Vaikunth joined ZOT Engineering in March 2025 as an Intern Software Applications Engineer through ZOT’s collaboration with Bright Green Business, and since then launched a brand-new website for the contract electronics manufacturer based in Musselburgh.
“When I started my internship, my main responsibility was to build an improved structure for intranet resources spread across different divisions. My job was to connect these systems and build internal tools that would let teams track their performance metrics. Later on, the plan was to integrate live machine data so the company could monitor production in real time.
I also wanted the company to have full control over the customer-facing part of the company website instead of relying on a third-party hosting provider. What started as a personal initiative grew into a full project that eventually merged with the internal tool, creating a single, more customized platform. Management was very supportive, which gave me the confidence to push the idea forward.
My onboarding experience played a big part in helping me settle in quickly. Gordon, the company Director and other members of the firm, made sure I get the resources and support I needed, from equipment to introductions with key people. They explained how the company operates, what are the goals of the firm and what my role in achieving them would be. That really helped me understand how my work would fit into ZOT’s growth.
The company supported me at every step. Whenever I needed guidance or resources, the answer was always yes. I was also encouraged to attend research conferences and technical meetups, which allowed me to speak to more experienced engineers and learn from them.
Over the eleven months, I worked on a wide variety of projects: environmental dashboards, the new website, HR portals, and payroll tools. The opportunity to work with cloud deployment at scale was especially influential. It was completely different from the academic projects. I learned what it means to build systems at scale for wide range of users, how to allocate resources properly, and how vital tiny technical details can prove to be.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of continuous learning. All my colleagues had decades of experience yet still worked hard to stay current with new technologies. Their example motivated me to keep learning while delivering on my day-to-day responsibilities.
The biggest challenge I faced was understanding what other team members needed from our systems. I had to learn how to ask the right questions, figure out what information they actually wanted, and decide how it should be displayed. At first, it was intimidating, and I sometimes worried that my questions were too complicated or off the mark, but everyone I worked with was very encouraging and patient, which created an environment where I felt comfortable learning and improving. That level of support is rare, especially for someone new to the firm, and it made a huge difference.
Looking back, this internship gave me far more than technical skills. It taught me how to build systems that solve real problems, how to communicate clearly across teams, and how to balance learning with delivering results. It was a period of intense growth.”
The growing shortage of skilled workers choosing to build their careers in manufacturing continues to influence the performance of the industry throughout the United Kingdom. According to the Office for National Statistics (2025), the number of people employed in manufacturing decreased from over 4 million to just over 2.5 million in the last 25 years.
While this drastic change is partially an effect of process automation, and therefore a drop in the number of positions required to run a manufacturing operation, many businesses still struggle to fill all positions necessary for the industry to grow at a steady pace. Based on research conducted by Barclays in 2024, 97.5% of manufacturers agree that hiring and retaining skilled workers poses a challenge to their business. Additionally, 75% of surveyed manufacturers believe that a shortage of skilled employees is one of the top barriers to company growth. All of this presents a challenge for the manufacturing industry, as many businesses need to invest extra resources into attracting employees to join them, as well as take on more responsibility for their training.
This challenge needs to be addressed collectively by the manufacturing industry. Developing talent through apprenticeships, engaging with local educational institutions and people entering the workforce are necessary steps to attract and retain talent in the sector.
To change the status quo, ZOT Engineering, a contract electronics manufacturer based in Musselburgh, Scotland, recently hosted groups of students from Napier and Heriot-Watt Universities’ schools of engineering. By collaborating with the lecturers of these two renowned institutions, ZOT successfully introduced manufacturing as a potential career path for talented and skilled individuals who may now consider developing their skills in the field of electronics manufacturing.
While these visits will not bring immediate change to the shape of the industry, initiatives like this can certainly bring significant improvements to businesses on a smaller scale. Introducing one’s business to the emerging workforce during their education stage places them among the first to be considered when applying for a first job after graduation. Even more importantly, inviting university students to see behind the scenes of electronics manufacturing will allow them to enter the workforce with a unique insight into the operations of a business in the sector. One of the lecturers at Heriot-Watt University stated that the “students found it to be a thoroughly rewarding and informative afternoon”.
About ZOT Engineering
ZOT Engineering is a leading contract electronics manufacturer established in 1975. By offering an integrated service including PCB manufacturing, electro-mechanical assembly, sheet metal fabrication and final box builds in one location in Scotland, ZOT enables their teams and customers to grow in all areas of manufacturing.
