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Creatomatic Educates the Next Digital Generation 

Creatomatic Educates the Next Digital Generation 

The team at Creatomatic have had an incredibly successful year building digital for clients across the UK. As well as working with clients to build websites, create brand identities and support organisations with digital marketing, they have also taken time out to encourage and train the next generation of web developers, graphic designers and digital marketers.

 

The team are passionate about making sure that they share their knowledge and create pathways for young people to enter the digital world. 

 

Back in July, the Creatomatic Design Team were invited to speak at the University of Cumbria’s UX/UI Design short course. 

 

Design Lead, Paul, shared insights into the web design process, covering everything from budgets and client feedback to wireframing and final designs. 

 

After the presentation, they had an interactive session reviewing the students’ work, providing feedback and offering tips on how to refine their designs. They were incredibly impressed by their progress and creativity just over 6 weeks into the course. 

 

The UX/UI bootcamp has been hailed as a great initiative where over 6 weeks, the free to access course offers insights into design’s fastest growing industry to professionals around Cumbria. Focusing on the laws of UX, design systems and fundamentals alongside hands on learning. 

 

Lecturer Vincent Walden from University of Cumbria stated: “It was a no-brainer to invite Paul and Rosie from Creatomatic, potentially my favourite local agency – to provide a talk about their work and help give feedback to the students. After 6 weeks of work, each student was confidently producing detailed digital designs on Figma for their final module and the Creatomatic team’s feedback was key to helping them to elevate their work”. 

 

As well as visiting educational institutions around the region, Chris McWhinnie, Operations Manager has been working closely with Lockerbie Academy and has hosted a group of students every Tuesday for 8 months to complete their Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media at SCQF level 6. Every week, they’ve joined the team at the Creatomatic headquarters to learn more about what it’s like to work in a 5-Star Creative Agency. 

 

The course has covered a range of areas from working effectively with others in the Creative Industries to preparing for and conducting interviews in Creative Media, communicating using marketing and sales channels and using digital and social media marketing campaigns. 

 

The students have learned from many members of the team and thoroughly enjoyed their time within the agency. 

 

Chris McWhinnie said: “It has been a great opportunity for us to engage with the next generation of digital media professionals. Being able to offer real life work experience to young people is so important at this stage so that they can make decisions about where they’d like to take their career in the future. This sort of insight in a working office is invaluable and I hope that it has inspired the young people that we’ve worked with to consider a career in this industry.”

 

This year, Creatomatic also teamed up with the Dumfries Town Board for their new logo and branding project. Dumfries Town Board hosted a design competition involving four Dumfries High Schools. The team at Creatomatic’s role was crucial in selecting the winner and transforming their design into a professional brand identity. 

 

The competition showcased the incredible talent of the young creatives of Dumfries, with Sienna Mutch from Dumfries High School winning for her design that includes the town’s iconic Midsteeple building, along with a unicorn and stag, symbols from the Dumfriesshire Coat of Arms. 

 

The design team at Creatomatic were very impressed by the calibre of designs and supported Sienna to refine her winning concept into several logo variations, ultimately chosen by the Dumfries Town Board as their favourite. To ensure cohesive brand presence, the design team then put together a full brand pack. 

 

Paul Gardner, Design Team Lead and James Miodonski, Director had the pleasure of meeting with Sienna, along with Lisa Callendar Bone from the Dumfries Town Board and Kirsty Hamilton from the Dumfries High School, to present the final logo and brand identity. Paul guided Sienna through the design journey, discussing development choices and highlighting the strengths of her original concept. 

 

Sienna’s winning design not only secured her place in Dumfries Town Board’s history, but it also came with a fantastic reward. She received two tickets to the upcoming sold out YouthBeatz festival, including meet and greet with the headliners, Saint Phnx. Local shops and vendors across Dumfries collaborated to create a special goodie bag filled with treats for Sienna to celebrate her incredible achievement. 

 

The team at Creatomatic are passionate about educating the next generation of young people considering a career in the digital industries. They believe that there are so many opportunities especially as the world of technology is advancing at such a significant rate, there is so much to offer in a career that’s fast paced and exciting and they are looking forward to continuing this work into 2025. 

 

Creatomatic have had an exceptionally successful year working with clients all across the UK and are looking forward to continuing to build on the incredibly successful year. 

