Elevator founders graduate

The latest crop of entrepreneurs and scale-up companies have graduated from the Elevator business growth schemes in Dundee and Perth.

The 12-week Accelerator programme is designed to help fledgling companies to hone their plans and give them the skills and expert support that will allow their businesses to survive and thrive.

In addition to the Tayside graduations, a third ceremony was held at the original Elevator campus in Aberdeen.

Each of the graduates – known as founders – are given the opportunity to pitch their idea to an invited audience of business influencers and investors.

Among those pitching in Dundee were Barry White and Michael Carr of GoRoadie, a driving instructor comparison site.

The Perth scheme is designed to encourage growth within the creative industries.

Accelerator manager Andy Campbell said; “As they become the latest members of Scotland’s thriving entrepreneurial community, they will be armed with the tools they need to really excel and turn their ambitions into achievements.” Engine maker Rolls-Royce is pressing ahead with plans to shift design approval for large aero engines from the UK to Germany amid Brexit worries.

The group is in talks with the European Safety Aviation Agency over the move, which comes as part of plans that has also seen it stockpiling parts.

Rolls-Royce said the switch was a “precautionary and reversible technical action” and would not impact UK jobs.

The details came as the manufacturer revealed annual profits are expected to be in the “upper half” of its previous guidance.