A new survey conducted across the UK by the British Chambers of Commerce has highlighted business’s need for stability in terms of our trading relationship with the EU, regardless of the state of negotiations at the time of the UK’s exit from the EU in March 2019.
Key survey findings include:
• 68% of Scottish and UK respondents believed that there should be a transition period of at least 3 years following the UK’s exit from the EU on 29 March 2019
• 61% of Scottish respondents felt that the UK should remain in both the single market and the Customs Union, compared to 53% of respondents across the UK
Commenting, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Scottish businesses value our trading links with the European Union, as they do with our other major trading partners, and this survey shows that businesses are serious about maintaining a relationship with Europe that continues to enable them to trade as easily as possible, with no financial tariffs and an absolute minimum of regulatory barriers. The EU may have fallen behind the rest of the world in terms of the value of Scotland’s exports but it remains a vital export destination, particularly as Scotland seeks to grow the number of businesses trading internationally.
“This survey also clearly shows that Scottish businesses do not want to be facing a cliff edge in two years’ time when the UK will leave the EU under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The vast majority of business people who responded to this survey felt that a transitional period of at least three years would be appropriate in order to allow trade to continue as normal until a deal is struck to govern our future trading relationship with the EU.
“If Scotland and the UK’s economic needs are to be satisfied, then business must be listened to during these crucial negotiations.”
One month on from the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Monday) publishes a post-election survey of over 2,400 companies, which shows that while businesses have a range of views on their preferred objectives for the UK in Brexit negotiations, there is almost no support to conclude UK-EU talks without a trade deal.
Asked to consider which option came closest to their view about what the UK’s Brexit negotiation objectives should be, the survey – carried out just after the election – showed:
• 2% said leave the Single Market and Customs Union, and rely on WTO rules for trade (leave without a trade deal with the EU)
• 34% said remain in the Single Market and Customs Union
• 13% said remain in Customs Union only (no hard borders or tariffs, but limited scope to negotiate trade agreements with third countries)
• 11% said remain in the Single Market only (accept EU regulations and rules in return for full access to market)
• 28% said a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a customs agreement (the government’s pre-election objectives, set at the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House speech)
Respondents were also asked about a transition period, and which of the following options they believe is best for their business:
• 46% said ‘a transition period of three years’
• 22% said ‘a transition period of longer than three years’
• 17% said ‘no transition period’
Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“Our results make it clear that there are a range of business views on what the UK should be seeking in a final deal with the EU, but there is near-universal consensus that a deep and comprehensive agreement is needed. ‘No deal’ isn’t seen as a viable option. Businesses want a pragmatic settlement on the practical, real-world issues that affect their operations, not arbitrary political red lines.
“By more than three to one, businesses want a transition period on the way to a final agreement with the EU. This is critical to prevent firms facing the prospect of repeated, costly adjustments to new trading conditions. If companies have to change their business model once in 2019 and again several years thereafter, the competitiveness and investment potential of our firms will be undermined.
“Getting transition arrangements on the negotiations agenda as quickly as possible would give businesses – many of whom are considering big investment decisions now – the confidence to press ahead.”
This month, we’re inviting Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce members to share their #MyEdinChamber stories.
We pride ourselves on providing a platform for businesses to create high-quality connections – through our member database, or face to face at one of our many networking events. We love to see our members connect and collaborate.
One such example is the partnership formed between Edinburgh Trams and the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home. We invited Dean Anderson of Edinburgh Trams, and Nicola Gunn of the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home to share their experience and their story.
1. Why did you both join the Chamber?
Nicola: We joined the Chamber as part of our new fundraising strategy was to increase our corporate network, building awareness and support for our work in the Edinburgh business community. As the Chamber is a well-respected organisation we thought it was an ideal place to start.
Dean: We joined the Chamber as part of the development of Transport for Edinburgh in 2013. We found the Chamber to be a well-respected organisation with high level members who are keen to network and discuss opportunities to collaborate, and the Chamber is key to us in developing these relationships.
