Business News Round Up (29/09/2025)
Scottish commercial property investment approaches £1.5 billion
Scotland’s commercial property market attracted nearly £1.5bn of investment in the first three quarters of 2025, in line with the average for the previous five years, despite ongoing uncertainty in the global economy. New analysis by consultancy Knight Frank, of Real Capital Analytics’ data, found that £1.46bn of deals were concluded in the first nine months of 2025. While that was down 21% on the £1.85bn recorded during the same period last year, it was in line with the £1.45bn average for Scotland during 2020-2024. Retail has been the most active asset class so far in 2025, representing £452m-worth of deals. The industrial sector had its second best third quarter since the pandemic, behind only 2024, with £153m of transactions, boosting its year-to-date performance to £251m. Offices and hotels saw £306m and £305m of investment, respectively.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-commercial-property-investment-approaches-35981539
£13 billion in untapped economic potential for older industrial towns and cities
Older industrial towns and cities in England could deliver £13 billion in untapped economic potential, if government provides the necessary support to unlock local economic opportunities and break down place-specific barriers to growth, according to Local Government Association analysis. Commissioned by the LGA, the analysis – which strips out national, sectoral and regional trends to pinpoint genuinely local economic potential – highlights the huge role local government has in delivering economic growth. It looked at older-industrial towns and cities, many of which often face challenges of slow job growth, low pay, worklessness and low skills, inadequate infrastructure (including digital) for the modern economy. However, they are also where local leaders, with properly resourced councils, could make a significant difference in tackling local economic challenges, unlocking local and better jobs, increasing local prosperity and boosting opportunities for local business.
Business leaders welcome £292m regeneration fund to revitalise Scottish towns
The UK government has announced a new “Pride in Place” programme, dedicating £292 million to regenerate some of the most deprived communities across Scotland. The investment, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to empower local areas to improve their high streets, boost local pride, and tackle regional inequalities. Funding will be delivered through local authorities for a range of projects including town centre improvements, upgrading green spaces, and providing support for local businesses and skills. Speaking on the announcement, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander confirmed the programme would provide targeted, long-term funding to the areas that can benefit most, with some places receiving up to £20m over 10 years. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has welcomed the news, extending an invitation for local authorities to collaborate closely with its business network.
Scot Gov invests £8.5m in North East clean energy transition
The Scottish Government is investing £8.5 million in new funding to the North East of Scotland to support the shift to clean energy careers in the region, marking the start of Climate Week. Four projects are receiving funding through this year’s Just Transition Fund, which will focus on offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain development, demonstrating the Scottish Government’s commitment to economic development and supporting communities through the energy transition. The successful projects include: Cable handling facility, Maritime Developments Ltd – £2.9m; Orah assembly and deployment, Verlume Ltd – £2.5m; Enabling renewable energy infrastructure, Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners – £2.4m; Large scale synthetic mooring line test rig – ORE Catapult – £500,000. The investment targets areas that have provided energy security through oil and gas for generations, ensuring these communities remain at the centre of Scotland’s energy future as the country accelerates towards net zero.
https://www.digit.fyi/scot-gov-invests-8-5m-in-north-east-clean-energy-transition