Upcoming events

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES ACTION PLAN (ETAP)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/index_en.htm 

The Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) is a co-operative initiative between the European Commission, Member States and industry adopted in 2004 and intended to overcome the barriers that hinder the development of environmental technologies. This is being achieved through a series of measures to promote eco-innovation and the take-up of environmental technologies.

SCOTLAND'S ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES ACTION PLAN 2009/10
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/917/0096142.pdf

This document sets out the 2009/10 long term approach for the development of the Environmental Clean Technologies (ECT) in Scotland through more efficient and co-ordinated public sector collaboration and joined up support to stakeholders working on the development of new projects and technology options throughout Scotland.

LOW CARBON AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES - AN INDUSTRY ANALYSIS (MARCH 2009)
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file50253.pdf

The environmental goods and services (EGS) sector has traditionally included solutions for problems such as air, noise and marine pollution, land and water contamination, as well as activities such as environmental analysis and consultancy and waste management and recycling. This study uses this broader definition of the low carbon and environmental goods and services (LCEGS) sector to provide new market data on the environmental economy in the UK, its regions, and internationally.

A LOW CARBON ECONOMIC STRATEGY FOR SCOTLAND: SCOTLAND - A LOW CARBON SOCIETY
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/15085756/0   OR
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/scotlands-action/lowcarbon/lces

The Low Carbon Economic Strategy (LCES) is an integral part of the Government’s Economic Strategy to secure sustainable economic growth, and a key component of the broader approach to meet Scotland’s climate change targets and secure the transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/etv/index.htm 

The EU Environmental Technologies Verification (ETV) pre-programme – involving participants on a voluntary basis – will generate independent and credible information on new environmental technologies, by verifying the performance claims put forward by technology vendors.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS (KTPs)
Europe’s leading programme for knowledge exchange where companies can work the knowledge base on areas of strategic growth.  Four clusters of universities, colleges and institutes exist in Scotland with dedicated centres offering support to companies wishing to apply.

http://www4.rgu.ac.uk/ktp/home -   North of Scotland

SCOTLAND EUROPA
http://scotlandeuropa.com

A 'one-stop-shop' for Scottish businesses to access funding and partners from Europe.

R&D TAX CREDITS
http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/fund-your-business/innovation-and-rd-grants/rd-tax-credits.aspx

The tax credit can either reduce a company's tax bill or, for some small or medium sized companies (SMEs) not in profit, provide a cash sum.

SMART:SCOTLAND
http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/fund-your-business.aspx 

Funding for SMEs making a significant technological advance for the UK sector or industry concerned. Support covers technical and commercial feasibility studies and/or research and development projects.

HIE R&D FUNDING SCHEME
http://www.hie.co.uk/support-for-business/innovation/research-and-development.html

Supports small, medium and large enterprises undertaking research and development, even if the innovation is new only to your business

TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD (TSB)
http://www.innovateuk.org

A range of funding is available including collaborative and single company R&D schemes and the Small Business Research and Initiative (SBRI) programme.

INNOVATION VOUCHERS (contact us for more information)

All Scottish SMEs can apply for funding to establish a NEW partnership with a Scottish university to develop new products, services and processes, and this funding should enable a longer term collaboration to develop. Funding is up to £5k (minimum £1k) with the SME matching the funding through cash or in kind contribution (staff time, materials, access to facilities etc). Funds are limited though, so act quickly!

BUSINESS BALLS
http://www.businessballs.com

Free business planning and marketing tips, samples, examples and tools. How to write a business plan, techniques for writing a marketing strategy, strategic business plans and sales plans.

ZERO WASTE SCOTLAND
http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/funding

A variety of funding opportunities exist to support Scottish businesses in the area of waste management/resource efficiency.

SHELL: GAMECHANGER
http://www.shell.com/home/content/innovation/innovative_thinking/game_changer/ 

An initiative dedicated to the advancement of affordable, efficient and clean energy resources by supporting entrepreneurs from initial concept stage right through to commercial deployment.

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS (NESTA): PROGRAMMES
http://www.nesta.org.uk

Funding opportunities for R&D, securing IP rights, developing business plans and more to take your science/technology idea to the next level.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: SCOTLAND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2007-13
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP

Funding available to support individual's or group's economic, environmental and social initiatives which address the Government's strategic objectives in rural Scotland. 

SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL
http://www.sdi.co.uk

Scottish Development International assists in growing the Scottish economy by encouraging inward investment and helping Scotland-based companies develop international trade.

SCOTTISH CHAMBERS INTERNATIONAL
http://www.scottishchambersinternational.co.uk

Portal for Scottish businesses who want to trade internationally - draws together the international trade divisions of Scotland’s leading Chambers of Commerce.

SMART EXPORTER
http://www.smartexporter.co.uk

Smart Exporter is a new international trade skills programme offering free or subsidised services for companies and individuals based in Scotland who wish to expand their exporting knowledge.

GLOBAL SCOT
http://www.globalscot.com

A worldwide network of Scots who are outstanding individuals in their field. GlobalScots provide practical, professional advice that companies need to engage with the global marketplace completely free of charge.

UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT
http://www.ukti.gov.uk

UK Trade and investment - working to boost UK export performance, attract foreign direct investment to the UK, and enhance the UK’s reputation in global markets. "Fast track to the world"

SCOTBIS
http://scotbis.nls.uk/index.cfm

SCOTBIS, The Scottish Business Information Service, is the National Library of Scotland's online service. Extensive, searchable company website lists. Whilst many services are free, you can also purchase bespoke mailing lists and different types of market research.

http://www.greenprocurementcode.co.uk

The first serious green procurement scheme, a model for many others, is this one which was an initiative of the Office of the Mayor of London. Contains many good ideas.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/index_en.htm

EU guidance on green procurement.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialreports/meetingsparliament/or-07/sor0201-02.htm

Scottish parliament official report on green procurement.

http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/

The SNP plan to make this website key in their public procurement plans.

http://www.govopps.co.uk/

Government Opportunities. Up to date collection of resources about procurement, and also journalistic articles with latest developments/controversies.