In 2024, Clackmannanshire was found to be the best place to start a business in Scotland by software firm MRPeasy. The firm analysed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on business openings and closures in each UK local authority between 2022 and 2024 to compile its report. Over the last two years, 310 companies have opened in the area, compared with the 300 closures recorded during the same period.
At Business Gateway, we’ve seen firsthand the success that can come from investing in Clackmannanshire, with 66 new start-ups registering with Business Gateway in the region from July 2023 – March 2024.
Here’s why Clackmannanshire is the perfect place to start your business:
- Clackmannanshire's central position in Scotland provides easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling, offering businesses excellent market connectivity with the benefits of a relaxed, community-focused environment.
- Clackmannanshire fosters a growing, collaborative business community, with organisations like Business Gateway offering tailored support. In the past year, Business Gateway Clackmannanshire has provided advisory sessions to over 180 businesses.
- Clackmannanshire offers affordable business premises, lower living costs, and a high quality of life with beautiful scenery and strong community ties, making it attractive for employees and businesses alike.
- The region offers a skilled, diverse workforce with a history of craftsmanship, supported by local educational institutions and training programmes.
Three Clackmannanshire-based businesses who have enjoyed a lot of success in the last couple of years are Ochil Fudge Ltd, Ink Balm Ltd. and the Prebiotic Company and who have all gained investments from the prestigious Scottish EDGE Awards. The Scottish EDGE Awards is a funding competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent. Funded by the Hunter Foundation, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and private donors, the competition is delivered twice per year and has supported 569 early-stage Scottish businesses with over £25m in award funding.
The Prebiotic Company
The Prebiotic Company created ió fibrewater which delivers 100% of the recommended daily prebiotic intake and 20% of an adult’s daily fibre needs. The product is now stocked in Asda after the business sought support from Business Gateway.
Business owners and friends Alyssa Reid, Mohsin Laginaf and Jay Curthan made use of Business Gateway’s Planning To Start tool to help test out The Prebiotic Company’s business potential, and were then connected with a dedicated business adviser, who provided one-to-one support.
Business Gateway Clackmannanshire also signposted the trio to Interface, which connects businesses with leading academic expertise. This allowed Alyssa, Mohsin and Jay to work with world-class academics from Glasgow Caledonian University that proved that ió fibrewater feeds friendly bacteria (probiotics), making it the only bottled water brand in the world that is scientifically proven for this health benefit.
In 2023, the business won a Scottish EDGE Award and a cash prize of £70,000.
Ochil Fudge Ltd
Ochil Fudge has passionately crafted handmade Scottish fudge and tablet in Alloa since 2017. Their artisanal approach combines traditional methods and quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic homemade taste that leaves a lasting impression.
Ochil Fudge is run by Helen and Graeme Clark, who wanted to create a business that had a flexible manufacturing process, the community at its heart and that would showcase what premium Scottish produce has to offer.
Through support from Business Gateway and partner institution Ceteris, the team found bigger premises to move into in order to meet the increased demand they were seeing.
The support Business Gateway provided for Helen and Graeme could be directly linked to the increase in orders they experienced.
In 2024, Ochil Fudge won the STV supported award at the Scottish EDGE Awards. The business was given the largest award of the competition, winning both a business investment and airtime on TV. These adverts are planned for early 2025.
The Ink Balm Co.
The Ink Balm is a vegan, eco-packaged tattoo aftercare product, created and made in Alloa, celebrating the art of tattoo.
Ink Balm is a rich blend of nourishing butters and oils that glide on smoothly, keeping your skin hydrated while making your tattoo pop like it was done yesterday. The brand is owned by Fiona Ritchie and comes under the Ochil Skincare umbrella, that creates products that are kind to skin.
The Ink Balm is stocked in a number of stores, including Superdrug.
Fiona approached Business Gateway initially about Ochil Skincare and has worked with the Business Gateway Clacks team ever since. Fiona initially received support with e-commerce during the pandemic and she was able to access support that helped her create the brand’s website, which is now core to business turnover and resulted in a 400% increase in online sales throughout lockdown.
Business Gateway also supported with advice on improving social media content, which has been key in launching The Ink Balm.
The Ink Balm Co. also won funding from the Scottish EDGE Awards, which provided them with £50,000 of funding for the business.
Business Gateway Clackmannanshire is supporting Forth Valley Business Week, which is organised by Ceteris and runs from 16-20 September 2024.
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