When we started in 1983 we wanted to build more than just an office block, business park or commercial property.
We wanted to build a community of businesses where companies could start, grow and lean on each other in a supportive environment.
Unlike other landlords, we use what profit we have to offer additional services at competitive prices to help businesses in Central Scotland grow.
Today STEP remains one of the largest business landlords in Stirling, offering flexible, low-cost property for SME’s with the added benefit of Business Support.
From the industrial revolution to the introduction of the Internet, the Euro, GDPR and now Brexit, STEP has always been the ‘go-to’ organisation in Stirling for SME’s to start, grow and overcome any business challenge.
31st January 2020
In preparation for the big changes that Brexit brought to businesses STEP hosted and led various be prepared for Brexit events.
31st December 2019
1st August 2018
In 2018 renovation of the STEP building at the new Kildean Business and Enterprise Hub, formerly the Kildean Hospital, was completed. The site offers affordable rent and flexible leases to start-ups or small businesses. Once again, this size of offices was highly popular with nine out of twelve offices being filled on opening.
27th April 2016
General Data Protection Regulations’s introduced in 2016, brought about many problems for businesses. STEP introduced regular GDPR events to train businesses in how to comply.
7th February 2016
In February 2016 Business Gateway launched Digital Boost to support businesses looking to improve their digital knowledge. This replaced STEP’s need for a Digital Academy and all digital training is now offered through the Digital Boost programme.
31st December 2009
11th September 2000
In November 2000 Construction was completed on Phase 9 dubbed STEP 2000 creating a further 13 units within the park. The old boiler house was also demolished and a new office block was created in its place now known as the Commercial Centre.
1st April 2000
In 2000 Small Business Gateway, or Business Gateway as we know it today, was introduced by Scottish Enterprise, which recognised the growth potential in providing Business Support services to SME’s Scotland-wide. A consortium made up of STEP, Falkirk Enterprise Action Trust and Clackmannanshire Enterprise won the first three-year contract to deliver Business Support in the area. STEP already delivering business support named business counselling continues this service under the new name of Business Gateway and still does today.
9th November 1999
In preparation for the introduction of the Euro STEP hosted a number of key events ensuring businesses were prepared.
3rd January 1997
In 1997 to prepare for the millennium, SME’s were finding their business growth restricted, due to a lack of IT and digital skills, so STEP opened a training centre dedicated to increasing digital business skills. The STEP Business Education Centre IT suites trained in all things IT and digital, from getting to know your hardware, to software skills and advanced techniques.
31st December 1996
1st October 1995
Due to continuing demand for business premises, in 1995, STEP opened Enterprise House, a third site of office space, yet again the demand was so high that the site was full within eight months of opening its doors.
12th December 1993
In December 1993 construction began on Phase 8, creating a further 16 units at the park.
10th April 1991
STEP has always been dedicated to supporting rural businesses as well as their urban counterparts. In 1991 we first launched our rural roadshow offering 1-2-1 business advice meetings with a specialist.
1st February 1991
In 1990, with Stirling Enterprise Park at full capacity of 81 thriving businesses, STEP, in partnership with Stirling Enterprise Economic Development Company (SEEDCO), set out to open the city centre ‘Stirling Business Centre’, SBC Ltd, with 47 modern office spaces. Demand was so high that the site was 75% full, on the opening day in February 1991.
6th August 1990
Phase 7, Venue Hire officially was opened by Ray Knowland, Managing Director, British Petroleum Co plc in August 1990.
4th April 1990
In April 1990 work was complete on Phase 7 and what was dubbed the ‘Enterprise Suite’ providing training and meeting space.
31st October 1989
Once a thriving carpet factory, the John Player Building nearly didn’t make it through World War 2. A German bomber dropped a landmine, just missing the factory and hitting the old King’s Park football ground. One of the first of its kind, STEP’s goal was to ‘help grow the environment for growth and enterprise in Stirling’. Offering low-cost business premises, with the unique concept of offering free Business Support services, the opening of the site attracted royalty.
1st September 1989
In 1989 works began on Phase 4 & 5 of Stirling Enterprise Park. British Gas plc interested in being located in the new place to be in Stirling, they rented a small part of the complex and developed it to meet their own needs. Stirling Heatsave Group also developed a space of 10,000 sq ft of the building to create accommodation for training, primarily to assist unemployed people back into employment.
11th April 1989
Late 1989 Phase 6 of the park was complete as works finished on a 5,800 sq ft unit to house Central FM.
20th July 1988
In 1988 Phase 3 was officially opened by HRH the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles).
4th December 1986
In December 1986 work began on Phase 3 of Stirling Enterprise Park creating a further 31 business units.
3rd August 1986
Being one of the first of its kind, STEP’s goal was to ‘help grow the environment for growth and enterprise in Stirling’. Offering low-cost business premises, with the unique concept of offering free Business Support services, on the completion of Phase 2 the opening of the site attracted royalty being officially opened by HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.
1st January 1986
In January 1985 Stirling Enterprise Park was officially opened by Sir David Murray. In the same month construction began on Phase 2 to convert a third of the main factory area in to 38 units.
