Business

Robert Davidson, founder of Sandstone Press, the Scottish publisher of the Man Booker International Prize-winning Celestial Bodies – is in Gatwick Airport, trying to get his head round the events of the previous 24 hours.

Earlier this month, more than 100 programme-makers from across Scotland gathered in Glasgow to look ahead at future plans for the new BBC Scotland TV channel and to take an early view of the results of their work in building a brand new service from scratch.

Lots of things drive people to make complaints. It’s not just businesses or industries getting things wrong (though that’s the main one). Sometimes it’s a small problem that got bigger, like not being able to speak to someone at a business to sort out a minor issue. Some enlightened businesses actively encourage people to talk to them. And let’s not forget the activities of those fee-charging complaint management companies that are actively encouraging people to make complaints for cash – and not doing very much while cashing in.

As shoppers, we appreciate the convenience of sending something back if it isn’t quite right. But with some people stretching the rules, retailers have been clamping down on their returns policies lately and becoming more strict about customer behaviour that isn’t acceptable. Some have been sending warning emails to customers about their behaviour.

The board at FirstGroup, the Aberdeen-headquartered bus and rail giant, is this week expected to issue a robust defence of its performance as it faces growing pressure from an activist investor calling for changes at the group.

Paragon has hailed the early success of the £1.8 million refurbishment of Aberdeen’s Union Plaza as the second phase of the project nears completion.

A crushing voter rebellion in the Euro elections, a prime minister on the way out, a packed field of Tory leader wannabes, a general election looming and speculation about our future at fever pitch: it’s a wonder any normal business these days is being done.

There’s a general misconception across Scottish and British society that the manufacturing industry is on the retreat and can never be what it once was. The fact is, manufacturing is still very much alive and the future can be one of extraordinary opportunity – but only if we go about things very differently.

Ambitious plans to transform an historic former factory building in Kirkcaldy into flats have been revealed.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has unveiled the dozen businesses that have been selected for its inaugural “Creative Accelerator” programme.

Perth-based Stagecoach has launched its second legal action against the UK government in less than a month over the Department for Transport's decision to ban it from bidding for rail franchises.

Tourists are being told to ditch online hotel booking sites and contact hotels by phone after an investigation found such sites are still skewing search results, using pressure tactics and claiming false discounts - despite a major clampdown from the authorities.

Energy services firm Wood’s chief executive Robin Watson has been honoured at the Institute of Directors (IoD) 2019 awards ceremony.

A visit to Glasgow always has a special resonance for me. It is the city where I went to ­university. It is where, in Glasgow University Union, I cut my political teeth in its famous debating chamber. And it is the city where, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I spent my early years as a junior doctor.

EnQuest has cheered strong production growth as its North Sea oilfields exceeded expectations, allowing the oil driller to reduce its debt.

Arcadia Group’s announcement that they are closing some of the biggest brands on the UK High street is a blow for town centres everywhere.