News

UK inflation has eased to 3% in January, reaching its lowest level since March 2025 and sparking renewed debate over the timing of a Bank of England interest rate cut. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the slowdown from December's 3.4% was primarily driven by falling petrol pric

The House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts has published a scathing assessment of National Savings & Investments’ (NS&I) Business Transformation Programme, labelling the multi-billion-pound initiative a "full-spectrum disaster". Originally launched in 2020 as Project Rainbow to

BAE Systems has reported a robust financial and operational performance in its 2025 full-year results, underpinned by a record order backlog of £83.6 billion. Amidst escalating global security challenges, the company achieved a 10% increase in sales to £30.7bn and a 12% rise in underlyin

BDO UK and BDO Ireland have exchanged contracts following a successful partner vote for the proposed merger of the two organisations. Completion is expected in Spring 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

AAB has appointed Lorraine Quinn as partner and head of audit for its Glasgow office. Ms Quinn joins AAB from PwC, during her tenure, she led complex audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients, supporting businesses across a range of sectors with high-quality assurance, regulatory complian

Early seasonally adjusted estimates for January 2026 have revealed that there were 2.45 million payrolled employees in Scotland, representing a 0.2% decrease of 6,000 people compared to the previous year. While this decline is notable, it remains more resilient than the wider UK figure, which saw a

The Private Business Awards 2026, sponsored by BDO, have officially launched, with nominations now open to private or PE-backed businesses in Scotland with a turnover of over £10 million. The second year of the awards programme, which serves to celebrate the businesses that drive UK economic g

The Scottish business landscape showed signs of marginal stabilisation in January 2026, with registered company insolvencies falling by 1% compared to the previous year. A total of 74 insolvencies were recorded during the month, consisting of 42 creditors’ voluntary liquidations and 32 compuls

ProPharm Services, one of Scotland’s independent providers of pharmacy and prescribing support services, has expanded its service offering following support from Business Gateway East Renfrewshire.

Edinburgh-based sour beer producer Vault City is on track for its best-ever year, with turnover expected to reach £10 million in the next two years despite the slowdown across the craft brewing sector.  The specialist brewer reported that sales surged 38% year-on-year between April and De

Some of Scotland’s start-up tech companies will have the chance to secure orders and build contacts in New York and New Jersey under an expansion of the Techscaler International programme. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced that the programme’s first visit to the east coast of t

UK bank executives are set to convene this Thursday for their first meeting to establish a domestic alternative to Visa and Mastercard. Chaired by Barclays UK chief executive Vim Maru, the group of City funders aims to develop a sovereign payment infrastructure to safeguard the UK economy against po

Anderson Strathern has announced the appointment of Dawn MacPherson as a partner. Ms MacPherson, who will be based in Edinburgh, joins the firm’s English commercial property team, led by Iain Grieve.

Rory Brown has joined Inksters Solicitors as a consultant solicitor in Edinburgh. Mr Brown has many years of experience both in private practice and recently in-house for a large events company. With expertise in commercial contracts, cybersecurity, data protection and insurance law, Rory has been f

Springfield Properties has reported a steady first half, delivering higher profit before tax and sharply reduced bank debt, as the housebuilder accelerates its strategic shift toward major opportunities emerging in the North of Scotland. The board said the performance gives confidence that full‑ye