Business Gateway support helps Central FM scale up
Business Gateway has played a key role in supporting Central FM, a long-established local radio station serving The Forth Valley, as the business continues its growth and expansion across the region.
Through a tailored package of support, Business Gateway provided Central FM with expert general business advice alongside access to specialist HR guidance, as well as coaching and mentoring training for the station manager, helping the company strengthen its internal structures and prepare for sustainable scale-up.
A significant aspect of the support included facilitating a connection with Stirling Council, enabling Central FM to explore and benefit from local employment support schemes. This collaboration has helped the organisation better understand available funding and workforce development opportunities.
In addition, Business Gateway assisted Central FM by signposting Andrew McMurray, station manager, to a STEP HR coaching programme to help develop his leadership skills and in turn better support and mentor the Central FM team.
Business Gateway adviser Stephen Cranston provided dedicated guidance throughout the process, including signposting and introducing Central FM to a Youth Transition and Employer Engagement initiative. With Business Gateway’s support in navigating the process and connecting with the right people, Central FM was able to submit an application to the Flexible Skills Fund, which will support the station’s local news strategy, a key priority for both the business and the local community.
Andrew McMurray said: “The support from Business Gateway has been invaluable as we continue to grow. From expert advice to practical help with recruitment and connections to local initiatives, the guidance we’ve received has made a real difference to our ability to scale effectively.
“What impressed me most was the additional support I was offered around training and mentoring. I went to Business Gateway with very specific objectives, but they saw that more could be done to help build our team and support me and I came away with so much more than I anticipated.”
Stephen Cranston, Business Gateway adviser, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Central FM and supporting their ambitions for growth. By connecting them with the right resources and partners, we’ve helped position the business for continued success.”