Lunch and Learn: Five payroll mistakes to watch out for and how to fix them
2025-09-24 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Did you know more than 84% of UK businesses make payroll mistakes every single month? These errors aren’t just frustrating – they’re costly. From fines and wasted hours to frustrated employees, the impact adds up fast.
For small businesses still managing payroll in-house – and in many cases, even manually – the stakes are even higher. With ever-changing legislation and tight deadlines, it only takes one incorrect tax code or misclassification of a new starter to throw everything off.
The good news? These mistakes are preventable.
Join Sarah Sharpe of Payroll Ninjas and Adam Coyle from Employment Hero as they reveal how to take the pain out of payroll and avoid the costly errors holding so many SMEs back.
In this session, you’ll discover:

The five most expensive payroll mistakes small businesses are making right now
The hidden cost of these errors to your business and your team
Quick fixes to stop these mistakes in their tracks
How payroll automation can give you back time, money and peace of mind

Walk away with practical tips and tools to simplify payroll, stay compliant and run your business with confidence.

Making Tax Digital Explained: Businesses With Over £50k Turnover
2025-09-25 17:00 - 18:30
Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, or small business owner, this friendly, no-nonsense session will get you up to speed.
If your combined income from self-employment and property is £50,000 or more, you’ll be required to follow the new rules from April 2026. We’ll cut through the confusion, explain what’s changing, and show you how to stay compliant without the stress.
This session will be presented by GrowBiz Finance Manager, Kirsteen Hardie.
By the end of the session, you’ll be able to:

Understand who MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment applies to and when it starts
Know exactly what you’ll need to submit to HMRC – and how often
See how cloud accounting can save time and make things easier
Get tips on choosing the right digital tools for your business
Feel confident about taking your next steps toward compliance

This session is a must to small businesses that meet this level of turnover – so please do come along to find out more.
GrowBiz provides enterprise support to businesses, social and micro-enterprises and the self-employed across rural and island Scotland. Please only book a space if you are based in rural Scotland.

Bookkeeping essentials
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-09 10:00 - 12:00
At the end of this session, you will be able to:

Implement basic bookkeeping skills across your business
Create a profit and loss account
Understand what expenses can and cannot be claimed
Use financial management to increase revenues and profits
Understand capital and revenue costs and how they are treated

You will also receive a workbook on excel to help you manage and monitor costs and sales.

Lunch and Learn: Money-saving questions to ask your accountant
2025-10-08 12:00 - 12:30
Most small business owners only speak to their accountant once a year – when the tax bill lands. By then, it’s too late to make changes.
But if you know the right questions to ask during the year, you can save money, improve decision-making and put your business in the best possible position for growth.
In this practical 30-minute Lunch and Learn, award-winning finance trainer Tara Askham will share simple tips to help you stay on top of your cash flow, understand the key numbers that matter and build the confidence to have better conversations with your accountant.
Topics covered in this session:

The key questions to ask your accountant to save money and improve decisions
The three essential numbers every business owner should know (and why they matter for loans, mortgages, and growth)
How to keep on top of your cash flow so there are no surprises

Business expenses – What can I claim
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar focuses on the main areas of spend that many businesses might incur, and provides a detailed and HMRC backed overview of what can and should be claimed.
This webinar will cover:

What constitutes a business expense
The HMRC rules around business expenses
What you can claim and more importantly what you cannot when submitting an accurate tax return
The main expenses that are claimable, what can be claimed and how they should be calculated

Building a finance stack that grows with your business
2025-10-15 12:00 - 12:30
Expanding globally starts with the right systems in place.
Many founders choose low-cost finance tools early on. It works for a while. But as the business grows, those tools often fall short – leading to messy migrations and delays.
In this session, we’ll hear from Tannah Matus, CFO at Secret Food Tours. He’ll share how he’s built finance systems that scale, support global operations and connect smoothly with tools like Xero, NetSuite and Shopify.
Tannah will also answer questions based on real challenges small businesses face when expanding into new markets – drawing from his own experience and from the wider community.
If you’re thinking about growing internationally, this conversation will help you plan ahead and avoid common roadblocks.
Topics covered in this session:

The essential tools for early-stage vs scaling-stage businesses
How to avoid painful migrations later on
Real examples from founders and leaders
How Airwallex integrates with accounting and e-commerce software

How to write funding applications
2025-10-20 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-01 12:00 - 14:00
Securing funding can be a game-changer — but writing a strong application takes more than just filling out forms.
This webinar will offer tools and insights to help improve your chances of a successful application, including:

Clarifying and communicating your funding need
Building a persuasive business case with clear objectives and costings
Understanding your funder’s priorities and tailoring your language
Presenting evidence that demonstrates impact and credibility
Avoiding common mistakes that lead to rejection
Structuring your application for clarity and relevance

Accounting for Limited Companies
2025-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar is designed to outline the key accounting and statutory reporting requirements for a limited company and explain the main differences between operating as a sole trader versus a limited company.
We’ll cover:

Advantages and disadvantages of setting up as a limited company
Company set-up
Accounting requirements
Record keeping and employing staff
Paying directors and shareholders
Corporation Tax
VAT
Software
Management accounts
Incorporation

By the end of the webinar you should have a solid basis of deciding if a limited company is the correct structure for your business, and have an understanding of what is involved in accounting for a limited company.

