Edinburgh woman convicted for smuggling drugs

A woman who illegally smuggled drugs in and out of the country has been convicted.

Following a multi-agency investigation by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership, a specialist team of Police Scotland and NCA officers, a package containing MDMA, sent by 40-year-old Xiao Ya Chen was intercepted in September last year on its way to Argentina.

Further enquiries established that Chen had received packages containing MDMA and herbal cannabis from Belgium in November of last year.

Officers arrested her on Tuesday, 26 November last year and a search of her home address in Edinburgh found further quantities of herbal cannabis along with £5000 in cash. The potential street value of controlled substances seized during the investigation totalled £277,100.

She was convicted at Edinburgh High Court on Friday (13 March 2020) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of controlled substances and is due to be sentenced next month.

Members of the OCP, which includes Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency (NCA) operating under the agreement of the Lord Advocate, have now welcomed Chen’s conviction.

NCA Operations Manager, John McGowan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime groups, many of whom are involved in multiple crime types.

“There is exploitation and violence involved at almost every level, from source countries to the streets of Scotland where these substances are sold. This is why we are determined to do all we can with our partners such as Police Scotland and Border Force to disrupt those involved in the importation and supply of controlled drugs.”

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: “This is another excellent example of partnership working with the Border Force, Organised Crime Partnership and Police Scotland Divisional policing as key stakeholders to prevent these dangerous controlled substances reaching Scottish communities.”

 

Auld Reekie is hooked!

  • New ‘Sea for Yourself’ campaign unveils Brits’ cooking habits at home, raising awareness of seafood caught in UK waters including sole, crab, monkfish, mussels, and herring
  • Study reveals more than half (55%) of Edinburgh residents surveyed are planning to eat more healthily this spring – with seafood high on the menu
  • More than a third of Edinburgh locals (34%) would incorporate even more fish into their diet if they felt more confident cooking it, with 64% people calling out seafood’s health benefits as the main reason for wanting to

 

New research has revealed that four times as many Edinburgh residents (23%) think seafood such as hake, mackerel, and trout is better to eat than avocados to get fit and healthy.

Edinburghers are picking fish, fruit, and wholegrain carbs as the top health foods to help them prepare for exercise and training, over wellness favourites like protein shakes (5%) and avocados (5%).

The study of 4,000 adults for the ‘Sea for Yourself’ campaign, an initiative supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Non-Departmental Public Body Seafish,  highlights the foods we are cooking at home, and their attitudes towards exercising and healthy eating. The findings come as British Olympian, Denise Lewis OBE, backs seafood caught in UK waters as an important part of a well-balanced diet.

Packed full of protein, omega-3 fats and essential vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, selenium, iodine and certain B vitamins, as well as zinc in shellfish, and vitamin D in oily fish, the health benefits of eating seafood are widely acknowledged, and more than half of the UK (52%) are already cooking salmon and tuna dishes at least once a week.

However, 34% of locals admit they would integrate more fish into their diets if they felt more confident cooking it, with 64% people calling out seafood’s health benefits as the main reason for wanting to.

Delicious, easy-to-cook species such as monkfish, mussels, and lemon sole are sometimes overlooked for our nation’s favourites but provide a great alternative to mix up a healthy diet and help Brits out of a recipe rut.

Denise Lewis OBE, British gold-medal Olympian, said: “As a former Olympian, I’ve always been committed to maintaining a healthy diet so I can live life to the full and stay fit enough to race around with my kids.

“Twenty years on from winning gold at the Sydney 2000, seafood continues to be my favourite source of protein and healthy fats, and I love the variety it allows me. Whether I’m concentrating on my training regime or whipping up a tasty meal like grilled brown trout with spinach for my family, testing out a simple yet delicious new seafood recipe is my go-to cooking choice.” 

Juliette Kellow, Consultant Nutritionist at Seafish, added: “Most of us are familiar with nutrition advice that encourages us to eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables for optimal health, and it’s the same when it comes to seafood. 

“Many varieties of fish provide a range of B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6 and B12, all of which help fight fatigue for those of us always on the go.

