Business News Round Up (03/03/2026)
Renewed EU partnership must support UK’s growth plans
The relationship between the UK and the EU remains one of the most significant factors shaping the future of the UK’s financial services sector. Recent political rhetoric indicates a shift towards closer co-operation and the sector is closely watching developments with a mixture of caution, optimism and uncertainty. The prospect of deeper alignment with the EU, as recently articulated by chancellor Rachel Reeves, raises important questions about the balance between regulatory autonomy and the economic benefits of integration. For financial services, the challenge is to ensure that any renewed partnership with the EU supports growth, innovation, and the UK’s position as a global financial centre, without sacrificing the flexibility that has been a key advantage post-Brexit. This recent political commitment to closer co-operation with the EU, while maintaining the UK’s regulatory autonomy in financial services, has seen mixed views among our clients.
https://www.ftadviser.com/content/c9562201-6d1b-4141-ad5f-9fc0615fd137
Deloitte report warns of growing dissatisfaction with Scottish public services
Overall satisfaction with Scotland’s public services has fallen since 2020, according to a new report from Deloitte and independent think tank Re:State. Findings from The State of the State 2026, an annual report that examines attitudes to government and public services, shows that while Scots are more satisfied than dissatisfied with several public services, a decline in overall satisfaction since 2020 highlights key areas for improvement. Deloitte also held in-depth interviews with 118 leaders from across the public sector to support the research. The Holyrood election was front of mind for many of the officials who gave their views, with some seeing the next Scottish Government as one that could herald a new era of devolution. When asked about satisfaction in local services, the poll found people in Scotland were more satisfied than dissatisfied with their local council services, transport, local amenities, the local environment, schools and safety from crime.
Call for help as women-led business failures rise
The next Scottish government should activate a previously announced commitment to help women-led businesses which are failing at an alarming rate. Data from a small business survey shows women-led employer businesses have dropped from 20% to just 16% in a single year. Despite women leading 54% of business start-ups, the post-start-up attrition rate in Scotland has escalated to 70%, meaning seven in ten women who launch businesses are closing within the critical establishment phase. The data is published as Women’s Enterprise Scotland publishes its Scottish Election Manifesto calling for a £50m commitment to a Women’s Business Centre model. Recent research by WES revealed that experiences of discrimination by women business owners have doubled from 34% in 2016 to 68% in 2025. Respondents reported being patronised, dismissed, and subjected to sexist comments at trade shows and business events. Women-led businesses receive just 1.3% in equity investment.
Greater Manchester making progress towards 2038 carbon neutral target
Mayor Andy Burnham will today set out the next phase of Greater Manchester’s journey towards becoming a carbon neutral city region by 2038, as Green Summit returns. Thousands are due to gather for the eighth annual Green Summit at Co-op Live, which comes just over a year after the launch of the city region’s Five-Year Environment Plan 2025-30. The event will highlight progress across low-emission transport, green spaces, air quality and waste reduction, and launch new tools to help residents access support to make their homes warmer and healthier and reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “At our last Green Summit we launched our ambitious Five-Year Environment Plan, charting a course to becoming carbon neutral by 2038 while capturing the benefits and the opportunities of green growth.”