Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Business

Trump Lifts US Whisky Tariffs After King Charles State Visit

Published

on

Britain's distillers have been handed an unexpected fillip after Donald Trump announced the removal of all US tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports, a concession the president attributed directly to the influence of King Charles and Queen Camilla's four-day state visit to America.

Britain’s distillers have been handed an unexpected fillip after Donald Trump announced the removal of all US tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports, a concession the president attributed directly to the influence of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit to America.

The decision, revealed on Trump’s Truth Social platform shortly after the royal couple departed for the UK, brings to an end a punishing 10 per cent levy that the Scotch Whisky Association estimates has been costing the industry roughly £4m a week, some £150m over the past year, at a time when distillers were already bracing for a further 25 per cent charge on single malts due to return this spring.

For an industry that counts the United States as its largest export market, with shipments worth close to £1bn annually, the timing could scarcely have been more welcome. Trump told reporters in Washington that the King and Queen “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking”, adding that he had moved “in honour” of his royal guests.

Buckingham Palace responded with characteristic understatement. A spokesperson said the King had conveyed his “sincere gratitude” to the president and would be “raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness”.

The decision also unlocks renewed commercial co-operation between Scotland and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, two regions historically intertwined through the trade in used bourbon barrels. The Scotch industry imports roughly £200m-worth of these casks from Kentucky each year, using them to mature its single malts and blends. Trump noted the linkage explicitly, describing both as “very important industries” in their respective territories.

Advertisement

Graeme Littlejohn, director of strategy at the Scotch Whisky Association, told Business Matters the industry was “delighted” by the move. “Distillers will breathe a sigh of relief now that these tariffs are off,” he said. “It’s really thanks to the huge amount of negotiation that’s been going on over many months, at a very senior level. Perhaps the state visit has been the catalyst for getting this over the line, and the King’s added that little bit of royal sparkle to make the deal work.”

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, hailed the announcement as “tremendous news for Scotland”, noting that “millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy” under the previous regime. He paid particular tribute to the monarch’s behind-the-scenes role.

The UK government confirmed that the removal applies to all whisky tariffs, including those affecting Irish whiskey producers, a clarification that will be welcomed by distillers on both sides of the Irish Sea. Peter Kyle, the Business and Trade Secretary, called the breakthrough “great news for our Scotch whisky industry, which is worth almost £1bn in exports and supports thousands of jobs across the UK”.

For SMEs across the sector, from craft distillers in Speyside to family-run bottlers in the Highlands and Islands, the lifting of tariffs offers a tangible reprieve. Single malts, which command premium prices in the American market, have been disproportionately affected by the Trump-era levies, and smaller producers without the balance-sheet depth of multinational rivals have felt the squeeze most acutely.

Advertisement

The development represents a rare instance of soft power translating directly into hard economic gain. Whether it heralds a broader thaw in transatlantic trade relations remains to be seen, but for an industry that has spent the better part of a year absorbing the costs of protectionism, the immediate message is clear: the dram is back on.


Jamie Young

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Ford launches employee pricing campaign for America’s 250th anniversary

Published

on

Ford launches employee pricing campaign for America's 250th anniversary

Ford Motor Company is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a nationwide pricing push aimed at giving U.S. customers a break.

The Michigan-based automaker on Friday launched its “American Value. For American Values” campaign, offering employee pricing to all U.S. customers on most new 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles through July 6. 

Advertisement

Under the program, buyers can pay the same price as Ford employees — which is below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — potentially saving them hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle, according to the company.

FORD RECALLS OVER 140,000 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER WIRING FIRE RISK

A Lincoln Navigator SUV is displayed against a desert backdrop at sunset.

A Lincoln Navigator SUV is displayed against a desert backdrop at sunset. (Ford Motor Company)

Ford said the campaign highlights its broader commitment to American values.

“Ford has always believed that American values are more than words — they’re actions,” said Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, said in a statement. 

Advertisement
Ticker Security Last Change Change %
F FORD MOTOR CO. 12.08 -0.16 -1.31%

“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, ‘American Value. For American Values‘ is our way of giving back to the people who show up every day: American workers, small business owners, and families who place their trust in Ford.”

