Is Your Business Innovative? We Want to Know.

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce believes that businesses in this part of Scotland lead the way in innovation, and we want to let the rest of Scotland know that.

If your business is developing innovative new products or services, or putting a completely fresh slant on an existing product or service, or if you are developing new and exciting ways to connect with your customers, please let us know. We will do everything that we can to publicise and promote it.

Contact:- alanmitchell@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

Legal

The legal update is kindly provided by Miller Hendry.

Miller Hendry offer a full Legal and Estate Agency service across Tayside and Strathearn.

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.

Latest Updates...........

Chamber Welcomes Interest Rate Cut

Businesses in Dundee and Angus received a timely pre-Christmas boost with the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England to cut interest rates. The base rate fell by one quarter of a percent to 5.5%. Further good news followed when the country’s two biggest lenders, Halifax and Nationwide, announced that they would pass on the full cut to their lenders. This will give a welcome boost to consumer confidence in the vitally important Christmas trading period, but further cuts in interest rates will be necessary in order to avert the threat of a significant slowdown in the economy.

Bank of England Summary of Business Conditions November 2007

The latest Bank of England summary of business conditions, produced using data supplied by businesses between late September and late October, shows:

· An easing in the growth in the value of consumer spending, although aggressive discounting by retailers meant that the volume of sales was more resilient and exceeded that for sales values.

· Investment intentions fell in October, for the third successive month, driven by a sharp fall in investment intentions in the service sector. Manufacturers’ investment intentions remain strong. The tighter credit conditions that have been seen over the last few months have not had a material impact on investment plans so far.

· Despite weaker demand from the United States, demand for exports remains buoyant.

· Output growth in the construction sector remains very strong, while manufacturing growth is also strong. This was offset by a further slowdown in service sector output.

· The overall picture on labour cost growth is benign, with current levels of labour costs growing far more slowly than at the start of the year. However, demand for scarce skills in some sectors and occupational groups remain high, meaning that some firms are still experiencing very large increases in labour costs.

A copy of the full report can be obtained from www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/agentssummary/index.htm

Scottish Government Announces Spending Plans

The minority SNP Government announced its spending plans for the next three years in its first Budget on Wednesday 14 November.

Amongst the announcements that are most significant for businesses in Dundee and Angus were:

· a cut in business rates for small businesses and the ending of business
rates for the very smallest firms;

· more investment in Scotland’s trunk road network;

· higher targets for public sector efficiency;

· the removal of tolls on the Forth and Tay Road Bridges, and the allocation of
funds for planning work on the new Forth Crossing.

While these are all welcome, businesses will be disappointed that the changes to business rates will be phased over three years, rather than implemented immediately. The Government’s decision to squeeze spending on education will also be a concern to local businesses, many of whom already despair at how ill-prepared for working life many young people are when they leave school. Our two universities and our local colleges could be disadvantaged because they may find it harder to compete for good quality staff against better funded institutions in England. The aspiration to improve efficiency levels in the public services will be welcomed by many businesses, for whom improving productivity and efficiency is a pre-requisite to survival, but doubts persist as to how effective the Government will be in achieving its targets.

The other significant announcement in the Budget – a freeze in Council Tax – could also have a profound impact on business. Part of the deal the Government agreed with COSLA was to give local authorities more autonomy to determine how they spend the money that they receive. Businesses will be worried that Councils will use their new found freedom to redirect spending away from areas that benefit business to areas where there are ‘votes’ to be won at the next Council elections. Business would be horrified, for example, if spending on local road repairs and maintenance was cut back or if local authority planning departments received less investment.

Healthy Working Lives Award Programme

The Healthy Working Lives Award Programme is a national programme which provides expert advice and resources to employers with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

The programme offers a telephone advice line (0800 019 2211) offering free, confidential and expert advice on workplace health (health promotion, health & safety, occupational health, vocational rehabilitation and employability) to individuals and employers.

The Tayside Healthy Working Lives Team can help you create a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce. The award programme covers 4 levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Mental Health and Wellbeing) which include a wide range of workplace topics. The team can also assist with the development of policies including Smoking, Substance misuse etc.

Participation in the programme is free as are the services provided by the Tayside Team. To find out more about the programme contact the Tayside Healthy Working Lives Team 01382 424057, e mail patdavidson@nhs.net, visit the Healthy Working Lives site at www.healthyworkinglives.com or contact the advice line 0800 019 2211

Support for Firms Hiring Overseas Workers

The Scottish Government and the Home Office have produced an Employers’ Toolkit to assist businesses that are planning to employ overseas workers who need permission to work in Scotland. Many businesses in Dundee and Angus have already benefited from using overseas workers, and they will continue to be an important segment of the regional and the national labour force in the future. The Toolkit gives advice and information that helps companies understand the requirements that they need to fulfil when they recruit overseas workers. The Toolkit is available from http://www.scotlandistheplace.com/stitp/326.html

Protecting Your Business in Winter

Scottish Water Business Stream has issued the following useful advice for businesses to help them protect themselves over the winter.

step 1 – heat
The best possible protection for your pipes is to keep them warm. Keep your heating on low, especially when you close your business for the holidays.

step 2 – insulate

Make sure your water tank is fitted with an insulation jacket. If you can’t cover the whole tank make sure that at least the top and sides of the tank are wrapped. Also remember to insulate any toilet cisterns, water tanks and pipes which are exposed or located in unheated buildings. Alternatively if they are not in use, drain them of water.

step 3 – protect

Dripping water increases the risks of freezing pipes so have any leaks, taps or valves repaired immediately. Cold draughts can cause frozen pipe work, so make sure you fit draught excluders to any doors and windows.

For further information, contact the leak detection and repair service on 0845 602 8855.