A new report has unveiled the key barriers preventing ethnic minority social entrepreneurs from accessing investment.

The Access Report, conducted by social enterprise Dechomai alongside social investors Firstport and Social Investment Scotland (SIS), investigated the understanding, perception, and availability of social investment among ethnic minority social entrepreneurs in Scotland.

The report found that 70% of investment providers do not have goals or targets for engaging with and investing in ethnic minority social entrepreneurs and over three quarters of investors surveyed (76%) offer ‘one size fits all’ products, overlooking the unique needs and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs from black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds.

The barriers identified include low awareness of the social investment market, little or no wraparound support during the application process, low levels of trust in financial institutions and difficulty navigating the business support ecosystem.

The report outlines a series of recommendations and opportunities to increase the awareness of social investment among ethnic minority social entrepreneurs and some of the interventions that would allow this group to access and benefit from social investment products so they can scale their social impact.

The findings from the Access Report were presented at a series of roundtable events in Edinburgh and Glasgow throughout April. Attended by investors, academics, entrepreneurs, and social enterprise support providers, the events aimed to highlight the findings amongst industry leaders, discuss the recommendations and call stakeholders to action to implement the report’s recommendations.

Social Investment Scotland and Firstport, who supported the research, pledged their commitment to developing a social investment-readiness programme tailored to ethnic minority social entrepreneurs, aiming to open for applications in the autumn.

The research was funded by the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund, which aims to support organisations that push Scotland’s business community forward, focusing on organisations that help entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds.

Bayile Adeoti, Founder of Dechomai, who conducted the research, said: “In launching the ACCESS report on the barriers faced by Ethnic Minority Social Entrepreneurs, it was essential to shed light on the systemic barriers that hinder their success and innovation. This report advocates for equitable policies and initiatives that dismantle these barriers, fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape where all can thrive based on merit and innovation, regardless of background.

“The recommendations in the report are for all to action, deliver and be held accountable for. There isn’t a silver bullet, this requires a system-wide approach. Unless everyone in the ecosystem is involved, it will only be seen as an ethnic minority issue. This report is also a great example of effective collaboration and equitable partnerships. Let’s create change together.”

Alastair Davis, CEO of SIS, said: “Equitable access to investment is crucial to helping Scotland’s ethnic minority social entrepreneurs thrive and play their part in delivering a wellbeing economy. However, this report exposes the weaknesses within the social investment market which are currently hindering such access. By reducing the barriers facing this group, the report’s recommendations can act as a catalyst in helping to level the playing field.

“SIS is committed to acting upon these recommendations through a range of targeted support programmes and initiatives, which we’ll be developing over the coming year. We would also encourage other stakeholders form across the social enterprise ecosystem to get behind these recommendations and take appropriate action.”

Gael Drummond, Firstport CEO, said: “At Firstport, we believe support should be designed around people and shaped by reality. The Access report’s findings are a sobering reminder that only by understanding the needs and challenges faced by the people we seek to help, we can offer tailored products that allow them to thrive.

“The report outlines clear recommendations to break down the barriers faced by ethnic minority social entrepreneurs seeking investment. We are ready to spring into action and look forward to working with Dechomai, SIS and other stakeholders in the ecosystem to find systemic solutions that help ethnic minority social entrepreneurs to access the investment they need to realise their ambitions and scale their impact.”

To read the report’s findings and recommendations, visit the Firstport website.

An East Lothian artist has been commissioned to design and create a unique public art piece which will take centre stage in the grounds of Queen Margaret University (QMU).

Made possible by donations from members of the QMU Community, the engaging artwork will be unveiled in 2025 to coincide with QMU’s 150^th anniversary celebrations.

Artist Martha Ellis, a resident of Musselburgh, was selected out of a pool of applicants to create the piece which can be enjoyed by students, staff, visitors and the local community.

The aim is to capture the people and activities which make up QMU, both from the past and present, creating a piece that will inspire all who visit, study and work at the campus.

Martha Ellis is a visual artist with a passion for showcasing a ‘sense of place’ in her signature ‘cut-out’ drawing style using sheet metal. This is one of her first public commissions.  She said: “This project will not only enable me to flourish as an individual, but it will also add to the creative offering within my own local area.

“The concept is to capture the community so that its members recognise themselves in the artwork. To do so, I will engage in all things QMU – taking part in public engagement activities, delving into the university archives, physically being in and around the campus, and chatting with students and staff to build up a clearer picture of what makes QMU what it is!

“Given that QMU has expertise in the creative and cultural sectors, creative practice and community arts, I know there will be lots of opportunities to engage with the University community on this project.

“From my research into QMU so far, I have been struck by the many amazing things that the University has achieved – and continues to achieve.”

