Scotland's small and medium sized businesses are hungry for growth.
From our business to business connections, we know that businesses value peer-to-peer mentoring support which has unlocked the growth of over 8,500 businesses. More businesses are taking up business mentors to drive sales and revenue and in return are creating jobs and wealth for Scotland.
As the largest private sector-led network, we are in a key position to understand the needs of businesses. The results achieved by our army of voluntary business men and women across Scotland has contributed up to £63million GVA to Scotland's economy, created 960 jobs and sustained many more - the key is utilising real business knowledge from talented and experienced mentors.
Scotland's natural spirit of entrepreneurialism still remains strong and vibrant. Last week, Scottish businesses picked up the top accolades at a nationwide UK ceremony, showing the strength of business in Scotland and the value of our business mentors.
Often, we look outside the UK to inspire our business people or bring out the best talent, but right here, home grown in Scotland, are some of the greatest business people in our country. The founders of Dunnet Bay Distillers received the Excellence in Export & Innovation award and with guidance from their mentor, James Knowles, were able to completely sell out their first run of products, by using social media alone - this is business innovation in practice!
Jeanette Forbes, CEO of PCL Group, is a true example of Scottish business talent and received the Best Mentor Award. This is Jeanette's way of giving something back to Scotland and enabling growth of other businesses.
Government and the public sector have an important role to play in making this happen but they do not have all the solutions. Chambers of Commerce are working hard in communities right across Scotland helping businesses to help each other and making the connections that can lead to business growth, successful innovation and the creation of new jobs.
We believe that mentoring will provide many of the solutions to the challenges facing Scotland's businesses now and in the future.
If you are a business in Scotland looking for a mentor, give your local Chamber of Commerce a call.
Liz Cameron is chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce
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