Cash for Kids biggest campaign of the year is upon us: Mission Christmas 🎁
This afternoon we took some time out to pop in and seen one of our partners and beneficiaries – The Citadel Youth Centre – Edinburgh ☕️
Sometimes, it’s a passing comment or what seems like a small detail that stay with you after a visit like that.
➡️ Families describing that they would rather deal with debt than the shame of poverty
➡️ Young kids riding round and round on the bus to get a heat
Hearing this has really stuck with us today and we can’t stop thinking about those two comments.
It’s the reality for far too many people in Edinburgh. The levels of child poverty in our city are truly heartbreaking. Behind every statistic is a story — a home, a child, a family doing everything they can just to get by.
That’s why our upcoming Mission Christmas campaign means so much to us. It’s not just about giving gifts & toys — it’s about giving families support, dignity, and the knowledge that their community cares ❤️
Below you will find a link that explains all the different ways your company can make a difference this Christmas:
https://hellorayo.co.uk/forth/charity/events/mission-christmas-2025-edinburgh
We are hosting a Mission Christmas Launch event on Wednesday 5th of November at the Everyman Cinema, where we will be joined by our beneficiaries and partners, providing a great chance to hear about our impacts in the local community. We would love to have you along and we will be providing drinks and nibbles on the night.
To RSVP email alex.wilson@bauermedia.com or call 07851304372 to find out more.
The UK’s largest business sentiment survey before next month’s Budget, shows most firms remain bruised, with no improvement to business sentiment. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 has found confidence and investment levels remain at 2022 levels.
Less than half of responding firms (48%) are expecting increased turnover in the next 12 months, while 21% expect a decrease. Meanwhile, only 21% have increased investment and 25% have scaled back plans.
The data also shows tax remains the biggest concern for businesses alongside increased worries over inflation.
The survey was carried out by the BCC Insights Unit and the UK-wide Chamber network, with the fieldwork conducted between 18 August and 15 September. Over 4,600 businesses across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs) responded online.
Confidence flatlines ahead of the Budget
Confidence among business remains flat, with only 48% of responding firms expecting their turnover to increase over the next 12 months. That compares with 49% in Q2 and 58% before the 2024 Budget. A fifth (21%) of businesses expect turnover to worsen and 32% expect no change.
The data show wide sectoral disparities. Only 35% of retailers expect increased turnover in the next 12 months (44% in Q2), while the figure in the hospitality sector is 38% (33% in Q2).
Tax and inflation are the top concerns for business
Following the employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) rise in April, tax continues to be the biggest concern for businesses. 59% cite tax as a worry, up from 56% in Q2. Before last year’s Budget, only 36% cited tax as a concern (Q2 2024).
There has been a sharp rise in concern about inflation, cited by 57% of firms (52% in Q2), the highest level since the start of 2024. Worries about interest rates remain at relatively low levels – cited by a quarter of responding businesses (25%).
A quarter of businesses cutting back on investment
With businesses facing increased cost pressures, investment levels continue to suffer. A quarter of businesses (25%) say they have cut back on investment plans (broadly similar to 24% in Q2). The majority of firms, 54%, say their investment strategy has remained the same, while 21% have increased their plans.
The issue is more marked in certain sectors, with over a third of hospitality firms (35%) scaling back investment plans (39% in Q2). While the figure for those in the retail sector is 30%.
No improvement in business conditions
The percentage of responding businesses reporting increased domestic sales remains unchanged from last quarter – at 32%. 43% reported no change and a quarter (25%) said they had seen a decrease in sales. Sectoral breakdowns show increased sales are at their lowest among retailers (21%).
Around a quarter of businesses (24%) report an increase in cash flow over the last three months, down from 26% in the previous quarter. A third of firms (29%) report a fall in cash flow, while for 46%, cash flow remained the same.
Price rise expectations remain high
The proportion of businesses expecting to raise their prices in the next three months remains high at 44%. That’s the same level as Q2 but down from a near-historic high of 55% in Q1. Just over half (54%) say their prices are likely to remain the same, and only 3% are expecting them to decrease.
Labour costs continue to be far and away the main cost pressure for firms, cited by 72% of respondents (73% in Q1). The issue remains the most significant in the hospitality sector (80%) and the transport sector (78%).
What businesses say:
“The uncertainty around future tax increases to business is directly affecting investment and recruitment decisions we are making. Projects are going on hold over the next couple of months until the end of the year.”
