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‘There is a higher probability that Scotland will go into recession in 2009
and that the effects may be felt harder here than the rest of the UK,’
according to the latest Economic Commentary, supported by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
As the recession continues to bite, Scottish businesses could find
themselves in more hot water if they don’t respond to the ongoing energy
challenge according to the first PricewaterhouseCoopers Business Review.
We believe that the business that will emerge from the downturn agile and
fit for the future will focus on ’10 fundamental priorities’.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has advised the existing management of Bodycote
Testing Group in one of Scotland’s largest transactions for 2008 – and one of
the largest ever in the testing and inspection sector.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Tax team in Scotland has been strengthened
following the appointment of new partner, Mike McCusker, who joins from Grant
Thornton.
The firm in Aberdeen is committed to strengthening its expertise to meet
increasing oil & gas sector demand through continued investment in core and
specialist assurance and advisory services and talent.
PricewaterhouseCoopers supports the Fraser of Allander Institute Economic
Commentary. Through this association, Fraser of Allander and
PricewaterhouseCoopers also produce a Business Review.
The Scottish practice is celebrating after wins for the tax team and an
outstanding achievement award for Frank Blin at the inaugural Scottish
Accountancy Awards.
PricewaterhouseCoopers made a strong contribution to Scotland’s first Global
Financial services week by hosting two topical events during the initiative
driven by The Scottish Government and Scottish Financial Enterprise.
UK businesses affected by fraud have seen a doubling of the average cost of
economic crime over the last two years, according to the latest Global Economic
Crime Survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
With skilled individuals at a premium, understanding the nature of
tomorrow’s workforce is increasingly important for businesses in Scotland.
Information is one of the most valuable assets an organisation possesses.
The way companies safeguard their information is coming under increased
scrutiny. Technology has tended to focus on functionality rather than security
and many systems are therefore insecure.
Alistair Darling’s Budget theme was stability, and despite some people
labelling the speech as ’boring’, the reality is that there much in Wednesday’s
announcements for Scotland’s entrepreneurial community.
The Chancellor's first full Budget Report contained no revolutionary changes
to the tax system, no big ideas and more importantly, no rabbits out of the
hat. Stability became the new watchword over ‘prudence’ as Alistair Darling
took to the dispatch box to chart the course for the economy away from choppy
water.
All parties involved in the corporate reporting debate agree that numbers
aren't enough when communicating company performance. But the debate continues
over how best to inform the market as businesses search for a reporting model
appropriate for the 21st century.
A number of recent high profile cases have been critical of pre-packs in
insolvency cases, but they can prove to be the best option for everyone.
The so-called 'credit crunch' has been a source of much debate but just how
serious are the current financial conditions and what are the implications for
the average small business in the region?
Changes to the Capital Gains Tax regime, which were recently announced in
the Chancellor’s pre-Budget report, are expected to generate a surge in M&A
activity prior to the end of the tax year on April 5, 2008.
The
decision for a life sciences company to expand overseas can present both
opportunities and risks. Expanding operations into different countries
comprises a range of tax implications, which companies must be aware of,
therefore the value of expert and proactive advice in relation to this should
not be underestimated.
Was Alastair Darling's first PBR a success, or has the Chancellor
dropped the ball for Scottish business?
A
large number of charities are now threatened with losing their charitable
status due to changes in charity law in Scotland, but many organisations are
entirely unaware of the impact these changes could have on them.
The surprise announcement in the pre-Budget report that the Labour
Government has abandoned its flagship policies on capital gains tax in favour
of a simplified regime, which taxes gains at a flat rate of 18%, took everybody
aback.
Residents in Scotland may be lifted by recent changes to inheritance tax
(IHT) rules in this year’s Pre-Budget Report (PBR).
Climate change and resource use are now firmly established at the top of the
political agenda, with broad consensus that urgent and sustained action is
required in order to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences.
With the media spotlight still on the issue of executive pay companies
need to create incentive packages that are aligned with shareholder
value, while motivating and retaining executives.
More than 50,000 disclosers now face the problem of ensuring that they pay
the right amount of tax, interest and penalty - and no more - by 26
November.
Modern business is increasingly characterised by the need to balance
economic ambition with social and environmental responsibilities.
Amongst all the heat of the current pensions debate, one truth has clearly
emerged. Pension schemes are in effect a significant unsecured creditor.
Trustees, who safeguard the interests of pensioners, therefore have a crucial
responsibility to understand the underlying strength of their sponsoring
employers. This is particularly important when companies and trustees agree a
scheme funding recovery plan to make good a pension deficit.
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