Opinion

Ahead of World Intellectual Property Day, Alastair explores Smith the crucial significance of intellectual property rights in protecting the creative work and ensuring the commercial success of musicians and composers. It is arguably the most iconic movie signature tune of all time, recognisable fro

Plans to reward people who report corporate crime within their own organisation are to be taken forward by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) over the next year, writes Tom Stocker. In its latest annual business plan the SFO lists “progress whistleblower incentivisation reform” as

Grant Strachan discusses the risks associated with investing in Scotch whisky casks, highlighting recent fraudulent activities, and advises potential buyers on the essential due diligence required to protect their investments in an unregulated market. The recent BBC documentary Disclosure: Hunting t

Simon McKeating discusses the vital role of Scotland's food and drink industry in meeting the nation's 2045 Net Zero target, addressing common misconceptions, outlining the challenges and opportunities involved, and stressing the importance of a 'just transition' for the sector. Every day that passe

Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee chair Jackie Leiper explores how financial institutions can help bridge Scotland’s affordable housing gap and why unlocking private capital and accelerating cross-sector partnerships is critical to solving the crisis and driving long-te

Stuart McCallum examines the potential consequences of higher US tariffs on two of Scotlands key exports – whisky and salmon – considering how producers might adapt and the possible effects on consumers and the wider economy. Whisky and salmon are two of the largest exports from the UK s

New regulations are now in force to protect lowest earning debtors, writes Ahsan Mustafa. An Earnings Arrestment Schedule is an effective method of diligence which puts the onus on a debtor’s employer to repay the debt through deducting the employee’s wages. Breach of an Earnings Arrestm

While much attention was focused on last week’s Spring Statement delivered by Rachel Reeves, most employers are preparing themselves for later this week when her plan to increase National Insurance Contributions (NIC), outlined in the Autumn Budget, comes into effect, writes Craig Rothnie. Whe

The financial woes at notable Scottish universities are making headlines. Faced with rising costs, including staff pension provisions and salaries and new immigration rules (responsible in part for reduced income streams), decision makers at the University of Edinburgh and University of Dundee face

Both lenders and borrowers should familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes to the law governing assignation and security over moveable property in Scotland which the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 (MTSA) will bring into effect from 1 April, writes Shonagh Brown. Historically, this

Despite the Conservatives branding it an ‘emergency budget’, the Spring Statement brought very few surprises and no further tax increases, writes Alan Stewart. It was a defensive statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who set out to show the Labour party was ‘on the side of worki

Ahead of next week's Spring Statement, Joe Nellis explores the Chancellor's dwindling fiscal headroom and potential policy responses, including changes to borrowing rules, tax rises, and spending cuts, in light of a deteriorating economic outlook. The Chancellor has had her fiscal headroom of an est

The UK government has initiated a public consultation to develop a new tax mechanism aimed at providing a predictable fiscal response to future oil and gas price shocks, writes Jake Landman. The consultation is part of the government’s broader strategy regarding the future of the North Sea. It

With new inheritance tax rules on the horizon and the ever-changing landscape of personal finances, ensuring one's will is up-to-date has never been more crucial for safeguarding your family's future, writes Lesley McKnight. Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect you

The Additional Dwelling Supplement rise is another blow to Scottish landlords, but opportunities remain in a sector which can bring rich rewards, argues Riccardo Giovanacci. The Scottish Government had another thoughtful Christmas present for landlords in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) in Dece