Business News Round Up (20/02/19)

Scotland has second highest growth in UK, analysis suggests

Scotland’s economic growth was the second highest of any part of the UK. The British economy grew 1.4% in 2018, while Scotland’s grew by 1.7%.

Bank of Scotland owner to return £4 billion to shareholders as pre-tax profits rise 13%

Lloyds Banking Group is to return up to £4 billion to shareholders as net profits for 2018 were £4.4 billion, up from £3.5 billion in 2017.

Trafford Centre owner reports £1bn loss after huge write-down

Shopping centre owner, Intu have reported a £1.2 billion loss after a torrid year for retail saw the portfolio value fall.

Shortage of large units hits industrial space take-up in Scotland, says report

Industrial units hired by businesses in Scotland fell 29%, reveals commercial property firm Colliers International.