In summary
This month, FSB Scotland is launching a major new survey to listen to your views on a wide range of business topics and we’re powering ahead with a great selection of networking events aimed at helping you to grow your business network. In addition to the following, we’re working hard on new ways we can help support your business throughout the year.
Read on to find out more.
Featured news and events
FSB Scotland Big Small Business Survey 2025
Did you know that each and every day, FSB Scotland is lobbying government on your behalf? From local councils, to the Scottish Government and through to the UK Government, FSB is working hard with politicians and officials to try to secure the best deal for small businesses on things like tax, regulation and skills. To help us to reflect your views, we need to understand what FSB members are thinking across a wide range of issues and every couple of years, we ask you to complete a survey to help us to achieve this. This survey is a little longer than some of our regular ones, so when you have some time, please grab a cuppa and share your thoughts with us. This really helps us to get a better deal for you from government.
Edinburgh In-Person Networking
Our recent FSB Edinburgh networking events at Bonnie & Wild in the St James Quarter have attracted over 60 attendees. Why not come along and find out what the fuss is about at our next event on 13 March? Our fantastic venue is just a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh’s Waverley station and is drawing business owners from far and wide. This is the perfect opportunity to grow your business network and have some fun along the way!
In other news
Confidence falls to four-year low among Scottish small businesses
Confidence among Scotland’s small businesses has fallen to its lowest level since the height of the pandemic, new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveal.
FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) found confidence fell to -67.2 in Q4, 2024, its lowest level since Q4, 2020, when it stood at -69. The latest results represent the third consecutive quarterly slide in small business optimism north of the border, dropping from –41.2 in Q3 last year. Read the full press release here.
Universities and Colleges make Community Wealth Building Commitment
The universities and colleges across Edinburgh and South East Scotland have united to sign a transformative Community Wealth Building Pledge, solidifying their commitment to driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region. Enabled by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESES CRD) and developed with guidance from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), the pledge includes commitments to:
- Support local SMEs through procurement
- Strengthen community-based ownership and resilience
- Promote fair employment practices and accessible career pathways
This initiative highlights the collective efforts of regional education institutions to empower communities, nurture talent, and create a prosperous, equitable future.
FSB Scotland hopes that this will open up new opportunities for small businesses in the east of Scotland. Do you do business with local colleges or universities? Let us know.
Still in the news
Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive
The Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive (EERI) provides the opportunity for employers to access up to £8,000 of funding to contribute towards the costs of recruiting and employing a new employee. This Scottish Government funding is specifically designed to help people who reside in Edinburgh, and may have a perceived employability barrier, to secure fair employment. The fund is administered by City of Edinburgh Council and further information including the online application is available on their website Edinburgh’s Employer Recruitment Incentives (EERI) – The City of Edinburgh Council. You can also get in touch with the EERI team direct (email: [email protected] tel: 0131 529 3139), who are on hand to answer any queries and support you in accessing the funding.
West Lothian Cyber Security Grant
Technology is fundamental for businesses to operate, however, it creates both opportunities and risks. Cyber security is how organisations reduce the risk of a cyber-attack. Businesses can protect their digital devices and processes in a range of ways. This voucher scheme aims to support businesses to improve their knowledge, understanding and strategy towards handling cyber security and protecting valuable information for the company.
An award of up to £1,000 is available to businesses in West Lothian to help them to achieve the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) endorsed Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certificate. More information can be found here or to register your interest, email [email protected]. Any projects funded must be completed by the 1 March 2025.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the East of Scotland is Garry Clark. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSB_GarryC
- follow us on Facebook
- Follow Garry on LinkedIn