Scott Reid

Bethan Higson, the Edinburgh-born founder of alcohol-free aperitif brand Mother Root, will speak at Egg’s Women on Top Summit in Edinburgh on 24 September 2026. Mother Root ranked 11th in The Sunday Times 100 after recording 206.5% annual sales growth over three years and securing listings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado. The summit will also feature Anna Whitehouse and Absolute Collagen founders Maxine and Darcy Laceby, with more than 300 women expected to attend. Organiser Kylie Reid said the event will focus on confidence, networking and collaboration, with free childcare and subsidised tickets intended to improve accessibility.

UK CPI inflation rose from 2.6% in June to 2.9% in July, its highest level since March, driven largely by a 13% increase in Ofgem’s energy price cap and higher gas prices. Experts warn that households may face further pressure from energy and food costs, while persistent inflation could limit interest-rate cuts, raise mortgage costs and erode savers’ purchasing power. The Bank of England is expected to keep rates on hold in September, and RPI inflation also increased to 3.2%.

Simply Asset Finance has provided £200 million in funding to more than 1,200 Scottish businesses through 2,700 deals since opening its Scottish operation in 2021. The lender’s local team has grown from two to 11 specialists, while its activity has expanded through dealership and vendor partnerships. Company executives cited resilient business demand, investment opportunities and projects including electricity-grid upgrades and oil-and-gas decommissioning as drivers of future growth.

Scottish pizza oven company Ooni has appointed Jim Rowan, the former chief executive of Volvo Cars and senior Dyson executive, as chairman. Rowan will lead the board alongside newly formalised non-executive directors Ruth Chandler and Scott Maguire as Ooni develops its ten-year global growth strategy. The Edinburgh-based company, founded by Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland, has sold more than three million ovens worldwide and recently expanded its product range with the Ooni Halo Pro and Halo Core. Rowan succeeds Paul Ross, who is stepping down after eight years as chair.

A Bank of Scotland Business Barometer finds that 48% of Scottish firms currently use AI, well below the 61% UK-wide figure, and that AI is generating new jobs less often in Scotland. Although 54% plan to increase investment in AI skills over the next year, businesses cite limited understanding, security concerns, cost and a lack of internal expertise as barriers. Bank of Scotland and Lloyds executives say firms must build practical skills, confidence and organisational capability to turn AI investment into productivity, innovation, job creation and long-term growth.

Springfield Properties has sold 170 plots for £12 million, using £6.5 million of the proceeds to settle the final deferred payment for its 2022 acquisition of Mactaggart & Mickel’s Scottish housebuilding business. The transaction completes the deferred consideration ahead of schedule and follows the company’s move into a net bank cash position. Springfield said the deal strengthens its balance sheet and supports future growth, while earlier results showed higher overall revenue and adjusted profit before tax despite weaker private housing revenue.

Scotland’s early-stage funding market remains active but has become more difficult as fundraising rounds lengthen, investor due diligence intensifies and exits take longer. Moray Martin of TRICAPITAL Angels says prolonged exits are tying up EIS and SEIS capital, slowing reinvestment into new businesses. Investors are prioritising capital efficiency, market traction and management capability, while energy, food security, life sciences, defence and advanced manufacturing remain attractive sectors. TRICAPITAL is using artificial intelligence for due diligence and reporting and supports creating a secondary fund to release capital from mature investments. The syndicate also plans to expand its membership, expertise and international investor network.

Edinburgh-based sustainable construction company Kenoteq has secured almost £900,000 in the first tranche of an ongoing funding round led by Kelvin Capital, with backing from the Scottish Enterprise Co-Investment Fund and existing investors. The company is seeking to raise £2 million in total. The investment will increase production of its K-Briq, a building brick made from almost 100% recycled construction and demolition waste, and support projects in healthcare, hospitality and commercial construction. Current work includes an NHS development in Wales and theatre and restaurant projects in London.

Scottish retail sales rose 8% year on year in July 2026, reaching a three-year high after adjusting for inflation. Non-food sales increased 12.9%, led by women’s clothing, footwear, sunscreen, jewellery and watches, with warm weather and last-minute holiday shopping supporting demand. Furniture and computing sales underperformed. The Scottish Retail Consortium and KPMG welcomed the results but warned that inflation, international instability and comparison with weak sales last summer could make conditions more difficult ahead.

Strathmore Hotels, which operates eight hotels across Scotland and northern England and employs 410 people, has entered administration after months of creditor pressure and a winding-up petition. Joint administrators from Interpath said all hotels would continue trading and staff would be retained while options for the business are assessed. The administration comes amid wider hospitality-sector challenges, including rising operating, energy and labour costs, inflation and changing consumer spending. Scottish hotel occupancy has improved year-on-year, but industry experts warn that cost pressures remain significant.

