ɬ Council’s Business Gateway team helped 152 new start-up businesses last year, creating 173 jobs and a combined projected turnover of £6.06 million.
The team also provided expert advice to 301 existing businesses, held 165 one-hour surgeries on various topics like digital, marketing, and finance, and hosted a variety of webinars that more than 550 businesses attended.
Between June 2023 and March 2025, ɬ Business Gateway provided a programme of additional business support worth £516,521, fully funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. A total of 165 businesses received support through small business development grants, start-up grants, training, accreditation, and expert assistance.
Of the 46 clients followed up to date, turnover has increased by 45% from a combined £10.7 million at approval to £15.5 million 12 months after the support. The number of employees has also increased, from 96 to 129. Among the 165 businesses approved for support, combined turnover is predicted to grow by 32% to £32.8 million, and full-time equivalent employees are predicted to increase by 47% to 468 within 12 months.
Overall, business owners highly praise ɬ Business Gateway, with 97% recommending the service.
The council’s Policy Lead for Business, Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, said:
“Our Business Gateway team is an incredible source of support for businesses in ɬ. From existing businesses looking to expand to new start-ups, the range of help and advice available from the team is invaluable. This is evident in the positive feedback received from clients and the success stats speak for themselves. I would urge anyone looking for business advice to give them team a call.”
Rhona Wheatley from Isle of Bute Distillery praised the team and spoke about the support Business Gateway has provided:
“Business Gateway has been part of our journey since we launched in 2018. From early advice to ongoing support as we’ve grown, they’ve helped us shape Isle of Bute Distillery into the brand it is today. Having that guidance available locally has been invaluable.
“The team feels like old friends who are always available to point us in the right direction and have consistently encouraged us. Looking back at our first projected turnover and staff figures together, it’s fantastic to see how far we have come since those early days. If you’re a new business and feel like you’re too small for Business Gateway, I’d really urge you to reach out — no question is too small and no vision too big. Their support meets you where you are, and that makes all the difference.”
Find more information about ɬ Business Gateway or call 01546 604555.
