Writing a business plan – Why it's essential for ALL businesses
2022-03-29 15:00 - 17:00, 2022-04-04 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-04-21 09:30 - 11:30, 2022-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Just starting up or looking to update your business plan to get funding or take forward developments? Then this session is for you.
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 cover:

The business plan structure
What should be included within each section
When and how to use a business plan
The connections (and importance) between the words and the numbers
How to identify and manage cashflow within the business planning process

Meet The Advisor - General Surgery
2022-03-30 09:00 - 17:00
Whether you are thinking about starting a business or you have already started one, the Meet the Adviser General Surgery is an opportunity to meet with one of the Business Gateway Tayside team over Zoom to ask any business related questions you may have.
We have slots throughout the day and you will be matched up with an adviser that suits whichever stage of running a business you are at.

What to do if running your business feels hard
2022-03-30 11:00 - 12:00
Running a business that is out of alignment with your true self is like driving a car with one wheel pointing the wrong way. It slows you down, wastes energy, ruins your equipment and creates unnecessary stress for you and anyone connected to you. People deal with this problem in one of three ways:

Turn up the radio and ignore it
Put their foot down harder, hoping force and persistence will solve things
Are humble enough to realise they’re on the wrong course and bravely commit to a path of self-discovery and a more impactful way of living

In this context the correct option seems so obvious. Why then, do so many business owners choose options one or two when it comes to dealing with misalignment in their businesses?
In this webinar we will explore:

What causes us to feel tired, burnt out or frustrated in our businesses
What to do if/when you find yourself in this situation
Long term changes you can make to make your business feel more effortless

Customer service: Creating the right response, approach and reputation for your business
2022-04-12 14:00 - 16:00
Did you know that a returning customer will typically spend more than two thirds more with your business than a brand new one?
Did you know that by retaining just 5% of your customer base can give an increase of over 20% in profits for your business?
Having an effective strategy in place for your business to deliver great customer service is critical for your business. From deciding on an initial customer service strategy to how to use customer feedback to help grow your business, this webinar covers the key things you need to consider when thinking about how your business interacts with its customers. Some of the topics covered in this webinar include:

Why good customer service is critical for business growth
What are the essentials of delivering great customer service and how should this be delivered?
How to effectively manage different types of customers and their expectations
How, why, and when should you measure the service a business delivers
How to use the service provided to promote a business and enable growth

Taking a strategic approach to developing your business
2022-04-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2022-05-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-06-10 14:00 - 16:00
The webinar is practical, and outcomes driven.
Content will focus on a pragmatic approach to Strategic Planning designed to fit with the needs of small businesses in both B2C and B2B environments.
Topics covered during the webinar will include:

Looking 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

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

Creating value for your customers
2022-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
It’s essential to consider your target market when developing your products and services to ensure you meet their needs and desires. Following this webinar, you will understand the key steps you can take now to understand, create and improve your value proposition.
Topics covered include:

How to create value for your customers
The Value Proposition Canvas
Understanding and maximising your value proposition
The Customer Journey Concept
Customer segments, needs, pains and gains

Webinars, live streams, and video conferences: Running a business remotely
2022-04-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-16 18:00 - 19:30
There are many tools available to allow you to communicate with people online. Whether you are trying to run a workshop or seminar, hold a meeting or just communicate. Many of these digital tools are easy to use and offer some powerful facilities. Let us guide you through:

What webinars, live streams and video conferences are and what is right for your business
Case studies and examples of how they are used
An overview of the tools and platforms currently available

IT Management Graduate Apprenticeships - Developing the skills of your workforce at no additional cost
2022-05-11 09:30 - 11:30
Let us help you to develop the IT skills of your workforce at no additional cost
Information Technology, or IT, is all around us. From interacting with customers and processing invoices to checking your email and updating your website, there is a good chance that IT plays a pivotal role in your business.
Our reliance on IT has soared over the last year, and it is very likely that every single employee within your business now uses varying levels of IT daily. With more and more consumers and businesses moving online, this reliance is only going to increase.
In order to keep up with this demand, we would like to help you to invest in the development of your workforce’s IT knowledge, skills and experience at no additional cost to your business.
How does it work?
Our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
We have fully funded and easily accessible places available on five different courses:

IT Management for Business
IT Software Development
Business Management
Civil Engineering
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will receive the same level of degree as a student studying full time.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.
Join us at our IT event
If you would like to find out how our IT Management for Business Graduate Apprenticeship course can help you to develop the knowledge, skills and experience of your workforce whilst helping your business grow, then join us on Wednesday 11 May.
Not only will you hear from our Industrial Liaison Officer Wayne Paul and our IT Graduate Apprenticeship Lecturers, you will also hear from both employers and apprentices who are currently using the programme, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.