2. How did this partnership begin?
Nicola: Edinburgh Trams got in touch to advise us that we had been put forward as one of several charities for staff vote to select their first ever charity of the year partnership. We were delighted to receive the majority vote and the partnership started from there!
Dean: We were keen to work with a local charity but wanted the staff to pick which charity that would be. Out of all the charities in Edinburgh and the Lothians, our staff nominated and overwhelming voted for the EDCH.
3. What role has the Chamber played in this collaboration?
Nicola: Our CEO Howard Bridges met Edinburgh Trams HR Manager Sue Bucher at a Chamber Dining Club networking meeting, Sue subsequently put us forward as one of the charities for the charity of the year staff vote.
Dean: We first met at a networking event through the Chamber which was coincidently a matter of days before our staff voted for them as their Local Charity of the Year. Having already made the connection, we got off to a quick start.
4. What value have you received as a result of this collaboration?
Nicola: The charity of the year partnership with the Trams is such a valuable relationship for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. Not only are we receiving support from the business and its amazing employees but we are also able to raise awareness of our work with the Trams customer base too – people we may never have reached otherwise. Our mission is to rescue, reunite and rehome stray lost and abandoned dogs and cats across Edinburgh and the Lothians and this partnership is key to helping us do just that.
Dean: Not only have we raised money for a great cause but it’s also provided a way for our staff to become involved in our business activities and take part in events such as the charity cycle. It’s always nice to have a break from transport and talk about our next activity for EDCH.
5. What do you love most about your membership?
Nicola: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of networking and training opportunities which means that you are never stuck going to the same old event again and again. The huge member directory means you are always guaranteed to meet new contacts at each event which is ideal when you are looking to expand your network like us. We also love that since joining we have really got to know some of the Chamber team, they genuinely care about and look after their members.
Dean: Making connections goes without saying. We’ve attended many networking events over the years which are not only interesting but a great way to meet people in business. Our connections have led to some fantastic work not only with EDCH but other members too. We’ve also hugely benefited from training arranged through the Chamber. Our Customer Experience team enjoyed it so much we went on to work independently with the training provider.
Over the month of July, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce are exploring stories of success that our members have had through their membership with us. We’re inviting all members of the Edinburgh Chamber, small and large, to share their news of partnerships, business wins, and collaborations.
Share your story on social media using the hashtag #MyEdinChamber, or email our Marketing team to be in to win fantastic prizes from fellow members Ten Hill Place courtesy of Surgeon’s Hall, and G&V Hotel.
For more details, get in touch with Emma Reid or Daniel Tipping in the Marketing & Communications team.
Hear from Labour party leader Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP at the British Chambers of Commerce Business and Education Summit.
How can businesses and education providers work together to help young people succeed in their careers?
Join us on Thursday 6 July to hear from other influential names in the worlds of business and education including, among others, Neil Carmichael (Former chair, Education Select Committee), Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP (Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills) and Judith Doyle (Principal/CEO, Gateshead College, 2016 TES FE leader of the year).
Network with businesses and educators across the country, as well as taking part in interactive breakout sessions run by ‘F1 in Schools’ and ‘KMF’.
Tickets are selling fast so book now to attend and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to hear the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, speak on skills and education.
We hope to see you on the day!
– Master’s degree by Edinburgh Napier University and EICC offers cutting-edge industry experience to candidates
– MSc positioned to take advantage of fast-growing UK Events sector which now totals over £40 billion
– 12 to 15 students in first year of degree which starts in September
Edinburgh, 21st June 2017 – Edinburgh Napier University and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) have launched the UK’s first MSc in Business Events, a degree only currently available at undergraduate level across the UK, with the first intake of candidates commencing study this September.
The Master’s degree has been developed by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) – Scotland’s top university for hospitality, tourism and events management, in partnership with the EICC, Scotland’s leading conference venue, which will be providing work placements for the MSc students as well as delivering guest lectures as part of the course at ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.
