Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Lloyds Banking Group first-half profits up almost a quarter to £4.3billion
Lloyds Banking Group has this morning posted its 2026 half-year results, revealing statutory profit before tax rose 23% year-on-year to £4.3billion.
That rise has been driven by a 13% increase in total income to £10.6billion.
Charlie Nunn, Group Chief Executive, said: "In the first half of 2026, we delivered sustained strength in financial performance, with continued income growth, improving operating leverage, strong credit performance, growing capital generation and increasing shareholder returns."
Read more here.
Disused Bridge of Don site to be transformed in boost for energy transition
A disused site in Bridge of Don will soon be turned into a new technology test centre in a bid to boost Aberdeen’s transition to net zero.
Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) bosses want to transform the former Weatherford Evaluation Centre in the Aberdeen Science and Energy Park.
The two-acre site has been empty since 2020.
Read more in The Press and Journal.
Energy boss says firm committed to Aberdeen despite North Sea challenges
Aberdeen energy logistics firm Asco has returned to profit despite ongoing challenges in the UK North Sea.
The business, which employs more than 800 people in the north-east, is crediting its international diversification strategy for the improved performance.
Asco Group’s latest accounts for the year to December 31, 2025, show the group recorded a pre-tax profit of £1.87 million, compared with a £1.25m loss the previous year.
Read the full story in The P&J.
US launches 'heavy' strikes on Iran after attempted attack on American troops
The US military says it has completed a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran in retaliation for Tuesday's attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces.
Centcom said it hit "dozens" of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in response to Iran's firing on US bases in Jordan and at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media said the latest strikes had killed three people, including a two-year-old child, on Qeshm island, while other locations were also hit in the south and west of the country.
Read the full BBC story.
Haudagain Retail Park to go to auction
Haudagain Retail Park in Aberdeen is set to go up for auction, with bidding starting at £2.2 million.
The entire site, located just off the A96, will be offered for sale by Future Property Auctions on August 6 at 10am.
The retail park comprises four units occupied by American Golf, KFC, Pets and Care, and the former Taco Bell drive-thru, along with 76 parking spaces.
Read the full P&J article.
SNP urged to review high tax rates ahead of budget
John Swinney has been told to urgently order an emergency review of Scotland’s high tax rates due to growing fears the SNP had prioritised “political point scoring” over economic growth.
An analysis found the SNP’s decision to impose a 48p top rate of tax was likely to cost the public purse £22 million in its first year after coming into force, due to high earners taking steps to avoid sacrificing large chunks of their income.
Sandy Begbie, the chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, called on the first minister to commission an independent review of tax policies ahead of the next budget and to be prepared to “correct course” if it confirmed less money was being generated for public services.
Read more in The TImes.
Red paint attack on Aberdeen logistics firm
A logistics firm’s Aberdeen depot has been splashed with red paint.
Images from the scene show the exterior of DSV’s premises on Mugiemoss Road in Bucksburn covered in red paint.
The paint is splashed over the company’s main sign, front windows and sections of the building affected.
Find out more in The Press and Journal.
Santander faces legal action over three-day office mandate
Santander is facing legal action from staff after a backlash against its attempt to get its new TSB workforce into the office three days a week.
The Spanish banking giant completed its £2.65 billion takeover deal for TSB in April and is now progressing with a merger of its operations and policies so that the entire workforce is aligned.
TSB, which is currently operating as a standalone entity, has told its workforce of about 5,000 staff that they will be required to work in an office for three days a week from April 2027. The bank did not previously have a formal requirement for how much time they must spend in an office.
Read The Times' article here.