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The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) has revealed marked improvements in its authorisations process, with 98% of cases now assessed within statutory deadlines, in its latest annual report.

Professional bodies Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland have merged into a single entity. Over 37,000 members of the two Irish-based accountancy bodies first voted on an amalgamation proposal in February 2024 with a majority of members voting in

The Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT) has highlighted the need for an additional £100 billion annual investment over the next decade to drive long-term growth in the UK economy. The CMIT's Capital Markets Of Tomorrow (CMOT) report, led by Sir Nigel Wilson, quantifies the scal

PwC UK has communicated to its staff that it will monitor office attendance starting in January. The move comes as part of a stricter hybrid working policy, requiring staff to be in the office or at client sites for at least three days a week.

The UK has signed the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of

Average house prices rose £5,368 in Scotland last year, according to DJ Alexander. The Scottish lettings and estate agency said that the latest data from the monthly house price index published today shows that between July 2023 and June 2024 average house prices in Scotland increased from &po

Convicted fraudster Anna Delvey, whose $200,000 (c. £151,000) scam was dramatised by Netflix as Inventing Anna, is to be a celebrity contestant on a televised US dancing competition. Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, will wear an ankle monitor during her appearance on Dancing with the S

The Highland Council is gearing up to launch a consultation in the preparation of introducing a visitor levy in region. Following an extensive consultation in 2019 - in which 6,600 residents, businesses and visitors responded – the council agreed to the principle of implementing a visitor levy

Barratt Developments has reported a 75% drop in annual profits and a double-digit decline in home completions after a “challenging” year for the housebuilder. Total home completions of 14,004 for the year ended on 30 June 2024, including joint ventures, was 18.6% lower than the 17,206 co

Family-owned Scottish textiles company Johnstons of Elgin has announced plans to cut more than 60 jobs at its Moray mill. The 226-year-old company, known for its high-end textiles like tweed and cashmere, cited a "slowdown" in the luxury goods market and revised its sales projections for the co

Individuals interested in developing and applying their ideas on the use of technology to start or grow a business have been invited to an event in Stornoway next week on Thursday 12 September. The ‘Unplugged in Stornoway’ event is being organised by CodeBase, who run the Scottish Govern

After Finance Secretary Shona Robison's £500 million budget cut announcement, First Minister John Swinney has revealed his 2024-25 Programme for Government (PfG). The programme includes efforts to stimulate economic growth, with a focus on attracting investment in renewable energy and infrastr

An Aberdeen graphic designer who opened her own design studio in 2023 has enjoyed month-on-month business growth after she accessed specialist growth support from Business Gateway. Rachel Dixon set up Two Five Eight Creative Studio in May 2023 to create impactful advertising, bold brand identities a

Amidst £500 million in public spending cuts, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has urged the Scottish Government to prioritise long-term financial planning, simplify the tax system, and standardise access to apprenticeships across the UK. ICAS also urged the government

The UK government has abandoned plans to introduce a 'British ISA', a new type of Individual Savings Account that would have exclusively channelled savers' money into UK-listed stocks. Concerns arose that this new product would further complicate the investment market for individuals.