Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
BrewDog co-founder James Watt ‘terminated’ as beer firm’s director
BrewDog co-founder James Watt has been “terminated” as a director of the Ellon craft beer firm that’s now in administration.
The move marks the final severing of his ties with the business he co-founded with school pal Martin Dickie in a Fraserburgh garage in 2006.
Mr Watt stepped down as chief executive in 2024, but remained a non-executive director, continuing to describe himself as “captain and co-founder”.
OpenAI encourages firms to trial four-day weeks to adapt to AI era
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI says employers should consider trialling a four-day work week as AI use and demand grows in the workplace.
Its "people-first" policy proposals set out a range of ideas to help society adjust to an AI era - something it says will bring benefits but also disruption to our lives and careers.
Among its suggestions were creating more work opportunities in people-facing sectors such as childcare, education and healthcare.
Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US as he travelled to meet with leaders of countries in the Gulf on Wednesday.
The prime minister is expected to "discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire", according to No 10. He will return to the UK on Friday.
The ceasefire comes after Donald Trump threatened "a whole civilisation will die" if Iran did not agree to end the war and unblock the Strait of Hormuz - comments that led Downing Street to call again for "de-escalation".
Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from coming to UK
This summer's Wireless Festival has been cancelled after headliner Kanye West was blocked from coming to the UK.
The government refused permission for West, now known as Ye, to travel to the UK after backlash to his planned set at the London festival this summer.
In a statement, Wireless Festival said it was cancelled and refunds would be issued to all ticket holders. It added that "multiple stakeholders" had been consulted ahead of booking West, "and no concerns were highlighted at the time".
US expansion drives strong sales growth at Antler luggage
Expansion into the United States and the post-pandemic recovery in international travel have fuelled sales growth at one of Britain’s oldest luggage brands.
Antler, which sells suitcases, cabin bags and travel accessories, reported gross annual sales of £52million in the year to the end of February, a 17% increase on the previous year.
The company said this was largely due to a “significant” expansion in American wholesale partnerships, including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. Like other luggage brands, including Rimowa, it has also benefited from the sustained boom in the travel market.