Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Next boss: UK planning system is ‘biggest drag’ on growth
The boss of Next has described Britain’s planning system as the “single biggest drag on prosperity” and called for its abolition.
In a keynote speech at the Margaret Thatcher Conference on prosperity on Monday, Lord Wolfson of Aspley Guise criticised previous failed attempts at reform, instead calling for “something more radical, that we abolish planning because planned economies don’t work”.
The Conservative peer insisted he was not “proposing a free-for-all, far from it”, but that the market should decide “what is built, where and how much” with the government acting as referee rather than “shadow developer”.
Get the full story in The Times.
SNP to demand new independence referendum — even without a majority
John Swinney will demand the powers to hold an independence referendum even if he fails to win the majority he insists would trigger a new vote.
The first minister said on Monday that if re-elected, his first act after his ministers were appointed would be to seek the approval of Holyrood for a request to Westminster to allow a new plebiscite, and then publish a draft referendum bill.
While Swinney repeatedly refused to state whether he would drop the plans if the SNP did not win a majority, senior figures close to him made clear that the commitments would apply if he was re-elected as head of a minority government, potentially with backing of Green MSPs.
Greggs removes cabinets in shoplifting hotspots
Greggs is removing display cabinets in its London stores that have been most severely hit by shoplifters.
Branches in Croydon, Peckham, Whitechapel and Upton Park are testing the new format, with trials also under way in Birmingham and Wilford in Nottinghamshire.
The move follows official figures showing shoplifting offences in England and Wales topped half a million last year - a year-on-year increase of about 20% - prompting concern across the High Street.
China blocks Meta's $2bn acquisition of AI start-up Manus
Facebook-owner Meta's acquisition of AI start-up Manus has been blocked by Chinese regulators.
Announced in late December, Meta said the deal - estimated to be worth around $2bn (£1.48bn) at the time - would see Manus' agents used to boost to its own AI across its platforms.
But reports on Monday said Beijing's National Development and Reform Commission had prohibited foreign investment in the deal, requiring "the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition transaction".
Read more on the BBC website.
Wool joins whisky, salmon and lamb with Scottish origin guarantee
Wool has become the latest product to be officially branded as coming from Scotland.
Joining the likes of whisky, lamb and salmon, Scottish wool now has its own logo and certification to protect it from cheaper and inferior fabrics.
Not only does the new certification provide assurance over the wool's quality, but it also allows the raw material to be traced to its source.
Read the full story from the BBC.
Charles to deliver message of unity despite transatlantic tensions
The King will say that “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together” when he addresses a joint meeting of the US congress on Tuesday.
In what will be seen as an acknowledgment of the recent disagreements between President Trump and Sir Keir Starmer over the conflict in Iran, the King will remind his hosts of the “democratic, legal and social traditions” that underpin shared values.
Charles is expected to say that he brings “the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States” to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence this year.
Get the full story on The Times website.
Taylor Swift applies to trademark her voice
Taylor Swift has applied to trademark her voice and likeness to protect herself against AI-generated content.
The pop star has previously been caught up in fake images created by AI, including images showing her fans supporting Donald Trump’s campaign for president.
On Friday, the 36-year-old submitted three applications in the US to trademark her voice and likeness.