Invest in Angus

How to start a business: The basics
2023-11-23 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Whatever your reasons may be for considering being your own boss, Business Gateway is here to support you and help you decide if this is the right path for you. Helping you consider your plans from exploring your potential customers to looking at the key activities and costs involved.
We will cover:

Personal finance planning – how much do you need to earn?
Researching your market – who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field
Business structure – what are the core business structures? How to decide which is right for you and how to register as a business
Creating your start-up action plan – an outline
Marketing
Pricing
Naming the business
Basic bookkeeping
Forecasting
Financing, banking, insurance, and VAT
Tax

How to improve your Google search rankings - Part 1: On page optimisation
2023-11-23 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

Procuring a Sustainable Future for People and Planet
2023-11-23 14:00 - 15:30
This event will be of interest to anyone working in procurement or undertaking procurement within the public sector. The session will also be relevant to change managers, economic development specialists
and climate change practitioners.
Join Scottish Government, Scotland Excel, the Improvement Service and the Sustainable Scotland Network to:
• Hear an update on recent research into the tools, methodologies and approaches for a practical understanding of procurement and ClimateXChange
• Participate in a discussion to share ideas, barriers and good practice across the public sector
• Explore priority areas and shape the future support needed
2pm
Welcome
2.05pm
Setting the Scene – Scottish Government perspective
Speakers: Jo Mitchell and Hannah Neufeld
Highlighting some of the challenges being posed on procurement emissions
2.15pm
Scope 3 Emissions & Climate Through the Procurement Cycle
Speaker: Philip Duddell
Input from Scottish Government about work through ClimateXChange on tools, methodologies and approaches
2.40pm
Scotland Excel – A collaborative approach supporting net-zero objectives
Speaker: Mary Mitchell
How Scotland Excel engaged professionals, thought leaders and policy developers in the creation of an
innovative approach to contract development
3pm
Q&A Discussion on barriers and opportunities
3.20pm
Next steps and wrap up
Bookings for the session will be taken on a first come, first served basis. To book your place, please contact Helene Holden at helene.holden@scotland-excel.org.uk

How to build a digital marketing plan
2023-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
This webinar will guide you through the steps needed to create an effective digital marketing strategy, ensuring you focus on the right tactics to meet your business objectives and goals.
We will cover:

The importance of planning your digital marketing activities
Building your plan around a simple framework
Conducting a situational analysis (and understanding Customers and Competitors)
Developing your brand and tone of voice
Planning your Content strategy
Prioritising digital channels
Evaluating your Digital Marketing efforts

How your organisation can reduce single-use
2023-11-22 14:00 - 15:30
Want to reduce the amount of single use items you use but don’t know where to start? This webinar will cover how to comply with the law, new developments to help tackle disposable cups and also how to go further and reduce single use items of all types.
An estimated 388.7 million single-use beverage cups are used every year in Scotland, equating to an estimated 4,000 tonnes of waste each year. Yet 77% of people in Scotland say they are concerned by the amount of single-use packaging and items we use.
Zero Waste Scotland are committed to providing businesses with a clear understanding on how they can make positive changes which will help make a significant impact to Scotland’s Circular Economy. This can be through useful resources on the Single-Use Plastics Ban, which came into effect a year ago, or implementing a reusable cup scheme provides an opportunity to help tackle the consumption of single-use cups.
Join us and our soon to be announced speakers as we provide valuable insight into the value of reducing our disposable and single-use plastics with an opportunity to speak to the experts.
What to expect from the webinar:
• Information on how to comply with the ban on selected single-use items in Scotland
• Details of the proposal to introduce a charge on single-use cups
• The benefits of offering reusables
• First-hand experience from businesses who have implemented reusable cup schemes
• Examples, benefits, challenges and how to overcome them
• Details of the support Zero Waste Scotland can offer to assist with setting up a scheme
Who should attend?
All types of organisations can attend this webinar, whether you:
• Are an SME, larger business, third sector and business support agency/professional
• Are interested in reusable cup schemes
• Or are just interested in finding out more

Recognition & Reward – Share Schemes within the EOT Business
2023-11-22 10:00 - 11:00
Since its introduction in 2014, the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has proved to be a feasible exit option for many business owners. It’s a flexible option, and by making the right choices, you can meet the requirements for tax incentives and achieve the best results for the seller, the company and the employees.
Aimed at professional advisers, this session allows you to hear directly from share scheme experts Rodger Cairns and Gavin Charlton at Shepherd & Wedderburn. They will cover the following topics:

overview of incentives
share incentives vs bonuses
choosing a share plan
share plan admin
communication

