Business News Round Up (30/09/19)
Scotland least confident business region in UK as optimism plummets
Scotland was the least confident business region in September despite a rise across the UK as a whole, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking. Scotland’s confidence levels dropped nine points to -18% as companies reported lower confidence in their prospects.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scotland-least-confident-business-region-20332910
Businesses and educators call for a radical overhaul of the skills system for Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network has called for immediate action to address the decline of lower level qualifications through greater regional control of skills funding and policy in its joint ‘Ambition for Skills in Greater Manchester’ statement.
Edinburgh biotech company gains £2 million funding
ProFactor Pharma, an Edinburgh based biotech, has secured £2 million funding by investment syndicate Kelvin Capital, supported by biotech company Igenza and the Scottish Investment Bank, to advance its treatment of haemophilia.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/edinburgh-biotech-company-gains-2-20318611
North West confidence on the rise during September
New figures released by Lloyds Bank reveal that business confidence is on the rise in the North West. The latest monthly Business Barometer reported a nine point increase to 4%, with business prospects confidence up four points to 7% and higher economic optimism, up 13 points from 0% in August.