Health and Safety Essentials for Agritourism
2024-10-23 10:00 - 14:30 UTC | Solsgirth Farm, Perthshire, FK14 7NZ
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on health and safety in agritourism.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event at Solsgirth Home Farm will help you consider how to keep yourself, your staff and your visitors safe and healthy.
We will be joined by Industry Expert, Gillian McLean of GEM Safety Solutions who will take us through the essentials and be able to answer your questions.
We will also have an opportunity to hear from Core Community Group Members, Jan Dixon and Leigh Grainger about the progress and developments at Solsgirth Home Farm and after lunch we will be able to have a walk around the business.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.

How to generate and increase sales
2024-10-23 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

Social media essentials: Instagram
2024-10-24 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

Social Media Success: A One-Day Masterclass
2024-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Montrose, DD10 9TA
Transform your social media skills in just one day and watch your business thrive with the help of our social media expert, Alan Martin.
This hands-on workshop will cover:
• Platform Choice and Scheduling of Content: Learn to select the best platforms for your business and plan an effective content calendar.
• Crafting Compelling Content: Discover techniques to create engaging and shareable content.
• Acquiring Clients through Social Media: Implement strategies to attract and convert followers into clients.
• Increasing Engagement and Growing Followers: Boost your social media interactions and expand your audience.
• Emerging Trends: Stay ahead with the latest social media trends and best practices.
• Paid Advertising: Optimise your social media ads for better reach and return on investment.
• Analytics and Insights: Use data to measure your success and refine your social media strategy.
Book now and take the first step towards transforming your business’s online presence.

Tourism Experiences: Online Booking or Bust
2024-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Join VisitScotland’s new interactive webinar workshop and take a deeper look at online booking systems for visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies.
Discover how an online booking system can transform your operations. From streamlining processes to maximising bookings – make sure it’s one of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal.
You’ll also hear about how your booking system can serve as the ultimate hub for product information, availability, and bookings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Exploring alternative funding opportunities
2024-10-24 12:30 - 13:30
Securing funding can be a significant hurdle for anyone self-employed, or running a business/organisation and looking to grow or deliver a project, with a complex landscape making it difficult to secure the funds needed for growth, innovation or day-to-day operations.
This webinar will explore some of the alternative funding options available across Scotland. The expert panel will guide attendees through innovative funding solutions beyond traditional bank loans, including loan funding, venture capital, crowdfunding and angel investors.
This session is relevant for sole traders, businesses, social enterprises and other organisations interested in finding out more about different finance options.
We’ll cover:

The most common alternative funding sources available in Scotland
How alternative funding options compare to traditional bank loans
What criteria lenders typically consider when evaluating for alternative funding
How crowdfunding works and its potential benefits
What factors investors look for when considering funding
What financial documents or plans should be prepared
Tips to help everyone effectively present their case to potential funders

Panelists include:

Hugh Lightbody (Host), Chief Officer, Business Gateway National Unit
Jackie Waring, CEO & Founder, Investing Women and AccelerateHER
Kieran Daly, Head of Market Building, Social Investment Scotland
Iain Burnside, Chief Operating Officer, DSL Finance

Photography for digital marketing
2024-10-24 14:00 - 16:00
During this webinar you will:

Discover the basic ‘dos and don’ts’ of taking your own pictures, editing them and uploading them onto digital platforms
See some real-life examples of posts that demonstrate good, bad and indifferent use for businesses

Bookkeeping essentials
2024-10-28 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar is for those who are entering business for the first time or require an understanding of what is involved in financially managing a business, including basic bookkeeping, and creating a profit and loss account. You will also get an understanding of what expenses the business can claim and then how to fund your business. At the end of the session, you will receive a workbook on excel to help you manage and monitor costs and sales.
At the end of this session, you will be able to:

Implement basic bookkeeping skills across your business
Create a profit and loss account
Understand what expenses can and cannot be claimed
Use financial management to increase revenues and profits
Understand capital and revenue costs and how they are treated