Business Management Graduate Apprenticeships - Developing the skills of your workforce at no additional cost
2022-05-11 11:00 - 12:00
Let us help you to develop the Business Management skills of your workforce (of all ages) at no additional cost to your business
Join us on Wednesday 11 May to find out how our fully funded Business Management Graduate Apprenticeship Course can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience of your workforce, whilst helping your business grow.
At the event, you will hear from both apprentices and employers who are currently utilising our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.
You will also hear from our Industrial Liaison Officer Wayne Paul, along with some of our Business Management Lecturers, so you can find out everything you need to know about our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, and how it can help you to develop your talent, boost your performance, and grow your business.
How does it work?
Our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
We have fully funded and easily accessible places available on five different courses:

Business Management
IT Management for Business
IT Software Development
Civil Engineering
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will receive the same level of degree as a student studying full time.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.

Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeships - Developing the skills of your workforce at no additional cost
2022-05-11 13:00 - 14:00
Let us help you to develop the Civil Engineering skills of your workforce (of all ages) at no additional cost to your business
Join us on Wednesday 11 May to find out how our fully funded Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship Course can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience of your workforce, whilst helping your business grow.
At the event, you will hear from both apprentices and employers who are currently utilising our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.
You will also hear from our Industrial Liaison Officer Wayne Paul, along with some of our Civil Engineering Lecturers, so you can find out everything you need to know about our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, and how it can help you to develop your talent, boost your performance, and grow your business.
How does it work?
Our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
We have fully funded and easily accessible places available on five different courses:

Business Management
IT Management for Business
IT Software Development
Civil Engineering
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will receive the same level of degree as a student studying full time.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.

IT Software Development Graduate Apprenticeships - Developing the skills of your workforce at no additional cost
2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:00
Let us help you to develop the IT software development skills of your workforce at no additional cost
As we look to the future, now is the time to think about the development needs of your workforce.
Join us to find out how our fully funded IT Software Development Graduate Apprenticeship can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience of your workforce, whilst helping your business grow.
With fully funded courses available in Business Management, IT Management for Business, IT Software Development, Civil Engineering, and Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, we can help you develop employees from across your business.
At the event, you will hear from both apprentices and employers who are currently utilising our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.
You will also hear from our Industrial Liaison Officer Wayne Paul, along with some of our lecturers, so you can find out everything you need to know about our IT Software Development Graduate Apprenticeship, and how it can help you to develop your talent, boost your performance, and grow your business.
How does it work?
Our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
We have fully funded and easily accessible places available on five different courses:

IT Management for Business
IT Software Development
Business Management
Civil Engineering
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will receive the same level of degree as a student studying full time.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.

Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Graduate Apprenticeships - Developing the skills of your workforce at no additional cost
2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:00
Let us help you to develop the Engineering, Design and Manufacturing skills of your workforce (of all ages) at no additional cost to your business
Join us on Thursday 12 May to find out how our fully funded Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Graduate Apprenticeship Course can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience of your workforce, whilst helping your business grow.
At the event, you will hear from both apprentices and employers who are currently utilising our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.
You will also hear from our Industrial Liaison Officer Wayne Paul, along with some of our Engineering Lecturers, so you can find out everything you need to know about our Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, and how it can help you to develop your talent, boost your performance, and grow your business.
How does it work?
Our fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
We have fully funded and easily accessible places available on five different courses:

Civil Engineering
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing
Business Management
IT Management for Business
IT Software Development

Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will receive the same level of degree as a student studying full time.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.

How to write a Business Plan and why you need one
2022-05-12 18:00 - 20:30
This webinar will help you create a robust business plan.
The webinar will look at:

creating a description for your business
the business planning process
efficient ways of obtaining skills and resources
presenting your business plan

Intellectual property: The fundamentals for business
2022-05-13 10:00 - 12:00
You have invested time, energy and money into your project, however, have you protected the innovation?
Following this webinar, you will understand how to manage your intellectual property (IP) or how to start the process of registering it.
Topics covered include:

What is IP?
Can you own IP?
How can IP be protected?
What is the difference between intellectual and physical assets?

Market Research Made Easy
2022-05-16 18:00 - 20:30
This workshop aims to help you identify your customers, understand your competitors and plan an effective marketing strategy.
The workshop will look at:

the role of marketing in your business
identifying your target customers
identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors
market research

TravelTech Huddle
2022-05-18 16:00 - 17:00
Join this online huddle as Josh from TravelTech Scotland gives an overview of the possibilities through technology for tourism.
The overall aim of the TravelTech programme is to improve the innovation of your business or enterprise and to help you capitalise on new economic and innovation opportunities.
Josh will help guide us through what that means for tourism and hospitality; be it online booking systems, shorter supply chains, or visitor management tools and much more.
Our huddles always allow time for discussion, knowledge sharing and support with any challenges and opportunities around travel technology.

