Business Support Success 2024/25
In today’s ever-changing economic and social landscape finding the support and advice that is right for your company is crucial for business resilience and continued, long-term growth. Perth & Kinross Council is dedicated to ensuring companies of all sizes and at all stages, are supported and nurtured, allowing them to maximise their full potential for growth.
This is achieved via Business Gateway Tayside who work alongside their national organisation to deliver universal services for local companies and individuals. This support is further enhanced by a number of PKC-based teams, and long-standing, successful partnerships with providers such as GrowBiz.
The following overview reflects financial year 2024/25.
Building Business Futures: Business Gateway Perth & Kinross
Based at the Creative Exchange in Perth city centre, Business Gateway Perth & Kinross continues to be a cornerstone of entrepreneurial support in the region. The 2024/25 financial year marked another period of growth, with a rise in demand for services resulting in tailored support for 91 local businesses.
Once realised, these ambitions will deliver an estimated 195 full-time equivalent jobs over the next three years.
Michelle Shepherd, Contract Manager Tayside, commented, “I’m pleased to report another successful year for Business Gateway Perth and Kinross. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the steady increase in business enquiries and job creation is a promising indicator of resilience and opportunity in our local economy.”
Notably, one-third of those supported were established businesses aiming to scale up, highlighting the team’s growing role in nurturing business expansion.
Michelle explained, “An increasing number of businesses are turning to Business Gateway when they reach a critical point of growth — whether they’re launching a new product, entering new markets, or seeking investment and procurement advice.
“We can partner them with leading industry experts who provide tailored guidance, helping to steer their next phase of sustainable growth.”
With a dedicated funding pot for this, the team offers access to consultants specialising in branding, finance, exporting, procurement, and HR. These services are designed to help businesses strengthen operations and seize new opportunities with confidence.
Equally important is the team’s commitment to inclusivity. Their Community Outreach programme brings tailored, one-on-one support into libraries and community centres across the region. This initiative focuses on breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship, engaging with people who might not traditionally see themselves as business owners.
“The aim is to meet people where they are.” Michelle explains, “Once trust is established, we help uncover and nurture the entrepreneurial potential that might otherwise go untapped.”
For more information, see bgateway.com/local-offices/perth-and-kinross
GrowBiz Reports a Successful Year for Rural Business Support
Over the past year the GrowBiz team has continued its work to provide vital enterprise support to rural businesses across Perth and Kinross, by helping individuals and communities respond to a wide range of challenges and opportunities.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, demand for GrowBiz’s services remained high, reflecting the ongoing pressures faced by small and micro-businesses, particularly around rising costs, digital changes and access to funding.
More than 250 businesses received one-to-one support during the year—well above target—and this tailored, relationship based approach has continued to prove effective, especially for those working alone or in isolated rural areas. GrowBiz’s award-winning and accredited mentoring programme remained a key feature of its work, with new mentors and mentees trained and matched throughout the year.
GrowBiz supports enterprises in every sector, including tourism, food & drink, niche manufacturing and business services.
Creative industries saw strong engagement, particularly through the Perthshire Artisans initiative – which celebrates its 5th birthday this year. The annual Winter Exhibition at Birnam Arts attracted new audiences, and 11 new creatives were welcomed to the network. Regular peer support sessions and marketing activities helped members increase their confidence and visibility.
Support for young entrepreneurs through the SEED programme also grew significantly. Nearly 50 young people received guidance to help develop new business ideas, with some progressing to exhibitions and funding opportunities. A new storytelling feature, “Seeds of Success”, has been launched to share their journeys and inspire others.
In the care and wellbeing sector, GrowBiz exceeded its support target by 60%, providing guidance to new and existing businesses delivering social care and related services. The year also saw the successful delivery of the new Regional EDGE programme, highlighting innovation across the region and reinforcing GrowBiz’s role as a key contributor to rural economic development.
For more information see Growbiz.co.uk
