Macleod & Macleod Engineering

An engineering business has successfully launched in Stornoway with expert guidance and support from Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service.

Macleod & Macleod Engineering provides marine and general engineering services in the Western Isles, including repair and maintenance of commercial and leisure marine vessels, as well as fixed or mobile plant and power generation equipment. The business can also provide hydraulic repair and maintenance services and marine diagnostic services.

Father and son, Ian and Craig Macleod, who both have a wealth of experience in the engineering field, spotted a gap in the market to provide marine, plant and hydraulic engineering services for owners of small vessels and pleasure crafts in the local area.

They successfully launched Macleod & Macleod Engineering in August 2022 to fill this gap and went on to approach Business Gateway for support and guidance to help future-proof their business operations.

Ian and Craig benefitted from a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up services, including one-to-one support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on their business plan and funding.

The pair also attended a series of national webinars on growth strategy and social media, which helped them learn about the benefits of having a strong digital presence. This was complemented with one-to-one digital support and a Digital Health Check.

Through Business Gateway, Ian and Craig received grant funding through the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS), as well as a loan through the Comhairle’s Revolving Loan Fund. This support was essential to help the business purchase diagnostic equipment and a range of tools to ensure they were able to offer a comprehensive range of services from a very early stage.

Since launching, the business has grown in popularity, with Ian and Craig currently managing a large local demand for their services.

Craig Macleod, Co-owner, Macleod & Macleod Engineering, said:

“Although we both had lots of experience in our field, starting a business was new territory for us. The support we have received from Business Gateway has really helped us ensure Macleod & Macleod Engineering got off to a strong start.”

Fiona Chisholm, Business Gateway adviser, said:

“It’s always rewarding to support a business that fills a real gap in the market. We were able to support Ian and Craig through a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, which ensured they were equipped with all the skills needed to navigate the challenges that come with starting your own business.”

Visit the Business Gateway website to find out how they can support your business.