The annual Scottish Chambers of Commerce London Business Visit is established as Scottish business’s premium political and commercial networking and influencing forum in the Capital. These visits offer Scottish companies unrivalled access to top Westminster politicians and City business leaders.
The 2023 Business Visit will take place from 15th – 18th May 2023 and will offer delegates the exclusive chance to meet global and national business leaders, Ambassadors, international business owners and participate in roundtables as well as attending the British Chambers of Commerce Global Conference. This year’s visit will help you identify new markets and supply chain opportunities, provide international advice to support market entry and export initiatives and access our global network.
About us:
Scottish Chambers of Commerce is at the heart of Scotland’s largest and most influential business to business network. With an unrivalled network of 30 local Chambers of Commerce, we represent more than 12,000 companies and over 50% of Scotland’s private sector workforce.
What is included in the price (Cost – £500 + VAT):
15th May 2023: (Dover House)
- An informal delegate dinner and the opportunity to discuss key economic and international trade topics, hosted at Dover House.
16th May 2023: (Scotland House, Santander)
- Dedicated business briefings focussing on the Middle East, Africa, Americas, Europe and the Far East with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and global business leaders with a networking lunch helping you make a number of B2B connections at Scotland House.
- Reception dinner with the opportunity to engage with global businesses, talking about issues affecting your business, hosted by Santander.
17th May 2023:
- Opportunity to attend the British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference
- Engagement with London Heathrow Airport to hear about international trade opportunities.
To book your place, kindly fill out the application form and send it back to Ros Wardley-Smith at Ros.wardley-smith@scottishchambers.org.uk and make the payment using this link
Please note, closing date for applications is the 1st May 2023.
SCC has a preferred rate for a hotel within manageable distance (by walk and taxi) from all the event locations. Please let us know if you require further details about this.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network has called on the next SNP Leader and First Minister to Back Scotland’s Businesses by committing to economic growth as their number one priority.
In an open letter, SCC has asked each candidate to commit to tackling the most urgent issues facing the business community:
- Will economic growth be your number one priority?
- Will you appoint a Minister for Economic Growth & Investment on day one of taking office?
- Will you commit to removing existing and future regulation which is increasing the cost of doing business?
- Will you finally reform Business Rates and ensure UK rates reliefs are equalised for Scotland’s hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors?
Commenting on the publication of the letter, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Scotland needs a credible economic growth plan which must be a top priority for every department in the Scottish Government. That can only be delivered if the next First Minister makes economic growth its driving mission and works in an honest and open partnership with the business community.
“There are serious challenges in every sector of the economy: businesses can’t source and find the skills and talent they need to deliver and grow; upfront costs are mounting up; new regulations are eroding our ability to stay in business keeping the staff we have, transport and digital infrastructure is lagging comparative nations, and business confidence needs to be restored if we are to invest for the future.
“We need you – backed by a Cabinet with business expertise and experience – to work with us to remove anti-growth policies and build a globally competitive economy.
“Answering ‘yes’ to our questions is the only route for you to demonstrate that Scotland’s entrepreneurs, business owners and employees are being heard and that you have our backs.”
Read the letter here
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund is a community fund established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to distribute a £4M funding package to community projects that will increase the attractiveness of Caithness & North Sutherland as a place to live, work and invest.
We are looking to fill two vacancies on our Board of Directors and are seeking applications from enthusiastic individuals with a passion for our communities. As a Director, you will be responsible to ensure that the Fund complies with its objectives and governing documents as well as all relevant legislation and regulations. You will also become a member of the Fund’s assessment committee (meeting quarterly) and will use your skills and knowledge to help distribute our grant funding to benefit communities within the Dounreay travel to work area.
Candidates must be resident in Caithness and North Sutherland and we are particularly interested in attracting candidates with the following attributes:
• Good knowledge of the community/voluntary/charity sectors.
• Awareness of the needs of our communities.
• Good understanding of finance and governance.
• Be able and willing to commit the necessary time and effort.
• Resident in either South East Caithness or North Sutherland (within the Dounreay travel to work area).
Applications would also be welcome from candidates who are less experienced and who do not possess the above attributes to join a Board as a non-executive director for the first time (training/mentoring will be provided).
For further information or to apply,
please contact the Fund Administrator:
Email: enquiries@cnsf.org.uk
Tel: 01847 500101
Deadline for applications:
by 12 noon Thursday 6 April 2023
The Caithness and North Sutherland Fund (CNSF) has announced the appointment of Caithness Chamber of Commerce as Fund Administrator.
