A new firm has been appointed to provide Lanarkshire’s business advice services for the next four years.
Elevator won the £5.6 million Business Gateway contract when it was tendered late last year, and took over service provision at the start of this month.
The company already provides similar services in Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth; and will now “support around 500 new and 375 existing businesses in North Lanarkshire this year”, plus more in neighbouring South Lanarkshire.
Its contract, initially for two years with the option of two further one-year extensions, covers free one-to-one support, advice, workshops and webinars, especially for small and medium businesses, plus help with growth and development, business accelerator programmes and “creative projects help to instil entrepreneurial thinking”.
Council enterprise convener Allan Graham told how the focus would be on “renewal and resurgence” following coronavirus, saying: “Prior to the pandemic, North Lanarkshire had one of the fastest-growing economies in Scotland.
“While some of our businesses have shown great spirit and strength to adapt to and withstand the challenges generated by the pandemic, others have felt the impact more directly.
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“Elevator will play a crucial role in guiding and cultivating local businesses; now more than ever, businesses need practical support and advice to start up, expand or innovate in what is a very different economic environment.”
In approving the new contract at their November meeting, enterprise committee members were told of existing Business Gateway employees: “Elevator assume to undertake employment responsibilities for the staff connected to the delivery of the contract from the incumbent provider.”
Elevator chief executive Professor Gary McEwan said: “This contract plays an important part in reinvigorating economic recovery across Lanarkshire; it’s never been more important to support and unite business and industries [than] in these strange times.
“Our track record speaks for itself – we have developed and introduced a new support model that creates real economic impact, creates new businesses, increases scale and raises entrepreneurial ambition.”
