Ten business development clinics – meet the experts
Issued by Highland Opportunity
Business Gateway Highland is running a series of ten business advice clinics across the Highlands between July and November. Three Business Gateway advisers will be on hand at each location to advise local businesses on accessing finance, winning public contracts, and recruiting staff.
Local small to medium sized enterprises can book one-hour meetings with these advisers throughout the designated days to get advice and practical guidance tailored to their business. Each of the advisers specialises in one of three topics. Attendees can book appointments with one, two, or all three of the advisers.
Having SME experts covering three core business areas under one roof for one day is designed to give people easy access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that can really help their business develop.
Advisers will also stay in touch with attendees and can provide ongoing assistance after the clinics to support local businesses as they start to apply for funding, tender for public contracts, or take on staff.
The dates and locations are:
- 15 July, Fort William
- 22 July, Inverness
- 5 August, Isle of Skye
- 26 August, Brora
- 2 September, Thurso
- 3 September, Lochinver
- 9 September, Dingwall
- 25 September, Inverness
- 7 October, Nairn
- 18 November, Aviemore
Robin Jackson, Adviser – Business Growth Programme, specialises in access to finance support. He said: “These one-hour clinics will allow me to work with a client – to really begin helping them identify what finance they need, and look into the funding best suited to their business and plans. I can also offer tips on ways to source and pitch for investment.”
April Conroy, Adviser – Business Growth Programme, specialises in helping businesses looking to tender for public contracts. She said: “The public sector in Scotland alone procures over nine billion pounds of goods and services from commercial businesses every year. My role, in conjunction with our Enterprise Europe Network team, is to help local businesses improve their access to, and chances of winning, these contracts.
“During the one-hour clinics, I will be helping businesses make sure they are ‘tender ready’ before applying for contracts, providing practical tips to improve businesses’ tender scores, and helping clients understand the tender process.“
Pamela Looper, is one of four specialist Business Gateway Recruitment Advisers. She said: “Taking on staff can be daunting, but during these one-hour clinics, we will be able to advise employers on how to make sure they have all the right pieces in place – such as paper work, legal requirements and funding. We can also work with attendees to help them identify the best role and right candidate for their business.”
For more information, or to book a place, please contact Lesley Allan, Business Gateway Events Coordinator: 01463 713889 or at lesley.allan@highland-opportunity.com
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