Wheatley To Deliver New Affordable Homes In Johnstonebridge

Wheatley to deliver new affordable homes in Johnstonebridge

Work has started on a development of more than 30 new homes for social rent in Johnstonebridge.

 

Wheatley Homes South, the largest social landlord in Dumfries and Galloway, is building 33 new high-quality, affordable homes.

 

The development at MacLean Drive in the village, which will be built by Ashleigh (Scotland), will be a mix of two and three homes and bungalows, all for social rent.

 

All will have low-carbon features including solar panels, energy-efficient heating and high levels of insulation.

 

They are part of Wheatley Homes South’s ambitious regeneration plans to meet housing demand across the region, which will see hundreds of homes built across Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Alex Lamb, Managing Director at Wheatley Homes South, said: “We are pleased work has started in Johnstonebridge and look forward to being able to deliver these much-needed new, affordable homes.
“Our ambitious new-build and regeneration plans will see hundreds of new homes built across the region.
“There is a high demand for affordable housing in Dumfries and Galloway and these new properties in Johnstonebridge will play a big part in meeting that.”

 

Work on the site is set to last around 16 months with families expected to start moving into their new homes in early 2026.

 

Euan Clark, Commercial Director at Ashleigh (Scotland), said: “We are delighted to commence work on the latest development for Wheatley Homes South at Johnstonebridge.
“Wheatley is a hugely valued client of ours and projects like this allow us both to provide employment and supply chain opportunities, alongside a number of wider roles and community benefit initiatives.”

The development follows extensive consultation with Johnstonebridge Development Trust, a community-owned organisation aimed at bringing long-term social, economic and environmental benefits to the area.

 

Helen Thornton, Manager at Johnstonebridge Community Centre, said: “The Johnstonebridge Community Centre and Development Trust are pleased to see the village grow. We are keen to see what the future holds for Johnstonebridge and have positive hopes for the village and its residents.”

 

It was previously revealed the local economy in Dumfries and Galloway has been boosted by more than £40 million thanks to the massive investment programme by Wheatley Homes South since 2019.

 

Wheatley Homes South is part of Wheatley Group, Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group, which was recently named as the UK’s biggest builder of social housing over the past decade.

Starbucks to Close High Street Store in Dumfries

Starbucks has confirmed the upcoming closure of its High Street store in Dumfries.

The store, which first opened its doors in 2014, will cease operations on 12th January 2025. This decision marks the end of over a decade of trading for the coffee shop in the town centre.

Impact on Staff

The closure will affect the store’s employees, who have been offered opportunities to relocate to other Starbucks branches across Scotland. The company stated that it regularly reviews its portfolio to ensure stores remain relevant for customers.

Local Presence

The High Street branch is one of two Starbucks outlets in Dumfries and Galloway. Customers can still visit the company’s Annan Road location, which will remain operational.

Starbucks continues to expand elsewhere in the UK, with plans to open 100 new stores nationwide in the coming months. The company has announced an investment of over £30 million to support this growth. Starbucks operates 1,066 branches across the UK, including company-owned and licensed stores.

Further details regarding the transition and the future use of the premises have yet to be announced. DGWGO will provide updates as they become available.

 

38 Year Old Driver Arrested After Passenger Killed In Crash Near Annan

38 YEAR OLD DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER PASSENGER KILLED IN CRASH NEAR ANNAN
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a fatal crash near Annan on Friday, 13 December, 2024.

The incident happened around 8.25pm on the B6357 Annan-Cannonbie-Jedburgh road and involved a grey Range Rover.

Emergency services attended and a 22-year-old male passenger within the car was pronounced dead at the scene.  Another 39-year-old male passenger within the car was taken to Cumberland Infirmary as a precaution.

The driver of the car, a 38-year-old man, was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for treatment.  He was later arrested in connection with road traffic offences and released pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Wayne Carnochan said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances”.

“We are asking anyone who may have information to contact us.  The road where the crash happened connects the town of Annan with the A74 motorway at Eaglesfield.  If you were on this road around the time of the crash and have dash-cam footage that could assist with our investigation then please contact us.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3502 of Friday, 13 December, 2024.

