Business News Round Up (08/09/2025)
SRC: Scottish retailers face anxious autumn as footfall drops again
Scottish retail footfall fell for the fourth consecutive month in August, sparking nervousness among retailers as they approach the critical “golden quarter” trading period. According to the latest data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Sensormatic, overall shopper numbers dipped by 0.4% year-on-year. While this was a slight improvement on July’s 1.3% decline, the underlying trend remains a concern. The month began with widespread disruption from Storm Floris, which dampened visitor numbers across the country. The national figure masked a varied performance across different locations. Edinburgh, buoyed by its summer festivals, saw footfall rise by a healthy 2.7%. In contrast, Glasgow experienced a 1.9% decrease, with the filming of a new Spider-Man movie failing to translate into more shoppers in stores. Shopping centres recorded a modest 0.8% increase in visitors, while retail parks saw a notable 1.3% drop in footfall compared to last year.
Recruitment decline eased through August, survey shows
The UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey showed that recruitment activity in August fell at a softer rate across the region compared to July. The decline in permanent placements remained stronger than that seen for temp billings. After having increased in July, starting pay for both permanent and temporary staff decreased in August. Weaker pay trends coincided with the sharpest upturns in candidate availability since 2020 and a sustained fall in job vacancies. The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 150 recruitment and employment consultancies in the North of England. Recruitment consultancies signalled a further decrease in permanent staff appointments in August, thereby extending the current period of decline to 26 months. Panellists noted a general drop in hiring activity as some companies were reportedly hesitant to take on new staff.
GM Chamber says outlook positive as it filed third administration notice
Greater Manchester Chamber filed a third Notice of Intention to appoint administrators. In a statement in request for clarification from TheBusinessDesk.com, the Chamber said this latest step provides the Chamber with “the breathing space and necessary time” prior to the proposed appointment of administrators. It went on to say: “Our priority remains the interests of GMCC’s stakeholders, along with ensuring the continuity of service to our members. We are committed to ensuring that the Chamber’s core work – supporting business, international trade services, influencing policy, and promoting economic growth across Greater Manchester – continues without disruption. The Chamber has now vacated Elliot House, and the team are currently working from home, and we will shortly be announcing a temporary accommodation solution. It is considered in the interests of the Company’s creditors to file a further Notice of Intention to appoint administrators.”
AccelerateHER relaunches scheme to back Scots female founders
AccelerateHER and its sister organisation Investing Women Angels, have announced the return of the Women to Women (W2W) programme following a successful pilot last year. Applications are being encouraged from female founders in Scotland with innovative early-stage companies who have started, or are about to start, their investment journey, as well as new women angel investors or those interested in learning more about being an investor. This latest iteration of the programme will be led by experienced female founders who have previously raised multiple investment rounds, alongside investors from IWA and other angel syndicates. This year’s cohort will hear from angel investors and previous participants of AccelerateHER programmes who will share their knowledge and real-life experiences to promote awareness of the equity investment process. This will include a strong focus on pitch deck preparation, due diligence, pitching, and investor communications, with further support provided by W2W partners.
https://www.digit.fyi/accelerateher-female-founders-scotland