Latest news with #BusinessGateway
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Opportunity to celebrate family values at annual business breakfast
This annual event has become a fixture on the calendar for family businesses of all kinds, from small concerns to those with global reach and a long history of achieving success over the course of several generations. The location for this year's breakfast meeting will be at the office of Virgin Money in Glasgow on Thursday 28th August, when the focus for discussion will be legacy through the lasting impact that family-run businesses contribute through Environment, Social and Governance. With their roots firmly anchored in their local communities, businesses like these contribute more than just economics, as was demonstrated during last year's event when those taking part learned of the importance that Walker's Shortbread, the Speyside bakery firm which has developed an international profile over the course of four generations, has had on creating jobs, opening up career paths and bringing prosperity to Speyside. What was also made clear during the same briefing was that all family businesses share similar issues, regardless of size, product or location and that events such The Herald Family Business Breakfast can help to forge ties and share knowledge on how others have successfully overcome similar challenges. Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway, says: 'Business Gateway has had the privilege of working with the Herald since they began their focus on this hugely important sector of the Scottish economy. Over the many years of our involvement we've seen a number of family businesses of all shapes and sizes. What is common to them all though is their commitment to the world around them and their grasp of the importance of environmental, social and governance principles in all they do. They are the powerhouses of local communities providing employment and improving wellbeing. The ongoing recognition of their importance through the breakfast and The Herald Family Business Awards later this year is testament to their contribution to the Scottish economy. And David Henderson, head of strategic finance, Virgin Money, says: 'Purpose led businesses are increasingly focused on the impact that their operations and activities have on wider stakeholders and on the environment. That is very much the case for family businesses who are seeking to create a legacy which positively impacts not just the owners and successors, but their employees, customers, and the wider communities in which they operate. 'At Virgin Money our purpose is to deliver fairer, more rewarding relationships and to assist current and future generations to drive progressive outcomes for society. We are delighted to be collaborating with the Herald and our other partners to support this event which will provide a forum to examine and debate the legacy which family businesses can create and to meet other family business owners who are already on that journey.' Meanwhile Andrew Malcolm, director, Malcolm Group, says: 'The Malcolm Group are delighted to be sponsoring the herald Scottish family business breakfast, as a family company with over 100 years existence and 4th generation of family employed in the company.' News of the event's keynote speaker and panel will be made soon and in the meantime full details of the event exclusive for family businesses are available from
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Aberdeen locals to launch city's first music week with support from Business Gateway
Two Aberdeen locals are set to launch the city's first ever music week after accessing support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Friends Adedeji Ekundayo and Adebayo Winsala, who both work in marketing and share a deep love of music, have always been determined to give music a home in the granite city and have worked with Business Gateway over the past two years to bring their vision to life. The pair recently hosted Afro Indie Series 3.0 to celebrate African music and culture. Aberdeen Music Week, which is set to take place from Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 August, promises to be a celebration of music, community and creative exchange. The event will bring together artists, industry professionals and music lovers for four days of immersive experiences, knowledge sharing and a whole range of performances across the city. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Attendees can choose from a range of events, including songwriting sessions and DJ sets, as well as plenty of interactive Q&A sessions with industry experts for budding musicians. Afro Indie Series 3 On a mission to spotlight local talent while connecting Aberdeen to the global music community, Adedeji and Adebayo have both benefitted from Business Gateway's Early Stage Growth services, which involved guidance from a dedicated business adviser, Sean Cowie. The pair have also received marketing support and advice on cashflow and financial health, ensuring they can make informed decisions and build a more resilient, sustainable business. Tickets for Aberdeen Music Week are still available for free, with applications still open for performers interested in taking part in the festival. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Adedeji Ekundayo, co-founder, Aberdeen Music Week, said: 'Aberdeen Music Week is about more than music – it's about connection, culture and community. We created this festival to give a platform to underrepresented voices, celebrate the city's diversity and make space for creativity to thrive. We are very proud to be building something new for Aberdeen and can't thank Business Gateway enough for their support along the way.' Aberdeen Music Week Sean Cowie, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'It's been incredibly rewarding to support Adedejiand Adebayoon this journey. Aberdeen Music Week is a brilliant example of how a clear vision, community spirit and entrepreneurial drive can come together to create real cultural impact. I'm very much looking forward to attending the festival and seeing all of their hard work come to life!'
