Business Gateway launches free week-long virtual festival to support Scottish businesses
Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service, is launching a series of free virtual events to support businesses in their continued recovery post-pandemic amid the current challenging climate.
Hosted between 3 October to 7 October, Scottish Business Week 2022 – in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, and sponsored by the British Business Bank- is aimed at businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as those considering starting a business.
Led by the country’s top experts and business owners, webinars, virtual Q&As and online masterclasses will deliver guidance on practical skills such as drawing up a business plan, preparing a social media strategy, to building resilience, and implementing new strategies for growth.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA’s Environment & Economy spokesperson, will open the event on Monday, 3 October at 1pm.
This will be followed by a panel discussion, led by Business Gateway’s chief officer, Hugh Lightbody, exploring the support landscape, focusing on what help is currently available for businesses. Hugh will be joined by representatives from all partner agencies.
Other panel discussions taking place throughout the week focus on starting up, women in business, digital transformation, and sustainability. Each session lasts for around 1 hour.
Participants will also have the opportunity to become a ‘Green Champion’ through Business Energy Scotland’s CPD-certified training course. This 2.5 hour webinar taking place at 10.00 on Friday 7 October will focus on building the fundamentals of resource efficiency, directing businesses on where they can gather data, how to analyse it, and how to plan energy, water and waste reduction projects.
Keynote speakers throughout the week will include:
- Councillor Gail Macgregor, environment and economy spokesperson, COSLA
- Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Scottish Government
- Carolyn Currie, chief executive, Women’s Enterprise Scotland
- Andrew Dobbie, founder / CEO, MadeBrave
- Dr Martin Valenti, director of Net Zero, South of Scotland Enterprise
Gail Macgregor, environment & economy spokesperson at COSLA, said: “Businesses across the country have faced several obstacles over the past couple of years. However, the Scottish business landscape has shown incredible resilience, innovation and adaptability. As we face further uncertainty with rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, alongside labour and supply shortages, it is vital that businesses are well-equipped with knowledge and skills.
“Scottish Business Week is a fantastic forum for all business owners, whichever stage they are at, to connect with others, hear stories that offer reassurance and spark inspiration, and, importantly, ensure they feel supported.”
Registration for Scottish Business Week 2022 is now open at: www.bgateway.com/scottishbusinessweek
