Tag: business

Scottish business confidence climbs as restrictions ease

Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for August 2021 shows:

  • Scottish business confidence rises six points in August to 34%
  • Firms’ hiring intentions jump 13 points with 34% planning to create jobs in the next 12 months
  • Overall UK business confidence reaches 36% – the highest reading since May 2018 – as all regions and nations report positive confidence levels

Business confidence in Scotland rose six points during August to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking. 

The full easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland in August was a clear boost for businesses, with overall confidence in the economy also rising by 20 points to 43%.

Companies in Scotland reported marginally lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 25%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34%.

The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 20% of businesses in Scotland expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.

Overall UK business confidence rose six points in August, reaching 36%, the highest level recorded since May 2018. When asked about their overall trading prospects businesses reported a six-point increase on July’s reading at 34% and firms’ confidence in the economy also increased six points to 39%.

All UK nations and regions had a positive confidence reading in August. The most confident regions were the North West (64%), North East (46%) and London (41%). All bar three areas reported a growth in confidence in August, with the East Midlands (down 10 points to 28%), West Midlands (down three points to 27%) and Yorkshire and Humber (down two points to 26%) reporting marginal falls.

Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “With most of the Covid-19 restrictions easing in August, businesses across Scotland were able to return to normal trading for the first time in 18 months and are feeling optimistic about what this means for the economy.

“With confidence on the up and even more firms are now planning on making new hires, the country is taking great steps towards recovery and growth. We’ll continue to support businesses through the coming months as they aim to capitalise on this positive momentum.” 

In sector terms, there was notable strength in sectors benefiting from the further easing of Covid restrictions. Services confidence saw the greatest month-on-month increase, rising by 8 points to 36%, the highest level since January 2018.

Confidence in both manufacturing and construction also picked up (both up 7 points to 40%), led by rises in trading prospects for the year ahead.

The increase in manufacturing confidence came despite ongoing supply disruptions, although the level remains below the high in May. Retail confidence posted a smaller 2-point rise to 34%, remaining below the recent peak in May.

Gareth Oakley, Managing Director for Business Banking, Lloyds Bank, said: “Since the start of the year business confidence has been increasing, and August has been a particularly strong month. Many of the regions have seen significant upticks in confidence and it’s encouraging that Northern Ireland has moved back into positive territory.

“It is clear there is still some level of uncertainty on inflation and the impact of price pressures, but with further boosts to confidence in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors we can be hopeful that demand across all sectors will drive consumption throughout the rest of the year. The last few months of the year will be pivotal to the future of UK economic growth and we remain by the side of businesses as the country continues to reopen.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence reaching its highest level in over four years tells a positive story about the country’s economic recovery.

“This confidence is driven by the continued success of the vaccine ollout, the removal of lockdown restrictions and adjustments to self-isolation rules.

“Staff shortages remain a challenge, but as the economy moves back towards pre-pandemic levels we can be optimistic that the momentum for business confidence and economic optimism can be sustained in the months ahead.”

Scotland Loves Local: new £10 million fund launched

Projects aiming to help transform towns and neighbourhoods could apply to a new £10 million multi-year fund.

The Scotland Loves Local Fund aims to encourage people to think local first, and support businesses and enterprises in their community. The fund will provide match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 for projects run by groups like town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce or community and charity trusts.

Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership it aims to bring new, suitable, creative projects and activity to towns and neighbourhoods – helping build local wealth and increase footfall and activity, while supporting local enterprise partnerships. Eligible projects could include things like community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling larger construction projects delivery. 

Community Wealth Minister (Eh? – Ed.) Tom Arthur said: “To support Scotland’s towns and neighbourhoods recover from the pandemic we are launching a new £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund.

“This will provide 50% match funding for local projects between £5,000 and £25,000. Whether it be funding for small-scale improvements or adaptations, climate or active travel programmes, home delivery digital schemes, pop up shops and markets, or the direct funding or expansion of Scotland Loves Local loyalty card schemes – communities will be able to decide how best to improve their local area.

“This 100 day Scottish Government commitment reinforces our determination to support all our communities as they recover from the pandemic and will help strengthen the vital support being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and loyalty card scheme.”

Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “Over the coming years, this significant commitment from the Scottish Government will make a real difference – empowering communities to take action that will make their areas fairer, greener and more successful. We are delighted to be working with ministers to deliver this.

“This funding will unlock the great potential of our towns and neighbourhoods, allowing them not just to recover from the impact of Covid-19, but to create a stronger, more sustainable future which has localism at its heart. I would encourage interested organisations across Scotland to get their applications in.”

Director of Milngavie Business Improvement District and Business owner Wendy Ross said: “The Scotland Loves Local campaign was a massive help to Milngavie, especially at the peak of the pandemic when non-essential retail businesses were forced to close.

“Using the digital experience of our business improvement district place manager and his network of collaborators, the Loves Local funding was invested to build many e-commerce websites very quickly so we could continue to trade online, with click and collect and deliveries.

“This was a critical help for local businesses and really opened our eyes to aspects of the digital world that we knew little about. Using the Loves Local messaging and excellent #ThinkLocalFirst campaign, we used social media and milngavie.co.uk to reach local people. That really struck home and continues to do so.”

www.lovelocal.scot

Take off for Loganair’s new Scotland-Wales air link

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, today launches its new direct service linking the capital cities of Scotland and Wales.

To mark the launch of the new route between Edinburgh and Cardiff, Loganair’s head of revenue and sales, Donna McHugh, will fly to the Welsh capital to meet Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport.

The service will operate up to five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, connecting Scotland and Wales for business and leisure travellers alike.

Flights will be on Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jets, with prices on the 1hr 20min trip starting at £50.99 one way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance.  

The direct flights represent the last major route to be restored by Loganair and other carriers, thereby bringing back the domestic connectivity lost when Flybe collapsed in March 2020.

The Cardiff service adds to the eight others already flown from Edinburgh by Loganair, including Southampton, Newquay and the Isle of Man.

Donna McHugh, head of revenue and sales at Loganair, said: “Loganair is delighted to once again be operating the Edinburgh to Cardiff route.

“It is vital that connectivity is maintained between these two major cities and we know it will prove very popular with both our leisure and business travellers.”

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: “It’s fantastic that Loganair has re-instated such a vital and in-demand route, re-connecting the Scottish and Welsh capitals.

“Once again, customers will be able to fly with ease between Cardiff and Edinburgh, and fly from their local Airport for business travel, to visit friends and family, or to experience the vibrant city of Edinburgh and Scotland’s natural beauty.

“It is our priority to re-instate routes lost due to COVID-19 pandemic, and we are delighted that Scotland’s airline has stepped in to provide an essential service to both our business and leisure customers. We’d like to extend a warm Welsh welcome to Loganair and thank the airline for their support.”

Kate Sherry, aviation director at Edinburgh Airport said: “We’re excited to be reconnecting the capitals of Scotland and Wales, a route which will allow family members to reunite as well as enable people to enjoy a well-earned break in Edinburgh and Cardiff.

“It’s been an extremely tough period and we know people are looking forward to enjoying some time away from home, and this is further good news as the airport looks to provide those opportunities for our passengers. Loganair is a valued partner and its confidence in Edinburgh Airport is welcome now and going forward.”

Chancellor hails Scotland’s pivotal role in future of UK economy

  • The Chancellor will visit Scotland today (29 July 2021) to meet people and firms supported by the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs throughout the pandemic.
  • In advance of the trip, Rishi Sunak hailed the economic strength of the Union and said Scotland’s “innovation and ingenuity” would be key in powering the UK’s future global economy;
  • He will meet firms in sectors ranging from tech to tourism and see how Scotland is helping drive the UK’s transition to net zero ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow later this year.

The Chancellor has hailed the economic strength of the union ahead of a visit to Scotland where he will see first hand how the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs has supported businesses and families during the pandemic.

Rishi Sunak will meet Scottish businesses and individuals in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fife to discuss how they are recovering from the crisis and find out more about the ways Scottish firms are creating jobs and playing a key role in the UK’s green recovery.

Ahead of the visit, he hailed the economic strength of the union and said Scotland’s “innovation and ingenuity” would be key in powering the UK’s future global economy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We’ve come through this pandemic as one United Kingdom – with our Plan for Jobs supporting one in three jobs and tens of thousands of businesses across Scotland.

