The backdrop remains tough indeed - and it is still too close to call whether the UK economy fell into recession in the fourth quarter of last year - but our first 2024 edition of our monthly Business HQ supplement hopefully provides some cheer.
In an exclusive interview, head of Glasgow Airport Andy Cliffe projects strong growth in passenger numbers this year.
And he flags high hopes that the airport, which is enjoying a strong recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, will build further on its recent successes by winning more routes, including the return of direct flights to and from North America.
Mr Cliffe highlights the great success of Emirates’ Airbus A380 service between Glasgow and Dubai.
And he underlines the crucial role the airport can play in the economy of the Glasgow City Region.
READ MORE: Scottish airport chief reveals new route talks, big 2024 goal
Meanwhile, my colleague Kristy Dorsey has taken a deep dive into Scotland’s exciting gaming sector, talking to key industry figures and assessing the state of play. She also reports on plans to create a national strategy to support the gaming industry in Scotland and put it on a par with other key digital growth sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
READ MORE: Action Stations: How Scotland became a gaming superpower
Deputy business editor Scott Wright has spoken to David Pierotti, who looks after the Silverburn shopping centre on Glasgow’s south side, about what the future holds and diversification plans.
READ MORE: Glasgow shopping giant hits landmark after 'exceptional' year
Scott has also interviewed former Raith Rovers and Millwall football player Graham Robertson. Graham is the new chief executive of WorkingRite, a Glasgow-based charity which supports young people from challenging and disadvantaged backgrounds into mentored placements with local businesses.
Mark Williamson examines the opportunities - and the challenges - in the carbon capture and storage arena. With firms set to start pumping carbon offshore for storage in North Sea fields in coming months, Mark takes stock of the situation.
Sarah Campbell highlights the fascinating resurgence of interest that areas surrounding Glasgow’s George Square are experiencing, amid a raft of high-profile openings and proposed development plans.
Jody Harrison meanwhile underlines the impact of Brexit, while highlighting the successes of Scottish companies Willo and Candle Shack in overseas markets.
Paul English looks at the resurgence of vinyl records, and the part Scotland is playing in this.
Scott Miller, Scottish head of global recruitment company LHH, contemplates what matters when it comes to home working.
Entrepreneur Antoinette Fionda-Douglas writes about the amazing women who are changing the Scottish fashion industry.
And Karen Peattie interviews Stuart Common, managing director of thriving Scottish ice cream maker Mackie’s of Scotland.
We feature columns from entrepreneur Willie Haughey, and business and life coach Ed Haddon.
And The Herald’s business writers once again offer their expert perspectives on a broad range of business and economic developments as they reflect on what they have been writing about during the past month.
I hope you enjoy this first edition of 2024, and find it insightful, thoughtful, informative and valuable.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here