EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE BUSINESS WEEK SUCCESS

More than 300 ambitious entrepreneurs and well-established businesses flocked to 25 inspirational events in East Dunbartonshire recently.

The inaugural East Dunbartonshire Business Week – which took place between 14-18 May – has been declared a resounding success.

There were inspirational speeches from guests including broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson and Celtic Connections’ Artistic Director Donald Shaw.

The week included drop-in events, information sessions, workshops and more at a range of venues across the Council area – including Kirkintilloch Town Hall, Glazert Country House Hotel, Milngavie Town Hall, Woodhill Evangelical Church and Bearsden Community Hub.

The Council organised the week with Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire and partners from the Economic Development Partnership, including Scottish Enterprise, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, Developing the Young Workforce, Department for Work and Pensions, Skills Development Scotland and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, “I am delighted with the high level of engagement during the inaugural East Dunbartonshire Business Week. More than 300 people attended the 25 events over five days – including entrepreneurs, members of the public, and a range of new and existing businesses.

“I’d like to thank the team, the contributors and the many businesses who came along to support a great mix of top-quality events in locations around East Dunbartonshire.

“The theme of Business Week was ‘be informed, be inspired’ and it more than lived up to its name. I look forward to hearing about our local businesses going from strength to strength in the months and years to come.”

A range of positive feedback has been received from businesses.

Pasna Sallis, Director of Weekday Wow Factor, said, "A massive thank-you – this was valuable as a start-up social enterprise. I have attended many learning sessions and these definitely were in a league of their own. I was motivated to implement the learning into my work.”

Kate Galbally, owner of Better Organised, added, “The launch of the East Dunbartonshire Women in Business Group featured a compelling presentation from broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson. Fittingly, the theme was ‘Be Inspired’. The team at Business Gateway are a tremendous support to me in my business journey.”

The Economic Development Partnership was set up to deliver a more co-ordinated approach to business support services and to implement the recently-approved East Dunbartonshire Economic Development Strategy – which aims to help businesses grow, creating more jobs and wealth in local communities.

Suzanne Bruce, speaking on behalf of Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire, said, “It was fantastic to see the local business community come together to receive quality advice and support, whilst meeting like-minded people.”

For more information about the support available locally, visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/business/business-support or call 0141 578 8530.