Thousands of small businesses across the country will be able to get help and advice through the UK government's generative AI chatbot. GOV.UK Chat, the government's experimental chatbot, will be trialled by up to 15,000 business users as it enters the next stage of testing.
Self-employed electrician abused Government's Covid support scheme. Shaun David Dixon claimed two separate Bounce Back Loans in two consecutive months He overstated his turnover to claim an extra £16,250 he was not entitled to Dixon is now subject to seven years of bankruptcy restrictions which prevent him running a company and borrowing money without declaring the sanctions An electrician from Middlesbrough is subject to seven years of stringent bankruptcy restrictions after claiming two Covid Bounce Back Loans and overstating his turnover to gain £16,250 more than he was entitled to.
The Housing and Property Committee met on Wednesday 6 November 2024 and approved the Tenant Participation & Engagement Strategy 2024-2029. Members heard from both tenant representatives and Officers about the ongoing engagement and collaborative work within communities across Highland.
Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election - and his threat to impose tariffs on all imports to the United States - highlights an important problem for the global economy. The US is a technological powerhouse, spending more than any other country on research and development and winning more Nobel prizes in the last five years than every other country combined.
Hemp to be made easier for farmers to grow as licence burdens reformed. Reforms to current hemp licence regulations are set to be introduced, making it easier for regulated farmers to grow the crop and maximise its economic potential.
A more creative approach to using power generated locally by tidal energy projects could help businesses and homes around Scotland's coastline become less reliant on expensive and polluting oil and diesel sources of power, by removing the need to wait for greater grid capacity, according to a new study. The report identifies a range of opportunities to help coastal communities access cleaner, and potentially cheaper energy, and was carried out by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult on behalf of Crown Estate Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
This investment will go to four independent research centres funded by UKRI and ESRC to address a variety of important social and economic topics. This includes a new centre that will focus on mitigating the effects of, and finding solutions to, the health impacts of the climate crisis.
Further to the announcement by Proteus Marine Renewables (PMR) that it has signed an MoU with SKF Marine and GE Vernova's Power Conversion business (the "Alliance"), setting out a framework for the supply of tidal turbine generation systems (TTGS) to developers of tidal arrays for commercial, multi-megawatt tidal stream projects. SAE is pleased to announce that it is working with the Alliance, which comprises the biggest names in the tidal sector, towards bringing about the next phase of SAE's MeyGen project.
On 11 November 2024 the Caithness Area Committee will discuss several papers. Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved 1 April 2024 - 30 September 2024 The Committee is asked to note that the following Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications have been approved for the period 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024:.
Highland Council's Trading Standards team is reporting worrying findings from the age restricted product test purchase programme it carried out over the last six months. During the most recent exercise, premises in Skye, Easter Ross, Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey were test purchased for cigarettes and vapes using volunteers under 18 years of age.
Twenty new homes are ready to welcome tenants in a beautiful edge of town location at Tulloch Square/Castle - Green Lady Court, Dingwall. The Highland Council has taken ownership from contractor Capstone.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been formally recognised for the level of support given to their employees who have caring responsibilities. The agency is the first employer in the region to be awarded exemplary employer status by Carer Positive, the organisation launched in 2013 to support employers and working carers.
A two day Christmas market - 7th and 8th December. Many local crafts, Santa's Grotto, Teas and Coffee..
12th to 14th December This year we are performing Peter Pan, with Sarah Wilkinson directing again (who can forget the stunning Little Mermaid production). Tickets will be on sale soon, but if you would like to find out about block-group bookings contact our Front of House team on [email protected].
One stop information shop (for Autism, Neurodiverse and additional needs children, adults & families) 7th November 10am-4pm Mackays Hotel Wick Weâve been working on the information received by our surveys, and putting actions into place. We are now delighted to share news to you all of our One Stop Information Shop which will take place: 7th Nov at Mackays Hotel, Wick from 10am-4pm.
Of the 80,000 native Irish speakers, 6,000 live in the North of Ireland and three of them became a rap group called Kneecap. This is the real-life story of how this anarchic Belfast trio became the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save and reinvigorate their mother tongue.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has welcomed confirmation in the Budget of the government's commitment to support the creative industries - as part of the Industrial Strategy - recognising the key role it can play in economic growth. Budget funding to help thousands of creative businesses grow across the UK.
