BMF Scotland Update
Published on 5/7/2012
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Update from BMF Scotland on an approved 60 berth short stay marina and a newly introduced campaign to help kick start economic growth giving businesses better access to support.
Oban Bay Marine Breakthrough
After more than four years of effort, and many setbacks, Oban Bay Marine has received planning consent from Argyll and Bute Council for a 60 berth short stay marina in the town centre.
The development, despite wide support from town traders, boating businesses, and promises of funding from The Crown Estate and Highland & Islands Enterprise, had to overcome difficulties from the Council, which initially supported the idea, and then withdrew all financial support without giving a cogent explanation.
The new facility will bring boating traffic and expenditure to the town, which has been feeling the economic pinch recently, as it will make Oban more accessible to cruising yachts for storing and R&R.
The company said: "We would like to thank everyone who has shown continued support over the past few months … and especially those who publicly responded on our behalf not once, but because of procedural technicalities, twice in the past few weeks."
"OBM are very pleased to have been able to work progressively with interested parties around Oban bay in taking the project another step forward, and look forward to continuing to make headway in securing this long awaited facility for the benefit of Oban."
More information at: www.obanbaymarine.org.uk
Try "Yes to Growth!"
Scottish recreational boating and marine tourism businesses considering investment in new projects can get the help they need from across the public sector.
Scottish Enterprise's (SE) newly-launched ‘Yes to Growth’ campaign aims to kick-start economic growth by giving businesses easier and faster access to expert support in four key areas:
*Creating long-term sustainable jobs
* Developing a new product or service
* Developing a new market (at home or overseas)
* Trading internationally for the first time
SE says: if you’ve shelved your plans for growth because of the downturn, why not see if we can help you grab the opportunity?
Visit www.yestogrowth.com to check out the possibilities and apply for support. You can also join the conversation and ask your questions at www.facebook.com/scottishenterprise or on Twitter #yestogrowth
With many businesses holding off on investment plans in the face of a tough economic climate, there are great opportunities available for those willing to make brave decisions. You can apply now or just register your interest on-line.
“The reality is that we can only get Scotland’s economy moving again if we can get Scottish companies investing,” explains Lena Wilson, Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive. “We know that companies that are continuing to focus on their growth, by identifying new opportunities and going after them, are bucking the trend and outperforming the norm.
“By encouraging more companies to increase their innovation, develop new products or enter new overseas markets, we can also help to increase our R&D and export activity and improve Scotland’s overall economic performance.”