A new study by Markel Direct, the small business insurance specialists, has revealed the growing expectations many UK tradespeople and small business owners feel to maintain an active social media presence alongside running their business. The study, which asked 501 UK small business owners and tradespeople how they use social media to market their business, revealed the hidden workload that comes with trying to stay visible online. More than three quarters (76%) spend time every week creating or editing social media content. For most, that means an additional one to three hours of work every week (54%), while more than one in ten (11%) spend up to a full working day each week managing their online presence. The findings build on a previous study by Markel Direct, which looked into overworking among the self-employed. It discovered that more than half (57%) regularly work beyond their normal hours, while 40% said they feel pressure to remain reachable outside working hours, and 57% admitted to working through illness. Running a business now means running social media too: half feel stressed to stay visible online The findings suggest many small business owners are effectively becoming self-taught social media marketers alongside running their actual business. More than two-thirds (69%) have never hired anyone to create content on their behalf, while 65% say they have never received any social media training. Despite this, many still feel an increasing responsibility to stay active online. More than half (55%) say they feel pressure to create content regularly, while nearly three-quarters (73%) believe customers now expect businesses to be active on social media. At the same time, nearly two-thirds (63%) say they struggle to stand out from competitors online. The study also highlighted that for some small business owners, maintaining an online presence is also causing a negative impact. Nearly a quarter (24%) say they have experienced negative comments online, while one in four (25%) have deleted or edited posts following criticism. The fear of negative reactions is also affecting confidence online, with nearly four in ten (38%) saying they have held back from posting due to fear of backlash. Among younger entrepreneurs aged 18–24, more than half say fear of negative reactions has stopped posting online. Social media drives growth, but raises legal concerns Social media is a clear growth driver for small businesses, and many owners are aware of the responsibilities that come with posting content online – however, the study revealed significant gaps remain when it comes to protection and preparedness. The research found that only 39% have insurance in place to cover legal action relating to issues such as copyright infringement or breaches of confidentiality linked to their social media activity. In contrast, nearly half (47%) say they do not have this type of protection, while a further 8% are unsure whether they are covered. Despite the potential consequences, some businesses continue to share client work online without following clear processes. Nearly one in five (19%) admit they do not always obtain client permission before posting images or videos of completed work on social media. Worryingly, more than a quarter (28%) say they would not know what steps to take if a client raised a legal concern about content they had shared online. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, said: "Social media has become one of the most powerful ways for small businesses to showcase their expertise and attract new customers, but many business owners don't realise that the same rules around consent, copyright and confidentiality apply online as they do offline." "Many entrepreneurs have effectively become marketers overnight, often without formal training or dedicated support. Taking a few simple steps, such as obtaining written permission before sharing client projects and understanding what insurance protections are available, can help reduce the risk of disputes further down the line." To read the full study, visit the Markel Direct website. Please note: This article provides guidance for information purposes only. It should not be relied upon wholly when making or taking important business decisions – always seek the services of an appropriately qualified professional.

More than two thirds of SME business leaders are grappling with finding time to step back and work on the business due to being stuck in the day-to-day, according to new research. This was cited as the biggest challenge facing SMEs (68%), followed by the rising cost of doing business (51%) and balancing investment in growth with day-to-day operations (48%). The data comes from business leaders who are alumni of the Help to Grow: Management Course, the 90% government-funded course delivered by more than 60 Small Business Charter-accredited business schools across the UK. To date, 14,420 business leaders have completed the 12-week course to bolster their leadership capabilities and resilience during challenging economic conditions. The survey showed that the challenges businesses face are wide-ranging. Beyond the top three challenges, factors such as implementing technology (42%) and skills shortages (34%) were also major concerns for business leaders. The impact of Help to Grow: Management Despite ongoing pressures for business leaders, the support provided by the Help to Grow: Management Course is having a positive impact. More than three quarters (78%) of respondents said the Help to Grow: Management Course was key to achieving a specific business challenge, project, milestone or personal development goal they had identified before starting the course. In addition, more than two thirds (68%) said the course had helped them respond to broader challenges they were facing. Specifically, 58% were finding time to step back and work on the business rather than in it, 46% felt more confident managing growth sustainably and 37% cited digital adoption as a key area of impact. Peter Beaumont, Managing Director at Monty Miracle Ltd in Leeds, said: “Before the course, I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading the business. It can be incredibly isolating, and I didn't have anyone who understood how I was feeling or could advise on next steps." "The course changed that. Having access to experienced tutors and a peer group who'd faced the same challenges gave me clarity and the confidence to make decisions I wouldn't have made before." "It's nearly four years since I completed the course, and I still use the practical tools and broader perspective it gave me every day. I continue to face challenges, that’s the nature of running a business, but the course gave me the foundations I needed for dealing with changes, managing growth and leading through uncertainty." Duncan McCombie, CEO of YES Energy Solutions and a member of the Small Business Charter Management Board, completed the Help to Grow: Management Course at Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University. He says the course helped him step back from day-to-day pressures, make clearer decisions during uncertain times and focus on building a stronger organisation. Since completing the course, YES Energy Solutions has increased revenue by 28% and grown its headcount, enabling the business to support more households with energy efficiency advice and measures. Duncan said: “The course made a real difference to the way I lead the business. At the time, like many business leaders, I was dealing with uncertainty and competing pressures. Help to Grow gave me the structure, confidence and practical tools to take a step back, test my thinking and make better long-term decisions." "That shift in approach has had a lasting impact. It helped us focus on sustainable growth, strengthen the team and increase the number of households we can support. These findings show why the course matters: it gives business leaders the headspace, network and confidence to respond to challenge and turn uncertainty into opportunity.” A catalyst for continuous learning The Help to Grow: Management Course is a catalyst to inspire SME business leaders into continuous learning. Since completing the course, alumni are prioritising mentoring (45%), peer-to-peer networking (44%), and attending conferences, workshops or seminars (41%). Flora Hamilton, CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: "In addition to the immediate impact businesses are feeling from completing the Help to Grow: Management Course, it’s very encouraging to see that alumni aren't stopping after the 12 weeks." "Armed with new knowledge and having built strong, local connections, business leaders are continuing to invest in their growth, whether through other initiatives provided by business schools or through sector specific initiatives, mentoring and peer networking. That's the kind of long-term resilience that will empower small business success,”

A Glasgow football coach who has trained more than 1,000 children in the city's East End has expanded his reach, after turning to Business Gateway for support developing his digital marketing. Bradley Ruddick founded Football Focused 1-2-1 in January 2023, coaching young people at Stepford Football Centre. The business has seen significant uptake from locals and grown considerably over the past 3 years, with referrals and word of mouth playing a key role in attracting new participants. The business now has 10 self-employed coaches, the majority of which are from the local areas, all UEFA-licensed and delivering one-to-one sessions alongside specialised and weekly classes for children of all ages and abilities. Ruddick also places significant importance on developing his team of coaches, most of whom are from the local area, giving them the chance to build their coaching skills and open up future career opportunities. Developing coaches from the East End is a priority for the business, giving young people the chance to learn from people who understand the community they live in. Recent growth has allowed Ruddick to bring two long-serving coaches on full-time. As the business grew, Football Focused 1-2-1 partnered with East End Community Carers (EECC), supporting the charity's community work with weekly multi-sports sessions for children delivered through its network throughout the year. The partnership also saw the business redevelop Queenslie Park into a brand new, full-size five-a-side astro pitch. Football Focused 1-2-1 has more recently started delivering movement classes for over-65s in the community, and now partners with seven local football clubs across the East End, helping train teams and develop their coaches. Ruddick has invested significantly in developing the business, including a custom website, and turned to Business Gateway's Digital Expert Support grant to make his investment go further. Delivered by Glasgow City Council, the grant offers businesses up to three days of tailored one-to-one support across website development, digital marketing and social media, IT infrastructure, e-commerce and wider digital strategy. Ruddick used his three days to develop a digital marketing and social media strategy, helping the business reach more children and families and expand the team's impact in Glasgow. He was supported by Business Gateway adviser Karen Fotheringham, who has supported with expert one-to-one support and guidance, advising on funding routes, including the Digital Expert Support grant, and signposting to wider support available through the local authority. Bradley Ruddick, owner of Football Focused 1-2-1, said: "Football Focused 1-2-1 is more than coaching. It's about giving young people in the East End somewhere to build confidence, fitness and friendships that last well beyond the pitch. “Karen's support has been invaluable in helping us grow. She's helped us think properly about our digital marketing and social media, and that's meant more families finding out about what we do and more opportunities to build the brand." Karen Fotheringham, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Bradley and his team of coaches do brilliant work in the East End. What started as one-to-one coaching has grown into a business supporting more than 1,000 children, and the partnership with East End Community Carers shows the wider impact it's having on the community. “Through the Digital Expert Support grant, we were able to give Bradley three days of tailored support to develop his marketing and social media strategy, helping him build on that momentum and reach more families across Glasgow." To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Southampton-based Maddie Saunders is preparing to compete at the 2026 British Individual Cycle Speedway Championships this weekend and will travel to and from the race in style and comfort, with her bike at her side, thanks to a support vehicle provided by her employer, the family-run Hendy Group. Maddie, who rides for Southampton Cycle Speedway, will compete in the Women’s competition at Wednesfield Cycle Speedway Track in Wolverhampton on Sunday 30 August, taking on some of the country’s leading riders in a bid to secure her place in the final. Hendy Van Centre Dorset is supporting Maddie’s British Championships campaign by providing a spacious Kia PBV for the event, helping transport her, her support crew, the precious cycle speedway bike, equipment and luggage to and from the competition. The new sponsorship builds on an impressive 12 months for Maddie both on and off the track. At the 2025 Cycle Speedway World Championships she secured silver in the World Individual Women’s race, as well as becoming World Women’s Federation Cup Champion, World Women’s Nations Cup Champion and World Women’s Best Pairs Champion. Away from the track, Maddie has continued to build a successful career at Hendy. Having first joined the Group as an apprentice in 2023, she was named Hendy’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ in 2025 and nominated for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Women in Automotive Awards. In July this year, she was promoted from Marketing Specialist to Group Marketing Executive. Despite heading into the British Championships with an injury, Maddie is hoping to build on her international success from last year. “After such a successful World Championships last year, the British Championships are another opportunity to test myself against some of the best riders. Hendy has been a great support to me, and it means a lot to have that backing again this year.” Paul Hendy, Chief Executive at Hendy Group said: “Maddie is an incredible example of resilience and determination; even with an injury, she is giving her all to the sport she loves. Her dedication to training mirrors the drive she brings to her role at Hendy, and it’s fantastic to see what she continues to achieve both on and off the track. We’re pleased to be able to offer her support in any way we can and will all be cheering her on this weekend.” To find out more about career opportunities at Hendy, visit here.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, marking how far health and safety standards have improved since 1956. What started out as a small awards ceremony to showcase UK companies championing safety has now become one of the biggest and most prestigious health and safety awards worldwide. One long-standing recipient of RoSPA awards is national painting contractor, Alfred Bagnall and Sons Limited. Showcasing a true commitment to health, safety and accident prevention, Bagnalls has received a grand total of 17 RoSPA Gold awards – the last three of which have been paired with prestigious Orders of Distinction, which are awarded when 15 RoSPA Gold awards have been achieved. The awards themselves reward the achievements of companies of all sizes – from small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to larger, more established businesses, like Bagnalls, which recently celebrated its own anniversary, marking 150 years of painting and decorating expertise. RoSPA award hopefuls come from a range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, entertainment and more, with all entries judged by industry-leading experts. Each application to the awards encourages the enhancement of a company’s health and safety standards, prioritising policy reflection, continuing professional development (CPD) and ongoing workplace learning to reduce workplace accidents. The awards themselves are sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), which provides internationally recognised health, safety and environmental qualifications, raising health and safety competence at all levels of a business. Dee Arp, NEBOSH Chief Quality Officer and the Head Judge of the RoSPA Awards, said: "NEBOSH is proud to be the headline sponsor of the RoSPA Awards. They provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence in health and safety, while also helping to strengthen a culture of care, accountability and continuous improvement." “These awards are a powerful reminder that protecting people transcends borders. Supporting employees to return home safe, healthy and happy each day is fundamental to long-term success and resilience." Bagnalls’ Head of Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ), Becky Slater, said of the win: “Receiving our 17th RoSPA Gold award is a truly incredible achievement for us as a team and as a business. This also means we now have our third Order of Distinction, something we are very proud of and which will spur us on when it comes to championing health and safety within the construction industry and beyond.” “I want to say thank you to the whole Bagnalls team – from our painters on the tools to our brilliant apprentices, management team and office professionals – for working safely, day in, day out.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s Growth Director, said: “We congratulate the Bagnalls team on their RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award. The high standards that Bagnalls has achieved are the result of hard work and dedication, of which the team should be rightfully proud and which RoSPA is delighted to honour." “2026 is a landmark year for the RoSPA Awards as we reflect on how far workplace safety has come in 70 years. It is because of the commitment of health and safety leaders like Bagnalls, that people today are safer at work than in the past, setting an inspiring example for the future.” Following their 17th RoSPA Gold award win, the Bagnalls team continues to be part of a proud legacy of organisations dedicated to keeping employees and the public safe.

A Shetland entrepreneur has built a football coaching business from scratch in under a year, with support from Business Gateway helping him access start-up funding and get his venture off the ground. Jack Clubb launched Jack Clubb Coaching in March 2025, offering football sessions that would nurture young talent by building confidence and fitness and grow the game across the Islands. Jack's business offers a range of services including one-to-one football coaching, small and large group sessions, and fitness testing and monitoring plans for sports teams. Since getting started last year, Jack has seen steady growth through referrals and word-of-mouth and has now coached more than 100 players of all ages to develop their skills on the field. Business Gateway Shetland worked with Jack on his business plan and marketing and signposted him towards a start-up funding of £4,000 through Shetland Islands Council. The grant allowed Jack to purchase a range of professional training kit and IT equipment to support him with business planning, as well as allowing Jack to build a following on social media to promote and grow his business. The support from the Business Gateway team included one-to-one advice from local adviser Jeff Gaskell, along with workshops and research through the Business Gateway website. Jack has also spent his first year of trading experimenting with different formats for sessions to find what works best for players across his coaching schedule. Adviser Jeff Gaskell has supported with business development through company reports and research to strengthen his business plan as Jack continues to evolve his offering. Jack Clubb, founder of Jack Clubb Coaching said: “Starting my coaching business was an exciting step, but like many new entrepreneurs, I wasn’t entirely sure where to begin when it came to building a sustainable business. The support I received from Business Gateway was invaluable. Their guidance on business planning helped me create a clear roadmap for growth, while their marketing advice gave me the confidence and tools to promote my services effectively." “The signposting towards funding was also a huge help in supporting me to get the business off the ground, allowing me to invest in essential equipment and resources from day one. As a young founder, having that support network behind me made a real difference and has helped turn my passion for football into a growing business.” Kirsten Scott, Business Gateway Manager said: “It has been a pleasure to support Jack on his journey since launching Jack Clubb Coaching last year. From the outset, Jack demonstrated a real passion for helping players develop both on and off the pitch, along with a strong commitment to building a successful business." “Through Business Gateway, we were able to provide tailored support around business planning and marketing, helping him establish a clear direction for growth and reach his target audience. It’s fantastic to see the progress he has made in such a short time and we’re looking forward to following the continued growth of Jack Clubb Coaching.” Business Gateway continues to support start-ups and growing businesses across Shetland with free advice on everything from funding routes to digital marketing, helping local entrepreneurs turn ideas into trading businesses. To find out more about how Business Gateway can help, visit here.

Two former teachers from Banchory, Aberdeenshire have built a horticultural design and care business, turning an idea into a full-time venture, with Business Gateway supporting them from concept through to launching a new dedicated wellbeing offer this year. Carole Taylor and Juliette Elder launched Soil Sisters in March 2024, running the business three days a week alongside their part-time teaching jobs. The design and maintenance business transforms gardens into sanctuaries centred around wellbeing and relaxation. Business Gateway adviser Gillian Macdonald has been on hand providing support from the outset, after the pair attended a local start-up awareness workshop. By May 2025, the business had grown enough for both women to go full-time. Business Gateway provided upscaling advice including support in preparing a financial plan for the business ahead of the move to full-time trading, along with digital expert support to develop the business's social media presence and to reach a growing customer base. Carole Taylor, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said: “Our experience with Business Gateway has been absolutely incredible. We have received so much advice, access to start-up business courses and templates for our business plans and cash flow. As two women going into business for the first time, we have found the continued support invaluable and we're very grateful for it.” Both Taylor and Elder are trained Social Therapeutic Horticulture practitioners, which involves using plants, gardening and nature to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing and social skills. They have extensive experience in using the approach to support people with additional needs, mental health challenges and anxiety. That background now underpins their second business venture, Soil for the Soul Ltd., a dedicated programme of women’s wellbeing workshops which launched by the pair in April 2026. Through workshops rooted in nature, participants are encouraged to learn new skills, connect with others and prioritise their wellbeing. On expanding their offering, Juliette Elder, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said: “Moving into the wellbeing space felt like a natural next step for us. Through our work in therapeutic horticulture, we've seen first-hand how spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can have a positive impact on people's confidence and wellbeing. Soil for the Soul allows us to bring together our professional experience and our passion for creating welcoming, supportive environments for women.” Gillian Macdonald, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Carole and Juliette approached their business journey with a clear vision and a willingness to learn and grow. Our role was to help them put strong foundations in place through business planning and financial forecasting, giving them the confidence to transition from part-time trading to a sustainable full-time business. It's been fantastic to see them continue to evolve and diversify their offering while staying true to their values.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help, visit here.

A Scottish e-commerce store selling authentic global ingredients, traditional dress, and arts and collectables from independent, minority owned sellers is expanding after receiving support from Business Gateway. Shop Much More, which is based near Stirling and has customers across the UK, worked with Business Gateway in the last year to receive HR and marketing assistance, to build the foundations of the business as it gears up for expansion. The company was launched in March 2025 by director, Samuel Johnson, who is based in Bridge of Allan. The vision was to create a digital marketplace bringing together minority-owned business from the UK to sell their goods, while creating an outlet for customers seeking hard-to-find products that connect them to home. The marketplace now includes more than 200 products such as spices, sauces, groceries and snacks, as well as fabrics, footwear, wall art, beauty products, books and jewellery. It uses AI and geolocation to automate backend logistics and streamline the discovery process for shoppers. With a year under its belt, Shop Much More is now eyeing growth. Samuel worked with HR expert Yvonne Rawlinson, recommended by Business Gateway, to review job descriptions for two roles, which the company will advertise in due course. The company also received a set of HR documents to use once the roles are filled, including contract templates, right to work guidance, a payroll bank details form, an employee handbook and return-to-work paperwork. Marketing expert Paul Saunders then worked with the business on a marketing plan. His recommendations included improving the discoverability of the company's Version 2 platform through SEO, building trust through review platforms such as Trustpilot, and using the company's AI-powered chatbot as a tool for customers to discover products. Shop Much More has already begun acting on these recommendations, starting with the dry food market of ingredients and spices. The next step is to launch the business more widely using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Samuel Johnson, director of Shop Much More, said: "The support from Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping us build a strong foundation as we prepare for growth. The HR consultation was incredibly insightful and has significantly strengthened our readiness as we move towards recruitment. We've already begun implementing the marketing recommendations, and I’m deeply grateful for the continued support and guidance we've received from Business Gateway." Shop Much More has also been signposted to Stirling Council for employability funding, an IT expert to audit and improve the company website, and a free accountancy appointment to check the business was set up correctly, all as part of the Business Gateway service. Simon Orr, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Shop Much More is a good example of what happens when a business puts the groundwork in early. Samuel took the HR and marketing advice on board and has already started acting on it, which puts him in a strong position as he heads towards recruitment and expansion. We look forward to seeing how the business continues to grow and thrive in the coming years."