24 Puppies Rescued From Under Lorry at Cairnryan

24 Puppies Rescued From Under Lorry at Cairnryan

Now a multi-agency, Scottish SPCA-led taskforce against the illegal and illicit puppy trade has been set up with partners across the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland to combat this activity and they are calling on the public to help.

This year saw 24 puppies rescued, with the help of Police Scotland and the USPCA, from under a lorry after being confined in cardboard boxes, without water or suitable bedding at a ferry port coming from Northern Ireland.

As a result of the investigation into this incident, this month a female lorry driver from County Monaghan in Ireland received a two-year disqualification order from transporting or dealing with animals.

She was also fined £400 after pleading guilty at Stranraer Sheriff Court to a breach of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Section 24.
This is just one example of how working together across borders can stop puppies from being smuggled.

Scottish SPCA Head of Rescue and Prevention Laura McIntyre, said, “Although the low-welfare trade in puppies slowed due to the ending of lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis, we know that unscrupulous breeders are still out there targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
“We lead a multi-agency taskforce and our special investigations unit undertakes intelligence-led missions to target those involved with the illicit puppy trade.
“Smuggled pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage.
“Our message to the general public is do not buy online or from someone where it is impossible to verify where the dog is actually coming from. The only way this will disappear, and people stop profiteering at the expense of these dogs, is if the public demand it stops.
“Anyone considering buying a puppy should research the potential breeder carefully, as unauthorised breeding can have a significant impact on the welfare of all dogs involved.
“If you have purchased a puppy who shows any signs of illness or distress please take them to a vet immediately.”
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot of Police Scotland said: “We are committed to working with the SSPCA Pet Trade Taskforce and our partners to target those involved in the illicit puppy trade.
“These criminals are motivated by financial gain, with little or no regard for the animal’s welfare.
“We urge anyone considering buying a puppy to do so from a reputable breeder and to report any suspicions around illegal puppy trading to Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Members of the Pet Trade Taskforce include the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The Ulster Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), Police Scotland, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA Northern Ireland), World Horse Welfare, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM Irish Government), Scottish Government, Welsh Government and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

If you suspect the seller is acting suspiciously, contact SSPCA (Scotland) or RSPCA (England and Wales)

If you witness suspicious activity at Belfast or Larne ports, please contact a member of staff immediately so that Department of Agriculture, Rural Affairs and the Environment (DAERA) staff can investigate. If you have information regarding either potential offences, regarding the illegal breeding or transportation of dogs in Northern Ireland, please contact the relevant organisation, details of which can be found here. You can also report any suspicious activity anonymously to [email protected] and any information will be passed to the relevant enforcement agency. Please note, this mailbox is operational during normal office hours only.

Further advice on what to look for when buying a puppy here

 

Dalbeattie Police Station Approved For Disposal

Dalbeattie police station approved for disposal

Police Scotland has confirmed plans to dispose of Dalbeattie police station, which has been vacant since 2016.

The building has been identified as surplus to operational requirements and its disposal will reduce ongoing costs associated with retaining an underutilised property.

There will be no disruption to policing services as a result of this decision. Officers serving Dalbeattie and the surrounding areas will continue to be deployed from Castle Douglas police station. The nearest front counter remains at Castle Douglas, where the public have continued access to police services.

Having a modern, fit for purpose estate supports our 2030 vision for safer communities, less crime and a thriving workforce. Dalbeattie police station was built circa 1968 and designed to meet the needs of policing at that time.

Dalbeattie no longer meets the demands or requirements of modern policing. Our business plan sets out the need to deliver a more effective and sustainable estate that supports the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and the communities we serve and reduces long term operating costs.

Chief Inspector Emma Dodds said: “I want to reassure the Dalbeattie community that the disposal of Dalbeattie police station will not impact the high level of service provided in the area. The station has not been used operationally for the past eight years.
“Our officers begin their shifts at Castle Douglas police station, which serves as the main response hub. With significant investment in our fleet and mobile technology, our officers are now fully equipped to operate effectively across Dalbeattie and the surrounding areas without the need for a physical base in the town.”
“By utilising these resources, officers spend less time in a station and more time out in the community, ensuring they are visible, accessible and responsive to local needs.”

For non-emergencies and general enquiries, you can call 101, and 999 in the event of an emergency. If you are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or cannot communicate via speech you can utilise the text relay service on 18001101.