Digitalisation of Green Energy - Scottish Capabilities
2023-11-21 15:00 - 16:00
Join Scottish Enterprise for a digitalisation of green energy series exploring the future of digitalisation in the renewable energy sector, as well as the landscape of opportunities developing today and in the future.
This webinar will attract digital innovators looking to diversify into the green heat sector as well as current and emerging heat pump and heat network industry experts from across the sector.

The business benefits of running a sustainable business
2023-11-21 14:00 - 16:00
It’s becoming increasingly important to customers to source their products from companies who have strong green credentials. This webinar will show how by becoming more sustainable you can increase sales and profits.
We will look at:
Understanding the problem
What is sustainability and why it is important
Innovation
Profiting from being a green business
Embracing a purpose beyond profit
The sustainability triple bottom line
Developing your own green charter
Examples of those practicing this way of growth with remarkable success
Top tips for going green

The basics of trading on eBay, Etsy and Amazon Marketplaces
2023-11-21 10:00 - 12:00
As a consumer, you’ve almost certainly purchased online from one of the global marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy or Amazon, so why wouldn’t your customers do the same and buy from you?
We will cover:

Why to sell via a Marketplace, your own website, or both
Choosing the right Marketplace – looking specificly at eBay, Etsy and Amazon

Understanding Profit Margins and how Marketplace fees affect them

An overview of some of the rules and regulations enforced by these platforms
Trading internationally – what’s possible?

You’ll leave with a better understanding of how online marketplaces can help you reach your target audience, which marketplace is best for you, and how to get started selling quickly and easily.

How to write and develop your business plan
2023-11-20 13:30 - 15:30, 2023-11-09 09:00 - 11:00
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

Planning & scheduling your online content
2023-11-20 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.

Blogging for business
2023-11-17 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 rankings
Understanding analytics and measuring the impact of your blog

What the CPTPP means for International Trade
2023-11-17 08:30 - 09:30
The UK joined the Free Trade Agreement known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) earlier this year. Following this, access will be opened up to the other 11 signatory countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam).
Reuben Aitken, Scottish Enterprise’s Managing Director for International, will host a panel session composed of representatives from the Institute of Export, the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and GlobalScots from the UK and the Asia-Pacific region.
The panel will help to show what this Asia-Pac trade bloc means for business growth.
Topics covered will include:

The range of benefits the CPTPP will bring (including to the services industries)
Digital trade
Diversification of supply chains
The impact on investment

Managing People - Sustaining Employee Engagement
2023-11-16 16:00 - 18:00
Participants will learn how to create and maintain a happy, productive and engaged workforce.
As finding and employing new, valuable staff can be difficult, this session aims to help members of management and business owners review their current practices and implement new ones.
Doing so with hope of achieving employee engagement, satisfaction, loyalty and longevity, reducing employee turnover and the need for continuous recruiting.

How to protect and manage your intellectual property
2023-11-16 10:00 - 12:00
You have invested time, energy, and money into your project, however, have you protected the innovation?
Following this webinar, you will understand how to manage your intellectual property (IP) or how to start the process of registering it.
Topics covered include:

What are intellectual assets (IA)?
What is intellectual property (IP)?
How to use IP (in the real world)
Where to get more insight and information

Participants will leave with:

An understanding that all businesses create IA/IP
A framework of knowledge about IP
A little more knowledge about the diverse types of IP
An insight into how to identify, protect and exploit IP/IA
Context of why IP/IA matters
Links to useful learning resources

Selling your business masterclass
2023-11-16 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 fit-out and construction company Pacific Building and construction management training company Esteem Training explain what they considered in choosing employee ownership and how things have worked.
Andrew Harrison from Co-ownership Solutions will talk through all ownership succession options before focussing on employee ownership and how to ensure the employee buyout is a smooth process.
Timings:
10.05 Welcome – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
10.10 Ownership Succession Options – Andrew Harrison, Co-ownership Solutions
10.35 Employee Ownership Case Study – Pacific Building
11.00 Employee Ownership Case Study – Esteem Training
11.25 Support available – Glen Dott, Scottish Enterprise
11.30 Q&A
11.45 Close
Attend this workshop to learn how employee ownership offers a tax efficient exit route that protects your company’s legacy while providing a competitive price for the business. Could it be the right succession solution for you?

