Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-09-16 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Monifieth Library, 48 High Street, Monifieth, DD5 4AE
The Business Gateway team will be at Monifieth Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

Managing People for Growth - Hybrid
2024-09-17 09:30 - 16:00 | Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen, 1 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen, AB11 6EQ
Our workshops cover several key areas that can help you develop the skills of your people managers. You’ll learn how to:

Identify the skills and approaches managers require to perform their roles successfully both now and in the future
Implement fair and progressive work practices through an understanding of key drivers that can develop new ways of working (for example, the fair work framework, productivity and benefits of employee engagement)
Understand the importance of effectively maximising and improving existing staff skills, while identifying the style and attributes of an effective manager

Areas our workshops will focus on:
1. The role of a manager
2. Empowering teams and individuals
3. Communication, influencing and collaboration
4. Coaching and delegation
5. Managing individual performance
6. Creating a culture of innovation

An introduction to business strategy
2024-09-17 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-10-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-31 13:00 - 15:00
This webinar is practical, outcome driven, and designed to fit with the needs of small businesses in both B2C and B2B environments. It will help you develop a strategically led approach that can turbo charge business growth, identify the core growth strategy(ies) that are right for your business, and develop an action plan.
We will look at:

Your business today – identifying your strengths and areas for development
The key pillars of a business and why balancing all areas is essential for success
Personal and business ambitions and using these to guide strategy development
Ansoff’s Matrix as a tool for identifying core growth strategies
The core components of your business delivery
How to develop a methodical, strategic approach to developing your business for future success

After the webinar, you will understand:

How to undertake a balanced review of where your business is that helps identify areas for development
Ansoff’s Matrix and how to use it as a core strategic planning tool
How to create a strategic plan for growing your business

The Employee Ownership Transition: A Deep Dive
2024-09-19 10:00 - 12:30
Are you considering employee ownership as a succession plan for your business? Join us on our deep dive into the process of selling to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Aimed at business owners considering employee ownership as a succession option, this interactive online workshop will cover topics that are fundamental to every employee ownership transition.
The workshop will include a presentation and a breakout session.
The presentation will cover:

How a transaction or sale of shares to an EOT works
Valuation, purchase price and repayments
Seller protections and the role of the exiting owners
Governance structure of the business post transition
The role of the board and the trust and their relationship with each other
Employee engagement and employee incentives (bonuses and share schemes)

The breakout sessions will be on:

The transition process and legal implementation – led by Louise Fisher, Baxendale Employee Ownership
The importance of employee engagement – led by Hannah Welch, Baxendale Employee Ownership

Timings:
10:00 Introductions – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
10:10 Presentation – Louise Fisher and Hannah Welch, Baxendale Employee Ownership
11:10 Facilitated breakout sessions (attendees participate in each session)
12:00 Q&A and learning outcomes
12:30 Close
Attend this interactive workshop to learn more about the EOT process when considering a transition to employee ownership.

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2024-09-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
New and established businesses will require a business plan for getting a loan, grant or just to consider the direction they wish to go in. This webinar will teach you what you need to include and how. We will walk you through what should be included within a business plan, how a business plan is used to improve your prospects for a loan or a grant, and how you can develop a business plan to meet your needs.
We will:

Provide a structure for a business plan
Review each section of what should be included within the business plan
Explain when and how to use a business plan
Explore the connections (and importance) between the words and the numbers
Look at how to identify and manage cashflow within the business planning process

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-09-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Kirriemuir Library, 28 Reform Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BS
The Business Gateway team will be at Kirriemuir Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

Disability Inclusion Framework
2024-09-24 12:30 - 13:30
The Disability Inclusion Framework is a unique template created by Purple Tuesday to support organisations in taking a snapshot of core activities. It provides an “at a glance” review of any gaps which can help with any decisions on next steps to take. The framework focuses on three pillars which are:

place: the built and digital environment
people: your organisation’s employees and customers
policy and process: how your organisation operates

This interactive session will show you how you should use the framework to gather information and identify your current or existing disability inclusion practices and set your plans for future developments.

