Episode Summary and Highlights
In this episode, Sir Tom and Lord Haughey discuss the impact of recent budget changes on businesses and the economy, particularly in Scotland. They delve into topics such as housing, taxation, and government spending, offering insights and opinions on how these changes might affect entrepreneurs and the broader business landscape.
[00:00:48]
Labour Budget Impact
Willie discusses the financial implications of the Labour budget. Potential benefits for Scotland, including the Barnett Consequential.
Episode Summary and Highlights
In this episode, Sir Tom and Lord Haughey discuss the impact of recent budget changes on businesses and the economy, particularly in Scotland. They delve into topics such as housing, taxation, and government spending, offering insights and opinions on how these changes might affect entrepreneurs and the broader business landscape.
[00:00:48]
Labour Budget Impact
Willie discusses the financial implications of the Labour budget. Potential benefits for Scotland, including the Barnett Consequential.
[00:01:39]
Entrepreneurs and Wealth Creators
Debate on whether Labour understands the needs of entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Concerns about the lack of encouragement for wealth creators.
[00:02:41]
Corporation Tax and Business Survival
Discussion on the impact of corporation tax on businesses. The potential disincentive to employ and grow businesses.
[00:03:51]
Social Policy and Employment
The importance of decent paid jobs as a social policy. Challenges faced by businesses post-Brexit and COVID-19.
[00:06:30]
Regulation and Business Growth
The need for an anti-regulation minister to fast-track important projects. Examples from the UK and the US on handling business regulations.
[00:08:04]
Government Spending and Accountability
Discussion on government spending inefficiencies and accountability. Examples of wasteful spending and the need for better procurement practices.
[00:10:11]
Business Trust in Labour
How Labour can regain business trust. The importance of engaging with entrepreneurs to understand policy impacts.
[00:11:07]
Positive Economic Outlook for Scotland
The potential benefits of increased funding for Scotland. Discussion on the Barnett Consequential and the impact.
[00:12:07]
Housing Bill and Investment
The SNP’s revised housing bill and its implications for investors. The need for more housing to address rental market issues.
[00:14:27]
Investment in Scotland
The importance of attracting investment to build more homes. Feedback from investors on the current regime and its impact on investment decisions.
[00:16:01]
Sauchiehall Street Development
Updates on the Sauchiehall Street development project. The need for fast-tracking beneficial projects for the city.
[00:16:55]
Hospitality and Leisure Sector Support
Plea for the Scottish Government to support the hospitality and leisure sector. The importance of following the English model for rates relief.
[00:18:27]
Tribute to Bill Munro
Tribute to Bill Munro, founder of Barrhead Travel, who passed away. His contributions to the travel industry and his legacy.
[00:19:04]
Investment in Golf Scotland
Government investment in Golf Scotland and its expected benefits. The leverage of golf tourism for economic growth.
Special Guest: Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky Logic
Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky Logic, shares his journey from a small village in West Lothian to leading a successful software delivery company. Darren’s passion for technology began in childhood, where he naturally excelled at problem-solving and tech-related tasks. This early interest led him to study at Napier University and work in customer support at Sky Television.
Darren’s entrepreneurial journey started when he joined a satellite office of an energy company in Edinburgh, where he built a team and developed complex software solutions. In 2018, driven by a desire for control and problem-solving,
Darren co-founded ClearSky Logic. Despite early challenges, including a major client going under, Darren’s resilience and ability to leverage his network helped the company grow. ClearSky Logic specializes in bespoke software solutions, helping businesses streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The company has expanded significantly, now employing around 55 people with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Darren emphasizes the importance of building high-quality, specialised teams and maintaining a strong focus on innovation and client needs.
Throughout the episode, Darren discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of resilience, and the value of mentorship and networking in business growth. He also highlights the company’s future, including potential global expansion and maintaining a reputation for excellence in software delivery.
Board You Can’t Afford: Seonaid Daly, Executive Director of Glasgow Film, which includes the Glasgow Film Theatre and the Glasgow Film Festival
Seonaid seeks advice on how to engage with private investors and property developers to support GFT’s growth and expansion plans. She emphasises the importance of finding partners who understand the social and cultural impact of GFT’s work while navigating more commercially focused conversations.
Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) is a not-for-profit charity and limited company, celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2024. It is known for its diverse film program, showing around 650 films from 50 different countries annually. The theatre is housed in a historic art deco building and is one of the most successful cinemas in the UK in commercial terms.
GFT is celebrating multiple milestones in 2024, including its 85th anniversary, 50 years since GFT was established, and the 20th edition of the Glasgow Film Festival.
The theatre is a significant cultural institution in Glasgow, known for its broad and diverse film offerings and its commitment to community engagement and equality.
Keywords: Labour budget impact, Business and economy in Scotland, Housing and taxation, Government spending inefficiencies, Entrepreneurs and wealth creators, Corporation tax effects, Social policy and employment, Regulation and business growth, Government accountability, Business trust in Labour, Economic outlook for Scotland, SNP housing bill, Investment in Scotland, Sauchiehall Street development, Hospitality and leisure sector support, Tribute to Bill Munro, Investment in Golf Scotland, Darren Auld ClearSky Logic, Bespoke software solutions, Technology and business growth, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Film Festival, Cultural institutions in Glasgow, Private investment in arts, Community engagement in film, Sir Tom Hunter, Lord Willie Haughey, Scottish Business News.
