Scottish Borders business adviser receives Business Gateway Impact Award
A business adviser from the Scottish Borders has been chosen to receive a Business Gateway Impact Award.
The Impact Awards, which took place at Business Gateway’s recent all-staff conference in Edinburgh, celebrated the exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway’s local staff in supporting business owners across the country.
Caja Sharkey was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.
Business owners praised Caja for her “exceptional enthusiasm, empathy and strategic guidance”, with several entrepreneurs saying she had supported them from idea to launch with practical advice, accountability and confidence-building at every stage.
Business Gateway Scottish Borders
Business Gateway Scottish Borders offers one‑to‑one adviser support, start‑up guidance, workshops, digital skills development and tailored growth planning.
Business Gateway Scottish Borders has supported over 1,000th clients since the launch of its partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise, helping new businesses across the region to generate an estimated £15 million in turnover.
The Business Gateway service is funded by Scottish Borders Council, with SBC launching a strategic partnership with us on 1 April 2021 to deliver the service to support new businesses to start up and grow in the region.
As well as supporting 1,000 start‑ups to generate £15m in turnover, 15% of these new businesses have involved young people and 60% have been female‑led.
More than 70 enquiries have been referred to SOSE’s Pathways programme, supporting women and under‑represented groups to develop early‑stage ideas.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
“We are exceptionally proud of Caja for picking up this award, reflecting the dedication and enthusiasm she shows in supporting her clients.
“Caja is part of the Business Gateway Scottish Borders team who provide a tailored, integrated and agile service, supported by SOSE and Scottish Borders Council.
“Our partnership with the Council and Business Gateway is now entering its sixth year and, in that time, over 1,000 clients have benefitted from the support and advice of Business Gateway Scottish Borders.
“It is a clear sign of the ambition across the region and a testament to how successful joining up our services for businesses and entrepreneurs has been.”
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said:
“The Impact Awards were designed to shine a light on those who empower the local business community in Scotland, helping individuals and organisations navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Caja on receiving an Impact Award. Caja and the rest of the Business Gateway network go above and beyond every day to help businesses thrive, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and the tangible difference they make.
"We’re delighted to have been able to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”