How to start a business: The basics
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
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

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.

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.
