Search: financial focus

The UK government is set to launch a consultation in early 2026 regarding the future of the Lifetime ISA (LISA), signalling an intention to replace the current scheme with a new, simpler product aimed at first-time buyers. According to Budget 2025 documents, the move is designed to untangle the comp

ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust) has been formally credit rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 10 with 20 credits (representing 200 learning hours).  SCQF Level 10 – p

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her second Budget today under chaotic circumstances, as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally released its economic forecasts before she had even taken to the despatch box. Reeves branded the breach "deeply disappointing" and a "serious error", co

ABI members paid out a record £4.6 billion in property insurance claims during the first nine months of the year, helping thousands of homeowners and businesses to recover from unwanted and unexpected events. Claims payouts for the year so far are £155 million (3%) higher compared to the

A new ACCA publication, Digital Pathways Playbook: Accountants as leaders in digital adoption for SMEs, shows that accountants are the catalysts for small-business digital transformation. Drawn from the experiences of 1,026 finance professionals in over 100 markets, the playbook charts six leve

Landlords need to be aware of the potential future impact of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, according to property firm DJ Alexander Ltd. The firm is concerned that many landlords may not appreciate the significance of the changes outlined in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which has now received

The launch of the new Fair Work Agency (FWA) next April will see the introduction of a raft of new employment rights with businesses risking fines and other penalties if they do not comply, experts from Azets have warned. "The creation of the FWA marks a step change in the government’s attitud

SBP Accountants & Business Advisers (SBP) has successfully delivered a seven-figure funding package from the Royal Bank of Scotland for long standing client David Patience, owner of CLS Marine Ltd, enabling the purchase of a new trawler vessel and powering the business into its next phase o

An increase in public sector borrowing is intensifying pressure ahead of the Autumn Budget, Professor Joe Nellis writes. Public sector borrowing came in at £17.43bn for October, painting a challenging picture for the public finances and reinforcing the fiscal squeeze facing the Chancellor ahea

Glasgow Kelvin College has delivered a £194 million boost to the Scottish economy, according to a new independent report.

MHA has enjoyed an 8.8% increase in pre-tax profits to £18.5 million after recording revenue of £121.3 million in the first half of the 2026 fiscal year. The professional services provider of audit and assurance, tax, accountancy and advisory services today announced the interim full-yea

Edinburgh-headquartered Rhizocore Technologies, a biotechnology company which uses fungi to improve tree growth and survival rates, has secured £4.5 million in investment to scale its innovative approach to forestry and woodland restoration. The funding round was led by The First Thirty, a spe

Scottish ministers have extended a consultation on new mental health moratorium rules amid efforts to improve debt protections for people struggling with mental illness, writes Ahsan Mustafa. On 14 November, Ivan McKeen, minister for public finance, extended the consultation on the draft Mental Heal

Scottish accountancy firm Henderson Loggie is urging Scottish charities to take early action as changes to both the audit threshold and the Charities SORP 2026 create a new and more complex reporting landscape. The Scottish Government has announced that the statutory audit threshold will rise for th

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has appointed Katie Close CA as its new director of tax. Katie Close will lead the ICAS tax team, overseeing technical content and resources for over 24,000 members working in more than 85 countries.