Taqa buys North Sea interests

Abu Dhabi National Energy has acquired a range of assets in the North Sea from Shell and ExxonMobil in a move that highlights the growing presence of smaller independents in the region and the determination of the behemoths to cut and run.

Downgrade takes toll on Royal Bank

Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland are now trading at 11% below the price of last month’s rights issue after a bearish note from Cazenove, underscoring its vulnerability to a 1992-style economic slump, sent its stock down again.

Winning of Airbus contracts lifts spirits at Prestwick

Scotland’s advanced aerospace capability and 750 jobs have been safeguarded with two major contract wins for Spirit AeroSystems at Prestwick.

Strong dollar and Hurricane Bertha flatten the price of oil

The price of black gold tumbled by more than $4 yesterday as traders took the view that Hurricane Bertha looked unlikely to hit the Gulf of Mexico, the centre of the all-important US oil refining industry.

BT to lay fibre-optic cable from Orkney to Thurso

BT is laying a fibre-optic submarine cable between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. The 70-kilometre cable will run from Skaill Bay in Orkney, under the Pentland Firth, to Dunnet Bay, about five miles east of Thurso.

Second-half trading helps keep Murgitroyd on the right track

Murgitroyd, the European patent and trademark attorney practice, yesterday confirmed that trading for the second half of the financial year has kept the Scottish Alternative Investment Market-listed business on track to meet market expectations.

Rangers and Hearts recognised at CommunityMark awards

Glasgow Rangers and Heart of Midlothian football clubs are among five smaller Scottish businesses to be recognised in the first CommunityMark awards, developed by Business in the Community.

Omega has the stomach for takeover trail

Clackmannanshire-based Omega Diagnostics has returned to profit thanks to the takeover of a food intolerance specialist and is determined to stay on the acquisition trail despite the market downturn.

Bradford & Bingley shares hit low

Bradford & Bingley shares fell by 16% yesterday to close at a record low of 42p, well below the 55p a share it is seeking in its increased £400m rights issue.

UK manufacturing on brink of recession

There was more evidence today of a worsening UK economy after official data showed a bigger than expected decline in manufacturing output.

Construction industry calls for ‘kick-start’

Scotland's builders have demanded government help in restoring industry morale after it was revealed that 60% of construction firms are concerned about the impact of a faltering economy on their businesses.

	Rosyth pension in surplus
	The pension fund for workers at Rosyth Royal Dockyard soared to a £4.3m surplus last year, just months after industrial unrest over increased contributions by workers.

Caution becomes the watchword at many small firms

Figures published today show that many small- and medium-sized companies are putting investment decisions on hold amid economic uncertainty.

Housebuilders cannot escape vicious circle

Analysis: Shares in the UK’s leading housebuilders are falling faster than a jerry-built bungalow, and City analysts say there is no end in sight to the bad news that has rocked the sector in past months.

Play economy blame game then move on

I have not felt as depressed about the domestic and global economic outlook for many a long year. Discussion is now turning to the vexed question of who is to blame.

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