Blog power
THE power of the internet was reinforced to Heather Matthews, boss of Glasgow-based chauffeur company Little’s, during the recent Olympic Games.
Ms Matthews, whose firms offers services to clients overseas through a series of affiliated companies, revealed that Little’s had been approached by a member of the US track and field team to provide luxury travel during the Games in Rio.
It all came about because of a blog written by the company about the Olympics, which turned up the most hits on Google when the athlete entered the words “chauffeur services Olympic Games Rio” into the search engine.
In the end tight security restrictions in force during the Games meant Little’s was unable to operate near the stadium, but the exposure is unlikely to have done Little’s any harm.
“So we’re blogging a lot, because blogging really works with your SEO (search engine optimisation) ranking,” Ms Matthews said. “That amused me. It didn’t actually come to anything, but it is always interesting when you get what seems like a random phone call.”
Bankers take a hike
CLYDESDALE Bank staff are looking to make a big deposit for their chosen charity, Hospice UK.
Including colleagues from Yorkshire Bank branches south of the Border, 125 employees are embarking on a 26-mile trek along Nidderdale Way in the Yorkshire Dales in September 16.
The bankers are aiming to raise more than £90,000 for the charity, with their fund-raising tally matched pound for pound by their employer.
May Blackburn, who works in the bank’s enterprise assurance team at its head office in Glasgow, said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the hike alongside so many colleagues to support Hospice UK.
“I’ve no doubt it will be challenging at points, but I’m sure it will be a great experience and knowing that the bank is matching our fundraising efforts will provide extra motivation along the way.”
Morrisons chills out
WE thought for a moment that Morrisons was striking out in a bold new direction.
The big four grocer announced this week that it had appointed a new ambient director.
Alas, Barry Williams’ remit will cover the supermarket’s core grocery, beers, wines, spirits, baby goods, household and health and beauty offers, not overseeing releases of music to chill out to.
Boost for MS charity
REVIVE MS Support, the Glasgow-based multiple sclerosis charity, has been boosted in its endeavours by a grant of £8,580 from Bank of Scotland Foundation’s small grants programme.
Chief executive Iain Morrison said: “We can easily see the difference that the welfare and benefit changes have had on our clients and their families.
“Ill health and disability can have a massive financial impact, and our welfare and benefits advice programme has been able to help people with MS access income that has greatly improved their situation. This award means that this invaluable service will be able to continue.”
Kate Guthrie, who chairs the Foundation and is HR director for culture, capability and engagement at Lloyds Banking Group said: “The Bank of Scotland Foundation is truly delighted to be in a position to support the great work that Revive MS Support undertakes in Glasgow.
“We are very proud of our record of positively impacting the lives of so many people by helping charities such as Revive MS Support make a meaningful and visible difference within their local community.”
The Bank of Scotland Foundation has distributed more than £6.1 million to charities across Scotland since its launch in November 2010.
Persistent disruption
WE must confess that we are getting somewhat tetchy about the relentless use of the word disruptive in business circles these days.
Almost every day The Bottom Line receives a press release from a company promising to disrupt this market or that sector with their latest wheeze.
Frankly it’s getting a bit disruptive. We’ll get our coat.
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