Meetings:
The FSB Glasgow Small Business Expo, 18th February 2012
The committee appreciates our normal monthly meetings schedule and format may not suit everyone, especially when running your business comes first. With that in mind we've decided to run our first Small Business Expo and offer members from Glasgow and the immediate surrounding areas an opportunity to showcase their products and services in a fantastic City centre venue, The Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall/Buchannan St.
The event will run from 10-5pm on Saturday 15th October and is designed for members selling to either other businesses or direct to consumers and won't be like your usual exhibition. We'll have a wide range of activities happening on the day designed to appeal to all ages and help drive additional footfall from this extremely busy shopping area.
As a not for profit event costs for exhibitors will be minimal, all we ask in return is that you have a special offer in place that we can promote on the day and in the lead up advertising.
Please keep your eyes open for further information on the web and via email. Exhibitor stands are limited to 100 and due to the low cost are expected to sell out extremely quickly so if you'd like to register your interest please contact me at martin.little@fsb.org.uk
General:
Commonwealth Jobs Fund – if you're not aware of this scheme please read below for further info, the employer engagement team are on hand for any queries and to help with applications, please give them a ring on 0141 204 8327
The Commonwealth Jobs Fund, aimed at people aged 18-24 who have been unemployed for more than six months and who live in Glasgow, will provide eligible employers with up to £6,500 for each new job they create.
It follows the continued success of the Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative, which has already helped 1500 of Glaswegian school-leavers find apprenticeship places.
Both schemes are designed to contribute to the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Unlike previous schemes, the CJF will be open to every private and third sector employer in the city, although it will be particularly targeted at Glasgow Living Wage employers, reflecting the council's commitment to what we consider a vital policy, and to employers in the private and third sectors who employ fewer than 250 people.
From the small employer looking to take on their first member of staff to the medium-sized company that needs help to get through difficult times, the CJF will help businesses across the city.
Tackling youth unemployment and supporting the local economy are two key priorities for Glasgow City Council.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The £7m that we are investing in the CJF is available thanks to the private sector's commitment to the Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative.
"Thanks to the way you enthusiastically stepped up to the plate and invested your own money in taking on almost 600 apprentices in 2010 alone, the council's own budget for the scheme was significantly under-spent.
"Having saved us that money, we are now pleased to be redirecting it back to you through the Commonwealth Jobs Fund.
"Its funding will provide young people who have been unemployed for more than six months with a route out of worklessness. The message to them is clear: we will not abandon you. And as businesses across Glasgow emerge from the recession, I make that same pledge to you."
If your company would like to access the Commonwealth Jobs Fund to create new opportunities or you would like more information, please contact the CJF team on 0141 204 8327 or by e-mail: commonwealthjobsfund@glasgow.gov.uk.