A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2026-01-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
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

How to franchise your business in 2026
2026-01-09 12:00 - 12:30
Franchising is one of the fastest ways to scale in the UK. Join our free webinar and discover how to turn your successful business into a franchise model that works.
Learn from Julie Clabby, who built The Busylizzy Club from a single location in 2011 into an award-winning UK franchise network with over 50 locations. She franchised the business in 2014 and has recruited, supported and grown franchises ever since.
What you’ll learn in 30 minutes:

What franchising actually is
Importance of a pilot
Financials
Documenting everything
Territory mapping

Why every business needs a strategic plan | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-13 12:00 - 12:30
Strategic planning is essential for overcoming stagnation and achieving business success. But where do you find time amid daily tasks? And why does it matter?
This webinar, led by experienced researcher and entrepreneur Tammy Whalen Blake, will challenge your perspective on growth.
Tammy has a proven record of assisting hundreds of businesses in their transition and offers actionable strategies for effective planning and execution.
This isn’t just theory – it’s practical insight from actual business experience.
Topics covered in this session:

How strategic planning keeps your pipeline primed and creates predictable growth
How to identify your best possible balance between CEO, manager and expert activities so you can grow sustainably without burning out
How to transform from self-employed to business owner by defining your vision, taking advantage of your strengths and making data-informed decisions

Thorntons Webinar - What to Expect in 2026
2026-01-20 09:30 - 10:30
In 2025, there were significant changes to UK immigration law which impacted international citizens living and working in Scotland. Further change is expected in 2026, with the UK Government expected to make further changes to work visa routes and the path to settlement and citizenship.
Join our specialist immigration team to find out what these changes mean for individuals, families and businesses.

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? Have you considered selling your business to an employee ownership trust? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options.
Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners. Attend this free online workshop to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company’s legacy while ensuring you get a competitive price for the business.
Aimed at business owners considering an exit from their company, this free online session will give you the opportunity to hear from marketing and design agency Whitewall and Isle of Arran based Auchrannie Resort. They’ll talk about the factors they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked out.
Andrew Harrison from Co-ownership Solutions will talk through all your ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.

An introduction to business strategy
2026-01-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-11 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

Extending Your Offering to Increase Sales
2026-01-28 11:30 - 13:00
By offering complementary products or services, you give customers the chance to purchase a more complete solution from you. This not only increases sales revenue but also improves customer satisfaction and convenience. The goal is to build on what you already do well—whether you’re a service provider, producer, or retailer.
In this Learning Session, led by Enterprise Facilitator Daniel Muir, an expert in supply chain management, we’ll consider how to choose suitable products or services to add, commercial considerations, practicalities and how to get the best results.
By the end of this session you’ll leave with much clearer steps about what you can do for your business in 2026.

Grow boldly: Smarter security for the next stage of your business
2026-01-28 12:00 - 12:30
As your business grows, so do your opportunities and so do the risks.
From protecting customer data to securing your systems against new cyber threats, keeping your business safe is essential to scaling with confidence.
In this practical and forward-looking session, experts from Dell and Intel will share real-life examples and demos of smart, affordable tools that help you protect your data, devices, and teams, without slowing down innovation.
Whether you’re expanding your team, adopting AI tools, or moving more of your business online, this session will show you how to strengthen your digital foundations so you can spend more time on growing your business.

How to get into retail | Lunch and Learn
2026-02-02 12:00 - 12:30
Breaking into retail can feel like a black box: unclear expectations, mixed advice and little transparency around what buyers truly value.
In this practical session, Anne-Sophie Martin-Kukah draws back the curtain on what happens behind the shelves, sharing real-world insights from over a decade working with major FMCG brands and challenger founders.
You’ll learn how retailers assess brands, where founders often lose traction and what “retail-ready” actually means in today’s climate.
This session is designed to help founders of consumer goods move beyond guesswork, build credibility with buyers and make smarter decisions.
Topics covered in this session:

What “retail-ready” actually means and where you truly stand. Most founders are told to “get retail-ready” without ever being shown what that looks like in practice. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the commercial, operational and brand markers retailers use to assess businesses, and how to honestly evaluate your own readiness today.
How buyers think, decide and “de-risk” their choice. Go beyond surface-level pitching advice and understand how retail buyers actually make decisions. What reassures them, what raises red flags and how do they assess risk when backing emerging brands?
A practical framework to move forward – whether you’re pre-pitch, pitching or post-pitch. Founders often don’t know what to do next if retail feels “a bit too soon” or if interest hasn’t converted into listings. You’ll gain a clear framework to help you prioritise actions, strengthen gaps and progress strategically, instead of rushing or stalling.

