Business News Round Up (22/09/2026)
Scotland’s 32 councils could be cut to six under government plan
Scotland’s 32 councils could be replaced by as few as six regional authorities, the government has suggested. Under proposals for a new two-tier system, the regional bodies would focus on major issues such as education and economic growth. Between 120 and 160 community authorities would also be created. They would be expected to contribute to local issues such as licensing and town centre improvements. The reforms have been shared with Holyrood’s committees and council umbrella body Cosla ahead of a public consultation. The proposals suggest that the regional bodies would be given powers over larger planning decisions, education and economic development. They would also oversee the delivery of key services such as waste management, cleaning and early learning. The smaller community authorities would contribute to areas including local planning decisions, town centre regeneration, licensing and the historic environment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck3wj23ze7n0o
North West businesses confident in outpacing wider UK economic growth
North West businesses are confident about their region’s economic growth, with almost half expecting the region to outperform the UK economy over the next 12 months. According to new findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer, 88% are confident their region will see economic growth over the next three years, with 28% feeling very confident. Only the North East (90%) and South East (89%) reported higher confidence levels. The findings also show that 48% agree their region’s growth will outperform the national economy over the next 12 months – the highest figure recorded outside of London (62%). The primary drivers behind firms’ confidence in the North West are investment in transport and logistics infrastructure (47%), investment in regional universities and business incubators (33%) and a supportive local planning regime (33%).
Space shortage pushes Glasgow offices to record rent
Glasgow is poised for a record headline office rent as occupiers compete for the dwindling supply of high-quality space in the city centre, according to new research. Property agent Knight Frank reckons the city will see £45 per sq-ft for the first time by the end of 2026, up by more than 8% from its current rate of £41.50 where it has held steady for the past year. Deal activity in the first half of the year pushed Glasgow’s top level ‘Grade A’ vacancy rate down by more than a third (37.5%), from 6.4% to 4.0%, as occupiers favoured best-in-class space over the abundance of available Grade B stock. Office take-up reached nearly 292,000 sq-ft between January and June – the highest first-half total since 2018. At the same time, stock was withdrawn from the office market through conversion to alternative uses.
Liverpool unveiled as global City of Innovation finalist
Liverpool has been shortlisted for the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) inaugural ‘City of Innovation’ award, alongside 14 other cities. Launched for the first time in 2026, the award aims to recognise visionary cities, not only for what they have already accomplished, but for the bold pledges they make to foster innovation and creativity over the coming year. Open to cities across all 194 WIPO Member States, the award recognises past achievements and commitments to foster innovation and creativity over the next year. Liverpool’s shortlisting highlights the city region’s international role in using creativity and public participation to drive economic growth. Led by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, and Sci-Tech Daresbury, Liverpool’s ‘City of Innovation’ bid pledges to apply a “smart specialisation” approach to future innovation-led growth, maximising the region’s distinctive capabilities to solve societal challenges, both locally and globally.