On September 15, the nation will commemorate the 85th Anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, when the remarkable generation that became known as ‘the Few’ fought and won against incredible odds in the skies over southern Britain.
During the height of the battle in the summer of 1940, the then Chair of the RAF Benevolent Fund, The Viscount Wakefield, wrote to a national newspaper highlighting that: ‘The wonderful achievements of the Royal Air Force in these critical weeks have naturally led to various suggestions being made as to the best way in which the heroism and sacrifices of our airmen can be assessed or our debt to them in any way liquidated….in the near future, there must be heavy calls on the RAF Benevolent Fund.
“I am confident that as a tribute to their ceaseless fight for the cause of freedom, many will wish to support their cause.’
Eighty-five years on, the RAF Benevolent Fund continues to stand alongside the Royal Air Force. From the first day in uniform, throughout service, the transition to civilian life, and into retirement, we are with the RAF Family every step of the way.
Today we answer thousands of calls for help – supporting individuals and families in financial hardship, veterans facing loneliness and isolation, carers in need of respite, and those struggling with mental health.
As we commemorate and remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who played such a vital role in the Battle of Britain, we recognise that the Royal Air Force of today continues to protect the skies above the UK. As they do, the RAF Benevolent Fund, like it did in 1940, stands with the RAF ready to provide meaningful, lasting, and tailored support to those who serve, those who have served, and their families.
The demand for our support never ends. If you know anyone who could benefit from the life-changing services we provide, you can find more details at rafbf.org, or you can call on 0300 102 1919.
Coulters Property, one of Edinburgh’s fastest-growing estate agency and legal firms, has announced a landmark partnership with Watsonian Football Club, becoming the club’s exclusive property sponsor for 2025.
The partnership includes a five-figure investment to support the club’s junior section, the Warriors and Wildcats, funding new equipment, enhancing coaching programmes, and helping more young people across Edinburgh experience rugby.
Founded in 2013, Coulters has grown rapidly with a reputation for delivering a client-first approach by combining estate agency and legal expertise under one roof. By backing Watsonian Football Club, who are celebrating their 150th year this year, Coulters is extending this ethos beyond property services and into the heart of the Edinburgh community, where many of its clients live, work, and raise families.
Michael Fitzgerald, Chairman of Coulters Property, said: “We are proud to sponsor Watsonian Football Club’s junior section, as the club is deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s community and dedicated to nurturing talent from the grassroots up.
“With its proud history and strong family ethos, Watsonian Football Club reflects the very values we hold at Coulters – a commitment to delivering lasting value, honouring heritage, and supporting growth.
“The EH10 community is at the heart of who we are as a business, and many of our clients and colleagues live, work, and raise families here. Supporting the Warriors and Wildcats allows us to give back in a meaningful way – by investing in youth rugby, fostering wellbeing, and strengthening community connections.
“Just as Watsonian Football Club strives for excellence on and off the pitch, we are dedicated to guiding people through their property journey with the same care, clarity, and commitment.”
Richard Kelly, President of Watsonian Football Club, added: “Youth rugby is the foundation of our sport, and the Warriors and Wildcats play a crucial role in introducing children to the game.
“Coulters’ backing means we can invest in the right resources, reach more young players, and ensure rugby continues to thrive in Edinburgh for generations to come.”
The partnership was officially launched at the Watsonian Family Day on Saturday 6 September at Myreside Pavilion, where Coulters played a central role in the celebrations. The event brought together players, parents, and supporters to enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, and a BBQ, all in honour of the club’s 150 years of rugby history.
First Minister welcomes industry leaders to global showcase
First Minister John Swinney says Scotland is positioned to become “a global hub for digital innovation” as a prestigious computer games conference being held in Scotland for the first time gets underway.
The DICE Europe summit – supported by the Scottish Government – will see 150 global gaming industry leaders come to Edinburgh for key talks and to hear from Nintendo’s Managing Executive Officer Satoru Shibata, who was invited to speak by the First Minister.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will address an opening reception at Edinburgh Castle where global delegates will be entertained by Nicola Benedetti.
Roundtables will focus on Scotland’s rise to become a global powerhouse in the industry and the role Artificial Intelligence will play in game development. Scotland is now home to 130 gaming companies with a £340 million annual industry turnover with staff numbers have doubling from 1,045 to 2,125 since 2015.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s gaming industry is experiencing extraordinary growth that demonstrates our nation’s capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. The transformation from 15 companies to 130 in just over a decade shows how quickly Scottish talent can compete on the global stage and create real economic value for our communities.
