Latest news with #BusinessGateway
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Paisley cafe sees 'dramatic' increase in customers after becoming local hit
Paisley Pie Co. has seen footfall increase after benefitting from Renfrewshire Council's town centre premises fund. A much-loved Paisley business has seen a 'dramatic' upturn in customers after launching more than two years ago. Paisley Pie Co. is operating from the town's Causeyside Street and has been busy since the turn of the year after becoming a hit with the local community. Launched in 2023 by Scott McGinlay, the firm soon gained a loyal following for its artisan pies and premium-baked goods – building a reputation for creating pies with every filling imaginable from mini chicken tikka and Big Mac to the more classic steak and sausage. Now continuing to make strong strides in the food industry, Scott has thanked Business Gateway for its support after the organisation helped him secure a matched-funding grant through Renfrewshire Council's town centre premises fund. It offers successful applicants up to £25,000 of eligible costs when moving into a long-term vacant ground floor commercial premise in Renfrewshire. This money enabled the company to open a new deli and café-style outlet last year. Scott said: 'The warm reception from the people of Paisley and our incredibly loyal customer base has been truly heartening and makes all of our hard work worthwhile. 'Business Gateway's support has been instrumental in making our expansion a reality. 'Their advice on funding, premises and strategic growth has helped us take the leap into a larger space, enabling us to serve more customers and take our brand to the next level.' The expanded premises has not only provided a larger commercial kitchen to increase production but also helped Paisley Pie Co. introduce a sit-in dining option for up to 30 customers – allowing visitors to enjoy gourmet pies alongside a selection of hot drinks. In November, Scott's entrepreneurial success was recognised at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards (ROCCOs) where Paisley Pie Co. was named Renfrewshire's favourite business. Scott himself was awarded young business person of the year. Robert Kinniburgh, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Paisley Pie Co's increased footfall has not only boosted the business' revenue but has also contributed to the revitalisation of Paisley's town centre. 'It's been a pleasure to support Scott and the team on their journey and I'm sure they'll continue to go from strength to strength this year.'
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Perthshire wellness business has sights set on UK-wide expansion after receiving support from Business Gateway
A Perthshire-based wellness business is planning to expand across the UK after the owners received specialist support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Husband and wife, Paul and Tara Scott, founded Enriched Being in 2023. Tara is a qualified nutrition coach and Paul has a background in biology and aquaculture, having recently earned a Diploma in Biomedicine as a refresher for going into the business. Tara first discovered the health benefits of microgreens after facing some health challenges in her thirties. She radically altered her diet to include microgreens and noticed huge improvements. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Microgreens are tender, young shoots of various vegetable or herb plants which are harvested at an early stage of growth. Despite their small size, they are full of flavour and packed with nutrients, with up to 40 times as many nutrients as adult plants. Incorporating microgreens into your diet is said to help boost your immune system, support digestion and enhance overall wellbeing. Perthshire wellness business has sights set on UK-wide expansion after receiving support from Business Gateway Through Enriched Being, Tara and Paul harness these health benefits by offering fresh microgreens, which can be added to most meals, whether added to a sandwich, a soup, a salad or in pesto. The couple supplies their products to several Scottish hotels, including Andy Murray's Cromlix Hotel, Kinloch House Hotel and Cairn Lodge Hotel. The duo will soon be selling a new signature product, Big Shot, a 30ml cold-pressed microgreen shot designed to deliver a powerful burst of nutrition in a single sip. Each bottle contains a whole punnet of fresh microgreens, naturally fermented to unlock nutrients, improve absorption and last longer. These are made with all natural products and come in glass bottles to ensure freshness for longer. They currently hand-deliver the freshly harvested microgreens to local chefs and consumers to ensure maximum freshness and quality. These have a two week shelf-life, meaning the customers have all had to be local. However, with Big Shot the couple is able to expand the reach thanks to it's naturally longer shelf life of around 30 days. This means Big Shot can be posted across the UK, making the powerful benefits of microgreens more accessible than ever. Tara and Paul are also exploring other options to expand their reach even further. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although Tara and Paul had business experience, they had never worked in the food industry before, so approached Business Gateway for support in2024. Their Business Gateway adviser, Michelle Maddox, provided one-to-one support, shared market insights and was able to help the pair understand food safety regulations. Perthshire wellness business has sights set on UK-wide expansion after receiving support from Business Gateway Michelle also supported with funding applications, which has recently resulted in a Beyond Scotland Grant. This grant provides specific support to businesses to enable them to expand into new markets overseas or into other parts of the UK. Thanks to support from Business Gateway, Tara and Paul successfully applied for Futures4All funding, which is going towards a new staff member who works eight hours per week to help with harvesting. Enriched Being was also a regional winner at the Scottish EDGE Awards, where they received a £10,000 grant. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tara Scott, co-owner of Enriched Being, said: 'Running a business is always full on, especially when you're growing something from the ground up – literally! Moving into the food and drink industry has been a steep learning curve, even with our previous business experience. 'The support we've had from Business Gateway has been a game-changer, from helping us understand food safety regulations to giving us insight into the market and helping us with funding applications. We've also loved connecting with other local producers through events and the Perthshire community. It's been so valuable to learn from others who are on a similar journey.' Michelle Maddox, Business Gateway adviser, said:'Tara and Paul have shown incredible passion and dedication in building Enriched Being Microgreens. They came to us with a clear vision, and it's been a pleasure to support them as they've grown their business. We've worked closely together to help them take the next steps. I'm excited to see how their innovative products continue to make an impact across Scotland and beyond.'
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Popular Paisley Pie shop sees hike in customers following Business Gateway support
A popular Paisley Pie shop has seen a dramatic increase in customers after the business owner accessed support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Launched in 2023 by Scott Mcginlay, Paisley Pie Co has quickly gained a loyal following for its artisanal pies and premium baked goods, building a reputation for creating pies with every filling imaginable, from mini chicken tikka and Big Mac to the more classic steak and sausage. Scott, who also runs his own catering business, has seen his pies capturing the hearts and tastebuds of both locals and tourists, emerging as a trailblazer in the gourmet pie scene. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With expert guidance on business growth, funding opportunities and market expansion, Business Gateway has played a crucial role in helping the company secure financial assistance and scale its operations. Paisley Pie Co Recognising its potential, Business Gateway provided Scott with one-to-one advisory support, helping the business refine its growth strategy. Scott also successfully secured a matched-funding grant through Renfrewshire Council's Town Centre Premises Fund, which offers successful applicants up to £25,000 of eligible costs when moving into a long-term vacant ground floor commercial premise in Renfrewshire. This funding enabled the company to open a new deli and café-style outlet last year. The expanded premises has not only provided a larger commercial kitchen to increase production but also helped Paisley Pie Co introduce a sit-in dining option for up to 30 customers, allowing visitors to enjoy gourmet pies alongside a selection of hot drinks. In November, Scott's entrepreneurial success was recognised at the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards (ROCCOs), where Paisley Pie Co. was named Renfrewshire's Favourite Business, and Scott himself was awarded Young Business Person of the Year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scott McGinlay, owner, Paisley Pie Co, said: 'The warm reception from the people of Paisley and our incredibly loyal customer base has been truly heartening and makes all of our hard work worthwhile. 'Business Gateway's support has been instrumental in making our expansion a reality. Their advice on funding, premises and strategic growth has helped us take the leap into a larger space, enabling us to serve more customers and take our brand to the next level.' Robert Kinniburgh, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Paisley Pie Co's increased footfall has not only boosted the business' revenue but has also contributed to the revitalisation of Paisley's town centre. It's been a pleasure to support Scott and the team on their journey and I'm sure they'll continue to go from strength to strength this year.'
