businesses – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Cammy Day opens Drum’s Red Sandstone building on Leith Walk

The renaissance of Leith Walk in Edinburgh is set to continue with the official launch of Drum Property Group’s ‘Red Sandstone’ building – now home to a range of exciting range of new shops, cafes and businesses.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, formally opened the distinctive two-storey Scottish Art Deco building following a major refurbishment project. Known simply as The Red Sandstone, the building extends from 106 to 154 Leith Walk and provides a range of open-plan first floor business suites housed above a row of shops, cafes, restaurants and a popular bar and arts venue.

The opening of the building is set to capitalise on the renewed interest in Leith Walk following the launch of the new tramline connecting Edinburgh city centre with the port of Leith and Newhaven.

All 10 of the street-level retail units have now been fully let, with more than two-thirds of the first-floor office suites occupied by a range of small to medium sized independent businesses.

The building’s tenants include Hobz Bakery, Cornelius Wines, Middle Eastern street food restaurant Sharawama, vintage clothing store Rhinestone Cowboys, Chorrito Sauce Company, pizzeria San Ciro’s and Zoomo, the E-bike sales and hire service.

They join Leith Depot, an established bar, restaurant and music venue which has been based at the location since 2015 and has now signed a new lease expanding the venue and extending its stay at the retail parade.

The Red Sandstone now forms a spectacular gateway to Drum’s £50 million transformation of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, which will bring 148 new homes to the rear of the development linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park when complete next year.

Welcoming the opening of The Red Sandstone, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “With the tram service up and running, the regeneration of this section of Leith Walk couldn’t come at a better time.

“Drum was able to work closely with the community to revise their plans while creating this scheme and the result is a thriving and creative space. The existing occupiers and new units are clearly receiving lots of footfall already, which is great to see.”

Fife Hyland, Drum’s Operation Director added: “After a long period of community consultation and refurbishment, it’s testament to the revival of Leith Walk that the Red Sandstone building is now fully operational and buzzing with activity.

“With the tram now open and Leith Walk coming back to its bustling best, the building is set to fulfil its potential as a distinctive focal point and destination for the area.

“We have been hugely encouraged with the high levels of occupier interest in the retail units, which are now all fully let, and in the office spaces above – of which we only have a few remaining suites available.

The vibrant retail parade has a diverse range of independent traders including shops, cafés, restaurants and the ever-popular Leith Depot bar and arts venue, whilst the sympathetically restored office suites have proved very popular as a small business location in the diverse and dynamic community of Leith.

The refurbished Red Sandstone building is now well set to play a key role in promoting the rich tradition of diversity and independence which makes Leith such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.”

Edinburgh businessman Aytac Gul has opened Middle Eastern street food restaurant Sharawama at The Red Sandstone, as well as operating the café space providing the entry point for the first-floor office suites. A

s the operator of some seven restaurants and cafes in the Leith area over the last 12 years, Aytac has witnessed many changes to the local neighbourhood.

“Leith Walk has undergone a radical transformation in the last decade,” he says. “It is now one of the most contemporary yet diverse streets in Edinburgh. It’s a genuinely cosmopolitan community which brings together a hugely diverse range of independent retailers, cafes and bars and is especially appealing to the younger generation looking for something a little different to the rest of the city, often providing better value and a more eclectic mix of attractions.

“The new tramline is now bringing more visitors and footfall to the area, especially when there are more shops, cafes, businesses and homes being created here, attracting more people from the city centre to venture further down Leith Walk.”

The last remaining office suites on the first floor of the Red Sandstone building are available for immediate occupancy.

For more information on The Red Sandstone and its office suites, visit www.theredsandstone.com or contact office agents Culverwell on 0131 243 9617.

SEPA reveals how businesses are taking action to avoid water scarcity this Water Saving Week

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is highlighting how businesses are playing their part to protect Scotland’s water environment as part of Water Saving Week 2022.

The annual event has been created by Waterwise to raise awareness of the issues around water use and takes place between Monday 23 May and Friday 27 May. Today, the final day of the campaign, focuses on water and the natural environment.

Scotland’s climate is changing, and communities are coming to terms with the impacts of more frequent extreme weather events like water scarcity. Climate change is likely to bring more uncertainty and cause problems in new areas.

Many rivers and watercourses require groundwater to supplement rainfall during the summer months. However, due to a drier than average winter, we are already seeing lower groundwater storage and this could result in water scarcity.

