This is your opportunity to

• hear from academics working in wide-ranging research fields
• meet key researchers who may have the answer to a technology challenge
• know more about the specialised research facilities we operate
• listen to case studies from existing industry partners
• learn how you can get involved in our current PhD projects.

Don't miss this event! We will be showcasing novel technologies and expertise relevant to businesses in the following areas

• Aerospace, Defence & Security
• Electronics & Photonics
• Energy & Sustainability
• Healthcare & Diagnostics
• Imaging
• Materials & Nanotechnology
• Modelling & Simulation
• Sensor Systems
• Space
• Synthetic Biology

On Tuesday 29th January 2013, the Rural Policy Centre will be hosting a Roadshow event at SRUC Barony Campus.

We would like to invite you to this event that will take place in R01 from 12 noon until 13:30 where lunch will also be provided. It will be an introduction to the Rural Policy Centre with plenty of time for an informal discussion of any topics you would like more information on.

The purpose of the Roadshow is to let you know about the work of the Rural Policy Centre (www.sruc.ac.uk/ruralpolicycentre), and to discuss opportunities for you to work with us, whether you are a member of SRUC staff (Research, Consulting or Education), an SRUC student, or an individual working in an external organisation.

The Centre’s activities cover the breadth of rural policy issues, from CAP reform to food policy to rural community development. Come along to the Roadshow to hear about our recent events and publications and to find out how you can get involved and influence policy decisions.

If you would like to come along to the event, please RSVP to Siân Ringrose (sian.ringrose@sruc.ac.uk).

During the half day workshop you will discuss:

• Why feedback is important
• Sharing of group feedback tools & experiences
• Where more feedback can be collected
• Effective methods to use & what’s new
• What to do with feedback to best benefit the business

Everyone who attends will be provided with a comprehensive Listening to Our Visitors guide containing practical hints and tips on implementing various customer feedback mechanisms.

Who should attend?
Managers, owners and staff who are responsible for using feedback to drive the business forward.


 

In September and October, the Scottish Government issued consultations on proposed changes to Scottish building regulations. These cover various topics, which include:

• Sustainability labelling for new schools
• Carbon monoxide detection
• Water conservation
• Changing Places Toilets
• Climb-ability of protective barriers
• Fire information
• Energy standards

These proposals could have a significant impact on the building environment of the future. These events are an ideal opportunity to listen to the technical authors from the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government describe the proposals and present some of the background to their development. Delegates attending should then be in a good position to respond to the consultations before they close in late December and January. In addition, the Scottish Government will take this opportunity to disseminate some of the work that they are doing to improve the verification process through a new performance framework, much of which is being done in partnership with the Local Authority verifiers. All speakers at this event are from the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government.

"Is the Public Sector for You?"

This workshop is designed to provide you with enough information to decide if this market is for you. It also provides and overview of the tendering landscape and some tips on successful tendering.

What level is this training seminar?

This is a level 1 seminar and is designed for companies and third sector organisations that have had little or no experience of tendering and would like to become 'tender ready'. This level is designed to help companies decide if tendering is for them and if so how to go about it.

What does "Is Public Sector for You?" cover?

The objective of the workshop is to provide a comprehensive guide on procurement topics such as:

• Understanding the public sector market place
• Why certain processes are necessary
• Deciding if your business is ready for tendering
• Key procurement issues
• The assessment of tenders and the bidding process
• Improving your company’s chance of success
• The buyers perspective

How Long Does the Training Last?

Is the public Sector for you? is a half-day workshop from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm with a networking lunch. 

After attending "Is Public Sector for You?" you will be able to:

• Decide if public sector is the market for you
• Implement the first stages of entering this market
• Compliance issues that must be addressed
• Understand the basic requirements of the market
• Find and examine initial opportunities through appropriate channels

The Road Show is an opportunity to come and meet a member of the team from Starter for 6, to hear about the programme and discuss the application process and the criteria for selection.   This year the training will take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.  Support is available to attend the training from across Scotland. 

*if you can't make it along in the evening, David Smith, Starter for 6 Programme Manager will be available for drop in meetings from 3pm.   

The Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce and South of Scotland Business Solutions have come together to bring you this facilitated discussion group. It will be very informal (no PowerPoint or presentations) and will comprise a small group of local business women and is an opportunity for women to discuss ideas, and share knowledge and experience. Our speaker this evening who will "get the ball rolling" will be Wilma Finlay of Cream o'Galloway who will talk about her business, what she has learnt over the years and the pitfalls she's faced. 

This is a great opportunity to make new contacts and meet up with some familiar faces and to learn from each other.

With winter just around the corner you may want to make the switch to a more affordable source of heating.  For example a heat pump or wood-fuelled boiler may provide a better heating solution for you.  Not only is it kinder to the environment it can also make a difference to your energy costs potentially saving you hundreds of pounds each year. 

There is a range of financial support available:

• Interest-free loans of up to £10,000 from the Scottish Government, with a payback of 8 years;
• Grants of up to £1,250 from the UK Government.

This could mean that your upfront costs are either mostly or even totally covered, for example, if you bought an air source heat pump for £9000 you could claim an £850 grant towards the cost of the system plus a £8,150 interest free loan!

In addition to this, you may be able to earn cash from your heating system through the UK Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.  This scheme should be available from summer 2013.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice centre is holding an Energy Exhibition on Saturday 27^th October at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries to showcase energy efficiency and renewable technologies. There will be exhibitors showing the latest technologies to not only make your home cosier, but to provide heat and power using alternatives to traditional fuels.   Come along and talk to our advisors between 10.30am and 3.00pm to find out more about the financial and practical support on offer.

 Don't miss your chance to talk to over 2,000 students about  internships, work experience/volunteering positions or gap year placements that you are hoping to fill in your organisation!

 This year's main sponsor is Ernst & Young and Barclays is the key sponsor.

