Tag: opportunity

Traitors star addresses Scotland’s Disability Summit at Holyrood

Meryl Williams, star of The Traitors, joined an influential Summit aimed at championing the rights of disabled people and shaping a future where the next Parliament drives meaningful progress towards equality and opportunity.

Scotland’s Disability Summit took place yesterday – Saturday 21 February 2026 and was held in partnership with the Cross-Party Group on Disability.

Following on from Meryl’s appearance on The Traitors, she has used her significant social media platform to raise awareness about her condition, Achondroplasia. Meryl is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging outdated perceptions around disability in society.

Meryl addressed hundreds of disabled people across Scotland in the Debating Chamber of the Parliament, as well as those joining online. The Summit also considered what progress can be made around transport, social care, education, social security and voting.

Speaking before the Summit, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “This Summit brings together people from across the country to look at how we can create a more inclusive society, which is so important as we look towards what the next Parliament will achieve for people in Scotland.

“We’ll be meeting in the Chamber and online to share ideas and I’m delighted that this important event is returning to Holyrood.”

Meryl Williams said: “I wanted to take part in this Summit because disabled people are still too often spoken about, rather than listened to.

“Living with Dwarfism has shown me how systems around transport, healthcare, education and social security can unintentionally exclude people when accessibility isn’t built in from the start.

“I hope this Summit helps shift the conversation from awareness to action, and that the next Parliament listens directly to disabled people and uses those lived experiences to drive meaningful, lasting change”.

Jeremy Balfour MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Disability said: “This is a unique opportunity for disabled people of all ages from across Scotland to share their policy priorities with the Scottish Parliament as we approach the May elections, a crucial moment in Scottish politics.”

“I am really looking forward to hearing from disabled people across Scotland at what I know will be an excellent, informative and important opportunity to help shape the debate on the issues that matter most to disabled people.”

Scottish business confidence dips in June

  • Business confidence in Scotland fell five points to 47% in June 
  • While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell 10 points to 47%, their optimism in the economy held steady at 48% 
  • However, a net balance of 55% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 25 points on last month  
  • Overall UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51% 

Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during June to 47%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. 

While Scottish firms’ optimism in the economy held steady month-on-month at 48%, businesses reported lower confidence in their own trading prospects, down 10 points at 47%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 47% (vs. 52% in May). 

However, a net balance of 55% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 25 points on last month. 

Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (53%), investing in their team, for example through training (48%) and entering new markets (41%).  

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.  

National picture

Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51%.  

Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened one point to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy also rose one point to 45%. 

Wales was the most confident UK nation or region in June (67%), followed by London (64%).  

Sector insights

Business confidence in the manufacturing and retail sectors saw significant gains this month, with 12-point rises in both sectors to 52%. For manufacturing, this demonstrates an 11-month high.  

Construction and services however saw decreases in confidence, with falls by five points and four points respectively.  

Martyn Kendrick, Scotland Director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite lower overall confidence, Scottish businesses are still setting out plans for growth – whether that’s through plans to hire, or steps like launching new products and services.

“We remain ready to support every step of their journeys.” 

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence has continued its positive momentum, following the significant gains we saw in May. 

“In particular, the sustained rise in hiring intentions suggests that while firms do still face challenges, they may be starting to look beyond short-term staffing needs and preparing for future growth.” 

Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial said: “June’s figures for UK businesses shows a sustained picture of growth and opportunity.

“Overall, while there have been some fluctuations, it’s encouraging to see all regions and nations well above the long-term average.   

“As business confidence continues, we are committed to supporting businesses with a range of financial services to help them achieve their growth ambitions.”