A TOTAL of 170 new jobs have been created in West Lothian in the past 18 months, thanks to a council initiative.
West Lothian Council’s Business Gateway team has supported more than 20 local companies with support in specialist areas such business planning, marketing, e-commerce and HR.
A total of £1.2 million has been invested to help develop local businesses and create opportunities, with grants made to companies such as Livingston’s Cameron Drywall Contractors. The specialist dry lining company was awarded £100,000 from the fund, which has enabled it to increase its staff from 40 to 62. The fund will also support more than 20 young people from Cameron Drywall go through their apprenticeship at West Lothian College over the next three years.
West Lothian’s executive councillor for development and chair of the West Lothian Jobs Task Force, councillor Cathy Muldoon, visited Cameron Drywall recently and met with owners Richard and Morag Steedman who have grown the business to more than £5m sales per annum in the past 20 years.
Councillor Muldoon said: “It was fascinating to visit Cameron Drywall and meet Richard, Morag and the team. They are a valued local employer, who have built a reputation in the construction industry for quality, sustainability and innovation.
“I am particularly pleased that they promote inclusive jobs growth by giving young people a chance of a long-term and well-paid career.”
The grant funding from West Lothian Council is part of ongoing support from the Business Gateway team which will also allow the company to further invest in innovative and sustainable building techniques.
Richard Steedman of Cameron Drywall was recently recruited by the CITB’s National Council for Scotland as one of eight specialists on the board to help tackle skills issues.
He said: “We are immensely grateful to West Lothian Council’s Business Gateway team for all of the support we’ve received over the last two years. This has allowed us to build stronger relationships in the community in particular with West Lothian College who we are now working closely with.”
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