BUSINESSES across the Wee County will be able to seek advice and support from Ceteris for another five years.

The team behind it is “over the moon” to have secured the Businesses Gateway contract to continue its economic regeneration work in the area.

Through this same avenue, over the last five years Ceteris has supported more than 500 new businesses and more than 300 existing businesses to grow and survive in difficult times.

It has also run in excess of 400 business events during that period.

Margaret Mary Rafferty, managing director, said: “Our whole team is over the moon about winning the contract again. 

“We’ve been delivering the Business Gateway support to Clackmannanshire for a number of years now and have always felt that we were delivering a high quality value for money service, and winning the recent tender has confirmed this. 

“I’m really proud of our team, they work exceptionally hard and I have no doubt that the many recommendations and testimonials that we were able to include in our bid, helped the local authorities to make the decision.”

The Ceteris growth advisors, Alison Davidson and Dorothy Henke, have been particularly successful in accessing additional support and funding for growing Wee County businesses.

"We’re giving something back to the business community..."

In the past two years alone, they have supported businesses with almost £75,000 of direct funding/grants, and accessed additional support worth almost £400,000 for local businesses.

Margaret Mary added: “We have always taken our economic regeneration responsibilities seriously, but when I looked at the amount of support that we have accessed for businesses in this short time, even I was astounded. 

“The team in this area are punching well above their weight. They are so proactive and I believe are very much appreciated by the businesses that they work with.

“I know that with the business development team that we have at the moment that I can be assured that any business that comes to Business Gateway Clackmannanshire will get as much help and advice as we can give them.”

Elsewhere, Ceteris is again sponsoring the Most Outstanding Businesses Award at the Clackmannanshire Business Awards at the end of the month.

Margaret Mary said: “We’re giving something back to the business community and celebrating all that is good about businesses in Clackmannanshire. 

“Last year our own Gean House won the Excellence in Customer Service Award and it really boosted the team. This year it is someone else’s turn.”

Those thinking of starting a business, or looking to grow an existing one, can contact them on 01259 726430 and speak to Angela or Joellen for an appointment. 

Alternatively email either aharrick@ceteris.co.uk or jpeebles@ceteris.co.uk