Professor James O’Kane, Dean of Business School, Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This new award in conjunction with EICC offers students a unique opportunity to study for a Master’s degree in a leading Business School for Tourism and gain experience working with an award-winning, world-class partner. The collaboration of the Business School and EICC has enabled the creation of a novel programme that will produce employment ready graduates with skills and experience aligned to the strategic challenges of the Tourism sector, nationally and internationally.”
Marshall Dallas, Chief Executive of the EICC, said: “The business events industry is a fast-growing segment of Scotland and the UK’s economy and it’s more important than ever in 2017 that we keep ahead of global competition. There is a great feeling of collective confidence today that this Master’s qualification can be a real differentiator for the students who undertake it and today’s announcement represents the first step in an ongoing partnership with Edinburgh Napier University. Being a business which creates a platform for innovation and progression, we are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Napier on this initiative to produce amazing talent.”
For further information on this press release contact Jack Mathieson, Media & Communications Officer, on 0131 455 6251
Pictured above (L-R); James O’Kane of Edinburgh Napier University and Marshall Dallas of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). Pic by Stewart Attwood.
Arts & Business Scotland are delighted to confirm that bookings are open for our new business briefing Cyber Security: What You Need To Know, led by Accenture (Friday 21 July) and bookings are still open for A General Tax Guide for Arts and Heritage Organisations (Friday 23 July in Perth).
Cyber Security: What You Need To Know – Business Briefing
Friday 21 July 2017 | Arts & Business Scotland, Edinburgh
Registration: 8:30 | Event: 9:00-10:30
Speaker: Rick Hemsley (Managing Director, UKI Accenture Security Practice)
The scope of cyber security has never been so prevalent as almost every business is potentially at threat. This morning briefing will cover how to prepare a cyber resilience strategy, lessons learned from the recent ‘Wannacry’ virus, and preparing for GDPR.
For full details, address and booking click here.
A General Tax Guide for Arts and Heritage Organisations
Friday 23 July 2017 | Perth Concert Hall, Perth
Registration: 8.30am | Event: 9am-12.30pm followed by lunch and general discussion
Speakers: Kirsty Murray (Tax Director) and Scott Craig (VAT Partner), Scott Moncrieff
This half-day seminar is a must for all financial or budget holding staff and anyone who wants to know how tax affects (and can benefit) arts and heritage organisations and individuals. This session will highlight available tax savings and cover corporate tax, VAT, gift aid, basic rules, common issues and opportunities.
Full details, address and booking click here.
Please feel free to circulate this invitation to your networks and any colleagues who may be interested.
If you would like some more information on these events please do not hesitate to get in touch with Adam Castle (Event Coordinator at Arts & Business Scotland) at events@aandbscotland.org.uk.
Do you want to know how to develop a successful brand for your business?
The most valuable property your business might have is ‘Intellectual Property’ (IP). We live in global economy that is largely intangible and centres on ideas. However, ideas on their own have little value.
The successful businesses that make money are those that can turn their ideas into products and services, creating powerful IP in the process.
If you think IP doesn’t mean anything, then think about why half the value of Coca Cola is attributed to its IP. The fortunes generated by Facebook, Lego, Cadbury and Amazon are largely driven by their IP.
Many SMEs spend hours trying to develop their businesses without spending any time at all considering what is involved in creating valuable IP, and securing a good sale.
Bear in mind that raising investments or selling your company will bring into question this crucial topic. Investors and purchasers will have a very different view from what you see as they will be valuing your business based around the IP it holds.
Therefore, ignoring IP puts your revenues and business assets at risk, irrespective of the possible impact on its value.
This event will help you to better understand what is involved to secure your IP so as to maximise the potential of your business.
Why should you attend?
By attending this event, you will understand:
• What you can and cannot protect – the limits of intellectual property.
• Why trade marks matter whether or not you are aiming to create a brand.
• The 20% of actions you can take that give you 80% of the IP protection you need.
• The learning points from real case studies and implications of Brexit.
• 15% discount on Tidman Legal fixed fees when quoting “ECC 21 June”.
Who should attend?