Fiona Forbes, the new Chair of the CNSF commented:
“The CNSF Board is delighted to have engaged the Caithness Chamber to administer the fund on a day-to-day basis. With a strong foothold in the socio-economic landscape of the North Highland region, we are confident that the expert fund management and local business and community knowledge provided by the Chamber will be extremely beneficial to the Fund.
Fiona added, “Since launching in 2011, the CNSF has made a significant contribution to the Caithness and North Sutherland area; committing a total of £2,938,286 towards 216 community projects with a cumulative value estimated to be over £14 million. The projects are wide-ranging and deliver major improvements through the Fund’s core themes; Social Improvement, Infrastructure, Environment, and Culture.”
Trudy Morris Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:
“We are delighted to add the CNSF to our portfolio of fund management. As a Chamber, we are constantly evolving and looking for new ways to support not just our members but also the wider community. We are pleased to bring our professional knowledge and experience to the administration of the CSNF and look forward to working with the board on the delivery of the Fund’s key objectives.”
The CNSF was established to distribute a £4M funding package provided by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as a result of the low-level waste facility built near Dounreay. Funding is distributed to community organisations for projects that will increase the attractiveness of Caithness & North Sutherland as a place to live, work and invest with particular emphasis on achieving environmental, social, cultural, and infrastructure improvements.
Grants are distributed in line with the NDA’s socio-economic policy with applications being assessed every quarter. Further information about the CNSF and how to apply can be found at www.cnsf.org.uk or by contacting the Fund coordination team on enquiries@cnsf.org.uk Tel: 01847 500101
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Breathe new life into your business through home grown talent and skilled apprenticeships.
Even in the snow-blanketed North Highlands, spring is in the air. A time of rebirth, renewal, and hope – even in the most turbulent of times, the sight of the first snowdrops along the roadsides and pathways can’t fail to bring a sense of optimism. Amidst the challenges and burdens of the current business environment, it can be difficult to embrace the lightness that spring promises. But my own spirits are continually revived in the work which the Chamber supports through Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Highlands and our partners, supporting and inspiring young people on their first steps into the world of work.
With Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 in full swing and “Caithness Jobs and how to get them” jobs fair on the horizon this weekend, it is fantastic to see local employers committed to employment and training opportunities for young people here in Caithness and North Sutherland. The diverse range of opportunities available locally reflects the varied employment landscape of the region, which is set to further broaden as we adapt to an ever-changing and rapidly evolving future. Ensuring businesses and organisations are equipped with the skills to meet these needs is a challenge faced by all and we must work together to nurture our homegrown talent.
Apprentices can breathe new life into businesses, unlocking the potential to attract talented and motivated young workers, enhancing company reputation, and allowing employers to future-proof their business by developing skilled workforces from the roots up. Employer research carried out by Skills Development Scotland found that 83 per cent of businesses taking on apprentices had improved the company’s productivity, while 79 per cent reported better staff morale. But supporting an apprenticeship isn’t just a sound business decision, it represents a sustained investment in the future of the North Highlands, our collective future, and the resilience of our economy and communities.
By allowing individuals to advance their employment, earning, and educational prospects, whilst living within their local area, apprenticeship opportunities can help to establish a more inclusive workforce and fairer economy. But these opportunities are not exclusive to large companies, employers of all sizes can support young people with training and apprenticeship opportunities. We are blessed locally to have some fantastic businesses and organisations going above and beyond to support initiatives that invest in the growth and development of our future workforce.
I appreciate that for many businesses, employing an apprentice can be cost-prohibitive and some may feel overwhelmed by how to start, but Caithness Chamber of Commerce can offer support, guidance, and advice throughout the process. Signposting businesses to opportunities for funding support and training costs is just one of the ways we can help. The Caithness Business Fund offers grants of up to £5,000 to help businesses in the region that are looking to employ an apprentice. Since 2013 the fund has supported ten apprentice opportunities across a variety of sectors including farming, hospitality, renewables, trades and business administration. That’s great news for both North Highland businesses and communities at a time where shrinking and ageing populations are a threat.
If an apprenticeship isn’t on the cards, employers interested in supporting young people with employability skills can engage directly with DYW North Highlands. From jobs fairs to mock interviews, work experience, and more there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
As we celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 for another year, I look forward to seeing our own local apprentices flourish and thrive, each one helping to shape the future of our North Highland region.
Debbie Murray, Principal UHI North Highland, View from the Board: Unlocking Potential.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a light and celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy across a wide range of industries.
Throughout the week, we will be joining employers, colleges, businesses and students showcasing apprenticeship stories under the Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 theme ‘Unlocking Potential’.
By unlocking potential and providing the skills employers want, apprenticeships support sustained employment, upskilling and a productive economy. With Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships available alongside hundreds of industry frameworks, there are currently 43,000 apprentices across Scotland employed by 12,000 businesses.
Within the North Highland area, there are over 100 apprentices, working for a range of business from hair to gamekeeping. That is over a 100 people who have chosen to stay and work in their local area whilst gaining valuable skills and training in the workplace.
Apprenticeships open opportunities for individuals from a range of backgrounds and abilities to gain and develop skills that will support them throughout their life and in work. For every apprenticeship taken up in the North Highlands, we can celebrate another person who has chosen to stay in the region to progress their education and employment. At a time when we need to encourage people to stay or migrate to the highlands, an apprenticeship really is a great way to grow and develop whilst working locally.
Employers can realise their potential with the support of apprenticeships, by developing a workforce that supports the skills they need for now and the future. Apprenticeships are providing critical skills needed to support economic priorities and renewables, including Net Zero ambitions, to help our region to become a stronger, fairer, greener, and wealthier economy.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a time to show the great things that happen when people and businesses are supported to reach their potential through apprenticeships.
For many small businesses employing an apprentice can seem a large investment but through the Caithness Business Fund, local employers can apply for funding which can be used to support the employment costs of an apprentice. Additionally, Skills Development Scotland provide funding to support the associated training costs. Work based learning is a real alternative to university, allowing people to gain qualifications and earn a wage whilst staying in their local area.
There are some really exciting apprenticeship opportunities currently being advertised with small and large companies. This year, we have seen a local renewable and timber processing company taking on their first apprentice based in Sutherland and larger companies are recruiting locally across this week.
UHI North Highland will merge with UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland in August 2023 to form UHI North, West and Hebrides, pending Scottish Government approval. Together, we have ambitions to grow our work-based learning and apprenticeship numbers and continue to have a key role to play in supporting the UHI partnership and its growing apprenticeship offering across the region.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Navigating business challenges and seizing opportunities as we look ahead to 2023.
“It’s mid-February and the wild, although not completely unseasonable, weather of recent weeks has left many of us dreaming of more leisurely and relaxing days ahead. From a secluded cottage for two on the coast to a large country manor big enough for that special family celebration, the rise in popularity of independent property hosting websites have highlighted the quirky and often wholeheartedly unique holiday lets market.
With our famed Highland Welcome and stunning scenery, it’s true that in the North Highlands, we have our fair share of distinctive holiday homes. The dramatic Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, perched on the cliffs at Noss Head, and the Scandinavian-inspired Highland Haven with its charming box beds and panoramic views are just two fantastic examples of the self-catering offering in our region.
According to the 2023 travel trends from Expedia Group, travelers are craving authentic experiences, with rustic “Hay-Cations” on countryside farms and the search for lesser-known “Hidden Gems” high on this year’s tourism wish list. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting many household budgets, savvy consumers are looking to save costs by staying in, cooking, and entertaining at home, seeing well-equipped kitchens and abundant family dining space also high on the priority list. This is positive news for self-catering business owners, who like their business peers in the wider tourism and hospitality sector are still very much in recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
This year an update to regulations will see business owners of short-term lets faced with changes to their operational requirements, with the implementation of the new Short-term Lets Licensing scheme. The scheme is mandatory for all short-term let accommodation across Scotland and includes holiday cottages, B&Bs, guest houses, rooms within a home, and unconventional accommodations such as pods and yurts.
An essential component in Scotland’s tourism offering, it is estimated that the self- catering sector boosts the Scottish economy by £867m per annum, supporting 24,000 jobs. In regions such as our own in the North Highlands, short-term lets are a vital element of our diverse tourism landscape. Particularly in rural destinations, these properties not only contribute to our tourism portfolio but also house essential transient workers in sectors such as health care, engineering, and transport. The Licensing scheme aims to ensure all short-term let premises are safe, facilitate Scottish licensing authorities in understanding the businesses operating in their area, and assist with the needs of the neighbouring community.
