The Business - 25/01/2009

On the launch day of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Graham Stewart assesses the potential of Robert Burns' 250th anniversary in boosting a flagging economy. As the national events agency responsible for delivering Homecoming Scotland, EventScotland's chief operating officer Paul Bush tells us what he's expecting from the year-long celebrations. One business which always does well out of Burns is the Edinburgh-based haggis maker MacSweens. Its director, James MacSween, shares his hopes of a Homecoming boost to sales. John Johnston reports on how the Shetland economy has, so far, managed to escape the economic downturn. Starting a new business, or growing an existing one, can be difficult in a recession, but Liz Metin of the business support organisation GO Group gives us details about her master classes which help businesses secure investment. And Raymond Buchanan reports on how the recession is forcing many companies to cut back on sports sponsorship.