Invest in Angus

Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Brechin Library)
2025-03-03 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-28 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | 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.

An introduction to business strategy
2025-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-13 10:00 - 12:00
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

Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Monifieth Library)
2025-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Profitable Pricing for Sustainable Growth
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU
Discover the key to sustainable business growth with our essential pricing workshop, created to help you set the right price for your products and services.
In this workshop, you’ll learn proven strategies to price for profit, ensuring your business thrives without compromising its value. We’ll explore the psychology behind pricing, cost structures, and market positioning to help you identify the optimal price point that drives profitability and customer appeal.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a solopreneur, this workshop will provide you with the tools to confidently price your offerings, boost margins, and maximise your earning potential.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding the cost and value factors that drive profitable pricing.
Techniques to evaluate and adjust your pricing strategy.
How to communicate your pricing effectively to clients.
Setting prices that align with your business goals and customer expectations.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear, actionable pricing strategy that sets your business up for long-term success.

How to generate and increase sales
2025-03-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 13:00 - 15:00
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

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2025-03-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-06 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

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2025-03-20 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options. Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners.
Aimed at business owners considering an exit from their company, this session will give attendees the opportunity to hear specialist hydrocarbon accounting consultancy Accord Energy Solutions explain what they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked.
Louise Fisher from Baxendale EO will talk through all ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.

The Smart Way to Build and Protect Your Brand
2025-03-20 11:30 - 13:00
Join us for an interactive session led by GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator Becca Flory, who is a serial entrepreneur and lawyer.
Using case studies, Becca will share ‘dos and don’ts’ as well as practical tips on how to help you run your business safely and confidently—without the legal jargon!
You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to protect and grow your business. In this session, Becca will cover:

GDPR made simple: Learn how to responsibly capture customer details for email marketing and build lasting customer relationships.
Clear agreements: Discover how to create service agreements for suppliers and customers to ensure smooth working relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
Protect your brand: Understand how to safeguard your creative work so others can’t copy you.
Effective terms and conditions: Craft T&Cs that truly serve your business goals.

These topics often feel intimidating, but Becca will show you how easy it can be. With her guidance, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to focus on growing your business.

Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Kirriemuir Library)
2025-03-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-21 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.

Delivering profit to drive growth
2025-03-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-30 10:00 - 12:00
The course covers financial analysis, strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and the role of innovation and scalability in leveraging profit for long-term success.
We will cover:

Getting to know your financials
Controlling growth
Improving decision making
Opportunities
Cash is king
Controlling change
Pricing strategies for maximum profit
Measuring profit

Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2025-03-27 10:00 - 12:00
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.

The Employee Ownership Transition: A Deep Dive
2025-03-27 10:00 - 12:30
Are you considering employee ownership as a succession plan for your business? Take a 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.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2025-04-03 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.

Effective Sales and Negotiation Strategies
2025-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU
This workshop is designed to help business owners understand the components of successful selling and to equip them with tools and techniques they can apply in the workplace to make a positive impact immediately.
You will gain valuable insights into how to engage customers more effectively, close sales with confidence, and negotiate strategically with suppliers and wholesalers. Packed with practical techniques, this workshop will help you build trust, create win-win scenarios, and secure better deals across all areas of your business. Whether you are negotiating prices, terms, or contracts, you will leave with the skills to strengthen relationships and achieve tangible results.
What we’ll cover:

Effective Customer Engagement
Supplier & Wholesale Negotiation
Win-Win Strategies
Practical Tools for Immediate Impact

Book your place now and master the art of negotiation to land better deals with suppliers and wholesalers.