Medium sized manufacturing firm in Liverpool
“National insurance increase was a disincentive to further employment, and as a business we cannot cope with further taxation.”
Small manufacturing firm in Scotland
“Increases in national insurance contributions and also uncertainty on how favourable the UK government will treat business in the future are a concern.”
Micro professional services firm in Northern Ireland
“Costs are spiralling out of control in almost all cost areas…. The burden of taxation is becoming too high to live with.”
Medium sized transport firm in Aberdeen
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Ahead of the Chancellor’s statement next month, our survey shows many firms remain bruised and are not ready for another Budget battering. The research reveals no clear improvements to key indicators we track. For twelve months, SMEs have told us the same story: rising costs, weak investment, and little sense of relief on the horizon.
“The Employer NICs increase has been the most widely cited source of pressure, hitting investment and pushing up prices. The proportion of businesses expecting to raise prices remains worryingly high, driven primarily by labour costs. Inflation now sits alongside taxation as a top concern. The global shift towards protectionism and tariffs has also been a major compounding factor.
“Persistent weak sentiment this quarter may suggest that many firms have already priced in a tough Budget. But further surprise measures that hit business, like those seen in 2024, could drive confidence even lower.
“What businesses need now is certainty and a long-term strategy, not more ad hoc policy shifts. The AI revolution could be a real productivity game changer and our recent research shows that more SMEs are adopting it, but firms need the space to invest and adapt if the UK is to seize the opportunity.
“Our message to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget is clear – no further tax rises on business. SMEs are calling for urgent action to tackle skills shortages, a bold push to boost exports, and more investment in infrastructure. Without that, confidence could deteriorate further, putting economic growth at risk”.
| As we mark Climate Week (29 September – 5 October), the Capital has been recognised for leadership in sustainability, biodiversity, and community green space excellence. |
Edinburgh received a prestigious set of accolades at the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards, including:
Working in close partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the award submission celebrated the very best of Edinburgh. It highlighted some of the city’s fantastic community spaces, such as Bridgend Allotments, Jock Tamson’s Gairden, Holyrood Park and the Cyrenians Royal Edinburgh Garden. Judges were impressed by the vibrant culture of volunteering in Edinburgh and commented on the great visitor experience. They were particularly captivated by the longstanding tradition of the Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens. Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: These awards highlight the outstanding work happening across our city from internationally renowned gardens to grassroots community projects. They are testament to the tireless work of our dedicated Council teams, our incredible volunteers and community groups, and those who have nurtured our green spaces. Celebrating this recognition during Climate Week shows there’s no better time to get out into nature and enjoy our award-winning parks. Curator of Living Collections at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, David Knott, said: We are extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic diversity of greenspaces throughout the City of Edinburgh. This award recognises not only the importance and value of these greenspaces but also the tremendous work and effort by all the people who maintain them. Climate Week is an ideal time to get out and enjoy the many fine parks and gardens across Edinburgh. This Climate Week, as Scotland’s capital and economic centre, Edinburgh wants to make sure that a cleaner, greener and fairer future for everyone is at the heart of climate plans. Find out more about climate action in Edinburgh and preparing the city for climate change. |
MHA was pleased to receive the award for best newcomer of the year at the prestigious annual AIM awards last evening at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
In association with the London Stock Exchange, the Awards identify the quoted companies and entrepreneurs who have harnessed AIM to help them fulfil their ambition and growth potential in the last twelve months.
Since floating on AIM in April this year MHA has gone from strength to strength on the exchange in a year which has been challenging for the London market. The MHA listing which raised nearly £100m, remains London’s biggest IPO by deal volume so far this year. The share price is over 40% higher than the original float price.
Steve Moore the CFO of MHA said: “I am delighted to accept the award on behalf of all our partners, staff and clients. We decided to proceed with our IPO in spite of the announcement of liberation day and the market turmoil it created. I’d like to say thank you to Cavendish, Freeths, Crowe, One Advisory and Alma for all their support in getting the IPO over the line. I also wanted to say a big thank you to the judges and the London Stock Exchange for hosting the event.”
Rakesh Shaunak the CEO of MHA said: “This award is a great recognition of the journey MHA has been on over the last few years and our long-term strategy of stability and growth. The market and the media have been kind enough to reward MHA for our boldness and I am grateful for everyone’s support.”
