The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has been awarded funding by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to inspire and support young people in Scotland to pursue a career in the construction industry through a programme of Construction Work Tasters.

This programme of Work Tasters will reach 2,800 young people aged 16-25 nationally over the next three years and will support CITB’s aim to encourage talented young people to join and remain within the construction industry.

This includes more young people from diverse backgrounds, including those without a connection to construction, who are inspired to pursue a career in the industry.

The funding will also support employers across the construction sector to attract and recruit young talent and build a pipeline of future talent through engagement in the programme.

The project delivery for the Construction Work Taster programme will be led by Developing the Young Workforce in partnership with construction industry leaders and employers across Scotland.

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education, Youth Employment and Training, said: “The Construction sector is critical to Scotland’s economy with 48,700 job openings across the sector by 2031 providing meaningful employment for the current and future workforce.

“This programme of Work Tasters will help talented people join and remain within the construction industry and inspire young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to pursue a career in construction.”

Michael Lennox, Senior Customer Engagement Manager at CITB Scotland said: “CITB will invest £233m in construction training in the next year and the development of Work Tasters is a critical part to this.

“Employers have told CITB that traditional work experience initiatives do not fit with modern construction sites, or assist SMEs with recruitment. This industry investment of £280,000 will bring almost 3,000 young people closer to working in construction and a new approach for employers to inspire future apprentices and embed a new approach.”

Emma Dickson, Skills Chair at Construction Scotland said: “Construction Tasters is not only about inspiring young people into construction, but importantly helping them to pinpoint the best role for them in construction. Construction careers are wide ranging, from bricklayers and joiners, to project managers, planners and engineers; it’s a minefield of opportunity, and can be daunting.

Construction Tasters will form the next step from Build Your Future, which provides young people with an introduction to construction. It will be important for industry to work closely with DYW on this project, which also aims to inspire young people who wouldn’t normally consider a career in construction. It is crucial that we diversify to support the net zero and digital agendas.”

For more information on how industry partners can get involved, please contact info@edinburghchamber.co.uk.

— SSE Thermal and Equinor report welcomed by Energy Secretary Michael Matheson —

— The project could contribute £1.2bn to the UK-wide economy throughout its lifetime —

A planned new low-carbon power station at SSE Thermal’s Peterhead site in Aberdeenshire could generate significant benefits to the Scottish and UK economies over its lifetime, according to a new report.

The ‘Powering the Next Generation’ report highlights the potential socio-economic benefits of Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station, which is being developed by leading energy companies SSE Thermal and Equinor.

The proposed plant could become one of the UK’s first power stations equipped with a carbon capture plant to remove CO2 from its emissions and would connect into the Scottish Cluster’s CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, which underpins plans to deliver one of the UK’s first low-carbon industrial clusters.

Based on analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the report highlights the scale of the economic impact at a local, Scottish and UK level. In total, it is estimated that £2.2bn will be invested throughout the development, construction and the first 25 years of its operational life.

The new development would create significant benefits, with the report showing that £60m is expected to be contributed to the Aberdeen City and Shire economy during development and construction, with 980 years of employment supported. Over the station’s operational lifetime, it is estimated that around £25m will be added to the wider Aberdeen economy each year, with around 240 jobs supported on an annual basis.

On a Scotland-wide level, the analysis shows that £190m would be added to the economy during development and construction, with 3,070 years of employment supported. Across the lifetime of the station, an average of around £35m would be added to the Scottish economy annually with 290 further jobs supported each year.

Finally, at a UK level, the report estimates that £470m would be added to the economy through development and construction, as well as 7,850 years of employment. On an annual basis once operational, the plant would contribute an average of around £50m to the UK economy and support 560 jobs.

Net Zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is critical for meeting, not only Scotland’s statutory emissions reduction targets, but those set across the UK. Indeed, advice from the Climate Change Committee describes the technology as a “necessity, not an option”. The innovative Peterhead CCGT Power Station is a fantastic example of how Scotland’s energy sector can make the transition to net zero and – as this study demonstrates – benefit the Scottish economy, providing employment and a just transition for our workforces.