“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide – they are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment, and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation. This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence.”
Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman, 4J Studios, developers of Minecraft Console Edition, who helped bring DICE to Scotland, said:
“It’s monumental so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland. After a couple of challenging years worldwide, confidence and growth prospects have returned to the sector.
“With the forthcoming release of GTA 6, which is set to reshape the video game landscape, and our own new game Reforj alongside all the other incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage.”
A partnership of seventeen leading organisations is calling for urgent action in its Scottish election manifesto to prioritise addressing Scotland’s mental health emergency.
Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership has unveiled its manifesto, ‘Scotland’s Mental Health: It’s Time for Action’, ahead of the Scottish election next May. The manifesto demands that the next Scottish Government takes bold and decisive action to address the current crisis and to transform the country’s mental health in the longer term.
With mental health poorer than it was before the Covid pandemic, and stigma and discrimination still prevalent within society, mental health services are struggling to cope with an unprecedented increase in demand. With no corresponding increase in funding or resource, and a burnt-out workforce, this is collectively creating a spike in waiting lists for support and treatment.
The manifesto is built around the Partnership’s framework of the 3Ps – Promote, Prevent and Provide – to ensure that there are commitments to increase resources for early intervention and prevention; a choice of support, care and treatment in the right place and at the right time for all; and an ambitious public health programme to improve mental health literacy that will tackle stigma and discrimination.
The Partnership states that ‘urgent action’ can be met with a substantial increase in investment to achieve better outcomes for Scotland, by exploring sustainable, multi-year funding for the third sector, addressing the mortality gap, expanding and retaining the mental health workforce, and shifting the balance of care back to the community.
It also believes that the next Government must include a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing to lead on transforming mental health in Scotland. With a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy that has seen little progress– based around the 3Ps – it needs to be strengthened with coordinated approaches delivered across the country to implement national strategic priorities at a local level, and a ‘mental health in all policies’ approach.
Gordon Johnson, Policy Lead for Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, said:“There must be immediate and decisive action from the next Government.
“The time for talking and planning has passed. We are now in a mental health emergency, and we need bold and ambitious measures that will address this crisis.
“We are far away from success. A great deal of work is required to tackle the mental health emergency in Scotland. This manifesto of coherent and connected proposals will enable significant progress to be made.
“The focus for the next Government needs to be achieving radical change that will lead to sustainable support and services that can ultimately deliver better long-term mental health outcomes for Scotland’s people.
“We look forward to working in partnership with that Government to implement these proposals.”
Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,500 Kiltwalkers at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk today (Sunday September 14) raising £1.5 million for 800 charities.
This year’s Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh saw 38,000 walkers raise a record £8 million for over 1,800 charities – a £1 million increase compared with 2024.
Since Kiltwalk joined forces with The Hunter Foundation 10 years ago, the event has delivered £58 million for 4,000 Scottish charities, with £44 million raised by 216,000 Kiltwalk heroes and £14 million provided by The Hunter Foundation.
At Holyrood Park, Sir Tom addressed the tartan clad walkers:“Edinburgh – you are 8,500 strong, and you brilliant Kiltwalkers are going to raise £1.8 million this morning for the charities you care about.
“This is the last Kiltwalk of 2025, and it has been a record-breaking year. While this is great, it shows the need that is there for every charity in Scotland.
“38,000 walkers over four walks this year have raised £8 million, but most importantly, over 1800 different Scottish charities have benefitted from your Kiltwalk kindness, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Every year, Kiltwalkers choose a charity, and this year, Kiltwalkers could choose to walk for Sir Chris Hoy’s wonderful Tour de 4, and you Kiltwalkers have raised £95,000 for his charity.”
Sir Tom was joined by Edinburgh-born, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who delivered an inspirational address to the 4,000 Mighty Striders before they set off on their 21-mile journey.
Sir Chris Hoy said:“I genuinely have been blown away by the support from Sir Tom and the Kiltwalkers. This is the first year that we’ve done the Tour de 4, and the support we’ve received and the money we’ve raised has been astonishing.
“Kiltwalk has been our gold standard to look to and see what our event could be like, because we see what you all do as a community, and it’s astonishing. Whatever cause it is you’re here for, this is a day to celebrate. It’s a day to stand up, to remember people, and bring everyone together in a joyful walk.