“Incorporating new fish like herring, coley or hake, and shellfish like crab and mussels into your diet is smart as they provide a great source of protein and allow you to make the most of all the health benefits seafood offers.

“Whether you’re going through a busy period or have an active lifestyle, you don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy the wealth of health benefits seafood has to offer.”

Edinburgh’s top 5 food sources for training and exercise
1 Fruit 30%
2 Wholegrain carbs such as brown bread, rice and pasta 30%
3 Fish and shellfish 23%
4 Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and cabbage 32%
5 Eggs 15%

For more information about the health benefits of fish or to discover new recipes to try at home, visit fishisthedish.co.uk.

PM leads drive to defeat Coronavirus

  • New daily press conferences to keep public informed on how to protect themselves
  • Meetings with manufacturing industry and calls with international leaders will drive forward efforts to curb the virus
  • UK leading international efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and produce the medical equipment needed to help people recover

From today, daily press conferences will be hosted by the Prime Minister and senior Ministers on the coronavirus pandemic, supported by scientific and medical experts including the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser.

The press conferences form part of the government’s commitment to clarity and transparency in order to ensure British people are fully informed about the steps they can take to protect themselves and others.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister and this Government are committed to keeping the public informed every step of the way about what we’re doing to fight the spread of coronavirus, when we’re doing it and why we’re doing it. At all times we will be led by the science to bring forward the right responses at the right time to this global pandemic.”

Boris Johnson will speak to British manufacturers including Unipart Group this morning to ask them to support production of essential medical equipment for the NHS. He will stress the vital role of Britain’s manufacturers in preparing the country for a significant spread of coronavirus and call on them to step up and support the nationwide effort to fight the virus.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Preparing for the spread of the coronavirus outbreak is a national priority and we’re calling on the manufacturing industry and all those with relevant expertise who might be able to help to come together to help the country tackle this national crisis.

“We need to step up production of vital equipment such as ventilators so that we can all help the most vulnerable, and we need businesses to come to us and help in this national effort.”

This afternoon the Prime Minister will also chair another meeting of the COBR emergency committee to coordinate the government’s ongoing response to coronavirus. The meeting is expected to include discussion on current modelling of the outbreak and next steps on plans around shielding elderly and vulnerable people, household isolation and mass gatherings.

Following his calls over the last few days with world leaders – including President Trump, Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Conte and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman – the Prime Minister will continue his engagement with international partners to ensure a coordinated global response to the outbreak.

Tomorrow all G7 leaders will participate in a call to discuss international efforts. The Prime Minister will encourage fellow leaders to support the World Health Organization response, provide funding and expertise for research that can ensure rapid progress to develop a vaccine, and drive forward support to mitigate the economic impacts of the crisis.

In the past few weeks the UK has provided up to £150 million to the IMF’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to support the economies of developing countries affected by the virus, £50 million for the Centre for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations which is leading the global research and development of a vaccine, £25 million for further research into the virus including to develop a rapid test, and £10 million for the WHO’s flash appeal for the outbreak.

 

Coronavirus: Mass gathering guidance takes effect today

Guidance advising that gatherings of 500 people or more should not take place in Scotland has been published.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the action last week to protect the resilience of public services – especially emergency services and the NHS – until the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has lessened substantially.

The guidance now asks organisers of all large events – indoors or outdoors – to cancel or postpone.

The Scottish government does not currently have powers to cancel events, but is encouraging and advising organisers to act responsibly to support the efforts of emergency services and the wider public sector to prepare for increased numbers of cases of COVID-19 (coronovirus).

The guidance applies across the board to ensure clarity for event organisers.

The First Minister said: “At a time when there is severe pressure on our fantastic emergency and public services as a result of the virus, it is only right that we seek to remove unnecessary burdens on frontline workers.

“By advising organisers not to hold large gatherings of 500 people or more in Scotland we are enabling services to prioritise their resources to where they are needed most.

“This is just one of the ways that life will change in the coming weeks and months and while this will cause some disruption it will help us all to prepare for the virus and to protect ourselves and each other in the long run.

