Business News Round Up (31/03/2026)
Remote work: the new normal, though divides remain
Remote and hybrid work have become a permanent feature of the UK labour market, with up to 44% of working adults now operating outside traditional office settings, according to the UK Remote Work Report 2026 by MyPerfectCV. The firm’s research highlights a fundamental shift in how and where people work, with flexible arrangements moving from a temporary response to a long-term standard across many industries. Remote and hybrid work are now firmly embedded in the UK workforce, with between 40% and 44% of UK workers engaging in remote or hybrid work. Around 14% work fully remote, with 26% to 28% following hybrid schedules. Globally, the UK ranks among the leaders in flexible work adoption, with employees averaging 1.8 remote workdays per week – the highest in Europe and second worldwide. However, access to remote work remains uneven.
https://www.digit.fyi/remote-work-the-new-normal-though-divides-remain
Scottish business confidence holds in March
Business confidence in Scotland rose 10 points during March to 51% according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland. Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, up 22 points at 63%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down two points to 39%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 51% (vs. 41% in February). A net balance of 46% of businesses in the country also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month. The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. This month’s survey was conducted at the start of March, between 2 – 16th.
£2.5m to help North West firms continue to work smarter
Hundreds of manufacturers across Cumbria are set to accelerate their digital transformation after the Government confirmed fresh funding for the Made Smarter programme from April. The £2.5 million investment will unlock a new wave of support for SME manufacturers, giving them access to expert technology advice, leadership training, digital skills development and match-funded grants to boost productivity, drive innovation, create high-value jobs and cut carbon. The continuation of Made Smarter North West builds on seven years of impact across the region, with the programme already helping manufacturers modernise operations, adopt advanced technologies and build the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital world. Since launching in 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported over 2,400 manufacturers, developed 550 digital roadmaps, delivered 250 leadership and digital champions training interventions, and placed 85 digital interns into businesses.
New advanced manufacturing development for Scotland
Scottish Enterprise has approved a £4.74 million package to deliver a major new development at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire. This funding will be matched by the AMIDS joint venture partners Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property and will facilitate and accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing in Scotland. The development, known as ‘Tech Terrace’, aims to establish a world-class, high-value manufacturing cluster within a campus environment, where innovative organisations can work together to pioneer breakthroughs and meet challenges of the future and drive economic growth. The first phase will deliver units ranging from 2,000ft2 up to 16,000ft2 over a total area of 30,000ft2, providing much-needed space for organisations to scale in a supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
https://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/42213/New-advanced-manufacturing-development-for-Scotland