Business News Round Up (09/12/2025)
Rate of North West start-ups declines in November, new R3 research shows
The number of new business start-ups in the North West dropped to the lowest level of the year last month, reflecting the continuing challenging economic outlook and the uncertain impact of the autumn Budget. This is according to new research from R3, the UK’s trade body for restructuring, turnaround and insolvency professionals. R3’s analysis of data from CreditSafe shows that the number of new businesses started in the region declined by 22% in November 2025, to 5,833 new businesses compared with October when there were 7,469 new start-ups. However, numbers are marginally up by three per cent on November 2024, when there were 5,633 new businesses. The region’s performance reflects the national trend, with start-ups declining across the UK, however, the North West saw the third highest drop with only the East Midlands and West Midlands recording larger decreases in new business formations.
Six Scottish institutes launch research commercialisation service
Six Scottish academic and arts institutions have launched an initiative aimed at boosting commercialisation and innovation across Scotland’s modern universities and the college sector. The Shared Academic Knowledge Exchange Services (ShaKEs) initiative will make it easier for universities to turn research into real-world solutions – improving lives, strengthening Scotland’s key industries, and transforming public services. Backed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, the initiative is designed to help the sector deliver greater impact. The consortium includes Abertay University, Queen Margaret University, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Robert Gordon University, The Glasgow School of Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, alongside Edinburgh College. Together, these institutions will pool specialist expertise and professional services to create new opportunities for research impact, skills development, and economic growth.
https://www.digit.fyi/six-scottish-institutes-launch-research-commercialisation-service
Northern recruitment activity declines at fastest rate in four months
Data from the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey showed reductions in both permanent staff appointments and temporary billings in the penultimate month of the year. Notably, it marked the first decline in the latter for three months. Meanwhile, there were further reductions in job openings across the region, and pay trends remained weak. The decrease in starting salaries was only slight, however. 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. November survey data revealed a decrease in the number of staff placed into permanent roles across the North of England, thereby stretching the current trend of decline to nearly two-and-half years.
OEUK responds to Scottish First Minister’s energy paper
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has responded to the publication of the SNP’s energy paper published by First Minister John Swinney today, which sets out the party’s ambitions for Scotland’s energy future. The paper highlights the scale of Scotland’s energy and economic opportunity and the role of affordable energy in supporting households, businesses, and growth. OEUK represents the UK’s offshore energy industry, including oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture. The organisation works across all political parties to champion a homegrown energy future that protects jobs, supports world class supply chain companies, delivers climate goals and strengthens the economy. OEUK Corporate Affairs director Natalie Coupar said: “This paper shows the scale of Scotland’s energy and economic opportunity, but action is needed to make that opportunity a reality.”