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Central Scotland’s leading business support organisation, STEP, is proud to announce it has been named Business Support Organisation of the Year by the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards for the second year in a row. The 2024/25/26 recognition cements STEP’s continued role as a catalyst for business growth, collaboration and business wealth building across the region.
This multi-year award recognises STEP’s unique and long-standing approach to business support: a combination of affordable workspace, tailored business advice and a reinvestment model that pours all profits back into the local economy. The organisation is best known for supporting businesses at every stage – From idea to incubation, hiring your first employee to building a team, and scaling to long-term sustainability.
“To receive this award once was an honour. To receive it twice in a row is a powerful validation of our people, our model, and the work we do every day to empower businesses,” said David Miller, Chief Executive of STEP. “Our team is incredibly passionate about delivering meaningful, flexible support. This award is for them – and for the thousands of businesses we’ve worked with since 1983.”
The Corporate LiveWire judging panel highlighted STEP’s integrated support model and values-led approach. Andrew White, Awards Director, commented:
“What truly sets STEP apart is that it isn’t just a landlord or business advisory service – it’s a genuine partner to businesses. From reinvesting profits into local initiatives to delivering hands-on support and championing community-first values, STEP has built a sustainable and impactful business ecosystem. Once again this year, what impressed us most was the team’s visible passion and their unwavering commitment to going the extra mile – constantly evolving their support to meet the real needs of the businesses they serve.”
Founded in 1983 as The Original Incubator and Accelerator®, STEP was born from a landmark donation by Imperial Tobacco, who gifted the Stirling Enterprise site along with funding to help regenerate the local economy through entrepreneurship. That legacy continues today across STEP’s five-site network, through its delivery of Business Gateway Stirling services on behalf of the Scottish Government and Stirling Council, and via its growing HR and organisational development offer – all designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.
STEP’s ethos of Business Wealth Building – sourcing locally, reinvesting profits, supporting youth employment, and prioritising community success – remains the backbone of its impact model. With over 80,000 businesses supported over the years, the organisation continues to prove that putting community first drives long-term economic growth. Businesses looking for award-winning support can learn more at www.stepscotland.co.uk
