Invest in Angus

Social media essentials: LinkedIn
2026-03-27 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
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

Intro to ChatGPT for business | Lunch and Learn
2026-03-27 12:00 - 12:30
Ever felt overwhelmed opening ChatGPT for the first time, unsure where to even begin?
Are you paying for a subscription but not quite sure you’re getting the most out of it, or whether you’re even on the right plan?
In this practical session, Emma Michael takes you on a whistle-stop tour of ChatGPT, designed to cut through the confusion and show you what’s actually possible for your business.
From choosing the right subscription to writing your first proper prompt, this webinar covers everything you need to hit the ground running with ChatGPT as a business tool.
Topics covered in this session:

How to choose the right ChatGPT subscription for your needs
How to write beginner-friendly prompts using the RTCCO framework
How to set up Custom Instructions and Memory for responses that feel personalised to you
A high-level tour of key ChatGPT features – including Custom GPTs and Agents

Adding a Wellness Experience to your Enterprise
2026-03-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Bengairn Country Lodges, Castle Douglas, DG7 1QN
Adding value to your business by introducing a wellness experience.
This meeting will focus on different wellness options, upselling wellness products and services to the existing customer base and standing out in the marketplace.
Our host is Fiona Wallace from Bengairn Lodges, who is looking at developing wellness experiences instead of adding on more accommodation.
Jo McNichol from Drift will join us to talk about her Sauna.

An introduction to business websites
2026-03-30 14:00 - 16:00
This webinar will take you through all the steps required to design, build and host a business website. You will learn about:

The need to determine website objectives
The importance of knowing who your audience is and measuring results
Setting clear calls to action and creating engaging content
Creating your brand’s visual identity online, your site’s blueprint and how you can structure your site map
What’s involved in registering your domain, maintaining your site content, and options for hosting it

This webinar will also offer guidance on when and how to outsource your website development, covering topics such as choosing a suitable content management system, what to organise first and costing for the work.

Food and Farming Hustings: The Voters Who Feed and Steward Scotland
2026-03-30 18:30 - 21:00 | Bowhouse, Balcaskie Estates, Fife
We’re bringing together the voters who feed Scotland – farmers, crofters, growers, and food producers – to discuss the realities of running profitable, sustainable rural businesses in today’s economic and ecological climate.
This isn’t a standard hustings. It’s rooted in the day-in, day-out practical reality of Scottish food and farming – what it takes to keep rural enterprises viable, resilient, delivering for nature and our communities.

Good AI data practices for SMEs and start-ups | Lunch and Learn
2026-03-31 12:00 - 12:30
Artificial intelligence (AI) depends heavily on data quality and management. Without the right data practices, even the most advanced AI models can fail to deliver accurate or useful results.
Getting AI data right is essential if you’re to build a system that performs well, adapts to new challenges and provides reliable insights.
In this session, John Hauxwell outlines 10 best practices to follow to help you manage AI data effectively and make sure your AI projects succeed.

Expanding to sell into the wider UK market
2026-03-31 13:30 - 15:00
Do you want to grow your business by exploring new public sector markets?
Wider opportunities are not always as easy to find, so you need to commit time and resources into investigating them. Businesses may be surprised to learn that the procurement rules in Scotland and the rest of the UK are currently largely the same. So how can businesses based within Scotland find and win public sector contracts within the rest of the UK.
At this training one of SDP’s expert trainers will show you where to find opportunities in new public sector markets, including searching the Find-a-Tender Service portal.
Advances in technology is making it easier for businesses of all sizes to work in other locations, our trainer will give an overview of what considerations your business needs to take into account before you start to expand.
Overview of what you will learn:

How to find new opportunities in the rest of the UK.
How to set up a business development strategy.
What considerations your business need to think about when working further a field
How to adapt to new opportunities
Common mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them

At the end of the session, there will be an interactive Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to ask the questions you have and how to navigate expansion of your business through public sector contracts.
This event is suitable for Level 3 (Advanced) if you have a very good understanding of public sector procurement (completed Level 1 and 2 or have equivalent experience) & you have bid for a public sector contract on more than one occasion.

