Invest in Angus

Why every business needs a strategic plan | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-13 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Strategic planning is essential for overcoming stagnation and achieving business success. But where do you find time amid daily tasks? And why does it matter?
This webinar, led by experienced researcher and entrepreneur Tammy Whalen Blake, will challenge your perspective on growth.
Tammy has a proven record of assisting hundreds of businesses in their transition and offers actionable strategies for effective planning and execution.
This isn’t just theory – it’s practical insight from actual business experience.
Topics covered in this session:

How strategic planning keeps your pipeline primed and creates predictable growth
How to identify your best possible balance between CEO, manager and expert activities so you can grow sustainably without burning out
How to transform from self-employed to business owner by defining your vision, taking advantage of your strengths and making data-informed decisions

How to generate and increase sales
2026-01-13 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

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
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.

How to find the right funding for your start-up | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-14 12:00 - 12:30
Funding your business can feel like a maze. With so many options available, how do you know which route to take?
In this session, funding specialist Rachel Hayward will demystify the funding landscape for start-ups and small businesses.
You’ll learn the difference between grants and loans, where to find them and how to position your business for success when applying.
Topics covered in this session:

Knowing your options: The key funding routes available to small businesses, including grants and loans
Finding the right fit: How to assess which type of funding best supports your business stage, size and ambitions
Getting application-ready: What funders are looking for and how to prepare a strong, credible application that stands out

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2026-01-14 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

Simple Steps to Get Your Business Online
2026-01-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Forfar Community Campus, Kirriemuir Road, Forfar, DD8 3TG
Reaching your customers online is simple, and we’ll show you how.
We’ve teamed up with DLR Media to create a workshop that will help you boost visibility, improve your online presence, and plan for a stronger year ahead. No jargon, no complicated tech, just practical tips you can start using straight away.
You’ll learn:

How to keep customers informed and engaged online
What to post, how often, and how to increase reach
Simple promotions and ideas to encourage footfall
How to build customer loyalty and repeat business
Quick online improvements you can implement right away
Tools, templates, and content ideas to support you

This workshop is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. If you’ve never set up social media or a website before, don’t worry, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Christmas 2025 - How did it go for sales?
2026-01-15 09:30 - 16:00 | Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop, Stirling, FK9 4UY
Three key note speakers will share how Christmas 2025 went and how they are already planning for 2026.
Christmas is one of the key opportunities for farm retailers and agritourism enterprises. Many of us are not well enough organised to benefit from this key event.
This meeting will focus on how Christmas went in 2025, when is the right time to plan for Christmas 2026 and what planning should entail.
The day will start with a business talk and tour of the Smiddy Farm Shop, Blair Drummond, by Stirling, with owner Will Muir.
Afterwards travel the short distance to Gargunnock Community Centre to hear from Monitor Farm Programme Expert in Farm Retail, Fiona Pollock, Ardoss Farm Shop and her daughter Nikki Storrar, and Will Docker, Balgove Larder, Fife.
They will provide an evaluation of how Christmas 2025 has gone including some sales analysis and discussions on footfall, sale per basket and marketing. And they will discuss how they have already started planning for Christmas 2026.
Come along and ask these larger established businesses your questions. All are welcome.

Accounting for Limited Companies
2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar is designed to outline the key accounting and statutory reporting requirements for a limited company and explain the main differences between operating as a sole trader versus a limited company.
We’ll cover:

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

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

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce Membership Information Session
2026-01-15 11:00 - 12:00
From next year, we’ll be introducing a new tiered membership system. We know change often brings questions, and with more than 600 members, we want to make sure everyone has the chance to hear directly from us and get clarity about what’s new.
To help with this, we’ll be running a series of small information sessions (15–20 people per session). Each session will:

Walk you through the new membership tiers and how they work
Explain what the changes mean for you
Give you the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, open setting

Each session will cover the same information, with our goal being to make these changes as clear and straightforward as possible, and to give you the space to ask the questions that matter to you. We kindly ask that you only book onto one session to allow for other Members to also attend these events.
Book your place today and join us for a clear overview of the new membership model.

Why being found beats being brilliant | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-15 12:00 - 12:30
You might be the best in your market, but if buyers can’t find you when they’re searching, your competitors win the business.
In this session, Sarah White will show you how to rethink your marketing and boost your visibility where it matters, so your business has a much better chance of growth.
Topics covered in this session:

Practical quick wins for making your business more visible to customers
Where to boost your efforts to improve results
How to diagnose where you’re brilliant – or buried

Finding, keeping and looking after your staff
2026-01-15 13:00 - 15:00
One of the most daunting challenges a business can face is the process of hiring employees, interviewing, payroll, pensions, contracts, remote working and more, it is a minefield for the business owner.
This webinar will allow you to have the key information in your possession to take on staff and look after your team.
We’ll cover:

Finding, keeping and looking after your staff
Attracting and recruiting the best people for your business
Your obligations as employers
How to retain staff members
Moving on
Dismissal
Restructure/Redundancy

We will also look at:

How in the current climate you can manage staff and teams in a remote environment, considering their productivity, efficiency, and the issues of home working
How you can best manage staff to ensure productivity is kept and mental health is supported
The impact of companies who may be considering restructuring and therefore redundancy for the first time and how that can be managed

VisitScotland climate tools on the Business Support Hub
2026-01-15 14:00 - 14:30
Discover VisitScotland’s Business Support Hub Sustainability pages – showing you how to navigate resources, access climate tools, and use self-service options to develop or enhance your climate action plan.
We’ll walk you through the VisitScotland Climate Action Plan and create a more sustainable business together.

Preparing for Self Assessment 2026: What small businesses need to know
2026-01-15 14:00 - 15:00
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) will bring significant changes to how self-employed individuals manage and report their finances.
Join us for an informative 45 minute webinar – including a Q&A – where we’ll break down the upcoming MTD requirements and answer any of your questions on the topic.
Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord or small business owner, this session will give you the practical steps and confidence to stay compliant and avoid last-minute stress.
Topics covered in this session:

Who needs to file a Self Assessment and what’s changing under MTD
How to avoid penalties by keeping accurate digital records and meeting key deadlines

This session is ideal if you’re:

a sole trader or landlord filing Self Assessment tax returns
a small business owner preparing for MTD for Income Tax
an accountant or a bookkeeper supporting clients through the transition
looking for practical guidance to make digital record-keeping and tax submissions much simpler

The start-up guide to SEIS and EIS
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00
Unlock the UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes in this free live webinar led by start-up law expert Michael Buckworth, founder of Buckworths.
Learn how these government-backed schemes help start-ups raise capital while offering investors generous tax relief. Michael explains how SEIS and EIS work, which scheme fits your business, how to secure Advance Assurance, how much you can raise and what investors look for.
You’ll also learn how to structure compliant funding rounds, avoid common pitfalls and what to do after your raise, including issuing certificates and claiming tax relief.

Simple Steps to Get Your Business Online
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Kirrie Connections, 29 Roods, Kirriemuir, DD8 4HN

Business expenses – What can I claim
2026-01-16 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar focuses on the main areas of spend that many businesses might incur, and provides a detailed and HMRC backed overview of what can and should be claimed.
This webinar will cover:

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

How to build and run a simple cash flow model | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-16 12:00 - 12:30
In this session, accounting expert Michael Austin will show you how to build and run a simple cash flow model using a spreadsheet and good bookkeeping.
Topics covered in this session:

How to build a simple cash flow model without using apps
How to keep it updated with correct historical information and forecast the near future
Why good bookkeeping is the foundation of any cash flow model

Net Zero with GrowBiz and Wasted Degrees
2026-01-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Wasted Degrees Brewery, Pitlochry, PH18 5TL
Are you interested in hearing how other businesses have approached difficult challenges? In particular how to make solutions work for the environment and the bottom line? Join us and Conall and Jack to talk about innovative solutions for packaging, the supply chain, raw materials and waste management in the Blair Atholl Brewery. They will tell us their story, join the discussion and chat informally as well as offering a tour and taste!
Theirs is an inspiring story; growth has been rapid from ‘hobby’ to business and they are already planning to move to a larger site. Their commitment to recycling the energy produced by the brewing process is driving the next initiative.
Whatever your sector you’ll find something to consider differently and you’ll definitely be inspired by the brothers’ innovative thinking that enables them to make ‘good decisions’ for the environment, the community and their staff.

