tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post1234275360713849554..comments2024-01-12T01:56:21.933-08:00Comments on chokka blog: Who Do "Business for Scotland" Represent?Kevin Haguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587343060415859159noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-3428792832485922112020-05-31T07:08:33.078-07:002020-05-31T07:08:33.078-07:00Remember Tony Banks ? SNP don't seem to be th...Remember Tony Banks ? SNP don't seem to be the flavour of the month for him anymore.<br />https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsscotland/care-home-boss-blasts-snp-government-mismanagement-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ar-BB14PHsx?ocid=spartanntpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-77090064878181527412018-11-18T00:57:13.201-08:002018-11-18T00:57:13.201-08:00New comment by Tony Banks I see
https://www.thet...New comment by Tony Banks I see <br /><br />https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/call-independence-vote-or-quit-donor-tells-sturgeon-jcccdw76gAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-26498654561745680832017-06-08T14:02:01.049-07:002017-06-08T14:02:01.049-07:00I have just been blocked by BfS on facebook...I co...I have just been blocked by BfS on facebook...I consider that a success...They are an SNP shill company headed by Aberdeen lawyer and staunch SNP supporter Rob Aberdein...I have obviously hit a nerve with my posts.I could post using another facebook profile but will just watch .How petty for a business (ha ha) to block someone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-52938235077931758862017-02-21T06:12:41.622-08:002017-02-21T06:12:41.622-08:00Perhaps you might want to update the McIntyre Kemp...Perhaps you might want to update the McIntyre Kemp data ? <br />http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15105527.Business_for_Scotland_boss_admits_losing_money_on_his_business/?ref=twtrecAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-21433945041838132982016-01-13T14:35:56.685-08:002016-01-13T14:35:56.685-08:00Whats the chances that the Ian Blackford mentioned...Whats the chances that the Ian Blackford mentioned here is also the same one that is now an SNP MP now too ? (alongside Thompson and Arkless)<br /><br />Also i see an Ivan McKee on this list and that name is also going to stand as an MSP at Holyrood in May http://www.snp.org/ivan_mckee (Depite being caught up in the Michelle Thompson issue)Jock Tamsons Bairnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17363965238997914283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-89223419781033105122016-01-09T14:04:50.188-08:002016-01-09T14:04:50.188-08:00Another casualty among Scotland for Business membe...<br />Another casualty among Scotland for Business members ?<br /><br />http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/angus-the-mearns/secret-millionaire-tony-banks-on-domestic-assault-charge-1.918931<br /><br />Any chance of updating all the new known information on members that is now available perhaps so it can be seen when reading the main article ? We know at least two of them later became SNP MP's too, one already fallen from grace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-91535205142222864212015-10-18T04:06:49.713-07:002015-10-18T04:06:49.713-07:00So what do we have going on here today ?
Another ...<br />So what do we have going on here today ? <br />Another Slo-mo road accident amongst the Business for Scotland fraternity ?<br />(Among them of course SNP MP's who Pete Wishart SNP MP says don't have second Jobs.)<br /><br />Why hurriedly resign your Directorship if you have nothing to hide ?<br />Hopefully the authorities here look deep into Richard Arkless's business practices... who knows what they might dig up.<br /><br />From todays Express <br />http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/612804/Scotland-company-SNP-MP-Trading-standards<br /><br />Have another Gin or two tonight Kevin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-6438225379087386152015-08-26T18:09:13.163-07:002015-08-26T18:09:13.163-07:00Richard Arkless being one of the "new" 5...Richard Arkless being one of the "new" 56 MP's ?<br /><br />Doesn't reply to "difficult" Facebook questions (any facebook questions ) but loves to write glowing episodes of SNP daiy life on his page, most other questions to him just get deleted , much easier than actually trying to answer them. <br /><br />Says he gave up from being a Business lawyer so he could start up an online LED company...can't see that being much of a huge business concern really.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-84886216370401807042014-08-31T06:12:58.102-07:002014-08-31T06:12:58.102-07:00This is a fantastic article - and confirms what I ...This is a fantastic article - and confirms what I have thought all along. I was just beginning to research some of the companies and came across your blog - especially relevant with the article in the paper today. Well done and thanks for the work put into this. I have shared it and will refer to it again.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04268433402584985679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-12590423823238342952014-08-28T01:59:00.241-07:002014-08-28T01:59:00.241-07:00let's get one thing straight, BfS members. You...let's get one thing straight, BfS members. You comment here that you are a fledgling organisation of business people who believe in the YES campaign. But that isn't what you portray yourselves as nationally is it? <br />By using sophisticated social media marketing techniques you have catapaulted yourselves to the 'go to' body representing scottish Business in the Yes camapign. <br />So don't complain when the spot light and magnifying glass is turned on you. You cannot have your cake and eat it.Scootershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04254935826188059531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-73788793111338431182014-07-29T12:42:39.599-07:002014-07-29T12:42:39.599-07:00In reply to Alan S:
Alan I am aware of that issue ...In reply to Alan S:<br />Alan I am aware of that issue and thought I made it very clear in my text but let me repeat the point ><br /><br />I was trying to assess whether the BfS membership includes any businesses with a significant number of employees and material trade with rUK. I'd asked the question directly and as you can see was not answered so I did the research myself.<br /><br />I go to great pains to make it clear that I am not casting any aspersions on the people who may have small companies or who are sole traders like yourself - and recognise you have an entirely valid view on the independence referendum question. I'm merely pointing out that a very significant business constituency is not represented *at all* by BfS - and it is that very constituency that is concerned about the Scottish employment implications of a Yes vote.<br /><br />Is all.Kevin Haguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14587343060415859159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-72004503058882858162014-07-29T12:28:59.066-07:002014-07-29T12:28:59.066-07:00I'm a BFS member but as my business is structu...I'm a BFS member but as my business is structured as sole trader it wont be listed in companies house. <br /><br />Maybe you should have considered that for part of your "research".Alan Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06660019845176826106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-37410643657660237362014-07-11T01:01:17.897-07:002014-07-11T01:01:17.897-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14305919698426829305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-6878999733037868152014-07-06T08:38:08.131-07:002014-07-06T08:38:08.131-07:00I would suggest that since there is no shortage of...I would suggest that since there is no shortage of different yes grass roots groups, the vast majority of bfs members are or see themselves as business people. Or it could be that l should have declared my interest and targeted my donations to "Granny's for Yes". Im sure that, as myself, many would like to maintain a degree of anominity, considering the possible negative impact on trade from individuals and other businesses who do not hold the same beliefs. I have suppliers and clients on both sides of the border and the debate. I also have staff who no doubt will vote differently from myself and it would not be right to declare my beliefs in the name of my company. You seem to have put alot of energy into your research and I commend you for your dedication. But you don't have the information you would require to have a conclusion. The commitment of bfs, the whatever for Yes, the whoever for indy, the thousands of campaigners who chap doors are the ones who will be able to look back and feel a part of something good. The gate is open.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-82886097099497126462014-07-02T23:20:12.972-07:002014-07-02T23:20:12.972-07:00BfS is not funded by or linked to any political pa...BfS is not funded by or linked to any political party; the members I have met (over a 6 month period) have never discussed political allegiances but have spoken of their desire to have a Normal country. A country which governs its own affairs. Economically there is no issue to address. Scotland is being held back because of its resources & anyone who suggests otherwise is looking through an obscured Unionist/Daily Mail lens. JT. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-47222208853625053182014-06-26T07:49:58.058-07:002014-06-26T07:49:58.058-07:00If 95% funded via 433 individual donors with 3 day...If 95% funded via 433 individual donors with 3 days to go is a 'disaster' then can you let me know how to go about running a successful crowd funding campaign?<br /><br />I think the blog post is successful in its stated purpose of showing that business for Scotland is not a wholly representative organisation although lets be fair - is the CBI? Although BfS have gained significant airtime I have never seen them portrayed as anything other than a yes supporting group of business individuals which it is hard to argue against.<br /><br />Surely it is a good thing that the debate is balanced with an alternative narrative to the (not unfounded) mantra of business risks under independence which highlights that they're might indeed be specific opportunities associated with a Yes vote as well. <br /><br />As for fatshez's ludicrous conspiracy theories about their being an SNP front the less said the better. What sort of money are you suggesting they've actually spent? As has already been pointed out their voluntary membership fee would appear to be more than enough to cover the nominal costs of maintaining a website (and potentially funding a writer), running town hall meetings and making a few youtube videos.Callumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-62773099492558060272014-06-25T02:54:39.447-07:002014-06-25T02:54:39.447-07:00Very interesting and confirms my dealings with Mic...Very interesting and confirms my dealings with Michelle and the other guy who runs it. Way back last year I was discussing independence with them on the site forum and was removed once the argument started to go aginst them.<br /><br />One apsect that I do object to is that they post articles written for them and promote them as ''an independent financial advisor tells us why he's voting yes'' anbd it turns out the guy is one of the leads for the Third Sector for YEs campaign. Thats not very honest.<br /><br />I see that their Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, which ends this week, has been a disaster - only 168 donars. That really says it all. Why any media operation would want to take soundings from the people running it is beyond me - they are not exactly bright or even succesful.Rob Murray Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10298710231782204493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-16699367464852863752014-06-23T10:56:51.994-07:002014-06-23T10:56:51.994-07:00Good work