“It shows just how important it is to invest now in carbon capture technology. Which is why the UK Government must award the Scottish Cluster clear and definitive Track-1 status. We continue to press them to reconsider their decision and work in collaboration with the Scottish Government to accelerate support for the energy transition in Scotland. This includes offering £80 million under our Emerging Energy Technologies Fund to accelerate the Cluster’s deployment.”

Catherine Raw, Managing Director for SSE Thermal, said: “Peterhead is vital to Scotland’s energy system and a new low-carbon power station at the site would be key to delivering a secure and credible transition to net zero. The proposed Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station would provide essential flexible and reliable power to keep the lights on and back up Scotland’s world-leading renewables sector, while helping to meet our climate action targets. But the benefits stretch even further as we look to maximise the positive impacts of the energy transition for workers and communities in the North-East of Scotland.

“While we await clarity from the UK Government on the timeline for deployment of the Scottish Cluster, we are pushing ahead with our development plans, and in March we submitted a planning application for the new low-carbon plant – which, as this new report shows, has the potential to be a game-changer for the region and for Scotland.”

Grete Tveit, Senior Vice President for Low Carbon Solutions at Equinor, said: “Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station is a significant project that will get the UK closer to its net zero goal, while also working alongside intermittent renewables and enhancing low-carbon energy security. Together with our longstanding partner SSE, we’re committed to delivering our hydrogen and CCS projects such as Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station to help Scotland and the UK become a world leader in low carbon technologies. While supporting the decarbonisation efforts, this project will also offer great benefits for the local economy and supply chain, safeguarding high-value jobs and creating new ones.”

In addition to their plans at Peterhead, SSE Thermal and Equinor are also working in collaboration on three low-carbon projects in the Humber region in England, including Keadby Carbon Capture Power Station in North Lincolnshire. In addition, Keadby Hydrogen Power Station at the same site would be the world’s first major 100% hydrogen-fuelled power station, while Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage, on the East Yorkshire coast, would be one of the world’s largest hydrogen storage facilities.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is appealing to businesses across Edinburgh and beyond to support pets in need through its pet food bank, Paws Pantry. With the cost of living increasing and many people being thrown into financial crisis, the Home’s services have never been needed more.

Paws Pantry was launched in 2019, with a goal of supporting pet owners in the community during times of need. In an effort to expand the Home’s reach to all those who need this service, they have since partnered with over 50 human foodbanks, and supported over 7,000 pets in 2021 through this service alone. In 2022 they are now supporting an average of 2000 pets every single month and demand continues to rise.

By supporting pet owners in times of difficulty, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home are helping owners to avoid the heart breaking decision to give up their much loved pet.

Paws Pantry is needed now more than ever, and as its reach increases, so does its stock requirement. The Home urgently needs small packs or multipacks of wet and dry dog and cat food. They are also always in need of dog and cat treats, blankets, toys and jackets.

Could your company support pets in the community by setting up a donation station in your business or asking your employees and customers to do a donation drive?

If you would like to find out more, please contact Katie Kennedy, Development Executive at katie@edch.org.uk.

With cybercrime continuing to escalate, it is more important than ever that organisations equip themselves against the threat of cyber attack. Understanding how resilient your organisation is to attack and practicing your response in safe environment is crucial. With this in mind, Royal Bank of Scotland have partnered with the Scottish Business Resilience Centre to offer ‘Exercise in a box’ sessions for our corporate customers. We are delighted to invite you and six of your colleagues to join us at a workshop at our Conference Centre at Gogarburn on Tuesday 7th June.

At this workshop you will have the opportunity to step through exercises which create real world business scenarios and allows you to test your cyber resilience against each. Exercise in a box was developed by the National Cyber Security Centre to help organisations test and practice their internal response to a plethora of cyber issues – helping you to understand where you have strengths and weaknesses; and how to maximise your protection.

