Business Gateway supports 34,000+

Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, has helped 34,698 established and start-up businesses over the last 12 months.

This occurred while businesses were forced to adapt and respond to the challenges of the pandemic.

And research from Business Gateway has revealed 40 per cent of Scottish businesses feel optimistic about their future in 2021.

Now, as businesses across Scotland look to the future following months of closure and tight restrictions, the service is building on its programme of free support and resources to provide business owners with relevant advice and guidance when they need it most.

All this is available through the Argyll and Bute office.

It includes national webinars covering key topics including HR, business strategy, marketing on a budget and writing a business plan.

Business owners are also encouraged to reach out to their Business Gateway office online where specialist one-toone support from an adviser remains available via phone or video.

Through Business Gateway’s digital upskilling programme DigitalBoost, businesses also have access to a variety of free support and resources to help them gain valuable digital skills with more than 660 oneto-one sessions carried out over the past year.

These include webinars, a digital health check, one-toone support from a digital expert, online tutorials and practical guides on topics including social media, cyber resilience, data analytics, digital marketing strategy and e-commerce.

Vital

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer Business Gateway national unit, said: ‘Since this crisis began, Business Gateway has worked tirelessly to provide vital support to businesses across Argyll and Bute, supporting them as they diversity and adapt to the challenges of the pandemic.

‘This has been an immensely difficult period for all business owners.

‘With the focus now firmly on re-opening, Business Gateway will continue to provide critical support to businesses at every stage of their journey, guiding them towards a brighter future.’

For more information about how Business Gateway can help you and your business visit www.bgateway.com/ local-offices/argyll-and-bute/ local-support