Invest in Angus

Meta Suite: Taming the Monster
2025-02-25 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Strathmore Rugby Club, Inchmacoble Park, Forfar, DD8 1RL
An intermediate workshop on mastering Meta Suite. Please bring a laptop or device and ensure you have access to your social media and website accounts.
What we’ll cover:

Aligning Meta Suite with your website
Verifying your domain name
Inserting Pixel/Dataset onto your website for advertising tracking purposes
Creating events for website tracking
Creating Business Manager and Ads Manager accounts for Facebook advertising (note: Ads Manager is different from Ads Centre; don’t just boost your posts)
Aligning Meta Suite with owners and assets
Creating a simple, target market-focused ads campaign

This workshop will equip you with the tools to effectively manage and track your business activities through Meta Suite. Book your place now!

Level Up Your Business Designs with Canva
2025-02-25 11:00 - 12:30
The beauty of Canva is that it suits everyone’s creative ability: those feeling less creative have a huge number of templates to chose from, and those who want to show-off their creative flair have all the tools they could possibly need.
This session will focus on the variety and diversity of material that you can produce using Canva, it’s easier than you think to design a:

Business card
Invoice
Flyer
Social media post
Video
Banners
Menu
Presentation
Zoom backdrop

GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator, Caron Ironside will expertly guide you through a case study to enable you to see the kind of design collateral you too can produce.
Join us to take the first steps in creating beautiful, consistent designs for your business. Build confidence in your branding, learn how to assess your current look, and discover how to make a lasting impression with professional visuals.
Whilst no creative experience is needed, this session is best suited to those who have already created a free Canva account and want to get more out of this online resource. Caron will also help you to understand the benefit of perhaps investing in a monthly subscription at some point in the future.

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2025-02-25 14:00 - 16:00
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

AgriFood Innovations - Technological Innovations for a Nature Positive Future
2025-02-26 09:00 - 12:00
At this online webinar series, you will hear about ways in which the carbon footprint of food production can be reduced, by different thematic areas.
These webinars will feature keynote speakers providing expertise in their given field and insights from Innovate UK funded projects. There will be an opportunity to network, and pose questions to the innovators.
From packaging to livestock supply chain, artificial intelligence to novel low emissions food production systems, join us for insightful discussions and explore innovations in sustainable agriculture and food systems that will drive us towards a nature positive future.

Unlocking Investment: Innovative Approaches to Financing Our Towns
2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for an insightful session exploring strategies to finance and invest in the future of our towns.
Discover how public and private sector collaboration can accelerate impactful development, tackle challenges, and unlock transformative growth.
Event Highlights:

Collaborative Opportunities: Learn how partnership working can unlock private sector investment and drive regeneration.
Real Insights: Gain perspectives from industry experts on challenges and solutions in delivering faster, more effective development projects.
Strategic Approaches: Understand the role of long-term investments in shaping the future of our communities.

Agenda:

10:00 Welcome: Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership
10:10 Anna Tozer, Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust
Providing an overview of the topic and sharing a compelling public sector example.
10:25 Katherine Macintosh, Director and Colin Souter, Senior Development Manager, Robertson Property
Offering a private sector perspective including a case study illustrating the amalgamation of funding for critical infrastructure.
10:40 Susan Campbell, Director – Place, Scottish National Investment Bank
Discussing The Bank’s role in supporting long-term investments for businesses, projects, and communities.
10:55 Discussion
11:10 Closing Remarks (11:15 close)

Who Should Attend?
Local government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, community planners, and anyone interested in driving economic growth and development.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights, network with industry leaders, and be part of shaping the future of our towns.

Understanding co-ops
2025-02-26 10:00 - 12:00
Thinking of starting a business? Or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? If you’re looking for an inclusive, democratic approach to your business, then a co-op could be a perfect fit.
Completely free to attend, this online workshop explores how your business could thrive as a co-operative. It’s brought to you by Co-operative Development Scotland, part of Scottish Enterprise.
Why co-ops?
All kinds of businesses operate as co-ops – pubs, energy suppliers, taxi firms, bookstores, community gardens, wine sellers, farms, sports clubs, and much more.
They are run by their members, who can be customers, employees, residents, or suppliers, and who have a say in how the co-op is run – making it a fairer, more collaborative and democratic way of doing business.
Co-ops are also resilient as a business model. They are more than twice as likely to survive the early years of trading when compared to other start-up businesses.
What to expect
This informative and interactive workshop will give you a more in-depth understanding of co-operatives, as well as the next steps for starting one. You’ll discover:

The different kinds of co-ops and which might suit you best
What membership means
The strengths of co-ops versus traditional business models
Co-op values and principles
Co-op facts and figures
The different legal forms a co-op can take
Support for co-ops from Co-operative Development Scotland

The workshop will be led by a co-op specialist from Co-operate Scotland LLP and will feature guests from local co-ops. Our guests will share their experiences of starting and running a co-op.

