Opinion

The journey into the next phases of pandemic management is well underway and the timing of opening of different industries is becoming clearer each week. It is good that the government has extended financial support under the Job Retention Scheme (JRS, or Furlough) and is allowing businesses to bri

Blair Nimmo, head of restructuring at KPMG UK, details the ways in which Scottish businesses are facing uncertainty and liquidity issues in the current financial climate. In the current environment of dramatically falling consumer demand and great uncertainty, those running the UK’s businesses

Kris Keane, director at big-four audit firm Deloitte, details how firms can emerge from lockdown stronger than when they entered it. A typical crisis plays out over three time frames: ‘respond’, in which a company deals with the present situation and manages continuity; ‘recover&rs

Neil Mitchinson, director of Edinburgh Asset Finance, details why now is not the time for panic selling and ures that firm's let assets take some of the financial strain during the COVID-19 crisis. When the cry of “Fire!” rings out across a crowded theatre, it is a brave and level-headed

Nicola Ross explains the details of new legislation aimed at helping ailing businesses.  The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill was read in UK Parliament at the end of May and is likely to be welcomed by many struggling businesses which are facing potential insolvency due to coronavirus.

Yael Selfin, KPMG UK's chief economist, highlights how the UK needs to rethink the future of its cities in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.  Recessions are usually a catalyst for change and the sharp economic downturn triggered by COVID-19 is bound to turn some things around. One of t

Duncan Raggett, insolvency practitioner and head of the restructuring and recovery team at Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) discusses the issues and options firms should be considering in preparation for life after lockdown. The impact of COVID-19 on the economy is likely to be long-lasting.

Probably the most challenging task when reopening or increasing activity is predicting the level of customer demand. The ideal would match staff, production and operations to demand to preserve working capital and cash. This is difficult enough in normal times.

Michael Reid, managing partner at Aberdeen-based Meston Reid & Co, discusses the suspension of wrongful trading. When the temporary suspension of wrongful trading rules for company directors was announced, the UK government commented that it was designed to help business owners combat the f

Jacqueline Rédarès, senior associate and health & safety specialist at law firm CMS, urges businesses to begin planning safe workplaces for after lockdown. Many of Scotland’s businesses are beginning to see the first signs of light at the end of the tunnel as we slowly emerge

Aurelija Buckute, paraplanner at Mearns & Company, highlights the four characteristics of a good financial plan. There is a difference between having a financial plan and having a good financial plan. A good plan has a better chance of achieving the desired results and therefore provides pe

Graeme Allan, chief executive of Anderson Anderson & Brown, reflects on the changes and challenges currently experienced as a result of the coronavirus crisis and considers what's next as we plan ahead for the 'next normal'. As a business leader or owner, you’re likely to find your days no

Ian McMonagle, tax director at Russell & Russell chartered accountants and chartered tax advisors, participates in our Just a Minute feature. Name:

David Shadwell, accounts and business support partner at accountants Chiene + Tait, recently returned to the UK after spending nine years in Wellington, New Zealand. He details the lessons Scottish businesses can learn from New Zealand as we begin the process of coming out of lockdown. Before r