Thursday business round-up: Four key stories of the day

Here are four of today's key business stories in one handy package.

The Tech Nation report highlighted the support of CodeBase, led by Jamie Coleman, in growing Edinburgh's start-up community. Picture: Jane Barlow

Edinburgh workers command some of the highest technology salaries in the UK – averaging more than £51,000 – according to a Tech Nation report that highlighted the work of incubators such as CodeBase in supporting the city’s start-up community. The study, published by publicly-funded organisation Tech City UK and innovation charity Nesta, also revealed that the sector employs more than 101,000 people north of the Border and contributes £1.5 billion to the Scottish economy.

Media group Johnston Press said it was in talks to buy the i newspaper for about £24 million. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the Edinburgh-based owner of The Scotsman said it was in “late stage discussions” over a deal with Independent Print Limited for the potential acquisition of the “business and certain assets” of the title.

Glasgow technology company SwarmOnline is acquiring Edinburgh digital agency Open Platform for an undisclosed sum in a bid to expand in the area of oil and gas as well as financial services. The enlarged group will trade as SwarmOnline, aiming to grow staff from 21 currently to 25 in the next 12 months, with joint turnover expected to hit £2m in the next financial year.

Pub group Enterprise Inns said it has made a strong start to the year as it reshapes its business in preparation for the end of tied pubs. The firm said like-for-like net income beat expectations, growing by 1.6 per cent at its leased and tenanted estate for the 19 weeks to 6 February compared with a year ago, driven by rising beer sales and stabilising pub rental incomes.