“The support is going to make a huge difference for us and push us towards the £2.5 million mark, thanks to Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation doubling the £95,000 raised by Kiltwalkers.”
“I wish you all the very best today in your walk. Enjoy yourselves and keep smiling!”
Today 350 Kiltwalkers supported Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 campaign, established by Sir Chris following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer. Their donations are distributed between five specially selected charities: Cancer Research UK, Maggie’s, Prostate Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Now, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Departing from the coastline at Fisherrow Links in Musselburgh, 2,900 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll while 1,600 Wee Wanderers undertook a 4.5-mile challenge leaving from Victoria Park. Kiltwalk heroes received their well-deserved medals at the finish line in Edinburgh’s iconic Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
Additionally, four lucky Scottish Charities were surprised with a £5,000 boost each from The Hunter Foundation in the Kiltwalk’s ‘Happiest Minute’. The Edinburgh winners were:
Love from Jamie – an Edinburgh based charity that works with health professionals to provide vital funds to families that need it most.
Held In our Hearts – providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families.
Breast Friends and Family – providing breast cancer patients with the little things that make a big difference.
Hibernian Community Foundation – helping local communities with practical help and making football accessible for all.
All Edinburgh Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with the chance of winning a car worth £30,000, thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark.
Russell Borrie, chief executive officer at Arnold Clark, said:“The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts.
“We know it’s always a great occasion that’s enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year.
“We’re also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!”
Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%.
Today’s Edinburgh event closes this year’s 10th anniversary events.
Final fundraising announcements and news on Kiltwalk 2026 will be available soon on www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
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Neil Lal highlights the strategic value of trade and investment Between Scotland and India
In a statement releasedyesterday, Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, called for an ambitious deepening of trade and investment between Scotland and India, emphasising the clear economic and strategic benefits that such a partnership brings to both nations.
“As India continues its rise as a global economic powerhouse, Scotland must seize this moment to align our strengths, invest in shared opportunity, and build a modern partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and mutual prosperity,” said Mr. Lal.
India, now the fifth-largest economy in the world with a GDP exceeding $3.7 trillion, is projected to become the third-largest by 2030. In the year to March 2024, UK–India trade reached £36.3 billion, growing by over £10 billion in just three years. Scotland’s exports to India—currently valued at over £725 million—span sectors including renewable energy, education, technology, and food and drink, all primed for growth.
Key facts highlighted in Mr. Lal’s statement include:
Scotch whisky exports to India rose by 60% in 2023, with India becoming the largest market by volume.
Over 55,000 Indian students are currently studying in the UK, with increasing enrolment in Scottish universities.
India’s digital economy is projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030, offering partnership potential in fintech and AI.
Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy sector can support India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Mr. Lal also underscored the role of the Indian diaspora in Scotland, which contributes over £1 billion annually to the Scottish economy, describing them as “a vital bridge between our communities and our commercial futures.”
With the UK and India of a recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the opportunities for Scottish exporters and Indian investors alike are substantial. Mr. Lal called for both governments, business leaders, and civil society to “work together to ensure Scotland is at the heart of this historic agreement.”
Through his leadership of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, Mr. Lal is actively engaging with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen this bilateral relationship through business forums, trade missions, academic partnerships, and community-led diplomacy.
“The future of international trade is not about borders—it’s about building bridges. Let Scotland and India build one stronger than ever before,” Mr. Lal concluded.
The eagerly awaited 48th prize draw for the Children First Banchory Bangle, titled ‘Bunnies and Brambles,’ has launched.
In partnership with renowned jeweller Malcolm Appleby, Scotland’s national children’s charity hopes to raise £15,000 through the prize draw, to give children and families help when they need it most and hope for a brighter future.
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. The charity protects children from harm, keeps them safe and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland.
Designed by Malcolm Appleby, these stunning hand-engraved bangles draw inspiration from the vibrancy and beauty of nature, with bunnies and brambles symbolising renewal, growth and hope.
This year’s Banchory Bangle is a stunning Scottish treasure that comes in three variations: gold-plated, silver and bronze. With tickets on offer for a suggested donation of a £1 or more, everyone has a chance to win an exceptional piece of Malcolm’s artistry while helping protect Scotland’s children.
The bangle will be proudly displayed by the Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh as part of ‘A Celebration of the Banchory Bangle’ exhibition, featuring many of Malcolm’s stunning creations from over the years.
