Chamber News

Here you will find recent news articles from across the Chamber network including Ayrshire Chamber, Scottish Chambers and British Chambers.

 

 

 

HANDY LINKS:   

 

 

 

 

QEI SURVEY RESULTS

 

2024

Quarter 3

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q3 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q3 survey National results

 

Quarter 2

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q2 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q2 survey National results

 

Quarter 1

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q1 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q1 survey National results

 

2023

Quarter 4

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q4 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q4 survey National results

 

Quarter 3

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q3 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q3 survey National results

 

Quarter 2

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q2 survey Ayrshire results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q2 survey National results

 

Quarter 1

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q1 survey National results

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator - Q1 survey Ayrshire results

 

 

LINKS TO NEWS AND UPDATES

 

August

The Power of British Business: A Framework for the Future from the British Chambers of Commerce

 

April

London Business Visit Application Form 2023

London Business Visit Brochure 2023

British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey - Q1 infosheet

 

March

Scotland, The Perfect Stage - Letter from Siobhian Brown MSP

Back Scotland’s Businesses - Open Letter to the next SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland

Women's Business Centre

Find out how Chambers support your business

'The Recovery of Sustainable Aviation, Travel & Tourism in Scotland' report

'The Recovery of Sustainable Aviation, Travel & Tourism in Scotland' summary 

 

February

Skills For Growth programme - Helping employers adapt to change

Click here to access the British Chambers of Commerce Growth Hub!

27th February - Kilmarnock region East Ayrshire Business Support Event - click here to book

27th February - Cumnock region East Ayrshire Business Support Event - click here to book

DBT North America Roadshow 2023 visiting locations across the UK this February!

'Human rights in health and social care in Scotland' report

 

January

Quarterly Economic Indicator - Quarter 4 Findings

The rule on 'Without Prejudice’ and ‘Without Prejudice Save As To Costs’ - What does it mean?

Support for your Staff - Learn how to get rapid access to qualified health & wellbeing support - Click Here to register for our free SALUS webinars next session 15th March 2023

 

December

Short-Term Let Licencing deadline extended

Plastic Packaging Tax - Click here to check if your business needs to register

Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund announced

 

November

Check when you must register for Plastic Packaging Tax

 

October

Heat & Energy Efficiency Scotland - New Scot Gov energy agency launched

Scottish Government Cost of Living Crisis help-site

SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: Q3 2022 REPORT

'Grow your Business Online' - Meet the experts - 23rd November 2022

International Trade Week: Scotland Roadshow! [31st October to 10th November 2022]

 

September

International Opportunities - Sanitary Products & Molnupiravir 200mg Capsules

Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme FAQ Document

Real Living Wage rises by record 10% to £10.90 an hour

British Chamber of Commerce announces new 'Chamber Cyber Essentials' membership benefit

National Insurance increase reversed

Importers can apply for one-month extension to CDS switchover deadline, government confirms

Ayrshire Business Week 2022 - Events Programme

A stronger and more resilient Scotland: the Programme for Government 2022 to 2023

 

July

How the 'Without Prejudice' rule works

Mental health and wellbeing strategy: Scottish Government consultation

£1.5 million to boost recruitment into the aviation sector announced

Review of the Short-Term Let Sector - Survey in response to Scottish Governments' intent to licence the sector

Cyber Security: Five-point guide

Wellbeing and Workplace Culture Research from Westfield Health

SCC Quarterly Economic Indicator: Q2 2022 Report

UPDATED UK sanctions relating to Russia

Ayrshire Regional Skills Investment Plan 2022 - 2025

EXTEND programme for aerospace rail and renewables sectors

Consultation on new land reform legislation launches

 

June

EU-Ukraine business matchmaking platform

Delivering Scotland’s circular economy: a consultation on proposals for a Circular Economy Bill - Closes 22/Aug/2022

British Chambers of Commerce - Annual 2022 Business Barometer Report

Could you heat your business for less with heat pumps? - Business Energy Scotland webinar - 30th June

New Single-Use Plastics regulations come into force

Virtual Meet the Buyer 2022 - 15th June  |  10am

Updated Business Fire Safety information from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

 

May

£1 million fund launched ahead of 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds

Amazon BootCamp Scotland - 14th June 2022

Event: Sourcing Scotland - 31st May 2022, 10:00am -2:30pm

Spotting and Reporting Phishing Attacks - Cyber-risks and Liabilities newsletter from MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers

Coronavirus (COVID-19): distance aware scheme

Business Energy Scotland: Green office guide

Mental Health Foundation Loneliness Report - Scotland

The Academy - Market-focused training programme from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership

 

April

Val Russell Steps Down

Free consultancy advice for small businesses adapting to impact of Coronavirus

SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: Q1 2022 REPORT 

Localised Ayrshire Results QEI Q1 2022

Renew: Recommendations for building back stronger - BCC Economic Framework

North Ayrshire Council - Inward Investment Service

AMBITION Programme - Grants for job creation in South Ayrshire 

 

March

Temporary Cut to Fuel Duty introduced for full United Kingdom, for 12 months

Cyber Risks and Liabilities - Article from MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers

Chancellor delivers the 2022 Spring Statement

Ayrshire Growth Deal Annual Performance Report (February 2022)

Open letter to the business community by Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes

SCC Network Guide - Trade with Ukraine, Russia & Belarus updated 4th March

Free consultancy advice for small businesses adapting to impact of Coronavirus

Free advice on funding an apprentice for your business

Coronavirus workplace compliance - self assessment tool

Scotland's National Strategy for Economic Transformation

 

February

Scotland's Strategic Framework Update February 2022

CLICK HERE if you have a question about trading with Ukraine or Russia - gov.uk helpline

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 7-11 March 2022

Coronavirus guidance for childcare services

Give your views on how the UK Government can improve the UK’s customs system - closes 2nd May

Sustainability Certification Scheme Fund for Tourism Recovery

Coronavirus guidance for driving instructors and motorcycle trainers

 

January 2022

Coronavirus (COVID-19): compliance self-assessment tool

Coronavirus (COVID-19): certification scheme - information for businesses and event organisers

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for safer businesses and workplaces

SCC Quarterly Economic Indicator Survey Results Q4 2021      Local Ayrshire QEI Results Q4 2021

HMRC Making Tax Digital for VAT Deadline 1st April 2022

Tourism and Hospitality Talent Development Programme - Phase 2

UK Seafood Fund: Skills and Training Scheme

Self-Isolation and testing changes - 05/01/2022

Coronavirus (COVID-19): compliance self-assessment tool

TravelTech for Scotland - Support for the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors economic recovery

 

December 2021

UK Export Academy V2 - 2022 Registration now open

Guidance for safer businesses and workplaces - updated 23rd December

Low Emission Zone Support Fund for Businesses

Coronavirus guidance for call centres and customer contact centre environments

TravelTech for Scotland - support for the Scottish technology and tourism sectors

Additional protective Coronavirus measures announced - 14 December 2021

SCC response to Scottish Government’s COVID-19 update – 14th December 2021

Coronavirus - Guidance for Safer Office Working

SCC Responds to the Scottish Budget for 2022-23

Coronavirus - Workplace Testing

Covid-19 Guidance and advice for holidays in Scotland

 

November 2021

Living Safely for Us All - Winter COVID-19 Guidance 

Preparing for the Customs Declaration Service

£50 million for warmer, greener homes - Scottish Government

Flexible Workforce Development Fund

SME Energy Efficiency Projects Loan Scheme 

Adopt an Apprentice - Funding Stream

Connecting Scotland Fund - Closes 12th November 2021

 

October 2021

SCC Comment on Autumn Budget 2021

Women Returners Programme - closes March 2022

Energy efficiency funding for Scottish Industry -  closes 17th December 2021

Digital Start Fund - Now Open

The Scottish Food and Drink Net Zero Challenge Fund

Scotland’s UNESCO Trail: The Wonders Within video

COP26 Green Zone - Free tickets

Temporary Visas for poultry workers and/or HGV drivers to transport food goods

SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: AYRSHIRE RESULTS

SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: Q3 2021 REPORT

SCC QUARTERLY ECONOMIC INDICATOR: Q3 2021 PRESS RELEASE

Dubai Expo - Culinary encounters across all cultures

COP26 - Member Spotlights

Dubai Expo - Taking a global view of business 

  

September 2021

International travel testing updated - Gov.Scot

Coronavirus guidance on ventilation - Gov.Scot

Vaccine certification plans approved by Scottish Parliament

Local Charities requesting Help -  PDF

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces guidance

International travel restrictions to be relaxed and simplified

Trade and customs: 2021-22 timeline

Trade finance tips for Scottish exporters

ACCI Carbon Footprint Report 2021

 

August 2021

EU VAT e-commerce package announced

DigitalBoost Development Grant - Reopened

British Chambers of Commerce Reaction to Announcement of Extension of CE Marking Easement

Scottish Government Workplace testing rolled out to boost recovery

Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) guidance

District Heating Loan Fund announced

Close Contact Services - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) guidance

Youth Music Initiative Fund - now open

eBike Grant Fund - now open

Scottish Co-Investment Fund launched

Scottish Enterprise launch 4th year of Principally Women programme

Business charge point funding for Electric Vehicles

Move more in the Morning - Tips to stay active from Westfield Health

Move more at workTips to stay active at work from Westfield Health

 

