Hospitality businesses will be able to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises without submitting a planning application under measures expected to come into force at the end of next month.

Strong support was expressed in a public consultation for the extension of permitted development rights to enable more cafés, bars and restaurants to offer outdoor eating and drinking.

The twelve week consultation also backed the relaxation of planning rules for the conversion of certain premises into cafes, restaurants, or small-scale offices, as well as the installation of larger electric vehicle charging equipment in car parks.

Deposit Return Scheme Registration Workshop

With Producer Registration underway and Return Point Operator Registration opening in March, Scotland is working towards the Deposit Return Scheme going live on 16th August 2023.

As the scheme is new to everyone, Circularity Scotland is hosting a webinar workshop for Producers and Return Point Operators, tomorrow (Friday 17th February) to answer any questions you may have regarding the registration process.

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Consultation Opens On Additional Properties Tax

Views are being sought on exemptions for additional property tax as part of an eight week consultation by the Scottish Government.

As part of the measures proposed, amendments to ensure that the treatment of individual and joint buyers is aligned as well as exemptions for people buying a new property to live in after divorce or separation, if they are required by court to keep their previous home.

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Low Carbon Manufacturing Challenge Fund

If you’re looking to grow your Scottish manufacturing business through developing low carbon products, processes or services, you can apply for the grant from the Low Carbon Manufacturing Challenge Fund.

Your project can use pure Research and Development (R&D), capital investment or environmental aid support in its effort to speed-up the transition to a low carbon economy in manufacturing. There’s a minimum value grant of £150,000 available.

Click here to find out more.

Leviton Investing In Solar Energy To Support Scotland Manufacturing Facility

Leviton is making a £600,000 capital investment into solar energy at its Glenrothes manufacturing facility, further illustrating its sustainability commitments.

The carbon-neutral facility serves as Leviton Network Solutions EMEA headquarters, where it manufactures high performance fibre optic and copper cabling and make-to-order pre-terminated cable assemblies. 

The project will be one of Scotland’s largest retrofit rooftop solar installations and reinforces the company’s commitment to its CN2030 Sustainability Programme.

Click here to read the full article now.

Green Heat Innovation Support Programme

If you can develop green heat solutions or have ideas to boost manufacturing or R&D in this area, you can apply to access the £17.6 million Green Heat Innovation Support Programme (GHISP). 

Click here to find out more

CyberScotland Week 2023

CyberScotland Week 2023 will take place from 27th February to 5th March 2023. This week of events is dedicated to raising cyber security awareness, improving skills and promoting innovation.

Industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from all over the country will come together to share their knowledge, demonstrate their work, and discuss the latest trends and advancements in cyber security.

Click here to find out more

Google and VisitScotland Presents: Tourism Experiences – Make The Most Of Google Things To Do

Join this special session for tourism experiences (tours, visitor attractions and activity providers) with Google and VisitScotland.

Hear from Google as to how your business can take advantage of direct booking links on their Google Business Profile and in Google Maps.

You'll also gain a better understanding of how to more effectively advertise your tours, visitor attractions and activities using Google Things to do.

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New Payment Scheme To Support Animal Health And Welfare Launched.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, has announced a new payment scheme for farmers and crofters to improve the health and welfare of sheep and cattle, ahead of an address to the National Farmers Union Scotland annual general meeting.

From summer 2023, livestock keepers will be able to claim a new £250 payment for specific interventions, such as vet screening of livestock for certain diseases, which will lead to improvements in the health and welfare of Scotland’s sheep and cattle.

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Social Media Advanced Marketing - Webinar

This course takes the experienced social media user to the next level. From examining a wider range of social media channels, and assessing social media management tools to monitoring your competitors.

You’ll also find out about the metrics you should be watching and get top tips on the rules you shouldn’t break.

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Technical Export Training

The importance of understanding and correctly completing export documentation is crucial for any business trading internationally.

The delay in getting the goods to your customer seriously affects your reputation, and the increased costs have an influence on your profit margins. 

By the end of the course, delegates will have a technical competence in the export process sufficient to enable them to make a productive contribution to the efficient working of an export office.

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Events and Meeting Space at Enterprise Hub Fife

Whether you are planning a strategy session, looking to host a training workshop or require offsite meeting space, Enterprise Hub Fife offers bright and spacious areas with modern facilities in the heart of Fife.

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UK Youth - Cost of Living Funding

UK Youth and the Pears Foundation have launched a fund to support youth organisations through the cost of living crisis and aims to benefit thousands of young people across the country.

The Fund aims to ensure that as many vital youth services as possible are able to keep the lights on and support young people in their local community. It will support youth organisations delivering high quality youth provision whose work is being hindered, curtailed or cut back due to rising core costs or a need to address unprecedented demand.

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If you are looking to move to new business premises that offer full reception facilities, meeting rooms and on site car parking, check out the Business Incubator Kirkcaldy.

Business Incubator Kirkcaldy offers high-quality business accommodation in a managed Centre. There are units ranging in size from 15sqm (165sqft) to 51sqm (551sqft).

Click here to find out more