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
East Kilbride business wins NHS Scotland contract for 'life-changing' stoma care product
The discrete and easy-to-use stoma bag accompaniment is designed to contain leakage and reduce worry and discomfort. A vital NHS Scotland contract has been secured by a Lanarkshire business for its 'life-changing' stoma bag product. Confidence Plus was founded in East Kilbride in 2019 by Anne Inch and Lisa Crombie, who created ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets, with support from Business Gateway. The discrete and easy-to-use stoma bag accompaniment is designed to contain leakage and reduce worry and discomfort. Suitable for use with most stoma bags, the product helps minimise both the physical and mental impact of stoma care. By improving comfort, security and dignity, ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets empower users to regain their independence and enjoy greater freedom in everyday life. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The product was created by ostomate (a person who has undergone ostomy surgery), Anne Inch, for her late husband Iain, who had an Ileostomy (the surgical procedure that creates a stoma) and suffered from constant leakage during frequent stays in the hospital. Anne wanted to find a new way to contain leakage and reduce the impact of the stoma. The first version was made on her sewing machine and she then went on to make more for other patients in her husband's ward after being encouraged by the nurses who saw the impact it had on Iain. The product first went on sale in the UK in December 2020 and are now made by a medical device manufacturer in Britain, and the team has had support from the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre working in partnership Heriot Watt University and the University of Dundee. At an early stage in 2019, Anne contacted her former colleague Lisa to ask about getting involved when she started Confidence Plus and Lisa was happy to support. They've been working together to build the business since then. With just 48 hours to prepare a high-stakes NHS Scotland tender for Stoma Supplies, Lisa turned to Business Gateway for urgent support. Adviser Debbie Dawkins provided intensive one-to-one guidance and quickly introduced the team to a procurement expert. A two-hour procurement session with consultant Judith Stewart helped improve the bid and ensure it met the robust NHS procurement standards. Lisa Crombie, co-founder of Confidence Plus Ltd, said: 'When I say I couldn't have done this without Debbie's help, I mean it. She went above and beyond, and we're so grateful for her support and the introductions she made to Judith and Zoe. "After speaking with Judith, I realised how far off the mark we were. Without her guidance, our tender simply wouldn't have met NHS Scotland's requirements. This success has been game-changing, not just for the business, but for the people we aim to support through ConfiPlus.' To comply with strict sustainability requirements, Anne and Lisa also accessed three days of Net Zero consultancy support through Business Gateway and developed a Carbon Management Plan, Environmental Policy and Carbon Management Policy demonstrating Confidence Plus's commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation. ConfiPlus won the NHS Scotland contract, bringing the product one step closer to helping thousands of stoma users across the UK. With continued support from Business Gateway and other partners, Confidence Plus is now exploring further opportunities to scale and bring its life-changing products to more stoma users across the UK and beyond. The pair have recently launched the business in the US to help stoma patients there too. Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Anne and Lisa's determination to get ConfiPlus into the hands of the people who need it most is incredibly inspiring. It's been a pleasure to support her through this critical process. Winning the NHS Scotland contract is a huge milestone, and I'm excited to see how the business continues to grow.'
Scotsman
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Lanarkshire business wins NHS Scotland contract for stoma care product with help from Business Gateway
A Lanarkshire business has secured a vital NHS Scotland contract for its innovative stoma bag accompaniment after the business owner received support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Confidence Plus Ltd was founded in East Kilbride in 2019 by Anne Inch and Lisa Crombie, who created ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets. The product first went on sale in the UK in December 2020. ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets are a discrete and easy-to-use stoma bag accompaniment designed to contain leakage and reduce worry and discomfort. Suitable for use with most stoma bags, the product helps minimise both the physical and mental impact of stoma care. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad By improving comfort, security and dignity, ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets empower users to regain their independence and enjoy greater freedom in everyday life. Lanarkshire business wins NHS Scotland contract for stoma care product with help from Business Gateway The product was created by an ostomate, Anne Inch, for her late husband Iain, who had an Ileostomy (the surgical procedure that creates a stoma) and suffered from constant leakage during frequent stays in the hospital. Anne wanted to find a new way to contain leakage and reduce the impact of the stoma. The first version was made on her sewing machine and she then went on to make more for other patients in her husband's ward after being encouraged by the nurses who saw the impact it had on Iain. The products are now made by a medical device manufacturer in the UK and the team has had support from the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre working in partnership Heriot Watt University and the University of Dundee. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At an early stage in 2019, Anne contacted her former colleague Lisa to ask about getting involved when she started Confidence Plus and Lisa was happy to support. They've been working together to build the business since then. Anne and Iain Inch With just 48 hours to prepare a high-stakes NHS Scotland tender for Stoma Supplies, Lisa turned to Business Gateway for urgent support. Adviser Debbie Dawkins provided intensive one-to-one guidance and quickly introduced the team to a procurement expert. A two-hour procurement session with consultant Judith Stewart helped improve the bid and ensure it met the robust NHS procurement standards. To comply with strict sustainability requirements, Anne and Lisa also accessed three days of Net Zero consultancy support through Business Gateway. With the help of environmental consultant Zoe Stirton, the pair developed a Carbon Management Plan, Environmental Policy and Carbon Management Policy - all of which were required for the bid. This consultancy support proved crucial in demonstrating Confidence Plus's commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation. The business has continued working with Zoe to expand her Net Zero strategy and has been referred to the Extend Plus programme for a carbon baseline assessment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With a fortuitous last minute extension to the closing date, and as a direct result of this combined support, ConfiPlus won the NHS Scotland contract, bringing the product one step closer to helping thousands of stoma users across the UK. Lanarkshire business wins NHS Scotland contract for stoma care product with help from Business Gateway With continued support from Business Gateway and other partners, Confidence Plus is now exploring further opportunities to scale and bring its life-changing products to more stoma users across the UK and beyond. The pair have recently launched the business in the US to help stoma patients there also. Lisa Crombie, co-founder of Confidence Plus Ltd, said: 'When I say I couldn't have done this without Debbie's help, I mean it. She went above and beyond, and we're so grateful for her support and the introductions she made to Judith and Zoe. After speaking with Judith, I realised how far off the mark we were. Without her guidance, our tender simply wouldn't have met NHS Scotland's requirements. This success has been game-changing, not just for the business, but for the people we aim to support through ConfiPlus.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Anne and Lisa's determination to get ConfiPlus into the hands of the people who need it most is incredibly inspiring. It's been a pleasure to support her through this critical process. Winning the NHS Scotland contract is a huge milestone, and I'm excited to see how the business continues to grow.'
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Family-run estate agent grows team following support from Business Gateway East Renfrewshire
A family-run independent estate agent in East Renfrewshire has experienced rapid growth and expanded its team and operations after receiving support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Originally set up as Fraser Kelly Estate Agent in January 2022, the business rebranded to Kelly Residential in 2024 after founder Fraser Kelly created a family-led structure with equal partners Finlay Kelly and Jen Kelly, his brother and wife. The business, which now has seven team members, including four estate agents, focuses on property development and operates as an independent estate agency. Kelly Residential's business model means the team only works with a handful of sellers at any one time, ensuring that they receive a personalised service and the best advice possible when selling their home. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The team's strong foundation in social media marketing, deep-rooted local expertise and a reputation for delivering exceptional, personalised service set the stage for its growth. Family-run estate agent grows team following support from Business Gateway East Renfrewshire Having grown up in East Renfrewshire, Fraser and his team pride themselves on providing local expertise, with in-depth knowledge of local school catchments, shops, business parks and public transport links. The team opened a new office and shopfront in the area in July 2025. Fraser approached Business Gateway East Renfrewshire in 2024, in need of help with organising the back-office functions of the business which would allow him to put more focus on his role. Fraser received 1:1 business support and advice from Business Gateway adviser, Scott Arnot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As well as support with the business' rebrand, Fraser, Jen and Finlay received tailored guidance on scaling their operations, recruiting the right team members and navigating the transition into their own office premises. Family-run estate agent grows team following support from Business Gateway East Renfrewshire Business Gateway's support also included access to the East Renfrewshire Accelerator (ERA) programme, which provided expert-led training and mentoring tailored to ambitious local businesses. The ERA programme is funded by East Renfrewshire Council's local discretion fund. Fraser Kelly, Director at Kelly Residential said:' As a family, we'd already built a business we were proud of - but we knew we needed the right kind of support to take it to the next level. Scott helped us focus on what we do best - looking after our clients - while also giving us the tools and confidence to grow. From understanding the funding landscape and additional resources available to us, to structuring our team and building our admin support, his guidance has been instrumental. "We would not have had the success we have this past year had we not been part of the ERA Programme, as well as having access to fantastic resources, working and growing alongside other like-minded and approachable businesses has been invaluable to us.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scott Arnot, Business Gateway East Renfrewshire adviser said: 'It's been great working with Fraser to take some of the pressure off him as a sole trader and as he brought new team members on board. I was glad to have been able to help the team to focus on what they do best – working with their clients. The business is doing a fantastic job challenging the traditional view of estate agents and giving a bespoke service to clients.'