Understanding AI & Automation
2024-10-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
This masterclass is for anyone interested in using AI and automation to improve productivity, reduce costs, and unlock new growth opportunities for their business.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding automation: Learn the key components, benefits, and potential challenges.
Understanding AI: Explore its core concepts, capabilities, and limitations.
The power of AI and automation: Discover the power of predictive analytics and personalised customer experiences.
Case studies and SME use cases: See how businesses like yours have successfully implemented AI and automation.
How to integrate AI and Automation into your workflows: Understand the steps involved, from identifying suitable processes to selecting the right tools.
Tech Demos: See live demonstrations of the latest AI technologies, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and other cutting-edge tools.
Summary and Action list: Receive an actionable checklist to help you start implementing AI and automation in your business.

No prior experience with AI or automation is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore new possibilities.
Book now and take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient, and more competitive business.

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2024-10-28 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

Transforming Our Towns: How Digitisation is Driving Local Economic Growth
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
In today’s fast-paced world, digitisation is not just a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind economic growth, efficiency, and scalability. Our local economy is experiencing a remarkable transformation, fueled by digital advancements that are reshaping industries, creating jobs, and fostering a new era of prosperity.
Event Highlights

Explore Cutting-Edge Digital Solutions: Discover how local businesses are harnessing the power of digitisation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity. From advanced automation to AI-driven analytics, see firsthand the tools that are revolutionising our economic landscape.
Success Stories: Learn from industry leaders and trailblazers who have successfully implemented digital strategies, driving growth in towns and business improvement districts. These real-world exemplars will demonstrate how embracing digital innovation has led to tangible results, from increased revenue to expanded market reach.
Economic Efficiency in Action: Hear how digitisation is enabling businesses to achieve more with less. By reducing waste, optimising resources, and improving decision-making processes, businesses and communities in our towns are not only becoming more efficient but also more resilient in the face of challenges.
Scaling New Heights: Explore the role of digitisation in enabling businesses to scale rapidly and sustainably. Understand how digital platforms and infrastructure are empowering local enterprises to expand beyond borders, tapping into new markets and opportunities with ease.

Why Attend?

Inspire Growth: Whether you’re a town or business improvement district manager, a business owner, entrepreneur, or policy maker, this showcase will equip you with insights and inspiration to leverage digitisation for economic success.
Connect with Innovators: Connect with thought leaders, industry experts, and peers who are at the forefront of digital transformation. Build partnerships and collaborations that could drive your own digital transformation journey.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: In a rapidly evolving digital economy, staying informed is key. This event is your chance to stay ahead of trends, understand emerging technologies, and prepare for the future.

Be a part of the digital revolution. Join us for a showcase that not only celebrates the power of digitisation but also sets the stage for the continued growth and success of our local economies across Scotland’s towns and places.
Don’t miss out—register today and be at the forefront of economic innovation!
This event promises to be a pivotal moment for our community, highlighting the ways in which digitisation is not only transforming businesses but also driving broader economic benefits. Be there to witness the future unfold!

Accessible and Inclusive Agritourism
2024-10-29 13:30 - 14:30
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on accessibility and inclusion within the agritourism sector. We are delighted to welcome Moira Henderson, The Rings, to talk about her experience setting up and developing a successful accessible agritourism business.
Whether you are just starting out or running an established business, you will benefit from hearing from Moira who brings a wealth of experience in this area and who will be ready to answer all your questions.
Moira grew up on the West coast of Scotland married David in 1980 and they moved to Fife. They have four adult children & seven grandchildren. David lectured at Elmwood Agricultural College, and Moira was a Registered General Nurse. They bought the family farm in 1988, setting up the partnership of Firm of M.C. Henderson. The business was mostly sheep and crops but later expanded to include egg production and retail. The farm had two holiday caravans which Moira used to supplement David’s income and keep the small 90 acres going for many years, however when these came to the end of their “life” the family was keen to develop holiday accommodation which would meet the needs of those with disabilities.
This farm diversification began as a simple idea to provide a cottage with a ceiling track hoist but resulted in the completion of The Rings cottage in 2016. In 2018, Moira was awarded an MBE for services to Accessible Tourism in Fife.
The Rings now includes a uniquely divideable cottage with 8 fully accessible bedrooms with ensuite wetrooms. The cottage is fully inclusive of those with access needs providing hoists, profiling beds and equipment such as shower chairs; but you don’t have to break a leg to come and stay, they don’t discriminate against you if you don’t have a disability!

