Scottish Businesses Are at Breaking Point — Here’s Why

Air Date: March 29th, 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. Scotland’s business landscape takes centre stage as Willie and Tom dive into the escalating crisis around commercial rates, the energy shock triggered by global instability, and the mounting pressure on government accountability. The episode moves from heavy geopolitical and economic realities into a powerful health initiative, before closing with upbeat Scottish business wins and a fiery debate on late payments. Episode Highlights Rates Revaluation Meltdown Willie reveals a letter from assessors claiming they are “not accountable to anyone” Businesses facing crippling increases — Radisson’s rates jump from £500k to £1.3m. Call for government to stop hiding behind assessors and take responsibility. Global Energy Shock & ‘Drill Baby Drill’ Discussion on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and looming blackouts. Industry leaders Chris O’Shea and Greg Jackson back North Sea production. Tom argues for energy security over ideology. Inflation, Interest Rates & Economic Turbulence Inflation expected to rise above 4%. Willie predicts two rate hikes; Tom pushes back, citing Andy Haldane’s call to hold firm. Geopolitical Tension & Business Fallout Middle East instability threatens global supply chains. Willie warns: “Never been anything like this” Discussion on desalination plants and catastrophic regional risk. Prostate Cancer Screening Campaign Launch of a free test for 25,000 Scottish men. “Early detection saves lives” — Tom and Chris Evans push for NHS adoption. Early results already catching cases. Scottish Business Wins £20m boost for Dundee’s creative sector. House of Bruar turnover up 17%, US e‑commerce doubled. AI strategy for Scotland — potential £23bn GDP uplift (with a side of Willie’s cynicism). Late Payments Crackdown UK reforms promise fines in the tens of millions. Willie calls it “NONSENSE” and says he’s “heard it all before.” Push for 30‑day terms with a 15‑day buffer. Join the Conversation  What did you think of this episode?  Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk  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...