Each year, the prize draw is run by the Children First Deeside Committee and has raised more than £200,000 since 1976.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “Malcolm Appleby’s Banchory Bangle is a unique piece of Scottish treasure and this year’s design is stunning. We can’t thank Malcolm enough for his tremendous support over the years.
“The prize draw provides a rare opportunity to win an exceptional piece of jewellery while raising vital funds to keep children safe from harm.
“We are in the grip of a childhood emergency in Scotland. Now, more than ever, children, young people and their families need Children First’s support.
“Every penny raised from this year’s Banchory Bangle prize draw will go towards protecting Scotland’s children by providing expert practical, emotional and financial support through our local services and national support line.”
Engraver Malcolm Appleby, said: “Everyone’s a winner! Even if you don’t win the bangle you are helping to create a better world for children in Scotland and a better society for our future.”
Last year’s winner, Claire Hepburn told of her ‘absolute shock’ to win the bangle after taking part in the annual prize draw for many years.
She said: “It was an absolute shock. You never think you might win this, so it was absolutely wonderful.
“I have visited Malcolm’s workshop and I do have another bangle from him, so this was just the icing on the cake. It’s such a good feeling knowing you are giving donations for a worthy cause.”
The first bangle was made 47 years ago in Banchory, Malcolm’s then home, at Crathes Station, to mark Malcolm’s 21st year of living in Scotland.
The project has evolved over the decades with the continued support of the Children First Deeside Committee and long-term connection with Taylor’s On The High Street where the prize bangles are on display and prize draw tickets are for sale.
Anyone from across the UK can enter the prize draw at:
This autumn at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer.
From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs ever taken, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques in the darkroom paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.
Free to visit at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, this will be the first major exhibition dedicated to Alfred Buckham and can only be seen in Scotland.
This exhibition will bring together over 100 photographs and objects including popular works from the Scottish national collection, alongside extensive archival material generously loaned by Alfred Buckham’s grandsons, Richard and John Buckham. Thanks to the support of the Buckham family, personal objects including letters, photographs and even the passport Alfred Buckham used will be put on public display for the first time.
A maverick of early aviation, Alfred Buckham (1879-1956) created his own unique style of photography by combining daring exploits in the air with innovation in the darkroom. Born in London, Buckham learned his craft by teaching photography before joining the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916, a predecessor to the Royal Air Force.
Hailed as an exceptionally skilled flyer, he combined his talent for aviation with his passion for photography, resulting in remarkable endeavours and trailblazing images. Based for most of his military career at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, central Scotland became a natural playground for Buckham to refine his photographic techniques and let his imagination soar.
Daredevil Photographer will chart his phenomenal story from his early photographic experiments in Scotland to exciting adventures in South America and look closer at the skilled and inventive ways he created his work.
Explore Scotland from the air and get a new perspective of well-known sights, just as Buckham himself would have. Daredevil Photographer celebrates the impact Scotland had on Buckham’s work through his images of recognisable landmarks including St Andrews Golf Links, Linlithgow Palace and the Wallace Monument in Stirling.
The exhibition will also feature several images of the Forth Rail Bridge, Buckham’s most photographed landmark. The iconic bridge was the subject of one of his first composite photographs and appeared on the 1918 RAF Turnhouse Christmas card, which will go on display alongside the original photography.
Daredevil Photographer will delve into the darkroom and uncover more about the creative processes used to bring Buckham’s unique images to life. After the First World War, Buckham began experimenting with composite photography; a technique where several negatives are used to create one photographic print.
While this wasn’t a new concept, composite photography added a layer of creative freedom to Buckham’s work, much like a very early form of Photoshop.
From his vast collection of glass negatives – he had over 2000 cloud images alone in his ‘cloud library’ – Buckham had the means to create images which became immersive, giving a unique sense of flying alongside these incredible aircraft while viewing the world below.
It was through the technique of composite photography that some of Buckham’s most famous works were born, including the iconic aerial view of Edinburgh (about 1920). This striking photograph shows a bi-plane hovering amongst wispy clouds above Edinburgh Castle, with Arthur’s Seat visible through the mist in the background, and the bustling city below.
For the first time, Edinburgh will be displayed alongside the camera and original glass negatives Buckham used to capture and create this much-loved image. Visitors will also be encouraged to get inspired and try their hand at creating their own composite creations through interactive exhibits.