HOW CUTTING ONE COSTLY HABIT COULD SAVE SMALL BUSINESSES THOUSANDS ON FUEL: EXPERT

Ford manufacturing plant

A worker assembles vehicle components on an auto production line at a Ford manufacturing plant. (Ford Motor Company)

In its announcement, Ford also highlighted its domestic footprint, noting it employs more U.S. hourly workers and assembles more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker.

“This commitment is not cyclical and not driven by short-term market conditions; it is foundational to Ford’s identity,” the company said.

Advertisement

Earlier this year, Ford was ranked the “most American” brand in the country in a national survey, earning top marks across political affiliations and income levels.

FORD RECALLS OVER 422,000 VEHICLES OVER WINDSHIELD WIPER ISSUE

The Ford Motor headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan

The Ford logo is seen on the Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. (Reuters/Rebecca Cook/File Photo / Reuters)

In a statement to FOX Business at the time, Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford said the company’s standing reflects its long-standing role in shaping the U.S. economy.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Advertisement

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud that Ford has helped strengthen this country — not just by building great vehicles, but by expanding opportunity and improving people’s lives,” Bill Ford told FOX Business in an email.

Continue Reading

Business

Sergey Brin reportedly confronted Newsom about leaving CA over wealth tax

Published

on

Sergey Brin reportedly confronted Newsom about leaving CA over wealth tax

An exclusive holiday gathering just north of San Francisco reportedly turned into a stomach-churning fiscal nightmare for California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Back in December, Newsom and Google co-founder Sergey Brin attended the same “treehouse party” hosted by crypto investor Chris Larsen. It was there, according to a Bloomberg report, that Brin broke the news that he would be leaving the state in response to a proposed wealth tax.

Advertisement

According to the report, it was a tense, private confrontation so jarring that Newsom reportedly complained about a “lingering cold” he attributed to the interaction for months afterward.

Brin allegedly explicitly cited the Billionaire Tax Act, a 5% one-time excise tax on individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, hitting his nearly $289 billion net worth hard.

CALIFORNIANS FLEE HIGH COSTS — AND MANY COME OUT AHEAD FINANCIALLY, STUDY FINDS

Just this week, the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) said it has collected more than 1.55 million signatures, according to a press release, nearly double the 875,000-signature requirement, to put the one-time tax on billionaire assets on the California ballot this November.

Advertisement
Sergey Brin and Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly felt sick for months after Google co-founder Sergey Brin told him at a holiday party he was leaving the Golden State over the billionaire tax. (Getty Images)

If the measure is approved by voters, anyone who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, would owe the tax, according to the proposal.

Brin effectively shielded his wealth from the retroactive reach of the proposed tax by buying properties in Nevada and Florida. He has also committed at least $45 million to a group called “Building A Better California” to fight the initiative, with his total spending to kill the tax already reaching $58 million this year.

“I fled socialism with my family in 1979 and know the devastating, oppressive society it created in the Soviet Union. I don’t want California to end up in the same place,” Brin told The New York Times this week regarding a story by the outlet that discussed his move.

Advertisement

Newsom has publicly opposed the billionaire tax, warning the measure would damage the economy and drive away investment. Since January, it’s estimated that more than $1 trillion in capital has left California.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“This is my fear,” Newsom previously said in a Politico interview. “It’s just what I warned against. It’s happening.”

Advertisement

“The evidence is in. The impacts are very real — not just substantive economic impacts in terms of the revenue, but start-ups, the indirect impacts of … people questioning long-term commitments, medium-term commitments,” he continued. “That’s not what we need right now, at a time of so much uncertainty. Quite the contrary.”

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

Continue Reading

Business

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: The RNAi Leader Continues To Grind Through A Quieter Year

Published

on

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: The RNAi Leader Continues To Grind Through A Quieter Year

This article was written by

Stephen Simpson is a freelance financial writer and investor.Spent close to 15 years on the Street (sell-side, buy-side, equities, bonds).

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ALNY, RHHBY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Halliburton director Tobi Young sells $255,537 of company stock

Published

on


Halliburton director Tobi Young sells $255,537 of company stock

Continue Reading

Business

What Does New Statement from Sheriff’s Department Say?

