davepickering

Scottish business confidence climbs, as more firms plan to hire

Business confidence in Scotland rose three points during August to 59%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.

Companies in Scotland reported slightly lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down five points at 65%. However, when taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 52%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 59% (vs. 56% in July).

A net balance of 70% of businesses in the country also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 47 points on last month.

Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (59%), evolving their offer, for example by introducing new products or services (39%) and entering new markets (39%).

National picture

Overall, UK business confidence rose two points in August to 54%.

While firms’ confidence in the wider economy dropped three points to 44%, their optimism in their own trading prospects rose five points to 63%.

London was the most confident part of the UK in August (69%), followed by the East of England (64%).

Sector Insights

Manufacturing firms saw confidence up 14 points this month, to 62%. This level was previously seen in 2015. Retailers also saw an increase in confidence this month, with levels up 13 points to 57%, a five-month high. However, construction firms confidence fell by five points to 40%, a four-month low while confidence in service sector firms also fell eight points to 53%.

Martyn Kendrick, Scotland Director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see Scottish business confidence continuing to strengthen, outpacing the UK average for a fourth month in a row.

“The strong focus on team investment and widespread hiring plans demonstrates that Scottish firms are taking a long-term view of growth, building the capabilities they need for sustained success. We’ll continue to provide our support to help businesses across the country achieve their ambitions.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “This continued upward trend in business confidence suggests UK firms remain optimistic about their own trading prospects while there is a modest cooling of confidence in the wider UK economy.

“Firms are focusing on what they can control, with many looking to pursue growth opportunities, including entering new markets and adopting new technologies.

“Wage expectations have seen a notable shift this month, but it remains to be seen whether this signals the start of a sustained trend or a temporary uplift, as they have been broadly stable in recent months.”

Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial said: “August’s figures show a build on business confidence. Opportunities continue to lie ahead for businesses, whether that be upskilling their workforce or exploring new markets.

“While confidence isn’t rising evenly across all sectors and regions, it’s encouraging to see positive sentiment holding well above the long-term average.”

End of Summer Family Bash!

PARENTAL EMPLOYABILITY SCOTLAND (PES)

FRIDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 1 – 4pm at NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS

PARENTAL EMPLOYABILITY SUPPORT FUND (PESF)

PESF offers support to:

Lone Parents
Parents with disabilities
Young parents age 25 years and less
Minority ethnic families
Families with a disabled child
Families with 3 or more children
Families where the youngest child is under 1 year

Taking a holistic Key Worker approach parents are supported to upskill and/or re-train, increasing family income, lifting themselves and their families out of poverty.

The fund provides personalised support for parents who face barriers to progressing their careers, including help to gain qualifications, improving skills or work experience; money advice, and motivational support.

You can read more about the Scottish Government’s plan to eradicate child poverty by clicking on the following link: Every child, every chance: tackling child poverty delivery plan 2018-2022 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Contact your local employability lead to find out more.

Additional help and support is available at www.parentclub.scot/work.

Supporting Neurodiverse Children: workshop for parents and carers

WEDNESDAY 10th SEPTEMBER from 10am – 12.30pm

at CORSTORPHINE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Boost for Scottish shipbuilding as Norway selects UK warships

£10 billion boost expected to support 103 Scottish businesses including 54 small and medium enterprises

Major partnership with Norway set to secure 2,000 jobs in Scotland until the late 2030s with a further 2,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain.
Deal will see a combined fleet of 13 Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates – eight British and at least five Norwegian – operate jointly in Northern Europe, significantly strengthening NATO’s northern flank

BILLIONS of pounds will be pumped into the Scottish economy following Norway’s decision to select Glasgow-built warships for their Armed Forces – securing thousands of jobs in Scotland for years to come.

The UK will supply Norway with Type 26 frigates in a historic deal worth £10 billion announced today, cementing Scotland’s position as a world leader in naval shipbuilding, and on the government’s Plan for Change.

