A Scottish family-owned food and drink business has hailed the appointment of an acclaimed "chef to the stars".

The top chef has catered to celebrities including Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Sir Billy Connolly, and Sir Lenny Henry, as well as royalty.

Dunns Food and Drink, the Blantyre-based wholesaler has secured the services of chef Donnie Munro, who joins its executive team as part of an overall programme of investment to extend its market share as it approaches its 150th year in business.

The firm has bolstered its sales division with the appointment of five new food business development managers, including Mr Munro, a member of the Masterchefs of Great Britain, as executive development chef.

"We are thrilled to welcome Donnie to the Dunns family," managing director Jim Rowan said. "His expertise and passion for food will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our offerings and support our customers."

Read Kristy Dorsey's story here

Gleneagles owner acquires huge chunk of telecoms giant

 

The conglomerate which owns Gleneagles resort in Perthshire has acquired a 24.5% stake in BT, sending shares in the telecoms giant soaring by more than 8.5% at one stage this week.

'This investment demonstrates the confidence we have in BT and in the UK''This investment demonstrates the confidence we have in BT and in the UK' (Image: PA)

Bharti Global, which was founded by billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal in 1976, has agreed to buy the shareholding of Altice, the French media giant, for an undisclosed amount. One report valued the deal, which would make Bharti the biggest shareholder in BT, at around $4 billion.

Indian conglomerate Bharti, which has interests in telecoms, media, space, hotels, and other sectors, hailed the deal as a "vote of confidence in the UK as an attractive global destination for investment, with a stable business and policy environment attractive for long-term investors".

Read Scott Wright's story here

Family-run car dealership firm launching in Scottish city

 

A family-owned Ford dealership has expanded into a Scottish city.

The new site will be badged as Dundee Ford Centre.The new site will be badged as Dundee Ford Centre. (Image: Royal Bank of Scotland)

The firm has moved into Dundee after securing £3 million of funding from Royal Bank of Scotland. The bank noted that Dalkeith Retail Centre Ltd, which trades as Your Ford Centre, is using the funding to purchase its fifth site, declaring this "will see the firm become Dundee’s main Ford franchise, highlighting its commitment to delivering exceptional automotive services to a growing customer base across Scotland”.

The family-run business is headed up by founders William and Janina Short, who are supported by their sons David, Ian and Marek, grandson Ben, sales director Derek Thomson, and after-sales director Graeme Salmond.

Read Ian McConnell's story here

SPECIAL SERIES 

Industry leaders warn SNP housing law 'open to potential legal challenge'

 

A new high-level umbrella group of industry leaders set up in response to the SNP’s new housing law has warned some aspects of the proposals could face a "potential legal challenge".

The Scottish Government proposals have been put under a microscopeThe Scottish Government proposals have been put under a microscope (Image: Getty/PA/NQ/Brian Donnelly)

In a special series, the group that "collectively represents the entire spectrum of private rented housing providers across Scotland" spoke exclusively to The Herald.

SPECIAL SERIES: Rent controls investigation

It has raised "significant concerns" around rent controls and the proposed Housing (Scotland) Bill currently under consultation.

More Homes More Quickly, made up of leaders of companies and industry organisations with wide-ranging membership, has written to Paul McLennan, Housing Minister, to put forward alternative rent control options.

The eight senior industry figures wrote: "The current approach to rent control in the Bill aims to build flexibility into the framework to avoid material unintended outcomes."