Business news

East Lothian Gift Card celebrates going digital with £10 giveaway

Following the launch of the digital version of the East Lothian Gift Card in November 2024, the council’s Economic Development Team is thrilled to announce a new giveaway to encourage even more local spending.

Published 28th February 2025.

More funds available for Dunbar traditional building repairs

East Lothian Council has announced another round of funding for traditional building repairs as part of the Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Published 24th February 2025.

New ELC Haddington business units proving popular

New tenants are settling into council-developed business units at Haddington Retail Park – bringing a diverse range of new industry to the area.

Published 18th December 2024.

‘Topping out’ ceremony takes place at Edinburgh Innovation Hub

A ‘topping out’ ceremony has taken place to mark the completion of the roof and structure of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, which will be a nationally significant centre for innovation driven business growth and to create new high value employment.

Published 13th December 2024.

East Lothian Gift Card goes digital

The East Lothian Gift Card is now available as a digital e-card – making it an even more convenient Christmas gift.

Published 4th December 2024.

Council agrees to draw up plans for potential visitor levy in East Lothian

In the future, visitors to East Lothian could be charged a small fee as part of their accommodation costs, which would be used to invest in facilities and services used by visitors, as East Lothian Council today agreed to draw up plans for a potential Visitor Levy Scheme.

Published 29th October 2024.

Works progressing at former Cockenzie power station site

Planning consent for groundworks on the site of Cockenzie power station was granted in June this year and works are now progressing to prepare the site for future development.

Published 11th October 2024.

Specialist personal trainer wins Young Entrepreneur Award

A personal trainer from Tranent has scooped the East Lothian Investments Ltd Young Entrepreneur Award. 24-year-old Sam Stevenson of SS Coaching won the £1500 prize, which he says has moved his new business on six months faster than planned.

Published 3rd October 2024.

Business Gateway East Lothian networking events series

Business Gateway East Lothian and East Lothian Council are proud to announce the launch of their in-person business networking events 2024 - 2025.

Published 24th September 2024.

New video showcases the best of East Lothian’s ‘agritourism’

Agritourism is a growing trend, with visitors seeking out authentic experiences that connect them to the countryside and Scotland’s natural larder. Showcasing the best of this thriving sector, a new video has been launched that highlights the rich agritourism offering in East Lothian and the region’s diverse farm-based experiences.

Published 5th September 2024.

Second round of shopfront improvement grant scheme launched in Haddington

The second round of an initiative to help improve the appearance of Haddington town centre has been launched by East Lothian Council and Haddington & District Community Council.

Published 9th August 2024.

Support for trades, construction & retrofit businesses

Support is being offered to East Lothian-based trades, construction and retrofit businesses to bid for local contracts.

Published 8th August 2024.

Businesses achieve national accreditation

A number of East Lothian self-storage businesses have received a big tick from the local Trading Standards team to give their customers confidence and deter criminals from using their facilities.

Published 24th May 2024.

Ten year economy strategy for East Lothian approved

Partnership working will be key to building East Lothian’s economy over the next 10 years, councillors heard at a full meeting of East Lothian Council this week.

Published 25th April 2024.

Planning application submitted for Levelling Up work at former Cockenzie Power Station site

East Lothian Council has submitted a planning application for work on the former Cockenzie Power Station site in an important step forward in preparing the land for future economic use.

Published 4th April 2024.

Shopfront improvement grant scheme launched in Haddington

A new initiative to help improve the appearance of Haddington town centre has been launched by East Lothian Council and Haddington & District Community Council.

Published 27th March 2024.

Work starts on Edinburgh Innovation Hub

A ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony has taken place to mark the start of construction on an innovation hub designed to become a nationally significant centre for innovation driven business growth and to create new high value employment.

Published 21st March 2024.

Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme launches in Prestonpans

A new grant scheme aimed at helping business owners improve their shop frontages in Prestonpans was launched today by East Lothian Council in partnership with Prestonpans Community Council.