How to generate and increase sales
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00
Sales are the lifeblood of every business. This webinar focuses on a pragmatic approach to sales strategy and delivery and is designed to fit with the needs of small businesses in both B2C and B2B environments.
We will cover:

Why a clear understanding of what an ideal customer looks like, and a good understanding of their problems, needs and wants is key to sales success
How to develop your sales platform using digital tools, platforms, and techniques
The different motivations potential customers may have and how to identify which ‘buttons’ your business needs to press
The key phases in prospecting, qualifying, and converting sales prospects
The value of a ‘sales funnel’ and how it can be used to help plan and achieve sales
Why keeping the customers you already have is the best sales strategy of all
The importance of appropriate customer service in retaining customers

Introduction to Safe and Local Suppliers Approval (SALSA)
2024-09-26 13:00 - 16:30 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
The Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) scheme ensures that small and micro businesses in the food industry meet robust and comprehensive standards.
This masterclass provides participants with an introduction to and understanding of SALSA requirements, processes, and the benefits of certification. Our expert speakers will cover everything you need to know, including preparation tips and strategies for a successful audit.
This interactive session also features a Q&A with our speakers, as well as group discussions and problem-solving exercises.

Cyber Security for your small business
2024-09-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-29 15:00 - 16:00
To attend this webinar, there are no prerequisites or prior experience needed. It is aimed at start-up businesses and those who are interested in creating a start-up.
It would also be beneficial for more established businesses who are looking at security as a business differentiator and learn how it can be used to win new business.
Your host Jim Wright will introduce security, how it can benefit businesses and allow you to seize opportunities while minimising risk. Jim will also discuss common frameworks and fundamental principles that business leaders should be aware of from the start of their business venture.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will:
1) Understand security risks
2) Understand the benefits of security
3) Have an awareness of threat actors
4) Have an awareness of threat vectors
5) Have an awareness of the services that can be offered to support start-ups
6) Understand the regulatory environment in which they work
7) Understand the common frameworks relating to security

Tourism Experiences: Boost your Bookings
2024-10-03 11:00 - 12:30
Join VisitScotland as we delve into the cutting-edge technology behind online booking and distribution in the first of our new series of digital skills webinars.
Whether you’re a visitor attraction, an activity provider, or a tour company, this webinar is tailor-made for you.
Taking place on 3 October, at 11am, this free session will delve into what modern online booking solutions can offer your business, from seamless reservations to business personalisation.
Hear about some game-changing functionality that can have a positive impact on the customer booking process and learn why strategic distribution is the key to filling empty slots, unfilled tours and driving growth.
We’ll look at effective distribution channels that maximise your reach and revenue. From collaborating with travel trade partners to leveraging Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and harnessing the power of Google Things To Do.
This webinar is not to be missed, packed full of support, insights and practical tips that you can implement within your business.

Opportunities in the Development of Green Hydrogen Projects in Mexico
2024-10-03 16:00 - 17:00
This webinar will present the existing opportunities for the development of green projects in the Mexican market for Scottish companies.

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-10-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Brechin Library, 10 St. Ninians Square, Brechin, DD9 7AD
The Business Gateway team will be at Brechin Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

Planning for Maintenance and Asset Management
2024-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | ETZ Ltd, 53 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen, AB25 2DY
Join our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) on 9 October 2024, from 9:30am to 12:00 noon, for a free Lean Breakfast Workshop at W-Zero-1 collaboration space at ETZ, Aberdeen, which will provide you with the tools to support you through the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme’s Process Excellence requirements.
The series is designed to help you develop your own continuous improvement strategies, to apply process improvements, improve workplace organisation and much more. Each workshop will also begin and end with a 30-minute networking opportunity.
Workshop six – Planning for Maintenance and Asset Management
Our final workshop will focus on supporting your business with planned maintenance and asset management. You will learn:

How to maximise effectiveness of each asset
About structured approaches to improving equipment condition and performance
Practical tips to build operator knowledge and ownership of equipment

Our event is open to all manufacturers and producers – large, small and sector wide – who wish to improve business efficiency and begin their F4OR accreditation. It’s aimed at business leaders and managers who are looking to introduce a culture of change within the business and who wish to engage the workforce to look for opportunities to do things better and deliver process improvements that can benefit your business.

Christmas visual merchandising: Make your business sparkle this Christmas
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Craws Nest, 67 Ravensby Park Gardens, Carnoustie, DD7 7NY
Join us for an insightful event to help you maximize your business potential this Christmas season. Our expert will share proven strategies for creating eye-catching displays using cost-effective yet powerful props and design techniques. You’ll learn how to transform your retail space into a festive, engaging environment that draws in customers and drives sales.
Following the presentation there will be a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to address the topics covered and ask specific questions.
This event can be followed up with online one to one sessions for individuals interested in getting further personal support.
Book now to improve your festive merchandising skills and ensure your business stands out this Christmas!

Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
Ready to accelerate your business growth but unsure where to begin?
Look no further than our Ready Steady Grow workshop focused on accelerating business growth. Led by experienced business advisers, this session is designed to help you identify your growth potential and create a roadmap for success.
Through collaborative discussions with like-minded businesses, you’ll gain new insights, tools and knowledge to help support your growth plans. You’ll also walk away with a network of fellow business owners to connect with for ongoing support.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!

The Psychology of Unlocking Ambition and Managing Risk
2024-10-21 14:30 - 16:00
In an ideal world, companies should have a risk culture that balances risk awareness and risk taking. A lack of risk can lead to the stagnation of innovation, whereas too much risk can cause a company to lose valuable resources or financial gains.
This webinar will explore ambition and risk in business and the growth mindset that is required.
It will be facilitated by Dougie Ritchie of Taylor Clarke and the keynote speaker will be Suneil Mishra – a GlobalScot who has been an investor, advisor, consultant, and entrepreneur for more than two decades. He’s been involved in seed and early-stage companies that have raised over $100 million, with exits fast approaching one billion dollars.

Tourism Experiences: Online Booking or Bust
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Join VisitScotland’s new interactive webinar workshop and take a deeper look at online booking systems for visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies.
Discover how an online booking system can transform your operations. From streamlining processes to maximising bookings – make sure it’s one of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal.
You’ll also hear about how your booking system can serve as the ultimate hub for product information, availability, and bookings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Transforming Our Towns: How Digitisation is Driving Local Economic Growth
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
In today’s fast-paced world, digitisation is not just a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind economic growth, efficiency, and scalability. Our local economy is experiencing a remarkable transformation, fueled by digital advancements that are reshaping industries, creating jobs, and fostering a new era of prosperity.
Event Highlights

Explore Cutting-Edge Digital Solutions: Discover how local businesses are harnessing the power of digitisation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity. From advanced automation to AI-driven analytics, see firsthand the tools that are revolutionising our economic landscape.
Success Stories: Learn from industry leaders and trailblazers who have successfully implemented digital strategies, driving growth in towns and business improvement districts. These real-world exemplars will demonstrate how embracing digital innovation has led to tangible results, from increased revenue to expanded market reach.
Economic Efficiency in Action: Hear how digitisation is enabling businesses to achieve more with less. By reducing waste, optimising resources, and improving decision-making processes, businesses and communities in our towns are not only becoming more efficient but also more resilient in the face of challenges.
Scaling New Heights: Explore the role of digitisation in enabling businesses to scale rapidly and sustainably. Understand how digital platforms and infrastructure are empowering local enterprises to expand beyond borders, tapping into new markets and opportunities with ease.

Why Attend?

Inspire Growth: Whether you’re a town or business improvement district manager, a business owner, entrepreneur, or policy maker, this showcase will equip you with insights and inspiration to leverage digitisation for economic success.
Connect with Innovators: Connect with thought leaders, industry experts, and peers who are at the forefront of digital transformation. Build partnerships and collaborations that could drive your own digital transformation journey.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: In a rapidly evolving digital economy, staying informed is key. This event is your chance to stay ahead of trends, understand emerging technologies, and prepare for the future.

Be a part of the digital revolution. Join us for a showcase that not only celebrates the power of digitisation but also sets the stage for the continued growth and success of our local economies across Scotland’s towns and places.
Don’t miss out—register today and be at the forefront of economic innovation!
This event promises to be a pivotal moment for our community, highlighting the ways in which digitisation is not only transforming businesses but also driving broader economic benefits. Be there to witness the future unfold!

Managing People for Growth
2024-10-30 09:30 - 16:00
Our workshops cover several key areas that can help you develop the skills of your people managers.
You’ll learn how to:

Identify the skills and approaches managers require to perform their roles successfully both now and in the future.
Implement fair and progressive work practices through an understanding of key drivers that can develop new ways of working (for example, the fair work framework, productivity and benefits of employee engagement).
Understand the importance of effectively maximising and improving existing staff skills, while identifying the style and attributes of an effective manager.

