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, but those with larger numbers of 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
EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation
FSB calls for better export support as EU's new product safety rules came into effect. Commenting on the EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation, which came into effect on 13 December, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The EU’s upcoming General Product Safety Regulation will be a real barrier to international trade for some of our small firms looking to export to EU member states, but also move goods to Northern Ireland. Governments from both sides should look at removing unnecessary trade barriers, not least those arising from the product safety rules, for small businesses in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperative Agreement review in 2026.”
Read the full press release here.
Glasgow In-Person Networking, 30 January
Kick off your 2025 with a popular, informal networking event – join our Glasgow In-Person Networking and develop and grow your business contacts through our national network of events. This face-to-face meeting in Glasgow city centre, will be held at FSB offices at 58 Waterloo Street G2 7DA. It's an opportunity to meet fellow members, business contacts and FSB staff. Book your free place now!
In other news
FSB Scotland tells Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry of extreme pandemic challenges
A lack of reliable local economic data and difficulties in turning high-level Ministerial announcements into practical actions in real businesses hampered efforts to mitigate the economic impact of Covid, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has told the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry. On the opening day of evidence on the business and welfare impact of the pandemic, FSB told Lord Brailsford’s Inquiry that it proved hard “to fit the world in which FSB members live and do business into the world that government inhabits”. Read more here.
Still in the news
Helping your businesses stay warm for less this winter
During colder months, even the smallest inefficiencies will waste hard-earned profits, increase carbon footprints, and impact a business and its staff’s comfort and productivity. So, to help businesses stay warm for less, Business Energy Scotland’s
advisors have put together a new guide packed with quick and easy tips that businesses can start implementing right away to save energy and money. They are also offering a series of free training webinars designed to help businesses learn practical ways to reduce energy use, cut costs, and stay comfortable through the colder months. For more information, click here.
Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund
The Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund has been established to assist organisations and communities in Glasgow city centre to create meanwhile use spaces, deliver small projects, and undertake minor improvement works. The grant will fund proposals able to demonstrate a positive impact on the city centre, enhancing its attractiveness and inclusivity. The Improvement Grant Fund is designed to address two key issues: improving the look and feel of the city centre and finding productive uses for vacant property. The maximum grant amount will be £20,000.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the West of Scotland is Hisashi Kuboyama. 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]
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