Opinion

Neil Norman writes on the importance of supporting scale-up businesses to generate wider economic growth, how the UK is failing in this, and what deeds to be done to improve the landscape. We know Scotland has an established, well-recognised and thriving start-up ecosystem. We also know that we have

Karen Thomson, payroll director at AAB, discusses how firms can help their employees and the wider business through the current cost of living crisis. With inflation at a 40-year high and the threat of more hikes in interest rates, employees are really feeling the pinch.

Restructuring and insolvency specialists Dunedin Advisory discusses the implication of Bounce Back loan on the UK economy. Covid bounce back loans were introduced by the Government in early 2020 in response to difficulties experienced by small businesses during the Covid 19 Pandemic and subsequent l

Paul Williamson of Selling My Business, a Begbies Traynor affiliate company, runs through all that’s required when preparing a business sale in the run-up to retirement, appointing an advisor, valuing a business and timing the sale of the business. Business owners approaching retirement will n

The Court of Session has confirmed that courts will enforce any alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provisions which are written into contracts and will uphold the power and discretion of the decision makers in those processes, writes Steven Blane. Lord Lake’s opinion demonstrates that t

Stuart Dickson, senior investment director at Edinburgh-based Adam & Company Wealth Management, discusses the current financial market. Nostalgia for the 1980s seems to be everywhere at the moment.

Michael Reid, managing partner at Meston Reid & Co, highlights the need for well managed accounts. There has been a marked increase over the last few months in those seeking independent and experienced advice about the financial condition of their business because the overt signs are that the bu

Ian Marshall, business advisory services director & head of tech strategy at AAB, discusses the benefits of investing in the right type of financial guidance. The Tech sector in Scotland has received a great deal of media coverage in the last six months, albeit at a macro level.

Betsy Williamson, founder and chief executive of Core-Asset Consulting, reveals why Scotland should not be shocked by the UK's tax cuts. On the face of it, the First Minister’s reaction to “not blindly follow suit” is perhaps understandable in the aftermath of Westminster’s m

Mark Stewart, partner, corporate finance and head of energy, infrastructure and sustainability at Johnston Carmichael, discusses the importance of ESG reporting. Climate change and energy transition, shifting from a linear to a circular economy, rising inequality, balancing economic needs with those

With debt rising across many sectors of the community due to unprecedented energy and fuel increases, how to deal and manage it will be key for those who find themselves struggling to cope. Restructuring and insolvency specialists Dunedin Advisory offers advice.

Mark Stewart, partner of corporate finance and head of energy, infrastructure and sustainability at business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, highlights the limitations of Prime Minister Liz Truss' Energy Price Guarantee announced last week. From October 1, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee

Michael Reid, managing partner at Meston Reid & Co, discusses how company directors should act in moments of financial difficulty and what considerations they should have. When consulting with a director about company matters, it is quite common for words such as “me” and “my b

A six-year-long trademark dispute between Sky and SkyKick will finally be decided by the UK’s Supreme Court later this year – a decision which may have significant implications for brand owners. In the UK, trademark applications must designate not only the trademark itself, but also the

Pinsent Masons' senior associate, Graham Horsman, discusses the current economic impact of interest rates on rent. Interest rates are on the rise and expected to hit unprecedented levels with some observers predicting a recession on the horizon – both of which will impact commercial tenants an