Here at Caithness Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to supporting businesses in the North Highlands. We’re currently exploring ways in which we can continue to do this further into the recovery stage of Covid-19 and are interested to hear from businesses to understand your needs.
We’ve developed a survey which is 8 questions, it shouldn’t take long to complete. Should you wish to discuss further, please feel free to get in touch: info@caithnesschamber.com.
While support may not be limited to chamber members, a membership can offer a range of benefits, to discuss, please contact Fiona Levack, Business Development Manager – Fiona@caithnesschamber.com You can read explicitly about membership & it’s benefits here.
Please share this survey with fellow North Highland businesses.
On the First Minister’s speech today outlining the outcomes of the fifth review of the Covid-19 Strategic Framework, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We are glad to see that some of the most severe restrictions have eased in areas across Scotland, which will particularly help retailers who will hope to take advantage and trade in the key period leading up to Christmas.
“However, we remain concerned about the ongoing crippling impacts being felt by our hospitality and tourism businesses, who have seen their trade completely dry up and with little prospect of that recovering in the near future.
“It is therefore very urgent that adequate and effective financial support is provided for these businesses as well as for those who have fallen through gaps in business support. Such as businesses in lower-level areas still open but struggling with supressed activity and those in the supply chains of key industries who have been unable to access any such support.
“Businesses across all of Scotland need one thing: to be able to open their doors and trade. Not having to start and stop with their hands tied behind their back. We urge everyone to behave responsibly to support businesses, our families and our employees.’’
We’re thrilled to welcome new members this month:
The Virtual Learning Academy (The VLA) is an Education Provider founded in 2011 by Catherine Sutherland. Catherine spent some time working in further education after 20 successful years in Management. Originating in the Highlands of Scotland she recognised a need for more flexible and accessible learning methods to overcome the geographical challenges inherent in the UK’s most remote region.
Specialising in both Organisational and Personal Development the company have expanded their portfolio and will continue to do so. They have specialists in Learning & Development and all subjects presented. This enables VLA to bespoke and deliver programmes relevant to specific industries and careers.
The mission of the VLA is to break down the barriers to learning to ensure opportunity for all. VLA have been creating and innovating new methods of course delivery to meet the learning style and needs of those with diverse work and life commitments.
The Virtual Learning Academy’s passion is innovation. They are already working on new themes, products and services which they anticipate can break down even more barriers to learning to enable opportunity for all.
The VLA are currently offering an exclusive reduced rate for Chamber members on their Management & Development Programme. Download the brochure here to read what the programme is all about. Chamber Members are welcome to the reduced rate of £135 per event or £899 for the overall programme.
They’re also running a FREE webinar this week on Managing the New Normal. See details here.
RBLS Thurso – A local, social venue… and much more
The Thurso Branch is the Royal British Legion Scotland’s most northerly branch on the UK mainland. The Club offers a wide range of activities and facilities and is available to both members, guests, visitors and local community groups alike.
To learn about how Chamber membership could benefit your business, see the Membership benefits page or get in touch with Fiona Levack, Business Development Manager to arrange an informal chat. You can email fiona here: Fiona@caithnesschamber.com The Chamber offers advice and support to businesses of all sizes, at all stages and in all sectors and we would be thrilled to hear from you.
In addition to chamber membership, many of our funded projects offer support and guidance to businesses in a range of ways. See the list of options, here.
Did you know that we offer a membership referral scheme? If you refer a business who joins the chamber, you could benefit from £50 off your next renewal. Read more here.
Funding for the proposed Public Service Obligation (PSO) for Wick John O’Groats Airport is now being sought from the Scottish budget, due on January 28 next year.
The PSO, which will guarantee flights in and out of Caithness on a daily basis is currently being considered by the Scottish Government after a business case was submitted by Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Stakeholders and elected members are working together to ensure air services can be maintained and that Caithness remains “open for business”.
Commenting, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Gail Ross said “I have pushed and pushed this with the transport secretary and the Scottish Government and the political will is most definitely there to make the PSO a reality.
Gail Ross MSP is pushing for a government commitment on the future of Wick airport.
“Whilst it is disappointing we can’t free the money from this year’s budget, it is not surprising, given the amount the government has had to spend on supporting people and business through Covid-19.
“We now have to make sure that the Government commit to the PSO in the upcoming budget and we can move forward with the arrangements. I will be writing to the finance secretary and seeking a meeting to ensure she has all the relevant information to make a positive decision.”
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce said “While we are extremely disappointed that we have not yet had the positive response we were hoping for regarding a PSO, no final decision has yet been made as far as we are aware and we are continuing to make the case at the highest levels of Scottish Government. We have met with local stakeholders to discuss recent developments and have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to seek a meeting as a matter of urgency to make the case that support for a PSO is included in the forthcoming Scottish Budget.
“Wick John O’Groats Airport has a key role to play in the exciting developments coming to the North Highlands, and it is imperative that Scottish Government supports lifeline scheduled air services from Wick. The region is looking towards economic recovery and regeneration from the impacts of Covid-19, and has real potential to take advantage of opportunities in offshore wind and aerospace. We need regular, reliable air services to and from Wick to help us enable this and build a brighter future for the north Highlands.”
Chair of Caithness area committee, councillor Nicola Sinclair added “The Highland Council remains very supportive of the business case for the PSO at Wick John O’Groats Airport, and local members and finance officers are continuing to investigate funding options in collaboration with the Scottish Government and wider stakeholders.
“Whilst it’s disappointing that the Scottish Government has been unable to allocate funding from this year’s budget, attention now turns to the January budget and we hope that the minister will look favourably on the proposal, which would safeguard a lifeline service for Caithness and north Sutherland.
“We view the PSO business case as an investment in the far north and one that has secured cross-party and widespread community support. We hope to see positive progress in the new year.”