This workshop is designed for your business leaders and management – we recommend that you bring colleagues that fulfil both technical and non-technical roles.

Book your place here.

A major academic study of the AGE cities – Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh – has found that the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and Brexit have combined to create a potentially “toxic” cocktail of change for urban Scotland.

Scotland’s Urban AGE 2022 calls on businesses and all levels of government to collaborate to ensure these cities overcome the challenges they face in this period of rapid and profound change.

The project – commissioned by Brodies LLP, Anderson Anderson & Brown and Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh Chambers of Commerce – is a sequel to a 2018 report and outlines what has changed (and what has not) in light of the pandemic and the accelerating net zero carbon agenda.

Professor Brian Evans, Head of Urbanism at the Glasgow School of Art and an advisor to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, led the research team and estimates that city inhabitants will soon outnumber rural dwellers for the first time in human history.

He said that Scotland needs the AGE city regions “at the top of their game” if it is to remain globally competitive. “Cities need to be dynamic, or they decline,” he warns.

Despite accounting for just 22% of Scotland’s land mass, these city regions house 68% of the population and account for 73% of the country’s GVA.

However, a consequence of this centripetal position is that these cities have been hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, which hollowed out shared spaces, devastated high streets and accelerated societal change. Together they lost 124 weeks of sales, more than any city in neighbouring England, due to our stricter pandemic measures.

The challenges

These economic challenges have combined to create five key challenges:

City centres facing enormous transition: There is consensus around the fact that office requirements could fall by around 30% as requirement shifts from scale to smaller, but better commercial real estate. If 3-4 day in-office working weeks become the norm, the impact on footfall, the viability of businesses serving office workers, the office property market and the public transport system could be profound, especially if it is accompanied by long-term changes in shopping, entertainment and leisure.

A built environment that requires retrofitting on an industrial scale: The built environment, which is believed to contribute around 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint, is a major barrier to reaching net zero targets and retrofitting on an industrial scale is required.

An ageing population which will lead to workforce and tax revenue pressures: By 2030, a fifth of our population will be of retirement age. By 2050, that figure will surpass a quarter. This presents significant challenge around how our citizens interact with their cities, but also around the human capital required for them to function. This poses particular problems for Scotland as immigration is currently a reserved matter.

Deteriorating domestic and international connectivity: A step-change in inter-urban connectivity and infrastructure is required to undo the damage done to our air connectivity by Covid-19 and improve the speed of rail connections between our AGE cities. Without Government support, UK airports will lose around 600 routes as a result of the pandemic.

Planning and taxation systems straining with pace of change: The pace of change in all market sectors – housing, offices, manufacturing, logistics, retail, leisure, hospitality and education – presents a significant challenge to our planning service, which at present is a hollowed-out version of its former self after years of cutbacks. Scotland’s non-domestic rate scheme also lacks flexibility, which may leave it ill-equipped to deal with the rapid change being thrust upon our cities.

Recommendations

To ensure our AGE cities can bounce back from recent shocks to the system and thrive in the century of the city, the report’s commissioning partners have made seven recommendations to policy makers:

  • ONE: Devolve meaningful tax raising and other fiscal powers to our cities to allow them to fund investment and deliver programmes that reflects local needs and opportunities.
  • TWO: A major focus on increasing the residential population of our city centres to replace the critical mass lost due to technological advances and other social changes.
  • THREE: That the AGE cities form an alliance to work collectively to accelerate their journey to becoming net zero cities, mirroring the principles of the C40 cities. Retrofitting on an industrial scale will require taxation incentives.
  • FOUR: That immigration policy is devolved to ensure our cities and regions have access to the workforce they need to prosper. Aligned to this, Scotland needs a Net Zero Jobs Strategy to ensure that we have the requisite skills and labour force to deliver on our climate pledges.
  • FIVE: We need significant investment in growing and upskilling our planning service to embed pace, place and partnership in all it does. It needs to respond quickly to the changing environment in our AGE cities, contain the strategic planning capacity to design better places, and also seek to work in a collegiate rather than combative fashion with those wishing to invest in our cities.
  • SIX: We need a new rates system fit for the century of the city. A new system should reflect changing property needs locally and incentivise new businesses to emerge and grow in our towns and cities. A new system must also recognise and account for the impact of technology on retail and the changing use of our city centre buildings.
  • SEVEN: Significant and transformational investment in rail infrastructure is required to improve journey times between all three AGE cities and their extended regions. AGE city airports also urgently require route development funding to address lost connectivity.

