Scottish GDP forecast to grow by 0.8% in 2026 as Iran conflict raises inflation and growth risks

  • Scottish GDP forecast to grow by 0.8% in 2026 as Iran conflict raises inflation and growth risks

    9th June 2026

    Scottish growth to remain broadly in line with UK economy despite weaker momentum in the first three months of the year The impact of the conflict in Iran is creating headwinds for Scottish businesses with rising borrowing costs, and higher uncertainty likely to weaken the pace of Scottish investment growth…

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  • Zelim set to represent Scotland in race to be named top UK tech trailblazer

    21st May 2026

    Zelim has seen off strong competition from a raft of tech startups to be named Scotland’s Tech Innovator 2026 winner, as part of KPMG’s bid to crown the UK’s most exciting tech businesses. The Edinburgh-based company, which builds AI-enabled maritime safety and security systems to save lives when people fall…

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  • Scottish businesses enter 2026 with steady confidence and a strong focus on sustainability

    12th February 2026

    Nearly nine in 10 (87%) private business owners in Scotland are confident about growth in 2026, according to KPMG’s annual Private Enterprise Barometer, in line with the UK average. The annual survey captured the perspectives of 1,500 privately owned businesses, including 119 in Scotland, from across various industries including professional…

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  • KPMG REACTION: Scottish Budget

    13th January 2026

    Sandra Gilchrist, Head of Tax for Scotland at KPMG UK, said: “Raising the lower tax rate thresholds will be welcomed by some employees. However, others may be disappointed that the high marginal rate for those earning between around £44,000 and £50,000 remains, despite pre-Budget rumours the Finance Secretary might address…

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  • Tech investment and market expansion fuel high levels of confidence as Scotland’s private firms target growth in H2

    18th August 2025

    The vast majority of private firms in Scotland (94%) feel confident about their growth prospects, according to new KPMG mid-year pulse data Regional business leaders continue to prioritise investment in new technologies, with 64% identifying it as a key investment area Inflation is a top concern for 45% of respondents,…

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  • Mid-market private equity interest in Scotland dips in the first half of 2025

    8th August 2025

    The volume of mid-market private equity investment in Scotland fell by 14%. Amongst 24 investments in Scotland, bolt-ons remain the most popular deal type. Total UK private equity deal volumes dropped in H1 2025 to their lowest levels since the second half of 2020 The second quarter saw reduced activity…

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  • iLivestock selected to represent Scotland in the search for the best UK tech trailblazer

    27th June 2025

    iLivestock has fended off competition from dozens of local tech startups to be crowned Scotland Tech Innovator as part of KPMG’s search for the UK’s most exciting tech businesses. The Rosyth-based firm, which has created an all-in-one management platform for sheep and cattle farmers, was one of hundreds of applications…

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  • Scottish GDP growth could exceed UK average in 2026 – KPMG

    13th June 2025

    Scotland’s GDP growth could hit 1.2% next year, ahead of the 1.1% forecasted for the UK. Recent trade deals could benefit Scottish exporters, helping to fuel economic growth. Scotland’s economic growth will trail the UK this year, amid weak business and consumer confidence and pressure on Scottish government spending. Wednesday…

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