Events by this organizer

Looking to improve your email marketing or implement it into your business? We’ll take you through the key principles.

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to communicate directly with customers and prospects. Here we will cover:

• Popular email marketing tools
• Common goals for email marketing and examples of best practice
• Practical demonstrations of how to create email templates and set up campaigns on the platform MailChimp.

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

To book a place click here

If you know the story you want to tell, are keen to embrace video but need to improve your technical and editing skills, this webinar is for you.

Join our webinar to develop your video production and editing skills. During this workshop we will teach you the fundamentals of video editing on your mobile device and how to:

• Create video content
• Edit video (focussing on 2 video editing apps including InShot & SPLICE)
• Where to host and how to promote your video

To book a place click here

What can I claim? This short course will walk you through a number of the main expenses that are claimable.

What can I claim? This short course will walk you through a number of the main expenses that are claimable.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 1 looks at the importance of market research in exploring the viability of an idea, validating your assumptions and introducing the business model canvas as a tool for planning for business success. You will come away with a template to complete for your own business.

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

This workshop will help you understand:

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

After introducing each topic and explaining the 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.

To book a place click here

This 2 hour webinar aims to provide you with an understanding as to why a digital competitor analysis is vital for your own organisation.

This 2 hour webinar aims to provide you with an understanding as to why a digital competitor analysis is vital for your own organisation and how t go about conducting one, using a range of free tools and techniques to truly help you understand how you compare.

In the connected digital world, your competitors are literally one click away. Make no mistake that your customers of the future will click that link, and compare how you shape up.

Understanding your competitors is vital in helping you position your own business. The traditional SWOT analysis has helped form marketing strategies for decades, but to truly stand out in today’s digital market, you need to dig deeper into the digital footprint of your direct and in-direct competitors, knowing where you excel, but also where you fall flat.

From the design of their websites, to how they rank in Google. From the social platforms they invest in, to what they actually say on them. Your competitors’ ratings and reviews impact YOU, and knowing what their customers say about them is an opportunity to improve your own business.

To book a place click here

Enabling your business to be more successful and spot gaps in the market.

Customers needs and wants change over time the potential demand for a product or service that is not being met. By identifying the needs of customers through market research, businesses are able to reduce their level of risk and make business decisions that are more likely to be successful. This webinar will provide you with an overview of the essential processes and tools to undertake market research enabling you to make better decisions for the development of new or improved products and services.

To book a place click here

This workshop aims to help you understand the process of employing people. It will also deal with legal obligations and point you in the direction of further assistance.

The workshop will examine:

• Preliminary steps such as job descriptions and salary
• Recruiting new staff
• How to confirm a job offer
• Registering as an employer with HMRC
• Your obligations when an employee starts work
• Health and safety legislation and employers’ liability insurance
• Managing staff performance

By the end of the workshop you will have a structured plan for taking on staff.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 2 focusses on the logistics of getting started to actually start your business, providing a plethora of information including comparison of different business structure, legal, insurance and tax requirements and support in forecasting and managing your finances. You will come away with a to do list to assist you to prepare for starting your business.

Having researched and planned your new venture in Workshop 1, you will leave this workshop with an understanding of the skills you need and the actions you need to take to market and actually start your business. Ideally participants will have attended Workshop 1.

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

To book a place click here

This workshop is about getting your business noticed without spending money.

It’s about getting your business featured in newspapers and on radio and television, understanding how the media works, finding the stories in your business that journalists will want to tell and understanding how to make contact with them so that you enjoy the benefits of free publicity.

By the end of the workshop, you will understand how to plan and deliver your own PR campaigns to meet your business objectives.

To book a place click here

These two new video platforms attract huge audiences and are growing fast.

The bitesize format of the apps makes them the perfect place for you to showcase your products, share your expertise and promote your brand values. This webinar will cover everything you need to know about creating short form videos on your smartphone that will build you a following on TikTok or Instagram Reels and, ultimately grow your business.

To book a place click here

You will leave this webinar with practical actions to help improve your marketing plan and a fresh injection of creativity.

