As Hogmanay drew to a close and Scottish business owners awoke to another twelve months, the new year has already raised a tonne of questions with regard to what changes 2022 will bring.
With nearly two years of uncertainty due to an ever-increasing degree of factors, it’s going to take something more akin to a crystal ball to predict exactly how the year is set to shape out, however businesses across Scotland are remaining hopeful and optimistic.
Credit to the nation’s brightest business minds who have kept their heads held high and their thoughts firmly planted in the future, as 2022 is looking to provide lots of forward-thinking about the way that businesses carry out their day to day operations.
The first approach is a general look at how the average worker spends their time working, through the necessary rise in ‘hybrid-working’, which appears to become increasingly critical for employers to promote.
With technology and internet infrastructure improving more and more, businesses are changing to mix home and office working as more of a permanent fixture of their routine, meaning that they can continue productivity, showcase a degree of sustainable thinking and, mostly, keep employees content with their roles.
This increase in technological improvement across Scotland appears to be a driving force for businesses in other regards as well.
With a potentially controversial innovation, the rise in automation thanks to evolving AI has seen a huge demand for new skillsets in industries previously not used to them and even new careers and opportunities in new sectors, such as AI development, robotics technology and even technological development – something which Scotland has been a UK pioneer in over the past few years.
Despite issues flagged by the ongoing Covid-19 situation and Brexit, the technology sector is set to have a relatively landmark 2022 in Scotland, as businesses target key international markets and continue to grow.
Stephen Leckie, the new president of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), has recently commented on this positive outlook and highlighted the importance of adapting to this continued ‘new normal’ way of working, citing that there will be ‘enormous opportunities’ particular for firms that manage to successfully respond to the ever-changing world that we live in.
However, it’s going to be a challenging year for certain sectors, namely for hospitality businesses, who are already facing a not-so Happy New Year, due to further pressures from Covid restrictions.
The aforementioned Mr Leckie, a longstanding figure within the Scottish hospitality sector himself as chief executive of the Crieff Hydro group of hotels, was worried that as the new Omicron wave hits the nation and restrictions fluctuate, many businesses in the sector may be left in ‘a precarious situation in the early days of 2022’.
Worried about the uncertainty of the recent restrictions and the ongoing pressures that they’ve put on hospitality businesses, both those currently closed or those fearing any further implications, it’s not the best start for the sector.
Mr Leckie has requested that both the Scottish and the UK government work together to partner with businesses and industries to safeguard the economy, jobs and livelihoods which are once again at stake, especially after a Christmas season which saw cancellations from customers uneasy about the current Covid climate.
The final key point for 2022 which is on the lips of every business owner this year is a further push in sustainable ways of working.
Which COP26 now firmly in the past, businesses are keen to discuss the methods they’re introducing or continuing this year to highlight the green credentials of their operations.
Whether this is through caring for the beauty Scottish countryside through replanting commitments or innovation with new technology or manufacturing materials, businesses are aiming for a green 2022, particularly following the government recently missing the nation’s overall renewable targets.
So, despite a number of concerns and uncertainty, I’m hoping that the new year is a step in the right direction for Scottish businesses, whether it’s a return to the familiarity of pre-pandemic Scotland or simply a glimpse into the future of the new way of working.
Having the spirit to adapt and be ready for change may be the best outlook businesses can approach in 2022.
Scotland just shy of green energy goal
Scotland has fallen agonisingly short of its 100 per cent equivalent renewable energy target by just 1.4 per cent.
With one of the most ambitious targets in the world due to Scotland’s legally binding goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 as per the Climate Change Bill, this was always going to be a big ask, although it is still impressive that our effective consumption from renewables is 98.6 per cent.
This is an increase of 1.2 per cent from 2020, which is an incredible achievement during such a trying 18 months.
The target was set in 2011 when renewable technologies contributed to only 37 per cent of national demand, and although we are going in the right direction, we obviously need to do more to reach our target and lead the way for renewable energy.
The Scottish Government blames milder weather over the year was for the imperfect result, with this having an adverse effect on wind and hydro power generation, but there are other factors at play.
For one, some electricity is sold to other countries which means we generate larger amounts of non-renewable electric power than this result reflects.
For another, our electric usage reduced by just under 6 per cent, while gas usage increased by just over 2 per cent.
The plan is that, in 8 years’ time (2023), renewable energy generation will be responsible for half of the Scottish people’s energy requirements for electricity, heating and transportation and I think this is achievable.
If we look across The Channel, we face serious competition within Europe. Only Iceland and Norway produce more electricity from renewables than us.
Scotland prides itself on being at the forefront of invention and technology, so let’s add renewable electricity to the list and continue to lead the way towards a brighter future.
It Made Me Laugh
They say dogs are a man’s best friend for multiple reasons, but we have a new one to add to the extensive list.
Specially trained dogs, and their handlers, will be based full time at Scottish airports, ferry ports and parcel hubs in order to sniff out diseases being transported into the country by animal products, including foot and mouth disease.
African swine fever is also of particular concern as it has already travelled through Germany and other parts of Europe, with many concerned for the devastating effect this could have on the UK’s billion pound livestock sector if it reaches our shores.
Catching harmful infections before they enter the country will be crucial in reducing the risks of foreign diseases entering Scotland and will protect our rural economy.
‘Howl’ would we survive without our canine companions?
It Made Me Weep
Last week the Scottish government have once again shown their hypocritical colours by continuing to restrict the crowds at sport and cultural events, despite 3.5k people in Alexandra Palace, London, safely watching Scotland’s Peter Wright win the PDC World Darts championship for the second time last Monday.
Attendees were required to have an NHS Covid Pass or equivalent with full vaccination or a negative lateral flow test from the day of the event.
So why is the Scottish government not allowing the same across the board and insisting on capping outdoor crowds to 500?
With the Scottish Premiership considering being postponed until restrictions ease and Scotland’s home rugby games for the Six Nations potentially being played in England if restrictions continue into February, it’s looking like an own goal for the government.
