Plus ca change
AS the boss of a US-focused business, Craneware chief executive Keith Neilson is frequently asked how things are going for the company on the other side of the Pond. Those questions have become more pertinent since the election of President Donald Trump and his pledge to repeal Obamacare, which could ultimately have repercussions for Craneware and its healthcare-focused revenue management software.
Updating the market this week, Mr Neilson said the policy flux has not interrupted the company’s momentum, but then a change in the Oval Office is nothing new for the business.
Craneware entered the US market towards the end of Bill Clinton’s administration and Mr Neilson said any policy changes since have done little to improve the value the country derives from its investment in healthcare.
“Anything that they are doing in policy change just now is just in the roundings,” he explained. “It’s not making a huge difference.”
Car conga
FEW commuters will look back fondly on the roadworks which led to heavy delays on the motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh over the last three years.
But it did produce at least one memorable line, courtesy of Scottish Engineering chief executive Bryan Buchan, pictured, last week.
Writing in the organisation’s September quarterly review, Mr Buchan wrote: “Credit where it is due for the completion of the new section of M8, which is proving transformative.
“The Scottish Government is claiming a typical 20-minute improvement in journey times; however this is conservative in my opinion, as anyone who has endured the “Coatbridge conga” between 7am and 8am over the last three years will attest.”
IRIS on board
STAFF at hotel firm Manorview are getting used to a new colleague.
IRIS is the company’s new employee app, introduced to the 600-plus team to keep them up to date with all the latest news at the business. It also provides access to useful information such as staff rotas, advice and contacts. IRIS has been rolled out as part of a major focus on staff development at the company, whose outlets include the Busby Hotel and Boclair House in Bearsden.
Chief executive Steve Graham said: “A 10-year milestone is a good time to reflect. Like most businesses we started small, but growing bigger has led to new challenges. These include finding effective ways to communicate to all employees, to recognise their worth, develop them as people, and to ensure they feel part of a bigger picture and vision. It’s their hard work and efforts that help us to continually grow.”
A lot of flannel
THE Bottom Line was taken back in time when it learned about Mike Ashley’s latest acquisition. Sports Direct informed the stock market yesterday now owns 100 per cent of Flannels.
What next for the retailer, we wonder? A move for a controlling stake in twin sets?
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