David Lonsdale

IT’S four years since the first Covid lockdown and in some respects, it feels a distant memory. Back then, Scotland’s retailers spent millions of pounds on implementing social distancing measures and changing the way we shop. However, there is now a very different epidemic plaguing our high streets.

'Perhaps what is missing is an advisory group on public spending control'

The sooner ministers get back to evidence-based policy making and shelve the surtax, the better

There remain big questions over whether he can succeed in achieving the Prime Minister’s goals

Businesses need to be alive to this emerging debate on local taxation because of the potential impact

'Mr Yousaf’s remarks will be keenly watched by business'

'The evidence of a competitive food retail sector is now undeniable'

The cost-of-living crunch is suppressing any real-terms growth in the value of retail sales

There has been a slightly odd lull in the last month as business awaited the outcome of the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon

It has been a time of extraordinary tumult. After three years of Covid lockdowns and conflict in Ukraine, a costs crunch is afflicting households and businesses