Business News Round Up (11/12/2025)
Business investment in Scotland hits 20-year high
A new report has shown that business investment in Scotland has risen to a 20-year high – in contrast to a fall across the UK. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes today helped to launch the annual CBI–Addleshaw Goddard Scottish Productivity Index, showing a rise in business investment to more than 10% of GDP for the first time in 20 years. The Index confirms Scotland leads the UK in higher-level qualifications with 53.7% of the working-age population educated to this level. It also highlights key progress in patenting activity, internet speeds, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. “This report shows the strength of Scotland’s economy, and that real progress is being made in areas in which the Scottish Government holds full powers, including educational attainment and business investment,” deputy first minister Forbes said.
https://www.digit.fyi/business-investment-in-scotland-hits-20-year-high
Over half of UK businesses expect positive impact from defence investment but leaders call for targeted support
The Barclays Business Prosperity Index, which includes a survey of 1,000 business leaders across a range of sectors, shows strong support for the Government’s increased defence spending (74%). This sentiment is consistent across business sizes and regions, reflecting a broad consensus that defence sector investment is both necessary and potentially beneficial for the wider economy. Of those surveyed, 24% have been involved in defence contracts or supply chains on one occasion, 17% on multiple occasions and 25% have never been but are interested in future opportunities. Among those expecting a positive impact, 56% see boosting research and development in new technologies as the main benefit to their business. 50% highlight the creation of new contracts and opportunities within local supply chains as a key benefit, while 53% anticipate enhanced skills and workforce development.
Glasgow City Region launches £25m fund to propel life sciences innovation
Glasgow City Region has launched a £25 million Open Call for ambitious project funding proposals that will drive local innovation and grow the economy, providing a vital boost to businesses within the Region’s Health and Life Sciences sector. The Open Call is targeted at projects which are delivering transformative research and development that will improve lives – accelerating the commercialisation of research or turning research into practical real-world use such as product development, prototyping, tech transfer and patents. The focus on the Health and Life Sciences sector was underpinned by detailed analysis on the local innovation ecosystem by the Region’s Intelligence Hub to identify the sectors that offered the most potential to grow the economy, validated by industry experts. The local Health and Life Sciences sector now supports over 10,000 jobs and has seen a 47% increase in employment between 2019 and 2023.
Greater Manchester Institute of Technology marks two years of skills investment regional industry impact
The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) is celebrating two years of driving cutting-edge higher technical education and industry collaboration across the region – with growing student numbers, an expanded employer network, and new course developments aligned to local skills needs. As one of 21 Institutes of Technology (IoT) across the UK, the GMIoT was established in 2023 to provide Level 4 and 5 higher technical education routes via education and employer partners that meet regional labour market needs. GMIoT was founded as a collaborative partnership between the University of Salford, Wigan & Leigh College, Bury College, Tameside College, and Ada, the National College for Digital Skills. In its first two years, a total of 1,439 students started programmes ranging from a one year HNC in computing to a five-year degree apprenticeship in nuclear engineering.