West Dunbartonshire Council has supported 202 new business start ups in the past year.

Business Gateway, operated by the council’s business support team, assisted 21.6 start ups per 10,000 population – higher than the whole of Scotland average of 16.6.

The figure ranks the council eighth out of all 32 authorities.

The team also assisted 300 business with grants, which helped with start-up costs, funded training or allowed them to create local jobs.

They provided 115 free business workshops, attended by almost 600 people, with advice around business plans, marketing and finance.

The information was given to councillors in a report to the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee this week. Committee convener Councillor Iain McLaren said: “It’s such an exciting time to be in business in West Dunbartonshire, with so much going on in terms of new developments and expansions of existing locations.

"It’s no surprise that so many people want to start their business here.

“We are committed to offering our support and advice to help them succeed in their ventures and it is encouraging to see such good results from Business Gateway.”

Councillor Marie McNair, the committee's vice convener, added: “Supporting these new businesses is vitally important, as they help improve our communities by creating jobs for local people, and attract trade and further investment too.

“The range of support available for start-ups and growing businesses in West Dunbartonshire is something we should be really proud of.

"I’d encourage anybody starting up or considering it to contact the team for advice – be it general guidance or more specific tips.”