Enterprise

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has announced funding for skills and economic development across the South of Scotland.

A former school building which is currently lying empty in Kirkcudbright will be transformed into a Dark Skies Visitor Centre and Planetarium, through the South of Scotland Economic Partnership. With investment of £300,000 from SOSEP the building will also include a childcare facility, a youth activity centre and commerical premises for business start-ups.

Find out how 12 projects across Europe are helping to make rural areas more attractive places for young people to live and work.

A new edition of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Projects Brochure has been published by the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD). 

You can find out about a range of initiatives including:

Stirling Business Month: Rural Tourism Forum

Tourism makes a significant contribution to Stirling's economy with world-class historic attractions, diverse local produce and varied accommodation providers.

At this event, you will learn about all of the Business Support on offer for Tourism Businesses in Stirling.

AGENDA

The seventh annual British Farming Awards are now open for entries and nominations in 14 categories.

The awards celebrate the creative thinking, innovation and dedication of Britain's farmers. They are organised by AgriBriefing and supported by Morrisons. 

The award categories are:

Last night, as part of the much anticipated NetworX conference held in Brussels, the European Commissioner Phil Hogan announced the 5 winners of the inaugural Rural Inspiration Awards.

The Scottish Rural Network would like to extend a massive congratulations to all 25 finalists, and the 5 overall winners.

The winners were:

Many businesses are trying businesses are trying to distinguish themselves from their competitors. They want to attract new clients and win new markets.

Getting the recognition for your good environmental practices through VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards could be the solution. The application process is free. All applicants receive tailored feedback with details of free support available.

The 2019 categories are:

The first burger made from quality assured Real Galloway Beef is now available in Aldi Stores across Scotland.

The Galloway Cattle Society has supported the creation of the Galloway Gourmet Burger as part of the LEADER-funded 'Defining Galloway Beef' project, which aims to make Galloway beef more accessible for people to buy.

Navigating Community Ownership Event

Scottish Land and Estates is holding a practical information event for landowners on routes to community ownership, with Gillespie Macandrew LLP and Knight Frank.

The event includes expert advice on the various community right to buy mechanisms; and consider the opportunities and challenges in dealing with a request from a community for a negotiated sale.  There will be real life examples of community right to buy, including steps to take if you are considering bringing land to the market and plenty of opportunity to question and discuss. 

SLE Annual Spring Conference 2019 - Maximising the Margins

‘Maximising the margins’ – the theme of this year’s conference – will explore land use in our more challenging and fragile areas. The event will look in depth at how rural business can rise to the challenge of increasing social, economic and environmental benefits.

The conference will examine how to maximise:

HIE can help you go international!

This introductory programme is loaded with practical advice, including current Brexit considerations, and experts will work with you to develop a tailor-made Export Plan to help launch your business internationally.

Key areas covered include market analysis and entry, international finance, contracts and logistics, to ensure you lay the right foundations for exporting. 

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