Businesses have reacted in a variety of ways to Covid-19. New services have been introduced, business engagement and delivery methods have changed, geographical boundaries are evolving and consumer attitudes changing.

What does this mean for your business and in particular your business marketing?

• A business re-launch?
• Are your prior marketing goals still relevant?
• Do you have a new target market?
• How can you protect and continue to grow your brand identity?
• Should your marketing messages include a Covid-19 policy?

Join our webinar to answer these questions, assess the criteria for Covid-19 messaging and take a fresh look at your marketing plan.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 3 shows you the importance of marketing your business and introduces the basic principles and traditional and digital tools for marketing your business. You will leave with a simple template for developing a marketing plan for your own business.

Having researched and planned your new venture in Workshop 1, you will leave this workshop with an understanding of the skills you need and the actions you need to take to market and manage your business. Ideally participants will have attended the previous webinars.

This workshop will:

• Provide an introduction to marketing
• Outline the basic elements of creating a marketing plan
• Highlight the key aspects which need to be managed in the business
• Outline the basic elements of how to manage the books

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

To book a place click here

With the prospect of more and more people working from home for a longer period, this webinar will cover some of the ways to deliver great customer service while working from home.

In this webinar we will explore the key ways we can deliver great customer service while working from home. As there is an increasing likelihood of home working for some time, we will look at some simple and practical examples of how we can continue to deliver great customer service while not in the office.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

• What is great customer service and why is it important for my business
• How can working from home change the service we provide
• What are the barriers to giving great service from home
• What are the key actions we can take to give great customer service from home

To book a place click here

This webinar will look at how you can increase your chances of ranking in local search results and maps, focussing on optimising your Google my Business page.

This webinar will look at how you can increase your chances of ranking in local search results and maps, focussing on optimising your Google my Business page.

To book a place click here

This workshop is aimed at new and existing businesses which are looking to use Xero to manage their bookkeeping or would like a refresher on how to use Xero.

Delegates will leave this course with a greater knowledge of what cloud accounting is and how it is beneficial for your business. We will look specifically at the accounting software Xero in detail including how to set up a Xero account, link and reconcile bank accounts, create and personalise sales and purchase invoices, view relevant reports and use contracts feature.

As a result of this session, delegates will be able to:

• Set up a Xero account
• Link and reconcile bank accounts
• Create and personalise sales invoices
• Create purchase invoices
• View relevant reports (Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Aged Debtors and Creditors)
• Use contacts feature

To book a place click here

Looking to sell your products on your own website? Join us to explore the most popular eCommerce platforms used by businesses.

During this session, we will explore the most popular eCommerce platforms used by businesses to boost sales and provide a great customer experience. Initially we will focus on the two most popular platforms in 2021 – WooCommerce and Shopify – and then we will take you through a practical demonstration of how to set up a store on each from start to finish, exploring how to effectively:

• Display products
• Set shipping/pickup settings
• Set up a secure payment gateway
• Launch the store
• Manage the store once it’s generating orders

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

To book a place click here

There are 24 hours in every day. How do you use yours? Make more of those hours work for you, not against you.

With the constant demands on our time, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the lack of time we have to meet those demands. In this interactive workshop you will be given the gift of time to evaluate how you operate, and plan how to make those 24 hours work for you – not against you.

To book a place click here

Instagram launched ‘Stories’ in 2016 following the success of Snapchat and as ever, other social platforms followed on!

In this workshop we will learn and discuss:

What makes a good story?

• How do Stories work versus posts?
• Demonstrations of all the features currently available on Instagram Stories
• What are Highlights and why should you use them
• Enjoy with a 30-minute practical session on Instagram Stories and Highlights
• An introduction to Pinterest Story Pins
• Measure your story success using Insights

To book a place click here

As small business owners we want to be “seen to be green” and would like to do more to help the planet but often we don’t know where to start and just don’t have the time to do things differently.

You will leave this webinar with top tips that all businesses can use for adopting more sustainable practices in your business that aren’t just good for the planet but could also work wonders for your brand reputation and your bottom line!

To book a place click here

Is utilising customer feedback part of your business and marketing strategy for 2022? If not then this webinar is for you!

