Greencore's proposed purchase of rival Bakkavor will create one of the UK's largest convenience food businesses. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is proposing to accept remedies offered following its investigation into Greencore Group's deal to buy Bakkavor Group.
Rory Deighton responds to BMA resident doctors rejecting government's final pay offer ahead of further planned strikes. Responding to the British Medical Association (BMA) rejecting the final pay offer from the government, Rory Deighton, acute director at the NHS Confederation, said: "More strikes is the last thing health leaders want going into what is expected to be a very difficult winter - with the flu with flu season hitting more than a month earlier than in previous years.
The government says there's a "black hole" in the public finances — but the black hole is really in our hospitals, schools, and local councils, not the Treasury. The UK can never run out of money.
New fund to enhance access to vital services and support for disabled people A new fund launched today offers £1.5 million in grants for projects designed to break down barriers and strengthen services that disabled people depend on. The Improving Access Fund is a key part of the Scottish Government's £3 million Disability Equality Plan.
Industrial heartlands and coastal communities across the UK are set to benefit from skilled jobs, economic growth and greater energy security. New deals are announced to accelerate the drive for clean, homegrown power. Prime Minister arrives at COP30 with major vote of confidence from industry to build the UK's clean energy revolution and deliver national renewal.
‘From empty properties to homes: Bringing houses back into use for Highland communities' The Highland Council's, Housing & Property Committee met today (Wednesday 5 Nov 2025) and agreed a new strategic action plan titled ‘From Empty Properties to Homes', aimed at addressing the issue of long-term empty homes across Highland. The Council’s plan outlines a coordinated approach to bring these homes back into use for individuals and families in need.
Members of Highland Council's Climate Change Committee have welcomed continued progress across a range of projects within the Council’s Net Zero Programme, alongside the approval of four new initiatives to further accelerate action towards a climate-resilient and sustainable Highland. At the meeting, updates were provided on key areas of delivery under the Built Estate & Energy and Social Housing & Housing Revenue Account (HRA) workstreams.
ollowing a detailed review of current housing data and short term let (STL) activity, the Caithness Area Committee has agreed that there is currently no justification for establishing a Short Term Let Control Area in Caithness. The report presented to members at their meeting held on Monday 3 November 2025 shows that only 2% of potential dwellings in Caithness are licensed as STLs - significantly below the Highland-wide average of 6%.
The Highland Council's latest Revenue Budget Monitoring Report (Q2 2025-26) paints a picture of cautious progress amid ongoing financial strain. The Health Social Care & Wellbeing Committee meets on 12 November 2025 to scrutinise progress and agree ongoing monitoring of placement numbers and service transformation.
Sprinklers will become a mandatory requirement for traditional buildings that are newly converted into hotels in Scotland if changes to the law are passed. These follow recommendations from the fatal accident inquiry into the Cameron House Hotel fire in December 2017 which caused the deaths of Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson.
Highland Council's Climate Change Committee has agreed the Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report under Public Bodies Climate Change Duties, reaffirming its commitment to achieving Net Zero while recognising the complex balance between service delivery, community needs, and long-term decarbonisation. The report shows that total operational emissions for 2024/25 were 34,893 tonnes of CO₂e — a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
The Housing and Property Committee met on Wednesday 5 Nov 2025 and considered an update on the development of a long-term Financial Strategy for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), including a proposed Rent Strategy for 2026-2031. Members agreed a set of key principles to guide financial planning and rent setting and also recommendations for the upcoming annual tenant rent consultation.
A free, downloadable PDF guide helps food and drink wholesale businesses in Scotland understand climate risks and take practical steps to build their resilience. The guide offers industry-focused advice on how to prepare for rising temperatures, increased rainfall and flooding, extreme temperatures, supply chain risk and more.
Attend this free online workshop, from Scottish Enterprise, to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company's legacy. Ensure you get a competitive price for the business.
This Scottish Government partnership programme provides support to help businesses start using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. You'll learn about the benefits of using AI technologies and get insight into whether your business or social enterprise would benefit from using AI technologies as part of your business activities.
The Railways Bill will help create Great British Railways (GBR) - a new, publicly owned company that prioritises passengers and their experiences. On 5 November 2025 Heidi Alexander MP published a consultation response: A Railway Fit for Britain's Future and introduced the Railways Bill to Parliament.
We review our fees every year to make sure they're set at the right level and reflect the cost of delivering our services. From 1 February 2026, some of our fees will be changing.
Landmark legislation has been approved to help create new small landholdings to increase farming opportunities and bring agricultural tenancy law into the 21st century. The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed by Parliament, grants greater protections for tenant farmers and small landholders and safeguarding fair compensation should they be removed from their holding.
Release programme includes exclusions and governor vetoes. The Scottish Parliament has approved plans to release some short-term prisoners early due to rising prison numbers.
Welcome to London - a global capital of culture and connection - and to WTM 2025. It's wonderful to see so many tourism ministers, industry leaders, innovators, and partners gathering here to shape the future of world travel and tourism.