Business Gateway West Lothian

It was a joy to be joined by so many new and aspiring business owners at our 'Simplifying the Business Start Up Process' event last night! 🎉 It was great to hear so many attendees say that they now feel ready to move forward with their businesses after hearing from our speakers, Laura Brown, Amanda Lamb, and Michelle Brown, who broke down a wide range of topics. This included, the support available for new business owners, how to incorporate sustainability within a business from the beginning, and the importance of building a brand. We were also joined by three amazing local business owners who took part in an exciting panel, Sarah Eaton (Bonnie Braids by Sarah), Nadia McKay (Nexa IQ), and Laura MacMillan MCIOF (Cert) (Tricycle Treats). They discussed their business journeys so far, the support they have received, and lessons that they have learned along the way. It was truly inspiring - thank you! A huge thank you to everyone who came along, it was a pleasure to meet you and learn more about your business ideas. We're looking forward to helping you achieve your goals! If you couldn't make it, but you like to learn more about the support available, please email bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk 📧 #WestLothian #StartUp #NewBusiness West Lothian College

Today’s the day! ✨ We can’t wait for our ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event, which is taking place today from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at West Lothian College. It’s going to be an exciting event, where we will be sharing: ✔️ The wide range of support available to help new businesses in West Lothian ✔️ Funding opportunities that you could be eligible for ✔️ The importance of building a strong brand (with helpful tips from expert Michelle Brown) ✔️ How to introduce sustainable practices within your new business We will also be hosting an exciting panel with three amazing local business owners: Laura MacMillan MCIOF (Cert), Owner of Tricycle Treats, Nadia McKay, Owner of Nexa IQ Ltd, and Sarah Eaton, Owner of Bonnie Braids by Sarah. They will be telling us about their inspiring business journeys and sharing the lessons that they have learnt along the way.   Don’t worry if you haven’t had a chance to book yet, there’s still time! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eXFtQt8v We hope to see you there! #WestLothian #StartUp #SelfEmployed

A huge well done to Bathgate-based Becky Lindl, owner of Becky's Flowers, who has won a series of awards recently 💐 In November, Becky won the Best Wedding Florist title at the Your Scottish Wedding Awards 2024; in January, she received a highly recommended accolade at The Scottish Confetti Wedding Awards; and then, in February she won both the Regional and Overall Best Wedding Florist Awards at the Scottish Wedding Awards. What an achievement! Read the full story below ⬇️ #WestLothian #Florist #Achievements

Congratulations to Boghall Butchers for winning the top award at the British Pie Awards 2025! 🥧 The local business was crowned 'Supreme Champion' at the awards, with their kebab pie beating 900 entries from across the UK. Following their exciting win, they will be invited to Japan to showcase the winning pie as part of the British food week in October. Read the full story below ⬇️ #WestLothian #BritishPieAwards2025 #Achievements

There’s just 1 week to go until our ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event – have you booked your free space yet?! 🎟️ Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet our friendly advisers, learn from a panel of entrepreneurs, network with likeminded local residents, and most importantly, discover the wide range of support available to help new and aspiring business owners! This is taking place on Tuesday, the 18th of March, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, at West Lothian College in Livingston, and is free to attend for West Lothian residents. We hope to see you there! Book your space below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eXFtQt8v #WestLothian #StartUp #Networking

Don't forget to visit the Job Vacancy section of the Invest in West Lothian website if you're looking for an exciting new role! 💼 There are some fantastic opportunities available at the moment in West Lothian and the surrounding areas, including both full-time and part-time vacancies. Don't miss out! Start browsing here ⬇️ #WestLothian #Jobs #Hiring

Are you thinking of starting, or have you recently started, a business in West Lothian? 💭 Join us for our ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event to learn how we can help you launch your dream business! During the event, we will be highlighting the wide range of support that is available for new businesses (including funding opportunities), sharing how you can build a strong brand, and giving tips on how you can introduce sustainable working practices. We will also be learning how some local business owners launched their own business in West Lothian, in an exciting panel moderated by Michelle Brown. There will also be time for networking, giving you the opportunity to ask our advisers questions and connect with likeminded local business owners! 📅 Tuesday, the 18th of March ⌚ 5:00pm – 7:00pm  📍 West Lothian College, Livingston Learn more and book your space below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eXFtQt8v #WestLothian #StartUp #Entrepreneur

This is your reminder that when you work with us, you will be allocated a dedicated adviser to support your business 🤝 Your adviser will be able to answer any questions you may have, give constructive advice and recommendations, and share helpful resources tailored to your business. All of this support is delivered on a 1:1 basis and is confidential. To get started and request support for your business, please email bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk 📧 #WestLothian #SelfEmployed #Entrepreneur

Scotland's small businesses are invited to have their say via the Big Small Business Survey 📢 Organised by FSB Scotland, the purpose of the survey is to gather a comprehensive overview of the concerns and challenges that small businesses across the country are facing. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on the current business landscape. You can complete the survey below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e3UPEFea #WestLothian #SME #SmallBusiness

If you are a new or aspiring business owner in West Lothian, you don’t want to miss our ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event! 🎟️ During this free event, topics covered will include: 📝 The wide range of support available to help new businesses in West Lothian 💰 Funding opportunities that you could be eligible for (including support specifically for parents) ✨ The importance of building a strong brand (with guest speaker Michelle Brown sharing her tips) 💡 How to introduce sustainable practices within your new business We will also be hosting a panel with some fantastic local business owners who will be sharing their business journeys and tips that they have learnt along the way. This is a great opportunity to meet our advisers and network with other local business owners! The event is taking place on Tuesday, the 18th of March, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at West Lothian College in Livingston. Learn more and book your space below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eXFtQt8v #WestLothian #StartUp #NewBusiness