Blairgowrie-based business scheme praised

Sep 17 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PROJECT designed to help east Perthshire businesses plot a successful course through the current economic storm was yesterday praised by leading politicians.

Blairgowrie-based start-up scheme Growbiz has been encouraging local entrepreneurs to tap into its coaching service for the last three years.

The voluntary project aims to link fledgling ventures with other established firms and has provided the platform for over 50 companies, operating in a variety of sectors, to get up-and-running since its inception.

And a host of others have either expanded or gained crucial contacts as a result of using the service, which primarily relies on word of mouth for its success.

Fiona McPhail, an enterprise facilitator with Growbiz, will be among those toasting the organisation’s anniversary in Kirkmichael’s Log Cabin Hotel this afternoon (Friday).

“It’s my job to speak to people who have ideas for starting up a business and put them in touch with others who have the expertise to help them get it off the ground,” Ms McPhail told the PA.

“We’re now seeing people who we helped when Growbiz was first getting off the ground getting back in touch saying they’re moving into other areas.

“So, again, we’ll point them in the direction of someone who’ll help them achieve their goals.

“It’s really about networking. I’ve spoken to people in every industry you can think of – retail, hospitality, even manual jobs like fencing.

“The format lends itself well to working in rural areas because people tend to want to interact face-to-face.

“The fact that I’ll often travel to where a person works to meet with them helps as well, it’s not a case of having to put a suit on and sit down for a formal interview.”

Growbiz is bankrolled by the likes of Perth and Kinross Council and the EU-backed Leader fund, as well as other grant-giving bodies.

In June this year it also received a £16,000 cash injection from a community fund connected to the Drumderg windfarm, situated on the outskirts of Alyth.

Both North Tayside MSP John Swinney, and SNP colleague Pete Wishart – the MP for Perth and North Perthshire – praised organisers for helping to encourage innovative ideas.

Mr Swinney said: “I’ve been a long-standing supporter of Growbiz and its endeavours to facilitate the setting-up of local businesses.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, it’s vital that as much as possible is done to encourage new ventures, and to provide support for existing businesses.”

Mr Wishart added: “Growbiz has come a long way since it was set up in 2007, they have done a fantastic job helping people in east Perthshire get their ideas off the ground.

“I hope the project continues to go from strength to strength.”

More Information is available at www.growbiz.co.uk.