featured articles
HEALTHY FINANCE: Lothian Pension Fund’s £11bn delivers strong growth for 39,000 public sector retirees
Scotland’s second-largest local government pension scheme, Lothian Pension Fund, with over £11.1bn in assets under management, has achieved an investment return of 8.7 per cent, with three and five-year annualised...
END OF AN ERA: Sir Bill Gammell’s oil company taken over in £271m deal
Edinburgh-based oil and gas firm Capricorn Energy — formerly Sir Bill Gammell’s Cairn Energy — has accepted a £271m cash takeover offer from London-based Genel Energy. The sale will mean...
FIRST CLASS HONOURS: Edinburgh University top of the league for Scottish spin-outs
The University of Edinburgh has emerged as Scotland’s most active spinout institution. With graduands collecting their degree scrolls over the next two weeks, many more university leavers will be considering...
Shetland Islands make major step towards £1.5bn Faroe-style subsea tunnels
Shetland Islands councillors have approved recommendations for Faroe Islands-style subsea tunnels from Mainland to Yell, and North Yell to Unst. The islands could have such tunnels within eight years if...
COUNTDOWN: Space tech radar firm, Sofant Technologies raising funds as it aims for stars
An Edinburgh-based technology company which has invented micro-radio transmitters and receivers for aviation and space satellites is one of Scotland’s most exciting new generation companies. Sofant Technologies is now raising...
WHISKY GALORE: Angus MacMillan, a Hebridean business visionary, creates Benbecula Distillery
Visionary Hebridean businessman Angus MacMillan was inspired to found Benbecula Distillery to ensure that locals could forge a life on the island. Angus MacMillan’s early career as an industrial engineer...
OPPORTUNITY NORTH: How the Highlands can ensure a ‘Decade of Delivery
The Business Dealmakers’ ‘Golden Age for the Highlands?’ panel put forward a strategy for the region The £2.1bn Highland Investment Plan, a programme of capital investment for the next 20...
The Big Interview
The Big Interview: Andrew Malcolm and his love for Royal Highland Show
According to Andrew Malcolm, chief executive officer of The Malcolm Group, one of Scotland’s most recognised businesses, it has never been tougher for businesses like his. However with the straight-talking...
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Sir Brian Souter: The Life of Brian
Sir Brian Souter is an extraordinary entrepreneur who has always broken the mould. Now a sprightly 71, what continues to drive this contrarian challenger? T urbulence in the Middle East...
The Big Interview: Andrew Malcolm and his love for Royal Highland Show
According to Andrew Malcolm, chief executive officer of The Malcolm Group, one of Scotland’s most recognised businesses, it has never been tougher for businesses like his. However with the straight-talking...
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Sir Brian Souter: The Life of Brian
Sir Brian Souter is an extraordinary entrepreneur who has always broken the mould. Now a sprightly 71, what continues to drive this contrarian challenger? T urbulence in the Middle East...
Deals & Dealmakers
THE BIG READ: How a Scottish firm secured iconic James Bond brand – and restored its greatness
Scotland has the sovereign capability to become one of the world’s leading advanced manufacturing nations, particularly in green precision engineering and industrial manufacturing across defence, automotive, agriculture, space tech, and...
Ticketing start-up gains £250,000 investment to take on major event players
Forumm, a Scottish ticketing and event technology start-up, has secured £250,000 from an angel investor network which values the business at £2.25m. The funding round, secured under the Enterprise Investment...
THE BIG READ: How a Scottish firm secured iconic James Bond brand – and restored its greatness
Scotland has the sovereign capability to become one of the world’s leading advanced manufacturing nations, particularly in green precision engineering and industrial manufacturing across defence, automotive, agriculture, space tech, and...
Ticketing start-up gains £250,000 investment to take on major event players
Forumm, a Scottish ticketing and event technology start-up, has secured £250,000 from an angel investor network which values the business at £2.25m. The funding round, secured under the Enterprise Investment...
