Rural Stirling is bustling with vibrant entrepreneurial communities. In fact, according to STEP, the enterprise trust which has been supporting businesses in Stirling for nearly 40 years, rurally based businesses make up 47% of the business community. The rural area is ideal for innovative new companies and has rapid growth potential.
Since 1991 and the launch of its Rural Roadshows, STEP has been dedicated to supporting rural businesses throughout the Stirling region and is now investing further in its Rural business support provision.
Today, through the delivery of Business Gateway Stirling, STEP supports on average 1,400 rurally based businesses each year. The company is now making its support even more accessible by bringing one-to-one Business Adviser appointments to Aberfoyle, Bannockburn, Callander, Drymen and soon in Cowie.
Businesses can book a free 1-hour appointment with a Business Adviser, and they will work with them to understand their goals and discuss what funded support is available. Businesses may also be able to access specialist rural HR, Recruitment, Marketing, IT and Digital Infrastructure support through an adviser.
STEP’s popular annual Rural Forum, playing a crucial role in shaping rural business support and connecting businesses to our support partners will also be run more often with the forums taking place in different rural hubs throughout the year.
Mike Barclay, Business Support Manager said “Rural businesses make up almost half of Stirling’s Business economy and each has their own set of unique challenges versus their urban counterparts. The area is the ideal environment for business growth, and we are delighted our advisers will have the opportunity to work in and base themselves in the rural community more.”
Meet your local Business Advisers
Aberfoyle – Linda Letford
In Aberfoyle, appointments will be held on the last Monday of each month at the Strathard Business Hub with Business Adviser Linda Letford.
With over three decades of experience in Food, Drink and Hospitality settings, Linda enjoys supporting independent producers, growers, manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, hotels, attractions and other businesses, providing help in getting started or growing.
Linda said “Aberfoyle and its surrounding area are truly beautiful, so it’s no wonder there are so many interesting businesses nestled here. 20% of the population work in accommodation and food service activities and whilst the business landscape is full of Tourism based businesses there are also a lot of creative industry businesses throughout the area.”
Bannockburn – Alan Porteous
Bannockburn-based businesses can book to meet with Business Adviser, Alan on the last Friday of every month.
Alan has 12 years of experience in private practice accountancy as well as almost 20 years as an enterprise advisor. Working across Glasgow and Lanarkshire and now Stirling, he has a wealth of experience helping people from all walks of life to start and grow their businesses.
Alan said “Bannockburn is a town well known for its history – but also for some of its inspirational businesses. As a Business Adviser, being established in the community where business is being done is a great opportunity to best understand the problems the businesses in the area face. There is so much untapped support that we can access through different routes and I hope that the businesses of Bannockburn will thrive with this support now on their doorstep.”
Callander – Stephen Cranston
In Callander, appointments will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Callander Hostel with Business Adviser Stephen Cranston.
After 35 years in banking, managing projects and constant change, and dealing with businesses at all levels and across most sectors, Stephen is well placed to help businesses with planning, implementation, risk identification, management, and restructuring.
Stephen said “Callander is a bustling town made up of a varied range of innovative businesses both starting up and growing. In fact, 11% of the rural companies Business Gateway Stirling deal with are from Callander, so I am delighted to be able to support these businesses on their doorstep.”
Drymen – Simon Orr
Businesses based in Drymen and the surrounding areas can meet with Business Adviser Simon Orr, on the last Wednesday of every month.
With around two decades of experience in the banking and finance industry, Simon has developed a keen interest in helping businesses access various types of funded support to get them started or grow into a new stage.
Simon said “Businesses in Drymen and the surrounding villages are a tight-knit community, supporting one another daily. With the opening of the Drymen Business Hub, I was delighted to be able to host regular one-to-ones at the great hub facilities to allow business owners and entrepreneurs access to the various support available. After a slight departure due to COVID, I’ve now been back regularly and have been made to feel part of this unique community.
To book an adviser one-to-one appointment call the Business Gateway Stirling Team at STEP on 01786 498 496.
