RURAL NEW BUSINESS START-UP STATISTICS HEALTHY 
REPORT STIRLING ENTERPRISE (STEP)

From Kippen to Killearn, from Balfron to Balmaha, a steady stream of rural entrepreneurs have benefited from valuable start up advice over the last year thanks to Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business Gateway.

Figures issued by STEP for the year to April 04, reveal that of a record 208 new business start-ups to emerge in Stirling's combined urban and rural areas - a significant 36% of those were based in rural Stirling. To put this in to some kind of perspective, this equates to roughly 6 new business start-ups a month within the 12-month period.

And interestingly, while many of these new businesses have opted to tap into traditional rural markets such as tourism, catering and retail - a considerable number have embraced less conventional business sectors making IT, Marketing, Consultancy and Management services a very real part of the rural landscape.

The developing use of the internet in business and the anticipated availability of broadband in rural areas have been identified as important factors influencing some new business starts. 

More generally, improved well-being and economic health of the area, confidence in local and incoming residents to start their own enterprises, the improving profile of Business Gateway and improved market penetration by STEP Buisness Gateway are also all thought to be contributing factors to this marked upsurge in rural business activity.

Derek Gavin, Executive Director of STEP, provides some insight:

"As you would expect, tourism and diversification have a strong part to play in contributing to these figures - but that is not the whole story. Improving technology, internet and e-mail access and better travel links mean today - more than ever - that people are able to have more say in where their businesses are based. This can only be a big plus for the rural economy and a growing trend that we are happy to acknowledge and assist with".

And distance has proved to be no object to those serious about getting their business ventures 'off the ground'. Many have opted - post start-up - to take advantage of a variety of IT and Business skills training seminars on offer throughout the year at STEP. These courses can be delivered either on or off-site thanks to a specially adapted mobile training unit designed with the rural client firmly in mind.

Ends.


Anyone interested in gaining more information about starting a business or joining a start-up course can either phone Business Gateway (0845 609 6611) or Business Gateway STEP direct (01786 463416) where Lorraine or Frank will be happy to provide more information. The courses are fully funded by Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley and are at no cost to participants other than their time. 

To receive further details on the excellent range of Business Skills Training courses STEP Business Gateway have to offer over the coming months, call 01786 463416 or e-mail step@stirling-enterprise.co.uk or check the website www.stirling-enterprise.co.uk


For further information, contact Caroline Brown, Marketing Officer, Stirling Enterprise (STEP) on Tel: 01786 463416 or E-mail: cbrown@stirling-enterprise.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE 
24th June, 2004 

STIRLING ENTERPRISE (STEP) 
REPORT YEAR-END RECORD HIGH 

· 208 new business start-ups
· 64 existing local businesses reviewed 
· 196 Business related training courses delivered
· 90% property occupancy levels

Business Start-up

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in the Stirling area - that's the view of Stirling Enterprise (STEP) who have reported an all time record for new business start-ups through its Business Gateway programme. 

As part of their support for the local economy, STEP has been providing advice and support to new business starts for over 20 years. However, figures recently issued by the organisation for the year to April 2004, show an impressive 208 businesses were assisted over the 12-month period. This compares with previous annual figures of 169 new starts, showing a substantial rise this year of around 25%. 

Improved well-being and economic health of the area, confidence in local and incoming residents to start their own enterprises, the improving profile of Business Gateway and improved market penetration by Business Gateway STEP are all thought to be contributing factors to this marked upsurge in new business activity.

Many of the new business starts have benefited from participating in the Business Gateway STEP start-up course run each month at STEP. With many courses now taking place in the evenings - at a time more suitable to people still in employment - STEP have pinpointed this as a significant factor contributing to rising demands.

Derek Gavin, Executive Director of STEP explains:

"We have noticed an increasing number of people in existing employment wishing to join the Business Gateway STEP start-up course. In joining, they allow themselves the opportunity to seriously consider starting a business by gaining information and advice on various aspects of the business. 

Most people already have skills they are not fully aware of which are applicable to self-employment, but they also need to acquire other skills. We welcome everyone to the course, particularly those who are at a very early stage of considering starting a business. That is the very best time to join our course."

Local Business Reviews

STEP have also assisted an impressive 64 existing local businesses, from across the whole geographical area of Stirling, to complete total reviews of their business. This has resulted in many implementing improvements, generating increased profitability and achieving additional employment.

Business Training Courses

A total of 196 Business subject training courses were run by Business Gateway STEP. These courses covered a wide range of subjects with a high percentage focusing on IT subjects. All courses represent extremely good value, with many being subsidised by Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, others made available through European support schemes as well as in partnership with Stirling Council.

Property Interests

Finally, STEP report that their Property interests were extremely successful again this year, with occupancy levels of well over 90%.

Alison Davidson, Property Manager of STEP states:

"Our occupancy levels at Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling Business Centre and Enterprise House remain very high with good demand. We are landlord to 140 business tenants with around 20% turnover in occupancies each year. These businesses employ, in total, over 600 staff. Most of the businesses that moved on during the year, moved to larger premises locally or purchased their own business properties. As importantly however, Business Gateway STEP have assisted over 50% of their tenants this year. Linking Business Gateway support with our tenants is an extremely important activity for us."

Ends.

Anyone interested in gaining more information about starting a business or joining a start-up course can either phone Business Gateway (0845 609 6611) or Business Gateway STEP direct (01786 463416) where Lorraine or Frank will be happy to provide more information.  The courses are fully funded by Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley and are at no cost to participants other than their time. 

To receive further details on the excellent range of Business Skills Training courses STEP have to offer over the coming months, call 01786 463416 or e-mail step@stirling-enterprise.co.uk 


For further information, contact Caroline Brown, Marketing Officer, Stirling Enterprise (STEP) on Tel: 01786 463416 or E-mail: cbrown@stirling-enterprise.co.uk

Copyright © 1999 Stirling Enterprise Park Ltd