The latest water situation report, published this week, continues to show an east-west split in the risk of water scarcity:

Conditions in the west remain at Normal level and there has been some recovery in the south. However, without above-average rainfall in the next few months, the risk of impacts from water scarcity will increase and therefore most of this area stays at Early Warning.

In the east, despite some rainfall over the last week, this has not been enough for recovery and these areas also remain at Early Warning.

Groundwater levels at monitoring sites in the east and south-west remain low for the time of year, while the north and north-east are within normal range.

SEPA works with businesses all over Scotland to help manage the range of conditions they face and to avoid water scarcity issues where possible. This includes key sectors such as food and drink production, energy, farming and golf.

Royal Troon in Ayrshire, a world-famous golf club which has hosted several Open Championship tournaments, has demonstrated its commitment to protecting water resources and the environment by investing in more efficient equipment.

Club Secretary, Stephen Anthony, said: “A reliable clean water source is essential for care and maintenance of the course. The environment and use of water is one of our primary concerns and over watering can actually have a detrimental impact on the species of grass and the playability of the course.

“Over the past three years, the club has made a major investment in a state-of-the-art replacement irrigation system on all courses, from abstraction from a burn that discharges into the sea after passing through the course, to storage, and to delivery via the sprinkler heads.

“Unlike our previous system that was virtually all on or all off, this one enables us to target water to where it is needed. We could have one single sprinkler working and all others off. This allows us to use water more efficiently.”

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “Our aim is to work with businesses to do the right thing and help protect our water environment.

“Golf is just one industry that is fundamental to that, and it is great to see a club like Royal Troon making such an investment in their irrigation system. This not only ensures the best possible outcome for their own operations but eases pressure on nearby burns and rivers when they are at risk of drought.

“It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity both now and in the future. SEPA is here to help plan and can advise on a series of straight forward steps for businesses to take such as monitoring water usage and equipment and avoiding any unnecessary leakage. We encourage them to work together and stagger their abstractions to minimise any potential impacts.”

Business can find out more information about water scarcity and how to prepare on our website.

North Edinburgh Community Festival: Call for contributors

Registration Form for our community festival is now available!

We are looking for local community groups, organisations, businesses, creators, makers or traders to join the festival family and host events, activities or a stall.

See below for registration form:

https://bit.ly/3svysWm

Stricter measures to limit the spread of Omicron come into effect today

New guidance to help limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Scotland has been published. This latest guidance took effect from 00.01 this morning (Friday 17 December).

Businesses will now be legally required to take reasonable measures to minimise transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The guidance will support businesses to put in place a range of public health measures that will help keep people safe, including enabling home working for those who are able to work from home – something that is key to breaking chains of transmission.

Masks should be worn in all businesses, and retail and hospitality businesses should consider ‘reasonable measures’ to reduce crowding and manage queues.

Workplace testing is being extended and businesses with more than 10 employees are encouraged to sign up to receive free lateral flow test kits to ensure staff are able to test regularly.

To help mitigate further economic harm as a result of this vital public health guidance, a £100 million financial package for eligible businesses is also being established to support them through this period. £100 million for self-isolation support grants is also being made available to those who need it.

The Economy Secretary is engaging with affected business groups and details of the funding is to be set out shortly.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said yesterday: “The Omicron variant is spreading at a rapid pace and we have had to work extremely quickly to get revised guidance in place for businesses, to take effect from 00.01 Friday 17 December.

“It is crucial that everyone follows this guidance to support businesses to keep their premises safe and prevent transmission of Omicron, especially as we ramp up booster vaccinations. Please get your booster, test regularly, follow the guidance, wear a mask and distance from people when you’re out and about. All of these layers of protection will help to limit the spread of Omicron, especially as we approach the festive period.

“I am also making a plea to be considerate to staff who are doing their best during this challenging period.

“In addition to guidance, we know that businesses need financial support now. We are working to get funding out to businesses as soon as we can but the Treasury must also step up and provide urgent funding beyond what we are able to provide.

“I wrote to the Chancellor last night and the First Minister has requested talks with the Prime Minister – this situation is serious and we need the UK Government to engage with us on further support.”

