Two Argyll businesses are thriving following vital assistance from their Local Enterprise Company.

The lure of running his own company proved too much for Lochgilphead man Stephen Smyth.  After helping his father sell fishing tackle until he retired several years ago, Stephen had worked for a local marina.

However, with the backing of HIE Starts, a programme run by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) aimed at helping new local businesses, he has begun sole-trading as `Pro-angler'.

Stephen currently drives all over Scotland selling fishing tackle, some of which he manufactures but he hopes to let the web do most of the work by setting up his own internet site, publish a mail-order catalogue and eventually move in to his own premises.

Stephen said: "Without AIE's help and advice, it wouldn't have been possible, Their advisory course on setting up a business is a must for anyone wanting to go it alone."

Meanwhile, the HIE Starts programme is also helping tourists and locals satisfy their sweet tooth and get a history lesson into the bargain.

Former police officer Mark Hoyle and wife Sue hit upon the idea of an old fashioned sweetie shop called `Sweeties' selling all those favourites of years gone by, complete with period costumed staff and music from that era.

It began as a part-time effort but it was such a success, Mark had to give up his job and go full-time. That was where HIE Starts came in.

The grant enabled the Hoyles to employ a couple of part-time staff to cope with the huge demand.   A full-time job has now also been created and the Hoyles are considering offers from Germany and the USA to export the idea.

Mark said: "We can't believe how successful the shop has been. People queue for half an hour just to buy sweets from us."

Ken Abernethy chief executive at AIE said: "Encouraging new business starts is a priority for AIE and we recognise that starting a new business can be a very daunting prospect. 

"However with financial support and valuable advice and support from our team, we are able to help a very diverse range of new businesses, which are the key to an area's future prosperity."

AIE provides tailored support to eligible individuals wishing to start a business by providing income for a period, a small capital grant and free business counselling and advice.  For further details please contact Paul Anfield on 0845 779 4285.