Business News Round Up (14/11/2025)
Scottish salmon delivers £1bn boost to economy as new report reveals soaring impact
Scottish salmon farming is now adding £1 billion a year to Scotland’s economy, according to a major new independent study that underscores the sector’s growing importance to rural communities, the national supply chain and Scotland’s global reputation for high-quality food production. The report, produced by BiGGAR Economics for Salmon Scotland, reveals that the industry’s overall economic contribution has risen by 25 per cent in four years, reflecting both sustained domestic demand and record-breaking international exports. It describes salmon farming as one of Scotland’s most significant rural economic drivers, supporting 11,000 jobs nationwide, including around 2,500 people directly employed in farming across the west coast and islands. Average salaries in the sector are now around £44,500, significantly above the Scottish average, and the industry generated at least £37 million in tax last year before wider supply chain contributions are taken into account.
https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/scottish-salmon-delivers-1bn-economic-boost-report
BVCA report details £15.7bn impact of private capital industry for region
A new report has found that businesses backed by private capital generate £15.7bn for the North West’s economy each year. Private Capital in the North West was launched by the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) at Addleshaw Goddard in Manchester. In 2024 alone, private capital invested £2.3bn into businesses in the North West. Private capital employs an active ownership model which is a hands-on approach that helps drive value creation in portfolio companies through strategic and operational improvements, whilst supporting wider economic development. As of 2025, private equity and venture capital firms support 873 businesses across the North West, up from 755 in 2023. These businesses are significant employers, supporting about 247,000 jobs – a 31 per cent increase compared with 2023.
Scotland outlines £1.5bn ‘kilt’ bond plan after securing Moody’s and S&P credit ratings
The Scottish Government has revealed plans to sell approximately £1.5 billion of its own bonds, nicknamed “kilts”, starting in the 2026-27 financial year. The announcement by First Minister John Swinney follows rating agencies Moody’s and S&P assigning Scotland an investment-grade credit rating of Aa3 and AA, respectively, matching that of the UK. This marks Scotland’s first independent debt issuance since the 17th century. Mr Swinney stated the move was a step toward building the tools for a prosperous future, emphasising the goal was to “borrow better”, not necessarily more. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has framed the bond sales as a method of building credibility with financial markets and funding infrastructure, supporting its push for independence. The plan remains subject to the outcome of the May parliamentary elections and market conditions.
Digital friction costing UK businesses revenue
As UK organisations strive to boost productivity in a challenging economy, new research from TeamViewer, a remote connectivity and workplace digitalisation firm, highlights concern about dysfunctional technology. Digital friction, the study reveals, is quietly eroding business performance and limiting productivity gains across industries. According to The Impact of Digital Friction report, nearly half (46%) of UK businesses say that “digital friction” – everyday technology frustrations that slow down work – has directly led to lost revenue. An even greater number (55%) have experienced delays in critical projects due to IT issues. The study surveyed more than 4,200 professionals worldwide, including 400 in the UK. Troublingly, it also found that UK employees fear their technological challenges will worsen rather than improve – a third (30%) expect the amount of time they lose to digital friction to increase in the next year.
https://www.digit.fyi/digital-friction-costing-uk-businesses-revenue