OpenGraph Image for Wednesday October 21, 2026: Today's local and national business headlines

Wednesday October 21, 2026: Today's local and national business headlines

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/wednesday-october-21-2026-todays-local-and-national-business-headlines

The BBC has announced plans to close its Scotland linear TV station as it seeks to make £500m savings.

OpenGraph Image for Market Watch: Bidco agrees to acquire Ashtead Technology for more than £500m

Market Watch: Bidco agrees to acquire Ashtead Technology for more than £500m

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/market-watch-bidco-agrees-to-acquire-ashtead-technology-for-more-than-500m

Pine Acquisition UK Bidco has this morning agreed to acquire subsea firm Ashtead Technology for more than £500million.

OpenGraph Image for Chancellor announces £2bn Energy Wealth Fund backed by North Sea

Chancellor announces £2bn Energy Wealth Fund backed by North Sea

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/chancellor-announces-2bn-energy-wealth-fund-backed-by-north-sea

A new £2billion Energy Wealth Fund will be established using tax revenues from North Sea oil and gas production to finance renewable energy projects and support Britain's transition to low-carbon power.

OpenGraph Image for Inflation and government borrowing climb to year high

Inflation and government borrowing climb to year high

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/inflation-and-government-borrowing-climb-to-year-high

Soaring fuel prices have pushed the UK inflation rate to its highest level this year, according to the latest official figures announced this morning.

OpenGraph Image for Jackdaw approved as Burnham backs ‘pragmatic approach’ to North Sea

Jackdaw approved as Burnham backs ‘pragmatic approach’ to North Sea

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/jackdaw-approved-as-burnham-backs-pragmatic-approach-to-north-sea

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed a “pragmatic approach” to North Sea oil and gas after the UK Government approved the Jackdaw gas field, paving the way for production to begin within weeks.

OpenGraph Image for ‘Not all trees are equal’: Study reveals importance of species selection when improving forest resilience and biodiversity

‘Not all trees are equal’: Study reveals importance of species selection when improving forest resilience and biodiversity

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/not-all-trees-are-equal-study-reveals-importance-of-species-selection-when-improving-forest-resilience-and-biodiversity

A new study led by The James Hutton Institute has shown that selecting the right tree species is key to improving woodland biodiversity and resilience, highlighting the need for greater focus on tree species composition in forestry policy.

OpenGraph Image for Asthma and Allergy Foundation launches new academic collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University

Asthma and Allergy Foundation launches new academic collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/asthma-and-allergy-foundation-launches-new-academic-collaboration-with-edinburgh-napier-university

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) has officially welcomed its first placement student from Edinburgh Napier University, marking the beginning of a new academic collaboration designed to connect university learning with meaningful real-world experience in public health and community engagement.

OpenGraph Image for Stronachs’ commercial litigation and employment law expertise highlighted in Chambers UK 2027 guide

Stronachs’ commercial litigation and employment law expertise highlighted in Chambers UK 2027 guide

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/stronachs-commercial-litigation-and-employment-law-expertise-highlighted-in-chambers-uk-2027-guide

Stronachs is celebrating another strong performance in the Chambers UK 2027 guide, with its expertise recognised across five practice areas in Scotland.

OpenGraph Image for Garioch Sports Centre named finalist at Scottish Green Energy Awards 2026

Garioch Sports Centre named finalist at Scottish Green Energy Awards 2026

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/garioch-sports-centre-named-finalist-at-scottish-green-energy-awards-2026

Garioch Sports Centre, in its 30th anniversary year, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Community Project category at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2026.

Blog Image 2

Why AI is fueling the next phase of growth in customer and employee communications

https://www.agcc.co.uk/blog-article/why-ai-is-fueling-the-next-phase-of-growth-in-customer-and-employee-communications

Over the last 18 months, one topic has featured in almost every conversation I've had with ARO customers: How do we improve service, increase productivity, and meet growing expectations without continually increasing costs?

OpenGraph Image for 36 Aberdeenshire foundation apprenticeship pupils first to experience renewable energy opportunity in Scotland

36 Aberdeenshire foundation apprenticeship pupils first to experience renewable energy opportunity in Scotland

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/36-aberdeenshire-foundation-apprenticeship-pupils-first-to-experience-renewable-energy-opportunity-in-scotland

36 young people in Aberdeenshire have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in Scotland's growing renewable energy sector, thanks to a new work placement launched by Vattenfall, a leading European energy company.

OpenGraph Image for Aberdeen schoolgirl takes on 50km challenge in memory of beloved dog Ruby

Aberdeen schoolgirl takes on 50km challenge in memory of beloved dog Ruby

https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/aberdeen-schoolgirl-takes-on-50km-challenge-in-memory-of-beloved-dog-ruby

An Aberdeen schoolgirl who had never been a runner has completed a 50km challenge to raise money for Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats, in memory of her much-loved dog Ruby.