Caithness Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be working with Zero Waste Scotland to deliver three pilot projects in Caithness throughout 2020. The Chamber, working in partnership with Thurso Community Development Trust, joins more than a dozen other organisations throughout Scotland in delivering these pilots as part of the “Ditching Disposables” project and will be the only delivery partner in the Highlands & Islands.
Focusing on reducing consumption of single-use items, the pilot projects will consist of:
- A deposit return scheme for reusable cups in Thurso and Wick town centre
- Working with two major events to reduce use of disposable items
- Single-use reduction at a large employer in the area
In addition to the pilot projects, the Chamber will also be seeking to work with its members to assist them in delivering their own projects. It will also be undertaking a programme of community engagement to help raise awareness of the concerns surrounding disposable items, recycling, and the wider issues of sustainability.
The programme is supported by the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This is a real win for both the Chamber and the North Highlands. As the only delivery partner in the Highlands & Islands we have a unique opportunity to help demonstrate the unique challenges and opportunities that this region faces.
“Sustainability is a key policy priority for Scottish Government and it is clear that reducing consumption of single-use items is likely to be enforced through legislation in the years to come. By providing an evidence base for how these sorts of projects work in a remote and rural area, we can help ensure that any future policies take the needs of communities like the North Highlands into account.
“As a Chamber and as a business, we also recognise that we have a responsibility to look at how we and our members can build a more sustainable future for the region. This will involve looking not just at how we move to more environmentally friendly products, but at changing our attitude away from disposability and focusing more strongly on reduction and reuse.”
Catherine Macleod, Chair of Venture North (organisers of the Taste North festival) said:
“Taste North is the flagship food and drink event in the North Highlands, and the event has always had a focus on local production and responsible consumption. Looking at how we can work to reduce our consumption of single-use items is a great fit with our overall mission and we look forward to working with the Chamber on this exciting project.”
Zero Waste Scotland chief executive, Iain Gulland, said:
“We know single-use items are blighting communities across Scotland and it is something we are determined to tackle. Some of these are only used for a matter of minutes yet can hang around our environment for years.
“Four fifths of our carbon footprint as a nation comes from the products and materials we consume. That’s a huge proportion, and single-use items are an entirely unnecessary part of that. Curbing our consumption habit is vital if we want to have a real impact on the climate emergency.”
Ditching Disposables is part of Zero Waste Scotland’s Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £73m in circular economy and resource efficiency projects, thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).”
Bev Durrand, of Caffé Cardosi in Thurso, said:
“We are very pleased to be involved with this exciting project. Consumption of single-use items is a real problem facing our society and we look forward to working with the Chamber, the Trust and other businesses in Wick and Thurso to try and address this.”
Hundreds of people turned out in Wick to get an insight into training opportunities and potential careers. The eighth annual Caithness Jobs and How to Get Them event was held in the town’s high school with nearly 40 businesses and organisations participating. Over 330 members of the public came along to hear about the wide career options and employment vacancies that are available.
More than just a jobs fair, the event also offered those attending the chance to learn about the skills required for future careers and the opportunities to access training and other support options. Presentations were delivered by NHS Highland, the armed forces and the tourism industry.
Much attention at present is on apprenticeships and North Highland College UHI gave information and advice on the benefits of Foundation Apprenticeships on offer to S5 and S6 pupils while still studying at school.
Open to everyone, the event offers an opportunity for a range of people – including those already employed but who may be considering a career change, those actively seeking work and volunteers looking for new opportunities – to meet and talk with multiple employers.
This event is led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s Developing the Young Workforce North Highland (DYW) initiative in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Jobcentre Plus, North Highland College UHI and Skills Development Scotland. This year the event also had the assistance of two S3 pupils from Wick High School who brought a fresh perspective to the steering group.
Marcus Mennie, DYW project coordinator, said: “We were delighted to host another successful event and to see such a good turnout from the public. This event always offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to find out more about the career opportunities available in the area.
“Our thanks go to Wick High School for hosting the event, High Life Highland for its assistance in setting up the venue, the Corner Café who provided catering and of course all the employers who participated in and supported this event. Without these people the event would not be the success it is.”