“As the amount of work required to fight COVID-19 increases over the next few days and weeks it is vital that people continue to follow the health advice such as handwashing and staying at home if you have any mild symptoms.”

‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to organisers on mass events’ is available on the Scottish Government website.

Panic buying could force Food Bank closures

‘THERE IS ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER’

Food banks are facing huge challenges due to panic buying caused by public fears over the coronavirus.

Over the last week there have been growing shortages on supermarket shelves as worried shoppers stockpile tinned goods, pasta, toilet rolls and other essential goods – despite an appeal for common sense.

Major supermarkets responded to what is bordering on mass hysteria by issuing a joint letter yesterday:

Panic buying is having a serious effect on food bank stocks and there are fears that some may have to close unless some sanity is restored.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust said last week: “Time and again over the past decade, food banks across the UK – aided by a generous public who have donated time, food and money – have stepped up to protect people on the lowest incomes in our communities. But with the spread of coronavirus we all now face an unprecedented challenge and uncertain future.

It is possible that food banks will face increased demand as people lose income, at the same time as food donations drop or staff and volunteers are unavailable, due to measures rightly put in place to slow the spread of infection. All of this comes when food banks are already dealing with a record level of need for emergency food.

“We’re working with our network on how best to support people as the situation unfolds. Wherever possible, food banks will continue to provide the lifeline of emergency food to people unable to afford the essentials and we encourage the public to continue donating after checking with their local food bank what items are most needed.

“We welcome the Department for Work and Pensions’ measures that will not penalise or sanction people for self-isolating, but we ask our government to go further and consider additional measures they could take to ensure everyone has enough money for essentials at this challenging time.  Ending the five week wait for a first Universal Credit payment would be one such measure that could help significantly.”

Coronavirus: #CommunityResponse

Leaders from different sectors have joined forces to drive a crucial Community Action Response to encourage everyone to do what they can to support their communities and particularly vulnerable and isolated people during Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Launched by Eden Project Communities with partners The National Lottery Community Fund, Nextdoor, Neighbourhood Watch, Campaign to End Loneliness and Eco Attractions Group, the Community Action Response has been created because of the unprecedented challenge that Coronavirus presents for people in every neighbourhood in the UK.

Eden Project Communities is a UK wide network that has grown out of community building campaign The Big Lunch, which reaches over six million people in communities every year. The organisations are calling for everyone to take steps that will help communities cope when the worst impacts of the virus hit.

Community Action Response – five things you can do:

  1. Think of others, consider your actions & be kind: People in every community will face the challenges of Covid-19 in some way – from needing basic provisions to help while they are unwell.
  2. Connect and reach out to your neighbours: as self-isolation increases, we need to find new ways to stay connected and check in on one another for our physical and mental wellbeing. Share phone numbers and stay in touc
  3. Make the most of local online groups: Keep up to date, share information and be a positive part of your local community conversations using platforms like Nextdoor.
  4. Support vulnerable or isolated people: different groups in our communities are at increased risk and social isolation and loneliness are key concerns for all ages. There are things you can do like volunteering for local support services or donating to food banks to help.
  5. Share accurate information and advice: Support anyone who may be anxious about Covid-19. Sign post them to the correct advice from Public Health England and encourage people to follow the correct hygiene practices.

Research from The Big Lunch shows nearly a fifth of us in the UK have no-one in our neighbourhoods outside our immediate family we could call on if we needed help or support.

With the rapid spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) increasingly likely, this is a real risk and combined with the need to self-isolate this gap in our community connections needs to be closed.

The research also reported that more than 36 million people feel distant or very distant from their neighbours, yet three quarters of us believe it would be better for our communities if we were closer to them.

The Big Lunch commissioned independent research published in their Closing the Distance report to explore how connected people in communities in the UK feel to one another.

Bringing people together to advocate for community action, Peter Stewart, Executive Director of the Eden Project said: “Through our work with communities UK wide we see the difference that people working together can have.

“Neighbourly support can make a huge difference in a world fraught with challenge. The current threat is set to impact all of us in one form or another, and stronger local connections within communities are vital to see this crisis out.

“That’s why we’ve joined forces with our friends and partners to call on people everywhere to take positive action to support and care for each other in the coming weeks and months.”

Dawn Austwick, CEO The National Lottery Community Fund said: “As the largest funder of community activity in the UK, we know community life and connections can help to build bonds of support during difficult times. Being kind, offering support and thinking of one another makes neighbourhoods and communities stronger together.

“This is particularly important for those who are more vulnerable and isolated. At The National Lottery Community Fund we support communities to thrive, this is why we’re pledging our support for this call to action in the coming weeks and months.”

Nick Lisher, Head of EMEA, Nextdoor, said: “Neighbourhoods, can be an essential source of support, information and help in challenging times.

“At Nextdoor, we see first-hand what’s possible when communities work together. Let’s use our resources collectively to help those who are vulnerable or isolated in this time of need. It’s time for us all to create a neighbourhood we can rely on.”

Ian Bretman, Neighbourhood Watch Chair said: “At this stressful time it is more important than ever that we come together to support our loved ones and communities, especially the isolated and vulnerable.

“We all perform different roles in our daily lives but we are also all neighbours and all have the ability to be a good neighbour at this crucial time. At Neighbourhood Watch, we are proud to be joining with our friends and partners to call on everyone to have a united community approach and be mindful of others through these five actions.”

Kate Shurety, Executive Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness said: “For many people there will be a tough, but necessary period of social isolation. Many of us will miss family and friends and taking part in our hobbies, interests and activities.

“It shows how important friendship and connection are in our lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing. This reminds us that for too many people their lives are often quite a lot like this. Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience these kinds of protracted periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.”

Eden Project Communities is mobilising their grassroots community-based network and launching #CommunityResponse on social media to help share the actions. They also intend to further support communities in the coming days, weeks and months as needs become clear.

Communities across the country have already taken action to support vulnerable residents:

Coats for Kids in Drylaw

● We all know how expensive winter coats can be 💷 and we all know how fast kids grow! 👶🧒

● The Tots and Tea Toddler Group within Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre are very proud to announce that we will be offering a winter swap shop for 2020. ❄🧥

● In order to make this a success, we are looking for donations of winter coats and jackets that no longer fit.

● We will collect and launder donations with an aim to open our swap shop late this year, just in time for the cold! ☃️🥶🧥❄

Any donations would be gratefully received and can be handed in to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Thanks! 😃

Ardbeg launches limited edition beer to support Brewgooder’s Global Gathering

Ardbeg, the world-renowned Islay Distillery, has announced the release of its first ever beer – The Shortie Smoky Porter.

Named after Ardbeg’s beloved canine mascot (Shortie the Jack Russell), this limited edition will be launched in partnership with Brewgooder as part of their Global Gathering campaign.

The brain-child of flatmates Alan McIntyre, Global Brand Manager at Ardbeg, and Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder, the beer has been produced in aid of World Water Day (22 March 2020) with all profits from The Shortie Smoky Porter donated to support clean water projects in Malawi.

To produce this one-off beer – which will be available exclusively in the UK for a limited time only –  Ardbeg has joined forces with Williams Bros. Brewing Co.

The Shortie Smoky Porter is made using the same peated malt as the award-winning Ardbeg Ten Years Old whisky, capturing the Distillery’s signature smoky character with notes of bitter dark chocolate, malty biscuit, dry espresso coffee and a hint of liquorice.

Ardbeg is the only spirits brand alongside around 250 craft brewers from around the world, all releasing their own unique, one off-brew in aid of the Global Gathering. A coordinated release of the beers will take place over the weekend of World Water Day – March 20th – 22nd 2020.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks said: “We all dig Ardbeg, and no more so than Shortie. So for this life-saving, well-digging clean water brew, it was only fitting that our canine mascot should represent Islay.

“As with most porters, this beer is smooth and creamy. However our malt has helped make it distinctly smoky – the way we imagine an Ardbeg beer is meant to taste!”

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “Not only is this a hugely important cause – that we’re delighted to be a part of – but The Shortie Smoky Porter is of course a first for the Distillery.

“Helping brew a beer may seem like unchartered territory for Ardbeg, but as any whiskyphile worth their malt will tell you, beer and whisky share the same DNA. Just like brewers, we ferment our malt. The only difference being, we hold on to the hops. We hope that Ardbeggians and craft beer lovers alike will enjoy this extra special limited edition.”

Alan Mahon, founder of Brewgooder, commented: “This collaboration is particularly special for me. To create an incredible beer that helps empower people’s lives is one thing, to do it with one of the world’s best whisky brands is another, but to bring it to life with my best friend: there are few things I have been prouder of in my life.

“I look forward to working with the team at Ardbeg to turn the profits from this beer into life-saving clean water wells for those who need them.”

The Shortie Smoky Porter will be available to purchase exclusively in the UK from the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre, online at Ardbeg.com, and in select stores across the UK from Tuesday 24th March – priced at £14 for a four-pack.

Top tips to help minimise coronavirus spread in the workplace

Specialist workplace and IT cleaning solutions company Techclean is reporting an unprecedented demand for its services as coronavirus continues its advance across the UK.

Having now been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, coronavirus (COVID-19) has triggered a surge in bookings for Techclean’s PC and desktop cleaning services, as well as its deep cleaning and Dry Misting treatments.

Demand for Techclean’s services has far outstripped current technician availability and, as a result, the company has implemented measures to fast-track technician training and recruitment so that it can keep pace with customer requests. It has also put together a list of ten top tips on office hygiene which it is urging staff and businesses to follow during the coronavirus outbreak.

Techclean’s managing director, Nigel Toplis, commented: “Our priority is always to help staff and businesses keep their workplaces as healthy as possible.

“For those companies that are not able to access Techclean’s specialist cleaning services as quickly as they might like during this incredibly busy period, we have put together our top ten tips that can help minimise the spread of all germs, not just coronavirus, in the workplace.”

Techclean’s Coronavirus Top 10 Office Tips:

1: Go paperless – Paper is porous and absorbs bacteria, making it one of the easiest ways to spread germs around the office. Avoid the use of any paper circulars, send by email instead, and don’t share newspapers and magazines with colleagues, removing any magazines from reception areas. If a document has to be printed, make sure everyone has their own copy and don’t leave them lying around on desks to be picked up by someone else.

2: Don’t share – Avoid sharing telephone handsets and if you do have a hot-desk policy in your place of work, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face after touching the keyboard or mouse. Ensure all cleaning protocols are strictly followed for call centre headsets.

3: Be wise and wipe! – Carry your own supply of anti-bacterial wipes and wipe your mouse, keyboard and telephone handset at the beginning and end of the day.

4: Get your own – Have your own supply of office essentials such as pens, calculator, hole punch and stapler. Many offices share these resources but at present it might be wise to bring in your own. And certainly, don’t share pens – you’d be amazed how many of us absent mindedly chew the end of our pen, any pen!

5: Be prepared – Keep a box of tissues and hand sanitiser on your desk. Use the latter regularly throughout the day. Dispose of the former as soon as they have been used and don’t forget to wash your hands whenever you sneeze or cough.

6: Bin it – Consider increasing the amount of waste disposal points around the office for discarded tissues and ensure that these are emptied regularly. Many offices no longer have a wastepaper basket under each desk and the further a tissue has to travel to dispose of it, the greater the chance of it being dropped or left by the photocopier.

7: Tea for one – The office tea round is one of the more social aspects of the working day, but for now the best advice is to make your own tea and coffee and make sure you have your own mug at work that only you use.

8: Kitchen cleanliness – Shared kitchens at work are hotspots for bugs. Make sure there is a regular washing up rota, use disposable paper towels and give worksurfaces, kettles, toasters and microwaves a regular clean with antibacterial wipes.

9: Desk detergent – Ensure your facilities team, in larger organisations, and cleaning staff are using anti-bacterial detergents and are regularly giving desks, meeting hubs and communal area surfaces a thorough cleanse.

10: If in doubt, stay at home – As of the 12th March, the government advised anyone with a high temperature or new, continuous cough, to stay at home for seven days to self-isolate.

