Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker August 2026
Watch the recording of our August 2026 Understanding Scotland Economy briefing with Scott Edgar Diffley Partnership, Sam Miley, CEBR on behalf of Asda Income Tracker and Lesley Ann Gray of WorldPanel by Numerator.
August’s Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker insights briefing brings you new data alongside reflections from Worldpanel by Numerator and CEBR on behalf of Asda's Income Tracker.
The David Hume Institute's quarterly insights briefing provides insight into the Scottish economy and buying intentions with the latest results from the David Hume Institute's Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker produced in conjunction with the Diffley Partnership, accompanied with reflections from a fantastic panel.
The Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker data was presented by Scott Edgar of the Diffley Partnership. The survey helps us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
We will then heard reflections from Sam Miley of Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on behalf of Asda's Income Tracker and Lesley Ann Gray from Worldpanel by Numerator who analyse consumer baskets across Scotland.
After the reflections, there were audience questions and further discussion
The event was kindly supported by ASDA and the University of Edinburgh Business School.
About the speakers:
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership
Scott joined the Diffley Partnership following previous roles in social research in the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Since joining the business he has managed a wide range of research projects including two of Diffley Partnership’s regular quarterly surveys in Understanding Scotland and Understanding Business. Scott has significant expertise in statistical data analysis, research design, management of research projects and communication and has worked on several high profile and high impact projects. He has a degree in Political Research from the University of Strathclyde.
Sam Miley is Head of Forecasting and Thought Leadership at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Based in London, he specialises in macroeconomic forecasting, economic impact assessments, and analysing consumer finances, frequently providing expert commentary in financial media. Cebr undertake regular tracking research for supermarket chain Asda.
Lesley Ann Gray is Strategic Insight Director for Scotland at Worldpanel by Numerator who provide brands and retailers with a unique, 360-degree understanding of consumer behaviour around the world. You may remember Lesley Ann shared insights from the baskets of Scottish consumers this time last year and we are delighted to welcome her back again.
Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker May 2026
Watch the recording of our May 2026 Understanding Scotland Economy briefing with Karen Jackson of South of Scotland Enterprise, Hannah Blackford, Co-Chair B Local Scotland and Clare Winskill, Executive Chair of NC500.
Hear the latest results of our quarterly survey data collected just after the Scottish Parliament election. The recording below brings you the latest results from the David Hume Institute's economy tracker produced in partnership with the Diffley Partnership, and reflections from a fantastic panel. The event was kindly hosted by the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
At the event, the new data, collected immediately after the Scottish Parliament Election, was presented by Scott Edgar of the Diffley Partnership. The survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
We then heard reflections from our panel: Karen Jackson, Director of Strategy & Insight at South of Scotland Enterprise, Hannah Blackford, Co-Chair B Local Scotland and Clare Winskill, Executive Chair of NC500 Ltd.
About the speakers:
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership
Scott joined the Diffley Partnership following previous roles in social research in the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Since joining the business he has managed a wide range of research projects including two of Diffley Partnership’s regular quarterly surveys in Understanding Scotland and Understanding Business. Scott has significant expertise in statistical data analysis, research design, management of research projects and communication and has worked on several high profile and high impact projects. He has a degree in Political Research from the University of Strathclyde.
Clare Winskill, Executive Chair, NC500 Ltd
Clare is Executive Chair of NC500 Ltd where her focus is on steering the organisation into its second decade by championing regenerative tourism along one of the Highlands’ most iconic routes. She has over 15 years in hospitality as the Owner of Coruisk House and more than three years as a Director at the Scottish Tourism Alliance and is pursuing the IoD Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction to show her commitment to visible leadership supported by continuous learning.
Hannah Blackford, Co-Chair, B Local Scotland and Strategic Communications Adviser
Hannah is Co-Chair of B Local Scotland - a volunteer-led group of B Corp-certified companies and business leaders committed to advancing purpose-driven business and growing the B Corp movement in Scotland. She is an Account Director at the strategic communications agency, Muckle Media. She has supported many high-profile brands in protecting and building their reputations including Ferguson Marine, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, The All England Lawn Tennis Club and AstraZeneca. She is also a Trustee on the Board of a mental health charity based in Edinburgh.
