Search: financial focus

Retailers are warning of the risks and consequences for Scotland’s high streets from inaction on business rates as other parts of the UK press ahead with permanent rates reductions for shops from April. Both the UK and Welsh governments have recognised retailers pay a disproportionate amount i

Digital project consultancy Waracle has acquired HackSoft, a software development consultancy based in Sofia, Bulgaria. This deal marks a significant milestone for Waracle, representing its first geographic expansion outside the United Kingdom.

Accountancy body ACCA has announced a new partnership aimed at helping MPs understand the challenges and opportunities facing its members.

Edinburgh-based Multrees Investor Services has announced two senior leadership appointments, with Martyn Johnson becoming chief operating officer and Carole Lamond appointed chief culture and communications officer. Multrees provides bespoke custody, investment administration, and platform services

Law firms Perkins Coie and Ashurst, which has an office in Glasgow, are to merge to form Ashurst Perkins Coie. The new firm's footprint will span 52 offices in 23 countries, with flagship hubs in Seattle, London, Sydney and New York.

Wood Group shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the recommended £216 million cash acquisition of the firm by Sidara. A resolution to approve the Scheme of Arrangement passed with 89.07% in favour, bringing discussions over the future of the company, formerly led by Sir Ian Wood to a concl

From the start of December, UK bank customers will benefit from an increase to the maximum amount they would be reimbursed for if their bank were to fail.  

Cashflow is king and critical to the viability of an SME but small changes to policies and processes could make a major difference to financial performance, according to Azets. Nicola Campbell, partner and head of accountancy and business advisory services at Azets in Glasgow, has outlined five key

FRP Advisory has acquired Arc & Co Structured Finance Limited (Arc & Co) as it continues its national expansion. Headquartered in London, Arc & Co provides FCA-regulated financial advisory services to UK and international clients in the real estate sector. Since 2008, it has built a repu

A fortune teller has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding around £35 million from clients. The 53-year-old woman, who also presented herself as a feng shui master, allegedly preyed on clients by predicting that there was a "billionaire" in their future.

Senior executives from HSBC and Barclays have warned Westminster that UK banks are being put at a significant disadvantage by "onerous" capital rules, losing ground to Wall Street rivals and the fast-growing private credit sector. Speaking to the House of Lords financial services regulation committe

Crypto exchange Coinbase is launching a significant challenge to UK fintechs and traditional banks with a new high-interest savings account.

After nearly three decades in the world of corporate finance, banker Mark Hull has made a radical career change, trading his desk for the outdoors to launch the new Greensleeves Lawn Care franchise in South Glasgow. Originally from Belfast, Mr Hull initially trained as a chartered accountant and wen

The income threshold requiring a full audit for Scottish charities is set to double from £500,000 to £1 million, significantly reducing the administrative and financial burden on the sector. Secondary legislation has been laid in the Scottish Parliament which, if approved by MSPs, will t

HSBC UK has introduced a new maximum mortgage loan-to-income (LTI) ratio of 6.5 times annual income for its Premier customers.