Scotland’s Leading Business Podcast: Scottish Entrepreneurs Sir Tom Hunter & Lord Willie Haughey Discuss Business and Chat to Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky Logic

Episode Summary and Highlights In this episode, Sir Tom and Lord Haughey discuss the impact of recent budget changes on businesses and the economy, particularly in Scotland. They delve into topics such as housing, taxation, and government spending, offering insights and opinions on how these changes might affect entrepreneurs and the broader business landscape. [00:00:48] Labour Budget Impact Willie discusses the financial implications of the Labour budget. Potential benefits for Scotland, including the Barnett Consequential.   [00:01:39] Entrepreneurs and Wealth Creators Debate on whether Labour understands the needs of entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Concerns about the lack of encouragement for wealth creators.   [00:02:41] Corporation Tax and Business Survival Discussion on the impact of corporation tax on businesses. The potential disincentive to employ and grow businesses.   [00:03:51] Social Policy and Employment The importance of decent paid jobs as a social policy. Challenges faced by businesses post-Brexit and COVID-19.   [00:06:30] Regulation and Business Growth The need for an anti-regulation minister to fast-track important projects. Examples from the UK and the US on handling business regulations.   [00:08:04] Government Spending and Accountability Discussion on government spending inefficiencies and accountability. Examples of wasteful spending and the need for better procurement practices.   [00:10:11] Business Trust in Labour How Labour can regain business trust. The importance of engaging with entrepreneurs to understand policy impacts.   [00:11:07] Positive Economic Outlook for Scotland The potential benefits of increased funding for Scotland. Discussion on the Barnett Consequential and the impact.   [00:12:07] Housing Bill and Investment The SNP’s revised housing bill and its implications for investors. The need for more housing to address rental market issues.   [00:14:27] Investment in Scotland The importance of attracting investment to build more homes. Feedback from investors on the current regime and its impact on investment decisions.   [00:16:01] Sauchiehall Street Development Updates on the Sauchiehall Street development project. The need for fast-tracking beneficial projects for the city.   [00:16:55] Hospitality and Leisure Sector Support Plea for the Scottish Government to support the hospitality and leisure sector. The importance of following the English model for rates relief.   [00:18:27] Tribute to Bill Munro Tribute to Bill Munro, founder of Barrhead Travel, who passed away. His contributions to the travel industry and his legacy.   [00:19:04] Investment in Golf Scotland Government investment in Golf Scotland and its expected benefits. The leverage of golf tourism for economic growth.   Special Guest: Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky Logic Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky Logic, shares his journey from a small village in West Lothian to leading a successful software delivery company. Darren’s passion for technology began in childhood, where he naturally excelled at problem-solving and tech-related tasks. This early interest led him to study at Napier University and work in customer support at Sky Television. Darren’s entrepreneurial journey started when he joined a satellite office of an energy company in Edinburgh, where he built a team and developed complex software solutions. In 2018, driven by a desire for control and problem-solving, Darren co-founded ClearSky Logic. Despite early challenges, including a major client going under, Darren’s resilience and ability to leverage his network helped the company grow. ClearSky Logic specializes in bespoke software solutions, helping businesses streamline processes and improve efficiency. The company has expanded significantly, now employing around 55 people with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Darren emphasizes the importance of building high-quality, specialised teams and maintaining a strong focus on innovation and client