Telling Buckham’s story through his own wordsand memories, Daredevil Photographer allows visitors to meet the courageous and humorous man behind the camera. Firsthand accounts of his incredible exploits in the air and ingenious creative methods on the ground will enhance his story and highlight his adventurous spirit:Ah! One was a rare daredevil in those days! (Alfred Buckham, The New York Times, 1930).
A free and unique immersive audio experience will bring Buckham’s world of flight and imagination to life through his own words. Hear Buckham’s grandson Richard give a voice to his grandfather’s memories and reflections on his daredevil persona.
Daredevil in every sense of the word, Buckham went to incredible feats to capture the perfect shot, which the exhibition will explore. His preferred methods included standing in an open cockpit while mid-air, with his leg tied to the seat as a nod to safety. As a result, he experienced no less than nine crashes in his lifetime, one ending in a serious throat injury that cut his military career short.
However, he would not be deterred, describing his eccentric photography methods in a surprisingly relaxed way:
“It is not easy to tumble out of an aeroplane, unless you really want to, and on considerably more than a thousand flights I have used a safety belt only once, and then it was thrust upon me.
“I always stand up to make an exposure and, taking the precaution to tie my right leg to the seat, I am free to move rapidly, and easily, in any desired direction; and loop the loop; and indulge in other such delights, with perfect safety” – Alfred Buckham, The Camera, January 1927.
Daredevil Photographer will celebrate Buckham’s skill in the air through a range of his mesmerising photographs. Encounter stunning images of the leading aircraft of the day, such as the Bristol Fighter, a two seated bi-plane designed for aerial reconnaissance, and the bizarre airships of the 1920s.
See them soaring through the skies in all weathers, amongst an array of remarkable landscapes. The exhibition will include one of his most well-known works, The Heart of the Empire (1923), on loan from the V&A Museum in London and displayed in Edinburgh for the first time.
The photograph follows a bi-plane as it glides across the London skyline, with landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the River Thames in view. Exhibited by the Royal Photographic Society in 1925, The Heart of the Empire secured Buckham’s position as one of Britain’s leading aerial photographers.
Experience the golden age of travel through Buckham’s portfolio of images spanning across the globe. In 1931, a commission from Fortune Magazine took Buckham on an epic fifteen-week trip across the Americas, covering 19,000 miles and setting a world record. Starting in New York City and taking the opportunity to capture the newly built Empire State Building, Buckham photographed his intrepid journey from the United States to the tip of South America to share with the world.
Daredevil Photographer will chart Buckham’s incredible journey, from expansive views of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and the snowy caps of the Andes Mountains to perilous scenes of smoking volcanic creators in Guatemala and Mexico. Through his death-defying adventures and stunning photographs, Buckham expanded public understanding of the world, creating an exciting legacy which continues to capture imaginations today.
Louise Pearson, curator of photography at the National Galleries of Scotland says: “Alfred Buckham’s eye-catching photograph of Edinburgh is one of the most popular artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland collection.
“This enthralling image becomes even more intriguing when you learn that it is a darkroom jigsaw – a composite photograph made through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer tells the remarkable story of this maverick of early aviation whose adventures took him from aerial reconnaissance photographer to intrepid explorer via numerous loop the loops.”
Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer isa free exhibition at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, opening on 18 October 2025.
UK Government has announced over £1.25 billion of inward investment from US finance companies, creating 1,800 jobs
New US investments will create 1,800 jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh and boost benefits for millions of customers.
Total of over £1.25 billion of private US investment committed to the UK’s world-leading financial services sector including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P.
Demonstrates the enduring strength of the UK-US ‘golden corridor’ in financial services, with British banks expanding operations into the US and booming cross-border investment flows reinforcing that working with America is best for Britain.
Deal lines up £20 billion in trade between the two nations – including an expected £7 billion commitment from BlackRock to grow in the UK.
London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester are set to benefit from a wave of new US investment into the financial services sector, reinforcing the strength of the UK-US economic partnership ahead of next week’s Presidential State Visit.
The Westminster government says working with America is best for Britain — and today’s announcement proves it. A total of over £1.25 billion in private sector commitments from leading US firms — including PayPal, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and S&P Global — will support job creation, drive innovation, and deliver improved services for consumers in the UK.
US giants are capitalising on Britain’s leadership in financial services – expanding operations and opening new offices across the nation, with London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester set to gain from a wave of skilled job creation.
