Fife Chamber CEO Update December 2023

I hope this update finds you well and you are looking forward to having a well-earned break at Christmas.

It is now only a few days before the Scottish Budget and we as a Chamber have been focusing on lobbying the Government at Holyrood with our thoughts and hopes for the upcoming announcement. We are hoping for some of the following to be considered and acted upon.

• A fair non-domestic rates system
• A fair personal taxation regime
• A fair regulatory environment
• A fair business support system

We are keeping our fingers crossed and will be watching closely!

Forth Green Freeport

After the success of the Council’s ‘Forth Green Freeport’ event at the Carnegie Conference Centre we will be undertaking a similar event on the 7^th February 2024 where we will be asking Forth Ports, Fife Council and Fife College what are the plans and opportunities in Fife and across the region. Please make sure you book a ticket for the event on our website here. You will be given the chance to ask questions directly to the Senior Stakeholders on the day.

Events during the Month

We hosted our final Fife Social of the year at the Abbot House in Dunfermline. It was a well-attended event with many colourful Christmas jumpers on display. Thanks to the Team at Abbot House for hosting us and our Members and Non-Members alike.

Fife Business Awards

Over the last few weeks, we have been accepting nominations for the Fife Business Awards 2024. We will continue to accept nominations now until January 2024 after which we will start the judging process. Please make sure your entry is completed over the festive period and you don’t miss the deadline. To apply or nominate another business, please visit the Fife Business Awards website.

Membership

We continue to develop our membership across all sectors in Fife and welcome introductions from our current valued Membership. Please do get in touch if you have feedback on how we are helping you and your business or how we can help you connect and make your Business prosper.

Our plans continue to grow for 2024. To date, we have the following dates for your diary.

18^th January – Fife Social – Kelty Hearts

24^th January – Interactive Personality and Problem-Solving Business Breakfast

7^th February – Forth Green Freeport

4^th April – Fife Social – Dumbarnie Links

26^th April - Golf Day – Dunfermline Golf Club

7^th June - Fife Business Awards (Old Course Hotel)

11^th Sep - Business Expo

We will be closing down over Christmas from Friday 22^nd December until Monday 8^th January.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2024.

Stephen Percy-Robb

CEO, Fife Chamber of Commerce