A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2024-10-15 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

TikTok for Business
2024-10-16 10:00 - 13:00
Learn how to engage with your customers and increase the reach of your business online for more effective business communication.
We’ll look at how to segment the global social media audience into the audience you are trying to target, discuss what social media platforms will work for your audience, and how to create engaging video content which will spark interaction with your brand.
Part of the session will look at planning video content and production and different methods to use.

This webinar is for businesses in Dundee, Angus and Perth.

Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
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.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-10-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Carnoustie Library, 21 High Street, Carnoustie, DD7 6AN
The Business Gateway team will be at Carnoustie 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.

The Psychology of Unlocking Ambition and Managing Risk
2024-10-21 14:30 - 16:00
In an ideal world, companies should have a risk culture that balances risk awareness and risk taking. A lack of risk can lead to the stagnation of innovation, whereas too much risk can cause a company to lose valuable resources or financial gains.
This webinar will explore ambition and risk in business and the growth mindset that is required.
It will be facilitated by Dougie Ritchie of Taylor Clarke and the keynote speaker will be Suneil Mishra – a GlobalScot who has been an investor, advisor, consultant, and entrepreneur for more than two decades. He’s been involved in seed and early-stage companies that have raised over $100 million, with exits fast approaching one billion dollars.

Innovative Horizons: Exploring Floating Offshore Substations, CCS Shipping, Hydrogen, and Flow Assurance
2024-10-22 10:00 - 11:00
Hosted by member company Crondall Energy and supported by Forth & Tay Offshore.
We are delighted to be bringing you an opportunity to attend focused technical topics that are crucial to delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.
This session will look at; Developing practical solutions for floating offshore wind substations, Opportunities and considerations for CO2 shipping, maximising the efficiency of grid scale hydrogen production, & CCS Transport and Storage Operational Challenges.
You can choose to attend two sessions out of the four available topics. More information on each topic:

Developing practical solutions for floating offshore wind (FOW)

As developers venture further offshore and into deeper waters to harness wind power, practical solutions are required for the transfer of power to shore. Floating and subsea substations are receiving a growing interest for floating offshore wind developments, as they potentially provide a cost-competitive alternative to traditional fixed platforms. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest challenges and limitations associated with the transmission of power to shore. The different types of substations, their key design features, and their applicability will be presented. The current status of technology development will be outlined along with a discussion of the pros and cons of each approach.

Opportunities and considerations for CO2 shipping

CO2 shipping is being considered for an increasing proportion of CCS projects, as a means of increasing sequestered volumes and therefore revenue. There are a multitude of ship designs and offloading concepts being considered with different offloading locations, and pressure regimes. This presentation will provide an overview of the offloading options being considered and the opportunities of different pressure regimes

Maximising the efficiency of grid scale hydrogen production

Crondall Energy have recently completed a concept study focusing on developing the optimum grid scale hydrogen production facility, considering the full envelop from electrical generation to by products and H2 production. This presentation will provide a holistic overview of the technical risks and opportunities for large scale hydrogen production directly from renewable sources. Presenting the key design decisions and considerations to maximise the efficiency of the complete H2 production system, not just the electrolyser.

CCS Transport and Storage Operational Challenges

We will discuss the main issues to be addressed in CCUS for pipeline CO2 transportation and operability considerations. Practical experience in developing associated solutions will also be presented.
Agenda

10:00 – 10:10 – Introduction and move to meeting rooms
10:10 – 10:30 – Session 1
10:30 – 10:35 – Transfer between rooms
10:35 – 10:55 – Session 2
10:55 – 11:00 – close out

Video production for digital marketing
2024-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
Video captures people’s attention online and is important for getting your message across, while engaging with your target audience.
Learn how to:

Choose what type of video to create to suit your business objectives
Plan, shoot, edit, and upload video without special kit or expertise
Get to know the various digital platforms that can be utilised to view and share video content
See what editing apps are available and how to add music and subtitles

Package travel regulations webinar
2024-10-22 11:00 - 12:30
Does your business sell two or more different types of travel or tourism services? Then you might have certain obligations under the rules on package travel and linked arrangements.
Join this webinar by VisitScotland and Travlaw for a detailed introduction to package travel regulations (PTR) and learn more about current UK and EU regulations.
Travlaw is a full service, travel-niche law firm. They provide legal advice that’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of the travel industry.

