A Scottish wholesaler with bases in Falkirk and Perth is now one of Scotland’s largest industrial suppliers, after its owner received HR support and signposting to grant funding from Business Gateway.

Established in 1974, Diamond Industrial Supplies remains an independent company, supplying quality leading brands and products throughout Scotland and the North of England. It provides specialist tools, equipment and workwear nationwide, and also offers expert advice on everything it sells, from fasteners and fixings, right through to PPE and workwear. On a mission to drive change in the sector, Director, Craig MacMorran is committed to revolutionising how they hire, train and retain their staff. Looking to grow his business, and in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his ambitions for growth into a reality, he approached Business Gateway for support in May 2022.

Craig’s local business adviser helped him identify various routes for growth by assessing the challenges the business faced around their organisational structure, job descriptions and staffing. After receiving HR support and undergoing a Skills for Growth project with Skills Development Scotland, Craig implemented new practices such as a new organisational culture, which helped to increase employee engagement, collaboration and the ability for the team to manage through change. Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Diamond Industrial Supplies for grant funding from Falkirk Council’s Resilience Fund, which went towards the rebrand and launch of their new website. This established Diamond Industrial Supplies’ digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating a 27% increase in sales as a result.

More recently, following advice from Business Gateway, the business has expanded its staff from 9 to 17 including recruiting two graduates through the Education and Training Unit programmes from Falkirk Council. Going from strength to strength, Diamond Industrial Supplies was also shortlisted for two categories the Herald Family Business Awards in 2022.

Craig MacMorran, Director, Diamond Industrial Supplies, said: “I recently joined my dad and uncle in the company and soon realised I wanted to drive change and growth but needed guidance to make this happen. Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with growing a business.”

Ally Kale, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Diamond Industrial Supplies with a range of Business Gateway’s services. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop in the way Craig wished for. I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”