Business

Scotland’s small businesses are calling for a fresh focus on the day to day needs of the country’s 350,000-plus small enterprises from whoever forms the next Scottish Government. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today highlighted the mounting pressures on small and micro firms as

An Inverclyde start-up supported by Business Gateway has successfully brought an innovative new product to market, designed to restore dignity and comfort during personal care. L & M Care Solutions, founded by Lorraine Moran, who worked at Inverclyde Council, and Maureen Callan, who has worked i

Over half (55%) of mid-sized businesses in Scotland are planning to increase apprenticeship hiring in 2026, according to BDO. BDO’s survey of 500 leaders of mid-sized businesses reveals that over a third (39%) in the country said they will start hiring apprentices, while 16% are increasing the

Business confidence in Scotland remains weak, according to the latest Fraser of Allander Institute Scottish Business Monitor, with firms pointing to cost pressures, subdued investment and little expectation of short-term relief.

Scottish business confidence saw a marginal increase in January, rising one point to 37% according to the latest Bank of Scotland Business Barometer. This growth was driven by a significant 15-point surge in firms' confidence regarding their own trading prospects, reaching 53%. When taken alongside

Scottish bid and tender expert Andrew Morrison has joined forces with Glasgow-based specialist Chris Denyer to launch a new company they plan to make the “Waitrose of bidding”. The new Edinburgh-headquartered venture, Aspire Bidding, comes just eight months after Mr Morrison sold Bu

Scotland again experienced dramatic increases in business distress in the last three months of 2025, well ahead of UK averages, according to Begbies Traynor The business rescue and recovery firm's latest Red Flag Alert data, released every three months, shows the most serious ‘critical’

Business confidence in Scotland has dropped to its lowest level since 2022, amid ongoing uncertainty and waning economic growth, according to ICAEW. Sentiment tracked by ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) for Q4 2025 found that confidence in the country had decreased for the sixth conse

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has commenced a four-day engagement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading a delegation of businesses across clean energy, agri-tech, food and drink, and technology. Marking the return of 'Scotland Week UAE', taking place from 27 to 29 January 2026, the mission

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has warned that sharp business rate increases due to take effect this April will push otherwise viable businesses of all sizes, in every part of Scotland, “to the brink". Businesses across every sector and region are facing rate bills several times higher than

A home-based food business in Perthshire is carving out a name in the local takeaway sector after receiving support from Business Gateway.

A new soft play featuring a three-storey climbing frame will open its doors in Bathgate next month thanks £80,000 funding package from HSBC UK.

Scottish businesses are making upskilling their focus for 2026, according to new research from Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer. In the year ahead, nearly half (46%) of Scottish businesses will be focussing on upskilling colleagues. Another 44% will be looking to enhance their use of tech

Business confidence in Scotland fell 15 points during December to 36%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 24 points at 38%. When taken alongside their optimism in the e

Hollywood Burgers & Shakes, a popular Edinburgh-based diner chain, has launched its first West Lothian branch as part of a strategic expansion. Situated on Mid Street in Bathgate, this new venture marks the company’s third Scottish outlet and has generated half-a-dozen jobs for the local a