Mathieson Financial Services Ltd

17/07/2026

Does your business rely on the talent or expertise of a key individual? If so, how would it fare if they were no longer able to work?

Small to medium businesses in the UK are notoriously underinsured, leaving them exposed to serious risks. For many, the loss of a key person may result in a major risk. However, putting protection in place to cover this risk can help shield your business from financial vulnerability in the event that one of your key people falls seriously ill or dies.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/could-your-business-survive-losing-its-most-valuable-person

15/07/2026

The famous Peking Duck found itself at the centre of an international row last week, as the EU launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of the bird from China.

The move has been seen as the latest incident in an ongoing tit-for-tat argument between the two blocs, as they begin formal trade negotiations.

One elephant in the room of any conversations between China and the EU will be automobiles. Until recently, China was a key market for German car manufacturers, shipping mainly combustion-engine cars east. However, the rise of Chinese competitors, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), has rapidly reversed the flow. Squeezed between US tariffs and rapidly improving Chinese models, the German industry has found itself under significant pressure.

Industry giant Volkswagen’s (VW) share price has been on a downward trend since 2021. It was down over 30% year-to-date as of Friday. Profits have also been under pressure for much of this time last week, VW announced a series of drastic measures to make the business more competitive. These could include the loss of 100,000 workers and up to four plant closures in Germany. Such moves would likely have to overcome powerful labour unions, though.

Recently the German government announced a series of significant reforms, including linking pension age to average lifespan, and tighter requirements for sick leave. These were announced in the hope of making Europe’s historic manufacturing powerhouse more competitive.

Whether these interventions will be enough to improve German automobile market share within and outside of the EU is yet to be seen.

Read more: https://www.mathieson-financial-services.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-13-07-2026

22/06/2026

🏌️‍♂️⛳ Golf Marathon Complete – 4 Rounds, 72 Holes, 43,895 Steps and £1,190 Raised! ⛳🏌️‍♂️

What a day!

My alarm went off ridiculously early for a 6am start at Kemnay Golf Club, and a huge thank you to Head Greenkeeper Phil for allowing me out before everyone else. There was something special about standing on the 1st tee watching the greenkeeping team cutting the fairways as the course woke up.

The first three rounds flew by at around 2 hours each, and I was motoring along nicely. On the 8th hole of Round 2, Alan Massie joined me and very kindly took on caddie duties, keeping me company for much of the challenge. Then, on the 8th hole of the final round, Becky took over the bag and guided me through the home stretch.

One of the unexpected highlights was the number of golfers who let me play through. Many stopped to ask what I was doing, and a few had seen the bloke in a kilt racing around the course! Some even asked for photos, which definitely made me feel more famous than I really am 😂. Even better, several people handed over cash donations there and then, which was incredibly generous.

A massive thank you to Kemnay Golf Club for helping raise awareness and supporting the challenge throughout the day.

In total, we raised £1,190 for Prostate Cancer UK. I don’t know exactly what that amount will fund, but I do know it helps support research, awareness and the fight against a disease that affects far too many men. If nothing else, if this challenge encourages even one person to get checked earlier, then it has been worthwhile.

So, to all the men reading this: please don’t put it off. Go and get checked.

The final numbers:
📍 72 holes
🚶 43,895 steps
📏 21.6 miles walked
🔥 4,352 calories burned
💰 £1,190 raised

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Although I will admit it was perhaps not the ideal preparation for my Club Championship round the following day. My apologies to Gordon MacDonald, who had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand what 72 holes in a day does to a golfer’s swing! 😅

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared posts, offered encouragement, let me play through, stopped for a chat, or simply helped spread the message.

Together we’ve raised money, raised awareness, and hopefully encouraged a few more men to take their health seriously. 💙

19/06/2026

⭐And the Boss Man has done it!
72 holes, 4 rounds, 26 miles in 9.5 hours!
Well done Steven, time to go and enjoy your pint! ⭐
There's still time to donate to Prostate Cancer UK, please just follow the link:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stevens-fundraising-page1044?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL__;!!CmiNeg!PPc9WpAeac5DCE9m-D6qaG1o2sPxDFoPjg-oPo6Ihw3YjdBqkCVONr-DxWtM7zKND9jLsRX7H2bVh8T3PzZR92idBgq-xho$

19/06/2026

Further update from Steven, on hole 58, 4th hole of the 4th round and getting a wee bitty tired now, but he's made amazing time. Come on Steven, you're nearly there! 🏌🏼⛳

19/06/2026

Update from Steven - He's cracking on, on the 8th hole of his 3rd round 👍🏼

19/06/2026

Steven is off to a flying start! He started at 6am and this was him checking in at 8.15am after his first round ⛳ Only 3 more rounds to go, you've got this Steven! 🏌🏼

18/06/2026

When the World Cup comes around, it’s only right that the office gets fully behind the occasion! With Scottish flags proudly on display and a competitive spirit in full flow, we decided to take a quick break from financial planning and put our football skills to the test.

A special mention goes to Emma, whose dribbling skills wouldn’t have looked out of place on the international stage! 👏⚽

As for Steven… let’s just say his attempt at a spectacular finish resulted in a slightly different kind of highlight reel. One ambitious shot later and a ceiling tile came crashing down! 😳😂

Thankfully, no injuries, no VAR reviews, and only minimal damage to office pride.

Sometimes it’s important to have a little fun, enjoy the team spirit, and embrace the excitement that major sporting events bring.

Who do you think has the best skills in the office? ⚽🏆

16/06/2026

⛳⛳ THE BIG GOLF RACE FOR PROSTATE CANCER UK ⛳⛳
ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO until Steven takes on The Big Golf Race in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
His challenge is to do a Marathon, which consists of 4 rounds of golf, 72 holes, 26 miles in 1 day.
We all know how much Steven loves his golf but this is a fair challenge, even for him!
Help us wish Steven all the best for Friday and if anyone still wants to donate please just follow the link below.
GOOD LUCK STEVEN, YOU'VE GOT THIS! ⛳🏌️‍♂️⛳

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stevens-fundraising-page1044?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL__;!!CmiNeg!PPc9WpAeac5DCE9m-D6qaG1o2sPxDFoPjg-oPo6Ihw3YjdBqkCVONr-DxWtM7zKND9jLsRX7H2bVh8T3PzZR92idBgq-xho$

11/06/2026