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In 1983, the Imperial Tobacco decision-makers faced a critical decision. Their John Player Manufacturing Company was operating in both Stirling and Nottingham, and they recognised the need to streamline their operations. Unfortunately, for the people of Stirling, this meant a loss of about 200 jobs as the company chose to focus on a single location.
However, amidst the challenging news, a beacon of hope emerged for the Stirling community. In a remarkable act of generosity, the Imperial Tobacco Company decided to give back to the region that had supported them for so long. They made an extraordinary donation – a 2.6-hectare site, now known as Stirling Enterprise Park, along with the old factory building located on the site.
But their generosity didn’t stop there. Along with the land and building, the company also donated a significant sum of £400,000. The purpose behind this generous contribution was clear – to create something transformative, an endeavour that would replace the lost jobs and revitalise the local economy.
The vision was to establish an “incubator” – a nurturing space where businesses could be born, grow, and thrive. This incubator would be the catalyst that Stirling needed to spark new entrepreneurial ventures, nurture innovative ideas, create long lasting jobs and foster a supportive ecosystem for businesses to thrive.
The donated funds were dedicated to transform the old factory into a hub of innovation and collaboration. With this investment, the building was renovated and reimagined, providing a home for a diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs. The incubator was born, ready to empower and support the entrepreneurs, dreamers, doers, and visionaries of Stirling.
From that moment forward, Stirling Enterprise Park became more than just a location – it became a symbol of ambition, resilience, and community. The Incubator served as a foundation for start-ups and businesses, offering them the resources, mentorship, and space to flourish and grow.
As the years passed, the incubator evolved, STEP expanded to more locations across Stirling and supported more than its Tenants – STEP became Central Scotland’s business support organisation.
The spirit of generosity and empowerment instilled by the Imperial Tobacco Company remained at the core of STEP’s mission. Over the next four decades, STEP’s dedication to supporting SMEs and fostering a vibrant business community in Central Scotland only grew stronger.
The thought of the creators who have pioneered in the building, the tears that have been shed by business owners as they grappled with tough decisions, and the delightful screams they let out upon reaching milestones, even though they believed they would never achieve them, sends shivers down the spine.
As we celebrate STEP’s 40th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that started with a factory and transformed into an incubator of dreams. The legacy of the Imperial Tobacco Company’s donation lives on through the countless success stories of businesses that have thrived with STEP’s support.
From factory to incubator, and now to the heart of Central Scotland’s business support, STEP stands tall as a beacon of empowerment, innovation, and prosperity.
Here’s to the last 40 years of empowering businesses, and to the many more yet to come.
