Business advice and support
Businesses in Midlothian can access a wide range of information and contacts for additional support including the following.
Economic Development
Midlothian Council’s Economic Development team are dedicated to the growth and development of Midlothian and the businesses who call it home.
Whatever the stage your business is at, support is available to help you.
Business Gateway Midlothian
Business Gateway Midlothian is your local point of access to the wider, national business support eco-system.
The team have expertise and experience of running and supporting businesses from initial concept to starting-up and growth.
- If you are planning to start a new business, please register by completing our Planning to Start tool
- Existing businesses can register with the service by emailing BG@midlothian.gov.uk
- Visit our Business Gateway website for information on our services, including details of webinars and online resources
- In person and virtual events run regularly, offering support and networking opportunities for local businesses. Visit Eventbrite to find out what’s on
Locate in Midlothian website
If you're looking to start a new business venture, grow an existing company, relocate with your family or simply want to visit the area, Locate in Midlothian gives you all the tools, support and information you need.
- Discover why Midlothian is such a great, green place to grow
- Find out about local funding
- Hear from local businesses
- Find a job
- List your vacancy
Online details
Invest in Midlothian
If you are looking to expand your business or move into Midlothian the Economic Development team will work with you to find suitable investment opportunities, development sites, create bespoke offerings and help your business to prosper in Midlothian.
- More on Investing in Midlothian
Find Business Support
Find Business Support is the Scottish Government’s dedicated business support website which lists all available local and nationwide funding for businesses of all sizes.
Local funding for businesses
Local funding may be available for your business. To find current funding opportunities for your Midlothian business, please visit Locate in Midlothian's dedicated web page.
Fair Work Agenda
In Scotland, Fair Work is work that offers all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect. It balances the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. It generates benefits for individuals, organisations and society.
The Scottish Government’s vision, shared with the Fair Work Convention, is for Scotland to be a leading Fair Work Nation by 2025, where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations, and society.
There are plans in Scotland for grant funds to have conditions that relate to the Fair Work Agenda, so your business should be working towards their Fair Work goals.
Raising finance with Business Loan Scotland Ltd
Business Loans Scotland Ltd is a consortium of Scottish Local Authorities providing loan finance to businesses.
This is to support working capital, purchase of plant or equipment, or business property. The funding is gap funding up to £100,000 which cannot exceed 50% of the total funding required. You must show that you have tried and been unable to obtain the funding from conventional sources. Interest is charged at 6% (more in higher risk situations) with maximum term 5 years. Security will be taken in most cases.
- Register to check if you are eligible for loan funding and an adviser will get in touch with you.
- Business Loans Scotland brochure (PDF)
Winning business with the Council
We have signed up to the Supplier Development Programme (SDP). This helps small and medium sized businesses win public sector contracts.
Therefore small and medium sized businesses located in Midlothian can now access SDP services free of charge. The training is particularly in the field of public procurement, but also covers:
- Health and safety
- Equality and diversity
- Quality management
- Environmental policy
- Various Meet the Buyer events.
Public sector spending on goods and services across Scotland amounts to over £9bn per year. The SDP advises businesses pitching for public sector contracts nationally or locally.