You can find the latest NHS advice online here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Celebrating Big Issue Invest’s Power Up programme

A celebratory event was held at the Playfair Library Hall, Old College, in Edinburgh on Thursday to mark a £600,000 investment and business support into 12 Scottish social ventures by Big Issue Invest.

Big Issue Invest’s Power Up, a lending scheme offering investment and support to early stage social ventures across Scotland, was first launched in November 2017 and has supported 18 social business to date with a total of close to 1 million (£950,000) of investment.

The programme​ is funded by partners, Aberdeen Standard Investments, University of Edinburgh, Experian, Places for People and the Scottish Government with legal support from Brodies LLP.

Invisible Cities was one of 12 social ventures that successfully completed the three month Power Up Programme in 2019.

The Scottish social enterprise trains local people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own cities. Until the investment from Big Issue Invest, Invisible Cities was 100% volunteer lead. Now they have a team of 4 staff – 2 full time and 2 part time. They have a total of 12 guides across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Manchester and have recruited York and Cardiff as two franchise cities.

Zakia Moulaoui, Founder, Invisible Cities, said: “By taking part in the Big Issue Invest programme, Invisible Cities has grown from a small Edinburgh based team to a multi-location social enterprise with a plan!

“The support and mentoring was invaluable, with results we see every day in our work, plus connections we could have never made on our own. As a leader it has made me really dig into the reasons why we do what we do and be very clear on what we want to achieve in the future.”

Social enterprises that were supported in 2020 included Blank Faces, a fashion brand tackling homelessness, Social Stories Club, who create socially-conscious gift hampers that have a positive social impact and Eat Sleep Ride, a social enterprise offering therapy of horse riding to develop self-esteem, communication and social skills in those who need help.

Karis Gill, Director at Social Stories Club, said: “Power Up has been amazing for us, as it has pushed us to the next stage.

“We’ve been paired up with mentors and had the most phenomenal expertise and insight into the corporate market. For a small business, this has been truly invaluable.”

Danyal Sattar, CEO of Big Issue Invest, said: “It has been a fantastic day.

“We are so pleased, working in partnership with our partners Aberdeen Standard Investments, University of Edinburgh, Experian, Places For People and the Scottish Government and Brodies LLP, to be able to have been inspired by -and to have supported – these 12 organisations with the investment and business development expertise that they need in order to make an even greater difference within their communities.”

“This unique partnership has brought creativity, technical skills and mentoring to early stage social ventures, which adds value beyond the funding they receive.”

Commenting on behalf of Aberdeen Standard Investments, Craig MacDonald, Head of Credit, said: “It’s great to see the significant impact the Power Up Programme continues to have on a number of early stage social ventures across Scotland.

“We are delighted to be one of the partners of this very worthwhile initiative. Providing mentoring and advice services can make a very real difference to organisations in their infancy and along with the other partners, we hope to provide valuable guidance and insight.

“Supporting social ventures and working with local communities is a key aspect of the overall sustainability programme at ASI and we look forward to seeing Power Up continue to go from strength to strength.”

Dave Gorman, Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at The University of Edinburgh: “The University of Edinburgh is delighted to continue working with Big Issue Invest as a major partner to Power Up Scotland.

“The Programme has supported some truly innovative and impactful social ventures which our own students, staff and local communities have enjoyed learning about and using. We look forward to seeing what other ventures benefit from the programme’s support in the following year.”

The Power Up programme is open to organisations across Scotland. The funding available is to enable organisations to build on the good work they currently do within their communities.

Whether it’s buying equipment, hiring new talent, or progressing with business development plans. Successful applicants will also receive mentoring and business development support to social ventures for the two year period.

The programme has been designed for early-stage social ventures, regardless of company structure – social enterprises, charities, and private enterprises are all welcome, with social value creation being the key criterion. The expectation is that many applicants will be accessing finance for the first time.

If you are a local social enterprise or charity looking for investment, you can apply for the chance to be selected to pitch before our selection panel consisting of Power Up Scotland partners in 2021. 

For more information www.bigissueinvest/powerup to register your interest and we will email you an application form. If you are an investor, you can be part of powering up Scotland’s social enterprises. For more information, visit bigissueinvest.com/