Starting as a small community group nearly three decades ago, ShopMobility Paisley, a branch of the ShopMobility UK network, is now among the region’s largest mobility operations. The business supports local residents with mobility issues and aids in combating social isolation and loneliness by renting out mobility equipment at low costs or free of charge.

Office manager Karen Miller recognised the need for the company to improve its digital operations and sought the assistance of Business Gateway in 2019. Gary Kenyon, a local  Business Gateway advisor, recommended the digital upskilling programme DigitalBoost, which has resulted in significant enhancements in the business’s digital operations over the past four years.

The service offered a comprehensive review of ShopMobility’s website, the creation of a business Facebook page, a new email system, and regular guidance on digital platform usage. The digital overhaul has expanded the company’s reach, enabled a new booking system, and increased service awareness through social media.

Business Gateway was instrumental in ShopMobility securing a significant funding of £54,000 from the National Lottery in 2022. The funding will aid the company’s future growth and stability. The expansion also led to the addition of a full-time technician, two assistant managers, and a customer service advisor to the team.

Ms Miller said: “Business Gateway reaffirmed to us the importance of having excellent digital marketing skills, and with the help of Gary and the wider team, we are now much more confident in our abilities.

“The support and guidance we have received from Business Gateway over the last four years has played a significant role in our growth and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue to grow this vital service in Renfrewshire into the future.”

Mr Kenyon added: “It is very rewarding to see the fruits of this project realised with ShopMobility Paisley’s recent significant growth.

“Digital upskilling is a fundamental skillset for the small business community, and we’re delighted to have been able to work together with the team to build these skills over the last four years knowing it will mean so much for the Renfrewshire community.”