Search: financial focus

Mid-sized businesses in Scotland are setting their sights on growth in 2026, but are facing challenges around access to finance as cost pressures loom, according to the latest research from BDO. The firm’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses – companies with re

The United Kingdom's economy recorded zero growth in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as weakness across key sectors of the economy compounded an already fragile outlook. The services sector, which accounts for the largest share of economic output, showed no growth dur

A former manager at Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) controversial Global Restructuring Group (GRG) has pleaded guilty to bribery and extortion after accepting £274,811 in corrupt payments from customers in exchange for preferential treatment of their businesses. Stuart Holloway, 48, of Bury, Gr

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for Glasgow to establish a fire recovery fund to help small businesses get back on their feet following the devastating Union Street fire. Scores of small businesses have been affected by the huge blaze which has resulted in the closure of a large

The fuse is burning down on the UK government’s inheritance tax (IHT) changes for farmers, experts from Azets have warned. Under the Finance Act 2026, new restrictions will apply to the amount of Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs available to farmers dying post 5 April 2026.

Pension and investment mutual Royal London has posted an 18% rise in profits, with its Scottish operations playing a central role in the company's continued growth. The mutual, which employs around 1,800 people across offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, reported an 18% rise in adjusted profit before t

Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn has collapsed into administration, with its brand and global intellectual property acquired by C&C Group in a £4.5 million deal struck as part of a pre-packaged sale. The business entered administration on Friday 6 March, when Christopher Jon Bennett,

A Scottish digital marketing business is helping businesses across the country grow their turnover and strengthen their online presence, thanks to tailored support from Business Gateway. Established in 1997, Toltech Digital is one of Scotland’s longest-standing digital marketing agencies, offe

Scotland’s favourable tax reliefs make it a more attractive proposition for property investors and landlords according to DJ Alexander Ltd. The lettings and estate agency points out that Scotland and Wales are now the only two countries of the United Kingdom which have favourable tax relief on

Over £2.5 billion of new finance can be available to businesses across Scotland in 2026, helping them grow, invest and create new jobs.

Capital Credit Union has launched a new 100% loan-to-value mortgage designed to make homeownership possible without the need for a deposit. The variable rate product allows eligible first-time buyers to borrow up to £300,000, helping those who may have a strong track record of paying rent but

Armstrong Watson has marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week with a celebration of the growing number of trainees beginning their careers with the firm, and strengthening the support they receive following the appointment of technical training director, Chris Soan – former Associate Dean of Educat

BrewDog has been acquired by the American conglomerate Tilray Brands. The New York-based cannabis and lifestyle giant secured the Aberdeenshire-founded firm for £33 million in a pre-pack administration deal.

MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, has made a raft of senior appointments and partner promotions as it continues to grow its Scotland team. In Edinburgh, the firm has appointed Stephen Thom as corporate tax partner and Joshua Williams as personal client tax director, alongside the

Diageo shares tumbled as much as 6.5% on Wednesday after new chief executive Sir Dave Lewis, nicknamed ‘Drastic Dave’ for his history of aggressive cost-cutting, slashed the interim dividend to 20 cents. The decision aims to bolster the balance sheet of the FTSE 100 giant, which owns Gui