DASA: New Themed Competition Launched

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a new competition on behalf of The Innovative Research Call (IRC). This £3.1 million competition seeks state of the art and technological solutions for the improved detection of explosives and weapons. The Innovative Research Call (IRC) 2023 for Explosives and Weapons Detection is a cross-government programme that seeks proposals from industry and academia for the screening of people and/or their possessions, goods, vehicles, and buildings and areas. This collaboration is one of the links the UK has with the US through science and innovation.

In Short: DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: The Innovative Research Call (IRC) 2023 for Explosives and Weapons Detection The IRC competition is a collaborative action of several government departments and law enforcement agencies The total funding available is £3.1 million, this will be split into two competition phases Deadline for submissions is 30 August 2023 at 12 midday (BST) If you have an idea for a scientific or technical solution for the improved detection of explosives and weapons, submit your proposal now!   Learn more and submit a proposal!

CHAMBER PRESIDENT ISSUES WAKE-UP CALL TO GOVERNMENTS AS BUSINESS INVESTMENT FLATLINES

• LABOUR COSTS: Labour costs are now the biggest cost pressure and driver of price rises, cited by three-quarters of all firms.
• INVESTMENT: Growth is positive but significantly subdued, with most firms reporting no change to investment levels.
• HOUSEBUILDING: Due to pressures in the housing market, construction firms reported the largest contraction in housebuilding contracts since Q2 2020.
• INTEREST RATES: Interest rates are the second largest concern behind inflation, impacting 40% of all firms.

Stephen Leckie, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The survey results highlight that persistent economic uncertainty is forcing firms to put investment decisions on hold, which makes prospects for medium and long-term growth far more challenging. The flatlining performance across the business community must act as a wake-up call to Governments north and south of the border. Governments must work with us if we are to revive investment decisions and maintain our competitiveness as a business destination.

“The eyes of the business community are firmly on how the First Minister will respond to the New Deal for Business Recommendations. Specifically, how he will reform non-domestic rates to incentivise businesses to grow as well as find the right balance between taxation and spend.”

On the labour market, Stephen Leckie said:
“Pressures from a tight labour market are making it difficult for firms to fulfil orders and inflation is placing great pressure on businesses to meet growing demands for higher wages.
“Strong competition for labour and skills are also leaving many firms with job vacancies that they simply can’t fill. We are rightly focused on ensuring our domestic skills and labour are supported into the jobs market, with many initiatives and reforms underway. However, businesses cannot wait for these schemes to pay dividends which could take years.
“That’s why we need to simultaneously accelerate plans for improved access to the international labour market so that we can address worker shortages. This action alone would lift some of the pressure facing businesses and demonstrate that we have a UK Government which listens to business.”

On inflation and price rises, Stephen Leckie said:
“Inflationary pressures are easing for firms, but it is still too high with most businesses still expecting to increase their prices next quarter.
“Firms are now increasingly feeling the impact of consistent interest rate rises by the Bank of England attempting to cool inflation. Up to this point, businesses have had to adjust to seeing interest rates mainly squeeze their borrowing and input costs but now they are increasingly feeling the pinch in other ways, with consumer spending stifled and now the housing market coming under pressure.

“It is critical that the right balancing act is struck from the Bank of England on interest rates or there is a threat that spiralling interest rates will make repayments simply unsustainable in the medium and long-term. Governments must also consider what regulations and upfront costs can be reduced or paused to reduce the costs burden on business such as a temporary reduction in VAT.”

Commenting on the results, Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:
“Despite the latest data showing little movement, we still expect that inflation will come down as we move through 2023 as we compare to the higher price levels in 2022. This chimes with the expectations in the survey today, albeit there are significant sectoral variations.

“The expectations are that inflation will get down to around 5% by the end of 2023 – meaning that while the Prime Minister may meet his commitment to halve inflation it is looking much closer than it did before. It is now not likely to be until 2025 when inflation gets back to the Bank of England’s target level of 2%.

“So despite the fact we are not in technical recession, it is still going to feel like a period of pain for many businesses.”

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Further Info 
The Quarterly Economic Indicator is Scotland’s longest-running business survey, operating since 1990.This survey was conducted from 15th May – 12th June 2023. 300 firms responded to the Q1 2023 edition of the survey. 95% of respondents to the survey were SMEs: these are businesses with less than 250 employees. Scottish Chambers of Commerce is Scotland’s largest business network with over 12,500 business members, across a network of 30 regional Chambers of Commerce.

The Highland Council, in conjunction with Eastern Airways, is delighted to announce that August 2023 will see a special rate of just £49.99 per ticket being applied across every seat booked on the Wick-Aberdeen air service.

Bookings for the promotional period opened on 1 July 2023 and will close on 30 August 2023. During that period, any standard ticket booked for travel in August will be available at the flat rate of £49.99 one-way.

The promotion will help inform a wider study supported by Dounreay, a division of Magnox Ltd, to help understand the drivers of demand on the service and to provide an evidence base for future planning and development of the Wick-Aberdeen route.

Councillor Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council and Chair of the Wick John O’Groats Airport Consultative Committee, said: “The Council has been delighted to support the delivery of lifeline air services from the North Highlands for over a year now, providing almost 9,000 passengers a fast, affordable and reliable way to travel between Wick and Aberdeen. The service has continued to grow as we enter our second year, and at current progress we are on track to carry about 11,000 passengers in 2023/24.

“This special promotional period will give a great opportunity for those who have thought about flying but not yet taken the plunge to give it a go at a guaranteed low price point. With flights twice daily throughout the week, as well as a Sunday service, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this fantastic deal.

“It is vital to us that this service continues to grow and evolve in line with the needs of the communities it serves, and the wider piece of work that this promotion is supporting will help to generate really valuable data, enabling us to deliver an even better service to the North Highlands.”

Roger Hage, Commercial Director at Eastern Airways, said: “Any regional air service is aimed at generating increased accessibility, whether to help promote business development and regional prosperity or help support the burgeoning leisure benefits Caithness has to offer.

“While passenger numbers have grown year on year by 35%, this collaborative period of supported fares through August will help bring more from outside the region to see what Caithness, Wick & Thurso offers while also providing an added incentive for those living and working in Caithness to visit Aberdeen or connect onward”

David Calder, Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics at Dounreay, said: “Air services from Wick have demonstrated positive numbers since their return last year and aside from the obvious benefit of a window of lower price flights for all travellers in challenging economic times, getting a better understanding of the impact of price on personal choices around working and travel habits post pandemic will help build the case for the nature of air connectivity to and from the area beyond the term of the current PSO.”

The Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC) purchased the redundant Police Station in Dornoch in 2020 and following a complete refurbishment opened as a business and community hub in May 2021. Since then, 18 businesses have rented office space in the Dornoch Hub.

They currently have one office, and one office & workshop (or shop and store) vacant. They also have various rooms & space for hire. Details can be found here and for further information or to arrange a viewing please contact the Hub Manager Paula White by phone on 07471 200 496 or email manager@dornochhub.co.uk.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Award recognition for the achievements of our enterprising business community.

With our venue confirmed and entertainment in place, plans for the Chamber’s Annual Dinner are in full swing. A highlight event in our calendar brings with it our much-coveted Young Entrepreneur and Young Business of the Year Awards, which once again are now open for entries.

Here at the Chamber, entrepreneurship has been at the forefront of our minds in recent weeks. For the last ten years, I have supported the Young Enterprise programme which challenges and empowers secondary school pupils through real-life learning, to set up and manage their own company. This year we were delighted to support Thurso High School Young Enterprise Team “Social-Eyes” whose creativity and innovation secured them a spot in the UK Finals. It was admirable to see their ambition and fearless approach to business. The determination of this young team secured stockists for their game right along the North Coast 500. Though their journey through the Young Enterprise programme culminated in the UK Finals, they will be continuing with their business. They will also always hold with them the accolade and honour of representing the best of Scotland at a national level and the confidence to know entrepreneurship is possible for everyone. To have the vision, skills and resolve to turn your ideas into a product or business is something very special indeed.

