Business News Round Up (20/01/2020)
Urgent change in infrastructure approach required to deliver net zero carbon economy
The Scottish Government needs to provide better infrastructure prioritisation in order to meet its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2045, says the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland. The Key Findings Report – A Blueprint for Scotland identifies eight overarching themes and recommendations for the government to consider in order to reach targets. These include providing better cycling facilities, improving public transport, re-prioritising the use of roads towards modes including electric transport and cycling, replacing over two million gas boilers and making sure all home and work premises have access to fast digital connections.
North West profit warnings up 14% in 2019
The number of profit warning issued by companies in the North West were above average in 2019, according to EY’s latest Profit Warnings Survey. The report revealed 33 profit warnings were issued by companies in the region in 2019, an increase of 14% compared to 2018, above the region’s 11 year average.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2054076-north-west-profit-warnings-up-14-in-2019
Call for disruption council to manage new technology
A ‘disruption council’ should be set up in Scotland to help business and their workforce manage technological change, according to a new report. The Upskilling Scotland: The Future of Skills and the Fourth Industrial Revolution calls for devolved immigration powers to help close skills gaps. The report, produced by SCDI in collaboration with Skills Developments Scotland, says a Scottish Disruption Council would manage social and economic disruption caused by technological change, with an Upskilling and Lifelong Learning Fund providing finance to those who want learning opportunities.
https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2020/01/call-for-disruption-council-to-manage-new-technology/
Internet business in North West deliver 38,000 jobs
New research conducted by Internet Association has highlighted the importance the internet brings to the UK regional economy. The Internet Association found that the North West had an estimated 38,000 internet sector jobs, with the estimated number of internet sector businesses reaching 7,900, with added value of £4.6 billion. Nationally, the internet economy contributes approximately 400,000 jobs, 80,000 businesses, and £45 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).