A SOUTH Lanarkshire business owner on a mission to promote inclusivity has his sights set on international growth after accessing support from Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service.
In 2015, retired policeman Gordon McGregor founded GM4X, which manufactures and sells customised products for those living with disabilities, fulfilling his lifelong ambition to create more equal opportunities for the group to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Lanark-based business is the UK’s only manufacturer of the Paratreker™ – a non-motorised, all-terrain wheelchair, designed to make hills, mountains, and wild countryside accessible for all. It is also a sales agent for Grit Freedom Chairs, which are designed using innovative engineering to create a light self-propelled all-terrain wheelchair.
Before launching GM4X, Gordon founded the charity, Paradventures, which helps individuals and organisations representing those with disabilities to deliver safe, life-enhancing outdoor adventures.
Gordon had worked with Business Gateway since launching GM4X, but more recently turned to the service for advice on expanding his client base and developing his digital presence.
Through Business Gateway, Gordon has benefitted from the guidance of a dedicated business adviser and several growth services, including assistance with funding and advice on international exporting from Scottish Enterprise. Gordon also benefitted from digital marketing support from DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme, delivered by Business Gateway.
Gordon has also accessed Business Gateway’s Expert Help Programme to grow his digital presence and social channels and overhaul GM4X’s website, which has allowed him to engage with new markets overseas.
This support has been critical in helping Gordon to take GM4X’s products and services overseas to the USA and Europe, with the Paratreker™ launching in the USA in early 2023.
Following significant growth in turnover, Gordon is now working with Tough Mudder to make their events accessible to all.
Gordon McGregor, founder of GM4X, said: “People with disabilities are equal members of our society and I have worked hard over the years to ensure inclusivity, but we still have a long way to go. I’m so pleased that Business Gateway recognises the important work that GM4X does, and that my Paratreker™ range can allow people to do things they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.
“I recently visited an outdoor centre and the senior instructor fed back to me that the Paratreker™ was a complete gamechanger, allowing children with disabilities to do the same programme as every other child.
“Support from Business Gateway has really helped me focus and has been instrumental in developing a solid plan to ensure GM4X continues to grow. I’m really looking forward to what 2023 has in store for my business.”
Ally Kale, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Gordon’s passion and dedication are clear to see and he has created a fantastic business with inclusivity at its core. Through the support of our experts, Gordon has been given the tools to grow the business and engage with new markets. The potential that GM4X has for a successful future overseas is really exciting, and I look forward to watching the business grow even further in the months ahead.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.co.uk
