Business News Round Up (17/11/2020)
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Scottish businesses more concerned than rest of UK about Covid and Brexit impact
More than three quarters (76%) of businesses in Scotland feel as though Covid-19 will negatively impact their business in the next 12 months, versus 71% of the rest of the UK. Santander’s fourth annual Trade Barometer report found that 63% of businesses are concerned about an economic slowdown. Scottish businesses were also more concerned than any other region when it came to supply chain links with the EU, should this be disrupted post Brexit. Scotland’s appetite to trade internationally has reduced significantly, with just 12% planning to export overseas in the next 12 months – compared with 31% of London based businesses. In terms of the impact of Brexit, Scottish businesses have been hardest hit across the board, as the research showed they have the least planned investment out of all the regions across the UK in what Santander deemed to be the most key areas: hiring new staff, product development, domestic and international expansion.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-businesses-more-concerned-rest-23018257
GM looks to R&D, green growth for post-Covid recovery
A roadmap to position Greater Manchester for economic growth in the years ahead is to be unveiled by the local enterprise partnership on Wednesday. Entitled Building a Greater Manchester, Making a Greater Britain, the strategy is expected to outline how the city region can attract investment into research and development and drive innovation, while also tackling economic inequality across the 10 boroughs and encouraging diversity. There are also proposals for better aligning skills with the requirements of the job market, improving productivity and stimulating investment in new infrastructure.
https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/gm-looks-to-rd-green-growth-for-post-covid-recovery/
University offers free courses to help Scotland’s workforce upskill and reskill
People in Scotland can once again apply to study for free on a range of career-focused online short courses with the University of Aberdeen, following the huge success of the first phase of its upskilling scheme. In August, more than 2,500 people – many of whom were looking to either retrain or upskill in light of the ongoing impact of the current pandemic – applied for one of the 395 free places on offer. Phase Two, which is launched today offers an additional 150 free places on the courses, which were handpicked to address known skills gaps in a range of subjects including energy transition, leadership, digital and data skills, nutrition, and health.
Deloitte agrees 35,000 sq ft Manchester move
Deloitte has signed a deal with WeWork to occupy 35,000 sq ft of office space in Manchester city centre as part of a new flexible working solution. Deloitte’s 800 Manchester-based staff will occupy two floors at the grade two-listed, 91,000 sq ft Hanover Building, located within the Noma business district and operated by the US-based co-working provider. It plans to begin occupancy in early 2021, subject to Government national restriction guidelines. The transaction follows continued investment this year in Manchester, including the expansion of the firm’s consulting capabilities in the region with a headcount growth of 60 in 12 months and a new cyber team of 16.
https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/deloitte-agrees-35000-sq-ft-manchester-move/
Business news updated daily.