Latest news with #Scottish-based
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Scots businesses caught ‘deliberately' tax dodging named and shamed
The lengthy list of offending UK firms includes convenience stores, internet sales businesses, wholesalers and takeaways north of the border PAY UP Scots businesses caught 'deliberately' tax dodging named and shamed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTISH firms caught owing hundreds of thousands of pounds after tax dodging have been named and shamed. HM Revenue and Customs has released a list of companies that have been caught out not paying their dues. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 HMRC has penalised several Scottish-based companies deliberately tax defaulting Credit: PA 2 Day-to-Day Scotland Ltd was one of several firms caught dodging tax payments Credit: Google Maps The lengthy list of offending UK firms includes convenience stores, internet sales businesses, wholesalers and takeaways north of the border. The operator of Day-to-Day Scotland Ltd was caught swerving £131,759 worth of tax between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023. The firm, based at 47 Hope Street in Glasgow, was hit with a £79,055 penalty. Internet sales company SK and SA Limited dodged paying £139,184 in tax between February 1, 2015 and January 31, 2018. The business on Ness Street in Glasgow was fined £80,031.19 but HMRC. Mohammad Qasim Umar Nagora, who formerly traded as 7 Star Spices, dodged paying £97,195 in tax between April 6, 2013 and April 5, 2020. The takeaway firm, previously based on Mosspark Drive in Glasgow, was penalised £47,382. Kai Xin Street Limited, which operates as Kai Xin, was snared after evading paying a whopping £299,701 in tax between February 1, 2018 and January 31, 2022. The fast food business, based on King Street in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, was fined £177,568. In Edinburgh, capital gain operator Wai Man Lo was found to have failed to pay £290,450 in tax between April 6, 2018 and April 5, 2019. Five 50ps that could earn you thousands The firm, based on March Road in the capital, has been billed £215,281. Wholesaler Ellol Limited was caught swerving £63,902 in tax payments between August 30, 2022 and February 28, 2023. The company, based on Colinton Road in Glasgow, has been fined £44,731. Mohammed Zaheer Anwar, who previously traded as Lochend Fry, dodged £27,630 in tax between April 6, 2015 and April 5, 2021. The businessman, formerly based on Lochend Road South in Edinburgh, has been hit penalised £13,796. In Perth, Baran Melisa Limited, formerly trading as Marini's, failed to pay a staggering £797,177 in tax between June 1, 2012 and August 31, 2018. The takeaway and restaurant, previously based on St Catherine's Road, has been billed £691,132. If HMRC finds that a firm has deliberately evaded paying, tax evasion penalties can be imposed, amounting to 70 per cent of the tax owed. If businesses or individuals fail to pay tax, HMRC can take further enforcement, including prosecution and seizure of possessions. In rare cases, offenders have been sent to prison for tax evasion. Kevin Hubbard, HMRC's director of individuals and small business compliance, said: "The overwhelming majority pay the tax they owe, but for those who refuse, we use a range of tools to take firm action. 'This includes publishing the names of those penalised for deliberate defaults to influence taxpayer behaviour and encourage defaulters to engage with HMRC." HMRC's full list of deliberate tax defaulters can be viewed here.
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Pupils from Wishaw school create digital equality law to come out top in public speaking competition
Michelle Agbo and Emily Traynor triumphed in four rounds before reaching the national finals. Two pupils from St Aidan's High in Wishaw were crowned Scottish champions in the prestigious Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Schools (CPFS) Public Speaking competition. Michelle Agbo, S3, and Emily Traynor, S4, triumphed in four rounds before reaching the national finals, which were held in the grand surroundings of Parliament House in Edinburgh. Competing against teams from St Andrews in Kirkcaldy and Trinity High School in Renfrew, they spoke on the topic of introducing a law to combat digital inequality. The assigned topic was, 'What Scottish-based equality law would you introduce and why?'. The girls chose to create a digital equality law. Both were commended for their expertise on their chosen subject and the confidence of their speeches. The head judge Ruth Charteris KC, Solicitor General, praised the enthusiasm and respectful nature of all participants. There was a record-breaking entry this year of 117 teams representing 72 schools from all over the country. The Wishaw girls were supported throughout by Beth McDowall, principal teacher of literacy at St Aidan's High, who was pleased but not surprised by them taking the top spot. 'I'm so proud of all the girls have achieved throughout the competition,' she said. 'I'm most impressed by their dedication to one another as teammates. They have completed a challenge that would intimidate most adults and hopefully they will remember this experience for years to come - I know I will.' Mrs Farley, head teacher of St Aidan's, also praised the pupils' dedication and skill, saying: 'I was lucky enough to hear the girls in their regional finals and I was so impressed at their compassion, knowledge and communication. The girls' passion shone through and they are wonderful ambassadors for our school.' Emily and Michelle were each awarded a £50 gift voucher and a trophy for the school.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Future of bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd could have 'profound impact' on West Lothian communities