July 2021

Tariff Checker Service - For businesses moving goods to Northern Ireland

Self Isolation - Application of exemption for critical staff now available

Chamber receives funding to help food and drink sector recover from Covid impact

Businesses urged to make Living Hours pledgeThe Scottish Living Hours Accreditation Scheme

£21 million Digital Dairy ProjectSouth-West Scotland and Cumbria region

Help Remote Employees Stay Cool During a Heatwave - MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers 

Azets warns of 'construction cash crunch' when moratorium ends in September 2021

HMRC Issue reminder of National Minimum Wage for Summer Staff

SGF Go Local Grant Fund Now Open - Closes 31st August 2021

Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund Now Open - Closes 27th July 2021

Urquhart Opticians announce new 'Care & Community' Fund

Income Tax and National Insurance contributions exemption for employer-provided coronavirus antigen tests

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for returning to offices

New recruitment drive for tourism and hospitality sectors announced

SCC QEI Survey results for Ayrshire Q2 2021  |  Read SCC Press Release

SCC QEI Survey results for Scotland Q2 2021

Trade and customs: 2021-22 timeline

Scottish Government announce £8 million package for health and social care workforce wellbeing

 

June 2021

UK Government announce temporary reduced rate of VAT for hospitality and hotel accommodation & attractions

Update - Furlough Scheme Payments changing from July 2021

Industry invited to note interest in fair and sustainable green ports in Scotland - Closes 27 July 2021

Westfield Health issue 'The Future of Work' report

Information on how to pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

SCC respond to Scottish Government June 22nd COVID-19 Update

Barclays Bank announce 'Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2021'

Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation guidance

Funding for green jobs - First call extended until 12 noon on 1st July 2021

New Island Communities Fund (ICF) for sustainable projects announced

Vaccine programme expansion to include international students 

Rapid test kits rolled out to pharmacies in Scotland

General guidance for safer workplaces - Coronavirus

Strengthening links with Europe - £3 million funding announced

£26 million Connecting Scotland programme announced  To APPLY click here

 

May 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): events sector guidance - Updated 14th May 2021

How to report self-isolation support payments

Coronavirus guidance for sport and leisure facilities

HR considerations for getting back to business

Mental Health Support Resources from Westfield Health

Coping with Change PDF - from Westfield Health

Controlling Worry - from Westfield Health

Breathing Techniques - from Westfield Health

 

April 2021

First Minister Announcement 20 Apr 21

Safe Travel Advice for Businesses from Rail Delivery Group

Re-opening Checklist for food businesses during COVID

Adapting restaurants and food delivery during COVID-19

Coping After COVID - Recovering the hidden cost of the pandemic

SCC Quarterly Economic Indicator Results Full Report for Q1 of 2021

SCC QEI Survey results for Ayrshire Q1 2021

UK Export Finance - Access export finance & insurance against buyer default

SMART: SCOTLAND grants

Ayrshire Chamber - Rally for Growth Manifesto 2021

10 Days of TartanDay - Celebrate the links between Scotland and North America

Medicines and diagnostics manufacturing transformation fund

Tax cut announced for employers of veterans - Gov.uk

Marine Fund Scotland now open - Blue Economy Policy

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on workers' accommodation

 

March 2021

Scottish Enterprise - Green Jobs Funding

Better Places Green Recovery Fund Round 2 - Now Open

UK Government Brexit Checker tool 

Take the Business in the Community Race at Work survey - OPEN until June 30th

BREXIT SME Fund - OPEN for applications until 30th June (unless all funds allocated before closing) APPLY HERE

UK Budget 2021 and implications for Scotland – Fraser of Allander Institute

 

February 2021

Updated Strategic Framework published 23rd Feb

UK Government provides devolved administration in Scotland with additional £1.1 billion to help tackle coronavirus.

HSE guidance for Coronavirus (COVID-19): working safely

Creative Scotland Covid 19 Resource Directory

Seafood Disruption Support Scheme (SDSS)

Government announces £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund

You Asked, We Delivered - Chambers activity report

Forward Together - Chamber Strategy 2021-22

 

January 2021

Quest CJRS Extended FAQ's Jan 21

SCC Quarterly Economic Indicator Press Release

SCC Quarterly Economic Indicator Results Full Report for Q4 of 2020

SCC QEI Survey results for Ayrshire Q4 2020

Minister Scully Letter to Business on Covid Testing for Hauliers 11 /01/21

EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement Analysis: JAN 2021

Extending support for Hospitality, Retail and Leisure (11/01/21)

Performing Arts and Venues sector guidance - Scottish Government 

February 2021 International Trade Mission to Atlanta, Georgia USA - Speaker Programme

 

Marketplace User Guide

Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy - Summary

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2025 - Sponsorship Package

END