Okay, so on paper the work that the Glasgow West Regeneration Agency do is great. They offer a service to people who are starting up in business - particularly those in areas that are part of Glasgow's regeneration project.
This means that as well as offering business advice and support, they also award grants and loans to certain businesses. This means that if you're thinking of starting a business, it might be an idea to look into getting premises in a regeneration area as they may give you some money towards your rent!
However, they're not particularly flexible about who they help. I live two minutes walk from this very office, and the first four digits of my post code are exactly the same. I phoned to find out about what help may be available and the woman who answered the phone was almost exactly like the woman on the "computer says no" sketch on Little Britain. Our conversation went exactly like this;
Me: Hi, I'm calling to find out about what support you may be able to offer my new business.
Glasgow West Regeneration (GWR): What's your postcode?
Me: G11 6__
GWR: [types it into computer] No, you're not in our area.
Me: But I can practically see your office from my window.
GWR: You're not in our area.
Me: So you can't offer me a grant, can you offer me any other advice or support?
GWR: No, you're not in our area. Goodbye.
See what I mean? read more