Scotland’s scale-up business population fell by almost 1% over the past year to 8,720, marking a third consecutive annual decline, according to a Vestd report based on Office for National Statistics data. Edinburgh recorded a 1.38% fall, Aberdeen showed no growth over three years, while Glasgow bucked the trend with a 1.63% increase. Vestd founder Ifty Nasir warned that continued decline could undermine jobs, investment and economic growth. Separately, Royal Bank of Scotland data showed Scottish business activity contracted further in July, although employment, business confidence and inflation conditions improved.

Japanese restaurant brand Maki & Ramen will open a 3,886-square-foot, 120-seat venue at Frasers Plus Braehead near Glasgow. The opening will be the company’s fourth franchised restaurant and its second franchise location in Scotland. Maki & Ramen and centre owner Global Mutual said the site was selected because of its diverse shopper and leisure audience and its potential to strengthen Braehead’s food and beverage offering.

NatWest Group reported a 20% rise in operating pre-tax profit to £4.3 billion for the first half of 2026, exceeding analyst expectations. Growth was driven by its retail, commercial and wealth-management businesses, while £250 million in cost savings helped reduce its cost-to-income ratio. Chief executive Paul Thwaite highlighted the use of AI across the group’s 60,000 employees, including fraud protection and an agentic AI assistant. The acquisition of Evelyn Partners is expected to support annual performance, although analysts questioned its £2.7 billion price and warned that NatWest must innovate without becoming more complex. Shares rose almost 4%.

Edinburgh-based Kāhu SiliconBio has secured £1.2 million from Germany’s SPRIN-D to develop a prototype biological sensor that tracks hormone levels continuously rather than providing a single measurement. Founded by James Flewellen and Teuta Pilizota, the University of Edinburgh spinout aims to apply engineered biology and silicon-chip technology to women’s hormone-related conditions, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment. The company plans to refine its prototype, grow its team and establish research and clinical partnerships, building on support from several UK innovation organisations.

Caledonian Leisure reported an “outstanding year” after turnover rose from £64 million to almost £74 million, while pre-tax profit for the year ending December 2025 increased by more than 30% to £3.81 million. The coach holiday and short-break operator attributed the growth to strong demand for staycations, investment in technology and staff, and expansion through its acquisition of Tates Travel. Managing director Graham Rogers and finance director David McDonald said the company would continue investing responsibly and expanding its offering. Caledonian Travel and the Caledonian Hotel Collection also received awards at the 2025 British Travel Awards.

Scottish mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy Xburo UK has secured significant growth investment from Chiltern Capital and launched a recruitment drive. The Edinburgh- and Glasgow-based firm, founded in 2018 by Thomas Brady and Michael Gribben, plans to expand geographically and broaden its services for public healthcare, defence, education and commercial clients. With around 20 employees and more than 60 built-environment clients, Xburo aims to become a leading UK specialist in asset engineering, design and technical advisory services.

Dentons reported a 10 percent rise in revenues to £336 million across its UK, Ireland and Middle East region, driven by stronger client relationships, increased complex cross‑border work, and growth in strategic practice areas. Glasgow and Edinburgh offices contributed, while banking, regulatory and investigations, and restructuring delivered standout gains. Ireland and Middle East operations also grew despite regional instability, supported by expansion in key practices and increased partner numbers.

The upcoming FinTech Scotland Festival, scheduled for September 30 to October 7, will gather global industry leaders to explore fintech innovation, economic growth and the future of financial services. Events include an opening reception hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and the Scottish Financial Technology Awards. Leaders from FinTech Scotland, Lloyds, Barclays and AccessFintech highlighted Scotland’s growing role as a fintech hub and the festival’s importance in fostering collaboration and innovation.

Support from the British Business Bank is projected to generate 1,900 new jobs and £800 million in additional turnover for Scottish firms, with investment driven largely by the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland. The bank supported 1,500 Scottish businesses in 2025–26 and expanded its backing in the Glasgow city region through an £8.5 million innovation cluster focused on priority industrial sectors. UK‑wide, the bank facilitated £9.4 billion in finance for smaller businesses, reinforcing its role in addressing funding gaps and driving economic growth.

Shepherd and Wedderburn recorded its ninth consecutive year of growth with turnover reaching £83.1 million and net profit rising to £36.7 million, resulting in staff-wide bonuses. Newly appointed managing partner Andy Hall highlighted strong client relationships and sector-focused work as drivers of the firm’s performance. The firm advised on major UK projects including the Granton Waterfront redevelopment and AG Barr’s pension scheme while expanding its presence through new offices in London and an upcoming move in Aberdeen. The firm plans continued investment in people and capabilities to support clients in a changing market.

A record 76 new funders invested in Scottish companies in 2025, with newcomer participation reaching its highest level since tracking began. Increased investment flowed into sectors tied to sovereign capability, alongside strong activity in life sciences, where University of Edinburgh spinouts featured prominently. Major funding rounds included large raises by Fidra Energy, Trogenix, and Highland Broadband. Scottish Enterprise and other domestic institutions co‑invested at higher rates. Deloitte research shows rising optimism among UK CFOs about AI’s impact, with expectations of increased digital investment and productivity gains despite continued cost‑control pressures on graduate hiring.

A Glasgow-based SEO agency has rebranded from A1 SEO to Peak Visibility following a seven‑figure investment aimed at expanding its global presence. Founder Graham Grieve outlined the firm’s evolution from a full-service agency to a specialist SEO operation serving more than 100 international clients. The investment supports new hires and proprietary software development as the company adapts to rapid technological changes, including the growing influence of AI-driven search and large language models.

Survey data from Novuna Business Finance shows only one in five small Scottish firms expect growth this summer, reflecting persistent geopolitical tensions, rising costs and political uncertainty. Growth forecasts remain flat in Scotland and below the UK average, with only the north-west of England reporting a slight improvement. While some sectors such as manufacturing and IT show stronger outlooks, construction, hospitality and retail experience sharp declines. Jo Morris of Novuna notes that continued uncertainty is hindering planning, though small businesses remain resilient and in need of support to drive future economic growth.

The Scottish National Investment Bank is adopting a revised strategy aimed at boosting housebuilding and strengthening its commercial investment approach. Led by new chief executive David Ritchie, the plan expands the bank’s innovation mission to be sector agnostic, increases focus on unlocking stalled housing sites, and supports small and medium-sized housebuilders. The bank will also target deeper housing supply chain development, pursue energy security opportunities, and design a new fund to support university spinouts. With more than £1.2 billion committed since its creation, the bank aims to enhance long-term financial sustainability while channeling additional investment into Scotland’s economy.

A £7.4 million regeneration project has converted Dunfermline’s historic New City House into 32 affordable flats through a partnership led by Campion Homes and Kingdom Housing Association, with support from architects, engineers and Fife Council. The redevelopment required extensive retrofitting, including structural roof upgrades and installation of a district air source heat pump. Scottish Government funding of £3.1 million contributed to the transformation, which local MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville praised as part of efforts to address Scotland’s housing emergency.

ReVentas, a West Lothian start‑up developing chemical‑solvent recycling for hard‑to‑process plastics, secured a £3.5 million Scottish Enterprise grant to expand its Livingston pilot facility. The technology produces virgin‑like polymer at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing costs and carbon impact. Scottish Enterprise highlighted the firm's global potential and its role in advancing Scotland’s net‑zero and circular‑economy goals.

Forecasts for Scottish house price growth in 2026 are being revised downward as renewed conflict in the Middle East drives global inflation and mortgage rate increases. Property consultancy Rettie warns that its earlier projection of 3.5 percent growth is now uncertain, with the Iran crisis disrupting the spring housing market and likely softening activity through the year. Rising interest rates, though expected to be limited after a US‑Iran peace deal, are expected to curb demand. Rental prices have stabilised following the Housing (Scotland) Bill and improved mortgage conditions, while new‑build transactions remain historically low despite recent growth.

Fairstone has expanded its presence in Scotland by acquiring City Gate Aberdeen and Albyn Associates and opening a new hub in Westhill, Aberdeen. The acquisitions bring both advisory firms and their combined £180 million in managed assets into Fairstone’s operations. Executives cite strong regional growth potential tied to entrepreneurial activity and the energy transition, noting that the move enhances the group’s ability to meet regulatory and technological demands while broadening financial planning support for clients. Fairstone now oversees £22 billion in client assets across more than 50 locations.

BGF marked its 15th anniversary by announcing £420 million in Scottish investments and highlighting its role as a major regional growth investor with more than 650 companies backed across the UK and Ireland. Recent activity includes investments in sectors from luxury goods to life sciences as well as successful exits such as Entier and Optima Partners. HSBC Innovation Banking UK and Dealroom reported record UK venture capital investment in the first half of 2026, driven heavily by artificial intelligence, which accounted for most mega-rounds and nearly three quarters of total funding. Government leaders emphasised the UK’s strong innovation ecosystem, citing talent, capital availability and a supportive regulatory environment as foundations for continued tech sector growth.

