Annual performance spotlights

Promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and tackle disadvantage
This priority is about strengthening South Lanarkshire’s economy, bringing jobs and opportunities to local people, encouraging growth and investment, and supporting the transition to a low carbon economy which is fundamental to the wellbeing of South Lanarkshire and its residents. It is also about reducing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged and affluent communities, giving everyone an equal opportunity, and creating conditions which enable individuals and communities to contribute equally and share in any economic benefits.
Case study: Business Gateway supported businesses through the pandemic
Business Gateway is the principle free advisory service for new and existing businesses. Business Gateway supported more than 1,400 businesses with a £115 million boost in turnover of businesses supported through free advice, access to expert help, workshops and events in the last year.
From March 2021, the service worked with 1,477 companies – 1,000 new starts and 477 existing businesses - providing free support and impartial advice to help improve growth and performance through increased turnover, jobs created or safeguarded, more efficient operational activities and improved productivity.
The Business Gateway Lanarkshire contract was awarded to Enterprise North East Trust Limited, which trades as Elevator, in March 2021 and is managed by South and North Lanarkshire councils.
In the first year of the contract, the service has
- run 175 online workshops covering a wide range of topics
- delivered a Flagship Accelerator course helping early-stage business owners to fast-track their business offering, growth, and investment potential
- delivered an Academic Accelerator course in partnership with UWS supporting current and recent graduates to develop their business ideas
- provided tailored support to key sectors of the economy, including tourism, food and drink, and construction
76 companies have also been awarded up to 21 hours of free consultancy support through the Expert Help service.
North and South Lanarkshire councils secured £552,500 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to provide these services in areas such as finance, digital development, internationalisation and research and development.
A further 55 companies have accessed up to 21 hours of free expert support through the Scottish Government-funded DigitalBoost programme enabling them to build their digital proficiency and adopt the technology needed to increase their competitiveness and productivity.
Community Renewal Funding of £875,000 has been secured to deliver targeted and an innovative mobile service of more localised business start-up and growth advice in the rural area and areas of deprivation in South Lanarkshire.
For further information contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire on 01698 756956 or through their website
How we did in 2021/22
Note: some 2021-22 results were impacted due to the Covid-19 crisis
- Annual performance spotlights
- Improve health, care and wellbeing
- Get it right for children and young people
- Promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and tackle disadvantage
- Ensure communities are safe, strong and sustainable
- Covid response - Wellbeing and assistance
- Covid response - Businesses helped and grants issued
- Covid response - Support for Education