“Thanks to the strength of our Union we’ve deployed the fastest vaccination rollout in Europe and our economy is rebounding faster than expected.

“It’s vital this continues, and Scotland’s innovation and ingenuity will be key in creating jobs, powering our growth and driving a green recovery.”

Since the start of the pandemic the UK government has delivered one of the world’s most generous packages to support, create and protect jobs across the UK.

In Scotland one in three jobs have been supported through the pandemic, over 900,000 people in Scotland were furloughed, more than 90,000 businesses have received loans and £1,535 billion has been paid in self-employment support.

People in Scotland are benefitting from the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs – the Kickstart scheme is already helping thousands of 16-24-year-olds into work, Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) Scotland is providing up to six months of targeted support and 13,500 new Work Coaches have been recruited across Great Britain to give tailored support to people out of work.

On today’s visit, the Chancellor will travel to a number of businesses – both small and large – to meet business owners and furloughed employees who have returned to work after their jobs were protected through the UK-wide scheme.

With just under 100 days until the COP26 summit in Glasgow, he will also see how Scotland is harnessing the power of offshore wind, a sector which supports 2,800 jobs in Scotland and is key in helping the whole of the UK reach our climate goals.

The Chancellor will also meet representatives of Scotland’s financial services sector to thank them for keeping call centres and branches open over the pandemic as well as distributing billions of pounds through UK government loan schemes.

He will discuss his vision for the future of financial services – a sector which accounts for 153,000 jobs in Scotland (financial and professional related services).

He will also see how Scotland’s culture sector is preparing for the summer ahead, as it looks forward to welcoming back locals and tourists who wish to revel in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Scottish Business confidence soars to highest levels in UK

Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for June 2021 shows:

  • Scottish business confidence leaps 27 points to 42% – the highest in the UK
  • Net balance of 18% of businesses in the country expect to increase staff levels over the next 12 months
  • UK business confidence remains steady at 33% with all regions and nations reporting a net positive reading for the third consecutive month

Business confidence in Scotland rose 27 points during June to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking. This is the sharpest rise in overall confidence this year and means Scotland has the highest levels of optimism anywhere in the UK.

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 32 points at 42%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 24 points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42%.

The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

When it comes to jobs, a net balance of 18% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up ten points on last month and the third consecutive month the reading has increased.

Overall UK business confidence remained steady month-on-month at 33%. Firms reported a small increase in their business prospects, up two points to 30%, the highest reading since September 2020. Confidence in the economy dipped marginally by two points to 36%.

Across the UK all regions and nations reported positive confidence readings for the third consecutive month. Businesses in Scotland, London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up ten points to 36%) reported the highest increases in confidence.

While confidence remained positive, firms in eight regions reported a month-on-month drop. The biggest decreases were in Yorkshire and Humber (down 14 points to 30%), the West Midlands (down 12 points to 29%), the North West (down nine points to 29%) and East Midlands (down nine points to 31%).

Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence in Scotland rose again in June as firms across the country slowly but surely returned to normal trading. It also positive to see that more firms are now planning to hire new staff this year – another clear indicator that the country is on the path to recovery.

“Despite this, the well-trailed postponement to the easing of lockdown restrictions will have dampened spirits, especially for those in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector and is another sign that we are not out of the woods yet.

“We’ll continue to stand by Scottish business and support firms through the coming months as we look to build back better.”

Differences in confidence between the UK’s regions and nations narrowed this month (chart 5). There were sizeable increases in Scotland (up 27 points to 42%), London (up 17 points to 41%) and the East of England (up 10 points to 36%).

Along with the South West (36%), these were the most confident parts of the country. The largest falls, albeit from previously elevated levels, happened in Yorkshire and the Humber (down 14 points to 30%) and the East Midlands (down 9 points to 31%). There were smaller declines in the South East (down 6 points to 31%), Wales (down 6 points to 31%) and Northern Ireland (down 6 points to 11%).

The majority of responses were given before the various UK governments formally announced the delay to the removal of all limits on social contact, which was originally expected to happen on 21st June in England and close to that date in other parts of the UK.

However, it is likely that anticipation of the delay may have had a small negative impact in confidence particularly in the retail sector (down eight points to 36%) while manufacturing also fell (down 18 points to 35%).

