Business News Round Up (11/08/2026)
Report highlights how Scotland can close its scale-up gap and unlock thousands of jobs
A new report by a former Skyscanner and Current Health executive has highlighted the importance of scale-up companies and how Scotland can unlock tens of thousands of high-value jobs. The report, ‘Framing Scotland’s Entrepreneurial Economy’ from Richard Lennox, said that Scotland-based scale-up companies, defined as enterprises growing their turnover or employee numbers by more than 20 per cent over a three year period, represent only 0.5 per cent of all SMEs, but generate around one-third of total SME turnover. Closing the scale-up gap could translate to more than 130,000 new high-value jobs and in excess of £20bn in additional annual revenue. The report explained that what is needed is a “coherent model for allocating support so that every pound already committed is traceable to a founder’s need, at the right stage and in the right form.”
New funding to ‘restore pride’ in local high streets
Businesses, charities and community groups across Greater Manchester will soon be able to apply for a share of a new £20m fund aimed at improving local high streets. Mayor Bev Craig announced the Good Growth High Streets Fund during a visit to Middleton town centre, saying she wanted people to feel the benefits of Greater Manchester’s economic growth in the places where they live. The fund is expected to open for applications later this year, although details of how much individual projects will be able to bid for have not yet been announced. The mayor’s office says the scheme could support a range of ideas to help town and district centres attract more visitors, including bringing empty shops back into use and supporting community events.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r03q48445o
Temp billings rise at sharpest pace in four years across North England
The North of England saw the strongest rise in temporary jobs in four years last month. The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey continued to indicate a preference for temporary staff, with recruiters signalling sustained growth in temp billings and vacancies. This compared with further falls in permanent staff appointments and vacancies. At the same time, pay growth picked up for temp work, but softened for permanent salaries. The survey found recruitment consultancies operating in the North of England signalled a second successive monthly reduction in permanent staff placements in July. According to anecdotal evidence, the fall reflected a drop in job openings and a preference for temp workers amid low business confidence and a reluctance amongst some employers to commit to permanent hires. Though moderate, the rate of reduction was the most marked since the start of the year.
Dundee skills academy to open in September to support Scotland’s industrial workforce
A new industry-led skills academy is set to open in Dundee next month, aiming to help address critical workforce shortages across renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, construction and infrastructure. Vertical Motives Consultancy Ltd will launch the VMCL Skills Academy at MSIP Dundee in September 2026, offering accredited, employer-focused training for school-leavers, unemployed adults, career-changers, existing employees and international learners. The academy plans to train at least 100 people a year, with cumulative learner numbers expected to rise from 150 in 2027 to 450 by 2030. The academy has been more than four years in development, led by Vertical Motives managing director Peter Waggott and a specialist team spanning technology, operations, business development and schools outreach. Its ambition is to become Scotland’s leading skills academy for advanced manufacturing and workforce development, helping employers access skilled talent while contributing to stronger UK supply chains and long-term economic growth.