New DASA Themed Competition – PYRAMID: future-proofing air systems

• DASA has launched a new Themed Competition: PYRAMID for avionics and mission systems
• Funded by Air Command – Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO)
• The total possible funding available for this competition is £4 million (excluding VAT)
• Competition closes at midday 14 January 2025 (GMT)

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called PYRAMID for avionics and mission systems. Run on behalf of Air Command – Rapid Capabilities Office, this competition seeks proposals that can develop new, or adapt existing, air systems software applications to comply with the PYRAMID Reference Architecture (PRA).

PYRAMID is a UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) initiative to develop time and cost efficient avionics and mission systems to deliver operational advantage. PYRAMID is suitable for both future air systems and legacy systems.

This DASA Competition will give you the opportunity to align new, or modify existing programmes to demonstrate compliance with PYRAMID. This approach not only offers numerous benefits but also improves compatibility with major air programmes.

Learn more about PYRAMID in the full competition document.

Key dates and funding

The total possible funding available for this competition is £4 million (excluding VAT). We expect to fund a number of proposals.

The deadline to submit a proposal is midday 14 January 2025 (GMT).

Do you have an innovation? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.

Supporting events

Launch Webinar

On Thursday 14 November, join us for a competition launch webinar; providing further detail on the challenge area and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.

Please attend the launch webinar or reach out to your local Innovation Partner if you have questions on DASA’s application process.

1-2-1 Sessions

A series of 15 minute one-to-one teleconference sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask specific technical questions to the competition team in a closed forum. Registration details for these sessions can be found in the competition document.

Get up to speed with all the details by reading the full competition document.

Submit a proposal

Do you have a novel idea that can benefit end-users working in UK Defence and Security? Read the full competition document to learn more and submit a proposal.

Stay warm for less this winter.

During Scotland’s winters, when the mercury often plummets to well below zero, heating our workplaces to comfortable levels becomes essential. But it is also a big expense. For some organisations it can account for as much as half of total energy bills.

At this time of year, even the smallest inefficiencies will waste hard-earned profits, increase your carbon footprint, and impact you and your staff’s comfort and productivity.

What can you do?

There are lots of quick and easy checks you can do, and changes you can make, that will help you stay for warm less. And the good news is that Business Energy Scotland is providing free and impartial advice and access to funding to help make some of the bigger changes too.

Business Energy Scotland’s range of guides, videos and case studies will help you keep your heating bills low and staff warm this winter.

Read more tips and find help and advice on the Business Energy Scotland website : https://businessenergyscotland.org/get-ready-for-winter/

Louise Sinclair, vice chair of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and general manager at Sinclair Bay Subsea, reflects on the change at John O’Groats

Earlier this month, we were joined by our members for the seventeenth Annual General Meeting of Caithness Chamber of Commerce. This year, our AGM was held in John O’Groats, a village that has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past 15 years. From being cruelly labeled ‘Carbuncle of the Year’ to becoming a thriving visitor destination, the village’s development has been nothing short of remarkable. The enhancement of local facilities and visitor experiences has worked in synergy with the iconic status and dramatic coastline of John O’Groats, while successfully preserving its local identity and supporting businesses in the area.

We were warmly welcomed at 8 Doors Distillery by founder Kerry Campbell, one of the outstanding local enterprises that has contributed to this dynamic transformation. Established in 2022, 8 Doors Distillery proudly holds the title of mainland Scotland’s most northerly distillery. With a contemporary interior and panoramic views across the Pentland Firth, this modern, forward-looking distillery has turned a neglected site into a flourishing local business, celebrating both heritage and innovation.

Growth, investment, and innovation were key themes in the establishment of the distillery and are indeed vital to the future of our region. However, many businesses in our area continue to grapple with rising costs, labour and skills shortages, and regulatory pressures. At both a local level and as part of the wider Scottish Chambers Network, Caithness Chamber has played a pivotal role in holding governments and policymakers to account on economic and business policies, ensuring that the voice of the North Highlands is heard as part of the national conversation. This work is ongoing, and we remain committed to holding key decision-makers in Inverness, Holyrood, and the newly elected UK Parliament to account, ensuring our region’s priorities remain high on the agenda.

Our commitment to creating a narrative of opportunity for our region’s young people is also fortified by our work with Developing the Young Workforce North Highland, delivering over 400 events and activities for young people from primary school through to S6 this year alone. A special thank you goes out to the business leaders and industry experts who have acted as role models, and generously given their time and expertise to show our young people that anything is possible.

