Auto jobs saved after council cash u- turn
A boss who faced laying off staff due to the coronavirus crisis has been spared by a council u- turn.
Alan McTaggart, who owns and runs Myles Coachworks in Ayr, had been told his firm failed to qualify for a £ 25,000 rescue grant and that left him fearing for the future.
His business, a body repair specialist as part of the Fix Auto franchise, has now won a reprieve.
Council officials decided the firm qualifies for support .
Alan, 48, said: “It’s a huge relief and fantastic that they’ve seen sense. They looked again at the evidence we put forward and thankfully came back saying yes.
“It makes a huge difference as I’d probably have had to let two or three of the team go without that money. So it’s a safeguard for the future and a massive lift for everyone.”
The Myles/ Fix Auto operation employs 16 at its Green Street base. But they had been told a Retail Funding Grant would not be forthcoming as they fell into the “automotive” category.
Alan added: “We explained how a lot of our business fell under retail but they came back saying no.
“I think the guidance for our industry was maybe a bit misleading. My worry is how many other people would have accepted the decision and not kept chasing it.”
A council spokesperson said: “We continue to administer business support grants in accordance with guidance from the Scottish Government.
“Updated guidance was issued and we were happy to award the grant.”
It makes a huge difference as I’d probably have had to let two or three go without that money