiative within Scotland – detailed planning is being undertaken for a high speed service between Edinburgh and Glasgow, which could link to high speed lines from England. The business case for that Edinburgh to Glasgow link will be sent to Scottish Ministers in a few weeks.

“An independent Scotland could do more. Rather than paying our share of the borrowing costs for high speed rail, as we wait decades for it to spread up from the south, we can use that money to build high speed rail from the north instead.

“It’s time to take positive action. I can confirm today that the Scottish Government will build on the joint work we are undertaking with the UK Government. We will establish a feasibility study to explore in detail the options for building high speed rail from Scotland to England. In doing so, we will work closely with partners across the UK, especially in the north of England. Of course we can’t determine the route, until we undertake the feasibility study. But it is a statement of intent.

“I want to draw a brief comparison. In the north of Scotland, we are investing to reduce the time it takes to travel between Aberdeen and Inverness. We’re doing that because we want to create a conurbation of connectivity across that part of Scotland. In a similar way, we can develop a conurbation of connectivity between Carlisle and the south west of Scotland.

“That way, a prosperous Carlisle and Cumbria will benefit south west Scotland, just as a prosperous Scotland will benefit the north of England.

“These rail projects could have the potential to bring huge benefits for all of us. But they require an initiative and impetus which is more likely to come from a Scottish Government whose main population centres are within 100 miles of here, than from a Westminster Government based 300 miles away.”

The First Minister’s commitment to closer cooperation between an independent Scotland and the border lands of England will also be recognised through a forum to forge strong economic links for those both north and south of the Border with a dedicated lead minister post-independence.

During the speech, the First Minister told a gathering of business people that a railway line from London to Manchester and Leeds would bring £3 billion benefit to Scotland – but a full High Speed Rail connection would bring £24 billion and lead a major shift from air to rail.

Concluding, the First Minister said:

“I look forward to a future of close collaboration between an independent Scotland and the north of England – in a partnership which will be good for Scotland, good for the north of England, and good for all of the nations of these islands. Happy St George’s Day. ”

Scotland’s economy: glass half full or half empty?

Just how real is the economic recovery? For some, the future’s certainly looking brighter but for many more life continues to be a daily struggle …

The economic recovery in Scotland is now becoming more embedded, Scotland Office Minister David Mundell said yesterday. Commenting on the latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce business survey, Mr Mundell also stressed that there was further work to be done.

Mr Mundell said: “As today’s Scottish Chambers of Commerce survey and other recent business surveys confirm, optimism amongst Scottish businesses continues to grow. Key performance measures have reached levels not seen since 2007 which is leading to more and more Scottish businesses looking to recruit new staff.

“The manufacturing sector continues to show robust growth with investment at its highest level in six years and export orders increasing for five consecutive quarters.

“As part of the UK, Scotland is doing well. Whilst our economic recovery is becoming more embedded there is still much work to be done. The Budget set out the next stage of our long term economic plan, making it easier for Scottish businesses to invest, to take on new staff and excel on a global stage.”

With business confidence rising, The Scottish Chamber of Commerce sees a brighter economic future for Scotland, The business organisation released their Business Survey results for the first quarter of 2014 yesterday.

“The hard work and determination of Scottish businesses is yielding positive outcomes for the growth of Scotland’s economy. All the indicators in this survey point to sustained economic growth as key sectors increase investment to expand activity, boosted by higher levels of business optimism”, said Scottish Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron.

“Investment intentions of Scottish businesses are encouraging with the manufacturing industry showing superb results with higher levels of investment than at any time in the past 6 years and robust growth in export orders shown by a consistent increase over 5 consecutive quarters. Whilst investment levels in the construction sector remain low, for only the second time in 5 years investment has not declined, and over 70% of businesses in the sector have either maintained or increased commercial and domestic orders compared with the last quarter. Promisingly, almost 90% of construction businesses surveyed expect employee numbers to remain the same or increase in the next 3 months and less than 14% reduced employment in the previous quarter.

“Higher levels of business optimism in construction, wholesale, retail and tourism is a positive signal for continued growth, as all sectors reported higher levels of confidence in Q1 2014 compared with the same quarter last year.

“However, despite these positive indicators, challenges still remain. The retail industry is expecting a decrease in profitability in 2014 which may point to stalled consumer confidence and seasonal patterns, but benefit may be drawn from positive growth in the tourism sector as confidence levels among hotels remained high and a rise in the use of conference facilities was also reported.

“The issue of skills shortages is becoming more prominent as businesses look to expand and invest. Businesses in the manufacturing sector are reporting difficulties in recruiting skilled & technical staff and the tourism sector are also reporting difficulties in recruiting managerial staff and chefs. It is vital that the organisations responsible for the development of skills provision, actively work with the business community to ensure employees are provided with the skills required to succeed.

“The buoyancy and optimism of Scottish businesses is to be commended but Governments in Scotland and the UK must facilitate opportunities for businesses to access affordable finance, particularly as cash flow remains a pertinent issue for businesses in construction and manufacturing. Alongside this, efforts to export internationally must be strengthened by policy makers to enable Scottish businesses to take advantage of global trade opportunities.”

However other senior figures believe the latest figures don’t tell the whole story and that much still needs be done – particularly for the lowest paid.

Responding to the latest Labour Market and GDP statistics Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “These figures include some more positive news on the Scottish labour market but confirm that recovery remains very slow. As some focus on the level it is important to stress that the employment rate – a significantly more accurate measure of the health of the labour market – remains fully 3.5% below its pre-recession peak.

“Youth unemployment continues to stagnate at a high level with the unemployment rate for 16-24 year olds falling by only 0.1% in the year to December. We also know that far too many of the jobs that are being created are low paid and insecure whilst the number of those needing more hours at work to make a decent living remains far too high.

“STUC is not unduly concerned by the fact that Scottish GDP growth in the last quarter of 2013 was much lower than for the UK as a whole. We expect growth to catch up in the subsequent quarter. Far more concerning is the overall lack of evidence of economic rebalancing in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.”

And earlier this week The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest foodbank network, reported that over 900,000 adults and children have received three days’ emergency food and support from Trussell Trust foodbanks in the last 12 months, a 163 per cent rise on the previous year’s numbers. The charity says that despite signs of economic recovery, the poorest have seen incomes squeezed even more than last year and more people are being referred to foodbanks than ever before.

The Trussell Trust’s Chairman, Chris Mould, said: ‘That 900,000 people have received three days’ food from a foodbank, close to triple the numbers helped last year, is shocking in 21st century Britain. But perhaps most worrying of all this figure is just the tip of the iceberg of UK food poverty, it doesn’t include those helped by other emergency food providers, those living in towns where there is no foodbank, people who are too ashamed to seek help or the large number of people who are only just coping by eating less and buying cheap food.

“In the last year we have seen things get worse, rather than better, for many people on low-incomes. It’s been extremely tough for a lot of people, with parents not eating properly in order to feed their children and more people than ever experiencing seemingly unfair and harsh benefits sanctions.

“Unless there is determined policy action to ensure that the benefits of national economic recovery reach people on low-incomes we won’t see life get better for the poorest anytime soon.

“A more thoughtful approach to the administration of the benefits regime and sanctions in particular, increasing the minimum wage, introducing the living wage and looking at other measures such as social tariffs for essentials like energy would help to address the problem of UK hunger.”