Tag: Business Gateway

First Class! Student-driven media agency graduates to next level with support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh media agency focused on connecting independent businesses with social media savvy students has expanded its presence in the UK and Africa thanks to support from Business Gateway.

Today Agency is a student-driven media agency based in Edinburgh. Launched in 2017, the agency assists independent businesses with creative content creation and social media management, while offering students the opportunity to gain essential practical and paid for industry experience.

Founder Jack Allan started the business whilst at university and, during the 2020 Covid lockdown, completed Business Gateway’s five-week programme ‘Gateway to Investment’ designed specifically to help start-ups grow and secure investment.

The programme provided him with advice on securing funding, covering aspects such as investor research, financial readiness and pitch presentation training.

Through this course, Jack identified funding routes which included securing over £20,000 in grants in 2021 and £40,000 investment ‘in-kind’ which covered operational expenses and enabled the business to grow internationally.

Today Agency has since opened offices in Manchester and Newcastle, with clients across five UK cities and secured a partnership with The Challenges Group, opening offices in Kampala and Accra with plans to open three more throughout Africa.

Jack also accessed regular 1:1 support from his dedicated business adviser as part of Business Gateway’s Growth Service. He received a strategic review of the business plan to identify new opportunities and priorities, advice on PR and marketing, as well as specialist support in international expansion.

Jack Allan, founder of Today Agency, said: “Business Gateway gave me, as a leader, the opportunity to speak to mentors and think critically about the business. This helped greatly in assessing our next steps and has provided us a platform to successfully expand our business operations worldwide.

“There is a significant opportunity for our business to grow internationally over the coming years. Across Africa, we’re seeing dynamic ideas originating from the likes of Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda which is exciting. Businesses and young people across the UK and further afield are ambitious and we want to work with them.

“We have our sights set on becoming the world’s first global student-driven media agency and thanks to the clear advice and direction given by our Business Gateway adviser, we were able to develop our business and are well on our way.”

Lindsey Sibbald, adviser, Business Gateway, said: “It is wonderful to see how Today Agency has taken such an innovative concept and scaled it up with offices not only in the UK, but across the world.

“It is rewarding to see how Jack has achieved his goals, despite the pandemic, reaching a new market in which they are thriving by working with our team. We would encourage all businesses to get in touch and make use of the services we have at Business Gateway, if there are areas where support is needed.”

To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit: 

www.bgateway.com.    

Business Gateway ensures ‘pane-free’ launch for world-first form of secondary glazing

A former economist has successfully launched a business making a world-first type of secondary glazing to high demand after working with Business Gateway, receiving orders for over 1,000 panes since he began trading at the end of 2020.

Gareth Claase invented and patented ‘Gecko Panes’ and is the founder of Gecko Glazing, a business based in Edinburgh which specialises easy to install secondary glazing which helps home-owners insulate their properties and save on energy costs. 

Gareth approached Business Gateway in 2020 after developing his idea for secondary glazing, 10 years after he first recognised there was a gap in the market for a more affordable, sustainable, and less disruptive way to cut heat loss from old windows. 

Gareth said, “Most of the options available to upgrade old windows were too expensive, too invasive, or both, which is why I wanted to try and find a better solution. Ultimately, my goal is to help with the problem of greenhouse gas emissions from homes and other buildings, addressing the problem that most existing energy saving measures are disruptive and high-cost.”

Through his product, customers can fit a clear acrylic sheet on an ultra-small profile aluminium frame which fits inside existing window frames, converting single glazing into double glazing and double glazing into triple. Each pane can be installed in minutes, with no tools required. They are up to 90% less costly than conventional double glazing and cut heat loss and emissions by up to 50%. Unlike any other system, they don’t impede or obstruct existing windows.

Gareth made extensive use of Business Gateway as he set about launching his business. This included 1:1 support from a business adviser, help on his business plan and advice about funding, premises, and marketing.

Business Gateway also facilitated several introductions letting Gareth meet experts in their field as he looked to upskill and get to grips with starting his business.

“After many years perfecting my design, I decided to take the plunge and start my own business, but I honestly had no idea what was involved. However, Business Gateway were an invaluable partner and helped me understand all the different aspects involved, ensuring I was able to quickly start trading.

“It’s fair to say that Gecko Glazing might not even be here were it not for their support and advice.”

Gareth was also able to access support through DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme delivered by Business Gateway. This included 1:1 support with an expert adviser where he learnt about search engine optimisation, website design and digital marketing. Through this service, Gareth was able to move to a more effective e-commerce platform and implement analytics so he could measure sales and customer engagement.

A specialist marketing consultant provided further extensive 1:1 support, helping Gareth upskill and identify how to market his product effectively.

Gecko Glazing has since gone from strength to strength since it began trading at the end of 2020, and recently received formal accreditation of thermal performance.

He has since won the prestigious Scottish Edge competition for promising early-stage Scottish firms and signed an agreement with a third-party supplier to offer professional installation for customers.

He is now exploring opportunities to scale up his offering through further investment and is hoping to expand into the US market in 2022.  

Alison Lynch, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It was fantastic working with Gareth and learning about his unique business which identified a major gap in the market for eco-friendly and cost-effective secondary glazing windows.  

