Tag: retail

Lidl is cheapest supermarket in UK

  • ​​​​​​Lidl has officially been named the cheapest supermarket in the UK, beating all major retailers, and undercutting Aldi, in latest price comparison survey
  • The analysis, conducted by The Grocer, found a basket of everyday items at Lidl cost just £50.27, making it cheaper than competitors even with their discount schemes applied
  • Lidl’s everyday grocery items clocked in more than 10% cheaper than Tesco, and a whopping £19.91 cheaper than the most expensive retailer, Waitrose

Lidl has once again been named cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’, beating all major supermarkets, including Aldi.

The price index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across the UK’s seven major supermarkets, found Lidl to be £19.91 cheaper than Waitrose, the most expensive retailer. This win comes as Lidl’s fourth accolade, out of five surveys since the Grocer 33’s inception.

The survey also found Lidl came out cheapest even after other supermarkets’ discount schemes were applied. Overall, the discounter was found to be ten per cent (£6.17) cheaper than Tesco – and still £5.13 after Clubcard discounts were applied. Similarly, the same products at Sainsburys cost £6.80 more, with no benefit from the supermarket’s Nectar Prices.

The accolade also comes despite traditional supermarkets recently announcing an array of price drops, demonstrating that the discounter still offers better value.

The Grocer compares prices of items on shopping lists across the nation as part of the monthly analysis – from fresh produce, such as milk and grapes, to deodorant, and branded items including Hovis Bread and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. 

Lidl offered the cheapest price on 26 products – and exclusively the lowest price for five products across a range of categories, including:

  • Baby corn at £2.79 (76p cheaper than the most expensive and 4p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Kellogg’s Corn Flakes at £2.05 (25p cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Domestos bleach at £1.39 (21p cheaper than the most expensive and 10p cheaper than the next cheapest retailer)
  • Prawns at £1.99 (£1.76 cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
  • Custard creams at 54p (26p cheaper than the most expensive and 1p cheaper than the next cheapest)

It’s not just the Super Grocer 33 basket proving this – for the past fourteen weeks Lidl has also been cheapest in a weekly price comparison conducted by the Manchester Evening News on essential groceries.

Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Every week, independent analysis shows we are consistently the UK’s cheapest supermarket. As a result, we are seeing more customers coming through our doors and switching their weekly shop to Lidl from the traditional supermarkets.

“We know people switch to us make savings, but then stay with us when they realise that they’re not having to compromise on quality.”

SupermarketRatio Price SummaryPrice compared to Lidl
Lidl£50.27– 
Aldi£50.46+19p
Asda£54.42+£4.15
Tesco£56.44+£6.17
Sainsbury’s£57.07+£7.30
Morrisons£60.05+£9.78
Waitrose£70.18+£19.91

Easter opening times at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the Easter weekend (Friday 7th – Monday 10th April) for those looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends or pick up some last-minute Easter gifts, decorations for the celebrations.  

From Friday 7th – Monday 10th April the centre’s shopping hours will be:

  • Good Friday – 7th April: 10am – 9pm
  • Easter Saturday – 8th April: 9am – 7pm
  • Easter Sunday – 9th April: 10am ­– 6pm
  • Easter Monday – 10th April: 10am – 9pm

Fort Kinnaird always recommends checking with individual retailers for their specific opening times before setting off to avoid disappointment. For the most up to date Easter opening hours, check here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/opening-times

Along with its wide variety of shops and restaurants, the centre has also compiled a range of options for family fun for the Easter school holidays, including the chance to meet and learn about small animals at Pets at Home, and crafting workshops at Hobbycraft where kids of all ages can enjoy clay-making and painting.

Fort Kinnaird is home to over 70 shops and restaurants including M&S, H&M, Primark, Bread Meats Bread and newly opened Chaiiwala, as well as a seven-screen Odeon cinema. There are also more than 2,600 free parking spaces.

For more information to help plan your Easter trip to Fort Kinnaird, including what’s on during the Easter holidays head here.   

Family butcher secures £2 million from HSBC UK to grow business

An award-winning family-owned and run Scottish online butcher will soon be home to the UK’s largest dry aging station, after securing a £2 million funding package from HSBC UK.

John Gilmour Butchers is building a £10 million new butchery and retail facility in Wallyford, East Lothian, to meet growing demand.

The company, which supplies dry aged beef and lamb to well-known luxury restaurants, will use the funding to purchase land in Wallyford for its new 45,000 sq. ft. site.

