A new staged approach to easing protective measures will help Scotland manage and recover from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Scottish Government confirmed the details of the updated Strategic Framework to manage COVID-19 primarily through public health advice, vaccination, and treatment rather than legal restrictions.

An indicative timescale for remaining legal protections to be lifted has also been set out.

Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers

This fund offers support for creative freelancers working in the arts, screen and creative sectors in Scotland who are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applicants can ask for between £500 and £2,000 in support via the Creative Scotland funding portal. 

Click here to find out more 

Almost five years on from launching the business, MidgieBite Media, which specialises in video production services, has secured a lease for premises at the Business Incubator Kirkcaldy.

The space provides both an office and videography/photography studio, as well as being a base from which to expand. 

Read all the stories now at https://www.fifebusinessmatters.co.uk/

Free Advice on Funding an Apprentice For Your Business

Skills Development Scotland has organised a series of free online events to provide step-by-step advice and practical support to help employers get involved in apprenticeships.

These events, coinciding with Scottish Apprenticeship Week, will provide information, advice and first-hand accounts of apprenticeships and how they work.

Click here to find out more.

Modern Standard, a speciality coffee roastery, has secured a trial selling their Momentum Espresso, Colombia Aromas del Sur, Ethiopia Konga Cooperative, Guatemala Finca San Antonio and Brazil Santa Lucia in Tesco stores across the UK for the first time.

The speciality coffee businesses are being stocked in 64 stores between now and June.

Click here to find out more

Coronavirus Guidance for Childcare Services

The Scottish Government has published guidance for the childcare sector to help providers, staff and parents understand how to operate safely during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Specific guidance has been published for early learning and childcare (ELC) services and for school-aged childcare

Click here to find out more 

Timewise is launching its Scottish Flexible Jobs Index 2021, where they will share analysis on how many job vacancies in Scotland were advertised as open to flexible working at the point of hire in 2021.

A panel of experts will explore key findings and the extent to which changes to ways of working brought about by the pandemic have impacted how employers embrace flexible working to attract talent.

Click here to find out more

Public Consultation: St Andrews Transport Study

Stantec has been appointed by StARLink to undertake a transport appraisal of the town of St Andrews and its inter-urban transport connections. 

The appraisal follows Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) which is a multi-modal and objective led appraisal process.  If you travel regularly to St Andrews, this is your chance to have your say.

Click here to find out more

Book Your Tickets for the Fife Tourism Conference

Tickets sales are now open for the forthcoming Fife Tourism Conference: Turning Challenge into Opportunity with Paralympian, Karen Darke, as the Keynote speaker.

Somewhat a specialist in overcoming challenges, navigating change and finding ‘inner gold’, Karen will explore ideas and tools of how an ‘Adventure Mindset’ can help us create surprising possibilities.

Click here to find out more 

Get Real Results From Your Website - Webinar

This webinar aims to give you the expertise necessary to make your website successful covering key topics such as setting measurable and achievable goals for your site and understanding what makes a good website.

By the end of the webinar, you will have the knowledge necessary to improve your site and increase visitor numbers.

Click here to find out more 

International Trade Pathway - Incoterms 2020

The Incoterms® 2020 rules define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers trading internationally and domestically. Reference to an Incoterms® 2020 rule in a sale contract clearly defines the parties’ respective obligations and reduces the risk of legal complications.

It’s imperative that all employees within an internationally trading company have a clear understanding of using and applying the Incoterms® 2020 rules to suit their business needs.

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

SUPPORT PACKAGES AVAILABLE 
 

Funding for Social Enterprise Businesses from Firstport 

The Creative Sector