This workshop is aimed at the owners and leaders of SMEs and start-up businesses. If you have aspirations for your business you likely have legal issues you need to know more about.
Who is presenting?
The workshop is presented by Oliver Tidman who is a regular contributor to leading national and international publications on intellectual property law. Oliver is the founder of Tidman Legal and has an extensive background in identifying, protecting, commercialising and enforcing IP. Oliver has advised hundreds of start-ups and SMEs on protecting and exploiting their valuable IP.
Tidman Legal is a leading boutique law firm specialising in intellectual property and business law for entrepreneurs, inventors, start-ups and SMEs. We help you to add value through taking care of your IP.
OK, it sounds good. How much?
This one-hour event is completely free and includes refreshments. The event is held on June 21, from 18:30 – 19:30 at Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue, 16 Saint Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SU.
To book your place, click on the green ‘Register button on the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/secure-your-business-secure-your-intellectual-property-tickets-33456379933 and click on the green ‘Register’ button.
‘Women’s Business Mentoring’ launches nationwide today (1st June 2017) with some of the most recognisable and successful Scottish businesswomen leading the way.
This initiative brings together the connectivity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network, Women’s Enterprise Scotland and Scotland’s leading women entrepreneurs: Liz Cameron OBE of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Carolyn Currie of Women’s Enterprise Scotland, Jeanette Forbes of PCL Group, Poonam Gupta OBE of PG Paper, Marie Macklin CBE of Macklin Partnerships and Petra Wetzel of WEST Brewery.
‘Women’s Business Mentoring’ will match mentors with mentees to create a self-supporting, collaborative community who understand the specific challenges faced by women in business, whether it is accessing finance, overcoming gender bias or managing family responsibilities alongside a business. A dedicated website will help prospective businesses find a mentor, attend events and access key resources. In addition, women in business can also sign up as mentors: www.womensbusinessmentoring.com
Commenting on the launch of Women’s Business Mentoring:
Carolyn Currie, Chief Operating Officer, Women’s Enterprise Scotland, said:
“Research shows that women seek out business advice in the form of mentoring and coaching rather than on a consultancy basis and we know there is a clear need for more business women as mentors, since mixed-sex mentoring relationships may not always be of benefit for everyone. Only 20% of Scottish SME’s are majority-led by women, yet we know that if women started businesses at the same rate as men, this would contribute an additional £7.6bn to Scotland’s economy. I am honoured to play a part in this inspiring initiative and I look forward to collaborating and creating a lasting impact for women in business.”
Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Our approach is innovative and fresh and is all about tapping into the talents and experience of successful women entrepreneurs and matching them with ambitious, driven and aspiring women in business. I am delighted to have Scotland’s most recognisable and talented business women on board, which reflects the strength of female talent in Scotland, but also our commitment to give back to Scotland, grow our economy and contribute to our local communities.”
Petra Wetzel, Entrepreneur & Chief Executive of West Brewery said:
“Anything that can connect women in business and enable growth in their business is good for Scotland and good for the economy. From my experience, having a Mentor in any aspect of your life can add immense value to personal development. I view mentoring as a valuable asset which can bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight to a business. I look forward to personally mentoring aspiring women in business and giving back to the business community.”
Poonam Gupta OBE, Chief Executive of PG Paper and recipient of Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Scottish SME Business Awards, said:
“Mentoring is all about collaboration, unlocking ideas and talents that an add value to your business and to your life. For many women in business, these talents and ideas can often be overlooked, holding them back and preventing contributions to our economy. That’s why this campaign is so appealing. It’s led by women in business and is for women in business. I have seen first-hand how a business mentor can bring new perspectives, new solutions and new techniques to overcoming challenges and enabling success, and I look forward to doing exactly that with Scotland’s next generation of women in business.”
The UK’s decision last June to leave the European Union has enormous consequences for all of us – for businesses this means leaving an institution that has been the cornerstone of our trading relationship with the European continent for over 40 years.
