Private banking in an AI world: why relationships matter
Technology is changing how we live and work, and banking is no exception. Clients can transfer money, open accounts and access information in seconds, often without speaking to another person....
The cost of caution: how is employment reform shaping hiring and business growth?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced a significant package of reforms being phased in over several years. Businesses need to stay abreast of the changes; make necessary adjustments to internal...
Thinking about philanthropy? What to consider before setting up a charity
Philanthropy is admirable, and usually also personally rewarding, but it needs to be carefully planned. Here are the main questions to ask yourself at an early stage. The answers affect...
Speculation on the UK Budget: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
The UK government’s next Budget will be announced on 28 October. It may contain significant changes, but people should not make big decisions in advance, says Keith McLaren, a partner...
Purpose, people and performance: Why partnerships matter
For many years, charity partnerships were seen primarily as a way for businesses to ‘give something back’. Today, that mindset is changing. Increasingly, organisations recognise that strong partnerships create value...
Scottish business growth is soaring on the wings of angels
Eye-opening research has confirmed what those of us working in and around corporate finance have long recognised: Scotland is a world leader in angel investment, and its power to drive...
All-tenure development is vital to solving our housing emergency
When discussing solutions to the housing crisis, the instinct is often – understandably – to focus on social and affordable housing. However, increasing supply of those tenures alone will not...
Let’s be stronger at backing our economic winners
Scotland has genuinely world-class industries, but we tend to undervalue our successes. In these uncertain economic times, we incline to worry more about our weaknesses than building on our strengths. ...
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is open for business
Love the Fringe’s corporate membership programme gives Scottish businesses a compelling reason to invest in the world’s greatest arts festival — and a tangible return on every pound spent.Every August,...
Beyond the numbers on inward investment in Scotland, Angela McCann of Morgan Stanley explains
I have been reflecting recently on how we measure successful inward investment. While the traditional focus on the number of jobs remains important, today there is a range of additional...