In summary
What do an Invictus Games gold medallist from Aberchirder, a kindergarten owner from Huntly, and a graphic designer and illustrator from Forfar all have in common? They’ve all featured in my Small Business Focus in the Press and Journal or Courier over the past month!
In other news, visitor levy discussions are kicking off, you can Meet the Buyer in Tayside, and I’ll see you in Laurencekirk for business networking on 12th March!
Featured news and events
Aberdeenshire food businesses warned over high-pressure sales tactics by consultancies
Aberdeenshire Council's Environmental Health Service is warning local food businesses to be aware of national consultancy companies contacting north-east operators in a misleading and intimidating manner.
Officers have recently been made aware of these consultants implying that they were acting on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council and using high pressure sales techniques to drive sign-ups.
These companies offer health and safety and food safety risk assessment services, and are trying to tie people into contracts costing £200- £250 per month.
Food Standards Scotland has also been made aware of reports concerning misleading and potentially intimidating approaches by consultants to food business operators. Recent incidents in other local authority areas highlight instances where businesses have been pressured into paying for services under misleading pretenses.
Laurencekirk In-Person Networking
Once again, working in partnership with Craig and Jacquie Donoghue, FSB are delighted to bring you this free business networking event on 12 March.
Join us in the cosy surroundings of the Blue Sky Swim Studio- the only swimming pool on Laurencekirk High St (probably) - to meet like-minded small business owners from across the Aberdeenshire and Angus business community.
This event is open to anyone, so you don't have to be an FSB member to book in. I'll say a wee bit about FSB Membership and Craig along with Ross Skene of One Stop Waste Solutions, will advise on how your business can stay ahead of the new waste regulations and increased environmental taxes. Clearly, this event is not to be missed!
Importantly, there will be plenty time for networking and refreshments will be provided.
Browse all FSB Scotland events in February.
In other news
Meet the Buyer - Tayside
Did you attend the annual Meet the Buyer Tayside event, on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at the Innovation Hub at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Dundee? If you did, email me your thoughts.
Dundee City Council and the Supplier Development Programme invited local businesses of all size, and FSB were there, too!
The event provided suppliers with an opportunity to hear about upcoming contract, supply chain and sub-contracting opportunities across the Tayside region, from public and private sectors buyers.
Attendees also learned about the business support available, to help them expand their skills, grow their business and improve their chances of winning work.
FSB Small Business Focus
We’re delighted to work with The Courier in Tayside, and the Press and Journal in the North, to bring you a Small Business Focus feature every week– and this could be you!
This month, in the Press and Journal we’ve featured four FSB members:
- Elizabeth Morrison, The Kindergarten
- Chris Hakes, Strut
- Daivd Jarvis, Speaking SBC
- Stuart Fox, Highland Fox
And in the Courier, we've featured two FSB members:
- Freya Bigg, Faeble Arts
- Cuddy Cudworth, Priority Mind Management
If you’re interested in being a Small Business Focus contributor, please get in touch.
Still in the news
Low Pay Commission meetings in Dundee
The Low Pay Commission is holding meetings with employers and workers in Dundee on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March. They want to hear first-hand evidence about the impact of the National Minimum Wage. Your evidence will help shape their recommendations to the Government on the future of the minimum wage.
They want to talk with you about:
- The economy and labour market in your area.
- The outlook for pay and employment in your business.
- How employers are affected by the rising minimum wage.
- Your views on the future of the minimum wage.
It’s important that the voice of small business is heard regarding the Minimum Wage. If you have views to share and are interested in taking part, please email [email protected] or call: 07341 098734.
Zero Waste Scotland Circular Economy Survey
Urban Foresight have been tasked with developing the Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan for Tayside. They would like your help by taking a few minutes to complete this survey.
They say that developing a strong circular economy offers significant economic, social and environmental benefits for all, and they want to capture the views of Tayside businesses and organisations to help shape the actions required to ensure success.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete and completing the survey gives you the chance to win a £50 Scotland Loves Local Gift Card for either Perth and Kinross, Dundee or Angus.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the North East Scotland is Mike Duncan. 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_MikeD
- follow us on Facebook: FSBScotland