I’ve always found Scotland to be a promising hub of new business endeavours.
After all, there are the ever-expanding opportunities found in the hustle and bustle of cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, titans of the tech sector call Dundee home and energy giants are spread throughout the North East. Even in the less populated corners of the nation we see local produce, manufacturing and agriculture at the forefront of the country’s exports.
However, one of the major issues that is affecting areas of rural Scotland, and which could have a real negative impact on its output is a declining population on those patches.
To counter this, we’ve seen recent rumblings from the Scottish Government who have unveiled a prospectus paper looking to invite people from across the globe to consider life in Scotland’s rural and island communities and to get involved in ‘Building a Better Scotland’.
Admittedly this plan is more part of the ‘independent Scotland’ wish list dreamt up by the SNP than anything concrete, but it got me thinking – would moving people internationally into these communities’ really help support those regions?
Rural Scotland and its islands are already a promising hotspot for sectors such as energy, life sciences, tourism, food & drink and even space. It’s these businesses that make the most from the appeal of the glorious coastline, magnificent Munros and picturesque pastures available in the more remote parts of the nation.
Scotland’s red meat sector, a prominent supply chain industry which provides 39,000 jobs and according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) brings a tasty £2.8 billion to Scottish economy, is a key player for these communities.
So, it goes without saying, a dearth in the workforce to help facilitate farming businesses within these rural economies would spell disaster for the wider economy.
Tourism and sustainability are also key for these parts of Scotland to thrive. Just earlier this year, a sustainable success story in the form of glamping company Further Space revealed their plans to invest £1.5m into expanding across the highlands and islands, bringing with it jobs and visitors to prop up local coffers.
Gladly, attention is turning towards just how vital this often-forgotten part of the country is to our economy. The Scottish Government are ploughing on ahead with their Rural Delivery Plan, which aims to support these rural communities alongside the people and jobs already within them.
The Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) are also at the forefront of campaigning and pioneering rural areas as a haven for industry, including a plan to invest in supporting businesses to become more innovative and productive, as well as sustainably sensible.
With plenty of potential for new business and bustling businesses already settled in the far reaches of Scotland, is the idea of ‘Building a Better Scotland’ just a planned population pushing pipe dream?
Interestingly, the potential of rural Scotland and its islands being a lucrative location for business may also be its biggest hindrance from a business minded perspective.
The lack of viable transport and connectivity wouldn’t just frighten me, but the decision makers in any company. We’re seeing news stories about ferries not working or limited rail access in the North almost weekly, so putting your business success in the hands of nature or worse, dated infrastructure, is incredibly risky.
And, while there’s certainly been progress, the digital infrastructure of the Highlands and Islands is substantially behind the rest of Scotland according to a recent report from techUK.
To be successful in business, you need connectivity to reach your potential customer base. So, if your mobile struggles to find service, let alone take card payments or download important files, you are in trouble.
With this in mind, the idea of promoting rural Scotland and the islands as a place to live, work and thrive is certainly enticing, but we need to ensure that the foundations are in place first.
By ensuring reliable transport and digital infrastructure are in place that plays to businesses’ strength in the region currently, we can ensure that, regardless of any government plans or future foresights, we can build the best Scotland we can for people already living and operating even in the most rural of areas of this fantastic country.
Ascensos delivers big win for Scotland in John Lewis deal
Whether you like it or not, we’re already in the throes of the Christmas build up.
As seems customary nowadays, all eyes will soon be on John Lewis and their Christmas advert – always poignant, emotional and beautifully put together.
For now, though, I’d like to do some celebrating of my own and toast the success of Scottish customer service outsourcing company Ascensos after they struck a deal with the retail giant.
Agreeing a five-year contract, the Scotland-based business say they will provide the retailer’s shoppers with access to flexible, customer-focused, and experienced advisors.
Ascensos also say John Lewis & Partners will benefit from new technology opportunities, enhance their customer interactions, improve customer experience and further build customer satisfaction.
Worth seven figures per annum and providing a potential jobs boost of 500 new roles across its global operations, it’s fantastic news for our economy.
Not only that, being associated with one of the most beloved and trusted brands in the UK is exposure that’s worth its weight in gold.
Ascensos already work with the likes of Aldi, Peloton and Wickes, but John Lewis is, undoubtedly, the new jewel in their crown.
For all striking deals and making money is the name of the game, in the modern world, building brand awareness and rubbing shoulders with the right companies is just as important.
Here’s to this exciting new partnership and let’s hope it doesn’t all end in tears like the John Lewis festive ad does for millions each year.
It Made Me Laugh
I couldn’t help but raise a wry smile last week after a viral TikTok video from Martin Lewis sent people across Scotland scrambling for their phones.
As revealed by the ‘Money Saving Expert’, millions of people across the UK have overpaid on their student loan repayments and could be due money back.
The SAAS telephone lines were inundated with former students looking to get one last payment from the agency.
The nostalgia of doing whatever you can to beat the system and save a few precious pennies must’ve been thrilling as people across the country relived their uni days.
It seems that old habits truly do die hard, but please be careful out there and stay off the Pot Noodles!
It Made Me Weep
Why does it always rain on me? That same line made famous by Scottish rockers Travis will be one being uttered by retail bosses across the country after a tough start to festive trading this year.
Reports indicate that recent stormy weather, following a period of weather warnings and flooding, has been a major factor in driving high street footfall down 6.5 per cent on last month and 5.5 per cent on September 2022.
It’s a heavy toll for an industry already being squeezed by changing consumer habits, largely due to the continued rise of online shopping.
As the old saying goes: When it rains, it pours.
