Scottish Business Briefing - Monday 11 March 2013 - Business - Scotsman.com Manufacturers created more jobs last month, while the service sector maintained its employment levels (Scotsman) The Economics of Independence 2013 This conference tackles the crucial issues facing business and industry in the Scottish independence debate. Join expert speakers Alistair Darling MP, Jim McColl (Clyde Blowers) and Rupert Soames (Aggreko). Uisge Source to sell "drop that makes dram" in US A START-UP firm that has ­already sold 50,000 bottles of its specially-sourced water is aiming to break into the lucrative United States market with its "drop that makes the dram." Uisge Source has been selling waters suited to accompany Islay, Highland and Speyside malts since October, when it filled its first order for the Whisky Shop chain (Scotsman). Mactaggart & Mickel in Miller Homes and Premier Inn deals MACTAGGART & Mickel ­Timber Systems has won a series of contracts worth more than £1.4 million in total since the start of the year. The Bellshill-based company will provide 76 units for a Miller Homes development in Winchburgh, its second contract with the housebuilder. The firm has also secured its fifth contract with Ogilvie Construction, which is kitting out a 60-bed Premier Inn in Stirling (Scotsman). French Duncan hunting for its next merger opportunity ACCOUNTANCY firm French Duncan has signalled it is still on the merger hunt just a few months after a tie-up with Macfarlane Gray. Managing partner Graeme Finnie admitted French Duncan was looking at expansion in the east and north of Scotland. A move into the north of England is also part of the long-term growth plan and has been considered at board level (Herald). Scottish ports on course for record year for cruise ships Scottish ports are heading for a record-breaking number of leisure passengers this summer, marketing body Cruise Scotland said yesterday. But it also warned that stricter checks by the UK Border Force could threaten growth (P&J). Cyclacel, the Dundee University spin‑out listed on Nasdaq, and fellow Tayside-based firm Integrated Magnetic Systems, will each receive a slice of the £47.2m being handed out (Scotsman). Read all today's technology news from scotsman.com