Local Firms Encouraged to Register with BusinessClub Scotland

[Cllr Angus MacDonald]

SNP ENCOURAGE LOCAL FIRMS TO JOIN BUSINESSCLUB SCOTLAND

Falkirk Council SNP Group's Economic Development Spokesperson, Councillor Angus MacDonald has welcomed the launch of a new initiative to help Scotland's businesses capitalise on the 'massive economic opportunities' offered by major events held in Scotland, and has encouraged local small and medium sized businesses in Falkirk District to get involved.

The BusinessClub Scotland initiative is a collaboration of Scotland's business organisations, supported and funded by the Scottish Government, to ensure that firms across Scotland capitalise on the business opportunities from the Year of Homecoming, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and other major events in Scotland. The new initiative will be led by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry but carries the support of all of the major business organisations in Scotland. The initiative is a part of the Scottish Government's six point economic recovery programme.

The key objectives of BusinessClub Scotland are to:

Improve business competitiveness
Build supply chain networks
Facilitate procurement around events
Extend the reach of existing networks
Provide direct business engagement and targeted networking at events to win business
Develop expertise in event management and delivery

Councillor MacDonald said:

"I would encorage local firms in Falkirk district to look at getting involved in the BusinessClub Scotland scheme. Small to medium sized firms in this area are well-placed to tap in to a market for a large number of high profile cutural and sporting events over the next few years, including Homecoming Scotland, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup, the annual Celtic Connections and the Edinburgh International Festival, to name just a few.

"BusinessClub Scotland will help our businesses get in the running for the millions of pounds spent on major events every year in Scotland and will open even more economic opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.

"BusinessClub Scotland is modelled on Australia's Business Club which helped 60 Australian companies gain more than 70 contracts for the Beijing Olympics, valued at £100 million, a further £150 million exports to Doha for the 2006 Asian Games and £26 million in exports to the Delhi Commonwealth Games to date.

"There are great opportunities for businesses to supply services to events, to showcase their products and to make national and international contacts through targeted networking opportunities. From small start-ups to larger, more established companies, BusinessClub Scotland will provide SMEs with the support they need to grow their business.

"Glasgow 2014 alone will be spending up to £200 million on goods and services in the run up to the Games, and we want businesses based here in Falkirk district, and employing local people, to be in as strong a position as possible to be successful in winning these contracts."

Further information about BusinessClub Scotland can be found at: http://www.businessclubscotland.co.uk/

[David Sheriff]

Hi Angus,

We run a local business.

I would be very interested in talking to you.

Can you call me when you are free.

07787 512971

Thanks

David Sheriff

[Dorothy Henke]

This looks excellent. I'd be delighted if you would like to come along and explain to the Business Growth Club on the 25th Feb. I am sure the members will be interested to find out more.

[Cllr Angus MacDonald]

Hi Dorothy,
Unfortunately my Wednesday surgeries clash with the Business Growth Club, so I will not manage along on the 25th, but I will try to arrange for a briefing paper to be produced with more info for BGC members.
Regards,
Angus