This year’s AGM celebrated the remarkable achievements and dedication of the team at Caithness Chamber. We continue to provide practical advice and support to our members through informative events, business-to-business connections, and mentoring initiatives, strengthening our community and local economy.

Each year, we strive to elevate our impact, and with the ongoing support of our members, partners, and stakeholders, we are confident that together, we will build a more resilient, entrepreneurial, prosperous, and sustainable economy for the future.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.

This year, our AGM was held against the backdrop of having just celebrated 50 years since the first chamber of commerce was established in Caithness. At the 50th Annual Dinner, we reflected on how far the Chamber has come since 1974 and indeed since the ‘new’ chamber was established some sixteen years ago. With a staff of eleven, it has become the foremost business organisation in the North Highlands, punching above its weight and delivering value for our members, the community and the region as a whole.

Our Chamber has had a successful year, welcoming new members and actively engaging with businesses through a variety of events. We launched a new series of business networking events, offering invaluable opportunities for members to establish connections and raise their business profiles. We’ve also been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support shown for our new Members’ Insight initiative, where members have generously shared their knowledge and expertise with their peers.

Talent attraction and access to skilled labour remain critical challenges for businesses across all sectors in our region. In a proactive response, we are pleased to have welcomed Lindsay Matthews as our Talent Attraction Specialist for the Recruit North Highlands initiative, in partnership with the Focus North collaboration. Working closely with local businesses to identify skills gaps, Recruit North Highlands will elevate the North Highlands as a premier destination to live, work, study, and invest. Lindsay will provide tailored support and guidance to prospective candidates considering a move to our region.

We are also thrilled that the Caithness Business Fund is playing a vital role in nurturing young talent in the North Highlands through both the FutureSkills and Caithness Business Fund Apprenticeship Grant Schemes. Throughout the 2023/24 year, the Caithness Business Fund provided support for thirteen businesses with grants towards the employment of an apprentice within their team, with three of these awarded through the new FutureSkills initiative, launched in February 2024 with thanks to a significant investment boost from NRS Dounreay, the NDA and West of Orkney Windfarm. It’s fantastic to see the impact of this investment on our local community as these young people take their first steps into the world of work.

Caithness Chamber is a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of our members, staff, and supporters. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic and resilient business environment. By continuing to support one another and advocating for the unique strengths of our region, we can ensure the North Highlands thrives for generations to come.

Overall, it has been a rewarding year and once again it has been a great privilege to work with our members, who consistently demonstrate the value of community and proven that in both life and business, we are stronger together.

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One of Navertech Ltd‘s long-standing clients approached them to replace its CCTV system. It was recently completed with 22 cameras installed in a challenging environment, and with the unpredictable summer weather creating its own challenges. The marine environment is harsh on common metals used in CCTV hardware, as was apparent from the former CCTV system which was corroded and beyond repair.

Galvanic corrosion is a well-known problem in the marine environment which had to be mitigated to ensure a long-lasting installation, along with ease of maintenance. Navertech Ltd researched and recommended an NDAA certified CCTV system, owing to the fact the client’s facilities are classed as critical infrastructure, giving the client extra peace of mind that their CCTV installation would be safe from external cyber threats from embedded chips.

The former CCTV system had been expanded over the years with multiple standalone installations and hardware, so aside from offering a comprehensive level of coverage, it was imperative that the system was fully integrated to avoid multiple systems being in use for different areas of the operation.

Ease of maintenance was an important consideration with most cameras required at height which could not be serviced without specialist access equipment. With cameras covering an area of approx. 3 square kilometres, communication between the cameras and the central operations room meant that to counteract high levels of radio interference from vessels, a combination of long-distance high-speed fibre and specialist wireless links were required to ensure the cameras provided a stable, controllable and high-definition view.

The design of the CCTV system was completed in-house in consultation with the client operations team, with further technical advice and support provided by one of Navertech’s specialist vendors, Norbain, and with all electrical work carried out by local firm G Anderson Electrical.

The client commented: “We are pleased that local companies have been involved and their continued involvement in maintenance is a key factor going forward for us. The NDAA compliant system has been received well by our peers in the industry security forum that I attend.”

William McGillivray, Navertech’s Commercial Director said: “We’re generally not known as a CCTV installer, but we have been installing IP cameras for years. Working with Graeme’s team at G Anderson Electrical on the cabling on this sizeable job worked out well.”