How to build a digital marketing plan
2024-10-29 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

Cyber Security for your small business
2024-10-29 15:00 - 16:00
To attend this webinar, there are no prerequisites or prior experience needed. It is aimed at start-up businesses and those who are interested in creating a start-up.
It would also be beneficial for more established businesses who are looking at security as a business differentiator and learn how it can be used to win new business.
Your host Jim Wright will introduce security, how it can benefit businesses and allow you to seize opportunities while minimising risk. Jim will also discuss common frameworks and fundamental principles that business leaders should be aware of from the start of their business venture.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will:
1) Understand security risks
2) Understand the benefits of security
3) Have an awareness of threat actors
4) Have an awareness of threat vectors
5) Have an awareness of the services that can be offered to support start-ups
6) Understand the regulatory environment in which they work
7) Understand the common frameworks relating to security

Managing People for Growth
2024-10-30 09:30 - 16:00
Our workshops cover several key areas that can help you develop the skills of your people managers.
You’ll learn how to:

Identify the skills and approaches managers require to perform their roles successfully both now and in the future.
Implement fair and progressive work practices through an understanding of key drivers that can develop new ways of working (for example, the fair work framework, productivity and benefits of employee engagement).
Understand the importance of effectively maximising and improving existing staff skills, while identifying the style and attributes of an effective manager.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 2: Off page optimisation & technical considerations
2024-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
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

Unlocking the power of crowdfunding
2024-10-30 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar will equip businesses with the knowledge and strategies to effectively leverage crowdfunding for growth and success,
We’ll cover:

Understanding your funding audience
Crowdfunding success stories
The impact of a successful campaign
The opportunity presented by patronage models
Essential elements of a winning crowdfunding campaign
Building a crowdfunding culture
Crowdfunding myths and realities
Strategies for success

By the end of this webinar, you will have a comprehensive understanding of crowdfunding and patronage/membership models, actionable strategies to launch a successful campaign and the confidence to take your organisation to new heights through crowdfunding.

Tourism and heritage sector skills
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
Join Diane Cunningham, Growth & Inward Investment Manager at Skills Development Scotland, and Lawrence Durden, Tourism Sector Manager, as they explore the challenges faced by the tourism and heritage sectors in talent attraction and retention.
Joining Diane and Lawrence are Catherine Cartmell, Historic Environment Scotland’s Skills Investment Plan Manager, Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Nicola Watt, Head of People at Buzzworks. They will provide industry insights and examples of best practice in recruitment and retention across their respective sectors.

Tayside Adaptation Partnership Vision and Priorities Event: Local Business
2024-10-30 12:30 - 15:00 | Webster Memorial Theatre, 64 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1AW
The climate in Tayside is changing, and the region is experiencing warmer, wetter weather, increased storminess, and higher sea levels, all of which is set to continue even if we achieved net zero tomorrow. We need to adapt to these changes to allow us to become more resilient and ensure Tayside can continue to flourish.
Adaptation Scotland are supporting partners within Tayside to develop a new, Regional Adaptation Partnership to address climate risks.
At this early stage, we want to involve people and organisations across the region in defining a shared vision and priorities for the new partnership. Four sector specific events have been designed to provide opportunities for different groups to have a say in what the partnership could be, what it could do and how it could work.
Aimed at businesses, land managers and the agricultural sector in Tayside, this workshop will explore how a regional adaptation partnership can advance adaptation in Tayside, using these three key questions:
1. How would you describe current work on adaptation in Tayside? What works well and what are the challenges?
2. What do you hope to see in Tayside in 2050, as the result of good adaptation action?
3.How can the regional partnership help move Tayside from the current situation to the future we want to see in 2050?
Each event will run from 12:30pm – 3pm with registration and a free lunch available from 12:15pm. Space is limited, so we ask you to register no more than 2 people per organisation or group.

