Invest in Angus

Keeping your head above water when business is tough | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-20 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Running a business can feel like a never-ending juggling act with sales, clients, staff, emails, finance and family all competing for your attention.
The pressure builds quietly in the background until your mind feels cluttered, decisions take longer, and the simplest tasks drain your energy.
This interactive Lunch and Learn led by Dmitri Hall gives you the chance to pause, reset and recharge.
Topics covered in this session:

Why your mental load keeps piling up without you noticing and how it affects the way you lead and make decisions
Practical ways to release that build up so you can step out of firefighting mode and return to focus
A guided reset exercise you can use anytime and anywhere to instantly clear your head and restore your energy

Social media marketing update: November 2025
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00
Boost your social media skills with our free November update!
This online event is ideal for social media managers, small business owners, and marketing professionals looking to stay ahead of the latest trends.
What to expect:

Top trends and insights: Explore the latest social media trends, B2B and B2C strategies and tools that are shaping the industry right now.
Live demonstrations and best practice examples: See real-life case studies and demonstrations from leading brands, showing you what’s working now.
Expert-led sessions: Gain actionable insights from Alison Battisby, social media expert and founder of Avocado Social.

A Positive Future for Farmed Animals
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00
Positive welfare in farmed animals focuses on creating conditions that allow animals not only to avoid suffering but to flourish, experiencing comfort, interest, and to express their natural behaviours.
Research has identified key resources and management practices on farm that provide livestock with these opportunities, contained within Good Life Frameworks in the scientific literature.
We have been looking at a practical way to use this approach in everyday farming situations by identifying those key resources and management practices on farm that already provide farm animals the opportunities to enjoy a good quality of life, and those that would need further support/consideration. By embracing positive welfare, beef and sheep farmers can enhance animal wellbeing, strengthen public trust, and position themselves at the forefront of progressive, sustainable agriculture.
Webinar overview:

We’ll share an overview of the principles contained within the Good Life Opportunity frameworks for Beef Cattle and Sheep and discuss potential ways the approach can support and advance livestock quality of life.
We would like to invite farmers to contribute to the wider development of this approach through a self-assessment survey, to reflect on current practices, celebrate what’s working well, and identify the relevant aspects for support and improvement within the industry.

How to start a business: The basics
2025-11-20 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

When to hire your first operations leader | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-21 12:00 - 12:30
As a founder, you’re used to doing it all – finance, people, compliance, customer success and more.
But at some point, juggling every function yourself stops your business from growing. That’s when it’s time to bring in your first operations hire.
But should that be an operations manager, head of operations, chief of staff or chief operating officer (COO)? And how do you decide what’s right for your stage?
In this Lunch and Learn, Aušrinė Keršanskaitė, co-founder of Operations Nation, will walk you through how to spot the signs that you’re ready, what different operations roles look like and how to make sure your first hire is set up to succeed.
Topics covered in this session:

Knowing when you’re ready: Clear signs that the founder “do-it-all” model is slowing you down
Picking the right role: How to decide between an operations manager, head of operations, chief of staff or COO depending on your business’s needs
Setting yourself up for success: The onboarding, scope and expectations that make the difference between a hire that thrives and one that struggles

Storytelling and why it matters in business | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-24 12:00 - 12:30
When you’re building a business, it’s easy to focus on the tangible, like your product, your pitch or your pricing. But what truly sets you apart isn’t just what you sell – it’s the story you tell.
In this session, Anne Beth Jordan will tell you how to tailor your story to fit your client’s audience’s needs – whether you’re inspiring, selling or building your brand.
You’ll also leave with practical storytelling techniques you can apply immediately to your business communications.
Topics covered in this session:

Why we all have a story to tell – and which one will help you connect with your client’s business
Using story strategically in branding, marketing and leadership
Balancing vulnerability and professionalism – when your stories draw your clients closer to you
About the

Cyber security for small business
2025-11-24 19:30 - 21:00
We’re delighted to welcome guest speaker Neil Campbell, founder of SME Cyber to share his jargon-busting tips to protect your business.
Join us to:

