Invest in West Lothian - December Newsletter

Celebrating Good News Stories in West Lothian

Clarus Networks Named 2025 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 Award Winner

West Lothian-based business Clarus Networks has been named as one of the UK’s 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the 2025 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50.

The Fast 50 highlights rapidly growing and innovative technology companies across the UK, with the rankings based on percentage revenue growth over the last three years. Clarus Networks grew an incredible 941% during this period.

Clarus Networks also received two special recognitions - as a Women in Leadership winner and as the top-ranked communications company in this year’s awards.

Congratulations to the team!

You can read the full story here.

The Deadline to Apply for Business Gateway West Lothian’s Expert Help Framework is Monday, the 8th of December at 12:00pm.

We are currently accepting tender applications from consultants that want to be part of our Expert Help Framework, providing advice, support and training to West Lothian businesses. We are looking for consultants specialising in:

• Business Development
• Productivity and Lean Management
• Marketing and Branding
• Procurement and Quality Assurance
• Finance
• Digital and Social Media
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Sustainability
• Exporting

Successful applicants will be expected to deliver support across a variety of formats, including: 1:1 Expert Help consultancy sessions, workshops and webinars, on-demand video training modules, surgery sessions, and where appropriate, accredited training courses.

You can learn more and apply here.

Funding for Businesses in West Lothian

The Invest in West Lothian team have extensive experience of preparing funding packages for local businesses of all sizes. Each month, we will highlight a new funding opportunity that is currently available to eligible businesses in the area.

Time Limited Funding

The deadline for projects funded by our grants to be completed is the 31^st of January 2026. With the deadline rapidly approaching, we recommend submitting your funding applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

There are a wide range of funding opportunities currently available, including our:

•  Digital Development Grant
• Energy Resilience Grant
• Business Development Grant
• Start Up Funding
•  Project Grant
• Cyber Security Grant
• Trade Development Grant
• Innovation Grant
• Employment Pathway Grant (EPG)

You can view the full list of funds available and apply here.

Upcoming Events

We are delighted to be hosting the following free events in January 2026:

Social Media and Content Creation

This session will explore social media strategy, platform best practices, and the art of storytelling through visuals and copy. You’ll learn how to plan, design, and deliver content that not only looks great but also aligns with your brand and objectives. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their social media presence with purposeful, scroll-stopping content. This is taking place virtually on Wednesday, the 7^th, and Wednesday, the 14^th of January 2026, from 2:00pm – 3:00pm (you do not have to attend both sessions).

Where is Your Business Going in 2026?

We’re starting the New Year with a bang with our first networking event of the year! During this event, you will have the chance to connect with likeminded local business owners and hear from our fantastic guest speaker, Mark Douglas, who will be helping you review the current position of your business and plan for the year ahead. This is taking place on Thursday, the 8^th of January 2026, from 9:30am – 11:30am, at Bathgate Golf Club.

1:1 Procurement Surgery Sessions

We are offering eligible West Lothian businesses the opportunity to book a free, 1:1 virtual surgery session with a procurement expert from Intend Business Development Ltd. These sessions have been created to help West Lothian business owners improve their understanding of the procurement process and improve their success rate with tender bids. Sessions last 1-hour and flexible appointments are available.

To learn more and book your free space at any of our events, please click here.

If you have any questions about any of the topics covered, please leave a comment or email invest@westlothian.gov.uk .

2025 has been an exciting year for us here at Invest in West Lothian, thank you to all of our clients and partners that have made it such a special year. There are lots of exciting things to come in 2026 that we are looking forward to sharing with you – make sure you’re following along to stay up to date!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

The Invest in West Lothian Team