For emergencies British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us by using 999 BSL. For non-emergencies BSL users can use Contact Scotland BSL. Both these sites are free to use.

Robin Anderson Takes on New role at Harrison & Hetherington

Robin Anderson Takes on New role at Harrison & Hetherington

Leading auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington look to the future with the appointment of Robin Anderson to a newly created role as Head of Operations.

Following another record-breaking year of growth in their auctioneering operations across the North of England, Carlisle-based Harrison & Hetherington are delighted to welcome highly respected Scottish Auctioneer and Strategic Business Professional Robin Anderson to join their senior management team in the newly created role of Head of Operations.

 

In their 100th anniversary year, this strategic senior executive appointment is a landmark in the development of H&H Group’s auctioneering division into one of the most successful livestock trading businesses in the UK. Harrison & Hetherington have seven marts across the North of England and the Borders and attract buyers and sellers from all over the UK and increasingly overseas. To bear on the quality and efficiency of their fast-expanding operations and to ensure that all operations are fit for the future it was evident that someone dedicated to this specific role was needed and with Robin Anderson’s exceptional experience fits the criteria perfectly.

 

This appointment comes on the heels of the announcement of a significant £1 million development at Borderway Mart in Carlisle, H&H’s flagship auction centre. The state-of-the-art improvements to the mart’s infrastructure, reflect the company’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leading hub for livestock trading in the UK. The development will enhance the facilities available to both buyers and sellers, further strengthening Borderway Mart’s ability to serve the evolving needs of the agricultural community.

 

Currently based in Dumfries, Robin joins Harrison & Hetherington from a similar position as Head of Strategic Development and Operations for Aberdeen & Northern Marts, and his experience includes 20 years as Managing Director at Wallets Mart in Castle Douglas.

 

Harrison & Hetherington Managing Director, Scott Donaldson, sees this as a pivotal appointment for the company’s ongoing success: “We are currently going through a period of growth, with many ongoing building and infrastructure projects at our various centres. The strategy of the business going forward is focused on futureproofing and growth, so as our teams continue running the day-to-day trading business, having someone like Robin Anderson dedicated to this is essential.
“I have known Robin for many years, so I know that nobody is better qualified, experienced, or skilled in improving efficiencies and processes in this business.”

 

Robin is a past President of the IAAS, a member of the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers Association, and a former council member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council. Robin is highly respected throughout the industry and brings with him a wealth of in-depth knowledge and experience, which he will use in his new role:

 

“I am really excited about joining the team at H&H,” says Robin Anderson. “It is a business I have always admired, and being part of it is an exciting challenge. I look forward to bringing new dimensions from my own experience to help build on the strong foundations already in place.
“Companies need to address and adapt to accelerating advances in new technology and higher expectations in health & safety and in animal welfare. My focus will be on improving systems, streamlining processes, and supporting the development of staff to achieve the efficiencies and the standards that will make Harrison & Hetherington a world-class livestock trading hub for a world-class livestock sector going forward into the future.”

Appeal Launched For Flooded Lockerbie Greyhound Charity

LOCKERBIE GREYHOUND CHARITY

“Alfie’s Dream For Greyhounds is a small charity just outside Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway. They care for and rehome greyhounds to their forever homes.

They have just had a disastrous flood in their one and only charity shop. This is their main income to pay for the dogs food, accomodation, heating of the kennels, vet bills etc.

The flood came from an uninsured flat above and no fault of their own but the shop has had to close and therefore lost the income for now. This is a real crisis especially at this time of the year. They are full at present with 35 dogs to care for, please help.

 

I know everyone is feeling the pinch at this time of year but please give what you can. If you can’t, please share the news and help us help the dogs at Alfie’s.

 

Donations can be paid via Paypal to [email protected] Every penny raised goes to the dogs. Many, many thanks.

Anyone interesting in giving one of their beautiful, elegant greyhounds a forever home, please get in touch HERE

 

 

Upper Hardland, Beltex Lambs, Christmas Champion at Wallets Marts

Upper Hardland, Beltex lambs, Christmas Champion at Wallets Marts

WALLETS MARTS CASTLE DOUGLAS LIMITED

TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2024

WEEKLY PRIMESTOCK SALE

 

Wallets Marts Castle Douglas Limited on Tuesday 10th December 2024 held their annual Christmas Show and Sale of Prime lambs together with the sale of 3248 Prime and Cast sheep.

