Invest in Angus

Lunch and Learn: Five steps to using AI authentically
2025-09-15 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but are you telling your clients and customers you’re using it?
Transparency and authenticity are key when implementing AI within your business or workflows. Whether you’re using it to save time, create content or win work, Natalie Luckham covers the key steps to consider when implementing or scaling up your use of use.
Topics covered in this session:

How to crafting a transparency statement and why it’s key
How to make sure your content looks and sounds like you
How to have conversations with customers about AI

Tech Hub bootcamp: AI, reporting and the future of digital tax
2025-09-17 13:00 - 15:00
In these two Tech Hub bootcamps, we’re joined by Jonathan Dowden and Chris Downing, two industry experts from Sage. They’ll provide practical advice for small business owners on financial reporting and Making Tax Digital (MTD).
1pm to 2pm | Financial reporting with Jonathan Dowden

Find out how to become more confident in your financial reporting – with a focus on using AI to help you
Get a demo of Sage tools that will support your reporting
Ask Jonathan any questions you might have in a Q&A

2pm to 3pm | Making Tax Digital with Chris Downing

Get up to speed on MTD: Understand how the law will affect your practice or business, the services you offer and how to effectively communicate your plan.
Simplify financial admin: Discover practical ways to manage digital records and reduce manual work.
Explore the future of finance: See how Sage Copilot, a new AI-powered tool, can help streamline your workflow and transform your approach to accounting.
Ask Chris any questions you might have in a Q&A

Lunch and Learn: How to create an AI action plan tailored to your business
2025-09-18 12:00 - 12:30
AI isn’t just for big tech companies – it’s now an affordable, practical tool for every small business.
In this 30-minute session led by Jacob Colton, we’ll strip away the jargon and give you ideas on how AI can save you hours of work and help grow your revenue.
You’ll hear about AI tools you can use right away for marketing, customer service, admin and data analysis. You’ll come away with a simple action plan so you know exactly what to try first.
Topics covered in this session:

The basics of AI in plain English – what it is, how it works and why it matters for small businesses
Practical, low-cost AI tools for marketing, customer service, admin and data analysis that you can start using immediately
A simple AI action plan tailored to your business so you know exactly what to try first to save time and increase revenue

Lunch and Learn: Simple Excel techniques to help you save time
2025-09-19 12:00 - 12:30
Excel – “can’t live without it” or “can’t understand what the fuss is about”?
Excel is a fantastic tool to organise information in a clear way – think of it as a simple CRM, sales data or a way to manage your social media schedule. And it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming list that takes a lot of wrangling to find what you need.
In this webinar, Alison Pollecutt will show you how to create some simple rules to get Excel to tell you the things that matter (so you don’t need to go searching), help you tame your data and set yourself up for success.
Topics covered in this session:

How to highlight important dates, so you know exactly what’s coming up
How to hide what’s not important and reduce overwhelm
How to fill in your spreadsheet faster and more accurately

Cyber security made simple
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:30
Cyber threats aren’t just a problem for big businesses – they affect organisations of all sizes, and small businesses are increasingly being targeted. That’s why it’s so important to build cyber awareness into your team from the very beginning.
Cyber Security Made Simple is a free, CPD-accredited training session designed especially for anyone starting-up or running their own business – from start-ups to scale-ups. Led by Katie O’Neill, Head of Skills Academy, Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, this interactive session will give you and your team the confidence and practical skills to:

Spot and avoid phishing attempts
Secure devices and data
Respond effectively to cyber incidents

By attending, you’ll be taking a proactive step to protect your business from reputational and financial harm, showing investors and clients that you take cyber resilience seriously. It’s also a great way to start building a strong security culture that grows with your business.

