Soft landing for economy in prospect
Energy prices offer respite for households but recession risk remains and food inflation remains high There has been some respite this quarter for households as energy prices in the UK,...
Shining excellence on regional excellence
The SCDI Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards is an annual highlight in the region’s business events calendar. Senior leaders from business are joined by politicians and officials from national...
New name, same purpose
In common with small countries around the world, Scotland faces many challenges which call for bold, collective action. The Scottish Council for Development and Industry’s (SCDI) annual Forum that took...
Optimism among businesses despite soaring prices
Despite previous predictions the UK is expected to avoid a recession this year although inflation rates have reached levels markedly higher than forecast, suggesting that the short-term outlook remains unpredictable....
An opportunity to unlock economic and trade benefits
With news of a proposed solution to replace the Northern Ireland Protocol in the shape of the proposed Windsor Agreement, one of the barriers to trade for Scottish exporters could be...
Pressure remains on household finances and public services
Rising grocery and housing costs leave many consumers struggling, but business confidence is slowly improving The economic environment remains challenging for businesses and households. While the inflation rate is moderating...
Collective action to help solve the productivity puzzle
In the context of widespread economic uncertainty, the need to improve UK productivity looms large. Much has been written about the UK ‘productivity puzzle’ of low relative productivity (lagging all...
Pressure on all fronts as recession looms
Financial turmoil will create significant challenges for spending, investment and taxes as Scotland moves into 2023 The market volatility witnessed in the aftermath of the last mini budget brought a...
Energy crisis looms over new leader
The new Prime Minister faces a cost-of-living crisis and greater than usual uncertainty in public finances. At the time of writing, the energy price cap for households, due to rise...
Cost emergency challenges our rural communities
The cost-of-living emergency is hurting people and businesses everywhere and is acute for the 450,000 people who work in, and 50,000 businesses based in, rural Scotland. Energy and fuel costs...