 

At the pre-sale Show the Judge Mr Morgan Reynolds from Vivers Scotlamb awarded the Champion ticket to the 1st prize pen of Beltex lambs from Messrs Jardine, Upper Hardland selling to £200, 457.67ppk to J Craig from Ballard’s in Castle Douglas.

 

Reserve Champion was awarded to the 2nd pen of Beltex lambs from young Bruce Guild, Ashmark selling to £170.

 

2850 lambs sold to average 303.7 (SQQ 305.47ppk)

398 Cast Sheep topped at £211 for Suffolks from Messrs Burgess, Maryfield with Scotch Mules to £163 from Galtway and Blackface to £119 from Messrs Finlay, Blackcraig.

 

Prize List

Beltex

1st & Champion                                 Upper Hardland

2nd & Reserve Champion               Ashmark

3rd                                                           Carsewalloch

 

Texels

1st                                                           Culdoach

2nd                                                                                        Flathill

3rd                                                           Lennox Plunton

 

Mules

1st                                                           Barlaughlan

2nd                                                          Barlaughlan

3rd                                                           Upper Hardland

 

Any Other Continental

1st                                                           Lennox Plunton

2nd                                                          Dornells

 

Blackface

1st                                                           Achie

2nd                                                          Markdhu

3rd                                                           Drannandow

 

 

LEADING PRICES

 

Prime Lambs

 

56           25.5 -32                Average 284.86                 Top 300

Blackface

£93 Carco

300 Carco

 

 

 

729         32.1 – 39              Average 306.31                 Top 328.2

 

 

Texel

£127, £122 Muirside; £120 Hartburn; £117 Balgerran; £116 Glenbarr

328.2, 323.9 Muirside; 315.8 Hartburn; 313 Balgerran

 

 

Cheviot

£119, £116 Auchenleck; £116 Irelandton

322.2 Irelandton

 

Blackface

£116, £115 Markdhu; £116 Carco; £116 Rusko; £114 Barlure

318, 317.6 Irelanton; 317.6 Carco; 317.1, 315.5 Barlure

 

Hampshire

£116 Irelandton

310.9 Irelandton

 

Suffolk

£112 Drumlane

287.2 Drumlane

 

Shetland

£112 Galtway

322.8 Galtway

 

Easycare

£109 Barwhillanty; £109 Redcroft

302.8 Redcroft

 

Scotch Mule

£102 Balgerran

294.8 Balgerran

 

1220       39.1 – 45              Average 305.72                 Top 457.7

Beltex

£200 Upper Hardland; £147 Gelston Castle; £143 Flathill

457.7 Upper Hardland; 331.8 Gelston Castle; 331 Dornells

 

 

Blackface

£150, £135 Achie; £136 Barlure; £134 Laghead

348.8 Achie; 317.1 Markdhu

 

Texel

£145 Glenkiln; £145 Flathill; £144 Hartburn; £144 Breckoniehill; £141 Carsewalloch; £141 Knocksheen

328.1 Glenkiln; 320.1 Flathill; 320 Hartburn; 320 Breckoniehill

 

Suffolk

£140, £139, £137 Galtway; £139 Glenkiln

313.4, 311.1 Galtway

 

Charolais

£138, £135 Meikle Cloak

311.5 Meikle Cloak

 

Roussin

£137 Glentoo

307.9 Glentoo

 

Cheviot

£135 Muirside; £131 Irelandton

313.4, 311.2 Irelandton; 309 Auchenleck; 308.2 Muirside

 

Scotch Mule

£131 Scroggiehill; £128 Knocksheen; £128 Balgerran

301.8, 300 Balgerran; 299.8 Scroggiehill; 297.5 Rusko; 295 Nethertown; 294 Boreland of Girthon

 

Dorset

£128 Meikle Cloak

287.6 Meikle Cloak

 

Cheviot Mule

£127 Dornells

297.4 Dornells

 

Easy Care

£125, £122 Redcroft

307.3 Redcroft

 

Hampshire

£123, £121 Irelandton

307.5 Irelandton

 

670         45.6 – 52              Average 302.9                    Top 337.5

 

