Tag: business support

New programme launches to help Scottish businesses cut costs and protect the planet

Environmentally conscious SMEs are being offered the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy bills thanks to a new partnership between Royal Bank of Scotland, the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) and the University of Edinburgh.

The free course allows businesses to identify the simple, cost-effective steps they can take to reduce emissions and save on outgoings while also helping the planet at the same time. 

Successful applicants will take part in three 2-hour workshops that begin by helping SMEs to understand their own energy and carbon usage data and how they can build their own tailored ‘Carbon Reduction Plan’.  

The free workshops also explain how taking positive environmental action can result in lower energy usage and therefore lower bills. Organisations can become more cost efficient by making positive changes such as changing boiler settings, installing smart lighting systems, swapping to sustainable suppliers and upgrading insulation. 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

Code Hostels completed the course earlier this year and has used the learnings from the programme to make sustainable improvements across the business, including buying more produce from local suppliers and switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. 

Talking of his experience, Jamie Greig, Operations and Design Consultant at Code Hostels, said: “The programme was a game changer for us. As a business, when you start looking at reducing emissions it can seem like an incredibly daunting process, and net zero targets can seem a long way off.  

“We found it really valuable to chat to the other groups on the cohort, and we quickly realised we weren’t alone in the challenges we were facing. 

“Sustainability in the hospitality industry is a personal passion of mine and we know that many other SMEs across the hospitality sector are experiencing the same challenges as we had at Code. I now run my own separate business, Our Property Bear, using energy monitors to help hotels and hostels monitor and reduce their energy consumption.” 

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, One Bank Scotland said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to work with the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Climate Change Institute to deliver a programme which can make a real difference to SMEs across all sectors. 

“It offers the insight, learnings and access to experts to help businesses see the opportunities it can offer them – and see the potential tackling climate change could make.”  

Prof Dave Raey, Executive Director of ECCI, University of Edinburgh said: “The Climate Springboard programme is inspiring. The great engagement and responses from participating businesses is a testament to the fantastic work of the team here at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and our partners at the Royal Bank of Scotland.  

“In simultaneously helping to cut energy costs and carbon emissions for such a wide array of businesses, they are delivering exactly the kinds of cost-effective climate action so desperately needed in every sector.” 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

SMEs looking to learn more about their emissions and how they can start reducing them are invited to register their interest here. More information about the programme is available here.  

Covid business support: Missing millions?

A detailed analysis of how Covid-19 business support funding was distributed during the pandemic is not possible due to gaps in data, according to spending watchdog Audit Scotland.

The Scottish Government provided about £4.4 billion of grants and non-domestic rate reliefs between March 2020 and October 2021, mostly paid out to businesses by councils. The government announced a further £375 million of support in December 2021 following the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Steps were taken to improve the management of funding during the pandemic.

But there was not enough focus on gathering detailed data on how money was distributed and how quickly applicants received funding.

This means:

  • The Scottish Government does not have an analysis of the total amounts paid out from the more general schemes to different economic sectors
  • For sector specific funding administered by national organisations such as Scottish Enterprise, around 20 per cent of payments cannot currently be matched to council areas
  • Similarly, information to enable wider analysis of how funding supported specific groups, such as the female owned businesses disproportionately hit by Covid-19, is not available from Scottish Government centrally held data.

 In late 2021, the Scottish Government completed retrospective impact assessments to consider how business support funding addressed inequalities. A retrospective fraud review of funding that councils administered was also carried out.

The government is currently undertaking a large data cleansing exercise to ensure that the datasets for individual funds, including those administered by councils, are complete.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “These business support schemes were administered at pace in exceptional circumstances. But knowing where the money went matters.

“To get future policy development and delivery right, it will be important for the Scottish Government to fully understand how funding was used to support specific businesses and groups over the last two years of the pandemic.”

William Moyes, Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Councils’ fraud arrangements are generally robust, but they were heavily relied upon to ensure businesses were eligible for funding during the pandemic.

“Councils will need to continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure a better picture emerges of how money was distributed.”

briefing_220317_supporting_businessesDownload

Responding to the Audit Scotland report, Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “I am pleased that both Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission have recognised how quickly the Scottish Government was able to establish a wide ranging business support package in order to help safeguard thousands of businesses and jobs.

“This includes providing direct support to over 4,000 businesses and over 5,000 self-employed people who were facing hardship but ineligible for UK Government funding support.

