US President Donald Trump has announced the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky imports, in a move that distillers have described as a significant boost for an industry that had been losing millions of pounds a week in the world's most lucrative export market. The decision, unveiled on Truth Social
George Iordanov-Nalbantov
Propelled by a 60% year-on-year surge in Stocks and Shares ISA and Junior ISA sales, Scottish Friendly has posted overall sales of £56.1 million (annual premium equivalent) for the year ending 31 December 2025. The society’s assets under management climbed to £4.4 billion, supporte
The UK government has formalised an amendment to the Pension Schemes Bill, marking a shift in how retirement funds can access private markets. By backing down on previous restrictive language, ministers have ensured that the new legislation remains "wrapper agnostic", focusing on the quality an
Santander UK's pre-tax profits declined 44% to £202 million in its first-quarter results for 2026.
Scotland’s economy experienced a modest expansion in the three months to February 2026, with onshore GDP rising by 0.2%. This followed a marginal increase of 0.1% in the preceding three-month period ending in January. While monthly figures for February showed slight growth of 0.1%, this repres
Lloyds Banking Group has posted a 33% rise in statutory profit before tax to £2.0 billion, for the first quarter of 2026, but has shared concerns over the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The Bank of Scotland-owner's Q1 growth was underpinned by an 8% rise in underlying net interes
Scottish Bakers has launched its Bakery Category Insight Reports 2026 in collaboration with global bakery supplier Dawn Foods, revealing that Scotland's combined sweet and savoury bakery market is now worth more than £1.45 billion. The data-led resource draws on consumer panel data from NIQ, c
The City of Edinburgh Council has suspended a plan to charge second home owners four times the standard rate of council tax, just weeks after it came into force. The pause, which lasts six months, follows legal advice and a series of representations from affected homeowners.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Autumn Budget has drawn a sharp intake of breath from Scotland’s financial and business community.
First Minister John Swinney has set out the SNP Government's new Programme for Government, outlining several of financial commitments aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and fostering a more supportive business environment in Scotland. For businesses, the First Minister pledged no further diver
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly moves from a futuristic concept to a practical tool within the accountancy profession, firms across Scotland are grappling with its potential, integrating AI to enhance efficiency while navigating the risks and ethical considerations. Leading Scottish accounta
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a rise in capital gains tax (CGT) and employers' national insurance contributions (NIC) in today's Autumn Budget statement.
Dundee-based SPAR wholesaler and convenience retailer CJ Lang & Son Ltd has reported a 14.2% rise in net turnover to £253 million and an 8% increase in pre-tax profits to £4m for the year ended 28 April 2024. In the last year, the family-owned business, acquired 12 new company stores
Hamiltons Law Accountants has promoted Jade Blair to head of law accountancy. Ms Blair has been with Hamilton Law Accountants since it opened its doors in October 2023, and initially started as a trainee law accountant at its predecessor firm Hamilton Mullan Law Accountants.
Largo Leisure Parks has formally launched an £800,000 development, expanding its Sauchope Links holiday park, with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. The project, at the coastal park near Crail, is part of an overall investment programme by private equity firm Limerston Capital,
