Fife Chamber CEO Update May 2024

Welcome Members to our latest Chamber Monthly Newsletter. I am glad to say that over the last two weeks, we have managed to have a few days of sunshine although it has been intermingled with the usual Scottish rain, wind and, more recently, mist.

In the last few weeks, we have also had a change of leadership within the Scottish Government and look forward to seeing what positive steps can be made to help boost the economy. I have been involved in various conversations with our Scottish Chambers and, more recently, Scottish Enterprise, and we are all planning to work together to improve communication to help businesses prosper in the coming months and years.

Within this update, we will also bring you the latest feedback on recent events and, in particular, the build-up to the Fife Business Awards which I will touch on later in this update.

The Importance of Inheritance Planning

I recently met with my independent financial planner for an annual review and one subject which was brought up was the importance of inheritance tax planning both from a giving as well as a receiving point of view. It is never too early to plan and to ensure that you are aware of the available allowances and tools to minimise exposure. Our partners Thomson Cooper have a very interesting article within this month's newsletter entitled ‘How to reduce your Inheritance Tax Liability’ which is well worth reading.

Events

Fife Business – Finalists Reception

The Fife Chamber Team and Board of Directors are looking forward to meeting many of our finalists tonight at the Adam Smith Theatre where we will be hosting a reception for our finalists and sponsors in each of the categories at this year’s Business Awards. We will also be joined by our Co-Sponsors Stagecoach and InvestFife, as well as our Charity Raffle sponsors Thomson Cooper and our Press Room Sponsors Condies.

Fife Golf Day

Our Chamber Golf Day took place on the 26^th April at Dunfermline Golf Club and our prayers were answered with beautiful sunshine in a fantastic setting. There was some great golf on display and we managed to raise in excess of £700 for our charity partners on the day. Unfortunately, there were no holes in one!

McTaggart Scott Tour – West Lothian and Midlothian/East Lothian Chambers

We have a few spaces available on a ‘Behind the Scenes’ event with West Lothian and Midlothian/East Lothian Chambers on the 24^th of May. This will include a tour, Q&A’s and networking across all three chambers. Find out more here.

Fife Business Awards

Our Category sponsors and independent judges have all met with our finalists and now look forward to welcoming everyone to the Old Course Hotel on the 7^th of June. There are still a few tickets available and with our co-sponsor Stagecoach providing free transport across Fife for the event there is no excuse not to be there. Details on the travel options will follow on our events page in the next two weeks. (Please contact Stacey from Fife Chamber here for more details).

International Trade Pathway

I also wish to announce that we have once again launched the International Trade Pathway event in collaboration with InvestFife and St Andrews Management Training Centre. We have two events planned in June as a kick-off and welcome current exporters as well as new businesses looking to export for the first time. These courses are free and can be booked via our website.

Membership

May I personally welcome new Members who have joined the Chamber in the last month. 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.

25^th May – McTaggart Scott behind-the-scenes

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

11^th/18^th June – International Trade Pathway

20^th June – Tri Chamber Perth

10^th July – Joint Event with Edinburgh Chamber (Speed Networking)

18^th July – Fife Social – St Andrews Innovation

Late August – Chamberforce Event with Dunfermline Athletic (Football Tournament)

30^th August/27thSeptember – Amazon Accelerator

5^th September - Amazon – Behind the Scenes

11th Sep - Business Expo

Stephen Percy-Robb

CEO, Fife Chamber of Commerce