Scotland's creeping back into growth territory. Just.

Royal Bank of Scotland's latest tracker shows business activity at 50.3 in August. 

Doesn't sound like much? You're right. But I've had 7 Finance Business Partner roles land on my desk in the last 4 weeks. That's more strategic FBP roles than I saw in the entire previous quarter.

And these aren't just backfills. These are newly created positions where companies want finance people who can actually shape what happens next, not just report on what already happened.

When I speak to the FDs hiring, they all say the same thing:

"We need someone who gets the commercial side, not just the technical stuff."

The data backs this up:

✔️ Services sector holding steady

✔️ Business confidence creeping up

✔️ But recruitment still cautious

Growth feels fragile because it is. But companies are starting to move.

The ones hiring now? They're betting on growth while others are still waiting for perfect conditions. And they'll get first pick of the talent.

One FD told me last week: "We can't afford to wait anymore. The best people won't be available when everyone else decides to hire."

Smart thinking.

If you're wondering how this affects your next move, drop me a message. I can share exactly which companies are recruiting, what they're paying, and why they're moving now.