Lunch and Learn: Using automation and AI to save time and money
2025-09-25 12:00 - 12:30
In this Lunch and Learn, Constant Contact’s Molly Caldwell will explain how to use AI and automation to save time and money when marketing your business.
This session will emphasise the importance of automation, particularly email automation for building relationships with your customer base and driving subscribers. Molly will share her top strategies for engaging and expanding an audience, fostering customer loyalty and tailoring email experiences, all with the help of AI.
Topics covered in this session:

How to build momentum with new subscribers
How to build loyalty and nurture relationships
How to create a more personalised experience when marketing your business

Cybersecurity & AI: Simple Steps to Protect Your Business
2025-10-01 11:30 - 12:30
Do you feel your business could be better protected? This session is for you.
Join Pamela Malpas, CEO of 1Office Technologies, for a practical walkthrough of what today’s cyber risks really look like – including how AI is changing both the risks and the solutions.
You’ll leave with simple, cost-effective steps you can take right now to reduce risk, protect your team and clients, and feel confident in the choices you’re making.
Whether you’ve had a close call or just want peace of mind, this session will give you the clarity and control to keep your business running smoothly – without the stress or overwhelm.

Lunch and Learn: How to create a digital product from idea to prototype
2025-10-01 12:00 - 12:30
Do you have an idea for an app, a service or another digital product, but don’t know where to begin?
In this Lunch and Learn, Marco Strillozzi will lay out a straightforward, practical process you can follow to move from concept to prototype – and you don’t need to be a tech expert!
He’ll show you how to define your target audience, differentiate yourself from competitors and use modern no-code/low-code tools to build testable prototypes that you can publish online.
You’ll also learn how to use freelancers and tech partners to fill gaps and accelerate your journey.
Topics covered in this session:

A simple roadmap to prototyping your idea
A list of tools and platforms to get you started
How to promote and validate your prototype with real users

Lunch and Learn: What does AI search mean for marketers, SEO and content?
2025-10-02 12:00 - 12:30
AI is rewriting the rules of search in real time and, frankly, who isn’t struggling to keep up?
With generative AI replacing traditional customer search journeys, the trusty old playbook for SEO and content marketing isn’t enough anymore to win.
We’ll discuss how AI is reshaping the search landscape and what you should be thinking about to stay ahead of your competitors.
Topics covered in this session:

Is SEO dead or just evolving?
Is it really possible to optimise for large language models (LLMs)?
What role does your website play when answers are generated, not linked?

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-14 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.

Predicting the future of soil health with AI
2025-10-13 10:30 - 12:00
Part of the “Envisioning the future of soil health monitoring” series for AI4SoilHealth, hosted by Soil Association.
What role can AI play in assessing soil degradation, mapping vulnerabilities, and identifying the drivers of soil health decline? Can machine learning and process-based models provide reliable insights into Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) dynamics? And how can indicator frameworks be integrated into modelling projects to strengthen our ability to track and safeguard soil health?
Sign up to this free webinar to join leading experts to discuss these topics and learn more about the future of soil science.
In this webinar we are joined by AI 4 Soil Health project partners and a member of the European Commission to discuss AI, modelling and soil health indicator frameworks. The panel will discuss what these methods mean for the future of soil health, explore challenges and opportunities, and share lessons learned from applying models across Europe.

Lunch and Learn: How to set healthy tech boundaries at home and work
2025-10-17 12:00 - 12:30
Juggling client demands, content creation and monitoring your child’s screen time is the modern parent’s triathlon.
Led by Nicola Millington, this hands-on Lunch and Learn will equip you with a concrete framework to handle the specific online challenges you face. Nicola will move from theory to practice, giving you scripts, tools and routines you can implement immediately.
Reclaim your time, protect your mental energy and build your business from a place of calm confidence.
Topics covered in this session:

The 5-minute troll triage: A step-by-step flowchart for assessing and responding to (or ignoring) negative online engagement without it ruining your day.
Designing your digital perimeter: Learn how to configure privacy settings, use content filters and establish “digital-free zones” in your home to protect your family’s peace.
The family media agreement co-created by an entrepreneur: A practical framework for creating a set of online rules with your children, fostering trust and open communication instead of control and secrecy.

