Can Scotland Tackle Its Jobs, Housing & Energy Challenges?

A recent event at Hampden Stadium brought together over 200 attendees, including key figures from Glasgow's business community and local government. The gathering aimed to foster relationships between business leaders and policymakers, with discussions centered on the challenges facing the business sector, particularly regarding the impact of new business rates in Scotland. The Herald has taken up the issue, highlighting the need for action from the Scottish Government, especially in light of the upcoming budget discussions.

The conversation also touched on the recent approval of the Jackdaw gas field, which is expected to supply 10% of the UK's gas needs. This decision has been praised for its potential to protect jobs and address energy costs, which have significantly outpaced those in the United States. The hosts expressed hope that the Scottish Government would utilize funds from the Barnett consequential to support businesses rather than diverting them elsewhere.

Another pressing topic was the proposed Scottish building safety levy, which architects warn could hinder housing development by increasing costs. The hosts criticized the government's approach to regulation, suggesting it fails to consider the unintended consequences on housing supply. They called for a more collaborative approach with the construction industry to ensure policies support rather than stifle development.

In a positive development, Glasgow City Council has launched a fund to help refurbish vacant listed buildings, aiming to revitalize properties that are currently too costly to renovate. The hosts concluded by emphasizing the importance of celebrating business successes in Scotland and suggested reviving the Scottish Business Awards to foster a more positive atmosphere around entrepreneurship.

Air Date: October 25th, 2026 with Barclays Hampden Hospitality and Events Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter This week on the Go Radio Business Show, Hunter and Haughey tackle Scotland's biggest business challenges, from youth unemployment and apprenticeships to North Sea energy, housing and the cost of doing business. Following a successful Go Radio Business Show event at Hampden, the pair reflect on the importance of bringing Scotland's business community together and keeping pressure on the Scottish Government to support businesses struggling with rates. The discussion turns to the Jackdaw gas field, with Tom welcoming the decision to move forward and questioning why the UK continues to import energy while North Sea jobs and investment are at stake. Housing is also high on the agenda, as Willie and Tom warn that a proposed building safety levy could make new developments even less viable and worsen Scotland's housing shortage. One of the biggest talking points comes as Willie outlines a plan to tackle youth unemployment and the construction skills shortage, offering to take on **200 apprentices immediately** if the government supports his proposed funding approach. The pair also examine the upcoming UK Budget, whether the benefits system is discouraging people from working, Elon Musk's ambitions for Tesla and SpaceX, the future of AI investment, and the debate over public ownership of bus services. With strong opinions, practical proposals and a shared determination to see Scottish businesses succeed, it's another packed episode of the Go Radio Business Show. Key Highlights 00:00 Introduction & Hampden Business Event Recap 02:04 Scotland's Business Rates Campaign Gains Momentum 03:13 Upcoming Budget and Support for Scottish Businesses 04:20 Jackdaw Gas Field Gets the Go-Ahead 06:08 Why UK Energy Costs Are Hurting Competitiveness 07:41 Proposed Building Safety Levy Sparks Housing Concerns 09:34 Who Should Pay for Building Safety Failures? 12:07 Glasgow's £1m Fund for Vacant Listed Buildings 12:54 UK Budget Predictions and Possible Tax Changes 14:03 UK Borrowing, Inflation and Unemployment Figures 16:28 Is the Benefits System Making Work Less Attractive? 18:53 Youth Unemployment and the Need for Action 19:43 Willie's Plan to Tackle Youth Unemployment 21:49 Willie Offers to Take On 200 Apprentices 22:33 Could Scotland Lead the Way on Apprenticeships? 24:02 Elon Musk, SpaceX Shares and Tesla Merger Plans 26:27 Political Donations and Donald Trump 27:41 Is AI Investment Becoming a Bubble? 29:19 Debate Over Public Ownership of Bus Services 30:35 Willie: Governments Are Terrible at Running Businesses 32:07 New Housing Development Approved in Glasgow 32:27 Celebrating Scottish Business Success Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Email: [email protected] Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ For more about our sponsor, Barclays Hampden Hospitality and Events, visit: https://www.hampdenpark.co.uk/goradio/ #goradio #goradiobusinessshow #williehaughey #tomhunter #scottishbusiness #apprenticeships #scotland #business