Other companies/organisations that have confirmed their attendance are:

 360CRM Ltd

Aldi

Amazon Development Centre Scotland

Barretstown

Bright Green Placements

CIMA

Citizen's Advice Direct

Cosgrove Care

Deloitte

Experience Teaching Abroad Ltd

Glasgow Centre for Inlusive Living

Graham Construction

Grant Thornton

Home Fundraising

Hymans Robertson

IBM

International Voluntary Service

Jaguar Land Rover

Metaswitch Networks

Over the Wall

Projects Abroad

PwC

RateMyPlacement

RBS

RJ McLeod

SouthWestern

Talent Scotland Graduate Placement Programme

Talent Scotland Relocation Advisory Service

Target Jobs

The AV Foundation

The Saltire Foundation

Volunteers for Educational Support and Leaqrning (VESL)

Xchange Scotland

Stimulating economic development, enhancing quality of life, contributing to cultural enrichment - all are potential benefits of "Knowledge Exchange", the two-way flow of ideas, expertise and people between the research base and wider users in Society. For researchers — especially early stage researchers — KE should provide an opportunity for them to both develop new skills and collaborations, and to capitalise on their research knowledge and findings in different sectors beyond academia. But how can researchers get involved with KE and how should we best be developing KE policy, practice and impact in Scotland?

KE Scotland – Policy, Practice, Impact

This was the fourth annual conference on KE designed specifically for Scotland's research community to address these and other research-KE related questions. It offers a forum to early stage researchers, research managers, KE practitioners, policy makers and research funders to come together to discuss the scope and potential of KE in Scotland, and be inspired about the skills researchers can develop and the impact they can have through the practice of KE. It will take place at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh on Friday 5th October 2012.

Programme

In addition to a wide range of expert speakers from key organisations involved with developing KE policy in Scotland and the rest of the UK — including the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Government and BIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) — this year's conference will feature a range of expert speakers from different academic fields and business and policy sectors on facilitation of KE. As usual, organisations offering funding and practical opportunities for researchers to engage in KE will also feature throughout the programme and the exhibition

A workshop to be held in Kelso to support businesses through the process of packaging review and development.

The packaging industry is huge and diverse, and the process can be inordinately time consuming if not approached in a structured way.

This workshop will look at issues like:

• material costs
• "green" factors
• innovation
• technical performance

These areas will be covered in a small workshop where there will be opportunities to dig a little deeper and ask questions relevant to your needs.

This workshop will be delivered by Doug Johnston of Packology, an independent consultancy operating solely within the packaging industry with many years of experience across a range of sectors.

Packology provide accessible, practical and focused help for attendees in both packaging development and packaging sourcing.

Doug Johnston will be available after the workshop for a 30 minute one-to-one meeting to discuss delegate's specific issues relating to packaging.

If you would like to take advantage of the one-to-one session after the workshop Please email Kate.henderson@scotent.co.uk to schedule a one-to-one when you've been notified that your workshop place has been confirmed.

This is a great opportunity to get some bespoke packaging advice and guidance from an expert and also give you the chance to meet and network with other food and drink businesses on the day.

Speakers will talk about the coming Green Deal scheme in particular how SMEs can benefit and take part, as well as discussing the support programmes available for local businesses from sponsoring Local Authorities. The importance of sustainable procurement when tendering for business will be discussed by a local expert. A business advisor from the Crichton Carbon Centre  www.carboncentre.org will also explain how the Sustainable Process Improvement (SPI) programme helps SMEs to reduce costs and how businesses can get involved. During the event, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking.

 Designed landscapes are a physical record of the social, political, economic, environmental and technical changes that have occurred to our surroundings and are an important way of reading our cultural heritage.

This event will showcase the opportunities for communities to be involved in research, practical restoration and reuse to conserve designed landscapes in south-west Scotland.

In conjunction with Building Opportunities in the Biosphere and kindly hosted by Cream o' Galloway, Scottish Land & Estates offer this free to attend event. 

Outdoor recreation is widely accepted as a mature and growing industry within Scotland.  It has been bolstered in recent years by a trend towards holidaying at home and growing interest in the countryside, both natural and farmed, which has been cultivated by television programmes such as Countryfile and Springwatch.  With the recent Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Designation adding a further dimension to the visitor market in the southwest of Scotland, we explore the business opportunities that the outdoor recreation market presents for farmers, landowners, and other rural businesses.

Programme

Chair – Joan Mitchell, Biosphere Partnership Board & Local Farmer

9.30-10.00 Registration and Refreshments – Cream o’ Galloway

10.00-10.10 Welcome and Introductions

Chair

10.10 -10.30 Paula McDonald, Regional Director with Visit Scotland will speak about the outdoor and activity tourism market in Southern Scotland, focussing on existing and potential markets (including wildlife, agricultural,forest, activity, and green tourism), diversification opportunities and challenges such as planning, funding, image, marketing, compatibility and networks.

10.30 - 10.50 Ed Forrest, Building Opportunities in the Biosphere Ed will introduce the UNESCO biosphere designation concept and explain why the designation provides opportunities for rural business in southwest Scotland.

10.50 – 11.10 The Dark Sky Project – The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Craigengillan, Dalmellington (to be confirmed) To capitalise on the “Dark Sky Park” and “UNESCO Biosphere” designations enjoyed by Galloway Forest and southern Ayrshire, a new and exciting project to build an astronomical observatory is rapidly nearing completion. Due to open officially on 5 October, The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory will attract dark sky enthusiasts, school groups and interested novices alike. The Observatory’s new manager will tell us about the project and the potential it has to draw new visitors to this area.

11.10-11.25 tea/coffee

11.25-11.50 Activity and Adventure Centre Opportunities – Duncan McConchie, Laggan Outdoor Laggan Outdoor offers activities for visitors which include the UK’s longest zipwire, mountain balling, reverse steer jeep, segway adventure tours to name a few. Duncan will tell us about why the family decided to diversify their business (a traditional beef and sheep farm) into activity tourism, the different market sectors he attracts and how he manages to provide the right experience for each.

11.50-12.15 Providing accommodation and services for the riding, cycling and walking markets – Vyv Wood-Gee Vyv is a freelance countryside management consultant, as well as a keen long distance walker, cyclist and horse-rider, with extensive experience of developing, promoting and managing short and long distance trails from a user and business perspective. Drawing on wide experience around the UK, Vyv will highlight opportunities for business development providing accommodation and services for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.

12.15-12.35 Joan Mitchell – promoting tourism through walking festivals and branding Joan will discuss the role that walking festivals and branding can have in expanding the tourism potential of an area. Joan has been involved, via community initiatives, with the development of walking festivals and with “walkers welcome” branding, which can provide useful “hooks” to attract visitors to an area that might otherwise be off their radar.