Following feedback from the local business community, we would like to advise that the awards dinner and ceremony, originally scheduled for 19 March at The Venue – Eskmills, has been postponed to 17 September.
This decision has been made to better accommodate businesses that are keen to be involved but are currently facing challenges associated with year-end workloads, staffing pressures, budget constraints, and other operational demands. By moving the event to later in the year, we hope to ensure greater participation and allow businesses the time and capacity to fully engage with the awards programme.
Importantly, the awards programme itself will continue as planned. We have already received a strong number of entries, and the judging process will commence from the end of this month. The shortlist of finalists will be announced in March.
There is still time to submit applications, with entries open until 27th of February. We encourage eligible businesses to take part and showcase their achievements. We look forward to recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our business community at the rescheduled awards dinner and ceremony in September. More info on the awards here
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has warned that businesses are on the brink following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.
As Scotland’s largest business organisation, representing thousands of businesses across every region and sector, Scottish Chambers of Commerce is deeply concerned about the impact of the Government’s tax plans on businesses, particularly SMEs.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of SCC, said:
“After months of speculation and leaks, the Chancellor has simply delivered a trade-off budget which hikes taxes to increase government spending.
“While our members will welcome some of the encouraging announcements on regional investment and support for entrepreneurship, it is a far cry from the radically pro-business reset that firms across Scotland so desperately need. Chancellor has not done enough to restore the confidence of business.
“SCC called on the Exchequer to take serious, pro-growth measures, like targeted reductions in VAT, a reversal of last year’s ill-thought-out Employer NICs increase, and reform of the Energy Profits Levy to support the UK’s energy transition. It is disappointing and damaging that these opportunities for Scotland have fallen on deaf ears.
“But, the net effect of this Budget will be to dial up the pressure on businesses even further, in turn risking the UK’s reputation as a magnet for global investment.
“If the Government wants to make good on its stated commitment to sustainable economic growth, then it must listen more carefully to the businesses and people footing the bill.”
On the minimum wage, Dr Cameron said:
“Raising the National Living Wage by 4.1% may help stimulate demand in the short term, as some consumers feel a boost in their back pockets; but in the absence of targeted relief for already-squeezed SMEs, it will simply add to the rising cumulative cost of doing business. Without cost reductions elsewhere, businesses will suffer under the weight of additional cost pressures.”
On the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), Dr Cameron said:
“The Government’s intention to replace the EPL with a permanent windfall tax mechanism is deeply concerning for the oil and gas sector which contributes so much to UK economic growth and to the strength of Scotland’s supply chains. We join OEUK in expressing our disappointment, and the threat it poses to thousands of jobs in the North East region.
“Keeping the tax in place is both punitive and wrong-headed.
“Research from OEUK shows that reforming the EPL immediately could raise up to £15bn additional revenue by 2030. While we await full details of how this windfall tax will work, we stand with our vital North Sea oil and gas sector, and will continue to work to strengthen its role in delivering our national energy transition.”
On alcohol duty, Dr Cameron said:
“It is a missed opportunity that the Government has chosen to ignore industry-wide calls to reduce or freeze alcohol duty. This is a punishing tax on Scotland’s world-renowned whisky industry, worth £7 billion in Gross Value Added to the economy.
“Scotch is already the highest-taxed alcohol category in the UK, and these costs push investment to other, more profitable markets.
“A government serious about growth would be playing to the UK’s strengths and leveraging the commercial success of its flagship exports, not stifling them. We will work with industry and trade partners in any effort to reverse this rise, so that Scotch whisky can thrive on the global marketplace once again.”
On funding for SME apprenticeships, Dr Cameron said:
“Scrapping the co-investment in apprenticeships and training for under-25s for all SMEs, backed by over £700m of funding will help tackle youth unemployment, reduce the burden on small businesses, and boost vital training in high-growth sectors.
“We need similar action from the Scottish Government to attract talent and investment.”
On investment in Scotland, Dr Cameron said:
“The Government’s investments in Kirkcaldy, Grangemouth and Inchgreen are positive steps, which leverage Scotland’s diverse regions to support economic growth and deliver the UK Government’s industrial strategy. To make the most of these spending commitments, business needs devolved housing and transport policy that works in lockstep with the Treasury.”
On international trade, Dr Cameron said:
“We welcome the Government’s intention to bolster the relationship with our European neighbours, leveraging overseas talent to support our economy in high-growth areas. Reforming customs treatment for low-value imports will reduce the administrative costs for SMEs trading in international markets. While we welcome this consultation as a step in the right direction, we need progress to happen at pace.”
On the electric vehicle tax, Dr Cameron said:
“The Government’s policy on EVs has been confusing, conflicted and contradictory, hurting both motorists and manufacturers in the process. The Government has signalled a desire to phase out fossil fuels – why then is it extending the cut in fuel duty, all while ramping up taxes on EVs? Businesses can support the transition away from diesel and petrol cars, but only if we have consistency and clarity.”
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), representing thousands of businesses across every sector of Scotland’s economy, has warned that the Autumn Budget must be a turning point for growth, competitiveness, and confidence across the UK.
In a letter to the Chancellor, SCC says that firms are facing a perfect storm of rising costs, squeezed cashflow, and policy uncertainty. Its latest economic survey shows business confidence declining across most sectors, investment intentions put on hold, and hiring costs at record highs.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Director and Chief Executive of SCC, said:
“Firms across Scotland are ready to invest and grow, but a complex and costly policy environment is holding them back. We hear all too often that firms want to invest in their premises and people, but that the spiralling cost burden has seen investment intentions shelved. This Chancellor needs to make this Budget a turning point for businesses.
“The measures we’ve outlined will unlock investment, drive innovation, and create jobs in every region of the UK. Bold, evidence-led decisions today will secure growth and prosperity for decades to come.”
SCC is calling for a package of measures that strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness and support long-term productivity:
Concluding, Dr Cameron said:
“The message from Scotland’s business community is clear: we’re ready to invest, innovate, and create jobs. Now we need a Budget that matches our ambition, and takes the necessary steps to restore business confidence.
“With the Scottish Budget due in January, we urge both Governments to work together to deliver a settlement that unlocks the full potential of Scotland’s businesses.”
This weekend, on 22nd November, a dedicated group of Parents and Carers will take on the Twin Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for Venturing Out CIC’s Adventure Wellbeing Programmes.
The challenge will see participants first climb Traprain Law near East Linton before taking on a 17km trek to North Berwick, finishing with a final ascent of North Berwick Law. It’s an inspiring and demanding route — and an incredible show of commitment from those taking part.
All of the individuals involved are unpaid Carers who either attend the sessions with their children who have additional support needs or take part in Venturing Out’s Carers Programme, which provides essential respite and time to focus on mental health and wellbeing.
The group has set an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000, with all proceeds going towards helping the organisation continue offering free, accessible outdoor adventure activities for people with a wide range of needs. As funding becomes increasingly challenging to secure, support from the local community is more important than ever.
Please support this amazing effort and donate here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/venturing-out-cic-adventure-wellbeing-programmes
The Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Chamber Business Awards, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and excellence of businesses across the region.
The annual awards shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals driving growth and success in Midlothian and East Lothian — from pioneering start-ups to established industry leaders.
Entries are now open, and participation is completely free. Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to apply, and Chamber membership is not required to enter. Entrants can submit nominations for multiple categories, offering every organisation the chance to showcase their achievements and be recognised for their contribution to the local economy.
This year’s awards feature nine categories, including three exciting new additions that highlight the diversity and strength of our regional economy:
These new categories join our established honours, celebrating innovation, sustainability, community impact, and business growth across Midlothian and East Lothian.
“The Chamber Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our local businesses — the backbone of our regional economy,” said Keith Barbour, President of the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce. “Each year, we are inspired by the creativity, resilience, and leadership shown by our entrants, and we can’t wait to recognise their success again in 2026.”
The awards ceremony in March 2026 will bring together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community representatives for an evening of celebration and networking, showcasing the very best of business in the region.
Entries close on 23rd January 2026 and finalists will be announced in early February.
For more information on categories, eligibility, and how to enter, visit https://www.melcc.org.uk/awards-info/or contact Mia Gilchrist on 0131 603 5040 or email mia@melcc.org.uk
Edinburgh-based web design company Power On Web Design has marked its first birthday in style — with a successful presence at two major business expos and strong recognition from across the local business community. One fellow exhibitor even admitted to having “stand envy” after seeing the Power On stand, a moment that summed up a year of creativity, progress and reflection.
For founder Martin Kay, this milestone represents far more than business growth — it marks a personal triumph after two years of hardship.
