News Archive

25/9/2024

 
British Nationals Should Leave Lebanon, As UK Bolsters Contingency Teams In Region

British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately, Ministers have warned, as the Government bolsters its presence in the region.   Brits warned to act now, and leave Lebanon as soon as possible .  

25/9/2024

 
The Rise Of The MEGAPUB - Is Bigger Really Better?

Wetherspoons has unveiled its latest venture at London's Waterloo Station - a vast new pub called The Lion & The Unicorn.  This so-called "Superspoons" is part of a growing trend in the UK's hospitality industry, where ever-larger venues are reshaping traditional experiences.  

25/9/2024

 
UK Oil And Gas Workers Risk Becoming The Coal Miners Of Our Generation

At the end of September, the UK's last remaining coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, will be retired.  The closure of the plant should - and will - be celebrated by environmentalists, as the move away from coal has made Britain's electricity much cleaner over the past decade.  

25/9/2024

 
Oh Dear Kier - Richard Murphy

I had few hopes for Keir Starmer's speech at Labour Party conference, and he managed to match none of them.   That is how bad it was.  

24/9/2024 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Record Numbers Join The NDA Group Graduate Programme

Over 100 graduates join the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group today as applications open for 2025.   As applications open for 2025, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group also welcomed its largest ever cohort of graduates today, with more than 100 new recruits ready to support delivery of one of the world's most important environmental programmes.  

24/9/2024 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE Invests In Community Assets In Shetland's Outer Isles

A boating club in Unst, a former kirk in Whalsay and a community hall in Fetlar are among projects supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to generate income, provide vital services and create jobs in Shetland's outer isles.   Facilities at the Unst Boating Club are being upgraded to become more energy efficient and accessible to visitors and local people.  

24/9/2024

Views Sought On Building Safety Levy Proposals - Legislation To Raise Funds For Fixing Cladding Issues

Proposals for a tax on developers, aiming to raise funds to fix building safety issues in Scotland, have been published for public consultation.   Views are being sought on the proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy, which will be introduced under powers due to be devolved by the UK Government later this year.  

24/9/2024

 
Crofting's Economic Impact - A £588 Million Powerhouse For Scotland, New Report Reveals

A landmark report commissioned by the Crofting Commission, and prepared by BiGGAR Economics, has unveiled the extraordinary economic contribution of crofting to Scotland.  The findings reveal that crofting generates a staggering £588 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and sustains an impressive 30,385 jobs across the country.  

24/9/2024

 
New UK-Kenya Investment Partnership Rings In UK Trade Visit

Nairobi Securities Exchange launches partnership with UK development investor as UK trade lead visits Nairobi.   Tuesday 24, September 2024 - The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and UK government programme MOBILIST, have announced a new partnership at a launch event in Nairobi.  

24/9/2024

Safe Access Zones - Protected Zones Around Abortion Services Now In Place

Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.   Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.  

24/9/2024

Devolved Ministers Attend New York Climate Week

Ministers met ahead of opening of Climate Week New York City.   Climate Week NYC's overall message this year is "It’s Time": celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition.  

24/9/2024

 
Government Announces Great British Energy To Be Headquartered In Aberdeen With Offices In Edinburgh And Glasgow

In his conference speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the state-owned public energy company, Great British Energy (GB Energy) will be headquartered in Aberdeen, which is a significant development for Scotland.   Keir Starmer said: "We said GB Energy, our publicly owned national champion, the vehicle will drive forward our mission on clean energy, we said it belonged in Scotland, and it does.  

23/9/2024 : Auctioneers

 
Dingwall Ram Sale Report - Sale 21 September 2024

Dingwall, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (September 21st), sold 17 Cheviot rams at the annual sale.   Cheviot shearlings (17) sold to £1,300 gross from Longoe Farm, Mey.  

23/9/2024

 
Adequacy Of Future Retirement Incomes - New Evidence For Private Sector Employees

This report takes a fresh look at the prospects for the future of retirement incomes for employees in the UK.   Since the Pensions Commission reported around 20 years ago, much has changed in the economic and pensions policy environment.  

23/9/2024

 
Options For Increasing Taxes As We Approach The UK Budget

The Institute for fiscal Studies looks at the taxation possibilities as the UK budget looms.   What taxes could the Chancellor increase in her first Budget on 30 October? And how could it be done in a way that improves tax design? The ledgers of the public finances have rarely made for more dismal reading.  

23/9/2024

More Than 30 Arrests In Crackdown On Common Travel Area Abuse

A three-day crackdown against people-smuggling gangs saw 31 arrests.   A Home Office crackdown against people-smuggling gangs and people exploiting the Common Travel Area (CTA) has led to the arrest of 31 people in multiple locations across the UK.  

23/9/2024

 
Health-related Benefit Claims Post-pandemic - UK Trends And Global Context

How do post-COVID claimants of health-related benefits compare with pre-COVID claimants? Where in the UK are they? How do other countries compare?.   Individuals in the UK with health conditions may be entitled to two types of benefits - incapacity benefits (for those whose condition prevents them from working) and disability benefits (to help with extra living costs arising from the disability).  

23/9/2024

 
Narrowing Choice Of Providers Across Loans And Rising Rates

Moneyfacts UK Unsecured Lending Trends Treasury Report data, which studies the UK personal finance market (Credit Cards, Personal Loans and Overdrafts), reveals a contraction in the choice of providers across the credit card and unsecured personal loan market.   Average unsecured personal loan rates for £3,000 over three years, £5,000 over three years, £7,500 over five years and £10,000 over five years have risen during Q3 2024.  

23/9/2024

 
Narrowing Choice Of Providers Across Credit Cards And Higher Interest Rates

Moneyfacts UK Unsecured Lending Trends Treasury Report data, which studies the UK personal finance market (Credit Cards, Personal Loans and Overdrafts), reveals a contraction in the choice of providers across the credit card and unsecured personal loan market.   During Q3 2024, the number of providers within the credit card market fell to 34, its lowest count on our electronic records, which started in June 2006.  

23/9/2024

 
Crack Down On Late Payments In Major Support Package For Small Businesses - Update

New package of measures aimed at tackling scourge of late payments.   New Fair Payment Code and fresh rules on company reporting and major consultation unveiled as part of package to tackle late payments.