Independent Inverclyde retailers have praised a council-run support scheme for giving them the skills and confidence to grow their businesses.

Earlier this year, the local authority launched a new initiative designed to bolster local businesses and participants who took part are delighted with the new skills and connections they have gained.

Twelve retailers from across Inverclyde completed the programme, including Smiths of Greenock, Gourock traders Crafty Sew and So and The Whisky Room, and Cherry Blossom Children’s Boutique in Kilmacolm, who were presented with certificates by council chief executive, Louise Long.

The initiative was delivered on behalf of the local authority by Tickety Boo Training and Associates and thanks to funding from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Keith Wilson, from Smiths of Greenock, said: “The growth programme was an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss with fellow retailers.

“It also highlighted the many growth opportunities open to local businesses in Inverclyde that we at Smiths hope to take advantage of in the coming years.

“I am very grateful to Inverclyde Council for investing in this level of support for local business which will undoubtably help us and many other local retailers now and in the future with our growth plans.”

Participants were given in-depth guidance to help their business reach its full potential by focusing on core aspects, including business strategy, marketing, customer service, e-commerce, stock control, and people and performance management.

It also helped establish a new network of independent, local retailers to share ideas, experiences and work collaboratively.

Susan Francis, from Crafty Sew and So in Gourock, said: “I’m very passionate about growing with the business, but I wasn’t sure where to start and the business growth programme has taught me so much.

“From attending the programme, I have gained friendship, lots of new skills and clear vision of where I want the business to be.”

The course featured five interactive in-person sessions, as well as optional on-site or online one-to-one sessions, all under the supervision of industry experts.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “I was myself an independent retailer so I know all too well the challenges associated with running a business.

“That’s why I’m really pleased that we, as a council, have been able to offer this expert help and support for some of our local, ambitious retailers to give them the confidence and skills to take the next step towards achieving their growth ambitions.

“Small businesses are vital for the economy locally and nationally and this business development programme is designed to help independent retailers to grow and prosper.

“It is also great that the programme has provided a platform to establish a local network of like-minded business owners from across Inverclyde to share ideas and support each other.”

One-off grants of up to £1,000 were also available to those who successfully completed the programme to help towards achieving their business growth aims.

The initiative was open to retailers operating in Inverclyde for a minimum of one year and with no minimum turnover requirement.

Council chief executive, Ms Long, said: “The programme is about helping local retailers and local communities to prosper in line with our core objectives of making Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of the participants and grateful to them for sharing their positive experiences of the programme and their business experiences generally.

“It was really useful in identifying challenges and but also opportunities within our towns and villages to ensure small businesses get the help and support that is available.”

It was so successful that the council has now launched a similar initiative aimed at independent hospitality businesses.

The local authority has also been running a business growth scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises based in Inverclyde, and the Women in Business networking group featuring in-person and online workshops.

For more information about business support available directly from Inverclyde Council and delivered on behalf of the local authority through Business Gateway Inverclyde, visit the Inverclyde Council website.