In summary
Fitting that as we celebrate our 50th year, we have also secured changes to help tackle late payments by bigger firms towards smaller suppliers with the UK Government announcing several measures following extensive FSB Lobbying and input from members. With our latest Small Business Index (SBI) now live, we’re again looking for your help to form more crucial policy recommendations to decision-makers. FSB members, check your email inbox for your survey link.
Featured news and events
FSB celebrates 50th anniversary with debate in Scottish Parliament
On 17 September, politicians from across Scotland and across the political divide united to pay tribute to you- the businesses and self-employed people that make and drive Scotland’s economy. The members’ business debate in the Scottish Parliament formed part of FSB 50th anniversary celebrations.
Read more here and check out some of the highlights here.
Scotland Virtual Networking- 24 October
Our friendly networking gives you a chance to network and make new contacts from across the country. Grab a coffee and join us for this relaxed and informal session hosted by Development Manager, Mike Duncan who will also make sure you’re up to speed on FSB member benefits.
In other news
Single-Use Cups Roundtable – FSB Scotland- 6 November
With the aim of reducing our consumption of single-use cups, from the end of 2025 the Scottish Government have proposed that anyone purchasing a drink using a single-use disposable cup will incur a minimum charge of 25p (“latte levy”) under the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, which was passed in June 2024.
Join businesses and the FSB Scotland policy team for this roundtable event to discuss and share your opinions on this important topic.
HIE Green Grant Fund
The Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Green Grant Fund aims to support businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands to transition to net zero. The funding is a non-repayable grant of up to £250,000, which will cover between 10% and 40% of the total cost of a project. The minimum grant award is £20,000. Projects with a total cost of £50,000 or less are therefore unlikely to be eligible.
Projects can include anything that helps businesses and social enterprises to reduce carbon emissions and make progress towards achieving net zero, for example through energy efficiency measures, renewables, or waste management. HIE will prioritise projects based in remote and rural areas where applicants may be eligible for up to 50% funding.
To find out more information and to apply, click here
Still in the news
Highland Council motorhomes scheme has only added fuel to fire
There are more questions than answers’. Development Manager, Mike Duncan writes across the Highland News & Media titles regarding the growth of tourism and lack of meaningful engagement by the Highland Council on the motorhomes parking scheme.
FSB Small Business Focus
We’re delighted to work with the Press and Journal in the North, to bring you a Small Business Focus feature every week – and this could be you!
Recently, we’ve featured FSB members: Kirsteen Stewart in Orkney and Iwona Zimna in Inverness who have given us a fascinating insight into how it all started, plans for the future and who has helped them on their journeys to date!
If you’re interested in being a Small Business Focus contributor, please get in touch with [email protected]
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Get in touch
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