Right now we’re all looking to the future more than ever as we dream about being back to normality.
Scottish businesses have faced momentous challenges but we’re world famous for our innovative spirit and I believe that means the future’s bright and exciting.
We got an idea about the shape of things to come when the Scottish Government launched its Digital Strategy for Scotland in March. It highlighted the acceleration of businesses adopting more of a digital model approach during the pandemic.
It was a fascinating report which revealed almost three-quarters of businesses have shifted to digital to provide goods and services, fast-tracking this new way of working.
We’ve since seen many businesses rising to the challenge and supporting this tech revolution.
One such example is tech consultancy AND Digital which will soon have a presence in Scotland’s largest two cities. It was only last year it opened in Edinburgh and already it’s launching its second hub in the heart of Glasgow, promising 100 brand new tech-based jobs along with the launch.
The new George Square office aims to help businesses close their digital skills gaps by working with clients to upskill their workers.
It’s the perfect location for a company that works with sectors like financial services, media telecommunications, retail, hospitality and public sector.
But we mustn’t forget a key focus of the country’s Digital Strategy is rural areas, particularly the Highland and Islands which would be left in ‘the digital dark ages’ according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
It’s promising to see rural Scotland is taking bigger steps towards a tech-ready future with a new £3.75m investment in infrastructure across the nation’s key ‘notspot’ areas.
The investment aims ‘to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas’ across the Scottish Borders, the Highlands and Angus and island communities according to finance secretary Kate Forbes.
The new infrastructure will provide mobile coverage in some of the most remote areas thanks to an additional nine masts and are just part of the latest phase in the Scottish 4G Infill infrastructure programme which aims to provide even more homes and businesses with 4G mobile connectivity for the very first time.
And it’s great to see that steps to connect rural Scotland extend across all parts of the country.
Down in Dumfries, The Crichton, a business and academic campus located in the South of Scotland has announced that it will host Scotland’s first rural 5G connectivity hub, which aims to bring technological expertise and local businesses in order to accelerate the potential that 5G has to transform Scotland’s smaller communities.
The S5GConnect Dumfries hub will boast a dedicated 5G network with advanced capabilities, including a testbed allowing small businesses to test products, services and solutions.
There are a raft of exciting projects in the wings that have great potential for the rural economy, including the development of agriculture technology, including sensors and drones used to measure crop growth, animal behaviour and wellness; and remote healthcare initiatives including the use of 5G tech to support assisted living.
Meanwhile in the east the Aberdeen Economic Policy Panel agrees that it’s time to embrace a digital future.
It’s calling for the region to strengthen its technology ecosystem and it recognises that nurturing a talented digital workforce is key.
It’s fascinating to see Scotland’s digital evolution as both cities and smaller communities alike emerge from lockdown and adopt new ways of working.
Hopefully we’ll see it pave the way for new jobs and a stronger and more resilient business community. A technological diamond, formed from the challenges faced and pressures of the past year.
Collectively the work being carried out across all regions will build a stronger, more digital-savvy nation.
I believe these initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg and when it comes to our potential, and this multi-region focus on embracing the digital age will ensure a bright future for Scotland.
The travel and hospitality industry is facing a recruitment crisis and it’s clear action needs to be taken now to address it.
It’s clear the sector will need to work hard to show there are viable and prosperous careers to be had.
In April, UK hospitality vacancies were up 77 per cent on the previous month according to global recruitment firm Broadbean Technology. But applications were down 82 per cent compared with April last year.
There are a range of factors contributing to the problem.
Brexit implications. People monetising their hobbies and changing career paths as a result of the pandemic. People moving roles due to job security concerns during lockdown.
But it’s good to see the industry stepping up and seeking to challenge perceptions and boost the sector’s appeal.
One such company is Scottish restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks.
It’s embarking on an ambitious recruitment drive, and in a bid to turn the tide on talent leaving the sector it’s going all out to boost its appeal to potential recruits with bespoke training and development and attractive benefits.
Other companies getting creative with their recruitment include restaurant group Hawksmoor. It’s looking inwards and offering staff bonuses of up to £2,000 as a finder’s fee.
Meanwhile the London chain Caravan is offering customers gift vouchers for recommendations that convert to job hires.
The hospitality sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the last year or so and getting the right talent on board is key to rebuilding it. It’s great to see companies getting creative with their recruitment strategies and I wish them every success.
It Made Me Laugh
It’s often been said laughter is the best medicine – and it looks like all you need is a trip to Dundee if you need your daily dose of funny.
It was crowned Scotland’s funniest city in a study by The Beano called the Hilarity Report.
Dundee was the Scottish city to rank highest and was fourth in the UK, behind Sunderland, Wrexham and Bath. The only other Scottish city to meet the mark was Aberdeen which scooped seventh place.
I’ve never given much thought to how many times we laugh per day, but the boffins who carried out the survey have. They found Dundonians laugh 29 times a day – that’s six times the national average!
So if you’re looking for a Scottish staycation that promises some comedic moments, maybe consider Dundee this year.
It Made Me Weep
The concept of banning so-called “fire and rehire” schemes has been a hot topic over the past year, with campaigners demanding stronger employment rights and protections.
Critics say such schemes can force workers to accept worse conditions in order to keep their jobs.
Right now the latest fire and rehire row has put Weetabix in the spotlight.
Its workers are threatening strike action as they claim they’re being made to accept new contracts with reduced salaries.
If it goes ahead, ‘fuelling your day’ with Weetabix might not be an option as unions say there could be a shortage of the cereal.
Fire and rehire is outlawed in many parts of Europe so it will be interesting to see if the latest campaigns from unions will finally spark change.