Economy
STRATEGY SHIFT: Investment Bank prepares new ground for housing and tech growth in Scotland
Scotland’s National Investment Bank will use its financial heft to face into the housing emergency, helping to build more homes across the nation. The Bank, which published its investment strategy...
HEALTHY FINANCE: Lothian Pension Fund’s £11bn delivers strong growth for 39,000 public sector retirees
Scotland’s second-largest local government pension scheme, Lothian Pension Fund, with over £11.1bn in assets under management, has achieved an investment return of 8.7 per cent, with three and five-year annualised...
STRATEGY SHIFT: Investment Bank prepares new ground for housing and tech growth in Scotland
Scotland’s National Investment Bank will use its financial heft to face into the housing emergency, helping to build more homes across the nation. The Bank, which published its investment strategy...
HEALTHY FINANCE: Lothian Pension Fund’s £11bn delivers strong growth for 39,000 public sector retirees
Scotland’s second-largest local government pension scheme, Lothian Pension Fund, with over £11.1bn in assets under management, has achieved an investment return of 8.7 per cent, with three and five-year annualised...
Royal Highland Show 2026
SHOW WEEK: Cottage Cheese Up, Malt Whisky Down, and AI is all about ‘workforce reshaping’
Just after a quarter to eight, Duke, a beautifully-coiffured Shetland pony, all the way from Cambridgeshire, with floppy dark hair covering his eyes, was among a posse of horses preparing...
Renewable energy developments on croft land offers opportunities for rural Scotland
Scotland’s drive towards net zero by 2045 continues to create significant opportunities for renewable energy and infrastructure development across Scotland. Advances in onshore wind, solar and battery storage technology and...
SHOW WEEK: Cottage Cheese Up, Malt Whisky Down, and AI is all about ‘workforce reshaping’
Just after a quarter to eight, Duke, a beautifully-coiffured Shetland pony, all the way from Cambridgeshire, with floppy dark hair covering his eyes, was among a posse of horses preparing...
Renewable energy developments on croft land offers opportunities for rural Scotland
Scotland’s drive towards net zero by 2045 continues to create significant opportunities for renewable energy and infrastructure development across Scotland. Advances in onshore wind, solar and battery storage technology and...
The Five-Minute Interview
The Five Minute Interview: Founders of Unorthodox Roasters, Neil Buchan and Chris Bode
Hello, Neil and Chris, thank you for inviting me in for a coffee here in Kinross. Really great you’ve come to visit Unorthodox Coffee roasting HQ. Can you tell us...
‘I often say you’re only as good as your last match, or business wise, the last experience of the guests you’ve had to stay’.
THE FIVE-MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH EILIDH SMITH, CAPTAIN OF GB MASTERS TENNIS TEAM, AND OWNER OF MORTON OF PITMILLY, RURAL HOLIDAY RESORT IN FIFE. Hello, Eilidh. Thank you for inviting me...
The Five Minute Interview: Founders of Unorthodox Roasters, Neil Buchan and Chris Bode
Hello, Neil and Chris, thank you for inviting me in for a coffee here in Kinross. Really great you’ve come to visit Unorthodox Coffee roasting HQ. Can you tell us...
‘I often say you’re only as good as your last match, or business wise, the last experience of the guests you’ve had to stay’.
THE FIVE-MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH EILIDH SMITH, CAPTAIN OF GB MASTERS TENNIS TEAM, AND OWNER OF MORTON OF PITMILLY, RURAL HOLIDAY RESORT IN FIFE. Hello, Eilidh. Thank you for inviting me...
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Edinburgh’s festivals: Are we playing with fire?
They bring £0.5bn into the capital every year. But insiders say we are in danger of killing the golden goose of Edinburgh festivals by continuing to treat them as cash...
The high-wire juggling act for Edinburgh Fringe event organisers
What are the key elements of ensuring sustainability for performing arts organisations, business events and venues? What are the trade-offs between box office returns and maintaining creative innovation and astonishing...
Edinburgh’s festivals: Are we playing with fire?
