Latest news with #AberdeinConsidine
Scotsman
28 minutes ago
- Business
- Scotsman
A new dawn for first-time buyers: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme 2025 welcomed by Aberdein Considine
As the UK Government reaffirms its commitment to homeownership with the extension of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, Aberdein Considine's National Estate Agency Director, Graham Crocket, has hailed the move as a 'game-changer' for first-time buyers across Scotland. This scheme is more than policy, it's a signal of belief in the next generation of homeowners,' said Crocket. 'We're seeing that belief translate into real momentum across our branches.' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The firm's latest performance figures show a broad-based uplift in activity across Scotland. The firm's flagship offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh have reported a notable uptick in first-time buyer activity, with some branches seeing double-digit growth of 35% in mortgage consultations and an increase in property viewings. 'This is the boost the market has been waiting for,' said Crocket. 'We're already seeing a surge in enquiries from young professionals and families who now feel that homeownership is within reach, many for the first time.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The scheme, which enables lenders to offer 95% loan-to-value mortgages with government backing, is designed to help buyers with smaller deposits step onto the property ladder. It comes at a time when mortgage rates are falling, lender competition is intensifying, and consumer confidence is returning. Graham Crocket, National Estate Agency Director, Aberdein Considine 'This isn't just about numbers, it's about hope,' Crocket added. 'We're seeing young people who had put their dreams on hold now walking through our doors with renewed optimism. The scheme is unlocking doors, literally and figuratively.' Aberdein Considine supports first-time buyers through dedicated First-Time Buyer days in our branches, offering free one-on-one appointments covering deposit saving, mortgage guidance, and the full home-buying journey. First-time buyers will further benefit from coordinated support across mortgage, legal, and estate agency services, helping demystify the process and reduce friction. 'We believe everyone deserves a place to call home,' said Crocket. 'And with the right support, this scheme can turn that belief into reality for thousands across Scotland.'
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Record turnover and profit at Aberdein Considine amid corporate restructure
Law firm Aberdein Considine has seen a record financial year, with both turnover and profit increasing substantially across the firm. This comes as the organisation converts from a traditional partnership model to a Limited Liability Partnership and unveils a refreshed brand identity. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Turnover at the firm exceeded £37 million in the financial year 2024-25, with a 41% increase in profit. The move to an LLP model alongside continued strong financial performance, follows a period of significant growth in the firm's specialisms, core sector expertise and geographic reach - including the opening of a new office in Manchester. Jacqueline Law, Managing Partner of Aberdein Considine said: 'I'm extremely proud of the firm's performance over recent years, and particularly this last year – our teams across the business have worked hard to get us here, ably led by the firm's partners. Our focus now is to keep growing and delivering excellent services to our clients.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The news coincides with the firm's unveiling of a new, modernised brand identity earlier this month. Jacqueline Law, Managing Partner of Aberdein Considine Jacqueline continued: 'Aberdein Considine started out in Aberdeen over forty years ago. Today, the firm is a major player in the legal, property and wealth management sectors, with teams all over Scotland and in the North of England. Our new brand identity captures that story: how we have evolved over the years, and with a more contemporary feel that reflects our ambition for service excellence and growth.' The new LLP is authorised and regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and the Financial Conduct Authority. As part of the restructure, the firm's wealth management business is to be transferred to a separate limited company, Aberdein Considine Wealth Ltd trading as AC Wealth, to allow this division to continue to grow and evolve to meet client needs. Both firms will continue to benefit from a close working relationship based within the same offices.
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Over 80% of Scottish SMEs see risk to viability over next 12 months, finds report
More than 80% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland believe the viability of their business is at risk over the next 12 months, according to new research from Aberdein Considine. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The survey, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the legal firm, highlights the mounting economic pressures and uncertain market conditions faced by small to medium businesses in key sectors across the country. SMEs account for over 99% of all private sector businesses in Scotland, and the survey captures their views one year out from the next Holyrood election, as candidate selection has begun. Respondents pointed to several factors that present financial challenges, including increased costs, supply chain disruption, access to finance and uncertainty arising from policy and regulatory changes, with the findings indicating that these challenges are being felt by businesses of varying sizes within the SME category. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The report also found that concerns around business viability were not limited to specific industries, with high levels of risk perception present across the energy, retail, hospitality and food and drink sectors. The findings suggest that a broad cross-section of Scotland's SME community is currently operating in an environment they view as unstable or unpredictable over the coming year. Ritchie Whyte, Partner, Aberdein Considine Scottish SMEs poised for a return to full-time office working The appetite for a full office return stands out against wider workforce trends, with over 90% (90.52%) of respondents noting a return to full-time office working as a priority over the next 12 months. This marks a notable shift in workplace planning, with the majority of businesses indicating a move away from hybrid or remote arrangements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Government policy changes biggest challenge to business growth Equally significant is the pressure from policy and taxation, with over a third of businesses surveyed (37.16%) listing Scottish Government policy changes as the biggest challenge to business growth. Respondents reported that ongoing policy shifts have created difficulties in planning and investment, suggesting a widespread concern among firms about the impact of regulatory uncertainty on their ability to grow and operate effectively in the current environment. On a more positive note, over half (52%) of Scottish SMEs plan to invest in sustainability and ESG initiatives over the next 12 months; 39% intend to prioritise growing their workforce over the same period; and 58% are optimistic about the benefits associated with the energy transition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ritchie Whyte, Partner, Aberdein Considine, said: 'Our survey's findings paint a picture of a very challenging environment for Scotland's small to medium-sized businesses. We know that businesses are facing intense financial pressures, and the fact that over 80% of firms now doubt their viability demonstrates the urgent need for targeted support, policy intervention and sustainable strategies to ensure not only their survival, but long-term resilience. 'Perhaps most telling is that more than a third of SMEs point to Scottish Government policy shifts as their biggest obstacle to growth. In practice, this means every tax or regulatory change can feel like an extra weight at a time when firms can least afford it. With less than a year to the next Holyrood election, we hope policymakers will take note. The pace of change must be managed carefully if businesses are to have the confidence to invest and expand. 'While the findings show that a significant number of Scottish SMEs – many of which are family-owned and run – are facing real concerns about viability in the short term, they also point to a business community actively planning for the future. 'The result that more than 90% of respondents say they are prioritising a return to full-time office working seems to run counter to broader workforce trends, but it perhaps highlights a focus across the industry towards strengthening collaboration and enhancing productivity. While approaches may vary, there is a shared intent among firms to stabilise operations and support long-term future growth.'