Reaction

Speaking on behalf of the three Chambers, Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: “The updated report considers what has changed in light of the pandemic and the accelerating net zero carbon agenda, and also the many fundamentals which have not.

“It must be used to provide the launchpad to propel Scotland forward in the century of the city. And we ask Scotland’s policy makers to urgently work together with business communities to make the necessary interventions that will shape the next chapter for our AGE cities – and it must happen at pace.

“As agents of positive change, Chambers of Commerce and our project partners stand ready to play our part. Doing, not just talking.”

Elaine Farquharson-Black, partner and co-head of planning at Brodies, said: “The recommendations set out in the report come at a critical time for our cities and provide useful direction to encourage economic recovery at a time of unprecedented change.

“With offices in all three of the AGE cities, Brodies is acutely aware not only of the challenges which each city faces, but also the importance of their success to the national economy. We need the AGE cities to be vibrant places for people to live, work and visit. It is now our collective responsibility to implement the recommendations of SUA2 through collaboration, investment and commitment.”

Mark Bell, Co-founder at Partner at AAB Consulting, said “We were delighted to be involved in the discussion leading to this report. While we don’t need to agree with everything in the report it does provide a lot of food for thought. Our focus is on what it means for the thousands of businesses we support across the three cities.

“Our message is clear. A lot has happened since 2018 but not much has changed; we need to stop talking about what could be done and start doing it; and we need to grasp the opportunities arising in the post-pandemic world and the increased focus on the climate emergency.”

Download the report

Click here to download the executive summary and recommendations report.

Click here to download the full report.

 

 

MacDuff are teaming up with Fhior restaurant in Edinburgh  for an exclusive evening of some incredibly special, mutton tasting.

MacDuff will be supplying Fhior with one of their most unique products – North Ronaldsay mutton, which they only source once a year, and something Fhior have only managed to use at the restaurant once before.

North Ronaldsay sheep, aka the seaweed eating sheep, are from the Northernmost island of Orkney and are one of the rarest breeds and one of only two seaweed eating mammals in the world. The flavour and texture of the meat they produce is truly unique. MacDuff have a passion for these Scottish rare and Native breeds.

Scott and his team will be curating a 5-course tasting menu with every dish highlighting a different cut of this exceptional animal.’

Book your place here: https://fhior.com/north-ronaldsay-dinner/

 

Edinburgh  in-person business event 25th May 2022

Capitalise on your opportunities for 2022!  – FREE SEMINAR WORKSHOP

Who is this course for? 

This course is for small and medium sized business and third sector owners and leaders who want to re-evaluate and re-invigorate their business growth plans.

It can be difficult to refocus your organisation for the future when get feel trapped on the inside. This workshop helps you take a ten-thousand foot view on your business to re-vitalise your strategy.

Business in Edinburgh is moving and changing rapidly so now is the time to develop your strategic roadmap and ensure you have a focused strategy for continued business growth. This workshop will help you do that.

What’s in the course? 

In this group interactive workshop you will

  • Share experiences and knowledge with other attendees
  • Start building a structured roadmap for your business
  • Access our free online tools and resources to manage your growth
  • Receive a free follow up one to one health check for your own business

What will you learn?

