Managing neurodivergent individuals in the workplace | Lunch and Learn
2026-03-23 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
One in seven people are now estimated to have a neurodivergent condition, such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder.
Neurodivergent people can bring valuable strengths, ranging from deep focus and analytical thinking to creativity and innovation.
Without the right understanding and support, however, they may struggle within narrow definitions of “typical” performance and communication, leading to challenges which may affect them in the workplace.
By putting in place practical measures to recognise and support your neurodiverse talent, you can unlock your workforce’s full potential, increasing engagement, productivity and overall performance.
Topics covered in this session:

Recognising and understanding neurodiversity traits
Practical adjustments that allow neurodiverse people to thrive
Steps you can take to build a more inclusive and high-performing workforce

Unlocking Growth: Going Global
2026-03-23 14:00 - 15:00
Join Scottish Enterprise’s virtual export event on 10 March 2026 to celebrate International Women’s Day with ambitious female entrepreneurs.
Want to learn from ambitious growth-minding female entrepreneurs on their international growth journey? And how they started out to trade in multiple global markets?
During the event, you’ll hear how global opportunities have helped drive and unlock growth, where they succeeded, the pitfalls they have encountered, and challenges they have faced specifically as female entrepreneurs, lessons learnt and what’s next for their company’s plans to scale up.
Please join us for this unique opportunity to hear from this exciting panel on their exporting journey.

Build It Right From the Start: The MOTION Framework for Sustainable Business Growth
2026-03-23 16:00 - 17:00
The first few years of running a business can feel like you’re making it up as you go … and most people are. In this practical, straight-talking Masterclass, Tracy will share the framework she wishes she’d had when she started out.
The MOTION Framework gives business owners a clear, simple roadmap across six key areas — Mindset, Objectives, Trust, Influence, Operations, and Nurture, so you can build solid foundations now instead of firefighting them later.
Getting these six things right early means you spend less time working in chaos and more time building something that actually grows. If you’re in the first couple of years of your business and you want to set yourself up for profit, sustainability, and eventual freedom, without burning out to get there, this session will give you a clear picture of what to focus on and why.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 2: Off page optimisation & technical considerations
2026-03-24 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

Business Brainstorming & The Year Ahead
2026-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 | The Montrose Playhouse, The Mall, Montrose, DD10 8NN
Be part of a collaborative event where Angus business owners come together to network and brainstorm! This is your chance to engage in open discussions about the challenges and barriers your business is facing. Share your insights and discover what support you need to thrive.
We’ll explore how we can broaden our support, to make sure we are effectively addressing the region’s needs and better supporting your growth. This event is all about collaboration, innovation, and finding solutions together.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and shape the future of our local business community. Let’s tackle these issues head-on and pave the way for success.

Scope Busting: Getting to Grips with Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions
2026-03-24 11:00 - 12:00
Confused about what we mean when we discuss scopes 1, 2 and 3? Join this webinar to find out how to reduce your carbon.
This Scottish Business Climate Collaboration Webinar will introduce the concept of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and outline the differences between the scopes.
This is 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.

Protecting your ideas, content and brand in the digital age
2026-03-24 11:00 - 12:00
Protecting intellectual property is essential for digital businesses creating content, software or online platforms.
In this session, LegalVision’s Sahil Verma, Practice Leader, will explain how to safeguard creative and brand assets, avoid common IP mistakes and manage ownership risks.
The webinar will also explore emerging challenges such as AI-generated content and how to protect your ideas in the digital age.
Key takeaways from this session:

The key IP rights relevant to digital businesses
Practical ways to protect content, software and brand assets
How to manage ownership and risk with AI-generated content

InspireHER: Overcoming obstacles
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00
Most woman who consider starting a business will encounter doubts. Usually it looks like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, perfectionism etc.
This session will reframe these obstacles not as signs to stop, but as part of the path forward. We’ll explore how your thoughts shape behaviour, why visibility can feel threatening, and how to regulate your nervous system when fear shows up.
You’ll leave with practical tools to reframe inner barriers, take imperfect action, and build resilience from the inside out.
Participants who attend all 4 sessions in the series will have the opportunity to apply for a two hour 1:1 coaching session with Nic. More details on how to apply will be shared once all 4 sessions are completed.

Supply Connect: Demonstrating social value
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00
Discover how to unlock your business’s potential for positive change.
This introductory webinar led by Jill Poet will help you understand what social value really means, set out some practical strategies you can apply to boost your own social impact and how to demonstrate it in tender applications.
It doesn’t matter if you’re only beginning to explore social responsibility or looking to strengthen your existing efforts. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference while benefiting your bottom line.
Topics covered in this session:

What social impact is and why it matters for your business
Practical approaches to building and strengthening your social value
How enhanced social value can open up new business opportunities and drive growth

How to Get Your Business Found on Google and AI Search (ChatGPT, Gemini & Beyond)
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00
Search is changing fast. Customers are no longer relying only on Google; they’re also asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity for recommendations, comparisons, and buying advice.
In this practical masterclass, you’ll learn how modern search really works today and what small businesses need to do to stay visible across both traditional search engines and AI-powered search results.
This session is designed for small business owners, founders, and marketers who want clarity, not hype, and a clear roadmap to stay competitive in the new search landscape.
This session is sponsored by BT Group.

Embedding public partnerships in MRC funding applications
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:00
Medical Research Council (MRC) is encouraging its research community to consider how public partnerships can inform and improve research and be of mutual benefit.
By public partnerships we mean all the different ways that people and the research community can come together to shape and share scientific research.
Agenda:

why public partnerships matter
the difference public partners can make
when and how to include public partnerships: including considering opportunities throughout the research cycle and guidance on integrating public partnerships into research applications
questions to the panel

When registering for the webinar you can submit advance questions for the panel and you can use the question and answer functionality at the webinar.