The deal supports 2,000 jobs at BAE Systems’ shipyards in Glasgow and a further 2,000 roles across the UK maritime supply chain until the late 2030s. The agreement is expected to support 103 Scottish businesses which includes 54 small and medium enterprises

Norway’s selection of the UK’s world leading Type 26 frigates builds on decades of close cooperation between NATO allies and strengthens both nations’ strategic partnership and maritime security in the face of increasing Russian threats in northern Europe. Both Australia and Canada have also bought a licence to build their own ships based on the Type 26 design for their Navies.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This £10 billion deal is what our Plan for Change is about – creating jobs, driving growth and protecting national security for working people.

“This government has forged new partnerships across the world to deliver for people at home and the export of our world leading Type 26 frigates to Norway will do exactly that, supporting well-paid jobs up and down the United Kingdom, from apprentices to engineers.

“This success is testament to the thousands of people across the country who are not just delivering this next generation capabilities for our Armed Forces but also national security for the UK, our Norwegian partners and NATO for years to come.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Norway’s decision to choose Scottish-built frigates demonstrates the tremendous success of our shipbuilding industry and showcases the world-class skills and expertise of our workforce on the Clyde.

“This contract is another ‘defence dividend’ for Scotland and supports thousands of jobs and reinforces Scotland’s vital contribution to both UK prosperity and international security. The deal demonstrates that when we back Scottish industry, it delivers for communities, workers, and our allies.”

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “For over 75 years, Britain and Norway have stood together on NATO’s northern and north-eastern frontiers, keeping the UK and Europe safe. This historic defence deal deepens our strategic partnership.

“With Norway, we will train, operate, deter, and – if necessary – fight together. Our navies will work as one, leading the way in NATO, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure, and keep both our nations secure.

“This deal confirms Scotland’s place as a world leader in shipbuilding. It will support 2,000 high-skilled jobs in Scotland for the next 15 years and beyond, driving forward this Government’s Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth.”

The frigates are designed for anti-submarine warfare – strengthening the strategic partnership and maritime security of both nations in the face of increasing Russian threats in northern Europe.

The decision comes ahead of a new UK-Norway defence agreement that will bolster Euro-Atlantic security while bringing the two defence industries closer together to boost jobs, growth, and innovation.

Rare Bronze Age hoard saved for the nation

CARNOUSTIE HOARD WILL GO ON DISPLAY NEXT SUMMER

A Bronze Age hoard discovered in Carnoustie has been acquired by National Museums Scotland and will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition opening next summer.

The hoard includes a rare spearhead decorated with gold and a bronze sword in a wooden scabbard, dating from around 1120-920 BC. Scotland’s First Warriors (27 Jun 2026 – 17 May 2027) will bring together over 250 objects spanning thousands of years, to explore the origins and impact of conflict and warfare in prehistoric Scotland.

The spearhead has an intricately decorated gold-bound socket, one of only two such examples known from Scotland. It was discovered alongside a bronze sword with an unusual lead-tin pommel, still sheathed in the remains of a wooden scabbard.

The sword was carefully wrapped in a woven wool garment, fastened with a disc-headed pin; the spearhead blade was wrapped in sheepskin, and the socket was wrapped in a fine woollen cloth.

The weapons hint at the existence of a localised warrior elite in the Angus area over 3,000 years ago.

The hoard was deliberately and thoughtfully placed near a Bronze Age round structure. This is the only Bronze Age weapon hoard from Scotland to be found within a clearly defined settlement, offering a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between these treasured objects and the lives of the people who crafted and used them.

The survival of prehistoric textiles and organic material is also extremely rare and reveals an extra layer of the care and attention that went into the formation of the hoard.

Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Carnoustie Hoard is a remarkable discovery. This is the first time we’ve encountered weapons buried at a settlement where people lived. It forces us to reconsider relationships between people and these objects and enriches our picture of life in Bronze Age Scotland.

“On top of that we have the exceptional survival of wood, textiles and animal skin that express how much these objects were valued. After hours of painstaking conservation, I can’t wait to for visitors to see the hoard for the first time in our new exhibition Scotland’s First Warriors.”

Alongside the Carnoustie Hoard, Scotland’s First Warriors will include never-before-seen internationally significant archaeological discoveries from across Scotland.

