Business Support – Drop In Sessions (Monifieth Library)
2025-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Monifieth Library, 48 High Street, Monifieth, DD5 4AE
The Business Gateway team will be at Monifieth 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.

Scottish Tourism Month - The Signature Conference Series 2025
2025-03-10 13:00 - 2025-03-11 16:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
Scottish Tourism Month is an opportunity to amplify the voice of the tourism and hospitality industry, celebrating its enormous contribution to Scotland whilst also highlighting the support it needs to overcome the challenges it faces to survive, thrive, and grow sustainably.
As the midway point of Scotland’s National Tourism Strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, March 2025 is an important milestone, offering the chance to both reflect on past progress and consider the action required to achieve Scotland’s ambition to be the world-leader in 21st century tourism.
To mark the occasion, the Scottish Tourism Alliance is delivering a specially curated programme of events throughout the month, including the Signature Conference Series which will be held from Monday 10 to Tuesday 11 March.
In addition to the much-anticipated return of the Signature Conference, the Series will include an afternoon of interactive workshops focussing on net zero, business and finance, destination management and leadership, and technology plus a very special evening gathering.
Designed to connect, support, empower and inspire attendees, this an unmissable series for anyone who works in, is connected to or supports Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2025-03-10 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

Transform Your Tourism Business: AI and Tech Solutions for Tay Cities
2025-03-11 09:00 - 13:00 | A K Bell Library, York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP
This transformative morning session is designed specifically for tourism businesses in the Tay Cities region. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI and automation or you’re ready to take your existing tools to the next level, this event will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance your hospitality offering.
Discover how businesses like yours are using AI to automate routine tasks while creating more personalised, authentic experiences that visitors love.
Join us for a dynamic session that includes:

Interactive AI and Automation Workshops: Learn how to implement tools that enhance efficiency and personalisation.
Success Stories: Hear from local tourism businesses that have embraced innovation.
Networking Opportunities: Build connections with like-minded businesses and industry innovators.
Practical Takeaways: Leave with specific AI solutions and the exclusive Tay Cities Traveltech Playbook to help you get started right away.
Enjoy a locally-sourced breakfast and a light lunch as you engage in meaningful conversations with fellow participants.

This event is free for eligible tourism businesses in the Tay Cities region. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended to secure your place.
To ensure the event delivers maximum value, we encourage you to share one business challenge you’re currently facing during the registration process—this will help tailor the workshop to your needs.

Cashflow Management
2025-03-11 09:30 - 11:00
During this session we’ll help you to figure out the ins and outs of working with a cashflow and how it can help you manage your projected income and expenditure over a given period of time.
This is a critical area for most small businesses. Knowing your numbers can really help you to plan how your business runs and grows.
We’ll look at a variety of things that can help you such as:

Tracking income and expenditure

Understanding your spending

Understanding the effect of payment terms

Planning ahead and contingency

This session will be led by GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitators Karen Martin and Ang Laurie. Karen runs her own hospitality business and is also Chair of the Grantown Business Association. Ang has experience within a local Community Action Planning framework and works on our SEED project which offers tailored support for young entrepreneurs and self-employed people in Perth and Kinross.

Helsinki in Transition: A Global Perspective on Health, Accessibility, and Resilience
2025-03-11 10:00 - 11:30
We are thrilled to invite you to our International Special Feature Event, with an engaging joint presentation and panel discussion, chaired by Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
Following a guest appearance at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024, we are delighted to welcome back Maria Jaakkola, Head of Research and Development, Urban Space and Landscape Planning at the City of Helsinki, alongside special guest, John Howie, Service Manager, Place & Health in All Policies at Public Health Scotland.
This thought-provoking session will explore Helsinki’s transformation, offering an international perspective on a city in transition, with a focus on:

Health and Wellbeing – Integrating health into urban planning
Accessibility & Diversity – Ensuring inclusivity for all citizens
Resilience – Building adaptable and future-ready communities

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies from global leaders in urban planning and public health.
Join us as we explore how forward-thinking cities like Helsinki are paving the way for healthier, more inclusive, and resilient communities!

