Latest news with #NeilWilson
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Ayrshire-based civil engineering company cuts project time in half with technology investment
Ayrshire-based civil engineering firm Dalcon Ltd has boosted onsite productivity and halved project timescales by investing in four Trimble® Earthworks excavator systems from SITECH UK & Ireland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. This machine control platform is designed to significantly improve productivity, cost efficiencies and sustainability onsite by integrating several advanced technology features. Neil Wilson, Director at Dalcon Ltd, said: 'This is our largest investment in advanced construction technology to date and the effect on productivity has been eye opening, with one project already being eight weeks ahead of schedule, and on track to be completed in half the estimated time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Since SITECH delivered and installed the systems, we have seen a significant increase in accuracy, efficiency and productivity across multiple projects. By automating processes that were previously achieved manually we have reduced the time taken on excavation jobs. The system enables operators to grade to specification whilst maximising each truck load, helping contractors to achieve more with the same machine. With the help of SITECH, authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, Scotland-based Dalcon Ltd. has invested in four Trimble Earthworks for Excavator systems. 'Reducing downtime is key to enhancing productivity for contractors. By leveraging precision technology, we can minimise the risks of over-digging or striking hazardous areas and minimise the need to wait for updated site-data from surveyors. In addition, the system allows for site connectivity and remote diagnostics which further reduces the risk of downtime. Our team can monitor the integrated machines from anywhere, increasing the ability to run multiple sites as efficiently as possible.' Neil explains how the systems have also made an impact on safety for contractors: 'Crucially, the technology is accessible for operators of all skill levels, and by automating processes we have reduced the need for personnel to be working directly alongside heavy machinery by approximately 25%. The system uses angle sensors and GNSS receivers to provide highly accurate information on the excavator's position and bucket location, which reduces the risk of accidents on site, freeing up personnel for more vital tasks.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Are UK investment assets becoming more attractive? Have your say
Investment bank Peel Hunt (PEEL.L) has highlighted that it is seeing more positivity from institutional investors towards the UK market. In its full-year results, published on Monday, Peel Hunt said: "Following the challenging market conditions of February and March, FY26 has started more positively, with the Trump administration agreeing a number of trade deals, including with the UK, and with interest rates having been cut by the Bank of England. "We are seeing a rotation out of US assets into Europe and greater institutional positivity towards the UK." The investment bank said that equity capital market (ECM) activity in the UK "remains generally subdued but could gain traction should macroeconomic conditions continue to stabilise." The UK's FTSE 100 (^FTSE) closed at a fresh high of 8,884 points on Thursday and is now up 8.8% year-to-date. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) is up just 1.6% so far this year, with concerns about the economic impact of US president Donald Trump's tariffs weighing on investor sentiment. Read more: What to watch this week: Inflation, Bank of England interest rates, Accenture, Berkeley and Whitbread On the back of the FTSE's latest record close, Saxo Markets UK investor strategist Neil Wilson said that the UK blue-chip index has "rallied somewhat against the odds with broad-based gains among its diverse membership". For example, Wilson pointed out that the surge in gold and silver prices has boosted miner Fresnillo (FRES.L), while government pledges to spending more on defence have boosted BAE Systems (BA.L) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L). In addition, he said the FTSE's global footprint has also helped and that there had been strong progress among financial stocks, such as Lloyds (LLOY.L) and Prudential (PRU.L). "I think we have clearly seen a rotation in global equity markets as investors have for the first time in years questioned the TINATA — there is no alternative to America," Wilson said. "Investors are looking elsewhere and consistently conversations with clients revolve around geographic diversification and reducing exposure to the US." Do you think UK investment assets are becoming more attractive? Vote in the poll below. Yahoo UK's poll of the week lets you vote and indicate your strength of feeling on one of the week's hot topics. After the poll closes, we'll publish and analyse the results each Friday, giving readers the chance to see how polarising a topic has become and if their view chimes with other Yahoo UK readers. Read more: Average UK house asking price drops by more than £1,000 Why you can trust an 18-year old with their junior ISA – and how to create one What you need to know about UK's private stock market PiscesSign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Flying Footsie closes on a record high as sterling hits highest level against the dollar for more than three years
