Gilson Gray buys PL Solutions
Law firm Gilson Gray has acquired East Lothianbased Practical Legal Solutions for an undisclosed sum as it ramps up its property offering.
Under the deal, Practical Legal Solutions’ former owner, Gill Maclean, will join Gilson Gray as a consultant in its real estate practice. The firm is transferring Practical Legal Solutions’ client base – which is weighted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) with a focus on commercial and residential properties.
Maclean has more than 30 years of legal experience and launched Practical Legal Solutions 15 years ago. She will be based at Gilson Gray’s North Berwick office.
Managing partner Glen Gilson said: “Practical Legal Solutions sits neatly against our ambitious growth strategy and will further underpin our clout within the real estate sector. Practical Legal Solutions’ impressive client list will no doubt complement our own.”
Workplace catering giant Compass has pledged to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in Scotland over the next year.
The firm, which last year signed up Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin as a “culinary ambassador”, said its apprenticeship programmes create a “career progression roadmap” for an individual to work toward, from a foundation, modern or graduate apprenticeship.
Four Compass apprentices have already started a fouryear graduate apprenticeship inbusinessmanagementatthe University of Strathclyde.
Foundation apprenticeships havebeendevelopedinpartnership with Skills Development Scotland, Eastbank Academy, City of Glasgow College and Glasgow City Council. Modern Apprenticeshipswillbeoffered inpartnershipwithpolarisand City of Glasgow College.
To deliver the programme, Compass Scotland is working closely with Scottish clients, local businesses, hospitality industry stakeholders, colleges, and universities; with input from Kitchin. The aim is to deliver an “industry-leading, aspirational career pathways structure that offers genuine opportunities for skills development and progression”. Apprenticeshipswillbeoffered inculinary,frontofhouse,facilities management, business
administration, retail, customer service and management.
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Compass Scotland launched as a distinct business in November after operating in the country for about 70 years.
Compass Scotland managing director David Hay said: “This offers a truly bespoke opportunity, enabling 100 apprentices tolearnaboutthefantastichospitality industry here in Scotland, directly from those working within it.
“Astheindustryrecoversfrom
the impact of the pandemic, we need to look to the future and ensure that the next generation of talent is nurtured and retained.
“Ourapprenticeshipschemes willenableemployeestochange or enhance their careers, while supporting the future of the industry we feel so passionate about. It’s an exciting opportunity at the time we need it the most, and I’m excited to see the results.”
Kitchinsaid:“iamveryexcited tobeworkingwithcompasson
their apprenticeship scheme, which should help to bring through the next generation of hospitality talent in the UK.”
Jonathan Foot, head of apprenticeships and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “We offer many excellent learning and development opportunities, but this is the first time we have had something Scotland specific.
“We have made a commitment to modern apprenticeships, supporting the skills development of existing employees as well as attracting new talent.”
The roll-out of the new programme coincides with Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Compass operates in 6,000odd locations across the UK and Ireland, providing catering,cleaningandfacilitiesmanagement service. In Scotland, clients include Edinburgh Zoo, Chrysaor, the EICC and Merchiston School.
The FTSE 100 climbed past its rival markets as it finished the day higher on the back of strong performances by mining firms.
It started the session cautiously but pushed upwards amid speculation that Chancellor Rishi Sunak will extend the furlough scheme and announce further financial support in Wednesday’s Budget announcement.
London’s top flight closed 25.22 points higher at 6,613.75 on Tuesday.
Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said: “The FTSE was the outlier on an otherwise tepid Tuesday, pulling ahead of its Eurozone and US peers.
“The UK index does, admittedly, have a lot more room to expand. While the Dax and Dow Jones lurk near their respective all-time highs - the Dow might be 600 points adrift of those levels, but that’s just one or two good sessions for the index - the FTSE is a long way off.’’
Europe’s other major indices closed the session higher amid an uptick in sentiment later in trading.
The German Dax increased by 0.21 per cent and the French Cac moved 0.31 per cent higher.
Across the Atlantic, the Dow Jones dipped slightly after its major rebound on Monday had moved it back towards record highs.
Meanwhile, sterling made gains against an uneasy dollar as it was also strengthened by optimism regarding the UK’S economic recovery out of lockdown measures.
The pound increased by 0.14 per cent versus the US dollar to 1.394 and was down 0.05 per cent against the euro at 1.155.
In company news, FTSE 250 engineering firm Renishaw soared higher after it was put up for sale by its octogenarian founders.
Shareholders welcomed news that executive chairman Sir David Mcmurty and non-executive director John Deer - who together own 53 per cent of the business - said they want to cash in their majority stake. Shares in the company were 1,100p higher at 6,900p. Boohoo dipped in value after it was reported that it could face a US import ban following recent labour abuse allegations.
The company told investors it was not aware of any investigations into the company by US customs officials following a Sky News report. It closed 11.3p lower at 333.4p.
French Connection was another fashion company to finish lower after it confirmed one of its potential takeover suitors would not place an offer.
Shares fell by 2.2p to 24.6p as it launched a formal sale process amid initial talks with four parties interested in the high street brand.