1st March 1984
In March 1984 STEP moved into the John Player Factory and began works on Phase 1 of converting the factory to suitable business space. This involved refurbishing the front block into 18 offices.
1st November 1983
In 1983, a chapter of industrial history ended as John Player & Sons cigarette factory, originally opened in 1953, closed its doors in Stirling. Central Region Industry and Business Park Trust Ltd, known today as STEP was formed in November 1983,
1st October 1983
7th April 1983
In 1983, the John Player Factory was closed. Having this planned closure in mind the ‘Players Working Group’ was established the year before (1982) to agree and take forward the subdivision of the factory into small units. In 1983 Imperial Tobacco, owners of JP & Sons officially gifted the land, building and £400k to adapt the building.
11th January 1955
In 1955 the British American Tobacco Company sold the factory for £110,000 to the Imperial Tobacco Company and became known as the John Player and Sons Cigarette Company. The following year (1956) the factory began production of 156,000,000 cigarettes per week.
1st December 1951
In the 1950’s AF Stoddard, whilst a very successful company found itself facing new challenges. New import restrictions in its primary foreign market, Austraila and the need to brace itself for the changes associated with Britain joining the European Common Market meant the company sold some o fit’s assets. The Forthbank Carpet Works was then sold to the British American Tobacco Campany for £100,000 and adapted into a cigarette factory.
30th November 1933
In November 1933 the factory Caledonaina Carpets went into liquidation and the factory was taken over by AF Stoddard & Co Ltd. The factory remained locally known at the Forthbank Carpet Works.
7th November 1898
In the factory was bought by the Caledonian Carpet Company for £10,0000. The factory became locally known as the Forthbank Carpet Works.
2nd February 1890
In the same year that Ellis Island, New York was designated as an immigration station, James Sinclair and Co opened a carpet manufacturer at Stirling Enterprise Park.
2nd February 1889
In 1989 owner of the land, James Sinclair & Co broke ground and started building.
STEP is proud to announce that it has been awarded Business Support Provider of the Year 24/25 by the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards. This prestigious recognition
For over four decades, STEP has been a trailblazer in marketing, and a shining star in its marketing constellation is the TALK magazine. This B2B
Over the last 40 years, STEP has not only embraced technological advancements but has actively pioneered innovative solutions, propelling businesses into being successful in the
Over the past four decades, STEP has played a pivotal role in creating and sustaining jobs, contributing to the economic vibrancy of Stirling. At STEP,
Sustainability is not just a buzzword at STEP; it’s a commitment embedded in our ethos and something we have been committed to throughout our 40
As STEP commemorates its 40th anniversary, one employee, Kirsten Cameron, Property Assitant, reflects on her journey, showcasing STEP’s role as an exceptional employer that has
As STEP reaches its 40th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the core ethos that has driven the organisation from the very beginning
Since 1983 STEP has been dedicated to empowering businesses across Stirling’s rural areas. In partnership with Stirling Council, over the last decade, STEP has been
Over the past four decades, STEP has been on a mission to empower local businesses by providing free business support events. With approximately 3,000 events
Over four decades, STEP has not just been a catalyst for business growth but also a haven for effective, collaborative meetings. With seven meeting rooms
In 2015, STEP took its commitment to supporting local businesses to a new level with the introduction of its commercial HR service. This service marked
For over four decades, we at STEP have been on a mission to empower businesses, drive growth, and foster innovation in the heart of Stirling
As STEP marks an impressive 40 years in business, we take great pride in not only our longevity but also in the collaborative partnerships that
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, adaptability is key to survival. Over the past four decades, companies around the world have faced a series of
In the heart of Central Scotland, STEP is more than just a commercial property landlord; it’s a vibrant ecosystem of growth, collaboration, and unwavering support
With a legacy spanning 15 years, Kevin Park Painters and Decorators stands as a testament to dedication and craftsmanship. His connection with STEP began through
Meet Gary Stainton, a familiar face in our community. As the owner of Stainton Flooring, he brings with him a wealth of experience and dedication
Stirling is an economy with a rich history in traditional sectors and a forward-looking perspective. At the core of its economic growth stands the imperative
Join us in the grand celebration of our 40th anniversary! As we mark this incredible milestone, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from
As part of our 40th-anniversary celebrations, we embarked on creating a brand-new logo to mark this momentous occasion. We knew it had to be something
In the heart of Central Scotland lies a partnership that embodies the essence of community and mutual growth – We Are Stirling and STEP. For
In 1983, the Imperial Tobacco Company faced a critical decision. Their John Player Manufacturing Company was operating in both Stirling and Nottingham, and they recognised
STEP will be 40 years old this year. The company was officially registered on 1 November 1983 as Central Region Industry and Business Park Trust
Children and young adults across the Forth Valley have the chance to be a part of history by designing a logo that will be displayed
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes and stories of the past. This month
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we are
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we are
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we
One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we’re looking back
Throwback Thursday: One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we
One Thursday every month we are taking a look back through STEP’s archives at business successes of the past. This month we are looking back to 1997.