The additional space will hold an office, retail shop and deli, as well as three Himalayan salt dry-aging chambers capable of maturing over 6,000 pieces of bone-in sirloin and ribeye. The dry-aging chambers are dehumidifying units which draw the moisture out of the meat to increase tenderness and flavour.

The expansion will see John Gilmour Butchers take on 40 new staff members, including new butchers and mechanical technicians. In addition, the company will set up a new apprenticeship scheme to encourage young butchers to join the industry.

Daniel Gilmour, Managing Director at John Gilmour Butchers, said: “Growth is always exciting, and thanks to this funding, we’ll be able to fully embrace it by increasing our facilities and workforce.

“This will enable us to not only take on new clients, but service our existing clients to an exceptionally high level. We’re also excited to explore our ambition to export our ‘Gilmour Black Gold range’ to international clients in the near future.

“HSBC UK has been with us every step of the way and the bank’s new online customer support service has played a huge part in this. The team is always on call to assist and they share our vision.”

Coenraad Horn, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “With this funding package, we look forward to seeing the new factory and new business ventures come to fruition. It’s brilliant to see this third-generation family business continuing to flourish.”

John Gilmour Butchers’ deli style retail unit will sell a range of East Lothian products and produce.

The business was founded in 1946 by brothers William and John, and has grown from a small high street store into an online business to business institution, with a burgeoning trade in London. John Gilmour is a popular staple of Scottish industry and has been the winner of awards such as Scotch Product of the Year for their Black Gold range.

Last-minute Valentine’s gifts and date night ideas at Fort Kinnaird

Valentine’s Day is just round the corner and whether you’re treating a partner or celebrating Palentine’s with a much-loved friend, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search for the perfect gift or date night easier.

From fashion to jewellery, and restaurants to the cinema, there is something for everyone.

Can’t-go-wrong Valentine’s gifts

Visitors can gift their loved ones a new signature scent with Chanel, Dior and other favourites available at Superdrug, Boots and The Perfume Shop – where you can also find the newly launched Marc Jacobs’ Perfect scent.

For indulgent bathing and pampering hampers, try TK Maxx and Next, while Hotel Chocolat has a new ‘Made with Love’ selection of 30 heart-shaped chocolates – plus their popular ‘Chocolate & Fizz’ collections, which can include a bottle of prosecco.

M&SM&S also has an abundance of bouquets of flowers, including spring tulips and red roses.  

Luxury gifts

Fort Kinnaird is home to Beaverbrooks, Goldsmiths, Swarovski, and Pandora, the perfect places to pick up personalised charms, watches and jewellery that will last a lifetime.

Romantic meals at home

For wine and prosecco, delicious sharing menus and decadent desserts, M&S has a huge selection of Valentine’s ideas to plan the perfect night in. With mix and match offers on mains and sides alongside specially created limited edition buys, there’s something for everyone.

And ProCook has all the kitchenware you need to create a romantic meal at home.

Dining out and activities

For a romantic date night with other halves or friends, head to Tony Macaroni for freshly made risotto, Italian wine and dessert, or Wagamama, Pizza Express or Bread Meats Bread for a laidback meal, before heading to the cinema to catch one of the latest releases. This includes M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller, Knock at the Cabin, or Steven Spielberg’s newest multi-Oscar nominated biopic, The Fabelmans.

And throughout February, Fridays has the sweet Pink Punk Cosmo, the fruity MidWest Martini and the limited-edition Heart Cracker cocktails all for £6 each Monday to Thursday, while Frankie & Benny’s has an exclusive pink ‘My Beloved Burger’ as well as a fun Jammy Dodger ice cream shake to try.

Plan your Valentine’s Day out at Fort Kinnaird and find a full list of gift inspiration by visiting: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/valentines-day

Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com. 

Love around The Quarter!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love? 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that someone special, or you’re planning the ultimate date night, St James Quarter is your go to destination. 

From heavenly scents at H Beauty, champagne truffles from Hotel Chocolat, jewellery to treasure at Beaverbrooks, premium beauty at Rituals and Aesop, luxury leather goods at Coach and Kate Spade, stylish homewares at John Lewis and new season fashions at Boss and Zara – there’s plenty of gift ideas that are sure to put you in your Valentine’s good books!   

If it’s a memorable date night you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of enticing eating and drinking destinations. There are creative cocktails in The Alchemist, authentic Mediterranean sharing platters at The Real Greek and mouth-watering burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.

For the early birds out there, EL&N are pulling out all the stops, providing the ideal date day with Insta-worthy shimmering mocktails and ruby pink hot chocolates, perfect for Cupid himself, alongside delicious cakes coated in lashings of heavenly buttered cream.  

Guests looking to celebrate in style can visit Everyman Cinema to enjoy a first-class movie going experience and cosy up on a comfortable love seat. Those wanting to indulge in a little luxury can visit acclaimed restaurant Duck & Waffle to enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu with champagne on arrival, snacks for the table, a choice of specially created dishes and delightful pink truffles to finish. 

As part of St James Quarter’s Valentine’s celebrations, from Thursday, 9th February, guests are invited to visit the ‘Crazy in Love’ booth on Level 2, outside John Lewis, to record a video reciting the craziest thing they did for love to be in with a chance of winning an incredible date night experience at St James Quarter; to be enjoyed with your Valentine, Galentine, best buddy or favourite family member – the choice is yours!  

On 11th and 14th February, St James Quarter will be sharing its own tokens of affection with guests by giving away a limited number of beautiful fresh red roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one of these beautiful blooms will also be in with a chance to win a £50 gift card through an exclusive prize draw, redeemable at The Quarter.  

Are you #CrazyInLove #LoveAroundTheQuarter 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Love is truly around The Quarter this Spring. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other this Valentine’s Day, St James Quarter is the go to destination for that perfect gift or date night with a difference. 

“We are looking forward to hearing all the crazy in love stories and are inviting guests to vote for the winner via our YouTube channel.” 

Valentine’s day activities and retailer events will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 14th February.

Keep up to date with the latest info via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page or by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day  

St James Quarter celebrates Chinese New Year with Lion Dance procession and gift voucher giveaways

It’s the Year of the Rabbit and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year, St James Quarter has unveiled its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.  

On Saturday 21st January, St James Quarter will play host to a range of Chinese New Year-themed activities including a traditional Lion Dance procession, on Register Square in an eye-catching and colourful display.

Performed by the talented team at Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh, the Lion Dance is commonly performed during Chinese New Year to bring good luck and guests will be able to enjoy two performances throughout the day at 12pm and 1pm. 

St James Quarter will also be taking part in the traditional act of gift giving that is associated with Chinese New Year. Lucky shoppers will have the chance to get their hands on a limited number of red envelopes including gift cards – symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. These will be handed out by the Guest Services team on Level 1 between 12 – 4pm and can be redeemed at retailers within the Quarter. 

John Lewis will be inviting guests to learn the intricate art of Chinese calligraphy and create their own red banner for Lunar New Year on Level 1 of its store from 2pm, and brands including Charlotte Tilbury (located within H Beauty), LEGO, L’Occitane and Coach, will be showcasing Chinese New Year inspired limited-edition items.

If you’re looking to celebrate by indulging in traditional Asian cuisine, Thai Express Kitchen will be offering 20% off food from 20th – 27th January. 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh is the multicultural hub for Scotland, and Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to experience the different cultures and traditions that we have here in the city. 

“We hope that as many of our guests as possible will get involved in the exciting Chinese New Year activities we have planned at St James Quarter on Saturday, and we look forward to welcoming guests to The Quarter to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with us”. 

For more information on the Chinese New Year celebrations at St James Quarter please visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/chinese-new-year 

Bank of Scotland – Christmas business barometer

A THIRD OF SCOTTISH BUSINESSES IN BETTER “ELF” THIS CHRISTMAS ! 

Bank of Scotland survey shows: 

  • 33% of businesses expect higher revenues this Christmas compared to last year 
    • 23% of businesses expect to see increased demand this seasonal period
    • Only one in ten (10%) of retailers say they are completely ready for Christmas trading
  • However, a fifth (20%) of firms said they do not feel fully prepared for the festive trading period 

Despite high inflation, rising energy prices and a tighter labour market, 33% of firms in Scotland expect this Christmas trading period to be merry and bright compared to last year, according to the latest insight from the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer.

Those predicting a bumper festive period cited having more time to prepare (25%), while increasing customer demand was cited by 22% of firms as they felt less affected by Covid restrictions due to the Omicron variant last year. Those expecting a worse Christmas trading period said they were struggling with increased costs of doing business (10%). 

Almost three-quarters of businesses surveyed said that Christmas was important for their future prospects (74%), but only one in ten (10%) said they felt completely prepared for Christmas. Meanwhile, a fifth (20%) said they are not yet fully prepared for the festive period. 

When asked what could help firms prepare more effectively, 30% said they wanted more support with rising costs, with 23% saying that better access to their supply networks would help. Skilled workers were also high on businesses’ wish lists, with 25% saying access to more skilled staff would boost Christmas trading.  

