A GREENOCK company has spoken of the benefits it gained from its participation in a business growth programme run by the local council.

Funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, the new programme was delivered and run on behalf of Inverclyde Council by the not-for-profit business consultancy, Inspirent.

As part of the authority's economic regeneration strategy, the council aims to grow the local economy, create employment, and lend support to the community.

The initiative focused on areas such as innovation, strategy, marketing, and net zero/sustainability aimed to expedite the growth of the businesses, introduce new opportunities, increase efficiency, and aid in sustainable business decision-making.

One of the business leaders who participated in the eight-week programme was James McFarlane, partner at Whyte & Christie, based in Greenock.

Whyte & Christie took part in Inverclyde Council's business growth programme. (Image: Inspirent)

The firm provides joinery, shopfitting, and building maintenance services, delivering commercial contracts within Inverclyde and across Scotland.

Mr McFarlane said: "Joining the Inverclyde Business Growth Programme was a really positive experience for me.

“Listening to other business owners share their own challenges and approaches was invaluable and helped me to weigh-up the various concepts we covered, and how this could apply to our own business.

"I’ve benefited from this support in many ways and in particular the marketing element.

"I can now share these learnings within our team at Whyte & Christie, to benefit the whole company."

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of environment and regeneration at Inverclyde Council, said: "The Inverclyde Business Growth Programme was a new venture for the area and was created to provide intensive support for busy business leaders.

"This support has helped some of our local companies in taking the next step to develop their business which, in turn, supports local jobs and helps to grow the local economy."

Liz McCutcheon, chief executive officer of Inspirent, said: "We’re delighted to have been involved in delivering this programme on behalf of Inverclyde Council.

"As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to delivering support that will make a real difference to the businesses and leaders we work with, because we know that when businesses thrive, communities thrive."