Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. In Scotland, 99% of all private sector businesses are small to medium size enterprises – and they provide an estimated 1.1 million jobs*. What could you add to that mix?

Scottish tourism businesses and the fantastic work they do make up the lifeblood of our industry. The world-class standards of our accommodation providers, visitor attractions, visitor/experiences, restaurants and other businesses are why Scotland attracts so many new and returning visitors year after year.

There are plenty of examples of successful entrepreneurs and ideas. You may find reading them sparks your own imagination and inspires you to seek out and build your own enterprise – whatever its size! Students have great ideas for ventures and with a bit of perseverance and support, turn them into successful ventures.

Details of funding schemes for rural businesses in Scotland including the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Grants and support for economic, environmental and social measures to benefit rural Scotland are available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

The best time to talk to an accountant is when you first think about starting or buying your own business. The next best time is now. A little bit of time and money invested in timely advice could save you thousands of pounds and make the difference between success and failure, particularly if start-up funds are limited. We’d love to get to know you better & take some of the work off your plate. Call to book a FREE consultation or request a call back today!

Moray Chamber of Commerce is an organisation that’s here for every size of business, from those that export their products around the world, to national chains, to the smallest local enterprise. The organisation as it is today is focused on having a fresh outlook on business and delivering a dynamic, supportive, informative and professional service to every one of its members. These days the core purpose of Moray Chamber is to energise the local economy by supporting, connecting, protecting and educating local businesses. We’re working hard to develop our reputation as the ‘go to’ networking organisation in Moray Speyside, by proactively connecting and supporting businesses across the region. We think that one of the best ways we can add value to the local business community is to enable effective business relationships between businesses of all sizes, types and at all stages of development. As part of this, we’re committed to delivering training and events tailored perfectly to members’ needs. And after all these years, we’re still focused on making sure we continue to be ‘in the know’ regarding national and local business issues, so that we can champion Moray Speyside’s interests, lobby local and national government on relevant issues, and continue in the footsteps of the founding members. As membership has grown, the office based team has also grown and we’re very proud of our professional, timely, can do attitude and approach! What’s more, we’re a friendly and welcoming team, so don’t hesitate to pop in and see us if you have any questions. Office 6 Caledonian House 164 High Street Elgin Moray

The local government’s role in Economic Development is guided by the Scottish Government’s priorities and strategies. In partnership with organisations across all sectors, the Council is working on a strategic plan and operational level to maximise economic benefits through its strategies, decision making, investment and services. Economic Development Annual Review 2017-18 The Moray Council’s many functions, which aid the economy of Moray include: Industrial Estates - the portfolio of serviced land and available business premises in all major towns throughout Moray is one of the Council’s major contributions to Economic Development. Roads and Harbours - the service provides significant investment through upgrading and improvements to the road network, which in terms of the economy maintain the efficiency of distribution of goods and services. (Trunk roads such as A96 and A95 come under the responsibility of Transport Scotland.) It also funds and maintains the Council-owned harbours (Buckie, Burghead, Hopeman, Findochty, Portknockie and Cullen.) Promotional Facts and Figures - the Council works with the business community and the Moray Economic Partnership to support business growth and inward investment, promoting Moray as a great place to live, work and visit. The Moray Economic Partnership (MEP) is a formal partnership to support the local economy of Moray. It is part of the Community Planning framework and provides leadership and strategic direction for the economic strand of the Community Planning Partnership. The economic partnership members are Moray Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Moray College UHI, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Moray Chamber of Commerce (MCC), NHS Grampian, Highlands and Islands Transportation Partnership (Hitrans), Moray Strategic Business Forum Cairngorms National Park Authority and Third Sector Interface Moray (tsiMoray). The partners all have key individual influences on the economy which are increased through acts of cooperation, coordination and collaboration on a jointly devised programme of activities focussed on skills and training, culture and tourism, development, transportation, inward investment and business growth. The partners are stakeholders in the implementation of the Moray Economic Strategy.

Situated in the idyllic and resourceful north east of Scotland, The Enterprise Park, Forres offers a fantastic working environment. Extending over 100 acres this inspirational business park has a wide range of high quality and flexible business space. The Park has been developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who can help you grow your business in this supportive and collaborative location.

Mark Adrien Richards has served the tourism and business community for over twenty-five years. Specialising in providing professional Corporate, Advertising, P.R., Editorial, Fine Art, Architecture, Aerial and Industrial photography with a creative edge. If you have a commission or project you would like to discuss or if you require information on any of our photographic and digital imaging services, please get in touch.

FSB West of Scotland is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Hisashi Kuboyama Development Manager Hisashi.Kuboyama@fsb.org.uk

SCC we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of our member companies and to helping them rise to the challenge, seize the opportunity and succeed in the marketplace. By joining a Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotlands largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Address: Scottish Chambers of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ

The Scottish Rural Network website is your one-stop-shop for news, events and information about rural development. We can help you connect with other people, communities, organisations and businesses across rural Scotland and beyond.

Would you like you to know how your business could benefit from digital upskilling? Training, guides, tutorials, workshops, 1:1 advice and consultancy – all for free.

Small business grants in Scotland tend to either be funded by the Scottish or UK Government, as well as the European Union (EU). Generally, the funding is either available for any business across Scotland (or for businesses intending to be based in Scotland). Alternatively, some grants are only available to businesses working in certain sectors or specific locations.