News

Average fixed mortgage rates fell at their fastest monthly pace in almost two years during July, as lenders responded to lower swap rates and continued to restore product choice, according to Moneyfacts.

Scotland’s state-owned development bank is tightening its exposure to risk by backing companies with an established growth record and a clear market advantage in their sector. David Ritchie, who was installed as chief executive of the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) in January, has al

Recent reforms to England and Wales' Debt Relief Order (DRO) system have significantly expanded access to debt relief, with the removal of a £90 application fee driving the biggest increase in uptake, according to a review by the Insolvency Service.

AMS Accountants Group (AMS) has named Sean Dunn as partner and head of outsourced accounting as it focuses on the Edinburgh market. Based at Lochrin Square in the city, the Edinburgh expansion follows the Manchester-based group’s acquisition of Infinity Partnership in Aberdeen.

The Tax Advisory Group (TAG), which was established by the Scottish Government to give advice on tax policy, has been disbanded. The group was set up three years ago with the aim of benefiting from the shared wisdom of academics, economists and important figures from business and the third sector.

An ageing population could be a key driver in state pension spending nearly doubling its share of GDP in the next 50 years.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has declared an encouraging start to its five-year strategy to protect consumers while supporting growth.

Interest rates may have to increase in the coming year to help keep inflation in check, according to Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill. Although the Bank pinned borrowing costs at 3.75% last month, Mr Pill is wary of what lies ahead with concerns that demand in the economy had been running ah

Quilter has added Bellshill-based SRB Financial Planning to its advice network as a strategic partner firm.

Azets has promoted Aberdeen-based audit director Matthew Allan to Partner in a move designed to support growth plans. Mr Allan, who steps up with ambitions to build the firm’s profile across the north east of Scotland, joined the accountancy and business advisory company in June 2021 as an ass

Fraser Wilson has been appointed as PwC’s new market leader for Scotland. Two new Edinburgh-based partners have also been announced by the company.

More than 580,000 people who should have registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have failed to do so. Responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, HMRC data shows that 864,000 individuals and landlords should hav

A new British business investment visa (BBIV) aimed at high net worth individuals could add £900 million to the UK economy each year. Under proposals revealed today by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), applicants would invest £5 million over the lifetime of the visa made u

The National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) is planning to invest up to £1bn in venture capital by 2030 as part of a new strategy. The change in tact by the UK’s largest workplace pension scheme will see a stronger focus on unlisted UK companies.

The first half of 2026 has been a positive period for the UK IPO market, with the amount raised through market debuts more than trebling compared with the previous year. An EY report released today showed that seven IPOs took place, comprising three on the main market and four on AIM, raising a tota