Business Gateway will provide support for new businesses

Sep 24 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian’s Business Gateway service is proving that support is at hand for new businesses.

Specialist advisers from the Business Gateway provide advice, support and experience to around 300 start up businesses in West Lothian each year.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, explained: “Despite the difficult economic environment, many small businesses are flourishing and the council’s Business Gateway service is playing a pivotal role in helping new businesses get up and running – providing jobs in West Lothian.”

One business to take advantage of the service is BOSS Door Controls Ltd, based on Livingston’s Brucefield Industry Park.

Owner Russell Marks recently made the decision to start his own business.

A former sales and marketing manager, Russell saw a market opportunity in the door controls market and after only three months of planning his new venture, in January this year he opened the doors of his new business, BOSS Door Controls Ltd.

Key to the company’s fast start up and strong projected growth has been the support provided by West Lothian Council’s Business Gateway.

Russell Marks said: “The support from West Lothian Council has been invaluable in helping us to boost our manufacturing capacity very early on in the life of our business.

“Although a relative newcomer, we are projecting strong future growth, with a turnover anticipated to grow beyond £2million within three years.”

Russell’s business adviser has provided a range of support from locating the business premises to assisting with recruitment.

Russell added: “Particularly significant was the project grant from the council which facilitated early stage investment in a specialist engraving machine, which allows BOSS to deliver the own branding concept to their customers giving them a unique selling advantage and helping to develop their customer base.”

For more information on how West Lothian Council’s Business Gateway can help, call 0845 609 6611 or visit www.bgateway.com.