A NATION ONCE AGAIN
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AID AND THE REGIONS
Scotland's convincing vote for a parliament combining legislative and tax-raising powers is bound to have an impact on businesses within the country. When the parliament opens in Edinburgh in 2000 it will have the power to decide much of Scotland's destiny. Tax rises could be beneficial to hauliers if money is invested into Scottish industry. The shape of the legislature will not become clear until elections take place in 1999. Until then it's business as usual for the regional grant system and its administration. The European Regional Development Fund, the European Social fund and the European Coal and Steel Communities Fund (which aids regions where these industries have disappeared) all provide match-funded grants to industry. Contact them via Scottish Trade International. Funding rarely exceeds 50% of capital cost and is keenly linked to job creation. Several parts of Scotland qualify for aid: top of the list is the Highlands and Islands which qualifies as an Objective One area Tayside and Lothian qualify for Objective Two assistance while the Borders and the Highlands can seek help under Objective 5b for rural regions.
CONTACT: Scottish Trade International: 0141228 2869. [(SC Loans (Bank of Scotland): 01312435164.