During the event you will learn to create a framework to develop your own business growth strategy using a simple step by step process. You will be given access to tools and advice to help you implement it.

What have previous attendees said?

“This was a superb educational experience, which was thought provoking and gave me focus to administer the changes to help my business grow in the future.”

Chris Duffy, Director, CP Property

“A very useful seminar which has really made me think about the fundamental reasons why we are in business.  Worth attending if you’re an SME owner.”

M Roy, Founder, Leith Walk Policebox

About your host – Laurence Heron

As a Business Doctor Laurence’s goal is to help Edinburgh businesses to grow and thrive using the tried and tested Business Doctor approach. He has successfully led and run large and small businesses worldwide.

Spaces are limited – register now! 

This is a face-to-face event so numbers are limited. We recommend booking early. Refreshments  provided.

Click here to book your place

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/305733887287

ZLX Business Solutions Ltd are a Scottish company employing over 100 full and part-time staff. We have returned over £30m to businesses in the last 2 years, primarily in Government Tax Credits. In addition, we have successfully achieved HMRC payments for investment in Land Remediation, Capital Allowances, and Patent Box.

These successful submissions have been across over 40 industries, including Food and Drink, Manufacturing, Software, Engineering, Brewing and Distilling.

As a fellow member of the Edinburgh chamber, I would like to offer a free review and appraisal in respect of identifying R&D & innovation implemented within your business. There are no upfront fees and additionally, we offer a 15% reduction on our normal service rate, to members should a claim progress, fee only payable on successful pay out.

A bit about the Governments Tax Credit Scheme: The scheme was introduced by the UK Government in 2000 for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a separate scheme for large companies launched in 2002. Any company carrying out Innovation in their field, is likely to qualify for the relief. The definitions of eligible R&D and eligible costs are reasonably broad, and eligible R&D activities can take place across a wide range of company operations. The scheme also allows you to make claim on two previous years R&D activities.

Is your company a UK Registered company eligible to pay Corporation Tax? If so, have you:

  • In the last 3 years, has your business improved any processes, services, materials, or devices?
  • In the last 3 years, has your company developed any software or IT solutions (by your internal staff or by external contractors?)
  • Have you ever manufactured or modified any products in house?
  • Have you invested time and money into failed projects or developed products that have never launched?
  • Have you ever outsourced any product design?
  • Have you ever purchased an off-the shelf item and modified it to a better standard?
  • PAYE staff

For a free no obligation appraisal of your company’s qualification for a tax credit, please contact me via:

Ross.n@zlx.co.uk or phone: 0131 378 1340/07426 883956

An initiative which helps innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused start-up companies to maximise their full commercial potential has opened for new applicants today. The AI Accelerator is now seeking applications, from Scotland, the UK and beyond, from disruptive start-ups with strong growth aspirations. Those accepted benefit from a package of support aimed at helping transform their AI businesses into world-leading companies.

The AI Accelerator has a proud track record in supporting innovative businesses. The 12 cohort companies which have just completed the AI Accelerator have raised a combined £4.3m through equity investments and grant funding awards while on the programme creating new, high-value jobs in the process.

The programme will be delivered both digitally and in-person by the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre, as part of the Bayes Centre DDE Innovation and Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. It is led by the Data-Driven Innovation Programme of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal and delivered on behalf of all Data-Driven Innovation Hubs.

The programme, partnered by global strategic design consultancy NileHQ and supported by Huawei UK, is open to applications from scalable incorporated companies with high growth potential. The businesses must all use AI for wider societal benefit to deliver solutions in core areas such as health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental stewardship.

The AI Accelerator is highly focused on investment, giving participating companies an ideal platform to develop an investment strategy and meet potential investors. Along with some generous financial support, newly accepted cohorts will also be given the opportunity to scale their business through a series of workshops with trainers and mentors covering a range of commercialisation issues from product pricing to leadership.