• Tuesday, November 12

Cuminestown Community Hall, Main St, Cuminestown AB53 5YJ │ 2pm – 6pm

• Wednesday, November 13

New Deer Public Hall, Church Crescent, New Deer AB53 6WE │ 3pm – 8pm

• Thursday, November 14

Ritchie Hall, 30 Sleigh Crescent, Strichen AB43 6TY │ 3pm – 8pm

• Monday, November 18

Rosehearty Hall, 25 Fordyce Street, Rosehearty, Fraserburgh AB43 7NS │ 3pm – 8pm

• Tuesday, November 19

North East Scotland College, Fraserburgh Campus (front entrance), off Henderson Road, Fraserburgh AB43 9GA │ 3pm – 8pm

• Thursday, November 21

Mackays Hotel, Union St, Wick KW1 5ED │ 3pm – 8pm

TAX FEARS GROW IN SCOTTISH ECONOMY

Fears over increased taxes and uncertainty over the impact of the Autumn Budget are hitting Scotland’s businesses.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s survey flagged taxation concerns among 55% of businesses – up from 35% last year. Anxiety, particularly around Labour’s Autumn Budget, saw both the tourism and retail sectors reach five-year survey highs of 77% and 70% for taxation respectively.

The survey of hundreds of Scottish businesses, carried out in partnership with the Fraser of Allander Institute, also shows that pressures on cashflow and profit margins are limiting and squeezing growth.

Four out of the five business sectors surveyed reported a fall in profits, with only the services sector showing an increase but still significantly down on the same quarter last year.

Douglas Smith, Vice-President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “General business confidence is uncertain given recent government rhetoric on how painful this budget will be and taxation is a significant concern.

“How this will impact business and employees is a huge worry and the lack of clarity has stalled investment and undermined confidence.

“In addition, employees worry about personal taxation with fuel duty, pension tax relief and the impact of fiscal drag all taking cash from their pockets. That will lead to increased wage demands as 7 in 10 firms now cite labour costs as their top cost pressure.

Mr Smith added: “Businesses understand that the fiscal backdrop for the Chancellor is challenging. We are willing to work in partnership to overcome these challenges and help grow the economy. However, any changes made must not be at the expense of investment and growth.”

The report also warned that cashflow remains a considerable challenge for firms with three out of five sectors seeing a contraction with only services and tourism reporting growth on balance.

Mr Smith added: “The widespread cashflow issues which are impacting most sectors are concerning.

“Many are about to come out of longer-term energy deals and are looking at hefty increases, with some gas bills alone set to rise 50% this month.

“We will also be looking for help in the forthcoming Scottish Budget to address costs, particularly in business rates which remains a major pressure on almost two thirds of retail firms surveyed.

“Businesses, particularly in the leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors simply cannot endure any further tax burdens.”

The report also highlighted continuing issues on recruitment with difficulties being experienced by half of businesses.

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the SCC, said: “We are now 100 days into the new UK government, and we have still not had positive action on the many issues we face.

“One of those is employment and businesses are still being held back by the inability to recruit experienced and skilled staff and the expense of securing and retaining them in a highly competitive, under supplied marketplace.

“We need the Chancellor to help ease that pressure by unlocking targeted investment in training with skills aligned to business demand and a clear international workforce strategy to help fill skill gaps.”

Commenting on the new Employment Rights Bill, Fiona McKee, founder of The HR Practice said: “There is no doubt that good employment practices benefit both employers and employees, and should be encouraged, but there needs to be balance and perspective.

“We welcome the consultation on the introduction of statutory probationary periods to ensuring employees and companies can properly assess suitability in the role, enabling businesses to take chances on hires while giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers.”

Concern around escalating energy costs remain significant for just over half of firms surveyed although inflation worries have fallen from last year’s 75%.

Dale Harris, Chief Executive of ATL Turbine Services said: “It’s difficult to make investment decisions when there is confusion and ambiguity about the direction of taxation, particularly around the energy sector.

“We can’t move forward until we know what the tax burdens and fuel duties will be and how any changes will impact our business and also on our employees where skilled jobs are at a premium.”

Dr Cameron said: “The Autumn Budget is a chance to reset the relationship with business and work in partnership to create jobs and stimulate growth. We have put forward many realistic solutions to encourage investment and ease business pressures, but the test is whether the new government is truly listening as they promised pre-election.”

Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:

“Following a positive start to 2024, economic growth in the summer months has been more hesitant for the UK and Scotland. After a strong start to the year, with growth rates reaching 0.6% in the first quarter and 0.5% in the second quarter, Scotland seemed poised for a sustained recovery.