Lunch and Learn: Cutting through information overload with AI
2025-10-28 12:00 - 12:30
In this Lunch and Learn Q&A, Dropbox’s Andy Wilson will demonstrate how small businesses can cut through information overload and make AI work for them.
Many AI tools offer generic intelligence, but the real advantage comes from solutions that understand a business’s own content and workflows. AI that understands a team’s work can help them take action faster, make better decisions and work with confidence.
Andy will also explain how Dropbox Dash can make it easier to find relevant information quickly, connect pieces of content across a team and turn existing knowledge into actionable insights, all without starting from scratch.
Topics covered in this session:

How small businesses can leverage AI in ways that are specific to their workflows and content
How AI can accelerate execution and support confident decision-making
How Dropbox Dash enables teams to search naturally, surface relevant information instantly, and build on existing content to get work done faster

Building a business set-up that's ready for AI
2025-10-29 12:00 - 12:30
Running a small business means wearing many hats, but managing your tech shouldn’t be the one that takes up your time. In this online event, we’ll dive into the world of building a resilient, AI-ready technology “stack”.
In this half-hour session, experts from Dell and Intel will show you how the latest tools can simplify device management, boost productivity and give you peace of mind.
You’ll discover how Dell Pro Premium and Intel vPro® make setting up, securing and running devices effortless, and see how features like Autopilot and Lunar Lake can cut down admin and help your team stay connected.
Whether you’re ordering your first business laptops or scaling a growing team, this webinar will give you practical tips to save time, reduce stress and make technology work harder for you.
Join us for a focused chat and walk away with actionable steps to reimagine the way you work.

Lunch and Learn: How to use AI in marketing ethically and responsibly
2025-10-30 12:00 - 12:30
Want to create high-quality content faster without losing your brand’s voice or accuracy?
Join expert marketer Martin Wilde for a fast, hands-on session for organisations on using AI across your marketing and comms.
From website content and email marketing to social posts and promotional materials, learn how to ideate, draft, localise and repurpose quickly without the risk of creating generic content, losing accuracy and your unique tone of voice.
Leave with a pre-publish checklist, challenge prompts and a process that keeps content accurate.
Topics covered in this session:

A practical, end-to-end workflow, from idea to publication, with clear approval steps that protect accuracy, tone and reduce bias
A copy-and-paste prompt pack to ideate, outline, draft and publish repurpose across web, email and social
Ethical guardrails and quick tests (cite-or-strike, five-second clarity, bias scan)

AI Panel Discussion
2025-11-11 12:00 - 13:00 | The Flour Mill, 34 Commercial Street, Dundee, DD1 3EJ
Join us for an exciting AI Panel Discussion at the Flour Mill Dundee.
Our expert panelists will delve into the world of artificial intelligence, discussing its impact on various industries and its future implications.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about AI, this event is perfect for gaining insights and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with like-minded individuals.

Thorntons Webinar - AI Governance
2025-11-18 09:30 - 10:30
Artificial Intelligence has been the topic of 2025 in many respects. Workforces are looking to, if not already, embed AI systems or platforms into their working environment whether it be generative AI tools like Copilot or GPT or systems used to make work processes more efficient. Adopting AI systems may well bring efficiencies but risk management is a key concern, particularly when processing personal data.
Join Loretta Maxfield and Morgan O’Neill to look at recent AI developments and how these impact an organisation’s approach to risk and compliance.

AI-powered growth: Scale smarter, not harder
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00
Join us to explore how AI can unlock scalable growth and profitability for small businesses.
This event will cover AI’s potential, practical applications and how to overcome challenges in implementation.
Key takeaways from this session:

Understand how AI can optimise operations and boost profits.
Learn where to start with AI for your business goals.
Discover upcoming opportunities to leverage AI and avoid common setbacks.

Climate Cafe - Lets Talk About How AI Could Help
2025-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Creative Exchange, Stormont Street, Perth, PH1 5NW
Come and join the conversation about using AI in climate action.
We want to talk about the issues as well as the opportunities, encourage you to try, so you can see how it can be useful.
Climate Cafe GrowBiz is a small friendly gathering and the ideal safe environment to ask questions, share doubts and give it a go.
Bring a laptop or tablet if you can but a smart phone will also work. If you’ve already had some experience of using AI we would love to hear your about experience – good or bad and what you can share with us.
For those who have yet to try, we will be showing you how to start and then refine your questions to get the responses you need. You’ll be surprised!
Bring your curiosity, have a coffee and chat.
You are very welcome to drop in for part or all of the session but it would be helpful to know numbers so please do book on the link. GrowBiz provide enterprise support to businesses, enterprises and the self-employed in rural Scotland (i.e. out with cities)- please only a book a place if you are based in rural Scotland.

