We can beReady for the future - and it’s bright
Thriving businesses in East Ayrshire are reaping the benefits of a review into support mechanisms offered by the council.
The call in 2015 for more “joined up thinking” has led to a new way of working, say industry leaders.
Companies of all sizes are now being given a range of support to help them succeed in a fast paced environment.
The beReady project has just entered its second year of operation.
It bids to establish a network of professionals who in turn can deliver specialised training and consultancy services across seven business themes.
Digital marketing, procurement and human resources are included in the support package.
In a new report delivered to East Ayrshire Council’s cabinet, the service outlined details of 39 workshops, covering the seven core themes.
And some 193 businesses have benefited from a total of 591 interventions.
Some are now eligible to receive up to £ 15,000 in grant support towards the cost of feasibility studies, projects, trade fairs, new websites and training via Business Loans Scotland and match funded by EU money.
It comes following the successful relocation of Business Gateway’s management in East Ayrshire, with the system being brought in- house.
New premises in the town’s King Street has seen an upsurge in participants, attracted by the easy access to a high street location.
Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “We welcome this report.
“The increasing scope of our Business Support programmes will inevitably have a knock on effect on the efficiency and success of our local businesses.
“For 2017/ 18 beReady will be expanding its remit to include help with export support, while Business Gateway will be building in an outreach element to the service, working from Rothesay House in Cumnock one morning a week from this month.
“On a wider scale, we’re working with our colleagues across Ayrshire on the Ayrshire Growth Deal which will encourage inward investment, new site development and facilitate growth in manufacturing and general engineering, aerospace and life sciences.
“It’s all proof that partnership working, whether with private consultants, in the case of beReady, other public sector agencies and the voluntary sector, is really working to help business prosper and growth for the benefit of our local economy.”