Martha is known for her unique wall mounted and free-standing artworks which she creates in her studio in Edinburgh. With a background teaching art and design in schools, over the years she has enjoyed developing her use of laser cutting technology to create bold and stylised cut-out artworks.

Martha introduces the effect of light and shadow, by mounting the drawings slightly off the wall or with her free-standing pieces which have shadows that move with the changing position of the sun. This unpredictable element to the work is a playful contrast to the clean bold lines of the cut edge – a deliberately interactive and living aspect to her art.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “I am incredibly thankful to our donors who have made this project possible by supporting our vision for a unique piece of public art, created by a local artist. This is a great example of the power of philanthropy at QMU and showcases the impact our donors continue to make on the QMU Community.

“Queen Margaret University is all about people – improving people’s lives, producing graduates who can make a difference in the world, conducting research that has a positive impact on others, supporting students to achieve their goals, and creating a strong sense of community where everyone is welcome and where we support each other.

“We are sure this piece of art will not only be visually engaging but will also connect with the variety of people who make up our wider QMU community.

“This project is to mark and celebrate a very impactful and important time in QMU’s history as we come together in 2025 to celebrate 150 years of our pioneering institution and we look forward to Martha’s artwork taking centre stage.”

Reacting to this morning’s inflation data, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

  

“Today’s data showing CPI inflation is at 2.3% is positive news that should help settle nerves and increase the likelihood of an interest rate cut in the coming months.  

  

“Other recent data would support a rate cut, with the economy growing by a larger than expected 0.6% in the first quarter and signs the labour market is cooling. However, this has been a four-year inflation crisis, and prices are not falling, only going up at a slower rate. 

 

“Uncertainty will persist with global conflicts and trade wars threatening supply chains. Real wage costs also continue to grow – our most recent business survey found almost half of firms expect their prices to rise over the next three months, with labour costs cited as the main driver. 

  

“While the outlook may have brightened, the skies aren’t yet fully clear. UK firms need to see a long-term vision for the UK economy from politicians, including action on making trade easier, especially with the EU.”   

Full-service legal firm Gilson Gray has scooped the title of Best Estate Agency in the 2024 Scottish Business Awards, recognising the high standards of services it provides to people buying and selling homes in Edinburgh and Lothians.

The firm picked up the award at the 10^th annual ceremony held on Sunday 19^th May after being nominated by public vote earlier in the year. Judges commended the quality of its residential property offering across its teams based in Edinburgh and North Berwick and its exceptional customer satisfaction.

Following the win, Gilson Gray will progress to the grand final of the awards in November, competing against other regional winners for title of Best Estate Agency.

The award comes as the firm celebrates its 10^th anniversary, having launched in Edinburgh in 2014. The growing UK-wide estate agency team now spans across locations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, East Lothian, Dundee and Lincoln, with further expansion planned.

Matthew Gray, managing director at Gilson Gray, said: “This year we celebrate a decade of Gilson Gray it is great to pick up this accolade which celebrates our team’s unwavering dedication and exceptional hard work over the last 10 years.

“Putting client service at the forefront of our endeavours has always been our top priority and alongside our exciting growth into Dundee and Aberdeen we are replicating our service to support clients all over the country. We have embraced modern, interactive technology, and steadfastly upheld and evolved the principles of traditional estate agency. We ensure that our services are tailored to meet the bespoke requirements of each and every client, helping them to buy and sell homes across the country.”

A brand-new collection of 241 homes has been released at Longniddry Village situated on the East Lothian coast, the award-winning development from Places for People and Cruden Homes in association with Wemyss and March Estates. Following strong sales in the earlier phase of the development, a new range of modern country, spacious homes have been released for sale in this attractive and established community.

Located just twenty minutes from Edinburgh by train, Longniddry Village combines a peaceful coastal setting with friendly village living and convenient amenities. The second phase of the development includes 193 homes for private sale, ranging in size from two to five-bedrooms to cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers. The properties are designed in a choice of house types including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, bungalows and apartments, all built to the highest standards with unique period features.

Named ‘Large Development of the Year’ at the Homes for Scotland Awards 2023, Longniddry Village is inspired by the aesthetic and appeal of attractive East Lothian villages and towns. With its traditional architectural style and welcoming atmosphere, it forms a seamless extension to the existing local community. Residents will also benefit from additional amenities at the heart of the development within Longniddry Steading, a beautifully restored complex of listed farm buildings, which Wemyss and March Estates is converting into 21 characterful and varied commercial units, with occupants anticipated to include a cafe and restaurant, a Margiotta food and drink store, a cookery school, and beauty salon, opening across late 2024 and into 2025.

