Both lenders and borrowers should familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes to the law governing assignation and security over moveable property in Scotland which the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 (MTSA) will bring into effect from 1 April, writes Shonagh Brown. Historically, this
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Smaller businesses in Scotland are the most likely to say they struggle to access finance among the UK’s devolved nations, according to new research from the British Business Bank in conjunction with Business Gateway. The Scotland SME Access to Finance Report 2025 found that 42% of respondents
In today's Spring Statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a £14 billion package aimed at repairing the UK's public finances, following a downturn in economic growth and increased borrowing costs. This move comes just five months after her initial Budget in October. Despite the need fo
Wbg is urging business owners to act now ahead of the forthcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) mandate. MTD is the government's initiative to implement a fully digital tax system in the UK, whereby taxpayers keep digital records and use MTD-compatible software to make tax submissions electronically.
AG Barr has announced a 15.8% increase in adjusted pre-tax profits, reaching £58.5m for the year ending 25 January 2025. However, the company also revealed plans to discontinue its Strathmore water brand, potentially leading to the closure of its Forfar manufacturing site and 23 job losses, su
The Bank of England has maintained the base interest rate at 4.5% as concerns grow over the impact of trade conflicts on economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) faced a difficult decision, balancing a slowing economy against persistent inflationary pressures. The vote was split, with ei
Capital Credit Union (CCU) has recorded its highest-ever monthly intake of new members in its 35-year history, thanks to formal partnerships with Scotland’s sporting community and the greener energy supply chain. The Edinburgh-headquartered ethical lender attracted 522 new members in February
Phoenix Group shares experienced a surge of over 6% on Monday, following the company's announcement of significantly exceeding its cash generation targets and upgraded future guidance. The FTSE 100 firm, which owns Standard Life, reported a 31% increase in 2024 operating profit, reaching £825
The UK economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% in January, a setback for the government as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for the Spring Statement. This contraction, driven primarily by a decline in manufacturing, falls short of economists' predictions of 0.1% growth.
The Additional Dwelling Supplement rise is another blow to Scottish landlords, but opportunities remain in a sector which can bring rich rewards, argues Riccardo Giovanacci. The Scottish Government had another thoughtful Christmas present for landlords in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) in Dece
Loose Ends, a Lerwick-based knitting, yarn, and haberdashery shop, has more than doubled its turnover after receiving support from Business Gateway. The Commercial Street retailer, a vital resource for Shetland's textile makers and crafters, offers a wide range of products, including fabrics, knitti
At a special full Inverclyde Council meeting last week, councillors approved a three-year £65 million capital budget. Projects included in the £65m capital budget that was agreed are:
In this edition of our Just A Minute Q&A series, we speak to Rachel Ross, CEO designate of enterprise and business support organisation Elevator. It’s been an interesting journey from Army Officer in my 20s, purchasing a business in my 30s and then branching out into consultancy in my 40s.
James Milne Chartered Accountants has strengthened its Inverurie office with the appointment of Mark Hay as an accounts manager. A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) since 2006, Mr Hay brings extensive experience from his time at firms in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen.
Mint Ventures, the Scotland-based women-led angel investment group, is urging women across the nation to become angel investors – akin to Dragon's Den early stage investing – to re-balance the gender investment gap and provide greater funding for women and diverse founders This call to a