The London stock market closed at a record high last night and the pound hit its highest level against the dollar for more than three years. On an upbeat day for investors, the FTSE 100 ended the session up 0.2 per cent, or 20.57 points, at 8884.92, eclipsing the previous record of 8871 set in March. At the same time, sterling rose above $1.36 for the first time since early 2022, peaking at $1.3623 before easing. The Footsie was caught in a global sell-off in early April as US President Donald Trump unleashed his trade war on what he described as 'Liberation Day'. But it has risen more than 15 per cent since its lows that month as global trade tensions ease and investors hunt bargains on what is widely seen as an undervalued UK stock market. The Footsie has now gained 8.7 per cent this year compared with a near-3 per cent rise in America's powerhouse S&P 500. Germany's Dax, however, has done even better, rising 18.7 per cent as the government in Berlin announced plans to boost defence and infrastructure spending. Neil Wilson, a strategist at London investment platform Saxo Markets, said there had been a 'rotation in global equity markets as investors have for the first time in years questioned' the theory 'there is no alternative to America'. He added: 'Investors are looking elsewhere and consistently conversations with clients revolve around geographic diversification and reducing exposure to the US.' The Footsie flirted with a record recently but fell short until yesterday. Its rally came as Trump's commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said tariff reductions agreed in last month's US-UK trade deal would start to be seen 'in coming days'. But the dollar weakened on fears of the impact of the trade wars on the US. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: 'The UK stock market has been a star performer this year, delivering more than three times the return as the S&P 500 in the US. It's been ages since the UK trumped the US on the stock market, and 2025 has been the breakthrough year. 'The UK market has done well, but Germany has done even better thanks to the government's plans to splash the cash on defence and infrastructure.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boeing stock slides after Air India 787 Dreamliner crashes
An Air India Boeing 787 crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. Boeing stock fell sharply in premarket trading. It's thought to be the first crash involving the Dreamliner, which first flew in 2009. Boeing stock fell sharply in premarket trading on Thursday after an Air India plane crashed in what's thought to be the first such incident involving a 787 Dreamliner. The 11-year-old aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick Airport. There were 242 people on board, Air India said. Rescue efforts are continuing at the crash site. Boeing stock was set to open 7.7% lower as of 8:18 a.m. ET. Neil Wilson, an investor strategist at Saxo UK, said the 787 crash raised serious concerns: "The incident threatens to undermine recent progress in restoring investor and public confidence." GE Aerospace stock fell more than 6% premarket — Boeing is a key customer for jet engines and related services — while Spirit AeroSystems, which makes fuselage and flight deck for Boeing planes, dipped 4%. Boeing closed on Wednesday at $214 and had gained almost 25% this year. The recovery followed Boeing stock ending the year as the biggest loser of the 30 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, shedding 31% last year. Boeing had a painful 2024 following the Alaska Airlines blowout in January. Dave Calhoun stepped down as CEO in March 2024 and was replaced in August by Kelly Ortberg, an industry veteran who signaled a return to prioritizing engineering over profit. First flown in 2009, the 787 was the first next-generation plane produced by a major aircraft manufacturer. It followed the success of the Boeing 777, but it has faced setbacks over the years. Boeing said in a statement: "We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information." Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
VRC shuts down merger speculation after secret meeting revelations
Victoria Racing Club has shut down any potential for merger. The staunch position statement to members followed a media report on Thursday about a meeting in February where club bosses canvassed what a merger could look like. Billionaire racehorse owner-breeder Jonathan Munz hosted the roundtable between VRC chairman Neil Wilson, vice-chair Andrew Ramsden and Melbourne Racing Club kingpin John Kanga. The masthead has confirmed the discussion took place but not advanced beyond the night. Wilson and VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers co-signed a letter to members on Thursday. 'We are not pursuing or engaging on club merger activity and we have no reason, financial or otherwise to do this at this time,' the letter reads. 'We remain committed to working alongside Racing Victoria and the broader industry for the betterment of Victorian racing. 'Our focus is squarely on strengthening the VRC – growing our club, backing our members and partners, and building on the success of the Melbourne Cup carnival.' The pros and cons of merging Melbourne's metropolitan racing clubs, VRC, MRC and Moonee Valley Racing Club, has been an ongoing industry discussion for many years. Club members would need to vote in favour of a merger for the concept to gain any traction. The Valley is set to be closed in October for a full redevelopment, including new track and grandstand, with an estimated 2027 return date. Sydney counterpart the Australian Turf Club was created in 2011 following the merger of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and Sydney Turf Club (STC). The VRC, host of the Melbourne Cup carnival, is the shopfront of Australian racing to the world while MRC anchors the bulk of Victorian metro meetings at Caulfield and Sandown. The MRC has one of the strongest balance sheets in Australian sport with significant assets and a diversified business, including 14 poker machine venues. The VRC battled financially post-Covid, lost $70m in four years, but is set to return to profit. Southside Racing, entity following the merger of Cranbourne and Pakenham turf clubs, has exceeded all expectations. While not privy to any VRC and MRC discussions, Southside chief executive Neil Bainbridge hailed the first 12 months of the Cranbourne-Pakenham merger an 'outstanding success'. Bainbridge, however, conceded it is not a 'one size fits all' model. 'We're a lot more efficient, we're a lot more effective, we're a lot more aligned and we've got a common goal to grow racing in the southeast,' Bainbridge said. 'We think we've delivered some really good outcomes … Southside has been a success but driven by some unique circumstances and opportunities. 'We're a supporter and believer in what Southside has been able to achieve but certainly not suggesting there is a one size fits all model.'