“He maximised his time with Business Gateway, and made progress after every session, from devising a branding wheel with strong core values and developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, to fine tune his USP and elevator pitch.

“For anyone looking to start-up on their own, Business Gateway boasts a range of services specifically designed to help you get on your way, giving you the skills and tools required for a successful launch.”

For more information about Business Gateway start-up services, please visit:

https://www.bgateway.com/our-services

Spotlight on Edinburgh as Business Gateway launch television campaign

Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, is putting the spotlight on rural and urban businesses as part of its new TV campaign which features businesses from both Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.

The campaign will highlight Business Gateway’s extensive programme of support to help business owners, including those getting ready to reopen as restrictions ease.  

This support includes the chance for businesses to put their questions directly to industry partners such as the Federation of Scottish Businesses, VisitScotland and the Scottish Retail Consortium through a series of panel webinars. These are designed to help businesses get to grips with the guidance and requirements they will need to follow as they look ahead to reopening safely.  

Alongside these, a new series of national webinars covering key topics like HR, business strategy, marketing on a budget, mental health and wellbeing, and more will also launch this month. And business owners are also encouraged to reach out to their local Business Gateway office online where virtual, specialist 1:1 support from an adviser remains available. 

To promote the campaign, Business Gateway is showcasing businesses that have benefited from Business Gateway support during the crisis.   

Alex Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA Clothing, received start-upsupport from Business Gateway when she first launched her business.

Through the Business Gateway team, she was signposted to South of Scotland Enterprise and was able to access a grant through DigitalBoost, Business Gateway’s digital upskilling programme. This grant has enabled Alex to revise FINDRA’s ordering and CRM system.

 

Alex said: “I worked with Business Gateway when I first launched my business and they were a fantastic source of support, so I knew who to turn to when I decided to overhaul and update my business’s website.  

“This investment was only possible through the DigitalBoost programme. Thanks to the grant, I am confident that FINDRA customers can now really enjoy the best online ordering experience when they purchase our products.” 

Through DigitalBoost, businesses can access a variety of free support and resources including includes webinars, a digital health check, 1:1 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. 

Edinburgh based business, eteaket, is also featured as they prepare to reopen.  

Founder Erica Moore said: “The whole team at eteaket are excited to get back to delighting customers in our tearoom and tea shop. We can’t wait to catch up with our regulars and to see our wholesale tea business ramp up.  

“We have lots of exciting new ideas planned for this year which are all based around our Tea in Mind system which lets customers choose teas based on how they are feeling. Freeing your mind while your tea brews is the perfect way to unwind. Come and join in the fun!” 

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said: “As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, businesses will be focused on how they can adapt and strengthen their operations. Our campaign is designed to help them do this, ensuring they are aware of the variety of local and online support available to them, no matter their size, location or sector.”  

The television advert is set to air from 3rd May.   

For more information about how Business Gateway can help you and your business, please visit: https://www.bgateway.com/  

DigitalBoost launches £10 million grant scheme to help Scottish businesses rebuild with digital

Businesses across Scotland are set to benefit from vital support, following the launch of a new £10 million DigitalBoost Development Grant by Business Gateway and The Scottish Government.  

The fund, which is available through DigitalBoost, Business Gateway’s national digital training programme for businesses, is funded by The Scottish Government and will help businesses upskill and invest in their digital capabilities as they work to overcome the challenges they face now and build for Scotland’s economic recovery. VAT registered businesses will be able to access up to £25,000 while non-VAT registered business can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding.  

This launch follows a successful pilot grant scheme in the Autumn 2020 for DigitalBoost 1:1 clients. 

The fund is now open and accepting applications.  

Launching the scheme, Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes said: “The firms that have coped best during the pandemic are invariably those that have been able to adapt with the help of digital tools. 

“This funding will provide an immediate boost and will support businesses to adopt digital technologies to improve productivity, increase resilience and drive growth. It will also help to improve their digital capability and the skills of their workforce so they can keep pace with future technological progress. 

“Supporting SMEs on their digital journey is key to Scotland’s economic recovery, our future prosperity and our net-zero ambitions and I encourage business owners to take up this valuable opportunity.” 

Business Gateway is delivered by local authorities throughout Scotland and works in collaboration with a wide variety of organisations to help deliver the best advice and support to Scottish businesses.  

Welcoming the scheme, COSLA spokesperson Cllr Steven Heddle said: “The last ten months have shown how critical strong and robust online platforms are for businesses, if they are to successfully adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.  

“Given the ongoing nature of the crisis, this scheme will be a critical lifeline for those businesses that want to digitally upskill and invest in their platforms so that they can survive, increase their resilience to current and future challenges, and find new opportunities and markets to grow. 

“Alongside this grant fund, the DigitalBoost programme will continue to provide other free support to businesses, helping them take advantage of technology so that they can adapt and thrive.”  

Liz McCutcheon, CEO, Lanarkshire Enterprise Services (LESL), said: “LESL are delighted to be administering the DigitalBoost Development Grant, on behalf of the Scottish Government and Business Gateway’s DigitalBoost Programme.

“LESL has long been an advocate of digital adoption and are committed to supporting SMEs across Scotland leverage the grant to allow them to transform their businesses digitally.”  

DigitalBoost provides webinars, a free healthcheck, 1:1 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.  

For more information on the DigitalBoost Development Grant, please visit https://www.digitalboostdevelopmentgrant.co.uk/ 

Streetwear brand make their mark following Business Gateway support

Two Midlothian based entrepreneurs have successfully launched a new clothing brand following support from Business Gateway.

Launched in April 2020, MC Apparel is a fashion clothing brand created by Midlothian locals Michael Surgeon and Liam Chisholm. The team identified the opportunity and were motivated to launch their second business after their first paused trading due to COVID-19. 

Working closely with Business Gateway, MC Apparel received a variety of start-up support services including support to create a business plan, marketing and networking opportunities, as well as accessing online resources such as webinars and advertising tutorials. 

This guidance from Business Gateway ensured the team were able to adapt their business model to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic and increase margins by shifting from early drop-shipping to stock holding, this enabled  MC Apparel to improve quality control and reduce delivery timescales for customers.

Michael Surgeon, Founder of MC Apparel, said: “We gained a wide range of support from Business Gateway and this meant the process of launching our new business went smoothly.

“ The team at Business Gateway Midlothian have been very supportive during this period and the online workshops we attended were invaluable, helping us to develop a digital marketing strategy that allowed us to reach our target audiences even with the challenges of lockdown.

“I would recommend anyone who is starting out in business to get in touch with Business Gateway. They are always there when you need them and if they don’t have the answer, they can signpost you to the right person or resource.”

When COVID-19 restrictions ease, the team at MC Apparel are looking forward to organising photoshoots to showcase the clothing range and have plans to collaborate with local fashion brands to give away 20 t-shirts to support a local charity.

Annie Watt, Business Gateway Lead Officer, said: “It’s impressive to see how Michael and Liam have adapted to lockdown, identifying an opportunity to launch a new business and taking it forward. 

“They have been incredibly proactive, accessing a range of Business Gateway resources, attending workshops and arranging one-to-one sessions via Zoom to receive guidance and support on development plans.

“Recent research by Business Gateway revealed that despite the challenges, COVID-19 has not hampered peoples’ appetite to start a business, and Michael and Liam’s experience is a testament to this.

“While it is a difficult trading environment, I would encourage anyone with an idea for a new business to get in touch and see how our resources, advice and support can help get it off the ground.”

For further information about how Business Gateway can help you start your business, please visit https://www.bgateway.com/resources/help-for-start-ups-the-support-available-for-your-start-up

Thousands of businesses benefit from support grants

More than £215 million has been awarded to over 18,000 Scottish business ratepayers in just two weeks, the Scottish Government has announced.

The money has been allocated under two new schemes to help firms combat the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Latest Scottish Government figures show that 59,385 applications were made to 32 local authorities for the business grants by April 14 this year. There have been 18,528 grants awarded so far worth £215,445,000.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We are doing everything we can to support business at this very difficult time and will continue to listen to and engage with the sector. Our total support for Scottish business now exceeds the £2.2 billion passed on from the UK Government.

“The fact we have managed to pay out this large amount to so many businesses across Scotland is a substantial achievement and demonstrates the capability of our partners in local government. I am grateful for their continued efforts in helping to deliver these vital grants.

“In addition to our generous backing for businesses we are also committed to helping sectors of the economy that are not being supported in other parts of the UK such as aviation, seafood fishing, fish processing and farming and charities.

“This scheme complements other support available and many businesses applying will also be eligible for the furlough scheme and rates relief. I would encourage only businesses who need support to apply, enabling us to direct as much help as possible to those who need it most.

“We promised to pass every penny received from the UK Government on to businesses in Scotland and we are. Our priority remains to protect lives but we are doing all we can to protect livelihoods too.”

Business Gateway has been working closely with local authorities to support the delivery of grants throughout Scotland.

Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA’s spokesperson for Environment and Economy, said: “I want to thank council staff and colleagues from Business Gateway for their incredible efforts to implement the grant schemes so quickly.

“Small to medium-sized enterprises have been severely impacted so delivery of support grants as quickly and effectively as possible is a top priority.

“This support will be fundamental in helping businesses put plans in place to recover and grow beyond this crisis, protecting jobs and supporting economic recovery in communities across the country.”

The funding has been allocated between two funds:

· The Small Business Support Grant scheme allows small businesses to apply for grants up to £10,000.

· The Retail, Hospitality and Licenced Premises Support Grant allows firms to apply for up to £25,000.

Compared with a week earlier, grant applications grew by around 10,000, awards by around 11,000 and the value of payouts by around £127 million. On April 6, the totals stood at 49,214 applications received, 7,650 paid out, worth £88,625,000.

Business Gateway delivers advice and support to Scottish businesses on behalf of COSLA.

Supporting our small businesses: Holyrood Committee launches survey

Is enough being done to support Scotland’s local businesses? A new inquiry by the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee will explore just this.

Continue reading Supporting our small businesses: Holyrood Committee launches survey