Improving access to finance

The Government launched a Green Paper on business finance this week. Having been one of the dominant media stories of the recession, the nuances of the issue have often been overlooked, and generated ill-informed opinions.

European business and research delegation to India

The European Business and Technology Center (EBTC) in India, a program co-financed by the European Union, and co-ordinated by Eurochambres and the European Renewable Energy Council, invite companies and researchers to join a delegation visiting New Delhi, India.

ACSEF Planning Workshop - NEW DATES

Join a workshop – at no cost.

"How to get the best out of the new planning system”

Keynote speaker - Stewart Stevenson

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson was the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s Transport Business Breakfast which was held at the Airport Thistle on Thursday (26 August).

Chamber continues rates campaign

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce continued its campaign to raise awareness of the implications of rates revaluation on local businesses when it met with Labour Leader Iain Gray and MSP Lewis Macdonald today.

REDUNDANCY SUPPORT

There is help for anyone facing a redundancy situation through the Scottish Government’s Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, which is coordinated by Skills Development Scotland in conjunction with other partners including Jobcentre Plus.

Northern Star Business Awards Finalists 2010 announced

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has announced its eagerly-awaited shortlist of finalists for the prestigious Northern Star Business Awards 2010.

Winners of 2010 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise Announced

The winners of the annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise were unveiled last night (Thursday 17 June 2010) at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel.

Scottish Centre Joins Global Race for Sustainable Fuel

A Highland research centre is to be the only Scottish player in a British ‘dream team’ created to take a world lead in the race for commercial production of oil from sea algae.

SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARDS 2010

Introduction of a new category for The Annual VisitScotland Tourism Awards - The Retail Tourism Experience Award

Check Employees Right To Work In UK Or End Up In A Fine Mess

By Jill Turner, senior solicitor with legal firm McGrigors employment and pensions team in Aberdeen

Investment update

Following the gains made over the last 12 months, the last couple of weeks have seen the UK stockmarket, in common with global equity markets, falling sharply from the high point, reached at the end of April. Why has this happened and what does the immediate future for the markets look like?

Join Scottish Enterprise’s rural leadership programme to help grow your business

The search is on for ambitious rural business managers in Scotland looking to develop their leadership skills and make a greater contribution to the rural economy.

DELIVERING ON 2020

Putting Scotland at the forefront of climate change policy, action and jobs, A one-day interactive conference

With mandates thin on the ground, Clegg must seize moment.

The Electoral Reform Society has commented on the latest declarations confirming that we face a hung parliament.

Calling Scotland’s most environmentally friendly businesses

Applications are invited from Scotland’s businesses for the 11th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards.

Chamber releases results from latest Oil and Gas Survey

The oil and gas sector has sent out a clear message that the UK must not be complacent if it wants to ensure that the industry remains anchored in the North-east. This sentiment is one of the key findings to emerge from the latest Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Oil & Gas Survey.

Scottish Enterprise forecasts strong economic return from its investment

Scottish Enterprise has revealed spending plans which have the potential to generate an additional £2 billion for Scotland’s economy by 2020.

The UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards - Winners Announced

Oil & Gas UK and Step Change in Safety are delighted to announce the winners of The UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards 2010.

First Minister announces life sciences boost for Aberdeen

The First Minister of Scotland today (Monday April 19) announced a major funding boost for Aberdeen City and Shire’s fast expanding life sciences sector.

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service contributes £16 million to Scottish economy in past 12 months

• 150 manufacturing projects undertaken by SMAS over the year

• SMAS contributes £16 million to Scottish economy in 2009/10

• SMAS carries out 365 free manufacturing reviews in last year

Groundswell of Support for Change – Public Want Green Space, Safe Environment and Cultural Centre

Future of the regeneration of heart of Granite City now rests with Aberdeen City Council, says ACSEF

Oil oscar winners celebrate success

Scotland recognised its leading players in the oil and gas sector at the annual Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards last night (25 March 2010) at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Sainsbury’s Search for Scottish Suppliers

Sainsbury’s is delighted to announce that the company will shortly host two events in Perthshire to bring together Sainsbury’s buyers and local producers.

