In a move to strengthen Scotland's position as a European hub for startups, the Scottish Government has announced it will deliver a funding package worth £17.5 million this year.
Scottish Government
Scotland is set to create its first two Investment Zones in the Glasgow City Region and the North East, with up to £160 million of targeted investment, tax reliefs, and other incentives being earmarked over the next five years. This joint initiative by the Scottish and UK governments aims to b
The Scottish Government has established a Tax Advisory Group to deliver strategic advice on the tax system as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy. This move is aligned with a recommendation from the New Deal for Business. The newly-formed group consists of leading economists, academics, and r
Social enterprises in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray can now apply for a share of a £2 million funding pot designed to support the third sector with the transition to net zero. The Social Enterprise Just Transition Fund, backed by the Scottish Government, offers between £20,000 and &p
The implementation of Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been postponed until at least October 2025. The announcement comes in response to the UK government's refusal to grant a full exemption from the Internal Market Act, according to Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater. The UK governmen
Scottish Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, is to reassess the feasibility of the nation's deposit return scheme due to a Westminster decision to exclude glass from the initiative. This scheme was slated for launch in March of next year. Ms Slater accuses the UK government of sabotaging the pr
The Scottish Government has published the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, potentially enabling councils to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays.
The Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, has announced a strategy for economic growth, progressive taxation, and targeted spending, aiming to bolster the country's economy and enhance public services amidst mounting financial challenges. The medium-term financial strategy outlines the Scottish Gove
Trade and Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead will meet business leaders during a visit to Spain aimed at unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. Spain is a priority market in the Scottish Government's growth export plan, A Trading Nation, worth £623 million in goods exports in 2022
Scotland's shops and eateries have experienced a decline in business rates, following the Scottish Government's revaluation which commenced last month, resulting in an approximate 10% reduction in business rate bills. The largest decreases are seen in bigger establishments, with retail bills droppin
It has been announced that Dr Poonam Malik, head of investments at the University of Strathclyde will co-chair the New Deal for Business Group alongside wellbeing economy secretary Neil Gray. Involving businesses at an early stage of policy development will be one of the key aims of the group establ
SNP leader Humza Yousaf announced today that the party has engaged AMS Accountants Group as auditor after it was revealed last month that the previous firm, Johnston Carmichael, resigned last September. This development comes as the party's MPs face a crucial 31 May deadline to submit audited a
The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has warned that high earners in Scotland will face an effective 68% tax rate if First Minister Humza Yousaf proceeds with a new charge under consideration. The higher rate is a combination of:
The Scottish Government has announced that the deposit return scheme (DRS) is set to undergo changes to support small businesses and craft drinks producers. The Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, announced the adjustments, which include exclusions for drinks containers under 100ml, products se
First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled a policy prospectus outlining the Scottish Government's objectives for the next three years, focusing on equality, opportunity, and community. Key financial and economic initiatives include a 'New Deal for Scottish Business' aimed at using Non-Domestic Rates