Most businesses spend money doing marketing to bring in new clients, but the smart ones also do everything they can to retain their existing customers. Does yours? If not, this webinar can help.

One of the best ways you can retain your customers is by listening to them, and gathering their feedback. This webinar will look at a number of areas to help you retain your customers, improve your business and make more money. Some of the topics covered include:

• What exactly is customer feedback?
• What’s the difference between feedback and testimonials?
• Are feedback and reviews the same thing?
• Where, when and why should I get feedback?
• What’s the benefits on gathering feedback?

To book a place click here

Cyber Security is now more important than ever, this webinar will help you get on top of what is required to be cyber safe.

With more and more business processes moving into the cloud, we need to be more cautious than ever, defending against hacks, exploits and scams. This practical webinar will look at website security, social media safety, password protection and more.

Aimed at small business owners who want to embrace online opportunities, but who understand the real dangers and their impact in today’s connected world.

To book a place click here

A hands on practical session for people who have already got a Facebook Business page, and wish to optimise it for best performance. We will work you through the actions required.

The aim of this session is to provide a practical demonstration of optimising a Facebook Business page, from reviewing basic settings, through a deep dive into Facebook Insights, a review of Facebook groups and an overview of selling via Facebook.

The intention is that, where possible, you will get the chance to carry out at least some of the tasks involved, during the session.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 1 looks at the importance of market research in exploring the viability of an idea, validating your assumptions and introducing the business model canvas as a tool for planning for business success. You will come away with a template to complete for your own business.

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

This workshop will help you understand:

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

After introducing each topic and explaining the 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.

To book a place click here

Every business needs a website, and if budget is tight, then you might prefer to build one yourself.

Introducing WordPress – one of the most popular web building systems used on millions of sites across the world. This webinar will be delivered over 2 parts.

Part 1

We’ll begin this session with a brief outline of some of the basic components of a business website. What pages do you need to create, what messages do you want to tell, what is the purpose of your website?

You’ll learn how to create a WordPress account, choose a theme (a design), create some basic web pages, and be introduced to Blogging!

To book a place click here

Join us for this session where we share with you the secrets of Shopify – the world’s largest and most popular e-commerce platform. If you have something amazing to sell, sell it online.

Join us for this session where we share with you the secrets of Shopify – the world’s largest and most popular e-commerce platform. If you have something amazing to sell, sell it online and boost your sales with Shopify.

What you’ll need:

• A passion for your products (photos and short descriptions may help too)
• A goal for increasing your sales
• A laptop (optional)

What you won’t need:

• Any prior experience or knowledge in website design or e-commerce (that’s what we’re here for)

Part 1 of this session will tell you all about what e-commerce means for your business and what Shopify actually is. We’ll show you how to use the seller’s dashboard and take you around an example store. This part is very much knowledge based with little practical interaction, it’ll help set the foundations for Part 2 where we’ll start building your store!

This workshop will help you understand what Shopify is and why it’s a powerful e-commerce platform. Examine an example Shopify Store to understand the sections of the Shopify Dashboard. Create your own trail Shopify account, integrate your all-important brand and styling, create a landing page to show off your featured items, design and manage your product pages, configure your shipping settings, launch your new online shop, monitor sales and incoming orders, fulfilling and organising the shipping of the products you sell.

To book a place click here

The webinar will provide direction on managing your financial situation and developing cash flow forecasts in an ever changing environment.

For your business to survive and thrive the one constant will be the need for a strong cash flow. As the economy exits from lockdown business will need to be ready for very fast changes to meet our developing requirements. To do this cash flow management will be key to future success. This course will take on a reality journey of hat you need to do to get your cash flow and financial management in order to meet the challenges ahead.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 2 focusses on the logistics of getting started to actually start your business, providing a plethora of information including comparison of different business structure, legal, insurance and tax requirements and support in forecasting and managing your finances. You will come away with a to do list to assist you to prepare for starting your business.

Having researched and planned your new venture in Workshop 1, you will leave this workshop with an understanding of the skills you need and the actions you need to take to market and actually start your business. Ideally participants will have attended Workshop 1.

