Tag: expansion

Edinburgh-based vaping retailer to open 15 new stores across UK by end of 2023

  • VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, has announced that it will open 15 new stores by the end of 2023.
  • The new stores will offer specialist stop smoking advice will offer specialist advice to local communities throughout England, Wales and Scotland, increasing the specialist’s UK footprint to over 160 stores. 
  • The growth comes amidst VPZ’s launch of its new vape recycling service in partnership with WasteCare across all its stores in response to the rising environmental concern over disposable vapes. 
  • Doug Mutter, Director, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our brand expansion and mission of supporting adult smokers to quit whilst bringing our own innovative recycling services to tackle the negative environmental impact of disposable vaping.” 

 VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, is set to open 15 new stores by the end of 2023. The new stores will expand the brand’s presence in communities throughout the nation, with key locations in Cardiff, Aberdeen and Newcastle Metrocentre set to increase the specialist’s footprint to over 160 stores.  

The growth comes amidst VPZ’s launch of its new vape recycling service in partnership with WasteCare across all its stores in response to the rising environmental concern over disposable vapes. 

The service is open to all vapers, as anyone can visit any store within the VPZ network and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.  

VPZ is pushing ahead with growth at a time when the UK is moving towards ambitions to be Smoke Free by 2030. 

To date, Edinburgh-based VPZ has already helped over 700k smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012. 

Doug Mutter, Director, said: “As the UK’s leading vaping specialist, we are spearheading the fight against the nation’s number one killer – smoking. 

“Our plans to open fifteen new stores and the launch of our vape recycling service reflect our ambition to help more smokers take the first steps on their quit journey and properly address the environmental impact of disposable vapes. 

“There has been a rising concern of disposable vapes on our environment, as more and more devices are being discarded in our community areas. 

“Our innovative recycling service is a definitive step in cleaning up local spaces throughout the country and educating adult vapers on being responsible and using more sustainable vaping products.” 

The NHS in England recently announced its world-first innovative swap-to-stop initiative to encourage smokers to switch to vaping in its ambition to create a smoke-free nation. The scheme will provide a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to 1 million smokers in their journey to quit and improve the nation’s health through cutting smoking rates. 

A further report from the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group backs vaping as an effective treatment for tobacco dependency and recommends that it should be included and encouraged in all treatment pathways. The report also found that the long-term impact of vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes. 

VPZ has already called on both the UK and Scottish Governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products both in physical and online retail environments. 

Despite continued efforts during the past two years to develop positive dialogue with the Scottish Government, VPZ has been excluded from an industry-wide online roundtable event today (September 6th ) to discuss policy options to reduce the environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes. 

Doug Mutter, however welcomed news that First Minister Humza Yousaf would hold a consultation on a single-use vape ban as he set out his priorities for the coming year. 

Doug Mutter said: “Despite all the evidence of vaping already helping the UK towards its 2030 goal, there is still a looming challenge in the industry, as many imported, unregulated, disposable vapes are readily available to underaged people at local convenience stores and other general retailers with no age verification control.  

“This issue has extended to online retailing where products are accessible and available to young people with limited or no age restrictions.  

“This is a significant problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its 2030 smoke-free targets. 

“We have urged the Scottish Government to act now and follow best practice from countries like New Zealand where physical and online retailers must be licensed, where stringent age verification frameworks are in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers. 

“As the country’s leading vaping retailer we have made sustained efforts to develop positive dialogue and support the development of a transformative smoke free strategy – however we continue to be ignored. 

“Alarmingly we have also been excluded from a roundtable event today (September 6th) which draws on insight and participation from a host of industry experts on how we tackle the impact of disposable vaping products. 

“We are fully supportive of a disposables ban and we have also introduced a pioneering recycling scheme that leads best practice across the sector. 

“News that the Scottish Government will consult on curbing the sale or an outright ban on disposables is fully welcomed, but as the leading authority for the industry we are asking for a seat at table and the chance to help them seize this once in a lifetime public health opportunity.” 

Edinburgh’s YourGP marks 20th anniversary with Dundas Street move

Edinburgh’s YourGP marks 20th anniversary with expansion into Dundas Street
and reveals huge shift in locals’ attitudes to health and wellbeing

Established in 2003, YourGP is one of Scotland’s leading independent medical practices, promising “affordable, friendly & local GP services”.