How to create engaging content
2025-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
Producing quality content is an excellent way of helping your customers develop a meaningful relationship with your brand, services and products. In this webinar we will show you how to source and develop a variety of content for your website and social channels.
This session is ideal for businesses that already have a business website or use social media and now want to take it a step further, and develop the skills to show your audience that you are a trusted operator in your field.
We will help you:

Understand what kind of content your customers are looking for
Source, write and deliver that content
Amplify your brand and message and boost engagement online

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2025-03-11 13:00 - 15:00
When budgets are tight, it can be difficult to find the funds for marketing. This webinar will offer marketing tips and advice that you can then use across your business – without bursting the bank.
We will look at:

How marketing extends way beyond what most businesses consider it to be and how it provides opportunities for businesses to make transformational change with little or minimal extra spend
Identifying marketing priorities and using these to reshape your business
The marketing mix as a tool for reviewing how your business plans and delivers its marketing activity
How your marketing activity is delivered successfully and effectively in your business
A series of top tips including the importance of understanding your customers, the core components of a brand, the value of strong and consistent branding, the value of a clear focus and the power of creativity
The many options available with traditional advertising and promotion as a way a company communicates what it does and what it can offer customers, but also looking how this has changed in a world where marketing has moved online
The foundations of effective marketing in a digital age, looking at how your business can grasp new ways of marketing such as social media, web and digital PR

Bookkeeping essentials
2025-03-12 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar is for those who are entering business for the first time or require an understanding of what is involved in financially managing a business, including basic bookkeeping, and creating a profit and loss account. You will also get an understanding of what expenses the business can claim and then how to fund your business. At the end of the session, you will receive a workbook on excel to help you manage and monitor costs and sales.
At the end of this session, you will be able to:

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

InspireHER: Building Confidence – Part 2
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
This session will focus on new, fresh ways to look and think about confidence, and how to tap into that energy to fuel your progression.
Filled with insightful tips and fresh ideas, we’ll cover a wealth of information that you won’t want to miss. You’ll also leave with practical tools to help put what you’ve learnt into practice.

Renewable Energy Supply Chain Conference 2025
2025-03-13 09:00 - 16:00 | The Chester Hotel, 55-63 Queen's Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4YP
Scotland, long known as the ‘Energy capital of Europe’, with a rich history in oil and gas, is poised for a new chapter. Another massive economic opportunity in renewable energy is set not only to power our country but all of the UK for generations to come.
Meeting the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets will depend not only on a commitment from developers to drive projects but on a whole raft of skilled, experienced, innovative suppliers, too. From offshore inspection, to civil engineering, electrical products and data services, there is a wide variety of work to be tendered for, won and delivered.
The Renewable Energy Supply Chain Conference is a key platform for businesses and clients in the renewable energy industry, across all technologies, to come together, explore opportunities and break down barriers to maximise the economic opportunity at stake. Our sessions will showcase the supply chain and explore solutions whilst our Meet-the-Buyer appointments will provide suppliers with the opportunity to attend one-to-one appointments with procurement teams.

Effective Financial Management For Agritourism
2025-03-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Gargunnock Community Centre, Leckie Road, Gargunnock, FK8 3BJ
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme at Gargunnock Community Centre in Stirlingshire for an informative session designed to help you take effective control of your agritourism business finances. Whether you’re just starting out in agritourism or looking to refine your financial management skills, this meeting will cover many essential topics.
We’re delighted to be joined by Colin McNally, Director of CJM Accountancy & Financial Management and Paris & McNally, who will cover:

What is a P&L? Gain a clear understanding of Profit and Loss statements and their importance.
Income vs. Costs = Profit: Learn the basics of calculating profit and managing your margins.
Valuing Your Time: Discover how to attribute your own and your management team’s time effectively.
Managing Multiple Enterprises: Explore strategies for handling finances across different enterprises.
Monthly Reporting: Learn how to structure monthly management reports, determine who in your team can help you with this task, and estimate the costs involved.
Tax Accounts Simplified: Break down the essentials of your tax obligations and accounts.
Software Solutions: Explore how a financial software solution could help you streamline reporting and insights.
Budgeting & Monitoring: Learn how to create budgets and track progress to improve the currency of your financial information.
ROI Planning: Understand your capital investments and learn how to plan for returns.

Tea and Coffee will be provided. There will be a cup of soup at lunchtime but please do bring your own packed lunch.
There will be a chance to share thoughts & ideas and network over lunchtime.
Everyone is very welcome to attend.

Don’t let GDPR block your Innovation
2025-03-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Arbroath Football Club, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, DD11 1QJ
Join us for an in depth GDPR Masterclass designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate and leverage GDPR regulations effectively.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding the Regulations: Separate fact from fiction and gain a clear understanding of GDPR requirements.
Turning GDPR into a Competitive Advantage: Discover the opportunities GDPR presents for your business.
Using CRM Systems: Learn best practices for importing, purchasing, and sharing personal data within your CRM.
Utilising 3rd Party Marketing Services: Safeguard your reputation while using external marketing services.
Cookies & Transparency: Master consent management and ensure transparency with your website’s cookie policies.
Effective Marketing Communication: Enhance your marketing strategies through compliant emails, texts, newsletters, and cold calling.
Maintaining Customer Relationships: Build and maintain trust with your customers through GDPR-compliant practices.
Communications Impact Toolkit: Equip yourself with tools to improve your communication effectiveness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to book a one-on-one session with GDPR expert Susan, allowing for personalised advice and guidance.

Video production for digital marketing
2025-03-13 14:00 - 16:00
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

Kickstart your Marketing
2025-03-13 16:00 - 18:00
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.

Profitable Pricing for Sustainable Growth
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU
Discover the key to sustainable business growth with our essential pricing workshop, created to help you set the right price for your products and services.
In this workshop, you’ll learn proven strategies to price for profit, ensuring your business thrives without compromising its value. We’ll explore the psychology behind pricing, cost structures, and market positioning to help you identify the optimal price point that drives profitability and customer appeal.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a solopreneur, this workshop will provide you with the tools to confidently price your offerings, boost margins, and maximise your earning potential.
What we’ll cover:

Understanding the cost and value factors that drive profitable pricing.
Techniques to evaluate and adjust your pricing strategy.
How to communicate your pricing effectively to clients.
Setting prices that align with your business goals and customer expectations.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear, actionable pricing strategy that sets your business up for long-term success.

Creating an effective email marketing strategy
2025-03-14 10:00 - 12:00
Customers buy from businesses that they know, like and trust. Email marketing is powerful and affordable tool in your digital marketing toolkit to build these relationships.Most businesses send monthly newsletters to stay in touch with their audience, but your results will improve with a structured plan and the best practices that will be explored in this webinar. Whether you’re new to email marketing or you’re looking to optimise your email strategy, this webinar enable you to:

Adopt email marketing into your wider marketing strategy and gain insight into your target audience
Understand the key stages of an effective marketing strategy
Segment your audiences and to target and position your offering to them effectively
Create a value-driven and customer-focussed content for email marketing whilst measuring and testing it’s effectiveness
Identify the most suitable platforms and tools for email marketing campaigns, including different paid-for account levels
Optimise the different components of a successful email campaign
Use reporting and key metrics to make sure your campaigns are successful
Be compliant with legal requirements relating to email communications and use best practices for escaping the spam folder

Introduction to Canva
2025-03-14 13:00 - 15:00
Canva is an all-in-one online design tool that makes it simple to create graphics, edit photos/videos and write content.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to navigate Canva with confidence, starting with a broad overview of what you can create and do with Canva including a live demonstration of the Canva Editor.
We’ll then explore how to:

Design professional printed marketing materials and edit photos with ease.
Create engaging social media content, including videos and images for posts and ads.
Write creative blog content and make stunning presentations.

We’ll finish this beginner’s guide to Canva by looking at some clever strategies for improving how you market your business with your new suite of creative marketing materials.
As a result of attending this webinar, you will gain practical knowledge of the basics of Canva and learn how to save time when marketing your business online. We’ll be focusing on the free features of Canva for this webinar but some paid ‘Canva Pro’ features will be demonstrated also.

Photography for digital marketing
2025-03-17 10:00 - 12:00
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

SMAS Best Practice Visit to Direct Soccer Ltd
2025-03-18 09:00 - 12:30 | Direct Soccer, 3 Ainslie Street, Dundee, DD5 3RR
If you’d like to see Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) support in action, join this site visit to Direct Soccer.
Direct Soccer is a family-owned business and pioneer of the online teamwear market. Its mission is to provide the fastest fulfilment of customised teamwear to the UK grassroots market. Through its drive for operational excellence and willingness to employ digital innovation and automation, it’s achieved it.
This morning event will provide information on the SMAS, as well as how employing lean manufacturing techniques can create sustainable business change.
Direct Soccer will provide an overview of its successful transition in handling large volumes of complex data at order intake, to efficiently fulfilling complex customer requirements through its internal processes and value stream delivered by best-in-class automation.
The visit will also include a walk-through of the shop floor at Direct Soccer and a look at the live business process system in operation. This will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Clean Heat Retrofit Innovation Challenge Showcase
2025-03-18 09:30 - 12:30 | Radisson Blu Hotel, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
Our 3 hour event will bring together 80 attendees and exhibitors. It will include lots of opportunities to make new contacts and network with a range of organisations.
The event will also:

Showcase the Green Heat retrofit projects in social housing from Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords
Raise awareness of the market opportunity in clean heat through inspiring key speakers and will support engagement with the supply chain
Provide an opportunity for local authorities and registered social landlords to discuss their plans for clean heat transition in Scotland
Build on and complement existing planned events, such as our Heat Network workshops and Clean Heat 2025
Support SMEs and get them ready to collaborate and connect with our support and the wider ecosystem

AI for Exports - Breaking Into International Markets
2025-03-18 10:00 - 11:30
This webinar explores how AI-powered tools can help businesses expand into international markets efficiently and cost-effectively. From market research and customer insights to automated marketing and logistics optimization, AI is transforming how companies scale globally.
Learning Outcomes:

A base understanding of the main A.I. Platforms, and jargon associated with the technology.
Understand how AI can identify and analyse new market opportunities.
Learn how to leverage AI-driven tools for cost-effective marketing and customer engagement.
Discover AI solutions for streamlining operations, logistics, and customer support across different regions.
Gain insights into real-world examples of businesses successfully using AI to expand internationally.