Whilst business communities across the UK have shown a remarkable resilience to grow, invest, trade and recruit since the European referendum, they are uncertain about the future as the UK embarks on the process of dis-entangling itself from the EU.
Chambers of Commerce have been in deep consultation with local business communities across the UK since the referendum and the key priorities of business are clear. They want the next government to secure an EU trade deal that minimises costs and trade barriers. Currently there are no tariffs on the movement of products among EU member states, but if a deal isn’t reached in the negotiations, reverting to WTO rules could result in tariffs of up to 10% being imposed on the export of cars for example, creating huge costs and complexities for integrated cross border supply chains.
However, it is the non-tariff barriers that often carry a greater cost to businesses. Areas that will need to be resolved include the mutual recognition of standards, contracts and qualifications, the sharing of data, and rules of origin. Negotiations on these areas will be complex, but need to be successful to keep costs and regulatory burdens to a minimum.
Businesses have consistently expressed concerns about their ability to source the talent they need to grow. Current levels of low unemployment and an ageing workforce have meant that foreign labour has been a critical part of business recruitment. The uncertainty over the status of EU nationals currently living and working in the UK has already had a negative impact on the retention and morale of employees. The next government must provide immediate certainty for businesses on the residence rights of their existing EU workforce, not contingent on any other aspect of the UK negotiations with the EU-27. A future UK immigration system must allow businesses to access workers from the EU in sectors where there are acute labour shortages with minimum bureaucracy, cost or barriers.
The publication of the Great Repeal Bill white paper in March 2017 was a positive step in providing regulatory certainty for business on the day that the UK leaves the EU. The bill aims to convert existing EU law into UK law; give Ministers the power to amend these laws using statutory instruments to reflect new institutions and legal jurisdictions in the UK; and repeal the 1972 European Communities Act. Further work must now be undertaken to develop future customs procedures at the UK border, clarifying tax systems and arbitrations processes, and the development of a funding system to replace the EU funded projects and schemes that support higher education, research, infrastructure development, regeneration, skills programmes and business support schemes.
It is important that the UK government reflects the priorities of our business communities across all the nations and regions of the UK. This is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, which is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the EU. Businesses want no return of a hard border on the island of Ireland, so that we can maintain free trade and people flows across the border and limit any new bureaucratic arrangements.
Both the main UK political parties have set out their wishes for a comprehensive agreement with the EU that delivers a smooth, orderly Brexit.
The business community is a willing partner in ensuring this outcome, and that the UK emerges from this process ready and able to take advantage of future opportunities for prosperity and growth.
Water retailer Anglian Water Business (AWB) has secured a hat-trick of major contract wins in Scotland, valued at around £3 million per year.
The series of wins follows the recent announcement of a joint venture between AWB and Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) Business to create a new water retailer called Wave.
The contracts will see AWB provide billing and water efficiency services to:
• ASDA – covering 94 supermarket sites across Scotland
• Edinburgh Leisure – covering over 30 sports and leisure venues in the Scottish capital
• Scottish Drug Forum – covering offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
AWB has been operating successfully in the highly competitive Scottish open market since 2008. The company already provides water services to some of the UK’s biggest businesses, including Betfred, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, Starwood Hotels and the Belhaven pub chain.
AWB’s strong record in Scotland was reinforced in 2015, when it won the Scottish Government contract to provide water billing and efficiency services to the Scottish public sector. This involves 200 public sector organisations, with over 15,000 sites ranging from schools and colleges, to hospitals and council buildings. Winning this contract has enabled AWB to identify £40 million worth of potential savings for the Scottish public sector. The Active Water Management ® service is designed to achieve water and waste water efficiencies, and will be used at a range of sites over a four year period.
Bob Wilson, managing director of Anglian Water Business, said: “We are delighted to have secured these contracts, following on so quickly from the announcement of our proposed joint venture with NWG Business. They build on those won last year and reinforce our credentials as a trusted partner for businesses looking for value from their utility supplier. Our focus on offering competitive pricing and delivering real value to customers through a team of experts and Active Water Management®, is being recognised by customers as a major point of difference.”
