News

A celebrity chef has won defamation proceedings brought against a food critic who wrote a scathing review of his "bland risotto".

HMRC is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month, giving them extra time, if they need it, to complete their 2020/21 tax return and pay any tax due. HMRC is encouraging taxpayers to file and pay on time if they can, as the department reveals that, of

Alistair McAlinden, Interpath Advisory's managing director (Scotland) speaks to Rosemary Gallagher for Scottish Construction Now about how existing advisors within businesses of all sizes can be supported on their journey and through any challenges. A perfect storm is affecting t

Archangels, the Edinburgh-based business angel investment group, led investments totalling a record £23.7 million in promising Scottish tech and life sciences companies during 2021. In a packed year of corporate activity for Archangels, the 11 investments, totalling £23.7m (2020: £

Small businesses in Scotland ramped up their spending on innovation during the first year of the pandemic, according to new figures published by Glasgow-based MCC Accountants. Firms of less than 250 employees invested £143 million in research in development in 2020. That’s a 23%rise from

As the new year gets underway, Johnston Carmichael’s experts look ahead with some optimism, despite the challenges, predicting continued opportunities as the firm adopts a low carbon economy, and increased adoption of technology creates efficiencies. 2021 was another challenging year for Scott

Jason Morris has been appointed regional leader for PwC in Scotland, replacing Claire Reid, who is leaving the role to become UK head of forensics. Mr Morris is a transaction services partner, based in Edinburgh, where he leads the 80-strong Deals practice.

Aberdeen-based restructuring and insolvency expert Richard Bathgate has been appointed as the chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in Scotland. Mr Bathgate, who is Restructuring Partner at Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent firm of accountants and business advis

EQ Accountants has appointed Greg Stapley as its new senior audit manager in its Glenrothes office. Greg Stapley joined EQ on Monday 3 January, having previously worked at AAB in Edinburgh as an audit senior manager. Originally from Kent where he qualified with ICAEW in 2004, he is now based in Dunf

House prices across Scotland rose by 8.8% on average throughout 2021, more than the UK average of 6.2%, according to the latest figures released by Bank of Scotland. The average Scottish home now costs £207,778, an increase of £16,761 on 2020’s figure of £191,017.

RSM UK in Scotland has advised on over 30 deals this year, with a combined value of over £400 million. This equates to a 75% uplift in value when compared to last year and an increase of 228% when compared with pre-pandemic levels.

In a bid to boost buying power and help UK homeowners into their ‘forever homes’ sooner, Habito, the digital mortgage broker, lender and home buying service, has announced enhanced lending criteria of its fixed-for-life Habito One mortgage.

Kevin Ellis, the UK chair and senior partner at Big Four firm PwC UK, has said that criticism of the accountancy sector from MPs and regulators is hindering the sector's ability to recruit new staff. In an interview with the Financial Times in late December, Mr Ellis highlighted that retaining quali

Brown Shipley, a Quintet Private Bank, has appointed Kenny Cummings as a financial planner, based in Edinburgh, bolstering its wealth planning team in Scotland. Mr Cummings will report to Matt Hoyne, head of the Edinburgh office and work with Rebecca Williams, head of wealth planning in the UK.

High street banks in the UK have started to track customers' 'walking style' in an effort to counter fraud.