Understand the biggest cyber threats facing small businesses today, including how AI is changing the threat landscape
Receive a simple checklist of good practice security measures to have in place
Get access to free tools and resources to assess and improve your security
Have your questions answered by Neil in a live Q&A
Leave with a clear action plan and peace of mind, knowing how to make your business more secure

Climate Cafe - Lets Talk About How AI Could Help
2025-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Creative Exchange, Stormont Street, Perth, PH1 5NW
Come and join the conversation about using AI in climate action.
We want to talk about the issues as well as the opportunities, encourage you to try, so you can see how it can be useful.
Climate Cafe GrowBiz is a small friendly gathering and the ideal safe environment to ask questions, share doubts and give it a go.
Bring a laptop or tablet if you can but a smart phone will also work. If you’ve already had some experience of using AI we would love to hear your about experience – good or bad and what you can share with us.
For those who have yet to try, we will be showing you how to start and then refine your questions to get the responses you need. You’ll be surprised!
Bring your curiosity, have a coffee and chat.
You are very welcome to drop in for part or all of the session but it would be helpful to know numbers so please do book on the link. GrowBiz provide enterprise support to businesses, enterprises and the self-employed in rural Scotland (i.e. out with cities)- please only a book a place if you are based in rural Scotland.

The skills squeeze: Staying ahead in Scotland’s changing talent landscape
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00
Businesses in Scotland are facing a talent challenge. There’s a demand for new skills but a shrinking talent pool.
How can you overcome this? By attracting, developing, and retaining your most important resource: your people.
In this webinar, we’ll show you some of the ways you can do just that, and how Scottish Enterprise can support you.
We’ll explore how to tackle both the labour shortage and the skills gap, as these are two distinct challenges that require different strategies.
You’ll hear how inclusive recruitment can unlock hidden talent, from returners and career changers to those with caring responsibilities or long-term unemployment.
We’ll also look at how to future-proof your workforce. As sectors evolve and technology advances, upskilling becomes essential. Learn how to build pathways for learning across all career stages, and how AI can be used to enhance – not replace – human expertise.

How to grow your small business at a faster pace | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-25 12:00 - 12:30
Want to grow your business but not sure where to start?
Join growth expert Anna Hutton-North for a practical session that will help you spot what’s holding your business back – and build a clear, achievable plan to move it forward.
Learn how high-performing teams win more work, create momentum and turn strategy into results.
Topics covered in this session:

Growth roadmaps: How to create plans you can deliver on.
Pit stop or stagnation: Ways to analyse your team’s ability to deliver growth
Supercharging growth: How to create momentum that will take your business forward.

Digital Marketing Insights with SSEN Transmission
2025-11-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Michelin Innovation Parc, Baldovie Road, Dundee, DD4 8UQ
Let’s be honest…social media doesn’t wait for a governance review.
In this session, Michael Dotts, Website & Social Media Manager at SSEN Transmission, will talk about what it’s like to work at the crossroads of digital speed and utility structure. From rethinking how and where we show up online, to balancing professionalism with personality, it’s about building a smarter, more confident digital culture at SSEN Transmission.
If you work in marketing or comms or if you are interested in improving the digital presence of your business this event is for you.
The day will include networking, group discussion and free lunch!

Investment-ready: How to build a business investor's trust
2025-11-25 13:00 - 14:00
Join Adam Kudryl and Mark Freer as they share practical guidance on creating a business that earns investors’ trust and attracts buyers.
Combining their 45 years of experience in legal and investment, they’ll cover the business and legal fundamentals: strong governance, clear ownership, shareholder protections and an exit-ready mindset.
You’ll learn:

What being truly “investor-ready” means
How to boost buyer and investor confidence
The core qualities investors seek
How to prepare your business for investment and exit
Common red flags and how to steer clear
An investors view on what builds (or erodes) confidence

Discover SALSA Go!
2025-11-25 13:30 - 14:30
SALSA is the UK’s leading food safety certification scheme for smaller producers. More than just a standard, it’s a membership-based network offering expert guidance, training, and resources to help businesses build robust food safety systems and gain buyer confidence.
Join us for an insightful session on SALSA Go!, a tailored support programme designed to help small and medium-sized UK food and drink businesses achieve SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) certification.
In this webinar, we’ll cover:

The SALSA Standard – developed specifically for smaller producers, with 103 practical requirements across four key areas.

