New Businesses in Fife on the Rise

The number of new businesses in Fife increased in the latest quarter, according to data from the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers, which collates information on new business bank accounts opened with the four largest banks.

180 new businesses were set-up in Fife between March and June 2015, a 4% increase on the previous quarter. Similar growth was experienced Scotland-wide, with 3,159 more businesses opening up over the same period.

Fife Council’s Economic Development Team and their client-facing Business Gateway Fife Advisory Services support and advise clients to become self-employed and start up their own business.

Of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, the number of new businesses in Fife was the 5th highest behind Glasgow City (314); City of Edinburgh (262); Aberdeenshire (254) and Highland (214).

Commenting on the figures Councillor Lesley Laird, Fife Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesperson for Economy and Planning said: “The increase in the number of new businesses choosing to locate in Fife is good news. These statistics are made public at the same time as research by global information services company  Experian reveals that Fife is home to the some of the UK’s best performing micro-businesses, based on growth.

“Fife Council and partner organisations are committed to making Fife the best place to do business. This is why an online survey group has been established to find out what our business customers have to say about the services the Council provides for companies in Fife, and how these services can be improved. We encourage every business in Fife to join Fife Business Voice and make their views known.”

Businesses can register with Fife Business Voice at www.fifedirect.org.uk/joinbusinessvoice

Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer, Enterprise and Business Development, Fife Council, added:“Through our Business Gateway Fife services, we deliver a host of support services including access to finance as well as referral to a number of key business support agencies.”

Business Gateway Fife is spearheading the drive to create new employment by offering support, advice and training to both established and new businesses, including high growth, family owned concerns, social enterprises and academic spin-out companies. If you are seeking to get your business off the ground, or want to grow your business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or check out out business start up services.