It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75. Raising awareness of Pension Credit could make a difference to an older person's life: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
The Flow Country Partnership has received funding from the Community Loan Fund towards their pioneering peatland restoration project in Sutherland. The fund is delivered by Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited, HOIL, on behalf of The Highland Council.
Special Guest - Santa. Children up to P7..
Come along and see Santa arrive on the Wick lifeboat. Then it's all aboard the exclusive Santa Express Train to visit Sant in his grotto..
Buy tickets at the bar or at glkpromotios.com.
On the 26th of October 1940 a group of three Heinkels attempted to bomb Wick airport dropping over twenty high explosive bombs. A third of these bombs were duds.
For memorable Christmas party. British Legion Thurso..
Hailing from the far north of Scotland in the Caithness region, although KATANES are relative newcomers to the live circuit, the indie rock group come with experience if performing in various other bands. They headline Harpers Bar & Function Suite in WICK on Saturday 14 December 2024 with support from Socialites, Foosum and In Crisis.
Members of the public as well as NHS staff and experts will be invited to share their experiences views and ideas for fixing the NHS. Health Secretary calls on entire nation to shape the government's plans to overhaul the NHS.
Tha Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail 2024 a' tighinn gu crìch, an tachartas as motha de a sheòrsa a th' air a bhith ann an còig bliadhna. Bidh tàlantan ciùil bho air feadh na dùthcha agus nas fhaide air falbh a' tighinn còmhla ann am baile seunta an Òbain a' toirt crìoch air an fhèis iongantach naoi-latha.
Ambassador to work with employers to help women experiencing menopause symptoms to stay in work and progress in their careers. Leading campaigner and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup appointed as Government's new Menopause Employment Ambassador.
New rules will give millions of Buy-Now, Pay-Later users key protections offered by other forms of credit. Providers will have to ensure lending is affordable - stopping users from accumulating unmanageable debt Rules deliver better protection for shoppers and clarity for innovative sector after years of uncertainty Millions of shoppers are set to be protected by new rules for Buy-Now, Pay-Later products.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has commissioned Morrison Construction to carry out the works and the Torrance Partnership to oversee the contract. A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
Sales volumes - the amount we all bought – rose by 0.3% in September. The home delivery expert Parcelhero says volumes finally returned to July 2022 levels, before Liz Truss' disastrous September mini-budget hit household spending.
There have been reports of scam text messages which say you may be eligible to receive a "UK Government living expenses subsidy" for 2023-2024. You are asked to click the link in the message within 24 hours to claim the subsidy.
Highland Council Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard following reports of an unsolicited text message claiming to be from the UK Government Living Allowance Office. The text reads.
It's estimated that £23 billion worth of help and support - from housing benefits to pension credit - goes unclaimed every year. We look at what's available and how to get it.
Highland Council can help with money problems Follow the steps in our worrying about money leaflet to find out where to get help in Highland. Go HERE.
Follow OPSS guidance to purchase, use and dispose of fireworks safely and responsibly. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced safety tips for this fireworks season on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals.
For parents and carers of young people. All events are free.
Afternoon Tea. Santas Grotto..
Sarah was in a comfortable job, working for an archaeology business before being diagnosed with cancer. Much of her 20-year career had left her with reliable employment rights in the civil service.
Over 60% of Brits now shop from Chinese marketplaces such as Temu and Shein. But that has caused an increase in the number of potentially dangerous creatures such as scorpions and spiders accidentally arriving in UK homes.
People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card. Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.
Development and Collaboration Grants are open for application until Monday 28th October. These grants are for up to £50k.
Tickets include a two course meal and complimentary drink. Dance to Peers Disco..
Introduction to the basics of acting on stage and improvisation. For ages 11 - 16.
The Mòd provides a world-wide platform to showcase of our rich Gaelic and cultural talent and heritage. 10 - 18 October 2025.
This year's World Mental Health Day - due to take place on Thursday, 10 October 2024 - aims to highlight what can be done to prioritise mental health in the workplace. The day is observed each year to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to reach out for help.
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