The SALSA Go! Programme – a 12-month journey featuring one-to-one mentoring, gap analysis, and structured support to prepare for certification.

Exclusive Benefits – including access to SALSA’s resource library, discounted training, and technical support.

Success Stories – hear how businesses like Angus & Oink and Baba’s Sauce have grown their reach and credibility through SALSA.

Costs & Funding – learn about discounted rates available to Scotland Food & Drink members.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, SALSA Go! is here to support your next step.

Reignite your passion for the high street
2025-11-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Arbroath Courthouse, 88-92 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1HL
Be inspired by retail expert Kimberley Guthrie, as she shares powerful insights on how to rebuild footfall, make the most of the festive season, and spark collaborations that can transform your local high street into a must-visit shopping destination.
If you’re looking to boost sales, attract new customers, or simply reignite your passion for retail after a challenging period, this session is packed with fresh ideas to help you thrive.
Come along and let’s celebrate the power of local business and get ready to make this festive season your most successful yet!

Creating Value Through Lean Transformation
2025-11-26 09:30 - 12:30 | IKM Testing UK, Peregrine Road, Westhill, AB32 6JL
Join us for our latest behind-the-scenes visit IKM Testing UK Ltd., where Lean thinking has driven a cultural shift and productivity gains, creating real value for the company.
More than a tour, this is a chance to see firsthand how a leading Scottish service company is using continuous improvement and people-powered change to shape its future.
Alongside the insight into IKM Testing UK Ltd, this visit will allow you to connect with like-minded leaders in Scottish manufacturers to gather real-world insights, spark new ideas, and take the next step on your own transformation journey.
Agenda:

Introduction from SMAS
IKM company background
Lean journey & implementation story
Site tour (PPE provided)
Q&A session

We expect this trip to be popular and we would encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible to secure your space.

Regional Event Industry Engagement Workshop: Perthshire
2025-11-26 09:30 - 13:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This in-person workshop will offer you the chance to:

receive key event industry updates
share best practice
network and exchange experiences

Please note there is no charge to attend, but you do need to register in advance.

Amazon rapid sales growth: faster resolutions, bigger margins
2025-11-26 09:30 - 16:30 | Scottish Enterprise, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD
Join us for a free in-person, two-part masterclass for Scottish brands selling on Amazon and other online marketplaces, hosted by Scottish Enterprise and Zamir Cajee and Ali Shariat from This Way Up.
In these sessions you’ll discover how Amazon’s internal systems operate, why cases get stuck, and how to prevent lost sales.
You’ll leave with proven templates, escalation checklists, and a 30-day plan to streamline your internal processes. You’ll also gain an understanding of what really drives CPC (cost per click), how to phase campaigns between visibility and conversion, and in turn how inventory, pricing, and content updates can influence profitability.
You’ll receive a clear implantation guide, a ‘metrics that matter’ crib sheet, and an understanding of the practical structures needed to advertise effectively.
This is not another intro to Amazon talk. This is a masterclass in timing, tactics , and performance for active sellers, which can be applied immediately to your business.

Bookkeeping essentials
2025-11-26 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.

