Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent accountancy and business advisory firm, also a UK top 20 firm, has been recognised as Large Firm of the Year at the Xero Awards 2020 – the ‘Oscars’ of the cloud accounting world.
The UK and Ireland awards, held this year in London’s Electric Brixton venue, were established to celebrate excellence in cloud accounting. Xero is the leading cloud accounting app provider, and Johnston Carmichael is a Xero platinum partner – the highest level of Xero knowledge and expertise.
Judges praised Johnston Carmichael for utilising Xero’s automation power, “freeing up precious time to spend helping their clients beyond the figures” and noted that the firm had introduced an internal app advisory programme, working closely with a number of Xero app partners.
The firm has invested heavily in its cloud accounting offering in recent years as part of preparations for Making Tax Digital, introduced by HMRC in April 2019. However, the increased focus is also part of a wider strategy to realise the benefits of cloud accounting, which delivers real time data and enables businesses to monitor performance and drive improvement much more effectively.
To support its drive, the firm created new leadership roles with Ewan Bolt, director in Johnston Carmichael’s Inverness office, becoming Head of Digital Solutions, in 2018. Meanwhile, Lynne Walker, partner in the Elgin office, was promoted to Head of Business Advisory, which incorporates Digital Solutions, to steer the expansion of digital expertise in the business advisory team.
In addition to boosting its people resource and skillset, Johnston Carmichael has also developed its technical capacity. The firm recently launched a bespoke online App Hub, thought to be the first of its kind in the industry, to help clients search for apps that will enhance their Xero software and address their needs as a business. There are more than 800 apps that are compatible with the Xero software, all offering enhanced insight into their business performance or easing the process of reporting.
Ewan Bolt, Head of Digital Solutions at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Winning Large Firm at the Xero Awards is highly significant for us. The awards are the pinnacle of the cloud accounting sector so to be recognised by them is a major achievement. It is also an important acknowledgement of the journey we have been on as a business to grow our digital expertise and deliver the best possible service for our clients.
“Previously the level of data analytics delivered by cloud accounting was only available to big businesses with big budgets. Now organisations of all sizes can benefit from transparent and real time insight and our experience is that once businesses have converted onto digital platforms, there is a strong appetite to utilise the available data and create even greater insight.
“Importantly, the information delivered by cloud accounting also allows us as advisors to engage early with clients and offer pro-active real time business advice designed to improve their results.”
Glen Foster, Director of Accounting Partners at Xero, commented: “The Xero Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of our accounting and app partners, and shine a light on the work they are doing to support small businesses. They are at the forefront of change, helping SMEs transform the way they do business.”
To support businesses and help them maximise the benefits delivered by their digital platforms, Johnston Carmichael is set to offer a series of Xero events with app partners, across Scotland this year.
For further information about Johnston Carmichael visit https://johnstoncarmichael.com.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce calls for key commitments from Government:
- Support businesses to transition to new trading arrangements post Brexit
- Reduce the cost of VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials such as wind and water turbines
- Support Heathrow Airport expansion and review Air Passenger Duty as part of wider review of regional connectivity
- A one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase business costs
- Extend Annual Investment Allowance for a further two years
- Support businesses of all sizes & sectors to work towards achieving net zero targets to help tackle climate change
- Provide practical support for businesses to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus
Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, calls on the UK Government to commit to ‘levelling-up’ all parts of the UK ahead of the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing the Budget:
“The General Election has had the effect of finally breaking the Brexit deadlock. However, this will only go so far when it comes to reassuring and incentivising businesses to grow and invest. Whilst there has been an opening in the clouds of uncertainty that have loomed over UK businesses for some time, there remains the challenges of a faltering global economy, a costly domestic business environment and the lack of clarity over future trading arrangements with the European Union. Add to this the even more recent threat of the Covid-19 virus and its potential impact on businesses – The UK Government must deliver a budget that helps instil confidence and utilises the potential of business communities across Scotland and the UK.
“Sluggish growth in the Scottish economy – slower compared to the rest of the UK – continues to limit the country’s significant economic and international potential. Key issues around demography, productivity and the lack of certainty over future trading arrangements all continue to present current and future challenges for businesses across the country.
“The UK Budget must take decisive action to boost growth, productivity and confidence across the whole of the UK, including incentives to release investment and ease the cost of doing business.”
Below, the SCC Network has set out what Scottish businesses need from the upcoming budget:
On International Trade, Liz Cameron said:
“The UK Government must step up in supporting businesses to transition to new trading arrangements as we carve out a new relationship with our friends and partners in the EU. It is essential to avoid unnecessary political posturing which may impact on reaching a trade deal that works for Scottish business and our economy.
“The UK government needs to invest significant resources to support HMRC and the private sector to build the enhanced customs and international trade expertise required to ensure that goods continue to move smoothly across borders.’’
On Climate Change, Liz Cameron said:
“The upcoming COP26 conference in Glasgow is a chance for Scotland and the UK to lead on the global stage when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions. Placing the Scottish and UK economies in a position to adapt to a changing energy world and to support net zero targets is a priority for business communities.
“Action must be taken to ensure that businesses have the policy framework and government support to enable a just transition to net zero through investment in the necessary infrastructure, skills and technology. This is particularly critical for Scotland’s place as the hub of the UK’s oil and gas sector, an industry which will play a crucial role in enabling the just transition to net-zero.
“The UK Government must take the lead, together with business communities across the UK, in developing a clear UK energy strategy that supports Scotland to reach net-zero by 2045 and the UK to reach it by 2050. One clear way to do this is to reduce the cost of ‘energy-saving materials’ – such as reducing the cost of VAT on the installation of all wind and water turbines.’’
“In addition, we would ask the UK Government to review Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges on onshore and offshore energy developers in Scotland. We believe that TNUoS charges must be reduced or overhauled in order to realise Scotland’s full potential when it comes to offshore wind and not hinder the development of renewable energy in Scotland.’’
On Connectivity, Liz Cameron said:
“We support a just transition that supports businesses with the associated costs of addressing climate change targets. However, any prosperous economy also requires its infrastructure to keep up with demand.
“If the UK Government is truly invested in making Scotland and the UK more global to support its full economic potential after Brexit, it must support Heathrow Airport in its ambitions to expand capacity to demonstrate that we are open for business and also mindful of the environmental impacts.
“Whilst we welcome the Government review of regional connectivity that has been announced, we would urge – in light of the Flybe collapse – that review be progressed quickly and also be part of a wider reform process that involves discussions between industry and government about a more sweeping overhaul of Air Passenger Duty as well as creating a more suitable environment for regional air travel across Scotland and the UK.’’
On Business costs and investment, Liz Cameron said:
“We urge the UK Government to commit to a one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase business costs, including no new business taxes or added regulatory burdens, excluding evidence-based changes to the National Living Wage.
“We also ask that the UK Government extend the current £1 million Annual Investment Allowance, which is due to expire on 31st December 2020, for a further two years and at the higher limits for longer. This will support investment and productivity for Scottish businesses to be at their innovative best.’’
“In light of recent developments, we call upon the UK Government to implement practical measures that can quickly support businesses impacted by the effects of the coronavirus, for example delaying or reducing payments on VAT to assist SME’s with cash flow and opening up public procurement contract opportunities.”
North Lands Creative has just completed a successful run at Collect, the international art and craft fair. This year, the Caithness-based arts organisation was selected to show with 40 other galleries from the UK and around the world at Somerset House in London to show a breadth of work made in the studio in Lybster by the visiting residency and associate artists.
The contemporary craft and design fair brings together work by makers and artists from more than 25 countries around the globe, and is a big draw for museums and galleries seeking to acquire the latest in ceramics, glass, metal, wood and textiles.
North Lands Creative at Collect 2020 celebrated the outstanding Scottish and International creativity in glass.
All the exhibiting artists have a connection to our Alastair Pilkington Studio and the work has been inspired by their immersive time on our artist in residence programme or as a collaborative process with our associate artist projects. Our 2020 Collect artists are Emma Baker (UK), Alberto Lago (Italy), James Maskrey (UK), Alexandra Mureșan (Romania), Laura Quinn (Ireland) and Martin Janecký (Czech).
North Lands Creative at Collect 2020 was supported by Creative Scotland and included the Origin project sponsored by Salviati Furnace and Scuola Del Vetro Abate Zanetti, Murano and British Council Scotland.
The Centre for Excellence for Glass, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, also gathered interest from international collectors and buyers with Victorian Obscura: High Society – A Ghost Appears Near Woolwich by James Maskrey being acquired by Sotheby’s London. All six artists were offered substantial new opportunities and sales from international curators and collectors.
Karen Phillips, Director, said ‘We are just delighted to showcase the work being made in our studio. It is a real achievement and testament to all the hard work that our fabulous team and artists put in. We’re really lucky to have such brilliant local support, and we have had huge international press coverage– it is amazing to be able to tell the many stories of this wonderful part of the North East of Scotland which is a huge draw and inspiration to artists and our cause to build a stronger glass community for the benefit of the local economy’.
Caroline Dinenage, Minister for State for Digital and Culture visited the stand and met with the staff and listened to artists explain their passion for the material and its application to sustainability and innovation in the craft sector.
North Lands Creative, which has seen huge growth with collaborations worldwide, was praised for its commitment to sustainable business practices, community engagement and investment in people as a key employer in the area.
Material innovation and co-production are two ways we see craft evolving over the coming years and we want North Lands Creative to be at the heart of this research. Co-production is becoming more common across the creative industries and craft is no exception, with more makers working in collaboration. We currently have EU Creative Europe and British Council Scotland projects running involving international partners in Italy, Japan, Germany, Latvia and Ireland. We are looking to how we can reinvigorate local skills in glass making and provide a number of opportunities in our 2020 programme through skills training, scholarship and training opportunities.
We plan to showcase some of the work later in the year at our Alastair Pilkington Studio and Gallery in Lybster but for those who cannot wait all the work of the artists can be viewed on North Lands Creative new online gallery by visiting landshttps://northlandscreative.co.uk/collect-2020-gallery/.
A scientist from the University of the Highlands and Islands has been awarded £986,000 to undertake a major new research programme into the peatlands of northern Scotland. Dr Roxane Andersen from the Environmental Research Institute at North Highland College UHI will use the funding to explore how climate change could affect blanket bogs and to assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
The research leadership award, provided by the Leverhulme Trust, will enable Dr Andersen to develop a team of nine researchers who will conduct the investigations over a five-year period. They will use cutting-edge technologies and techniques, including satellite remote sensing, to investigate how we can protect and restore blanket bog areas. Peatlands are renowned for their ability to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, to promote biodiversity and to provide high quality water.
The Thurso-based scientists will benefit from access to the Flow Country, the largest blanket bog in Europe and a region which is under consideration for World Heritage Site status. The project will build on existing collaborations, notably with scientists at the James Hutton Institute, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the University of Nottingham and others who have been leading research in the Flow Country for many years. The project will also support new initiatives across the university’s research centres and foster national and international collaborations, including work with Canadian peatland research groups.
Speaking about the project, Dr Andersen said:
“Peatlands are the Earth’s most efficient terrestrial carbon store. They regulate water and climate and support unique biodiversity. However, their degradation affects the delivery of these key functions. In the UK, the cool, wet climate supports a globally rare peatland type: blanket bogs. Most UK blanket bogs have been degraded by human activities and, left alone, they make a significant contribution to our greenhouse gas emissions from the land use sector. However, unprecedented efforts to restore our blanket bogs are underway, for example through Scottish Natural Heritage’s Peatland Action programme in Scotland.
“Astonishingly, we do not know the extent to which these interventions work or how blanket bogs, restored or otherwise, will cope with the added threat of climate change. I am thrilled to have been chosen by the Leverhulme Trust for this Research Leadership Award. I look forward to working with my team and colleagues to pioneer approaches from molecular to landscape scales to fill some of these gaps in our knowledge and to inform UK and global peatland management strategies.”
