Gateway opening for new firms

EVIDENCE of a continued interest in launching businesses has emerged in new figures which show a record rise for start-ups.

Scotland's national business advice service, Business Gateway, recorded an 8.3 per cent increase in the number of businesses created across the country in the three months to end-September, compared with the same period last year.

A total of 2,819 companies got off the ground with the organisation's help during the quarter compared with 2,602 in 2009.

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The service also recorded a 24.2 per cent jump in the number of existing businesses getting in touch for the first time to 1,046.

David Valentine, chairman of the Business Gateway Scotland board, said: "These figures clearly illustrate that the pre-start and existing small and medium-sized enterprises sector is still very active in Scotland.

"Despite the summer months traditionally being a quieter period for new business start ups, there is still a strong appetite in Scotland to create more businesses."

However, Valentine added that the data also pointed to "extremely challenging economic times", with small business owners seeking help.

In the six months to end-September, Business Gateway helped 5,832 firms get off the ground, up 13.8 per cent on the same period last year. More than 18,000 people attended 3,345 specialist training workshops and events.

Business Gateway provides business advice to thousands of existing and new-start companies in Scotland. It offers an online resource library of advice, as well as a range of workshops to help tackle issues affecting Scotland's businesses.

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