Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Plans for pubs to get greater protection from noise complaints
Pubs and music venues could benefit from fewer noise complaints under proposed changes to planning and licensing rules.
Under the reforms, developers seeking to build new properties near existing venues would be told to soundproof buildings, while permissions would be fast-tracked for new businesses and al fresco dining in dedicated areas.
The government hopes the changes in England and Wales will make it easier to open new bars in disused shops, promote outdoor drinking and dining, and reverse the decline in the pub industry.
Click here to read more.
Find a way to live with swooping seagulls, Scots told
Homeowners and businesses have been urged to learn to live with attacks by seagulls rather than asking for permission to destroy their nests.
Due to declining populations, the birds have protected status even though there have been increasing reports of them stealing food in coastal resorts.
Last year NatureScot, the government agency, turned down a record 620 applications submitted by individuals and businesses to demolish gull nests, many more than in previous years.
Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake
Google has admitted its earthquake early warning system failed to accurately alert people during Turkey's deadly quake of 2023.
Ten million people within 98 miles of the epicentre could have been sent Google's highest level alert - giving up to 35 seconds of warning to find safety.
Instead, only 469 "Take Action" warnings were sent out for the first 7.8 magnitude quake.
Exams chief received £85,000 severance package
Scotland’s former examinations chief received a taxpayer-funded severance package worth more than £85,000 despite a “shambolic record” that led to her organisation being scrapped.
Fiona Robertson, who announced her resignation as chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in February, was given six months’ pay in lieu of working her notice period as well as a “compensation payment” of £20,000.
Previously director of learning for the Scottish government during John Swinney’s stint as education secretary, Robertson joined the SQA in 2019 but her tenure was overshadowed by a series of controversies.
Click here to read more.
British firms lag overseas rivals in adopting AI
British companies are lagging their overseas rivals in the adoption of artificial intelligence, new data suggests. The UK is especially hesitant about AI when compared with America, according to an international survey by Hays.
Only 29% of UK companies are recommending staff use AI tools — less than half the figure in the United States, where 59% recommend their employees do so, according to survey data.
UK firms were also “particularly lacking” in offering their staff training on AI, with only 37% doing so, compared with 50% in America. Globally, 89% of employees were willing to learn how to use AI to their advantage but only 51% of employers offered training, the survey found.