12.35-12:55 Wildlife and Nature-based opportunities - Helen Fenby, Visitor Centre Manager, Cream o’ Galloway Helen has a background as an environmental educator. Helen will tell us about the wildlife and nature-based activities she has introduced at Cream o’ Galloway, and also about an area wide joint promotion initiative which Cream o’ Galloway are involved with.

12.55-13:15 Panel Questions and Answers and Closing statements

13.15-14.00 Lunch and networking at Cream o’ Galloway

14.00-15:00 Cream o’ Galloway Tour and discussionCream o’ Galloway has created a visitor experience out of dairy farming and ice cream production. We’ll hear how their approach not only provides income from the attraction, but how giving the public an understanding of their farming practices helps add value to, and create brand loyalty for, the ice cream product itself.

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There will be presentations detailing how SMEs can benefit from the Green Deal as well as other organisations discussing their support programme for local businesses. There also will be information on the importance of sustainable procurement when tendering for business from a local expert. A business specialist from the Crichton Carbon Centre (www.carboncentre.org) will also explain about the Sustainable Process Improvement support programme for SMEs, and more information on how to get involved. As always there will be plenty of opportunity for SME networking.

Please register on line. Places are strictly limited and are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis

http://www.sustainableprocessimprovement.co.uk/events/event-registration/

A seminar to help business owners, including landowners and farmers, to find out whether they may benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.  The events are funded by Forestry Commission Scotland and are supported by the Central Scotland Woodfuel Forum. 

This workshop will support businesses through the process of packaging review and development. It will address issues around material cost, green factors, innovation, and technical performance.

The workshop will be delivered in a small work shop - where there will be opportunities to ask questions and network.

This workshop will be delivered by Doug Johnston of Packology, an independant consultancy operating solely within the packaging industry with many years of experience accross a range of sectors.

Packology provide accessible, practical and focussed help for attendees in both packaging development and packaging sourcing, as well as being available for one-to-one discussions with delegate's specific issues.

Delegates are invited to book a half hour one-to-one session with Packology to be scheduled in the afternoon of 28 August.

Time: 9.30am -12.30pm

Please email Kate.henderson@scotent.co.uk to schedule your one to one when you've been notified that your workshop place has been confirmed.

Ronnie is a music industry veteran who offers general business mentoring and advice on marketing, distribution and promotion to clients of the Cultural Enterprise Office. He has just taken on the position of Apprenticeships Manager (Scotland) with Creative & Cultural Skills and will discuss creative apprenticeships and routes into working within the creative industries as well as more general business advice.

Ronnie has worked as an industry professional since 1977 including doing press and A&R for Virgin Records, Sony Music`s Columbia label and V2. Acts he has previously signed or worked with include Stereophonics, Boy George and Culture Club, The Blue Nile, XTC, Simple Minds and Kula Shaker.

He is also, along with Midge Ure,, a director of CCW Long Play Ltd, a company that exists to help musicians manage and exploit the rights resulting from their creativity.

This will be a great opportunity to hear from someone with insight into what really helps to get the fruits of your creative endeavours out there to a wider audience, especially web-based ideas for the rural musician.

Ronnie will be happy to take your questions and — hopefully —provide some answers at the event that takes place on Thursday 16th August from 1pm to 3pm at the Stove in Dumfries town centre.

Tweed Horizons, Newton St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SG

9.15am - 4.30pm

This Free Workshop is for all construction trades interested in the contract work with Eildon Housing Association.

The new procurement strategy adopted by Eildon Housing Association means that many SMEs will now have to tender jointly in order to fulfil the tender requirements. If you are interested in bidding with others for this work then book your place now.

The Workshop will cover:

• information and case studies on the benefits of different types of joint bidding
• practical templates and tips for presenting high scoring joint bids
• advice on drafting heads of agreement at the early stages of a tender or proposal
• help with more detailed consortium/partnership agreements later in the process
• specific areas of the Eildon tender

This workshop is limited to 25 Delegates only, with a maximum of 2 delegates per company.

The Eildon Group

Organised jointly with SDP, Select Electrical, Scottish Enterprise and Co-Operative Development Scotland.

Terms & Conditions: Click here

Almost 70% of Scottish businesses describe themselves as family businesses.  Although 73% of family businesses want to keep the business in family hands from one generation to another, only 33% make it to the second generation and 9% to the third.

The Linking Entrepreneurs series brings together a small group of entrepreneurs to share experiences and ideas in a facilitated discussion.  With George Stevenson Chair of the Scottish Family Business to add his expertise this will focus on practical issues of running a family business and plan for an orderly succession.

Only one representative of each business may attend to ensure that the group  brings as wide a range of experience as possible.  The meeting will start with a short presentation (no PowerPoint!)  followed by an open discussion.  There will be a finger buffet at the end with some time for networking.

Services needed include construction companies, drainage contractors, material suppliers, metal fabricators, plant hire etc.

This year the Highland Show from 21st - 24th June will focus on Dumfries and Galloway.  The South of Scotland Competitiveness Project funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and the European Regional Development Fund is offering an opportunity for rural food and drink producers to have a presence in the Food Hall.  

There will also be an outdoor area for activities and great things to do in this region.  With 7 groups already confirmed there will be a chance for people to get a taste of what this region has to offer - from wildlife to creative arts; books to gardens; and castles to walking .  We are also looking for sponsoship and donations to help make this an event to be proud of - contact the Chamber office for more details.

This year's theme at the Royal Highland Show will be Dumfries and Galloway with Alex Fergusson MSP as the Show President.  Alex is keen that the we all use this as an opportunity to show case all the best in D & G.  There will be two main elements to this:

Food Hall

The South of Scotland Competitiveness project which is funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and European Regional Development Fund are organising a major presence in the Food Hall.

Activity Area

The Chamber is coordinating an outdoor Activity Area where we can demonstrate a wide range of different activities and interesting things to do and see in the region.  These will include the Theme Towns, Creative Arts, Wild Seasons, Drumlanrig Castle, National Trust.  

Meet technology providers, see technology in action, hear from technology leaders and find solutions to help your business become more productive and competitive, whatever your industry.

Global trends, global opportunities

The Scottish Technology Showcase 2012 will bring together over 1500 delegates, 150 exhibitors and over 20 industry speakers from all over Scotland, UK and internationally to meet, listen, discuss and showcase how technology can offer solutions to business challenges, across all industry sectors.

