Business loans boost jobs hopes

Employment in Midlothian is to be given a boost after four businesses secured funding expected to result in a 76 per cent increase in the number of people working for them over the next two years.

On the approval of Midlothian Council, the four companies will receive loans totalling £129,500 to help them develop their businesses.

The successful firms were Roslin-based Bovril Johnston’s Cafe; Hireline in Millerhill, which specialises in plant equipment; Procure Wizard Software, which services the hospitality sector, and Midlothian Physiotherapy in Dalkeith.

Loan funding is provided by the East of Scotland Investment Forum – www.eastscotinvest.co.uk – a consortium of 10 local authorities.

Councillor Russell Imrie, cabinet member for strategic services at Midlothian Council, said: “Our main aim in approving these loans is to encourage and support the creation, development and growth of small and growing businesses, so that in turn, they will be able to contribute to, and strengthen, the Midlothian economy in terms of jobs, growth, and wealth.”