Delivering profit to drive growth
2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
The course covers financial analysis, strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and the role of innovation and scalability in leveraging profit for long-term success.
We will cover:

Getting to know your financials
Controlling growth
Improving decision making
Opportunities
Cash is king
Controlling change
Pricing strategies for maximum profit
Measuring profit

Why your business needs a blog
2026-03-04 14:00 - 16:00
This webinar will provide you with the knowledge and understanding you need to create a blog that promotes your business.
We will cover:

What a ‘blog’ is, how to set one up and what it takes to make them work
Other small and medium sized businesses who already blog successfully and what you can learn from them
Options for monetising a blog
How to promote your blog
How your blog can help move your website higher up search engine ranking
Understanding analytics and measuring the impact of your blog

SCOTO Gathering 2026
2026-03-05 09:00 - 2026-03-06 17:00
For SCOTO’s fourth annual Gathering, we’re excited to be heading to a city location for the very first time! This year, the SCOTO Gathering will take place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, just a short walk from Queen Street Station.
An inspiring programme is coming together, and we can’t wait to welcome both familiar faces and new networkers to join us in Glasgow. With support from Scottish Community Alliance, Glasgow Life and the Glasgow Convention Bureau, the event will showcase an inspiring range of community-led tourism initiatives from across Glasgow.
While previous Gatherings encouraged the sector to pause, reflect and reimagine, 2026 is about taking confident, coordinated steps forward.
Communities across Scotland are already leading the way in Europe – revitalising local places, building regenerative visitor experiences and demonstrating how tourism can be a force for good in local communities. What is needed now is a shared direction: a framework rooted in your experience but aligned with national ambitions.
The 2026 Gathering will bring together community organisations, social enterprises, policy leaders and partners across the tourism sector to explore how we move from ideas to developing a blue print for wider change.

DPIA’s: How to document and manage data protection
2026-03-05 09:30 - 10:30
Join Loretta Maxfield and Morgan O’Neill for an expert-led session to explore the topic of Data Protection Impact Assessments and to understand your organisations obligations to complete DPIA’s under Article 35 of UK GDPR.
The webinar will provide an overview of what a DPIA is and when is it required, how to complete a DPIA and we will look at how to complete a DPIA for AI technology. We will conclude with a Q&A where you can submit questions to our specialists.

Understanding and Bidding - Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)
2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:30
Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) are fast becoming a popular way for buyers to manage common purchases. Frameworks and DPS’s can also be a lucrative source of business for suppliers but it is vital you understand the agreement before getting on a Framework.
At this training, you will get an understanding of what a framework is, the common features of a framework and why buyers use frameworks. One of SDP’s expert trainers will also talk you through the two main methods of winning business on a framework i.e. Direct Award and Call Off Contract.
Overview of what you will learn:

What is a Framework?
How to get on a Framework
How to win business off a Framework
What is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)?

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 the chance to hear what other SME businesses on Scotland have to say.
This event is suitable for Level 2 (Intermediate) for people who know about bidding but need to develop specific knowledge and skills.

How to deliver low-cost, high impact marketing
2026-03-05 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

How to build a digital marketing plan
2026-03-05 14:00 - 16:00
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

Working with nature: Practical parasite control in sheep and cattle
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:30
Practical, nature-friendly approaches to livestock parasite control that protect both animal health and wildlife.

Animal Health and Welfare Plans (or Livestock Management Plans if you are organic) are now a Whole Farm Plan requirement, but what does a whole-farm approach to animal health look like in practice?
This webinar, jointly hosted by Soil Association Scotland and Nature Friendly Farming Network, is led by Dr Claire Whittle, regenerative vet and farmer. Claire brings practical, nature-friendly approaches to livestock parasite control that protect both animal health and wildlife.
Rising parasite resistance and fewer new worming actives mean farmers need smarter, gentler ways to care for stock and nature. In this 60-minute, farmer-focused webinar, you’ll learn to keep your sheep and cattle thriving while treating less, better, using practical, nature-friendly methods.
Topics covered:

Why this matters now: Resistance, environmental impacts, and animal wellbeing
The 3 IPM pillars: Know your risk, measure what matters, and treat selectively
Targeted Selective Treatment (TST): Treat the right animals at the right time
Pasture-as-medicine strategies: Grazing design to reduce parasite pressure naturally
Protecting dung life and wildlife: Minimise harm to beneficial insects, soil, and water
Next 30 days action checklist: Simple steps for sheep and cattle.

Who should attend:
Farmers, livestock keepers, and graziers looking for practical, nature-friendly parasite control that supports animal health, soil, and wildlife.
We will also hear from the Soil Association Fly Strike field lab group on practical ways to reduce chemical treatments whilst maintaining high welfare.
Join us for an insightful and interactive session!
FREE and open to farmers, crofters, growers and land managers.

Bookkeeping essentials
2026-03-06 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.

Introduction to Canva
2026-03-06 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.

