Business Gateway in Sutherland - Vital Statistics 2010/2011

As part of our review of the last Financial Year ending 31st March 2011, I thought that I'd provide some indication of Business Gateway's performance in Sutherland:

We had 89 registered clients - these are those we meet and who have been on Gateway workshops or received in-depth business advice.

46 businesses were created in this period, with the largest sector being the creative industries (12 businesses), followed by Food & Drink (7 businesses)

As far as we can tell, 3 businesses ceased trading during this period.

25 businesses received (the now discontinued) start-up or marketing grants totalling £28,900

10 Sutherland businesses received development assistance from our special advisers.

35% of the Start-ups are owned by women, 50% by men, the remainder by groups & partnerships

As for locations, the 46 business starts came from:

East Sutherland:                      19 Starts

West Sutherland                       8 Starts

North Coast:                            4 Starts

Mid-Central Sutherland:          12 Starts

Outwith Sutherland:                  3 Starts

For any further information about Business Gateway activities in Sutherland, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Business Start Workshop - Ullapool - 5/6 May 2011

There are still places available on the Business Start workshop to be held on 5th /6th May in Ullapool.  For further details, contact Lesley Allan on 01463 713889 or lesley.allan@highland-opportunity.com

Music Industry Workshop 16 May 2011

Here's a message from John Saich at Hi-Arts about an upcoming music industry workshop. These events are extremely useful to anyone who's involved in this business sector. They are also a great networking opportunity.

Following the success of our up-close Q&A session with Duncan McCrone, Senior Manager MCPS Scotland, last year we’re doing it again! On Monday May 16^th at 7.00pm you can put all your questions about music publishing, song writing copyright, royalties and all that stuff to the man who knows. As well as taking questions Duncan will explain how both MCPS and its partner organisation PRS can work with you as a writer, performer or music producer now or in the future. The session is informal, and not usually a very large group, so everyone should get something out if it.

If you’ve been before or are a PRS/MCPS member already this is still a good opportunity to catch up and keep in contact. We’re doing this session by invitation to start with so before I start advertising it can you e mail me back asap and let me know if you want to come?

Time and place: IRONWORKS ROOM 2, MONDAY MAY 16^TH 7.00PM (finish by 9.00). Entry is free but you need to register with me in advance:

john@hi-arts.couk and put WORKSHOP in the subject line or words to that effect.

If I could hear from you by the middle of next week it would be really helpful.

For more MCPS info go to the web site: www.prsformusic.com

Office Closed for Easter and May Day

Please note that the Business Gateway office in Bonar Bridge will be closed on Friday 22nd April, 25th April and 2nd May 2011.

Saladworx takes the Business Gateway Crown

Michelle Bowley of Saladworx receives her award from the competition judges

Here's a press release from Highland Opportunity and Business Gateway
Sutherland company Saladworx is celebrating winning a cash prize of £5,000 after Business Gateway Highlands and Moray named them their Business of the Year.

Saladworx battled it out against two other finalists, including Highlands Unbridled from Brora, to win the coveted award which they will now invest in their enterprise.

Also winning £5,000 to put towards developing their company were Papa Rock from Aviemore, who were crowned Young Business of the Year.

The event, held in Inverness Town House was hosted by STV’s Highlands and Islands correspondent Nicola McAlley.

There were an encouraging number of applicants, and of these, six finalists were selected for their impressive growth or ambitious growth plans. They showcased their company by delivering a Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of judges which consisted of Brian Urquhart, Divisional Director at the Orion Group, Stewart Nicol, Chief Executive of the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and David Owen, Company Manager of Highland Opportunity Ltd.

The judges applauded the achievements of Saladworx - a grower and supplier of salad leaves, edible flowers, and herbs – for demonstrating solid business planning and a clear commitment to product development and customer satisfaction.

Michelle Bowley, business owner of Saladworz said: “We are delighted to win this prize. Over the last six years, we have worked hard to establish the business and we are excited about the future. This money will go a long way in helping us to achieve our growth plans and hopefully further success. Since we approached Business Gateway 18 months ago, they have given us excellent free support and advice. We would like to thank them for their belief in us and the business.”


The judges were also impressed by the other two companies in the category; Moray First Marine Ltd based in Elgin and Highlands Unbridled, who offer trail riding holidays and pony trekking across the Highlands.

David Owen of Highland Opportunity said: “Once again our Business Awards have been a huge success. We are delighted to work with hundreds of local entrepreneurs and to support innovative business ideas whether it is through events such as these, one-to-one advice, web resources or free workshops. While the competition was tough, both Saladworx and Papa Rock demonstrated drive, enthusiasm and a clear idea of how they wanted to take their company forward.”

Congratulations to "Saladworx" and runners-up "Highlands Unbridled" on their incredible achievement.

Helmsdale Charcoal & Coppice on the Radio

Mike Ellis of Helmsdale Charcoal & Coppice was featured on BBC Radio Scotland's "Out of Doors" programme last weekend. The programme focussed on Mike's traditional forestry activities and in particular his recent accreditation as the only training provider in this field.  Mike is now offering courses in traditional and greenwood forestry from his base in Helmsdale - with the first to be held in May of this year.

Not only does this establish yet another centre of excellence in Sutherland, there is a considerable spin-off to accommodation and hospitality providers in the area.

To listen again or download the podcast, follow this link

To see the ""Out of Doors" Facebook gallery, follow this link.

Video Conferencing Facilities in Sutherland

Did you know that the Learning Centre network now has state of the art video-conferencing facilities? The equipment is available for rental to public, third sector and private sector contacts, and to visitors to the area.

VC units are installed in learning centres in Lochinver, Lairg, Brora, Grantown on Spey and Kingussie, but invitations may be made to any computer, equipped with a camera and microphone, so one should be able to join in from any desk in a quiet office.

If you would like to take advantage of this equipment for meetings and to reduce travel costs (bearing in mind that diesel is commonly £1.50/litre in this area) please email:

Assynt: Jane Young
Brora Learning Centre: Kelly MacKay

Lairg Learning Centre: Cara Cameron

The system is already used by participants on the Learn 2 Be Enterprising programme and has the potential to offer high quality training and networking opportunities across our area and beyond.