Business

The number of small businesses expecting to shrink, close or sell up outstrips the number expecting to grow in Scotland for the first time since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have revealed. More than a quarter of small businesses (28.7%

A former textiles teacher has launched a new sewing initiative in Shetland after trading the bustle of London for a slower pace on the isles. Helen Barwick, founder of Shetland Stitch Club, moved to the North Mainland with her husband and rescue dog in November 2024. After years as head of textiles

The outlook for the Scottish and UK economies has weakened, with growth now expected to remain sluggish through the rest of 2025, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde. In its latest quarterly Economic Commentary, the Institute has downgraded its forecasts fo

Scotland’s business leaders are channelling their inner Doc Brown – and they’ve got a message for their past selves: "Great Scott! Train your team!" In a nod to Back to the Future’s 40th birthday, Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer shows 60% of Scotland’s bosse

Scottish mid-sized businesses are optimistic about plans to export overseas in the next year, despite recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges, according to BDO. The firm's survey of over 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that more than half (54%) of companies are confident about

Business confidence in Scotland saw a five-point decline in June, settling at 47%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.

Businesses from across the Forth Valley are being invited to come together this autumn for a week of inspiration, connection, and opportunity as Forth Valley Business Week 2025 launches with the theme 'Stronger Together: Collaboration and Community for Business Resilience'. Taking place from Monday

DFYNE, an activewear brand based in Glasgow, is Scotland’s and the UK's fastest-growing private company, according to the fourth annual Sunday Times 100 rankings. The list is published today online at thesundaytimes.com/100 and available as a supplement with the print edition of the newsp

A&M Jenkins, a budding farming business on the island of Sanday in Orkney, has more than quadrupled its flock of sheep and taken on extra land just two years after getting started. Husband-and-wife team Alex and Marie Jenkins moved to Orkney from Aberdeenshire in April 2023, starting their ventu

The value of goods and services produced in Edinburgh per head of population has surpassed London’s for the first time, according to economic data recently published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The majority of Scottish firms believe AI adoption will be a key growth driver in the country’s economy, according to Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer, as many report AI-related increases in productivity and profitability. More than half (52%) of Scotland’s businesses believe

The UK government’s new Modern Industrial Strategy has been met with cautious optimism, as its key aims appear to align with the pressing needs of Scotland's manufacturing sector, according to accountancy firm MHA. Over the weekend, MHA revealed the findings of a survey that asked manufacturin

Fife-based supplier of artificial flowers and home accessories, Scottish Everlastings, has been acquired by entrepreneur Edd Salter in a deal supported by a £2.3 million funding package from HSBC UK.

Nearly three-quarters of Scottish manufacturing businesses expect to grow between 3-10% in the next year, according to a new report released by MHA. Despite citing cyber security, tax increases, skills shortages, energy costs and regulation as their biggest challenges, the vast majority surveyed for

More than 80% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland believe the viability of their business is at risk over the next 12 months, according to new research from Aberdein Considine. The survey, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the legal firm, highlights the mounting economic pr