Support for businesses

Businesses across the isles will be able to find out more about two new financial support schemes next week.

Shetland Islands Council’s Economic Development Service will visit seven public halls around the islands from Baltasound to Boddam, starting on Monday.

The roadshow gives the opportunity to find out more about the kind of support available, including the new schemes designed to support the development of new and existing businesses in Shetland.

The Business Gateway service is aimed at people looking to start up in business or who want to grow their existing businesses. This includes access to free training courses, business information and time with a business adviser.

Executive Manager Economic Development, Douglas Irvine, said: “The service is able to support a wide range of commercial development projects in Shetland and this series of visits to places around Shetland is intended to strengthen that message. These are drop-in events where members of staff will be available to discuss potential projects, help with general enquiries or simply answer questions about what the service currently delivers.”

Chairman of the council’s Economic Development Committee Alastair Cooper: “The council has supported economic development in Shetland since the 1960s and has supported a diverse range of activity over that time. The council feels that it is important to continue to share information with members of the public and businesses about the support we provide and of course to show that the service is still very much open to business in 2014.”

Events will be held, between 2pm and 7pm, at: Baltasound Public Hall (17th March); Mid Yell Public Hall (18th March); Brae Public Hall (19th March); Bixter Public Hall (20th March); Symbister Public Hall (21st March); Scalloway Public Hall (24th March); Boddam Public Hall (25th March).