A family has sold its business that provides Christmas lights and decorations for shops and city centres as well as to the public.

The Corporate Christmas Tree Company Ltd has been sold to an employee ownership trust that will own the business on behalf of its 20 employees.

The business was founded by Fiona and Charlie Cameron in 1998 and now trades under Christmas Direct, DZD and Sparkling Lights.

The business has grown organically and by acquisition over its 26 years, from the kitchen table to the current purpose-built premises on the outskirts of Perth.

The company sells Christmas lighting and decorations to the public, but its main income is from its diverse business customers, including film and television companies, prestigious retail stores, hospitality venues and town centre lighting projects.

"The Corporate Christmas Tree Company has always been a family business, with a great staff and customers. We explored several sale options, including a trade sale and external investment," said the Camerons.

"We settled on an employee ownership trust as we are able to provide our employees an independent future whilst knowing that the business is being run by the people who know it the best and who have always had its best interests at heart." 

Alasdair Seftor, operations director, said: "The sale of the business to an EOT is a perfect solution, allowing us to continue to serve our customers, while retaining the same talented members of staff, some of whom have been part of our team for over 10 years.”

The Corporate Christmas Tree Company Limited was advised by Douglas Roberts, Nimarta Cheema and Faye Saunders of TLT and Ivan Houston from Scholes & Co.

Michelin to unveil world-famous restaurant guide in Scotland for first time

Michelin has announced that its world-famous guide to Britain’s best restaurants is to be unveiled in Scotland for the first time.  

The restaurant reviewers said that it’s next Great Britain & Ireland guide for 2025 will be revealed at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery.  

The event in February next year will also see the announcement of the renowned Michelin Stars for UK restaurants, and also the Green Stars recognising pioneers in the field of sustainable gastronomy. A range of Special Awards, celebrating exceptional industry professionals, will be presented on the night, with all chefs running a 'starred' restaurant, as well as journalists, influencers, partners and industry leaders invited to the ceremony.

Balmoral estate Queen's Building to become wedding venue

A building on the King’s Balmoral Estate is to be offered as a wedding venue as plans to give the public greater access widen.   

Plans have been lodged to hold ceremonies at the Queen's Building - a few hundred metres from the main Royal castle to allow couples to wed.  

The building could host up to 277 guests, feature live performances and music and serve alcohol up to half-past midnight. 

Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, has been the Royal Family's Scottish holiday home since the 19th century and was where the late Queen spent her final days. 

Yodel hiring nearly 300 seasonal roles in Scotland ahead of festive peak

Independent parcel carrier Yodel has announced it is hiring for nearly 300 seasonal roles in Scotland ahead of the festive peak.

The openings form part of Yodel’s UK-wide recruitment drive, with the carrier creating 3,000 additional roles nationwide.

The roles include 143 positions in Livingston, 86 in Perth and 53 in Kilmarnock to help prepare for the busy Black Friday and Christmas shopping peak times.

Yodel said it expects to handle up to 53% more parcels over the next three months as consumers ramp up spending ahead of the festive season.