23 July 2018
Business Gateway celebrates 10 years with local councils, creating more than 100,000 jobs
A service providing advice and support to local businesses for the last decade is celebrating the creation of more than 100,000 jobs by assisting nearly the same number of businesses.
Ten years ago control of the business support agency Business Gateway was handed to local authorities by the Scottish Government. Aberdeenshire Council is the lead authority for the north east.
In the following ten years 99,004 businesses were supported, creating 108,904 jobs.
A local team of 16 advisers is available to help those thinking of starting a business, to assist new businesses start and help existing businesses grow.
Impartial, comprehensive business advice and guides are available on a variety of subjects such as human resources, marketing and finance.
Around 300 free Business Gateway workshops take place annually, with 2,500 people benefitting from events in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Peterhead last year alone.
Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Jim Gifford, said: “The right support and advice is crucial to a business just starting out, as there is so much to think about and get right.
“Last year in the north east 1,227 new businesses were started using free Business Gateway services to maximise their chances of future success.
“These businesses ranged from small home enterprises to larger manufacturing companies and we are delighted to play a role in assisting them for the benefit of the area as a whole.”
Co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, Jenny Laing, said: “It’s important to remember that existing businesses can benefit from these important services too.
“Business Gateway can help businesses grow by developing new products or different markets, and by assisting them to export products to markets around the globe.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they could benefit from Business Gateway support to get in touch and find out what the service can do to assist.”
Business Gateway works closely with partner organisations including Scottish Enterprise, business associations and Opportunity North East to ensure local companies get every advantage they can in this competitive age.
Other services include European programmes and help with improving the digital aspects of a business.
If you run, or know of, a business that could benefit from additional support or advice, please call 01224 289725 or see: www.bgateway.com