S.M.I.L.E Counselling
Livingston-based social enterprise S.M.I.L.E Counselling have boosted their digital capabilities to win new business, thanks to support from West Lothian Council’s Economic Development Service.
S.M.I.L.E Counselling delivers bespoke counselling and training services for West Lothian residents aged 11-24. Since opening in 2015, the team have provided over 2,000 young people with valuable support, with over 14,000 counselling hours offered.
The social enterprise has received extensive support over the years from the Business Gateway West Lothian advisers, primarily focusing on the development and growth of the organisation and implementing a long-term sustainability strategy.
Most recently, the S.M.I.L.E Counselling team reached out for guidance when they encountered an increasingly common requirement whilst bidding for a new contract – they had to demonstrate their accreditation to Cyber Essentials Plus. At the time S.M.I.L.E Counselling was not.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essential Plus are Government-backed certification schemes that have been created to help guide businesses in protecting themselves from and preventing basic cyber-attacks. To gain a certificate, businesses must demonstrate that they have suitable cyber security measures in place.
To help them achieve this accreditation, our advisers recommended that S.M.I.L.E Counselling apply for the Cyber Security Grant. This voucher scheme aims to help West Lothian businesses improve their knowledge, understanding and strategy towards cyber security by providing up to £1,000 of funding to help them achieve their Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
The advisers also recommended applying for the Digital Development Grant to implement necessary updates. The Digital Development Grant is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is aimed at improving the capabilities of Scottish businesses. West Lothian Council’s Economic Development Service administer the funding locally.
After successfully applying for this funding, S.M.I.L.E Counselling was able to invest in digital improvements and gain their Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Having this certification has helped them secure future contracts, and implement a long-term financial sustainability model.
Declan Harrigan, Founder and CEO of S.M.I.L.E Counselling said “The support I received from Business Gateway and Martin and Tahrir specifically has been fantastic.
“Without a doubt we would not have been able to consider our growth without these advisors. I would, and do, recommend that any first-time businesses and currently established businesses engage with the team.”
Further information about the Cyber Security Grant is available here, and information about the Digital Development Grant is available here.
To register interest and find out more please email - invest@westlothian.gov.uk