It’s free to attend and provides a unique opportunity to meet and come together with technology providers and find technology solutions for your business challenges.

Our fantastic 2012 show will be announced shortly and includes:

• Keynote Arena
  Hear from some of the world’s leading companies and how technology is shaping the future of business.
• Workshop Zone
  There will be ten interactive workshops throughout the day on topics such as business transformation, QR codes, protecting your technology, successful collaborations and augumented reality.
• Technology Zone
  Companies can demonstrate their technologies to over 1,500 delegates in our technology zone.
• Matchmaking Zone
  Register for 20 minute pre-qualified, pre-arranged face-to face meetings, making the new connections that will take your business forward.
• Funding and Support Zone
  Access expertise and assistance from business support advisors in our funding and support zone.

Visit their website
Or
Register Here

A networking evening just for women who are based in the region or with business interests in Dumfries and Galloway. Come along, enjoy a glass of bubbly and canapés whilst chatting and networking with other women in business. Hear from local businesswoman Fiona King, Director and Founder of successful business TotsBots Ltd whose mission is "To make the world a fluffier place to pee in"! She will tell you all about her company, how she came up with the idea, where the company is now and plans for the future – a great story! After hearing from our speaker there is the chance to take part in an optional business card draw and some speed networking - which is great fun. Just remember to bring plenty of business cards as you'll make lots of new contacts!

To book your place click here, but be quick as places are selling fast!

College Enterprise Roadshow

Calling All Budding Entrepreneurs

Thinking of starting a business or wanting to grow an existing business? Then come along to any of these free workshops run by the Scottish Programme for Entrepreneurship.

Follow @scotcol_ent Tweet #collroadshow

Workshop 1 - Mindset – Why most entrepreneurs don’t have a business qualification and most business students don’t become entrepreneurs

Workshop 2 - Why invest in an effective team in preference to a great business idea or an individual entrepreneur

Workshop 3 - Understanding business models – why this beats conventional business plans

Workshop 4 - Shaping existing businesses for growth

The Fife Construction Forum together with Napier University’s Low Carbon Building Technologies Gateway invite you to join us at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline for Building Technologies Showcase 2012 on the 30th May 2012.

Building Technologies now cover a wide range of new innovations including:

This is our second showcase event and we are building on the success of last year. The showcase will explore the commercial possibilities of new building technologies in all types of construction. Speakers include Bill Dodds, Head of Building Standards, Prof. Sean Smith from Edinburgh Napier University and Darren McCann, Development & Innovation Manager from CCG. The event will complement the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 – this nearby showcase looks at the use of 10 different building systems, including traditional builds, for 27 standard Kingdom Housing units in Dunfermline (www.housinginnovationshowcase.co.uk).

Following the key note speaker, there will be three themed sessions in the morning covering:

In the afternoon we will have some longer discussion workshops to allow more delegate involvement on the main themes. Delegates will be able to talk to exhibitors in more detail and have the option to visit the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 site.

• Off-site production
• Timber products such as cross-laminate beams, timber systems and fireproofing
• Modern Methods of Construction such as SIPS panels & breathing wall
• New detailing to improve energy, fire and acoustic performance
• New materials used as substitutes for old such as plastics and hi-spec insulation
• Traditional materials used in innovative ways such as lime rendering
• Micro-renewables from air-source heat pumps to solar thermal and PV

This is our second showcase event and we are building on the success of last year. The showcase will explore the commercial possibilities of new building technologies in all types of construction. Speakers include Bill Dodds, Head of Building Standards, Prof. Sean Smith from Edinburgh Napier University and Darren McCann, Development & Innovation Manager from CCG. The event will complement the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 – this nearby showcase looks at the use of 10 different building systems, including traditional builds, for 27 standard Kingdom Housing units in Dunfermline (www.housinginnovationshowcase.co.uk).

Following the key note speaker, there will be three themed sessions in the morning covering:

• Fabric First - the importance of creating well insulated and well ventilated buildings
• Energy - renewables and the different approaches to energy efficiency
• Legislative & Regulatory Changes - an overview of changes covering such areas as fire and noise

In the afternoon we will have some longer discussion workshops to allow more delegate involvement on the main themes. Delegates will be able to talk to exhibitors in more detail and have the option to visit the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 site.

To book your place fill in the booking form here and return to events@fifeconstructionforum.com

Driving up Service Quality is one of the best ways to keep and generate customers. This session will look at simple and effective ways of improving Service Quality. Dave Moyes, Lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland will contribute his expertise and will focus on practical help and things that you can do now to improve customer service.

Come and learn about developing dairy products from an experienced and successful processor. Dale Farm Ltd will host this open session at its natural yogurt and probiotics drinks processing site, Rowan Glen at Palnure, to share their experiences and knowledge of product development and give a tour of the processing site.

Dale Farm Ltd will host this open session at its leading natural yogurt and probiotics drinks processing site, Rowan Glen, to share their experience and knowledge of product development and give a tour of the processing site.

• Alan Baxter, Manager of the Rowan Glen site, and members of his team, will be on hand to discuss their products, the process, packing, and a sampling session
• Alan will give an overview of Rowan Glen, the site's history and development since the Dale Farm take over
• Introduction to yogurt making process
• Site tour to see first hand production & packaging
• Product sampling and Q&A session

Dale Farm is part of the United Dairy Farmers Group, a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1900 dairy farmers who supply it with fresh milk.

Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

The Group’s consumer brands – Dale Farm, Spelga, Dromona, Rowan Glen and Loseley, encompass every dairy need from milk, cream, cheese, butter, and dairy spreads to yogurts, probiotic drinks, ice-cream and desserts.

There are five world-class centres of excellence throughout the UK – Dunmanbridge (cheese and milk powders), Pennybridge, (fresh milk, cream and juice products), Dromona (butter and dairy spreads), Rowan Glen in Scotland (yogurt and Probiotic drinks) and Kendal in Cumbria (yogurt, desserts and cottage cheese).

Places are limited to 12 and preference is given to food and drink businesses.

Bookings must be made via the Scottish Enterprise website:
www.scottish-enterprise.com/events

There will also be the opportunity to meet the experts during small themed discussion groups or 1:1 sessions.