Gregor Poynton MP urged the Scottish Government to take immediate action Gregor Poynton MP has urged the Scottish Government to take immediate action to safeguard the future of bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd and the livelihoods of its workers. The Livingston MP has written to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop. The move follows the announcement that Alexander Dennis, based in Falkirk, intends to shift manufacturing operations to England—placing hundreds of skilled Scottish jobs at risk. In recent years, Alexander Dennis Ltd has played a critical role in delivering low and zero-emission buses for public transport networks across the UK. The company has supplied over 160 vehicles for Greater Manchester's Bee Network, while the Scottish Government has placed an order for 44 buses out of a potential 252 under its own zero-emission bus scheme. The majority have been awarded to manufacturers based outside Scotland. However, Deputy Fist Minister Kate Forbes confirmed that Alexander Dennis Ltd has received £58 million of Scottish Government subsidies for zero-emissions buses since 2020 under the scheme and its predecessor. In his letter, Mr Poynton said: 'The potential loss of these highly skilled jobs would have a profound impact on local communities, including many constituents within the Livingston constituency. 'The transport industry is a cornerstone of our economy and an essential service in the daily lives of people across Scotland. Supporting a Scottish-based manufacturer of low-emission and zero-emission buses aligns not only with economic priorities but also with our shared goals around sustainability, skills retention, and fair work. 'Beyond the immediate impact on jobs, we must also consider the wider ramifications for Scotland's industrial future. The loss of another major employer represents a setback for our national economy and undermines the skills and experience we have worked so hard to foster. It is vital that a comprehensive strategy is put in place to support the workforce, safeguard jobs, and prevent further industrial decline.' The MP emphasised the far-reaching implications of further industrial decline for communities across the central belt. He added: 'We must act swiftly and decisively to support Alexander Dennis and secure the future of bus manufacturing in Scotland. 'It is astounding that a company so clearly aligned with the Scottish Government's policies on net zero, green jobs, and sustainable transport is not being prioritised in public procurement. Instead, contracts are being awarded to firms based outside of Scotland, risking the future of our own workforce.' Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes responded: 'The absolute focus right now is on supporting Alexander Dennis Ltd its workforce, as well as the families and communities they support. We also recognise the significance of the company within the local economy and across the wider supply chain. 'The Scottish Government has committed to exploring all viable options throughout the consultation period to allow the firm to retain their hard-working employees and manufacturing and production facilities at Falkirk and Larbert. 'We will continue to work in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government. 'Since 2020, Alexander Dennis Ltd secured orders for more zero emission buses than any other single manufacturer through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund and its predecessor the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. Alexander Dennis Ltd has received £58 million of Scottish Government subsidy for vehicles under these programmes.'
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish charity founders help 200,000 children annually with surgery network
A husband and wife have both been awarded honours in the King's Birthday Honours List for their contribution to children's healthcare across the world. Garreth and Nicola Wood have been recognised with MBEs for services to health and charity, particularly surgery for children internationally- a nod to their transformative work through the charity they co-founded, Kids Operating Room. The six-year-old charity is a Scottish-based global health organisation creating permanent paediatric operating rooms in low and middle income countries. With projects in more than 40 countries, the charity has helped build capacity for nearly 200,000 life-saving operations annually. Professor George G Youngson CBE, Trustee of Kids Operating Room, said: 'The impact that our charity has had on the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of children across the world is a testament to the leadership, commitment and energy shown by our co-founders, Garreth and Nicola Wood. 'Kids Operating Room is delighted that Garreth and Nicola have both been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025, a richly deserved recognition.' As co-founders, Garreth and Nicola have helped guide the charity from an ambitious idea into a globally recognised organisation working to solve a critical and largely hidden global health emergency – the lack of access to safe surgical care for children in low-resource countries. Garreth Wood, MBE, Executive Chairman of Kids Operating Room, said: 'From co-founding Kids Operating Room together, to championing causes close to our hearts here in Scotland and around the world, our journey has always been about giving every child a fairer start in life. 'Nicola and I were deeply honoured to each receive an MBE for 'Services to Health and Charity, particularly Surgery for Children internationally'. 'It's humbling to be recognised in this way, and even more special to share this moment side-by-side with Nicola.' Kids Operating Room invests in building local capacity for paediatric surgery by installing state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, providing training and equipment to local teams, and pioneering the use of solar-powered operating rooms to combat unreliable power supply in remote regions. Over the past seven years, the charity has installed close to 100 paediatric operating rooms across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its innovative solar surgery systems have been deployed in over 200 hospitals, allowing uninterrupted life-saving operations even during blackouts. It recently installed solar panels at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya to avoid disastrous power outages that resulted in the hospital only able to use one theatre, causing huge back logs. Nicola Wood, MBE, Co-founder and Trustee, said: 'We're so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. The dedication, passion and belief of our colleagues around the world, who are working tirelessly to build a fairer world for children, inspires us every day. 'These awards are a tribute to the entire team at Kids Operating Room. We are more motivated than ever to keep going.' Kids Operating Room achievements include preventing more than 11 million years of disability and generating over $20 billion of economic benefit for partner countries. The charity's long-term vision is to become redundant – a world where every nation has the infrastructure and expertise to care for its children without relying on external aid. David Cunningham, CEO of Kids Operating Room said: 'I cannot think of two more worthy recipients of an honour. Each and every day, both Garreth and Nicola transform the lives of children around the world. 'It takes tremendous generosity to work so tirelessly to make the lives of complete strangers so significantly better. Everyone at Kids Operating Room is extremely proud to be part of their team and of the work they have inspired and continue to lead with such energy and enthusiasm.' Kids Operating Room has ambitious plans to scale further. In 2019, it pledged to install 100 operating rooms by 2030. That goal was met four and a half years early. Now, the charity is doubling down with a new pledge to install another 100 rooms by the end of 2030. Despite ongoing challenges in the global funding landscape, the charity continues to grow. Garreth and Nicola have personally pledged to underwrite core running costs for the next six years, helping ensure that every external donation goes directly to front-line projects. With headquarters in Edinburgh and a Global Operations Centre in Dundee, Kids Operating Room continues to punch well above its weight on the world stage. The charity remains a shining example of Scottish innovation and global solidarity in healthcare. Garreth and Nicola Wood Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Scottish duo help 200,000 children annually with surgery network
Scottish charity leaders recognised in King's Honours for life-saving work 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... A high-profile Scottish husband and wife have been jointly awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours List for their remarkable contribution to children's healthcare across the globe. Garreth and Nicola Wood have been recognised for services to health and charity, particularly surgery for children internationally- a nod to their transformative work through the charity they co-founded, Kids Operating Room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Founded in 2018, Kids Operating Room is a Scottish-based global health organisation creating permanent paediatric operating rooms in low- and middle-income countries. With projects in more than 40 countries, the charity has helped build capacity for nearly 200,000 life-saving operations annually. Gareth Wood at Kids OR warehouse Professor George G Youngson CBE, Trustee of Kids Operating Room, said: 'The impact that our charity has had on the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of children across the world is a testament to the leadership, commitment and energy shown by our co-founders, Garreth and Nicola Wood. 'Kids Operating Room is delighted that Garreth and Nicola have both been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025, a richly deserved recognition.' As co-founders, Garreth and Nicola have helped guide the charity from an ambitious idea into a globally recognised organisation working to solve a critical and largely hidden global health emergency – the lack of access to safe surgical care for children in low-resource countries. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Garreth Wood MBE, Executive Chairman of Kids Operating Room, said: 'From co-founding Kids Operating Room together, to championing causes close to our hearts here in Scotland and around the world, our journey has always been about giving every child a fairer start in life. Nicola wood speaking at Kids OR event "Nicola and I were deeply honoured to each receive an MBE for 'Services to Health and Charity, particularly Surgery for Children internationally'. 'It's humbling to be recognised in this way, and even more special to share this moment side-by-side with Nicola." Kids Operating Room invests in building local capacity for paediatric surgery by installing state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, providing training and equipment to local teams, and pioneering the use of solar-powered operating rooms to combat unreliable power supply in remote regions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over the past seven years, the charity has installed close to 100 paediatric operating rooms across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its innovative solar surgery systems have been deployed in over 200 hospitals, allowing uninterrupted life-saving operations even during blackouts. Gareth and Nicola Wood being awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours List It recently installed solar panels at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya to avoid disastrous power outages that resulted in the hospital only able to use one theatre, causing huge back logs. Nicola Wood MBE, Co-founder and Trustee, said: 'We're so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. The dedication, passion and belief of our colleagues around the world, who are working tirelessly to build a fairer world for children, inspires us every day. 'These awards are a tribute to the entire team at Kids Operating Room. We are more motivated than ever to keep going.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kids Operating Room achievements include preventing more than 11 million years of disability and generating over $20 billion of economic benefit for partner countries. The charity's long-term vision is to become redundant – a world where every nation has the infrastructure and expertise to care for its children without relying on external aid. David Cunningham, CEO of Kids Operating Room said: 'I cannot think of two more worthy recipients of an honour. Each and every day, both Garreth and Nicola transform the lives of children around the world. 'It takes tremendous generosity to work so tirelessly to make the lives of complete strangers so significantly better. Everyone at Kids Operating Room is extremely proud to be part of their team and of the work they have inspired and continue to lead with such energy and enthusiasm.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kids Operating Room has ambitious plans to scale further. In 2019, it pledged to install 100 operating rooms by 2030. That goal was met four and a half years early. Now, the charity is doubling down with a new pledge to install another 100 rooms by the end of 2030. Despite ongoing challenges in the global funding landscape, the charity continues to grow. Garreth and Nicola have personally pledged to underwrite core running costs for the next six years, helping ensure that every external donation goes directly to front-line projects. With headquarters in Edinburgh and a Global Operations Centre in Dundee, Kids Operating Room continues to punch well above its weight on the world stage. The charity remains a shining example of Scottish innovation and global solidarity in healthcare.
