Business is brisk at the new one stop shop for enterprises large and small from across Orkney.

The Business Gateway offers practical help, advice and support to people starting new ventures and to established companies with plans for growth.

Based in Kirkwall's Queen Street, the new centre shares offices with Orkney Islands Council's economic development staff and their counterparts from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

"By bringing the development teams from HIE and the council together, with the Business Gateway at the hub of the operation, we're now a true one stop shop," said Kirsten Nicolson, manager of the new service.

"We're here to provide assistance to existing businesses and to people thinking of starting up on their own. We can rapidly access a huge amount of information on the support and advice available to new and growing businesses from the council, from HIE and from national and European sources."

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Nicolson said although they've only been open for a few weeks they are already busier than expected.

One of the first businesses to call on the gateway's services is Pierowall Fish, a family business run by Ann and Kevin Rendall.

The firm, which delivers fresh filleted and whole fish to customers throughout Orkney, is investing in a new processing plant currently under construction in Westray.

"It means a major expansion for our business," said Mrs Rendall. "We're looking to reach new markets, both within Orkney and further afield, and we plan to take on more staff.

"I approached the Business Gateway looking for marketing advice and found myself sitting down with an expert the very next day. I'm really impressed by the speed of response - and by the level of support we're receiving."

Through the gateway, eligible new and expanding businesses can now access up to 40% grants from the council towards the construction of new buildings, the improvement of existing buildings, and to help in the purchase of machinery and equipment.

A series of workshops and other events will be staged by the Business Gateway later this year. A wealth of information can be found at www.bgateway.com - with free access to the website available at the Kirkwall centre.

(GK/JM)