Throughout their 20 years of providing expert healthcare to Edinburgh residents from their Dean Village practice, they have seen a hugely positive shift in patients’ attitudes to health and wellbeing.

And so, as more locals seek to take a proactive approach to improving their health, the timing is perfect for YourGP to mark their 20th anniversary by opening a second practice right in the heart of the Scottish capital.  

Situated on Dundas Street, the new practice features four treatment rooms and will offer a full range of services including GP appointments, comprehensive health screening, cosmetic treatments, and sexual health services. Patients can benefit from short notice appointments and extended consultations to ensure all medical concerns are discussed in depth, as well as a fast turnaround of results.

Locals are being given the opportunity to join the launch day celebrations, be amongst the first to see the new practice and meet some of the team at the new practice open day.

Taking place on Friday 1 September, 12pm – 4pm, visitors can pick up an exclusive goodie bag while stocks last, enjoy 20% off GP and cosmetic services and enter a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a Health MOT worth £495. 

Commenting ahead of the open day, YourGP Clinical Lead, Dr Cathrow, said; “During my time in healthcare over the past 20 years I have seen a hugely positive shift in patients’ attitudes. Especially since the pandemic, people are more attuned to general wellbeing and are looking for a more holistic approach to their healthcare. Focus has moved more to prevention as opposed to simply looking for cures.

“We are seeing a much more engaged population who are taking control of their health and wellbeing in a more proactive manner.

“In response to this and to mark our 20th anniversary, we are delighted to expand our offering and launch YourGP at Dundas Street which will give Edinburgh residents better access to friendly, affordable local GP services.”

“In so doing, YourGP can continue to support people to take charge of their wellbeing and enjoy life-long good health.”

Nations unite to call for halt to Israel’s West Bank expansion

A joint statement with France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories:

France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, express their grave concern in the face of the continuing, growing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks that killed Israeli citizens. Terrorism can under no circumstance be justified.

We also strongly condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties.

We are saddened by all loss of life. These acts can lead nowhere, except to more violence. Those responsible must face full accountability and legal prosecution. All unilateral actions that threaten peace and incitement to violence must cease.

There has been a spark of hope coming from the recent meeting in Aqaba, where Israelis and Palestinians both affirmed reciprocal commitments, including on efforts to de-escalate and work towards a just and lasting peace.

Such a result is a first in many years, and we thank the United States of America and Kingdom of Jordan for making it possible. We urge all parties to refrain from making this fragile process derail, and call on all parties to make good on the commitments they made in the Aqaba meeting by de-escalating in words and deeds and to restore calm, in order for those efforts to blossom and to make the next meeting in Egypt a success.

There can be no desirable outcome other than a just and lasting peace for all. In this regard, we also reiterate our strong opposition to all unilateral measures that undermine the Two-state solution, including expansion of settlements which are illegal under international law.

We urge the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to advance the construction of more than 7,000 settlement building units across the occupied West Bank and to legalize settlement outposts.

The Edinburgh Practice unveils major expansion plans

 LAUNCH OF STATE-OF-THE-ART HEALTH CLINIC AT WAVERLEY SQUARE

The Edinburgh Practice, which specialises in providing expert mental healthcare, has unveiled major expansion plans to triple the size of their current premises into a purpose-built, 6,500 sq ft practice in Waverley Square, set to open in the summer, allowing them to expand their range of services, increase their client base and double the team from 50 to 100.

The New Town-based, award-winning company, which offers psychiatric assessment and treatment and a range of therapies including psychological, speech and language, educational and family therapy, began with one member of staff, Clinical Psychologist and founder, Dr Fiona Wilson, in 2017. Within three years the team increased to 32, resulting in the opening of two additional premises in the area.

Plans to combine all three sites into a single, purpose-built clinic to allow the company to expand its services and grow the team further have been in the pipeline for the last 18 months and now that building work has begun, the timeline to launch the new premises is on track for early summer. 

The state-of-the-art practice will feature 26 therapy rooms, a large meeting space for in-house and community events, and a dedicated staff area. It has been carefully designed to be a healing space which matches both clients’ therapeutic needs and staff wellbeing. 

Dr Wilson said: “We’re delighted to be taking this next step in our journey and finally be able to match up service demand and service provision in our own custom-built practice set to open in the summer.  As opposed to continuing to open more and more practices in the city, it made sense to us to bring everything together under one roof.

“Searching for help when struggling with your own or a loved one’s mental health difficulties is extremely hard, which is why our goal has always been to provide easy and fast access to high-quality, evidence-based treatment and therapy, in a safe, compassionate way.

“Our new custom-built practice, which is tripling the size of our current square footage, will allow us to be able to help even more people by expanding our existing wide range of services and launching new ones across all age groups, including an Early Years Service, Occupational Therapy Service and an Older Adults Service, where dementia assessments will be accessible through the practice’s new Memory Clinic.

“This expansion represents an exciting continuation of the development of The Edinburgh Practice, and we have a strong pipeline of new service development projects for 2023 and beyond.”

The Edinburgh Practice Awards include ASB Young Business of the Year Award 2018 and 2019 Finalist for Start Up Business of the Year Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards.

Website: www.edinburghpractice.com

Facebook: The Edinburgh Practice

Instagram: @theedinburghpractice

Trimble and Edinburgh Napier celebrate facilities expansion

Building on a commitment to cultivate a highly-trained workforce that will drive future innovation, Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Edinburgh Napier University are celebrating the expansion of Scotland’s state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab with an inaugural conference hosted by Edinburgh Napier.  

The expansion includes the official opening of the new Merchiston Campus Lab and coincides with the Trimble Technology Lab Conference. The new lab will be showcased as the University welcomes over 50 leading construction, geospatial and natural resources academics from around the world to Edinburgh Napier.

The conference features three days of knowledge exchange and global community building by sharing best practices for teaching using advanced technologies including many Trimble solutions.

Edinburgh Napier was the first UK education institution to establish a prestigious Trimble Technology Lab—now with facilities at its Merchiston and Seven Hills sites. The labs serve students studying engineering, construction and the sustainable built environment. 

Thanks to Trimble’s generous gift, students enrolled in Edinburgh Napier’s Schools of Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment, including architectural technology, civil engineering and construction management, can enhance their studies with hands-on experience of Trimble solutions.

These include scanning buildings and sites, design and 3D printing of architectural building models, and digital fabrication to implement construction cost estimating and scheduling to improve productivity, reduce costs and drive sustainability.

Amy Northcutt, Director of Education & Outreach at NASDAQ-listed Trimble, said: “Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University is impactful. The shared focus on education and sustainability aligns with Trimble’s mission of transforming the way the world works.

“Scotland is no stranger to important conversations around climate action and sustainability, which is why we’re so excited to bring together thought leaders from around the world who are equipped with Trimble technology to ideate and collaborate on empowering the future leaders of our industries.” 

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are honoured to be continuing to grow our ground-breaking work with Trimble to extend our Trimble Technology Laboratory facilities, as well as host the inaugural Trimble Technology Lab Conference.

“As home of difference makers, welcoming leading academics from around the globe to Edinburgh Napier celebrates how we strive to support our students with the best ideas and tools to help them design and build the decarbonised future built environment we all need.”

Professor Robert Hairstans, Head of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Offsite Construction & Innovative Structures, said: “We are already seeing the tremendous benefit partnering with Trimble makes to Edinburgh Napier students, whether it is using hardware to showcase their new ideas for our human habitats at COP26, to reimagining and rebuilding schools and university campuses to achieve net zero using biogenic materials like timber.

“With the new Trimble Technology Lab facilities ready for action, the next generation of engineering and construction leaders will have every chance to excel in addressing the construction industry’s 21st century challenges by harnessing technological innovation.

“Tech tools that help professionals to increase productivity and decarbonise the built environment.”

The lab will include a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading solutions such as the Trimble® XR10 HoloLens with hardhat, Trimble robotic and mechanical total stations, and a Trimble TX8 3D Laser Scanner.

Advanced software solutions include RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Design Suite, Sefaira Energy Analysis, Trimble Connect and the company’s popular 3D modeling software, SketchUp.

Aldi to open 100 new UK stores over next two years

Aldi is looking for sites in all areas of Edinburgh

Aldi has announced it will open 100 new stores across the UK over the next two years – and it’s looking for new sites all over Edinburgh. 