Product and Experience Innovation Workshop
2024-10-22 15:30 - 18:00 | Forbes of Kingennie, DD5 3RD
Product and Experience Innovation Workshop: Collaborate and innovate with local stakeholders to create experiences unique to Angus.
Angus Tourism Cooperative, Visit Angus and VisitScotland invite you to a dynamic Product and Experience Innovation Workshop, where you’ll gain valuable insights into current and emerging trends in the industry.
This event will take place on Tuesday 22 October, from 3.30pm to 6pm, at Forbes of Kingennie.
This is your chance to collaborate with fellow tourism professionals, brainstorm new ideas, and create innovative products and experiences that highlight the unique charm of Angus.
Together, let’s seize the opportunities at hand, enhance our collective offerings, and put Angus on the map as a must-visit destination. Your participation is crucial to our shared success.
Come and join us! See the full agenda and register to attend.

Business Finance Viability
2024-10-22 18:00 - 20:00
Led by experienced advisers, this webinar takes the fear out of finances, providing practical tools and guidance to help you confidently manage your business’s budgeting and forecasting. You’ll learn how to identify the hidden costs of running your business, including the cost of hiring staff, maintaining stock levels, and other crucial expenses.
Through a series of engaging exercises, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your business’s financial viability, helping you make informed decisions about its future growth and success. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or have been in business for a couple of years, this webinar is tailored to your needs, providing you with the knowledge and skills to take your business to the next level.
Don’t let financial worries hold you back from realizing your business’s full potential. Sign up for the Business Finance Viability webinar today and discover how to confidently manage your business’s financial health!

How to start a business: The basics
2024-10-22 18:00 - 20:00
Whatever your reasons may be for considering being your own boss, we are here to support you and help you decide if this is the right path for you.
We will cover:

Personal finance
Planning – how much do you need to earn?
Researching your market – who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field
Business structure – what are the core 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
Marketing
Pricing
Naming the business
Basic bookkeeping
Forecasting
Financing, banking, insurance, and VAT
Tax

Perthshire Talks Responsible Tourism: welcoming all customers
2024-10-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This free in-person event will take place on 23 October at Perth Concert Hall, from 9.15am, finishing at 4.00pm.
This event will provide businesses with tips and advice on how to improve customer service for disabled customers, which we know also benefits other customer groups.
This course will include activities, exercises, and discussions. Each participant will receive a guide containing practical tips and a jointly branded VisitScotland / Welcoming All Customers course certificate.
Businesses will learn about:

adopting a positive attitude to all customers and anticipating accessibility requirements
successful communication styles to identify customer needs
legal obligations and types of discrimination

*Please note this training event is available to businesses who attended either of the following webinars:

Perthshire Talks Tourism: unlock the potential of accessible tourism
Perthshire Talks Tourism: access information to promote your business

The registration for the event will go live on 3 October 2024. See https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2024/perthshire-talks-tourism-webinars for booking information.
This event has limited places and will be on a first come, first serve basis. To allow more businesses the opportunity to be trained, only one person from each business can attend.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00
Join us to look at how Google and other search engines decide the order in which they list their search results. We will show you how to maximise your chances of appearing towards the top of the search rankings, ensuring you understand what key words and phrases your potential customers are using when searching online, and how to optimise your website as a result.
We will cover:

How search engines work, and the ‘on-page’ factors used to rank your site
Understanding customer search behaviour
Keyword research tools and how to benefit from them
Optimising your website content for search engines

Health and Safety Essentials for Agritourism
2024-10-23 10:00 - 14:30 | Solsgirth Farm, Perthshire, FK14 7NZ
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on health and safety in agritourism.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event at Solsgirth Home Farm will help you consider how to keep yourself, your staff and your visitors safe and healthy.
We will be joined by Industry Expert, Gillian McLean of GEM Safety Solutions who will take us through the essentials and be able to answer your questions.
We will also have an opportunity to hear from Core Community Group Members, Jan Dixon and Leigh Grainger about the progress and developments at Solsgirth Home Farm and after lunch we will be able to have a walk around the business.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.

