 The involvement of the private sector on trust boards was a new concept at the time and designed to provide a mix of knowledge and experience in the design and operation of business support programmes.It has been recognised that SME's are an engine of innovation in the new economy and they are;


By the end of the 1990s there were over 40 trusts operating across Scotland all delivering a range of business creation and support contracts in their respective local areas.However, from 2000 onwards there was a gradual consolidation in the sector with many smaller trusts merging to form more regionally based operations.