Despite this, confidence remains at historically high levels across the broad industry sectors – in part due to services increasing by five points (31%) to its highest level in more than three years and construction remaining steady at 35%.

Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a fall in business confidence in eight of the UK’s nations and regions from the highs of last month, the differences are narrowing.

“It’s pleasing to see such significant improvements in a number of regions, in particular Scotland and London, with both reporting strong increases in confidence. We can be optimistic that the increase in confidence in the services sector, as well as the overall historically high levels across the broad industry sectors, bodes well for businesses as we remain by their side on their road to recovery.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “A fifth consecutive monthly increase in trading prospects and employment expectations highlights the resilience of UK businesses as they continue to recover from the challenges presented by the pandemic.

“Although we must now wait slightly longer for the last remaining COVID-19 restrictions to ease, it’s an encouraging sign that firms continue to have strong overall confidence in the outlook for the UK economy, as well as their expectations for their own growth prospects.”

Alcohol sales in Scotland fell to 26-year low in 2020

Minister welcomes figures but pledges further action

Overall alcohol consumption in Scotland fell to a 26-year low during 2020, according to a comprehensive report published today by Public Health Scotland.

The annual Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) report brings together data on alcohol consumption, price and related harms into a single publication. It shows that total alcohol sales fell 5% on the previous year, to the lowest level recorded since 1994.

Last year, COVID-19 restrictions affected alcohol sales from premises such as pubs, clubs, and restaurants.  Nine in every ten units of alcohol sold in Scotland in 2020 were sold via off-trade outlets including supermarkets and other off-licences – an increase from seven in every ten units in 2019.

In addition to the evidence from 2020 – the year of the pandemic – today’s MESAS report also details a 10% year-on-year reduction in the number of deaths wholly caused by alcohol in 2019.

Commenting on the results of the studies, Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome this report showing that total alcohol sales in 2020 fell to their lowest level for 26 years.

“The study provides valuable insight allowing us to gauge the impact of alcohol sales and consumption during the period of the pandemic. Clearly COVID-19 and the associated restrictions have had a dramatic impact on the hospitality trade, but these figures demonstrate that the restrictions in place did not simply translate into an increase in the total amount of alcohol being consumed. In fact, the opposite is the case.

“We have already seen that alcohol sales were falling since the introduction of our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy in 2018. We know that it will take longer for the full impact of reduced consumption to feed through into health related statistics, but I am more convinced than ever that MUP is one of the main drivers in reducing alcohol harms. 

“Although this is the largest recorded year-on-year reduction in alcohol sales – and also the narrowest recorded gap between sales north and south of the border – it is important to bear in mind that the average number of units drunk during this period was still nearly 30% per cent more than the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of drinking no more than 14 units a week.

“In addition to these 2020 figures, the report also details a 10% reduction in the number of deaths caused wholly by alcohol in 2019. While we are on the right trajectory, this still equates tragically to nearly 20 deaths every week across Scotland – each one preventable.

“We continue to make progress in reducing inequalities across a number of public health areas – remaining focussed on addressing the underlying causes that drive health inequalities and doing more to address harms from alcohol. I am determined to build on this progress including consulting on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion.”

LOST SUMMER?

Scottish licensed trade operators are braced for “potentially another lost summer” after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this week that it is “unlikely” that any part of Scotland will move down a level from June 28.

Responding to the First Minister’s suggestion that current restrictions will remain in place for a further three weeks, and national clinical director Jason Leitch’s widely-reported comments that Scotland’s lockdown exit plans could be pushed back by up to 10 weeks due to the more infectious Delta strain of coronavirus, the SLTA said: “Another summer season, essential for business survival, will be lost.”

The trade association’s managing director Colin Wilkinson pulled no punches, stating: “The hospitality sector is at breaking point with Tuesday’s announcement that the brakes are on for further easing of restrictions.”

Calling for further financial aid to ensure the survival of the licensed hospitality industry as it plays its part in rebuilding the economy, Mr Wilkinson said: There needs to be an extension to the current support schemes available such as furlough, VAT reduction, deferral of loan repayments and so on.

“Our pubs and bars have already invested millions to provide a safe environment as we all learn to live with this virus and we need to be able to open without restrictions as soon as we can.

