GrowBiz clients are a picture of success
Exhibition highlights scheme to help EU migrants into business
A community-based enterprise support service covering eastern and Highland Perthshire has been recognised by the Scottish Government and the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) for its work with migrants in the area.
GrowBiz is one of nine projects across Europe selected for its groundbreaking and innovative work with people from other European Union countries who have chosen to live and work in the area, and some of its clients will feature in a photographic exhibition in Cork in Ireland in September.
The pictures were taken in and around east Perthshire recently by talented Blairgowrie-based photographer Kelly McIntyre from Keathbank Photography for the European Commission.
Among the GrowBiz clients featured in the exhibition are Edyta Siemieniuk from the Golden Angels Cleaning Company, Piotr Gudan from Outdoor Explore, photographer Bart Masiukiewicz and interpreter Edie Kadiu, who is based in Coupar Angus.
Edyta is originally from Poland and started her business on her own but now employs three female staff. She has also just completed a college course to learn about businesses and improve her English.
Piotr runs his own successful outdoor activities company, and is also a volunteer fireman at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Blairgowrie station. He helps GrowBiz with interpreting for new migrants interested in starting an enterprise and regularly supports local community events.
Bart moved to Scotland in 2004 and has since forged a career in photography, including exhibiting his own work.
Edie is originally from Albania and has been working in a primary school near Edinburgh. She recently decided to explore some ideas for a business, and is currently offering interpreting and translation services for local public sector agencies, including the National Health Service.
GrowBiz provides learning workshops and networking events on a range of subjects, everything from financial management to social media to employing staff – with assistance for anyone who needs help with English – and at a variety of venues throughout eastern and Highland Perthshire.
Jackie Brierton, coordinator at GrowBiz, explained: “Our involvement in this exhibition came about when the Scottish Government suggested to the ENRD that GrowBiz is a great example of a project that is working with migrants in rural areas to set up businesses.
“We are one of nine projects from across Europe that have been invited to take part in a photographic exhibition in Cork in September and our work with local migrant businesses will also feature in one of the ENRD’s brochures.
“We worked with local photographer Kelly McIntyre on the images which highlight a sample of the businesses and other organisations such as the PKAVS Minority Communities Hub that we work with.”
Jackie went on to say that at any time GrowBiz is probably working with around 15 or 20 migrant businesses, which is about five to eight per cent of their cases.
She added: “It is fantastic that people choose to come and live in our area and contribute to the local economy in so many different ways.
“We have one lady who has built up her business to the point where she is now employing other people, and Piotr is a fantastic example of someone who contributes so much to the local community – as well as adding to the tourism offered in the area and working together with other businesses and organisations he is also a volunteer firefighter in Blairgowrie.
“Our experience is that they all work really hard and are really enthusiastic. They are positive about, and committed to, both their businesses as well as the area and the communities in which they have chosen to live.” ●Pics by Kelly McIntyre, of Keathbank Photography, for the European Commission.