CALLS for small firms to be given a boost are being backed by a Inverclyde businesswoman.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says Inverclyde’s economy could be transformed by supporting self-employed people and new start-up firms.

And FSB member, Jillian Anderson, managing director of Kilpatrick Blane Services Ltd of Greenock, said self-employment needs to be encouraged.

Her company employs seven people, as well as sub-contractors, and works all over Scotland and northern England supplying, installing, commissioning and servicing window and blind controls.

She said: “Our work takes place in many different types of buildings from schools to offices, care homes to flatted developments – anywhere that needs windows opened to allow smoke or CO2 to be vented, or simply provide fresh air. The work we do is really interesting and we come across fresh challenges every day.”

Jillian, who lives in Inverkip with her husband Martin, a self-employed businessman, and two teenage children, bought the business in 2002 from her mum, Liz Blane, after helping her run it for years in Glengarnock.

It was then operated from Jillian’s home until July last year when she moved into Crawfurd Street because she needed bigger premises.

Jillian, 50, said: “Working in Inverclyde has been a very positive experience. The staff that work with me are fantastic and share many of the same values – caring for our families, each other, our community and the environment. I’m passionate about the business and also about ensuring all of my staff receive the living wage.

“It took us a while to find the right premises. We didn’t need to be in the centre of Greenock, but it has proved handy for us.

“Parking is a definite problem, but we benefit from superfast broadband – although this is not available in my office at home, which slows things down considerably. We’ll continue to work with our local MSP and MP to improve both.”

Jillian said there are many Inverclyde people –unemployed, working or retired – who are ready to take the leap into self-employment.
She said: “We need to nurture that spark. It’s not just about providing basic information, grants and half-day training sessions.

“We should be offering a more complete business incubation model which incorporates in-house mentors, start-up premises, computers, software and communication infrastructure and advice, as well as access to IT, book-keeping, HR and marketing experts who could help with the actual work involved in establishing good practice.

“We need to ensure these people are supported so that their businesses survive and thrive.”