The economy has been very much in focus amid the frenzy of Scottish and broader UK political developments in recent weeks.
We have a new First Minister in John Swinney and have seen Kate Forbes return to a key position in the Government as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic.
It is obviously early days and it will be interesting to see how things develop from here in terms of the relationship between the Scottish Government and business.
As if the Scottish political drama were not enough, we then had PM Rishi Sunak call a UK General Election for July 4.
In the meantime, there is plenty happening on the Scottish business front.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: Interview: From five-star hotel and wedding venue to professional basketball
In this month’s Big Read, Brian Donnelly reveals how Scotland’s airports are “preparing for a new age of aviation in the biggest change to the industry since the advent of affordable air travel”. He writes that the new flying revolution will emerge over a period of time and bring long-term benefits, including a national aviation strategy that fosters expansion and connectivity across areas including tourism and hospitality, and, crucially, usher in the new clean jet fuel era in Scotland.
Deputy business editor Scott Wright reports on Scotch whisky distillers on Islay declaring confidence in the future following a spate of major investment, while shrugging off any concerns about over-production. Scott looks at the reopening of the Port Ellen distillery and other major developments such as Ardbeg’s hotel refurbishment project and the growing importance of whisky tourism to the island.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: Bright future predicted for Scotland's famous whisky island
Kristy Dorsey speaks to financial inclusion expert Tynah Matembe, who founded her MoneyMatiX operation in 2019 following her family’s struggles to integrate into the UK commercial system.
Mark Williamson reports on energy giants’ signals that multi-billion-pound investments that could create thousands of jobs will not go ahead without support. There is clearly much at stake here.
João Sousa at the Fraser of Allander Institute reflects on how the UK recession was probably longer and deeper than it seems – and on how we can all feel it in our living standards.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: SNP Aviation Strategy to bring new routes, clean flying and secure lifeline services
I have interviewed husband and wife duo Steve and Alison Timoney, who own both the Caledonia Gladiators professional basketball team, and luxury castle and wedding venue Crossbasket Castle.
Elsewhere in this edition, food and drink writer Sarah Campbell takes a look at what has been happening with coffee prices and the implications of this for the hospitality sector. Jody Harrison reports on the increasing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes.
Karen Peattie takes a deep dive into some big issues for Scotland’s key food and drink sector, as Ailsa Sheldon catches up with the success story that is Graham’s The Family Dairy.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: Scottish airport chief 'concerned' over SNP tourism relief 'missed opportunity'
Lori McElroy sets out why she believes clear standards on heating homes will drive economic growth. Fashion entrepreneur Antoinette Fionda-Douglas looks into the growing obsession with beauty, while entrepreneur Willie Haughey views the forthcoming election and has advice for the incoming government.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: Giant Scottish hydropower projects in question amid general election uncertainty
Meanwhile, business guru Ed Haddon highlights the importance of optimism in his regular column.
READ MORE: BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY: Youth camp to tackle the big challenges in financial education
I hope you enjoy the broad range of content in our latest edition of Business HQ Monthly.
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