Images of the Caithness Jobs Event:
A similar event was held in Sutherland just a few weeks later…
The Developing the Young Workforce project team attended Dornoch Academy on Thursday, 20th February and were joined by employers, North Highland College UHI and pupils from Golspie and Dornoch Academy to chat about career and study opportunities in Sutherland.
North Highland College UHI spoke with pupils about courses and study options available while businesses explained what they do, the skills they’re looking for from a potential workforce and any apprenticeship opportunities currently available.
Images of the Sutherland Jobs event:
With all the tumultuous political happenings in 2019, it has been easy to lose sight of the long-term issues facing businesses in the North Highlands and throughout Scotland. With the first stage of the Brexit process now complete, and the focus moving to our future relationship with the EU, we hope that 2020 will bring an opportunity to look at what the next decade might bring.
There has been much debate in recent years around climate change and this is likely to be a focus of policymaking at the local, regional and national levels in the coming decade. The ambitious targets set by both UK and Scottish Governments for carbon reduction will bring significant challenges for businesses in the years to come in a range of areas.
These challenges are particularly apparent in remote and rural areas like the North Highlands. Making a greener business in this region, where access to recycling services and obtaining the right materials and products can be costly, will bring difficulties for many smaller businesses. However, through partnership working our area also presents an ideal testbed for climate action initiatives, and the Chamber is working with agency partners on a range of issues. In particular, the Chamber and partners are working to see how Wick John O’Groats Airport can play a role in achieving the Scottish Government’s ambitions for net zero carbon aviation in the region.
As businesses, we have to accept that policy makers and new generations of customers alike will be driving us to lower carbon emissions and reduce waste. More businesses need to start thinking now about the role they have to play in addressing these issues. A little preparation for likely changes now will reap rewards and save costs and challenges further down the road.
An obvious place for many businesses to start is to address their use of single-use items, particularly those made of plastics. While many of us have made efforts in this area, it’s important to ensure that we’re not accidentally “greenwashing” the problem – that is, adopting solutions which look green but actually bring little or no benefit.
For example, many products which are branded as recyclable such as cardboard coffee cups are not easily processed through normal recycling streams, and compostable alternatives can bring additional concerns around release of gases such as methane.
This is a complicated area, but it’s important for us to remember that the aim is improvement, not perfection. The key thing to bear in mind is “Reduce – Reuse – Recycle”. We should first look to reduce our use of single-use items, then to reuse items where we can, and finally to replace items with recyclable alternatives.
These are complicated and difficult issues, and we know that many businesses across the North Highlands will want guidance and assistance as they look to take action. The Chamber will be working with different agencies over the coming months to better understand the challenges of delivering green solutions in remote and rural areas.
Wherever we can, the Chamber will be on hand to help and signpost businesses in the area to the right resources and make sustainable changes which benefit not only their business but the whole community.
If you’d like to chat with us about how your business can make a change, please just get in touch.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce sets out key business expectations for the Scottish Budget
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Network has set out key areas the Scottish Government should address in its Budget to help stem the uncertainty of recent years, build renewed confidence, and ensure that all policies and public funds are directed at building an infrastructure which will truly strengthen the Scottish economy.
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“We have been in regular discussions with the Scottish Government making it clear the concerns and issues facing Chamber members all across Scotland. Ministers are well aware that, having been battered and bruised by uncertainty in recent years, businesses are clamouring for stability and where possible, the right support and infrastructure which we need now. We all need to up our pace with actions on the ground.
“Scottish businesses remain unbowed and have ambitions to build on our strengths and grow new markets, particularly internationally. This is the opportunity for the Scottish Government to bolster business confidence and investment by actions which demonstrate that they are listening and open for business enabling all of us to grow. They must refrain from adding yet further costs to business operations. We hope that we hear plans which will focus on investing in infrastructure, supporting skills development and a partnership driven by the needs of business at its foundation”.
Key policy areas the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has asked the Scottish Government to address in the Budget:
Business Certainty:
- A commitment from Scottish Government to add no new taxes on Scottish businesses for the rest of this Parliament.
Business Costs:
- Economic research has shown that concerns over the cost of doing business has been consistently on the rise in Scotland and measures must be brought in to alleviate business concerns and reduce business costs. As a minimum, this should include a timetabled plan to reduce the headline business rates poundage rate and bring the Large Business Supplement into line with the rest of the UK ensuring competitive parity.
Business Connectivity:
- Commit to complete upgrades of the A9 and A96 to ensure the connection between important regions of the Scottish economy.
- Commit to government support for the Glasgow Metro tram network across Glasgow & continue to work with business to help realise the economic potential of the River Clyde through the Clyde Mission.
- Step up efforts on the dualling and electrification of the Highland Main Line and the necessary rail upgrades that are required to better connect the North East with the Central Belt.
- Ensure a level-playing field for the aviation industry to improve connectivity and facilitate export opportunities.
- Redouble efforts and fast track the delivery of super-fast broadband to 100% of business premises.
Business International:
- Streamline private and public support agencies to provide improved co-ordination on exports support and international trade delivery, which will reduce costs for business.
- Work with business to champion the needs of industry to tackle any tariff barriers that may negatively impact Scottish products or services during trade negotiations.
Business Skills:
- Expand on long-term support for Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships to ensure continued demand is met and expand support in ongoing training for the existing workforce.
- Review the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, ensuring the system is more accessible and flexible for industry.
- No further income tax rises or changes to banding to enable businesses to have the ability to attract, recruit and retain talent in Scotland.
Business Sustainability:
- Pro-actively collaborate with the UK Government to ensure the oil and gas industry plays a critical role in enabling the transition to net-zero, as well as supporting Scottish sectors to embrace net-zero.
- Adopt a joined-up approach between business and government to facilitate private sector innovation which meets the delivery of sustainable policies, including the growth of the Circular Economy agenda.
Press Office:
- Colin Campbell, ccampbell@scottishchambers.org.uk – 0141 444 7508 / 07921 041 344
- The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is Scotland’s largest business network with over 12,000 business members, across a network of 27 regional Chambers of Commerce, providing business support, business intelligence and business connections, https://www.scottishchambers.org.uk/
While welcoming the Scottish Parliament’s decision to retain the Uniform Business Rate, SCC has urged the Scottish Parliament to reconsider what it believes is a major barrier to a more flexible, responsive rates system outside of the revaluation cycle following voting on the Non Domestic Rates Bill (Scotland) yesterday.
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is deeply concerned about the impact of Section 8B of the Bill which has the effect of completely removing Scottish ratepayers’ appeal rights when there is a change in economic circumstances.
“SCC made clear our views that this Section came forward at Stage 2 without proper consultation or consideration of the ratepayers that it would affect, and now guarantees a more inflexible system to market changes and undermines the move to three yearly revaluations.
“The Conservative party tabled a Stage 3 amendment to seek such a consultation but all other parties voted against this sensible amendment to what we believe is a part of the Bill that will be damaging to all ratepayers in Scotland and will prove to be a major barrier to a more flexible, responsive rates system outside of the revaluation cycle, which is what the Bill’s purpose was.”
On the MSPs’ rejection of amendments calling for changes to the Uniform Business rate, Dr Cameron said:
“SCC welcomes the rejection of an amendment to the Non-Domestic rates bill which would have seen powers over business rates devolved to local authorities. What is clear is that transformative changes such as this should be subject to significant scrutiny, taking into consideration the significant changes this could bring to the business environment.
“As a network, SCC is mindful of calls for greater regional powers which continue to be a feature of discussions with our members. The Bill has however, devolved powers on setting of empty property relief to local authorities which will create differences in treatment of empty properties in different local authority areas.”
On new powers for Scottish Assessors, Dr Cameron continued:
“SCC is concerned that calls for softening the imposition of onerous penalties and compliance deadlines have been rejected. This aspect of the bill will be particularly challenging for SMEs who often do not always have the resources to manage what information is being requested and for what purpose.
“The Chamber Network believes the penalty system in England appears more reasonable and proportionate and we urge Scottish Government to rethink and bring penalties more in line so companies in Scotland are not disadvantaged.”
Read more here.
The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Quarterly Economic Indicator (QEI) survey for Q4 of 2019 shows that businesses are in a period of stasis with global and domestic factors all contributing to subdued levels of confidence and investment. The quarterly survey was carried out between November to December 2019, during the UK general election period which suggests political considerations will certainly have had some influence in how businesses responded to the survey.
