News Archive

17/7/2023

Ukraine - UK Statement On The Black Sea Grain Initiative

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed the export of grain from Ukraine.   Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said, "The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms Russia's decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.  

16/7/2023

Wellbeing Economy Makes Sound Business Sense

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray has visited a company whose commitment to fair work and sustainability helped it survive the pandemic.   While at ACS Clothing near Glasgow, Mr Gray heard how a major creditor was so impressed with the business's approach to fair work and environmental practices it agreed to convert a debt to equity - investing enough to ensure the firm could continue through the pandemic.  

16/7/2023

UK Signs Treaty To Join Vast Indo-pacific Trade Group As New Data Shows Major Economic Benefits

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to CPTPP trade group in New Zealand this morning (16 July 2023).   Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch formally signed the treaty confirming the UK's accession to CPTPP - the Indo-Pacific trade bloc now worth £12 trillion in GDP – in New Zealand today [Sunday 16th July 2023].  

15/7/2023

 
Fiscal Risks And Sustainability - July 2023

The following is merely a fraction of the full report linked at the foot of this page.   The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established in 2010 to examine and report on the sustainability of the public finances.  

15/7/2023

 
Living Standards, Poverty And Inequality In The UK - 2023

A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.   1.  

15/7/2023

 
Business Insights And Impact On The UK Economy

Excerpts from a report from the Office for National Statistics published on 13 July 2023 linked at the bottom of the page.   Fewer than a quarter (24%) of trading businesses reported lower turnover in June 2023 compared with May 2023; in comparison, 15% reported their turnover was higher in June, with both figures broadly stable with the proportions reported for May 2023.  

15/7/2023

 
Three Mindfulness And Meditation Techniques That Could Help You Manage Work Stress

It's 10:45am on a Tuesday, and you are arriving late to work.  You've just been to the dentist who berated you for grinding your teeth - she says this is what's causing your sore jaw and neck.  

15/7/2023

Impact Of Increased Cost Of Living On Adults Across Great Britain - February To May 2023

A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).   Analysis of the proportion of the population that are affected by an increase in their cost of living, and of the characteristics associated with financial vulnerability, using data from the Opinions and Lifestyle survey.  

15/7/2023

Council Tax Hikes May Be Overdue, But They Seem Unlikely To Bail Out The Scottish Government

Henry Hill at conservativehome web site comments onthe SNP proposals to raise council tax for bigger houses bands E to H.   One of the ways in which devolution has actually served to undermine genuinely local government in Scotland has been the Scottish National Party's sustained squeeze on the autonomy of councils.  

15/7/2023

 
How To Recognise A Temperate Rainforest In Britain And Ireland When You See One

The term "temperate rainforest", or "Celtic rainforest", has rapidly gained public attention in the UK recently.   In February 2023, British insurance company, Aviva, awarded £38 million of funding for the restoration of these rainforests.  

14/7/2023

 
Tweaking Around The Edges Of Council Tax Does Not Fix Its Fundamental Flaws

Fraser of Allender Institute take a hard look at council tax in Scotland now that Scottish Government has consultation out with a view to increasing the higher bands.   On Wednesday, the Scottish Government and COSLA released their anticipated (and widely leaked) consultation on Council Tax changes.  

14/7/2023

Regeneration Investment Fund Evaluated

An evaluation of a decade long regeneration fund shows major social, economic and environmental benefits across Scotland as well as the creation of more than five thousand jobs.   The Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres (SPRUCE) fund, originally set up using the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), provided commercial loans to infrastructure and energy efficiency projects.  

14/7/2023

 
How The Cost Of E-bikes From China Impacts Consumers And Sellers

The TRA has launched a survey, aimed at retailers and consumers, to understand the economic impact of tariffs paid on e-bikes imported from China.   The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today launched a survey to understand any economic impact of the tariffs paid on e-bikes imported from China.  

14/7/2023

 
All Systems Are Go For New Space Degree Apprenticeship

Government launches new opportunity to launch an exciting career in space engineering.   A new degree apprenticeship in space engineering will open up more opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in the space industry and train up the talent the sector needs to grow, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced today (14 July 2023).  

13/7/2023

PwC Australia's Ballooning Crisis Could Taint United States Business, Expert Warns

This weeks newsletter from The International Consortium of Journalists writes about the unfolding story in Australia involving one of the biggest accounting firms in the world.   You can't buy much for a dollar these days but a Sydney private equity firm recently nabbed PwC Australia's government consulting arm for a single Australian dollar, or around 67 U.S.  

13/7/2023

 
Historic Security Framework For Ukraine Set To Be Agreed In Major Step Toward Ending The War

A significant international framework for Ukraine's long-term security arrangements is expected to be agreed by G7 partners in the margins of the NATO Summit on Wednesday 12 July 2023.   UK and G7 allies are expected to agree a new framework for guaranteeing Ukraine's long-term security today, delivering on an ambition the PM set out at the beginning of this year.  

13/7/2023

The Mortgage Disaster For Many People Is Unfolding As Increases Hit Owners And Renters

The Bank of England has issued a warning that one million households could face a significant rise in mortgage payments, resulting in a monthly increase of £500 by 2026.  Homeowners who are refinancing during the latter half of this year can expect their monthly interest payments to rise by approximately £220.  

13/7/2023

 
UK Businesses To Get Free Government Tool To Tackle Economic Abuse

UK businesses and charities are set to benefit from a free interactive guide to help their staff spot and tackle economic abuse when speaking to customers over the phone, Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins announced on Wednesday 12 July 2023.   Interactive guide expected to help staff spot and tackle economic abuse.  

13/7/2023

Housing For Displaced Ukrainians

Almost 1,200 long-term homes are being brought back into use for those fleeing the war in Ukraine through an innovative approach.   The Scottish Government's £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund supports Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords to improve properties that are currently void.  

13/7/2023

 
Support For Fruit And Vegetable Growers

Fruit and vegetable growers in Scotland have been given assurance on support over the next two years to help improve the quality, market value and sustainability of their produce.   The Scottish Government has allocated up to £6 million over the next two years to extend the Fruit and Vegetable Aid scheme.