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New name for St James Quarter

Charles Jeffrey reveals full programme for Westfield Days: The Sound of Style at Westfield St James Quarter

11-20 September 2026 | Westfield St James Quarter

To celebrate the launch of Westfield St James Quarter, officially renamed on 10 September 2026, acclaimed Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey returns home for an immersive ten-day takeover as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style. 

Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council, the programme forms part of Fashion Britain, a nationwide initiative celebrating the designers, communities and cultural influences shaping British fashion today. 

Born in Scotland, Charles Jeffrey is internationally recognised for blending design, performance, music and culture into a distinctive creative vision.  

Returning home for the takeover, he brings that world to Westfield St James Quarter across three experiences: an exclusive Listening Room built from his own archives and soundscapes; the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time shop of archival pieces, accessories and exclusive products; and a full programme of talks, workshops and live performances spanning fashion, music and culture. The entire programme is curated by Jeffrey himself and features some of the most exciting, emerging names.  

A particular highlight will see Jeffrey in conversation with Kirsty Hassard, Senior Curator at V&A Dundee, in a talk introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir. The conversation will explore the role research plays in shaping Jeffrey’s collections, Scotland’s rich fashion history and its influence on contemporary design, and the importance of recognising the creative talent to have come out of Scotland.  

The talk will connect directly to V&A Dundee’s current Catwalk exhibition, which traces the stories, designers and cultural influences that have shaped Scottish fashion’s place on the global stage. 

Guests can also expect a vibrant mix of experiences throughout the programme, including intimate one-to-one tarot card readings with the incredibly gifted Jade Mordente, an inspiring dance workshop with acclaimed choreographer Ivan Blackstock – known for his work on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl music video – and a specially curated pop-up Vinyl Lounge from local tastemakers, Umbrella Vinyl. 

Charles Jeffrey said: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the people, places and cultural influences that continue to inspire my work on home turf here in Scotland and am delighted to have the opportunity to create something that feels immersive, playful and open to everyone.

“This programme is about showing how I work – the music, the references, the people I collaborate with – and putting it all in one place for ten days.

“There’s something for everyone, whether that’s catching a gig, digging through the PUNK FLEA MARKET or just spending an hour in the Listening Room.”

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter said: “Charles Jeffrey is one of Scotland’s most exciting and dynamic creative voices, and there’s no better way to mark this new chapter for Westfield St James Quarter than with a programme built around his work.

“Ten days of music, fashion and ideas, right in the heart of Edinburgh- we want people to come and experience it for themselves.”

What’s On: The Full Schedule

Highlights across the ten-day takeover include: 

Friday 11 September

10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room – step inside Jeffrey’s personal archive of music and memory, through curated soundscapes and exclusive content. 

11:00am – Vinyl Lounge with Umbrella Vinyl – independent record store Umbrella Vinyl will be selling curated vinyl featuring a selection of the music that inspires Charles Jeffrey  

3:30pm – Bikini Body: Live at The Sound of Style – electrifying five-piece Bikini Body bring their irresistible collision of post-punk, dance music and percussion to Westfield St James Quarter  

5:30pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation – Jeffrey joins V&A Dundee curator Kirsty Hassard, introduced by the British Fashion Council’s Laura Weir, to discuss research, Scottish fashion history and V&A Dundee’s Catwalk exhibition. 

Saturday 12 September

10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition – explore Jeffrey’s LOVERBOY archive at your own pace. 

12:00pm – Live Music from Her Picture – an intimate live performance from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists, Her Picture is the public confessional of singer Anny Tahaney, whose honest and thought-provoking songwriting is bewitching listeners in Scotland and beyond. 

2:30pm – Fashion, Movement & Theatre with Ivan Blackstock – a workshop exploring the crossover between fashion, dance and performance. 

Sunday 13 September

10:00am – Fashion Photography Workshop: Creating the Narrative with Claudius Ricketts – a hands-on workshop on building narrative through fashion photography. 

12:00pm – Love Your Body Dance Workshop with Ivan Blackstock – a dance workshop celebrating body confidence and movement. 

2:00pm – Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY: Life Drawing Workshop – life drawing inspired by Jeffrey’s own creative process. 

4:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

Monday 14 September

10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition

12:00pm & 3:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

Tuesday 15 September

10:00am – Self-guided LOVERBOY Exhibition

12:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

1:15pm – MAC Cosmetics Make-up Workshop – a make-up masterclass from the MAC Cosmetics team in Boots. 

