Here are the top business stories making the headlines in the morning newspapers.
Denburn proposals
New wetlands, wooden boardwalks and a more naturalised riverscape have been proposed for the Denburn waterway in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council has revealed plans for a one-and-a-half mile stretch of the Denburn stream, from the Den of Maidencraig nature reserve north of the crematorium, all the way east to the King's Gate area, north-west of Rubislaw Quarry.
Artist's impressions of the new proposals show currently straightened sections of the burn transformed into a more meandering channel, through rejuvenated woodlands and past new benches and paths for the public.
Council co-leader Ian Yuill is convener of the local authority's environment committee. It will be asked to decide whether or not to proceed with the Denburn proposals - subject to external funding being obtained - next week.
He told the Press and Journal: "This project will restore part of Aberdeen's natural heritage, and improve the environment along the Denburn.
"Benefits will include improved biodiversity to help wildlife prosper and reconnecting communities with nature."
Blow to economic case for separation
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's economic case for separation is said to have suffered a major blow after official figures disclosed Scottish companies depend more on trade with the other UK home nations than firms in any other part of the country.
A survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 53.6% of businesses in Scotland sold goods or services to customers in "other UK nations" in the year to October 2022.
This compared with a UK average of 35.7% and was higher than reported by companies in Wales, Northern Ireland and every region of England.
The Telegraph says the findings undermined Ms Sturgeon's economic plan for separation, which would see Scotland join the EU after an undefined interim period that could last several years.
Experts have warned this would create a hard border with customs checks between England and Scotland, which would become an external EU border.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of campaign group Scotland in Union, said the ONS figures demonstrated "just how important the market in the rest of the UK is to Scottish businesses".
Starmer wants powers transferred
Sir Keir Starmer has promised a new "take back control" bill to transfer powers from Westminster to communities.
In his first speech of 2023, the Labour leader - a former Remain supporter - said he wanted to turn the Brexit campaign slogan "into a solution".
The BBC says he pledged to devolve new powers over employment support, transport, energy, housing, culture and childcare.
Sir Keir said the legislation would be "a centrepiece" of Labour's plans if it wins the next general election.
Profits plunge at Samsung
South Korea's Samsung expects its profits for the last three months of 2022 to fall by 69% to the lowest level in eight years.
The world's biggest maker of memory chips, smartphones and TVs forecast its operating profits for the period fell to around £2.8billion.
The BBC says it comes as the global economic slowdown hits memory-chip prices and demand for electronic gadgets.
Technology giants around the world have been hit in recent months as consumers tighten their belts.
Scottish house prices
The average house price in Scotland increased by more than £23,000 to £242,213 in the last year.
Kirkcaldy recorded the biggest percentage increase, up by 29%, reports insider.co.uk
The figures from Bank of Scotland revealed an average property price rise of 10.9% across the country.
Prices in Edinburgh (up 12.9%) and Glasgow (13.6%) also rose from 2021 to 2022.
Ayr and Inverurie in Aberdeenshire were the only towns to see prices fall back during 2022 - by 1.7% and 0.2% respectively.
Electric car charging woes
Nearly half of UK homes are said to be unsuitable for electric cars.
Lloyds Bank says those without garages, driveways or dedicated parking may see themselves as excluded from making the move to driving more sustainably, with no obvious place for that vital electric car charging point.
But, away from the home, the charging infrastructure in the UK is improving, with latest data showing there are more than 36,000 charging points at over 21,000 locations across the UK. However, many rural areas remain charging blackspots.
Coaxing the middle-aged back to work
The UK Government is considering plans to coax retired middle-aged workers back into jobs to boost the economy.
Older people who have given up work could be offered what is being dubbed a "mid-life MoT" to entice them back into employment.
This would assess finances and opportunities for work.
The BBC says this follows a recent House of Lords committee finding that a wave of early retirement
Non-compete agreements could be banned in US
US authorities are seeking to outlaw agreements that allow companies to limit the ability of staff to leave to join a competitor.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said non-compete clauses were "exploitative" and unfairly limited the opportunities of an estimated 30million Americans.
The FTC, which enforces competition law, said a ban would foster a more dynamic economy.
The BBC says the proposal was immediately challenged by the business community.
It will now enter a long rule-making process.
Non-compete clauses were developed to prevent workers from joining rivals and sharing trade secrets.
The FTC said non-compete clauses have become embedded in the US labour market, estimating that they affect roughly 20% of workers.
Though long associated with business executives and high-tech workers, the agency said the practice has become common even in fields such as warehousing and hair styling.