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Making a will can spare your loved ones further pain
What would have happened if Liam Payne had died intestate while living in Scotland? Aileen Entwistle has the answers Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... When a loved one dies suddenly, their loss throws those they leave behind into turmoil as they grapple with the shock and pain of their unexpected bereavement. And in the midst of their grief, family members must also get to grips with sorting out the legal and financial affairs of the person whose died. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In situations where the deceased hasn't left a will, though, this becomes an even more daunting task. Aileen Entwistle, Private Client Partner at Aberdein Considine (Picture: David Ho) It was reported recently that former One Direction star Liam Payne died without a will aged 31, leaving his estate worth over £24 million to be divided according to the laws of intestacy in England. His ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy, mother of his only son, has been appointed Administrator of his estate, along with lawyer Richard Mark Bray. As Liam Payne died domiciled in England his estate will be administered and distributed in accordance with the statutory intestate succession rules under the laws of England and Wales. Intestacy is the term used when you die without leaving a will. Applying the law of intestate succession in England and Wales, Liam's young son is the sole beneficiary and his family, including his parents and siblings, will not be entitled to a share. The law ensures that a young person's inheritance will be managed on their behalf and protected until they turn 18. However, applications to court are required to have a suitable Administrator appointed to manage the funds and there is a strict order of priority as to who can be appointed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Would the outcome have been different had Liam Payne died in Scotland? On the whole, no, as under intestate succession in Scots Law, his son would still have been the sole beneficiary and an executor appointed (in Scots Law referred to as Executor Dative) to administer the estate, again following a strict order or priority. The primary difference in Scots Law is that under intestacy, a minor will inherit at age 16 with the management of the funds being directed by the Accountant of Court. Arguably, this is a young age at which to inherit such wealth. It's quite possible that the outcome of his son being his sole heir is what Liam Payne would have wanted had he drawn up a will. However, having a will in place would have allowed him to control who was to look after his son's inheritance and specify the age at which his son was to inherit. Through a will he would also have been able to make provision for his partner who, under intestacy, would have unlikely met the criteria for a dependant's claim under English Law. Under Scots Law, as his cohabitant, she may have considered lodging an application to court for financial provision, bearing in mind the strict deadlines involved in this type of claim. Having a will is important, but particularly so where young children may inherit as it gives you control as opposed to leaving it for the law to decide. According to the National Wills Register's most recent [2024] National Wills Report, in the UK only 50 per cent of women, and 57 per cent of men have made a will. This means that nearly one in two people dying in the UK (42 per cent in Scotland) are potentially setting their loved ones up for an even more tumultuous and stressful experience after they are gone, if there is no will in place.
Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Modern riverside home in the heart of Royal Deeside for sale
A large modern family house beside the River Dee in the heart of Royal Deeside is on the market. Number 12 Durward Crescent is situated close to the banks of the River Dee in the village of Kincardine O'Neil. The property offers uninterrupted views of the River Dee with an extensive south-facing garden. It has been listed with Aberdein Considine with a guide price of £775,000. Through the covered porch, you enter the hallway, which connects to the lounge on the right and features hardwood floors and French doors leading to the garden. A sun lounge, accessible off the lounge, has windows on three sides and can be used as an office or an extra bedroom for guests. Also off the hallway is a ground-floor bedroom with wardrobe space and an en suite. There is also a guest WC. The most impressive space in the property is the living, kitchen and dining room, which has a vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the river. There is a wine cellar off the dining area, which flows naturally into the open-plan kitchen, complete with a central island and marble worktops. At the end of the room is the family area, with doors opening onto the outdoor patio and skylights bringing in plenty of natural light. There is also a wood-burning stove in the corner of the room. The double garage is connected to the property via a utility room. Upstairs, to the left at the end of the landing, is the master bedroom suite. The room has space for a king-sized bed that faces the river and unique skylight windows that open out to form a small balcony. There is also a breakout seating area/dressing area, as well as an en suite shower. Also on the first floor are two large double bedrooms with river views. They share the family bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower. The final bedroom is front-facing with access to its own en suite shower. The property has oil-fired central heating, a built-in Sonos sound system, and an air recycling system. Kincardine O'Neil is a small village between Aboyne and Banchory, approximately a 32-minute drive from Aberdeen.