“I am equally pleased this report reflects the unique and challenging context in which new support packages had to be established, and that despite the speed and scale of our response, we were able to work closely with industry, our enterprise agencies and local authorities.

“This helped to ensure the delivery of the business support funding was a shared endeavour and minimised risk and fraud. Without the efforts of our partners, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver this lifeline support at the scale and pace necessary and I thank them for working so closely with us.

“Every decision the Scottish Government has taken has centred around ensuring businesses got the support they needed when they needed it – resulting in over £4.5 billion being allocated to businesses across the country, including around £1.6 billion in rates relief – which is more generous than the other UK administrations so far.

“We will now carefully consider the findings of this report and of course any lessons will be learned, but fundamentally this report shows the decisions we took ensured lifeline support reached key businesses promptly and our economy continued to grow by 7.1% despite the necessary public health restrictions.”

Business support plans announced

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week announced how £107 million is being allocated to support businesses impacted by the spread of the Omicron variant.

The funding, which follows an initial £100 million lifeline package, means the Scottish Government has now allocated £207 million of the £375 million committed to business support. Following discussions with stakeholders, this latest package is targeted at some of the hardest hit sectors and payments will start in the new year.

Business support is being provided to mitigate the impact of public health measures introduced to limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Proportionate restrictions have been implemented for at least three weeks to allow immunity from the accelerated booster vaccination programme to take effect.

Decisions on the allocation of the remaining £168 million will be confirmed following consultation with affected sectors on how it can best be targeted

The latest £107 million support package is broken down into:

  • £32 million more for hospitality and leisure businesses
  • £10 million targeting parts of the hospitality industry most severely affected by requirement for table service
  • £5 million targeted support for nightclubs now required to close
  • £27 million for culture, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
  • £17 million for events, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance
  • £16 million for existing public transport COVID-19 support schemes to recognise the impact on fare revenue

Final details of the funding available for each sector is being determined in discussion with business and sector organisations and will be published as soon as possible.

Hospitality businesses will be contacted by their local authority to access top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We recognise that the public health measures necessary to limit the spread of Omicron have had a severe economic impact, especially for sectors like hospitality and culture which would normally be experiencing their busiest trading period.

“We will be providing a total of £375 million for affected businesses and continue to press the UK Government for more comprehensive support, akin to what was provided earlier in the pandemic. We know this funding won’t cover all losses but it is to compensate for cancellations and ensure businesses can survive the winter period and be ready to trade fully in the new year.

“The best way to support business sustainably is get the virus back under control. Please get your boosters and stay at home as much as possible just now.”

Business Gateway Edinburgh strengthens its recovery support with new programme

Small business owner

More resource is being put into supporting local business leaders through a new Growth Recovery Programme as the Capital’s business community looks to survive and thrive following the past 18 months.

As challenges continue to arise from the pandemic as well as UK’s exit from the European Union, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Business Gateway service has developed a programme designed to assist small business owners and/or directors to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence to recover and grow their businesses.

Part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the six-session, small group programme will take place virtually and cover a variety of topics including ‘Redefining Your Business Model’, ‘Developing as a Business Leader’ and ‘Financing Growth’. 

Starting on Wednesday 27 October and running until Wednesday 1 December, participants will be able to gain new knowledge and tools they need to support their businesses within the evolving business landscape.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Fair Work Convener, said: “Businesses have had to innovate and diversify in order to survive in what has been an extremely difficult time for everyone. Many still face challenges they have to navigate, but there are opportunities too. Business Gateway Edinburgh has developed this new programme to help equip people with up-to-date knowledge, expertise and advice.

“We hope to be able to support a wide range of businesses from different sectors across the city. We’ve found that many of the business leaders involved in these programmes often go on to build their own networks and build valuable relationships while benefiting from peer-to-peer support.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Fair Work Vice Convener, said: “This new programme adds to the variety of initiatives already offered by Business Gateway Edinburgh, including Women in Business and Gateway to Investment, while supplementing the ongoing one-to-one and on-call support offered by the team.

“We are committed to helping businesses through what continues to be a very challenging time. Through the Council’s wider services we have extended outdoor seating arrangements for the hospitality sector, facilitated grant funding, provided rent assistance to our business tenants, and through the Forever Edinburgh campaign, we continue to inspire people to visit and drive footfall in and around the city.”

To apply please speak to your Business Gateway Adviser for an application form or email: bglothian@bgateway.com

Extra £14.5 billion for Scotland since start of Covid-19 pandemic

Scotland has benefitted from £14.5 billion of UK government funding to the devolved administrations, figures released today by the Treasury show.

