Elevator UK

What Elevator UK does

Elevator UK, operating under the legal entity Enterprise North East Trust Ltd, is a Scottish social enterprise founded in 2002 (one internal source records 2004) that delivers enterprise and business support services across Scotland. It is the largest Business Gateway contractor in Scotland, providing one-to-one advisory, growth programmes, digital transformation support, AI adoption training, and event-based engagement across Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross, and Edinburgh, with additional reach into Moray through the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) — a Moray Growth Deal facility at Enterprise Park Forres operated by Elevator on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The organisation serves start-up founders, growth-stage SMEs, female entrepreneurs, rural businesses, manufacturing firms, and higher education institutions through a portfolio that includes Shell LiveWire (delivered on behalf of Shell UK), Strategic Leadership for AI, Data and Technology (delivered on behalf of Scottish Enterprise), the Transform Business Festival, Challenge Weekend, Bold Beginnings, and the separately constituted Elevator Foundation charity (established 2022 for young entrepreneurs aged 18–30).

The company's core offering is the Business Gateway service contract, supplemented by tiered programmes — Rapid Solutions (1 hour–1 day), Focused Growth (1–3 days), and Transformational Programmes (3+ days) — alongside sector-specific accelerators in retail, manufacturing, rural leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Elevator does not develop proprietary technology products; its technology footprint is limited to standard productivity and delivery tools. AI-related activity is positioned as education rather than capability: the AI LIVE in Action four-week accelerator teaches clients about AI-enabled workflows, live chat, voice agents, and automation, and the Strategic Leadership for AI programme (with delivery partner 17 Points Ltd) trains executives on AI and data strategy. The portfolio is delivered through six physical offices (Aberdeen headquarters, Dundee, Perth, Arbroath, Edinburgh, Forres) plus virtual and hybrid delivery channels.

Elevator's revenue model is predominantly managed services and professional services delivered via contracts with local authorities (Dundee City Council, Angus Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Perth & Kinross Council), economic development agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise), and corporate partners (Shell). Programmes are mostly fully funded for eligible Scottish businesses through these public and corporate sponsorships, with limited fee-based consulting on the margin. The organisation reinvests surplus into its social mission as a registered charity and social enterprise. Outcome metrics referenced by the organisation include support to more than 1,000 businesses annually, over 3,500 SMEs and 9,000 earlier-stage businesses in recent years, and Shell LiveWire cohort outcomes of 50+ jobs created with a 34% average turnover uplift.

Name

Elevator UK

Legal name

Enterprise North East Trust Ltd

Website

https://elevatoruk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Elevator UK (Enterprise North East Trust Ltd) is Scotland's largest Business Gateway contractor and a leading social enterprise delivering enterprise and business support. Operating from six offices across Scotland with 101–250 employees, it serves SMEs, start-ups, and underrepresented entrepreneurs via government, agency, and corporate contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Support and Enterprise Development Services

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB)

Keywords

• Business support services
• SME growth programmes
• Entrepreneurship accelerators
• Startup advisory services
• Enterprise development consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Scotland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government & Public Sector Contracts: Primary revenue stream through contracts with local authorities (Dundee City Council, Angus Council, Edinburgh City Council, Perth & Kinross Council) and economic development agencies (Scottish Enterprise, HIE) to deliver business support programmes including Business Gateway services.
2. Corporate Partnership Delivery: Delivery of programmes on behalf of global brands and corporations such as Shell (Shell LiveWire), where Elevator serves as the appointed operator to deliver business support services.
3. Social Enterprise Model: As a social enterprise, Elevator reinvests surplus into advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organisation generates revenue through public and private sector partnerships while maintaining social impact focus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Elevator UK delivers a portfolio of business support and enterprise development services across Scotland, operating as the largest Business Gateway contractor (covering Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross, and Edinburgh) and delivering corporate programmes such as Shell LiveWire and Strategic Leadership for AI on behalf of Shell and Scottish Enterprise respectively. Offerings span three engagement tiers — Rapid Solutions (1 hour–1 day), Focused Growth (1–3 days), and Transformational Programmes (3+ days) — alongside sector accelerators, leadership bootcamps, expert consultancy, and physical workspace / innovation facilities including the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM). All programmes are designed for Scottish SMEs, start-up founders, growth-stage businesses, female entrepreneurs, rural businesses, manufacturers, and universities.

