HELLO and welcome to the AM Business Briefing, as shortages at filling stations in Scotland are "more acute", the Deputy First Minister has conceded, though he insisted that the situation was improving.
John Swinney spoke out as the UK Government put 150 military drivers on stand-by to help deliver petrol and diesel to forecourts if needed.
He stressed the Scottish Government is monitoring the situation closely, with a meeting of its resilience group due to meet on Wednesday afternoon.
In the City, the battle to buy supermarket Morrisons will go to an auction process, the stock market's Takeover Panel has confirmed.
Private equity giants Fortress and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) must now submit formal bids with the first round of five starting this Saturday.
A result will be announced by Monday morning, although the process could also be scrapped if either side state they will not increase their current offers.
Also today, a Scottish entrepreneur is launching a scheme to make electric cars more afordable, a one-time favourite pub with Rangers fans on matchday is set to be demolished, and the finalists in the inaugural Herald Digital Transformation Awards in association with Digital World have just been announced.
Scottish firm aims to bring affordable electric cars to the masses
A Scottish entrepreneur is launching a new electric car scheme that “works as hard for the motorist’s pocket as it does for the environment”.
The “loveelectric” company was founded by Scottish entrepreneur, Steve Tigar, formerly chief executive of Money Dashboard, the award-winning personal finance app, with its HQ also in Edinburgh.
Mr Tigar is a graduate from the University of St Andrews and received a scholarship to undertake the prestigious Saltire Fellowship programme, a government initiative designed to spur entrepreneurial thinking and action in Scotland by sending its most promising leaders to America on a fast-track MBA style course.
It is claimed “loveelectric halves the cost of their dream electric car”.
For example, Jane, a higher rate taxpayer, earns £60,000 a year. She chooses a Tesla Model 3 with a lease term of 48 months and agreed mileage of 5,000 miles. The standard lease price would be £524 per month, but the loveelectric lease price and salary sacrifice brings the cost down to £267 per month – which is claimed is a "highly affordable route to drive an electric car".
Companies which participate in the scheme can help their employees drive away with anything from a Vauxhall Corsa-e, Tesla, Renault Zoe, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia e-Niro, Honda e, to a Porsche Taycan, with no deposit and there are no additional costs for maintenance, servicing, and breakdown cover.
Any business that has been trading profitably for two years or more can sign up free to enable their staff to enjoy the benefits. Their new car can be for personal or business use.
Mr Tigar said: “We want to see electric cars become the norm and easily accessible for everyone.
“Scotland’s drivers want electric cars now and with COP26 in Glasgow just around the corner, it’s become a huge talking point. Switching to electric is one of the biggest ways to make a real difference and tackle the climate emergency.
“I believe organisations can be a force for good which is why we’re in the process of becoming a B Corp2. It’s about making a difference, and we all need to make that difference right now.
“We want to support all businesses to empower their staff to make the switch to electric. Our Drive Change campaign is designed to raise awareness of the difference electric cars make compared to those which run on petrol and diesel. We are committed to helping thousands of employees switch in the next 18 months, collectively saving them millions.
“In addition to the monetary savings, the benefit to the environment is priceless. Our app will show the emissions we reduce and the money we save, together.
“Why wait until 2030? It’s time to switch now! Reducing our carbon tyre-print is the biggest way the average person can make a real difference.”
Former pub once frequented by Rangers fans to be demolished
Planning permission and conservation area consent has been secured by Mosaic Architecture + Design for the demolition of the former Annie Millers public house in Glasgow city centre and the construction of 18 serviced apartments.
Innovators take centre stage
The finalists in the very first Herald Digital Transformation Awards in association with Digital World have just been announced and they make inspirational reading.
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