Scotland stories

Kick ICT has appointed Steven Brown as chief executive, succeeding retiring founder Tom O’Hara as the group targets its next growth phase.

Most UK employers say graduates are work-ready, but recruiters warn flawed hiring systems are locking thousands of young people out of jobs.

Most UK adults aged 28-40 would trust AI to manage spare cash and bills, a survey finds, despite low confidence in their own finances.

Glasgow-based Pelion has been named Emerging Company of the Year for Enterprise at the 10th annual Internet of Things Breakthrough Awards.

ScotlandIS issues a final call for Digital Technology Awards 2026 entries, adding an AI Trailblazer category before 13 January deadline.

Renfrewshire’s AI adviser Millie cuts calls, saves GBP £110,000 and wins awards, as Scotland is hailed a model for council services.

Digital Xtra awards nearly GBP £120,000 to 27 Scottish projects, helping over 2,000 young people build vital computing and digital skills.

Spending on private LTE and 5G networks is forecast to hit USD $7.2 billion by 2028 as enterprises outpace growth in public mobile systems.

Barrier Networks launches ROC platform to give large enterprises and critical infrastructure a unified, context-rich view of cyber risk.

The Isle of Man will host the 2026 Interceltic Business Forum, uniting Celtic regions to deepen economic ties and showcase innovation.

Virgin Media O2 donates hundreds of refurbished phones and free data via Multibank hubs to help tackle the UK’s widening digital divide.

Krotos’ Video to Sound now auto-generates synced AI footsteps and cloth Foley, promising faster, browser-based sound design for video creators.

Mobile security specialist Approov has opened a new Edinburgh New Town HQ as it targets global expansion and continued hiring into 2026.

Hedgehog lab has bought Label Sessions to build a full-stack innovation consultancy, linking AI delivery with a 500-strong global expert network.

AI data centres are set to strain power grids, labour and emissions targets, forcing the UK and Australia to rethink energy and skills plans.

Cegal boosts UK tech apprenticeships and mentoring with Microsoft-backed training to tackle IT skills gaps and fast-track new talent.

Aspire Technology secures LDC and Federated Hermes backing in deal valuing the fast-growing managed IT provider at GBP £192m.

Scotland’s tech sector, worth GBP £6.87 billion and employing 100,000, faces ongoing skills shortages despite strong growth and optimism for 2025.

Accessibility barriers cause 57% of UK shoppers, including 76% with disabilities, to abandon online purchases during key sales like Black Friday and January sales.

UK digital consultancy Waracle expands into Europe with the acquisition of Sofia-based HackSoft, boosting its workforce to 265 and enhancing tech expertise.