Karen Jackson, Director of Strategy and Insight, South of Scotland Enterprise
Karen is the Director of Strategy and Insight at SOSE - the first of Scotland’s public agencies whose legislation promotes a wider view on the economy and how it impacts all we do, with a focus on the wellbeing of communities, the economy, and the environment across the South.
Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker November 2025
Watch the recording of our November 2025 Understanding Scotland Economy briefing with Shan Saba from Brightworks and Catherine McWilliam from the Institute of Directors
This breakfast briefing on the latest quarterly survey of over 2000 people in Scotland from the David Hume Institute in partnership with the Diffley Partnership. The event was kindly hosted by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
We heard the latest insights from new data collected in the first week of November 2025 from Scott Edgar of the Diffley Partnership. The survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
There will be reflections from Catherine McWilliam Director, Institute of Directors Scoltand and Shan Saba, Director of Brightworks, Scoltand's leading recruitment agency.
About the speakers:
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership
Scott joined the Diffley Partnership following previous roles in social research in the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Since joining the business he has managed a wide range of research projects including two of Diffley Partnership’s regular quarterly surveys in Understanding Scotland and Understanding Business. Scott has significant expertise in statistical data analysis, research design, management of research projects and communication and has worked on several high profile and high impact projects. He has a degree in Political Research from the University of Strathclyde.
Shan Saba, Director Brightwork Staffline
Shan is Director of Scotland’s largest recruitment agency, Brightwork Staffline as well as a regular contributor on BBC Scotland on topics ranging from recruitment, workplace changes, the future world of work and diversity related topics. He is also a Board Member of Moray Chamber of Commerce and a Founder Scotland Against Modern Slavery. He also finds the time to be a Trustee at Refugee Sanctuary Scotland and a Member University of Glasgow Court.
Catherine McWillian, Director, Institute of Directors Scotland
Catherine grew up on a dairy farm in the south west of Scotland. She joined IOD Scotland in October 2021, after a decade of experience working win small businesses and the third sector. She leads IOD's work in Scotland and is passionate about promoting good governance and diverse leadership.
Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker - August 2025 Insights
Catch up with our latest Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker and hear how the insights compare with those from people’s shopping baskets
Recorded 27th August 2025
Catch up with the August 2025 insights from the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker, our quarterly survey of over 2000 people in Scotland commissioned by the David Hume Institute working with the Diffley Partnership.
The insights are from new data collected in the first week of August 2025 and the reflectors focus on the changes in consumer behaviour.
Scott Edgar, from the Diffley Partnership, presented the latest findings which track economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
Following Scott we heard reflections on the new data from Lesley Ann Gray, Numerator’s Strategic Insight Director for Scotland's Food and Drink Industry and David Eiser, Director of Analysis, Research and Investigations of Consumer Scotland before questions from the audience. The event was kindly supported by The Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS).
About the speakers:
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership
Scott joined the Diffley Partnership following previous roles in social research in the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Since joining the business he has managed a wide range of research projects including two of Diffley Partnership’s regular quarterly surveys in Understanding Scotland and Understanding Business. Scott has significant expertise in statistical data analysis, research design, management of research projects and communication and has worked on several high profile and high impact projects. He has a degree in Political Research from the University of Strathclyde.
Lesley Ann Gray, Strategic Insight Director for the Food and Drink Industry, Numerator
Lesley Ann is Strategic Insight Director for Scotland for Worldpanel by Numerator who provide brands and retailers with a unique, 360-degree understanding of consumer behaviour around the world. Lesley Ann works with companies of all sizes, including the public sector, retailers and academics. She uses changing consumer behaviours, the impact of macro factors and analysis of category dynamics to help companies grow and feeds directly into their commercial and marketing strategies.
David Eiser, Director of Analysis, Research and Investigations, Consumer Scotland
David is Director of Research, Analysis and Investigations at Consumer Scotland, the statutory and independent consumer advocacy organisation for Scotland. David oversees the organisation’s research into consumer attitudes, behaviours and harms, and its analysis of the impact on consumers of policy and technological change. Previously David was a Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute. During this time he acted as adviser to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee, and was a Commissioner on the Scottish Government Poverty and Inequality Commission.
The event was supported by The Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS)