Tribute has been paid to the businesses of East Dunbartonshire at an event in one of the area's newest flagship buildings.
The Celebrating Business Success evening was held on Friday (10 March) in the newly-opened Bearsden Community Hub - attended by budding businesses, entrepreneurs and traders from local towns and villages.
Guests had the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers and to network with like-minded businesses and enterprises from across East Dunbartonshire.
There was also an opportunity to take a tour of the new Community Hub, which opened for business on Monday (6 March).
More than 100 people attended the event, which also raised funds for East Dunbartonshire Foodbank through a prize draw raffle.
The event was hosted by Business Gateway and East Dunbartonshire Council.
Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Leader of the Council, welcomed guests and highlighted the great work taking place in East Dunbartonshire's many businesses, shops, bars, restaurants and service providers.
She said, "I was pleased to speak to so many inspirational enterprises and businesses at the Celebrating Business Success evening.
"Local firms had the chance to share advice, experiences and ideas, and to speak to a wealth of advisers from the Council's economic development, procurement, Trading Standards, environmental health and licensing teams, as well as Business Gateway.
"Businesses and entrepreneurs are at the heart of the East Dunbartonshire economy and the Council is at the forefront of efforts to encourage growth and recovery - in conjunction with a range of public and private-sector partners.
"We are doing all we can to create more high-quality jobs and investment locally - focusing on business creation and growth, and the delivery of balanced communities with enhanced infrastructure and services."
The event also heard from East Dunbartonshire Foodbank, HMP Low Moss - which is carrying out pioneering work with offenders, and one of the Council's award-winning apprentices.
Jim Hopkins - owner of Kirkintilloch-based Spirit of Alba, which provided whisky tasting at the event - said it was a valuable chance for business to network.
"When people start to talk together, new ideas are born and it's good for local business," he said.
"Business Gateway have been fantastic. They opened lots of doors and gave me good contacts and great advice. I would encourage anyone to ask for their advice and help."
Local businessman Rahul Randev agreed, "In East Dunbartonshire there's a real feeling they're open for business.
"All of my businesses are in East Dunbartonshire for a reason - I feel the Council is very pro-business and very accessible as well."
Mr Randev added, "Bearsden Community Hub is beautiful, state of the art. It’s really striking."
Tribute has been paid to everyone who bought a ticket for the raffle and donated prizes.
Contributors included Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, Billington's, Glengoyne Distillery, Celtic FC, Nonna's Kitchen, Boclair House Hotel, CCG: Construction and Manufacturing Group, Caulders Garden Centres, Martin Veterinary Centre, Primestaff and HMP Low Moss.
Visit the Business section for more information on events and support available to local businesses and enterprises.
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