‘We’re here to help’
the expert advisers here to help your business
Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway team includes experienced business advisers with a knowledge of the area and an understanding of the challenges of running a small business.
As well as providing practical advice and support tailored to the business needs, they can signpost relevant sources of funding and other relevant partners offering support.
Business Adviser Donald Melville has been with the Business Gateway team since 2013. He has qualifications in business counselling and business and enterprise support, as well as years of experience in supporting small businesses.
“We appreciate that starting a business can be daunting and we’re here to help,” says Donald.
“Every client is different, and we work flexibly to offer the right support. For some that is just an answer to a query about tax, for others it is acting as a sounding board whilst they explore their ideas and gain confidence.
“The start-up grant that we currently have available also makes a real difference to people taking that first step into self-employment”.
John MacDonald is the newest Business Adviser in the team, having joined in 2023 after a 25-year career in financial services. He has also set up and run his own businesses and is now passing on that expertise to others.
“As advisers we have a good broad knowledge base to help small businesses start, survive and grow,” John says.
“Where specialist insight is needed, we can help with that too, either by signposting organisations with a particular focus or by linking businesses up with one of our subject experts. Businesses have really appreciated being able to access expert advice quickly to help them move forward.”
Jen Smith has been a Business Gateway adviser for over 20 years, and joined the Argyll and Bute team in 2017. She has also run her own businesses and has been a lecturer in enterprise.
Jen said: “Reaching markets outside of Argyll and Bute or Scotland can be challenging. The Trade Fair grant that is available helps to take some of the risk out of attending a new trade fair in the search for new customers.
“Finding and retaining staff can also be an issue for small businesses. The training grant on offer of up to £1,000 helps business owners invest in their own skills or those of their staff”.
Angela Vernel has been a business adviser with Business Gateway since 2013. She has a background in business investment and economic development.
“In the last year we have worked with a real variety of businesses to help them access the Small Business Development grant of up to £5,000. Many have used it to purchase machinery and equipment to help their business become more efficient and profitable, or to increase capacity. The grant doesn’t just cover capital items, it can also be used for some revenue costs such as upgrading a website or running a new marketing campaign. If anyone is looking for support to develop their business, we would encourage them to get in touch“.
To set up an appointment with an adviser or to find out how Business Gateway can help, email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk or call 01546 604555.