Help and advice
The task force is committed to Keeping the RAF in Moray. We are also focused on supporting the Moray people and the local, national and international companies which make our region such a great place to live and do business.
Moray has some of the strongest export businesses in Scotland, including the whisky industry which generates significant income to the UK Treasury. It has vibrant tourism, energy and life science sectors, all with ambitions to grow. Public agencies working in Moray are determined more than ever to promote the social and economic advantages of the area.
- Moray Economic Partnership
Moray Economic Partnership (MEP) has been set up to respond to the economic challenges facing Moray. The partnership is building upon the close links which have developed between the community, business and public agencies which came together to support the campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth and to get a fair deal for those affected by the withdrawal of the RAF from nearby Kinloss. - Kinloss Skills Partnership
The Kinloss Skills Partnership (KSP) is a group of likeminded individuals who want to promote themselves as a major source of skilled manpower to a changing business environment in the North East of Scotland. - Work club set up
Hands-on support is available now at a 'Work Club' launched this week (01 February 2011) for local people who fear their jobs could be affected by the decision at RAF Kinloss. It has been designed to create a hub for both RAF personnel and civilians where they can get information about the range of services available to support them identify new opportunities.
The Work Club has been set up at the Hive, a community facility just outside the wire at the Kinloss base, and brings together personnel from both RAF support organisations - Kinloss Skills Partnership and Career Transition Partnership and public agencies - Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Jobcentre Plus, Highland Employer Coalition and Business Gateway.
Experts will be on hand to offer tailored advice on opportunities for people's individual skills and experience and the services will grow and develop according to the various needs of those inside and outside of the base over the coming months.
For more information please email kinloss@hivegb.co.uk or call 01309 617155 - New freephone business line for all businesses in Moray 08000 884 884:
If you are concerned about the impact of MoD changes to your business you can now call a new business support line on 08000 884 884.The business line has been set up in Moray for companies of all sizes seeking advice on how to plan for the future. Whether your business is involved directly in supplying the RAF bases, or you wish to plan for potential changes to the Moray market place, please call for support. The local business information will also help the task force build up an idea of the challenges facing local businesses. - Business Gateway - for start-up businesses or business planning:
For those considering business start up or existing businesses which are planning for the future and are based in the local area, Moray Council's Business Gateway service can help. You can access information on the Business Gateway website, by calling 0845 609 6611 or you can walk into the Business Gateway office at 17 High Street, Elgin. - HIE is promoting Moray as a location for new high-growth companies seeking to invest:
HIE is working with our businesses who wish to maximise their potential to grow their products, markets or services. With Scotland Development International (SDI), HIE is promoting Moray as a location for new high-growth companies seeking to invest. Visit the SDI website for more information or contact HIE by email at international@hient.co.uk or call HIE on 01463 244478 - Skills Development Scotland (SDS) can provide information, advice and guidance on re-training; searching for vacancies; applying for jobs; redundancy issues and other support aimed to help you successfully transfer to alternative employment.
To speak to an experienced SDS advisor, call 0808 100 1855 or email info@skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak with an advisor in person, visit the SDS office at Skills Development Scotland, Careers Scotland, 7 Commerce St, Elgin IV30 1BS. You will also find further information on the SDS website. - The Flexible Training Opportunities fund: Delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the European Social Fund. It gives businesses the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs.
The programme of funding aims to help small businesses become more resilient and boost productivity and success. The fund is offered to businesses in Moray with 150 employees or less.
SDS will refund up to 50% for training courses up to a maximum of £5,000 per business. The training can be allocated to any number of employees up to a maximum of 10. For example, a business can opt to put 10 employees on courses with a value of £500 each, or alternatively, put one employee through 10 courses, with all variations in between.
To ensure they reap maximum benefits from the scheme, the initiative allows businesses to design training programmes to suit their own needs. By tailoring the training, companies can encourage staff to reach their full potential.
Courses include industry recognised qualifications, workshops and masterclasses, and now management training, but does not include statutory training such as health and safety training.
For further information and to apply please contact Skills Development Scotland on 0800 783 6000 or download the form from the SDS website.
The application process is very straightforward but assistance is available if required. The process usually takes up to five working days from application to decision.