HR support for small businesses – beyond the basics | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-26 12:00 - 12:30
There’s lots of support available to start a new business and get the basics in place for employing your first team member(s). But what happens when you need support beyond the basics?
In this webinar, join Rona Loweth to discover how to strengthen your HR practices, navigate 2025’s evolving workplace trends, understand key updates from the Employment Rights Bill and discuss the people challenges that matter most to SME employers.
Topics covered in this session:

Growing your team – progressing your HR policies, systems and processes beyond the basics (for example, policies, HRIS, absence and performance management, defining culture and expectations)
The changing world of work – key issues you should pay attention to as a small business employer in 2025 (EDI focus, flexible working, employee wellbeing and mental health)
Employment Rights Bill – brief highlights and thoughts on how it is evolving
Open question session – what people issues keep you awake at night

How to generate and increase sales
2025-11-26 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

Ecommerce Symposium
2025-11-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
Digit Expo is Scotland’s biggest technology conference covering key topics including AI, cyber, and everything IT.
The symposium will have a dedicated stage and exhibition area geared towards eCommerce and Sales and Marketing professionals looking to scale their companies online.
As well as an opportunity to network, there will be talks from keynote speakers from leading global organisations in the space, as well as presentations on key topics.
These will include:

reaching customers overseas using digital channels
the use of AI when selling digitally
scaling brands online both B2B and B2C

Registration is free and includes access to the keynote theatre, all seminars and the exhibition area.

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2025
2025-11-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
The Scottish Agritourism conference is an annual celebration of our sector, open to anyone with an interest in growing agritourism in Scotland including our members, farmers considering agritourism, economic development agencies, destination marketing organisations, local and national government representatives, suppliers to the sector and sector supporters.
The 2025 Scottish Agritourism Conference will take place on Thursday 27 November at Perth Concert Hall.

Finding, keeping and looking after your staff
2025-11-27 10:00 - 12:00
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

Netwalking at Murton Farm
2025-11-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Murton Farm, Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 2RZ
Join us for a refreshing Netwalking session at Murton Farm, where you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs, meet friendly animals, and connect with fellow local business owners in a relaxed, informal setting.
After our scenic walk around the farm, we’ll gather for a warm cuppa and a selection of delicious handmade traybakes, perfect for continuing conversations and making new connections.
This session’s theme is seasonal and environmental awareness in business, but we’re always happy to chat about any challenges or questions you might have.
If you’re looking for advice, inspiration, or just a friendly face, our team will be there to help. Come along, meet the animals, and enjoy a laid-back networking experience in the great outdoors!

What does the Budget mean for you? | Lunch and Learn
2025-11-27 12:00 - 12:30
On 26 November, the Chancellor will deliver her Autumn Budget – but what will it actually mean for you and your business?
Join us for an engaging lunchtime session where, once the dust has settled, regulated financial adviser Rupert Adams will cut through the jargon and explain the key Budget announcements in plain English.
Rupert will outline what’s changed, what it means in practice and how it could affect your income, taxes and business decisions in the year ahead.
Topics covered in this session:

How the Budget affects small business owners and self-employed people – from tax thresholds to new incentives and allowances
What the changes could mean for your take-home pay, cash flow and financial planning

Supply Connect: How to write and win bids
2025-11-27 13:00 - 14:00
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it!
Writing winning bids is an art and a science but one that everyone can master.
If you’re good at what you do and there’s demand for your products or services, this webinar led by Tony Round will help you write bids that make a compelling case for your company to win the business on offer!
Topics covered in this session:

Where to start once your bid has landed
How to elevate your bids from good to great
Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when bidding for contracts

VisitScotland Business Essentials Bitesize Webinars: leisure visitor trends
2025-11-27 14:00 - 14:30
Stay ahead of the curve.
This session explores current and emerging trends in leisure travel – from changing visitor motivations to new booking behaviours – and how your business can adapt to meet evolving customer expectations.

Events Industry Development Webinar - Emergency Services & Events
2025-11-27 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about the role the emergency services play in events with representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
They will review services provided at recent summer events, and update you on future plans.
There will also be an opportunity for questions and feedback.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2025-11-27 14:00 - 16:00
Join us to look at how Google and other search engines decide the order in which they list their search results. We will show you how to maximise your chances of appearing towards the top of the search rankings, ensuring you understand what key words and phrases your potential customers are using when searching online, and how to optimise your website as a result.
We will cover:

How search engines work, and the ‘on-page’ factors used to rank your site
Understanding customer search behaviour
Keyword research tools and how to benefit from them
Optimising your website content for search engines

Social media essentials: LinkedIn
2025-11-28 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