Finding, keeping and looking after your staff
2024-10-30 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

Marketing for your small business
2024-10-30 13:00 - 16:00
Without proper marketing your business cannot have a lasting impact. This live webinar will help you to identify, profile and gain a deeper understanding of your target audiences, how to conduct market research and build a marketing plan. It will also explain brand development and positioning, and choosing your price points.
The webinar is divided into three sessions.
Marketing and market research:

what is marketing?
how to understand your audience using market research

Understanding your customers and competition:

understanding your competitors
identifying your customers and categorising them
understanding your customers’ needs and motivations

Marketing planning, pricing and branding:

pricing considerations
developing your brand
developing your message
deciding on the best marketing methods for your business
budgeting and evaluating

Breaks are provided between the sessions. You can attend all three using the same link, or choose the parts that suit your needs.

Tourism Experiences: Mastering Online Travel Agents
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:30
Can Online Travel Agents (OTAs) add to your growth and, most importantly, to your profitability?
Join our interactive webinar designed to provide visitor attractions, activity providers, and tour companies, with an in depth understanding of working with OTAs.
This session will focus on businesses that are looking to start using OTAs for the first time and, if already using an OTA, how to improve the performance of your listings.
As part of this session, you’ll be asked to analyse your own business practices and consider what might be improved.
Please note: There are limited places available for this session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the format of this session, which is specifically tailored for visitor attractions, activity providers and tour companies, please use the form to submit your interest in attending. It has a series of questions to make sure this session is right for your business.

Introduction to Canva
2024-10-31 11:00 - 13:00
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.

An introduction to business strategy
2024-10-31 13:00 - 15:00
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

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-10-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Kirriemuir Library, 28 Reform Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BS
The Business Gateway team will be at Kirriemuir 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 plan and schedule your online content
2024-11-01 10:00 - 12:00
Businesses who plan their content in advance, aligning their channels with actual business objectives, customer themes and national events, and then schedule it to ensure it reaches the target market at the right time, on the right platform – hugely increase the chances of achieving impact.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:

Plan content based on your business and your customer needs
Evaluate current social media dashboards and management tools
Create a social media content calendar and schedule updates automatically
Reach more people through automating your blog and email newsletter content
Implement simple automation techniques to increase efficiency

Having great content is just the start. This webinar will help you better organise and setup your content strategy through simple planning and effective scheduling, to achieve great business results.

Boost your productivity with AI
2024-11-01 16:30 - 17:30
This Google Digital Garage session introduces learners to cutting-edge AI tools that are already available from Google and others, to show some of the smartest ways digital-age workers can use them to save time at work and on tasks.
In this session, you will learn:

an introduction to generative AI and how it works
how to use AI-powered tools and techniques to save you time
an overview to crafting effective prompts

This session is run using YouTube and is 45 minutes long.
The course assumes no prior knowledge or experience so there is no pre-reading necessary.
There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
Please note, these training sessions are only available in the UK.

Social media essentials: TikTok and Instagram Reels
2024-11-04 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 write funding applications
2024-11-04 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

Developing a Successful Agritourism Retail Business
2024-11-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Carfrae Farm Shop, Haddington, EH41 4LP
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for an informative event focused on developing successful retail in an agritourism business.
Whether you’re an established agritourism business or just starting out, this event at Carfrae Farm will help you consider how to run a successful retail enterprise. We will be joined by Retail Experts who will talk us through the key challenges for retail at this time and provide insights from their own experience.
We will also have an opportunity to hear from our hosts and Core Community Group Members, Trudi and Eric Cueto about the progress and developments at Carfrae Farm. We will be able to have a walk around the business which includes a Farm Shop, Snug offering a place to enjoy coffee and cake, holiday accommodation , workshops and more recently wellness retreats.
There will be an opportunity to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
