Here are the top business stories making the headlines in the morning newspapers.
SNP 'preparing' a consultative referendum
There is no reason why Scotland cannot have a legal independence referendum, the constitution secretary has said.
Angus Robertson told the BBC that the SNP would continue to push for a vote based on a section 30 order - as agreed by the Scottish and UK governments.
His comments came as it was reported that ministers were preparing a consultative referendum next year.
It said this could "attempt to bypass the UK Government" by phrasing the independence question in another way.
The SNP plans to hold a second referendum in October 2023. However, the UK Government said now was not the time for another vote.
Aberdeen company lands contract worth up £20million-plus
Craig International has announced a new contract, potentially worth more than £20 million, with the firm that owns and operates the Forties pipeline system (FPS) in the UK North Sea.
Aberdeen-based Craig International boasts energy industry procurement operations spanning eight countries.
It said its five-year deal with Ineos FPS, with options to extend, would be serviced from its Granite City headquarters using its bespoke digital platforms - ebuy and ecobuy.
The Press and Journal says the contract includes the supply of maintenance, repair and operations equipment for Ineos FPS facilities at Grangemouth, from where the vital pipeline system is managed.
Stopping energy-supply firms from going under
The UK's energy watchdog has announced new plans to stop energy-supply companies from going bust.
The BBC says the proposals come after a string of high-profile closures linked to high wholesale costs.
Wholesale price rises of energy persist in the UK amidst record inflation and the Ukraine war.
Thirty energy companies have stopped trading in Britain since August 2021, including Bulb and Igloo.
Ofgem said it wanted to "prevent the kind of energy-supplier failures we saw last year and to better protect consumers' money if they do fail."
Granite City hospitality boss criticises council
An Aberdeen hospitality boss has accused the council of "kicking business in the teeth" by rejecting plans for a money-making marquee.
No 10 Bar and Restaurant erected the tent on Queen's Terrace Gardens when Covid placed tough rules on eating and drinking indoors.
Owner the McGinty's Group struck a deal with the council for use of the public space during a dire hour of need, and with nowhere else to place it.
And, although Covid restrictions have since been lifted, the business is still trying to get back on its feet, reports the Press and Journal.
Bosses say this has been hampered by new challenges such as rising fuel bills and rail strikes reducing the number of people coming into the city.
And No 10 was hopeful that reviving the marquee this summer could help boost trade - as well as secure 20 jobs.
But, following complaints about the mess left behind, and about a private firm using public space for commercial gain, the council refused permission.
Scottish ferry service to Europe could restart next year
A direct ferry link between Scotland and mainland Europe could be restored as early as next year under a deal struck between two shipping companies.
Danish-owned ferry operator DFDS has signed an agreement with Ptarmigan Shipping to investigate the possibility of a new route between Rosyth and the Belgian port of Zeebrugge.
The BBC says they have set a target date of 2023 for freight services.
A further study is being carried out regarding future passenger business.
In 2018, DFDS axed its freight service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge in Belgium following a fire on one of its ships. The route had been operating since 2002.
Apple's first retail union in the US
Workers at an Apple store in Maryland have voted to unionise, forming the tech giant's first retail union in America.
The employees of the shop in Towson passed the measure 65-33, with about a dozen abstentions.
After the result came in, the group tweeted: "Now we celebrate...tomorrow we keep organising."
The BBC says it is the third Apple store to launch a union drive this year, but the first to successfully hold a vote.