Edinburgh based, Swift Lettings, founded in 2016 by Anne Sellar and Lucy Cant, who have over 35 years collective experience in the lettings sector in the city, unveils plans to move into larger premises after doubling in size, thanks to support from Business Gateway Edinburgh.
Currently based in York Place, Edinburgh, the company is looking to move into a larger office by December to accommodate a bigger team which will see staff numbers increase from four to seven, in roles including administration and property management.
Anne, who recently completed Business Gateway Edinburgh’s first Women in Business (WIB) Growth Programme, which was launched by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon earlier this year, said the programme helped her to put a strategic growth plan in place for the next two years which would allow her to take the business to the next level.
She said: “Our plans to expand Swift Lettings have been in the pipeline for the last year however after taking part in the Women in Business Growth Programme this helped us to be clearer about our plans and devise a comprehensive outline focussing on the most profitable and successful way to move the business forward.
“We’ve had tremendous support from Business Gateway Edinburgh this year which we’re hugely grateful for as it has allowed us to look at each part of the business through different channels and be even clearer about our next steps when we move into our new larger premises.
“We’ve also doubled the rate of new business as we are now far more focussed and have the tools to plan targeted marketing, which is why I’d highly recommend any women looking to grow their business to apply for the WIB programme.”
The WIB programme was created by the Head of Business Gateway Edinburgh, Susan Harkins, to help female entrepreneurs take their business, idea or invention to the next level.
The course runs over six-weeks and focusses on areas including leadership strategy, company structures, presenting for investing, building networks and exploring new markets.
The first programme was a major success and completed by 10 inspiring businesswomen with a collective turnover of over £5m and over 50 employees.
Susan Harkins, said: “I’m absolutely delighted our first Women in Business Growth Programme was a great success and resulted in inspiring entrepreneurs like Anne Sellar, founder of Swift Lettings, being in a position to expand with a strategic growth plan to help secure the long-term future and success of her company.
“We are encouraging women across all sectors in business to apply for the next WIB programme if they are looking for extra support to help drive their businesses forward, learn new valuable skills and build their network at the same time.”
The deadline for applications is the 27th September and the programme begins on the 26th October at Foundation Scotland, Calton Road, Edinburgh 10am – 1pm . To apply, please email sally@businessgateway.com for details.
To find out how Business Gateway Edinburgh can help your business visit www.bgateway.com/Edinburgh or call 0131 516 5035.
