A new support programme for businesses ready to undertake capital investment but looking to develop leaders, change business processes, and improve digital systems is being launched by Scottish Enterprise.

The new “Workplace Transformation Support” programme will see grants of between £15,000 to £100,000 being provided. This is to drive and maximise capital investment into a business to optimise its productivity and help boost productivity in Scotland.

Stimulating greater capital investment to drive productivity is a focal point for Scottish Enterprise, as it works with businesses to help grow and create higher-value jobs to improve living standards while reducing poverty.

This direction is supported by economic trends and data around Scottish productivity, with the goal to position Scotland in the top quartile of OECD countries for capital investment over the next decade.

This ambitious target translates to an additional £3 billion investment annually, which is projected to generate £200 million in Scottish income tax.

On top of offering a total of £500,000 in financial support — which will be match-funded by industry — the programme will:

• Provide grants of between £15k – £100k.
• Be open to projects that will deliver the biggest impact for Scotland’s economy and include focussing on key industries including manufacturing; professional scientific and technical; information and communications; as well as clean energy sectors.
• Generate funding towards a range of projects from the development of workplace practices to boosting skills and leadership capabilities or training support to adopt new technology such as digital, AI, or robotics. Businesses might also use funding to access support around creating a business change process or programme to improve productivity resulting from the capital investment.
• To be considered, the business must commit to at least £200k capital investment in the next 12 months and this support will help increase the level of investment or accelerate it. For those who have undertaken capital investment in the past year this support will accelerate the return.

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Speaking on the new programme, head of productivity and workplace innovation at Scottish Enterprise, Clare Alexander, said: “We want to drive a business growth mindset whilst stimulating companies’ capital investment and expansion plans. So, whether it’s research and development or investing in new equipment or facilities – we want to increase support for businesses in these endeavours.

“The Workplace Transformation Support initiative runs alongside our programmes to develop and nurture leadership talent to equip people with the skills needed to steer their organisations toward sustainable growth and helps empower leaders to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and foster a positive work culture.

“This new initiative aims to provide a step on the ladder to invest today, to grow tomorrow and create well paid, quality jobs. If you are expanding your business – please come and talk to us.”