Allison Sutherland, Sales and Marketing Director from Places for People, said: “We are delighted with the high levels of demand we are experiencing on our initial release of homes on Phase 2. It’s not surprising that the opportunity to move into an attractive and established village development in a breath-taking coastal location is proving so popular among buyers and it’s a joy to see this exciting new community come to life. We recommend anyone interested in these modern country homes to get in touch without delay.”

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director from Cruden Homes commented: “Longniddry Village is a unique and special community which is in high demand – highlighted by the fact that 60% of homes in our first release were snapped up within just days of the launch of Phase 2.

“I would encourage prospective buyers to experience how spectacular this development is by visiting the stunning showhomes to see for themselves the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that sets the development apart.

“With our Phase 2 customers set to move in from Autumn 2024, we are looking forward to seeing this award-winning development continue to thrive.”

Places for People and Cruden Homes were handpicked by the landowner Wemyss and March Estates to help shape and realise their vision for a place where residents will thrive, combining great design with modern convenience, in accordance with a unique masterplan and design code. The traditionally inspired architecture includes period style features such as sash windows, chimneys and high ceilings. Interior accommodation is spacious and airy, complete with high-quality fixtures and fittings that include modern shaker style kitchens with integrated appliances, built-in wardrobes, stylish bathrooms and fibre broadband.

The homes are surrounded by generous, landscaped outdoor space with a village green, wildflower meadow and mill pond creating a green setting that encourages biodiversity and provides nature-filled spaces for neighbours to come together. Residents will be able to take advantage of the many facilities within walking distance in Longniddry, including the community centre that is home to the local library and other groups and activities. For families, the village primary school and two secondary schools are in easy reach, with a play park planned. Places for People and Cruden Homes have been active in contributing to the life of the village, recently donating to the renovation of the primary school garden.

The wider area is a big draw for house-hunters as East Lothian is often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK. The rugged coastline offers unspoilt beaches, inspiring scenery and outdoor adventure, yet it well-connected by road and rail. From Longniddry train station, which is on the doorstep of the development, train services into the centre of Edinburgh take just twenty minutes and to North Berwick in under 15. An off-road National Cycle Route extends from the station along a former branch line through rolling countryside to the handsome county town of Haddington.

Homes at Longniddry Village are currently available priced from £289,950 for a two-bedroom apartment.

For further information on the new homes available at Longniddry Village, please visit:

https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2 or https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/new-homes/find-a-new-home/longniddry-village/

Leading law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) has continued its annual tradition of supporting good causes by donating more than £4,314 to six local charities.

The charities benefiting from this year’s donation include Refuweegee, Edinburgh Food Project, Trussell Trust in Glasgow, Start-up Stirling in Stirling, Dunfermline Food Bank, and Blythswood Care in Inverness, charities located within the firm’s five office areas.

Each of the selected charities play a crucial role in addressing various social challenges, from providing food security to offering support services to vulnerable individuals and families.

Fraser Gillies, Managing Partner at WJM, said: “In the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s more crucial than ever for businesses to step up and support those who are most vulnerable.

“It is important for businesses like ours to put a bit back into the communities in which we live and work, and we can only hope that our contribution will provide some relief and support to those who are struggling to make ends meet.”

He added: “We are proud to help contribute to these admirable organisations, who play a vital role in providing assistance and support to those in need.”

Executive Chef Stefano Battani of world renowned restaurant, Cucine Nervi, has created a bespoke Italian menu exclusive for those dining at Commons Club’s Chef’s Table in June

 The partnership forms part of Commons Club’s Chef’s Table experience, where guests can try the finest cuisine from around the world with a new chef collaboration each month

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of the capital with the launch of its June Chef’s Table experience. The new menu forms part of the hotel’s unique Chef’s Table offering which gives guests the chance to sample the very best cuisine from around the world with different themed menus and chef collaborations each month.

Exclusively for June, the hotel’s flagship restaurant Commons Club, led by Chef de Cuisine, Emma Hanley, has partnered with Stefano Battani, Executive Chef of critically acclaimed Cucine Nervi, to introduce a bespoke menu using the finest Scottish seasonal produce.

The menu has been specially curated with dishes inspired by the Piedmont region in northwest Italy, where Cucine Nervi is based. To start, guests can enjoy mouthwatering Amuse-Buche’s of Gnocco Fritto and Tuna Crudo, before having the chance to try one of Piedmont’s most well-known dishes, Vitello Tonnato with an Asian twist. Stefano’s variation, exclusively for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Chef’s Table, is named Veil Tataki and involves the veal being marinated in Asian flavours for several hours before being served with roasted Piedmont hazelnuts and tuna mayonnaise to create the ultimate umami explosion.

