Big rise in firms seeking Gateway advice

Advice service Business Gateway saw a surge in inquiries from existing firms in Scotland during the final three months of last year.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Feb 2011, 20:02 BST
Updated 20th Feb 2011, 20:31 BST

The number of established businesses contacting it was up 27.9 per cent on the corresponding period a year earlier, at 1,043.

The organisation also helped 2,635 Scottish businesses get started in the October to December quarter, an increase of 3.7 per cent.

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The total number of new businesses started in Scotland since April with support from Business Gateway stands at 8,473, up 10.5 per cent year-on-year.

Over the same period, more than 27,000 delegates participated in the organisation's specialist training workshops and events.

Enterprise minister Jim Mather said: "It is encouraging to see both an increase in new business start-ups and Business Gateway providing its high-quality support to even more existing businesses.

"With Scotland now in recovery, with employment rising and unemployment falling, it is vital we go on supporting companies, both through Business Gateway and the whole range of initiatives in our comprehensive economic recovery plan."

David Valentine, chairman of the organisation's Scotland board, said small and medium-sized firms remained "determined to succeed" despite continued economic uncertainty.

The business support network is provided through local authorities and there are fears it may be an easy target for cuts as budgets are squeezed.

Related topics:Scotland