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh start-up keeping the community fighting fit thanks to Business Gateway support
An Edinburgh start-up is making a major impact in communities after accessing support from Business Gateway. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Blast Boxing, a community interest company, aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible boxing classes and one-to-one sessions. Designed to help locals get fit, have fun and learn core boxing skills, the sessions take place in a welcoming and supportive environment. Founded by Kevin Matthews, the organisation offers a range of affordable classes for children and adults, along with drop-in social events and PE sessions delivered through Edinburgh's Active Schools programme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Blast Boxing also hosts specialist wellbeing sessions, including 'Box N' Blether', a popular format combining one hour of physical activity with one hour of open conversation, as well as parent-and-toddler classes and wellbeing sessions for both men and women. Blast Boxing Working with a range of established organisations and charities in Edinburgh, the team offer physical and emotional support to residents in disadvantaged communities. As well as boxing, the team brings years of experience and qualifications in youth work, community engagement, health and fitness. Having previously worked in the community as a pupil support assistant and youth worker; Kevin saw firsthand the positive impact exercise had on mental health. At the age of 30, he pursued a qualification in sports coaching, setting the foundation for his vision of a community-focused fitness organisation. Blast Boxing has recently worked alongside charities Score Scotland and Spartans, to support young people and adults in the area through introductory sessions, mentorship and dedicated classes and is currently running sessions with West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kevin reached out to Business Gateway in January 2024 to turn his vision into reality. He has been supported throughout his start-up journey by local adviser Lee Briggs, who has provided expert one-to-one guidance, business planning assistance, and advice on business structure, legislation, and community engagement. Business Gateway has also helped Kevin access funding opportunities and connect with local groups, enabling Blast Boxing to thrive. Lee's guidance has played a key role in Kevin's journey to grow Blast Boxing into a thriving enterprise, allowing the business to make a meaningful and lasting impact across Edinburgh. Kevin Matthews, Blast Boxing founder, said: 'Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me bring my vision for Blast Boxing to life. 'The support and guidance I've received from Lee has given me the confidence and knowledge to shape Blast Boxing into an initiative that serves the community and makes a real difference on the lives of those involved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: 'Having supported Kevin since day one, it has been fantastic to see his passion and dedication translate into real, positive change for the community. 'Blast Boxing is a brilliant example of how the right support and determination can create something truly impactful.'
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Island's first speciality coffee house to open new roastery
A loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, along with funding support from Business Gateway and the SJ Noble Trust, helped cover the renovation costs, including fitting upgraded windows and doors. A new multi-purpose workshop will house the coffee roastery, which will use a cutting-edge, eco-friendly Aillio Bullet micro-electric roaster to create in-house signature coffee blends. The space will also serve as a venue for events, workshops, and classes, building on the café's role as a community hub. READ MORE: Food and drink veteran unveils plans for growth at Scottish ethical coffee firm Appeal bid for 'coffee stops' on Scotland-England border rejected Don't be a sheep when it comes to chains like Blank Street Coffee Once completed this summer, the new space will triple seating capacity from eight to 24, offering outdoor seating where customers can relax in the sun-trapped private courtyard. Mhairi Mackenzie said: 'The aim is to create a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and enjoy great coffee. Securing funding to support the expansion plans is an exciting step forward, not just for our business, but for the whole community. Mhairi Mackenzie with coffee roaster (Image: Supplied) "We're proud to collaborate with local suppliers through the Bute Kitchen initiative, which helps support the island's economic regeneration by promoting local produce. Our menu features baked goods from nearby bakers, smoked trout and cheeses from Isle of Bute Smoke House, and chutneys and preserves from Gather Deli and Bute Produce. 'Sustainability and high social and environmental standards are very important to us, and we're working towards achieving B Corp certification for the café in the near future to reflect these values. Being the first on the island to roast our own coffee is something we're really excited about, and we can't wait to hear feedback from our lovely customers.' Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'It's fantastic to see Isle of Bute Coffee expanding its offering and creating even more opportunities for locals and tourists to connect, while enjoying the island's vibrant community spirit. Mhairi's dedication to supporting the area shines through in everything she does. This is a brilliant example of how the Start Up Loans programme can empower smaller businesses to thrive and make a real difference to the local economy.'
