The Windscale Piles were the UK's first nuclear reactors and are some of the oldest buildings on the Sellafield site. We're cleaning-up and decommissioning these iconic reminders of our pioneering nuclear history and transforming the Sellafield skyline in the process.
Early estimates for September 2025 indicate that the number of payrolled employees was 30.3 million, which is a fall of 0.3% from September 2024; this is equivalent to 100,000 fewer employees. The largest increase was in the health and social work sector, with a rise of 45,000 employees; the largest decrease was in the accommodation and food service activities sector, with a fall of 59,000 employees.
Three companies have won contracts with a total value of up to £2.9bn to supply key non-nuclear infrastructure works on the Sellafield site. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Costain Limited, and HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd will be part of a long-term arrangement called the Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP).
The Defence Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Rupert Pearce as National Armaments Director (NAD) at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Rupert Pearce appointed as National Armaments Director, bringing extensive FTSE100 leadership experience.
Pro-growth changes to the government's landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill to get Britain building faster. New measures to slash delays and get Britain building faster through landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
HMS Agamemnon, the sixth Astute Class submarine has successfully completed her first underwater dive. HMS Agamemnon, the sixth Astute Class submarine, is another step closer to joining the UK's in-service submarine fleet, following the successful completion of her first dive.
On October 13, 2025, OpenAI and Broadcom announced a multi‑year collaboration to co‑develop and deploy 10 gigawatts (GW) of AI accelerators and associated networking systems. OpenAI will design the accelerators (i.e.
Companies House outlines ambitious long-term vision to support economic growth. Companies House has laid out an ambitious vision for its future designed to boost economic growth, by continuing to transform itself into a more active gatekeeper over its data and take further steps to crack down on economic crime.
The Local Government Pension Scheme is one of the largest pension schemes in the world, with over 6.7 million members and £400 billion of assets. Ministers are consulting on restoring access to the Local Government Pension Scheme for councillors in England and extending it to mayors.
Donald Trump's recent state visit to the UK ended without the removal of steel tariffs, which the host nation had been hoping for. For months, the US president's array of "liberation day" tariffs have sparked controversy and caused chaos for America's trading partners.
From Monday 3 November, a programme of structural repair works will commence at Rose Street multi-storey car park in Inverness for a period of four weeks. The programme of work involves concrete repairs to 25 columns, mostly on the ground floor.
Major U.S. online retailers have begun removing millions of listings for Chinese made electronics in response to mounting national security concerns.
Frontline nursing staff will not be automatically eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination in Scotland during the 2025 autumn/winter program. The policy, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), has changed to focus on the highest-risk groups.
ScotRail will keep customers moving while Network Rail carries out a major refurbishment on the Kyle of Lochalsh line this autumn. From Sunday, 19 October, until Monday, 10 November, engineers will upgrade around 4.5 miles of track between Achnashellach and Strathcarron, improving the long-term reliability and safety of the route.
Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals the overall average two- and five-year fixed mortgage rates rose month-on-month for the first time in eight months. Mortgage shelf-life rose to 22 days and overall product choice dipped slightly below 7,000 options.
It's possible though not guaranteed that oil prices could fall further following the Gaza peace deal. A breakdown of the key drivers and risks Oil prices fell after news of a ceasefire/reduced tensions in Gaza reflecting a decline in the "geopolitical risk premium" built into prices.
Tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd a' cur fàilte air a' Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail - agus a' cur an cèill dealas dhan Ghàidhlig (English translation below). Tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd fìor thoilichte a bhith a' cur fàilte air Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2025 gu Loch Abar - a’ gabhail cothrom aig an fhosgladh oifigeil an dealas mhaireannach aice dhan chànan a chur an cèill a-rithist.
North Highland Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a decade of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland, a significant milestone marking ten years of empowering young people across Caithness and Sutherland. DYW is a Scottish Government-supported initiative that operates across Scotland to help young people enhance their employability skills and become aware of the opportunities available to them.
Stephen Sutherland Chair, North Highland Chamber of Commerce and Director, JGC Engineering & Technical Services. As a Chamber, we are privileged to represent the North Highlands.
The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator shows pressure mounting on Scottish firms, with rising costs, declining investment and faltering confidence undermining growth. The survey of 440 Scottish businesses, produced in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute, found labour costs and concern over tax continues to impact more than seven in ten firms.