How to start a business: The basics
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00
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

Scotland's National Events Conference 2026
2026-03-09 | Technology & Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow, D1 1RD
The 2026 National Events Conference will take place on Monday 9 March at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow’s city centre.
Scotland’s National Events Conference is the flagship industry conference for the events sector in Scotland. It is produced for all those working to create, deliver, and support Scotland’s cultural and sporting events, and is aligned to Scotland’s National Events Strategy, Scotland The Perfect Stage (2024 – 2035).
The events and festivals sector is a significant contributor to the Scottish economy. Events enhance Scotland’s international profile and bring wide-ranging social, wellbeing, and cultural benefits. They also unite and engage our diverse communities.
The conference seeks to highlight the sector’s importance and the valuable contribution that it makes. It also provides a forum for learning (or ideas) around the opportunities and challenges that the sector faces.

How to plan and schedule your online content
2026-03-09 10:00 - 12:00
Businesses who plan their content in advance, aligning their channels with actual business objectives, customer themes and national events, and then schedule it to ensure it reaches the target market at the right time, on the right platform – hugely increase the chances of achieving impact.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:

Plan content based on your business and your customer needs
Evaluate current social media dashboards and management tools
Create a social media content calendar and schedule updates automatically
Reach more people through automating your blog and email newsletter content
Implement simple automation techniques to increase efficiency

Having great content is just the start. This webinar will help you better organise and setup your content strategy through simple planning and effective scheduling, to achieve great business results.

Video production for digital marketing
2026-03-09 12:00 - 14:00
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

Scottish Tourism Month: The Signature Conference
2026-03-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
The flagship event of Scottish Tourism Month returns for 2026.
As always, the event will bring together leading voices and experts from a broad range of sectors for a day packed with speaker presentations, panel sessions and plenty of opportunities to network with all those connected to the industry.
Whether you’re a business owner or manager, supplier, or aspiring leader, this is an unmissable event, with attendees given access to the latest insights, trends and forecasts for travel and hospitality, the economy, and policy.
As always, this event will feature our popular exhibitor hall, with the chance to meet and make connections with trusted suppliers and supporters of the industry.

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2026-03-10 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

Agritourism: Human Resource Masterclass
2026-03-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Cairns Farm Estate, Kirknewton, EH27 8DH
A human resources masterclass, come along and have all your HR questions answered.
We will also be focusing on how you best match your staff team to daily demand and stand down staff if demand is low.
Sophie Henderson from Greenburn HR will be joining us.
Thank you to Satellite Monitor Farmers, Caroline and Graham Hamilton for being our host.

How to create engaging content
2026-03-10 14:00 - 16:00
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

Improving Your Bid Score - Increase Your Tender Win Rate
2026-03-10 14:30 - 16:00
Getting the highest possible score in your bid is essential to winning a contract, but it can be difficult to know exactly what the buyer is looking for.

Every supplier putting in a bid will tell the buyer they can do what it wants them to do. To improve your bid score and win bids, you need to go beyond the basic requirements and explain how your business can add value to the contract. At this training, SDP’s expert trainer will give you top tips on how you can sell the benefits of your business and why these benefits should matter to the buyer.
What happens if you haven’t scored as high as you thought you were going to? This session also covers the importance of asking for feedback on all your bids, how to ask for feedback, and what to do if the buyer isn’t forthcoming with feedback.
Overview of what you will learn:

How to understand and find ‘Hot Button’ issues.
How to sell benefits, not features.
How to use the evaluation and award criteria to elevate your bid.
How to manage your bid effectively
How to learn from your previous bids.

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 2 (Intermediate), for people who know about bidding but need to develop specific knowledge and skills.

Discrimination Law Case Update
2026-03-11 09:30 - 10:30
Discrimination law continues to evolve at pace, and keeping up with employer responsibilities has never been more important – or more challenging. With the margin for error often narrow, even well‑intentioned organisations can find themselves exposed to risk.
Join Andrew Wallace and Jillian McLaughlan, where they will break down some of the most significant recent discrimination cases and explore what they mean in practical terms for employers. By highlighting the latest trends, key judgments, and common pitfalls, our employment law specialists will equip you with clear, actionable insights to help you navigate this complex area with confidence.

EU Export Masterclass
2026-03-11 09:30 - 2026-03-12 15:30 | Discovery Point, Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD1 4XA
In partnership with the Scotland Office, you are invited to a two-day masterclass focused on European export readiness, featuring insights from sector bodies and trade specialists.
These sessions combine practical guidance on customs, regulatory compliance, product standards, and procedural requirements with market intelligence. Day one, delivered with the UK Business Centre Lille, focuses on export readiness for Scottish companies. Day two, in partnership with the UK Export Academy, focuses on market access and finance and includes speakers from UK Export Finance.
Why you should attend:
– Participate in 1:1 sessions with trade experts selected by UK Business Centre Lille.
– Explore European export opportunities and troubleshoot potential issues.
– Gain specific sector insights on life sciences and manufacturing, with a focus on agri-tech.
– Network with industry experts and government officials.
Networking Reception:
A drinks reception will be held on Wednesday, 11th March at 5:30 PM, featuring a short address by our Chief Executive, Alison Henderson. Further details will follow.
Event Details:
– Date: Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th March 2026
– Time: Wednesday : 9:30 AM – 4:45 PM | Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:15 PM
– Venue: RRS Discovery, Discovery Point, DD1 4XA
– Catering: Lunch, tea, and coffee will be provided.
Secure Your Spot:
Spaces are limited to two people per company.

