Opinion

Forensic accountancy specialist Peter Graham discusses the concerns surrounding AI's potential to radically change society and replace entire professions, drawing a parallel with the overhyped fears about the Y2K bug that ultimately amounted to little disruption. I am of a vintage to be able to

Mike Newman highlights the severe threat of phishing attacks and the importance of credential security for accountancy firms to defend against hackers attempting to steal sensitive data and login credentials. Earlier this year, the world was left awestruck when Mary Callahan Erdoes, the head of asse

Alan Stewart, tax partner at MHA's Aberdeen office, provides analysis of the key Scottish implications from the Chancellor's Spring Budget, offering his insights into how the fiscal measures will impact various sectors and individuals across Scotland. Since the Chancellor’s Autumn statement, i

Despite facing year of challenges such as inflation and interest rate hikes, the Scottish residential property market has demonstrated resilience, writes DM Hall managing partner John McHugh. He discusses a positive outlook for 2024 with stable conditions, increased cash buyers, and a shift toward u

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has indicated that it intends to utilise existing but less commonly used powers to grant immunity notices to offenders who assist in its cases, and support reduced sentences to defendants who provide evidence to enable other prosecutions, writes Tom Stocker.

Mergers and acquisitions specialist Rod Hutchison discusses the economic landscape, particularly in the energy sector, highlighting the impact on M&A transactions in the North-east region, and expressing cautious optimism based on favourable economic conditions and opportunities in renewables an

R&D tax expert David Philp discusses the effectiveness of the UK government's R&D tax relief scheme, and what upcoming changes to the scheme will mean for SMEs, giving critique and emphasising the need for more consultation to ensure the scheme's success in driving innovation in UK companies

Continuing from last week's blog, Michael Reid, a licensed insolvency practitioner and managing partner of accountancy firm MHA, discusses common questions faced by directors seeking advice, addressing topics such as buying company assets during liquidation, the court-driven nature of the proce

The glass is more than half full in the West Highlands, writes Alastair Nicolson, Highlands and Islands Enterprise area manager for Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross. When we look for problems and faults, we’re guaranteed to find them. But the same can be said of strengths and opportunities.

Ahead of the introduction of the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, known as the Tipping Act, in Scotland, accountant Matthew Hutton outlines the necessary steps for hospitality businesses to ensure fair distribution of tips to qualifying employees and agency workers in compliance with the ne

Michael Reid, a licensed insolvency practitioner and managing partner of accountancy firm MHA, discusses the implications of liquidation. The ongoing impact of interest rates at a level higher than we have been used to for many years, coupled with sluggish demand due to the cost-of-living crisis, me

The Scottish fintech sector continues to see success after success, its growth goals outlined in the fintech Scotland Research & Innovation Roadmap, however some firms are faced with challenges posed by a recent decline in investment activity, writes fintech specialist Fiona Henderson. With

John Rodger discusses the challenges faced by the housebuilding sector in Scotland, following the closure of Stewart Milne, recent cutbacks by other firms, highlighting the need for innovative funding solutions from both the UK and Scottish governments to prevent a housing crisis. Last month’s

Marcus Di Rollo examines the impacts of the Scottish Government's rent cap on investors, developers, and tenants, and explores the upcoming challenges and potential changes in rent control policies. The Scottish Government’s rent cap divides opinion. On one hand, it has arguably protected

Sharon McDougall, a DAS-approved money adviser at Scotland Debt Solutions, part of Begbies Traynor Group, outlines the implications of company administration for employees. Company administration is a statutory process that provides respite from creditor pressure for companies in financial dist