Business News Round Up (07/06/2024)
Scottish inward investment support boosted by £100,000 for business – academic collaborations
The Inward Investment Catalyst Fund from Interface and the Scottish Government is aimed at attracting businesses out-with Scotland, through developing partnerships with universities, research institutes, colleges, and innovation centres. Funding of up to £10,000 will be awarded to successful applications in this round, with a further competitive call expected later in the year. Since its launch in 2021, the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has awarded £250,000 to 25 projects from energy transition and the decarbonisation of transport to health tech, and from companies headquartered as far afield as South Africa, Singapore, and the United States. Engagement has led to further opportunities with facilities such as the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland and the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment enhancing the Inward Investment proposition. As a result, four companies now have a presence in Scotland and many have engaged in longer-term collaborations with academic institutions, including PhD Studentships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
75% of Scots back North Sea oil and gas
Three quarters of Scots support domestic oil and gas production from the North Sea, according to new polling by advisory firm True North. Less than a month out from the general election, the data shows 75% would rather see the UK meet its energy demands from domestic sources than import from overseas. The company commissioned Survation to survey 1,026 people across Scotland between 23 and 27 May, finding that 51% believe that Labour’s proposed GB Energy policy will reduce household bills, while 56% reckon it should take ownership stakes in large-scale projects such as offshore wind farms. Party leader Keir Starmer suggested that GB Energy would be established as an investment arm, funded by an extended windfall tax on oil and gas, with Labour claiming it will support tens of thousands of green jobs.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/75-scots-back-north-sea-32979624
69% of CEOs see sustainability as a growth opportunity
According to a recent survey from Gartner, the technological research and consulting company, over two-thirds (69%) of chief executives see sustainability as a leading business growth opportunity in 2024. Expanding on this headline statistic and the reasons behind it, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner, Kristin Moyer, said: “Sustainability consistently remains a top 10 business priority, surpassing even productivity and efficiency this year.“ The survey of over 400 chief and senior executives uncovered the leading ways that sustainability is currently being used to drive business growth. These are through sustainable products and services (33%); sustainable business practices (18%); stakeholder engagement (18%); and decarbonisation (18%). Digital investments and innovation, meanwhile, is ranked ninth at 8%, below marketing (17%), energy (14%), increased profit (11%), and circularity (10%).
https://www.digit.fyi/69-of-ceos-see-sustainability-as-a-growth-opportunity/
Skills map aims to help business find training opportunities
A vital new platform offering a one-stop-shop for people and businesses looking for skills support across Greater Manchester has launched. GM Skills Map is being delivered by GM Business Growth Hub on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The platform stands as the most comprehensive skills directory in the region and aims to simplify the process of exploring skills provision for employers and learners across the region. The website contains information on thousands of training courses and apprenticeship programmes from hundreds of training providers, including universities and colleges. From marketing to finance and IT to green skills, the online directory covers a range of sectors, ensuring that users can find relevant skills and training opportunities tailored to their needs. A previous version of the platform was used for companies to search and access courses under the successful Skills for Growth Programme which helped more than 20,000 individuals get skills support.