£64 million for Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Projects

A programme to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency will receive an extra £9 million of funding this year to support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help fuel poor households save money on their heating bills.
 

The Scottish Government’s Area Based Scheme (ABS) programme will provide over £64 million in 2021/22 – up from £55 million the year before – to enable every local authority in Scotland to deliver energy efficiency measures to fuel poor households and communities.

Expansion of Workplace Asymptomatic Testing

The government is expanding its programme of asymptomatic testing in the workplace. 

Twice-weekly use of rapid LFD tests are an important way to detect infections in people who remain feeling well, allowing rapid isolation and contact tracing actions to minimise risk to colleagues and members of the community.

Click here to find out how you can introduce asymptomatic testing 

Bowhouse Cafe Bakery to Let

Balcaskie Estate is offering to let by informal tender, the café and bakery unit at Bowhouse Farm on a Commercial ten-year tenancy beginning in October 2021.

The opportunity is suited to businesses that demonstrate integrity, innovation, excellence, and energy are vital to the rural economy, and an understanding of how the café can operate in such an environment will be essential.

Click here to find out more.

Funding to Help Food and Drink Sector Recover From Covid Impact 

A fund to help regional food and drink ventures recover from the impact of Covid-19 has awarded £200,000 to a range of projects across Scotland.

The Regional Food Fund (RFF), one of the Scottish Government’s 100 Days commitments, will help producers and event organisers showcase quality regional food and drink products.

A total of 42 grants of up to £5,000 have been made to stimulate creative, innovative and collaborative projects.

Click here to find out more.

Interest-Free Loans for Taxi Owners to Switch Vehicles

Interest-free loans of up to £120,000 are available to enable owners and operators of private hire taxis to replace their current vehicle with an eligible ultra-low emission vehicle.

The funded vehicle must be eligible for the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV)'s plug-in grant.

Click here to find out more.

The Cress Company Announces Three New Appointments to Support Continued Growth 

Award-winning fine food distributor, The Cress Company, has added three new roles across buying and marketing as the company continues to grow prior to moving to its new Dunfermline HQ.

One internal promotion, plus two external recruits, will help shape the team as it responds to an increase in demand for its extensive range of products, which it seeks to add to and build and grow its digital presence after a busy 2020.

Read the full story now at https://www.fifebusinessmatters.co.uk/.

Low Carbon Transport Business Loan

The Low Carbon Transport Business Loan offers Scottish businesses up to £120,000 interest-free to help reduce the carbon impact and fuel costs of their transport arrangements through the purchase of new and more efficient vehicles.

The loan can be used toward the purchase of electric/range-extended vehicles, electric motorcycles or scooters, or pure electric/plug-in hybrid heavy goods vehicles. 

Find out more

Zero Emissions Heavy-Duty Vehicles Funding Competition

Scottish Enterprise is launching a new funding competition to support companies developing innovative technologies that can support the roll-out of zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles and Scotland’s green recovery.

The competition will enable Scottish businesses to access grant funding to develop innovative solutions that will help the Heavy Duty Vehicles sector to decarbonise. 

Find out more and register your place now.

WEBINAR: Social Media Insights

Learn the basics of social media analytics and a better understanding of how effective your social media posting is.

This webinar will provide you with tools and advice on developing more effective social media channels.

Click here to find out more

Help to Make Sure Your Business is Cyber Secure

The CyberScotland Bulletin is designed to provide you with information about the latest threats, scams, news and updates covering cyber security and cyber resilience topics.

A valuable resource to help keep your business and data safe online. 

Click here to find out more

Six Top Tips on How to Network in Today's World

Networking is a brilliant way to make valuable connections that can help your business, but how can you build a meaningful network in a digital world?

For insight and advice on the key to building a meaningful network in a digital world, take a few minutes to read our six top tips.

Click here to find out more

Here to Help - Request a Call Back from a Business Adviser

We understand things may be extremely challenging at the moment whether it's dealing with financial issues, supporting your employees, or understanding what needs to be in place to enable you to safely reopen.

If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, our business advisers are here to help.

Request a call back now

Free Online Workshops and Seminars 

Our exciting events programme is packed with workshops and training seminars which will help you to learn new skills, implement new ideas and improve your operations, as you look to rebuild your business.

Featuring new seminars on key topics such as managing your online reputation and producing your own video content, as well as some of the most popular courses to take control of your website, marketing activities and bookkeeping, we are here to support your business and help upskill your team. 

Find out more and download the brochure now

SUPPORT PACKAGES AVAILABLE 

Business Rates Support for Fife Businesses

Funding for Social Enterprise Businesses from Firstport 

The Creative Sector