Be part of something bigger

Video captures peoples’ attention online and is becoming increasingly important for engaging with potential, or real, clients.

Discover why the use of video helps people find your brand or website and how this kind of content has become a powerful way to engage with your audience. Learn how to create a short and effective video without pain or expense, including how to plan, shoot, edit and upload it 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.

This is a ‘DigitalBoost’ event which is funded by Digital Scotland and delivered by Business Gateway.

book event here

Kilmarnock workshop – If you are wondering what exactly a “social enterprise” is, or you are thinking about starting one but are keen for more information, this workshop is for you.

To Sign up for this workshop go to: http://www.firstport.org.uk/support/training/item/802-just-enterprise-intro-what-is-social-enterprise

This workshop is the first of a 2-part series aimed at people who are planning to start or have just started a business and need to know the basics of what to do.

You will leave the workshop understanding the skills you need and the actions you need to take to start your business.

This workshop will help you understand:

• the main reasons business fail
• the importance of planning for success
• the importance of market research and how to do it
• what resources you will require and
• the basic requirements for setting up e.g. registration, insurance, tax & VAT

This half day workshop will be practical and results-oriented. After introducing each topic and explaining relevance, we will introduce tools that can be applied at that stage. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and plan how they will implement these tools.

book event here

Why should your business get involved with digital platforms? Are you missing a major opportunity for commercial growth? Could there be a threat to your market share if you don’t get into digital?

Are you worried that you’re not using digital platforms to enhance your business? Find out if you’re worries are justified.

Discover the opportunities and risks of using digital and of NOT using digital. This workshop could give you the chance to pick up digital knowledge and skills at no financial cost to you. Consider any potential disadvantages to your business if you don’t get into digital. Explore how to overcome some of the fears and perceived barriers to getting involved along with some simple next steps you could take to enter the world of digital.

This is a ‘DigitalBoost’ event which is funded by Digital Scotland and delivered by Business Gateway.

book event here

What Is GDPR and how does it impact on my business? This is your opportunity to find out more about GDPR and ask the questions that are appropriate for your own business.

What Is GDPR and how does it impact on my business? This is your opportunity to find out more about GDPR and ask the questions that are appropriate for your own business.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new legal framework that was introduced on 25th May 2018 across the European Union to overhaul and update current legislation on the protection of personal data. This has an impact on most businesses. You are now required to ensure that fully informed consent is obtained at the point of collecting data; that you know where to locate all data that you have collected; that it is appropriately secure, particularly when transferred or shared, and when to delete it. This is the time to review your current business practices and to make sure you are compliant with the new legislation. Law firm Gilson Gray will be delivering this workshop to provide practical guidance and assistance on how best to tackle your journey to compliance.

book event here

This workshop aims to improve your understanding of how search engines prioritise results.

The workshop will look at:

• how search engines work
• the importance of good copy and meta data
• registering with major search engines
• updating the site
• how to measure the improvement to your site

By the end of the workshop you will have the relevant knowledge to enable you to improve your search engine positioning.

book event here

This workshop will help you get the most out of your smart phone or compact camera to take quality shots for your company website, social media pages or newsletters.

You don’t need an expensive camera to produce sharp and engaging photos that promote your business online, you just need to know what you’re doing with the camera you’ve got.To improve the quality of the pictures you take on your smartphone, you will learn the key elements professional photographers consider when creating an image, such as shot composition, focus, light, and vantage point.

You will learn about the best camera apps for giving you manual control over exposure, white balance and shutter speed, thus allowing you to change the look of the photo before you take it. You will also learn how to alter the look of your photos in post-production using editing apps to adjust colour, contrast and add graphics, making it perfect before you share it online.

We will also include an overview of sources of stock and royalty free photography such as pexels.com, pixabay.com and canva.com and outline how participants could create graphics, and infographics rather than ‘real life’ photography. The key points of the law of copyright as it applies to photography and images will also be covered.

Finally, you need to know what types of photographs will work for your business.We will look at different styles and possible subjects for your photography from corporate portraits to product shots to photographs that tell a story.

book event here

Want to boost your business with LinkedIn? We’ll take you beyond networking by showing you how it can market your products and promote your brand.

LinkedIn can be an incredibly powerful – and profitable – business tool. Like any tool, you have to learn how to use it, and this workshop gives you expert guidance. You’ll create a LinkedIn strategy to supercharge your business via marketing and brand promotion initiatives.

You’ll learn when to use personal and company profiles and how to optimise them for maximum visibility. Content is king these days, and we’ll show you how to plan and produce captivating content that enriches your brand.

Also, the value of the event will be enhanced if you can bring along your laptop or tablet so you can work on your LinkedIn account during the session.

This is a ‘DigitalBoost’ event which is funded by Digital Scotland and delivered by Business Gateway.

book event here

This workshop will equip you with the networking skills necessary to build effective networks.

This workshop will:

• explain the importance and benefits of effective networking
• discuss the impact of first impressions and body language
• help you describe your business in a consistent and interesting way
• reveal the importance of active listening
• identify networking opportunities
• assist with planning the development and maintenance of regular networking contacts

book event here

An opportunity to network with a diverse start up / growth business community. Our adviser team will be present to answer any questions you may have.

An opportunity to network with a diverse start up / growth business community. Our adviser team will be present to answer any questions you may have.

A light lunch will be served

book event here