WEB LINKS/CONTACTS
Business Enterprise Scotland www.bes.org.uk
Support and encourage entrepreneurs who create new small to medium sized businesses.
Buying with Confidence http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/buywithconfidence/
This scheme supports Western Isles building trades businesses while giving protection to the island’s consumers. Member companies are independently checked by Comhairle’s Trading Standards Service against the Partnership rules on trustworthiness and compliance with the law. For further information, you can ring our number 01851 709577 or follow the link above.
Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk/
Up to date information on Careers in Scotland.
Connected Communities www.connectedcommunities.co.uk
This site provides information on broadband and the pilot project to bring broadband services to a number of rural communities throughout the Western Isles.
Crofters Commission www.crofterscommission.org.uk
The site provides information about:
- Becoming a crofter
- Grants & development schemes
- Commission application form
- Publications
- Crofting and the Commission
- History & background to crofting
Employment Service – New Deal www.newdeal.gov.uk
New Deal is part of the Government’s Welfare to Work strategy. It gives New Deal jobseekers aged 18 – 24, 25 plus, 50 plus and New Deal jobseekers with disabilities a real chance to develop their potential, gain skills and experience and find work. The site has Information on the various New Deal Schemes
FUSION- Nurturing Innovation www.fusionlinking.co.uk
This is a site about encouraging innovation within the Highlands and Islands.
Hi-Arts www.hi-arts.co.uk/
Promotion and development of the Arts in the Highlands and Islands.
Hi-Ways www.hi-ways.org
The site has information on Hi-Ways, which is a partnership of public agencies creating a gateway to all public service information across the Highlands and Islands.
Highlands & Islands Enterprise www.hie.co.uk
The site provides information about the HIE network, including:
- Strengthening Communities
- Developing Skills
- Growing Businesses
- E-business
The Highland Fund
Unit 5,
110A Maxwell Avenue
Westerton
Bearsden
Glasgow
G61 1 HU
Tel: 0141 942 2484
Inland Revenue www.inlandrevenue.co.uk
Information to business on the following:
- Self-assessment, tax credits etc
- News & information on tax and National Insurance matters
Lews Castle College www.lews.uhi.ac.uk
The site includes information on:
- Courses available
- Downloadable application form
- Library information
- Student services
- Useful links
Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce
30 Francis Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2ND
Tel: 01851 700055
Fax: 01851 700666
Email: wicoc@lineone.net
Prince's Trust www.princes-trust.org.uk
The Trust gives practical and financial support to the young people who need it most by helping to develop key skills, confidence and motivation, enabling young people to move into work, education or training.
PSYBT www.psybt.org.uk
If you are between 18 – 30 and want to start up a business in the Western Isles, then PSYBT can help you get going. Click on site for more information on the following:
- About PSYBT
- News
- Business Tips
- Business Directory
- Assistance Available
- Business Links
- Case Studies
Rural Community Gateway www.ruralgateway.org.uk
Scottish Executive initiative which provides an interactive network of information and services to those who live and work in Scottish Rural Communities.
Shell LiveWIRE www.shell-livewire.org
Shell LiveWIRE helps 16 – 30 year olds to start and develop their own business and hosts a national competition for new business start-ups. Click on site for more information on the following:
- Latest business advice & news
- Business Growth Challenge
- Business Planning Information
The Scottish Parliament www.scottish.parliament.uk/
Up to date news on what’s happening in the Scottish Parliament
Skills Development Scotland www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Provides comprehensive information, advice and guidance for careers and learning as well as extensive support for skills development.
Small Business Gateway www.bgateway.com
Information & advice for start-ups and growing businesses
Social Investment Scotland www.socialinvestmentscotland.com
Partnership that assisted the development of social enterprises in Scotland through financial assistance.
Scottish Development International www.scottishdevelopmentinternational.com/
Scottish Development International helps you get the most from Scotland’s powerful knowledge-based industries. This means access to world-class people and world-class technologies.
Training for Development www.trainingfordevelopment.co.uk
Rigs Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
Tel: 01851 706000, Fax: 01851 705825
UHI Millennium Institute www.uhi.ac.uk/
The UHI Millennium Institute is a higher education institution providing university-level courses and research opportunities throughout the Highlands and Islands. The site has up to date information on courses available throughout the region.
University of the Highlands and Islands www.uhi.ac.uk
The site includes information on:
- Learning centres
- Courses available
- News & events
- Job opportunities
- Admissions information
Western Isles Local Economic Forum www.wilef.co.uk
The Western Isles Local Economic Forum is comprised of public and private sector bodies and is a vehicle for the simplification of local economic development services and improving services to businesses and people. The site gives the following information:
- Background information on WILEF
- WILEF Membership information
- Minutes of WILEF meetings
- Action plan in regard to development services
Work Global www.work-global.com
Work Global has put the Outer Hebrides on the map as a leader in e-working and as an outsource location for customer contact centres. Check out the site for more information.
Western Isles Fishermen’s Association
Craigard
Newvalley
Isle of Lewis
Tel: 01851 702385
Financial Institution’s Websites
Royal Bank of Scotland - www.rbs.co.uk
Bank of Scotland - www.bankofscotland.co.uk
Halifax - www.halifax.co.uk
Clydesdale Bank - www.cbonline.co.uk
Lloyds TSB – www.lloydstsb.com