Established in 1984, STEP is the economic development agency for Stirling. The agency helps new and existing businesses to be successful by providing business advice, flexible office and workspace options and training.

STEP prides itself on being pro-active, innovative in approach and responsive to the needs of the business community that is serves.

In autumn 2011, STEP joined forces with Stirling Council’s Economic Support and Tourism team in a bid to measure interest amongst local food and drink producers to exhibit together for the first time at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Meetings held in November at Stirling Council City Chambers and at STEP saw strong levels of enthusiasm. So much so, that Stirling Council moved swiftly to commit £10,000 of support to apply for stand space within the Food & Drink Hall at Ingliston. This has gone a considerable way to subsidising the costs for participating companies to exhibit at this year’s Show.

STEP then pursued and secured an additional funding contribution of £10,000 from the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER programme. This funding provides PR and event co-ordination resource to support the project. It has also funded the creation and development of the Stirling Tastes Good brand.

STEP recognises that Stirling’s food and drink sector is vibrant and forward thinking in its outlook. STEP also recognises the economic value that food and drink production brings to the Stirling district in terms of job creation and in contributing to Stirling’s value as a leading tourism destination.