The supermarket has pledged to invest £1.3 billion by 2023 in a bid to further grow its retail estate, as it continues to push ahead with plans to open an average of one new store a week. 

Aldi is looking for sites in all areas of Edinburgh.  

Aldi, which now has more than 920 stores across the UK, is searching for freehold town-centre or edge-of-centre sites suitable for property development.  

The supermarket says it is on the lookout for sites that are big enough to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store and around 100 dedicated parking spaces, preferably on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access.     

Additionally, Aldi will also be investing in the development of new and expanded distribution centres. 

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “We’re continuing to gain even more customers – with over 60% of UK households shopping with Aldi in the last year.  

“Our focus is on expanding our store estate, making sure Aldi is accessible to as many of these new shoppers across the country as possible. Looking ahead, we are excited to provide millions of new customers with access to Aldi’s award-winning quality and unbeatable value as we create even more places and more ways to shop with us.” 

The full list of locations it is targeting in Scotland are: 

  • Edinburgh – all  
  • Glasgow – Cathcart, Bishopbriggs, Darnley, Maryhill, Port Dundas/Springburn, Tannochside/Uddingston 
  • Scottish Borders – Peebles 
  • Lanarkshire – Blantyre, Stepps/Moodieburn 
  • Aberdeen – Stonehaven 
  • Inverclyde – Gourock 
  • North Ayrshire – Largs 
  • East Renfrewshire – Clarkston 
  • West Dunbartonshire – Dumbarton 
  • Stirling – Dunblane  

The Tartan Blanket Co. expands thanks to £1.8 m HSBC UK support

Blanket and scarf brand, The Tartan Blanket Co., has received a £1.8 million loan from HSBC UK to purchase new premises, as demand grows globally.

The Edinburgh-based natural wool brand, which makes natural and sustainable tartan blankets, has used the funding to purchase a new 32,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Newbridge after its revenue increased by 100% in 2020.

With blankets and scarves now being sold in over 70 countries worldwide, the new warehouse will allow the company to keep up with increasing demand over its peak winter sales period.

The Tartan Blanket Co. is also aiming to hire 40 new employees within the next year to work in the new premises, giving it further capacity to distribute internationally on a large-scale.

Emma Macdonald, Owner of The Tartan Blanket Co., said: “After setting up in 2014, it’s really exciting to realise how far we’ve come. Our blankets and gifts are now being shipped across the globe, from Scotland to Australia, Canada and the US.

“Our revenue doubled last year, and we’re anticipating the same growth again in 2021.The investment from HSBC UK will enable us to increase capacity and distribution across the world, ensuring we can provide the best-quality blankets and service for years to come.”

Natalie Marshall, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s brilliant to see the strong appetite for contemporary tartan blankets from The Tartan Blanket Co. in Scotland and further afield.  With sales increasing so rapidly in the midst of a pandemic, the company has really shown how hard work and a clear vision can result in success.”

The Tartan Blanket Co. was founded by Emma and Fergus Macdonald out of an ambition to create beautiful natural products. One of the company’s most popular lines is its recycled wool blankets, which transform discarded clothes and materials into contemporary tartan blankets.

This year, The Tartan Blanket Co. has also committed to help protect the environment, with the aim of offsetting more carbon than it is producing.

Emma added: “As part of our sustainable practices, which we aim to continue into our new premises, we will be donating 1% of every purchase to environmental causes and 1% to charities and community projects around the world to help those in need.”

Pan-Asian Noodle Chain Gets Ready To ‘Wok’ & Roll

Situated at Waverley Mall, Princes St, Edinburgh, EH1 1BQ, the revamped store, which is part of the brand’s continuing Scotland expansion, has seen a number of new features added, including a living wall, sparkling star lights and a timber clad counter, with the decor reflecting the quirky and fun nature of the Chopstix brand. 

Wok Masters can be seen creating fresh Chopstix dishes, all served from an eye-catching wok station, ready to ‘wok and go’. Customers will once again be able to delight in a host of Pan-Asian flavours including Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, as well as Chopstix favourites Chicken Katsu Curry and Caramel Drizzle Chicken.

Speaking on the Edinburgh revamp, Rob Burns, marketing director for Chopstix said: “We’re thrilled to reveal the new look for Chopstix Edinburgh Waverley.

