Business News Round Up (22/09/2020)


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CMS survey highlights significant changes to Scottish commercial property requirements post-Covid

A new survey published by CMS has found that 24% of commercial property occupants in Scotland are seeking to downsize their office requirements due to Covid-19. The survey findings, which are part of a wider international report by the firm into the impact of the pandemic on commercial real estate, were based on responses from over 200 middle, senior, and C-suite executives based in Scotland. While nearly a quarter of Scottish respondents said they would downsize commercial property requirements and 18% expected to split offices into different locations, 52% were anticipating no change. As many offices remain closed throughout Scotland, 46% of respondents said they are planning to work from home more often and 29% say they will do less international travel in future. Only 24% expect no change to how they will work post-Covid.

https://scottishbusinessnews.net/cms-survey-highlights-significant-changes-to-scottish-commercial-property-requirements-post-covid/

Manchester innovates to strengthen global tech ambitions]

Manchester’s technology sector has reshaped its offer as it stays focused on its goal of becoming one of the world’s recognised tech hubs despite the impact of Covid-19. The pandemic has disrupted businesses of all types around the world, and this shake-up has also created opportunities for the inward investment team at MIDAS. The city has big ambitions for the growth of its tech sector, which it hopes it can accelerate as companies take a fresh look at how they operate and where they are based. A Tech Nation report earlier this year confirmed the city region’s rising status, showing that Manchester had the fastest growing tech sector in Europe.

https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2066885-manchester-innovates-to-reposition-global-tech-ambitions

£250k funding for Scottish regional food groups

Industry leadership body, Scotland Food & Drink, has created a new £250k fund to support the ongoing development of Scotland’s regional food groups. Supported by the Scottish Government, the fund will benefit 14 groups across the country by resourcing coordinator posts and will include match-funding from partners including local authorities. It aims to create an active network of regional ambassadors who work in conjunction with local authorities to promote regional food and drink and tourism strategies. The funding comes as the annual Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight enters its second week, which, this year, celebrates Local Legends across Scotland.

https://scottishbusinessnews.net/250k-funding-boost-for-scottish-regional-food-groups/

Greater Manchester innovation buoyed by £3m investment

A £3 million investment designed to help boost innovation and entrepreneurship across Greater Manchester has been announced. The funding has been awarded by the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to GC Angels – an investment service formed to support businesses seeking access to early-stage capital. The investment – made through the Local Growth Fund – is a response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on the lack of available innovation and loan money for start-ups.

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/greater-manchester-innovation-buoyed-by-3m-investment

 

Read our other business insights here:

A river in Scotland at sunset.          Typewriter typing the word Survival.          Baker removing bread from oven.

A Rebalancing of                Business survival                Agile Scottish food
British Tourism                    after Covid-19                     and drink businesses 
                                                                                             create opportunities…

 

About Where Now Consulting Ltd: Where Now Consulting is a management consulting company that focuses on helping its clients to grow and compete. The company offers a range of consulting services, including business turnaround and performance improvement, formulating market entry strategies, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances, and sales and distribution strategy and management.

For more, please visit Our Services page.