I always figured that BfS was an snp fr...Good work<br /><br />I always figured that BfS was an snp front dressed up to look far more significant than it actually is but i didn't have the inclination to go digging so well done.<br /><br />Keep it up, the no vote is in the bag but it would be nice to keep yes below 25%.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-64429183579748776192014-06-22T06:01:18.545-07:002014-06-22T06:01:18.545-07:00I'm a member of BfS and employ (part time) mys...I'm a member of BfS and employ (part time) myself. I see Yes! as a fantastic opportunity for developing the economy in Scotland to benefit those primarily who choose to live and work here. I get the feeling from your comments that this "smallness" makes my contribution or support of BfS less important. You seem to be making the point "how many employees do you represent?" Why is that important? Surely each individual has one vote so this is a mute point you seek to make. It is a fools errand to push for representation of "big business" in this debate, they are clearly allowed to contribute but to question the relevance or high profile nature of BfS as an issue is to miss the point. We are individuals, motivated by this opportunity to make change happen, we are not sitting back and waiting for the organisation you would prefer to see doing this for us. That, in my view is the difference, we as an organised group are being active and the high profile nature is a result of this effective organisation. As far as the SNP is concerned, why is that relevant? In the context of the debate across the media I would hope and ask you to dedicate as much time and attention to the No camp and just exactly who are they being supported by. I would compliment you on your efforts; a very instructive piece and well laid out. It would be amplified in effect if you had "the other side" also put under the spot light - good luck with that and I look forward to your talents and passion being put behind an independent Scotland after a Yes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-25400526230189573522014-06-22T06:00:37.147-07:002014-06-22T06:00:37.147-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-16961837087599605312014-06-19T16:29:21.885-07:002014-06-19T16:29:21.885-07:00Sorry Alistair I meant to say "thank you"...Sorry Alistair I meant to say "thank you" for comment ref economic analysisKevin Haguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14587343060415859159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-59985756286053000772014-06-19T16:28:14.140-07:002014-06-19T16:28:14.140-07:00I do say "identified members" that's...I do say "identified members" that's all I can work with ... And "are regularly invited onto TV and radio" is exactly what bugs me. Why are they?Kevin Haguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14587343060415859159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-23920000414698576572014-06-19T14:49:06.369-07:002014-06-19T14:49:06.369-07:00Hi Kevin
I hear what you say, but it cannot be ri...Hi Kevin<br /><br />I hear what you say, but it cannot be right to publish a blog post which claims that BfS membership can be "fairly represented" as 64, and just not mention that their own website states that over 1,500 have signed their pledge. In my opinion you really need to change your post to acknowledge that these 64 are a (known) subset of a much larger (albeit unknown) whole.<br /><br />BfS have nearly 2k members, 13k Twitter followers, and YouTube plays up to 12 or 13k. They speak to packed town halls, and are regularly invited onto TV and radio. They are a genuinely popular outfit, not some astroturf front.<br /><br />Beyond that I have no quarrel with the content of your post. I'm just not sure why you think anyone would be surprised at its content. I don't think BfS has ever claimed to represent Scottish Business as a whole, as opposed to the 1,500 signatories who are I am quite sure of all shapes and sizes, including the odd dog. <br /><br />You have done good work on the economic risks associated with independence. I like that work better than this current post: speak to the message, don't shoot the messenger.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01644225610528895598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-55458744250745759662014-06-19T07:02:58.008-07:002014-06-19T07:02:58.008-07:00To answer some of the points above;
1. There might...To answer some of the points above;<br />1. There might have been 1500 online registrations to the pledge .. I've heard 2000 quoted .. that's great but doesn't tell us anything about who they are and is an unverified claim<br />2. If we do accept that number, all we know is it online "sign-ups" without any screening for business credibility; my dog has "signed up" -- so I presume she is included in the figures being quoted here to argue that "Business for Scotland" has more credibility than I give it credit for<br />3. I have been very clear on my methodology and shared the entire workings -- as BfS provide nothing more to give actual business credibility than the featured testimonials its reasonable for me to analyse those and conclude as I do<br />4. I am not arguing that I've uncovered some spectacular scam; I am merely making sure that the public statements made by "Business for Scotland" are read in an appropriate context and - which is where I came in - whatever the group represents it does *not* represent Scottish Business in any meaningful sense.<br /><br />I don't think I need to *correct* anything about the overall message of the blog: I will continue to make any corrections to fact if I have misrepresented any of the "featured members" business interestsKevin Haguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14587343060415859159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603438996450817644.post-78377607845533949502014-06-19T00:31:22.748-07:002014-06-19T00:31:22.748-07:00Have you asked to see the membership list? Why isn...Have you asked to see the membership list? Why isn't it published? A healthy membership would go along way to addressing the credibility gap highlighted in the blog. Have you seen accounts or asked to see accounts? Right now all you're doing is pointing out you disagree with the (in the case of the blog itself) well researched and reasoned points made, but have no further research or reasoning to add.fatshezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15767717630689999915noreply@blogger.com