From the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the coming of the Romans, the exhibition will present the origins of organised conflict.

It will explore how people fought, the motivations for fighting, the brutal impact of war on people’s lives and the long-lasting legacy of prehistoric conflict.

The hoard was unearthed in 2016 by GUARD Archaeology near Carnoustie, in an area that was due to be developed into two football pitches.

The full assemblage of archaeological finds from site represents a nationally significant group of objects spanning nearly 3000 years from the early Neolithic to the late Bronze Age.

Scotland’s First Warriors

27th June 2026 – 17th May 2027
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Admission Free

nms.ac.uk/ScotlandsFirstWarriors

ScotRail: Peak fares ‘gone for good’

From today – Monday, 1 September – customers will pay the same fare no matter what time they travel, or the day of the week.

The policy announced by the Scottish Government in May this year is aiming to make train fares simpler, more flexible, and provide better value for money for rail users. A further aim of the change is to get more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail instead.

Removing peak fares will mean significant savings for customers across the country, with some journeys set to reduce by almost 50 per cent – including those between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Examples of the massive savings to be made include:

Journey	Return fare from 1 September	Saving	Percentage saving
Edinburgh – Glasgow	£16.80	£15.80	48%
Inverkeithing – Edinburgh	£7.40	£5.20	41%
Perth – Dundee	£11.20	£5.10	31%
Glasgow – Stirling	£10.80	£7.40	40%
Inverurie – Aberdeen	£10.10	£2.50	20%
Inverness – Elgin	£16.30	£8.50	34%

There are some routes where no off-peak fare exists because the same fare is already available at any time of the day, and as such, customers will not see any change in those areas.

Customers can now check the ScotRail website, or the app, to see Off-Peak fares for their route, and get set for savings when peak fares are removed. The ScotRail website also has a fare comparison tool that helps customers find the best ticket option for their travel needs.

As part of the move to simpler and more flexible fares, a number of other tickets will also be updated:

Season Tickets will remain at their current pricing until 27 September, offering exceptional value. For regular travellers, this represents a saving of at least 40 per cent compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre-1 September prices. This discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024.
Flexipass tickets will have adjusted pricing from 1 September to ensure they continue to offer a saving compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters.
Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn, as the removal of peak fares means customers now benefit from great value fares all day, every day.
Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15am, in line with existing conditions.
These changes are designed to make rail travel easier to understand and more accessible, while continuing to offer excellent value for a wide range of customers.

The significant change to the fare structure will support the Scottish Government’s ambition to achieve net zero, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport.

ScotRail was recently ranked as one of the best train operating companies for customer satisfaction. With an overall satisfaction of 91 per cent, ScotRail is performing better than all other large operators in Britain.

It has been a hugely successful summer for the operator, with more than 200,000 customers travelling on services to attend events across the country, including the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen, music events at Hampden Park, the Edinburgh Festivals, and Oasis in concert at Murrayfield stadium.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.

“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys.

“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”

Families could save up to £350 in Loganair’s Tartan Sale

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched its biggest-ever Tartan Sale, offering customers 17% off flights across its network and potential savings of up to £350 on selected journeys.

The sale runs from 29 August to 9 September 2025, covering a wide range of destinations across the airline’s extensive network of over 70 routes. Travellers can book discounted flights from 22nd September onwards.

Coinciding with the Tartan Sale, Loganair has also released its Summer 2026 schedule, enabling customers to plan ahead and secure reduced fares for next year’s peak travel season. This includes services linking key UK cities, lifeline island routes, and connections to major European destinations.

Through its partnerships with leading international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Aer Lingus, Loganair customers can also take advantage of onward connectivity via hubs such as London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin, all on a single booking with through-checked luggage.

Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “Loganair’s Tartan Sale gives customers the opportunity to book ahead and access reduced fares across a wide range of routes.

“The launch of our Summer 2026 schedule alongside the sale means there is more scope than ever for travellers to plan trips in advance, whether that’s for leisure, business, or to connect with friends and family. Our focus remains on providing reliable, convenient services that link communities across our network and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.

