Design agency Dunclyde nets funding to roll out platform

Aberdeen-based creative design agency Dunclyde has been awarded a government grant of more than £42,000, following advice by Business Gateway.

Dunclyde team Daniel Clydesdale and Eilidh Dunsire. Picture: contributed.

The sum will help the firm promote and attract partners to roll out its platform across the UK. It had launched Open Sign in Aberdeen in response to needs generated by Covid-19, enabling firms to list information such as their opening hours, and the offering is now available in Glasgow.

Working with Business Gateway, the team applied for funding to support the growth of the platform, including the Innovate UK Fast Start Competition Grant. The competition attracted more than 8,600 applicants and Dunclyde was one of just six other Scottish companies to be selected.

Business Gateway provided support during the application process and highlighted additional funding opportunities for the team, which also received free billboard advertising worth £2,500 from Ocean Marketing at Union Square Shopping Centre in Aberdeen during lockdown.

Dunclyde advertising space in Union Square. Picture: contributed.

Daniel Clydesdale, director at Dunclyde, said: “We have a well-established relationship with Business Gateway and have benefited greatly from the support we have received since the early days of the business. The advice has increased our client base, enhanced the profile of our business, and provided enormous value for us during the pandemic.

“Business Gateway highlighted the opportunity to apply for the grant and gave us advice and encouragement along the way. To be in a position to support local businesses and expand our platform is incredibly exciting.”

Business Gateway adviser Aisha Kasi, said, “It’s incredibly positive to see Dunclyde defy the current, difficult economic conditions many are facing. The Open Sign initiative has provided a vital lifeline for many other small and local businesses across the country during difficult conditions, and with this funding, Dunclyde and the team are in a strong position for growth across the UK.

"With so many funding and grant opportunities available, I would encourage all businesses to get in touch with us to see if there is something that might work for them.”

SCOTSMAN.COM

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