INVERCLYDE start-up, Call Assistance Ltd, has successfully launched in the region, following specialised support from Business Gateway.
The new care service provides wheelchair-adapted vehicles and experienced personnel to help elderly and mobility impaired residents travel between appointments and for essential needs, such as hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, shopping, hairdressers, and social groups to alleviate social isolation.
Experienced care workers Alison Hunter and Carolyn Stanton launched the business in June, after acknowledging the lack of such services and expert personnel available in Inverclyde.
Passionate to offer the much-needed service in the community, they contacted Scotland’s national business advisory service, Business Gateway, in January 2022 and were offered 1:1 adviser support including preparing a business plan, legal start-up guidance, and marketing.
Ahead of launching, Business Gateway also assisted Alison and Carolyn obtain the necessary licence permissions from Inverclyde Council and find appropriate insurances for their vehicles and clients. The pair were also signposted to Inverclyde Council’s Boost Area Start-up Grant and awarded £1,000 which they used to contribute to the costs of insurance and marketing.
As they look to expand their reach, Alison and Carolyn have plans to access DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme delivered by Business Gateway, to develop their social media skills to help promote the business.
Alison Hunter, co-founder, said: “We both have years of experience in the industry, and understand the challenges that can face people and their families when not enough services are on offer. That’s why it was important to us to use our skills to create this for residents in Inverclyde. With support from Business Gateway, the idea has become a reality and we can’t thank them enough for helping to make our start-up journey smoother.
Alexis Watson, Business Gateway Adviser, said: “By working with our team of advisers, Alison and Carolyn have been able to launch their wonderful business and provide help and support to those who need it. I’m confident Business Gateway will remain a vital resource for them as they move forward.”