Product overview

Elevator UK is Scotland's leading social enterprise for enterprise and business support, offering a multi-tiered portfolio of programmes and services designed for businesses at every stage of growth. The core offering is delivered through Business Gateway (the largest contractor in Scotland), supplemented by rapid solutions (1 hour-1 day), focused growth programmes (1-3 days), and transformational programmes (3+ days). The portfolio includes specialized programmes such as the Digital Growth Programme (8-week e-commerce accelerator), AI LIVE in Action (4-week AI implementation programme), IMPACT! (sustainability-focused growth), and Content Creator Academy (digital marketing mastery). Enterprise-level offerings include Shell LiveWire (in partnership with Shell UK), Strategic Leadership for AI/Data/Technology (for Scottish Enterprise), and the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM). Flagship events include the Transform Business Festival and Challenge Weekend. Additional services cover design-led innovation, neurodiversity training, retail transformation, and purpose-driven business development, all supported by flexible property/co-working spaces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Business Gateway: Scotland's national business support service; Elevator is the largest Business Gateway contractor delivering services across Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross, and Edinburgh
• Transform Business Festival
• Shell LiveWire
• Thrive & Shine
• Elevator Foundation

Products and services

• Business Gateway Core contract-based business support service delivered by Elevator across Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross and the City of Edinburgh under Scotland's national Business Gateway programme. Includes one-to-one business advice, specialist digital support, targeted programmes, workshops, community outreach and events for Scottish SMEs, founders and growth-stage businesses.
• Rapid Solutions (1 Hour – 1 Day) Quick, expert-led support engagement lasting 1 hour to 1 day to address immediate business challenges through specialist consultancy, one-off workshops, or masterclasses.
• Focused Growth (1-3 Days) Short, intensive programmes lasting 1-3 days designed to provide practical tools, leadership skills and strategies for business advancement.
• Transformational Programmes (3+ Days) Longer-duration programmes of 3+ days designed to create lasting change, equipping businesses with tools, strategies and networks to scale.
• Digital Growth Programme An 8-week accelerator programme for businesses looking to scale through e-commerce and digital strategies.
• Women's Pre-Start Enterprise Programme Programme supporting female entrepreneurs to build confidence and practical business skills prior to launch.
• AI LIVE in Action A four-week, hands-on programme helping businesses move from AI experimentation to implementing real, commercially valuable AI systems, including AI-enabled workflows, marketing systems, automation, live chat and voice agents.
• IMPACT! Programme A hands-on programme for ambitious business leaders to grow with purpose through sustainability, innovation and responsible business practices.
• Content Creator Academy A practical masterclass series helping business owners confidently plan, create and deliver high-quality marketing content across key digital platforms, including AI-supported marketing campaigns.
• Design-Led Innovation A hands-on, structured approach to problem-solving using global best practices for design-led innovation.
• Neurodiversity Training Training programme to help organisations prepare for upcoming legislative changes and create an inclusive workplace.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership Bootcamp A residential bootcamp programme developing leadership and business acumen for founders and senior leaders.
• Purpose-Driven Business Programme Programme helping businesses build purpose-driven models that create real social and environmental value.
• Retail Transformation Programme Programme strengthening high street businesses through tailored mentoring and strategy development.
• High-Growth Company Creation A company creation programme for professionals aged 50+ driving new ventures with high-growth potential.
• Strategic Leadership for AI, Data and Technology A national leadership development programme delivered by Elevator on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, helping business leaders understand how AI, data and emerging technologies can create value within their organisations.
• Property Services Modern, flexible workspaces including co-working spaces and private offices designed to help businesses thrive, delivered by Elevator at its programme locations.
• Expert Help High-impact consultancy on key business topics ranging from strategy to digital transformation, available as a paid advisory offering.
• Bespoke Industry Growth Programmes Customised accelerators for key sectors such as energy, digital, tourism, rural accelerators and Gaelic-led accelerators.
• Shell LiveWire Shell's flagship growth impact programme delivered by Elevator in Scotland, helping established businesses with sustainability and growth potential through coaching, mentoring, masterclasses and residential trips as part of a global programme operating in 20 countries.
• Transform Business Festival Scotland's leading business support festival transforming businesses at every step of their journey, featuring talks, workshops, expert clinics and networking.
• Challenge Weekend A dynamic bootcamp event for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs where individuals work together on strategically planned tasks and team-building activities to build foundations for an efficient, effective and successful business.
• Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) A facility at Enterprise Park Forres operated by Elevator on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, featuring incubator spaces, project areas, a demonstrator suite and innovation consultancy to drive innovation and support job creation in manufacturing companies across Moray and the wider Highlands and Islands.
• Bold Beginnings Programme A pioneering pilot programme delivering business support for underrepresented women in Edinburgh, designed to widen female entrepreneurship, build confidence and provide practical pathways into enterprise.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,500 SMEs supported in recent years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2025HIE appointed Elevator to operate the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) at Enterprise Park Forres. A Moray Growth Deal project with £6.7m combined funding from UK Government, Scottish Government, and HIE. MICM supports manufacturing innovation and decarbonisation across Moray and the wider region.