The annual publication of the Block Grant Transparency shows that since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic the Scottish Government has received an additional £14.5 billion, the Welsh Government an additional £8.6 billion and the Northern Ireland Executive an additional £5.0 billion.

This funding has enabled the Scottish Government to provide support to individuals, businesses and public services across Scotland in response to Covid-19 and will continue to support the recovery through 2021-22.

This comes as part of the unprecedented package of support for the whole of the UK throughout the pandemic, with £352 billion spent right across the UK on Covid-19 measures.

In Scotland this included protecting more than 900,000 jobs through the furlough scheme, £294 million in self-employment support, help for businesses and the procurement of vaccines.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay said: “The UK government is fully committed to strengthening the Union and making sure Scotland has the funding needed to get through this pandemic, with £14.5 billion of additional spending over the last year.

“We’ve protected more than a million Scottish jobs and businesses with furlough and support schemes, our vaccine rollout is unlocking the economy, and our Plan for Jobs is levelling up opportunity and helping us build back better across the UK.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “From the very start of the pandemic, the UK Government has taken unprecedented action to help people and businesses right across the country.

“That includes our furlough scheme, support for self-employed people, help for businesses, and the hugely successful UK-wide vaccine programmes.

“On top of this direct support, the UK Government has provided an additional £14.5 billion of funding for the Scottish Government. 

“This extensive support, which now enables us to look towards recovery, shows how Scotland benefits from being part of a strong United Kingdom. Never has the value of the Union been more important or more apparent.”

The UK government’s Plan for Jobs is helping to support, create and protect jobs across the UK.

The Kickstart scheme is already helping thousands of 16-24 year-olds into work, JETS Scotland is providing up to six months of targeted support and 13,500 new Work Coaches have been recruited to give tailored support to people out of work.

Hink Differently!

Scottish entrepreneurs invest DigitalBoost Development Grant to help businesses

Scottish entrepreneurs Lee Fitzpatrick and Jake Murray have joined forces to create a digital enterprise with a difference. Funded with the support of the DigitalBoost Development Grant, Hink is on a mission to help businesses solve real problems, in a post-pandemic era, using the power of creative thinking.  

With the capabilities of supporting business owners and organisations of any size, across any industry, using a diverse mix of creative exercises and business tools, the Hink approach replaces open discussions and brainstorming with a structured process that leads to more ideas, clearer decisions, and better outcomes.  

Lee Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder of Hink, said: “2020 was a year of significant change, where even the smallest challenges have become difficult to navigate.

“We’ve been inspired by the resilient approach taken by business leaders and their teams during this period. Our workshops have been designed to facilitate the clear and creative thinking that is required, right now.” 

Hink’s workshops include Quick Fire Decision Making, Lightning Sprint, Lego Serious Play, and Design Sprint 2.0, provide an unbiased environment for teams to safely express and explore. Using creative problem-solving techniques to ensure that their workshops are interactive, and goal orientated, their aim is to deliver value and clarity for everybody involved. 

Lee continues: “We believe that matching the right person with the right problem, is the key to a successful workshop outcome. That’s why we’re growing a network of workshoppers from across the globe to help solve your business challenges.

“From culture and team building to brand positioning and product development, there’s no business problem we can’t solve thanks to our diverse team of Hinkers.” 

Funded by The Scottish Government in conjunction with Business Gateway, the £10m DigitalBoost Development Grant was launched in 2020, to help businesses do more online and support the Scottish Economy in these challenging times.

The grant was open to all businesses across Scotland who were looking to enhance their service or organisation using digital technology, platforms, and innovation. 

Effective decision making and creative problem solving can accelerate the growth of businesses and the team at Hink are dedicated to facilitating growth and change that will ultimately contribute to better business and a better world.  

Currently, all Hink workshops will be delivered remotely via Zoom through interactive software facilitating an engaging environment, however, the long-term plan is to bring businesses together physically in an inspiring and engaging environment, when it is safe to do so.  

Hink is currently offering free 45-minute support sessions for all businesses across Scotland, providing them with the opportunity to discuss their challenges, meet experienced workshoppers, and explore workshop solutions.

For more information visit www.hink.co 

Spotlight on Edinburgh as Business Gateway launch television campaign

Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, is putting the spotlight on rural and urban businesses as part of its new TV campaign which features businesses from both Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.