EBS Construction undergoes management changes following its acquisition by M Squared, with new leadership aiming to expand heritage restoration work across Scotland. Recent appointments strengthen operations as the firm secures multiple restoration contracts in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company plans to invest in workforce development, including apprenticeships, to support the growing need for specialist repairs on historic buildings.

Isle of Skye Candle Company has acquired Isle of Skye Soap Company in a deal that reunites founder James Robertson with the business where he first learned the craft that launched his enterprise. Now employing more than 100 people and marking its 20th anniversary, the candle firm plans to expand distribution while keeping both brands operating separately. Soap company owner Fiona Meiklejohn will retire, with no job losses expected. The acquisition follows the candle company’s 2022 redevelopment of the former Aros Centre into a visitor and production hub in Portree.

Gensource, a sustainable energy firm based in East Lothian, has entered professional sports sponsorship by backing rising Scottish golfer Matty Wilson. The arrangement reflects the company’s rapid growth and the close family connection between Matty and co-founder Robert Wilson. Matty, who works as a renewables installer for Gensource during the off-season, plans to compete in the DP World Tour Q School later in the year, drawing on his experience in both golf and the renewables sector.

Equity investment value in Scotland rose 74 percent in 2025 as UK-wide funding for smaller businesses fell by 4 percent. The British Business Bank reports that Scotland’s growth was driven by fewer but larger deals and strong performance in sectors such as energy. Scotland also surpassed London in university spinout deals, with the University of Edinburgh completing 16. The country benefited from the British Business Bank’s £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland and increased deployment under the bank’s strategic plan, which aims to unlock more than £26 billion in private capital over five years.

Gavin Newlands, an executive at AGS, has been appointed chair of CBI Scotland’s infrastructure working group, which aims to accelerate major projects and remove barriers to economic growth. CBI Scotland leaders emphasise the need for planning reform to unlock investment in transport, energy, housing and grid upgrades. Newlands highlights planning delays as a drag on jobs and competitiveness, while recent remarks by First Minister John Swinney signal that planning reform will be prioritised to support business and economic development.

Edinburgh-based fintech BR-DGE raised £10 million to support international expansion following rapid growth in payment platform volumes. The funding adds gaming-focused investor Bettor Capital alongside existing backers and comes as the company expands beyond gaming into wider enterprise sectors. CEO Thomas Gillan said the investment will enhance platform development and help enterprise merchants optimise transactions. The firm appointed industry veteran Perry Blacher as chairman, and investors emphasised BR-DGE’s strong positioning in complex, regulated markets.

VASO Global secured more than £5 million in funding to expand production of recycled-glass structural panels used for low‑carbon modular homes, supporting efforts to address the UK housing crisis. The investment from venture capital, public agencies and innovation bodies will support manufacturing at a new site in Dumfries, create up to 70 jobs and accelerate the company’s route to market. Stakeholders highlight the technology’s potential to deliver faster, cleaner construction while strengthening the regional circular economy and manufacturing capability.

Shoosmiths reported record annual profits of £80 million, pushing profit per equity partner above £1 million for the second year in a row, supported by investment in technology, higher‑value work and expanded corporate, litigation and real estate mandates. The firm advised on major transactions including the merger of Totalmobile and Solvares Group and continued litigation on behalf of Somerfield’s liquidators involving claims against the Co‑operative Group. Leadership highlighted disciplined growth and ongoing investment in AI, client service and staff development. Lindsays announced a senior hire within its dispute resolution and litigation team.

Two Edinburgh-based fintech firms, Legado and Amiqus, formed a partnership to streamline regulated onboarding processes in the UK financial services sector by integrating digital identity verification, anti-money-laundering tools, and regulated communications with electronic signatures. Both companies share major financial clients and aim to improve compliance, operational resilience, and user experience. FNZ, also a shared partner, endorses the combined capabilities as valuable for identity verification, AML compliance, and secure documentation workflows.

A survey of more than 500 Scottish firms shows business rates and rising workforce, utilities and materials costs are driving the sharpest expected price hikes in three years, with two‑thirds of companies planning increases in the next quarter. More than half have already raised prices in response to rate rises, while others have altered strategy, delayed growth or cut staff. Concerns about business survival have reached a two‑year high, and confidence in government responsiveness has weakened, though most firms still view Scotland as a good place to operate and invest. Calls for reform of the business rates system accompanied the findings, as the Scottish government begins an independent review of non‑domestic property revaluation.