N J Slee Welding and Fabrication was chosen from dozens of businesses throughout Scotland by Business Gateway to feature in adverts promoting the service on STV.

Steven Slee, owner, said: “When we were told we had been chosen we were over the moon. Over the last year we have begun to implement an apprentice scheme, invested in new systems and are now on the approved vender list with several additional large companies. To start 2015 with this advert is fantastic for the whole team.” He added: “We haven’t done anything like this before so it was nerve wracking but the production crew were great and we quickly began to enjoy it.” N J Slee was established 36 years ago and since then has developed a wide customer base that includes blue chip companies such as Babcock, Rolls Royce, Ineos, and Qinetiq.

The company has benefited from support from Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway in developing their growth plans throughout the course of 2014.

Founder of the business Nicol Slee is in the process of retirement so son Steven, 35, has taken over the day to day running of the business.

Steven approached Business Gateway service and after working closely with an adviser was awarded a growth grant which helped the company to achieve ISO 9001 certification - a quality management standard which will help N J Slee attract and tender for higher value contracts.

Steven added: “My dad built the company up himself from scratch and for 35 years has won contracts with some of the leading businesses in the construction and defence industries, including Faslane and Coulport, but I feel ambitious enough for us to be competing for even more, larger contracts as we go forward.

“The support we have already received from Business Gateway has resulted in us being further ahead than we expected.” Having filmed the ad before Christmas, Steven and his team will be appearing in homes throughout Scotland until the end of the month.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway National Unit, said: “Our ad campaign is about showcasing local companies that we have supported that are doing fantastic things.

“N J Slee is one of the stars in the Argyll and Bute business community and their story is a fascinating one. It’s great to have them as part of our January campaign.” Ann Scott, Business Gateway adviser, Business Gateway Argyll and Bute, added: “We have been working closely with Steven over the past year not only with funding, but helping him access specialist advice and signposting him to various organisations that will help the company learn more about the renewable energy industry.

“It’s wonderful not only for N J Slee but the whole of Argyll, that one of our companies will be gaining national television exposure demonstrating the strength of the entrepreneurial spirit in the region.”