Business owners are justifiably concerned about business impacts, associated costs, and time scale around meeting regulatory compliances (including safety standards), however we must act now to prepare for the changes and obligations ahead. In partnership with our members Venture North, we are pleased to welcome Gary Somers, a solicitor in the Licensing Team at the Highland Council for an Update and Q&A Session on the Short-term Let licensing Legislation. The event will take place online on 27th February and is free to attend for all Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Venture North members.
As we look forward to all that’s ahead in 2023, I hope a flourishing tourism season will be in store for the North Highland Region.”
The View from the Board – Jennifer M. Simpson, LLB (Hons), DipLP, Notary Public, Director BBM Solicitors
“Since 2022 all new operators of short-term lets have needed a licence to operate and by the 1st October 2023 all existing hosts and operators will need to have applied for a licence or they will be committing a criminal offence and could be fined up to £2,500 (though the Scottish Government has indicated that they will look to increase this penalty to £50,000 during the current session of the Scottish Parliament).
The legislation was put in place to ensure that short-term lets are safe and address issues faced by neighbours. The legislation aims to balance economic and tourism benefits with the needs and concerns of communities. The cost of the licence will depend on the number of occupants and the type of property. In Highland Council areas the fee will range from £320 to £610 (the owner might also be charged an additional fee for any enforcement costs). The range of fees charged is a bit of a postcode lottery with the highest fee of £5869 currently being charged for an up to 21-person occupancy property in Edinburgh.
A property is a short-term let if the guest does not use the accommodation as their only home, it is entered into for commercial consideration and the guest is not an immediate family member of the host. There are a range of exceptions such as providing accommodation to students as part of an arrangement made or approved by an educational institution (such as an exchange student) or for individuals who are living in the property to provide services (such as a live in carer).
The applications process is onerous. There is not space within this article to give and exhaustive list and guidance can be found on the Highland Council website, but hosts will need to show they have complied with fire, carbon monoxide, electrical, gas and water regulations as well as arranging for Portable Appliance Testing and ensuring all furniture complies with the Fire Safety Regulations.
The legislation also allows for Control Areas to be created in areas which are adversely affected by the number of short-term lets. In a Control Area the use of a dwellinghouse as short term let will always be material and therefore require planning permission. The only control area currently being proposed in the Highlands is in Badenoch and Strathspey.
Overall, there are concerns that these regulations will cause significant difficulties at times of high demand in an area (such as during the Edinburgh Fringe festival or large sporting events) and while there are provisions in place for up to 6-week temporary licences to cover big events, the safety criteria still need to be met.
This new requirement will certainly change the dynamic in the short-term let market and the days of easily listing a property on sites such as Airbnb without needing to jump through compliance hoops may well be behind us. It is difficult to say whether this legislation will strike the correct balance. These checks and balances imposed by the licence would appear to make Airbnb and other forms of short-term let properties safer and more accountable places to stay, but whether the costs and formalities will put some potential hosts off and ultimately lead to less accommodation being available at times of high demand in an area time will tell. It is likely welcome news for the operators of hotels and guest houses who already had their own licensing requirements and will now be competing in a more equal playing field.”
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome to our membership PA Consulting Services we look forward to working with them.
To discuss membership, please reach out to our Business Development manager, Fiona Levack. You can contact Fiona by email: fiona@caithnesschamber.com. You can read about membership on the website using this link.
If you’re already a member but would like a reminder of how to get the most from your membership, Fiona will gladly go over that with you too.
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome to our membership Bridges UK (Worldwide) Ltd, GMG Energy Ltd and Prima Uno Ltd we look forward to working with them all.
To discuss membership, please reach out to our Business Development manager, Fiona Levack. You can contact Fiona by email: fiona@caithnesschamber.com. You can read about membership on the website using this link.
If you’re already a member but would like a reminder of how to get the most from your membership, Fiona will gladly go over that with you too.
SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: Q4 2022 REPORT
The latest findings from a leading Scottish business survey by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) shows Scottish businesses and the economy faltering under increasing cost pressures and declining business confidence. As a result, cashflow and profits are falling, investment decisions have paused, firms are raising prices and struggling to recruit and retain staff.
KEY FINDINGS:
• PRICE RISES NOW A REALITY: 82% of all firms indicate that they intend to raise prices over the next quarter. This is a successive record high for the survey. The retail and tourism sectors had the highest proportion of firms indicating future price rises at 77% and 76% of firms respectively.
