Business News Round Up (08/06/2026)
Fresh Start campaign calls on local businesses to have their say on the future of Scotland’s high streets
Businesses across Scotland are being invited to take part in a major new survey examining the future of their local economy. Fresh Start is a historic joint campaign from The Press and Journal, The Courier, and The Sunday Post, bringing together readers, businesses and communities to identify practical solutions that can help revitalise town and city centres. High streets remain at the heart of local economies, but many continue to face challenges including vacant premises, changing consumer habits, rising operating costs and reduced footfall. Fresh Start aims to better understand the issues affecting businesses today and gather ideas on what changes could make the biggest difference. Chamber members are encouraged to take part in their survey and share their experiences, insights and priorities for their local high street. The findings will help shape reporting and inform discussions with business leaders, authorities and MSPs as part of the campaign for change.
Economic optimism falls as 7 in 10 report increased costs from Iran War, nearly a third passing on costs to customers
A new survey by Ipsos shows that business economic optimism in the UK has taken a hit since February, with businesses feeling the squeeze of geopolitical tensions. 70% report experiencing increased costs due to the Iran war, prompting many to pass costs onto customers or reduce costs, such as renegotiating or switching suppliers. Despite these economic headwinds, the Labour Party maintains its lead as the party with the best policies for managing the economy, businesses, and people in work, while satisfaction with political leaders remains low across the board. Businesses have become more pessimistic about the economy since February. Net business economic optimism has fallen to -23 (from -15 in February), with 49% expecting the economy to get worse, and only 26% saying it will get better. Overall concern about the country’s economic outlook remains steady but high, with 81% expressing concern (compared to 80% previously).
Scottish businesses bracing for ‘another challenging year’ – survey
Scottish businesses are anticipating “another challenging year” as economic pressures, particularly rising fuel prices, continue to exert significant influence on operations. A recent sentiment tracker indicates that a substantial portion of firms are grappling with difficult trading conditions and a weak economic outlook. A growing number of Scottish businesses say trading conditions are deteriorating, according to fresh data from MFMac’s business sentiment tracker, The View. The biannual survey of Scottish corporates found that one quarter (25%) of respondents said their most recent financial year had gone worse than expected, up from 16% a year ago. Meanwhile, almost half (47%) now identify a weak economy as the most important challenge facing their business, compared to 36% this time last year. The findings suggest that, despite pockets of resilience, many businesses are still contending with sluggish economic conditions, cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.
London could generate £76bn boost to UK economy through ‘frontier industries’, says PwC
London could help generate an additional £76 billion a year for the UK economy by 2030 if productivity growth in finance, technology, and science and research industries is accelerated, according to a new report from PwC. The consultancy’s Grow London report argues that the capital is well positioned to support growth in what it describes as “frontier industries” due to its concentration of skilled workers, access to investment, established technology clusters and stable business environment. PwC estimates that stronger productivity growth in these sectors could contribute an additional £40 billion in annual gross value added (GVA) within London by 2030, with wider economic effects increasing the UK-wide figure to £76 billion. The report compares London with 11 international peer cities and concludes that it remains one of the strongest locations globally for developing high-productivity industries.