News

Banks and payment providers are set to gain the freedom to establish their own contactless transaction limits under new rules introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Effective from March 2026, this regulatory shift moves away from the current uniform industry cap, allowing institutions

Company insolvencies in Scotland fell by 14 per cent in November 2025 compared to the same month the previous year, with a total of 98 cases registered. This figure comprised 58 Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, 33 compulsory liquidations, and seven administrations, while no Company Voluntary

New statistics for November 2025 suggest a potential turning point for the UK economy, with R3, the trade body for restructuring and insolvency, describing the latest figures as a "glimmer of hope" for struggling businesses. Corporate insolvencies fell to 1,866 in November, representing an 8% decrea

Accounts for Digby Brown show that the personal injury firm's turnover increased from £46.7 million in 2023/24 to £53.8m in 2024/25 – a rise of more than 15%. And profits increased from £21.9m to £26.5m showing year-on-year growth of 21%.

The Scottish Arbitration Centre has launched a new mediation service to enhance its dispute resolution offering. Following the publication of its Mediation Rules in September, the centre has now launched the service. The service provides a new administered mediation scheme to support businesses and

Scotland’s housing market recorded a notable annual increase in October 2025, with the average property price rising to £192,000, up 3.3% compared to October 2024.

A man linked to serious organised crime has been jailed over a money laundering plot worth almost £12 million. Ronald Russell, 47, of Linwood, Renfrewshire, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting his role in the scheme. Mr Russell trie

HSBC has pledged to keep all 327 of its UK branches, including seven in Scotland, open until at least 2027. Underpinning this promise is a substantial £55.8 million investment earmarked for the coming year, representing a 30% increase on the £42m spent in 2025.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged the Scottish Government to use January’s Scottish Budget to protect small businesses facing significant non-domestic rates rises. Some of the stalwarts of local high streets, including independent pubs and post offices, are facing huge rates r

Hollywood Burgers & Shakes, a popular Edinburgh-based diner chain, has launched its first West Lothian branch as part of a strategic expansion. Situated on Mid Street in Bathgate, this new venture marks the company’s third Scottish outlet and has generated half-a-dozen jobs for the local a

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has urged UK politicians and regulators to adopt a holistic approach to business oversight, warning that the cumulative weight of red tape poses a significant threat to enterprise. In its response to Unlocking business: Reform driven by you,

FRP Advisory has achieved a 3% increase in profit before tax to £18.3 million for the six months ending 31 October 2025. The accountancy firm also reported a 12% increase in revenue to a record £87.1m. Underlying adjusted EBITDA rose by 3% to £23.0m.

Morrisons has been faced with a substantial £17m tax liability following a High Court defeat against HMRC regarding the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on rotisserie chickens. The ruling determined that whole cooked "cool-down" chickens are subject to the standard 20% VAT rate applicable

The CyberScotland Partnership has announced the addition of three new Partner organisations: Business Gateway, the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland and the Cyber and Fraud Hub. The announcement comes as preparations begin for CyberScotland Week 2026.

Aberdein Considine LLP has appointed contractual recoveries specialist Shilpi Jairath as operations director with its multi-award-winning lender services practice group. Based in the growing firm’s Newcastle office and with over 22 years of experience in contractual recoveries across consumer