They bring £0.5bn into the capital every year. But insiders say we are in danger of killing the golden goose of Edinburgh festivals by continuing to treat them as cash...
The high-wire juggling act for Edinburgh Fringe event organisers
What are the key elements of ensuring sustainability for performing arts organisations, business events and venues? What are the trade-offs between box office returns and maintaining creative innovation and astonishing...
Philanthropy & Charities
How to ensure charities mean business
The first of a four-part series with The Business, supported by CHAS, looking at how third-sector organisations can learn from business and what businesses can do for charities Every single...
How CHAS thinks like a business to deliver compassionate care
Imagine your business had a-once-in-a-generation chance to bring a profound change for the good to hundreds of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable families. But to deliver it your organisation must...
How to ensure charities mean business
The first of a four-part series with The Business, supported by CHAS, looking at how third-sector organisations can learn from business and what businesses can do for charities Every single...
How CHAS thinks like a business to deliver compassionate care
Imagine your business had a-once-in-a-generation chance to bring a profound change for the good to hundreds of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable families. But to deliver it your organisation must...
Energy, Just Transition & Net Zero
END OF AN ERA: Sir Bill Gammell’s oil company taken over in £271m deal
Edinburgh-based oil and gas firm Capricorn Energy — formerly Sir Bill Gammell’s Cairn Energy — has accepted a £271m cash takeover offer from London-based Genel Energy. The sale will mean...
Power Shift: Minister signals Scotland’s moment to lead the energy transition
The UK’s Energy Minister used the platform of the UK’s largest energy conference to set out his stall for the country’s clean energy transition making it clear that Scotland is...
END OF AN ERA: Sir Bill Gammell’s oil company taken over in £271m deal
Edinburgh-based oil and gas firm Capricorn Energy — formerly Sir Bill Gammell’s Cairn Energy — has accepted a £271m cash takeover offer from London-based Genel Energy. The sale will mean...
Power Shift: Minister signals Scotland’s moment to lead the energy transition
The UK’s Energy Minister used the platform of the UK’s largest energy conference to set out his stall for the country’s clean energy transition making it clear that Scotland is...
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | DealMakers' Breakfast
Tuesday 18 August 2026
Highland Growth
‘Building a box is not an architectural response. We respond very differently’
Libby Heathcote, the new president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, on why more input from architects would help in the housing crisis Architects must regain their rightful...
How the Hub can be the nub for sustained economic success across Scotland
Could the answer to the financial and service delivery challenges facing Scotland’s public sector organisations be right in front of them? For the last 15-years the five hub companies set...
‘Building a box is not an architectural response. We respond very differently’
Libby Heathcote, the new president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, on why more input from architects would help in the housing crisis Architects must regain their rightful...
How the Hub can be the nub for sustained economic success across Scotland
Could the answer to the financial and service delivery challenges facing Scotland’s public sector organisations be right in front of them? For the last 15-years the five hub companies set...
Legal
Martyn’s Law 2027: how the Terrorism Protection Act will impact UK events, venues and security
The new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law) will have implications in many business sectors, especially for venues and events with a capacity of over...
Renewable energy developments on croft land offers opportunities for rural Scotland
Scotland’s drive towards net zero by 2045 continues to create significant opportunities for renewable energy and infrastructure development across Scotland. Advances in onshore wind, solar and battery storage technology and...
Martyn’s Law 2027: how the Terrorism Protection Act will impact UK events, venues and security
The new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law) will have implications in many business sectors, especially for venues and events with a capacity of over...
Renewable energy developments on croft land offers opportunities for rural Scotland
Scotland’s drive towards net zero by 2045 continues to create significant opportunities for renewable energy and infrastructure development across Scotland. Advances in onshore wind, solar and battery storage technology and...
Property & Housing
Scotland's Finest
Laings going for gold in return to Argyll Arcade in Glasgow
Luxury jeweller Laings is opening a showroom in the company’s former Argyll Arcade store in Glasgow. The arcade remains one of Scotland’s best known and most popular places for jewellery...
