In summary
2025 looks set to be a challenging year for employers. FSB lobbying managed to protect the smallest employers from changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, however those with larger numbers of well-paid staff will see significant cost increases due to changes in Employer National Insurance contributions. I’m sure many of you have done the calculations and are considering making difficult decisions. Remember: FSB provides 24/7 HR and Employment Law advice, should you need it.
Featured news and events
What is Regional Edge?
The purpose of Regional EDGE is to broaden the reach of Scottish EDGE support and ensure that businesses across Scotland, particularly those in regions that may not have previously engaged with EDGE, feel encouraged to participate.
DEADLINE for applications: 20 January 2025!
Backed by £400,000 of Scottish Government funding, the funds will be allocated via a competitive Scottish EDGE process delivered by region specific partners across the North East, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Angus, Perth and Kinross, and the Highlands and Islands.
Each region will deliver its own ‘finals’, all individually resulting in five winners. Awards in each region will consist of one £50,000 top award (70/30 loan/grant split), two £15,000 (grant only), and two £10,000 awards (grant only). Find out more and apply here.
Scotland Women In Business – Virtual Networking
FSB Women in Business Group was established in 2020 to create a safe, positive and encouraging space for female SME business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs to come together and share ideas and challenges.
This 1-hour virtual networking event gives attendees the chance to meet other female business owners to expand their business networks, and discuss key issues and challenges they face in their businesses in a constructive and confidential setting.
Business owner and FSB Region Chair (Scotland), Pauline Weddell, will lead and host the next meeting, 10.30-11.30 on Tuesday 11 February, with support from North Scotland Development Manager, Mike Duncan. Book your free place here. To see all FSB Scotland events in January, click here.
In other news
Record £187m tourism boost for Moray Speyside
Tourism in Moray Speyside is now worth a record £187m to the local economy after seeing visitor numbers leap by around a quarter. The latest industry data suggests a 25 per cent increase in visits between 2022 and 2023, bringing the total number of visitors to over 877,000 for the first time.
Gemma Cruickshank, CEO of Visit Moray Speyside, said:
“Over the past few years, our industry has faced unique challenges, from the global pandemic to the introduction of short-term let licenses. Despite these hurdles, our unity and collaboration have been a beacon of hope.
“Ensuring that the voice of Moray's tourism businesses is heard remains our priority. Through targeted efforts, we are working hard to ensure that the specific needs and challenges of our tourism sector are taken into account.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to the prosperity of Moray. There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, but together, we have shown that our community is capable of growth. Through continued collaboration and a shared vision, we are confident that we will overcome any challenges that arise.”
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 4 FSB members:
- Laura Henderson, Just a Wee Gift
- Leanne Flockhart, Sweet Mamma’s Kitchen
- Deirdre Aitken, Highland Blindcraft
- Fiona Lindsay, Bridge Communication
And in the Courier, you’ll find one FSB member:
If you’re interested in being a Small Business Focus contributor, please get in touch.
Still in the news
Is it time to hire your first employee?
With the impending Workers Rights Bill and recent increases to employer’s National Insurance Contributions, employing someone for the first time remains a huge challenge for any business owner. However, Aberdeenshire Council is providing £1,000 grants for those looking to employ someone for the first time. Click to check the eligibility criteria, and start your application.
For additional support provided in Aberdeenshire, including their Business Start-up Grant Scheme and Employer Recruitment Incentive, check the business pages of the council website.
To get advice or assistance, contact the Enterprising Aberdeenshire team.
The Latest HMRC Employer Bulletin
The December/January edition of the HMRC Employer Bulletin brings you all the latest HMRC updates and guidance to support employers, payroll professionals and agents.
Included in this edition are important updates on:
- Employer National Insurance contributions and Employment Allowance changes announced at Autumn Budget 2024
- Automatic enrolment duties for festive season workers
- Confirming plans to mandate the reporting of benefits in kind through payroll software from April 2026
- The official rate of interest from 6 April 2025
- Investment Zone employer National Insurance contributions relief guidance
- Helping your employees top up their State Pension
The next HMRC Employer Bulletin will be out in February.
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