A Strategic Reset for Independent Businesses
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | The Stag, 140-144 Castle Street, Forfar, DD8 3HX
Feeling things are a bit quiet right now?
Maybe it’s roadworks, bad weather, or simply that early-year slowdown when people are watching their spending. Whatever the reason, this is the perfect time to step back, evaluate, and reset your business for the year ahead.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to refocus, set new goals, and plan for the months ahead. Join us for an action-led, interactive workshop created to energise, connect, and equip you with practical strategies to grow your business.
The session is split into two parts:

Managing Disruption and Building Resilience
Reset, Refresh, and Re-launch

You’ll learn:

How to stay visible and accessible during quieter periods
Low-cost, effective ways to keep your business front of mind
How to prioritise key products, customers, and costs to protect cashflow and maintain stability

Take this time to invest in your business and start the year strong.

Scaling your business in 2026: Growth strategies for success
2026-02-05 11:00 - 12:00
Join LegalVision’s free webinar, Scaling Your Business in 2026: Growth Strategies for Success, with Michaela Corley, practice leader, who will advise businesses on structuring, capital-raising and governance.
This session covers building a sustainable business model, preparing for investment and developing leadership teams to support long-term growth.
Key takeaways from this session:

How to structure your business for scale
Capital-raising options and investment readiness
Leadership and employee incentives, including share options

Preparing for 2026: What your business needs to know | Lunch and Learn
2026-02-05 12:00 - 12:30
Is your business ready for the legal and regulatory changes coming in 2026?
Making sure you have strong legal and financial foundations in place will help you capitalise on new opportunities for growth.
In this Lunch and Learn, LegalVision’s co-head of legal, Robert Nay, will walk through the key updates and actions you should take now.
Topics covered in this session:

Your 2026 commitments when it comes to data and privacy compliance
Upcoming Companies House verification requirements
Consumer law changes affecting how you sell and communicate
Whether your client and team contracts are fit for purpose in 2026

Branding & Pricing: Set Your Business Up For Growth
2026-02-05 13:00 - 18:00 | Forfar Community Campus, Kirriemuir Road, Forfar, DD8 3TG
Our Branding & Pricing workshop is great for business owners who want to build a strong foundation for their business. In this session our experts will guide you through creating a clear Branding Framework and an aligned Pricing Strategy Blueprint. By the end, you’ll have a personalised plan to define your brand’s unique value and price it for profit and growth.
In a competitive market, your brand isn’t just a logo; it’s a promise. And your pricing isn’t just a number; it’s a key part of your brand. This workshop brings these two essential elements together, ensuring they work in harmony.
You’ll work through a series of structured exercises to build a comprehensive blueprint for your business.
This workshop is highly interactive and provides a dedicated template that you’ll complete as you go, with plenty of time for group discussions, peer feedback, and one-on-one support.
What you’ll learn

Clarify Your Brand Purpose: Define your ‘why’ to communicate with confidence.
Know Your Ideal Customer: Pinpoint who you’re targeting and how to reach them.
Stand Out: Shape a unique brand identity that sets you apart.
Price with Purpose: Explore pricing models and value-based strategies.
Create Pricing Tiers: Build a structure that attracts different customer types and boosts revenue.

It’s perfect for anyone who feels uncertain about what their brand stands for or how to price their offerings effectively.

Simple automations that run your business in the background
2026-02-05 14:00 - 15:00
Modern tools can quietly take care of the small but essential jobs that keep your business moving. From reminders to invoicing, simple automations can save you time every single day so you can focus on the work that actually needs you.
Join this practical session to explore straightforward, reliable automations that handle routine tasks in the background. You’ll learn how to set up step-by-step workflows that reduce admin, improve consistency and free up valuable hours in your week. No technical knowledge required!
What we’ll cover:

How to automate everyday tasks such as reminders, follow-ups and client updates
Ways to build routine processes into automated checklists so nothing slips through the cracks
How to link your favourite apps so information flows smoothly between tools
Practical examples of low-effort automations that make a measurable difference to your day

You’ll leave with clear, easy-to-apply ideas that help you cut down repetitive work, be more organised and keep your business running smoothly in the background.
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer or small business owner, these time-saving approaches can help you regain focus and make your week more productive.

Is franchising right for you? What you need to know
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00
Franchising can be an attractive way to run a business with the backing of a proven brand, but it’s not the right fit for everyone.
Before committing, it’s essential to understand how the model works and what’s expected of you.
Join LegalVision’s free webinar, Is Franchising Right for You? What You Need to Know, with Paul Loccisano (senior associate).
Key takeaways from this session:

What makes a strong and sustainable franchise model
The support, systems and obligations franchisors should provide
Skills, commitment and location factors critical to success

How to franchise your business
2026-02-12 12:00 - 12:30
Franchising is one of the fastest ways to scale in the UK. Join our free webinar and discover how to turn your successful business into a franchise model that works.
Learn from Julie Clabby, who built The Busylizzy Club from a single location in 2011 into an award-winning UK franchise network with over 50 locations. She franchised the business in 2014 and has recruited, supported and grown franchises ever since.
What you’ll learn in 30 minutes:

What franchising actually is
Importance of a pilot
Financials
Documenting everything
Territory mapping
Bonus tips : My biggest mistakes!

