Inflation falls but it’s still a hard slog for households
Cost pressures ease slightly but concern remains over business confidence and forecasts of weak future growth Following the UK Government’s autumn statement, the Scottish Government will be reflecting on its...
Why we must seize the opportunity of a green strategy
Representatives of Scotland’s world-class offshore industry gathered at the 50th Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen recently to collaborate on accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future. They met at...
Soft landing for economy in prospect
Energy prices offer respite for households but recession risk remains and food inflation remains high There has been some respite this quarter for households as energy prices in the UK,...
Shining excellence on regional excellence
The SCDI Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards is an annual highlight in the region’s business events calendar. Senior leaders from business are joined by politicians and officials from national...
New name, same purpose
In common with small countries around the world, Scotland faces many challenges which call for bold, collective action. The Scottish Council for Development and Industry’s (SCDI) annual Forum that took...
Optimism among businesses despite soaring prices
Despite previous predictions the UK is expected to avoid a recession this year although inflation rates have reached levels markedly higher than forecast, suggesting that the short-term outlook remains unpredictable....
An opportunity to unlock economic and trade benefits
With news of a proposed solution to replace the Northern Ireland Protocol in the shape of the proposed Windsor Agreement, one of the barriers to trade for Scottish exporters could be...
Pressure remains on household finances and public services
Rising grocery and housing costs leave many consumers struggling, but business confidence is slowly improving The economic environment remains challenging for businesses and households. While the inflation rate is moderating...
Collective action to help solve the productivity puzzle
In the context of widespread economic uncertainty, the need to improve UK productivity looms large. Much has been written about the UK ‘productivity puzzle’ of low relative productivity (lagging all...
Pressure on all fronts as recession looms
Financial turmoil will create significant challenges for spending, investment and taxes as Scotland moves into 2023 The market volatility witnessed in the aftermath of the last mini budget brought a...