Firms get support
Over 1700 jobs have either been created or safeguarded in South Lanarkshire over the last year with the help of the council’s Business Support Services.
The local authority’s Enterprise Services Committee welcomed the update, as part of the 2015/16 annual report, on how firms are being assisted to increase turnover and trade and to create employment through grants, loans, and advice.
As well as protecting jobs and creating employment, £350,000 was also provided in grants and loans, either provided directly by the council or levered in from wider funding sources, such as the West of Scotland Loan Fund.
Councillor Chris Thompson, chair of the Enterprise Services Committee, said: “Like the rest of the UK, South Lanarkshire businesses continue to face many varied challenges.
“We are seeing some evidence of business and sales growth and that is encouraging. However, some are finding it difficult to sustain previous business performance and to access finance and that’s where the council’s Business Support Services can help.
“This annual report shows the progress they have made over the last year with some very positive achievements and success stories. We’ll continue to drive performance up in this area to build a thriving and sustainable local economy.”
The council say a key priority is to focus on supporting the local economy and creating the right conditions to support sustainable economic growth, which it does through a range of programmes and initiatives, often in collaboration with partner organisations.
Highlights reported to the committee include: An additional £348,071 generated through the European Business Development Fund, assisting 173 small-to-medium enterprises, creating or safeguarding 1373 jobs; 22 companies assisted, with 309 jobs created or safeguarded the Clyde Gateway area; £47,191 levered in to support five town centre new start-up businesses through the Town Centre Incubation project, creating or safeguarding 13.5 jobs; 52 companies assisted through the tourism support programme during this year, with 117 local producers and venues promoted in the Lanarkshire Food Map.
The committee also agreed a total budget of £605,977 for proposed business support programmes in the year ahead.
Local businesses can access a wide range of support through the Lanarkshire Business Gateway on 01236 702020 and the council’s Economic Development Service on 01698 455143.