Andrew Webster, a Business Start-up Advisor at The Business Gateway Perth and Kinross said “We were able to help Fraser and Sharon to realise their ambitions in a number of ways, including helping them to draw up a business plan and the award of a £1000 Start-up grant. These grants are available to people between the ages of eighteen and thirty who wish to start up their own business and register with The Business Gateway.” The Business Gateway can be contacted on 0845 609 6611.

Mr Webster explained that the new business must have a viable business plan and that the person starting it must be prepared to work full-time in the venture. However, Mr Webster stressed that the Business Gateway would give considerable assistance with drawing up the Business Plan and other preparatory work. “We recognise that many people have a good business idea but don’t have the business skills to turn their ideas into a profitable business. We can help with mentoring, a variety of business training schemes and other initiatives as well as the start-up grants.” He stressed that adequate preparation was vital to the success of a business start-up.

He went on to note that the Business Gateway was open to all suggestions for business start-ups. “The business idea can be as unusual or unconventional as you like. We do not pre-judge your ideas. The crucial issue is whether we can develop a Business Plan that shows that the business is likely to succeed.”

Fraser Anderson is a well-known singer and songwriter who has performed all over Scotland. The new record label, Monochrome Records, is operated by Fraser and his wife and business partner Sharon. Mr Anderson said “As well as being my partner and a singer herself, Sharon is a photographer who works in black-and-white, so the name Monochrome Records seemed appropriate. Our first release is And the Girl with the Strawberry…., with eleven songs written by me and performed by myself with Sharon on backing vocals.” He stressed that Monochrome Records was actively seeking new acts. “Monochrome records exists to promote honest and no-nonsense music,” he said. Monochrome records can be contacted on 01738 442874.

Mr Anderson plays guitar and keyboards on the album. As well as his solo work he performs with a band and he has a tour of Ireland in the pipeline for the new year, with more recording planned as well. He has performed with many internationally-known musicians’ including Brian Connor, who is famous for his work with Riverdance and Irish singer Van Morrison, and percussionist Trilok Girtu.

Mr Fraser said “I’d like to thank Andrew Webster and the Business Gateway for their help. The Start-up grant has allowed us to establish and furnish an office for our business, and really get the ball rolling.”

Fraser and Sharon Anderson live in Perth. They have three children.