Holyrood comes to Glasgow to talk about welfare

Impact of welfare reform to be heard in Glasgow

The impact of welfare reform on people in Glasgow will be discussed when the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee meets in City Halls next week  on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

This follows research published by the Committee on 11 April that the reforms will have the biggest impact in Glasgow, losing the equivalent of £650 a year for every working adult when the reforms are fully implemented.

The meeting has been organised by the Committee in partnership with the Poverty Alliance, and will be held in the Recital room, City Halls, Glasgow on 23 April 2013 from 10.00am – 12.00pm.

Committee Convener Michael McMahon MSP said:-“For the past year, we have been asking the people of Scotland affected by welfare reform to tell us their experiences, their hopes and their fears. We’ve already held two evidence sessions at Holyrood that have been both moving and revealing.

“Glaswegians are known for their straight talking and I don’t expect or want the witnesses to pull any punches when we hear from them. It is important to know what is happening on the ground. Unlike Iain Duncan Smith, we are listening and will hear their views. It is important to us that we work out what we might be able to do differently in Scotland to mitigate the impact on our most vulnerable.”

Witnesses at the meeting include:
• People identified by and working with the Poverty Alliance.
• Members of the Glasgow Stronger Together group, a group of people with learning disabilities who meet and talk about some of the political changes that they are interested in.
• People who have responded to the Committee’s ‘Your Say’ appeal.

The meeting follows the publication of a study, undertaken by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University that estimates that when fully implemented, the welfare reforms will take more than £1.6 billion a year out of the Scottish economy. This is equivalent to around £480 a year for every adult of working age in Scotland. In Glasgow, this rises to £650 a year. Whilst the Scottish average is broadly on a par with the British average, this makes Glasgow only second to Birmingham within Britain in terms of financial loss.

Deputy Convener Jamie Hepburn MSP said:-“Our research demonstrated the devastating impact these reforms will have on Glasgow. Seeing the scale in numbers is important but this reform is not happening to statistics. It is impacting on people – our friends, family and neighbours. Our ‘Your Say’ campaign has been vital to helping people see the faces behind the figures and I think those coming to our Glasgow meeting see this very clearly.”

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said:

“As the debate around welfare changes has intensified over the last few weeks, we have seen attempts by some to denigrate and stigmatise those who use our social security system. In this context, the ‘Your Say’ event in Glasgow is all the more important. It is an opportunity to get behind the myths about what living on benefits actually means and to understand the real impact that the changes are having. If we are to find genuine, long-term solutions to the challenges our welfare system face, then it is essential that we listen to those who use the system.”

Background
Members of the public can attend the meeting and book tickets. To book a ticket, please email sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk or call 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600 (Textphone users: 0800 092 7100).

Scotland will vote in referendum in September 2014

The First Minister has named the date for the Independence referendum next year. It will be 18 September 2014.

Mum’s blog shortlisted in MAD awards – again!

Local Mum of one Ryan Wenstrup-Moore is celebrating after reaching the finals of the MAD Blog Awards, a national awards programme celebrating the fast-growing world of parent blogs, for the third year running.

Ryan’s blog, Transatlantic Blonde is one of just five finalists in the Best Beauty and Fashion Blog category of the MAD Blog Awards, beating more than 3,000 other blogs nominated in the awards.

 Ryan said: – “I started writing a blog to keep my friends and family abroad involved and up to date with my life in Scotland and it’s grown from there. I started a weekly fashion post over a year ago after I began working from home so I’d have a reason to get dressed in more than just pyjamas. Just because you’re a Mum doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. It’s wonderful to know that people enjoy reading what I write, and I’m really excited to have reached the finals of the awards for the third year in a row.”

Blog readers around the UK have until March 26th to vote for their favourite blogs in 15 categories at the MAD Blog Awards website, and the winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in London this September, sponsored by parentdish.co.uk. The Best Beauty and Fashion award is sponsored by TK Maxx and the winner of this award will receive a fantastic £500 shopping spree.

“The MAD Blog Awards are the biggest and most exciting awards for parent bloggers in the UK, and we are so proud to be sponsoring the awards for the third time this year. The quality of entries this year has been phenomenal, and we can’t wait to see more from these talented writers,” said Tamsin Kelly, editor of Parentdish.co.uk.

“There are more than 5,000 parent bloggers in the UK today, with a combined readership of almost 1 million people each week. Mum and Dad blogs represent an influential and exciting voice, and the MAD Blog Awards celebrates the very best and brightest blogs in the community,” added Sally Whittle, founder of the MAD Blog Awards.

Ryan’s blog Transatlantic Blonde can be found online at http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.com

Readers can vote for Ryan’s blog in the MAD Blog Awards at www.the-mads.com

Barnardo’s Shoe Appeal begins today

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOEBUSINESS

A-list actress Brenda Blethyn has teamed up with singing icon Dame Shirley Bassey to ask women across Scotland to put their best foot forward for Barnardo’s Shoe Appeal starting Saturday 16 March.

The dynamic duo have joined the mass shoe de-clutter event, aimed at encouraging people all over Scotland to free themselves from their unworn or good condition shoes, and help raise thousands for the most vulnerable children.

We need shoes that will cover every occasion; to protect from rain, sleet and snow; that finishing touch to an interview outfit; or even finding the perfect ‘baffies’ to relax in.

Brenda Blethyn OBE, star of the hit TV crime drama ‘Vera’ and ‘Mary and Martha’, said:- “As a confirmed shoe-devotee, this is a great opportunity to donate pre-loved shoes and help children and young people throughout the UK. Dame Shirley Bassey and I share a strong desire to support Barnardo’s and the Shoe Appeal is a fun way to do just that.”

The double Oscar-nominated actress, and Barnardo’s Ambassador has donated a stunning pair of gold sandals worn on the red carpet.

Fellow celebrity Shoe Appeal signatory Dame Shirley Bassey, a Barnardo’s supporter, said: “Like most women I have shoes that I certainly don’t wear anymore. By giving them to the stock appeal, it’s given me the perfect chance to clear out my shoe rail, donate the forgotten footwear and support a great cause. I’m urging everybody to ‘step up’ for the Shoe Appeal and donate their shoes to Barnardo’s.”

The international singing star has donated ten pairs of her favorite footwear, including elegant Emporio Armani sandals, glamorous chunky cowboy boots, peep toe Stuart Weitzman shoes and vintage style TTxTT evening shoes.

Companies, retailers and individuals are encouraged to donate; please dig deep into your cupboards, lofts, and dust off that shoe rack! All proceeds go toward supporting disadvantaged children in your area.

All profits from the charity’s stores go towards helping Barnardo’s services to support and transform the lives of vulnerable children in local services.

 

 

Business50 taking place in Glasgow

Be a Market Leader in Glasgow

The Business50 Show on 30 April 2013 at Hampden Park is billed by organisers as the premier business event in the area this Spring. This is what they say:-

“We are delighted to have again partnered with the Supplier Development Programme team to bring up to 30 exhibitors from Local Government and Public Sector organisations. These exhibitors want to speak to new suppliers of a wide range of goods and services. They want to speak to you……..so click here today to book your place which is totally free.

We are expecting really high footfall for this event on 30 April – at least 500 – so what better opportunity to showcase your company as being the market expert and leader in your field. With only one company per business category exhibiting, you will stand out from the crowd. The costs starts from £200 + Vat to exhibit – that’s less than 50p per contact. Click here to find out more.

B50 Glasgow is here
On Tuesday 19 March, we are delighted to bring our very first event to Glasgow at 6pm – 8pm at Novotel Glasgow Central, Pitt Street. The SmallBusiness50 Club will meet for the first time in the city. To celebrate the first meeting which will be an informal evening of sharing opportunities and lots of interaction, we would like to welcome both friends and members to attend at the members rate of £15.00 which includes a sandwich supper, tea and coffee. Click here to book today.

Our FAQs
We have created a FAQs page here and hope to provide answers to some of your questions about Business50. If your question is not shown here, please drop us a line so we can add it to the list. One of the most frequently asked questions is “Do I have to attend all the events? The answer is “Not at all – the choice is yours as is everything about Business50 – the choice is yours”

Catering company go bananas over Fairtrade

Sodexo Prestige and Hampden Go Fairtrade Bananas 

 

Hundreds of free bananas will be handed out at one of Scotland’s most popular stadiums by a Scottish catering giant to show its support for Fairtrade farmers around the globe. Hampden football stadium will be giving away over 500 pieces of the sustainable fruit to delegates attending its various corporate events and conferences during Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 25.

 

The move has been dreamt up by Sodexo Prestige, which also provides catering and hospitality services at venues such as Perth and Hamilton Race Courses, Aberdeen Football Club and National Museums of Scotland. Austin Tilsley, Scotland regional director at Sodexo Prestige, said: “We partner with some of the finest venues in Scotland and were determined to do our bit for Fairtrade Fortnight. Now every delegate attending a meeting or conference at one of those venues over the fortnight will get a Fairtrade banana on us.  It’s a bit of fun, a tasty snack and a perfect way to get people to think about where their food comes from and to focus on the excellent work of the Fairtrade Foundation. Everything we do at Sodexo Prestige is about using locally-sourced, sustainable and in-season produce as widely as possible.  Obviously we can’t buy locally-grown bananas, but we can make sure those we do buy help the poorest farmers around the world. We already use a range of Fairtrade products across our venues, including sugar, coffee and tea.”

 

Fairtrade Fortnight runs to March 10 and aims to promote the issue of world poverty, encouraging people across the UK to think about where their food comes from and help support smallholders in the developing world.

 

A total of 10,000 bananas will be handed out by Sodexo Prestige, which partners with 17 top class Scottish venues and more than 50 across the UK. It also provides catering for The Open Championship, one of the world’s biggest golfing events.

 

Parent company Sodexo employs more than 1000 people across Scotland, providing catering and a wide range of other services at scores of sites, including council buildings, government offices, courts, schools, colleges, as well as many businesses. The company, which operates globally, has outlined its long term sustainability goals in its Better Tomorrow plan, a worldwide sustainability strategy taking it up to 2020.

 

James Bennet, Head of Brand and Out of Home at the Fairtrade Foundation said: “In 2013 Fairtrade is challenging businesses to go further for Fairtrade producers. We are pleased to work with Sodexo Prestige on a number of initiatives that drive sales of Fairtrade goods across their sites and raise awareness to their consumers. Over the past few years in line with its Better Tomorrow Plan, Sodexo Prestige has actively engaged with Fairtrade. We look forward to continuing this in the future and across 2013 driving more significant producer impact. “

 

Operating under the BS8901 Management System for sustainable events, Sodexo Prestige implement a number of practices designed to ensure it acts in a sustainable manner. Initiatives include ensuring all baked goods are made on site or sourced from within 30 miles; using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients where possible; and consolidating deliveries to minimise food miles.

 

Independence talk at University of Glasgow

Defence expert Prof Michael Clarke to speak on Scottish Independence at University of Glasgow

Director General of the Royal United Services Institute and former Director of the Centre for Defence Studies, Professor Michael Clarke, will be presenting a lecture entitled ‘Scottish Independence and its impact on UK security’ at the University of Glasgow on 26 February 2013.

The lecture is part of the Stevenson Lecture Series which examines the impact of the Scottish independence referendum on Scottish citizens.

Professor Clarke will look beyond the implications of dividing up the British army’s air, naval and nuclear resources, and explore the lesser discussed sides of the argument.

Professor Clarke said: “Most people discussing the defence implications of Scottish independence have concentrated on the implications of splitting the British Army and re-locating air and naval bases – especially the nuclear facilities. These are indeed important matters, but they are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thinking through the full implications for the possible defence of an independent Scotland and for the remainder of the United Kingdom.

“From international alliances to expenditure, equipment, through to policing and intelligence; a series of genuinely challenging questions arise to which the answers, in the event, will be almost entirely political.”

New research centre to keep up with digital progress

New research centre will investigate copyright in a digital world

A new centre dedicated to examining the changing nature of copyright and the need for new business models in the digital age is being launched today at the University of Glasgow.

The Centre for Creativity, Regulation, Enterprise and Technology (CREATe) brings together internationally renowned researchers from seven UK universities who will work to address the challenges an increasingly digital world presents to government, business and content creators.

Over the next four years, 40 CREATe projects focused on the intersections between culture, the economy and technology will offer policymakers invaluable analyses for developing new regulatory frameworks. The research will also play into debate about the growth of new and emerging services. CREATe’s projects are led by experts in law, business, economics, technology, psychology and cultural analysis and are funded by a £5m investment from UK research councils. Over the funding period, the University of Glasgow is committing a further £1.7m to research posts and PhDs in the Colleges of Arts and Social Sciences to establish CREATe as an international centre of research excellence.

CREATe Director Professor Martin Kretschmer said: “The vast expansion of access to digital technology in recent years has created tremendous opportunities for the UK creative sector, which generates around £60bn each year, or 6% of the UK economy. As the sector increasingly moves towards digital content, copyright issues are becoming more important than ever.

“Studies have shown that between 60% and 70% of young people illegally download music, movies or TV shows, but often those who download most are also the best customers. Producers are being forced to rethink their ways of doing business.

“As a professor at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law, I’m very proud that CREATe will be based here and that our funders have made such a significant investment in a project of real importance.”

At the launch event, which will be held at the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum this evening, attendees will hear presentations from speakers from the UK and Scottish Governments, the creative industries, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), one of CREATe’s primary funders.

Professor Rick Rylance, Chief Executive of the AHRC, said: “The Creative Economy is of the greatest importance to the economic health and the cultural life of our country. We are in the midst of the profound transformations brought about by the digital revolution. Understanding these changes, and the challenges and opportunities they present, is crucial to our future in law, regulation, business, the cultural sphere and other areas. This is why the foundation of CREATe is so important, and why it is equally important that it brings together the different research councils and other agencies to support its work. We have high hopes of its great success.”

Jo Swinson MP, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs, who will speak at the launch event, said:- “To maintain the success of the UK’s world class creative industries, policy makers need to understand the issues the sector faces. CREATe will bring together academia, government and industry to build a robust evidence base. This will shape policy and ultimately help our creative industries compete in the global market.”

Michael Russell MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, who will also speak at the event, said: “Research of this kind is vital to the Scottish economy and helps to ensure our educational excellence in research continues.

“I am delighted that this innovative new research centre will be based in Glasgow University and I am sure it will offer many benefits to both the university and business communities in Scotland. It further reinforces our reputation as a world leader in education that continues to look at new and diverse ways to grow and improve.”

The official launch will be followed by an intensive one-day working conference on Friday 1 February at the Lighthouse in Glasgow for academics and representatives of the creative industries. The conference will present case studies of transition from analogue to digital (such as music and publishing) contrasting these with ‘born digital’ sectors (such as games or social media). Panel discussion participants include science-fiction writer Charlie Stross, social entrepreneur and publisher Frances Pinter, Google’s UK policy manager Theo Bertram,Stewart Henderson of record label Chemikal Underground, and Tony Clayton of the UK Intellectual Property Office.

CREATe is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Led by the University of Glasgow, CREATe comprises the University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, University of St Andrews, University of Nottingham’s digital economy hub (Horizon), the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Goldsmiths, University of London. Nesta, the Intellectual Property Office and the Technology Strategy Board, played an advisory role in the setting up of CREATe. This powerful academic consortium is connected to some 80 creative industry partners, comprising individual creators, SMEs and major technology and content firms, the initial base for its further outreach in the creative economy.

Letter to the Editor – St George’s Tron

78 Montgomery Street
Edinburgh
EH7 5JA

29th October 2012

Dear Sir,

ST GEORGE’S TRON

Whilst this gay atheist has been much entertained observing the spat between the dissenters of St George’s Tron and the Kirk General Trustees over the fate of that worthy building, perhaps it is time for them to both to agree to render unto Wetherspoon for conversion to licensed premises?

Many more people would be likely to enjoy the fine architecture on a daily basis and it would be being used for a far more socially useful purpose than is currently the case.

John Hein

 

Photo from Creative Commons

Glasgow favourite bakers have a treat for you this Halloween

Bradford’s Bakers, a past winner of Glasgow’s Favourite Business Award, is now choc-a-bloc with some frightfully good hand-crafted treats for you to give to guisers as special party treats this Halloween – with bargain 2 for 1 offers on selected lines.

The local family baker is offering a scary selection of treats including: Halloween party tray bakes; giant werewolf cupcakes; spider Halloween party cakes; individual pumpkin, spider and monster cakes; empire biscuits; Halloween cupcakes and pumpkin bread.

And its flagship store at 245 Sauchiehall Street in the heart of Glasgow city centre is also offering Halloween party stands, truffle witches fingers and Halloween chocolate cake pops to help get your Halloween parties started.

 

Claire Bradford of Bradford’s Bakers said: “All of our Halloween treats are made by our dedicated team of craft bakers and hand decorated by our skilled confectioners, and we’re now running 2 for 1 offers on our pumpkin and spider cakes, as well as our Halloween cupcakes.

 

“So if you want to host the best Halloween party in your street, give your guisers a real treat with our delicious selection of goodies!”

Founded in the south side of Glasgow in 1924, Bradford’s Bakers remains a family owned and operated business with support from skilled staff still baking traditional hand crafted products

 

It has branches in Giffnock, Pollokshaws, Eaglesham, Merrylee, Newton Mearns, Clarkston, Neilston, Clarence Drive, Sauchiehall Street, East Kilbride, Milngavie, Crow Road and Troon. For further information please contact customer services on tel 0141 638 1118.

 

 

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