Nine local business closures a month must prompt Scottish town rethink

New report urges:

  • £90 million annual investment in hard-pressed Scottish towns from the Scottish National Investment Bank and the UK Stronger Towns Fund;
  • A new Scottish Government commission to tackle the blight of empty properties;
  • Banks to deliver on their shared hubs shared hubs promise, and new help for independent traders to better utilise digital technologies.

At least 414 bank branch, shop and local premises closures have been announced for Scotland’s towns and villages by big business and the public sector since the start of 2016. Continue reading Nine local business closures a month must prompt Scottish town rethink

Scotland’s financial services sector has a secure, optimistic future, say political and business leaders.

Scotland’s financial services sector has a secure, optimistic future, thanks to investment in innovation and the rapid rise of tech disrupters, according to political and business leaders. Continue reading Scotland’s financial services sector has a secure, optimistic future, say political and business leaders.

Scottish culture reaps £1.1m benefit as business partnership scheme marks successful second year

More than £1.1 million has now been invested in 68 individual business and cultural partnerships throughout the length and breadth of Scotland, thanks to a pioneering funding programme managed by independent charity Arts & Business Scotland. Continue reading Scottish culture reaps £1.1m benefit as business partnership scheme marks successful second year

Sainsbury’s – Asda merger deal blocked by regulator

The Competition and Markets Authority has blocked the £14 billion Sainsbury’s – Asda merger after finding it would lead to increased prices in stores, online and at many petrol stations across the UK. Sainsbury’s say the regulator’s rebuff will take £1 billion in savings from customers’ pockets.  Continue reading Sainsbury’s – Asda merger deal blocked by regulator

Together Enterprise: new youth project to launch in Pilton

  • Be your own boss! New scheme launched to inspire young people to set up their own co-operative businesses
  • Drop-in information session tomorrow from 11am – 1pm

Continue reading Together Enterprise: new youth project to launch in Pilton