“Currently, we can only operate at around 30% of our capacity, but with increased staff costs to provide table service and fewer tables because of social distancing rules, most business continue to operate at a loss, racking up further debt every time they open the doors.

“For those still unable to open because of their size or the entertainment they provide, such as late opening premises and night clubs, it is another devastating blow for an abandoned sector crippled by restrictions and with no route map out of the pandemic.

“Tuesday’s announcement created further uncertainty for the industry and the people it employs. We understand the need for caution but the Scottish Government must also understand that this delay will cost an already beleaguered  industry millions of pounds and puts in jeopardy the future survival of many of the pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and late night operations that form part of Scotland’s social fibre.

“Our big fear is that the Glasgow fan zone could lead to further Covid outbreaks followed by a fresh lockdown, forcing licensed premises to close again when they have only just managed to start reopening.”

Business accelerator supports young Scottish entrepreneurs by offering £250,000 in startup grants

A business accelerator that supports budding entrepreneurs is offering £250,000 to young people across Scotland who want to grow a digital business. 

The sought-after scheme from TwinklHive provides grants and mentorship to individuals aged 18 to 24 and enables young people to commit and pursue entrepreneurship as a full-time career path and make their business dreams a reality.  

The combination of funding and dedicated support on offer has been designed to provide a unique educational experience and equip successful applicants with the knowledge and skills to grow successful and sustainable businesses.

To apply, the young entrepreneurs must have a validated concept for a technology-enabled business and a clear vision. Their idea should also be focused on solving a real problem for their customers, as the scholarship is looking to develop the next mission driven founders and cultivate startups that will make a real difference to society. 

Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to £40,000. The scholarship is a full-time position that is set to run for six months, with the opportunity to apply for follow-on investment from the TwinklHive accelerator at the end of this period. 

The applicants are not required to pay back the grant, which also covers the founding team’s salaries of up to £20,000 for the six month period.

Set up in 2019, TwinklHive was created by the entrepreneur Jonathan Seaton, who is the Co-Founder and CEO of the global educational publisher Twinkl. Jonathan started Twinkl with his wife Susie Seaton in their spare bedroom over ten years ago. The business now operates in over 200 countries and regions and has over 790 team members based at its offices in Sheffield and around the world. 

Since its launch, TwinklHive has supported a variety of mission-led founders from startups in the tech sector, including EdTech, FinTech and HealthTech. The accelerator is working to continually extend its support to the startup ecosystem more widely, including assisting and supporting young and aspiring entrepreneurs with their scholarship scheme.

Alongside the non-repayable grant, candidates will receive mentorship and support from Jonathan and the current startup founders from within the Hive. Candidates will also gain access to the accelerator’s expansive business network. All support and mentorship can be accessed virtually to suit candidate’s locations.  

Jonathan Seaton, Co-Founder and CEO at Twinkl and TwinklHive, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to now be in a position to offer support and mentorship to young individuals in Scotland.”

 “We have all been living in unprecedented circumstances due to the pandemic. Covid has undoubtedly impacted the job market, and people are looking to find new opportunities and explore new directions as a result.

“For young people who  are looking for a new direction or to pursue their business ideas, it can be an exciting yet daunting time. Through the TwinklHive scholarship we endeavor to support young entrepreneurs looking to take that leap and pursue and grow a business of their own.

“When my wife, Susie and I founded Twinkl,  we experienced first hand the difficulties young entrepreneurs face when trying to get a business venture up and running. It can be difficult to get investment and having advice from people with experience is invaluable. We hope that we can provide the same kind of advice that helped us all those years ago and give people the opportunity to make a difference to their own lives and to others. ”

Amber Jardine, Hive Manager at Twinkl, said: “The scholarship was created to support young people who are passionate about building a sustainable business. I am so pleased that this year we are able to open this opportunity nationwide and I am looking forward to the prospect of working alongside mission-driven entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.”

The scholarship is open to people across the UK and applications are open now. If you or someone you know would like to apply, please email hive@twinkl.co.uk where further information will be provided.

The closing date for applications is Friday 11th June.

For more information about the scholarship and to find the application form visit the TwinklHive blog.

For more information about TwinklHive visit: www.twinkl.co.uk/hive 

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 

Local business leader to chair Young Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothians team

Local businessman, Peter McLean, has been appointed to head up the Young Enterprise Scotland team in Edinburgh and the Lothians and drive forward the charity’s mission to give all local school children access to enterprise learning.

