Invest in Angus

Harnessing AI in Shopify: Boost Sales & Streamline Operations Webinar
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
This webinar explores how AI can enhance your Shopify store by automating tasks, personalising customer experiences, and optimizing sales strategies. Delegates will gain practical insights into AI-powered tools and apps that can help improve product recommendations, streamline customer service, and increase conversions.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, delegates will:

Understand how AI can enhance various aspects of a Shopify store.
Learn about AI-driven tools for product recommendations, chatbots, and customer segmentation.
Discover automation techniques to improve efficiency and customer engagement.
Explore Shopify’s own AI tools and what is already included within their platform.
Gain practical knowledge on integrating AI-powered apps into Shopify.
Develop strategies to leverage AI for increasing sales and optimizing store performance.

Who should attend this webinar?
This webinar is ideal for business owners and eCommerce managers who are looking to grow their Shopify store by leveraging AI technology. It is perfect for:

Shopify store owners seeking to improve efficiency, increase conversions, and boost sales through AI-driven tools.
eCommerce managers looking to optimize their store’s performance and enhance customer engagement using automation and personalisation.
Marketing teams interested in integrating AI for targeted campaigns, product recommendations, and customer segmentation.
Customer service teams wanting to explore AI-powered chatbots and other tools to enhance service delivery and satisfaction.
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs wanting to stay ahead of the curve and adopt the latest AI technologies in their eCommerce strategy.

Delivering profit to drive growth
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

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.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 2: Off page optimisation & technical considerations
2025-04-30 14:00 - 16:00
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

DP&L Travel Management Spring Showcase Networking Event
2025-04-30 17:30 - 20:00 | DP&L Travel Management, 2 Valentine Court, Dundee, DD2 3QB
Get ready for an evening you won’t forget!
Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, making fresh industry connections, or discovering how DP&L Travel Management can elevate your business travel experience, this event is the ultimate opportunity to grow your network in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Expect a dynamic mix of meaningful conversations, valuable insights, and exclusive tips to tech demos on how to take your corporate travel to the next level.
Sip on delicious drinks, enjoy tasty canapés from Malmaison’s new menu, and don’t miss your chance to win incredible prizes from some of our lovely partners, including the Caledonian Sleeper, Loganair and an overnight stay at the Apex Hotel in Dundee in our exciting prize draw.
This isn’t just another networking event—it’s an opportunity to have fun, make lasting connections, and set your business up for success.
Don’t miss out—join us for a night that could change the way you do business and business travel!
Register online to attend.

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.

The Budget: Six months on
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Discovery Point, Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD1 4XA
Gilson Gray’s panel of experts will be discussing the key outcomes from the UK’s October Budget and reflect on the challenges, and the long-term implications. With the Budget now six months behind us, this event will provide an opportunity to assess its impact across businesses, property, personal and financial planning, and the economy.
Taking place on Thursday 1 May 2025, from 5pm onwards in Dundee, we look forward to having you with us for what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, with networking, canapes and drinks.

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference
2025-05-02 09:30 - 16:00 | Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, PH18 5TL
Join us for the inaugural Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference, a landmark event dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and growing Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Hosted in the historic Blair Castle, Perthshire, this event is an unmissable opportunity for estate owners, sporting providers, and tourism professionals to come together, share insights, and collaborate on the future of the industry.
What to Expect:
The day will feature a dynamic programme designed to inform, inspire, and engage:

Morning Keynotes: Hear from leading experts in the fields of tourism, sustainability, and country sports, sharing their perspectives on trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with key players from across the country sports and tourism industries during coffee breaks, lunch, and informal discussions.
Afternoon Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Take a deep dive into specialised topics with hands-on workshops and interactive breakout sessions, tailored to address the most pressing needs of the sector. From marketing strategies to sustainability practices, these sessions will provide practical tools to help you succeed.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including freshly prepared soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and light snacks, ensuring you stay energised and focused.

Who Should Attend?

Country sports estate owners and managers
Tourism professionals
Guides and sporting service providers
Accommodation and hospitality providers catering to the country sports audience
Anyone with a vested interest in Scotland’s country sports tourism economy

Why Attend?
Scotland’s country sports sector plays a vital role in the nation’s tourism economy, attracting visitors from around the world and supporting rural communities. This conference will provide valuable insights, foster collaboration, and highlight the economic and cultural significance of country sports tourism.

How to build a digital marketing plan
2025-05-02 10:00 - 12:00
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

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

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
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

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.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Social media essentials: LinkedIn
2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00
No longer just an online CV, LinkedIn can be an incredibly powerful – and profitable – business tool.
During this webinar, you will:

Learn how to create a LinkedIn strategy to boost your business reputation via marketing and brand promotion initiatives
Learn the difference between personal and company profiles and how to optimise them for both maximum visibility and brand awareness
Understand that content is king on LinkedIn, and we’ll show you how to plan and produce captivating content that enriches your brand

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.

InspireHER: Break free from procrastination & perfectionism
2025-05-07 12:00 - 13:00
Do you find yourself waiting for the right time to get started? Maybe you are stuck endlessly reworking and second-guessing yourself? Whether you’re launching a business, growing an idea, or simply trying to move forward, procrastination and perfectionism can quietly sabotage your progress and confidence.
In this empowering and practical session, we’ll explore:

Why we procrastinate and what you can do to overcome it
How perfectionism plays a hidden role
Simple mindset shifts that help you take action
Tools to break the cycle and get unstuck
How to make progress with more ease

You’ll leave with a fresh perspective, proven techniques, and a renewed sense of motivation to take that next step in your business journey.