Following the loss of his father and godmother, two job losses, a redundancy, and a late ADHD diagnosis, Martin found himself a single parent trying to rebuild. Starting a business wasn’t part of the plan. “It was more a leap of faith when everything else was uncertain,” he says. “I had no roadmap, just a belief that things had to change.”
That belief turned into Power On Web Design, a creative web design company built around Martin’s passion for helping small businesses grow online. Combining his sales background — from YTS trainee to Account Executive at a leading global cybersecurity firm — with a lifelong creative spark, Martin channelled his energy into building something meaningful from the ground up.
A key turning point came through Business Gateway, when adviser Lee Briggs introduced Martin to a grant scheme that could help fund early growth. The paperwork initially felt overwhelming due to ADHD-related challenges, but Lee stepped in and offered to complete the forms together. Two weeks later, the funding was approved — enabling Martin to invest in a Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce membership and a professional exhibition stand. Those decisions proved invaluable, opening new doors and raising the company’s profile.
Fast forward 12 months and both Martin and Power On Web Design have undergone a remarkable transformation. The business is now flourishing, attracting larger clients while continuing to serve start-ups and small enterprises — the very audience Martin cares deeply about. Word-of-mouth referrals have become a major source of growth, driven by his hands-on approach and personal commitment to every project.
Relocating to a new office has also helped fuel creativity and focus, something Martin credits to his ADHD “superpower.” “Hyperfocus can be intense,” he says, “but in design, it’s a gift. My ADHD gives me an authenticity and energy that clients respond to. I see it as my edge, not my obstacle.”
Reflecting on the past year, Martin is both humble and proud. “I’ve powered through some very dark days. A year ago, I didn’t know if I’d manage to turn things around — but here we are. Power On Web Design has grown beyond what I imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in me.”
Martin also pays special thanks to Business Gateway for their continued guidance. “Without their support, I might not have had the confidence to push forward,” he adds. “They helped me take that first real step, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”
As Power On Web Design moves into its second year, the message is clear — resilience, creativity and self-belief can turn even the hardest challenges into something powerful.
For more info on Power On Web Design visit
https://www.poweronwebdesign.com
Thomson Cooper Accountants is proud to announce seven new starts are joining the team as part of their annual trainee intake. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, these talented individuals have been hand-picked from high schools, universities, and industry. They are joining Thomson Cooper Accountants across the firm’s accounting, audit, outsourcing, insolvency and agri departments.
Their training will involve examinations with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), with the trainees working towards a range of qualification levels, including Modern and Graduate apprenticeships.
To set them up for success, the trainees are all directly supported by the senior colleagues within their team. All are on unique training programmes specifically tailored to elevate and enhance their technical knowledge and skills within their respective roles. Their training has a focus on working together with different departments, promoting Thomson Cooper’s values and culture of providing a client-centric service.
Alan Mitchell, Managing Partner, said “The new team members mark another step in our continued growth as a business. We look forward to providing a fully supported training and development programme to allow each to achieve their career training ambitions.”
East Lothian–based business MouldAway UK is officially launching on Thursday 18th September 2025, at Eskmills Venue, Musselburgh, bringing innovative mould remediation products to Scotland’s housing sector.
Founded by Jeanette and Charlie Hamill, MouldAway UK has rebranded from Inducoat UK and is now the exclusive distributor of Inducoat Fungi, a revolutionary anti-mould coating system. Backed by over 20 years of scientific research and widely adopted across Europe, Inducoat Fungi eliminates mould and prevents regrowth for at least five years, making it a game-changer for landlords, housing associations, and local authorities.
The launch event, held in East Lothian, will feature guest speaker Mike Frankhuizen, CEO of Inducoat BV in the Netherlands, alongside the MouldAway UK team. Attendees will also experience the MouldAway Challenge, a live demonstration kit showing mould growth halted in its tracks. Jeanette Hamill, Director of MouldAway UK, said: “Scotland faces a growing challenge with damp and mould in homes. Our mission is to protect tenants, reduce costs for housing providers, and help meet the new legal standards. The launch of MouldAway UK marks the start of a mould-free future for Scotland’s homes.”
The launch signals an important step for housing providers ahead of upcoming legislation such as Awaab’s Law in England and anticipated Scottish housing reforms. For press enquiries or to attend the launch, contact: 📧 jeanette@mouldaway.co.uk | 🌐 www.mouldaway.co.uk