Business News Round Up (17/10/2025)
9 in 10 UK mid-market firms face an IT skills shortage
Nine in ten (90%) of mid-market organisations in the UK are experiencing an IT skills shortage, with over half stating that it is having a significant operational impact, according to research from Node4. The findings show IT support and help desk roles are the most difficult to hire and retain – followed by data scientists and analysts, then DevOps and software engineers. Nevertheless, 29% of mid-market business leaders are prioritising a reduction in IT headcounts or implementing hiring freezes in response to economic pressures. If this situation goes unchecked, companies will struggle to achieve their full growth and profit potential. This, in turn, could lead to a productivity slump across a major section of the UK’s economy. Fortunately, more than three-quarters of business leaders are taking steps to address IT skills shortages within their organisation.
https://www.digit.fyi/9-in-10-uk-mid-market-firms-face-an-it-skills-shortage
Scottish corporate insolvencies up 41% in September
During September, there were 103 company insolvencies registered in Scotland, 41% higher than the same month last year. The total number of company insolvencies was comprised of 50 company voluntary liquidations, 48 compulsory liquidations and five administrations. There were no company voluntary arrangements or receivership appointments. The latest figures from Accountant in Bankruptcy, Scotland’s insolvency service, also showed that between 26 June 2020 and 30 September 2025, there were three restructuring plans and one moratorium in Scotland. The total insolvency rate in Scotland in the 12 months to September was 52.2 per 10,000 companies on the effective register – down by 0.3 from the preceding 12 months.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-corporate-insolvencies-up-41-36083898
Chancellor launches ‘concierge’ service to drive investment into UK
The chancellor has launched a new “concierge” service that aims to encourage international finance firms to find promising investments in UK businesses. Described by the Treasury as a “one-stop shop” for global finance firms interested in the UK, the concierge service, which sits within the Office for Investment, will help these companies pick locations, navigate regulation and understand the British business environment. “We said we would make it easier to create jobs and grow a business in our country and we’re delivering,” said Chancellor Rachel Reeves. “This service will drive investment across our United Kingdom, making sure that the world’s most innovative businesses can access the talent found in every corner of our country and that working people feel better off.” The service was launched by the Treasury in partnership with financial regulators and the City of London Corporation.
Manchester unveils major climate tech hub, built from innovative sustainable materials
Sustainable Ventures, Europe’s leading growth partner focused on climate tech, has opened the doors to a world-leading climate tech hub in the heart of Manchester. The space is a major climate tech hub in the UK, which can host more than 100 businesses, providing business advice and support services, together with space and funding to help climate tech start-ups to scale faster and create jobs in the region. Building on the success of its hub in London, Sustainable Ventures, located at the heart of Sister, Manchester’s new innovation district, has been built out of innovative materials sourced from pioneering local companies from Manchester and the surrounding areas using sustainable materials. The private- and public sector-backed hub has been powered by investment from Barclays and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It now forms the first phase of Sister, a joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and The University of Manchester.