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

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

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

Thorntons Employment Law Webinar - Disability Discrimination Overview
2025-04-24 09:30 - 10:30
In this session, Employment Partner Chris Phillips provides an overview of how the Equality Act protects disabled workers and impacts on their employers. He will bring us up to date with recent cases before looking forward to what we might expect under the Labour administration.
This webinar will cover:

How we define disability;
Claims under the 2010 Act;
Practical considerations and tips for employers; and
Case law developments

Who should attend?

HR Professionals
Business Owners
Managers

Marketing Mastery: Spotlighting Features and Benefits for Your Business
2025-04-24 09:30 - 11:00
During this learning session we’ll look at ways to identify the benefits of your product, service or creative business so you can use the messaging that your customers ultimately want to hear in your marketing and promotional material.
This session will be led by GrowBiz Deputy CEO Clair Smith and Learning and Development Manager Alison Finlay. Both of whom have a sales and marketing background and who will guide you through some key principles to help you with your marketing strategy.
You’ll walk away from this session feeling much clearer about what the features and benefits are of your business, who your customers might be, how to reach them and what channels to you use to talk to them.
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.

GrowBiz strives to host fully inclusive events and will do all that we can to cater for your needs. If you need additional support or have concerns about taking part in this event please get in touch with the team at events@growbiz.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
This event will take place on Zoom and will not be recorded.

How to write funding applications
2025-04-24 10:00 - 12:00
When submitting applications for funding, you need to ensure that the applications are written in such a way that improves your chances of being successful.
There are numerous funders out there and each will have their unique way they wish you to apply, however, in this webinar we’ll explore some key steps you can take to improve your chances of a successful application, including:

Clarifying your need

Demonstrating your needs

Understanding your funder

How to speak their language

Getting the basics right

Overcoming the common mistakes

Answering the questions asked

Social media essentials: Instagram
2025-04-24 14:00 - 16:00
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

How to start a business: The basics
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
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

Social media essentials: Facebook
2025-04-28 10:00 - 12:00
Get to grips with Facebook – the world’s most popular social networking platform.
In this webinar you will:

Learn how to get the most out of Facebook and how it could fit into your business’s digital marketing strategy
Better understand the algorithm behind Facebook, and how to create great content that achieves a bigger reach and impact
Learn from the stats and data you can get from the system and discover who your most interested customers/clients are
Understand the power of Facebook advertising, and other selling options available to you
Discover other business opportunities presented by Facebook, including how to promote and sell products and services
Be introduced to ‘Business Suite’ – a free Facebook dashboard to manage all your business activity

Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Brechin Library)
2025-04-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Brechin Library, 10 St. Ninians Square, Brechin, DD9 7AD
The Business Gateway team will be at Brechin Library to offer expert advice and support for all your business questions.
Drop in and speak to us, or use the book now button and a member of the team will be in touch to book an appointment.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow business, our advisers are here for you every step of the way.

Thorntons Immigration Webinar - Immigration Update
2025-04-29 09:30 - 10:30
Immigration law and practice are constantly changing, and 2025 is going to be no exception. Keeping on top of changes to the law, Home Office guidance and immigration processes and procedures is vital for UK employers with an international workforce.
In addition to keeping pace with immigration compliance, employers also have to stay up to date with changes to UK employment law. This is especially important for sponsor licence holders, as complying with UK employment law is a key sponsor licence duty. Failure to comply with wider legal requirements placed on UK employers can lead to the loss of a licence, with far reaching consequences for businesses and their staff.
In this webinar, Thorntons Immigration Specialists, Jacqueline Moore, Louise Crichton and Rebecca Engel-Morton will be joined by Head of Employment, Noele McClelland to discuss key topics for UK employers in 2025.
This webinar will cover:

Immigration developments in Q1 of 2025
Changes to employment law
Changes to Home Office sponsorship guidance
Digitalisation of the UK border and the impact of eVisas on Right to Work checks

Social media essentials: TikTok and Instagram Reels
2025-04-29 10:00 - 12:00
TikTok and Instagram Reels aren’t just for dance trends and lip-synching videos, they can also be a fantastic opportunity to engage with your customers and increase the reach of your business online. Learn how to create bitesize video content for more effective business communication on two of the most popular social platforms.
We will cover:

How to optimise your TikTok and Instagram accounts for the best results with video
How to discover the latest trends on each platform and leverage this to create popular videos for your business
Ideas for creating content to entertain, inspire or educate your audience (with lots of examples from a variety of relevant TikTok and Reels accounts)
How to increase engagement and reach by paying attention to your videos’ structure, duration, titles and understanding hashtags and algorithms
The best kit, apps and workflow to create bitesize vertical videos for both platforms

How to build your brand
2025-04-29 13:00 - 15:00, 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

Pitch, Post, Persuade, People
2025-04-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Malmaison Dundee, 44 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee, DD1 4AY
Come join us at Malmaison Dundee on Wednesday 30 April for an exciting event where you’ll learn how to pitch your ideas effectively, post engaging content, persuade your audience, and connect with people in the business world. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your business skills and network with like-minded individuals!
This isn’t just another business event—it’s your chance to gain real-world strategies from industry experts who have helped businesses scale and succeed.
Meet Your Experts & What You’ll Learn:
Gary Manini (Manini Ltd) –
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymanini/ | https://www.facebook.com/gary.manini
✅ Master cold calling & sales techniques
✅ Generate high-quality leads
✅ Overcome the fear of selling
Robbie Irons (Robbie Irons Marketing) –
www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-irons | https://www.facebook.com/Robbieironsmarketing
✅ Create content that stops the scroll & converts
✅ Build a social media & web strategy that attracts high-value leads
Andrew Smith (KLT Networking) –
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewabn/
✅ Network with confidence & turn connections into sales
✅ Discover the follow-up strategy that drives real results
Rebecca Ling (LearnLing) –
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ling-22b1a7157/
✅ Improve workplace communication & collaboration
✅ Understand personality types for better teamwork
Why You Need to Be There
✔️ Build confidence in sales & marketing
✔️ Learn practical, actionable strategies
✔️ Expand your network with like-minded professionals
✔️ Walk away with a game plan to grow your business

Harnessing AI in Shopify: Boost Sales & Streamline Operations Webinar
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:00
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

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.
