FOI - key services

Class 3.1	Advice and information
Brief description of Contents	Expert advice, assistance and information that is currently provided by the HIE Network
Sub-classes and Information	3.1.1. Advice and assistance for new and existing businesses and community-based projects 3.1.2. Advice for new or existing exporters 3.1.3. Technical advice for new product and process development 3.1.4. Marketing advice 3.1.5. Advice on using the internet in business 3.1.6. Information on the Investors in People programme 3.1.7. European Business Services
Format and availability	HIE web site PDF or word documents available from the HIE website or on request to HIE. Hard copy available on request to HIE. Please see section 8 of this scheme for HIE contact details. Please note that not all information in this class is available in all formats indicated above.
Cost	Free when provided electronically, charging as detailed in section 9 for a hard copy. Where promotional material has been produced, the information will be free of charge.

Class 3.2	Financial assistance
Brief description of contents	Information to help new and existing businesses expand and develop in addition to assistance for community-based projects and skills development.
Sub-classes and information	3.2.1. Financial assistance for business 3.2.2. Financial assistance for skills development 3.2.3. Financial assistance for community projects 3.2.4. Business start-ups 3.2.5. Modern Apprenticeships 3.2.6. Training for Work 3.2.7. New Deal 3.2.8. Graduate and student placement programme 3.2.9. Croft Entrants scheme 3.2.10. LEADER+ 3.2.11. Links to the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust 3.2.12. Links to the Opportunity Fund (this is available in the Highland Council area only)
Format and availability	HIE web site Some of the information is available in PDF documents on the HIE web site or on request to HIE. Please see section 8 of this scheme for HIE contact details. Leaflets and promotional material available from your LEC or Careers Scotland offices, see class 2.12 for contact information. Hard copy available on request to HIE.
Cost	Free when provided electronically, charging as detailed in section 9 for a hard copy. Where promotional material has been produced, the information will be provided free of charge.

Class 3.3	Infrastructure support
Brief description of contents	Infrastructure support is broadly divided into three main areas: Community land – supporting community ownership and management of land assets; Environmental renewal – support for improvements to the public and business environment; HIE Network assistance, property provision – assistance with leasing, upgrading or building new business premises. Where information can be published relating to the three areas above, it will be made available through this class.
Sub-classes and information	3.3.1. Promoting investment in community assets 3.3.2. Provision of information on a community’s 'right to buy'
Format and availability	HIE web site PDF or word documents available from the HIE web site or on request to HIE. Hard copy available on request to HIE. Please see section 8 of this scheme for HIE contact details.
Cost	Free when provided electronically, charging as detailed in section 9 for a hard copy.

Class 3.4	Services offered by Careers Scotland
Brief description of contents	Services to people, services to employers and services to the learning and guidance community.
Sub-classes and information	3.4.1. Career advice and support 3.4.2. Improving skills 3.4.3. Career choices and changes 3.4.4. Vacancies 3.4.5. Applying for jobs or training 3.4.6. Starting a business 3.4.7. Assistance with vacancies and recruitment 3.4.8. Labour market information 3.4.9. Guidance on qualifications 3.4.10. Employer participation 3.4.11. Teacher placements 3.4.12. Enterprise in Education guides 3.4.13. Partnerships
Format and availability	Careers Scotland website From any Careers Scotland office, see class 2.12 for details.
Cost	Information in this class is provided free of charge.