Lunch and Learn: Understanding your pension ahead of Budget day
2025-10-23 12:00 - 12:30
Understand your pension now – be ready for Budget day.
The Autumn Budget often reshapes pensions, tax and investments. Knowing exactly what you have today means you can prepare calmly, without reacting irrationally to headlines or fear.
Topics covered in this session:

How pensions really work
How much you will need for a comfortable retirement
The smartest ways to save using a limited company
The role of cash flow modelling in long-term planning

Lunch and Learn: How to save cash and carbon
2025-11-03 12:00 - 12:30
Join us for a practical session with small business energy expert Jon Perks on how to save your business cash and carbon from the outset.
The energy market today is fast-moving and finding the right tariff isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s about gaining a real competitive advantage.
In this Lunch and Learn, Jon will explain how to choose the most suitable energy tariff for your small business.
You’ll learn how to interpret your energy consumption (with the help of your smart meter) to make small, simple changes that add up to big savings on both cash and carbon.
You’ll leave with actionable tips on saving time, reducing your bills and shrinking your carbon footprint – all while keeping your business ahead of the curve through the power of data.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how smarter energy choices can help your business save cash and carbon, and grow.
Topics covered in this session:

How to pick the right tariff for your business: Why having the right tariff and shifting consumption can save the earth – in more ways than one
Your energy insights: How to use data from your smart meter to quickly identify where you can cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint, without taking up valuable time
Actionable tips to save cash and carbon: Walk away with practical, easy-to-implement tips that will help your business save money and time, and stay competitive in today’s market

Business expenses – What can I claim?
2025-11-12 10:00 - 12:00

Budgeting and forecasting – why it's important for SMEs
2025-11-13 12:00 - 12:30
Effective budgeting and forecasting can help your small business plan ahead, stay in control of its finances and make smarter decisions that ultimately lead to growth.
Join Alex Sutherland for this insightful webinar exploring the power of effective forecasting and budgeting.
Discover how these financial tools not only drive profitability but also bring greater clarity to your business planning. Learn how accurate forecasting can act as an early warning system, helping you identify when things are off track – so you can respond quickly and confidently.
Key takeaways from this session:

How good forecasting and budgeting benefit profitability
The clarity it brings to your planning
How it helps you spot the early warning signs when things aren’t going to plan

Boosting your revenue across borders
2025-11-19 12:00 - 12:30
International expansion isn’t just about logistics – it’s about unlocking new revenue.
In this session, led by our expert speaker Nick Binza, we’ll explore how founders and operators can tap into cross-border sales opportunities by optimising their e-commerce strategy, pricing, localisation and customer experience (CX).
Whether you’re running a SaaS platform, an e-commerce brand or a service-based business, this webinar will help you understand how to convert international interest into sustainable growth. We’ll also show how Airwallex integrates with platforms like Shopify to streamline global payments and reduce friction at checkout.
Topics covered in this session:

How to tap into cross-border sales opportunities
Localisation tips for payments, pricing and checkout
How to reduce cart abandonment in global markets
How Airwallex integrates with Shopify and other platforms to support international growth

Investment-ready: How to build a business investor's trust
2025-11-25 13:00 - 14:00
Join Adam Kudryl and Mark Freer as they share practical guidance on creating a business that earns investors’ trust and attracts buyers.
Combining their 45 years of experience in legal and investment, they’ll cover the business and legal fundamentals: strong governance, clear ownership, shareholder protections and an exit-ready mindset.
You’ll learn:

What being truly “investor-ready” means
How to boost buyer and investor confidence
The core qualities investors seek
How to prepare your business for investment and exit
Common red flags and how to steer clear
An investors view on what builds (or erodes) confidence

What does the Budget mean for you? | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-27 12:00 - 12:30
On 26 November, the Chancellor will deliver her Autumn Budget – but what will it actually mean for you and your business?
Join us for an engaging lunchtime session where, once the dust has settled, regulated financial adviser Rupert Adams will cut through the jargon and explain the key Budget announcements in plain English.
Rupert will outline what’s changed, what it means in practice and how it could affect your income, taxes and business decisions in the year ahead.
Topics covered in this session:

How the Budget affects small business owners and self-employed people – from tax thresholds to new incentives and allowances
What the changes could mean for your take-home pay, cash flow and financial planning

Supply Connect: How to write and win bids
2025-11-27 13:00 - 14:00
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it!
Writing winning bids is an art and a science but one that everyone can master.
If you’re good at what you do and there’s demand for your products or services, this webinar led by Tony Round will help you write bids that make a compelling case for your company to win the business on offer!
Topics covered in this session:

