The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 184 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Small businesses celebrated as Keir Starmer brings high street to Downing Street for Christmas lights switch-on

The Prime Minister hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on

PM hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on.
Small businesses are set for a bumper festive season, with spending up 19% on last year – which could provide an extra £5 billion boost.
Budget 2025 delivered key support, including extended Rates Relief, full funding for under-25 apprenticeships, and wider enterprise tax incentives.

Small businesses from across the UK were celebrated at the annual Number 10 Christmas lights switch-on last night, as the PM brought the high street to Downing Street ahead of Small Business Saturday.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, making up the vast majority of jobs across the country, and serving every community on our high streets, in our markets, as traders and family businesses. Data from Small Business Britain shows they could see a £5 billion boost this Christmas with 19% more spending than last year.

They are being joined by NHS staff, military personnel, firefighters and police to thank them for their service during the busy Christmas period, alongside community champions who represent the very essence of the government’s Pride in Place programme – including 14-year-old litter picker Samuel Salamone, who will switch on the lights.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the backbone of our communities.

“This Christmas, we’re not just switching on the lights – we are shining a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs, traders and family firms that keep our high streets thriving.

“From extending rates relief to funding apprenticeships, this government is backing small businesses every step of the way, because when they succeed, Britain succeeds.”

The showcases take place ahead of Small Business Saturday, which celebrates the UK’s much-loved 5.6 million small businesses and encourages the nation to show their support by shopping small.

From artisan food producers to creative retailers, among the businesses who took part were:

Wakuda – Co-founded by Albert Larter, this retail and textiles brand champions Black-owned businesses and unique designs.
Candle Wise – Isabella Beeler (Bella) crafts beautiful candles from Kent, perfect for cosy winter nights.
Young Blooms – Grace Farrimond brings floral artistry to life with wreath-making workshops and seasonal arrangements.
The Halfway at Tal-Y-Coed – A welcoming pub in Wales run by Rhiannon Metters, tackling isolation and loneliness through arts and crafts sessions for the local community.
Grasmere Gingerbread – Joanne and Andrew Hunter will bring their award-winning rum butter and ginger-themed treats from the Lake District.
Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates – A family-run chocolate business led by Kate Rumsey, offering indulgent festive flavours.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director, Small Business Saturday UK, said: “The UK’s 5.6 million small businesses are absolutely vital to the UK, powering economic growth, bringing tremendous value, heart and soul to communities and innovation and impact across broader society.

“It is so crucial that the nation shows support for their favourite small firms this Small Business Saturday and beyond. We are so delighted to be at Downing Street ahead of the campaign to celebrate the phenomenal contribution of small businesses.

“A spotlight like this as the festive season kicks off is such a powerful reminder to the nation to take a moment to support their local small businesses this Saturday.”

Albert Larter, Co-founder of Wakuda, said: ““Being a part of the small business festive market at No.10 is a real honour.

“It’s a great way for us to showcase what we are building at Wakuda and the amazing small businesses within our community.

“Small businesses play an important role in driving culture and economic growth and opportunities like this help us keep building, keep growing, and keep empowering the community we serve.”

Rhiannon Metters, publican at The Halfway in Tal-Y-Coed, Wales, said: ““It has been a fantastic experience to attend this Small Business Showcase and highlight the important role that pubs have in bringing people together and creating human connections.

“From a pint by the fire to wreath-making in the marquee, from the village shop to live music and shared skills, everything we do is about bringing people together, tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting local makers and giving our little corner of Monmouthshire a place to gather, laugh, learn and belong.”

The festive season is a critical time for small businesses. UK households are expected to spend £23 billion across Christmas – a 16% year-on-year rise.

Of this, an estimated £5.3 billion could go to small firms, delivering a much-needed boost of 19% year-on-year growth. Public support remains strong, with 84% of people saying it’s important to support small businesses, and 95% believing they add local value.

This celebration comes as the Government sets out new measures in Budget 2025 to back British business:

A £4.3 billion business rates support package to cap bill increases for sectors hit hardest by revaluations.
Continued Annual Investment Allowance of £1 million and a new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate assets – giving businesses strong incentives to invest.
Targeted reliefs for smaller businesses and high street firms, ensuring the system is fair and competitive.
Extended fuel duty cut to keep van and lorry journeys affordable for businesses.
Doubling eligibility for enterprise tax incentives to help fast-growing firms attract investment and talent.

It also comes after the government launched its flagship Small Business Plan earlier this year, which committed to the biggest reforms to late payments in 25 years to make sure businesses get paid on time.

This included decisive action to boost access to finance for entrepreneurs, address the impact of ‘personal guarantees’ on small business owners, and slash red tape to boost our pubs, bars and arts venues.

