Business

Firms that comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code have a lower chance of surviving a financial crisis, a new study has revealed. However, appointing an insider CEO and increasing the number of board committee members can boost the chances of survival, researchers claim.

POTR, a Scottish start-up behind the world’s first origami self-watering plant pot has sealed a major distribution deal in Japan, where it’s believed the art of paper folding began to flourish more than 1,000 years ago. The move will see POTR launch its products in more than 100 outlets

Glasgow-based coffee roaster Matthew Algie has formally merged, solidifying its position as a premier coffee roaster in the UK and Ireland. Acquired by Hamburg-based Tchibo in 2016, and Capitol Foods in 2018, the parent company Tchibo, recognising the strong values and reputation for quality and sus

Inverness-headquartered RSE has posted revenue of £198 million, 71% higher than the previous year (£115m), in latest its financial statements to March 2023. Operating profit also increased to £14.0m compared to £6.5m in the prior year.

Growth capital investor BGF has successfully completed its exit from Glasgow-based independent IT managed service provider Kick ICT. LDC, the private equity investor affiliated with Lloyds Banking Group, has made a significant investment in the company. BGF originally invested £8.5 million in

A Glasgow agency originally set up in the 1980s by a late veteran of the city’s advertising industry has almost doubled its sales in the last year. GRA – started as Guy Robertson Advertising in 1986 – is now run by the eponymous founder’s daughter, Jemma Robertson, 26, and ex

Archangels invested more than £13.8 million during 2023 in eleven of Scotland’s best early-stage tech and life science companies. The total investment for 2023 among 11 businesses represents a small increase on Archangels’ investment activity in 2022 (£13.4m).

Ice-cream brand Mackie’s of Scotland has recorded an impressive 15% increase in turnover in the 2021 financial year from £17.7 million to £20.8m, but this was not translated into increased profits, which stayed static at £1.1m as the family-owned business absorbed escalating

Scottish jeweller and watch seller Laings has hailed a 5% increase in turnover to £63.3 million for the year ended 31 May 2023. However, the firm's pre-tax profits dropped slightly to £3.7m from £5.45m.

A partnership between the UK government, Glasgow City Council, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC), including significant government investment, has been launched with the aim of transforming Glasgow into Europe’s largest smart things and IoT innovation hub. The partnership will cen

Scotland-based Blachere Illuminations, which is behind some of the UK’s most infamous Christmas light displays, is preparing for the festive season with continued support from the Bank of Scotland.

Business confidence in Scotland fell ten points during December to 31%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

Supported by a £750,000 loan from Unity Trust Bank, Glasgow-trained pharmacist Raymond Kelly has transformed a derelict 19th-century building in Falkland into a state-of-the-art pharmacy. Mr Kelly's project not only revitalises the historic Liquorstane Building but also significantly expands h

Twenty-two Scottish firms and organisations have returned from an eventful trade mission to Barbados, unlocking numerous business opportunities. The mission, now in its fourth year, underscores the strengthening economic ties between Scotland and Barbados, bolstered by a 43% increase in trade betwee

Scottish startup community group Foras has announced a new trip to showcase innovative Scotland-based businesses in the US. The group has opened applications for a funded cohort programme to Austin in March 2024 to coincide with the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) conference.