Light grilling

THE Stagecoach annual meeting was staged at a different venue in Perth for the first time in several years.

Chairman Sir Brian Souter noted Perth Theatre was “cosier” than the Perth Concert Hall, where the transport giant typically welcomes investors.

But the new venue did hold some less than warm memories, Sir Brian admitted, telling shareholders the audience was “more aggressive” the last time he appeared there as a panel member on Question Time.

Judging by the round of applause he got at one stage, it is safe to say he left with a more pleasant feeling this time around.

Tech on green

FIGURES from the food and drink industry are due to assemble at WEST on the Green in Glasgow today to explore how Internet of Things (IoT) technology can be deployed across its supply chain.

Hosted by CENSIS, Scotland’s centre of excellence for sensor and imaging systems and IoT, the FutureTech seminar will look at how IoT can be applied real world industry projects.

CENSIS said it will look to help develop viable project ideas that come from discussions with advice and funding. Speakers include Graham Young, industry development director at Scotland Food & Drink, and Kirsty Wainwright, production manager at The Glenmorangie Company. Michael Fletcher, business development director at CENSIS, said: “Food and drink is worth an estimated £14 billion to Scotland’s economy, but there is even greater potential in the sector if we can use new and innovative technologies. From production to manufacturing to sales, the whole industry stands to benefit from increased connectivity.

Fill your boots

BACK with Sir Brian and he raised a few laughs when addressing an investor who asked whether it is more preferable for the company to buy back shares or reduce its debt pile. He deftly passed the question to finance director Ross Paterson, before chipping in: “For me, I’d fill my boots at the prices that we have got just now!”