Scottish Textile News
Scottish Enterprise is working with the eight Chambers of Commerce in Scotland who are licensed by HM Government and HMRC to issue export and import-related documentation and services. Providing expert advice and support, they can answer your questions on export and customs documentation, changes to documentation systems and associated process changes brought about by Brexit. This service is available to all companies, not just members of the Chambers. To access this support, just call your nearest Chamber.
The eight licensed Chambers are:
In readiness for an unexpected increase of over 200 million customs declarations after Brexit, some of these local Chambers of Commerce have launched ChamberCustoms, a customs brokerage service for traders.
ChamberCustoms offering includes:
Further information can be accessed via:
View further details on how customs agents, freight forwarders and express operators can help you with declarations
Access the list of customs agents and fast parcel operators
You can find out how to use a freight forwarder on the British International Freight Association and Institute of Export websites.
If you are planning to manage customs declarations for your business you can view the list of customs training providers who can help.
Prepare your business for Brexit
Brexit Checklist
Brexit Transition Toolkit
What does the EU transition period (Brexit) mean for my business?
If you have a spark of an idea that’ll make a positive difference to your business you could qualify for support. The Innovate your Business programme from Highlands and Islands Enterprise offers a Small Innovation Grant of up to £15k. To be considered for the grant, the first step is to contact the Innovation team. Applicants must:
Find out more here
MAKE | Learn: Pilot Project Manager Closing date: 5pm, Friday 30 October 2020 https://www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/make-learn-pilot-project-manager
MAKE is looking for an imaginative and experienced Education and Community Outreach Project Manager to develop and manage a pilot schools project.
MAKE | Learn is a new project, which explores the provision and development of craft education within Scotland’s primary and secondary schools.
Craft Destinations - Free Profile until March 2021 Closing date: 5pm, Saturday 31 October 2020 https://www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/free-profile-craft-destinations
Following on from the Craft Directory free offer for maker profiles which ran in August, Craft Scotland is delighted to create a free Craft Directory profile offer for Craft Destinations in Scotland. Apply during October 2020 and get a 5 months free profile (offer ends 31 March 2021).
This offer is also part of Craft Week Scotland, running from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 November 2020.
COMPASS: Selling Craft from a Retailer Perspective Event date: Tuesday 3 November 2020 https://www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/compass-selling-craft-from-a-retailer-perspective
This session with Susan Doherty, owner of destination concept store, Lifestory will give you an insight into adapting retail selling online and in-person during a pandemic.
*** COMPASS: Selling Craft from a Maker Perspective Event date: Tuesday 10 November 2020 https://www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/compass-selling-craft-from-a-maker-perspective
Gain valuable insights from jeweller/designer Stefanie Cheong, designer Alan Dibble of Green Thomas, and ceramic artist Frances Priest into how to identify alternative selling routes during the pandemic, including selling online, directly through Instagram and #artistsupportpledge. ***
Get Involved in Craft Week Scotland Event date: Monday 9 – Sunday 15 November 2020 https://www.craftscotland.org/community/opportunity/get-involved-with-craft-week-scotland-9-november-to-15-november-2020
Calling all makers, craft destinations and craft organisations - join Craft Scotland in its celebration of Scotland's contemporary craft sector. Craft Scotland is looking to raise awareness of the breadth of craft talent and skill that Scotland has to offer. Share your latest news, online exhibitions and workshops during the week using the hashtag #craftweekscotland. If you would like to list your events on the What’s On section, please get in touch with your news at hello@craftscotland.org. Craft Week Scotland will run from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 November 2020.
More funding will be made available for businesses affected by the extension of temporary restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The First Minister announced that the current temporary restrictions will remain in place until 2 November. As a result, funding for business grants over this period will be increased proportionately.
The COVID-19 Restrictions Fund will now provide one-off grants of up to £4,310 to businesses required to close by regulations.
For businesses that may remain open but are directly impacted by the restrictions, the maximum hardship fund grant will increase to £2,155.
Additionally, grants of £1,650 will help those firms that are required to close to help meet the 20% employer’s contribution that they are required to pay under the current UK Government furlough scheme.
These one-off grants are for the period until 2 November only and will be replaced by a new system of business support to complement the “levels” approach due to be debated in Parliament next week.
Details of grants available to businesses as part of Scotland’s refreshed strategic approach to suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19) have been published.
From 2 November, firms that are required by law to close will be eligible for grants every four weeks for as long as the restrictions last. Based on rateable values, awards will be for either £2,000 or £3,000.
Businesses which can remain open, but are directly constrained by the measures, will be eligible for grants worth £1,400 or £2,100, again based on rateable value.
