Business News Round Up (23/05/2025)
techUK report urges government to drive investment and growth
Technology trade association techUK has released a new report urging government and regulators to adopt a ‘pro-growth’ mindset to drive investment and economic growth. In the report, the company outlines a vision for how regulation can serve as a strategic lever to unlock innovation, strengthen the UK’s global competitive position in emerging technologies and improve outcomes for consumers and businesses. The report sets out 10 recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the UK’s regulatory regime. To deliver on this ambition, techUK focuses on four areas: adopting a shared growth mindset between regulators and government; supporting innovation and market dynamism; improving coordination and information flows with industry; and unlocking opportunities in key sectors, such as AI, health and social care and critical national infrastructure.
https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/techuk-report-urges-government-to-drive-investment-and-growth
Investment in Scottish businesses surges 108% in Q1 2025
Following the release of Beauhurst’s State of UK Investment report for Q1 2025, the data and intelligence firm has gone one better and taken a closer look at the standout figures from Scotland. From surprising sector standouts to shifting investment patterns, Scotland’s startup ecosystem is telling a compelling story in 2025. Beauhurst’s latest findings reveal both unexpected triumphs and sobering challenges that could shape the nation’s innovation landscape for years to come. The figures show a 6% decline in the volume of equity deals compared to Q4 2024, but the total value of investment into Scottish businesses jumped an astonishing 108%. Between January and early May 2025, companies north of the border secured £211 million across 99 funding rounds – accounting for 7% of all UK deals. This trend mirrors a wider UK pattern where later-stage companies are raising larger sums, even as early-stage activity cools.
https://www.digit.fyi/scottish-startup-funding-surges-108-in-q1-2025
UK shoppers more upbeat but cut back on retail spending
UK consumer confidence has shown signs of recovery in May, according to the latest BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor. Expectations for the state of the economy over the next three months improved to -36, up from -48 in April. Similarly, consumers’ outlook on their personal financial situation rose to -12, compared to -16 the previous month. However, anticipated spending on retail declined to 0, down from +3 in April, while overall personal spending expectations remained steady at +10. Personal saving expectations dipped slightly to -5, from -4 in April. These shifts in consumer sentiment coincide with a period of easing geopolitical tensions and modest economic growth in the UK. The recent de-escalation of the US-China trade conflict and the UK’s new trade agreements with major economies, including the US and India, may have contributed to the improved outlook.
https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/uk-shoppers-more-upbeat-but-cut-back-on-retail-spending
New business taskforce to tackle Scottish infrastructure reform
The CBI is bringing together business in a new working group to support the Scottish and UK governments on their missions to build the infrastructure Scotland needs to deliver long-term sustainable growth. With planning a key part of the recent Programme for Government and the continued progression of the UK Planning & Infrastructure Bill, the pace of reform must accelerate to provide a more competitive environment for Scottish businesses. Hazel Gulliver, director of engagement at ScottishPower, will bring her wide-ranging expertise in the energy sector to the role after being appointed chair of the group, which met for the first time earlier this month. Michelle Ferguson, director, CBI Scotland, said: “With bold urgent action needed to unlock investment and deliver the infrastructure our economy depends on, CBI Scotland’s new Infrastructure Working Group will bring together businesses from different sectors to shape and inform policy in this area.”