Young person’s guide to starting a business
2025-02-26 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

ScotHot 2025
2025-02-26 10:00 - 2025-02-27 17:00 | SEC Glasgow, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
Come to the spotlight stage, bringing together both trailblazing entrepreneurs and established leaders for a series of interviews, panels, and debates on the key challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Watch over 250 competitors take part in a range of culinary competition classes on live theatre and at the skills arena, and be amazed at the astonishing edible art creations and finished plates in the culinary art display.
Imbibe and imerse yourself in the world of drinks with liquid academy live. Scott Gemmell is back hosting a jam-packed schedule of interviews, debates, and tastings. See the thrilling competiton of 24 Scottish bartenders shaking, stirring, and mixing it up to see who will be crowned the 2025 winner.
The ScotHot Innovation Awards highlight our exhibitors’ products that will make a difference to your business. See the finalists products on their stands and on the showcase, with finalists in two categories; food and drink, and equipment, design, and technology.
Celebrate the best of Scottish artisan products at the regional food market. It brings together the finest range of food and drink producers from across Scotland in association with Scotland Food & Drink.
The Great Taste Market at ScotHot features amazing products from Scotland and further afield. This is a perfect opportunity to see and taste the recent award winners of these coveted stars.
Get business advice from industry experts to help your hospitality business grow and succeed from recruitment and training, finance, architecture, property and more.

Sponsoring international workers
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is designed to support Scottish-based employers in navigating the practical aspects of the sponsor management system for hiring international staff.
It will give a practical insight into the UK sponsor management system, including:

how to use the system to manage employer roles
assign certificates of sponsorship
report changes to the Home Office

You will learn how to:

review and manage the sponsor licence summary
manage key personnel (authorising officer, key contact and level 1 and 2 users)
manage and increase your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation
request a defined certificate of sponsorship
report changes to the organisation and sponsored population

How to generate and increase sales
2025-02-26 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

ASSC Regional Gathering, Dundee "Thriving Together: Self-Catering Success"
2025-02-26 14:00 - 17:30 | Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BB
Join us for the first ASSC Regional Gathering of 2025: Thriving Together: Self-Catering Success, bringing together self-catering operators, ASSC partners, and industry experts from across the East of Scotland and beyond. This event offers a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, and engaging discussions tailored to the self-catering community and its vital role in Scotland’s tourism industry.
The day will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the self-catering industry, with the goal of strengthening collaboration and exploring practical solutions to support local businesses and communities.
What to Expect:

State of the Nation Address: Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of ASSC, will provide an update on the current state of the self-catering sector, setting the stage for the day.
Panel Discussion: Facing the Future: Navigating Challenges in Scotland’s Self-Catering Industry
Featuring industry experts, the panel will explore pressing challenges, including Short-Term Let legislation, the Visitor Levy, and the impending abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lets tax regime. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gain insights on these critical issues.
Guest Speaker: Caroline Warburton, Regional Leadership Director at VisitScotland, will highlight opportunities for regional collaboration, from upcoming events to shared initiatives that can benefit self-catering businesses and local communities.
Thriving Together: Communication, Collaboration & Tips for 2025 Success Discover how self-caterers can thrive in 2025 by embracing creativity, collaboration, and technology. From wearing multiple hats as hospitality pros to making the most of regional partnerships, ASSC membership and practical tips, this session explores the power of community and innovation. Walk away with a clear to-do list and fresh ideas to help your business stand out and succeed in the year ahead!
Exhibitors and Networking: Connect with ASSC partners and exhibitors offering tailored services for self-catering operators, from insurance to marketing solutions. Enjoy ample time for peer-to-peer networking with fellow operators and tourism businesses.

Made in Scotland, Sold to the World Exporter Roadshow
2025-02-27 09:00 - 13:30 | The Caledonian Edinburgh, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
Hosted by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade with Insider, this free in-person and online event will demystify the challenges and highlight the benefits of selling products and services internationally.
Whatever your level of exporting experience, this event will offer advice and support to help your business expand overseas.
From world-class capability in food and drink production to innovation in financial technology and life sciences, Scottish businesses are selling to many countries around the world.
At this event you will hear from Scottish exporters, trade experts and UK & Scottish Government representatives who will discuss how to navigate your export journey and seize the global opportunities that are out there.
Our expert panellists will help answer the most important questions you may have about expanding into new markets, including:

How do I analyse international demand for my products and services?
How do I identify and reach suitable markets?
What regulations and legislation do I need to comply with?
What investment is required to export?
What finance is available to help me sell internationally?
What is the best way to ship my products?
How do I overcome any trade barriers?
What export support is available for Scottish businesses?

