Invest in Angus

Planning for Maintenance and Asset Management
2024-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | ETZ Ltd, 53 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen, AB25 2DY
Join our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) on 9 October 2024, from 9:30am to 12:00 noon, for a free Lean Breakfast Workshop at W-Zero-1 collaboration space at ETZ, Aberdeen, which will provide you with the tools to support you through the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme’s Process Excellence requirements.
The series is designed to help you develop your own continuous improvement strategies, to apply process improvements, improve workplace organisation and much more. Each workshop will also begin and end with a 30-minute networking opportunity.
Workshop six – Planning for Maintenance and Asset Management
Our final workshop will focus on supporting your business with planned maintenance and asset management. You will learn:

How to maximise effectiveness of each asset
About structured approaches to improving equipment condition and performance
Practical tips to build operator knowledge and ownership of equipment

Our event is open to all manufacturers and producers – large, small and sector wide – who wish to improve business efficiency and begin their F4OR accreditation. It’s aimed at business leaders and managers who are looking to introduce a culture of change within the business and who wish to engage the workforce to look for opportunities to do things better and deliver process improvements that can benefit your business.

Social media essentials: TikTok and Instagram Reels
2024-10-09 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

Social media essentials: Facebook
2024-10-09 14:00 - 16:00
Get to grips with Facebook – the world’s most popular social networking platform.
In this webinar you will:

Learn how to get the most out of Facebook and how it could fit into your business’s digital marketing strategy
Better understand the algorithm behind Facebook, and how to create great content that achieves a bigger reach and impact
Learn from the stats and data you can get from the system and discover who your most interested customers/clients are
Understand the power of Facebook advertising, and other selling options available to you
Discover other business opportunities presented by Facebook, including how to promote and sell products and services
Be introduced to ‘Business Suite’ – a free Facebook dashboard to manage all your business activity

Tourism Experiences: Google Things To Do with Tourpreneur
2024-10-10 11:00 - 12:00
Join VisitScotland on our second webinar of the series. We’ll be joined by guests from Tourpreneur as we explore how Google Things to Do can boost your business visibility, attract eager travellers, and drive revenue.
Whether you’re a visitor attraction, an activity provider, or a tour company, this webinar is tailor-made for you.
Taking place on 10 October, at 11am, this free session will cover:
“Google Things to do” functionality. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, this webinar will introduce you to its potential and show you how to leverage it effectively.
Learn about the best ways to connect with Google Things To Do and the enrolment process, ensuring you’re set up to make the most of this powerful tool, with an opportunity to ask questions about your own set up.
This session is designed to give you a better understanding of the platform and we’ll be sharing best practice and examples from around the world.

How to generate and increase sales
2024-10-10 13:00 - 15:00, 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

Christmas visual merchandising: Make your business sparkle this Christmas
2024-10-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Craws Nest, 67 Ravensby Park Gardens, Carnoustie, DD7 7NY
Join us for an insightful event to help you maximize your business potential this Christmas season. Our expert will share proven strategies for creating eye-catching displays using cost-effective yet powerful props and design techniques. You’ll learn how to transform your retail space into a festive, engaging environment that draws in customers and drives sales.
Following the presentation there will be a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to address the topics covered and ask specific questions.
This event can be followed up with online one to one sessions for individuals interested in getting further personal support.
Book now to improve your festive merchandising skills and ensure your business stands out this Christmas!

Social media essentials: LinkedIn
2024-10-11 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

How to build your brand
2024-10-14 12:00 - 14:00
This webinar will define what a brand is (and is not) and explain how it is more than just creating a logo. We will explore how a business can use their brand to show its identity, purpose, personality, message, and values in order to stand out from competitors, build a loyal customer base and make more sales.
This session will:

Provide you with a clear understanding of the difference between brands and branding
Help you understand what a brand is
Show you why branding is important
Look at your brand strategy, brand identity and action
Help you learn how to develop your brand’s positioning, character, and purpose to differentiate your business from its competitors
Demonstrate how to set up a brand kit and style guide to ensure consistency across websites, social media, business cards, posters etc.
Teach you how to create simple promotional graphics using a variety of tools including Canva
Highlight a variety of free tools including Google Drive, Hubspot and Mailchimp that can save time and simplify marketing tasks

Harnessing Digital Technology for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:00
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the integration of digital technology into energy management has emerged as a game-changer.
Join Scottish Enterprise for an insightful webinar exploring how innovative digital solutions are driving energy efficiency across Clean Heat.
Key Highlights:

Learn about Scottish digital technologies driving the revolution in energy efficiency
Real-World Success Stories: Hear from Scottish companies who have successfully implemented digital solutions to achieve significant energy savings and operational improvements.
Interactive Q&A Session

Kickstart your Marketing
2024-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
The workshop will cover the basic principles of marketing, including target audience identification, competitor analysis, value proposition, and the development of marketing strategies.
The workshop will also explore the importance of measuring the success of marketing strategies and how adhering to good business practice can positively influence Customer Generated Content
Overall, this workshop is ideal for businesses – new and existing – who want to gain a solid understanding of the basics. By the end of the workshop, you should have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and execute an effective marketing strategy for your business.

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2024-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
New and established businesses will require a business plan for getting a loan, grant or just to consider the direction they wish to go in. This webinar will teach you what you need to include and how. We will walk you through what should be included within a business plan, how a business plan is used to improve your prospects for a loan or a grant, and how you can develop a business plan to meet your needs.
We will:

Provide a structure for a business plan
Review each section of what should be included within the business plan
Explain when and how to use a business plan
Explore the connections (and importance) between the words and the numbers
Look at how to identify and manage cashflow within the business planning process

TikTok for Business
2024-10-16 10:00 - 13:00
Learn how to engage with your customers and increase the reach of your business online for more effective business communication.
We’ll look at how to segment the global social media audience into the audience you are trying to target, discuss what social media platforms will work for your audience, and how to create engaging video content which will spark interaction with your brand.
Part of the session will look at planning video content and production and different methods to use.

This webinar is for businesses in Dundee, Angus and Perth.

Ready, Steady, Grow: How to Expand Your Business
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
Ready to accelerate your business growth but unsure where to begin?
Look no further than our Ready Steady Grow workshop focused on accelerating business growth. Led by experienced business advisers, this session is designed to help you identify your growth potential and create a roadmap for success.
Through collaborative discussions with like-minded businesses, you’ll gain new insights, tools and knowledge to help support your growth plans. You’ll also walk away with a network of fellow business owners to connect with for ongoing support.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!

Business Support – Drop In Sessions
2024-10-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Carnoustie Library, 21 High Street, Carnoustie, DD7 6AN
The Business Gateway team will be at Carnoustie 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.

The Psychology of Unlocking Ambition and Managing Risk
2024-10-21 14:30 - 16:00
In an ideal world, companies should have a risk culture that balances risk awareness and risk taking. A lack of risk can lead to the stagnation of innovation, whereas too much risk can cause a company to lose valuable resources or financial gains.
This webinar will explore ambition and risk in business and the growth mindset that is required.
It will be facilitated by Dougie Ritchie of Taylor Clarke and the keynote speaker will be Suneil Mishra – a GlobalScot who has been an investor, advisor, consultant, and entrepreneur for more than two decades. He’s been involved in seed and early-stage companies that have raised over $100 million, with exits fast approaching one billion dollars.

Innovative Horizons: Exploring Floating Offshore Substations, CCS Shipping, Hydrogen, and Flow Assurance
2024-10-22 10:00 - 11:00
Hosted by member company Crondall Energy and supported by Forth & Tay Offshore.
We are delighted to be bringing you an opportunity to attend focused technical topics that are crucial to delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.
This session will look at; Developing practical solutions for floating offshore wind substations, Opportunities and considerations for CO2 shipping, maximising the efficiency of grid scale hydrogen production, & CCS Transport and Storage Operational Challenges.
You can choose to attend two sessions out of the four available topics. More information on each topic:

Developing practical solutions for floating offshore wind (FOW)

As developers venture further offshore and into deeper waters to harness wind power, practical solutions are required for the transfer of power to shore. Floating and subsea substations are receiving a growing interest for floating offshore wind developments, as they potentially provide a cost-competitive alternative to traditional fixed platforms. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest challenges and limitations associated with the transmission of power to shore. The different types of substations, their key design features, and their applicability will be presented. The current status of technology development will be outlined along with a discussion of the pros and cons of each approach.

Opportunities and considerations for CO2 shipping

CO2 shipping is being considered for an increasing proportion of CCS projects, as a means of increasing sequestered volumes and therefore revenue. There are a multitude of ship designs and offloading concepts being considered with different offloading locations, and pressure regimes. This presentation will provide an overview of the offloading options being considered and the opportunities of different pressure regimes

Maximising the efficiency of grid scale hydrogen production

Crondall Energy have recently completed a concept study focusing on developing the optimum grid scale hydrogen production facility, considering the full envelop from electrical generation to by products and H2 production. This presentation will provide a holistic overview of the technical risks and opportunities for large scale hydrogen production directly from renewable sources. Presenting the key design decisions and considerations to maximise the efficiency of the complete H2 production system, not just the electrolyser.

CCS Transport and Storage Operational Challenges

We will discuss the main issues to be addressed in CCUS for pipeline CO2 transportation and operability considerations. Practical experience in developing associated solutions will also be presented.
Agenda

10:00 – 10:10 – Introduction and move to meeting rooms
10:10 – 10:30 – Session 1
10:30 – 10:35 – Transfer between rooms
10:35 – 10:55 – Session 2
10:55 – 11:00 – close out

Video production for digital marketing
2024-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
Video captures people’s attention online and is important for getting your message across, while engaging with your target audience.
Learn how to:

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

Package travel regulations webinar
2024-10-22 11:00 - 12:30
Does your business sell two or more different types of travel or tourism services? Then you might have certain obligations under the rules on package travel and linked arrangements.
Join this webinar by VisitScotland and Travlaw for a detailed introduction to package travel regulations (PTR) and learn more about current UK and EU regulations.
Travlaw is a full service, travel-niche law firm. They provide legal advice that’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of the travel industry.

Product and Experience Innovation Workshop
2024-10-22 15:30 - 18:00 | Forbes of Kingennie, DD5 3RD
Product and Experience Innovation Workshop: Collaborate and innovate with local stakeholders to create experiences unique to Angus.
Angus Tourism Cooperative, Visit Angus and VisitScotland invite you to a dynamic Product and Experience Innovation Workshop, where you’ll gain valuable insights into current and emerging trends in the industry.
This event will take place on Tuesday 22 October, from 3.30pm to 6pm, at Forbes of Kingennie.
This is your chance to collaborate with fellow tourism professionals, brainstorm new ideas, and create innovative products and experiences that highlight the unique charm of Angus.
Together, let’s seize the opportunities at hand, enhance our collective offerings, and put Angus on the map as a must-visit destination. Your participation is crucial to our shared success.
Come and join us! See the full agenda and register to attend.

Business Finance Viability
2024-10-22 18:00 - 20:00
Led by experienced advisers, this webinar takes the fear out of finances, providing practical tools and guidance to help you confidently manage your business’s budgeting and forecasting. You’ll learn how to identify the hidden costs of running your business, including the cost of hiring staff, maintaining stock levels, and other crucial expenses.
Through a series of engaging exercises, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your business’s financial viability, helping you make informed decisions about its future growth and success. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or have been in business for a couple of years, this webinar is tailored to your needs, providing you with the knowledge and skills to take your business to the next level.
Don’t let financial worries hold you back from realizing your business’s full potential. Sign up for the Business Finance Viability webinar today and discover how to confidently manage your business’s financial health!

How to start a business: The basics
2024-10-22 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

Perthshire Talks Responsible Tourism: welcoming all customers
2024-10-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This free in-person event will take place on 23 October at Perth Concert Hall, from 9.15am, finishing at 4.00pm.
This event will provide businesses with tips and advice on how to improve customer service for disabled customers, which we know also benefits other customer groups.
This course will include activities, exercises, and discussions. Each participant will receive a guide containing practical tips and a jointly branded VisitScotland / Welcoming All Customers course certificate.
Businesses will learn about:

adopting a positive attitude to all customers and anticipating accessibility requirements
successful communication styles to identify customer needs
legal obligations and types of discrimination

*Please note this training event is available to businesses who attended either of the following webinars:

Perthshire Talks Tourism: unlock the potential of accessible tourism
Perthshire Talks Tourism: access information to promote your business

The registration for the event will go live on 3 October 2024. See https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2024/perthshire-talks-tourism-webinars for booking information.
This event has limited places and will be on a first come, first serve basis. To allow more businesses the opportunity to be trained, only one person from each business can attend.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00
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

Health and Safety Essentials for Agritourism
2024-10-23 10:00 - 14:30 | 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.

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
