Alliance moves west to reduces exposure to Asian markets
Scotland’s biggest investment trust has shifted its investment portfolio, reducing its exposure to Asia and upping holdings in makers of smart phones and gadgets. Under the shift in investment strategy...
View ArticleConstruction on ‘modest’ rise
The UK’s construction sector managed to eke out modest growth last month, but firms said they remained cautious about the future as residential activity fell for the fifth month running.According to...
View Article£3.2m Megabus stretch bus deal
Stagecoach is making a £3.2 million investment in a fleet of Britain’s biggest coaches as it continues to meet growing demand for its inter-city travel service Megabus.The Perth-based transport group...
View ArticleFalkirk bus builder Alexander Dennis to announce biggest ever overseas contract
ALEXANDER Dennis is set to announce its biggest-ever overseas order in a new contract win that will send the coach builder’s turnover surging through the £500 million barrier.The £110m order will be...
View ArticleInsurers see fall in premiums on fewer policies
Two of the UK’s largest car insurers have been hit by a fall in premiums, with market leader Direct Line also reporting a dip in policy numbers.In its first results as a listed company, the owner of...
View ArticleWeather dampens cash flows for farmers
Farmers heading into winter were yesterday advised to check out their cash flows, with warnings of some severe challenges to their planned expenditure.Jimmy McLean, head of agricultural services at...
View ArticleRBS recovery continues says boss despite high cost of Libor and PPI
CHIEF executive Stephen Hester today insisted Royal Bank of Scotland was continuing to recover despite quarterly headline losses and an imminent fine for the bank’s role in the Libor-manipulation...
View ArticleJohn Robertson: Need for tighter controls on all our internet data
THE invention of the internet completely changed the way we think about our personal details and how public they should be. Social networking sites see us giving our name, date of birth and photos to...
View ArticleTwo Scots pubs close every week
PUBS in Scotland are closing at the rate of two a week due to a combination of competition from off-sales and lack of confidence in the economy, according to the Campaign for Real Ale.CAMRA figures...
View ArticleCash Clinic: How to I choose the best annuity option for my retirement?
Q I am due to retire in December, when I reach my 65th birthday. I have just received my personal pension statement and they have provided a whole range of annuity options. Can you please explain these...
View ArticleJeff Salway: Confusion grows over child benefit changes
IF YOU’VE received a letter about impending changes to your child benefit payments, you may well be feeling a little confused right now. The chances are that you have just two options open to you,...
View ArticlePeter Bickley: Construction is weak, but services and manufacturing both...
Savour the moment – the British economy did well in the latest quarter. Adding to the joys, the numbingly awful early estimates for the previous quarter have been revised up – predictably enough as...
View ArticleRemember, remember to play safe this November
Damage caused by firework displays this weekend could leave UK homeowners with a total bill of up to £1.5 billion, it has been estimated.More than four in ten people plan to celebrate Guy Fawkes night...
View ArticleFears that Fairtrade principles are being diluted by big firms
WITH BIG companies like Cadbury and Tate and Lyle entering the market for Fairtrade groceries, the market is bigger than ever before. One in five Fairtrade products worldwide is sold in the UK and the...
View ArticleMoney Helpdesk
Q My husband lost his job recently and we are really struggling to make ends meet.This is very difficult for us, as we have always been people who have coped, and paid our way in the world. My husband...
View ArticleTop Ten Tips for investing in your child’s future
Start putting some cash aside now to ensure a brighter future for your kids1 Use their tax allowanceChildren are entitled to a tax-free allowance in the same way as adults. If their total taxable...
View ArticleMore frustrated homeowners turn to part exchange
Part exchange deals now account for one in four home sales in Scotland as frustrated homeowners look for new ways to secure a quick move.Builders, brokers, solicitors and estate agents all report a...
View ArticleConsumer groups warn of basic accounts threat
NO FRILLS bank accounts are under threat, but the service they offer is essential to millions and should be protected, say consumer groups. Consumer Focus says banks have begun to withdraw services...
View ArticleClaire Smith: Twenty years on and Chitty flies again with a full carload
THAT which was lost has now been found.I always think of this expression whenever a missing item is restored to me. Until I looked it up I was convinced it was said in The Winter’s Tale – when Princess...
View ArticleFamilies priced out of private accommodation as rents soar
Soaring rental costs are pricing Scottish families out of private accommodation – and the situation is set to worsen as rents climb higher and benefit cuts kick in.The cost of renting a private home in...
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