The project will focus on three key areas of research. The team will explore how environmental conditions can affect Sphagnum mosses, one of the building blocks of peat in blanket bog. They will continue to develop a method which uses satellite data to measure how the seasonal patterns of swelling and shrinking of bog surface, known as ‘bog breathing’, change in response to climate extremes and restoration activities. They will also work to refine models which predict how blanket bogs may respond to different management approaches in future climate change scenarios.
Emma Goodyer, Manager of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature UK Peatland Programme, said:
“The area covered by near natural peatland worldwide (over three million square kilometres) stores more carbon than all other vegetation types in the world combined. However, drained and damaged peatlands contribute about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions from the land use sector annually, despite covering only 0.4% of the global land surface.
“Scotland has become a global leader in peatland management. The research hub in the Flow Country has been instrumental in delivering programmes of research which tackle some of the most pressing issues for peatland restoration and policy. This significant funding boost will offer the opportunity to understand the resilience of peatland ecosystems in the face of the climate crisis whilst also reversing biodiversity losses.”
For more information about the Environmental Research Institute, visit the Environmental Research Institute website.
The first positive case of coronavirus in Scotland was confirmed on 2 March 2020 and the UK Government chaired a meeting of the government emergency COBR committee on the coronavirus outbreak to finalise a plan of counter-measures to the virus.
It is understandable that businesses are becoming more aware and cautious of the potential economic and human impacts of the virus. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network continues to be watchful of further significant developments and will update on these as they come. Below is a list of information and resources that have been gathered, which we would encourage you to share within your own networks.
- The UK Government Coronavirus: Action Plan published today, that lays out the UKGOV’s plans to contain and mitigate the effects of the virus.
- The Scottish Government statement on its response to the first confirmed case in Scotland.
- The latest update from the UK Government with up-to-date advice and information for the public.
- UK Government advice for employers and businesses.
- The latest travel advice to the countries, cities & regions the SCC Network is looking to take trade missions to and from:
If you have any specific questions or concerns, please get in touch and we will do our best to advise.
Aspiring engineers in the north highlands will benefit from a new apprenticeship pathway developed by North Highland College UHI and JGC Engineering. The new pathway has been created to promote the value of employer engagement and the benefit of the skills, learning and experience gained at college.
The pathway will allow JGC Engineering to recruit up to four apprentices from one of North Highland College UHI’s full time courses in an engineering discipline. Once completed the students will be invited to apply for an apprenticeship with JGC Engineering and if successful, will enter directly into year two of an apprenticeship programme in an engineering speciality within the firm.
John Campbell from JGC Engineering said, “Collaborating with North Highland College UHI allows for prospective JGC apprentice applicants to achieve applicable training and experience through their SVQ level 2 courses and thus suitably prepare on a level basis for the JGC recruitment process. Giving opportunities for work experience placements during the course also allows students and JGC to both engage and consider future possibilities.”
Debbie Murray, Director of Business Development at North Highland College UHI, supported the initiative and said, “This is another excellent initiative to help support employer engagement, reduce administration burdens for both parties and ensure a continued supply of work ready young people to support a key industry”.
Students will be based at the Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre (ETEC) at the Thurso campus and will develop their practical skills with the facility’s industry-based workshops. The students will also complete core employability, enterprise and citizenship modules to help prepare them for the world of work, interviews and work placements in semester two.
North Highland College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands offers further and higher education across the north Highlands at campuses in Thurso, Halkirk, Dornoch and Alness.
Source: Caithness.org
The Highland Council’s Your Cash Your Caithness funding event was held in Thurso on Saturday to give Caithness residents the deciding vote on what community initiatives should receive a share of the cash pot.
A total of 25 local organisations battled it out for a share of the cash, with 11 good causes gaining financial support for the innovative ventures.
Every candidate was invited to give a five-minute presentation about their project before being subjected to a public vote to decide the winning campaigns.
John O’Groats Mill Trust were one of the groups who secured £1,000 with the grant being put towards renovating Scotland’s last winter mill near the village into a vibrant community hub and visitor attraction.