Key highlights:
- On business confidence: Despite signs of resilience, confidence levels remain weak relative to their long-term norms, with manufacturing, retail and tourism in negative territory for outlook.
- On business investment: Investment levels remain weak and subdued across all sectors in the survey. This has been an ongoing trend as global and domestic uncertainty continues to take its toll on business communities. This is likely to impact on the growth and competitiveness of Scotland’s economy in the coming quarters.
- On cost pressures: The price of raw materials and the cost of finance is increasing compared to previous quarters, adding to the cost burden across all sectors.
- On business concerns: Business rates feature as the most significant concern for all sectors, aside from manufacturing which cited exchanges rates as its main concerns.
The survey, conducted by Scottish Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute, is Scotland’s longest-running economic survey of its kind.
Commenting on the results, Tim Allan, Chairman of the Scottish Business Advisory Group and President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Given recent prolonged uncertainty and trading conditions, these flat results are not surprising. The business challenges prevalent in 2019 are showing signs of continuing into 2020 with business confidence at worryingly low levels.
“The decisive election result at Westminster is yet to provide the clear direction that business communities are looking for. Of particular concern to businesses will be the extent of divergence the UK Government plans to adopt between UK and EU regulation. This continued uncertainty, coupled with a continued sense of “election-style” policy making, has the potential to disrupt business planning, supply chains, as well as negatively impacting on job creation.
“We urge the UK government to clearly communicate these changes in a timely way and provide substantial support to help firms adapt – ensuring it reaches all parts of the UK. Otherwise companies will struggle to make the most of new opportunities as Britain sets its own trading polices.
“Business sustainability, economic certainty and a healthy planet are the watchwords for 2020. The role of business to leverage private sector innovation and solutions to meet the big economic and societal challenges should not be underestimated by either Holyrood or Westminster. Our message to government is clear: only by working with business will we
be able to create the fair and thriving economy that will provide jobs, stability and valued public services.”
On the construction sector, Tim Allan said:
“The survey reveals that business confidence amongst construction firms is at its lowest point in almost three years with contracts at their lowest level since Q3 2017. The trends for contracts sit below their five-year average for the survey, which is concerning for the long-term health of this important sector. Firms are continuing to be affected by raw material prices and other overheads, adding to continued pressure to hold back on investment which is continuing to fall.”
On the manufacturing sector, Tim Allan said:
“With negative results across most of the key trends, this was another weak quarter for the sector. Business confidence has been on a downward trajectory over a series of quarters, and is significantly below the five-year average.
“An increasing number of firms continue to report recruitment difficulties. Companies are relatively downbeat about the next quarter results, with many predicting falling sales and investment.”
On retail and wholesale, Tim Allan said:
“The festive boost for the sector did not deliver, with sales flatlining and business confidence lower than the average for the quarter. Prolonged periods of discounting, changing consumer habits and “Black Friday” style deals impacted the overall performance of companies.
“The sector reported business rates as a leading concern, and one that must be addressed by the Scottish Government to support retailers and our high streets.”
On tourism, Tim Allan said:
“Business confidence in the tourism sector has fallen to the lowest level in nine quarters, and well below the five-year average, whilst negative trends for cash flow, profits and sales present cause for concern. Interestingly, whilst the number of people coming from the EU was flat, the balance of visitors from outside the EU saw an increase from the previous quarter.
“Policymakers must be alert to the challenges facing the tourism sector, one of the gems in Scotland’s diverse economy, with a focus to tackle the sector’s concerns, namely business rates & taxation.”
On financial and business services, Tim Allan said:
“With around half of firms expecting to see no changes to levels of investment, it’s clear the sector is continuing to place key investment decisions on hold in the midst of ongoing uncertainty. Recruitment difficulties continue to weigh on the minds of companies as attracting suitable talent continues to take its toll.’’
Commenting on the results, Professor Graeme Roy, Director at the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, said:
“These latest results from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator, suggest that the positive but challenging conditions many sectors faced in 2019 have continued into 2020. This is not that surprising.
“The global outlook continues to remain fragile. Here at home, last month’s data showed economic growth tracking at less than 1% over the 12 months to September, marking another year of below par performance for the Scottish economy.