This support is in addition to the UK Government’s revised furlough scheme launching on 1 November.
What is this fund for?
To support creative freelancers working in Scotland who are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of COVID-19.
The funds offer a one-off monetary contribution to those who are most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work as a result of the emergency situation.
Funds are finite and a high level of demand is expected. The funders ask that only those in real need apply.
There is £5m allocated towards this programme. Bursaries can be requested for any sum from £500 – £2000. If you have specific access needs, then you may request more than this.
Who can apply?
These funds are to support freelance creative professionals working in the arts and creative sector in Scotland who are experiencing immediate financial difficulty due to the loss of income as a result of COVID-19.
These roles include those whose work has direct creative outcomes as well as those in supporting roles whose work directly supports the making and presentation of creative work.
All applicants must be based in Scotland and must be able to demonstrate they were working and making income as a freelance creative professional before lockdown began (in March 2020).
How does the application process work?
To apply, you will need to do the following:
Find out more here.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is working in partnership with Business Gateway to deliver the Young Company Capital Grant Investment Scheme. The scheme will provide grant funding of up to 50% of the costs for capital equipment for start-up or young companies (less than five years old), up to a total of £50,000. A higher grant may be considered if the situation is considered exceptional.
WHAT CAN THE FUNDING BE USED FOR?
The funding can be used for the purchase of any type of capital equipment, for example:
· physical adaptations to workplaces in response to COVID-19
· equipment to enable staff to work from home
· manufacturing equipment including automation and robotics
· office equipment and furnishings
· tools and machining equipment.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
· Only SME’s with a UK registered address and evidence of economic activity in the Highlands and Islands region can apply.
· Unincorporated forms of business ownership e.g. sole trader, partnership, limited partnership and incorporated legal forms of business ownership such as limited companies, companies limited by guarantee, community interest companies, limited liability partnership are eligible to apply.
· The applicant must be a start-up business; or young businesses/social enterprise less than five years old.
You can download further guidance on the scheme here.
HOW DO I APPLY?
· Applicants who wish to apply should email enquiries@hient.co.uk for further information and an application pack.
· Once you have completed your application, please return it by email to enquiries@hient.co.uk
· The deadline for applications to be submitted is 12 noon on 23 October 2020.
Please note, this scheme is NOT operating on a first come first served basis - applications will only be assessed by HIE staff after the application deadline date.
You should hear about the outcome of your application by mid November 2020.
If you would like to talk to someone about the process or your application, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk and let HIE know how to contact you.
Applications due by 5pm, Saturday 19 October 2020 APPLY HERE Craft Scotland has an exciting opportunity for 3-4 makers, curators and craft industry professionals to join its Advisory Group. The Advisory Group advises the Craft Scotland team and Board twice yearly on new developments and more. The Advisory Group is separate from our Board and members participate on a voluntary basis for a two-year term. Craft Scotland is keen to have as broad a representation of the sector as possible the group will be representative of lived experiences, gender, disciplines/practice and geographical spread.
Applications due by 5pm, Saturday 19 October 2020
APPLY HERE
Craft Scotland has an exciting opportunity for 3-4 makers, curators and craft industry professionals to join its Advisory Group.
The Advisory Group advises the Craft Scotland team and Board twice yearly on new developments and more. The Advisory Group is separate from our Board and members participate on a voluntary basis for a two-year term. Craft Scotland is keen to have as broad a representation of the sector as possible the group will be representative of lived experiences, gender, disciplines/practice and geographical spread.
Applications due by 5pm, Friday 2 October 2020 APPLY HERE MAKE and Craft Scotland are looking for researcher(s) to work on a research paper for MAKE | Learn, a new project focusing on craft education in Scotland. MAKE | Learn is designed to strengthen Scotland’s craft sector, raise the profile of Scotland’s craft sector and develop engagement with Scotland’s craft sector by a diverse audience and user group. This work is expected to take place from November 2020 – June 2021. Please read the full information pack before applying (link opens PDF).
MAKE and Craft Scotland are looking for researcher(s) to work on a research paper for MAKE | Learn, a new project focusing on craft education in Scotland. MAKE | Learn is designed to strengthen Scotland’s craft sector, raise the profile of Scotland’s craft sector and develop engagement with Scotland’s craft sector by a diverse audience and user group.
This work is expected to take place from November 2020 – June 2021. Please read the full information pack before applying (link opens PDF).
The Scottish government has updated its guidance for manufacturing businesses.
The guidance sets out the Scottish Government’s expectations on the steps manufacturing businesses will take before and after reopening. It is provided as guidance only and does not amount to legal advice. Businesses may wish to seek their own advice to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
The guidance is available here.
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