Business News Round Up (11/02/2020)
UK shoppers still wary about spending in January – BRC
Retail sales in the UK experienced stagnant growth in January as consumers kept a tight grip on spending, according to a new survey. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG Sales Monitor report revealed that total sales rose by 0.4% in January, compared with a 2.2% in the same period last year, suggesting that consumers have not felt the confidence boost reported by many companies since the election in December.
Edinburgh is the most liveable UK city for Europeans
Edinburgh is the only city in the UK to be ranked in the top 20 most liveable cities in the world for European expatriates, according to a new report. The annual report from global mobility experts ECA International analyses conditions in cities for Europeans who are relocating, it takes into account factors including availability of health services; housing and utilities; isolation; access to a social network and leisure facilities; infrastructure; climate; personal safety; political tensions and air quality. The Scottish capital is the only UK city in the top 20, with Aberdeen following in 21st and Glasgow in 55th place. The other UK cities in the list were all ranked within the top 50, with London at joint 47th Manchester at 39 and Cardiff at 24.
https://scottishbusinessnews.net/2020/02/11/edinburgh-is-the-most-liveable-uk-city-for-europeans/
Growth for three-quarters of GM digital tech businesses
Almost three quarters of digital tech companies in the Greater Manchester region have reported growth over the past year, according to a new report from independent trade body Manchester Digital. The Skills Audit 2020 report analyses data from more than digital and tech businesses in Greater Manchester and found 72% of businesses in the region reported growth over the past year, up from 54% in 2019. The Skills Audit 2020 report provides insights into workforce trends, demographics and wellbeing, recruitment practices, education, training and development standards and more.
https://www.businesscloud.co.uk/news/growth-for-three-quarters-of-gm-digital-tech-businesses
Scottish government to spend £40m ‘transforming’ agriculture
The Scottish Government has announced plans to invest £40 million on a new programme to support farming’s contribution to reaching net-zero emissions. The Agricultural Transformation Programme aims to support the agricultural industry to undertake a range of potential actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable farming and land use. The programme will also seek to improve the environmental sustainability of the sector by protecting and restoring natural habitats and building sustainability through business practices that encourage productivity, innovation and inclusion.
https://environmentjournal.online/articles/scottish-government-awards-40m-to-transform-agriculture/