For the UK after Brexit, it is tempting to imagine that regulation no longer comes from Brussels. Yet one of the most significant pieces of digital legislation anywhere in the world - the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act - is now coming into force, and its effects will reach UK companies, regulators and citizens.
The First Minister has expressed deep concerns over proposals to end the STV North tea-time news bulletin. The Scottish Government's response to Ofcom’s consultation on STV's request to change its regional programming commitments strongly urges consideration of the long-term implications this would have on local public service broadcasting in Scotland.
Cities and regions initiative to 'enhance capability, attract investment, and accelerate growth for the benefit of all of Scotland'. Business leaders joined representatives from the UK Government and Scottish local authorities today [Tuesday 20 January] at the launch of a new initiative to boost investment in Scotland's eight cities and its regions.
The West of Orkney wind farm is a major offshore wind development planned off the north coast of Scotland about 30 km west of Orkney with up to 125 turbines and around 2 GW capacity, enough to generate electricity for roughly two million homes. It had previously secured key planning approvals and offshore consent from the Scottish Government as part of the ScotWind leasing round.
Minister Murray encourages regions to bid for funding in next wave of the Creative Clusters programme, which has boosted Liverpool's music innovation sector. Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray is in the home of The Beatles to champion a record £500 million funding package for research, development and innovation in the creative industries.
Regulations for Awaab's Law to be introduced in Scotland. New regulations to protect tenants from damp and mould will be laid in the Scottish Parliament.
Switching from sole trader to limited company is usually driven by profit level, risk, and future plans, rather than by how long you've been trading. When profits become consistently higher.
For decades, forming a limited company has been one of the most popular ways to run a business in the UK. It has offered tax advantages, credibility, and legal protection.
For many years, forming a limited company was seen as the default route for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and contractors seeking tax efficiency and professional credibility. However, by 2026 the landscape has changed significantly.
From 21 January 2026, self-employed people and personal employees can apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks through an Umbrella Body. Legislative changes coming into force on 21 January 2026 will allow self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks for the first time.
Secondary pupils across Highland are being offered new Green Skills learning with a ground-breaking module from the Science Skills Academy. Developed as part of Green Skills Pathway - Highland, with funding from SSE Renewables' Highland Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), Green Skills is designed for S1 and S2 pupils.
In response to persistently high household energy costs and long-standing inefficiencies in the UK's housing stock, the UK Government has announced a £15 billion package aimed at reducing energy bills. Rather than acting as a short-term subsidy to cap prices, the policy represents a strategic shift toward permanent bill reduction by cutting the amount of energy households need to use in the first place.
Suppliers working in the wedding market are being invited by Highland Registrars to the third annual Wedding Fair. The Highland Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 15 February 2026 with public access from 11.00am - 3.00pm (suppliers will have access from 9.00am).
Funding for colleges, universities and apprentices now in same place. Legislation to simplify the funding system for post-16 education and skills has been backed by MSPs.
Being a sole trader remains the simplest and most common way to run a business in the UK. In 2026, despite changes to tax and regulation, the sole trader model continues to appeal to freelancers, tradespeople, consultants, and small business owners who value flexibility and low administrative burden.
The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.6% in the 12 months to December 2025, up from 3.5% in the 12 months to November. On a monthly basis, CPIH rose by 0.4% in December 2025, compared with a rise of 0.3% in December 2024.
The following information is for the period from September to November 2025. Annual growth in employees' average earnings was 4.5% for regular earnings (excluding bonuses) and 4.7% for total earnings (including bonuses).
Producer input prices rose by 0.8% in the year to December 2025, down from a rise of 1.1% in the year to November. Producer output (factory gate) prices rose by 3.4% in the year to December 2025, unchanged from November.
Young engineers to master battlefield-proven technology at Hereford university from September 2026. Aspiring Defence engineers will be fast-tracked to careers in cutting-edge military technology through a new defence-focused undergraduate drone degree.
Early estimates for December 2025 indicate that the number of payrolled employees was 30.2 million, which is a fall of 0.6% from December 2024; this is equivalent to 184,000 fewer employees. The largest increase was in the health and social work sector, with a rise of 37,000 employees; the largest decrease was in the wholesale and retail sector, with a fall of 72,000 employees.