Published

on

Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a fresh statement Friday on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as the investigation enters its fourth month with few public updates and mounting questions about transparency. Authorities described the case as active and ongoing while renewing a plea for tips from the public.

Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Jan. 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson. A trail of blood and signs of possible struggle were found inside the residence, prompting authorities to treat the disappearance as a suspected abduction. Despite extensive searches, interviews and forensic work involving the FBI, no arrests have been announced and no suspects publicly identified.

The latest statement from the sheriff’s department, its first detailed comment in nearly a month, emphasized continued collaboration with federal partners. “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case,” a spokesperson said. Officials encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities, reiterating that the search remains active.

The relative silence has drawn criticism from some local officials and observers who question the pace of public communication. Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced scrutiny over his department’s handling of the high-profile case, including reports of internal changes prior to the disappearance and his own past disciplinary issues from decades earlier. A county supervisor recently described Nanos as having “perpetrated a fraud” regarding aspects of his employment history, though the sheriff defended his record in a detailed filing.

Emails obtained by media outlets revealed that months before Guthrie vanished, the sheriff’s department collaborated extensively with producers of a reality television show called “Desert Law,” granting behind-the-scenes access to operations, deputies and body camera footage. Critics argue this relationship raises transparency concerns at a time when the agency should focus solely on the investigation. Nanos and department leaders have pushed back, insisting the partnership did not interfere with case work.

Advertisement

Guthrie’s disappearance has captivated national attention due to her daughter’s prominence in broadcast journalism. Savannah Guthrie has shared occasional updates on social media and through the “Today” show, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers while asking for privacy as the family copes with uncertainty. A substantial reward, reportedly reaching $1.2 million through combined contributions, remains in place for information leading to her safe return or resolution of the case.

Search efforts have involved volunteers, drones, canines and ground teams scouring desert terrain and nearby areas. Officials recently asked volunteer searchers to stand down as the FBI analyzes evidence, signaling a shift toward investigative leads over broad physical searches. Blood evidence and other forensic items continue undergoing specialized testing at private labs to develop potential DNA profiles or other clues.

The case has highlighted challenges in missing persons investigations involving elderly individuals. Guthrie’s age and health status add urgency, as prolonged time missing increases risks. Authorities have not released a detailed timeline of her final known movements beyond the home scene, citing investigative needs, which has frustrated some community members seeking more openness.

Local media and true crime enthusiasts have speculated widely, with unconfirmed reports of persons of interest surfacing periodically. Sheriff Nanos addressed one such rumor with a terse denial, responding “Nope” when asked about a new detention. Such minimal responses have fueled perceptions of opacity, though department spokespeople stress that protecting the integrity of the probe takes precedence over frequent updates.

Advertisement

Pima County has undergone leadership transitions in law enforcement units, including homicide and cold cases, in the months preceding the disappearance. Some reports link these rotations to the reality TV collaboration, raising questions about resource allocation and preparedness. Sheriff Nanos defended his team’s experience, noting recent high-profile solves under current supervisors.

For the Guthrie family, the prolonged uncertainty compounds emotional strain. Savannah Guthrie has balanced professional duties with private advocacy, occasionally posting messages of hope and resilience. Friends and neighbors describe Nancy as an active, vibrant woman whose sudden absence left a void in the close-knit community.

Broader implications touch on elder safety, home security and rapid response protocols. Advocacy groups urge residents to install cameras, maintain communication routines and report suspicious activity promptly. The case serves as a sobering reminder that abductions can occur in seemingly safe suburban settings.

As weeks turn to months, investigators pursue digital records, financial trails and witness statements. The FBI’s involvement brings federal resources, including behavioral analysis and advanced forensics. Tips continue flowing in, though officials caution that many require verification amid the volume generated by national coverage.

Advertisement

Community vigils and fundraisers have kept Nancy Guthrie’s name prominent. Billboards, social media campaigns and local news segments sustain awareness. Authorities stress that even small details — a vehicle description, unfamiliar person or unusual activity around late January — could prove pivotal.