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

To book a place click here

A direct follow on from the “Build Your Own Website Part 1” – we pick up where we left off.

We will continue creating our WordPress website – this time adding your own specific text and images that you pulled together between the two sessions.

We’ll spend some time highlighting the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), and show you how to ensure your own content is optimised, while flagging up the features of WordPress that can really help get you noticed on Google.

Finally we’ll look at taking things further – with the addition of WordPress plugins and widgets! We’ll show you how to add eCommerce functionality, and integrate your social media into your website, as well as discussing the many other options available to you.

To book a place click here

Despite the clue in the name, many businesses continue to broadcast on social media, rather than socialising their brand and building relationships.

Proactive collaboration on social media can amplify a common message and drive user generated content helping build brands and drive marketing messages.

Taking a deep dive to look at who and where your business should be networking will help progress your digital marketing strategy.

During this webinar we will provide you with a practical exercise and examples to help you improve your social media skills, benefitting from brand reach and increased engagement levels.

Followed by a question and answer session.

To book a place click here

This webinar will introduce the attendees to the fundamental elements of Microsoft Excel, and will suit those with no experience of Microsoft Excel.

It would be beneficial but not essential to have any version of Microsoft Excel installed prior to attending this webinar.

This webinar will cover:

• The Excel Screen
• Understanding the terminology
• Working with Columns and Rows
• Entering Text
• Editing Text
• Formatting text
• Resizing columns & rows

To book a place click here

Dealing with difficult conversations can be so time consuming.

Dealing with difficult conversations can be so time consuming. Attend the Business Gateway session with Arena HR and devise a strategy to allow you to handle difficult conversations effectively and get a solution quickly. This allows you to get back to doing your job well and increase the harmony in the workplace.

To book a place click here

A series of 3 webinars designed for people considering or in the process of starting their own business.

Webinar 3 shows you the importance of marketing your business and introduces the basic principles and traditional and digital tools for marketing your business. You will leave with a simple template for developing a marketing plan for your own business.

Having researched and planned your new venture in Workshop 1, you will leave this workshop with an understanding of the skills you need and the actions you need to take to market and manage your business. Ideally participants will have attended the previous webinars.

This workshop will:

• Provide an introduction to marketing
• Outline the basic elements of creating a marketing plan
• Highlight the key aspects which need to managed in the business
• Outline the basic elements of how to manage the books

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

To book a place click here

During this webinar you will be taken through an easy to follow and fun process for personifying your brand using a practical exercise.

During this webinar you will be taken through an easy to follow and fun process for personifying your brand using a practical exercise.

To book a place click here

This workshop aims to transform your attitude towards writing and help you create engaging, useful material for your website.

You’ll learn the secrets of persuasive writing, how to make writing more accessible and concise, and common structures to help get started when you’re staring at a blank screen.

Whatever business you’re in, being able to explain what you do in the written form is an essential skill and with our feedback and coaching you’ll get better at it. Whether you consider yourself good at writing or if it’s something you’ve always struggled with, you’ll find yourself both encouraged and challenged by the interactive, engaging session.

To book a place click here

This webinar will introduce the attendees to the fundamental elements of Microsoft Excel, and will suit those with some basic experience of Microsoft Excel.

It would be beneficial but not essential to have a version of Microsoft Excel installed prior to attending this webinar.

This webinar will cover:

• Using Formulas
• Formatting the Worksheet
• Viewing & Printing Workbooks
• Filtering & Sorting Data

To book a place click here

This webinar aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage your finances and comply with regulatory and legal requirements through a relevant bookkeeping system.

This webinar will explain:

• What financial records are needed
• The broad principles and procedures of accounting systems
• How to choose accounting systems – both manual and computerised
• Which financial statements and statutory returns are relevant to your business
• Different accounting periods and financial years
• How to use financial records for monitoring the financial state of your business
• Cash flow forecasting, profit and loss statements as well as what they should contain
• What financial measures and forecasts are needed by your business
• What information on financial record keeping is available and from whom

By the end of the webinar you will be able to introduce or improve your financial record keeping system and improve how you manage your finances.

To book a place click here