Growing a business
Knowing when to grow your business is just as important as deciding whether to do so by introducing new services, increasing market share or entering into a partnership. It often helps to talk through a new idea with an unbiased third party.
Many businesses use our Business Gateway Growth Advisers before making an approach to a bank or other potential funding body. We can also help with the business planning process in a practical way, by linking up with our Business Information Service to provide the overview or background you need. Assistance from Business Gateway West Lothian will help with key areas such as:
Business Change
Standing still is not an option. Let us help you make the difficult choices, at the right time for the best reasons. We will work with you to se your business transformed.
Sales and Marketing
How can you win more sales? How can you develop new markets? How do you raise the profile of your business? We can help.
Employing People
Finding and keeping the right staff can give you a competitive advantage - never has that been more important than today. There are various grants available to help you train and employ staff including Steps N2 Work The Wage Subsidy (employer information), Training Grants and support from advisers who can provide Specialist Employment advice.
Expert Help
Through Business Gateway West Lothian, businesses can access fully or partly funded consultancy support. This is provided via specialists who would provide tailored, expert advice. For more info see Call The Experts [185KB] and Consultancy Support [124KB]
Market Intelligence
Free business information service including Market Research and Intelligence; Statistics and Demographics; Company Lists and Property Searches.
Supplier Development Programme
The Supplier Development Programme is a local authority partnership programme established to offer SME's support and training to improve their performance in winning contracts with public sector organisations. Follow this link for more information Supplier Development Programme (opens new window)
Grants & Loans
Help is available to businesses that are planning to start-up, locate or expand in West Lothian. Get in touch if you are:
- Introducing a new product or service
- Building your competitiveness through marketing and staff development
- Investing in manufacturing/quality improvements
- Exporting
- Expanding and recruiting
- Opening up new markets through e-commerce
Business Workshops And Programmes
Business Gateway run an extensive programme of training and events for West Lothian businesses, designed to keep you informed and up-to-date on subjects such as Social Media, Strategic Leadership and Financial Growth. Follow this link to see what Business Events are coming up soon All Events and Training
FREE Business Healthchecks
We help businesses to review every aspect of their operations to ensure that they are fit for purpose and meet the needs of a changing world. A business healthcheck will help local business owners to review the key areas of their business; provide a structure to prioritise and plan for change and provide a management tool to measure the impact of change.
Help and Advice
For help and advice for growing companies in West Lothian, contact Jim Henderson on 01506 283084 or email jim.henderson@westlothian.gov.uk.
We provide free business support across West Lothian with advisers in Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Whitburn, Fauldhouse and our main office in Arrochar House, Civic Square, Livingston, EH54 6QJ.