As Chair of the volunteer group, Pete will co-ordinate efforts to introduce more schools and more students to entrepreneurial skills development through the Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) Company Programme.

With his team of business advisers, as well as fundraising and organising events, the role includes working directly with senior school students who set up their own commercial ventures as part of the Company Programme.

Last year, more than 300 students across Scotland achieved an SCQF level six accredited qualification for the Company Programme, which is recognised by UCAS for university entry.

Many sixth formers take the experience of the Company Programme further by setting up their own businesses outside school, while for others, the skills for teamworking, communication and making ideas a reality provide them with a competitive advantage in the jobs market.

In 2019/20, the Edinburgh & Lothians Area Team helped to inspire nearly 300 students and supported 32 YES companies to go through the Company Programme.

Having taken part in the Company Programme himself while at school in Edinburgh, Pete has been involved with YES for over two decades.

A successful serial entrepreneur in his own right, he now acts as a business growth adviser with Napier University, where he helps students, staff and alumni grow and launch businesses.

Pete said: “I have been involved with Young Enterprise for over 20 years, from being part of a team at School, judging, running workshops, a local Board member and now Lothians Chair.

“I am passionate about enterprise for all at every age but especially in education and look forward to helping Young Enterprise achieve its goals. 

“I launched my own food and drinks business whilst at University and grew it to 36 staff over 13 years. There were many highlights over the years, but an equal number of failures and lessons learnt.

“It is these valuable lessons that has led to my current role as Business Growth Adviser at Edinburgh Napier University. I have a passion for the start-up community and hope that in my new role with YES I can steer others down this path and achieve their goals.”

New research reveals changing consumer habits

Over a third of Britons have tried a local small restaurant or shop for the first time by ordering online during the Coronavirus lockdowns, new research prepared by Public First on behalf of Internet Association (IA) has revealed.

And with 71 percent of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) surveyed planning to continue selling products online after the end of lockdown, the research highlights how changing consumer habits have opened new revenue streams – both during the pandemic and into the future – for small businesses in the UK. 

As non-essential retail in England opened its doors on Monday, the findings – which include new public opinion research and a survey of 250 SMEs in the wholesale, retail and food sectors – show how shopping behaviours have changed during the pandemic and will continue after lockdown eases, as well as highlighting the vital role the internet has played in helping SMEs continue selling products throughout the pandemic.

The extent to which the internet has given SMEs the opportunity to continue selling products throughout the pandemic is clear – with 30 percent offering a delivery function for the first time and 20 percent offering online sales for the first time in order to continue being able to earn revenue while their shops were shut. 

The figures also highlight how the public used the internet to try local small shops and restaurants for the first time during the pandemic – as well as detailing the changing behaviour between online and in person shopping that will remain once the lockdown eases this week. 

The new research shows:

  • Nearly half of the public (48%) ordered food or drinks online from local restaurants during coronavirus lockdowns.
  • 36 percent of the public tried a local shop or food outlet for the first time by ordering online during the pandemic, with three quarters (76 percent) of those people now planning on visiting the outlet physically for the first time once restrictions are eased;
  • More people now plan on taking a blended approach to their shopping habits from next week, with 29 percent now saying they will shop half online, half in person (up from 23 percent saying the same of their habits before the coronavirus pandemic);
  • This blended approach from consumers is also expected by SMEs. When asked about their pre-pandemic sales, 17 percent said they had a mixture of online and in-store sales. However, a quarter (25 percent) now expect to have a mixture of online and in-store sales once retail reopens next week. 

An IA spokesperson said: “This new research shows how the internet has played a vital role during the lockdowns over the last 12 months. Importantly, it also shows how the internet can help drive the UK recovery forward.

“The way people work, shop, and do business may have changed for good – it is clear that the internet sector can help ensure that those changes boost the UK economy, communities, and wider society.

The new research of SMEs also showed:

  • 61 percent of SMEs surveyed said their business would not have been able to survive without using the internet to sell products during the lockdown;
  • 20 percent set up a social media page for the first time, helping firms expand their reach while physical shops had to be closed;
  • 25 percent allowed staff to work from home for the first time.