“Scotland has always been a favourite for Chopstix and we have an amazing loyal customer base here so we’re excited to welcome back customers new and old to delight in our quick and tasty offering.

“We’d also love to extend the invitation to the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon to come and click her sticks with us.” 

The noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Deliveroo with Just Eat and Uber Eats. Orders are permitted from within the postcode area of the store.

Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour. You can find us in over 60 locations throughout the UK.

 For more information please visit: www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk

Laings Jewellers eyes multi-layered £10m expansion

Family-run jewellers Laings has unveiled its vision for the future, with ambitious new plans to strengthen its presence across the United Kingdom.

After celebrating 180 years of trading in 2020, Laings is now looking ahead to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches with extensive expansion plans set to be unveiled, aimed at enhancing the client experience across its key locations.

Through six generations of family ownership, Laings has grown to become a leading independent luxury jeweller, with six showrooms across four locations – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Southampton and Cardiff.

Laings offers a curated selection of fine jewellery and watches from some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, as well as bespoke design and repair services by the in-house team of master watchmakers, goldsmiths and jewellery designers.

Now, expanding its retail strategy while staying true to the heritage of the business, the jewellers has announced it will be investing £10 million into the company over the next two years. The investment will see Laings transform its showrooms and workshops, reimagining the customer experience while ensuring traditional jewellers’ crafts are kept alive for generations to come.

The first in a series of transformations will be unveiled this Autumn with work already underway to treble the size of Laings’ St David’s Centre Cardiff showroom, allowing the company to introduce Swiss watch brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe to its Welsh clientele.

An investment which demonstrates the trust Laings holds with luxury horology’s most prominent brands, who have existing relationships with Laings having worked together for years in other cities.

Stuart McDowell, Retail Director at Laings, says: “The expansion in Cardiff is in response to our client’s enquiries – catering to the watch collectors of Wales who might not have Laings at the forefront of their minds now, but hopefully they soon will.

“The showroom is right in the heart of the capital city and our expanded presence means we can give the brands we represent the stage to shine. No longer will Cardiff clients need to travel outside their home city to access these brands, they can enjoy having them on their doorstep – with Laings.”

Laings is also revolutionising the way its Welsh customers experience diamonds and jewellery with the introduction of private viewings.

The expanded showroom is set to include dedicated diamond and jewellery areas so that clients can view the carefully curated collections in private, with a glass of champagne served by Laings’ refreshments partner Lanson. Despite the changes, clients can expect the same warmth, expertise and attention that they have become accustomed to at Laings.

Laings’ workshops in Scotland will also see significant investment, marking the beginning of a new client experience. For the first time in the company’s history, clients will be invited to join the watchmakers and goldsmiths behind the benches to see their skills in action when completing services, drawing back the curtain on the artisan crafts and allowing the team to take centre stage.

Upon opening, the workshops will play host to client immersion sessions, luxury events and meet the makers demonstrations to showcase expertise, allowing clients to see the intricacies of every service first-hand.

Laings also hopes that breathing new life into the workshops will attract visibility to the industry and inspire a new generation of talent to train in the field. With a recruitment plan spanning all areas of the business, Laings aims to grow its team by up to 25 per cent, providing opportunities for both apprentices and existing watchmakers and goldsmiths in locations where there have traditionally been less positions available, safeguarding these artisan skills for the future.

Laings CEO, Joe Walsh, says: “The workshops create a special experience for our customers. Not only will they be able to talk to the watchmakers and see them working, they’ll also be able to attend events where they can gain a deeper insight into the craft – taking watches apart, seeing how the mechanics work and putting them back together. People are looking for experiences now and that’s what we want – to deliver a new form of retail that captures the imagination of our clients.”

These developments signal the start of a longer-term growth plan for Laings. Over the next 24 months, the company will embark on a journey of evolution to challenge jewellery and watchmaking retail experiences – bringing innovation to every area of the business, while never forgetting the deep-rooted heritage that anchors the Laings story.