Budget 2010 Roundup

Chancellor Alasdair Darling delivered his budget on Wednesday March 24. Please click on the following link for a summary of the announcements plus comments and a copy of the powerpoint slides from Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and reaction from the British and Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Free Social Media Workshop for Tourism Business In Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms

A free workshop is being run by the Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation to show local tourism businesses how to use social networking to benefit their bottom line.

Scottish Parliament marks success of inaugural energy skills transformation course trainees

The first trainees to successfully complete a new national course designed to re-skill experienced technicians and fill recruitment gaps in the oil and gas industry have received their qualifications at an awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.

British Manufacturing Struggling to Enter a Sustainable Recovery

Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for January 2010, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

BCC: Disappointing Trade Figures Highlight Need for Relentless Focus on Boosting Exports

Commenting on the January trade figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Professor Mike Pittilo - a celebration: 27th March 2010

During the last two weeks since Mike's untimely death we have been discussing with Carol, Mike's wife, how best to commemorate his life and time at the University.

BCC Downgrades Medium-Term GDP Expectations as Risks of a Setback Heighten

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget, expected this month, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Sunday) published its latest Economic Forecast. The business group maintains a prediction of 1.0% GDP growth in 2010, but it has downgraded its growth expectations for 2011 because the obstacles to a sustained medium-term recovery now appear greater.

Tender Writing Training

CEIS, the Supplier Development Programme, and partners, are running a series of free of charge tender writing workshops in Aberdeen on the 2nd,9th and 16th of September.

BCC: MPC Must Maintain Expansionary Approach Given Continuing Threats to Economy

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Two Scottish businesses shortlisted for European Business Awards for the Environment

Two of Scotland’s most environmentally-friendly businesses were last night (2 March 2010) announced as being shortlisted as finalists for the 2010 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE).

European Golf & Leisure Show Gets Set To Tee Off

The north-east is gearing up for first ever European Golf & Leisure Show which tees off this weekend [Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28] and is set to lure visitors from across the country to Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Sir Ian Wood to receive the prestigious Cadman award in Aberdeen

SIR Ian Wood is to receive the Energy Institute’s prestigious Cadman award, presented internationally for outstanding service to the petroleum industry, at a dinner in Aberdeen this week.

Message from Adam Marshall, Director of Policy & External Affairs

Another big week for the policy team here in London. The results are in from the latest Monthly Business Survey (see below), which will help us make the case against the April 2011 rise in employers' National Insurance Contributions, and the case for continued support to businesses over 2010/11 in our upcoming Budget submission.

Introduce an internet and email policy

Introduction

The internet is an essential tool for many businesses. Email and the web offer a variety of ways to improve communications with staff, customers and suppliers. - source www.bgateway.com

Annual survey reveals employment prospects for financial services sector in Scotland

More than half (52%) of Scotland's financial service firms responding to an annual labour market survey intend to increase headcount in 2010 by up to 10%.

Contract requirements for the provision of Security & Safety Services

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced contract requirements for the provision of Security & Safety Services.

CHAMBER’S 12^th SURVEY TO FOCUS On R&D

The 12th Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Oil and Gas Survey, sponsored once again by leading law firm McGrigors LLP, has been launched today.

‘Chamber of Commerce deal gives Nigerian business global marketing boost’

In an historic move marking the start of 2010, the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce has signed an agreement that will bring Global Marketing Network membership, training and professional education programmes to Nigeria.

Last call for entries for Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards

People and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to the success of Scotland’s oil and gas industry have until Friday 29th January to enter this year’s prestigious Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards.

Grampian Food Forum Annual Report 2009

A total of 150 different organisations from across all aspects of the food and drink supply chain were engaged in Grampian Food Forum activities during the last year ranging from the dining club and innovation awards to awareness visits and exhibitions.

Support for Humanitarian Aid for Haiti

As you will have seen in the news reports Haiti was hit by an earthquake measuring 7+ on the Richter scale.  There has been wide spread damaged with initial reports of 3 million people affected,  2 million of these are children.

Public Urged To Have Say On City Square Project

A major public consultation asking people for their views on plans to create a new civic space by redeveloping Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens and Denburn Valley has been taking place throughout the past month.

Aberdeen To Benefit From Round 3 Windfarm Announcement

The Scottish economy, with Aberdeen at the forefront, could benefit from a multi-billion pound bonanza following today’s announcement by the Government that up to 25 offshore wind farms are to be built.

