January sales boost hit as confidence wanes over Trump tariffs
The January sales delivered a boost to the economy, but business activity and confidence are falling ahead of wage increases and global concerns over President Trump’s tariffs. Inflationary forces are...
Scotland’s Economic Update: Manufacturing expansion boosts growth and inflation continues to ease
We’ve seen an easing in inflation this quarter which will have brought some relief to businesses and households, though not on housing costs. Output has continued to expand, including in...
Scotland’s finance sector keeps growth targets in sight for 2025
International promotion, fintech and stronger relationships all key to future prosperity says enterprise body chief In terms of economic uncertainty, 2024 has been a hard year to beat. The travails...
NatWest’s final payback for HM Treasury and UK taxpayers
2025 will be a landmark year for NatWest – formerly Royal Bank of Scotland – as the UK Government finally exits its rescue stake in the major clearing bank. This...
Worker health is key to unlocking greater economic prosperity
At Prosper, our purpose has been to bring people together around the big challenges facing Scotland’s economy to consider the roles that business, government and civic society can each play...
Optimism back on the menu as economy expands
Households and businesses are both positive about the period ahead – but housing costs are still rising. The second quarter has seen a continued steady expansion in the economy with...
Philanthropy: Time for a national strategy?
The concept of voluntarily giving something to help others may be as old as civilisation itself. The later development of the concepts of the ‘common good’ and philanthropy help to...
Why rural areas are no longer just a political afterthought
The focus of late has been very much on the rural parts of Scotland, an indication of their importance in the future prosperity of the nation. If evidence was needed...
Economy revving up but still waiting on signal to go
With inflation steadying, business activity bouncing back and positive growth forecasts, the economic outlook is improving. However it will take time for the benefits to be widely felt – and...
Why raising our productivity has never been more important
National Productivity Week probably passed most of us by, but there are good reasons why we should care. Economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman’s observation that “Productivity isn’t...