The University of Edinburgh is home to the largest centres for computing science and informatics in Europe. Through access to its academic expertise and links into the Data- Driven Innovation hubs, AI Accelerator participants will also benefit from collaboration and business profiling opportunities.

The previous programme was delivered in partnership with Scale Space, a new community for innovative businesses looking to scale. Among the participants were a number of Scotland-based businesses including Carcinotech, a cancer research company which manufactures 3D printed tumours using patient-derived cancer stem cells, primary cells and established cell lines; and Chara.ai, developers of a screenplay platform which enables movie makes to find successful untold stories and gives a voice to more diverse writers. Participant companies from further afield include Milan-based Indigo, creators of a no-code platform that enables companies to easily build, scale and analyse conversational experiences which are bespoke to their business.

The deadline for applications for the new AI Accelerator programme is 26 May. It will run for six months from mid-September.

Charlotte Waugh, Enterprise and Innovation Programme Lead at Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service, said: “We’re delighted to invite applications for the next AI Accelerator, a highly successful programme that is helping maximise the commercial potential of innovative start-up companies.

“The programme provides founders with top level strategic advice and focuses on practical issues to help companies to achieve their growth aspirations. We also connect our cohorts to the local, national and international investment community which has been critical in helping participating companies secure millions of pounds in growth capital.”

Katy Guthrie, Programme Leader of AI Accelerator, said: “Through the AI Accelerator we are helping transform innovative start-ups into world-leading companies and supporting wider economic growth. Our commitment to promoting AI for good is aimed at encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs who are focused on addressing key societal challenges such as tackling climate change or health inequalities.”

Watermans, a law firm and estate agency based in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has announced the appointment of Darren and Alistair Lee as Directors, as the business seeks to expand its property offering throughout Scotland. Darren and Alistair, who bring considerable experience in property sales, will lead the estate agency side of the company alongside Tzana Webster, who has also been appointed as a Director of the Estate Agency division of the business.

The father-and-son duo have built up an enviable reputation as two of the most active estate agents in the west of Scotland and will add to the increasing level of market share and recognition that the business has been growing in the east of the country.

Scott Whyte, Managing Director at Watermans, said: “I am delighted to welcome Darren and Alistair to the Watermans team. We already had a long-standing working relationship with them, and when the opportunity arose to bring them into the business, it was a no-brainer.

“Their arrival will complement the fantastic work that Tzana Webster has done in significantly growing our Estate Agency business over the last 15 months. This will also allow us to progress our wider objective of growing the business throughout Scotland.

“I know Darren and Alistair can’t wait to get started, and I am excited to see the further progress this move will allow us to make in the remainder of this year and beyond.”

Darren and Alistair join Watermans from Keller Williams. Throughout their time there, they held their spot as one of the top estate agency teams in the UK, and as Scotland’s leading performers.

“From the moment I met Scott, I knew his company was going places,” Darren Lee, Director of Property Sales, commented. “It is evident that Watermans is a business with a huge vision.

“The management team encourage everyone to bring their aspirations to the table, and it is this group ambition that helps propel the business forward. Everyone works together to ensure that their clients receive the best service possible – and to work with a proactive legal team is refreshing.”

Alistair Lee, Director of Property Sales, also revealed that Watermans’ forward-thinking attitude played a huge factor in his decision to join the business.

“Watermans pride themselves on providing straightforward advice,” he added. “No jargon, no fluff, just great service and getting the job done – and that’s what I am all about!

“A huge advantage of joining Watermans is that I won’t be limited in my pursuit to grow the estate agency side of the business. I won’t be bound by old-fashioned traditions that often come with solicitor estate agents, and I will have the freedom to grow the business in a more modern market.”

With a team of experienced professionals, Watermans provides a considerable range of legal services to businesses and individuals across Scotland. It has strong expertise in areas such as family law, wills and executrices, injury litigation, estate agency, commercial property purchase, and residential property conveyancing. For further information, visit www.watermans.co.uk