Hot streak [picture of Paula Skinner]

IT has been a memorable week for Paula Skinner, partner in the corporate team at law firm Harper Macleod.

Ms Skinner, who specialises in advising entrepreneurs, start-ups and high-growth enterprises, has been named in The Lawyer magazine's Hot 100 for 2015. She is the only lawyer from a Scottish firm to feature in this year's list.

Ms Skinner, a leading adviser on crowdfunding, said: "I'm thrilled to have been recognised like this, but it's really a tribute to the brilliant team we have and the great clients and organisations we get to work with. This week also marks my 10th anniversary with Harper Macleod so it's a double celebration for me."

Van of the year

EVER wondered what makes a great commercial vehicle?

It may not be as hotly a debated issue as the future direction of interest rates, but a whole awards scheme has been set up to investigate the issue.

Taking the latest Business Van of the Year title is the Citroen Berlingo, which drew praise for judges for its versatility and economical running costs.

Ralph Morton, editor of Business Vans, said: "The Citroen Berlingo is smart, practical and versatile, plus it's affordable to run - no wonder it's perfect for trades wanting a small panel van.

"For that reason it is our Business Van of the Year."

So now you know.

Musical integration

IT would have been the most unlikely example of business diversification.

In the week the indie stalwarts The Charlatans released their 12th studio album, Modern Nature, some fans have been getting the title mixed up.

Singer Tim Burgess tweeted: "I love it when people get titles muddle up. Today I've heard our album referred to as Mother Nature and Modern Furniture".

New direction?

COULD we about to witness a new direction from ale body the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA)?

Gerald Michaluk, managing director of Arran Brewery, has been elected chairman of SIBA's Scottish brand, taking over from Fyne Ales' Tuggy Delap.

With Arran pressing ahead with plans to open Scotland's first sake brewery in Dreghorn, Ayrshire, could it be that the venerable real ale body is about to turn Japanese?

Awesome investors

BREWDOG co-founder James Watt has always insisted the craft brewer would never sell out to a major. And now he has ruled out another group from ever being able to invest in the fast-growing brewer and bar firm.

Praising Brewdog's loyal arm of craft beer "punks", who have supported successive crowdfunding drives launched by the brewer, he said on Twitter: "Being approached by so many venture capital groups at the moment.

"We don't need those stupid muppets. We have our awesome equity punks!"