The sheriff’s department faces pressure to balance transparency with operational security. While some criticize the pace of statements, others recognize the complexities of a case lacking immediate suspects or clear motive. Moving forward, renewed public engagement may yield breakthroughs as the investigation evolves from search to targeted inquiry.

Nancy Guthrie’s story resonates because it strikes at universal fears of vulnerability in later years. Her family, friends and the wider public await resolution with heavy hearts. The latest statement, though brief, reaffirms commitment while underscoring the need for continued community vigilance in this unresolved mystery.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Walmart opens new milk processing plant in Texas

Published

on

Walmart opens new milk processing plant in Texas

The retailer invested $350 million to build the facility.

Continue Reading

Business

The Real Greek restaurant chain on brink of collapse

Published

on

The Real Greek restaurant chain on brink of collapse

The 28-strong Mediterranean-styled restaurant chain is facing unsustainable cost pressures, its owners say.

Continue Reading

Business

From Family Roots to $500M Builder

Published

on

From Family Roots to $500M Builder

A Leader Shaped by Early Responsibility

Otto Bohon didn’t grow into business. He was raised in it.

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he started working in his family’s restaurant at just nine years old. While most kids were focused on school and sports, Otto was learning how a business runs behind the scenes.

“I was bussing tables at first,” he says. “But I was also watching everything—how people got hired, how money moved, how systems worked.”

By age 12, he was already learning payroll. That early exposure gave him a rare advantage. He wasn’t just working. He was studying operations in real time.

Advertisement

His father, an immigrant, built a restaurant group from the ground up. That example left a lasting impact.

“I saw what it takes to build something from nothing,” Otto says. “That sticks with you.”

From Athlete to Business Builder

Growing up, Otto was also highly athletic. He played football and trained in martial arts. For a time, he dreamed of becoming a baseball player.

But business kept pulling him back.

Advertisement

“I always had that competitive mindset,” he says. “It just shifted from sports to business.”

He attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in Psychology. He later completed an MBA with a focus on Finance and Marketing.

That mix of education helped shape how he approaches leadership today.

“Understanding people is just as important as understanding numbers,” he explains.

Advertisement

How Otto Bohon Built a Career in Finance

Otto’s entry into finance started in a familiar place—at the bottom.

He joined Wells Fargo as a teller during college. But he didn’t stay there long.

“I moved up quickly because I was always focused on learning the system,” he says.

He eventually became a Private Banker. That role gave him exposure to high-level clients and complex financial structures.

Advertisement

But Otto wanted more control over his path. So he left to become an independent Financial Advisor.

That decision changed everything.

Over time, he built a practice managing around $500 million in assets. Along the way, he earned multiple industry awards, including three Quantum Leap awards and a top MVP honor in 2019.

Still, something didn’t feel right.

Advertisement

“I realized my strength wasn’t just advising,” he says. “It was building systems and teams.”

Why He Walked Away From a Successful Practice

In 2020, Otto made a bold move. He sold his financial practice.

For many, that would be the peak. For him, it was a pivot.

“I knew I could make a bigger impact on the operational side,” he says. “That’s where I saw the real gaps.”

Advertisement

He shifted into consulting and executive leadership. His focus became clear: help companies scale by building better systems.

He served as Chief Operating Officer at SIM and later took on a Senior Advisor role with Affinex Capital.

There, he helps guide operations across multiple companies.

“My job is to make sure the people running these companies have the tools and structure to succeed,” he explains.

Advertisement

Building Systems That Scale

One of Otto’s key strengths is turning ideas into systems.

At Affinex Capital, he has helped raise around $500 million by improving internal processes and training.

He also developed a training program designed for people with no industry experience.

“The goal was simple,” he says. “Make it possible for anyone willing to work hard to succeed.”

Advertisement

Beyond that, he has built CRM systems and operational frameworks that help companies grow faster and more efficiently.

In the last five years alone, his work has helped create over 500 jobs.

“That’s something I’m really proud of,” he says. “Not just growth, but opportunity for others.”

Leading Through Mentorship and Culture

Otto Bohon

Advertisement

sees leadership differently than most.

“I prefer to lead, not manage,” he says. “There’s a big difference.”