Published 5th February 2024.

Contractor appointed for Edinburgh Innovation Hub

Following a competitive tendering process, Heron Brothers Limited has been awarded the construction contract for the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU).

Published 19th January 2024.

New film charter to help put East Lothian on the film and TV map

From TV murder mysteries and sweeping historical dramas to Hollywood blockbuster movies, East Lothian, with its beautiful scenery and historic buildings, has been used as a backdrop for more than 80 film and TV productions in recent years.

Published 20th December 2023.

Helping businesses achieve net zero carbon

East Lothian Council is taking proactive steps to support local small businesses in their journey towards sustainable practices and carbon management.

Published 20th December 2023.

Help for starting a career in childminding

East Lothian Council and partners are teaming up for the first ever childminder drop-in session for anyone passionate about childcare and eager to be their own boss.

Published 19th December 2023.

Christmas Gift Card competition launched

The Win Your Dream Christmas competition is giving people the chance to win a £1,000 East Lothian Gift Card and to enjoy all of their favourite things this festive season.

Published 17th November 2023.

Council vehicle advertising opportunities

East Lothian Council will be working with new partner Roadvert on a development to promote businesses through advertising on the council’s full transport fleet.

Published 16th October 2023.

Planning permission granted for Edinburgh Innovation Hub

Another significant milestone has been reached in the delivery of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU).

Published 29th September 2023.

East Lothian Means Business

An opportunity for existing, start-up and potential start-up businesses to get advice and support, and to hear about unique opportunities, is happening soon in East Lothian.

Published 14th September 2023.

Bringing superfast broadband to rural East Lothian

East Lothian Council’s Economic Development team has been working with smaller communities in East Lothian to improve access to ultrafast broadband, with the first Openreach project in the area using funding from the Scottish Government’s R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme about to launch in Whittingehame.

Published 6th September 2023.

Five years of progress for Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal

Five years after it was signed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.

Published 6th September 2023.

Travel Trade Expert Help Programme success

Tourism businesses in East Lothian have benefited from an expert help programme designed to help them sell their experiences to UK and overseas visitors.

Published 24th July 2023.

Closing date Friday for funding for Community Development Projects

Closing date is Friday for applications to the UKSPF Regeneration Project Development Fund, to support the early stages of project development for community groups and organisations

Published 20th July 2023.

Cockenzie Power Station site redevelopment update

An update on redevelopment of the Cockenzie Power Station site was presented to elected members at Tuesday’s full meeting of East Lothian Council.

Published 27th June 2023.

New A1 junction at QMU is officially opened

A major civil engineering project to create a new junction off the A1 at Queen Margaret University (QMU) has been completed and officially opened.

Published 12th June 2023.

New funding opportunity for East Lothian & Midlothian groups & businesses

Tyne & Esk Rural Communities Development Fund has announced free access to funding information for local charities, voluntary sector organisations and businesses in rural East Lothian and Midlothian.

Published 2nd June 2023.

Planning application submitted for Edinburgh Innovation Hub

Exciting plans for the Edinburgh Innovation Hub next to Queen Margaret University (QMU) have taken a step forward. The project already has planning permission in principle, but the full detail of the proposal has now been submitted to East Lothian Council for approval.

Published 23rd March 2023.

Cockenzie site update

At its meeting on Tuesday 28 February, East Lothian Council was updated on matters relating to the former Cockenzie Power Station site.

Published 1st March 2023.

Scheme to bring new life to Dunbar Conservation Area

The Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) launched this week, with over £1million of funding to improve the historic town centre.

Published 27th January 2023.

Council welcomes Levelling Up Fund announcement

The regeneration of the former Cockenzie Power Station site has received a significant boost with news that East Lothian Council’s bid for £11.3 million of UK Government’s Levelling Up funding has been successful.

Published 19th January 2023.

Shop Doctor scheme to help East Lothian retailers thrive

East Lothian Council is delivering a ‘Shop Doctor’ initiative to support local retailers by helping them increase turnover and profitability.

