Support is more than a great idea on paper
Council help recycling firm as new jobs created
South Lanarkshire Council has supported investment and job creation at an East Kilbride recycling plant to the tune of £20,000.
Highlander International are Scotland’s largest independent paper recycler.
Located on the former site of John W Hannay in Linwood Avenue the firm supply a broad range of markets across the UK and mainland Europe, for the re-processing of recovered materials.
Now, thanks to a tieup with the council’s business support team, the company has been able to access grants and financial support enabling them to invest in bigger and better infrastructure, and create new jobs.
Indeed business support grants totalling more than £20,000 in the last three years have enabled Highlander International to increase turnover and profitability and create employment opportunities – as many as eight new posts by the end of 2016.
Managing directors Brian Bingham and Stephen Duffy first approached the council in 2013 when they were looking to invest a six-figure sum in new equipment.
Explained Brian: “At this point we were proposing a significant investment in the plant, in East Kilbride and in the local job market, so naturally the council was our first stop when seeking advice and support.
“The time, expertise and financial help given to us by South Lanarkshire was invaluable.
“With their support we were able to invest in areas such as building improvements, employment and training.
“East Kilbride has in the past played a major part in the paper recycling industry, and we are proud to bring this back to the town, offering local business a reliable service for all types of paper recycling.”
And in a unique partnership with new neighbours MBM print – recently relocated from Glasgow to East Kilbride, waste paper is pumped directly from MBM directly into Highlander’s yard using an air extraction system.
Councillor Chris Thompson, chair of the council’s enterprise services committee called Highlander’s partnership with the council, a true success story.
He added: “Our business support team works very hard to offer as much advice and back up as possible to companies committed to investing in South Lanarkshire.
“There is so much to be gained from working with us, on both a financial and practical level and the year on year investment and job creation at Highlander International, is testament to that.
“I would urge as many business as possible – big or small – who are already operating in South Lanarkshire or are keen to locate here, to get in touch.”
And Brian agrees wholeheartedly, adding: “Our experience of working with the business support team has been hugely positive, and the grants and advice we have been able to access have played a large part in our current success.
“We have a strong business with a fantastic local workforce and we look forward to working more with the council as we go forward.”
South Lanarkshire council offers impartial, practical advice for starting or growing your business. Get in touch at business.support@southlanarkshire.gov.uk