Latest News

QR Codes Scams

QR phishing, also known as "quishing," involves cybercriminals using QR codes to trick users into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware, often disguised as legitimate offers or requests.  These scams can lead to financial loss, data breaches, and identity theft.  

The Trade Deficit Isn't An Emergency - It's A Sign Of America’s Strength

When U.S.  President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on imported goods on April 2, 2025 - upending global trade and sending markets into a tailspin - he presented the move as a response to a crisis.  

Pm: Barrow A Blueprint For Positive Impact Of Defence Spending Across The Country

Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.   Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK's nuclear deterrent.  

Successful Projects Highlighted At Harbours Management Board

When The Highland Council's Harbours Management Board met earlier today, (Friday 28 February 2025) members expressed their delight that two projects are bringing benefits to the council, the fishing industry and their local communities.   The Highland Council manages approximately ninety ports, harbours and marine facilities, ten of which provide Marine Gas Oil (MGO) bunkering facilities.  

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone - Zone Declared In Scotland And England

Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.   This means that from 12:00 noon on Saturday 25 January, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.  

Sellafield Awards £95m Industrial Services Framework

KAEFER UK & Ireland has clinched a four year framework to provide critical services to the Sellafield site.   The company will supply access systems plus asbestos and insulation support under the Access Services and Insulation framework.  

Actuaries Highlight The Increasing Risk Of Planetary Insolvency

A new report explores a framework for global climate risk management and includes contributions from an actuary at the Government Actuary's Department.   Georgi Bedenham, an actuary from the Government Actuary's Department (GAD), is co-author of a new report, Planetary Solvency - finding our balance with nature.  

5.4 Million Yet To File Their Tax Return

Almost 25,000 taxpayers ‘celebrated' the New Year by filing their Self Assessment tax return.   If customers miss the 31 January deadline, they could face a penalty.  

AI Won't Take Your Job - But That Doesn't Mean You Should Ignore It

Two influential tech CEOs have sparked a debate about AI's effect on jobs.  Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski announced the buy-now, pay-later firm stopped hiring a year ago, claiming that AI can do most of the jobs that humans do.  

Empty And Second Homes In September 2024

In Scotland there are 21,606 second homes and 43,538 properties empty for more than 6 months.   The latest council tax data (in September 2024) shows there were 21,606 second homes, 43,538 properties that had been empty for more than 6 months, of which, 73% (31,596) were categorised as long-term empty homes (i.e.