Read the Safer Businesses and Workplaces guidance

Read the Tourism and Hospitality sector guidance

15% of owner-managed businesses are still in survival mode

“11% reported that it is likely they will have to make redundancies in the next 3-6 months putting a potential 1.85 million jobs at risk across the UK”

Owner managed businesses coming out of the third lockdown are still struggling with the impact of Covid-19 and an uncertain economic outlook, according to the Association of Practising Accountants (APA):

11% reported that it is likely they will have to make redundancies in the next 3-6 months putting a potential 1.85 million jobs at risk across the UK
24% reported a negative or very negative impact on their business since the UK left the EU
53% of respondents identified uncertain trading conditions as their biggest single challenge
15% cited Brexit supply chain issues as their single biggest challenge

Nonetheless:

84% of respondents reported that they were either confident or somewhat confident that they would be able to access the finance that they needed over the next 6 months with anecdotal evidence suggesting that the major banks were continuing to lend
Longer term 54% were more positive about their economic prospects outside the EU while 46% were less positive

The research among 435 owner managed businesses across the UK was carried out between April and May by the APA, a network of 17 leading business advisory firms who represent over 14,000 of these businesses.

Commenting on the findings APA Chairman Martin Muirhead said: “What is clear from our research is that a significant minority of owner managed businesses who have managed to pull through the last 12 months are still in survival mode with uncertain trading conditions being the biggest concern to a majority.

“Nonetheless there is also evidence to suggest that those businesses that have managed to weather the impact of Covid-19 are now more resilient and that existing and proposed Government support measures have generally been well received.

“Over the coming months it is vital that Government maintains a flexible and targeted approach to business support focusing resource on those sectors where there is the greatest need. Owner managed businesses form the backbone of the UK economy and need continued, targeted support as we emerge from this third lockdown.”

Firms should encourage their staff to get walking this winter

– Accreditation and challenges available to help employers focus on health and wellbeing –

SCOTLAND’s walking charity and public health minister have jointly called on employers to empower staff to take daily walks within guidelines to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

With lockdown rules tightening and fewer reasons to leave the house, Paths for All believe regular exercise has never been more important to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing, especially for those working from home.

A study conducted by University College London has reported two-fifths of people say they are doing less exercise now than during the first lockdown back in March, with individuals stating they have found this period tougher than ever before.¹

Now, the charity and new Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon are asking employers to look at ways to enable their staff to take screen breaks, be more active and enjoy getting outdoors more during the working day.

The charity offers bespoke accreditation and challenges tailored to an organisations requirement to help get their workforce moving. The Walk at Work Award and Step Count Challenge both look to make walking fun and interactive by virtually connecting colleagues.

Under current restrictions, outdoor exercise is permitted, but individuals must walk alone, with their household, or can meet one other person from another household while distancing. Exercise should be planned to avoid busy areas.

Minister for Public Health and Sport Mairi Gougeon said: “The current restrictions, on top of shorter days and poor weather are all having an impact on our wellbeing at the moment. But taking a break from work to get some fresh air and get moving is one of the best ways to boost your mood, and keep fit.

“Right now it’s more important than ever to find time to focus on your health and wellbeing, and I’d encourage all employers to get involved and do what they can to support people. There are lots of creative ways to encourage home workers to stay physically active, such as introducing fun challenges or sharing resources.”

Firms are being encouraged to look into dedicated screen-free time initiatives such as a fake commute, whereby teams are encouraged to take exercise in the middle of the day in order to get their steps up throughout the working day.

Research has shown that physical activity helps to reduce anxiety and depression, and alleviate negative moods whilst improving self-esteem and cognitive function, with those who are active during their working day deemed as more productive.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “We must do what we can to keep Scotland moving, safely and responsibly, throughout this lockdown, to ward off potential mental and physical health crises.

“Walking helps boosts our mood, our fitness, our productivity and our relationships. At this moment in time, it’s a chance to take stock and appreciate our local communities’ walking routes.

“With most of the country working from home and exercise being one of the few essential reasons for leaving your home, it is the perfect time to get into walking to look after our physical, mental and social health.”

The Walk At Work Award is aimed to reverse the trend of inactive workplaces and the accreditation supports businesses in tackling issues of staff wellbeing and corporate carbon footprint, while enhancing productivity.

Employers receive one-to-one support on how to create a walking culture at work as well as examples of best practice and where to find extra help and resources

The Step Count Challenge is made up of teams of five and has one simple aim of encouraging people to walk more to feel happier and healthier, with participants having access to leader boards, goal setting and team chat to keep them motivated and connected.