Deadline for the International Trade Awards 2009 Draws Near

The deadline for the International Trade Awards 2009, sponsored by HSBC, is now drawing near for Scottish businesses. Exceptional importers and exporters across the UK are encouraged to take part in the UK’s only national business awards, which exclusively recognise the success achieved by British companies trading internationally.

BCC: Business leaders to review UK’s infrastructure framework

Chief executives, managing directors, and policy chiefs from some of the UK’s biggest companies – including Network Rail, British Gas, and Google – have met in London for the first meeting of the Business Infrastructure Commission.

National Transport Awards 2010

Entries are now open for the Department of Transport’s National Transport Awards. The awards are free to enter and are open to all organisations – public and private sector – involved in transport Deadline for submissions is February 12 2010.

News, updates and events for agents and advisers

Latest news for agents and advisers The latest developments from HM Revenue & Customs for tax professionals

EMAIL COSTING UK BUSINESSES MILLIONS

UK business is losing £millions through the incorrect use of and over-reliance on email as the basis for communication according to Positive Performance (www.positive-performance.com), a leading staff development company.

Government Presents UK Innovation Investment Fund to the City

Lord Mandelson and Lord Drayson will today address the UK Innovation Investment Fund Investor Summit and highlight the potential that exists to invest in technology in the UK. Some of the UK’s leading technology businesses will be showcasing their leading edge products at the summit in the City of London.

Former Trawlermen Net Compensation

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson will today make the first compensation payments under the new scheme for former Icelandic-water trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the Cod Wars of the 1970s

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber Triumphant in National Awards

Amidst the splendour of Christopher Wren's National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, Scottish Chambers of Commerce could rightfully claim to have done themselves proud at yesterday’s British Chambers of Commerce Annual Awards ceremony.

SCC WELCOMES CONTINUED BUSINESS RATE PARITY

Welcoming the decision by the Scottish Government to continue to match the English Business Rate poundage in 2010/11, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

Insurgents Attack Iraq Oil Industry

Militants are specifically targeting the oil and gas industry in Iraq. Violence in October cut oil exports by four per cent, with pipelines, employees and company offices all implicated in terrorist attacks.

OIL AND GAS SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS THE CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING LABOUR MARKET- PLACE

An independent oil and gas survey reveals a rising confidence in the sector, particularly within the contractor community looking towards opportunities in international markets.  It also highlights how the industry is coping with a changing dynamic in the labour market-place as it continues to grapple with price volatility, the global financial downturn, uncertain demand and curtailed or delayed investment.

Chamber of Commerce events in Huntly

As part of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s (AGCC) Shire Connections series, the organisation is hosting a networking lunch on Friday November 27 at the Gordon Arms Hotel, Huntly.

Scotland’s First Social Enterprise Awards Winners Announced

Scotland’s top social enterprises were unveiled last night at the first Social Enterprise Scotland Awards ceremony by John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, at the Scottish Parliament (Tuesday 17 November).

UNDERINSURANCE RISK TO UK’S LISTED BUILDINGS

Gloucester, 16 November 2009 – According to the latest figures released by leading heritage insurer Ecclesiastical, nearly 60% of the UK’s listed buildings used for commercial purposes are underinsured by an average of close to £1 million, exposing owners to serious financial risk in the event of a major claim.

Safeguard an Apprentice

Safeguard an Apprentice is the latest Scot Gov announcement as part of their ScotAction agenda, which is designed to help SMEs (up to 250 employees) in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Construction sectors through the current economic downturn.

Swine Flu - Webcast - 12 November 2009

Help to enable Scottish businesses prepare for the impacts of swine flu will be offered through an innovative, free-to-access, online seminar. Scotland is now experiencing a second wave of pandemic flu. Join the online flu seminar on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 12.30 pm.

Apprenticeship scheme

Small and Medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2,000 financial incentive to take on a new apprentice.

Form Fatigue or has the recent expenses debate distracted the public from democracy?

Are we so Disenchanted that we are about to be Disenfranchised?

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

UK Atomic Energy Authority Completes Sale of its Commercial Business, UKAEA Limited

The Government today welcomed the completion of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £50 million sale of 100% of its commercial arm, UKAEA Limited, to Babcock International Group.

JOINT BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT DRAFT ETHICS GUIDE LAUNCHED

The Association of Business Schools (ABS), The Advanced Institute of Management (AIM), The British Academy of Management (BAM) and the British Academy for Business, Management Accountancy and Finance (BMAF) are pleased to announce the launch of the draft Ethics Guide.

Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan Approved

Scottish Ministers approved the Aberdeen City and Shire Structure, with no modifications, on 14th August 2009.

Risk Consultant, AKE Ltd

Two incidents rocked the capitals of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province today. Militants stormed a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing at least nine people and injuring many more. Rockets also struck a major hotel frequented by foreigners, the Serena. In Peshawar, a car-bomb attack at a women’s market killed upwards of 70 people. The majority of these were women and children.

TRUMP’S SCOTLAND PROJECT NOW UNDERWAY

From Donald J. Trump: “We are pleased to announce that work on site will begin tomorrow, ahead of schedule, to build the greatest golf course in history.

CONTINUING RECESSION DEMANDS FURTHER ACTION FROM MPC

Commenting on the news that UK GDP has fallen for the sixth consecutive quarter, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

Asbestos Awareness Training

A LEADING asbestos remediation and industrial cleaning services company based in Moray is about to launch critical Health and Safety Courses throughout the North and North-east in an effort to raise standards and help counter the effect of the credit crisis in construction and construction related services.

SCOTS INVEST IN LIFE INSURANCE BUT HAVE FEWER FINANCIAL PRODUCTS THAN THE REST OF THE UK

Although fewer Scots have current or savings accounts, stocks and shares and pensions than people in all other areas of the UK, they are the most enthusiastic when it comes to life insurance, according to new Direct Marketing Association (DMA) research.

ROYAL MAIL TELLS UNION: DOOR STILL OPEN TO SIGN AGREEMENT

Royal Mail said today that its door is still open to sign the agreement negotiated with the Communication Workers Union on Tuesday night.

UK on the brink of leaving recession

Results from the Quarter 3 2009 British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey (QES) show that the UK is on the brink of leaving recession.

New city public transport guide published

A comprehensive guide to public transport routes leading into and around the Granite City has been published by Aberdeen City Council.

The Aberdeen City Public Transport Guide contains easy to read colour-coded maps of the city’s daytime and night bus networks.

£5,000 Prize Available to Transform an Ethical Business New Ethical Business Awards Launches

The “Pledging For Change Ethical Business Advantage Award 2009” is a new competition to win £5,000 worth of business image development from the brand image experts at Creatively Minded Design.

UK Welcomes Progress Towards Korea Free Trade Deal

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has urged British exporters to be ready to seize opportunities presented by a free trade deal with Korea.

Adventurous People wanted to Trek Peru – The Inca Trail, in aid of Venezuelan Children in Need!

On 3 rd – 12 th September 2010, a group of budding explorers will be jetting off to Peru to trek the Inca Trail, all in aid of Veniños – Venezuelan Children in Need.

World’s first commercial passenger flight powered by fuel made from natural gas lands in Qatar

Tourism funding boost for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms

A £1.2 million funding package has been given the green light by Scottish Enterprise to deliver key tourism improvements across the Royal Deeside and Cairngorms area to help position the area as a world class destination that competes with high quality mountain valley locations around the world.

‘Capture an Autumn Moment in Scotland’

Aberdeen City and Shire businesses have teamed up with VisitScotland to offer visitors around the UK great, affordable deals to encourage them to visit the region during September, October and November as part of VisitScotland’s Autumn campaign.

TALENTED JUNIOR GOLFERS HEAD TO HOUSTON

A group of 12 talented junior golfers, from across the north east of Scotland, will be raising their game in this year’s Grampian Houston Junior Golf’s ninth tour to Houston, Texas.

Iraq Violence Statistics and Province Analysis for 2009 Q3

International Security and Risk Mitigation Company AKE has conducted an in-depth study of violence in Iraq to map the countrywide level of risk on a provincial scale.

Chamber Appoints New Head of Membership

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has appointed Seona Shand as the new Head of Membership, helping to position the organisation as the ultimate business network in the region.

Procurex Scotland 2009

supported by the Scottish Government and Scotland’s leading business associations, will offer both attendees and exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to meet and network with representatives from Scotland’s public and private sector buying community.

Tourism funding boost for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms

A £1.2 million funding package has been given the green light by Scottish Enterprise to deliver key tourism improvements across the Royal Deeside and Cairngorms area to help position the area as a world class destination that competes with high quality mountain valley locations around the world.