Caithness Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate exactly this and give recognition to the achievements of our thriving enterprising business community.

It has been a great pleasure of mine to follow the journeys of many of our former award winners and witness their businesses flourish and evolve over the years to follow.

Our 2022 winners Puldagon Farm Shop are going from strength to strength with the development of their stunning destination venue, restaurant, and farm shop, whilst North Point Distillery have awards in bountiful supply and were recently recognised as both the Best Craft Producer of 2023 and the Most Sustainable Distillery of 2023 in the Icons of Rum Awards.

The Young Business Award is open to enterprises which have been operating in Caithness or North Sutherland for no more than five years, and The Young Entrepreneur Award is open to those aged between 18 and 30 who live in Caithness or North Sutherland.

The prestige and accolade which come with winning are invaluable and the prizes awarded to the winners are meaningful. Entries for the awards are open until 5 pm on August 11. Application forms and entry criteria can be found on the news page of our website, caithnesschamber.com.

Of course, within the current climate, it’s tougher than ever to establish and run a business, but sometimes the toughest challenges can bring the greatest rewards. Caithness Chamber of Commerce is here to support businesses at every stage of their journey. We offer support and expert advice, access to funding, network building, and promotion and we will be your biggest cheerleader.

Find out more and apply for the Caithness Chamber Young Business and Young Enterprise Awards online here.

Laura O’Kane, Operations and Communications Manager, Caithness Chamber of Commerce.

Caithness Bakeries have the recipe for success!  

From shortbread to yum-yums and the perfect softie roll – Caithness has a long-standing love affair with bakeries, and with two national award winners here in our county, who could blame us?

With the excitement and anticipation of our own annual Chamber entrepreneurship awards on our minds, I took the opportunity to speak with two of our Chamber business members who have recently achieved well-earned success at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.

In the middle of an extra busy dispatch of Christmas export orders, I was lucky to catch up on a conversation with third-time awarded Scottish Wholesale Baker of the Year Winners, Gary and Tracy Reid of Reids Bakery, internationally renowned for their delicious all-butter shortbread and crumbly oat biscuits and loved locally for their cakes, pastries, cream buns and bread.

Against big competition, winning Wholesale Baker of the Year, alongside their numerous bakery product awards is a huge accolade and credit to their business. Significantly, this award demonstrates not only an exemplary product, but is also praise for their business operation, level of customer service, ambition, and professionalism. Indeed, the judging process is in-depth, requiring a great deal of commitment. It considers many aspects of a business, involving interviews and product tastings by leading and highly regarded industry experts, so winning is no small feat.

Gary and Tracey explained the positive impact the awards had had on their team, and keen to show the accolades are a celebration of the whole business, colleagues are invited along to the event to take part in and collect the awards. The team at Reid’s are rightly very proud of their achievements.

With their premium bakery products successfully exported across the world, Reid’s are certainly putting Caithness on the map, but locally, the business has received great support following the awards too. In fact, their Gold Award-winning Jammy Hearts, sold over 500 packets one week alone in just one of their local independent retailers.

Across the county, experiencing the cheery sunshine yellow décor, relaxed atmosphere and signature “too adorable to eat”, prize-winning Highland Coo fondants – it’s not hard to see why Annie’s Bakery, was awarded “Best Bakery Café in Scotland” in the Customer Choice category.

Since opening her family-run café with views over Gills, Annie’s Bakery has become a destination venue for both locals and visitors to Caithness, even enticing NC500 tourists to deviate on their way to John O’Groats. Baker Annie Body described the excitement the Customer Choice award had brought to her whole team, particularly the younger members of staff (most of whom are still in school), all were keen to encourage votes from customers and in return, her customers were delighted to get behind the café and eager to help secure a win. Bringing the trophy home, was the icing on the cake, but the relationships and interactions with customers and seeing their personal investment in her business was the real prize.

