bright news
09.03.10
Bright Light Marketing Newsletter
The latest copy of our newsletter is now available. If you would like to be sent a copy please subscribe on the website or email info@brightlightmarketing.co.uk.
This edition includes Best Practice a visit to Tiger Lily, Key trends for 2010 and a look at Borders Bingo Club.
02.03.10
The Future’s Not Bright, in fact “We’re aw Doomed!”
http://2ourism.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-futures-not-bright-in-fact-were-aw-doomed/
Interesting debate about the future of Scottish Tourism during Tourism Week! Bright Light Marketing contribute to the debate and suggest that the North East of England is a good case study of how things can work!
24.02.10
Great News for small businesses in the Borders
Scottish Borders Council’s Executive have approved the implementation of a grant funding scheme for local businesses.
The £125,000 scheme, announced as part of the Council's 2010/11 budget proposals, has the support of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, who are encouraging local businesses to take advantage of it.
The move is part of the Council’s bid to provide support to all businesses in the area through the Business Gateway, and will allow small businesses to apply for grants of up to £4000.
Executive Member for Economic Development, Councillor Vicky Davidson, said: "I am very aware how difficult small businesses are finding it to access funds at present, and with news of an upturn on the horizon it is more important than ever that they are not held back by a lack of finance. We want to make the application process as painless as possible but hope to add value by linking it to business advice from our Business Gateway team. Business Gateway will also be able to help direct businesses who require larger amounts into the South of Scotland Loan Scheme. We anticipate a good take-up and are working to get this up and running as soon as possible.”
Fiona Drane, President of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Businesses in the Scottish Borders have experienced a challenging time recently. However, initiatives such as this demonstrate that there are opportunities for small businesses to develop in the face of these challenges. Many of our members have expressed their desire for financial assistance with business development projects and this scheme will help businesses to progress their plans.”
The focus will be on businesses with up to 15-20 employees, providing 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of £4000 per business. Start-up and existing companies will be eligible, and the types of project likely to attract support include IT development, e-commerce activity and produce/process improvement
Similar schemes suggest typical grants would tend to be around £1500.
The fund will be managed by Scottish Borders Council officers. Businesses will be asked to undergo a straightforward application process, with assistance and guidance available from Business Gateway advisors.
More information on the scheme and how to apply can be obtained by e-mailing business@scotborders.gov.uk
23.02.10
Learning from Best Practice Tiger Lily!
Bright Light Marketing and Kate and Geoff from the Tontine had a brillant afternoon in Edinburgh with the Tiger Lily Team. The Tontine Team want to learn from best practice and really appreciated the time and ideas from Tiger Lily and the Montpelliar Group. See them on www.tigerlily.co.uk.
It would be great if more Tourism products could learn from one another. It is a brillant way of training and inspiring your team.
