We know that School Age Childcare services often struggle to see themselves as a business, especially those in the voluntary or charitable sector, however, it is vital that in addition to expert childcare knowledge, services need to have good business knowledge.

SOSCN can help services through our business/financial planning training however, there are business-specific support services available across Scotland and we would encourage you to engage with them. We would highlight that although they might not have specific knowledge of running a childcare business, the overarching business principles, access to training, and networking with other businesses is of value. Sometimes they may also have funding opportunities which businesses can access; financial support is also sometimes available through national governments, such as the employment allowance scheme via UK government.

Employment Allowance Scheme

Employment Allowance allows eligible employers to reduce their annual National Insurance liability by up to £5,000. Businesses pay less employers’ Class 1 National Insurance each time you run your payroll until the £5,000 has gone or the tax year ends (whichever is sooner).You can only claim against your employers' Class 1 National Insurance liability up to a maximum of £5,000 each tax year. You can still claim the allowance if your liability was less than £5,000 a year.

If you have a payroll provider they should be able to check that you are eligible, and that you are signed up to, the scheme.

https://www.gov.uk/claim-employment-allowance

Business Gateway

The Business Gateway provides Scotland-wide free support to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors; there are local offices based across Scotland. Business Gateway offers a range of professional resources, support and tools to help you learn new skills, create new opportunities and develop sustainable strategies for growth. Online resources, tailored advice, webinars and events, and business development programmes are all freely available; topics cover include financial/business planning, marketing, social media, and digital skills.

https://www.bgateway.com

Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland are also a nation-wide Scotland offering free business support, from the perspective of developing workforce skills and knowledge. In addition to delivering Modern Apprenticeship schemes they sometimes have events or access to funding, as well a number of other services.

https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

Chambers of commerce in Scotland

There are 8 Chambers of Commerce across Scotland- they are regional organisations set up to support local businesses of all sizes and from all sectors. They provide networking opportunities, events, training and can also provide support on topics such as HR, Health and Safety etc. There is usually a cost to join the local Chamber of Commerce.

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce

https://www.agcc.co.uk

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

https://www.ayrshire-chamber.org

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce

https://www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk

Fife Chamber of Commerce

https://www.fifechamber.co.uk

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

https://www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com

Inverness Chamber of Commerce

https://inverness-chamber.co.uk

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

https://www.renfrewshirechamber.com