Chris Lawrie, area director for Bank of Scotland, said: “This year has been marked by highs and lows but it’s encouraging to see many firms are in good spirits about trade over the festive period.  

“With no restrictions in place, the opportunities for businesses are clear but we know that some aren’t fully prepared for this Christmas trading period.  It’s essential that businesses put plans in place now to carefully manage cashflow and make the most of what will be a busy end of the year.” 

Johnnie Walker Princes Street unveils unique Harris Tweed collaboration

– St Andrew’s Day celebrated with launch of partnership between iconic Scottish brands Johnnie Walker Princes Street x Harris Tweed Hebrides

– First whisky finished in special casks in one of the world’s smallest warehouse in city centre cellar goes on exclusive sale at Johnnie Walker Princes Street  

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.  

Marking the first ‘Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective’ – a series that brings together the world’s leading Scotch whisky with Scotland’s best creative forces to create unique and collectable whiskies – the Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed collaboration features a beautifully designed bottle of the Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend, accompanied by a bespoke Harris Tweed carry bag.

The whisky represents a world first, having been matured over the past year in hand-selected American oak casks in the Whisky Makers Cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The cellar, holding just 26 casks, is unique amongst bonded warehouse in Scotland, tucked beneath one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets.

30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides. Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022 Issued on behalf of Diageo. Copyright: Mike Wilkinson. Credit: Mike Wilkinson. 07768 393673 mike@mike-wilkinson.com www.mike-wilkinson.com

Launching the new whisky, Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Scotland Brand Homes at Diageo said: “Our collaboration with Harris Tweed has been an exciting way to celebrate the first experimental bottling finished here in our cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

“The partnership brings together two iconic Scottish brands, and the resulting collection embodies our shared heritage and passion for blending – whether that’s liquid, or thread. We’re sure it’ll provide festive gift inspiration for whisky and style lovers alike.” 

George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling, added: “This particular blend was experimental in many ways, and it was exciting to use a completely different type of ‘warehouse’ for the final year of maturation.

“The unique finishing process has further enhanced the flavours of the liquid and we are really pleased with the end result, and I am sure consumers will love it too.”  

Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides: “We have been hugely excited about this project with Johnnie Walker and feel a lot of synergy between our two brands.

“While Johnnie Walker carefully blends liquids to create flavour, so do we at Harris Tweed, expertly weaving different shades of wool to produce colour and pattern.

“This particular plaid brings Edinburgh and Harris together, all wrapped up in luxury, craftsmanship and time; elements that are also reflected in the exquisite liquid that George and his team have created.”

The unusual maturation conditions of the cellar, which is warmer than traditional warehouses, enhanced the impact of the wood, pulling in all the oaky flavours, leading to a rich and creamy oak nose, a palate of honeysuckle and red berry flavours and a long and fruity finish with warming wood smoke. 

30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides. Photo shows George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling (L), Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides (R) and Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender (centre). Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022 Issued on behalf of Diageo. Copyright: Mike Wilkinson. Credit: Mike Wilkinson. 07768 393673 mike@mike-wilkinson.com www.mike-wilkinson.com

In designing the bespoke plaid for the collaboration, the Harris Tweed Hebrides team drew inspiration from their home in the Outer Hebrides, and the home of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh to create a vibrant blend of the two Scottish locations. 

The bag has been created in partnership with BeYonder, a charity specialising in ethical manufacturing. As part of the project, BeYonder engaged textile students from Glasgow City College to help manufacture the bags.  

Those who’d like a chance to try the whisky before they buy should book themselves on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers Cellar experience or 1820 bar for a chance to enjoy it in a highball, cocktail, or dram.  

The Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed Hebrides collection will be available to purchase from 1st December exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh. 

Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend + Harris Tweed carry bag (£169) 

Historic Environment Scotland unveils exclusive Coorie tartan collection

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has collaborated with world leading tartan manufacturer, Lochcarron of Scotland, to create luxury fashion and homeware accessories as part of its latest retail range, ‘Coorie’.

The exclusive tartan collection, which launched yesterday, features a stylish lambswool scarf, cosy fine wool scarf, and luxurious 100% Bowhill lambswool throw. Designed and woven at one of the oldest weaving mills in the country, the quality garments use soft heathery tones inspired by Scottish nature to bring the true sense of Coorie comfort to life, with colours which complement any season.

With a shared passion for preserving Scotland’s rich heritage, the partnership is a celebration of timeless design, blending style and innovation with traditional techniques. Created by some of the most experienced craftspeople in the industry, the Coorie collection showcases the best of the country’s textiles, using natural fibres to create premium, durable products.

