News

More than 30 business figures have made a public commitment to support Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to be First Minister. The entrepreneurs and company owners say Mr Sarwar would be “transformational” for businesses who accuse the SNP of failing to understand the economy.

Diageo has reported a surprise return to sales growth in its third quarter, helped by distributors stocking up ahead of the Fifa World Cup, even as the drinks giant continues to grapple with a steep downturn in its critical US market. The FTSE 100 company, which owns brands including Johnnie Walker,

The UK gilt market is bracing for volatility as Thursday's regional and local elections threaten to trigger political upheaval that could reshape fiscal policy. The yield on 30-year gilts has surged to its highest level since May 1998, reflecting investor anxiety over what might follow a potentially

The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a market-wide review into claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms, citing mounting concerns that consumers are being let down by aggressive marketing, misleading advertising and unfair exit fees.

A global study of venture capital investors and tech developers active in the low-carbon space found that 99% of UK respondents have invested in or already developed a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, with 79% saying they plan to do so in the next year. The research conducted by Pinsent Mas

Corporate finance advisory firm HNH Partners has reported a record year across its Edinburgh and Belfast offices, completing 40 transactions worth in excess of £525m over the past 12 months despite persistent headwinds in the broader deal market. The mergers and acquisitions specialist has acc

Lanarkshire-based Accountants Plus has reached a major milestone with the establishment of a new headquarters building in Motherwell’s Airbles Road. The move follows a period of growth, with annual fee income increasing almost four‑fold in seven years from around £750,000 in 2019 to &p

Private equity-backed businesses have a growing appetite for international expansion, despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty facing Scottish mid-market companies, according to BDO. The latest research from the accountancy firm shows more than three-fifths of PE-backed businesses (64%) are look

The Aberdeen office of Azets has made its first partner-level external hire with the appointment of Brian McMurray. Mr McMurray joins the firm from global procurement company ESWL, where he served as finance director. He brings significant experience across both practice and industry, having previou

Maven Capital Partners has completed the final sale from its Paradigm Portfolio, following the disposal of four properties at Nova Technology Park, north of Glasgow city centre, delivering a total return of 2.5x and IRR of 18% p.a. for investors.

A treasure trove of personal items from the late Matthew Perry's estate is heading to auction next month, with proceeds benefiting the foundation established in the actor's name to support those struggling with addiction.

Aberdeen Investments has promoted Kate McGrath to head of ESG, fixed income, succeeding Marianne Zangerl who has been appointed global head of multi asset and alternative investment solutions. Ms McGrath will report to Jonathan Mondillo, global head of fixed income at Aberdeen, and will work closely

The number of new technology companies incorporated in Scotland the first quarter of 2026 surged, despite geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, according to RSM UK. RSM’s analysis shows there were 687 new tech incorporations in Q1 2026, up 70% from 405 the same quarter last year, and increasi

Santander UK has completed its £2.65 billion all-cash acquisition of TSB Banking Group, finalising a deal that ranks as the single largest investment in the UK banking sector for over 15 years. Completion took place on 30 April 2026, following regulatory approval from the Prudential Regulation

Conveyancing solicitors and payroll teams in Scotland are among local professional advisers who may find themselves on the wrong side of the law from this month – with penalties of up to £10,000 for compliance breaches. They must, under the wide definition of ‘tax adviser’, m