Business News Round Up (15/11/19)


UK shoppers buy less, adding to slowdown signs for economy

The UK retail sector has been hit by a downturn in sales in the run-up to Christmas, according to new figure from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). UK retail sales dropped 0.1% in October when sales stagnated, in a sign that consumers are becoming more cautious about their personal finances.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-economy-retail/uk-shoppers-buy-less-adding-to-slowdown-signs-for-economy-idUKKBN1XO1G6

RICS: Further deterioration in Scottish housing market as uncertainty bites

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey has revealed the Scottish housing market has continued to be impacted by political and economic uncertainty in October, with indicators on new buyer enquiries, sales and new instructions continuing to fall.

https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/article/rics-further-deterioration-in-scottish-housing-market-as-uncertainty-bites

Plans in for £365M Salford Scheme

The Manchester office of planning consultancy Lichfields has submitted a hybrid application on behalf of The Royalton Group and Frogmore for the development of the £365 million Cotton Quay Scheme in Salford. The application seeks full planning for 1,495 homes, commercial, retail and leisure spaces, two hotels, realigned access roads and bridges, a multi-storey car park with a rooftop play area, climbing wall and bouldering centre, and floating gardens.

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/plans-in-for-365m-salford-scheme

Enterprise Partnership Scotland announces the launch of the 2020 Next Level Programme

Enterprise Partnership Scotland has announced the launch of the 2020 Next Level Programme, aimed at ambitious businesses with high-growth potential, firms looking to change direction, people involved in management buy-outs, mergers and takeovers, and university spin-offs.

https://scottishbusinessnews.net/2019/11/14/enterprise-partnership-scotland-announces-the-launch-of-the-2020-next-level-programme/