Starting a business: Everything you need to know
2022-05-25 18:00 - 20:00
Whatever your reasons may be for considering being your own boss, Business Gateway is here to support you and this webinar will help you decide if this is the right path for you. We will explore your potential customers, the problems your business can solve for them and how you can do that better than the competition. Once that is clear, we will look at the key activities and costs involved in starting and running the business and tools for determining the commercial viability before considering the main options for business structures (sole trader, partnership, or limited company).
We will look at:

Personal finance planning – how much do you need to earn?
Researching your market – to develop an understanding of your market, who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field.
Business structure – what are the main business structures? How to decide which is right for you and how to register as a business.
Creating your start-up action plan – an outline.

Working a room - virtual training with Richard Norris
2022-05-27 13:00 - 14:00
Do you walk into a room, read the fire escape instructions three times, talk to a plant, down a few glasses of wine then go to the toilet? Would you rather exude the effortless charm of the consummate corporate ambassador? Many of us are all fingers and thumbs over the canapés when there really is no need.
During this webinar you will learn:

The business development process
Facing the fear of networking
Breaking through your comfort zone
Top 10 networking tips
Features versus benefits
Your value proposition

Free for members. £5 for non-members, which will go to the charity Thriving Survivors.

Developing your workforce
2022-05-31 10:00 - 11:00
Find out how the fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme can help you to develop the skills of you and/or your workforce (of all ages), at no additional cost to your business.
Speakers
Wayne Paul, Engagement Manager, University of Dundee
Fiona McMillan, Business Engagement Officer, University of Stirling
Also hear from a employer and apprentice (tbc)
More Information
Join us to find out how the fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience of your workforce, whilst helping your business grow.
With fully funded honours degree courses available to current and new employees (of all ages) in Business Management, IT Management for Business, IT Software Development, Data Science, Civil Engineering, and Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, we can help you develop employees from across your business.
At the event, you will hear from the University of Dundee’s Engagement Manager Wayne Paul, and the University of Stirling’s Business Engagement Manager Fiona McMillan, where you will find out everything you need to know about the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme and how it can help you to develop your talent, boost your performance, and grow your business.
You will also hear from an apprentice and employer, so you can find out about their experience first-hand and the benefits the programme can bring to your business.
How does it work?
The fully funded Graduate Apprenticeship Programme gives you the opportunity to develop current or new members of your workforce (of all ages) to honours degree level at no additional cost to your business.
There are fully funded and easily accessible places available on six different courses:
Business Management (University of Dundee)
IT Management for Business (University of Dundee)
IT Software Development (University of Dundee)
Data Science (University of Stirling)
Civil Engineering (University of Dundee)
Engineering, Design and Manufacturing (University of Dundee)
Graduate Apprentices spend one day a week studying at the University and the remaining four days of the week working in their role. At the end of four years they will leave with a full honours degree.
The application process is simple and easy and there is no mountain of paperwork to complete.

Cloud for business
2022-06-07 18:00 - 19:30
How can you keep track of customers, manage resources and keep in touch with everyone efficiently? Is a cloud-based solution right for your business? How do different back office strategies compare on cost and value?
At the end of this webinar, you’ll have:

Up-to-date information and tools to help you make strategic back-office decisions.
Real-world examples will help you understand different cloud-based platforms, their functions, and their costs.
You will be able to identify which platforms suit your business, and how their scalability could complement your plans.

Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2022-06-07 18:00 - 20:00
Are you a business that has been trading for less than five years?
Do you realise your full potential? This is an opportunity for you to gain an outsider’s perspective, which can be essential in realising the potential for your business to expand.
Working with our advisers, you will analyse the current state of your business, and identify key areas for growth. You will also be shown various tools that can be utilised to analyse your business’ performance.
You will leave this webinar feeling motivated, with the knowledge of how to grow your business. You’ll now be able to set new goals, that previously weren’t possible.
If you are an early-stage business looking to grow, book your place now!
This webinar is for businesses located in Perth, Dundee & Angus.

Market Research Made Easy
2022-06-09 09:30 - 12:30
The workshop will look at:

the role of marketing in your business
identifying your target customers
identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors
market research

There will also be information on additional services from Business Gateway and details of other workshops which may be appropriate for you.

Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring
2022-06-09 13:30 - 15:00
The Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring project is designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) adopt simple digital technologies to improve your business and make digitalisation easy and accessible.
By providing companies with low-cost, low-risk solutions that directly address your top business priorities, Shoestring helps:

Improve processes
Upskill your staff
Encourage collaboration with like-minded companies and Higher Education Institutions

In partnership with the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and Scottish Enterprise, this webinar will showcase how a Scottish business deployed a simple Shoestring solution and explain how the company has benefited. You’ll also learn why this company is now feeling confident about digitalisation and thinking about what else it can achieve with technology.
During this session, you’ll get a chance to:

Look at low-cost digital options suitable for small manufacturing companies
Hear a first-hand account from a Scottish SME
Explore digital solutions which could address your top business needs
Learn about opportunities for further involvement in the Shoestring project

The webinar is open to any small or medium-sized manufacturing company in Scotland.