Where to start once your bid has landed
How to elevate your bids from good to great
Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when bidding for contracts

Accounting and tax advice for small businesses | Lunch and Learn
2025-12-01 12:00 - 12:30
Starting or running a business can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding your finances, taxes and compliance responsibilities.
In this practical webinar led by Reda Vaisvidiene, you’ll learn how to build a strong financial foundation for your business and avoid some of the most common mistakes new entrepreneurs make.
Topics covered in this session:

Why record-keeping is so important
Types of taxes – income, corporation, VAT, PAYE
Profit ≠ cash

Making Tax Digital (MTD): What small businesses need to know for 2026
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) will bring significant changes to how self-employed individuals manage and report their finances.
But what exactly is changing, who will be affected and how can small businesses prepare now to make the transition smooth and stress-free?
Join us for an informative 45 minute webinar, including a Q&A, where we’ll break down the upcoming MTD requirements and answer any of your questions on the topic.
What we’ll cover:

What Making Tax Digital means for Self Assessment
Key deadlines and who the 2026 rollout will apply to
How to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC
Recommended software and accounting tools that meet MTD requirements
Practical steps to get ready now and avoid last-minute disruption
Common challenges and how to overcome them

Whether you’re a sole trader, a landlord or a small business owner managing a number of income streams, this session will help you understand what’s changing and give you the confidence to stay compliant.

Johnston Carmichael Autumn Budget 2025 Webinar
2025-12-03 10:00 - 11:00
Autumn Budget 2025 webinar – what you need to know
With much anticipation and speculation in the press about the forthcoming Budget on 26 November, we hope you can join our tax specialists as they delve deeper into the detail following the announcements.
Join us to hear our insight and analysis of the Budget and what the announcements mean for you, your business, and the economy as a whole.

Scaling with the right mindset
2025-12-03 12:00 - 12:30
Scale like a champion. Learn from Booking.com’s former chief financial officer how to build winning routines, think strategically and future-proof your growing business.
In the final webinar of our Finance Beyond Borders series, we sit down with Olivier Bisserier, former CFO of Booking.com, to explore what it takes to scale a business at Olympic speed – without burning out or losing sight of the bigger picture.
Olivier helped Booking.com expand into more than 20 countries each year. His lessons are essential for founders and finance leaders alike, especially those building their finance stack from day one.
In this webinar, he’ll talk about scaling a business at speed, how we’re looking at work-life balance wrong and why modern CFOs must be tech-savvy and think like Olympians.
Topics covered in this session:

The CFO mindset for founders: How to think like a strategic finance leader – even before you hire one
The Olympic athlete approach: Why discipline, focus and routines are key to scaling sustainably
Scenario planning: How to anticipate future challenges and build resilience into your operations
Tech-savvy leadership: Why understanding emerging technologies is crucial for growth
Global expansion tips: How to strip out friction and scale internationally with the right payments infrastructure

Budget Special: What the UK Budget really means for SMEs
2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on 4 December at 12pm for a live Budget Special on how the UK Budget will affect SMEs.
Hosted by Jane and Aimun Jawad from the SME Innovation Network, this session is with a panel of experts and breaks down key changes affecting tax, cash flow, hiring and funding.
Get clear, practical insights without jargon and join an open discussion on what business owners should do next.
Key takeaways:

Understand the Budget’s real impact
Identify new funding and support opportunities
Know the actions to take in the next 30 to 90 days

Get Ahead with Tay Cities SME Skills Fund
2025-12-04 12:00 - 14:00 | Montrose Library, 214 High Street, Montrose, DD10 8PJ
Join us for an engaging session designed to help Angus businesses unlock growth through the Tay Cities SME Skills Fund. This event will showcase how local employers have successfully invested in their workforce and provide practical guidance on accessing tailored training opportunities.
Why Attend?

Discover the Benefits: Learn how the Tay Cities SME Skills Fund can support your business with bespoke, high-quality training solutions.
Hear Real Success Stories: Gain insights from local employers who’ve transformed their teams through funded training.
Connect & Collaborate: Network with key partners including Business Gateway, Skills Development Scotland, D&A Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and FSB, all ready to offer expert advice and support.
Take Action: Find out how to sign up or make inquiries about the fund to start your skills journey.

Who Should Attend?

Angus-based SMEs across all sectors.
Business owners, HR managers, and Training Coordinators.
Local business influencers and community leaders.

Delivering Profit to Drive Growth
2025-12-17 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

How to become financially savvy in 2026 | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-08 12:00 - 12:30
This Lunch and Learn uncovers the top money mistakes founders make – and why they happen. Spoiler: it’s usually because you don’t have the time to keep up with everything.
Karen McFadden will also show you how Money Insights (and our new matchmaker, MiMi) helps you find, save and understand money as you grow, without the panic.
Topics covered in this session:

New tools and support (including Money Insights) that help you manage your business finances with confidence
Where to find, save and understand money more effectively
Why gaining traction and organic revenue is crucial before approaching investors
