During a visit to Business Gateway Tayside on Wednesday morning [June 12th, 2024], local business owners had the opportunity to speak directly with Dundee City Council Leader, John Alexander, about the goals, opportunities and challenges they face while operating in the city.
The visit was arranged by Elevator, which delivers the Business Gateway Service across Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross.
Councillor Alexander engaged with the Business Gateway team at their offices at City Quay to understand the breadth of assistance available to the local business community and heard how the organisation helps businesses overcome obstacles, ranging from initial start-up challenges to advancing their growth and adapting to market changes.
A highlight of the visit was a meeting with local entrepreneurs planning to set up a music-led enterprise in Dundee, B.All.In. The new Community Interest Company, based in the former Wave FM radio station on Buchanan Street, aims to connect and inspire young people across the city through music by offering recording and content creation studios. With backing from Dundee-based rapper Eugene and DJ Hannah Laing, this new enterprise will provide Dundee's youth with opportunities to express their creativity through music in a safe and supportive environment.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the B.All.In team to discuss their specific needs and raise concerns directly with Councillor Alexander. The discussion focused on supporting youths struggling with gang culture and lacking a stable environment. Eugene concluded by telling Councillor Alexander, "We're not trying to change the world. We just want to change Dundee."
B.All.In meeting with Councillor Alexander, and Adviser Sarah Young
Councillor Alexander expressed his appreciation for the vital work carried out by Business Gateway Tayside and emphasised the council’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of local businesses. He added that he was “Delighted to get down to City Quay to meet with Business Gateway/Elevator colleagues and some great local people trying to bring their ideas to fruition.
It was great to get up close and personal with the businesses and to hear how we can continue to help improve things in the city”.
The visit concluded with a commitment from Dundee City Council to continue their collaborative efforts to support local enterprises. The ongoing collaboration between Dundee City Council and Business Gateway aims to create an environment for business growth, innovation, and sustainable economic development in Dundee.
Professor Gary McEwan, CEO of Elevator, emphasised the significance of collaboration saying: "Councillor Alexander’s visit highlights the importance of there being a joined-up, co-operative approach from local government and business support services. His interest and active engagement show a commitment to ensuring that Dundee’s businesses have the resources and support they need to thrive."
Complementing Elevator’s ethos, Business Gateway Tayside continues to inspire and support local start-ups and established businesses. Their services include expert advice, digital support, free business workshops, and essential resources designed to encourage business growth and development across Tayside.
For more information on the services offered by Business Gateway Dundee, please visit www.businessgateway.com/tayside.