May312017

MP dossier reveals how the SNP’s ‘lion has snored’

Scottish Conservatives
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31 May 2017

JCChoice

New analysis examining the performance of SNP MPs at Westminster shows “the lion hasn’t roared, it has snored”, the Scottish Conservatives have said.

The 31-page document reveals how much nationalist MPs have claimed in expenses since being elected in 2015, as well as the number of times they’ve voted, the foreign trips they’ve been on and the rate of constituency questions answered.

The study shows 33 of the 54 SNP MPs are ranked in the bottom half of all MPs for response rates to constituents.

They also totted up huge amounts in expenses, with Edinburgh South West MP Joanna Cherry the second most expensive MP in the UK.

And despite senior SNP figures criticising politicians have second jobs, 13 nationalists raked in thousands in additional payments.

As well as the analysis laid out in the document, three MPs were investigated by police last year, with two – Michelle Thomson and Natalie McGarry – having to resign the whip.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said:

“After the last General Election, dozens of SNP MPs trooped down to Westminster.

“We were promised a new style of politics, and Alex Salmond boasted that the ‘Scottish lion has roared’.

“But the conclusion from this document is clear – the lion hasn’t roared, it has snored.

“And if Scotland wants better, more constructive and thoughtful representation, there would be no better place to start than voting this lot out.”

To see the full document, visit:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-05-30-The-Lion-Snores-FINAL.pdf

May312017

Technical marketing agency Yard to create 37 new jobs as it expands its Cardiff offices

Welsh Government
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The company currently employs 18 people at its head office in Eastgate House, Cardiff, with a further 17 members of staff in Edinburgh and London and has already attracted investment from Finance Wales.

 

The planned expansion, assisted by the Welsh Government, supports the company’s growth plans to increase sales by 40% over the next three years and double turnover by 2018. 

 

Incorporated in 2006 by co-founders Paul Newbury CTO and Stephan Briggs CEO, Yard provides a range of digital services such as analytics, data and insight, search engine optimisation, web design and build.

 

Web analytics is its key specialism and the company has provided analytical solutions to over 100 companies across the UK and Europe and created web products for Legal & General, British Gas and Sainsbury’s Bank, among others.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“Supporting digital media businesses that can compete globally and attract inward investment to Wales is a sector priority. I am delighted Welsh Government support will ensure this expansion goes ahead in Wales and will help the company as it embarks on its new stage of growth.”

The additional staff will be responsible for developing new business and servicing new contracts the company has secured from Rank Group, Virgin Atlantic, and Camelot and support its strategic sales strategy for further business growth.

Paul Newbury said of the news: 

“We are delighted at Yard to receive this support from Welsh Government, which will allow us to drive forward with really ambitious growth plans and recruitment plans. By working with local universities and local industry, we can do our part to ensure that we help to grow inward investment into Wales as well as confirming Wales as a centre of excellence for analytical and digital skills.”

The business has grown year on year since its formation and is recognised as a leading technical marketing agency providing a growing number of global clients with niche digital products and services. Its impressive client list also includes J.P. Morgan, S4C, Rank Group, B&Q and Penguin Random House.

 

Yard has been responsible for creating a number of web based software products including CUBED, an advanced attribution modelling tool, and SiteTagger, a tag management solution. Tag management is a platform based method that enables marketing companies to connect, manage and unify their digital marketing applications such as web analytics, search engine marketing and advertising.