Scottish auction house and book publishing in Business HQ Monthly

As I observed in my article in The Herald: “A Scottish Budget offering a £322 million relief package on business rates, and rises in key income tax thresholds in stark contrast to the UK Government’s protracted freeze, drew an eye-catching response.”

I noted what was striking following this pre-election Scottish Budget, which featured significant measures aimed at tackling child poverty and record NHS funding, was a significant amount of positive reaction from business, while observing: “That is not, of course, to say that the response was anywhere near universally positive.”

In this month’s big read, Dominic Ryan takes a fascinating look at Scotland’s book publishing industry.

He highlights sweeping changes in this industry and the disappearance of the “missing middle”, while observing the complexity of trying to gauge the health of a sector which has a major cultural impact.

Elsewhere in this edition, Scott Wright speaks to the managing director of a leading Scottish auction house, who declares it has been “fantastic” to see buyer confidence return to the art world.

Gavin Strang heads Lyon & Turnbull, which is this year celebrating its 200th anniversary and enjoyed its best-ever calendar year in 2025.

I interview Andrew Renwick, who says that becoming the managing director of Caltech Lifts and supporting his dad “into a well-deserved retirement” was “very special”. Mr Renwick highlights his growth ambitions for the family business.

Kristy Dorsey speaks to Scottish entrepreneur Scott Dingwall, who is on a mission to build on the success of his nutritional and fitness business and is eyeing international expansion.

Sarah Campbell writes that “widely regarded as the pinnacle of success in the culinary world, achieving a Michelin star is the culmination of years of hard graft”, as she speaks to Lorna McNee of Cail Bruich.

Returning to the Holyrood election in May, IPPR Scotland director Stephen Boyd predicts we will “hear a lot about economic growth” in the run-up to this.

Read more

• Exciting story of Scottish restaurant group as it embarks on latest chapter
• Ayrshire restaurant chain flags plans for further expansion
• If you don't want heritage buildings converted, what do you want?
• Major Scottish airport reveals big move on drop-off and pick-up charges
• Glasgow Airport chief's major revelations on new flights
• Scottish hospitality giant posts profit growth and eyes further expansion
• Boss of Scottish airport with spring in step declares: 'Loved it'

He writes: “Politicians should be careful about how they craft their case for growth, focusing on building a shared national purpose around the objective of broadly based prosperity. But craft that case they should.”

The University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute meanwhile provides its latest economic insights.

Fashion entrepreneur Antoinette Fionda-Douglas takes stock of the Scottish knitwear industry.

Meanwhile, The Herald’s business writers share their expert perspectives on a range of business and economic developments as they reflect on what they have been writing about during the past month.

And Scott Wright once again reflects on who has had a good month, and who has not.

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition, and find it valuable and informative.