The tartan Coorie collection is also linked to a wider Coorie retail offering, made up of a range of lifestyle products, including ceramics by Clod & Pebble, chocolates by Quirky Gift Library and candles by The Coorie Company. Made to encapsulate a deep sense of comfort, warmth and happiness, the range offers an elusive feeling of cosiness as the colder months creep in.

Natasha Troitino, head of retail at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re excited to have joined forces with Lochcarron of Scotland, whose team are renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, to help us bring our vision to life in creating the ultimate timeless tartan collection.

“The Coorie range is designed to provide the optimal cosy haven – indoors or when out and about. With all items beautifully crafted across different areas of the country,  we’re able to support both local businesses and manufacturers and spotlight true Scottish talent.

“And with Christmas just around the corner, the collection offers a wonderful selection of items, from stylish home additions to seasonal must-have accessories, perfect for gifting to your loved ones.”

The full Coorie collection is available to shop now, online at www.stor.scot or at selected Historic Environment Scotland sites .

MSPs call for action to halt decline of our town centres

MSPs on the Economy and Fair Work Committee have called for action to halt the long-standing decline of town centres, as it publishes a new report following an inquiry into the issue.

The Committee’s inquiry concluded that the planning system needs to be strengthened to ensure no new developments unfairly compete with town centre provision. Alongside this, a rebalancing of the cost of doing business to make town centres more competitive including how non-domestic rates currently operate, to support investment in town centres.

Every town in Scotland should have their own Town Plan, a long-term strategic vision for the future that recognises the unique nature of our towns, their histories and the community that brings them together. It should be driven locally by communities and not imposed from the top down. Transparency of ownership and powers to tackle derelict or dangerous buildings also need further action.

Claire Baker MSP, Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee said: “This report should signal a line in the sand for how we support, develop and prioritise investment in our town centres. We all know a town centre that has empty shops, a lack of investment and few thriving businesses.

“Throughout this inquiry we heard that although the pandemic accelerated trends towards online shopping, people really care about the future of their town centre and what is on their doorstep. The positive benefits that a thriving town centre can bring are clear – not just economically but socially and culturally as well.

“As we move into a challenging period of our retail sector, our Committee is unified in its call that vibrant, thriving town centres must be prioritised. This report recognises that the only way to do that is through changing how we support these developments through various measures from planning to non-domestic business rates.

“This report signals that change is needed. We know there is no quick fix but unless we start now, then we won’t be able to halt the accelerated decline of recent years we’ve seen already in too many communities across Scotland.”

Specific measures include:

  • Strengthening the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) to ensure that any proposed developments can demonstrate that town centre sites have been pursued and thoroughly evaluated and that developments will have no adverse impact on town centres and will not compete with town centre provision.
  • The overarching principle must be rebalancing the cost of doing business in town centres versus out-of-town sites. Approaches that could be considered include giving Councils the power to levy an out-of-town development premium or a business rates surcharge which could then be used for town centre regeneration.
  • The current non-domestic rates (NDR) system acts as a disincentive when trying to attract businesses back to our town centres. For businesses already located in town centres, the current NDR system acts as a disincentive to invest in already occupied property, as any investment leads to an increase in NDR. The Committee consistently heard that the current system works against investment and growth in town centre retail and that the NDR system should be rebalanced to support town centre development.
  • There is strong demand amongst Scotland’s smaller retailers for more and better support to build their online presence and to be able to take advantage of platforms that already exist. A broader range of opportunities must be made available to upskill, strengthen and future-proof our retail workforce.
  • Transparency of beneficial ownership of town centre property and land and absentee owners can still be a problem, particularly where an individual lives or is based overseas. It is the Committee’s strong view that all property and landowners should be contactable and there should be clarity on who the owner is. The Scottish Government has said its focus is on Compulsory Purchase Orders. The Committee is of the view that the Scottish Government’s actions may be insufficient and that more may need to be to address this problem.
  • Local authorities have a range of powers available to them to tackle derelict or dangerous buildings but they are not used as frequently or proactively as we would like. There can be a reluctance to resort to those statutory powers, in part due to a lack of resources to carry actions through. The Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to reform and modernise the compulsory purchase orders.
  • The Committee recognises the value of, and increased demand for, online and e-commerce activities and the importance of increasing the use of technology as a driver of increased productivity. A strategically driven action plan should be developed by the Scottish Government to support the take-up of training and capacity building to support Scotland’s eCommerce activity.
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