How to generate and increase sales
2024-10-23 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

Social media essentials: Instagram
2024-10-24 10:00 - 12:00
Thinking about using Instagram to communicate with existing and potential customers? Want to showcase your products or services using it? During this webinar we will cover:

Getting the setup right and benefitting from the available business tools
Best practice profiles, and some strategies to help your business stand out from the crowd
The types of audience you can reach via this platform and the factors and analytics such as cost and timing of posting images and how that can maximise impact
The various types of content you can post to Instagram, from regular posts to Stories and Reels

Social Media Success: A One-Day Masterclass
2024-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Montrose, DD10 9TA
Transform your social media skills in just one day and watch your business thrive with the help of our social media expert, Alan Martin.
This hands-on workshop will cover:
• Platform Choice and Scheduling of Content: Learn to select the best platforms for your business and plan an effective content calendar.
• Crafting Compelling Content: Discover techniques to create engaging and shareable content.
• Acquiring Clients through Social Media: Implement strategies to attract and convert followers into clients.
• Increasing Engagement and Growing Followers: Boost your social media interactions and expand your audience.
• Emerging Trends: Stay ahead with the latest social media trends and best practices.
• Paid Advertising: Optimise your social media ads for better reach and return on investment.
• Analytics and Insights: Use data to measure your success and refine your social media strategy.
Book now and take the first step towards transforming your business’s online presence.

Tourism Experiences: Online Booking or Bust
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Join VisitScotland’s new interactive webinar workshop and take a deeper look at online booking systems for visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies.
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.
You’ll also hear about how your booking system can serve as the ultimate hub for product information, availability, and bookings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Exploring alternative funding opportunities
2024-10-24 12:30 - 13:30
Securing funding can be a significant hurdle for anyone self-employed, or running a business/organisation and looking to grow or deliver a project, with a complex landscape making it difficult to secure the funds needed for growth, innovation or day-to-day operations.
This webinar will explore some of the alternative funding options available across Scotland. The expert panel will guide attendees through innovative funding solutions beyond traditional bank loans, including loan funding, venture capital, crowdfunding and angel investors.
This session is relevant for sole traders, businesses, social enterprises and other organisations interested in finding out more about different finance options.
We’ll cover:

The most common alternative funding sources available in Scotland
How alternative funding options compare to traditional bank loans
What criteria lenders typically consider when evaluating for alternative funding
How crowdfunding works and its potential benefits
What factors investors look for when considering funding
What financial documents or plans should be prepared
Tips to help everyone effectively present their case to potential funders

Panelists include:

Hugh Lightbody (Host), Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit
Jackie Waring, CEO & Founder, Investing Women and AccelerateHER
Kieran Daly, Head of Market Building, Social Investment Scotland
Iain Burnside, Chief Operating Officer, DSL Finance

Photography for digital marketing
2024-10-24 14:00 - 16:00
During this webinar you will:

Discover the basic ‘dos and don’ts’ of taking your own pictures, editing them and uploading them onto digital platforms
See some real-life examples of posts that demonstrate good, bad and indifferent use for businesses

Bookkeeping essentials
2024-10-28 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar is for those who are entering business for the first time or require an understanding of what is involved in financially managing a business, including basic bookkeeping, and creating a profit and loss account. You will also get an understanding of what expenses the business can claim and then how to fund your business. At the end of the session, you will receive a workbook on excel to help you manage and monitor costs and sales.
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

Understanding AI & Automation
2024-10-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
This masterclass is for anyone interested in using AI and automation to improve productivity, reduce costs, and unlock new growth opportunities for their business.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding automation: Learn the key components, benefits, and potential challenges.
Understanding AI: Explore its core concepts, capabilities, and limitations.
The power of AI and automation: Discover the power of predictive analytics and personalised customer experiences.
Case studies and SME use cases: See how businesses like yours have successfully implemented AI and automation.
How to integrate AI and Automation into your workflows: Understand the steps involved, from identifying suitable processes to selecting the right tools.
Tech Demos: See live demonstrations of the latest AI technologies, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and other cutting-edge tools.
Summary and Action list: Receive an actionable checklist to help you start implementing AI and automation in your business.

No prior experience with AI or automation is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore new possibilities.
Book now and take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient, and more competitive business.

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2024-10-28 13:00 - 15:00
When budgets are tight, it can be difficult to find the funds for marketing. This webinar will offer marketing tips and advice that you can then use across your business – without bursting the bank.
We will look at:

How marketing extends way beyond what most businesses consider it to be and how it provides opportunities for businesses to make transformational change with little or minimal extra spend
Identifying marketing priorities and using these to reshape your business
The marketing mix as a tool for reviewing how your business plans and delivers its marketing activity
How your marketing activity is delivered successfully and effectively in your business
A series of top tips including the importance of understanding your customers, the core components of a brand, the value of strong and consistent branding, the value of a clear focus and the power of creativity
The many options available with traditional advertising and promotion as a way a company communicates what it does and what it can offer customers, but also looking how this has changed in a world where marketing has moved online
The foundations of effective marketing in a digital age, looking at how your business can grasp new ways of marketing such as social media, web and digital PR

Transforming Our Towns: How Digitisation is Driving Local Economic Growth
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
In today’s fast-paced world, digitisation is not just a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind economic growth, efficiency, and scalability. Our local economy is experiencing a remarkable transformation, fueled by digital advancements that are reshaping industries, creating jobs, and fostering a new era of prosperity.
Event Highlights

Explore Cutting-Edge Digital Solutions: Discover how local businesses are harnessing the power of digitisation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity. From advanced automation to AI-driven analytics, see firsthand the tools that are revolutionising our economic landscape.
Success Stories: Learn from industry leaders and trailblazers who have successfully implemented digital strategies, driving growth in towns and business improvement districts. These real-world exemplars will demonstrate how embracing digital innovation has led to tangible results, from increased revenue to expanded market reach.
Economic Efficiency in Action: Hear how digitisation is enabling businesses to achieve more with less. By reducing waste, optimising resources, and improving decision-making processes, businesses and communities in our towns are not only becoming more efficient but also more resilient in the face of challenges.
Scaling New Heights: Explore the role of digitisation in enabling businesses to scale rapidly and sustainably. Understand how digital platforms and infrastructure are empowering local enterprises to expand beyond borders, tapping into new markets and opportunities with ease.

Why Attend?

Inspire Growth: Whether you’re a town or business improvement district manager, a business owner, entrepreneur, or policy maker, this showcase will equip you with insights and inspiration to leverage digitisation for economic success.
Connect with Innovators: Connect with thought leaders, industry experts, and peers who are at the forefront of digital transformation. Build partnerships and collaborations that could drive your own digital transformation journey.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: In a rapidly evolving digital economy, staying informed is key. This event is your chance to stay ahead of trends, understand emerging technologies, and prepare for the future.

Be a part of the digital revolution. Join us for a showcase that not only celebrates the power of digitisation but also sets the stage for the continued growth and success of our local economies across Scotland’s towns and places.
Don’t miss out—register today and be at the forefront of economic innovation!
This event promises to be a pivotal moment for our community, highlighting the ways in which digitisation is not only transforming businesses but also driving broader economic benefits. Be there to witness the future unfold!

Accessible and Inclusive Agritourism
2024-10-29 13:30 - 14:30
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on accessibility and inclusion within the agritourism sector. We are delighted to welcome Moira Henderson, The Rings, to talk about her experience setting up and developing a successful accessible agritourism business.
Whether you are just starting out or running an established business, you will benefit from hearing from Moira who brings a wealth of experience in this area and who will be ready to answer all your questions.
Moira grew up on the West coast of Scotland married David in 1980 and they moved to Fife. They have four adult children & seven grandchildren. David lectured at Elmwood Agricultural College, and Moira was a Registered General Nurse. They bought the family farm in 1988, setting up the partnership of Firm of M.C. Henderson. The business was mostly sheep and crops but later expanded to include egg production and retail. The farm had two holiday caravans which Moira used to supplement David’s income and keep the small 90 acres going for many years, however when these came to the end of their “life” the family was keen to develop holiday accommodation which would meet the needs of those with disabilities.
This farm diversification began as a simple idea to provide a cottage with a ceiling track hoist but resulted in the completion of The Rings cottage in 2016. In 2018, Moira was awarded an MBE for services to Accessible Tourism in Fife.
The Rings now includes a uniquely divideable cottage with 8 fully accessible bedrooms with ensuite wetrooms. The cottage is fully inclusive of those with access needs providing hoists, profiling beds and equipment such as shower chairs; but you don’t have to break a leg to come and stay, they don’t discriminate against you if you don’t have a disability!

How to build a digital marketing plan
2024-10-29 14:00 - 16:00
This webinar will guide you through the steps needed to create an effective digital marketing strategy, ensuring you focus on the right tactics to meet your business objectives and goals.
We will cover:

The importance of planning your digital marketing activities
Building your plan around a simple framework
Conducting a situational analysis (and understanding customers and competitors)
Developing your brand and tone of voice
Planning your content strategy
Prioritising digital channels
Evaluating your Digital Marketing efforts

Cyber Security for your small business
2024-10-29 15:00 - 16:00
To attend this webinar, there are no prerequisites or prior experience needed. It is aimed at start-up businesses and those who are interested in creating a start-up.
It would also be beneficial for more established businesses who are looking at security as a business differentiator and learn how it can be used to win new business.
Your host Jim Wright will introduce security, how it can benefit businesses and allow you to seize opportunities while minimising risk. Jim will also discuss common frameworks and fundamental principles that business leaders should be aware of from the start of their business venture.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will:
1) Understand security risks
2) Understand the benefits of security
3) Have an awareness of threat actors
4) Have an awareness of threat vectors
5) Have an awareness of the services that can be offered to support start-ups
6) Understand the regulatory environment in which they work
7) Understand the common frameworks relating to security

Managing People for Growth
2024-10-30 09:30 - 16:00
Our workshops cover several key areas that can help you develop the skills of your people managers.
You’ll learn how to:

Identify the skills and approaches managers require to perform their roles successfully both now and in the future.
Implement fair and progressive work practices through an understanding of key drivers that can develop new ways of working (for example, the fair work framework, productivity and benefits of employee engagement).
Understand the importance of effectively maximising and improving existing staff skills, while identifying the style and attributes of an effective manager.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 2: Off page optimisation & technical considerations
2024-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
Join us as we take a further, more detailed look at how the Google search engines indexes and ranks websites based on a number of external (off-page) and technical factors. Implementing this learning will increase your chances of customers discovering your business through Google – the world’s leading research tool.
We will cover:

How to block or control what websites are allowed to ‘index’
The importance of a fast loading mobile website
How security and usability influence Google
What “off-page” optimisation means, and tactics to generate back-links
The importance of Local SEO, and why a “Google Business Profile” is vital

Unlocking the power of crowdfunding
2024-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar will equip businesses with the knowledge and strategies to effectively leverage crowdfunding for growth and success,
We’ll cover:

Understanding your funding audience
Crowdfunding success stories
The impact of a successful campaign
The opportunity presented by patronage models
Essential elements of a winning crowdfunding campaign
Building a crowdfunding culture
Crowdfunding myths and realities
Strategies for success

By the end of this webinar, you will have a comprehensive understanding of crowdfunding and patronage/membership models, actionable strategies to launch a successful campaign and the confidence to take your organisation to new heights through crowdfunding.
