Purchasing managers report a sharp decline in business activity, Scotland needs urgent investment in its construction workforce, and an electrician uses a Tesla for work
Construction purchasing managers reported a sharp decline in business activity in October.
The Purchasing Managers Index fell at its steepest rate since June, dragged down by a weak-performing residential sector.
Activity in the housebuilding sector was at its lowest point since December 2025, stalled by a combination of low consumer confidence, high borrowing costs and ‘elevated’ risk aversion.
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Scotland needs urgent investment in its workforce if it’s to deliver the £100 billion in energy and infrastructure projects.
A report from CITB predicts that energy infrastructure projects in the Highlands and Islands could more than double the demand for construction workers if they proceed as planned.
The report concludes that future workforce needs had to be met primarily by developing local talent through training programmes and apprenticeships.
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An electrician in Australia has adapted his Model Y Tesla into his business van, which he reckons he runs for AUS$3 Australia dollars a week.
Brendan Lang, who runs Get Off Gas, a home electrification company, said he chose the Tesla because other electric vans lacked the combination of space, range and family practicality he needed.
Lang drew criticism for the car's high cost, but pushed back, saying pickups can now cost between $10,000 and $20,000 and have much higher running costs.
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