News & Insights  |  Posted November 2, 2023

Tiktok and the politics of tomorrow

TikTok has the potential to be game-changing for connecting with young voters, Rebecca Mason investigates why.

TikTok has the potential to be game-changing for connecting with young voters, Rebecca Mason investigates why.

The political power of tiktok is growing. Photo shows tiktok on an iphone.

News & Insights  |  Posted September 25, 2023

Understanding Business: Scottish businesses back net zero but fear ban on oil exploration

Businesses support net zero aims but don’t believe stopping North Sea exploration is good for the economy, according to a new quarterly survey of Scottish businesses commissioned by 56° North and research group Diffley Partnership.

Businesses support net zero aims but don’t believe stopping North Sea exploration is good for the economy, according to a new quarterly survey of Scottish businesses commissioned by 56° North and research group Diffley Partnership.

Understnading Business logo

News & Insights  |  Posted July 10, 2023

Artificial Truths? AI and the Future of Politics

Could AI be the next thing to further toxify our politics or is it a great opportunity to improve the level of debate? Liam Smith takes a look underneath the AI bonnet and considers what it may all mean.

Could AI be the next thing to further toxify our politics or is it a great opportunity to improve the level of debate? Liam Smith takes a look underneath the AI bonnet and considers what it may all mean.

ChatGPT is the latest AI software to become widely available to the public

News & Insights  |  Posted June 21, 2023

Understanding Business: Lack of skilled staff holding back Scottish economy

A lack of skilled applicants across all sectors threatens to undermine plans to grow the economy, according to a new quarterly survey of Scottish businesses commissioned by 56° North and research group Diffley Partnership.

A lack of skilled applicants across all sectors threatens to undermine plans to grow the economy, according to a new quarterly survey of Scottish businesses commissioned by 56° North and research group Diffley Partnership.

Understanding Business Logo dated June 2023

News & Insights  |  Posted April 28, 2023

Nothing to see here: Senior SNP figures meet for a pint during party crisis

The SNP is in a crisis, but trying to smooth things over by posing for a chummy photograph has led to ridicule on social media. John Penman, Partner, looks at some of the best, and worst, ways to handle a crisis. 

The SNP is in a crisis, but trying to smooth things over by posing for a chummy photograph has led to ridicule on social media. John Penman, Partner, looks at some of the best, and worst, ways to handle a crisis. 

Stephen Flynn and Ian Blackford sharing a drink as the SNP is in Crisis

News & Insights  |  Posted March 27, 2023

Yousaf wins SNP leadership in close contest. So what now?

As Humza Yousaf emerges victorious from the bruising battle to become SNP leader and almost certainly the next First Minister of Scotland, John Penman takes a look at what his new Scottish Government might look like, what his priorities will be and whether the thin margin of victory will make it difficult for the party to unite behind him.

As Humza Yousaf emerges victorious from the bruising battle to become SNP leader and almost certainly the next First Minister of Scotland, John Penman takes a look at what his new Scottish Government might look like, what his priorities will be and whether the thin margin of victory will make it difficult for the party to unite behind him.

Humza Yousaf, Scotland's new First Minister and leader of the SNP

News & Insights  |  Posted March 3, 2023

That was the week that was

John Penman looks at the first week of the SNP leadership contest and ponders whether the departure of another significant figure in the party might have longer term consequences 

John Penman looks at the first week of the SNP leadership contest and ponders whether the departure of another significant figure in the party might have longer term consequences 

Ash Regan. Will she be the next Scottish First Minister?

News & Insights  |  Posted February 15, 2023

The last days of a second First Minister

On a day when one of UK’s most high profile party leaders steps down, John Penman looks at whether Nicola Sturgeon’s long reign as First Minister ends in success or failure.

On a day when one of UK’s most high profile party leaders steps down, John Penman looks at whether Nicola Sturgeon’s long reign as First Minister ends in success or failure.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

News & Insights  |  Posted November 4, 2022

Saving money by ditching transport commitments to the north of England would be a false economy

Calling on recent experiences, Partner John Penman discusses the importance of improved rail provision and connectivity to the UK economy, in particular looking through the lenses of Levelling Up and Net Zero.

Calling on recent experiences, Partner John Penman discusses the importance of improved rail provision and connectivity to the UK economy, in particular looking through the lenses of Levelling Up and Net Zero.

Transpennine Express Train