Although very grateful for the support of the retailers which she supplied at the beginning of her business, making the brave decision to pivot away from wholesale has allowed Annie to adapt her recipes towards more boutique “special treat” items. Despite numerous requests, Annie keeps her cakes and bakes exclusively for sale in her own café so the experience is unique.

Of course, somewhat removed from the glittering ceremonies and press-worthy photos is the dedication, grit and determination to bring a successful product or service to market. The long hours, teamwork and sleepless nights which go into turning a business dream into reality are indeed remarkable in themselves. Awards are not the only marker of success, but certainly, they are signifiers of excellence and indeed reason to celebrate.

Our flourishing food and drinks industry in the North Highlands is certainly something we can all be very proud of. Huge congratulations to both Reid’s and Annie’s on their well-deserved successes, we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the future!

After more than three years of preparatory work, a voluntary committee has been successful in its application to the Scottish Government to have the Caithness and Sutherland section of the Far North Line (FNL) designated as the 9th Community Rail Partnership (CRP) route in Scotland. The announcement was made by the Scottish Transport Minister, Kevin Stewart MSP, at an event to celebrate community rail across Scotland held in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday the 24^th of May.

This designation should bring real benefits to the local communities along the line and also create opportunities to promote the line, its communities, and the attractions that it connects. CRP status provides an opportunity for greater community involvement in planning, development and operation of the line. The main aims will be to increase passenger footfall in local communities, promote social inclusion, increase the use of sustainable travel, and bring about improvements to the stations and services of the line, hopefully growing passenger numbers.

The FNL CRP will help communities to develop and deliver community projects, events, and activities that will encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy our amazing villages and settlements, creating economic opportunities as well as moving people away from the tourism hot spots and the speed of the NC500. This will be done by recruiting and coordinating a group of active volunteers in each community which in turn will offer opportunities for our local businesses which are essential to the sustainability of our fragile communities and crucial in our aims to reverse depopulation and create younger, more dynamic communities in the future.

The added benefit, and another crucial aim, is that through promoting sustainable travel by developing low carbon transport initiatives (including promoting cycling and walking opportunities that start and finish in our local communities) as well as encouraging people to use the train, we will help our climate challenge aims and reduce emissions, helping to move towards the goal of Net Zero.

Scottish Minister of Transport, Kevin Stewart MSP said “Community Rail Partnerships are the embodiment of very passionate and dedicated people who volunteer on our railways. The work they do improves stations and lines across the country, bringing together communities, and giving greater local buy in to Scotland’s Railway. That is why I am delighted to approve and welcome the new Far North Line Community Rail Partnership.”

David Watson, Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Manager and FNL CRP Chair, explains: “The Far North Line is a world class but underperforming asset. The journey itself is an amazing experience with an incredible variety of natural and cultural assets along its length.  Although it is restricted by its engineering it presents an amazing opportunity to help sustain the communities that it serves. The CRP will form a link between the railway and local communities, bringing together a range of stakeholders, including local businesses and services, along the rail corridor to develop and promote the line, the local communities, and its attractions.”

It is also hoped that the Partnership can boost tourism and make the rail service more responsive to local needs.  There is renewed interest in sustainable transport not just between train and bus but through use of other transport resources such as e-bikes, and community transport schemes. Michael Willmot, Director of Helmsdale Station CIC and CRP secretary says: “recognising there has been growing concern about the number of cars and motorhomes that have been attracted by the success of the North Coast 500 promotion, this CRP should help to develop alternatives to private vehicles for exploring the North Highlands Region as well as providing improved public transport for local communities. There are amazing opportunities for visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the unique culture of Caithness and Sutherland.” 

In delivering its ambitions, the Far North Line CRP will work in partnership with ScotRail, the local rail user group – the Friends of the Far North Line, and representatives of communities and tourism organisations along the route. David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of the Far North Line Community Rail Partnership. “We look forward to the journey ahead and the positive impact that the CRP will undoubtedly bring in enhancing the route’s potential as a vital lifeline and catalyst for economic growth throughout Caithness and Sutherland.”