This year’s Made in Scotland, Sold to the World Exporter Roadshow will be hosted at The Caledonian Edinburgh as well as being live-streamed online.

Video production for digital marketing
2025-02-27 10:00 - 12:00
Video captures people’s attention online and is important for getting your message across, while engaging with your target audience.
Learn how to:

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

SCOTO National Gathering & Learning Exchange
2025-02-27 11:30 - 2025-02-28 15:30 | Park Hotel Montrose, John Street, Montrose, DD10 8RJ
Join us in Montrose, Angus for our third annual gathering with a packed two days of inspirational learning exchanges, enlightening case studies, a feast of Angus supper and a strong focus on doing things differently. We’ll be sharing what’s emerging from over 40 Press Pause community led tourism workshops across Scotland and what clearly needs to change – Mindsets!
Now more than ever we need to change mindsets in Scottish tourism but what does that look like for the industry, for visitors, for our communities and ourselves?
On the first day, we’ll explore inspiring community tourism projects across Angus and nearby Aberdeenshire, followed by a special Angus produce supper at The Park Hotel. The next day, we’ll continue at the Park Hotel for the main Gathering, featuring insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

Finding, keeping and looking after your staff
2025-02-27 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

Social media essentials: Instagram
2025-02-28 10:00 - 12:00
Thinking about using Instagram to communicate with existing and potential customers? Want to showcase your products or services using it? During this webinar we will cover:

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

How to write funding applications
2025-03-03 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

Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Brechin Library)
2025-03-03 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.

How to build your brand
2025-03-03 14:00 - 16:00
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

An introduction to business websites
2025-03-04 10:00 - 12:00
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.

Meet the Buyer Tayside
2025-03-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Michelin Innovation Parc, Baldovie Road, Dundee, DD4 8UQ
Don’t miss the annual Meet the Buyer Tayside event, on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at the Innovation Hub at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Dundee.
Dundee City Council and the Supplier Development Programme, invite local businesses of all sizes to this free, in-person event, which will take place at a new venue, the Innovation Hub at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, in Dundee.
This Meet the Buyer event will provide suppliers with an opportunity to hear about upcoming contract, supply chain and sub-contracting opportunities across the Tayside region, from public and private sectors buyers.
Attendees will also have the chance to learn about the business support available, to help them expand their skills, grow their business and improve their chances of winning work.
All suppliers are welcome, please register your place in advance.
You can join the conversation on social media by using the #MeetTheBuyerTayside2025

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2025-03-04 14:00 - 16:00
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.

The Basics of Starting a Business
2025-03-04 16:00 - 18:00
This webinar will give you the information needed to build a start up action plan. The plan will enable you to consider which actions are relevant to your plan, start building a set of SMART Goals, give thought to business skills development and provide a clear path for steps to launch your business.
You will also learn about the key considerations when starting a business and what steps you will need to take from legal, financial and strategic standpoints.
By the end of the webinar, you will have the information required to start building an action plan and be confident about understanding the next steps.

Google Analytics – Understand how your website performs
2025-03-05 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.

Intellectual Property (IP) Masterclass
2025-03-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
This masterclass will explain Intellectual Property (IP) and provide clear guidance on how to address issues related to copyright, trademarks, patents, and more that SMEs might encounter. Our expert speaker, Alan Rae, has years of experience with IP legislation, offering guidance to a number of academic and commercial organisations on raising IP awareness and managing any arising issues.
During the masterclass, you will see several relevant examples of IP issues that may affect your business. This is an interactive workshop, and we encourage participants to ask specific questions they may be facing in their own business. This is your chance to get expert feedback and help others who might be dealing with similar issues.

How to build a digital marketing plan
2025-03-05 14:00 - 16:00
This webinar will guide you through the steps needed to create an effective digital marketing strategy, ensuring you focus on the right tactics to meet your business objectives and goals.
We will cover:

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

Social media essentials: TikTok and Instagram Reels
2025-03-06 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

Circular Economy in Agritourism
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00
Join Zero Waste Scotland for this engaging online session.
Helen Lavery, Partner in Regional Development at Zero Waste Scotland, will explore the key concepts behind a circular economy and what it could mean for you and your business.
Monitor Farm Programme Core Community Group member, Brendan Reade of Isle of Mull Cheese will join Helen to talk about how they have developed a completely new alcohol product range using a by product of the cheese-making.
Discover how circular practices can boost efficiency, reduce costs and even create new revenue stream – all whilst benefiting the planet.
Zero Waste Scotland is Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of materials.

How to start a business: The basics
2025-03-06 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

An introduction to business strategy
2025-03-07 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
