Making it easier to cope
Edinburgh’s cobbled streets are world famous but in the current financial downturn some of us are experiencing rather a bumpy ride of late. In this feature, Outlook has been looking at ways to help stabilise life for residents and businesses. Read on...
During these challenging economic times, it is all the more important to take steps to support Edinburgh’s economy and build for the future.
While the basis of our economy is strong in comparison to other areas, redundancy, loss of business or mounting debts are likely to be an unfortunate reality for some.
But there is help available to businesses and residents through Edinburgh’s support organisations.
The Council announced its response to the economic downturn last year. The Economic Resilience action plan outlines how, with other city organisations, the Council is providing practical advice and assistance to people who are facing problems.
There is a network of skilled professionals across Edinburgh who can advise on topics such as employment and training, business support, debt advice and housing. We’re simply making it easier to access that help.
In this feature, find out more about the range of organisations who can provide the advice and support you need.
GOOD TO KNOW: Visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/buildingoureconomy for web links to more information.
Support for employees
Jobs and training
A network of organisations helping unemployed people in Edinburgh who need work or experience to get a job and connecting employers with the workers and skills they need.
visit www.joinedupforjobs.org.uk
PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment)
A unique Scottish partnership which provides support to employees when an organisation is dealing with redundancy issues.
Helpline number: 0808 100 1855. www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
West Edinburgh Action
Based at Stevenson College, this project helps people with significant disadvantages get into work, with access to more than 30 individual employers. Call 0131 477 2800 or e-mail bpenman@stevenson.ac.uk
Schools College Project
Stevenson, Telford and Jewel & Esk Colleges all have strong links with secondary schools to support school leavers looking for their first job.
More information at www.cecscp.co.uk
Support for business
Business Gateway
Provides access to information, events and advice on setting up a new business or to sustain and develop an existing business. Detailed website with information, online tools and event booking at www.bgateway.com
Contact the Edinburgh office on 0131 347 2820 or e-mail enquiries@bgateway.com
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Support to revisit your business model, control your costs and ensure your business trades through this recession successfully. www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/onestepahead
Business Environment Partnership
Energy efficiency workshops and individual environmental assesments to help businesses reduce utility, recycling and waste costs. For more information, call 0131 561 6262 or visit www.thebep.org.uk
Money
Advice Shop
Provides free, independent service to deal with and prevent the recurrence of debt. The team also works closely with other Council services including Housing and Finance. Advice Shop at 85-87 South Bridge. More surgeries across the city. Call 0131 225 1255,
e-mail advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Council Tax and Housing Benefits
Information and advice on benefits you may be entitled to. Call 0131 469 5000,
e-mail: revenuesbenefits@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Edinburgh’s economy
In 2008, Edinburgh was awarded the title of Top Small European City for Inward Investment (FDI Magazine). It is also rated highly as a business location and continues to win accolades for its quality of life and resident satisfaction rates.
Interest from investors remains strong and our finance, science, creative and tourism sectors are performing well.
Tourism brings in more than £1.7 billion from visitor spending and employs 32,000 people in the city. Business tourism is also important, with Edinburgh being the most popular UK location for international conferences outside of London.
Building on and promoting this reputation will help to ensure that Edinburgh remains an attractive proposition for investors and visitors. This is vital to the ongoing strength of our local and national economy. Public and private sector organisations across the city continue to work together to achieve this.
Find out more at www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com
Other support groups
Capital City Partnership
Reducing disadvantage and inequality in the city by improving services and opportunities for those most in need.
CCP brings together key statutory, voluntary, community and private sector organisations to promote change and joint working for community regeneration.
www.capitalcitypartnership.org
Essential Edinburgh
Ensuring that Edinburgh city centre is welcoming and that businesses thrive in a clean, safe and well maintained environment, through practical solutions such as the Child Safe Scheme.
Visit www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk