There are various approved schemes currently in place in Scotland that allow public bodies to grant aid towards new investment projects by firms - eg. through rationalisation, diversification or modernisation.
Scottish Government
Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) (XR 15/2007) is an approved grant scheme for new investment projects in Assisted Areas. It allows grant support for capital expenditure on tangible assets- land, site preparation, buildings, plant and machinery, and also intangible assets (patents and know-how costs). Aid can also be given for the wage costs of newly created jobs linked to investment. Aid is subject to maximum limits dependent on the location of the supported company.
Powers to offer RSA in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas are under section 7 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 and Article 13 of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (EC) No 800/2008.
Investment Support for SMEs (X 72/2008) allows RSA type grant assistance to SMEs in Tier 3 areas. Powers to offer RSA in Tier 3 are under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 and Article 15 of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (EC) No 800/2008.
For more information on RSA grants, please visit the RSA Scotland website.
The Scottish Government Third Sector “Scottish Investment Fund” General Block Exemption Scheme (X 133/2008) allows discretionary funding to support new investment projects and job creation linked to investment. Aid can be given towards capital expenditure on fixed assets such as land, buildings, plant and machinery intangible assets, or wage costs.
This scheme operates under the provisions of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (No 800/2008), and Sections 1 and 2 in particular. More information on the provisions of the scheme can be found, here or contact Guthrie Handley on 0141 305 4172
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise can provide discretionary support for investment projects under two schemes:
Regional Selective Assistance Scotland (XR/15/2007)
in Assisted Areas
Scottish Enterprise Business Support Scheme 2009-13
(X 43/2009) for SMEs outwith the Assisted Areas
These schemes allow grant support for capital expenditure on fixed assets such as land, buildings, plant and machinery, and also intangible assets (patents and know-how). Aid can also be given for the wage costs of newly created jobs directly linked to the investment.
The schemes operate under the provisions of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (No 800/2008), and Sections 1 & 2 in particular. More information on the Business Support Scheme can be found here, or contact John McMillan on 0141 228 2368
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The Highlands and Islands General Block Exemption Scheme allows discretionary funding to support new investment projects and job creation linked to investment. Aid can be given towards capital expenditure on fixed assets such as land, buildings, plant and machinery intangible assets, or wage costs.
The scheme operates under the provisions of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (No 800/2008), and Sections 1 and 2 in particular. More information on the provisions of the scheme can be found here.
For more information on this scheme please contact Melvyn Waumsley on 01463 244 474
Local Authorities
The Support for Regional Investment, SME Investment
and Employment Aid scheme (X 159/2008), enables local authorities to support companies with new investment. It allows aid in the form of grants, soft loans or guarantees, to support investment in certain tangible or intangible assets and maximum aid intensity ceilings apply. Support should not be given for operating costs or the replacement of assets.
Powers to offer Investment aid are under section 20 of the Local Government Act 2003 and Articles 13, 14 & 15 of the EC General Block Exemption Regulation (EC) No 800/2008.
Contact the State Aid Unit for more information or check the SLAED website.