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for businesses using eCommerce to scale internationally, including:

E-commerce brands looking to expand into new international markets.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) businesses aiming to optimise cross-border sales.
B2B eCommerce companies seeking AI-driven solutions for export growth.
Online retailers exploring cost-effective strategies for global expansion.
Manufacturers leveraging eCommerce to reach international buyers.

Business Finance Viability
2025-03-18 10:00 - 12:00
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 generate and increase sales
2025-03-18 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

SSDA Conference 2025
2025-03-19 09:30 - 17:00 | The Peebles Hydro, Innerleithen Road, Peebles, EH45 8LX
This key annual event brings together the South of Scotland’s tourism sector with service providers, key stakeholders and the public sector. It’s designed to unite everyone invested in shaping the region’s vibrant visitor economy.
This conference provides a platform for connecting, networking, learning, and forging meaningful new collaborations. It’s once again inspired by the four pillars of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy:

inspire – discover fresh ideas and success stories that highlight the unique strengths of the South of Scotland as a world-class destination
develop – explore innovative approaches to developing destination products, and creative experiences that resonate with visitors, celebrate local culture, and add value to the region’s tourism offering
responsible – champion sustainability and responsibility in tourism, ensuring that our natural environment, local communities, and cultural heritage are protected for generations to come
support – gain access to invaluable resources, tools, and networks to support your business’s growth and resilience

These themes will shape the day, helping to:

drive engaging discussions and practical workshops to tackle current challenges
seize emerging opportunities
ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future for tourism in the region

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or professional in the tourism industry, the SSDA Conference is your chance to explore innovative practices and be part of shaping the South of Scotland as a destination that inspires visitors and supports thriving communities.

Discover Scottish Gardens
2025-03-19 09:30 - 17:00 | Cambo House, St Andrews, KY16 8QD
Discover Scottish Gardens has been promoting gardens and related businesses to visit for nearly ten years.
It has a popular printed map, website, and marketing and PR/media opportunities for members. It also recognises the importance of hosting an annual gathering of this scale to support the network, encouraging collaboration across the industry.
This event is open to Discover Scottish Gardens members, partners, and non-members interested in the network and industry.
This event is for:

gardens open to the public and open by appointment
hotels, and accommodation providers with beautiful gardens
garden centres and plant nurseries
those interested in working within the garden tourism industry
businesses interested in supporting the garden tourism industry

The conference will offer those in the sector and related industries a chance to connect, network, and hear from a range of inspiring speakers on redevelopment and restoration projects as well as insights on Scottish tourism.

A step-by-step guide to building your business plan
2025-03-19 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

Social media essentials: Instagram
2025-03-19 14:00 - 16:00
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

Continuous Improvement Business Breakfast Workshop
2025-03-20 08:30 - 11:00 | Scottish Enterprise, 99 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD
Join the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) as it hosts a breakfast event on that will help you engage your people in change and create a culture of excellence within your business.
The SMAS will explain how lean manufacturing can engage people, create sustainable change and will look at the leadership qualities that support this process. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take a step back and explore an alternative way of working and thinking about your business.
The workshop will also provide an overview of the SMAS Business Improvement Academy (BIA) and demonstrate how it can help you develop a culture of change in the workplace to benefit your business.
Who should attend?
This event is open to all manufacturers and producers – large, small and sector-wide – who wish to improve their business efficiency.
It is aimed at business leaders and managers who are looking to introduce a culture of change in the business. It can help you encourage your workforce to look for opportunities to ‘do things better’ and deliver process improvements that can benefit the business.
The event has been timed to ensure minimal time away from the workplace. Participants will arrive from 8:30am, when breakfast rolls, fruit, pastries, and refreshments will be available. The workshop will start at 9am and finish at 11am. There will be ample opportunity to network with like-minded decision makers and explore ways that SMAS can support your business.
This event is free of charge, with limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Selling Your Business Masterclass
2025-03-20 10:00 - 12:00
Have you considered a succession plan for your business? It’s never too early to start thinking about your options. Employee ownership is fast becoming the preferred exit route for business owners.
Aimed at business owners considering an exit from their company, this session will give attendees the opportunity to hear specialist hydrocarbon accounting consultancy Accord Energy Solutions explain what they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked.
Louise Fisher from Baxendale EO will talk through all ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.