Thurso Community Development Trust will spend the money on a bid to create a new community meeting place in the former BB Drill Hall, while North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre will use the cash to organise new therapy sessions.
Grants of £1,000 were also presented to Caithness Macular Support Group, Thurso Community Cafe and Bower Busy Bees.
No Limits Caithness received a grant of £990, while the Caithness Broch Project walked away with £961, Home Start Caithness obtained £525 and Northern Starts Thurso was given £500.
Norscot are very excited to announce the launch of their newly designed Timber Frame Kit Home and Windows & Doors and websites!
After many months of hard work and dedication, Norscot are delighted to officially announce the launch of their new websites.
The aim while designing the sites was to make the new websites faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly, and it the company’s belief that through innovative ideas and forward-thinking design they have achieved this!
The goal with the new website is to provide visitors with a relaxed and pain-free navigation experience. The website’s new streamlined design allows users to access the appropriate information quickly and effectively, maximising the quality of each visit.
To find out more, click here to visit the Norscot website!
The latest generation of small communications satellites could be launched into Earth orbit from the northern Highlands of Scotland within the next two years.
Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted a planning application for a vertical launch site, Space Hub Sutherland, that it plans to construct on the A’ Mhoine peninsula, Melness, near Tongue.
If the application is approved, construction on Europe’s first vertical launch site could begin later this year, with launches starting as early as 2022.
In time, up to 12 launches a year could be made from Sutherland, carrying small, commercial satellites that will typically be used for Earth observation.
An economic impact assessment submitted with the planning application estimates that developing the space hub would create around 61 high quality jobs in Caithness and Sutherland, an area where the population is falling and unemployment levels are above average.
Forty-four of these jobs would be in Melness and Tongue. Skills required on-site will include mechanical and electrical engineering, weather monitoring, control room operations, ground services, security, management and marketing.
A total of around 250 well-paid jobs are expected to be generated across the region and at national level, including through manufacturing and supply chain opportunities.
HIE has approved up to £17.3m to design and build the space hub, made up of funding from HIE itself (£9.8m), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (£5m), and the UKSA (£2.5m).
Designed by NORR Architects, the facility would comprise a launch control centre, a single launch pad and associated infrastructure, including roadways, fuel storage, office premises, and antennas. A temporary lightning tower would also be installed at the launch pad around flight days.
The planning application includes measures to address and minimise impacts on the land and marine environments. HIE aims to make the project carbon neutral and has spent two years gathering data and assessing potential effects on wildlife and the local habitat which is characterised by large areas of peatland. Levels of light and noise that could be generated, especially around launch times, are also examined.
Artist impression of the proposed Space Hub Sutherland. Credit NORR Architects
David Oxley, director of business growth with HIE, believes that establishing vertical launch capability will mark a major advance for Scotland’s growing space sector.
“This is a truly unique and innovative venture that aims to create the first launch site of its kind in Europe,” said Mr Oxley.
“Space presents a huge economic opportunity for Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands is well placed to benefit substantially.
“Even before the space hub is built, we’ve already received a huge vote of confidence from launch company Orbex, who established a manufacturing facility in Forres just over a year ago.
“That’s an indication of the wider economic benefits that will be generated by establishing a launch facility, and there is great potential for more to follow in other parts of our region.
“We’re very mindful of the need to respect the natural environment and have been diligent in designing measures that will minimise the environmental impact of construction and operations.
“We’ve also held numerous public events and the current shape of the project has been informed by the views of local people and statutory consultees.
“Now that the application is in, we very much hope that people will take the time to study our plans carefully and look forward to the council making a decision in due course.”
Emma Floyd, commercial spaceflight director with the UK Space Agency, said:
“Satellite launch from the UK is due to take another giant leap forward with the progress at Sutherland and other sites across the UK.
“We’re committed to backing our growing space sector, which generates an income of £14.8 billion and creates thousands of high skilled jobs.”
VIEW THE PLANNING APPLICATION
You can view the planning application on the Highland Council website.