Small Business Bonus Scheme

From April 1, 2009 many small businesses will pay no rates.

From April 1, 2009 tens of thousands of small businesses will pay no rates at all under the Scottish Government's small business bonus scheme.

You could save up to almost £4,000 a year, depending on your rateable value. An eligible business property will save on average £1400 in 2009-10.
What's the catch?

There isn't one! The Scottish Government wants to help genuinely small businesses, particularly in the current economic climate.

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Hillington gets ready to ROCCO!

Six Hillington-based companies have been shortlisted for one or more of the annual ROCCO Awards, presented by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. Among them is MEPC Hillington Park, which has been cited for the ‘Best Environmental Performance’ award.

The nine ‘Oscars’ of the local business world will be handed out at a glittering award ceremony on Friday November 20, and MEPC is also sponsoring the award for the most promising new business.

Nominated companies include Innovation Centre-based NS Design, who have recently won new business that will take their growth for the year to more than 15%. They are hoping to be acclaimed again as the ‘Outstanding Performing Business’ for companies with fewer than 25 employees, which they won in 2008, and are also cited for the ‘Excellence in Customer Services’ award.

Other Hillington companies nominated in the various categories include Haven Products, Tradeforms, Alpha Analytical and Future Environmental Services.

Chamber President Tom Johnston said: "We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the ROCCO Awards this year. We know we are facing challenging economic conditions, but it is fantastic to see local companies, large and small, buck the trend and continue to expand.

"The ROCCOs have grown in popularity over the years, and the Awards Dinner is now the business event of the year."

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'Leading Edge 'status for Innovation Centre

The Hillington Park Innovation Centre has been awarded Leading Edge Status by UK Business Incubation after undergoing the Inspire monitoring, development and accreditation process.

The MEPC –owned Centre is managed by Innovation Centres Scotland, who also operate the Alba Innovation Centre in Livingston.

Director of ICS, Ross Clark, had this to say about Inspire: "We started the process because we believe it is extremely important to keep reinforcing the message of how high quality innovation and incubation support services make a significant difference to young technology companies’ growth and chances of success. For us we want to continue national recognition of Hillington Park Innovation Centre and Alba Innovation Centre as Scotland’s leading facilities, accredited through a thorough appraisal process, and also to be up there amongst the top providers in the UK. All the evidence is there, not just In the UK but globally, to confirm that at the highest level, such services are an excellent economic development investment. We need to ask policy and strategy makers not to forget this in their planning and decision making"

Grant Edmondson, Managing Director of MEPC Hillington Park said "This accreditation is testament to the skills and dedication of the management and staff of Innovation Centres Scotland and we are delighted that the Hillington Park Innovation Centre is recognised by the UKBI as an example of ‘best in class’."

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