The Edinburgh Guarantee: ‘A better future for everyone’

Capital’s employability commitment hits 10 year milestone

Edinburgh’s youth employability commitment, the Edinburgh Guarantee, marks a decade while expanding its support to help people of all ages and backgrounds:

Celebrating its 10th year, the Edinburgh Guarantee, originally the Capital’s youth employability commitment, is expanding to help people of all ages access fair work, training and employment opportunities with a new look website launched today by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Recognising the impact the pandemic has had on businesses and training providers, and the ripple effect this has on people’s prospects, there will also be a particular focus on those facing additional barriers to employment with the overall aim to give equal access to job and education opportunities.

The website will be a one stop shop to connect and sign up employers across the city, while offering people a quick and easy access point to job boards, information on training opportunities and additional support routes available.

Under the banner of the Edinburgh Guarantee there are many recognised and successful employability programmes and initiatives including JET Academy, Edinburgh Project SEARCH and at national level the Young Persons Guarantee. Jobseekers also have access to a number of projects that offer free advice and ongoing support including Next Step Edinburgh, All in Edinburgh and Encompass.

Through the Edinburgh Guarantee team and network of employability partners, employers are incentivised to get involved by getting access to additional recruitment support, information on possible funding available and ongoing assistance for their business and new hires where required. All of this makes it easy and rewarding for employers to pledge their support.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “The Edinburgh Guarantee is rooted in the principal that everyone should have the opportunity to work, and access to training and skills development, and that everyone who is able to can be part of our city’s recovery. And that by working together, we can create those opportunities and a better future for everyone.

“Now in its 10th year, the Edinburgh Guarantee has been a great success helping so many young people move into fair work or gain the education and training that they deserve. We’re now widening this commitment to include people of all ages and backgrounds which clearly shows our intention to make sure no one is left behind as a result of this pandemic. 

“It’s been great to hear how so many organisations across all sizes and sectors are able to play their part. Longstanding lead employers such as Standard Life Aberdeen, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council, have paved the way for us to get to where we are today.

“And it is exciting to see that network grow to welcome new and smaller organisations and businesses like Basketball Scotland, JAD Joinery and The Wee Book Company – a small business that recently added to its workforce with a new recruit, made possible through Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentive, which is a funding package for private SMEs and third sector organisations to help fill vacancies and create new and additional jobs.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener, said: “On this 10 year anniversary of the Edinburgh Guarantee I’d like to thank those employers that have been with us since the start and led the way for other businesses and organisations by demonstrating the benefits of getting involved over the last decade.

“We’ve recognised that the end of the furlough scheme will have serious implications and most likely further increase the levels of unemployment across Scotland, so we’re working hard to support and incentivise employers to play a part in the city’s recovery – such as helping smaller supporters access funding to help them to get involved.

“Over the past year we’ve spoken to business owners and employers from across all sectors, gaining valuable insight into the key implications of the pandemic on their industry. This has given us an overview of those who are currently able to offer opportunities as well as those who we may be able to support as we begin to move into the recovery period.”

Edinburgh Guarantee, The Wee Book Company

Gavin Keddie, Publishing Assistant at The Wee Book Company was recruited thanks to the Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentive

The Wee Book Company, a new publishing business in the city, became aware of Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentives and as part of the Edinburgh Guarantee offer, employers who recruit someone with barriers to employment can secure up to £6,000 to help with the costs.

With the funding available to them they have been able to create a Publishing Assistant post for Gavin Keddie which he started in March 2021.

Andrew McAllister, Head of Sales at The Wee Book Company, said: “As a small business, the Edinburgh Guarantee has literally made the difference in us being able to give Gavin an opportunity, who has been a revelation. In a matter of only a few weeks he has been really helpful to the development of our publishing business.

“Gavin has come in and we have been really impressed with his commitment, effort and excellent knowledge of modern technology. As a result of being made aware of Gavin’s Aspergers condition, we were able to recognise that he had great talent, but during the interview was a little shy and reserved and was definitely very modest about his previous achievements including the fact that he has been successfully published and written at least five books to date.”

Young business people are discussing together a new startup project. A glowing light bulb as a new idea.

Established in 2011 to address the needs of school leavers who were unable to move into a positive destination following the last economic downturn, the Edinburgh Guarantee has since worked with over 550 employers to get over 3,500 young people into apprenticeships or training opportunities. 

Many partners have come together to support this initiative’s continued success including colleges, voluntary sector organisations and national programmes, while also making it easy and rewarding for private sector businesses and organisations to play their part in helping people across the city.