Source, John O’Groat Journal website.
Responding to the publication of the 2020 UK Government Spending Review, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“Despite unprecedented falls in GDP and rises in debt and deficit, it is welcome that the Treasury remains committed to supporting the economy in the face of ongoing challenges of Covid-19. However, the forecast for job losses despite £280 billion worth of support thus far should focus all minds on the toll this virus has taken on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“The launch of a national infrastructure strategy is an important step in overcoming the longstanding infrastructure deficit. The transition to net zero and levelling up across the UK will require ambitious and sustained action to transform our transport, energy and digital networks. Investment in R&D and through the new National Infrastructure Bank are welcome, we look forward to further detail on these and how they will be accessed in Scotland.
“Barnett consequentials mean the Scottish Government has some leeway in setting its priorities for the Scottish Budget in January and we believe increased financial support direct to business, upskilling and cutting the costs of business overheads should be top of its agenda.”
Commenting on the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund:
“The launch of UK Shared Prosperity Fund to replace European Union structural funding is long-overdue and significant unanswered questions remain. Business communities will now require more detail on how the scheme will operate and how the new fund will avoid damaging cliff edges in existing local economic development and business support schemes.
“The government must work closely with business on the determining key features of the new fund, including a commitment to maximise local autonomy, business voice and economic growth. The Scottish Chamber network stands ready to support the pilot schemes and help develop proposals further once published.”
Commenting on those who have fallen through gaps in government support:
“Despite the Chancellor’s announcement, there are still many businesses and individuals who have, through no fault of their own, been unable to access any government support since the start of the pandemic and will require support if we are to avoid significant increases in unemployment and business failures.”
On the First Minister’s speech today outlining the outcomes of the second review of the Covid-19 Strategic Framework, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The economy has been dealt another blow today. Returning to lockdown makes Christmas an increasingly bleak prospect, particularly for those people and their families whose jobs rely on businesses being able to trade. Several sectors have faced damaging loss of trade and are failing to make a return on investment.
“Businesses have done their utmost and have stuck with it through initial lockdowns and restrictions. They are now running on fumes. They have invested significantly to ensure they’re operating safely and can rightly feel aggrieved that commitments on test & trace which are supposed to be another key method of reducing the harm both the virus and the lockdowns have so far fallen short.
“Stimulus will be needed to avoid permanent damage to the economy and the prospects of many who are set to lose their jobs. Furlough is a help but no panacea. Grants currently available in Scotland of around £1,500 do not scratch the surface. We must see levels more like in the first stages of lockdown with cash grants available more in the range of £10,000 or £25,000 depending on severity and need. We welcome the money allocated to the discretionary fund and for the self-employed and we look forward to further detail and assurance that it will be issued as quickly as possible.
“An holistic approach must address other overheads. Scottish Government should be suspending all rate payments for businesses that must shut their doors and should consider making this the same across all areas of Scotland.
“We must do everything we can to ensure their tanks don’t run empty.”
The Executive Magazine is back in physical production and should have made it into your Inverness Courier yesterday.
You can also read it online, this month includes our usual quarterly Caithness Chamber Newsletter.
Read the full magazine here and see just the Caithness Chamber Newsletter here or read below.
The Newsletter includes updates from;
- Mackays Hotel
- Dunnet Bay Distillers
- ILM Highland
- BBM Solicitors
- Ormlie Community Association
- Fibre 1
- Amentum
- North Point Distillery
Editorial inclusion in the quarterly Chamber Newsletter within Executive Magazine is free of charge while members also receive exclusive discounts on advertising within the magazine too. To discuss including your next good news story or advert, please just get in touch. info@caithnesschamber.com
On the First Minister’s speech today outlining the outcomes of the first review of the Covid-19 Strategic Framework, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses and communities will be greatly relieved that a national lockdown has not been imposed across Scotland. However, as soon as evidence shows the growth of the infection is reducing, we expect restrictions to be eased sooner rather than later enabling our economy to re-open.
“Meanwhile, those areas that are moving up a level and those in Level 3 face devastating consequences unless rapid and effective business stimulus is put in place.
“The impact of travel restrictions is already heavily contributing to the loss of business in all our sectors so we welcome the decision not to put legislation in place. We do not believe that this is the time to be bringing in further restrictions. Compliance should be encouraged rather than enforced – otherwise it will simply not work.
“We urge the Scottish Government to use the data to inform where the growth of the virus emanates from. Businesses including the hospitality sector have invested tens of millions of pounds in creating safe and viable environments for staff and customers. It is far more effective to target areas and behaviors behind the growth of virus rather than shutting the economy down, because this is not viable or sustainable. The data should be clear as to where and how the virus is spreading.
“Progress on a vaccine is greatly welcome. We expect the Scottish Government to be working out a detailed roll out plan as an urgent priority as soon as a vaccine is approved. However, until it becomes widely available, we still need to live with and manage the virus whilst keeping our economy open.”
Commenting on the ONS labour market statistics for the three months up to September 2020, published today, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“As we see official statistics catch up and start to reflect the real impact on unemployment and job losses, it is clear to see the growing consequences of the pandemic on jobs in Scotland.
“The recent extension of the furlough scheme has offered Scottish businesses a glimmer of hope that they may be able to survive and work through this crisis. The extension will protect a significant number of jobs over this coming winter but it is clear that the furlough scheme alone will not be enough to save all jobs. Therefore, it’s essential that the UK Government continue and expand their commitment to providing businesses with guaranteed grants support to help businesses recover.
“Scottish businesses impacted by lockdown restrictions urgently require further cash flow support in the form of increased grant support, considering the delay to the job retention bonus and the remaining gaps in government support which need closing off as soon as possible.”