Caspian Growth for Scottish Company Reaches £10 Million Milestone

A Scottish oil and gas services company has reached a major milestone since setting up in Kazakhstan in 2004.

BCC argues Chancellor must recognise importance of business in Pre-Budget Report

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) will meet the Chancellor and other senior government ministers at the Labour Party Conference this week, and will present them with the business group’s recommendations ahead of the Pre-Budget Report (PBR).

Business Stream to stage water savings roadshow in Aberdeen

Businesses and public sector organisations in the North East will be shown how to reduce water consumption and cut costs at an event in Aberdeen next week. Business Stream, which supplies water and waste services to the majority of Scottish non-domestic customers, will be setting out ways that companies can reduce costs and enhance their environmental credentials through improved water management.

Prime Minister Announces Expanded Financial Services Role For Post Office

The Prime Minister today announced a much bigger role for Post Office in providing financial services, to increase the accessibility of reliable financial products for consumers and small businesses.

The Prime Minister said:

“I want the Post Office to play a much bigger role, bringing banking services back to the heart of people’s communities.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:

“The Post Office is one of the country’s great assets. It is a trusted institution that offers face-to-face contact in the heart of local communities.

“The time is right to build on these strong foundations and substantially increase the banking services it offers.

“Today’s announcement will help secure a viable future for the Post Office network. It is also excellent news for consumers and small businesses – giving people access to a full range of banking products at an institution they trust and value.”

The Post Office is one of the UK’s fastest growing financial services providers, and the country’s number one foreign currency provider. Today’s announcement will be the next step towards turning the Post Office into a leading player in financial services, offering a full suite of products across its network of 11,500 branches.

In order to achieve this, the Government will be consulting to help the development of new banking products and services from the Post Office which meet the needs of hard-working families.

This announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to a secure and sustainable future for the Post Office, following the decision in November 2008 to award it a new contract for the Post Office Card Account, and the investment of up to £1.7bn to 2011.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office

COI

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Joe Upton

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Phone: 020 7215 5959

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to editors:

Notes to editors

1. The Government has committed £1.7bn of funding to the Post Office, including £150m a year to help support a network of around 11,500 branches to 2011. It will continue to support the non-commercial network beyond this date.

2. With around 11,500 branches nationwide, the Post Office is the largest retail and financial services chain in the UK. Its network is larger than all of the banks in the UK combined.

3. Around 99 per cent of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office branch and over 24 million customers visit every week.

4. The Post Office already offers a range of financial services, including savings, insurance, lending, and foreign currency products

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

Scottish Youth Parliament sits in Aberdeenshire

The Scottish Youth Parliament will meet in Aberdeenshire this weekend (Sept 26/27) to launch a national campaign.

Around 120 Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) from throughout Scotland will attend a two-day sitting, taking place at The Waterside Inn, Peterhead.

North coast business community working smarter to beat credit crunch

Businesses in north Aberdeenshire have been presented with a range of options on how they can deal with the current economic climate.

The options arise from a Business Needs Survey following a wide-ranging consultation with local traders.

Crimestoppers Week - Scotland

Scotland Crimestoppers is launching the return of Crimestoppers Week throughout the Grampian Region from 5 – 9 October 2009.

Master Plan Development Exhibition: September 18 – 19, 2009

Trump International Golf Links, Scotland is pleased to announce a public exhibition on the developing master plan at the White Horse Inn, Old Road, Balmedie on September 18 – 19, 2009, 11am – 7pm on Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday.

Aberdeen’s businesses invited to bid for share of £8b public sector procurement pot

Aberdeen businesses are being invited to attend Procurex Scotland, the national procurement conference and exhibition at the SECC - and find out how to win a share of the £8b annual public sector spend north of the border.

CHAMBER LAUNCHES OIL AND GAS SURVEY

As the curtain falls on a highly successful Offshore Europe 2009, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce is about to test the temperature of the industry by launching its 11th Oil and Gas Survey.

Signs of recovery based on fragile evidence, says ACCA survey

Claims that the world’s economy is recovering is based on fragile evidence, according to the latest Global Economic Conditions Survey by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Mexico Hijack Highlights Persistent Security Risks

Aeromexico flight with 104 persons on board was hijacked en route from Cancun to Mexico City.