The campaign will highlight Business Gateway’s extensive programme of support to help business owners, including those getting ready to reopen as restrictions ease.  

This support includes the chance for businesses to put their questions directly to industry partners such as the Federation of Scottish Businesses, VisitScotland and the Scottish Retail Consortium through a series of panel webinars. These are designed to help businesses get to grips with the guidance and requirements they will need to follow as they look ahead to reopening safely.  

Alongside these, a new series of national webinars covering key topics like HR, business strategy, marketing on a budget, mental health and wellbeing, and more will also launch this month. And business owners are also encouraged to reach out to their local Business Gateway office online where virtual, specialist 1:1 support from an adviser remains available. 

To promote the campaign, Business Gateway is showcasing businesses that have benefited from Business Gateway support during the crisis.   

Alex Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA Clothing, received start-upsupport from Business Gateway when she first launched her business.

Through the Business Gateway team, she was signposted to South of Scotland Enterprise and was able to access a grant through DigitalBoost, Business Gateway’s digital upskilling programme. This grant has enabled Alex to revise FINDRA’s ordering and CRM system.

 

Alex said: “I worked with Business Gateway when I first launched my business and they were a fantastic source of support, so I knew who to turn to when I decided to overhaul and update my business’s website.  

“This investment was only possible through the DigitalBoost programme. Thanks to the grant, I am confident that FINDRA customers can now really enjoy the best online ordering experience when they purchase our products.” 

Through DigitalBoost, businesses can access a variety of free support and resources including includes webinars, a digital health check, 1:1 support from a digital expert, online tutorials, and practical guides on topics including social media, cyber resilience, data analytics, digital marketing strategy and e-commerce. 

Edinburgh based business, eteaket, is also featured as they prepare to reopen.  

Founder Erica Moore said: “The whole team at eteaket are excited to get back to delighting customers in our tearoom and tea shop. We can’t wait to catch up with our regulars and to see our wholesale tea business ramp up.  

“We have lots of exciting new ideas planned for this year which are all based around our Tea in Mind system which lets customers choose teas based on how they are feeling. Freeing your mind while your tea brews is the perfect way to unwind. Come and join in the fun!” 

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said: “As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, businesses will be focused on how they can adapt and strengthen their operations. Our campaign is designed to help them do this, ensuring they are aware of the variety of local and online support available to them, no matter their size, location or sector.”  

The television advert is set to air from 3rd May.   

For more information about how Business Gateway can help you and your business, please visit: https://www.bgateway.com/  

Edinburgh businesses urged to apply for £4k Discretionary Grant

Eligible Edinburgh businesses who have seen a minimum 20% shortfall in their income as a result of Covid-19 restrictions since the start of the pandemic can now apply for a one-off £4,000 grants.

The City of Edinburgh Council has been awarded just over £10 million in the second tranche of Discretionary Grant funding and applications are open on the Council’s website.

This fund is aimed at reaching businesses who have otherwise ‘slipped through the cracks’ in terms of funding initiatives, meaning those who have not already been eligible for other financial support from central government since October (other than the furlough scheme, the self-employed income support scheme or the newly self-employed hardship fund).

To apply for a £4,000 grant, businesses must submit a self-declaration of their business’s income in January and February 2020 as well as January and February 2021. A 20% decrease in the average income over the two time periods will be required in order to be eligible.

In addition, businesses with employees that have successfully applied for Discretionary Grant funding, either in this or the earlier tranche in February, will have access to extra funding specifically to help them retain their staff. This will be applied through a tiered approach, depending on the number of people they employ, and for those businesses with employees on PAYE (not owners, directors or partners).

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This year has been incredibly difficult for businesses in our city, and we know how hard people have had to work to keep going. We now have £10 million available to help businesses in Edinburgh and we just want to get the funds out to them as quickly as possible.

“We want to make sure nobody’s missing their chance at accessing financial support so I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already applied to visit the application page on our website, check the eligibility criteria, and apply today.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener said: “We know businesses have been hit desperately hard in this pandemic and it’s crucial that we’re able to get this funding into the accounts of everyone who’s eligible and who hasn’t been able to access previous schemes due to not meeting the criteria. Please apply today and let us give you the money you’re entitled to.“

Yesterday’s launch of online applications marks the second phase of Discretionary Fund awards in 2021. 

On 3 February, the Council invited applications for grants from the first tranche of Discretionary Funding allocated to the city, totalling just under £2.8m.