Additionally, the airline was named the most punctual for UK arrivals and departures in Q2 2025 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with 86% of its flights arriving and departing on time.

Customers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard and convenient connections to the wider UK through the airline’s growing network and partner carriers.

Bookings can be made at loganair.co.uk until midnight on 9 September 2025 via this link:

https://www.loganair.co.uk/?utm_campaign=tartan-sale&utm_medium=press&utm_source=lm

Celebrating Edinburgh’s Dyslexic Thinking in entrepreneurship

Powerful billboard at multiple locations aims to inspire the next generation of Edinburgh’s dyslexic entrepreneurs

A powerful new billboard at multiple locations including The Edinburgh Arch and The Edinburgh Towers in Edinburgh aims to inspire the next generation of Edinburgh’s entrepreneurs
The billboard is part of a nationwide campaign from Virgin StartUp, Made By Dyslexia and Virgin Unite to celebrate the power of Dyslexic Thinking in entrepreneurship
New analysis reveals that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute at least £4.6bn to UK GDP each year*, supporting more than 60,000 jobs
At least one in three entrepreneurs are dyslexic and Dyslexic Thinking powers some of the world’s most iconic brands
Virgin StartUp has launched a first-of-its-kind business accelerator programme, Momentum, to support dyslexic entrepreneurs in scaling their business

Striking new billboards have appeared in Edinburgh this week, celebrating the power of Dyslexic Thinking and inspiring the next generation of dyslexic entrepreneurs in the city.

The prominent billboard, placed at multiple locations including The Edinburgh Arch and The Edinburgh Towers in Edinburgh, is part of a nationwide campaign from Made By Dyslexia, Virgin StartUp and Virgin Unite, spotlighting the unique strengths of dyslexic entrepreneurs.

Designed to spark conversation and pride in the city’s dyslexic community, the billboard reminds passers-by that Dyslexic Thinking has powered world-changing inventions like the car, the lightbulb and the smartphone.

Dyslexic Thinking is also famously the driving force behind many of the world’s most successful brands including Apple, Ikea, Virgin and Jo Malone.

New analysis from the global charity, Made By Dyslexia, shows that dyslexic entrepreneurs contribute a staggering £4.6 billion or more to UK GDP every year whilst supporting more than 60,000 jobs.

At least one in three business founders are dyslexic, suggesting that Dyslexic Thinking skills (skills that dyslexics typically over-index in), such as problem-solving, creativity, visualisation, communication and big-picture thinking, are an excellent match for a career as an entrepreneur.

Edinburgh has been selected as one of 46 locations across the UK where the billboards will appear until 7 September.

To support those who are already carving out a career as a dyslexic business founder, Virgin StartUp – Virgin’s home of entrepreneurship in the UK – is launching a first-of-its-kind, free business programme called “Momentum”, to help dyslexic entrepreneurs scale their businesses, using their unique Dyslexic Thinking skills.

Sir Richard Branson has famously spoken about how his dyslexia has helped him build one of the world’s most recognisable brands; Virgin, which started in 1970 as a mail order business and now has nearly 50 businesses across 34 countries and six different sectors.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, said: “Much of my success as an entrepreneur comes from my Dyslexic Thinking. It’s my superpower.

“Dyslexic Thinking has enabled me to see the world differently and find new solutions to old problems that businesses were struggling to address.

“The world needs dyslexic entrepreneurs more than ever, so I’m delighted to support this campaign and I am looking forward to hearing the stories behind the dyslexic founders who join the Virgin StartUp programme.”

Kate Griggs, dyslexic social entrepreneur and Founder of global charity Made By Dyslexia added: “Entrepreneurs are the engine of the British economy – and research shows Dyslexic Thinking fuels at least one in three of them.

“To boost growth, create jobs, and move the nation forward, the UK has never needed Dyslexic Thinking more.

“We hope that this campaign will inspire and encourage Dyslexic Thinkers in Edinburgh to consider how they could use their unique skills to build the innovative businesses of tomorrow.”

For more information about Dyslexic Entrepreneurship or Virgin StartUp’s Momentum Programme visit www.virginstartup.org/1in3founders