This event is for businesses in the tourism industry which are committed to developing their potential and learning how working in partnership on a focussed project can help them achieve this.

10.15               Welcome and introductions

10.30               Interactive workshop – Strategic planning for continuous improvement - a simple business planning approach for tourism companies. This workshop will be led by Heather Anderson, Consultant and Lecturer in Tourism and Event Management in the University of West of Scotland Business School. The workshop will cover topics such as:

• The strategic planning process – keeping it simple
• A “take-away” template for simple continuous improvement
• The importance of evidence-based decision making and sources of information to help you develop your business.

11.40               How this works in practice - Local company case study:

• Culmore Bridge Cottages 

12.10               Q&A

12.20               Support available through South of Scotland Business Solutions

12.25               Introduction to the expertise on offer

12.30 – 14.30 Lunch and small break-out discussions with opportunity for 1:1 Sessions

Themes will include:

• Strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Marketing and events
• Innovation and business development
• Service quality/customer service,
• Management operations and training
• Accessing academic expertis 

14.15               Plenary – review and feedback

14.30               Close

The Linking Entrepreneurs series brings together a small group of entrepreneurs to share experiences and ideas in a facilitated discussion.  With representatives from Energy Saving Scotland and the Crichton Carbon Centre contributing their expertise this will focus on practical help and things that you can do now to reduce costs.

Only one representative of each business may attend to ensure that the group  brings as wide a range of experience as possible.  The meeting will start with a short presentation (no PowerPoint!)  followed by an open discussion.  There will be a finger buffet at the end with some time for networking.

This event has been made possible with assistance from South of Scotland Busienss Solutions

 These events will give businesses the opportunity to network with other local tourism businesses, VisitScotland staff, including your local Quality Tourism Advisor, and key industry partners.

These events will give businesses the opportunity to network with other local tourism businesses, VisitScotland staff, including your local Quality Tourism Advisor, and key industry partners.

A representative from VisitScotland’s Digital & Media team will be on hand to take businesses through the new VisitScotland Extranet and answer any questions you might have.

The role of an intrapreneur in delivering change and kick starting innovation is relatively new. Unlocking the enterprise potential of any organisation, be it public, private, voluntary or arts based, is now regarded as crtical to acheiving more for less, in very different and challenging circumstances.

Described as entrepreneurship's forgotten little brother or sister, getting innovation to flourish within an organisation can be just as challenging as entrepreneurship.

This is a very specialised day, as it is probably the first time in Scotland that people can learn from expert witnesses about the nature of intrapreneurship and how it can be applied to any organisation - public, private or voluntary.

During the day - which is workshop-based, giving full opportunity for interaction and discussion - we examine just how easy, or difficult, it is for innovation to flourish in an organisation and the role of the intrapreneur in helping to make this happen.

We examine:

• What is an intrapreneur?
• How easy is it do something different?
• What gets in the way?
• Who gets in the way?
• Can it be done and if so, how?

This is a chance to find out what really happens to enterprising people and innovative approaches which try to take root in organisations and companies.  It is a unique opportunity to learn from intrapreneurs, expert witnesses and your colleagues; and to set yourself an intrapreneurial challenge.

Places are limited as this is a workshop style day so booking early is advised.

This free event is an opportunity to find out more about the South Food & Drink Forum Network and the services and support it can bring to your business. Meet others involved in the food and drink sector and discuss new opportunities and best practice.

6:00pm Registration, drinks reception & canapés with chef demonstration in Penninghame Cook School
Networking buffet 7:30pm

Speakers include:

• James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food & Drink
  James Withers is the Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, the industry leadership organisation. James will give an update on the organisation, highlighting market opportunities for the food & drink sector. He will also talk about the wealth of benefits available through membership of the organisation, which are developed with the aim of giving you a competitive edge and helping you grow your business.
• Alan Brown, Director, Galloway Farm House Cheese
  Alan will give an overview of his business telling his story how the farm has diversified to expand in to new areas. Galloway Farmhouse Cheese produces a range of Cairnsmore cheeses, principally a hard ewe's milk cheese, available in various flavours, created from the organic milk from the farm's flock of Friesland sheep. The range also includes cheeses produced from organic cow's milk, and goat's milk too. Products are sold to delicatessens and some of the top hotels and restaurants throughout Scotland.
• Maria Butler, Director, Penninghame House Foundation, Penninghame House
  Maria will talk about the business, how the foundation was created, transforming the 19th century Scottish manor house into an international learning training centre focused on health, well being and the understanding of foods and its effect on health. To include the development of the cook school and relationships built with local food and drink producers.

Do you own a small business in Dumfries and Galloway?

Is it rural or land dependant?

Is your business involved in the agriculture, construction, forestry or renewables sectors?

Or are you thinking about starting your own business in one of these sectors?

If so, our advisers can offer FREE expert advice to help grow your business.

Come along to our informal Drop in Session

For more details please call Juliette Cooke in Economic Development on 030 33 33 3000 or phone direct on 01387 273997.

The event will also showcase outstanding examples of how the business community is driving forward the local economy. Application forms are available to download from the Chamber’s website:

dgchamber.co.uk

Closing Date: 27th January 2012

The winners of each category will be announced at a glittering event at Easterbrook Hall

We are delighted to be able to welcome Toby McCartney, The Small Business Guru. Toby started his first enterprising business aged 6, selling sweets to the others in his school and now aged 34, Toby runs numerous businesses of his own and provides small business coaching, consulting, strategy and business setup. Toby believes that today’s climate is the best climate for setting up and running a business. There are opportunities, like never before, to market ourselves, promote ourselves and become the expert in our field – and this can all be done for free if we know how.

As well as running numerous successful businesses, Toby also has a young family and will talk about the importance of a healthy work/life balance and how he has disciplined himself to run successful businesses but also have important time for friends, family and himself.

These facilitated meetings involve NO POWERPOINT or SPEECHES, just businesses

Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Acas Scotland to deliver a half- day training event on Recruitment and Induction.

Most employers recognise that people are their greatest asset.  An effective and fair recruitment and selection procedure is vital to ensure you get staff with the right skills and abilities for the job.

This course takes delegates through the practical components of effective, lawful and fair recruitment. The Acas trainer will start by looking at the job description and person specification, then consider advertising, how best to approach the interview, make the decision, and ultimately induct the new employee into your company or organisation.