The current members of the management group include a number of experienced community development professionals with a track record of raising external funding and delivering successful community projects. The group also has representation from Venture North (the Destination Management Group for Caithness & Sutherland) and the North Highland Climate Hub, to ensure that we are truly promoting sustainable tourism development with environmentally responsible projects to help the future of the communities of Caithness and Sutherland for years to come.

If you are interested in receiving further information or in joining the CRP Management Group, please contact Michael Willmot at helmsdalestation@gmail.com

Highland based Norscot Joinery, renowned manufacturer of windows, doors and timber frame house kits, has been acquired by 1^st FSD Group. Although the business may have changed hands, there will be no organisational changes, with day to day operations continuing to be provided by the existing management team.

Founded by the Body family in 1984, Norscot operates out of its manufacturing base in Bower, Caithness and a sales office on the Carse Industrial Estate in Inverness. Its customer focus is in the Highlands but it has supplied products throughout the UK and as far afield as Eire, France and Spain.

1st FSD Group CEO Tom Wang said, “We are very pleased to have acquired such a successful company. Norscot will continue to contribute to the local economy and serve the community. We see plenty of opportunities for growth in the future, and are confident that the current management team will be able to implement our future plan.”

In response, Norscot former chairman and co-founder Peter Body said, “The 1^st FSD Group team bring a wealth of experience in both property and home improvement related sectors, which I’m sure will benefit the company and our customers. I wish them every success.”

Norscot manufactures the widest range of windows available from a single source. Materials include uPVC, timber and aluminium clad timber. In styles which include casement, top-swing and tilt-n-turn. With entrance and patio doors to suit. Customers include local authorities, housing associations, the trade and homeowners.

Timber frame house kit manufacture is aimed primarily at the self-build market with ‘hand-holding’ by the company’s in-house design team to ensure customers achieve their dream home. Norscot has recently introduced it’s ‘WellBe’ concept of future-proofed, forever, ‘smart’ homes which are easy to maintain, accessible and adaptable, with low running costs.

Further information is available on the company’s website at norscot.co.uk.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called, ‘Affordable and Adaptable Unmanned Air Systems Autonomy’. Funded by the Army Rapid Innovation and Exploitation Laboratory (ARIEL), a part of the Army’s Futures Directorate, this competition seeks proposals that can help UK Defence develop affordable and adaptable autonomous air systems (UAS) to boost the British Army’s domination of the “near surface” (0-10,000ft above ground level) in future conflicts. The goal of this initiative is to counteract the proliferation of adversary UAS capabilities while taking advantage of emerging technologies. DASA will host a Q&A webinar on 5 July along with a couple of 20 minute 1-2-1 teleconference sessions held on 10 and 11 July to offer an opportunity to ask your specific questions to the competition team.

In Short: Up to £800,000 (ex VAT) is available to fund multiple proposals The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 27 July 2023 A Q&A webinar to discuss the competition requirements will take place on 5 July 2023 1-2-1 sessions to discuss your specific questions will take place on the 10 and 11 July 2023 This competition has two challenges: Challenge 1: low-cost reliable effects Challenge 2: low-cost survivability Do you have an innovative idea for an autonomous air system that can increase unit reach and impact, all-the-while maintaining affordability, reliability and capability? Submit your solution to uphold UK advantage over adversaries.

Learn more and submit a proposal!

Participate in our Q&A and 1-2-1 Sessions DASA will host a Q&A session on 5 July where you can learn more about the competition requirements and ask your questions in an open forum. Additionally, you can sign up to a series of 20 minute 1-2-1 teleconference sessions held on the 10 and 11 July for the opportunity to ask specific questions directly to the project team.

Register for the Q&A Webinar 5 July

Register for a 1-2-1 Session 10 July

Register for a 1-2-1 Session 11 July