“However, growth faltered in May and June, reflecting broader economic trends, with only a slight recovery in July at 0.3%. Despite the dip, these figures still reflect a more consistent growth pattern compared to the volatile year of 2023, although Scotland remains just behind the UK in terms of overall performance for 2024 to date.

“The changing pathway for interest rates, for example, is likely to be weighing on business expectations for growth: the latest decision by the Bank of England is likely to yet again temper expectations of the trajectory for interest rates coming down over the next year. These expectations have been continually redrawn as we have moved through 2024.

“The news about the probable increases in energy bills is also likely to impinge on consumer confidence about the Autumn. Overall, though it does feel like many consumers, and certainly many businesses, are holding their breath to see what is announced in the UK Budget at the end of October.”

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A new entry category has been added into the mix for this year’s Taste North Challenge.

As part of the annual Taste North festival held in Wick on 3rd November, the regional culinary competition celebrates the use of ingredients produced in Caithness and Sutherland. This year, the challenge has four entry categories: 15 and under, 16-24, Open and new for this year, a Commercial Operator category which is open to anyone who makes and sells food or baking products. A £50 Taste North voucher prize and trophy will be awarded to each category winner.

Tony Singh MBE will be a special guest and will be judging the entries, alongside his cookery  demonstrations throughout the day.

Tony commented: “The Taste North Challenge is a fantastic competition, and I can’t wait to try some amazing baking creations, made with your favourite local ingredients from Caithness and Sutherland. Get your aprons on and submit your entry forms by 28th October. I’ll see you at Wick High School on 3rd November with your entries!”

The online entry form must be completed by Monday 28th October and baked entries submitted at Taste North by 11am to be included in the judging process.

The Taste North Challenge is sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce North Highlands and Mackays Hotel in Wick.

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Caithness Chamber of Commerce and DYW North Highland Lead said “It’s hard to believe that Taste North is entering its ninth year. The growth and success of this event are a testament to the dedication of the organisers, businesses, and supporters who have made it a flagship occasion in the local calendar. Taste North offers a fantastic opportunity for communities and visitors to come together and celebrate the richness and abundance of food and drink in the North Highlands.

We are thrilled to be once again sponsoring the Taste North Challenge. At DYW North Highland, we are passionate about providing opportunities and platforms for our young people to thrive. Initiatives like this build confidence and encourage young people to explore new skills which will benefit them immensely as they prepare to enter the world of work.

We are also excited about the introduction of the new Commercial Operator category for 2024. The competition promises to be fierce, with the exceptional talent of our local bakeries and food businesses in our region!”

The winners of the 2023 Taste North Challenge were:

• Fifteen and under – Robyn Speirs (Firework Night Cake, using home-grown carrots and local eggs)
• Sixteen to 24 – Iona Simpson (Hamish the Highland Coo cake, using Caithness Chocolate)
• Open – Emma Gordon (Scottish Lamingtons, using Old Pulteney and home-grown raspberries)

For more information on the Taste North Challenge and to submit an entry form before the 28th October, visit www.venture-north.co.uk/taste-north.

On Thursday, 12th September 2024, the highly anticipated Caithness Chamber of Commerce 50th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony took-place at the Norseman Hotel, Wick. This prestigious event has become a cornerstone of the local business calendar, annually attracting the region’s most prominent business figures. In honour of this milestone, the evening’s theme was 1974 – the year the first chamber of commerce was founded in Caithness.

Guests from across the UK were warmly welcomed by Stephen Sutherland, Chair of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce. His speech reflected on the Chamber’s pivotal role in shaping the local business landscape, highlighting key moments over the past five decades that have contributed to the region’s growth. This was followed by an address from Stuart McAuley, Project Director of the West of Orkney Windfarm and the event’s principal sponsor. He commended the county’s welcoming nature and praised the Chamber’s support, as well as the high calibre of skilled businesses in the region.

The evening featured a keynote speech by The Rt. Hon. Lord Thurso, long-standing Patron of the Chamber, who delivered an inspiring address in celebration of the Chamber’s 50th anniversary. His speech centred on the people of Caithness. Reflecting on past events, Lord Thurso read an extract from the Caithness Courier, published on 6th November 1974, during the Friends of the London-Caithness Association gathering. He noted that this had been his maiden public speech.

“The basic Caithnessian was what made Caithness tick. They possessed an openness and hospitality that was unrivalled and had an adaptability and ingenuity borne of many years of simply having to manage or make up for what was needed but unobtainable. They had a wonderful ability to turn a sassenach visitor into a spiritual native of Caithness in a very short space of time. The way in which the “Atomics” had become such a vital and important part of the community was only one example of this work. He believed that the true basic wealth of any county, or for that matter any country, could be measured in terms of its inhabitants. It was the people that were a country’s greatest asset.”