Law firm Aberdein Considine has made the shortlist in five categories at the upcoming Herald Law Awards for Scotland, including Law Firm of the Year.
As a firm, Aberdein Considine is up for:
- Law Firm of the Year (under 150 certificates)
- Family and Child Law Team of the Year
- Debt Recovery Team of the Year (which the firm won in 2024)
- Litigation Team of the Year
Meanwhile, highly experienced Glasgow-based Private Client partner Aileen Entwistle has been shortlisted for Solicitor of the Year.
Jacqueline Law, Managing Partner at Aberdein Considine, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone who has reached the shortlist for the Herald Law Awards for Scotland. We’re so proud to be in the running for Law Firm of the Year in this milestone year for Aberdein Considine, with our conversion to LLP, modernised brand identity and record turnover for 2024/25.
“It’s great to see three of our highly accomplished teams recognised for their expertise and dedication to excellence in client care and we will all be rooting for Private Client Partner Aileen Entwistle in the Solicitor of the Year category.”
The Herald Law Awards for Scotland 2025 awards ceremony will be held at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday 7 November.
DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has expanded its teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow with a wave of new appointments which includes a director, two senior associates, ten solicitors and eight new trainees, strengthening both its commercial services and insurance services divisions.
Casey MacDonald has joined the global legal business as a director, bringing significant expertise in supporting leading insurers, with a focus on defending personal injury, motor claims and credit hire. Meanwhile, Marian Tytler and Ruth McIntosh have been appointed as senior associates in the insurance team.
Several solicitors have also joined DWF in Scotland, strengthening a range of practice areas. Gillian Irving, Katie MacGregor, Hilary Rathbone, Niamh Rice, Lucie Stevenson and Rebecca Greig have all taken up roles in insurance. Adam Macdonald, Kirsty Cousin, Abby Shaw and Sophie McVey have completed their traineeships with DWF and qualified into dispute resolution, corporate, and insurance.
Furthermore, these recruits have been supported by the arrival of seven paralegals, adding further depth and expertise across the insurance practice.
Eight new trainees have also been welcomed into DWF’s offices in Scotland: Arianne O’Hare, Aimee Connacher, Eryka Kobleczuk, Declan Ritchie, Olivia Gardiner, Emma McMeekin, Faye Woodall, and Chloe Muldoon.
Commenting on her appointment, Casey MacDonald, said: “I am delighted to be joining DWF at a time of real energy and momentum for the Scottish insurance practice. The firm’s reputation for combining legal expertise with data analytics and tech-driven innovation is second to none, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and delivering exceptional results for our clients.”
Caroline Colliston, executive partner of DWF in Scotland, added: “We are delighted to welcome so many talented colleagues to our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. This expansion reflects our commitment to investing in people and strengthening our capabilities across key practice areas. Their expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to support clients in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally.”
Scotland Launches Game-Changing Data Platform to Unlock Millions in Global Investment
Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Scottish Ecosystem Platform, the first comprehensive, open access platform to provide detailed information on startups, scale-ups and established private companies. By delivering actionable insights, it enables users to identify investment opportunities, understand competitive landscapes, and track industry sector health.
Developed through a partnership between the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Government, and Techscaler, the platform provides essential features for private market decision-making, including funding round tracking, investor profiles, and market trends. The platform is powered by leading data intelligence firm Dealroom.
The platform functions as Scotland’s entrepreneurial compass, giving startups the data and connections they need to thrive. It provides detailed company profiles, funding information, and market trends that help founders understand where they stand and spot new opportunities. Most importantly, it bridges the gap between startups seeking investment and investors looking for promising ventures, while making Scottish companies more visible to potential partners. The platform also strengthens the entire ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with each other and providing live market intelligence on funding trends, company valuations, and sector performance.
The platform aims to address Scotland’s scale-up challenge head-on. While the country excels at creating startups, the transition to larger enterprises has historically proved difficult. By making it easier for international investors and talent to discover opportunities, it also gives policymakers and business leaders the data they need to make smarter decisions about where to focus resources and support.
The platform, which was unveiled at the Invest2Scale conference in Edinburgh, offers global audiences their first comprehensive view of an ecosystem that has produced companies including BrewDog, FanDuel, and Skyscanner, and continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience and growth potential.
