News

Two senior industry figures are to be appointed to the board of Scottish Financial Enterprise. Santander UK’s Andrew Wilson and Capco’s Roland Inglis were selected following a competitive process and bring extensive experience in industry and across Scottish public life to the SFE board.

Analysis published today by the office of the chief economic advisor has estimated Brexit trade barriers could impact Scotland’s economy by £4 billion. This estimated economic cost is from the reduction in trade alone – not counting changes to productivity, investment or migration.

The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has today announced the eleven start-ups selected for its 2025 TechX Clean Energy Accelerator. This year’s cohort features emerging companies developing technologies in alternative fuels, CCUS, low-carbon hydrogen, renewable energy and digital-based soluti

Scotland’s commercial property market continues to see increased activity as both investor and occupier demand rises according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Monitor. Surveyors are also more optimistic about the outlook for the sector in the y

The number of new UK technology incorporations in Scotland rose 5% in 2024 compared to 2023 figures, in contrast to the UK data, which saw a 5% reduction in the number of new tech incorporations, according to analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK. The data shows a total of 1,663 new tech

The value of venture capital (VC) investment in Scottish start-ups increased 14% in the final quarter of 2024, according to KPMG’s latest Venture Pulse report. A total of £92.3 million was raised by the country’s start-ups from October to December, up from the £80.9m raised i

Scotland’s cities and sectors are emerging as key drivers of international investment, according to the latest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Report published by Irwin Mitchell and Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM). The report highlights Scotland’s pivotal role in attracting ov

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves spoke at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire on 29 January 2025. Rachel Reeves stressed why economic growth matters, how to achieve it, and "what we are going to do further and faster to deliver it."

Glasgow Fort has reported a strong end to the year with December seeing a 10.6% increase in footfall from 2023, following a series of major new store openings providing greater choice for shoppers.

The Scotland and Northern Ireland team of BGF, a growth capital investor, reported strong investment activity through 2024, investing close to £50m and announcing three successful exits. As well as new investment and follow-on activity BGF announced the successful exits of Kick ICT, Keenan Rec

Research amongst 1,500 UK parents with children aged 0-15 years, conducted by 3Gem on behalf of Scottish Friendly, shows six out of 10 (58%) of parents are concerned their child won’t be able to afford to live independently. With over half (55%) worried that the cost of the deposit for a rente

Scottish soft drinks maker AG Barr saw its shares climb after reporting a 5% rise in annual revenue, driven by strong performances from its core brands. Turnover for the year ending 25 January is expected to reach approximately £420 million, up from £400m the previous year. Irn-Bru, Rubi

Bank of Scotland-owner Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed it will close a further 136 branches by March next year, citing a significant shift towards digital banking among its customers.

Livingston Designer Outlet has marked a record-breaking 2024, celebrating its highest annual sales to date. Across the year, sales across all categories saw significant growth, with Outdoor and Catering emerging as top-performing categories, recording impressive increases in sales by +35% and +14% r

A producer has started her own independent TV production company, based in Inverclyde, after she received specialist support from Business Gateway. Rachel-Anne Clarke founded Pure Leo Ltd. in March 2023. The business is the only TV production company with a live events arm, and is also looking to ex