Insights

Our regular update on global, UK and Scottish economic trends and performance, drawn from a wide range of economic indicators and commentaries. Published June 2025.

Read some of the top insights and download the full report.

Emily Wilson explains how our market research service can help Scottish companies access energy transition opportunities.

David Rennie, Head of Energy Transition at Scottish Enterprise, discusses the significant opportunity for the Scottish economy created by global net zero transition.

Michelle Howell, our Head of Investment, discusses energy transition supply chain companies we've supported – and how your business can move into the energy transition sector. 

Unsure about if AI and automation is something your business should explore? Read this quick introduction to find out.

Jerome Finlayson, Head of High Value Manufacturing at Scottish Enterprise, discusses the significant opportunity for Scottish manufacturing businesses. 

Explore common questions about employee ownership – from setup and tax to funding and governance – with clear, practical guidance for businesses.

Learn from Nick Shields, Head of Business Services and Advice at Scottish Enterprise, who discusses five factors crucial to sustained success in manufacturing - from focussing internal ambition to building supply chain resilience.

With the cost of doing business rising, workplace innovation can deliver a range of benefits to your organisation. It’s an incredibly effective way to increase efficiency, boost productivity and retain talent. 

Watch our financial readiness guides to learn about different types of funding and how we can help you access finance for your business.

New to exporting? Here's how to get started. We’re here to help navigate the steps your business should take to thrive in the new trading landscape. Lauren Tardito, our Trade Digital Specialist, shares her tips on ecommerce, strategy, documentation requirements and international markets.

What is a sustainable supply network? Learn about the benefits of supply chain sustainability for your business. Then get 10 tips on how you can work with suppliers to reduce emissions.

Scottish businesses are showing a growing interest in reaching net zero carbon emissions. This article explores the trend. Get insights from our team of sustainability specialists on what it takes to reach net zero. Read our 10-step checklist to ensure your strategy is as effective as possible.

A strong innovation strategy helps your business get the most out of its new ideas. With the right approach, you can boost resilience and create sustainable growth. Paul Cross is one of our Innovation Team Leaders. In this guide, he discusses the growing need for business innovation and offers five steps to help you succeed.

Calculating a carbon footprint for your business can help you accurately track and report your progress towards low carbon or net zero. This guide helps you take the first steps. Learn how to choose and collect the right data for your organisational footprint.

We often hear media commentators talking about building a resilient workforce - but what does the word 'resilience' mean in this context? And how does it apply to your workforce? 

Thinking of moving to an employee ownership model? Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) can provide you with guidance and support throughout the process.

Adopting sustainability-driven innovation practices can bring many benefits to your business. As well as helping the environment, it can reduce your costs, build your resilience and give you a real competitive advantage. 

Clean heat will play a crucial role in meeting Scotland’s net zero targets. There’s huge growth potential for Scottish businesses too. Find information and support on immediate, large-scale opportunities in the low carbon heat market.

Get guidance on circular business models and find five tips for making your business more circular.

Many companies in Scotland are working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards being low carbon operations. This guide explores what low carbon and net zero mean, why it’s worth developing a low carbon strategy for your business and how you can do this successfully.

Our succession experts can give you free advice on ways to exit your business. Alistair Gibb, a succession adviser, explains the main options available to business owners in our series of short videos.

Developing a sustainable business will ensure your company has the capacity to endure, minimise your environmental impacts and help you take advantage of net zero and climate change opportunities.

There are many challenges and opportunities as Scotland transitions to net zero, but it is ideally placed to play a leading role in the journey to a global low-carbon future.