In summary
Our Small Business Index (SBI) results are now out. Do they chime with you? We’re still keen to hear from you as part of our Big Small Business Survey -more below.
Have you joined one of our events recently? We’re rolling out more in-person events across the Highlands Islands starting in Inverness on 18 March. More on our events calendar.
Do get in touch using any of the channels below with any issues or queries.
Featured news and events
FSB Scotland Big Small Business Survey 2025
Have you submitted your views? We’ve launched our biggest ever state of the nation survey project, The Big Small Business Survey and we need your help! The aim is to give small businesses, and by extension the communities you represent, a louder voice and to make sure your views continue to be represented to local councils, to the Scottish Government and through to the UK Government. Responses are anonymous and the 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.
Spring Clean Your Business: Lean Management & Process Mapping Event
March is the perfect time to give your business a fresh start! Join us for an insightful event in Inverness, where we’ve partnered with Peer Works to bring you a powerful blend of networking and peer-to-peer learning. This event focuses on Lean Management and Process Mapping, offering strategies to maximize productivity by eliminating waste.
Gain valuable insights from industry experts Bruce Storrier (The Williamson Group Ltd.) and John Johnston (SMAS Specialist) as they share proven methods for streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.
FSB membership guru Jim Aitken will also be on hand to answer any membership questions.
Whether you're a business owner or manager in manufacturing, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, learn best practices, and leave with actionable strategies to improve your business processes.
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.
Learning journey to Iceland
Iceland Innovation Week brings together start-up founders and investors from mainly the Nordics and North America. The event has six themes: Disruptive tech, Sustainability, Investors, Health, Gaming and Deep Tech and AI and is funded by the Northern Innovation Hub and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The learning journey is open to businesses operating in the Highlands and Islands region and an opportunity to network with international founders and investors; learn about innovation in sustainability, health and tech and create links with local businesses. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
Still in the news
Two-thirds of Scottish councils considering local Visitor Levy
Two-thirds of local authorities in Scotland are considering introducing a Visitor Levy following confirmation of the country’s first scheme in Edinburgh, according to research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland.
The Highland Council launched their formal consultation, running until 31 March- More information and submit a response here.
Argyll and Bute Council recently launched their consultation with separate surveys for Business, Residents, and Visitors. Closing on 10 April you can read more here.
Shetland, Orkney and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, have jointly entered into a period of preliminary feasibility investigations before making any commitments. Formal engagement process with local communities, tourism businesses and organisations and other stakeholders will take place to gather views and insight into potential impacts and to help shape the design of a future scheme.
FSB Small Business Focus
We’re delighted to work with the Press and Journal in the North, to bring you a Small Business Focus feature every week – and this could be you!
In February, we’ve featured Inverness based Strut, run by Chris Hakes and business partner Ed Lopez. Read more about the journey here.
Also making an appearance was husband and wife team Stuart and Cath Fox from Nairn based property renovation and improvement firm, Highland Fox. More here.
Do you have a story to share? Get in touch!
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
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.
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