Accounting for Limited Companies
2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
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.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Your Content Marketing
2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
During this learning session we’ll be looking at ways in which you can specifically use ChatGPT to assist you in your business.
You’ll discover how AI can identify specific needs, allowing you to create targeted content that speaks directly to your customer base, fostering strong connections and driving local business growth.
By the end of the session you’ll understand more about how AI can help you with some practical suggestions for your business. Plus we’ll cover some of the following:

Master creating custom content that wows your customers.

Stay ahead of the game by using AI for smart, focused marketing.

Get tips to make your business smoother and in turn potentially earn more.

How to maximise your time so you can work more efficiently.

This session will be delivered by GrowBiz Learning and Development Manager Alison Finlay and by Clair Smith Deputy CEO of GrowBiz. Both have a marketing background and will be able to demonstrate to you their experiences of using AI.

Accelerating delivery in high impact sectors
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00
Energy, transport and retrofit are the sectors where local authorities can make the biggest impact. Yet despite strong cases for action, delivery often faces familiar obstacles around capacity, coordination, financing, and the need for innovation in practice.
This webinar will focus on factors helping the Net Zero Living Programme places build confidence in and unlock local delivery.

An introduction to business strategy
2026-03-11 13:00 - 15:00
This webinar is practical, outcome driven, and designed to fit with the needs of small businesses in both B2C and B2B environments. It will help you develop a strategically led approach that can turbo charge business growth, identify the core growth strategy(ies) that are right for your business, and develop an action plan.
We will look at:

Your business today – identifying your strengths and areas for development
The key pillars of a business and why balancing all areas is essential for success
Personal and business ambitions and using these to guide strategy development
Ansoff’s Matrix as a tool for identifying core growth strategies
The core components of your business delivery
How to develop a methodical, strategic approach to developing your business for future success

After the webinar, you will understand:

How to undertake a balanced review of where your business is that helps identify areas for development
Ansoff’s Matrix and how to use it as a core strategic planning tool
How to create a strategic plan for growing your business

Branding & Pricing: Set Your Business Up For Growth
2026-03-11 13:00 - 18:00 | Forfar Community Campus, Kirriemuir Road, Forfar, DD8 3TG
Our Branding & Pricing workshop is great for business owners who want to build a strong foundation for their business. In this session our experts will guide you through creating a clear Branding Framework and an aligned Pricing Strategy Blueprint. By the end, you’ll have a personalised plan to define your brand’s unique value and price it for profit and growth.
In a competitive market, your brand isn’t just a logo; it’s a promise. And your pricing isn’t just a number; it’s a key part of your brand. This workshop brings these two essential elements together, ensuring they work in harmony.
You’ll work through a series of structured exercises to build a comprehensive blueprint for your business.
This workshop is highly interactive and provides a dedicated template that you’ll complete as you go, with plenty of time for group discussions, peer feedback, and one-on-one support.
What You’ll Learn

Clarify Your Brand Purpose: Define your ‘why’ to communicate with confidence.
Know Your Ideal Customer: Pinpoint who you’re targeting and how to reach them.
Stand Out: Shape a unique brand identity that sets you apart.
Price with Purpose: Explore pricing models and value-based strategies.
Create Pricing Tiers: Build a structure that attracts different customer types and boosts revenue.

It’s perfect for anyone who feels uncertain about what their brand stands for or how to price their offerings effectively.

Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) Innovation Notices and Guidance
2026-03-11 14:00 - 15:00
Scotland has a vision of becoming one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next decade. This is key to our efforts to transform the economy, improve our Public Services and drive lasting improvement in Scotland’s economic performance. Public procurement can play an important part enabling innovation in our public services. Scottish Government policy note SPPN 03/2023 (Supporting innovation through procurement) makes provision for new functionality on Public Contracts Scotland to improve our procurement processes and reporting for the purposes innovation. Staff from SPPN will provide an over view of the functionality and guidance relating to the Policy Note.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Scottish Government experts, as we discuss this recently added functionality to Public Contracts Scotland (PCS), which is the portal used by all Scottish Public Sector buyers to alert the market of ‘relevant calls for competition’. These new notice types are designed to help Scottish public sector to procure innovation more efficiently.
This short call by Scottish Government staff outlines those changes to PCS and guidance. Feel free to come along to the call and learn about the developments.

How to generate and increase sales
2026-03-12 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

Preparing for travel trade shows
2026-03-12 14:00 - 14:30
Join us to gain an overview of the travel trade show activity for 2026/27, available to Scottish tourism businesses looking to work with the travel trade.
This session will share practical guidance on how to prepare for attendance, including the knowledge you need and the collateral to take.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses
2026-03-12 14:00 - 16:00
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.
