News

UK retail sales volumes edged up a weaker-than-expected 0.3% month-on-month in December after a temporary opening up of non-essential retailers following November’s lockdown, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The UK's manufacturing sector lost its momentum in the first quarter of this year, as the nationwide lockdowns continued to take effect, according to the January CBI Industrial Trends survey.

New data from Barclaycard has revealed that contactless technology has emerged as one of the big winners of 2020, accounting for nine in ten (88.6%) of all eligible card transactions. As the safest, fastest and most responsible way to pay in-store, tap-and-go has become the obvious choice for both c

The Scottish Government has unveiled proposals for a new model of green ports focused on inclusive growth, fair work practices and delivering a net-zero economy. The Scottish Government is developing plans to establish fair, sustainable, green ports. These would adapt the UK government’s freep

One of the world's rarest single malt whiskies is predicted to become the most expensive bottle ever sold when it is put up for auction next month.

Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group’s Glasgow team has appointed Barry Stewart and George Lafferty as directors. They bring with them a combined 55 years’ experience to the firm's Waterloo Street office in Glasgow. It takes the firm's team numbers in the city to 12.

Independent accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its restructuring team with the progression of Graeme Bain to an appointment-taking director. Mr Bain, a licensed insolvency practitioner, joined Johnston Carmichael as a director in 2017, can now be appointed to

The number of businesses in financial distress in Scotland is continuing to soar with almost 33,000 experiencing early signs of distress in the final quarter of 2020, according to the latest data published today by Begbies Traynor.  This 30% increase compared with the same period the previous y

Paul Denton, the head Scottish Building Society (SBS) has welcomed a dramatic rise in house prices - but warned the impact of COVID-19 could prove a barrier to a generation of buyers getting on to the housing ladder. Yesterday's House Price Index released by the Land Registry and the Office for Nati

The latest Financial Conditions Index released by audit firm RSM has indicated signs of cautious optimism emerging for the year ahead. But whilst the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU has been largely welcomed by middle market businesses, RSM says the absence of clarity around key issues i

Law firm Morton Fraser has launched a new payment model as part of its commercial litigation practice to enable businesses to pursue disputes without significant financial risk. Total annual losses to small businesses from legal problems are estimated at £40 billion, with over one million indi

Investment in Scottish commercial property dropped to £1.2 billion in 2020 as lockdown measures and economic uncertainty curbed deal-making, according to the latest data released by Knight Frank. However, Scotland proved its resilience as the most popular UK destination for overseas investment

BGF has invested £4 million in UK homecare business Edinburgh-based CSN Care Group to support the company with its longer-term growth plans.

Edinburgh-based hand sanitiser producer ClearWater Hygiene has announced a new £2.5 million partnership with One Digital Signage, aimed at helping UK businesses promote positive health and hygiene safety in the fight against COVID-19. Midlands-based One Digital Signage will supply digital

Two-fifths of business owners in Scotland say they’re worried about their mental health, according to a survey of 1200 entrepreneurs conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). More than half of the respondents (55%) to the poll said that they had concerns about the survival of thei