Tourism Experiences: Mastering Online Travel Agents
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:30
Can Online Travel Agents (OTAs) add to your growth and, most importantly, to your profitability?
Join our interactive webinar designed to provide visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies, with an in depth understanding of working with OTAs.
This session will focus on businesses that are looking to start using OTAs for the first time and, if already using an OTA, how to improve the performance of your listings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2024-11-07 10:00 - 12:00
You’ve heard of Artificial Intelligence, but do you know how it can help you as you run your business? This practical webinar will explore how AI can help improve your business marketing to be more efficient and cost-effective, through the automatic creation of content for all your digital platforms; as well as helping you better understand your customers and business opportunities.
This webinar will cover:

What is Artificial Intelligence
Current AI tools and systems to use right now (including ChatGPT and MidJourney)
Automating digital content for blogs and social media
Using AI for business strategy and customer profiling
The pros and cons of AI for small businesses

This webinar will help you understand how you can integrate AI into your existing marketing, looking at the potential consequences (good and bad) of Artificial Intelligence, and its impact on small businesses and their customers.

Tourism Experiences: Discover the Travel Trade
2024-11-07 11:00 - 12:00
Join VisitScotland’s last webinar of the series and discover the world of travel trade.
Learn about the landscape of travel distribution, market insights and trends. Explore the opportunities of working with the travel trade and how diversifying routes to market can help you grow business year-round.
This free, hour-long webinar takes place on 7 November from 11am – 12pm.
What is today’s visitor expecting? What is tomorrow’s visitor looking for? Find out more about travel and booking preferences of UK and international visitor markets.
Discover how to work with travel trade to bring to market new bookable products and experiences and explore how you can engage in regional and sectoral collaboration to accelerate business growth.
Also covered in this session – a product sheet for travel trade, with industry experts to help you navigate this.
This webinar is not to be missed, packed full of support, insights and practical tips that you can implement within your business.

Continuous Improvement Business Breakfast Workshop
2024-11-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Engineering Partnership Innovation Centre, Keptie Road, Arbroath, DD11 3EA
Our breakfast workshop – delivered by our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) – is an opportunity to take a step back and look at an alternative way of working and thinking about your business.
As well as providing a short overview of the SMAS, we’ll explore how lean manufacturing can help engage people and create a sustainable change and culture in your business.
Because the workshop takes place at the EPIC, there will also be an opportunity to engage with our partners at Tay Cities Engineering Partnership. You’ll see first-hand how EPIC provides a wealth of resources for students, businesses, and the wider community.
You’ll also learn how it’s home to new equipment, including fully operational CNC mills and lathes, micro CNCs, 3D printers, and cobots.
What you’ll learn from this event
Improving productivity in your business can lead to a reduction in production costs and make your business more competitive. By focussing on adding value through lean techniques, you can improve quality, cost, and delivery performance, along with increased capacity.
Our highly interactive event will simulate how businesses are run. It highlights some of the typical daily challenges that businesses experience and will demonstrate an alternative way of looking at your business.
You’ll learn how to think and act differently to improve your business efficiency by applying simple lean thinking principles.
You’ll gain insight to the potential integration of automation within your organisation that can increase and expand ambition, productivity, growth, and profitability as part of our Q&A session.
Capital Investment queries to assist automation requirements.
Why attend?
This event is for progressive people who wish to understand the basics of improvement through team-building exercises and practical application.
Through the manufacturing simulation provided, you’ll gain an understanding of the wastes and learn the importance of performance management.
This activity workshop provides the opportunity to step back from current operations, review the essential implementation elements of improvement, and assess the way forward for your organisation.
Who should attend?
This event is suited for people at a senior management level. This includes those who have responsibility for championing or driving business improvement within the workplace, and/or are involved in the implementation of new processes and new ways of working.
The event has been timed to ensure minimum time away from the workplace. It starts at 9am with breakfast and refreshments. It will finish promptly at noon.
There will be ample opportunity to network with like-minded people and explore ways that SMAS can support your business.
This event is free of charge, with limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment.