This session is ideal for delegates who are inexperienced or new to human resource management.

Session outline

The recruitment process including:

• the Equality Act 2010
• selecting the best candidate
• the interview - how to approach and conduct it o other methods of selection
• making a decision
• references and qualifications
• making an offer of employment.

Induction.

The Biosciences KTN BioVentures Group will be holding a Free Event on 7th February 2012 aimed at encouraging growth and innovation in Scotland. The Event is designed to support early stage companies and SMEs in the Bioscience Sector seeking funding and will take the form of a ‘Master Class’.

Patrick Angier, an Associate at Beer & Partners, who have been successful in securing over £120 million for various businesses since 1991, has agreed to take part in the Event.

The informal workshop will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about early stage fundraising and how to prepare for a successful future. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A session and networking.

Since Registration is limited to twenty companies/individuals in the biosciences sector places are being offered on a first come, first served basis. Should a Company require additional places, details will be added to a 'reserve' list.

Is Open Innovation a new imperative for achieving such a resources revolution? 

Over a half-day workshop in Edinburgh on 12th January 2012, three global thought-leaders will lead an interactive discussion engaging you on this challenging topic in the "Open Innovation Imperative", exploring the commercial and social opportunities for your organisation. 

The workshop will feature:

• Ken Morse, serial technology entrepreneur and member of President Obama's National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, delivering a high-energy session on the "Open Innovation Imperative in the Face of Global Competition".
• This will be followed by a German perspective on Open Innovation and the Renewables Sector by Jan Marco Leimeister from the Universität Kassel. 
• Joe Lassiter, Faculty Chair of the Harvard Innovation Lab and industry veteran, will then use findings from a recent McKinsey Global Institute report to explore global megatrends and engage the audience in debate on the challenges and opportunities this presents.

Who should attend and why?

Anyone active and interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.  Those whose organisations are working towards big global challenges and opportunities, operating in any sector.

 

In this the Year of Active, the conference will celebrate nature based tourism in Scotland, looking at tangible ways activity operators can improve their business.

Biofuel Business Programme

The presentation will cover:

· An Overview of Public Sector Procurement in Scotland

· The Public Contracts Scotland Advertising Portal - where suppliers can register free and find out about contract opportunities

· Construction Procurement Policy

· Renewable Energy Procurement

· Collaborative/Consortia Bidding by Suppliers

As the University of Glasgow prepares to launch its new Solway Centre for Environment & Culture in Dumfries, and as SUP progresses the proposed designation of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, we believe the time is right to focus on land use issues, taking a variety of ‘traditional’ and ‘emerging’ perspectives, and with a strong awareness of national and local frameworks. In turn we are also very keen to ensure discussion takes place on how these frameworks are and will be affecting local businesses and the wider local economy.

The day will consider land-use planning and policy from some of the main sector viewpoints (agriculture, forestry, fisheries) in the light of the current drivers (Government and European Union policy, climate change, the Water Framework Directive and so forth). Confirmed speakers include Sally Thomas, head of the Land Use and Natural Environment Team at the Scottish Government; Professor Roger Crofts, presenting views from the recent Royal Society of Edinburgh event on this topic; Nigel Wallace, Co ordinator of the proposed Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership; Caroline Warburton, from Wild Scotland; the Crichton Carbon Centre; David Henderson-Howat, Head of Policy, Forestry Commission Scotland and Jonnie Hall of the National Farmers Union Scotland.

We hope, in short, to consider best practice and complementarities, and to identify research questions and practical suggestions, some of which will be followed up in a future event looking, in particular, at the proposed Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

Family businesses are the most important part of the Scottish economy. That may come as a surprise to most people who are used to news reports on stock-listed companies or entrepreneurs fast-tracking to build and sell, but it’s true. 73% of all Scotland’s businesses are family-owned including 41 of the hundred largest. Think Baxters, Tunnocks, Arnold Clark, Parks of Hamilton amongst others. They create 45% of our GDP and employ half the private sector workforce.

But, they also have built-in issues, often fatal. Two-thirds of family businesses fail around the time of succession from one generation to the next. Come along to this free event and listen and learn from the stories of two of Scotland’s best known family business owners: George Stevenson, Chairman of Scottish Family Business Association and Ex Chairman of Mathieson’s Bakers & Martin Stepek, CEO of SFBA & Ex MD of J.Stepek Ltd.

This event has been organised between Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, the University of the West of Scotland, South of Scotland Business Solutions and the Scottish Family Business Association. George and Martin will deliver their own stories of the ups and downs of owning and running a family business, and share the globally-recognised ways family businesses should be run and governed. This is a rare opportunity to learn from two major figures in family business who combine lifelong business experience and world-leading thinking on such an important subject.

A buffet will be available on the evening.

Monday 21 November 2011

Key Objectives

• To encourage proactive involvement with regional tourism projects and strategies
• To encourage collaboration within the tourism industry and provide opportunities for businesses to participate in collaborative groups (new and existing)
• To upskill tourism businesses
• To increase the industry use of www.dgtourism4business.co.uk and supply of information to, uptake  of products related to and buy-into www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk
• To engage and consult with the tourism industry in the D&G tourism brand journey
• Key note speakers: including Wilma Finlay (Chair, Destination Dumfries & Galloway/Managing Director,  Cream o’ Galloway) and Malcolm Roughead (Chief Executive, VisitScotland)
• Breakout sessions:          PR: How to reach customers through the media

How to make networking work for your business

Creating collaborations

Building a successful brand identity

 Micro-Renewable Energy Solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises in Rural Areas - 

European Best Practice and Independent Advice

 International Resources and Recycling Institute, in conjunction with Barony College, will be hosting a one day seminar and technology showcase to raise awareness of micro-renewable energy solutions for small and medium enterprises. 

The event will include:

• Expert speakers on topics such as technology selection, planning and finance 
• Case studies from the MicrE* project and local region
• Technology and advisory showcase presenting the latest micro-renewable technology and advice
• Themed discussion tables lead by industry experts – independent advice to help you decide what’s best for you, and how to benefit from the Feed-In Tariffs
• Networking time with other SME’s, industry experts, local authorities, academics and technology manufacturers

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in micro-renewable technologies.

This is part of the MicrE* project. 

