Omnia creates hub where firms flourish
Businesses could benefit from a new alliance created between Scotland and Ireland’s Gaeltacht Areas as part of a recent Business Trade Visit.
During a recent visit to Donegal by West Lothian Chamber, Scottish Chambers, local businesses and representatives of West Lothian Council, new dedicated reciprocal trade offices to provide business support services to companies and facilitate investment and trade opportunities were announced.
Led by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and Údarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal, the reciprocal arrangement is the first of its kind for Scotland and the Gaeltacht and will act as a valuable resource for SMEs looking to expand their international B2B partnerships.
Announced at a major gathering of Scottish and Irish business leaders, Scottish Government’s Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee MSP, said: “This is an excellent example of private and public sector working together and building meaningful alliances that will make it easier for businesses to build their capacity to trade.
“The establishment of reciprocal trade offices demonstrates the commitment of the Scottish and Irish business communities to expand opportunities for trade and investment and foster great collaboration and cooperation.
“This is an excellent outcome of the three-day Business Trade Visit to the Donegal Gaeltacht that I was very pleased to lead and I look forward to supporting this important alliance.”
West Lothian Executive Councillor Cathy Muldoon said: “This is a very uncertain time for all our economies and a time when we have to work together and forge alliances which will support business and trade.
“As part of the Trade Mission it was encouraging to meet with Irish Government, The Scottish Government and agencies to share our concerns and how we can find mutual benefit.
“I look forward to future opportunities for West Lothian.”
Liz Cameron OBE, Director and Chief Executive, of Scottish Image is everything in today’s growing business markets.
Hybrid offices are creating a vibrant way to build a collaborative hub in the business community.
Leading the way in this initiative is Omnia, a provider of serviced offices and co-working space from one person to a large organisation.
Ideally situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Livingston Alba Campus has now nearly reached capacity, reflecting its aim to be a hub for business.
Elaine Stevenson, Centre Manager for the Alba Campus, said:“There is a demand Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are immense opportunities between Ireland’s Gaeltacht Areas and Scotland and the establishment of trade offices in our respective areas is a clear indicator of our ambition and commitment to expand our international business relationships.
“The ‘business touch points’ will connect ambitious businesses looking to expand their customer base and identify new trading partnerships.
“This alliance further extends the opportunity for Scottish businesses to connect internationally and adds to our existing international touch points in China, Canada and Indonesia, clearly demonstrating the effective results for business when private and public sector work in collaboration.” Commenting for flexible office accommodation and I’m delighted we’re fully occupied at both Systems House and The Alba Centre. I work closely with our tenants, helping them concentrate on growing their business.”
Matt Hay from Lucerne Scotland a tenant at the Alba Campus said:“We have an amazing office in the Alba Business Centre provided by Omnia.
“A year ago we experienced quick growth and needed to find bigger office space. When we approached Elaine at Omnia she provided a variety of empty offices. However, one particular office was the perfect size for our requirements. It on the announcement, Micheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Office, Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “This new alliance facilitated by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Scottish Chambers of Commerce is an important step forward to expand trading opportunities for Irish businesses.
“It will also provide Scottish business a significant chance to establish a presence in Ireland and to explore the new markets and opportunities that it provides.
“The reciprocal arrangement will also be of significant benefit to Gaeltacht companies to have access to information, support and expertise to build their export base in Scottish markets.
“We look forward to playing an active role in realising the benefits of this Business to Business alliance and capitalising on the economic was, and continues to be, the perfect office. With the amount of growth West Lothian is seeing within its business community, it is essential there are facilities to help support their development. Business parks such as Omnia can offer a hub for collaboration, support and celebration.”
The Alba Centre and Systems House are both purpose-built ,providing flexible office accommodation offering tenants the benefit of a wide range of amenities.
By providing flexible short-term agreements with inclusive monthly fees and no hidden extras, it allows businesses to flourish and a co-working space with café facilities enables ease of work, flexibility and meets the demand from the business sector in West Lothian.
If you would like to speak to Elaine contact her on: Livingston@omniaoffices. com or call 01506 429 099.
The Chamber recognises West Lothian is becoming a true hub for business with a variety of sectors and types experiencing growth and we will be celebrating this at our upcoming Business Excellence Awards Dinner on November 30 from 6.30pm at Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, Uphall.
On the night we will be announcing and showcasing this year’s deserving winners.