CEO Blog & News

Square Cinema Returns To St Andrew Square In June 2025

May 14, 2025

Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart […]

Essential Edinburgh Joins Business Representatives Across UK To Launch Policy Recommendations In Response To Business Rates Reform

March 6, 2025

High Streets UK, a pro-growth partnership of over 5,000 businesses across the country, released today a series of policy recommendations […]

We have revealed the Eat Out Edinburgh 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

February 17, 2025

Eat Out Edinburgh, our highly anticipated city-centre restaurant festival is open for bookings, as we release the full list of […]

Pro-growth business partnership forms to back flagship UK high streets

January 14, 2025

Essential Edinburgh has joined business representatives from the nation’s flagship high streets to launch High Streets UK, a new partnership […]

Edinburgh Cocktail Week Raises The Bar For 2024 Festival

September 4, 2024

Edinburgh Cocktail Week, supported by Essential Edinburgh, returns for 2024 with its most exciting lineup to date, featuring a 10-day […]

Spring Budget 2024: Disappointing Decision Not To Reintroduce Tax Free Shopping For Tourists

March 6, 2024

Essential Edinburgh share the industry’s frustration at the very disappointing news that the Treasury has not yet responded to the […]

Tax-Free U-Turn Would Drive Economy

February 5, 2024

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive at Essential Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to see progress in the campaign to reintroduce tax free shopping for international visitors. Essential Edinburgh have worked closely with the Association of International Retail and many top end brands to lobby for the reversal of this damaging tax. Hopefully in the lead up to the budget in March, the Chancellor will take a look at the economic evidence presented to him and support the tourism and retail sectors by reversing the current policy.”