How to generate and increase sales
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

Introduction to Canva
2025-05-07 17:00 - 19:00
Canva is an all-in-one online design tool that makes it simple to create graphics, edit photos/videos and write content.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to navigate Canva with confidence, starting with a broad overview of what you can create and do with Canva including a live demonstration of the Canva Editor.
We’ll then explore how to:

Design professional printed marketing materials and edit photos with ease.
Create engaging social media content, including videos and images for posts and ads.
Write creative blog content and make stunning presentations.

We’ll finish this beginner’s guide to Canva by looking at some clever strategies for improving how you market your business with your new suite of creative marketing materials.
As a result of attending this webinar, you will gain practical knowledge of the basics of Canva and learn how to save time when marketing your business online. We’ll be focusing on the free features of Canva for this webinar but some paid ‘Canva Pro’ features will be demonstrated also.
Before you sign up for this webinar, please make sure you have created a free Canva account that you are signed into. We will be doing three live demonstrations, giving you an opportunity to practice your new creative skills.

Young person’s guide to starting a business
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar will provide you with information, direction and support on a range of topics, including:

Planning (before you start, & once you are up and running)

The personal benefits of working for yourself

How to make sure your idea is viable and sustainable

How to research your market and market your business

How to identify who your customers are

Staffing

Funding

How to register and set up – sole trader or a limited company

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.

How to start a business: The basics
2025-05-08 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

Bookkeeping essentials
2025-05-09 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

Scottish Agritourism Month Roadshow: Dunlop Dairy
2025-05-09 12:00 - 14:30 | Dunlop Dairy, Dunlop Road, Stewarton, KA3 5LP
This meeting is part of a series of events hosted during Scottish Agritourism month and in the lead-up to Scottish Agritourism turning five years old on June 1st 2025. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to attend.
We’ll be shining a light on the development of agritourism both in the local area and nationally, sharing Scotland-wide success stories and sector challenges, and opening up discussion with others who play a part in supporting rural and agritourism. You will also hear from Dunlop Dairy about how they’ve developed their business – a traditional Ayrshire cheesemaker, with a range of farmhouse cheeses sold in their Cheese Shop and Tearoom.
You can expect a sector update from Scottish Agritourism on the work we are doing, along with agencies from the national strategy board, to grow and develop agritourism in Scotland in line with national targets. We’ll be celebrating five years of Scottish Agritourism – lunch will be provided and yes, there will be cake!

Belonging at work: How to create inclusive, connected workplaces that empower your people to thrive
2025-05-12 14:00 - 15:00
Did you know? Two-thirds of UK employees feel disconnected at work and almost a quarter of workers (23%) agreed that feeling lonely at work has affected their mental health*, impacting engagement, wellbeing and retention.
Join us for this insightful webinar during Mental Health Awareness Week. Aimed at HR professionals, people managers and wellbeing champions, you’ll gain practical advice and tips for creating inclusive, connected workplaces that empower your people to thrive.
*Sources: Reward Gateway survey 2023 and Mental Health UK 2022.
What you’ll learn:

The importance of workplace connection for mental health and overall wellbeing.
How to create an inclusive culture that strengthens employee engagement and retention.
Ways to build a strong sense of community at work to help employees create meaningful connections and reduce loneliness.

How to create engaging content
2025-05-12 14:00 - 16:00
Producing quality content is an excellent way of helping your customers develop a meaningful relationship with your brand, services and products. In this webinar we will show you how to source and develop a variety of content for your website and social channels.
This session is ideal for businesses that already have a business website or use social media and now want to take it a step further, and develop the skills to show your audience that you are a trusted operator in your field.
We will help you:

Understand what kind of content your customers are looking for
Source, write and deliver that content
Amplify your brand and message and boost engagement online

Generative and agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the future of work
2025-05-13 10:00 - 11:00
This online session will focus on the accessibility and real-world relevance of generative and agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will highlight concrete use cases, emerging patterns of adoption, and strategic questions SMEs should be asking now to prepare for what comes next.
Dr Marcel Lukas, Vice Dean Executive Education and Senior Lecturer in Banking and Finance at the University of St Andrews, will lead the session. Drawing on his research in financial technology, behavioural economics, and policy engagement, Dr Lukas will examine how generative AI is not only transforming operational efficiency but also enabling new forms of creativity, customer engagement, and business model innovation.
This will consider both the immediate practical applications and the broader organisational and workforce implications, including skills development, ethical considerations, and regulatory awareness.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of generative and agentic AI, and with ideas on how to engage with these technologies in a responsible and sustainable way.

An introduction to business strategy
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

Tendering for Success
2025-05-13 13:00 - 15:30
Whether you’re thinking about going for your first tender or have already been through the process but would like to enhance your tendering skills this session is for you.
We’ll be joined by experts in the field of tendering to talk you through the process, common pitfalls, what to look out for and how to prepare your business to be ready for future opportunities for growth.

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00
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

Scottish Agritourism Month Roadshow: Logie Newton Lodges
2025-05-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Logie Newton Farm, Huntly, AB54 6BB
This meeting is part of a series of events hosted during Scottish Agritourism month and in the lead-up to Scottish Agritourism turning five years old on June 1st 2025. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to attend.
We’ll be shining a light on the development of agritourism both in the local area and nationally, sharing Scotland-wide success stories and sector challenges, and opening up discussion with others who play a part in supporting rural and agritourism. You will also hear from Logie Newton Lodges about how they’ve developed their business – a luxury self-catering site, with two recently opened lodges available to book.
You can expect a sector update from Scottish Agritourism on the work we are doing, along with agencies from the national strategy board, to grow and develop agritourism in Scotland in line with national targets. We’ll be celebrating five years of Scottish Agritourism – bacon rolls, teas and coffees will be provided by Scottish Agritourism member Thorney Bank Farm Shop, and yes, there will be cake!