The highlight of the evening was the glittering Business Awards Ceremony, offering a platform for innovative companies and entrepreneurs to showcase their achievements. This celebration of success brought the community together to recognise and applaud the region’s brightest talents.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024 was presented to Megan Love of Studio Wellness, Halkirk, by award sponsor Coll Murchison-MacDonald, Partner at Saffery Inverness. Specialising in remedial and sports massage, cupping, and kinesiology taping, Studio Wellness distinguishes itself as the only business in Caithness offering Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation and Spinal and Peripheral Joint Mobilisation. Megan’s warm, compassionate nature and dedication to continuous learning have earned her a loyal client base and an excellent reputation. She was commended by the judges for her passion, commitment, and holistic, client-focused approach, as well as her ambition to expand into wellbeing coaching.

Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, presented the Community Business Award 2024 to Wick River Campsite, which was reopened under the management of Wick Development Trust in June 2022. Under the Trust’s stewardship, the campsite has undergone a remarkable transformation, securing £450k in funding for a state-of-the-art, fully accessible, energy-efficient, net-zero toilet and facilities building, which opened in June 2024. The judges were highly impressed by the extensive renovation of the campsite and praised the dedication of the board and team, who have successfully led this transformative social enterprise, creating jobs and significantly enhancing the town of Wick for both visitors and residents.

Matthew and Chloe Mackay, the husband-and-wife team behind Cakes and Bakes at Comlifoot, received a Highly Commended recognition in the Young Business of the Year 2024 category, presented by award sponsor Andrew Mackay, Director of the Caithness Collection. Since opening their cake honesty box in Halkirk in 2022, the pair have transformed their passion for home baking into a thriving business that has become a local favourite. The judges were impressed by the tenacity of this growing venture and captivated by the ambition and enthusiasm that Chloe and Matthew have demonstrated. Their journey highlights how, with a strong work ethic and creative thinking, a small initiative can be turned into a successful enterprise.

The Young Business Award 2024 was presented to Fresh Favourites, founded in 2022 by Derek Balloch and Debbie Mackay, by Richard Copeland, Director of Pentland Floating Offshore Windfarm and sponsor of the award. Fresh Favourites has transformed the takeaway experience by maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and freshness, ensuring that each meal is crafted from the finest ingredients and bursting with flavour. The judges also praised the business for its strong community focus, including its initiatives supporting local senior citizens. Looking ahead, Fresh Favourites plans to open a storefront, which will not only enhance the customer experience but also showcase products from local suppliers.

Adding to the evening’s excitement, guests were treated to a surprise performance by renowned magician, scientist, and comedian Kevin Quantum. His captivating show left the audience mesmerised with seemingly impossible illusions and mathematical wizardry. The evening concluded in style with a live performance by vocalist Sara Mackay, celebrating some of the best hits of 1970’s – including Abba’s iconic 1974 Eurovision-winning song “Waterloo”.

Trudy Morris, CEO of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:

“We are thrilled by the success of the evening and were delighted to see such positive energy in the room. It’s amazing to bring together so many business leaders to celebrate 50 years of business excellence in our region. The. Rt. Hon Lord Thurso himself couldn’t have said it better—the North Highlands is a place full of ingenuity and an unrivalled welcoming spirit.

Congratulations to our young entrepreneur and all of our business award winners. We look forward to what the future holds for our region in the next 50 years!”

Photography by Colin Campbell Photography & Videography by Local Lens Media.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is excited to announce the launch of a new Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot initiative, on behalf of The MOD Innovation Directorate on the theme of Uncrewed Systems. This pilot aims to collaboratively challenge MOD problem areas and identify potential solutions that could rapidly deliver capability for defence and determine whether a full competition in this area is required.

The initial pilot will concentrate on two critical sub-systems of Uncrewed Systems:

• Position, Navigation and Timing in Highly Contested Environments
• Low-cost, Fast Engines

In short:

• DASA is running an Early Market Engagement (EME) pilot activity on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the theme of Uncrewed Systems.
• The EME pilot will take a collaborative approach to problem curation with industry/academia to establish the requirement for a full competition.
• Workshops will be held in Bristol, London and Newcastle and welcome participants from both industry and academia. Applications for workshop attendance closes 12:00pm midday 31 October 2024 (GMT)

Learn more and apply to attend a workshop here