How to build a digital marketing plan
2026-04-01 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

Microsoft Copilot: A bitesized overview for businesses | Lunch and Learn
2026-04-01 12:00 - 12:30
Most businesses have access to Microsoft Copilot, but many still aren’t sure what it actually does or how to use it.
This beginner-friendly deep dive led by Shimron Walters will walk you through Microsoft’s automation ecosystem, AI agents and the capabilities that can transform the way you work.
Topics covered in this session:

What Microsoft Copilot is, how it works and why it’s quickly becoming the industry standard
How Copilot Studio empowers you to build custom automations and AI agents tailored to your business
Practical use cases that show how this technology can help your team save time, reduce costs and operate more efficiently

Accounting for Limited Companies
2026-04-01 14:00 - 16:00
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.

Ditching the spreadsheet: When and how to switch to cloud accounting
2026-04-01 15:00 - 16:00
Still managing your accounts in spreadsheets? It’s worth knowing that as your business grows, manual bookkeeping can quickly become time-consuming, error-prone and stressful.
Join this free Tech Hub webinar to discover when it’s time to move on from manual processes and how cloud accounting can transform the way you manage your finances.
We’ll explore practical ways to simplify your admin, stay compliant and reduce manual work – all while gaining better visibility and control over your business performance.
What you’ll learn:

Recognising the signs: How to tell when spreadsheets are holding your business back
Making the switch: What to look for in cloud accounting software and how to get started smoothly
Simplifying financial admin: Tips to manage digital records efficiently and cut down on repetitive tasks
The future of finance: Discover Sage Copilot, an AI-powered tool designed to streamline workflows and support smarter, faster decision-making

Whether you’re a sole trader, a small business owner or an accountant supporting clients, this session will help you take the next step towards a simpler, smarter way to manage your finances.

Data Protection Compliance: Data Mapping and Records
2026-04-02 09:30 - 10:30
Join our data protection specialists Loretta Maxfield and Morgan O’Neill for an in-depth practical session on the requirement of Article 30 of UK GDPR requires under GDPR.
The webinar will cover topics including how to build and maintain accurate ROPAs, common challenges and solutions for data mapping and practical tips for ongoing compliance. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session with our team.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2026-04-02 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.

CCS Construction Works & Associated Services 3 Framework
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:30
The Crown Commercial Service Construction Works & Associated Services 3 (CWAS3) framework, is a major procurement opportunity that is estimated to deliver £80 billion of construction and infrastructure projects across the UK over eight years, with tailored lots for Scotland.
During this online webinar we will watch our expert walk you through the bidding process, using the CCS CWAS3 framework tender documents for this Construction Works & Associated Services opportunity. We will demo how to register/ login to Find a Tender Services (FTS), how to find the contract notice and express interest. We then follow the CCS buyer’s instructions verbatim, to access the tender documents and open all envelopes within Public Contracts Scotland-Tender (PCS-T). We will spend time on questions that perhaps tripped bidders up in the past. We also demo the Q&A functionality and how to upload evidence and response documents. Essentially the aim is for you as a bidder, to watch our expert going through the tendering process as a supplier, in real-time, to ensure that you know what your next step will be.
This webinar will include:

Introductions and house keeping from SDP
How to register and login to Find a Tender Services (FTS) & Public Contracts Scotland-Tender (PCS-T
How to search and find this CCS CWAS3 framework opportunity for Construction Works & Associated Services
Access the buyer attachments and instructions
Upload any supporting docs required for this CWAS3 framework opportunity

Earned Settlement: What employers need to know
2026-04-07 09:30 - 10:30
The UK Government has announced significant changes to the path to settlement for most international citizens. This will impact sponsored workers and also their sponsors, who now face an extension of sponsorship costs and compliance obligations for workers on a longer path to settlement.
Join Rebecca Engel-Morton and Catriona MacDonald to find out what we know so far and what steps sponsors and employers should take now.

