Achi news desk-
Around one in four respondents, or 38 per cent, feel they may have to close their business, according to a joint survey carried out in Glasgow by the Federation of Small Businesses and the Scottish Hospitality Group.
More than half of respondents think they would have to reduce staff hours or staff numbers (54 per cent and 50 per cent respectively), and 53 per cent of respondents are considering relocating their business if the parking at 10pm instead.
Hisashi Kuboyama, FSB’s development manager for Glasgow, said it would “have a devastating effect on the city’s restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and theaters and could affect hundreds of jobs”, adding: “The council must rethink about their plans.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Changes to payment and display hours in parking zones were agreed as part of a budget that needed to find savings worth £107m from council services over the next three years. The budget has try to target poverty and invest in support for communities with Council Tax frozen for next year.
“By standardizing parking hours across all zones we aim to provide the greatest benefit to license holders seven days a week. A significant majority of people already come to the city center on public transport and other forms of sustainable transport.
“Our aim is to build on this use of sustainable transport, but we also hope to encourage greater use of our off-street car parks, where discounted rates for overnight stays are available.”
Read the full story here
Customers are ditching Direct Line as car insurance premiums rise
Around 383,000 motor insurance customers left Direct Line last year as the company was forced to raise premiums in a bid to return to profitability.
New chief executive Adam Winslow has also pledged to cut the company’s cost base by £100 million by the end of next year as the insurance group battles inflation claims and a takeover by Belgian rival Ageas. Direct Line is in the process of completing a “comprehensive strategic review” and will report back to shareholders in July.
Read Kristy Dorsey’s story here
Oldest working Scottish distillery unveils new boss
Scotland’s oldest operating distillery has unveiled a new managing director as it reveals moves into the gin and luxury accommodation markets.
The Glenturret in Crieff has appointed Jen Baernreuther to lead the distillery as it prepares to celebrate its 261st birthday next month. Ms Baernreuther, who joins the Specialty Drinks Group owned by Pernod Ricard, owner of The Whiskey Exchange, takes over on March 25.
Read Scott Wright’s article here
Hollywood director takes part in Scottish chef’s new restaurant
Read Ian McConnell’s story here
Scottish chef Sean Clark and his business partner and former wine merchant Paul O’Donoghue have revealed plans to open their first joint venture, Under The Table, in Edinburgh next month.
The new venture has caught the attention of Hollywood director and producer Joe Russo, who is best known for his work directing the Marvel film series. Mr Russo has invested in the Under The Table project, having eaten at The Table and experienced Mr Clark’s cooking first hand.
The new bistro is directly below The Table restaurant, which was opened in 2015 by Mr Clark, who has worked in restaurants in Milan, Rome and London as well as in Edinburgh.
