Events

As search trends evolve, so do the tools and techniques needed to keep up. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in SEO, particularly in keyword research.

As search trends evolve, so do the tools and techniques needed to keep up. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in SEO, particularly in keyword research. By integrating AI-powered tools and strategies, you can uncover new keywords, analyse search intent more effectively, and predict emerging trends with precision.

This workshop will cover:

• The role in AI in modern keyword research.
• How to use AI tools to identify high-value keywords and long-tail opportunities.
• Strategies for analysing search intent and user behaviour with AI Insights.
• Practical examples of combining AI with traditional research techniques for maximum impact.
• Whether you’re aiming to refine your existing SEO strategy or looking for innovative ways to outpace your competitors, this session equips you with cutting-edge approaches to supercharge your keyword research.

Participants will:

• Understand how AI is revolutionising keyword research and SEO strategy.
• Learn to use AI tools to discover untapped keyword opportunities.
• Gain insights into aligning keywords with user intent and evolving search behaviour.
• Develop an actionable plan to enhance their SEO results with AI-driven research.

Aimed at:

• Business owners looking to improve search visibility and reach.
• Content creators aiming to align topics with high-value search terms.
• Anyone ready to embrace AI as part of their SEO strategy.

To book a place, click here.

Every business needs to promote/communicate their products and services and this session provides a list of no/low cost techniques to follow.

We cover food, drink, tourism, as well as a number of other sectors. This covers:

• Principles of promotion – media selection for the right audience and repetition.
• Understanding your target markets and how they consume information.
• Creating the right content and messages, good photography etc.
• Selecting appropriate media formats (online and offline).
• Calls to action.
• Planning and scheduling through the year for constant visibility.
• Action plans, time and budget considerations.
• Discussion on Ayrshire Manufacturing Investment Corridor and potential support and engagement.

To book a place, click here.

This is an introductory workshop aimed at people who are interested in creating a podcast for their business or appearing as guests on other people’s podcasts.

It will give you all the information you need to get started and a slight understanding of what podcasts can do for your business.

Your trainer, Colin Kelly, is a former broadcaster and journalist best known for his work with BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live. He also produces his own successful podcast and will share with you the secrets of success and the equipment that can help, even if you’re on a very limited budget. We’ll cover the basics such as how to set up and publish a podcast, simple steps that you can take to improve the sound quality and how to use your voice and other techniques to keep your audience engaged. Simple production elements such as basic editing and adding music will be included.

You don’t need to bring anything with you as equipment will be provided on the day.

To book a place, click here.

Using video content in your marketing brings your brand to life. Video content helps build trust in your product or service.

Using video content in your marketing brings your brand to life. Video content helps build trust in your product or service. Furthermore, numerous trusted business sources confirm that using quality videos on your website shows a direct link to an increase in product sales.

In this hands-on webinar, we will discuss ways you can use video to grow your business. Content will include:

• The different types of videos used and what is right for you.
• Planning your video content.
• What makes your video engaging.
• An overview of easy to use tools.
• Getting started.

To book a place, click here.

Taking time to plan your new business and seek advice before you start trading is time well spent. This webinar will help you to understand how to develop your own Business Plan for success.

A written Business Plan is an important tool to help you get your business started. It helps you clarify the resources and finance required. It also helps you visualise how the business could develop and provides you with a management tool going forward.

We will cover:

We’ll discuss the various formats of businesses e.g. sole trader, private limited company etc, and also consider some of the other decisions you’ll be making.

Includes an overview of key elements of your Business Plan including:

Marketing:

• The role of marketing in your business.
• Identifying your target customers.
• Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.
• The importance of market research.

Finance:

• Preparing sales plan.
• Producing a cashflow forecast.
• Understanding working capital.
• Different sources of finance.

Workshop outcomes:

After this training session you will understand the central part that your Business Plan plays in your business. the key elements of the plan, and how to develop your own plan.

There will be information on additional services from Business Gateway and details of other workshops which may be appropriate to you.

To book a place, click here.

Aimed at people who identify as introverts, who don’t enjoy networking or who are just plain terrified by the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and starting a conversation.

People buy from people they like. This makes networking a crucial tool in building your business. However, many people in business find networking difficult. Some describe the prospect of starting a conversation in a room full of strangers terrifying, even if it is only a Zoom meeting!

There is good news, though. Introverts can learn how to be better at networking than extroverts, without changing your personality or ‘faking it’. You can even turn your lack of confidence into an advantage.

During this workshop we’ll learn:

• The power of quiet: why introverts are better natural networkers.
• How to prepare for the meeting.
• Top tips for walking into the room.
• How to start conversations and build rapport.
• How to be noticed and remembered – for the right reasons.

To book a place, click here.

An opportunity for new & existing Ayrshire businesses to have lunch while meeting with Business Gateway & other businesses.

Join us for an in-person networking event! You’ll hear from our advisers, be surrounded by local business owners and our team will be on hand to offer advice or answer any questions.

Meet, connect and collaborate with fellow business owners, meet our business advisers and book a free 1-2-1 surgery session with an adviser, tailored to YOUR business.

Bring your business cards! There will be the opportunity to introduce your business and take part in a 1-minute speed pitch!

There will be complimentary refreshments for you to enjoy as you network!

To book a place, click here.

This webinar is aimed at individuals who are looking at ensuring they are considering all aspects of how they should be managing the financial aspects of their business on a day to day basis.

Delegates will learn about the key aspects of financially running a business keeping on top of the day to day activities, developing profit and ensuring they know how to manage their financials. The workshop will also discuss the variety of accounting packages available and if your business should be using them.

The aims of this session is:

• To understand your profit and loss account.
• To develop your knowledge of what you should be doing on a day to day basis with the financials of your business.
• To consider if the time is right for your business to invest in an accounting package.
• To keep your business focused on how to improve your profitability.

To book a place, click here.

Join us for a day discussing all things social media, as we examine the ways tools like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok can help (and hinder) your business objectives.

Social Media is much more than just a promotional tool. Used effectively, you can truly engage and influence your target market audience and achieve better business objectives. Used wrongly, and you’re likely just wasting your time hoping for some vanity likes.

This session aims to ensure you remain ‘business focused’ with your own usage of social media and will cover:

• The current social landscape.
• The power of social influence.
• Creative social media business examples.
• The business dangers of social media.
• Practical Tips and Tricks.

There will also be plenty time for questions, and some live audits of attendee social media profiles (with advice and recommendations given).

To book a place, click here.

Learn to elevate customer service, build lasting relationships, and boost business success. This webinar offers actionable strategies to exceed customer expectations and handle challenges effectively.

In today’s competitive business landscape, exceptional customer service is key to winning and keeping customers, we will delve into proven strategies to elevate customer experiences and enhance brand loyalty. Learn how to exceed customer expectations, handle complaints with confidence, and create positive, memorable interactions. This session will cover real-world examples and actionable insights, enabling you to address common customer service challenges, improve communication, and foster lasting relationships.

We will cover:

• Understand and define what customer care really means to customers!
• Communication and setting expectations.
• Establishing a culture of customer care.
• Building a team that embraces customer-focused services.
• Your customers’ rights and how to deal with customer complaints.
• Your legal obligations.
• Developing a customer care plan.

After this training session you will understand practical steps that you can take to improve customer service, retaining customers and attract new customers. There will also be information on additional services from Business Gateway and details of other workshops which may be appropriate for you.

To book a place, click here.

An effective digital marketing strategy is more vital than ever. Join us to cover the key factors you need to consider when planning and implementing one.

Join us for this session on Digital Marketing Planning looking at how you can take a logical approach to building your strategy and ultimately helping your online content be found by the people who are most likely to buy your products and services. We will cover:

• Goals and customers.
• Platforms, Brand and Content.
• Competitors, Planning and Measurement.

To book a place, click here.

This session is ideal for businesses ready to start advertising on Facebook and Instagram, or for those who have tried and are wondering how to improve and optimise their ads.

If you’re boosted posts but never quite seen results – or you’re finally ready to start using Meta Ads like a pro – this practical session is for you. This course is aimed at those in business who are ready to step up their ads on Facebook and Instagram. This course is a practical session and will walk you through the essentials of building effective ad campaigns that convert.

We’ll cut through the jargon and show you how to target the right people, write ads that stop the scroll, and generate leads without wasting your budget.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between boosted posts and real Meta Ads.
• How to create and set up a campaign using Meta Ads Manager.
• Tips for writing ad copy and choosing images to get results.
• Building warm and cold audiences – who to target and why.
• What makes a good lead generation ad (and how to track it).

This session is focused on action. If you’re ready to get started with Meta Ads – or if you’ve dabbed before but want to get serious – we’ll help you build a foundation that gives you a better return on your spend.

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 contacts 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 incomes.
• Create purchase invoices.
• View relevant reports (Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Aged  Debtors and Creditors).

To book a place, click here.

This session will allow you to understand how search engines work, how they structure results, how they are listed and how to maximise your chances of getting to the top of the rankings.

This session will enable you to raise your search engine ranking so consumers can see your business offerings first. This is a key topic for many businesses today.

You will learn how to monitor and assess the known factors affecting your search ranking, find out what people are searching for and establish current search trends. To ensure maximum success we will brief you on how to keep up to date with search algorithm changes and how to avoid violations and penalties applied by search engines. By the end of this workshop you will understand the factors affecting your search engine rankings and act to improve your position.

To book a place, click here.