Latest Updates
Export Demand and Manufacturing Output Growth Stay Firm
The latest summary of business conditions from the
Bank of England shows demand for exports remaining at high levels and growth
in manufacturing output remaining firm. Other key trends that emerged
from the survey, which covers the period from late February to late March,
were a further easing of consumption growth caused by slower growth in
discretionary spending and a further sharp fall in service sector investment
intentions. A copy of the full report can be accessed at
www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/agentssummary/index.htm
Dundee City Council Consults on the Provision of Taxis and Private Hire Cars
Following requests from sections of the Taxi Trade
to limit the number of taxis in the city, the Licensing Committee of Dundee
City Council has issued a public consultation on the issue. For more
information on the background to this issue, read the report that can be
found on the Council’s website (www.dundeecity.gov.uk).
If you would like to participate in the consultation, please complete and
return the attached questionnaire.
The Scottish Government has introduced its Small Business Bonus Scheme, under which many small businesses could see their Business Rates bill fall by as much as 80%. Any business whose property (properties) has a combined rateable value of £15,000 or less is eligible for a rebate, with the biggest discount available to firms with properties with a combined rateable value of less than £8,000. The rebate is not applied automatically: you have to apply for it. For further information, see the attached form.
An MSP is proposing that everyone aged between the ages of 16 and 18 should have the right to undertake an apprenticeship. John Park MSP is taking forward proposals for a member’s bill in the Scottish Parliament. Apprentice numbers in Scotland have risen significantly in recent years but this proposal would significantly increase the number, potentially improving Scotland’s future skills base. The specific measures proposed to underpin the new entitlement would be greater promotion of apprenticeships in schools, additional Government support for employers and more apprenticeships offered by the public sector. Views are sought by 17 June 2007 and should be sent to john.park.msp@scottish.parliament.uk. Further information on the proposals can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/MembersBills/index.htm
Is the BAA Monopoly of Scotland’s Main Airports Bad for Your Business?
>>>Read more<<<
Entries are now being accepted for the 2008 National Business Awards for Scotland. These are prestigious awards that recognise business excellence across a range of categories, (including Business of the Year, Small to Medium Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Employer of the Year). The process for entering is simple: register at www.businessawardsforscotland.com, and complete and return your application form by 28 May 2008. Shortlisted firms in each category will present to a judging panel in July 2008 and the winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Glasgow in September 2008.
DUNDEE AND ANGUS HAS LOTS OF SUCCESSFUL AND INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES: GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW AND LET'S SHOW THE REST OF SCOTLAND.
New Consumer Protection Regulations
Parliament looks set to authorise new legislation
that will affect any business that sells directly to consumers. The
new regulations – due to come into force on 26 May 2008 – will clamp down on
unfair sales and marketing practices. The regulations have been
designed to comply with EU law and to close ‘loopholes’ that unscrupulous
retailers have been able to exploit. The Government claims that
the new regulations will not affect the vast majority of businesses that
operate fairly and honestly.
European Business
Opportunities
To find the latest
update for business opportunities in
Are you involved in the
Wood sector? Would you like to find a Business Partner in
Scottish Chambers Sets Out Blueprint for Tourism
Chamber Calls for Investment in Knowledge Economy and Transport
Infrastructure
The winner of the previous Caption Contest:
“Mr Humphreys....are you free?”
Congratulations to Mr Graeme Turnbull, Fire Surround Centres.
European E-European E-zine
This e-newsletter is intended to give local businesses and Angus Council staff information about European Union actions that may have direct relevance to their current and future work. Entries are brief, but hopefully sufficient to allow you to decide whether an item is of relevance. Links to more detailed information and suggested action points are given.
Produced by the External Funding Team, Economic Development Division, Infrastructure Services Department.
Angus Funding News
The Angus Funding News is a monthly funding bulletin produced by Angus Council External Funding Team in collaboration with Angus Association of Voluntary Organisations.