Businesses can register a team of five for just £30 – and can customise their own challenges with tailored branding and personalised messaging.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life, and it’s even more important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so with to the huge array of associated benefits.

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk

1 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55843666

Consumers lack confidence in returning to local businesses

phs Index reveals one in 20 places still shutdown following COVID lockdown

New white paper reports extent of coronavirus impact on organisations
phs Index barometer shows 95% of premises now open after 43% closed during lockdown
Scotland hit hardest by closures with 51% closed during lockdown
New data indicates building usage halved over lockdown; they remain 17% quieter
Research reveals consumers in Scotland not confident to return to local businesses; 29% not confident in hygiene measures and 33% not confident in social distancing practices

New data released by facilities services provider phs Group reveals one in 20 UK premises remain closed after 43% were shut down during the coronavirus lockdown. In Scotland, the impact is even more pronounced with 51% of premises shut during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new phs Index, published six-months on from the onset of lockdown, reports that 95% of organisations (businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations) across the UK are now open following widespread closures; translating to one in 20 which are still shut down. However, Central London is lagging behind the UK with just 90% of premises open; equating to one in 10 which is still closed.

Building occupancy has dropped

Nationally, the amount of washroom waste generated by UK organisations in the last four months dropped by 49% year on year. As a good proxy for building occupancy, this indicates the nation’s organisations saw staff, visitor and customer levels almost halve this summer as lockdown took hold. In London, the amount of waste collected over the same period was down 73%, indicating a significant drop in building usage that far exceeds the national average.

Despite the number of reopenings, premises are now still significantly quieter with phs data showing a reduction in usage of 17% in August 2020 compared to pre-COVID levels meaning staff, visitors and customers are not fully returning. London is feeling the pain more than most with buildings a substantial 38% quieter in August.

The findings are published today (Wednesday, 24 September) in the new phs Index white paper, based on phs’ analysis of more than 120,000 UK organisations across all sectors and nearly 300,000 visits to customer premises each month, delivering a range of facilities services, including washroom services. Using this data, phs is uniquely positioned to identify trends in how organisations are being impacted by COVID-19 including insights into building closures and reopenings, rates of building occupancy and the impact on different sectors and geographical regions.

Consumer confidence still struggles

To find out more about consumer confidence, phs commissioned new independent research, asking people how they felt about going into local businesses.

In Scotland, nearly a third (29%) admitted to not being very confident about social distancing practices in these premises and a third (33%) are not confident about hygiene measures.

This implies that concerns about not being able to adhere to COVID safety measures is holding people back from returning to the places they would normally work and visit. Interestingly, consumer opinion is split between Edinburgh and Glasgow with people from Edinburgh must more risk averse.

In Edinburgh, 40% and 35% admitted they were not confident in social distancing and hygiene measures respectively. In Glasgow, only 28% and 24% were not confident in social distancing and hygiene in local businesses.

Food and accommodation the hardest hit sector

The phs Index reveals that at some point during lockdown, 43% of total premises shut down. A total of 5% remain closed now. The accommodation and food sector was the hardest hit with 73% of sites shutdown at the peak of closures (reached at the end of May) and 8% remaining closed today.

The arts, entertainment and recreation sector was the second most affected with 62% of sites shutdown at the peak of closures (reached in mid-June). Today, 11% remain closed – more than double the national average.

But it’s not just about public-facing building; 38% of financial and business services sector sites were shut at the peak of closures, reached at the end of May, with more than one in 10 (11%) remaining closed today.

With these sectors synonymous with London’s economy, the prolonged closures in these sectors tell the story of London’s struggle to bounce back. In addition, phs reports that while 43% of education sites shut down at the peak of closures (end of May), 99% opened their doors for the start of the new academic year.

Scotland experiences biggest closure rate

Across the UK, phs reports the distinct differences in the extent of the closure of organisations . As a result of lockdown, more organisations closed in Scotland than anywhere else with 51% of sites shutting down. By comparison, 32% shutdown in Northern Ireland, 42% shutdown in Wales and 43% shutdown in England – with the UK average shutdown rate also 43%.

When it comes to reopenings, 92% of premises are open in Scotland, 95% in England, 96% in Wales and 97% in Northern Ireland.

