Latest Column Posts

With the depressing news that a total of 366 stores closed across Scotland in 2016, last week was not a positive one for our businesses.

Looking back over the past year, Scottish business has been on a bit of a roller-coaster bobbing up and down throughout the year – and we could really do with a more predictable ride amid sustained Brexit and indyref2 uncertainty.

I have always championed the food and drink industry in Scotland. It’s incredibly instrumental in growing the country’s profile around the world, and supports businesses, communities and families along the way.  

Were you off sick last week? Did your young apprentice fail to show for work?If the answer’s yes then chances are you weren’t alone.

Festival Boost is Music to my Ears….

As the Government publishes the 137-word Brexit Bill that will give Theresa May the power to trigger Article 50, the spotlight has been shone on Scotland’s UK and international export market.

NATIONAL economies live and die by the strength and proliferation of their start-ups and Scotland is no different.

Perhaps you’ve been inspired to get back in the saddle after last week’s record-breaking cycle from 105-year-old Robert Marchand, or maybe Andy Murray’s knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list has reawakened your on-court aspirations.

From the twin shocks of Brexit and Trump, to a world that seemed to lurch ever more punch-drunk from one terror attack to the next, and amidst it all, a Scot again reigning supreme at Wimbledon, last year was as tumultuous as it was occasionally tremendous.

In my first column of 2016, I discussed the uncertainties that lay ahead of us this year, namely in the world of politics.