Search: financial focus

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has reported a strong year of investment and job creation, with over 1,200 jobs set to be created or retained in the region, including 82 jobs in fragile areas. The outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interven

Begbies Traynor Group has reported its tenth consecutive year of growth, boosted by both a surge in small business insolvencies and a promising outlook for the property sector. The firm posted a pretax profit of £22 million for the year ended 30 April 2024, up from £20.7m the previo

A new survey by HSBC UK reveals Scots are more confident about their debt management knowledge than the rest of the UK, as 72% of Scottish respondents understand debt consolidation, exceeding the UK average. In Glasgow, this figure rises to 76%, demonstrating a strong awareness of financial options.

The Scottish government is seeking to address some of the overly restrictive aspects of the short-term let licensing rules, but the measures may not be enough to tackle “unnecessary” regulation and financial burdens faced by the Scottish tourism industry, writes Kirsty Gallacher. In

A recent survey of nearly 100 Scottish finance leaders has revealed a sector poised for AI-driven transformation.

More than a third of young adults in the UK believe crypto is an important electoral issue, according to new data. Research commissioned by Edinburgh-based fintech Zumo and conducted by Focaldata reveals 34% of both 18-24 and 25-34 year-olds think the growth of the crypto industry should be front of

Despite improved transparency, a Holyrood committee has found that inconsistency, bureaucracy, and inflexibility are still creating challenges for small businesses and third sector organisations looking to participate in public procurement. A decade on from the introduction of the Procurement Reform

Insurance brokerage Lockton Corporate Scotland is marking its 10-year anniversary since opening of its offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow. Since its inception, Lockton Corporate Scotland has achieved double-digit growth year after year.

Over 100 female students from across Scotland attended the inaugural Careers Insight Day at Edinburgh Napier University. Organised by the financial services charity Future Asset, the event aimed to encourage young women to consider careers in the male-dominated sector, where only 12% of UK fund mana

International students studying at the University of Dundee are making a significant contribution to the local economy, generating £329 million annually for the Tayside and Fife regions, new figures have revealed. Findings published by HEPI and Kaplan International Pathways show that the parli

A former director of a haulage firm has been imprisoned for 16 months over a fraud involving police escort contracts. James Campbell altered paperwork for services provided to the firm by police in Scotland and Wales and overcharged a Spanish company by £110,000 for the transportation of wind

Scotland's council tax collection rate fell slightly in 2023-24, reaching 95.5%, down from 96.2% the previous fiscal year, according to the latest figures released by Scotland's Chief Statistician.

Starling Group, has marked its third consecutive year of profitability, posting a 54.7% surge in pre-tax profits to £301.1 million for the year ending 31 March. Revenue at the group – which comprises challenger bank Starling Bank, Engine by Starling and Fleet Mortgages – also saw a

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) has officially opened for business, unlocking investment incentives for the region. This follows approval from the Scottish and UK governments of its outline business case and the designation of three tax sites in Grangemouth, Rosyth, and the Mid-Forth region (Lei

The University of Dundee is hosting a series of lectures by Professor Werner De Bondt this week, including the School of Business’ flagship event of the year, the Ronald Coase Lecture. Professor Werner De Bondt, a pioneering figure in behavioural finance, will share his extensive research on t