Working with the Public Sector - All You Need to Know
2026-04-07 10:30 - 12:00
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.

How to start a business: The basics
2026-04-07 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

Going Organic: Practical Steps for Dairy Farmers
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:00
Join this Soil Association webinar to learn about the organic conversion process and the practical realities of organic dairy farming.
Hear directly from organic advisors, an inspector from Soil Association Certification, and an experienced organic dairy farmer, and gain valuable guidance to support your transition.

Market Engagement with Police Scotland
2026-04-08 13:30 - 15:00
Police Scotland invites suppliers to participate in a live market engagement webinar focused on the introduction of road traffic diversionary courses in Scotland.
This is intended to be a suite of courses offered to drivers who have committed minor road traffic offences, as an alternative to prosecution and in line with courses offered through NDORS (National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme).
Legislative changes are required before these courses can be introduced, and the necessary legislation is expected to be laid before Parliament in Summer 2026.
It is anticipated that:

The opportunity will involve in the region of 200,000 courses per annum
Courses will be available online and in person, across all areas of Scotland
It is Police Scotland’s intention to progress a tender for this requirement once the new legislation is in place.

During the webinar, Police Scotland will outline the opportunity in more detail and invite questions and feedback from suppliers. This input will help inform the scope of the upcoming procurement exercise.
This webinar will include:

Introductions and housekeeping from SDP
Presentation delivered by Police Scotland colleagues
Sandie Shaw – Procurement Specialist
Insp Craig Beaver – Road Policing Management Support
Live Q&A giving you the opportunity to gain a full understanding of this new opportunity and the expectations.

Farming the Fens: Building resilient peatland systems
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00
Join this free webinar hosted by Fenland SOIL and Soil Association, exploring new developments in sustainable farming systems on the Fens.
Lowland peat soils support some of the most productive farming systems in the country but are also responsible for a significant proportion of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers working these soils face growing pressure to reduce emissions and restore peat, while maintaining profitable food production.
This session explores how landscape opportunity mapping can support climate‑positive decisions on lowland peat. It will share new evidence from paludiculture and raised‑water‑table trials, including what these approaches mean for yields and carbon emissions. You’ll also hear insights from flux‑tower research showing how regenerative practices are influencing carbon dynamics across commercial peatland farms. Finally, the session brings together practical experiences from growers trialling sub‑irrigation, water‑table management and regenerative approaches at scale, helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for farming on the Fens.

The Marketing Mindset: Why Confidence and Self-Belief Shape Your Visibility
2026-04-13 12:00 - 13:00
Marketing isn’t just about tactics, content plans, or posting consistently. For solo entrepreneurs and small business owners, marketing is a core business development skill – and one that is deeply connected to your mindset, confidence and the way you see yourself and your work.
In this session, we’ll explore the often-overlooked link between self-belief, habits, awareness and marketing success. Drawing on insights from years of working with business owners, I’ll share why the way you think about yourself and your business directly influences your positioning, messaging, visibility and how you show up in the market.
You’ll learn how to reframe common marketing challenges, move forward with small but powerful confidence shifts and begin developing a marketer’s mindset – so you can stop getting caught in the emotional rollercoaster of likes, engagement and comparison.
This session is designed to help you step into your role as the strategic voice and marketer of your own business.

How to create engaging content
2026-04-14 10:00 - 12:00
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

VisitScotland Travel Distribution Seminar 2026
2026-04-14 10:00 - 17:00 | SEC Glasgow, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
The VisitScotland Travel Distribution Seminar 2026 provides Scottish tourism experiences with an opportunity to discover the landscape of travel distribution in a global marketplace, learn about different routes to market, online booking systems, Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and how to create bookable tourism experiences for the travel trade.
The event is aimed towards those who are new to the concept of online booking systems and OTA distribution. Therefore, it is not suitable for businesses already using (and happy with) an online booking system.
The seminar-style event format includes a series of presentations for businesses to attend, followed by an afternoon session with 1:1 appointments with travel-tech suppliers (online booking systems and OTAs) and travel trade. You will be sent your schedule of appointments nearer to the time of the workshop.
The workshop is open to businesses from across Scotland, but due to its location best suited for those based in the central belt.  Please note travel expenses and overnight accommodation are not covered by VisitScotland.
Please note there is no charge to attend the VisitScotland Travel Distribution Seminar 2026, but the event is ticketed. Only pre-approved suppliers will be allowed entry to the venue. Spaces at the event are limited. If demand exceeds supply a waitlist will be opened.

SBCC Carbon Tool Fundamentals - Measure, Reduce and Report your Carbon for SME's
2026-04-14 11:00 - 12:00
This Scottish Business Climate Collaboration Webinar on the free SBCC Carbon Tool designed to support small and medium enterprises in Scotland and the wider UK to measure, manage, reduce and report on your carbon. The tool is easy to use and this session will take you through it step by step so you can leave the webinar armed with all the knowledge you need to take action!
Aimed at organisations who are starting to look at their carbon reporting and want an introduction to the different types of emissions that contribute to an organisation’s carbon footprint.
Join this session to find out:

What we mean by scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
What the difference is between the three scopes
How your organisation can start thinking about reducing and reporting your own carbon emissions and how reporting works across a supply chain.

Lab: Websites 101- Quick & easy ways to improve your website
2026-04-14 11:00 - 12:00
Learn quick and easy ways to improve your website in this hands-on Lab!
In this Digital Boost x NatWest Lab, you will work in small groups to:

Understand what makes a great website
Learn how to optimise your conversion rate
Build a plan of action to optimise your website

As this is an interactive session, cameras and mics are essential so that you can work together in virtual breakout groups.
This Digital Skills lab is sponsored by NatWest Group.

SFI26 Explained: A Practical Guide for Organic and Non-Organic Farmers
2026-04-14 19:00 - 20:00
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the SFI26 scheme, outlining the available options and offering practical guidance on planning and preparing applications. The session is designed for both organic and non-organic farmers, helping attendees understand how the scheme can be integrated into different farming systems.
It will also highlight opportunities for capital grants and other funding streams, supporting participants to maximise the financial and environmental benefits available to their farm businesses.

Bookkeeping essentials
2026-04-15 10:00 - 12:00
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

You will also receive a workbook on excel to help you manage and monitor costs and sales.

Using Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) – How to Find and Bid for Opportunities
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:30
Public Contracts Scotland is the national public sector tender portal for Scotland. It lists contract opportunities for all public sector bodies and has a “Quick Quote” function for lower value contracts. This webinar will help you to ensure that you’re not only comfortable using the PCS website but also know how to generate business from it.
This event is suitable for Level 1 (Beginners). This workshop is the first step to tendering for new or inexperienced bidders.
During this course, you will learn:

What is Public Contracts Scotland (PCS)?
How do I set myself up on PCS?
What functions do I need to use on PCS?
What is PCS-Tender (PCS-T)?
What is a Quick Quote?
How does e-invoicing work?

Google Analytics – Understand how your website performs
2026-04-15 14:00 - 16:00
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.

Regenerative farming hustings: The future of Scotland’s land and policy
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00
Join our online hustings to discuss the potential of regenerative farming with MSPs and party spokespeople from across Scotland.
What does the future hold for regenerative farming in Scotland? As the nation moves toward more sustainable land use, the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) and the Scottish Agroecology Partnership (SAP) invite you to a national online hustings.
Hosted by retired farmer and NFFN Steering Group member Ian Davies, this event brings together key political voices to debate the potential and policy future of regenerative agriculture.