3:00pm – Lucia & The Best Boys x Neptune Studios: Petals and Frequencies – an autumn equinox bouquet making workshop while listening to Lucia & The Best Boy’s new album, Picking Petals. 

Wednesday 16 September

2:00pm – Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente – a panel discussion on tarot’s connection to fashion and identity. 

2:45pm – Tarot – Find Your Archetype with Jade Mordente – a workshop on finding your tarot archetype. 

3:45pm, 4:00pm, 4:15pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm & 5.45pm – Tarot Readings with Jade Mordente – one-on-one tarot readings. 

Thursday 17 September

10:00am – Argonaut Books x Charles Jeffrey Bookshop Pop-Up – independent bookstore, Argonaut Books, will be selling a curated selection of books including some of Charles Jeffrey’s favourites and with an LGBTQ+ focus. 

10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

3:00pm – DJ Miss Mixtape: LGBTQ+ Sounds – DJ Miss Mixtape spins an LGBTQ+ focused selection of records. 

Friday 18 September

10:00am & 1:00pm – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

5:00pm – Ray Laurél – performance from Ray Laurél, where the listener finds solace and security in tales centring an identity in flux, tales of unbridled desire & a yearning for the Divine. 

Saturday 19 September

10:00am – Charles Jeffrey’s Listening Room

1:30pm – DJ Set: DJ Lu – An energetic set to soundtrack your shopping experience at Westfield St James Quarter.  

3.00pm – Cocktail Making Masterclass by The Alchemist – shake, stir and sample during an interactive mixology workshop 

Sunday 20 September

2:00pm – Pippa Blundell: Live at The Sound of Style – Experience Pippa Blundell’s captivating blend of folk storytelling, ambient sound and classically influenced vocals. 

3.30pm – Natural Lacquer Workshop with Moleskine – Discover the beauty of East Asian lacquer art through a contemporary marbling experience 

Proceeds from any ticketed workshops or masterclasses across the takeover will be donated to the Equality Network, which works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland and has been home to the Scottish Trans Network since 2007. 

For the full programme and to book onto ticketed workshops, visit Eventbrite. 

WESTFIELD St James Quarter? Maybe showing my age here, but to me it’ll always be St James Centre! – ED.

Community Ownership and Asset Transfer: Online Seminar

Interested in Community Ownership and Asset Transfer? 🏫

This free online event will provide guidance on transfer processes and the support available to local communities and third sector organisations 🤝🏻

🗓️ 24.09.26

🕙 10am – 12pm

📍 Online

🎟️ https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/18d2f086-71d4-4bf7-8310-6af1cc597343@482a4ef9-66e4-4e76-9f24-6da09a713ed4

Murrayfield Stadium incident: Do you know this man?

POLICE have released images of a man they believe can assist with their investigation into an incident that took place around 7.30pm on Saturday, 8 March 2025 at Murrayfield Stadium.

The man is described as around 6ft, of slim build, with grey hair.

At the time, he was wearing black glasses, tartan peaked cap and a long dark grey/black jacket.

Constable Ewan Mitchell said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1254 of 10 March 2025.”

Hatchet Man Healey takes axe to delays holding back growth

  • Chancellor John Healey has set out his plan to drive growth in every postcode, backing Britain’s extraordinary strengths to deliver benefits across the whole country.
  • New ambition to double the number of UK unicorn firms in clear signal of ambition for British economy, alongside powers which will help businesses test and scale technologies from delivery robots to medical treatments.
  • Northern 500 initiative and £150m British Business Bank fund to back high-growth firms across the North.

Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry today (Monday 7 September), the Chancellor laid out how he will take an axe to delays holding back growth, from backing British business and giving local leaders more power, to clearing away the delays that hold back investment.

Changes to the judicial review process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects announced today will fix a system where every decision can face another challenge, consultation or review before a single brick is laid or a spade enters the ground.

Sending a clear signal on his level of ambition for UK business, he also set a goal to double the number of unicorn firms – companies valued at over £1billion – in the UK.

The Government will work with the Business Department to identify the next generation of high-growth companies and help them overcome regulatory barriers, access capital, and win government contracts as an early customer.

And he announced the Northern 500: which will bring together 500 of the North’s most ambitious mid-sized businesses into a single growth community led by the Great North partnership of Mayors and supported by the private sector and central government.

Chancellor John Healey MP said: The UK is the third in the world for innovation. Our record is extraordinary… But too often, ideas born here in Britain have to go elsewhere to find the capital they need to grow…

“I’m setting an ambition to double the number of unicorn firms in this country. Together, with Johnny Reynolds I will identify the next wave of unicorns, with the state as an early first customer to ensure they have the necessary backing to scale.”

The Chancellor also committed to delivering new powers to oversee ‘sandboxing’ that will be ready to deploy next year. Sandboxing is the term for how companies and regulators can work together to test new models or features in safe and controlled environments.

The new powers, to be delivered through the Business Department’s Regulating for Growth Bill, will let businesses test cutting-edge products and technologies safely, establish what works and scale more quickly.

Potential use cases of these new powers include patient access to innovative treatments, rollout of delivery robots, defence technologies or maritime autonomous vehicles.

Today’s speech also set out reforms to tackle the bureaucracy holding back growth and investment, putting decision-making back where it belongs and helping ensure people in every postcode benefit from a government focused on delivery.

Chancellor John Healey MP added: I will take an axe to the thicket of consultation, litigation and administration that has a stranglehold too often on private investment.…

“And let me say this – the people who elected this government expect us to get on with it. The role of government is to act.

Judicial review challenges typically delay nationally important infrastructure projects by a year and a half. For example, Sizewell C was delayed by two judicial reviews, both of which ended up being dismissed by the courts, delaying the delivery of clean power to the equivalent of six million homes and 10,000 jobs at peak construction.”

The Chancellor has also instructed the Government to embrace risk when it needs to in order to get things done. Under the current system, decisions have been held back, for example:

  • Despite 99% of respondents to a Call for Evidence supporting microchipping cats in the same way as dogs in 2019, it took nearly 5 years to make it happen: one call for evidence, two further consultations, legislation through Parliament and then finally enacted in June 2024.
  • The planning process for East West Rail began in 2019 and has already involved four rounds of public consultation in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2026. And it could still face more challenges before getting over the line

That’s why from today, Ministers have been told that public consultations are not always required and have encouraged departments to find other ways to get views from the public and experts when developing policies.

The reforms support the Prime Minister’s drive for a faster, more effective state through No10 North, which brings together decisionmakers from across government to accelerate growth and strengthen delivery. 

The Treasury and No10 North have been working in lockstep and directly with departments to identify where projects are stalling, why, and which changes to law, regulation or process are needed to get them moving again.

The reforms also reflect lessons from the Fingleton Review, which highlighted how excessive risk aversion and slow decision-making can hold back the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

To tackle delays holding back growth and investment, the Government will introduce a package of reforms to give parliament the ability designate and approve the country’s most important infrastructure and give them significant enhanced protection from legal challenge, reduce unnecessary consultations and reporting requirements, ensure legal challenges are raised and resolved earlier, and make clear that legal risk should inform ministers’ decisions, not dictate them.

Together, the changes will help deliver major projects more quickly while strengthening democratic accountability and giving greater certainty once decisions have been taken.

The Government will also launch a review of the costs of rail infrastructure in the UK in the coming weeks, to identify further practical reforms to radically cut the costs of delivering new rail infrastructure in the UK.

Together, these measures will help build a state that delivers rather than delays, giving government greater confidence to act and ensuring approved projects can move forward more quickly.

The reforms form part of the Government’s wider mission to drive good growth in every Postcode, unlocking the investment needed to create opportunities across the country.

They are a key step in realising No10 North’s focus on stripping away the administrative sludge that has built up around government, restoring democratic accountability and replacing a culture of process with a culture of delivery. 

No 10 North will continue working with the rest of government to identify further blockages in the months ahead.

All A-board! New bus service to Lost Shore and Climbing Arena

Service 67 launches after years of campaigning for better public transport to Edinburgh’s adventure sports hub

A new direct bus service connecting Edinburgh city centre with Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) and the village of Ratho has launched, following years of campaigning for improved public transport links to the area.

Service 67 is initially operating hourly, Monday to Friday, creating a direct public transport connection between central Edinburgh and two of Scotland’s leading adventure sports destinations. The service is expected to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks.

Operated by HcL, Service 67 will connect central Edinburgh with Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA Ratho, with stops including Haymarket Station, Hermiston Gate Park & Ride and Ratho Village.

The launch is a major milestone following several years of work to restore a direct public transport connection between Ratho and Edinburgh, including sustained campaigning by the Ratho Bus Working Group and support from Lost Shore and EICA for better transport links to the area.

Research carried out as part of the campaign demonstrated strong demand for improved public transport. More than 2,200 people responded to a community survey, with 90% saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.

The new route will make it significantly easier for Edinburgh residents and visitors without access to a car to reach Ratho and its growing adventure sports hub, bringing surfing and climbing within a direct bus journey of the city centre.

Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.

“We’ve believed from the beginning that world-class adventure should be accessible to as many people as possible. Lost Shore and EICA offer two incredible experiences right next door to each other, but getting here without a car has been a real barrier for too many people.

“Service 67 has the potential to change that. For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.

“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”

Stacey O’Flaherty, Ratho Bus Working Group, added: “This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.

“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.

“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”

Victoria Harper, Manager at the EICA said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community. 

“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.

“We’re proud to be part of a destination that brings climbing, surfing and outdoor adventure together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people through our doors.”

Service 67 will initially operate as a six-month trial, with passenger use and feedback helping to inform decisions about the future of the service.

The service currently runs hourly, Monday to Friday, using accessible 16-seat minibuses, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single journey costs £2.40, with cash and card payments accepted. Under-22 and eligible concessionary National Entitlement Cards are also accepted. 

The route will make it significantly easier for people across Edinburgh to reach Lost Shore and EICA by public transport, opening up access to two major adventure destinations without the need for a car.

It also creates a stronger connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, bringing surfing and climbing together as part of a distinctive active day out at Edinburgh’s adventure hub.

The timetable for Service 67 is available here – HcL Service 67  

Amazon staff summer celebration at Edinburgh Zoo

Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration

Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.

The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.

Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.

“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”

Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.

“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”

 The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.

Green Light for Major New Housing and Green Skills Hubs

The UK Government has now released £14.09m to Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Partnership after signing off on its locally designed three-year Local Growth Fund investment plan, which targets areas with the lowest household incomes to create jobs and boost living standards.

Funding for Years 2 and 3 will be rolled out as the region progresses through its plans.

A partnership between the four regional colleges of Borders, Edinburgh, Fife, and West Lothian plans to train over 20,000 new entrants across the region over the coming decade as well as upskill existing workers.

South East Scotland is the fastest growing region in Scotland, with some of the highest housing demand for now and into the future. The new training hubs will be strategically important in the delivery of 40,000 new homes across the region’s seven strategic housing sites.

The training centre in the south of Scotland will also benefit from Scottish Government funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “This is a great example of colleges coming together and taking a proactive approach to meet the skills needs of the region that we serve.

“The construction sector is going to be hugely significant to Edinburgh and the Lothians over the coming years, and these training hubs will ensure it has the workforce it needs to flourish.

“Projects like this emphasise the potential that colleges have to work hand in hand with key employers to provide a pipeline of skilled labour for future employment opportunities.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “(Today) the UK Government is releasing more than £14 million to Edinburgh and South East Scotland partners who know their communities best.

“These funds will be crucial for addressing skills shortages, driving green innovation and removing barriers to local employment and infrastructure development.

“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.

“These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.” 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “This investment in new training hubs will give thousands of local people the chance to gain new skills and build rewarding careers in construction and green technology.

“With strong demand for new homes together with our work to reach net zero, having a skilled local workforce will be essential.”

According to a report undertaken by the University of Edinburgh and West Lothian College, the region has a construction workforce of 57,000, of which 21,000 (34%) commute for work into the region from other parts of Scotland daily.

The study identified that the region requires an additional 20,000 new entrants, upskilling roles and replacement construction workforce over the next 10 years.

Sky’s the limit as CHAS children take flight with Loganair

Children with life-shortening conditions from across Scotland and their families enjoyed a day to remember at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, taking to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast, courtesy of the UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair, and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600s, which flew under flight number LM1996, marking the year CHAS’s children’s hospice, Rachel House, opened its doors.

Before take-off, families enjoyed a morning of fun in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, with character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play. Even Police Scotland joined in the fun, making a beeline for the ball pit.

There was plenty of magic on board too. With support from Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom, Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joined the families for the round trip across the Highlands and Islands to the delight of the young flyers, before the aircraft returned home to Glasgow Airport.

After the aerial adventure over Scotland’s west coast, the flight was then welcomed back in style with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Among the excited flyers was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow. Isla lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and she and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home service for the past year.

Isla’s mum, Georgeta, said: “This flight was so special for us as Isla hasn’t been on a plane since she was a baby and she was always asking me when she can fly again, but because of her condition, it just hasn’t been possible until now.

“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience.  We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”

Isla said: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”

Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer at Loganair, said: “This flight has become one of the moments we look forward to most each year.

“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

“CHAS is there for families when they need support most, and the generosity of the businesses and people across Glasgow Airport is what makes days like this possible. Five years into our partnership, our commitment to CHAS has never been stronger.

“We’re incredibly proud to play our part, and we’ll continue to find new ways to raise vital funds, support the charity and, most importantly, help families make memories together.”

The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, supported by AGS, ground handling team Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2024, Loganair added a voluntary £2 donation option to online bookings, raising further funds for CHAS, and the airline also supports CHAS at Home, the charity’s outreach service that flies nurses to families in remote island communities. The service made 1476 visits in the last year. Since 2021, Loganair has raised over £100,000 for CHAS, supporting its work with families across Scotland.

Aimee Russell, senior partnership executive at CHAS said: “For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs. Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure.

“Experiences like this mean so much to the families we support, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Loganair and their partner organisations for making this incredible flight possible once again.”

Loganair operates more than 70 routes across the UK and Europe, proudly serving communities across Scotland and further afield for over 60 years with initiatives including its GreenSkies Community Fund, which has seen Loganair donate over £120,000 to sustainable projects since its inception in 2021.

For further information on the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, visit: https://www.chas.org.uk/loganair

National funding roadshow heads to Scotland after unlocking more than £10m for UK businesses

Scotland’s most ambitious businesses are set to gain direct access to funders, investors and expert advisers when the national FUEL roadshow arrives in Edinburgh this September, building on the success of the first two events which have already generated a funding pipeline of more than £10 million for UK businesses.

On Thursday 24th September, hundreds of ambitious business owners will descend on Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for a day of pre-arranged meetings with lenders, investors and business advisers, giving the nation’s SMEs the opportunity to explore funding options, receive expert guidance and build the relationships needed to accelerate growth.

The roadshow follows successful events in the North East and Yorkshire, where businesses took part in hundreds of one-to-one meetings with finance providers. Many of those conversations have already resulted in significant investment potential, with more than £10 million in funding now expected to flow into businesses across the two regions.

Rather than a traditional exhibition, FUEL has been designed as a practical event that removes many of the barrier’s businesses face when raising finance. Every attendee is triaged, and if appropriate, matched with relevant funders and advisers before the event, ensuring each meeting is tailored to their ambitions and funding requirements.

For business leaders that are unsure of which funding option is right for them or are not yet ready to seek finance, workshops are also available throughout the day which are designed to build confidence, develop investor and finance readiness and connect them to advisers who can help them on their journey.

Businesses attending FUEL Scotland will have the opportunity to meet representatives from a broad mix of funding organisations, from high street banks and specialist commercial lenders to alternative finance providers and investors.

Confirmed organisations include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Allica Bank, Scottish Enterprise, Creative UK, Maven, DSL Business Finance, The FSE Group and more, offering delegates the chance to explore funding options tailored to businesses at every stage of growth.

Delivered by business support and funding specialists, UMi, FUEL builds on almost two decades of helping businesses navigate funding, unlock investment and access expert advice. Since 2007, UMi has helped businesses secure more than £1 billion in grants, loans and private investment.

Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, said: “The response to FUEL has exceeded our expectations. Businesses have told us they value being able to speak directly with the people making funding decisions, while funders have welcomed the opportunity to meet ambitious companies that are ready to grow.

“With more than £10 million expected to be unlocked through our first two events, we’re excited to bring that momentum to Scotland, whether a business is looking to invest in innovation, expand its workforce or overcome cashflow challenges, FUEL is designed to make accessing finance, simpler, faster and far less daunting.”

Cameron Gordon, Accelerator Community Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we know that access to the right support is crucial for businesses to succeed.

For time-poor business owners, however, knowing what help is out there and what is best for their circumstances is not always clear. Through our Accelerator, we support a growing community of more than 30,000 entrepreneurs across the UK, and I am pleased that the Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting UMi’s FUEL roadshows, building on this work to champion small businesses and help them find the right support at the right time.”

Small Business Minister Lord Leong said: “One of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Scotland is securing the right finance at the right time to invest, expand and create the good jobs local people deserve. 

“That is why we are proud to support roadshows such as FUEL, which bring practical advice, specialist expertise and potential funding partners directly to founder-led and owner-managed businesses. By helping entrepreneurs understand their options, become investment-ready and access finance suited to their ambitions, FUEL helps turn growth plans into reality. 

“Alongside this, we are working with the British Business Bank to increase the supply of finance across every region and nation of the UK. Our message to ambitious business owners is clear: wherever you are based and whatever your background, we want to help you overcome the barriers to growth, fulfil your potential and build the successful businesses and good jobs of the future.”

FUEL roadshows will be taking place throughout the UK at the following locations:

  • Edinburgh – Thursday 24 September – Murrayfield Stadium
  • London – December – Excel
  • Birmingham – TBC
  • Manchester – TBC
  • Cardiff – TBC

Business owners interested in attending any of the events above can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, via the website: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.