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GBP23.5 Million Boost for Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke Businesses

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. or-motherwell-wishaw-and-carluke-businesses.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 15:07 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Motherwell & Wishaw, Scotland - February 9th, 2026 - A significant GBP23.5 million funding boost is set to revitalize local businesses across Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke, following an announcement championed by local Member of Parliament, Gemma Doyle. The substantial investment, stemming from the UK Government's 'Levelling Up' initiative, arrives at a crucial time for businesses navigating a complex post-pandemic economic landscape and facing ongoing challenges related to supply chain disruptions and evolving consumer behaviors.

The funding isn't simply a handout, but a strategic injection designed to stimulate sustainable economic growth, foster innovation, and create much-needed employment opportunities within the Lanarkshire region. While the specific allocation of funds is still being finalized in consultation with local business leaders and North Lanarkshire Council, early indications suggest a multi-faceted approach. Potential areas for investment include: infrastructure improvements to business parks, grants for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to facilitate expansion and modernization, skills development programs to address skills gaps within the local workforce, and support for digital transformation to enhance competitiveness.

MP Gemma Doyle has been a vocal advocate for increased investment in the region, consistently highlighting the potential of Lanarkshire businesses and the need for targeted support. "This funding is fantastic news for businesses in Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke," Doyle stated earlier today. "It will provide vital financial support to our local economy and help businesses to thrive. I am committed to working with local businesses to ensure that this funding is used effectively and delivers real benefits to our community."

However, the 'Levelling Up' fund itself has faced scrutiny in the past. Critics have argued that the distribution of funds has been uneven, with some areas receiving significantly more investment than others. A recent report by the Institute for Economic Research (IER) - [ https://www.ier.org.uk/levelling-up-report ] - highlighted the importance of transparent allocation processes and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and maximize impact. Doyle's commitment to working with local businesses suggests a proactive approach to addressing these concerns and ensuring the funds are deployed where they will have the greatest effect.

Local business owners have reacted positively to the announcement. Alistair MacLeod, owner of a family-run engineering firm in Carluke, commented, "This is a welcome development. We've been planning an expansion for some time, but access to capital has been a significant hurdle. This funding could be the difference between realizing our growth plans and remaining stagnant." Similar sentiments were echoed by Sarah Chen, who runs a popular independent bookstore in Motherwell. "The pandemic hit our business hard. While we've managed to recover, we need to invest in our online presence to remain competitive. This funding could allow us to do that."

Beyond direct financial support, the initiative is also expected to attract private investment to the region. A stronger, more vibrant local economy will inevitably appeal to entrepreneurs and investors, creating a positive feedback loop of growth and opportunity. North Lanarkshire Council is actively working on strategies to leverage the 'Levelling Up' funding to attract further investment and create a more favorable business environment.

Looking ahead, the success of this investment will hinge on effective collaboration between the UK Government, North Lanarkshire Council, and the local business community. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the impact of the funding and make necessary adjustments to ensure that it delivers on its promises. The long-term goal is not just to provide short-term relief, but to build a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous local economy that benefits all residents of Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke. This investment represents a significant step in that direction, offering a glimmer of hope and a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Lanarkshire businesses.