Lag in re-openings following restriction easings

The phs Index reveals the lag between the announcements of lockdown restriction easings and reopenings, determining an average of two weeks before organisations responded and still 5% of sites remaining closed today. Analysing the response of the accommodation and food service sector (including cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels), the phs Index reports:

End of May: peak of closures in England with 72% of sites shut – open rate of 28%
Between end of May and 4 July: closures reduce to 48% – open rate of 52%
4 July: UK Government allows cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels in England to reopen
1 week later (11 July): closures reduce to 40% – open rate of 60%
1 month later (4 August): closures reduce to 23% – open rate of 77%
Now, 2+ months later: closures reduced to 8% – open rate of 92%

Interestingly, 24% of sites reopened before the official date of 4 July, indicating businesses were reformatting themselves into takeaways, home delivery outlets or essential retail outlets.

However, the lag in reopenings tells us many organisations were simply not ready; either having not being given enough time to prepare or not having got to grips with new social distancing measures – or that it was perceived to be unsafe or not economically viable to reopen.

Risk organisations may struggle to reopen

The concern for the 5% of sites that have been closed for as much as six months is what happens next; phs analysis of 2008 recession data reveals it took nearly five years for the economy to fully recover to its pre-recession level.

Over this period, phs experienced a cancellation rate owing to permanent closure that was 65% higher than before the recession. The question now is whether the remaining one in 20 closed sites can weather the storm and be able to re-open.

David Taylor-Smith, CEO of phs Group, said: “The new phs Index gets to the heart of the impact of the coronavirus on organisations, creating a barometer for closures and occupancy during a turbulent and unpredictable time when organisations across the country shut their doors overnight and people were told to stay home.

“While the strictest period of lockdown may be over, the phs Index demonstrates there is a long way to go until organisations fully recover. Even though we’re seeing reasonably high reopen rates for organisations, the real story is that people – staff, visitors and customers – have not yet returned with buildings being 17% quieter overall and 38% quieter in London.

“It remains to be seen how many more people will return in the coming months as the pandemic and risk of future local lockdown plays out. In the interim, the only solution for organisations is to instil indisputable staff and consumer confidence in their premises, reassuring people that everything is being done to ensure their premises is as safe as possible.”

For more information and to download the free phs Index white paper, visit the phs website.

You can also follow @phsGroup on Twitter and phs Group on LinkedIn

Police advice for business owners

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Advice for Business Owners

#COVID19 has had an unprecedented effect on public health and the way we now socially interact. This has had a significant impact on the commercial sector.We would like to share some general crime prevention advice that may help and assist you during what is an uncertain time for all businesses.

The impact on business will vary and will naturally be defined by your business location, size, customer base, products and services offered, criminality in the area, and your existing levels of security.

If your staff fall victim to an assault or witness violence in your premises:

Try to remain calm and think of your safety and that of others.
If the perpetrator has left the premises, record accurate descriptions, including any vehicles used, and report this to the police as soon as possible.
Trust your instincts and maximise distance between yourself, customers, colleagues and any aggressive parties.
Use panic alarms if it is appropriate to do so. If there is a panic alarm installed use it, but only when safe to do so.
Consider the use of body worn video technology to capture evidence and positive impact the behaviour of those involved in violence on your premises.
Closed Premises/Venues that have been temporarily shut:
Test your intruder alarm, ensure it is working and fully operational.
Identify any vulnerable areas and rectify this if required.
Ensure security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of the premises.
Ensure service doors are closed and locked when not in use.
Make sure you have list of key holders who can be contacted in times of emergency and ensure your contact details for staff are up to date.
Consider moving high value items into secured stockrooms and/or out of view.
Ensure keys to the premises or other venues are not left inside and are instead with dedicated key holders.
Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area.
Ensure there are no combustible materials left in the proximity of the building such as packaging – consider the risk of fire.
Review your CCTV to confirm it is operational, provides good quality images, and is positioned to cover as much of the building’s public and private areas as possible.
Ensure that no cash or valuables are retained on the premises overnight and leave a note indicating this on the door or window of your premises. If having to retain cash on site then do so using a security accredited safe bolted or ‘ground anchored’ to the floor.

