Search: financial focus

Mark Sterritt looks at the impact of the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland in its first year, highlighting how it has supported diverse businesses across the country and addressed historical funding imbalances. While there’s no doubt that Scotland’s entrepreneurial spirit i

Too many small and medium enterprises across Scotland are putting their futures at risk by not pursuing all money owed to them, a disputes lawyer has warned. John Bett believes that myths surrounding the legal avenues available to secure outstanding debts put off many smaller business owners from ta

New moveable property reforms are due to come into force in Scotland in April, brought about in response to widespread concerns that the current legal framework was outdated and inhibited economic growth, writes Ahsan Mustafa. The Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 was enacted on 13 June

A Melrose-based entrepreneur is set to revolutionise Scottish agriculture by becoming the first in the country to offer advanced crop spraying services using a state-of-the-art, supersized drone. James Braid, founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, secured funding from the Investment Fund for Scotland to acq

NatWest has announced a rise in annual profits, boosted by loan growth, improved margins, and low default rates, despite a weakening UK economy in the latter half of the year. The bank reported net income of £4.8 billion, up from £4.6bn the previous year.

Dean Beale, chief executive of the Insolvency Service, has announced his departure from the agency this May. Mr Beale has worked in the insolvency sector for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and has been chief executive of the Insolvency Service since 2019.

Edinburgh-based consultancy Optima Partners – which helps businesses solve challenges by integrating AI, machine learning, and GenAI – has announced a record year of expansion, achieving 40% turnover growth in FY24. This hypergrowth, as defined by the World Economic Forum, puts the firm

Legal and business services provider DWF has made 15 promotions across its Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. Key promotions include Caroline Coyle and Danny McClymont, both elevated to director in Glasgow. Within the firm's insurance practice, Maggie Keir (Edinburgh), Harriet Tooley and Rachel Heathcot

With assistance from Avison Young, renewable recruitment firm Taylor Hopkinson has secured new 10,812 sq ft office premises in Glasgow city centre. Avison Young carried out a comprehensive search of the office market on Taylor Hopkinson’s behalf and negotiated terms to secure the space.

The North-east of Scotland's finance, tax, and accountancy firms are set to be celebrated at the inaugural Finance & Accountancy Business (FAB) Awards. The event celebrating trailblazers and top performers who are driving the region's financial sector forward, will be held at Aberdeen’s Un

Lloyds Banking Group, owner of Bank of Scotland and the UK's largest retail lender, has announced plans to transform its Edinburgh city centre site into a state-of-the-art innovation hub.

Apex Hotels Limited, the family-owned hotel group, has hailed another year of strong trading performance as the firm posted a profit before tax of £28.4 million.  The group’s annual accounts for the 12 months ending 30 April 2024, show continuing growth in revenues (£79.4m), u

The FTSE 100 index surged to a new record high of 8480.36 points in early trading, surpassing its previous intraday high set in May 2023. This three-day rally was fuelled by a surprise drop in UK inflation, bolstering expectations of more interest rate cuts by the Bank of England later this year.

Perth and Kinross has been identified as the top local authority in the UK for having the strongest growth potential among its businesses. The recognition, announced at an event today, follows analysis of the expected distribution and value of business growth across the UK for the year ahead. Consid

EY's failed attempt to spin off its consulting arm, known as Project Everest, left the firm with a hefty debt that took longer than expected to clear, according to its latest yearly account. Despite aiming to repay the $700 million (c. £575m) credit facility by July 2024, the Big Four firm sti