ALMOST 200 businesses have been helped by a specialist support team to find success in the commercial world.

The beReady scheme has just entered its second year of operation, comprising a network of professionals with experience and expertise delivering specialised training and consultancy services.

They have helped firms with digital marketing, sales and marketing, management and leadership, procurement, financial management, human resources and innovation in 39 workshops, helping 193 businesses.

Ballochmyle councillor Jim Roberts, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “beReady will be expanding to include help with export support, while Business Gateway will have an outreach element to the service, working from Rothesay House in Cumnock one morning a week from this month.”