Published 11th January 2023.

Planning Committee approves Lidl, B&M and Starbucks at Dunbar

East Lothian Council’s Planning Committee met remotely on Tuesday 1st November and considered a number of applications, including two for new businesses next to McDonalds and Dunbar Garden Centre.

Published 1st November 2022.

A1 southbound and slip road reopens

Junction works are progressing well on the A1 next to Queen Margaret University.

Published 26th September 2022.

Progress for innovation hub as design team appointed

The design team has been appointed to take forward the delivery of an innovation hub on land adjacent to Queen Margaret University.

Published 15th July 2022.

Funding for three key East Lothian events announced & business grants in the spotlight

A total of £60,000 has been awarded to support three fantastic events in East Lothian this year, as part of economic recovery funding.

Published 5th July 2022.

East Lothian to receive £1.5million to support post-COVID economic recovery

Government funding will be allocated to identified priority areas to help build on the council's existing economic support efforts.

Published 29th March 2022.

Food and Drink Innovation Hub plans progressing

The development of a Food & Drink Innovation Hub and the potential future Innovation Park on land adjacent to Queen Margaret University has taken a major step forward.

Published 24th February 2022.

Shop Local for Valentine’s Day

Love East Lothian? What better time to make full use of our fantastic local businesses than Valentine’s Day?

Published 9th February 2022.

East Lothian Food & Drink secures ground-breaking 2nd term

East Lothian Food & Drink, the leadership organisation for the county’s food and drink businesses, has secured a second five-year term as a Business Improvement District (BID) following a resoundingly positive vote by members.

Published 2nd July 2021.

£40m City Deal funding unlocked

The business case supporting development of a flagship food & drink innovation hub in East Lothian has been given the green light by officials.

Published 30th June 2021.

Council's financial performance and draft accounts approved

End of financial year draft accounts approved at Council

Published 22nd June 2021.

Consultation on ensuring the prosperity of Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region launches

Citizens, businesses and organisations across South East Scotland are being urged to take part in a major consultation to help shape the economic future of the region.

Published 14th June 2021.

Giftcard spending to help East Lothian businesses

East Lothian Giftcard recipients are being encouraged to spend their cards to help local businesses

Published 21st May 2021.

Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership launches new Gift Card loyalty scheme

A new initiative to support people to ‘shop local; support your high street’ is set to launch in Preston Seton Gosford on 17th May 2021.

Published 12th May 2021.

Council agrees £600k for business support

East Lothian Council has agreed to commit funding of £600k to support businesses and boost the economy as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 29th April 2021.

More than £36 million in grant funding paid out to East Lothian businesses

East Lothian businesses have been supported by more than £36 million in funding from the Business Support Grants scheme, and other funds, administered by East Lothian Council.

Published 23rd April 2021.

Discretionary grant fund for business opens for final applications

If your business has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but you have not been eligible for any government support grants so far, you may be able to apply for a one-off discretionary grant of £2k.

Published 22nd March 2021.

Discretionary grant fund for businesses re-opens

The second round of applications for East Lothian's Discretionary Grant Fund for businesses affected by COVID-19 opens at 9am on Thursday 25th February.

Published 24th February 2021.

Report to Council sets out progress on options for Cockenzie Power Station site and surrounds

Councillors will discuss the report at their meeting on Tuesday 23 February.

Published 16th February 2021.

Discretionary grant fund for businesses now open

If your business has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but you have not been eligible for any government support grants so far, you may be able to apply for a one-off discretionary grant of £2k.

Published 1st February 2021.

More than £4million to be paid to East Lothian businesses this month

£4.2million is being paid to 534 East Lothian businesses in January as East Lothian Council teams have been working flat out to process applications and payments for Business Temporary Closure Grants.

Published 25th January 2021.

East Lothian businesses encouraged to apply for closure grants

As East Lothian, along with the rest of mainland Scotland, moves into Government Protection Level Four from Boxing Day, most businesses except essential retailers will have to close.