Britain's entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing to run businesses from home as rising commercial costs, greater flexibility and changing attitudes towards work reshape the country's small business landscape. New research from Dunster House, garden building specialists, found that almost half (46%) of home business owners now rely on their venture as their primary source of income, while a further 28% say it provides a significant financial contribution to their household finances. The findings suggest that home businesses have evolved far beyond side hustles, with many entrepreneurs deliberately building long-term businesses from spare bedrooms, garages, garden rooms, and other home workspaces. When asked what motivated them to start a home-based business, respondents overwhelmingly cited lifestyle benefits over financial necessity, with nearly half saying that a better work-life balance was their top motivator. Why are Brits choosing to run businesses from home? Motivation % of respondents Better work-life balance 47% Wanted to work remotely or from home 36% Wanted more flexibility 36% Turned a hobby or passion into a business 32% Wanted to leave their job 31% Wanted to spend more time with family 29% Started a side hustle to earn additional income 22% Renting commercial space was too expensive 14% COVID-19 prompted a change in direction 12% Although the data shows that quality-of-life factors dominate, cost remains an important consideration. Commercial property rents in the UK have risen by an average of 3.1% annually as of mid-2026, according to the Carter Jonas Commercial Market Outlook and with this rise, many entrepreneurs are choosing to invest in their own properties rather than commit to expensive premises. Christopher Murphy MBE, founder of Dunster House, said: "For many entrepreneurs, running a business from home removes one of the biggest barriers to getting started, the cost of commercial premises. As rents and operating costs continue to rise, more people are realising they don't need a high street unit or office lease to build a successful business. Home working has made entrepreneurship more accessible, allowing people to invest in growing their business rather than covering overheads." 55% regularly work evenings and weekends as home businesses blur work-life boundaries Despite the flexibility and freedom, there are some payoffs that are being experienced by those who do business out of their home. Many entrepreneurs admit that separating work and home life can be difficult. More than half (55%) say they regularly work evenings and weekends, while almost half (48%) have experienced loneliness or isolation because of running a business from home. Meanwhile, one in three (33%) have had customers unexpectedly turn up at their home, highlighting the difficulties many face in maintaining professional boundaries. The findings also reveal the growing pressure that businesses can place on domestic spaces, with 58% saying their enterprise has taken over parts of their personal living environment. To address these challenges, many entrepreneurs are investing heavily in dedicated workspaces. Nearly two-thirds (62%) have already spent money improving their workspace, with respondents investing an average of £5,170 into creating environments better suited to running a business. When asked what improvements they would make if budget were no obstacle, better broadband and Wi-Fi (34%), improved heating and air conditioning (34%), and a fully insulated garden office (32%) topped the list.

A Prestwick business supplying commemorative coins to some of the world's biggest sporting organisations is continuing to expand after receiving support from Business Gateway. Established in 2020, Zenith Coins has built a reputation for designing and producing premium collectable and memorial coins for the sports and commercial sectors. Operating from Shawfarm Industrial Estate in Prestwick, the business has recently diversified into the education and lifestyle markets, creating bespoke keepsake coins for schools, organisations and events. Business Gateway Ayrshire has supported the company's growth from its early stages through a range of funding and specialist advice, which included a start-up grant, one-to-one guidance, Expert Help support and a growth grant. Founder and director, Andrew Reith also received tailored guidance to develop the business's export capability, helping position Zenith Coins for further international growth. The company has also developed relationships with leading sports organisations across the globe, with clients now including Arsenal, Chelsea, Rangers, Celtic, the Scottish, British & Irish Lions, Scottish Rugby and the All Blacks. Andrew said: "Business Gateway has been there throughout our growth journey, providing practical support at every stage. The funding gave us the confidence to invest in the business, while the expert advice and introductions to partner organisations have opened new opportunities, particularly as we look to grow our export markets. The support has helped us turn our ambitions into reality and build a business we're incredibly proud of." As demand has grown, Zenith Coins has expanded its workforce and now employs five members of staff, including three full-time and two part-time employees. Alongside direct business support, Business Gateway Ayrshire introduced Zenith Coins to a range of key partners, including employability services, the Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, enabling the business to access specialist expertise, develop valuable networks and explore new market opportunities. Claire Campbell, Business Gateway Ayrshire Adviser, said: "Zenith Coins has demonstrated how innovation, ambition and a willingness to diversify can drive sustainable business growth. Andrew has worked hard to build an impressive international client base and has embraced every opportunity to develop the business further. It's been a pleasure to support Zenith Coins, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow." Business Gateway offers free advice and support to people across Scotland who are starting or growing a business. Through access to experienced advisers, funding opportunities, specialist workshops and expert support, Business Gateway helps businesses develop, innovate and realise their growth ambitions.

