Following a multi-stop roadshow across Perthshire, Business Gateway Tayside will hit the road once again to offer free advice and support to rural businesses across Angus.
Running from 4 to 15 November, the inaugural Rural Roadshow will visit Kirriemuir, Brechin, Montrose, Arbroath and Carnoustie, stopping for two days in each location.
In partnership with Angus Council and Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC), it will provide local businesses with the opportunity to tap into master classes, surgery sessions and networking events.
The Rural Roadshow will launch at a bespoke event on Thursday 24 October, titled Empowering Women for Business Success, a Premier Support Showcase.
Held at Forbes of Kingennie, delegates will have the opportunity to:
- hear from speakers about the tailored support available for women in business, including Shona Young, chief executive of Nutscene, Rosemary Scrimgeour, founder of The Building Workshop, and Louise Nicoll, owner of Newton Farm Holidays.
- receive advice from support organisations including Business Gateway, Elevator, Angus Council and DACC.
Following the launch, the roadshow will tour across Angus to allow rural businesses to test-drive Business Gateway’s services, from digital support to HR advice, exporting and bookkeeping. Attendees will also have the chance to speak with experts about the distinct challenges they face as rural businesses.
Nicki Mearns, Operations Manager at Business Gateway Tayside, commented: “Without the support of the surrounding community, it is incredibly difficult for rural businesses to thrive. By working in partnership with Angus Council and DAAC, we aim to help a wide range of local businesses by providing them with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to flourish.
“Additionally, our launch event on Thursday, October 24, supported by Women in Business, will address the key issues faced by female entrepreneurs and highlight the full range of support available to them.
“Both our launch event and subsequent Rural Roadshow demonstrate that building a strong community is vital for any business – but particularly for rural and female-led organisations – in order to increase your support network and avoid working in isolation.
“We want Angus businesses to know about the Business Gateway support that is available to them at every stage of their business journey. I hope that the Rural Roadshow will demonstrate the benefits of our service and encourage rural businesses to embrace the support on offer.”
Cllr Braden Davy, Angus Council’s Economic Development Spokesperson said: “One of the biggest challenges facing rural businesses in Tayside is the risk of isolation, so Angus Council is thrilled to partner with Business Gateway Tayside to bring the Rural Roadshow to businesses across the area.
“This initiative will encourage rural businesses to pursue their growth plans by taking advantage of the full range of support Business Gateway can offer, as well as providing valuable opportunities for discussion and collaboration between local entrepreneurs”.
To see the full list of free Rural Roadshow events, and for further information about Business Gateway, visit www.bgateway.com/events.
