We Wrote to the Scottish Rates Assessor… and He Ghosted Us

Air Date: February 8th, 2026 Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am. PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode! Willie and Tom dive head‑first into the biggest crisis currently gripping Scottish business: the looming commercial rates revaluation — and the sheer silence from the assessor behind it. With frustration pouring in from hospitality, retail, and every corner of Scotland’s business community, the duo deliver their clearest message yet: halt the revaluation now or risk thousands of jobs. Alongside the main debate, Hunter and Haughey unpack: Northern Ireland vs Scotland: How NI halted their rates revaluation — and why Scotland should follow immediately to prevent economic fallout. Hospitality Under Siege: Real stories from operators facing unbearable costs, contrasted with positive accounts from well‑capitalised groups like DRG and BuzzWorks. A Direct Plea to Government: Willie offers to personally bring hospitality leaders to Edinburgh to show the damage being done if action isn’t taken now. Taxing Wealth Creators: A frank discussion on tax, migration of high‑net‑worth individuals, and why over‑taxing Scotland’s biggest contributors risks long‑term harm. Walmart Hits a $1T Valuation: Willie and Tom spotlight Doug McMillon’s people‑first leadership as Walmart becomes the first traditional retailer to hit a trillion‑dollar valuation. Clean Energy & Infrastructure: The UK’s largest offshore wind procurement to date, SSE’s massive investment, and the knock‑on impact for housing and energy strategy. Jeff Bezos & The Washington Post Cuts: The eyebrow‑raising contrast between major media layoffs and huge creative project spending. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Email: [email protected] Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...