As part of the plan, the government also launched Business Growth Service last week which makes it easier for SMEs to get the help they need, saving them time and money to spend growing their business.

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free weekend events at Ross Bandstand

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!

Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!

Another fantastic weekend of entertainment features Edinburgh Sings! this Saturday and the annual Santa Fun Run & Walk and Santa Paws on Sunday.

Community Land Scotland launches Holyrood elections manifesto

Diversifying landownership and strengthening community ownership and control is not just a fair approach; it is the key to putting Scotland’s future in the hands of its people and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future.

That is why our first policy priority ahead of the 2026 election is to ask for 10% of Scotland to be community owned by the end of the Parliament delivered by a clear plan to significantly increase community landownership and reduce the concentration of private landownership in Scotland – including a Land Reform Bill with a meaningful Public Interest Test on all landownership and targeted taxation to deliver land reform outcomes.

Community landownership has repeatedly shown its value, giving people the ability to shape their local economies, create housing and jobs, restore nature and generate clean energy. But to unlock this potential at scale, it is essential that Scotland addresses its concentrated pattern of landownership and ensures a revitalised democracy rooted in communities themselves.

A new Land Reform Bill is a crucial mechanism to do that. Within this Bill, there needs to be a meaningful public interest test on large-scale landownership – a concept proposed by the Scottish Land Commission over the past five years, and which the Scottish Government had previously committed to with 72% of respondents strongly supporting the proposed measure within their consultation on this matter.

Combined with targeted taxation and a clear national plan to expand community ownership, these measures can shift the archaic status quo.

Reaching 10% community ownership is ambitious; but it is achievable, necessary and the clear next step to build a Scotland where land is owned and managed for the public good.

Read our manifesto in full

Community-Land-Scotland-Manifesto-25-26 Download

www.communitylandscotland.org.uk/resources/manifesto-25-26/

Tackling pyrotechnics at football matches

Consultation on Football Banning Orders

Views are being sought on whether the law on Football Banning Orders (FBOs) should be updated to crack down on pyrotechnics use and other forms of football-related disorder.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown has launched a public consultation seeking views and evidence on the legislation around FBOs and whether it needs to be improved so it meets current needs.

FBOs are court orders that prevent individuals from attending all regulated matches in the UK, and they can be imposed for engaging in violence or disorder.

The consultation will explore whether extending the reach of FBOs could be an effective deterrent against disorder such as pyrotechnics misuse, online abuse and other emerging challenges associated with the game.

The consultation was informed by an expert group including football authorities and justice agencies, set up by the Scottish Government last year.

Ms Brown said: “Football fans are passionate about the sport, supporting their club and of course our national team.

“The vast majority of supporters are well-behaved and want to enjoy football safely. However, the behaviour of a small minority can put others at risk and spoil their enjoyment of the game and have consequences for the football club.

“Whilst we have significantly strengthened the law to tackle pyrotechnic misuse in recent years, so that those who carry fireworks and flares into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison, pyrotechnic misuse at games remains an issue.

“The legislation governing Football Banning Orders in Scotland was introduced in 2006, when the use of flares at matches and harmful social media behaviour associated with the game were much less common.

“While FBOs can already be imposed on conviction for pyrotechnics offences that involve violence or disorder, we want to hear from people whether the law needs to change so these orders could be used more widely for pyrotechnics possession and misuse – ultimately to become a more effective deterrent and keep people safe.

“We have worked with football authorities, fans’ groups and justice partners on this consultation and I would encourage anyone with an interest to give their views.”

Alan Marshall, Chair of the Football Safety Officers Association Scotland, said: ““The Football Safety Officers Association Scotland welcomes the launch of this consultation.

“Safety officers across the country see first-hand the evolving challenges in ensuring a safe environment at football matches, including the increased misuse of pyrotechnics, which are illegal and becoming a bigger issue at football matches across Europe.

“Football Banning Orders are an important tool in helping prevent disorder, and to help stop the actions of a small number of supporters negatively impacting the experience of law-abiding football fans. It is appropriate that the legislation is reviewed to reflect modern realities.”

Consultation on Football Banning Orders.

Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis to make a return for Hogmanay

Three of Scotland’s best loved brands collaborate on the new recipe of the relaunched pudding

*Pictured from left to right: Lauren Paterson, Mrs Tilly’s; Simon Howie; Richard Walker, Walker’s Shortbread*

Unveiled on St Andrew’s Day and back by customer demand, Simon Howie’s famous chocolate haggis is making its return in time for two of Scotland’s biggest celebrations, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

This time around, Simon Howie has collaborated with two of Scotland’s best loved brands, Walker’s Shortbread and Mrs Tilly’s, on a new and improved recipe featuring delicious chunks of all-butter shortbread and fudge, creating an indulgent and unique dessert that’s sold as a haggis!

Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis was originally launched in 2024 as a limited-edition pudding for Burns Night. While the brand was keen to bring it back for January 2025, legal dispute with Cadbury’s over the products previous purple packaging made this impossible.

Simon Howie said: “For our wee limited edition Chocolate Haggis to worry the biggest players in chocolate, shows the success of the 2023 launch.

“While we were disappointed not to be able to bring it back straight away, we used the time we needed to change the packaging to also improve the recipe by adding in chunks of shortbread and fudge from our friends at Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s.

“The Scottish food and drink community is known for its collaboration, and this is a perfect example of three like-minded family-owned manufacturers teaming up to create a unique and innovative product.

“We’re grateful to Walker’s and Mrs Tilly’s for their support and look forward to hearing the reaction from our customers.”

Richard Walker of Walker’s Shortbread said: “Chocolate Haggis is such a unique and fun celebration of Scotland and we’re delighted to be part of the new recipe development.

WWe are sure it will be enjoyed by many as the perfect pudding for Burns Night.”

Lauren Paterson of Mrs Tilly’s said: “We’re excited to have our Scottish fudge added to Simon Howie’s Chocolate Haggis dessert and that people across Scotland will be able to enjoy this sweet treat with their friends and families for Hogmanay and all the way through to Burns Night.”

Chocolate Haggis is an indulgent chocolate brownie dessert sold in the shape of a haggis. Simon Howie recommends removing all the packaging and microwaving the pudding for about 3 mins before serving with ice cream or cream. The pudding can also be cooked as a regular haggis would, and the casing cut open to serve.

Simon Howie is the UK’s number one haggis brand and sells more than 1.3m haggis during January in the run up to Burns Night.

The brand’s previous work on Chocolate Haggis recently won Campiagn of the Year at the 2025 Scotland Food and Drink Awards.

Chocolate Haggis will be available in Tesco from the 26^th December and from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Scotmid from 1st January.

The product is limited edition until Burns Night so will be unavailable after the 26 January. RRP £5.00. You can find more information on Chocolate Haggis here.

Dunfermline children learn lifesaving skills at Amazon

The children of Amazon employees in Dunfermline are one step closer to becoming lifesavers after taking part in a special first aid and CPR training session at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

The mini medics course welcomed 23 Amazon employees and their children for a fun and interactive session that introduced them to essential first aid skills, learning how to check for danger and practising CPR techniques.

Mini Medics is a basic first aid course designed for children between the ages of seven and 16. The course introduces children to health knowledge, lifesaving skills and administering first aid.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, said: “First aid and CPR are important skills for young people to have and I’m pleased that our mini medics course has been so popular with our employees and their families.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to our colleague, Anna, for facilitating the training for our team.”

Anna Soltysiak, an associate at Amazon in Dunfermline who led the training, added: “The children who attended our mini medics events were enthusiastic and keen learners. I had a great time teaching them about first aid.

“It’s important for young people to have basic medical skills, as it may one day help save a life.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need.

The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK.

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Going to the theatre could boost city’s local economy by up to £295,000 PER SHOW this winter

From pantomimes and touring productions to West End favourites, theatre remains one of Britain’s most cherished cultural experiences, and plays a vital role in local economies.

According to the Society of London Theatre, for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, an extra £1.40 is generated for the surrounding community through dining, transport and accommodation spending, with new analysis from Twickets showing just how much could be pumped back into local economies through the support of local theatre shows.

VENUE	TOP SHOW via Twickets	VENUE CAPACITY	MIN TICKET PRICE	MAX TICKET PRICE	MIN SOLD OUT SHOW	LOCAL ECONOMY BOOST PER SHOW	MAX SOLD OUT SHOW	LOCAL ECONOMY BOOST PER SHOW
Edinburgh Playhouse	Fawlty Towers – The Play	3059	£36	£69	£108,595	£152,032	£211,071	£295,499
MK Theatre	Miss Saigon	1400	£65	£75	£91,000	£127,400	£105,000	£147,000
Bristol Hippodrome	Mamma Mia!	1951	£35	£80	£68,285	£95,599	£156,080	£218,512
Swansea Building Society Arena	Mamma Mia!	3500	£20	£25	£68,250	£95,550	£85,750	£120,050
The Alexandra	Miss Saigon	1347	£50	£74	£67,350	£94,290	£99,678	£139,549
Empire Theatre	Miss Saigon	2348	£20	£40	£46,960	£65,744	£93,920	£131,488
Donald Gordon Theatre	Miss Saigon	1897	£22	£95	£41,734	£58,428	£180,215	£252,301
Palace Theatre	Mamma Mia!	1998	£20	£70	£38,961	£54,545	£138,861	£194,405
Grand Theatre	The Book Of Mormon	1550	£25	£91	£38,750	£54,250	£141,050	£197,470
Sunderland Empire	Fawlty Towers – The Play	1860	£20	£20	£37,200	£52,080	£37,200	£52,080
New Theatre	Miss Saigon	1785	£20	£62	£35,700	£49,980	£110,670	£154,938
King’s Theatre	Miss Saigon	1785	£20	£40	£35,700	£49,980	£71,400	£99,960

