When things are going well in business, it can be tempting to just keep doing what you’ve been doing and hope it all works out.

But the ‘good times’ are often the best times to look for options to change. And when you take those opportunities, your business can really expand.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway is flagging up two events being held this month in Argyll that could help businesses prepare for change, and prepare to export.  Both these free events will be delivered by specialists and anyone wanting to attend should book their place now.

The ‘Preparing for Change in your Business’ event is a business breakfast at The Enterprise Centre in Kilmory at 8am on 25 June, hosted by  the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Business Gateway. The focus is on how to prepare for and manage change in your business, helping you set out steps to understand, plan, implement and embed change. To book a place please call 0845 607 8787

Businesses who are considering exporting are encouraged to come along to the ‘Preparing to Export’ workshop on 16 and 17 June in Inveraray.  This free workshop is aimed at companies who are thinking about exporting for the first time or are in the very early stages of exporting and wish to develop their export capabilities to grow their businesses. 

If you are looking to develop your export and trade skills, and are based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise region, call 01463 244212 to book your place.

If exporting isn’t right for your business, Business Gateway has a wealth of resources, fresh perspectives and new ideas to help growing businesses – all of which can be tailored to your needs. We also have qualified growth advisers who are experienced in helping businesses consider their options and develop their strategy for growth.

Funding for business growth

The Business Gateway Plus growth grant, launched towards the end of last year, provides discretionary grant funding  to growing small and medium sized businesses based in Argyll and Bute.  The grant can provide 50% of project costs up to a maximum of £3,000.

Nine Argyll and Bute based businesses have already had their applications approved, for support with growth projects ranging from website development, to quality scheme accreditation, attendance at trade fairs and new equipment.

Anyone looking to apply should contact the local Business Gateway team in the first instance to confirm their eligibility and request an application form which also contains the terms and conditions. Business Gateway has a team of local business advisers on hand to answer questions and to help interested parties progress their application. 

A restriction applied with the European funding means that retail businesses are not eligible for support. The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the 2007-2013 Structural Funds Programmes.

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, contact the local office on 01546 604 555 or email business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk