Ambitions to grow area’s number of self-employed and gain new jobs
Wishaw and the surrounding area lag well behind the Scottish average of workers who are self- employed, according to new research.
A study from the Federation of Sma l l Businesses ( FSB) reveals that smaller, wealthier towns in Scotland are more likely to have high levels of selfemployment.
The research found that Cleland was the only village in the Wishaw and Motherwell area above the Scottish average of 6.4 per cent. In fact, Gowkthrapple has the lowest figure across North Lanarkshire with just 2.71 per cent self-employed.
Newmains is third from bottom with 4.27 per cent and are closely followed by Shotts ( 4.4 per cent), Wishaw (4.8 per cent) and Motherwell (4.82 per cent).
Harthill ranks slightly higher on 4.9 per cent while Overtown (5.38 per cent) and Allanton (5.71 per cent) are the best performing after Cleland.
Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows said: “When I was first elected as the MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, people identified job creation as a top priority.
“Many people have a great idea for a business but are unable to access traditional sources of finance or do not have the expertise or knowledge on how to achieve their idea.
“Last week, I met with the Start Up Loans Company to discuss how local entrepreneurs can get on the path to success.
“Existing businesses can also benefit from SULCo’s and other organisations’ services to assist them in expanding and growing.
“Hopefully this can assist in getting more businesses into the empty units on our high streets – particularly in Wishaw. Although many businesses start small, they provide income to the area and could potentially grow to employ a team of people.
“My office is currently planning an advice and funding event in the near future to spark the c o n s t i t u e n c y ’s entrepreneurial spirit. But if anyone requires any guidance in the meantime, I encourage them to get in touch with my office.”
Although many businesses start small they provide income and could potentially grow to employ a team . . . MP Marion Fellows