Business benefits of flexible working
2025-04-30 12:30 - 14:00
Work.Life. Highland in partnership with Business Gateway are delighted to welcome Flexibility Works to deliver this interactive workshop to promote the benefits of flexible working in your business.
Workshop Content:

A business case for flexible working
The current flex landscape in Scotland – supported by key data
Overview of the types of flexible working including flex in frontline roles
Case studies of flex in action in a range of sectors
Unpicking key employer challenges in relation to flex
Top tips to move the dial on flex in your organisation
Overview of the new flexible working legislation

Benefits of Attending

Helps local employers attract and retain a diverse talent pool, boosting workforce participation and driving regional economic growth.
By promoting flexible working, the workshop enhances employee work-life balance, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce for local businesses.
Employers gain up-to-date knowledge of flexible working legislation, ensuring they remain compliant and competitive in a changing market.

Developing an Effective Pricing Strategy
2025-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Cairns Farm Estate, Kirknewton, EH27 8DH
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme on Thursday the 1st of May at Cairns Farm Estate in West Lothian for a full-day session focused on setting the right prices for your products and services in your agritourism business.
Led by Caroline Millar, Lead Facilitator of Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme and owner of The Hideaway Experience, this event will cover essential key topics to developing an effective pricing strategy, including setting the right price, understanding customer expectations, and adapting to market conditions.
Attendees will also hear from Monitor Farmer Caroline Hamilton of Cairns Farm Estate, who will provide an update on how business is going.
Teas and coffees will be provided. Please bring your own packed lunch.

How to build your brand
2025-05-05 17:00 - 19:00
This webinar will define what a brand is (and is not) and explain how it is more than just creating a logo. We will explore how a business can use their brand to show its identity, purpose, personality, message, and values in order to stand out from competitors, build a loyal customer base and make more sales.
This session will:

Provide you with a clear understanding of the difference between brands and branding
Help you understand what a brand is
Show you why branding is important
Look at your brand strategy, brand identity and action
Help you learn how to develop your brand’s positioning, character, and purpose to differentiate your business from its competitors
Demonstrate how to set up a brand kit and style guide to ensure consistency across websites, social media, business cards, posters etc.
Teach you how to create simple promotional graphics using a variety of tools including Canva
Highlight a variety of free tools including Google Drive, Hubspot and Mailchimp that can save time and simplify marketing tasks

Is your charity thinking of merging?
2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:30
With financial pressures continuing to rise in 2025, many charities are asking: Should we join forces and merge with other charities to deliver our purpose – or even to survive?
To help you consider the potential benefits, challenges and alternatives to mergers, Lindsays is hosting a webinar titled: Is your charity thinking of merging?
Join us as we guide you through the key considerations, including:

Different legal routes and structures – from informal collaborations to full-scale mergers
Legal and regulatory considerations – including governance compatibility and required consents
What to assess in a potential merger partner – from property and pension liabilities to employment law and organisational culture

Against this backdrop – with charity mergers having nearly doubled in England and Wales last year, and many Scottish charities under financial strain – we’ll offer practical insights to help you make informed decisions.
This interactive session offers an opportunity for you to get involved and you are encouraged to submit questions in advance when you register.

Driving Success in Scotland's Hotel Market
2025-05-07 11:00 - 12:00
The hotel market has performed well across most parts of Scotland, particularly in the capital, Edinburgh, as well as Glasgow and Inverness.
And the increasing number of international investors now attracted to its robust performance is driving an exuberant transactions market, which is set to grow further this year.
While the outlook of having a strong pipeline of hotels remains positive, particularly in the luxury segment, the industry is facing a series of headwinds including a proposed Visitor Levy and an ongoing skills shortage, which are placing pressure on profits as well as Scotland’s ability to remain competitive as a tourist destination.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is delighted to be partnering with HotelPartner, a trusted market leader in revenue management and distribution services for the hospitality and tourism industry, to explore the solutions available to Scottish hoteliers to ensure that the market can continue to thrive.
Whether you operate a luxury hotel or budget accommodation, boutique hotel or a youth hostel, this webinar will share accessible and actionable advice on tackling challenges such as the skills shortage, optimising performance and how best to utilise technology in your operations.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: choose a tourism experience booking system
2025-05-08 14:00 - 14:30
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.
This webinar is aimed at tourism experiences (tours, visitor attractions and activity providers) only.