At that stage, grants were for £2,000 and aimed at businesses that could show a significant drop in income due to Covid restrictions introduced since October. Any businesses who successfully applied for this amount earlier in the year will now have this sum topped up to £4,000 to bring them in line with recipients in this second round of funding. They do not need to reapply.

During the first tranche the criteria was initially set at a 30% income loss, however this was later revised to 20% following ongoing dialogue with businesses. It is hoped more businesses will apply and enable themselves to benefit from funding in this second round in light of the revised income reduction threshold.

Applications will be open for a period of four weeks, or until all the funding has been allocated, and will be processed in the order they are received.

£244 million paid to Scottish businesses in January

Finance Secretary doubles funding for councils to respond to local needs

Payments to support businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic increased following the tightening of essential public health measures at Christmas.

New statistics show businesses have received £276 million through the Strategic Framework Business Fund (SFBF), the hospitality, leisure and retail top up payments and the Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund since November 2020.

A total of £244 million was paid by these three funds in January alone, including £4.7 million paid to taxi and private hire drivers in the first 10 days of claims. Statistics relating to other live funds will be published in due course.

Welcoming the figures, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also confirmed that the Local Authority Discretionary Fund will be doubled to £120 million to allow councils to respond further to local economic pressures.

Ms Forbes said: “Since the start of the pandemic we’ve done everything in our power to protect people’s livelihoods with business support accounting for over a third of total COVID-19 spend. Today’s figures demonstrate how closely we are working with colleagues in local government to ensure businesses in Scotland get the help they need.

“We understand the concerns of businesses unable to access the Strategic Framework Business Fund and that is why we are doubling the Local Authority Discretionary Fund to £120 million. This will further enable councils to respond to local economic needs and support businesses in their area.”

£2.8m for Edinburgh business support: first come, first served

Eligible Edinburgh businesses can apply for new Discretionary Fund payments from Wednesday

Applications for £2,000 business grant payments will be open on the City of Edinburgh Council’s website from Wednesday 3 February.

This follows the approval of a recommended fund framework at Friday’s specially-convened Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee.

The framework will guide the Council in distributing £2,796,150 from the Scottish Government for discretionary business grant funding.

To date, the Council has provided financial support to over 15,000 Edinburgh businesses in response to COVID-19, with funding in excess of £156 million since March 2020.

This newly approved ‘Discretionary Grant Fund’ will aim to assist businesses that have been without financial support since the introduction of Brake Restrictions and latterly Strategic Framework Restrictions in October and November 2020. Businesses will receive one off payment of £2,000. This will equate to approximately 1,400 businesses being supported.

Applications to the fund will open on a first come, first served basis on Wednesday 3 February 2021 at 8am.

The eligibility criteria have been designed to especially support applications from suppliers to those businesses that have been forced to close, businesses operating without rateable premises, and businesses that are deemed essential but who have lost their customers due to the restrictions imposed since October 2020.

Businesses can review the required here:  full eligibility criteria and mandatory evidence . Due to the limited funding available, applications will be handled on a strictly first come, first served basis.

The fund will close when 1,500 applications have been received and reopen (with advance notice) once those applications have been assessed, assuming that they do not all meet the eligibility criteria.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We know how important this fund is to businesses – in many instances it will be lifeline and as a committee we take that responsibility very seriously.

“It’s a finite pot of money so we’ve worked hard to make sure we get this right – targeting the fund towards the businesses that need it the most and trying to reach as many as possible.

“The fund is aimed at businesses who have been ineligible for other Scottish Government support and who’ve suffered significant losses as a result of restrictions brought in since October.

“We’ve consulted with partners like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Chamber of Commerce who have been amazing at helping us to sense check our approach.

“They’ve shared their valuable knowledge and understanding of their members’ experiences to help us draft the best framework we think is possible in the circumstances.  And we’ve had very useful consultations and input from other elected members.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Vice Convener said: “We’ve taken this report to a special committee so that we can start supporting those businesses in need as soon as possible. Sadly, there will still be small enterprises facing hardship who won’t get one of these grants.

“Further government discretionary grant funding for businesses, as announced yesterday by the Finance Secretary, should be released as quickly as possible so we can give them the assistance that they desperately need.”

 “From Wednesday 3 February, businesses that fit the criteria agreed today can start to apply and we hope to be able to start making the first payments within a few days of that. We must stress that businesses will be allocated funding on a first come, first served basis.”