Retaining Great People-Strategies for Success
2023-11-15 09:30 - 11:00
Retaining the right people is one of the greatest challenges facing businesses. In this 90-minute masterclass, we’ll explore the most effective ways to retain the great people that you work hard to recruit. We’ll share emerging best practice from across public and private sectors, help participants to reflect on areas they would like to enhance in the retention of talent.
The masterclass will explore these key areas:

Why do people leave?
Salary and developing a competitive benefits package (financial and non-financial).
Innovative ideas and retention techniques to set yourself apart from competitors.
The importance of the people manager.
Creating a culture of belonging and how this impacts all of the above.

After which you’ll have the change to attend an interactive workshop where these themes will be explored further, and you’ll get a chance to discuss your specific business challenges with the masterclass hosts.

Right to Work: Employer Compliance
2023-11-15 09:30 - 10:30
The UK Government has announced that the fines for employing illegal workers will increase from £15,000 to £45,000 per individual found to be working without lawful immigration status.
Fines can be issued in a number of different situations including:

Where an individual entered the UK illegally and never had a right to work
Where an individual has a restricted right to work and is working in breach of these restrictions
Where an individual previously had a right to work, but no longer holds this status
With the changes to Right to Work caused by Brexit, and the constant merry-go-round of changes to the Right to Work Rules, it can be very difficult for HR Managers and business owners to stay on top of this issue.

This Thorntons Law webinar will cover key points employers need to consider when reviewing their policies to prepare for the upcoming changes from an immigration and data protection perspective.

How to generate and increase sales
2023-11-14 14:30 - 16:30, 2023-11-10 09:30 - 11:30
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

Instagram for business
2023-11-14 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.

Email marketing for business
2023-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
Connecting with your audience through effective email marketing campaigns is a great way to improve your marketing strategy and boost sales. In this webinar, we’ll explore what makes an email campaign effective and ensure you are able to:

Segment your audiences and target them effectively
Create a quality marketing email and measure its effectiveness
Identify the most suitable platforms and tools for email marketing campaigns, including different paid-for account levels
Identify the different components of a successful email campaign, including design, HTML v text and other formats
Use reporting and key metrics to make sure your campaigns are successful
Be compliant with legal requirements relating to email communications

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help your business marketing
2023-11-13 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 brand new practical webinar will explore how AI can help revolutionise 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 include:

What is Artificial Intelligence
Current AI tools and systems to use right now (including ChatGPT and Dall-E 2)
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.

The essentials of bookkeeping and what expenses you can claim
2023-11-13 09:00 - 11:00
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

Build your brand and promotional graphics
2023-11-11 11:30 - 13:30
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

TikTok and Instagram Reels for business
2023-11-10 14:00 - 16:00
You might view TikTok as a stream of dance trends and lip-synching videos, but it can also be a fantastic place to engage with your customers and increase the reach of your business online. Explore how to create bitesize vertical video content and how to use this new format for more effective business communication.
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.

Business Finance Viability
2023-11-09 16:00 - 18:00
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!

Google Analytics – Understand how your website performs
2023-11-09 14:00 - 16:00
Google Analytics (Universal and GA4) is a powerful tool that helps you understand how your website is performing. It helps answer lots of questions, including:

Which marketing channels drive traffic to your site?
What pages are users looking at the most?
What impact does mobile have on your potential customers?

During this webinar, we’ll help you understand how Google Analytics is set up and give you an overview of key reports. We’ll also look at other web analytics tools to help you online.

e-Commerce with Shopify
2023-11-08 09:30 - 11:30
Shopify is a powerful all-in-one e-Commerce website builder that makes setting up an online store simple and straightforward. In this webinar, we will explore Shopify’s features and pull together the building blocks for your first e-Commerce website.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

Understand the essential features that a website needs to have to sell physical and digital products online
Understand what Shopify is and how to use the features it offers to build a secure and powerful e-Commerce website
Use the Shopify page builder and work with free themes to get the design and style of your website on-brand
Understand how to manage orders and deliver great customer service
Understand how to launch your new e-Commerce website and ensure all essential building blocks are in place using a pre-launch checklist
