Business News Round Up (17/08/2020)
PwC expects most staff to work remotely
PwC is preparing for the majority of its UK workforce to continue working remotely after the coronavirus pandemic has passed. The accountant and business adviser said home working will be a factor for many of its 22,000 UK staff in the medium-to-long term, as only a quarter of its staff ventured into one of its 20 offices around the country in the last week. The firm has admitted that over the long term it thinks that while all its staff will go into the office on some days, this will be combined with working from home for the rest of the week. PwC’s move is the latest indication of lasting changes in workplace culture.
https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2020/08/pwc-expects-most-staff-to-work-remotely/
Rise in July insolvencies indicates pandemic is starting to bite
A rise in the number of corporate insolvencies could indicate the impact of the pandemic is beginning to show, according to the insolvency and restructuring trade body R3. The latest figures from the Insolvency Service reveal that the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 29% in July compared with the previous month, 34% lower than in July last year. While the number of personal insolvencies currently remains low, a wave of business failures could have a knock-on effect if people lose their jobs or take on liability for a business’s debts as part of an unsuccessful attempt to turn it around.
Strathclyde Business School seeks overseas firms to offer virtual internships
Strathclyde Business School is looking for companies and organisations where the primary language used is French, Italian, or Spanish to offer undergraduates a virtual work placement. International mobility experience is compulsory for students on the International Business (IB) and Masters in International Business and Modern Languages (MIBML) degree pathways. Covid-19 has limited students’ chances of securing their placement abroad, Strathclyde hopes organisations based in or with offices in Europe, Canada and South America will be able to help out by proving an internship to be carried out remotely.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/strathclyde-business-school-seeks-overseas-22506236
Promotions across Scotland as KPMG focuses on assisting clients through Covid-19 challenge
KPMG has invested in talent across its Scottish practice with the appointment of three new directors. The promotions within the tax and audit teams are part of a wider commitment within the firm to invest in talent and innovation in Scotland, and support clients through the economic challenges created by the Coronavirus pandemic. In Edinburgh, Craig Barrowman has been appointed director in the Tax and Legal team. He is joined by tax director, Ruth Wallace in Glasgow, and Michelle Smarsh who is promoted to audit director in Aberdeen.