News Archive

9/4/2025

Companies House starts to verify identities to prevent crime - 6 million need to comply

The voluntary period for identity verification is open for business.  More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year.  

9/4/2025

Trump thinks tariffs can bring back the glory days of US manufacturing. Here's why he's wrong

The "liberation day" tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump have one thing in common - they are being applied to goods only.  Trade in services between the US and its partners is not affected.  

9/4/2025

EU Moves To Retaliate on Trump Tariffs

The EU has announced a series of tariffs on U.S.  goods in response to trade measures imposed by the U.S.  

9/4/2025

Scottish Fiscal Sustainability Report - immediate response

The Scottish Fiscal Commission report highlights the fiscal challenges facing the Scottish and UK governments over coming decades.   David Phillips, head of devolved and local government finance at the Institute for Fiscal Studies said, "Today's Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) report highlights the fiscal challenges facing the Scottish and UK governments over coming decades as populations age and public service costs rise.  

9/4/2025

Soy Bean Issues May Affect UK

The UK could face indirect consequences from soybean-related issues in the ongoing tariff war.  While soybeans themselves may not be a major import or export for the UK, the broader economic impact of tariffs on global trade could ripple through the economy.  

9/4/2025

 
There is no money in a tax haven - Richard Gray

Once upon a time, tax havens hid billions from the view of the world's tax authorities.  Then they caused massive disruption.  

8/4/2025

How Much Do Countries Depend on Trading - USA Less Than Others - Some Comparisons

Trade as a proportion of GDP varies significantly across the US, UK, and Europe.   United States: Trade (exports + imports) accounts for approximately 27% of GDP2.  

8/4/2025

How much do you need to earn to be wealthy? £213K, according to new insight from HSBC UK

A new report from HSBC UK uncovers a wealth perception gap, revealing that an annual income of £213,000 is what it takes to be considered ‘wealthy' today.   That's despite nine in 10 high earners (those earning over £100,000 a year) saying they do not consider themselves as wealthy.  

8/4/2025

 
Growing UK-US productivity divide driven by far more than shale gas and ‘magnificent seven'

Britain's already dire productivity record has worsened in the 2020s, in sharp contrast to the US where it has accelerated since 2019.  But while this exceptional US performance has been attributed to tech companies and shale gas, there are wider drivers of the UK-US productivity gap that Britain can learn from, according to new Resolution Foundation research published today (Tuesday).  

8/4/2025

 
Business leaders supported to bolster online defences to safeguard growth

Directors and company boards are being urged to shore up their cyber defences using new guidance published today, in a bid to protect their organisations from the growing tide of online threats.   Package of measures sets clear steps boards and directors can take to protect their businesses from cyber criminals.  

8/4/2025

 
UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Rt.  Hon.  

8/4/2025

Scottish Government Baling Out Dundee University

Dundee University announced it is to cut 632 jobs in a bid to address a £35m deficit.   Staff were informed of the news by interim principal Shane O'Neill at a meeting in the university, which was also held online.  

8/4/2025

New survey finds Scottish farmer and crofter wellbeing at a low

A new survey, carried out by the agricultural wellbeing charity, Farmstrong Scotland, has found that farmer and crofter wellbeing is lower than the Scottish population.   More than one-third of respondents fell into the low wellbeing category, when compared to the most recent Scottish Health Survey (2023).  

8/4/2025

Housing Bill amendments lodged to strengthen tenants' rights in Scotland - Rents To Be Capped

Amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill have been lodged by the Scottish Government setting out how rents will be capped in rent control areas.   The proposed measures will help protect tenants facing cost of living pressures and rising energy prices, whilst providing appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supporting investment.  

8/4/2025

Expectation, demand and reality - the context of recent Council Tax rises in Scotland

The 2025/26 settlement for local government saw an overall increase in the funding provided to councils, but rising costs and demand continue to put pressure on council finances.   Councils faced difficult decisions when setting budgets this year, including deciding whether to increase council tax rates.  

8/4/2025

Promoting Scottish business and expertise - Strengthening ties across Asia

Business Minister Richard Lochhead has begun a visit to China and Japan aimed at deepening economic, social and cultural ties and emphasising that Scotland is open for business.   He will meet government representatives, potential investors and leading companies in both countries.  

8/4/2025

 
Fundamental misunderstanding' of ‘global trade' - Economist on Trump tariff tactics

Professor of Economics and Public Policy at University of Michigan Justine Wolfers, Reuters White House Correspondent Jeff Mason, NBC's Christine Romans, and NBC’s Gbe Gutierrez join Christina Ruffini on MSNBC to consider the ‘turbulent’ tariff war fallout.   Read he comments..  

8/4/2025

 
AI Energy Council to ensure UK's energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

Industry heavyweights from the energy and technology sectors will descend on Whitehall today (8 April 2025) for the first meeting of the UK's new AI Energy Council.   New AI Energy Council holds first round of talks on delivering the power which will drive the UK's AI ambitions.  

8/4/2025

Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on China if Beijing doesn't remove retaliatory duties: Live updates

President Donald Trump is threatening new 50% tariffs on China unless Beijing lifts its retaliatory duties on U.S.  exports by Tuesday 8 April 2025..  

8/4/2025

 
EU would rather negotiate US tariffs, but will start collecting duties next week

The European Union said it would start collecting retaliatory duties on some imported US goods next week.  EU trade ministers agreed they preferred negotiations to remove tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump over retaliation.