How to write funding applications
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00
Securing funding can be a game-changer — but writing a strong application takes more than just filling out forms.
This webinar will offer tools and insights to help improve your chances of a successful application, including:

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

The Digital Visibility Method™: Show Up Everywhere Your Customers Are Searching
2026-01-19 17:00 - 19:00
Customers now speak to devices, interact with AI, and use conversational queries for instant answers. If your business is just a static website, you’re invisible to today’s consumer.
The Digital Visibility Method™ goes beyond SEO. It’s a complete authority-building system that aligns your business with how search engines and AI work now. You’ll learn to build E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)—the pillars that make AI trust and recommend you.
This session covers:

Baseline Audit: Measure your digital footprint and see what Google knows about your brand.
Competitor Deep-Dive: Identify gaps in competitors’ presence you can exploit.
AI as Your Assistant: Train ChatGPT to speak in your Brand Voice and act as a 24/7 strategist.
Semantic About Page: Rewrite your About page so Google instantly understands who you are.
Topic Clusters & Authority: Move from random posts to a linking strategy that builds topical authority.
Dream 100 Campaign: Target platforms and influencers who already have your audience.

Outcomes:

Dominate local search with optimised profiles and citations.
Capture “Position Zero” by formatting content for Featured Snippets and AI Overviews.
Build an owned audience with automated email sequences.
Stay visible using a structured Business Tracker for ongoing activity.

Who It’s For:
Local business owners, service providers, coaches, and marketers who need a future-proof framework for visibility in an AI-first world.

Thorntons Webinar - What to Expect in 2026
2026-01-20 09:30 - 10:30
In 2025, there were significant changes to UK immigration law which impacted international citizens living and working in Scotland. Further change is expected in 2026, with the UK Government expected to make further changes to work visa routes and the path to settlement and citizenship.
Join our specialist immigration team to find out what these changes mean for individuals, families and businesses.

How to design products consumers come back for | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-20 12:00 - 12:30
Learn how to create food and drink products that keep customers coming back for more, not just because of your branding, but because they genuinely crave your products.
In this session, Manon Galizzi will show you practical, founder-friendly ways to find your product’s “secret sauce” and test what actually makes people want to buy again and again.
Topics covered in this session:

The most powerful retention tool in food and drink
How to identify and refine your brand’s “signature experience”
Balancing familiarity and novelty to encourage repeat purchases
Small-scale sensory testing methods any founder can use

Working with the Public Sector - All You Need to Know
2026-01-20 13:30 - 15:00
How well do you know the public sector? This introductory module is recommended for anyone new to bidding. It provides a comprehensive overview of the public sector marketplace in Scotland and beyond and introduces the concept of tendering and procurement.
This event is suitable for Level 1 (Beginner) workshop is a first step to tendering for new or inexperienced bidders. No previous knowledge or experience is required to attend this workshop.

During this course, you will learn:

What is the public sector?
Routes into the public sector
Finding opportunities
Creating a pipeline of work
Pre-engagement activities

At the end of the webinar, there will be an interactive Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to ask our expert trainer any questions you may have.

The rise of social proof: How to use it to grow trust and sales
2026-01-20 14:00 - 15:00
Today’s customers trust people more than brands and what they see online shapes every buying decision.
Whether it’s a review, testimonial or a social post, authentic customer feedback has become one of the most powerful marketing tools for small businesses.
Join this free Tech Hub webinar to explore how to use social proof to attract new customers and boost both loyalty and credibility.
Learn practical ways to collect, manage and share reviews, testimonials and user-generated content (UGC) that tell your brand’s story and build lasting trust.
Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer or social media manager, this session will help you build credibility, strengthen relationships and turn customer voices into a powerful driver of growth.
What you’ll learn:

The power of social proof: Why reviews and testimonials matter more than ever
Collecting feedback the right way: Simple, ethical and effective methods to gather customer insights
Turning words into growth: How to use social proof across your website, emails and social media
Building trust through transparency: Managing negative feedback and responding with confidence

SEO Basics for Business Owners
2026-01-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Arbroath Courthouse, 88-92 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1HL
Looking to get to grips with SEO and attract the right customers to your website?
This workshop will take the mystery out of SEO and show you how to bring in the right visitors, not just more clicks, but people who are ready to buy.
You’ll get straightforward, easy-to-follow guidance on what matters most in SEO today, what you can ignore, and how to avoid mistakes that stop your website from ranking or converting.
What will you learn?

