Enterprise

Nominations are now open for the Scottish Export Awards.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes, both exporters and export advisers, are being encouraged to enter the annual awards which celebrate the entrepreneurial exporting achievements of businesses across Scotland.

The awards on offer range from micro exporter of the year all the way through to large exporter, e-commerce exporter, scale-up and entrepreneurial exporter of the year.

The National Council of Rural Advisers met formally for the first time on Wednesday (20 September 2017). The expert group, convened by the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing to look at future rural policy and support, were joined by Mr Ewing for part of the meeting as the Council began their initial discussions.

Making a Living from Local Food – Networking Event

Nourish Scotland is organising a one-day networking event for new and aspiring small local food and related businesses at the Falkland Stewardship Centre in Fife on Oct 2. There will be speakers, consultation with rural services (including the Soil Association, Business Gateway Fife, Farm Advisory Service and a Scot Gov Department of Agriculture Officer); site tours, and more!  

An interim partnership to support economic growth in the South of Scotland will be in place by the end of the 2017, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed.

The South of Scotland Economic Partnership will bring together public and private sector partners and will prepare the ground for the establishment of the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency (SOSEA).

The new agency will focus on strategic economic development, providing a voice for the South of Scotland and addressing challenges facing the area's economy.

The next application deadline for the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation scheme is 19 November 2017.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation scheme is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Do you know an outstanding rural enterprise? Why not nominate them for one of the 2018 Scottish Rural Awards?

Thirteen categories are open for nominations including the Rural Hero award, which recognises those who have gone above and beyond for their rural communities.

Renewable energy networking event

Borders Energy Agency is hosting a free networking event to consider progress with renewable energy projects across the Scottish Borders.

A number of exciting initiatives have been delivered across the Borders in recent years. Changes in Government subsidy and wider economic issues have impacted the development of projects at all scales. However, significant opportunities still exist for renewables generation in rural South Scotland.

Applications from Scottish businesses are being sought for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise by 1 September 2017. 

The world’s first 100% community-owned distillery, GlenWyvis, welcomed almost 150 new members on the day of the launch. The distillery already has some 2,600 original members who invested in the 2016 share offer and the new share offer was designed to capitalise on continued interest by opening the door to new members.  A total of over £75,000 was raised in the first 24 hours.

David O’Connor, chairman of GlenWyvis Distillery said:

Local Energy Scotland is inviting rural businesses such as farmers, land managers, crofters and rural Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to come forward with innovative project proposals by the 20th September 2017.

The new fund aims to support proposals focusing on low carbon, renewables and whole system projects including, but not limited to, aspects of heat, electricity, transport, and energy management and ownership.

Chris Morris, manager, Local Energy Scotland, said:

Pages