Dr Duncan Martin, Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, emphasised the platform’s transformative potential: “In our digital age, data is more than a resource; it’s the foundation of strategic growth. The Scottish Ecosystem Platform has been designed to transform how we access and utilise data, offering unparalleled insights into our entrepreneurial landscape. This platform is more than a tool; it’s a catalyst for unlocking Scotland’s potential in the global innovation economy.
“Access to real-time data and analysis means decisions can now be grounded in current, robust evidence rather than speculation. For entrepreneurs, this means better understanding of market gaps, enabling them to tailor innovations to meet real-world demands.”
The platform’s collaborative maintenance model allows participants to register, update, and enrich their profiles, ensuring the ecosystem data remains current and comprehensive. Startups and scaling companies are now encouraged to become active users.
Aoife Morrin, Head of Ecosystem Growth at Dealroom.co said “Over the past decade, the Scottish ecosystem has grown tenfold, with more than 1,000 funding rounds since 2020 and over 350 university spinouts driving innovation. By bringing together real-time insights on startups, investors, universities and funding—both public and private—this platform gives the Scottish ecosystem the visibility it needs to connect, collaborate, and accelerate growth. Scotland’s world-class universities, talented founders, and vibrant clusters are now even more visible on the global stage, and Dealroom is proud to support the next chapter of this journey.”
The Scottish Government’s commitment to entrepreneurship continues to yield impressive results. Companies supported by the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme attracted over £66 million in public and private investment according to figures released earlier this year, while the broader ecosystem has benefitted from sustained policy support including substantial investment in university research and innovation infrastructure.
Ana Stewart, the Scottish Government’s Chief Entrepreneur said:
“The Scottish Ecosystem Platform represents what we need more of – the opportunity to highlight our business talent and solutions to the world. The platform will unify our scaleup activity, making Scottish companies visible to global investors while providing the data and insights we need to support them effectively. It will also align with the Scottish Government’s InvestScotland portal, which will be launched later this year to showcase investment opportunities to global investors.
“The platform also shows what we can achieve when public and private sectors, academia and government work together with shared purpose, will become ever-more powerful as we continue to digitise the way we gather data and analysis to work out how we can support Scotland’s entrepreneurs. I look forward to us refining, embedding and harnessing the platform over the coming months, making it a place where anyone, anywhere in the world, can discover opportunities to invest in Scottish innovation.”
James Trotman, VP Growth at CodeBase, the delivery partner for TechScaler, highlighted the platform’s game-changing potential: “Scotland’s founders are building world-class companies, but their success too often goes unseen. The Scottish Ecosystem Platform changes that—showcasing growth, traction and ambition on a global stage. It connects startups here with the same investors and networks as London, Berlin or San Francisco. That visibility can be the difference between chasing your first cheque and securing the backing to scale. Techscaler is proud to help power this platform.”
By highlighting diverse and ethical business practices, the platform also supports inclusivity and sustainability within the tech sector, encouraging investments that align with Scotland’s broader social and environmental goals.
The Scottish Ecosystem Platform is a free, open-access digital platform providing comprehensive data and up-to-date information on startups, scaleups, corporates, investors, accelerators, universities and more.
The platform is now live: https://scotland.dealroom.co
By Emma Marshall, audit director, MHA, Edinburgh
Scotland’s charity sector is in a fragile state.
Financial strain is widespread, future funding uncertain, and services and roles are at risk.
Research from the third sector in Scotland, stark admissions from those at the helm – and anecdotes from our own clients – backs this up.
The situation has been described as a “doomsday scenario” where charities are overwhelmed, underfunded, and expected to compensate for the failures of strained public services without adequate support.
The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges.
The Tracker asks questions relating to their current organisational challenges, demand for their services, paid staff and volunteers and financial health.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) this summer published a report on this research. The findings highlight a growing crisis for small charities and voluntary organisations in Scotland:
- Financial strain is widespread: 81% of charities are facing financial challenges, driven by increased demand, falling income, and higher operating costs.
- Future funding is uncertain: Only 13% have secured full funding for the next year, while over a third have none confirmed at all.
- Services and jobs at risk: 60% say financial pressures are affecting service delivery; over 10% have already cut programmes, with similar numbers facing redundancies.
- Survival depends on reserves: More than half are relying on reserves to stay afloat, but this is unsustainable for most.
