Business Gateway

Have you been inspired by a member of our team? Now’s your chance to celebrate them! 🏆 ✨    We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Business Gateway Recognition Awards, created to honour the dedication and impact of our staff in supporting businesses like yours.    If a Business Gateway team member has made a positive difference to you - whether they offered invaluable guidance, helped you solve complex challenges, or provided support during a key moment in your journey - we’d love to hear from you!    Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit, explains: “With many businesses facing challenges in our rapidly changing economic environment, the support of our teams has been vital in helping business operators survive, adapt, and grow. The Recognition Awards will shine a spotlight on those who play a key role in empowering the local business community; their dedication to helping businesses navigate challenges, reach new milestones, and achieve success is truly commendable.”    ⏰ Nominations close at midnight, 24th January 2025.    Submit your nomination here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e84JjdAW

Entrepreneurial Scotland has launched its 2025 Saltire Scholars Internship Programme, inviting businesses across Scotland the opportunity to host an intern in their organisation. The programme offers a unique opportunity for you to transform your business through a hardworking, energetic intern with a fresh perspective. Shortlisted candidates have a minimum of three years of academic experience and are equipped with diverse skill sets and leadership qualities, ready to make an impact. Find out more ⬇️

Thinking of starting a business this year? Now is the perfect time to take that first step 🚀 From creating a solid business plan to accessing expert support, we have the tools and resources to guide you through your start-up journey. Whether you're looking for webinars, local advice, or useful guides, our Planning to Start tool will help you bring your vision to life. Get started 👉 https://ow.ly/eLro50UAUMA

Happy Holidays from the team at Business Gateway 🎄 ❄️ Please note our National Enquiry Service is closed over the festive period from 2pm Tuesday 24th December to 9am Friday 3rd January. In the meantime, our website is available 24/7 and is packed with information & support ➡️ http://bgateway.com

The new Business Baseline survey results are out 📊 We surveyed more than 610 SMEs, entrepreneurs & business owners across Scotland as part of a new annual sentiment tracker, Business Baseline, which will offer an in-depth look at the attitudes of Scottish SMEs. Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit said: “Despite ongoing challenges, it’s encouraging to see that the majority of business owners remain confident in their prospects. “That said, there are clear challenges which remain which need to be addressed to ensure small businesses can thrive.” View the full report ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e7-JT4iJ

On Tuesday, we were joined by Susan Love, Strategic Engagement Lead at ACCA Scotland, Greg Sutherland, Tax Director at Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, and Stacey Dingwall, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), to unpack the key announcements from the UK and Scottish Budgets and what it means for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Scotland.    Don't worry if you missed it, the session was recorded and you can watch it here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g6DMdtnT

The new Fair Payment Code has been launched by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade, replacing the existing Prompt Payment Code. 🏅 The new Code has a tiered system of Awards which is aimed at awarding best practice and driving improvements in payment performance. 🤝 Every business granted an Award agrees to abide by the Code’s principles of being Clear, Fair and Collaborative with their suppliers. ⏳ The Fair Payment Code Awards last two years and every business will need to reapply for their Award at the end of each two-year period. Apply to become a member of the new Fair Payment Code ➡️ https://lnkd.in/egAp64Vq #FairPaymentCode

Saturday, 7th December, marked #SmallBizSatUK 2024, and we took a moment to reflect on the remarkable contribution of small businesses to Scotland’s economy and communities.    The owners behind these ventures are not just creating jobs; they’re driving innovation, revitalising town centres and fostering resilience in uncertain times.    We're very proud to have helped more than 150,000 businesses across Scotland start-up, and provided support - including offering 1:1 advice, signposting to valuable resources and making connections - more than a million times to businesses from all sectors.    "As a proud advocate for small businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the right support can be. Whether it’s seeing a working mum launch a pizza van she can run around childcare needs, the launch of the first ever whisky distillery in Shetland, or a former teacher looking for a new path after illness. These are just some of the inspiring businesses we’ve seen in the last year.    "Small Business Saturday is more than a day to celebrate this success; it’s a call to action." - Gail Macgregor, COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson and Chair of the Business Gateway Board   Read the full story ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eAdvi35m

Small businesses are a vital part of the UK economy. Our new Business Growth Service will make it easier and quicker for small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK to get the help they need to grow and thrive. More 👉 https://lnkd.in/esK-5Ey6 #SmallBizSatUK #SmallBusinessSaturday

It's Small Business Saturday 2024! 🛍️✨ Small businesses, and the people that run them, have a unique place in local communities across the UK and the #SmallBizSatUK campaign does an amazing job at shining a light on the benefits of shopping small. We're proud to have provided support - including offering 1:1 advice, signposting to valuable resources and making connections - over a million times to small businesses across Scotland, and we'd like to give a shout out to 10 inspiring businesses we've had the pleasure of working with in recent years: 🥣 The Golden Bottom Bakery 🏺 Barra Pottery 🍸 Isle of Lewis Gin 🍓 ió fibrewater 🍻 The Exchange Pub & Grill 🍛 Maria’s Caribbean Flava’s 🕺 danceSing 🍃 Herb and Soul 🍨 Penny Licks ☕ Green Cup Find out more about Small Business Saturday and how you can get involved ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eXYdCQZ