• LABOUR COSTS OVERTAKE ENERGY BILLS AS TOP COST PRESSURE: Concern over energy bills has halved since the previous quarter, attributed to the UK Government’s energy bill relief scheme which took effect from October 2022. Labour costs have now taken precedence as the leading cost pressure, cited by over seven in ten firms (72%). Concern over fuel costs and raw material prices remains high, both being cited by six in ten firms.
• INFLATION REMAINS TOP BUSINESS CONCERN: Concern from inflation has eased for a second successive quarter but remains high with 8 in 10 firms (80%) of firms citing it over Q4. The next highest concerns are interest rates (50%) which has seen nearly a 15% increase since Q3 2022.
• CONFIDENCE DECLINING: On balance, all firms have reported a fall in confidence compared to the previous quarter and a more significant fall compared to last year. On a sectoral basis, every sector reported a fall in confidence with retail
Stephen Leckie, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The end of 2022 turned out to be a bleak period for Scottish businesses. All sectors are coming under immense strain because of upfront costs which are hitting cashflow and profits. Additional cost pressures are adding to this burden, particularly with rising staff costs, which is leading the majority of businesses to raise prices.
“There can be little doubt that recessionary effects are dragging the Scottish economy away from recovery and growth. The survey results paint a particularly worrying picture for the retail and tourism sectors with contractions in future sales and investment intentions.
“As relief packages come to an end, businesses are extremely concerned particularly on energy prices which continue to be volatile. Any sudden removal of this support could severely impact business survivability.
“We call on the UK and Scottish Government to urgently support SMEs by providing relief packages and a clear economic plan.”
On energy bills, Stephen Leckie said:
“Energy bills continue to be a significant cost pressure for firms. While the survey shows that the energy bills relief scheme has helped since it came into effect in October, the lack of further support is a major cause for concern.
“The successor to the energy bills relief scheme from March will see an 85% drop in the financial envelope of support which will fall short for thousands of Scottish businesses who are seriously struggling.
“While we welcome the 12-month duration of this package, the value is nowhere near enough and that means for some firms, energy will now be a cost too far. We would urge the UK Government to revisit the relief package urgently.
“While considerable uncertainty remains, households and businesses will face a further increase in energy costs from 1st April 2023. Given wider economic challenges, this will harm those most in need and further targeted support for those most vulnerable will be necessary.”
On inflation and price rises, Stephen Leckie said:
“While concern from inflation has eased slightly compared to the previous quarter, eight in ten firms are still citing it as a pressing concern for their business and this is likely to persist for much of 2023. Concern over interest rates has been reported by half of Scottish firms, seeing record highs for some sectors.
“These concerns are forcing businesses to act by raising prices. A new record number of firms (82%) tell us that they will do this over the next quarter, highlighting the scale of the challenge at hand.”
On Scotland’s workforce, Stephen Leckie said:
“Persistent challenges over access to labour and retaining talent are beginning to take precedence as a leading concern for firms. Both the Scottish and UK Government need to act quickly to alleviate the challenges in the workforce.
“At Westminster, we need to see a flexible migration system which aligns with economic need so businesses can hire and attract the international workforce to live and work in the UK. With more vacancies in the UK than people available to fill them, this is an essential route that cannot be avoided if we are serious about economic growth.
“At Holyrood, we have called for measures to tailor elements of the careers service offering to bring older workers back into the workforce, alongside measures to offer more opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, to support the competitiveness of Scottish businesses.”
Commenting on the results, Mairi Spowage, Director at the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, said:
“Setting out the economic and fiscal context can currently feel a bit like groundhog day, with concerns about economic conditions simply seemingly get worse as we kick off 2023. The consensus now is that the UK and Scottish economy are in recession: and the only debate among forecasters is exactly when it starts and how many quarters long it will be.
“Front and centre for both consumers and businesses are of course energy costs. While the UK Government has put in place very costly help for both groups, it does mean that there is much more pain still to come in April. The Energy Bill Discount Scheme announced last week is much less generous than the scheme in place before the end of March – and will see energy costs for some businesses potentially double yet again.
“As is clear from the survey published today, though, the story of increased costs is not just about energy – labour market costs are also a significant part of the story. The latest data for wage growth in the UK published this week shows that pay in the private sector increased by 7.2% in the 3 months to November. In the last few months we have seen falls in the number of vacancies in the UK compared to the heights of the summer, but there is still an incredibly tight labour market: making vacancies very hard to fill and pushing up costs.
“We must be positive about the ability of Scottish businesses to weather the storm – they have proven their resilience over the past three, very challenging, years. What is clear is that they will have to draw on that further during 2023.”
Read the full report below: