Business News Round Up (19/11/19)
Systemic change needed to tackle disadvantage in STEM learning, Holyrood committee reports
Holyrood’s Education Committee has found that disadvantages as a result of social and financial deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve early years education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). MSPs are calling for measures to be put in place to increase early years teacher confidence across Scotland as well as improve internet connectivity in schools to help support STEM learning experiences.
North West ‘is the most entrepreneurial region’
New figures released by Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, has revealed the North West has overtaken the South East as the region receiving the highest number of government-backed start-up loans outside London.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/north-west-is-the-most-entrepreneurial-region-tvsvd656l
EY hails further progress north of Border
Accountancy firm EY has highlighted its continued investment in its Scottish business as it reveals increases in turnover and profits in the last year. EY reported steady growth which saw UK fee income grow by 1.5%, up from £2.41 billion to £2.45 billion over the 12 months to the end of June.
https://www.scotsman.com/business/ey-hails-further-progress-north-of-border-1-5048223
Bouygues to close Manchester office
Bouygues Construction has announced it will close its office at One Didsbury Point, Manchester, citing challenging market conditions. The company is to merge its Manchester and Birmingham operations with office in the South West and Wales. Bouygues has emphasised that other companies in the group will remain unaffected by the decision and will continue to operate as normal.
https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/bouygues-to-close-manchester-office/