Based on the minimum ticket prices and the maximum capacity of some of the UK’s favourite local theatre venues, research shows that between £50,000 and £295,500 could be generated for surrounding businesses per show.

With many venues facing tighter budgets and rising production costs, it’s never been more important for audiences to show their support. A third of UK theatres are expected to report a financial deficit this year, according to The Stage (2025), as they continue to recover from pandemic-related challenges and inflationary pressures.

Richard Davies, founder of the fan-to-fan ticket resale platform Twickets, said: “Theatre is one of Britain’s greatest creative strengths, it inspires communities, supports jobs, and brings people together.

“Every ticket sold helps sustain local venues and the creative talent behind them. This winter is a brilliant time to rediscover live theatre, and there are still plenty of affordable ways to do it.”

Twickets, which partners officially with a growing number of theatres and touring productions, allows fans to buy and sell genuine tickets at face value, ensuring that seats don’t go to waste and that more people can enjoy live performances at fair prices.

Davies added: “Because plans change, tickets come back on sale all the time. Through Twickets, fans can find verified, face-value seats, sometimes just hours before curtain up, without worrying about scams or inflated resale prices.

“Whether it’s a midweek matinee in Manchester or a last-minute night at a West End show, there are brilliant options available for every budget.”

How to make theatre affordable this winter

Set up alerts: Create a free Twickets account and follow favourite shows to get instant email notifications when tickets appear.
Check 24–72 hours before: Many listings appear last-minute when sellers realise they can’t attend.
Be flexible: Matinees, weekday performances and regional theatres often offer the best-value seats.
Combine discounts: Look out for local access schemes and key-worker discounts.
Make an offer: Lots of listings on Twickets accept offers, allowing you to secure tickets at less than face-value.
Use verified platforms: Always use trusted resale sites like Twickets that cap prices at face value and verify every ticket.

Ten of the most in-demand theatre shows on Twickets this Winter:

Founded in 2011, Twickets has grown into one of the UK’s most trusted fan-to-fan resale platforms, partnering officially with artists, promoters and venues across music, comedy and theatre.

Every ticket sold through Twickets is verified, and transactions are protected, ensuring buyers get real tickets, not inflated prices or scams.

Edinburgh’s Retail Crime Task Force gets to work

The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.

This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.

The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:

Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.

High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.

Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.

PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.

“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”

If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.

#NotaVictimlessCrime

#RetailCrimeTaskForce

Multrees Walk reveals Longchamp is coming to Edinburgh

Luxury shopping destination shines this festive period

Multrees Walk ends 2025 on a high with the announcement that iconic French fashion house Longchamp will open a new boutique early next year.

This will be the first Longchamp boutique in Scotland and the first outside of London. This addition forms part of several exciting new announcements and developments due to be revealed in the New Year for Multrees Walk.

This news comes shortly after the shopping destination recently welcomed the opening of the luxury watchmaker OMEGA – its first standalone boutique – bringing the brand’s world-renowned craftsmanship and prestige to Edinburgh’s luxury shopping street.

Leigh Aitchison, Multrees Walk Centre Manager, said: “2025 has been a great year for Multrees Walk, with the new OMEGA boutique opening and now the upcoming arrival of Longchamp.

“We’re proud to see Multrees Walk continue to thrive as Scotland’s home of luxury retail and attract an increasingly growing range of brands and customers.

“The festive season is always a highlight of the year for Multrees Walk, with our stylish Christmas decorations and our brands’ beautifully curated window displays, creating a magical atmosphere for shoppers.

“As 2025 draws to a close, we’re looking forward to the year ahead, with more exciting announcements to come in 2026.”

Edinburgh Community Food Christmas Market

THURSDAY 11th DECEMBER from 9am – 2pm

EDINBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD CHRISTMAS MARKET

Join us on 11th December from 9am – 2pm at OperationStrawberry for a festive day filled with Christmas hampers, warm mulled apple juice, unique gifts, tombola, and more!

22 Tennant Street, EH6 5ND

Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate for all visitors

Cash or card accepted

Come celebrate the season, support a social enterprise, and find something special for everyone on your list!