Momentum in the Central Belt continues for social enterprise Elevator as it secures a new multi-million-pound, four-year contract as deliverer of the Lanarkshire Business Gateway service.
Elevator will provide 1:1 support, business advisory services and webinars to both start-up and existing businesses across Lanarkshire on behalf of North and South Lanarkshire Councils. The contract commenced 1st March 2021.
A key part of the region’s economic strategy, the contract will improve the sustainability and diversity of Lanarkshire with an increase in opportunities and outcomes across the major local authorities.
Business Gateway is a publicly funded service that provides free business support and impartial advice for start-up and existing businesses based in Scotland.
Elevator currently delivers the Business Gateway service across three of Scotland’s seven cities - Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth. This contract adds to its growing portfolio; the leading business support organisation is now the only organisation to deliver Business Gateway services across three of Scotland’s regions.
In addition to providing Business Gateway services, Elevator has designed a business model that enables the social enterprise to re-invest in the regions it operates. Its innovative accelerator programmes and creative projects help to instil entrepreneurial thinking while simultaneously providing vital support to business communities.
Professor Gary McEwan, Elevator CEO, said: “This contract plays an important part in reinvigorating economic recovery across Lanarkshire, and we’re delighted to be working with both North and South Lanarkshire Council to create an entrepreneurial culture within the region.
“We believe we have set the benchmark in Scotland for Business Gateway delivery, both in terms of performance and service innovation. Our track record speaks for itself. We have developed and introduced a new business support model that creates real economic impact, creates new businesses, increases scale of businesses and raises entrepreneurial ambition.
“It’s never been more important to support and unite business and industries in these strange times; our ambitions for Scotland are bold and we are ready to inject this into Lanarkshire.”
Robert Steenson - Executive Director (Enterprise and Communities), North Lanarkshire, said: “Prior to the pandemic North Lanarkshire had one of the fastest-growing economies in Scotland with sustained growth in many of our largest sectors. While some of our businesses have shown great spirit and strength to adapt to and withstand the challenges generated by the pandemic, others have felt the impact more directly. Our focus is now on renewal and resurgence and Elevator will play a crucial role in guiding and cultivating local businesses on a credible pathway to build a better future local economy. Now, more than ever, businesses need practical support and advice to start up, expand or innovate in what is a very different economic environment and we look forward to working with the team.”
Michael McGlynn – Executive Director, Community & Enterprise Resources, South Lanarkshire, said: “The Lanarkshire economy, our businesses and people have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience during the pandemic and the challenges we have faced. We are delighted to welcome Elevator to the area as our new Business Gateway contractor and look forward to working in partnership to generate the high levels of business start-up, growth and innovation required to support a greener, sustainable and inclusive recovery as our economy begins to emerge from the current lockdown.”
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