For pasta fans, Stefano has incorporated one of his signature dishes into the menu: Ravioli with Chicken Farci, coated in sweet paprika, coconut cream and served with a warm wild garlic sabayon. Also on the menu is Roasted Cod, covered in ‘cacio e pepe’ cream and served with broad beans and basil salad with confit lemon skins to give a sweet and sour flavour on finish. For dessert, Stefano has created his own take on the iconic Tiramisu with a 70% Dark Chocolate Mousse served with coffee caramel and mascarpone ice-cream. To finish, guests can enjoy refreshing Amalfi Lemon Ice Cream Cones.

Emma Hanley and Stefano Battani will launch the new menu by co-hosting an intimate three-hour dining experience on 1^st June for guests at Commons Club restaurant. The Chef’s Table will then be expertly led by Emma for the remainder of the month.

Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club, said: “I first worked with Stefano several years ago in Melbourne and I am thrilled to be joining forces again to introduce our Italian menu for June. 

“We place huge importance on using seasonal produce at Commons Club restaurant and this menu is no exception. From foraged wild garlic to sun ripened tomatoes, guests will be taken on a culinary journey straight to Northern Italy using the finest local ingredients.

“Stefano and I share a passion for innovative, global cuisine and this shines through in the menu. I look forward to welcoming guests from the 1^st June to enjoy one of the city’s most unique dining experiences”.

Based in Gattinara, Piedmont, Italy, Michelin Guide Cucine Nervi, is a contemporary restaurant with a completely open kitchen and has been led by Stefano Battani since 2021. Stefano will soon be taking up a new position as Head Chef at fine dining Italian restaurant, Roberto’s Ristorante, in Dubai.

Stefano Battani, Executive Chef at Cucine Nervi, said: “Emma and I collaborated at Cucine Nervi in Italy last year and I eagerly accepted the opportunity to partner with Emma again, but this time in her kitchen.

“We both bring a fresh perspective to the table and this menu proves to be a fusion of traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. The combination of seasonal Scottish produce and authentic Italian techniques reflects the best of both worlds and I am excited to introduce some new Italian flavours to Edinburgh and meet guests on the 1^st June”.

The ‘Chef’s Table Goes to Italy’ experience will begin on Saturday 1^st June and run throughout the month from Thursday to Saturday weekly from 7pm, with prices starting from £75. The experience can be booked exclusively as a private event or for individual diners, where guests can expect an intimate three-hour sociable dining experience on a long-shared table.

Reservations can be made by visiting: Commons Bar & Restaurant – VH Edinburgh Reservations (sevenrooms.com).

With chef partners still to be announced, takeover highlights for the remainder of 2024 also include:

• July & August: The Chef’s Table goes to Scotland
• September: The Chef’s Table goes to France
• October: The Chef’s Table goes to the Middle East
• November & December: The Chef’s Table goes to Great Britain

You can find out more information about Commons Club and The Chef’s Table experience here: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/eat-drink/commons-club/

You can also follow along on social media here: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Following the recent financial investment decision and secured funding for the re-development of the Ardersier Port, Scotland; Turner & Townsend will continue to work as strategic project and commercial management advisor to port owner, Haventus, as the project moves into the construction delivery phase.

After an initial investment of £300m from energy investment firm Quantum Capital Group in 2023, Haventus has secured a further £100m joint credit facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank and UK Infrastructure Bank.

As the UK’s largest brownfield port, which is located around 14 miles (16km) east of Inverness, the site will continue to be redeveloped to enable the deployment of offshore wind installations to the North Sea. This will include capability for large scale manufacturing and assembly, and logistics, storage and marshalling of offshore wind components.

Alongside this, the Port’s regeneration will help boost the surrounding economy by using local supply chains where possible, creating homegrown jobs during construction and operation, as well as assisting the UK on its journey to net zero.

Turner & Townsend has been working closely with Haventus from the early stages of the project, delivering project and commercial management and project controls services. The global consultancy will undertake the role of commercial and project management strategic advisor to Haventus as well as provide overall project assurance and coordination of the phase 1 programmes. This all sits alongside the business’ provision of full risk management services and ongoing strategic advice.

Turner & Townsend Infrastructure Director, Scotland, Steven Jackson commented:

“The renewable energy sector is an area of huge growth and opportunity for the UK; and the regeneration of the port will play a vital role in enabling Scotland to meet its net-zero aspirations.

“This appointment strengthens our longstanding experience in delivering Scottish infrastructure and we are excited to be involved in regenerating the port to its former glory.”

Applications are now open for funding to subsidise AI skills training for businesses in areas as diverse as advertising, translation and administration and many more. The Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot aims to help small and medium sized businesses to increase their efficiency and productivity through training employees in AI skills that will be vital for the future.  The stakeholder toolkit provides relevant information and key talking points about this pilot.

If you have any queries regarding the fund, please email aiskills@dsit.gov.uk.   

If you have any questions around the application process please email ggms_aiupskilling@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.