Not lost in translation

SUPERGLASS chief executive Ken Munro was fulsome in his praise of new boss Sergey Kolesnikov’s language skills.

Introducing Mr Kolesnikov, whose TechnoNICOL construction materials business acquired Superglass for £8.7 million, to journalists this week, he praised his Russian counterpart for addressing staff in in English when he met them for the first time.

“His English is certainly better than my Russian,” Mr Munro quipped.

Not so hospitable

The hospitality sector’s reputation for long hours and low pay is still proving to be hard to shake.

In spite of sterling work by the industry to challenge that impression in recent years, more than two thirds (42 per cent) of parents said they’d discourage their children to enter the industry.

That’s in spite of there being around 90,000 jobs available in the sector, a survey has found.

The Best Western Careers Index, which charts the aspirations parents have for their children, ranked doctor the top preferred profession, at 47 per cent. That was followed by accountants (39 per cent), architects (37 per cent) and engineers (36 per cent).

Perhaps surprisingly, given the recent focus provided by the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio, only 15 per cent said they would like their children to become a professional athlete.

Hoping sales fall to end

TIM Martin, arch Brexiter and chairman of pub giant JD Wetherspoon, can always be counted on by journalists in search of a killer line.

Asked whether the transition from summer to autumn marks any significance for pub takings – many in the licensed trade enjoy better revenues thanks to the return of Champions League football – Martin signalled he is hoping for a better run this year.

“In the last few years, for some reason, when the autumn leaves have fallen so have our sales,” Mr Martin joked. “I try not to take it personally.”

Keiller taking AIM

FORMER Wood Group chief executive Bob Keiller has been unveiled as a keynote speaker who will address the forthcoming AIM (Alternative Investment Market) to be hosted by Informatics Ventures.

Mr Keiller, now chairman of Scottish Enterprise, will share a stage with Richard Logan, chief financial officer of AIM-listed Iomart, and Keith Brown, Scottish cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work, at the event.

Taking place at the Roxburghe Hotel on September 20, more than 60 companies from the information and communications technology, life sciences and food and drink sectors have signed up to attend.

Mr Keiller said: “Informatics Ventures, London Stock Exchange and partners should be applauded for organising this kind of event.

"Scotland has some great success stories on both AIM and the main markets, but we need more. Understanding and demystifying the process of becoming publicly listed will help to encourage those whose growth ambition can be helped by going public.”