Physical Protective Measures:

Use security rated products where possible. You can find information on a variety of police approved crime prevention products at www.securedbydesign.com
External shutters and grilles are recommended but some buildings may be subject to local authority planning approval before installation.
Ensure all doors leading from public to staff, service, and loading areas are kept secure and monitored.
Consider installation of laminated glass or apply security film to existing glass to make your windows more resistant to physical attack.
An insurance rated safe should be bolted to the floor. Anti-tamper sensors can be fitted to set off an alarm if attacked.
Anti-ram security tested (retractable) bollards can be mounted externally to protect frontages but may require local authority planning approval.
Consider use of anti-theft alarms on most desirable household items.
Fogging devices that activate as a result of an intruder activation may also be beneficial – you can’t steal what you can’t see.

Large gatherings/Queuing:

Premises should be adequately staffed with prominent management present who can make decisions or be identifiable to emergency services.
Consider an allocation system or queuing to provide items that are provided on a limited basis – or possible keeping these off shop floor for collection.
“Meet and Greets” on main entrances provide reassurance, customer care and can be a subliminal message to any prospective thieves.
Where possible SIA licensed security officers should have a visible presence on the premises in strategic areas.
All prominent / desirable household item areas should have a member of staff regulating them and depending on your risk assessment, consideration given to deploying security (or trained staff) into these areas.
Reassurance to customers, some of whom may be anxious, is key to reduce anti-social behaviour. Ensure that all staff are fully briefed each day, on emergency procedures and working practices.
All staff should remain vigilant and report any violence or suspicious activity to the police.
Consider minimising the number of entry points to your building in concert with fire exits.
Ensure building perimeters are clear of any debris, dustbins, ladders or loose tools and equipment that could be used to assist or force entry.
Check that your emergency equipment/grab bags, first aid supplies and radio communication systems are well equipped, maintained, and fully operational.
Check and test your building security and emergency systems regularly.

For further advice contact your local police station, local Crime Prevention Officer at EdinburghPreventandIntervent@Scotland.pnn.police.uk, or visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk

Social Distancing guidance for businesses updated

Social distancing guidance for businesses in Scotland has been updated to help provide clarity on protecting employees in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

It provides further information for employers and makes clear that those providing essential services must follow social distancing requirements.

It asks that the owners of businesses and operators of workplaces not required to close by law to consider whether what they do is essential to the efforts in the fight against the virus or benefit the wellbeing of society.

It also asks those employers if they can demonstrate and provide their workforces with reassurance that they are consistently practising safe social distancing and complying with all other standard health and safety requirements.

If the answer to either of these questions is no, workplaces are advised to close.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for businesses in Scotland and I must thank the many companies acting responsibly and taking action to protect their workers and the wider public.

“The updated guidance we expect to be published today by the UK Government does not apply in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s established priority is public health and fighting the virus.

“Workplaces that do not follow the Chief Medical Officer’s clear and consistent precautionary advice may be putting their employees, the wider public and our NHS at risk. It is essential that all businesses act responsibly to safeguard the nation’s health, well-being and economic future.

“Our updated guidance asks non-essential businesses to consider whether their employees can work from home and, where not possible, they should close on a precautionary basis until such time it is clear to all staff and unions that they can operate in a way that is safe and fully compliant with social distancing as reducing our social interactions will reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“We need essential businesses and their supply chains to continue in their work and show that they are complying with social distancing guidance. We will work with business and trades union leaders so that we can all be clear on how activity can be undertaken safely and in a way that is fully compliant with social distancing. Unless and until such guidance is in place, non-essential workplaces, including construction sites, should close.”

The updated guidance for businesses.

Pancho Villa’s restaurant in Old Town sold

Mexican themed restaurant, Pancho Villa’s, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to an experienced local operator.

The previous owners had run the authentic Mexican restaurant in the Canongate for over 30 years, building up an excellent reputation for providing high quality food and drink with a lively atmosphere. They decided to sell the lease for the popular restaurant in order to retire.

New owner Ruori Stewart, who also owns The Apartment restaurant at Barclay Place, purchased the new lease and plans to trade the restaurant as the apartment pop-up until the property undergoes refurbishment to prepare for a new and unique concept.

Tony Spence, Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office who handled the sale, said: “Pancho Villa’s generated a good amount of interest from the outset and an experienced tenant was secured after a quick closing date was set.

“The market remains interesting with commercial properties continuing to attract interest from investors, experienced multiple operators and first-time buyers.”

Pancho Villa’s sold for over the asking price of £100,000 for the leasehold going concern.