Published 23rd December 2020.

Construction Supplier Framework: online event

An online event is being held on 13 January 2021 to help construction suppliers find out how to become involved in the council's Construction Framework, worth £18m over the four year period,

Published 23rd December 2020.

East Lothian Gift Card sales more than double

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a difficult year for businesses but one piece of good news is the East Lothian Gift Card has been selling fast.

Published 22nd December 2020.

Support and advice for local businesses

Local businesses receive advice regarding Level 2 guidelines

Published 3rd December 2020.

Council supporting East Lothian businesses at Christmas

East Lothian Council’s Stay Safe, Support Local, Love East Lothian campaign to encourage local people to fully explore the range of quality businesses across the county has taken on a festive theme.

Published 17th November 2020.

Free online event for employers

A free online event is being held to offer East Lothian employers advice and support on recruiting and retraining staff, including funding support.

Published 3rd November 2020.

Scotland’s Food & Drink County adapts to COVID-19 pandemic

Graeme Ford, Chair of East Lothian Food & Drink, tells us how producers are adapting during the pandemic and encourages us to support our local businesses.

Published 7th October 2020.

COVID-19 business stories - Luca's Ice Cream

Continuing our focus on businesses who have been adapting during the COVID-19 crisis, we talk to an East Lothian firm that should need no introduction!

Published 27th July 2020.

More than £17.5 million in grant funding paid out to East Lothian businesses

East Lothian businesses have benefited from more than £17.5 million in funding from the Business Support Grants scheme, established by the Government and administered by East Lothian Council.

Published 27th July 2020.

COVID-19 business stories - Blueberry Gifts

As part of our Stay Safe, Support Local, Love East Lothian campaign, we will be talking to a range of East Lothian businesses who have had to adapt to keep trading during the COVID-19 crisis.

Published 24th July 2020.

New funding to support town centres

Council successful in Spaces for People finding bid

Published 29th June 2020.

Feasibility report considers suitability of a cruise port at Cockenzie

Viability of a cruise vessel port at former Cockenzie power station site considered in report

Published 27th May 2020.

Almost £13m in grant funding paid out to East Lothian businesses

East Lothian Council teams have been working hard to process a large number of business grant applications.

Published 13th May 2020.

£25k to support voluntary efforts during Covid-19 crisis

East Lothian third sector groups supporting residents through the Coronavirus crisis have benefited from £25k in funding from Foundation Scotland’s Response, Recovery and Resilience (RRR) fund.

Published 7th May 2020.

Grant funding to help the newly self-employed welcomed

East Lothian Council has welcomed a new government fund to help the newly self-employed who may be experiencing hardship due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Published 30th April 2020.

Support grants for businesses to be extended

East Lothian Council has welcomed an extension of the government support grant scheme for businesses.

Published 22nd April 2020.

East Lothian businesses to be supported by millions in grant funding

East Lothian Council has approved almost 360 business support grants totalling £4.26 million since the government fund was announced.

Published 14th April 2020.

Council teams up with local business to protect frontline staff

East Lothian Council has teamed up with a local business to help protect its frontline staff during the Coronavirus crisis

Published 1st April 2020.

Business support during Coronavirus crisis

Scottish Government support for businesses has been announced with further details to follow. In the meantime, East Lothian Council is offering a package of support to local businesses to help them through the Coronavirus crisis.

Published 20th March 2020.

Financial support for East Lothian businesses

Interest-free business interruption loans are being offered by East Lothian Investments Ltd in a bid to help keep East Lothian employers afloat during the current Coronavirus crisis.

Published 19th March 2020.

Haddington Corn Exchange update

Programme agreed for renovation works at Haddington Corn Exchange.

Published 31st July 2019.

Minister opens Past, Present and Future event

European funding business event

Published 26th June 2019.

New Deputy Lieutenant appointed for East Lothian

Iain Clark is new Deputy Lieutenant

Published 5th April 2019.