• Scottish EnterprisecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2025Elevator delivers the Strategic Leadership for AI, Data and Technology programme on behalf of Scottish Enterprise as part of the Workplace Innovation Leadership Development Programme. Partnership combines Elevator's leadership expertise with Scottish Enterprise's strategic oversight.
• ShellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1982Shell appointed Elevator to deliver Shell LiveWire, the flagship growth impact programme operating in 20 countries. Elevator manages Scottish delivery including cohort selection, coaching, mentoring, masterclasses, and residential trips. Shell provides global brand, network, and alumni access.
• Business GatewaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElevator is the largest Business Gateway contractor in Scotland, delivering comprehensive business support services across Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross, and the City of Edinburgh. Services include one-to-one advice, specialist digital support, targeted programmes, workshops, community outreach, and events tailored to regional needs.
• Dundee City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partnership for Business Gateway delivery in Dundee. Co-delivers Transform Business Festival and supports Regional EDGE Tayside. Joint investment in entrepreneurial ecosystem development.
• Angus CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partnership for Business Gateway Angus delivery and collaborative delivery of Transform Business Festival across Tayside region.
• City of Edinburgh CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Business Gateway Edinburgh delivery and support for women's entrepreneurship programmes including Bold Beginnings with funding from Scottish Government's Pathways Fund.
• Perth & Kinross CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partnership for Business Gateway delivery and co-delivery of Regional EDGE Tayside and Transform Business Festival.
• 17 Points LtdsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationLed by Sam Rhynas, 17 Points Ltd partners with Elevator to deliver the Strategic Leadership for AI programme, providing specialist knowledge of AI, data strategy, and digital transformation alongside Elevator's leadership expertise.
• CeeDsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in preparing MICM for opening, working alongside Elevator during the mobilisation phase to develop centre services and stakeholder engagement.
• Pathways ForwardsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerElevator is a signatory of The Pathways Pledge and partners with Pathways Forward to advance gender equity in entrepreneurship, improve access to support and investment, and strengthen visibility for female business leaders.
• GrowbizsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-delivers Regional EDGE Tayside programme with Elevator, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to pitch for grant and loan funding and receive expert feedback.
• University of DundeesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerElevator partners with the Centre for Entrepreneurship at University of Dundee, a dynamic hub bridging businesses, academia, and the enterprise support ecosystem to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
• University of AberdeensecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership delivering tailored programmes that inspire entrepreneurship, develop leadership skills, and empower students and faculty to drive meaningful change.
• Perth College UHIsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partnership delivering entrepreneurship programmes and leadership development tailored for students and faculty.
• Abertay UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcosystem partner in Transform Business Festival, contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem village and supporting business community engagement.
• TechscalersecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcosystem partner in Transform Business Festival representing Scotland's tech scaling programme, providing support and resources for technology businesses.
• Skills Development ScotlandsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcosystem partner in Transform Business Festival, contributing to Scotland's skills development infrastructure and career opportunities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Be the Business: UK SME productivity organisation backed by government and major corporates, running diagnostic tools and peer-learning programmes to grow UK SMEs. Comparable to Elevator in public-private funding mix and SME growth focus.
• UnLtd: UK charity providing grants, programmes, and coaching to social entrepreneurs. Comparable to Elevator as a non-profit intermediary channelling public and corporate funding to early-stage venture creation.
• Hatch Enterprise: UK social enterprise that supports under-represented founders through accelerators, grants, and mentoring, funded by government and corporate partners. Closely comparable to Elevator's mission-driven, fully-funded entrepreneur support model.
• SETsquared Partnership: University-linked incubator network supporting high-growth start-ups across southern England through programmes, mentoring, and investor connections. Comparable to Elevator in accelerator-and-incubator programme delivery.
• Prince's Trust: Major UK youth charity offering programmes, mentoring, and funding for 11–30 year olds to start businesses. Comparable to Elevator via the Elevator Foundation, both operating as non-profits with inclusive entrepreneurship missions.
• School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE): UK charity running programmes, learning networks, and awards for social entrepreneurs. Comparable to Elevator in programme-led social-enterprise education model and reliance on a mix of government, lottery, and corporate funding.

Others

• Scottish Enterprise: Scotland's national economic development agency, commissioning programmes from Elevator (e.g., Strategic Leadership for AI). Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem counterpart that controls pipeline of funding for delivery partners.

Regional players

• Entrepreneurial Scotland: Scottish organisation running the Saltire Fellowship and Founders School programmes for entrepreneur development. Closest geographic peer to Elevator within Scotland, overlapping target audience and mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ElevatorUK

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Elevator UK