“And whilst December’s decisive General Election result removed any immediate threat of crashing out of the EU with ‘no deal’, it is important to remember that this was just the end of the phase 1 negotiations, and the decisive end-point for agreeing an all-important trade deal is less than 12 months away.”
A full copy of the report for Q4 2019 can be downloaded here.
Action on climate change – how can businesses play their part?!
With 2019 being dominated by Brexit and the decade closing with a General Election, it has been easy for us to lose sight of the longer-term issues facing communities and businesses across Scotland. One key issue which will affect all of us over the coming years is the ongoing climate emergency.
There has been much debate around climate change and the roles and responsibilities of various parties, and the UK and Scottish Governments have both set ambitious targets to reach net zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century. This will bring significant challenges as they try to decarbonise transportation, significantly reduce carbon emissions, develop a circular economy and change consumer behaviour.
These challenges are particularly apparent in remote and rural areas like the North Highlands where life already has challenges. Making a ‘greener’ business can be a challenge in a region like ours, where access to recycling services and obtaining the right materials and products can be costly. However, through strong partnership working our area also presents an ideal opportunity to create impactful and meaningful climate action initiatives, and the Chamber is working with agency partners on a range of issues around carbon literacy, single-use items, waste and sustainability.
As businesses, we have to accept that legislatures and policy makers will be driving us to reduce carbon emissions and more businesses need to think about the role they can play in addressing the issues. Many of our policies, procedures and practices are going to have to change as a result, not least because coming generations of customers place a premium on environmental issues and are happy to change loyalties to companies and brands willing to take a greener approach.
A simple and obvious place for many businesses to start looking at these issues is to address their use of single-use items, particularly those made of plastics. While many of us have made efforts in this area, it’s important to ensure that we’re not accidentally “greenwashing” the problem – that is, adopting solutions which look green but actually bring little or no benefit.
Many products which are branded as recyclable – cardboard coffee cups, for example – are not easily processed through normal recycling streams, and compostable alternatives can bring additional concerns around release of gases such as methane.
This is a complicated area, but it’s important for us to remember that our actions don’t have to result in perfection, just an improvement. The key thing to bear in mind is “Reduce – Reuse – Recycle”. Where we can, we should look to reduce our use of single-use items, then look to reuse items where we can, and finally look to replace items with recyclable alternatives.
These are complicated and difficult issues, and we know that many businesses across the North Highlands will want guidance and assistance as they look to take action. Wherever we can, the Chamber will be on hand to help and signpost businesses in the area to the right resources to help them make changes that not only meet statutory obligations, but which make real impacts both within their business and the community as a whole.
Read the online copy of the January Leader magazine, here.
Commenting on the results of the 2019 UK General Election, Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce said:
“With a majority government now in place, we hope we will finally gain some clarity and action on the Brexit process. Since the vote to leave the European Union, businesses have faced unprecedented confusion about what the future will hold, with consequent impacts on their abilities to recruit, invest, and grow our economy. What we need now is a clear idea of how the immediate process of withdrawal from the EU will happen, certainty on what this will mean for businesses, support to help businesses to adapt to these changes, and clarity on the Government’s priorities for our future relationship with Europe.
“In addition, over the past three and a half years there has been a lack of focus on other issues such as raising public investment in transport, energy and digital infrastructure and developing a clear UK energy strategy. These issues are of real importance to businesses, particularly given the opportunities in the North Highlands for offshore wind, wave, tidal stream power and nuclear decommissioning. The ongoing uncertainty has also led to delays in budgets, with knock-on effects on the abilities of public agencies and businesses to plan for the future.
“We would call on the new Government, its Ministers and its MPs to get out there, listen to, and act on the concerns of businesses in the communities they represent. In particular, businesses in remote and rural communities such as the North Highlands face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and we urge that the Government recognise these and provide appropriate support to meet these needs.
“Locally, our congratulations go to Jamie Stone on his re-election and we look forward to continuing to work with him on issues of importance to businesses across the North Highlands.”
We will close for the festive period at 5pm on Friday 20th December and return from 8am on Monday 6th January. We will respond to any e-mails on our return.
