Business News Round Up (05/03/2020)
Scotland slips down rankings for women’s economic empowerment
Scotland’s dropped from first to fourth place as the leading area of the UK for working women, according to PwC’s Women in Work Index, which analyses female economic empowerment. The index found a 2% reduction in Scotland’s total, as the country saw marginal declines on all indicators except the gender pay gap. Scotland’s female unemployment increased from 3.6% in 2017 to 4% in 2018, the most recent year for which figures have been made available, with 52,000 unemployed women.
https://www.scotsman.com/business/scotland-slips-down-rankings-womens-economic-empowerment-2072166
Mid-sized firms growing faster overseas – BDO
New research released by business advisory firm BDO LLP has revealed businesses in the North West are growing at a faster rate overseas than in domestic markets. The research found that in the past five years, mid-sized businesses have increased international turnover by 76%, outstripping the national average of 68%. The research also looked at total turnover growth across regional companies, analysed businesses in what BDO dubs the ‘Economic Engine’ which is comprised of companies in the £10 – £300 million turnover bracket, AIM-listed companies or private equity-backed businesses and found that of the 3,059 businesses analysed, combined income increased by 59% over the five year period.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/mid-sized-firms-growing-faster-overseas-bdo
Edinburgh named global hotspot for wellbeing
Edinburgh has been named as one of the world’s top 20 major cities for wellbeing, according to a new study from Knight Frank. The Wealth Report 2020, a city wellbeing index to identify cities leading the way in quality of life measures, ranked Edinburgh 11th for happiness, 12th for governance, 15th for safety and 16th for work-life balance. The report states that cities that ranked on the wellbeing index are more likely to attract entrepreneurs, skilled employees and encourage start-up companies, as well as large corporates, to grow and succeed.
https://scottishbusinessnews.net/2020/03/04/edinburgh-named-global-hotspot-for-wellbeing/
£8.6 million boost for Greater Manchester arts, culture and creativity
Thirty five cultural organisations across the Greater Manchester region are to benefit from an £8.6 million investment in arts and creativity. The Greater Manchester Culture Fund aims to support organisations which can demonstrate how they contribute to recognition of the region, improve skills and deliver creative education, help build inclusive communities and deliver positive contributions to the health and wellbeing of local residents. The increase in budget allows the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support organisation in all 10 boroughs.
https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/8-6-million-boost-for-greater-manchester-arts-culture-and-creativity/