A Perthshire farmer feeding families in need with surplus deer is aiming to reach 100,000 people this year, after receiving support from Business Gateway. Helen Stewart set up Fair Feast after taking over her family's farm near Pitlochry, home to protected moorland that needed regular deer culling to protect the fragile habitat. Rather than see the venison go to waste, she saw an opportunity to turn it into meals for families who needed them. Fair Feast built a network of food banks across rural Scotland to distribute its venison. With support from food banks, deer managers and the public, the business scaled up operations, leading to the opening of what is believed to be the world's first social enterprise butcher's shop, on Pitlochry's high street earlier this year. Every sale in the shop is now matched by a donation to food banks, so growing the business means growing its impact too. Venison is often seen as a luxury or an acquired taste, out of reach for families watching every penny. Fair Feast processes it into familiar, everyday products such as mince, sausages and burgers, making it easy to prepare and cook. The new premises also gives the business a permanent base for the first time, meaning produce can reach food banks throughout the year rather than only around seasonal peaks. To support the business's growth, Helen received expert one-to-one support from Business Gateway adviser Andrew Webster, who advised on expanding into new premises and hiring and training staff. He also signposted routes to funding and Fair Feast secured £5,000 from the Tay Cities SME Skills Fund and Perth & Kinross Council. Business Gateway also introduced the business to Scottish Enterprise, which has since provided further support through its Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service. Helen Stewart, founder of Fair Feast, said: “I could see how our business could genuinely make a difference, not just to the environment, but to families who were going without. What blew me away was how much the local community got behind us. People want to be part of the solution, and the support from Business Gateway has been a huge part of getting us to a point where we can properly scale up.” Andrew Webster, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Helen's vision and drive have created a genuinely unique business. She's engaged the whole community and is making a real difference to food poverty in Perthshire. It's been a pleasure supporting her through the shop opening, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the business goes next.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Ready for store exclusive offers, all the best decorating brands under one roof and an expert team ready to serve all your decorating needs? Well, Brewers Bury St Edmunds-West is now open! Located on Unit 2, Arras Road, Blenheim Industrial Estate, IP33 3TX, the store is accessible off the A14 and situated next to Glasswells and Screwfix. To celebrate the opening of the new store, we’re giving out free goodie bags so you can get your hands on Brewers and Albany items. There will be free parking and our popular Collect Anytime service, featuring a simple, secure and convenient lockbox system. When ordering your goods, you'll be sent a code (unique to your order) by SMS so that you can access the secure lock box at a time that suits you. Don’t forget you can also place orders for Click & Collect on the Brewers website and take advantage of free delivery for account holders. The store has a wide range of products in store, including tinting facilities from Dulux, Crown, Albany, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s, Little Greene and Tikkurila mixed specifically for you to take away the very same day. Brewers Bury St Edmunds-West also features an inspirational showroom, filled with an array of designer paint brands and wallpaper books, giving you the confidence to choose your next scheme with ease. Head into Brewers Bury St Edmunds–West where the team will give you a warm welcome and offer the very best advice. Fancy 10% off your first two purchases plus free delivery? Sign up to a Brewers Pro Trade or DIY card today.