Lanarkshire means business

NORTH Lanarkshire Properties, an arms-length organisation from North Lanarkshire Council, have revealed they are operating at 90% occupancy level across their portfolio of business properties for the third quarter in a row and claim this proves Lanarkshire is a great place to do business.

Two leading Lanarkshire companies have backed these claims by highlighting how important being situated in the county has been to their growth in the post-recession economy.

Recruitment and people management consultants, One Recruitment Associates, based in Airdrie and mechanical and electrical contractors, Dalziel Services, based in Newmains are among a host of companies enjoying a purple patch, expanding their businesses and moving to larger premises in Lanarkshire.

North Lanarkshire Properties Chairman, Councillor Burrows, said, “We have continued to experience strong demand for our properties this year. Although some businesses have downsized and now require smaller spaces, the majority of our lettings have been made by organisations and sole-operators that are expanding; which is not only positive for them, but for the region as a whole.”

During the 1980’s and early 90’s, North Lanarkshire suffered from the loss of its heavy industry. However, the county has seen a rapid growth in service-based activities, with the rise in financial and business services outstripping that of the entire Scottish economy. This change in direction has led to an increase in the number of active businesses in the area, which is higher than the national average.

According to North Lanarkshire Council, during the economic downturn (2008 to 2011) there were 6,650 active enterprises and businesses in North Lanarkshire. This has now increased to more than 7000 in 2013; a clear indication of the business growth currently being experienced in the county.

North Lanarkshire Properties are now encouraging small business owners and home-workers to follow in the footsteps of One Recruitment and Dalziel Services by considering a move into professional office space. A decision that Paul Gregory, Managing Director of One Recruitment Associates, believes was a business boost when they moved their company to Airdrie Business Centre after a steady period of growth.

Paul said, “Right now there is a real buzz in Lanarkshire in terms of businesses locating and growing here. We have worked hard to develop our company, and without doubt, moving to these new premises at Airdrie Business Centre is helping us to continue on this path.”

Dalziel Services are a rapidly expanding mechanical and electrical contractor firm who employ over 150 people including apprentices, with a turnover of £15million. They began life as a small operation with five employees, moving to Dalziel Building, Motherwell in 2007. They are now in a position to be able to deliver sizeable projects across the entire UK and focus on training and development; recruiting 14 apprentice engineers in Lanarkshire alone this year.

Managing Director Jamie Delaney agrees being based in Lanarkshire has helped them grow their business successfully. Jamie said, “The location of a business is very important in developing a strong workforce and generating good leads. It was definitely the right move for us.”