Using Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) – How to Find and Bid for Opportunities
2026-03-24 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?

How to start a business: The basics
2026-03-24 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

How to make your business neurodivergent-friendly
2026-03-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
Creating an inclusive business isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart, forward-thinking strategy.
This workshop introduces the steps businesses can take to become more neurodivergent-friendly, both for their team and their customers. You’ll gain a clear understanding of neurodivergence, why inclusion matters commercially as well as ethically, and how simple, realistic adjustments can make a powerful difference.
The session is presented by James Cleves, founder of CleverVA, a virtual assistant agency supporting neurodivergent and disabled professionals. Drawing on lived experience and real-world business insight, James combines personal story with practical advice.
What we’ll cover:
• What neurodivergence really means and why it matters
• Why being ND‑inclusive benefits your business
• How accessible your business is today
• Ways to improve accessibility for your customers
• Effective accommodations and support options for your team
Book your place now and learn how to build an inclusive culture that strengthens your team and makes your business more accessible for every customer.

Bookkeeping essentials
2026-03-25 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.

Five essential contracts every business owner needs | Lunch and Learn
2026-03-25 12:00 - 12:30
Contracts are the backbone of any successful business, but most founders don’t know which ones they actually need, or when.
In this session, Patricia Wing cuts through the complexity and walks you through the five essential contracts every business owner should have in place, from day one to scaling up.
Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this practical session will help you protect your business, your people, and your future – without the legal jargon.
Topics covered in this session:

Knowing which contracts matter most: The five contracts that form the legal foundation of your business and why missing even one could leave you exposed.
Getting protected from day one: Which contracts to prioritise when you’re just starting out – before problems arise and before they become expensive to fix.
Growing with confidence: How your contract needs evolve as your business scales, so you’re always one step ahead legally at every stage of growth.

AI for the camera-shy: Creating video content without ever filming yourself
2026-03-25 14:00 - 15:00
Video is one of the most effective ways to attract customers, but many small business owners feel uncomfortable appearing on camera or simply don’t have the time, space or confidence to film themselves.
Thanks to recent advances in AI, it’s now possible to create professional video content without ever turning on a camera. From AI avatars and video generation to realistic voiceovers, these tools make video marketing more accessible than ever.
Join this free Tech Hub webinar to discover how your small business can use AI tools to create engaging video content without filming yourself.
You’ll see live demonstrations of AI video, avatar and voiceover tools, and learn how you can use them for marketing, social media and customer communication.
Whether you’re camera-shy, short on time or just curious about AI, this session will give you practical ideas and confidence to start using video in a way that suits you.
What you’ll learn:

Why video still matters: How video content builds trust and visibility, even without appearing on screen
AI can support your visibility: But real trust and connection still comes from humans
AI video generation: Creating videos from text, images or prompts in minutes
Using AI avatars: How virtual presenters can represent your business professionally
Voiceover made easy: Turning scripts into natural-sounding audio without recording yourself
Practical use cases: Ideas for social posts, product explainers, promotions and updates using AI tools

Unlocking global markets: support for women-led businesses
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:00
Join our upcoming panel webinar designed to inspire, inform, and connect women-led businesses with the tools, insights, and support they need to succeed internationally.
Why attend?

Hear from successful female business owners who’ve taken their businesses global
Learn about practical support available to help you export with confidence
Connect with a community of like-minded business owners
Ask questions and get real-world advice from our expert panel

Whether you’re just starting to explore exporting or looking to expand further, this session is for you.
Sign up now and take the first step toward growing your business beyond borders.

Understanding Your Role in Contract Management – Critical Success Factors
2026-03-26 13:30 - 15:00
So, you’ve been awarded onto a contract, now what?
You now need to manage the contract in partnership with the buyer to deliver on everything you promised in the bid. This training will explain how to successfully deliver on your contract, what to do if things go wrong, and how to win again when it is retendered.
Overview of what you will learn:

What is the Contract Management life cycle?
Critical success factors of maintaining a good relationship with the buyer.
How to make data driven decisions.
How to manage risk.
How to manage the change over the life of the contract.

At the end of the session, there will be an interactive Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to ask any burning questions you may have. As well as have the chance to hear what other SME businesses in Scotland have to say.
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.

Understanding Package Travel Regulations and recent updates
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00
This extended webinar, will provide an introduction to the Package Travel Regulations and the latest government updates.
We’ll take time to explore the changes and consider practical implications.
We’ll also be joined by guest experts in package travel regulations, who will share insights and guidance to help you plan your next steps.

Systems and Solutions for Passive & Low Energy Design
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00
In this webinar, Keira Proctor, Managing Director of the Proctor Group, gives an introduction to the principles behind passive and low energy building design. We’ll also review some of the systems and solutions that contribute to thermally efficient building envelopes across all types of building.

Passive and low energy design principles
Efficient construction technologies
Managing Moisture and indoor air quality
Fabric first energy performance

Social media essentials: LinkedIn
2026-03-27 10:00 - 12:00
No longer just an online CV, LinkedIn can be an incredibly powerful – and profitable – business tool.
During this webinar, you will:

Learn how to create a LinkedIn strategy to boost your business reputation via marketing and brand promotion initiatives
Learn the difference between personal and company profiles and how to optimise them for both maximum visibility and brand awareness
Understand that content is king on LinkedIn, and we’ll show you how to plan and produce captivating content that enriches your brand

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
