Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson, visited the Cumbernauld hub where he met the North Lanarkshire E3 team, saw their mobile hub and discussed the future of business in Scotland.
The team talked about the current business support in the NL area and how E3 will help to provide localised support to businesses and individuals.
Mr Simpson had a look inside the electric van, which is kitted out with a full mobile office in the back and heard about how the team use it to drive to hotspots and events throughout the area to create a physical presence across the community.
The hub teams, who understand the demands of opening a business within the North Lanarkshire area, are looking to connect with individuals and business owners with the early stage support they need.
Mr Simpson also discussed the current support being provided by E3, fully funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund, which includes:
- ‘Give it a Go Grants’ for those aged 18-30
- Digital expertise to help businesses advance their online presence (webinars and 1-2-1)
- Access to social media training to unlock up to £2,600 of social media ads
- Climate emergency training to help businesses get ready for net-zero
The E3 project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.
More information about the support they offer can be found at www.E3hub.org, which includes address details for the hubs in Cumbernauld and Shotts, along with information on upcoming events.
One of those is E3 North Lanarkshire’s networking event on the 20th of May, which Mr Simpson hopes to attend.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It was great to hear about how E3 plan to provide business support to those who need it in Lanarkshire.
“They offer a variety of assistance including, social media training, financial support, 1-2-1 mentoring and advice for all business-related questions.
“I’m looking forward to coming along to their networking event in May to chat to some of the people who have directly benefitted from E3’s support.”
