Article Source: STEP
Last Updated: 11 March 2025 12:51
This prestigious recognition highlights STEP’s commitment to providing flexible, tailored, and proactive support to businesses of all sizes across Stirling and beyond.
The award recognises STEP’s unique approach to business support, particularly in:
The Original Incubator and Accelerator®
STEP has been fostering business growth for over 40 years, establishing itself as Central Scotland’s premier business support organisation. Starting as an incubator in a former carpet factory, STEP has expanded to multiple locations, providing comprehensive support that enables businesses to start, scale, and succeed.
Flexibility for Businesses
STEP ensures businesses receive the support they need by appointing dedicated business advisers, offering flexible workspace solutions, and providing rent incentives to help businesses during critical growth phases.
Business Wealth Building
STEP goes beyond conventional support by actively referring to and working with the businesses they support, ensuring economic growth within the local business community. STEP’s ethos of Business Wealth Building, a concept deeply embedded in its mission for over 40 years, prioritises local sourcing, community reinvestment, and fostering entrepreneurship. From sourcing supplies locally across Stirling and the wider Forth Valley to supporting local contractors and youth entrepreneurship, STEP remains committed to strengthening the local business ecosystem.
Supporting a Diverse Range of Industries
STEP is known for its ability to adapt to the needs of businesses across various industries, from manufacturing and technology to retail, creative sectors, and beyond.
Rural Business Support
Recognising the challenges faced by rural businesses, STEP has developed initiatives that provide tailored mentorship, workspace solutions and business advisory services to help rural entrepreneurs thrive.
Delivering Business Gateway Services
STEP is proud to deliver Business Gateway services for Stirling on behalf of the Scottish Government and Stirling Council, ensuring local businesses receive expert guidance, workshop and advice to start up and fuel their growth.
David Miller, Managing Director of STEP, expressed his delight at receiving the award:
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as the Business Support Provider of the Year 24/25. At STEP, we pride ourselves on offering more than just advice – we become partners in the growth and success of the businesses we support. Whether it's through our flexible approach, business wealth-building initiatives, or commitment to rural enterprise, we always go the extra mile for our business community.”
The judging panel at CorporateLiveWire highlighted STEP’s unique ability to combine tailored business support, affordable premises, and reinvested profits to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
James Drakeford noted:
"STEP stood out as a true leader in business support. Their commitment to reinvesting 100% of profits back into initiatives that directly benefit local businesses and the wider community is exceptional. Unlike traditional commercial landlords, STEP actively creates an environment where businesses don’t just rent space—they receive tailored support, mentorship, and access to critical resources that allow them to thrive. Their approach to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability truly sets them apart, and their long-standing impact on the Central Scotland economy is a testament to their dedication and success. But what really made STEP stand out to us was the clear passion of their people. From leadership to frontline staff, the energy, care, and expertise they bring to their work is inspiring. Their team genuinely wants to see businesses succeed, and that passion shines through in everything they do.”
With this award, STEP remains committed to strengthening and expanding its business support services. Businesses looking for tailored advice, flexible workspace solutions, and hands-on growth support are encouraged to connect with the STEP team.
For more information about STEP’s services, visit www.stepscotland.co.uk
Image: STEP Staff Team
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MOREThousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.
READ MOREInnis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MOREYoung people in the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are excited and honoured to be among the bands at the front of the spectacular Stirling 900 finale parade on Saturday 29th March.
READ MOREGarden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MOREMore than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORETo coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MOREAn inspirational pupil at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie has been hailed for his bravery in battling a rare lifelong condition by a primary school and a charity.
READ MOREAn organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MOREA group of adults with a learning disability in Stirling are leading on an innovative project that will equip them with new skills and help them raise funds to buy an electric tandem bike.
READ MOREBBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MOREThe Go Forth Stirling BID team and archaeologist Dr Murray Cook are spearheading a drive to clean up the city’s streets and improve the local environment.
READ MOREUB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORETo mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MOREThe Church of the Holy Rude, one of Scotland’s most significant religious landmarks, will open its doors for the 2025 visitor season on Saturday, 29th March.
READ MOREWith three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MOREFrom Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MOREGhouls, Giggles & Grave News – Stirling & Bridge of Allan’s oldest theatre group needs your support!
READ MOREResidents and visitors are invited to create a carnival atmosphere at the finale to the Stirling 900 anniversary celebrations by turning out for one of the biggest pipe band parades the city has seen.
READ MORELoch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORETo mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MOREOver 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORESTEP is proud to announce that it has been awarded Business Support Provider of the Year 24/25 by the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards.
READ MOREGet ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORECineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE