Industry News from the ASSC

Supporting self-catering in Scotland

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April 2016

Welcome to our new-look industry newsletter! I was delighted to be appointed the first ASSC Chief Executive in 2015, and have enjoyed getting my teeth into a challenging role.

We continue to proactively represent the self-catering industry on a range of industry specific matters, offer support and member benefits to holiday home owners and short-term let operators across Scotland, work with leading industry partners and provide a regular stream of news and information for self-caterers.

Over the last year, we have been actively building on the Associations’ strengths and introducing new initiatives to ensure growth and long-term sustainability.

The ASSC is committed to quality, committed to excellence and above all, committed to supporting self-catering in Scotland.

In this newsletter you'll find some of the latest news and developments in our sector. If you have any questions about membership, becoming a trade supplier or working with the ASSC, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Brand Refresh

The ASSC commissioned Ali Campbell Creative to rebrand the organisation. The new look has been very well received by its members and industry representatives since its release at the ASSC’s annual conference last November. Ali said, “Part of the brief was to align the ASSC and EmbraceScotland brands. By using the same motif in repeat, I was able to give each brand their own identity, yet retain a strong sense of togetherness.” Read more...

Affiliate Membership Schemes

Do you run an organisation that might be interested in joining our affiliate membership scheme? The ASSC will waive the Joining Fee for your members, and in return ask that organisations offer an incentive for ASSC members to join them. For more information please contact the ASSC's CEO Fiona Campbell.

ASSC Annual Conference - 8th November 2016

Save the date for this year's ASSC Conference, which will be held at the Glasgow Hilton. The annual conference is the largest gathering of self-caterers and members of the tourism industry in Europe, with keynote speeches, trade suppliers and a great deal of information for anyone providing, or interested in providing, self-catering holiday accommodation in Scotland. Watch this video of highlights from last year's event.

Rates Revalutation

The 2017 Rates Revaluation process is now well underway. The ASSC has had regular meetings with the Assessors during this process, who continue to be receptive to suggestions and feedback. In January 2016, they presented an analysis document to the ASSC, representing the findings from evidence delivered in the Rates Revaluation Forms. Read more...

LBTT Bill

New legislation introducing a tax supplement on purchases of additional residential properties has been passed by Parliament. MSPs have voted in favour of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill – meaning a supplement will now be levied on the purchase of additional homes such as second homes or buy-to-let properties. Read more...

Benefits of ASSC Membership

Business advice, information and support, trade supplier discounts, marketing opportunities and guidance sheets are just some of the benefits of ASSC membership. Take a look at our guide to member benefits. Agency Membership is available to businesses which manage self-catering properties for other people, but who are still able to offer a direct and personal service. Benefits of becoming an Agency Member include exposure to over 600 members, industry engagement and networking.

City Short Term Letting

Whilst city short-term letting is a fast growing market it comes with its own set of challenges. The ASSC is concerned about the current ban on short-term letting in Glasgow and we have also been alerted to a situation where two short-term let apartments have been closed down by Edinburgh City Council on Change of Use grounds. In both cases we have been pro-actively representing the self-catering industry and we are keeping our members informed of any developments.

STA Manifesto for New Parliament

Following consultation with the tourism industry, the Scottish Tourism Alliance unveiled its manifesto, calling on a future Scottish government to commit to supporting the growth and competitiveness of the Scottish tourism industry. A tourism hustings took place on 19 April with representation from all five of Scotland’s main political parties and an audience of over 40 tourism industry leaders present. Read more...

Self-Catering Regulations

We are currently updating our library of guidance sheets and have recently updated our Fire Safety Assessment, Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety guidance. We have also put together a general Regulations guidance sheet covering a range of safety issues in self-catering properties. Read more...

With very best wishes,

Fiona Campbell
Chief Executive