For him, leadership is about mentorship and development. He has helped many people get their first real opportunity in the industry.

“I’ve seen people go from zero experience to building strong careers,” he says. “That’s what drives me.”

Advertisement

His background in psychology plays a role here. He focuses on how people think, learn, and grow.

“Systems matter,” he says. “But people matter more.”

Community Impact and Personal Life

Otto’s work extends beyond business.

In 2017, he was named “Man of the Year” by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40. The award recognized his community involvement and philanthropy.

Advertisement

He has served on boards like the Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation and St. Miguel. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and supported fundraising efforts for the Southern Arizona Diaper Bank.

“Giving back has always been important to me,” he says. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my community.”

At home, he focuses on family. He and his wife have four daughters.

“I try to spend as much time with them as I can,” he says. “That’s what keeps everything grounded.”

Advertisement

He also enjoys exploring art and managing his growing collection of collectibles.

What Defines Otto Bohon’s Leadership Today

Looking at his career, one theme stands out: building.

From restaurants to finance to consulting, Otto has always focused on creating structure and opportunity.

“I like building things that last,” he says.

Advertisement

Today, he continues to work behind the scenes, helping companies grow and leaders improve.

His path hasn’t been linear. But it has been intentional.

“I’ve always followed where I can make the biggest impact,” he says.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Business

South Tyneside’s Cirrus Environmental Solutions is snapped up by Hull group

Published

on

Business Live

Cirrus Environmental Services’ Boldon office will become Latus Group’s Northern hub

An aerial view of Boldon Business Park. UK Land Estates has sold the site as part of a £42m deal

An aerial view of Boldon Business Park where Cirrus is based(Image: UK Land Estates)

A South Tyneside occupational hygiene specialist has been snapped up for an undisclosed amount by growing Humber business Latus Group. Hull-based Latus Group has acquired East Boldon based Cirrus Environmental Solutions Limited, a move it said strengthens its national footprint while also establishing the group as one of the UK’s leading occupational hygiene providers.

The deal marks the fifth acquisition for Latus following investment from NorthEdge in July 2024. Cirrus, incorporated by co-founders Stuart Hovvels and Rachel Bowman in 2005, has technical expertise within key occupational hygiene services, including air quality and exposure monitoring; occupational noise surveys; local exhaust ventilation testing, and whole body and hand arm vibration monitoring.

Advertisement

Cirrus, which has 12 employees, has a team of highly qualified and experienced occupational hygienists to Latus. The acquisition further supports Latus Group’s rapidly growing occupational hygiene division, following the recent acquisition of Euro Environmental Limited in February.

The Boldon Business Park office in the North East will become Latus’ Northern Hub, from which it will provide occupational hygiene and broader occupational health services to the northern regions and Scotland, expanding the group’s geographical coverage.

Latus Group has acquired OH Services Limited

Latus Group has made a new acquistion(Image: Latus Group)

Rachel Bowman and Stuart Hovvels, co-founders of Cirrus Environmental Solutions, said: “Joining the Latus Group is an exciting next step for our business and our people. As part of the Latus Group, we can offer our clients access to end-to-end workplace compliance solutions, backed by technology, with coverage throughout the UK.

“We look forward to remaining in our current roles and continuing to work with Cirrus’ staff and customers to offer market leading workplace environmental solutions.”

Advertisement

Jack Latus, CEO of Latus Group, said the acquisitions establish the business as a leading provider of workplace compliance solutions, underpinned by market-leading technologies, focused on keeping employees fit and healthy in work.

He added: “Occupational hygiene remains a key strategic growth area for us. As well as providing us with additional services and geographic coverage, the acquisition of Cirrus also sees us bring market-leading occupational hygiene talent into the Group – with a highly skilled team led by Rachel and Stuart.

“I look forward to working with them as we deliver on our collective mission of modernising workplace healthcare and improving employee health outcomes across the UK.”

Like this story? For more deals news you can visit our dedicated page for the latest news and analysis here.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Slideshow: Peanuts packing a punch

Published

on

Slideshow: Peanuts packing a punch

Manufacturers are turning to peanut flavors for new innovations. 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025