Ecommerce Symposium
2025-11-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
Digit Expo is Scotland’s biggest technology conference covering key topics including AI, cyber, and everything IT.
The symposium will have a dedicated stage and exhibition area geared towards eCommerce and Sales and Marketing professionals looking to scale their companies online.
As well as an opportunity to network, there will be talks from keynote speakers from leading global organisations in the space, as well as presentations on key topics.
These will include:

reaching customers overseas using digital channels
the use of AI when selling digitally
scaling brands online both B2B and B2C

Registration is free and includes access to the keynote theatre, all seminars and the exhibition area.

Voice, video and virtual assistants: Easy wins for busy business owners
2025-12-09 14:00 - 15:00
Running a small business means juggling endless tasks – from meetings and messages to notes, admin and follow-ups. What if you could take some of that pressure off with tools that work for you?
Join our expert speaker Jamie Bykov-Brett for a free Tech Hub webinar to discover how voice technology, AI transcription and virtual assistants can help you save hours every week.
Learn how these accessible tools can simplify your day-to-day operations, boost productivity and give you more time to focus on what really matters – running your business.
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer or small business owner, this session will show you quick, low-effort ways to use modern technology to lighten your workload and make your working week more productive.
What we’ll cover:

How voice and AI tools can automate repetitive daily tasks
How to capture and organise information effortlessly using transcription tools
How virtual assistants can manage reminders, emails and meetings
The latest AI video tools for summarising meetings and creating content
Practical, easy-to-implement tips to save time and boost efficiency

This session is ideal if you’re:

a business owner or manager looking to save time and reduce admin
a freelancer or consultant managing busy client schedules
interested in practical, low-cost ways to use AI for everyday tasks

Creating an AI-powered sales process | Lunch and Learn
2025-12-10 12:00 - 12:30
The legacy playbook of “do more, sell more” is broken.
Hiring more reps, demanding more activities and adopting more technology no longer guarantees productivity. Growth has stagnated, reps are unable to connect with customers and leaders are unable to scale predictably.
As a start-up or new business, you have an opportunity to build an AI-powered sales strategy from day one or to adapt your existing process.
Topics covered in this session:

Mapping your sales process
Top use-cases for AI in sales
Actionable next steps for adopting AI in your start-up

The Rural AI Roadshow: How AI Can Help Your Rural Business Thrive
2026-01-28 09:30 - 17:30 | Apex City Quay Hotel, 1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, DD1 3JP
Join one of the free Rural AI Roadshow Conferences running across Scotland in January 2026, hosted by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab.
AI isn’t just for tech giants. It’s already helping rural businesses improve customer service, manage stock, reduce waste, and even predict demand and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Join us to explore how AI can fit into your business. These one-day conferences are designed to inspire, inform, and connect stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.
We’re bringing together rural business leaders from across Scotland for a day of practical insights, real-life success stories, and straightforward conversations about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help your business grow, save time, and make smarter decisions.
The conference will spotlight regional opportunities, showcase pioneering projects, and provide practical insights into how AI can drive inclusive and sustainable growth in rural Scotland. You’ll hear from fellow rural entrepreneurs, get hands-on with simple tools, and leave with ideas you can use.
What to expect:

Keynote Addresses from AI experts
Panel Discussions featuring local leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers
Interactive Workshops on AI adoption, funding, and skills development
Case Studies highlighting successful rural AI applications
Networking Opportunities with peers, innovators, and support organisations

Who should attend:

Rural business leaders and entrepreneurs
Local authorities and public sector leaders
Academics and researchers
Technology providers and developers

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.

AI meets Shopify: The future of smarter online selling
2026-01-29
Join this webinar to learn how AI can enhance your Shopify store.
Get practical insights into AI-powered tools that can help improve product recommendations, streamline customer service, and increase conversions.

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.
