Business News Round Up (04/08/2023)
‘Encouraging rise’ in numbers returning to Scottish stores
There has been an encouraging rise in the number of shoppers browsing through stores in Scotland, compared to the rest of the UK. The latest figures from Sensormatic Solutions and the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) revealed that overall, Scottish footfall was up 5.9% in July from last year – 6.8 percentage points better than June and higher than the UK average increase of 1.8%. Regions such as the North East of England, London and the south east of England saw smaller increases in footfall, up 4.3%, 3.5% and 2.3% respectively. Shopping centre footfall in Scotland was also up 4.3% in July year-on-year; 0.7 percentage points better than the previous month. Edinburgh saw the greatest growth in footfall out of all cities in the UK last month – up 12.8% – with Glasgow experiencing a 1.6% rise. David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said the figures ought to be treated cautiously, however, pointing out the rise in footfall did not necessarily mean stores took in more money. “Footfall across Scotland’s retail destinations sprouted last month, buoyed by the start of the school holidays, tourist visits, and retailers’ own discounting to attract custom,” he said. “Scotland’s sprightly performance outshone every other part of the UK in July with every category of retail destination benefiting. While it was the best monthly performance since March, the fact remains that shopper foot-traffic remains shy of pre-pandemic levels. Enhanced levels of consumer confidence and spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery.”
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/encouraging-rise-numbers-returning-scottish-30621881
Post-Brexit import checks on food delayed again
Post-Brexit checks on fresh farm produce coming to the UK from the EU have been delayed again, the BBC understands. New import controls on EU food products had been due to begin in October. There is concern that the extra checks on imported goods will push up prices and fuel inflation. The delay, which was first reported by the Financial Times, will give companies and port operators more time to prepare for these changes. UK food producers have argued that it gives a free pass to continental rivals, while all fresh food exports from the UK to the European Union face checks. Health certification on imports of “medium risk” products were due to start in October with physical checks beginning in January 2024. However, the Cold Chain Federation welcomed news of the delay. “UK food retailers, hospitality businesses and consumers were in line for major disruption because many EU food-producing businesses supplying into the UK are not ready for the new requirements,” said Shane Brennan, the chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation. Industry sources have told the BBC that many will be sceptical of the changes coming in at all before the next general election, which is expected in 2024. The Labour Party has said it will negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU that could greatly reduce the need for such procedures, if it is elected into government. The delays to new import controls on food come at a time when the Bank of England is battling to control high inflation.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66394235
Majority of North West graduates and business leaders see value in university education
Research from Universities UK has found roughly two thirds of graduates (65%) and three quarters of business leaders (75%) in the North West believe that going to university builds vital transferable skills for a career. The research, based on the perspectives of 3,500 UK graduates and 3,500 business leaders (business owners, founders, board members, CEOs, directors and senior managers) across the UK, also reveals that 77% of graduates in the North West say going to university enabled them to build skills that have proved professionally valuable. And, for 74% graduates and 83% of business leaders in the North West, going to university helped to build their self-confidence. According to the survey, commissioned by Universities UK to quantify the value of going to university, 58% of business leaders in the North West think graduates typically progress faster through the ranks of their business; a finding that could be linked to the insight that 72% also believe that going to university gives graduates good sector and industry knowledge.
Owners of empty buildings in Glasgow told to invest or sell
Owners of vacant properties in Glasgow may be forced to repair or sell them, under new council plans to clean up the city. Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken stated that MSPs are willing to consider compulsory sales orders, which would allow the council to take action against absent owners. A new recovery commission is also set to be launched, following claims of ‘filthy’ streets and a ‘dying’ city economy. Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, who is leading the project, said experts will be brought in to hear evidence on revitalising Glasgow. Donald MacLeod, who owns the Garage nightclub, said: “Glasgow is on life support at the moment.” Senior figures in the business, political and trade union worlds have become exasperated at the state of the city after years of cuts to local services. Labour’s new commission, which will have private sector input, is set to examine possible assistance for Glasgow Airport and linking public transport to the nighttime economy. The remit also focuses on boosting inward investment as well as helping sectors like retail and the taxi trade. The new body will feature between six and 12 commissioners, comprising industry experts, business leaders, trade unionists and a councillor.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/owners-empty-buildings-glasgow-told-30626722