FEELING THE HEAT: Masterchef Dean Banks hits out a crippling taxes on hospitality sector
The 1925 at the Pompadour restaurant in The Caledonian Edinburgh has every right to claim its crown among Scotland’s finest. For generations the place has hosted kings, queens, political leaders...
STRATEGY SHIFT: Investment Bank prepares new ground for housing and tech growth in Scotland
Scotland’s National Investment Bank will use its financial heft to face into the housing emergency, helping to build more homes across the nation. The Bank, which published its investment strategy...
THE BIG READ: How a Scottish firm secured iconic James Bond brand – and restored its greatness
Scotland has the sovereign capability to become one of the world’s leading advanced manufacturing nations, particularly in green precision engineering and industrial manufacturing across defence, automotive, agriculture, space tech, and...
Laings going for gold in return to Argyll Arcade in Glasgow
Luxury jeweller Laings is opening a showroom in the company’s former Argyll Arcade store in Glasgow. The arcade remains one of Scotland’s best known and most popular places for jewellery...
FEELING THE HEAT: Masterchef Dean Banks hits out a crippling taxes on hospitality sector
The 1925 at the Pompadour restaurant in The Caledonian Edinburgh has every right to claim its crown among Scotland’s finest. For generations the place has hosted kings, queens, political leaders...
Business
Scottish hotels urged to take action on £63m hike in business rates
Scotland’s hotels – scorched by a combined £63 million increase in rates – are being urged to ‘use or lose’ their right to appeal against increases to their rateable values...
How to ensure charities mean business
The first of a four-part series with The Business, supported by CHAS, looking at how third-sector organisations can learn from business and what businesses can do for charities Every single...
Scottish hotels urged to take action on £63m hike in business rates
Scotland’s hotels – scorched by a combined £63 million increase in rates – are being urged to ‘use or lose’ their right to appeal against increases to their rateable values...
How to ensure charities mean business
The first of a four-part series with The Business, supported by CHAS, looking at how third-sector organisations can learn from business and what businesses can do for charities Every single...
Business Events & Venues
Power Shift: Minister signals Scotland’s moment to lead the energy transition
The UK’s Energy Minister used the platform of the UK’s largest energy conference to set out his stall for the country’s clean energy transition making it clear that Scotland is...
OPPORTUNITY NORTH: How the Highlands can ensure a ‘Decade of Delivery
The Business Dealmakers’ ‘Golden Age for the Highlands?’ panel put forward a strategy for the region The £2.1bn Highland Investment Plan, a programme of capital investment for the next 20...
Power Shift: Minister signals Scotland’s moment to lead the energy transition
The UK’s Energy Minister used the platform of the UK’s largest energy conference to set out his stall for the country’s clean energy transition making it clear that Scotland is...
OPPORTUNITY NORTH: How the Highlands can ensure a ‘Decade of Delivery
The Business Dealmakers’ ‘Golden Age for the Highlands?’ panel put forward a strategy for the region The £2.1bn Highland Investment Plan, a programme of capital investment for the next 20...
Accountancy
‘It’s a year of looking back at the heritage but hang on, it’s about the future’
Johnston Carmichael is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Its chief executive, Lynne Walker, is already focused on getting to 100 years and beyond In 1936, towards the end of the Great...
Chartered accountants add to clamour for tax system reform in Scotland
Why are Scottish chartered accountants are calling for tax reform? ICAS members highlight findings in a recent survey that show Income Tax and National Insurance, ahead of Business Rates, Council...
‘It’s a year of looking back at the heritage but hang on, it’s about the future’
Johnston Carmichael is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Its chief executive, Lynne Walker, is already focused on getting to 100 years and beyond In 1936, towards the end of the Great...
Chartered accountants add to clamour for tax system reform in Scotland
Why are Scottish chartered accountants are calling for tax reform? ICAS members highlight findings in a recent survey that show Income Tax and National Insurance, ahead of Business Rates, Council...
Banking & Corporate Finance
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