Here are the business stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
Scottish shop closure rate below UK average
Scotland’s shop closure rate remains below the UK trend, though one store still closed every day on average throughout 2023, new figures suggest.
The latest data from PwC and The Local Data Company (LDC) reveals that three stores closed each day in Scotland last year, with two new outlets opening, resulting in a net closure rate of one store per day.
The bi-annual research tracks more than 200,000 outlets in some 3,500 locations across the UK to gain a picture of the changing landscape of high streets, retail parks, shopping centres and stand-alone outlets.
Throughout 2023, a total of 1,069 stores north of the Border closed their doors, while 732 were opened - resulting in a net loss of 337 shops and outlets belonging to multiples and chains - classed as those with five or more outlets.
Scots Lib Dem leader says north-east voters will understand need to tax energy giants
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton says his party supports the extension of the windfall tax on the profits of energy giants.
It leaves the SNP as the only party opposed to the move after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced it would be extended to 2029.
In an interview with The Stooshie, Mr Cole-Hamilton said “fair minded” voters would accept why government is asking energy companies to pay their “fair share”.
He added: “The SNP have claimed that they don’t support that. I don’t understand how they square that with their Green partners."
John Lewis hints more job cuts to come despite profit rise
John Lewis has indicated it could cut jobs further, despite the retailer reporting a return to profit.
The retail partnership, which also owns the Waitrose supermarket chain, posted pre-tax profits of £56m compared with a £234m loss the year before.
However, it is not paying a staff bonus for the second year in a row.
The retailer said a "few hundred" roles were shed in 2023 as part of £88m in savings and it was eyeing similar cost cuts this year.
TikTok chief executive appeals directly to users to 'protect their constitutional rights' and oppose potential US ban
TikTok's chief executive has appealed to US users directly to stop a bill that could see the social media app banned in America.
Shou zi Chew appealed to the public via - what else - a video posted on the app.
"Keep sharing your stories, share them with your friends, share them with your family, share them with your Senators," he said.
Users have been campaigning to stop the bill since it was announced but on Wednesday, members of the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favour.
It now goes to the Senate. President Joe Biden has already indicated he would support the measures.