Here are the business stories making the headlines across Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK this morning.
Interest rates expected to rise for first time in over three years
Policymakers at the Bank of England are expected to raise interest rates on Thursday in what would be the first increase to the benchmark rate for more than three years.
Most analysts are predicting a rise from 3.75% to 4% in a move that would increase the cost of borrowing for individuals and businesses, but boost savers.
The Bank rate has fallen from its 2023-24 peak of 5.25%, although the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has left the rate unchanged at its last six meetings.
Read more on the BBC website.
Aberdeen law firm doubles down on north-east growth with new Union Street office
An Aberdeen law firm has moved to a new office on Union Street as it eyes further growth in the north-east.
Shepherd and Wedderburn has been settling into its new premises at the Capitol building after outgrowing its previous offices at Albyn Place.
The move comes as the law firm, which also has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, looks to build on its momentum in the region.
Read the full story in The P&J.
Aberdeen ship owner North Star rides offshore wind boom as turnover climbs to £153m
Aberdeen ship owner North Star says it is riding a wave of success after a year that saw it secure a landmark” deal.
The 140-year-old company also added three newbuild service operation vessels (SOVs) to its fleet, helping increase turnover to £152.9 million in 2025, up from £137.5m in 2024.
However, newly filed accounts also show it recorded a pre-tax loss of £19.3m, compared with £7.1m the previous year.
Read more in The Press and Journal.
Hearts record £2.4m loss in Bloom's first year
Heart of Midlothian have announced a loss of £2.4m for the year ending 30 June - the first 12 months of Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom's involvement with the Scottish Premiership club.
The accounts show turnover was more than £23m, which is a club record sum for a season not involving European competition, as they missed out on their first Scottish title for 66 years following a final-day defeat by reigning champions Celtic.
Bloom invested £10m to take a 29% non-voting stake in Hearts, who were looking to benefit from his Jamestown Analytics recruitment network.
Read more on the BBC website.
Former Kenny’s Music shop goes up for auction again in fresh bid to revive unit
The empty Aberdeen shop unit which housed Kenny’s Music for 17 years will go under the hammer once again.
Number 67 on The Green has been listed in an upcoming sale, with bidding due to start on November 12 at £160,000.
The lot comprises the ground floor and basement of the city centre building, just metres from the £50 million Flint market development.
Read the P&J article here.
Next beats forecasts but UK shoppers rein in spending ahead of Christmas
Sales at Next beat expectations in the third quarter but the retailer warned of slowing growth in the UK as consumers cut back spending amid rising energy bills, mortgage rates and fuel costs.
Full-price sales rose 8.1 per cent year-on-year over the thirteen weeks to October 31, about £33m ahead of guidance of 5.8% for the second half.
Growth was driven primarily by a sharp 32.2% increase in online international sales, which was comfortably ahead of forecasts of 20.5%.
Read more in The Times.