Scottish business confidence softens in July
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Scottish business confidence softens in July
4th August 2026Business confidence in Scotland fell six points during July to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, down six points at 51%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down six points to 34%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42% (vs. 48% in June 2026). Despite the decline, more than half (51%) of Scottish firms reported continued confidence in their…
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Two-thirds of Scottish small businesses unprepared for new digital tax deadline
28th July 2026With under two weeks remaining until the first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax submission deadline, new research1 from Bank of Scotland suggests that two-thirds (65%) of small businesses in Scotland still have work to do before they are ready to comply with the new rules, compared with 55% of small businesses UK-wide. The findings come as sole traders and landlords move to HMRC’s MTD for Income Tax requirements, which asks eligible…
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Scottish business confidence remains resilient despite June dip
6th July 2026Business confidence in Scotland fell two points during June to 48%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, down five points at 57%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up two points to 40%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 48% (vs. 50% in May 2026). Despite this dip, Scottish firms reported strong customer demand (79%) as…
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Scottish businesses show resilience in response to global uncertainty, with over half expecting growth
23rd June 2026Scottish businesses are showing resilience in response to global uncertainty, with 84% saying they are confident in their ability to withstand economic shocks, according to new findings from the Bank of Scotland Business Barometer. Three fifths (60%) of Scottish businesses say they have been impacted by recent global uncertainty, with…
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Gym equipment specialist flexes growth with new Fife premise
11th June 2026An Edinburgh-headquartered fitness equipment specialist is expanding across the water into Fife with a major new base as demand for refurbished gym gear continues to grow. Pinnacle Fitness has officially opened the doors to a new 32,000 sq ft headquarters and remanufacturing plant in Dalgety Bay, marking a significant milestone…
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Scottish business confidence increases
29th May 2026Business confidence in Scotland rose two points during May to 50%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, up nine points at 62%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down five points to 38%, this gives a…
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S1 Developments unveils first homes at Edinburgh Park’s New Village
21st May 2026A family-run property developer has broken ground on a new residential development in the West of Edinburgh, supported by a £20m funding package from Bank of Scotland. The New Village, led by Edinburgh-based S1 Developments, will form part of real estate investment group Parabola’s wider multi-million-pound regeneration of Edinburgh Park,…
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Scotland set for Grand Départ, but how can SMEs make the most of the Tour de France?
15th April 2026Next summer, Scotland will swap tartan for the maillot jaune as Edinburgh hosts the Grand Départ of both the men’s and women’s Tour de France. As the world’s most famous cycling race sets off from the capital, Scotland’s streets and scenery will be broadcast to millions across the globe. Based…
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Scotland leads UK in AI productivity gains
12th March 2026New findings from Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer show that AI is helping Scottish firms work more efficiently and unlock new opportunities for growth. Scottish businesses integrating AI into their operations are reporting significant financial benefits, with 96% seeing increased productivity – the highest proportion of any UK nation or region – and 32% reporting…
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Bank of Scotland announces £2.5 billion new finance commitment for businesses in Scotland
6th March 2026Over £2.5 billion of new finance can be available to businesses across Scotland in 2026, helping them grow, invest and create new jobs. This forms part of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026[1].…
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