EACH week the Evening Times will throw the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success in the face of continuing economic hardship.

Many new businesses are struggling to take off because of the economic downturn, and this new column will offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we highlight Mark Weightman's property factoring company.

Who are you?

Mark Weightman, director of Integro Property Management.

What does your business do?

We are a Property Factoring Company, we handle all types of commercial and private residential property.

Where are you based?

For a year we have been based at Caledonia House in the Gorbals, but as of January 21 we will be based in Coatbridge and Livingston.

How did you get started?

We made our start through Entrepreneurial Spark, with its free facilities it was the best start we could have had.

What is your background?

Graduated in 2009 with a honours degree in Business, this is where I learned more about running my own business and entrepreneurship.

What is your top tip?

Never take shortcuts, never cut corners, the client will always spot this if you have done it.

How long has your business been running?

Our business has now been operating for 13 months.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

Entrepreneurial Spark have given us help in our start-up year with its offer of free facilities, such as printers, computers, internet and meeting rooms.

My father has also been a massive help with his guidance as a business owner and we have also had help through private investment.