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Case Studies

Business loan helps Borders hotel shift up a gear

The iconic Glentress Hotel has been given a new lease of life thanks to owners Murray and Alexandra.

18th June 2019

About the business

With over 300,000 visitors to the area annually and the planned £11 million rejuvenation of Glentress, the couple saw an opportunity to acquire and revamp the hotel for visitors and local residents alike. To ensure the success of their new business venture, Murray and Alexandra turned to Business Gateway for help and support.

There is a palpable tide of ambition and investment in the Tweed Valley right now which, along with crucial support from organisations such as Business Gateway, gives people like us the confidence to invest and do risky things like leaving corporate jobs.

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway assisted the couple with one-to-one business advice, provided expert help on e-commerce and HR and enabled them to access a £100,000 loan from Business Scotland.

With savings and funds being generated through family, Murray and Alexandra had a final funding gap they were looking to fill. Business Gateway were able to provide this missing piece by introducing the couple to Business Loans Scotland and the £7 million pot of funding available for Scottish SMEs. Following a successful online application, Murray and Alexandra were delighted to secure the maximum business loan of £100,000 that would bring The Glentress Hotel back to life.

Support provided

1:1 Growth Business Adviser

Advice on Funding

Expert Help on E-Commerce and HR

DigitalBoost 1:1 support

What’s next?

Murray and Alexandra are currently engaging with Business Gateway’s digital programme DigitalBoost – a digital business training scheme which will provide them with 21 hours of free one-to-one support – to ensure that The Glentress Hotel takes full advantage of digital marketing and social media.

Get the support you need right now

You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.