Bank of America is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, marking its first-ever operation in Northern Ireland — a major milestone that underscores the region’s growing role in global financial services.
Citi Group today confirms it is investing £1.1 billion across its UK operations, including a further commitment to growing its presence in Northern Ireland where the bank is already one of the top employers in Belfast now employing over 4,000 people — firmly establishing Belfast as a major technology powerhouse.
BlackRock are celebrating the opening of their new Edinburgh office this week, which will see their 800-strong footprint nearly double, as part of their multi-billion dollar investment into the UK.
In Manchester, S&P Global are investing over £4 million into their Manchester offices which will support 200 permanent jobs to boost their nearly 3,000-strong UK workforce.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Today’s announcements reinforce the UK’s position as the world’s leading investment destination. Our financial services sector is at the heart of a modern, dynamic Industrial Strategy.
“Strengthening ties with the US boosts our economy, creates jobs, and secures our role in global finance, delivering on our Plan for Change.
“These investments reflect the strength of our enduring ‘golden corridor’ with one of our closest trading partners, ahead of the US Presidential State Visit.”
This marks a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s position as a global financial hub and in the government’s plan to make Britain the best place in the world to invest — a vision underpinned by the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which is driving investment into priority sectors like financial services.
These investments highlight the enduring value of the transatlantic relationship — a cornerstone of shared prosperity that supports millions of jobs and drives growth in every region.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This commitment from America’s leading financial institutions demonstrates the immense potential of the UK economy, our strong relationship with the US and the confidence global investors have in our Plan for Change, which is making the UK the best place in the world to invest and do business.
“These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs from Belfast to Edinburgh, kickstarting the growth that is essential to putting money in working people’s pockets across every part of the United Kingdom.”
Broadridge is making major investments into their new London office, further strengthening its UK presence and deepening transatlantic ties in financial services.
As part of the UK’s expanding fintech and digital innovation sector, PayPal is announcing a £150m investment in product innovations and growth that will benefit customers throughout the UK, reinforcing Britain’s position as a key market for the brand globally.
Jane Fraser, Citi Group CEO said:“Citi’s commitment to the UK runs deep. This is home to many of our most senior leaders and nearly 14,000 colleagues across London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Jersey.
“We’re proud to be serving 85% of the FTSE 100 and to have stood beside UK companies through every market cycle, raising capital, financing growth and helping them compete on the world stage.
“The UK isn’t simply one of our largest markets; it is core to Citi’s foundation as a truly global bank.”
The UK-US investment relationship has never been stronger, with over £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s countries at the end of 2023.
These new investment announcements are accompanied by new significant commitments by financial companies to ramp up their commercial activity and capital flows between our two economies in the coming years.
Blackrock is expecting to allocate over £7 billion to the UK market next year on behalf of clients, and is investing £500 million into enterprise data centres across the country.
Rothesay is planning to double its investment in the US (by £7 billion) over the next few years, and OakNorth is committing to increased capital and lending of over £3.5 billion to support its US operations.
British banks are expanding their US footprint; Barclays alone has deployed over $2 trillion in capital across the US in 2024 and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening UK-US investment ties. The bank has an ambition to double this amount over the next decade, expanding its footprint and supporting growth across sectors.
All in all, that will see investment and capital commitments of over £8 billion coming to the UK, and over £12 billion going the other way, creating jobs and opportunity in both countries.
Earlier this year, the Chancellor launched the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which included financial services as a high growth sector, signifying the UK’s commitment improving financial regulations and driving investment and skilled jobs into the UK.
The UK and US agreed an Economic Prosperity Deal which secured major tariff reductions for key sectors and protected jobs in the automotive and aerospace sector. Discussions continue with the US on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, strengthen supply chains and boost access for our world-leading services companies.
BlackRock will open their new Edinburgh offices on 18 September, which shows their ongoing commitment to the area – this new home will allow Blackrock to grow from 800 to 1,400. Once complete, two of the top five largest BlackRock offices will be in the UK.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “As the largest asset manager in the UK, BlackRock is proud to serve over 13 million British people who are saving for retirement. Today we are announcing an investment of half a billion pounds into enterprise data centres across the country, advancing digital infrastructure for British-based businesses.
“In addition, over the last year our clients around the world invested over £7bn into UK public equity and fixed income securities. We expect this trend to continue, supporting jobs, growth and innovation across a wide range of British industries.”
