Business News Round Up (02/10/2025)
Manchester is powering the UK’s economic growth
A new report has revealed the UK’s top 25 areas where business growth is booming, with Manchester the top hotspot outside of London. The study shifts the UK’s economic narrative beyond just London, putting a spotlight on mid-market companies (MMCs) in areas like the North West that are quietly powering the economy. The in-depth report from NatWest, which points to the rising powerhouses of opportunity and innovation across the country, found Manchester to be a dynamic hub for creative and digital industries, fuelled by MediaCityUK and a thriving start-up scene. While London remains the largest centre for profit, headcount and turnover in the mid-market, Manchester, as well as other parts of the UK, begins to feature more prominently when it comes to innovation. Manchester sets a regional benchmark in the report, with the greatest number of companies experiencing above-average growth after London.
Scottish politicians “failing” to connect with businesses
Most Scottish businesses don’t know who represents their interests within government and opposition political parties, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey of senior decision-makers. The tenth edition of the Understanding Business survey, by Diffley Partnership and Charlotte Street Partners, asked bosses at more than 630 Scottish firms about the prospects for their own organisation, their outlook for the wider economy, and a range of other issues affecting their work. The latest results highlight an enduring gap between industry and politics, with fewer than two-in-five respondents saying they don’t know who the business/economy spokespeople for the SNP (38%) or Scottish Labour (37%) are and 27% saying they know who the Scottish Conservatives’ shadow spokesperson is. 58% are not familiar with the senior civil servants responsible for their sector and 47% of those expressing an opinion feel that civil servants do not understand their business much or at all.
https://www.digit.fyi/scottish-politicians-failing-to-connect-with-businesses
Report sheds light on administration of GM Chamber of Commerce
A new report has revealed more details about the problems which contributed to one of the UK’s largest chambers of commerce falling into administration. The organisation was subsequently acquired in a job-safeguarding deal. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation with more than 4,000 members who pay an annual subscription. Largely operated on a not-for-profit basis, the body is accredited by the British Chamber of Commerce. A new report filed by restructuring and insolvency partners at Armstrong Watson has now revealed the chamber had been loss-making for several years. A central problem related to the Chamber Space business and the untimely impact of the Covid pandemic on this operation. The chamber moved into leasehold accommodation at the grade II-listed Elliot House on Deansgate in 2014, with the lease running until 2029.
Tech projects to receive share of government fund
Two Scottish tech projects are among 14 from across the UK that will benefit from funding designed to help boost local and regional businesses. ScotlandIS’ Future Ready programme, which provides business support and learning resources for tech businesses across the country, and Game Space in Dundee, who support those working in the country’s gaming industry, are among the recipients. The money is coming from the UK government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT’s) Regional Tech programme. It is understood the two Scottish projects will each receive £30,000, and the money will support at least 30 businesses in Scotland. The £1m of total funding will pay for the entire tech programme, with the 14 projects making up £420,000 of that investment. The money for ScotlandIS will provide targeted support and the creation of peer-led support networks for tech entrepreneurs and micro-businesses in rural areas, particularly in the Highlands and Islands.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3rv248015ro