How to realign your business goals before Q2 | Lunch and Learn
2026-02-16 12:00 - 12:30
Most business owners start the year with the right intentions – then life, work and procrastination get in the way.
In this session, Mark Elliott will help you reset your direction before Q2, build the right environment for your goals, choose goals that truly matter to you and create the kind of clear, realistic plan you can actually follow.
Topics covered in this session:

How to build an environment which supports your goals (especially if you are off track already)
How to set goals that genuinely matter to the business (and YOU)
How clarity in planning removes overwhelm

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2026-02-19 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? Have you considered selling your business to an employee ownership trust? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options.
Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners. Attend this free online workshop to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company’s legacy while ensuring you get a competitive price for the business.
Aimed at business owners considering an exit from their company, this free online session will give you the opportunity to hear from strategic communication experts Aspect and Ayrshire-based bus and coach operator Shuttle Buses. They’ll talk about the factors they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked out.
Innes Chalmers from Covenant will talk through all your ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.

Before you sign that lease: What every retail business must check
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
Signing a retail lease is a major commitment, and the terms you agree to can affect your business long after you move in. Knowing what to check before you sign helps avoid hidden costs and restrictive obligations.
Join our free webinar, Before You Sign That Lease: What Every Retail Business Must Check, with LegalVision’s Paul Loccisano.
Key takeaways:

Understanding lease boundaries and repair obligations
When a break clause can protect your flexibility
How rent reviews and ongoing costs work

Business Structures: What is best suitable to your Agritourism Business?
2026-02-20 12:00 - 13:00
Business structures. What is the best way to structure your agritourism, farm retail and farming businesses? One business or two or more?
Learn about advantages and disadvantages for tax planning, business rates, family succession and other factors with this one hour webinar hosted by Ian Craig and Alan Glen, Azets. There will be the chance to ask questions.

The Race to Security
2026-02-25 14:00 - 15:00
Learn what you need to do to boost your cyber resilience from EY Cyber Security Practice Leader Rick Hemsley.
Understand the global megatrends shaping Scotland’s future economy and hear from industry and Scottish Enterprise experts on the actions you can take to help future proof your business.
It’s never been more important to ensure your cyber security measures are strong enough to protect your organisation. Led by EY Cyber Security Practice Leader, Rick Hemsley, this webinar will focus on what you need to do to boost your cyber resilience.
Global trends can often disrupt markets and destroy business models. But they can also quickly open up new opportunities for adaptive countries and companies.
This webinar series focuses on how businesses can anticipate future change and take action to grasp new opportunities and become more resilient in the face of business risks.
This webinar will focus on the ‘race for security’, where geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and resource scarcity are leading to growing economic nationalism and fundamental shifts in global trade takes place.

How to strengthen online security and protect your business in 2026
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Small businesses across Scotland are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals, often facing phishing scams, ransomware, data breaches, and online fraud. With limited time, budgets, and in-house expertise, the impact of an attack can be serious – but there are practical steps that can make a real difference.
This panel discussion will explore the most common cyber threats facing small businesses today and share clear, cost-effective actions owners and teams can take away. Our experts will focus on building strong cyber hygiene, helping staff spot and avoid scams, and understanding whether your systems and suppliers are secure enough.
You’ll also hear what to do if the worst happens, learn about affordable tools and trusted resources that can help strengthen your digital defences, and gain practical insight into preparing your business for the years ahead.

Future-Proofing Your Business: Next Steps and Practical Tools
2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:00
Final webinar in the megatrends series brings together the key themes from across the programme & focuses on what your business can do next.

This final session will concentrate on practical tools and techniques that you can use to anticipate future change, test strategic options and respond with confidence in an uncertain environment.
It will also feature the ACS Group’s business growth journey, exploring how they have proactively responded to emerging trends and opportunities in their market.
This free session will:

Introduce practical futures tools and techniques used by leading organisations
Help you turn insight into action
Explore real world examples of transformative change
Support longer-term strategic thinking and resilience

The webinar will be introduced by Ewan Mearns of Scottish Enterprise.
The webinar will be led by Alister Wilson of Waverley Management Consultants and author of the UK Government’s Futures toolkit. Alister will discuss practical approaches to futures thinking.
This session is ideal if you’re looking to prepare your organisation for future change, including:

Those responsible for strategy, innovation or long-term planning
Anyone looking for practical ways to prepare their organisation for future change

Market Research Made Simple
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:30
Are you feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start you’re your market research? Not sure how to stand out in a competitive market?
Market research doesn’t need to be complicated. This workshop will give you the tools, structure and confidence to understand your target market, analyse competitors and spot real opportunities so you can make smarter business decisions and grow with clarity.
You will learn:

What market research is and why it matters
The difference between primary and secondary research
How to clearly profile your target customer
How to analyse competitors meaningfully
How to identify trends, gaps and opportunities
How to turn research into practical business decisions

Book your place now and leave knowing exactly how to gather useful insights and turn them into confident next steps.
