Business News Round Up (22/11/2024)
Greater Manchester SMEs to benefit from new export support scheme
Greater Manchester’s businesses will be the very first in the country to benefit from an enhanced support scheme to help them export to more markets around the world. The Enhanced Trade Partnership has been set up between the Department for Business & Trade and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to get more businesses exporting. The scheme will pool resources available at an international, national and regional level into one place to ensure new and existing exporters have the best tools at their disposal. It will mean expert international trade advisers will combine resources for the very first time with partners like the Growth Company and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Scottish surveyors say demand for green buildings is ‘on the rise’
New research has revealed that 46% of surveyors in Scotland think occupier demand for green or sustainable buildings has risen in the past year. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) latest Sustainability Report showed that while the UK has made strides in carbon reduction across buildings and infrastructure, further action is needed to meet national and global climate goals. It found that 41% of Scottish respondents currently do not measure embodied carbon, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 43%. Looking at factors deemed to be holding back the industry, in Scotland 31% stated that a lack of government incentives and policy uncertainty are preventing the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. In Scotland, high initial costs of sustainable or green building practices and materials appeared to be a barrier, with 66% reporting this as a challenge.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-surveyors-say-demand-green-34164118
Manchester emerges as a frontrunner in the UK regional office market
A new data and research centre has been launched to “power economic growth” for the West of England. The Brunel Centre will bring together businesses and universities with policymakers to support regional growth and industrial strategy. It has been created by the University of Bath with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Futures West. The centre will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis, with and for the West of England. Located in Bath and Bristol, alongside a virtual data observatory, its main aim when it formally launches in April 2025 will be on tackling long-term economic challenges for the region. This includes raising productivity, growth and innovation, and supporting key regional sectors and firms, including in clean energy, digital and data, and business services.
Scottish Hospitality to pay up to 70% more business rates than England
UKHospitality Scotland is calling for the Scottish Government to introduce at least 40% business rates relief for hospitality businesses. New analysis from UKHospitality Scotland reveals that Scottish hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts, if the Scottish Government doesn’t act to introduce business rates relief in its Budget. Compared to hospitality businesses in England receiving 40% relief, Scottish businesses would be at a significant disadvantage if they were denied business rates relief for a third year in a row: A local pub would pay almost £6,000 more – 66% more than an equivalent business in England. A town centre restaurant would pay almost £10,000 more – 66% more than an equivalent business in England. A hotel would pay £26,000 more – 70% more than an equivalent business in England.