You’ll get access to a trusted list of high-calibre consultants, already selected to support you - no need to search for a specialist yourself.

This fully funded support can kickstart a new project, introduce fresh skills to your business, and even provide hands-on help where needed depending on the project.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Apply by 31 January 2026 - or sooner, if funding runs out.
• No cost to your business - just your time and commitment.
• Quick and simple - a short conversation with a Business Gateway Lanarkshire Adviser or Council Advisor and a two-page application to get started.

Financial Management

• Support on how to plan, organise direct and control financial activities.
• Helping businesses to prepare and source funding.
• Support and advice on how to improve the financial health of a business including debt management and mitigating rising costs.
• Company valuation.
• Taxation including R&D Tax Credits.
• Preparation of business forecasts e.g. cash flows, P&Ls and balance sheets

Business Growth & Development

• Strategic review and forward planning. 
• Change management support.
• Support to develop new and/or improved processes, services and products.
• Support to increase productivity.
• Business viability and resilience planning.
• Preparation of business plans.

Human Resources, Leadership & Skills

• Support and advice on employment policies and benefits, fair work practices and other HR related queries.
• Support and advice for staff recruitment.
• Leadership, management and organisational development support.
• Training needs analysis, skills plans and training procedures.
• Workplace Innovation i.e. culture, communications, productivity and fair work practices.

Procurement

• Bid / Tender support.
• Specification writing.
• Public procurement regulations.
• Private sector procurement approaches.
• Social value, sustainability and fair work first.
• Contract supplier management support.
• Market analysis and understanding.

Marketing

• Market analysis and identification of key customers.
• Support to develop a sales and marketing strategy.
• Support with digital marketing including advice on how to market and retail online.
• Branding, advertising and promotion.
• Content support and copy writing.
• Creating video content.

Information & Digital Technology

• Analysis of the digital capabilities of a business and identification of improvements in efficiency and productivity.
• IT systems and process advice.
• Support to increase productivity and efficiencies through automation and artificial intelligence.
• Website and app development.
• Cyber security.

Energy Efficiency & Net Zero

• Energy Audits and action plans, including recommendations on Control and Efficiencies.
• Low Energy / Sustainable Production Processes.
• Waste Management.
• Reviews and Planning.
• Net Zero Carbon Targets.

New Market Opportunities & Internationalisation

• Support for Exporting (out with the UK).
• Market Analysis and Development.
• Structuring for Internationalisation.
• Documentation advice for exporting

If you already have a dedicated Business Adviser at Business Gateway Lanarkshire, please progress your application through them.

If you don’t have a Business Adviser, please contact Business Gateway to start the application process at lanarkshire@bgateway.com or call 01698 520775. This will also give you access to additional 1-2-1 business support.

The Expert Help programme is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.