How search engines decide which websites to show
How your customers search for products and services online
How to choose keywords that attract buyers, not browsers
How your website content impacts visibility and trust
Simple SEO improvements that deliver long-term results

What problems will this solve?

Confusion around SEO and conflicting advice
Low-quality traffic that doesn’t convert
A website that looks great but doesn’t get found
Over-reliance on paid ads without organic growth
Lack of confidence when working with marketers or developers

Perfect if you want to take control of your online presence and make confident, informed decisions about your website and marketing.

Google Analytics – Understand how your website performs
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that helps you understand how your website is performing. It helps answer lots of questions, including:

Which marketing channels drive traffic to your site?
What pages are users looking at the most?
What impact does mobile have on your potential customers?

During this webinar, we’ll help you understand how Google Analytics is set up and give you an overview of key reports. We’ll also look at other web analytics tools to help you online.

Roadmap to circularity for islands and rural communities
2026-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join Zero Waste Scotland in this session aimed at island and rural communities which addresses circularity in the Built Environment and Energy Infrastructure sector.
Circular economy practices in both Scotland’s Built Environment (BE) and Energy Infrastructure sector, have the potential to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits by reducing emissions associated with infrastructure design and deployment; enhancing the strength of local supply chains by ensuring that materials and components are maintained at and restored to the highest level of value possible for as long as possible; and reducing our dependence on international supply chains for the supply of essential materials such as critical raw materials.
Zero Waste Scotland are currently developing sector specific roadmaps, each of which will have a set of interventions designed specifically to address circularity in the Energy Infrastructure sector. A system thinking approach has been taken, which has included the development of system maps for each sector. These maps tell us the most important factors influencing businesses in these sectors and we are looking for stakeholders to help identify the correct interventions to address these. This requires input from stakeholders across the economy who influence the sector including finance, insurance, public organisations, skills and standards.

How to use TikTok Shop successfully in 2026 | Lunch and Learn
2026-01-21 12:00 - 12:30
TikTok Shop is fast becoming one of the most important growth channels for product brands, but success on the platform looks very different to traditional e-commerce or online marketplaces.
In this Lunch and Learn, Carina McLeod will tell you what brands need to be thinking about to set themselves up for success on TikTok Shop in 2026.
From content creation and affiliates to ads and live shopping, this session will break down how the different parts of the TikTok Shop ecosystem work together to drive visibility and conversions.
Rather than focusing on quick wins or trends, this webinar will cover best practices for building a sustainable TikTok Shop strategy that aligns with your brand, resources and goals for growth.
This session is ideal for brands already selling on TikTok Shop, as well as those considering it as a new channel in the year ahead.
Topics covered in this session:

Creating TikTok-first content that drives discovery and conversion
How to use affiliates and creators to scale reach and sales
The role of ads in supporting content, affiliates and live shopping
Where live streaming fits into a TikTok Shop growth strategy
Common mistakes brands make when launching or scaling on the platform

The Unpacked Series: Litigation
2026-01-21 12:30 - 13:30
Curious about what life in different areas of law really looks like?
Join us for The Unpacked Series: Litigation, our interactive webinar programme designed to unpack what it’s like to work in various areas of legal practice. In this session, Fiona Stewart (Head of Talent Acquisition), will be joined by Litigation colleagues Iain Buchan (Associate), Iain Sargison (Newly Qualified Solicitor), and Sophie Fairweather (Trainee Solicitor) who will share their real-life experiences, career journeys, and practical advice on the skills you can start developing now to succeed in these areas.
Whether you’re exploring your options or have a particular legal specialism in mind, The Unpacked Series is your chance to hear authentic insights directly from our lawyers and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.
This webinar is for law students and graduates who want to explore different areas of practice. Anyone curious about the realities of life as a lawyer at a leading Scottish firm.

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? Have you considered selling your business to an employee ownership trust? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options.
Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners. Attend this free online workshop to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company’s legacy while ensuring you get a competitive price for the business.
Aimed at business owners considering an exit from their company, this free online session will give you the opportunity to hear from marketing and design agency Whitewall and Isle of Arran based Auchrannie Resort. They’ll talk about the factors they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked out.
Andrew Harrison from Co-ownership Solutions will talk through all your ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.