Without urgent action, the consequences for communities across Scotland could be severe. Despite their crucial role in community wellbeing, these organisations are under severe strain.
The experiences of some charity chief executives echo the findings of the recent SCVO report.
Stephanie Fraser, CEO of Cerebral Palsy Scotland (CPS), recently reported that the situation was ‘dire’, while CEO of Scottish SPCA, Kirsten Campbell, claims that the Scotland’s charitable sector is in ‘crisis’. In her parting message, Campbell described a “doomsday scenario” where charities are overwhelmed and underfunded.
She highlighted some of the key challenges:
- Charities face soaring operational costs: energy bills, wages, and National Insurance have all risen sharply, while funding has fallen.
- Demand is surging: 63% of charities report increased need, and over 90% of front-line groups saw worsening community conditions in 2023. These pressures mean charities are now providing services like food, mental health support, and even basic transport, areas once covered by public bodies.
Campbell called for a systemic shift: better collaboration between public, private, and third-sector organisations, and a rethink of funding strategies. She urged the government to convene a cross-party summit on the sector’s sustainability.
Something must be done. Scottish charities cannot be expected to take on an increased load from a cutting back of under-strain public services without adequate support.
For some Scottish charities, the challenge has already proved too much. In June, Saheliya, an award-winning mental health and wellbeing support charity working with women facing racial inequality, went into liquidation. Saheliya had helped nearly 1,000 women from 39 countries and had previously been recognised for its work, including winning Charity of the Year in 2016.
Similarly, Mental Health Aberdeen – which had been operating for 75 years – closed, citing growing pressure on its services. In its announcement, the charity called on “funders, partners, decision-makers, and government policy makers” to recognise the need for more investment in mental health services… “before it’s too late.”
Sadly, they certainly won’t be the last. Operational costs and funding uncertainties are pushing charities in Scotland to the brink. The impact of this is astronomical in terms of service provision and jobs. Charities provide vital support in communities, drive positive social change, raise crucial awareness and address unmet needs of those most vulnerable in society.
The value to the economy also cannot be underestimated. Latest figures from 2024 show that there are more than 24,500 Scottish charities with income of almost £18 billion and more than 217,500 employed staff (*OSCR figures).
Steps must be taken now to stop the stream of charities having to make the most difficult of decisions… to close, devastating their staff and volunteers and harming the lives of those who rely so heavily on the vital work that they do.
Emma Marshall is an Audit Director in MHA’s Edinburgh office, specialising in the provision of audit and accounting services to the charity sector. Having gained an interest in the sector during the early days of her chartered accountancy training contract, the focus of Emma’s career has been on delivering high quality services to the charity sector. With more than 20 years’ experience in working with charities, she is well aware of the specific challenges her clients face and she can provide the practical support and advice which is particularly valued by these clients.
A new effort to support innovation and enterprise across the south-east of Scotland has been announced by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, as part of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.
The three institutions have agreed a collaborative partnership with the aim of developing the region’s innovation, enterprise and skills through improved connectivity with academic expertise and support.
The focus of the partnership will be to support innovation and entrepreneurship in line with nationwide plans to boost Scotland’s economic development.
The agreement will enhance work towards ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan, the Scottish Government’s National Innovation Strategy and its Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, by strengthening entrepreneurial skills and networks across Scotland.
There will also be increased collaboration around knowledge exchange and innovation projects, which aim to bring academic expertise to businesses and organisations that could benefit from it.
This new agreement follows the recent expansion of ENU’s enterprise hub Bright Red Triangle (BRT), to offer specialist support to Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College students and alumni. Since its formation in 2005, BRT has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers from the ENU community from its Start Up Studio in Edinburgh.
Some of the early collaborative work as part of the partnership will include:
- Entrepreneurial support to our collective community of over 60,000 students, building on the successful BRT partnership launched in October 2024
- Regional upskilling and innovation to support SME and public sector bodies
- Delivery against the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint
- Pilot of a Knowledge Exchange Concordat across the partner institutions
Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal (External Engagement) at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to commit to this new partnership between our institutions – building on our shared enterprise services by developing an integrated innovation pathway to support the region’s companies and public sector agencies.
“Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs to take their innovative ideas to the next level.
“This collaboration will build on the expertise of all three institutions, with an overall aim of contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefiting our students, communities and industry partners.”
Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which will elevate the role of skills development as a pathway to innovation – whether that be through support for student, graduate and staff enterprise or research and knowledge exchange collaborations across our HE and FE colleagues, local businesses and organisations.
“The new partnership also allows us to focus on delivering impact in community wealth building, to support the generation, circulation and retention of wealth in our local economy.
“We look forward to working with our Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College colleagues to enhance our collaborative approaches and improve our economic impact locally, regionally and nationally.”
Mike Jeffrey, Vice Principal Corporate Development at Edinburgh College said: “This new partnership presents an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh College to strengthen our existing support for entrepreneurship and innovation across our student body, alumni network, and wider industry connections.
“In today’s fast-paced economy, it is essential to equip students with entrepreneurial capabilities alongside technical and vocational expertise. At Edinburgh College, we work with a broad network of organisations to ensure our students are not only prepared to excel in their chosen professions but are also empowered to become the innovators who will shape the future.
“Through collaborating with our university partners to share knowledge, resource and expertise, we look forward to further embedding a culture of knowledge exchange throughout our college community.”
Heriot-Watt University has launched its Professional Academy, a comprehensive online learning platform that will be offering over 50 university-credited courses designed specifically for busy professionals seeking to upskill rapidly in their current roles. The innovative platform addresses the growing demand for flexible, accessible professional development in an increasingly competitive job market.
The Professional Academy represents a significant departure from traditional continuing professional development (CPD) offerings, providing stackable courses that can be completed in your own time. Students benefit from Heriot-Watt’s 30 years of distance and online learning expertise and can access postgraduate-level courses immediately without an undergraduate degree.
Professionals are increasingly turning to CPD to stay competitive, adapt to change, and advance their careers with forward-thinking employers are enabling this growth. The CPD Standards Office’s latest whitepaper, “CPD Research Project 2023-2024” found 90% of respondents reported career development as a direct result of their engagement in CPD activities.
The Heriot-Watt Professional Academy’s approach reflects extensive market research identifying key skills gaps across multiple sectors. It will launch with courses spanning:
- The Edinburgh Business School MBA including Financial Decision Making, Strategic Marketing, and Big Data Analytics for Business
- Business and Organisational Psychology covering Leadership Development, Organisational Change, and Workplace Design
- Specialist Areas including Real Estate Development, Sustainable Investment, and the pioneering Carbon Dioxide Removal course
The curriculum addresses multiple professional development scenarios, from mid-career professionals building towards management roles through courses available on the MBA to senior executives seeking specific expertise in areas like sustainability. This targeted approach differentiates the offering from broader online learning platforms by focusing specifically on career-relevant, university-level content.
The Professional Academy’s strategic focus on modular, stackable learning addresses a fundamental challenge in professional development: enabling busy professionals to build qualifications incrementally whilst immediately applying new skills in their roles. The platform has, as a result, adopted a tiered structure designed to meet different professional development needs with individual courses and professional certificates for rapid upskilling today with clear pathways to build towards full degree qualifications tomorrow, faster and at a lower overall cost.
The curriculum has also been carefully crafted through partnerships with leading industry organisations. The real estate programme has been developed in collaboration with one of the world’s largest property services companies, whilst the sustainable investment course was created in partnership with Arkadiko, a prominent sustainable finance firm. Supply chain management courses have been developed with the Kühne Foundation linked to the Kühne+Nagel Group, ensuring content remains directly applicable to current industry practices and standards.
Russell Brooks, CEO of Heriot-Watt Online, commented: “Our Professional Academy bridges the gap between academic rigour and practical application. These aren’t just courses – they’re smart career investments. Learners can choose courses that meet immediate professional needs, while also building credit towards a future MSc or MBA. It’s a flexible, stackable approach that delivers real-time impact and long-term value.
“We’re prioritising accessibility through flexible enrolment and open access registration. Students from all over the world can now access the platform and this transformative approach to continuous professional development.”
The Professional Academy’s development responds to research indicating that professionals increasingly seek flexible, modular learning that fits around existing commitments whilst delivering immediate workplace value for professionals looking to advance within their current fields or rapidly acquire skills in emerging areas.
For corporate clients, the platform offers bespoke delivery options including preferential group rates, dedicated account management, and the opportunity for academic experts to deliver presentations at company events, making it ideal for global organisations seeking consistent, high-quality professional development.
The Professional Academy is available at professionalacademy.hw.ac.uk
