In recent years, we have seen businesses increasingly prioritise the mental health of their workforce. While this is to be applauded, specific support around substance use remains vastly overlooked.

Research by the CIPD suggests that although half of employers have a disciplinary procedure for drug or alcohol-related incidents, only around a third provide information for employees on sources of support or guidelines for managers on how to deal with disclosure.

As we look towards 2030 and beyond, Scotland's energy infrastructure is poised for a significant transformation. The reason being to support the UK and Scottish Government green energy targets and transition us all from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources with a negligible carbon footprint.

With the north of Scotland at the forefront of an energy revolution, the challenges facing the central belt are becoming increasingly apparent. The boom in energy projects is and will continue to draw skilled labour away from the central belt, creating a ‘workforce shift’ reminiscent of the Highland Clearances - albeit in reverse and a significantly more positive situation.

In the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector, scaling from start-up to global contender presents a myriad of challenges. These challenges are not insurmountable but rather opportunities to propel growth and establish a presence on the world stage.

As I prepare to take part in a panel discussion at this week’s IBioIC conference in Glasgow, I wanted to share my insights on the critical importance of seizing opportunities for international visibility, the strength of Scottish talent, and the lessons learned from recent endeavours.

Celebrated later this week, the focus of International Women’s Day this year is accelerating action. A key sector which could benefit from such accelerated action is the construction sector. It is a major contributor to our economy, but its contribution is being suppressed with a lack of diversity.   

The statistics are stark. According to the Office for National Statistics, women make up just 15.8% of the total construction workforce, with those in director-level roles at low single figures. Yet, companies with diverse leadership teams consistently outperform competitors both financially and operationally. The absence of female voices at the top is not just an equality issue—it’s impacting on the performance of the sector and, in turn, our wider economy.

February has shone a bright spotlight on home ownership. We saw the Bank of England cut interest rates to 4.5%, boosting confidence among homeowners and first-time buyers alike. Meanwhile, the national campaign for New Homes Week 2025, highlighted the advantages of buying a new-build home and the vital role housebuilding plays in strengthening communities.

At Muir Homes, we’re starting to see that confidence returning to the market. Lower mortgage rates and more stabilised inflation levels have made home ownership more accessible, driving strong demand for our developments.

A modern Formula 1 car consists of approximately 15,000 individual parts each meticulously designed and engineered for performance, safety, and aerodynamics. Every part plays a crucial role in optimising the cars performance in a highly competitive racing environment, so if one part is broken then the whole car and performance suffers.

A Formula 1 car isn’t just a race machine - it’s a symbol of innovation, precision, teamwork, and adaptability, all elements equally as crucial in the business world to achieve success. Every year without fail, a Formula 1 team will evolve its car design and operations for the following year in a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed Studio LBA for the refurbishment and creation of a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Society, Fringe artists and community partners. 

Science has always been a catalyst for progress, shaping the way we understand and navigate the world. Yet, for centuries, the contributions of women in science have been overlooked, and despite many efforts, a yawning gender gap at a senior level in science persists.  

Today we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This acknowledges the impact of female scientists.  But why do we need days like this and initiatives like Senior Women in Science (SWIS), established by Perceptive Communicators, which aims to help move the needle on the number of women in senior positions? 

In the dynamic, competitive industry of new home building, staying at the forefront of innovation is essential. For family-run businesses like Campion Homes, a brand refresh represents more than a visual update. It is a strategic initiative to ensure we remain a leading force in the industry while reaffirming our proud history.

As Sales & Marketing Manager at Campion Homes I’m keen to share why our brand refresh is important as we move into 2025 and plan for our future. 

Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme is marking 50 years in 2025. Since 1975 it has supported over 14,000 transformative projects and generated billions to the UK economy.

One of the best things about working for, and leading, a charity, is the people you meet and the creative energy that bursts from them. Several years ago Simon Community Scotland merged with Streetwork in Edinburgh and I was introduced to a lovely supporter called Rachel Cowan.

Rachel told us the story of Streetreads, how she met someone who was begging on the streets of Edinburgh and offered to buy them a sandwich. ‘Could you buy me a book?’ was the response, one that surprised and delighted Rachel, herself a very keen reader.

For many, January 1st is considered a day of new beginnings, making resolutions and setting fresh intentions.

But many of us find it really difficult. We are still in the middle of winter, and an especially cold one at that. We’ve probably spent the last month or so busily planning, preparing and celebrating Christmas and New Year and both the bank balance and the social battery might be running a bit low. We’re trying to motivate ourselves to get back into the routine of work, but it’s especially difficult when it’s still dark outside, and the bed is toasty warm. Here’s a radical thought - maybe January isn’t the opportune time to get the results we want?

It may be an unpopular opinion, but I support and encourage businesses in 2025 to bring more days working back in the office.

Inspiring Workplaces was founded as a fully remote organisation and our purpose is to help change the world through the world of work. One of the main ways we are able to do this is to recognise PeopleFirst organisations all over the world through our annual awards programme. 

In an era of information overload, social media users are increasingly discerning. So how can businesses ensure their messages aren’t falling on deaf ears? Charles H. Green’s Trust Equation states that the key elements of trust are underpinned by levels of “self-orientation”. In a business context, this can refer to how much a brand tailors its external communications to the interests of its audience

The proposals will see the delivery of 48 affordable homes on Prospecthill Road and create a neighbourhood retail hub to the south east of the site with commercial units and potential drive through development.

When operating a small business, challenges can often outweigh resources but we have found that collaboration can stand as a cornerstone for small charities, like ourselves, driving meaningful change.

Cancer Card is an Edinburgh based charity, committed to supporting those affected by cancer in Scotland. Acting as an umbrella to a range of cancer charities and support services, our mission is to provide a single point of access to cancer support services and ensure that no one faces cancer alone. We provide an online support directory, a dedicated phone line and comfort boxes to cancer patients throughout Scotland.

As 2025 dawns, the housebuilding industry finds itself at a crossroads, still facing economic and political challenges, yet buoyed by increased opportunities. At Cruden Group, we go into the year ahead with renewed cautious optimism. Last year, we restructured our business to adapt to evolving market dynamics and maximise opportunities in both the private and affordable housing sectors.

This strategic decision has already begun to yield significant results, positioning us strongly to deliver more than 4,500 new homes across Scotland in the medium term.

East Renfrewshire Council has granted Briar Homes planning permission for a development of 39 private homes near Lyoncross Farm, on the southern edge of Barrhead.

A Passivhaus-designed extension to an Edinburgh school has been officially recognised as a first of its kind in the city, receiving recognition for its groundbreaking use of energy- efficient design and materials, including cross-laminated timber (CLT).

The extension to Sciennes Primary School, located in the popular and busy Marchmont area of the capital, has officially achieved Passivhaus certification from the Passivhaus Institute, following rigorous quality checks of the £3.2million two-storey extension to the Grade B listed building.

Forster Group, Scotland’s largest integrated solar and roofing service provider, has announced three new promotions to its senior team as the company continues to see an increase in demand for renewable energy solutions.

Reflecting the firm’s commitment to innovation, customer service and sustainable growth, these promotions will help put Forster Group in a strong position as it prepares for a positive year ahead for the construction and wider build environment sector.