Beltex

£162 Glentoo; £157 Upper Hardland; £155 Corra; £154 Ashmark; £154 Lennox Plunton

337.5 Glentoo; 328 Ashmark; 326.1 Carsewalloch

 

Suffolk

£155, £146 Galtway

308.7, 304.2 Galtway

 

Texel

£154 Galtway; £154 Glenkiln; £154 Barbush; £153 Barrsyard; £152 Barmurrie; £152 Halket Leathes; £152 Garrarie; £151 Barlgerran; £151 Flathill; £151 Lennox Plunton

324 Flathill; 315.3 Glenkiln; 315.1 Scroggiehill; 313.6 Breckoniehill

 

Cheviot

£147 Muirside

306.3 Muirside

 

Scotch Mule

£146, £145 Barlauchlan; £136 Boreland of Girthon; £135 Balgerran

293.5 Balgerran; 291.3 Barlauchlan; 289.4 Boreland of Girthon; 289.1 Barstibly; 287 West Barmoffity

 

Blackface

£144 Drannandow

300 Drannandow

 

Roussin

£144 Glentoo

296.9 Glentoo

 

 

Cheviot Mule

£142, £140 Douganhill

299.6, 297.9 Douganhill

 

178         52+                         Average 291.61                 Top 318.9

 

Texel

£171 Garrarie; £166 Halket Leathes; £163 Barrsyard; £163 Scroggiehill; £163 Barbush; £162 Flathill

303.5 Scroggiehill; 300.8 Halket Leathes; 299 Flathill; 298.1 Craigmuie; 297.9 Boreland of Girthon

 

Beltex

£170 Ashmark

318.9 Ashmark

 

 

Cheviot Mule

£164, £159 Douganhill

294.7, 289.5 Douganhill

 

Suffolk

£164 Gelston Castle; £161 Galtway

296.5 Galtway

 

Roussin

£162 Glentoo

274.6 Glentoo

 

Scotch Mule

£160 Upper Hardland

279.2 Balgerran; 279.2 Barlauchlan

 

Zwartble

£155 Barmurrie

254.1 Barmurrie

 

Cheviot

£150 Banks

277.8 Banks

 

EWES

 

Suffolk

£211 Maryfield

 

Texel

£199 Garrarie; £187 Belton Hill

 

 

Scotch Mule

£163 Galtway

 

Zwartble

£167 Barmurrie

 

Dutch Spotted

£145 Lintmill Cottage

 

Kerryhill

£140 Lintmill

 

Easycare

£121 Barwhillanty

 

Beltex

£120 Barmurrie

 

Blackface

£119 Blackcraig

 

Lleyn

£100 Culcaigrie

 

 

RAMS

Texel

£184 Knocksheen; £177 Ashfield

 

Cheviot

£191 Banks

 

BFL

£187 Slatehouse

 

 

 

People In Dumfries & Galloway Asked To Nominate Their Local Business Support Champions For New Awards

People in Dumfries & Galloway asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards

Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.

 

The awards will celebrate exemplary service, commitment, and impact made by Business Gateway staff in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses around the country.

 

Nominations are now being sought from businesses in Dumfries & Galloway who have benefitted from the Business Gateway service and would like to acknowledge the positive impact of one (or more) of the team who supported them, whether it was offering invaluable guidance, helping to solve complex challenges, or providing crucial support during key milestones.

 

Those nominating are being asked to fill out a short form and provide a brief description of how the individual helped them – it could be their business adviser or another member of staff. Nominations can be submitted here.

 

The deadline for nominations is 24th January, when entries will be shortlisted and judged by an expert panel.

 

The Recognition Awards will take place at Business Gateway’s all-staff conference, which takes place on the 27th of February 2025 in Edinburgh.

 

With more than 300 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system. Available free of charge to anyone looking to progress or grow their business, the service offers virtual and in-person support on everything from turning a hobby into a business to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with tax and budgeting.

 

Over the past five years alone, Business Gateway has supported nearly 200,000 businesses, including over 50,000 in 2024 alone.

 

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said: “With many businesses facing challenges in our rapidly changing economic environment, the support of our teams has been vital in helping business operators survive, adapt, and grow. The Recognition Awards will shine a spotlight on those who play a key role in empowering the local business community; their dedication to helping businesses navigate challenges, reach new milestones, and achieve success is truly commendable.”