MicrE is a Northern Periphery Programme project funded by the EU that aims to help small and medium businesses in rural areas to adopt renewable energy solutions and by-product recovery. It achieves this by raising awareness of practical options and supporting and funding SME’s to explore viable solutions. For more information please visit www.micre.eu.

The presentation will cover:

• Construction Waste in Scotland
• Halving Waste to Landfill
• Site Waste Management Plans
• Case Study Examples
• Tools & Guidance
• Open Discussion/Q&A

If you're running or starting a business in these challenging times Glasgow for Business Week is the tour de force of positive thinking you need.

Whether you're growing your business from scratch or preparing your company for international markets, you'll find a specialist to advise and inform.

SIMPLY UNMISSABLE!

If you're running or starting a business in these challenging times, Glasgow for Business Week is the tour de force of positive thinking you need. Whether you're growing your business from scratch or preparing your company for international markets you'll find a specialist to advise and inform. Hear from entrepreneurs, industry experts, academics and visionaries.

Be Part Of It!

Join us for a dynamic tour de force of positive business thinking and an experiential insight into the issues affecting business in these recessionary times.

Positivity and Energy is our theme…

And there's lots to be positive about.

We want to energise you and help bring your business ideas and goals to life. You will meet new customers and suppliers and identify key decision makers in the public and private sectors. There's even a fantastic new competition to reward the best business ideas. Be inspired, informed, prepared and rewarded.

 Have we, Dumfries and Galloway’s tourism industry, made the most of this opportunity?

 Do we know where it is? How to advise our visitors to stargaze? Could we be attracting more visitors through promoting the Dark Sky Park? Should we create more Dark Sky Park holiday packages?

 Destination Dumfries & Galloway has partnered with Forestry Commission Scotland to provide the answers and practical next steps about making the most of the Dark Sky Park for your business.

• Steve Owens (freelance Astronomer and Dark Sky Development Officer) will tell us what the Dark Sky Park is and how to view it
• Keith Muir (Forestry Commission Scotland, Galloway Forest District) will share ideas on how we could be making money from it
• DD&G will be on hand to gather ideas, share examples of businesses already profiting from the Dark Sky Park and to help join-up businesses who want to do more

Have we, Dumfries and Galloway’s tourism industry, made the most of this opportunity?

Do we know where it is? How to advise our visitors to stargaze? Could we be attracting more visitors through promoting the Dark Sky Park? Should we create more Dark Sky Park holiday packages?

Destination Dumfries & Galloway has partnered with Forestry Commission Scotland to provide the answers and practical next steps about making the most of the Dark Sky Park for your business.

• Steve Owens (freelance Astronomer and Dark Sky Development Officer) will tell us what the Dark Sky Park is and how to view it
• Keith Muir (Forestry Commission Scotland, Galloway Forest District) will share ideas on how we could be making money from it
• DD&G will be on hand to gather ideas, share examples of businesses already profiting from the Dark Sky Park and to help join-up businesses who want to do more

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn, Flikr, You Tube ........ only some of the social media options on offer.   

South of Scotland Business Solutions is aware that you have been looking at using these media for the benefit of your business. However, are you really utilising these media to your best advantage? 

South of Scotland Business Solutions (SoSBUS) is delighted to be working with the Media Academy from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Colleagues from the UWS Media Academy have put together a great package for small businesses in the South of Scotland. A number of one-to-one surgery slots are available over four days in Dumfries & Galloway.

In order to take up one of these slots please register on line by following this link. Once you are registered you will also have access to specially developed tools and information via the dedicated website put together by the UWS Media Academy team.

If you are looking to become better and savvier in using social media for your business we would like you to attend one of the one-to-one social media surgeries to be run in Dumfries & Galloway in November this year. This is not just another workshop or information event, at these social media surgeries you and your business will be given dedicated attention to deal with YOUR social media issue.

Spaces are strictly limited and you will need to register on line in order to book a space.

Have we, Dumfries and Galloway’s tourism industry, made the most of this opportunity?

Do we know where it is? How to advise our visitors to stargaze? Could we be attracting more visitors through promoting the Dark Sky Park? Should we create more Dark Sky Park holiday packages?

Destination Dumfries & Galloway has partnered with Forestry Commission Scotland to provide the answers and practical next steps about making the most of the Dark Sky Park for your business.

• Steve Owens (freelance Astronomer and Dark Sky Development Officer) will tell us what the Dark Sky Park is and how to view it
• Keith Muir (Forestry Commission Scotland, Galloway Forest District) will share ideas on how we could be making money from it
• DD&G will be on hand to gather ideas, share examples of businesses already profiting from the Dark Sky Park and to help join-up businesses who want to do more

Tourism Intelligence Scotland (TIS) and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland are working in partnership to host two half-day mountain biking workshops for tourism and cycling businesses, based around the intelligence and practical ideas highlighted in TIS’s ‘Mountain Biking Tourism in Scotland’ guide. The guide was launched in June as part of TIS’s ‘Opportunities for Growth’ series and is aimed at helping businesses make the most of new and emerging opportunities in the sector.

The workshops will provide attendees with the latest intelligence and insights on the mountain biking visitor markets, including: information on local trail centres and facilities; the opportunity to hear from a local business as they share their secrets for success; and creative ideas to help them make the most of the opportunities in mountain bike tourism.

The first workshop will be held at Perth Concert Hall/Kinnoull Hill on Tuesday 25 October and the second at Nevis Range, Fort William on Wednesday 26 October 2011. Both are from 09.30 – 13.00, followed by a one hour taster session on the trails.

The workshops cost £20 which includes lunch, light refreshments and all biking equipment for the taster session.

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment at Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland.

Customer can 'like' a company on Facebook or hate it on their blogs; they post videos on YouTube and photos on Flickr, but most importantly, they use these tools to help them choose where to spend their money.

This seminar will show you how these tools work, why they are important and how to make them work for you.

• Understand the impact of social networking on the food and drink industry
• Learn about the power of social networking for business
• Learn which sites and which technologies suit your business and your customers
• See how you can get others to do your marketing for you
• Improve and strengthen your reputation, your credibility and your customer relationships
• Be inspired by real world examples and successes.

The workshop includes lunch, and the opportunity to network and chat with like minded companies.

Scottish Enterprise e-business experts will be on hand to give you further advice and explore what else we can do to help.

You will also take away useful reading resources as well as a short action plan and learn about additional support and opportunities available from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland Food & Drink and other partners.

Register for this event on Scotland Food and Drink

Iain Scott, Borders College,

Do you want to learn more about renewable energy and the grants and feed-in tariffs?  Iain will present a Renewables Awareness Session in our new Renewables Training Centre. 

This will be followed by the following presentations:

Mark Davidson, KPMG

“Economic Update and how does this impact on Scottish Construction”

This will include a look at the latest economic statistics for Scotland with particular emphasis on construction projects and how these will be affected by changes in the economy and government spending cuts.

Alistair Dean ADLP

“Get paid for the construction work you do”. 

Alistair is a commercial solicitor specialising in dispute resolution, particularly in the construction and engineering sectors. Areas to be covered will include – contracting correctly at the outset, getting stage payments on time and on value and what to do when things go wrong. Alistair will also give a brief overview of how mediation, arbitration and adjudication can be used. 

This event is hosted by the Building & Construction Industry Forum and South of Scotland Business Solutions.

Why should you attend?

This event is open to all businesses in the building and construction industry across the Borders who are committed to developing their business.

 Organised in partnership with the Crichton Carbon Centre and University of Glasgow, this event is the first in a series of stakeholder events/consultations to explore and reach consensus on common measures to evaluate carbon across the tourism sector. As this is a complex multi-faceted issue, this first workshop will focus on a number of core issues and also provide an opportunity to identify topics for future focus.

 The outcomes of the workshop will be presented at ICARB’s annual conference in November 2011, along with the findings of the other workshops in the series.

  The workshop is free to attend and refreshments will be provided.

We welcome your input prior to the event regarding the key questions (even if you are unable to attend) – please email your views to r.dunk@carboncentre.org or alternatively steven.gillespie@glasgow.ac.uk

The Elevator Pitch

Following a series of short 2-minute pitches from our funding and avice teams and partners, you can proceed to target the right people who can help YOUR business in a more relaxed exhibition environment.

- Access to practical help for your company

- Finding funds to move your business forward with your local university

- finding experts to help with shrot and long term development goals

- product design, development and testing

- training opportunities

- how enabling technologies can support your business

- advice from other partner organisations

In order to provide an overview on social media and the benefits and implications for businesses, colleagues from UWS School of Creative and Cultural Industreis will also deliver a short presentation on social media and will be available throughout the evening to answer questions, share their knowledge and expertise and discuss how they can support local businesses further through their social media for business programme

The workshop will address business design and development as well as the process for product design and development.

Places at this event are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Future dates may be scheduled depending on demand

PRC helps Scottish entrepreneurs, start-up companies and SMEs get their products to market. PRC will facilitate the production and testing of demonstrator and prototype products while providing guidance, support and advice on new product development and engineering management.  PRC offers a range of services designed to support their customers at every stage of the product development cycle.

The Enterprise Europe Network is a partnership of around 600 business support organisations in more than 45 countries worldwide. Its aim is to help local businesses take advantage of opportunities within the European Internal Market. EEN can give you direct links into companies who may have an interest in your products and services.

EEN can help you identify suitable partners in a commercial, technological, knowledge transfer or research capacity. This includes those looking for and licensing out new or existing technologies.

EEN assist companies engage in programmes funded by the European Commission or partner organisations. This funding advice is for project ideas with both an R&D and non-R&D focus.

If you feel your company could benefit from the services that EEN can offer, then come along.

 Agenda

10:00  - Coffee and registration

10:30  - Introduction + welcome from PRC

10:45  - What is EEN?

11:00  - Partnering + case study

11:20  - EU Information and research + case study

11:40  - Funding Overview (EuroStars, TSB, Eco-Innovation)

12:00 -  Q & A

12:30  - Lunch and Networking

PRC is funded by Scottish Government, ERDF and Edinburgh Napier University

There are many reasons why your business might choose to work in collaboration with like minded companies. Typically it can open up new market opportunities, perhaps internationally, and can help increase your buying or selling power. By working together to bid jointly for pieces of work you are in a better position to compete for the more lucrative contracts and open your business up to more opportunities which go beyond niche market activity.

Our keynote speaker, Raymond O’Hare, will draw on his considerable experience in guiding and supporting ambitious Scottish businesses to illustrate why businesses are more likely to be successful and attract attention if they collaborate, working together as a consortium. Using his experience and illustrating with examples Raymond will demonstrate why businesses should collaborate, how they should go about it, who they should collaborate with and what businesses can hope to achieve through collaboration.

We will be joined by a panel of entrepreneurs who will demonstrate how they gained business success by working with others in their pursuit of innovation, productivity and growth.

You will also have an interactive opportunity to seek collaborative solutions to your specific business issues.

Brought to you by the Food & Drink Forum South, speakers include:

• Helen Glass, Programme Manager for Food and Health Innovation Service
• Andrew Niven, INSIGHTS, Scotland Food & Drink
• Michael Mitchell, Head of Development and  Innovation, SCOFRO
• Alan Baxter, Site Manager, Rowan Glen

 Helen Glass is an Innovation Consultant with the Food Processing Faraday Partnership. She has been appointed as Programme Manager for the Food & Health Innovation Service, helping companies to identify and develop products for the commercially lucrative food and health market.

 Andrew Niven, from Scotland Food & Drink’s INSIGHTS team will talk about new research on health and innovation being completed by the INSIGHTS team in early 2011.  The INSIGHTS project gives you access to a wealth of information to keep you informed and up to date in areas such as market intelligence, the economy, emerging innovation and general food and drink industry news

• Learn from researchers and pracitioners about the critical elements of customer service quality and customer satisfaction

• Hear about the findings from research conducted in the South of Scotland, which highlights three key elements of customer service satisfaction in rural businesses

• Learn how to improve your customer service levels and customer satisfaction

• Identify areas for development within your business and develop new processes and action plans to achieve enhanced customer satisfaction levels

Who will be speaking?

• David Moyes, Lecturer Marketing, University of the West of Scotland 
• Helen Battersby, Former Sales and Marketing Director, The Gleneagles Hotel

Who should attend?

Business owners and managers dealing with consumers and customers on a regular basis. Only 2 attendees per company can join.

This interactive, hands-on workshop is brought to you by Knowledge Links for Business and South of Scotland Business Solutions.

The Scottish Technology Showcase 2011, hosted by a Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's largest cross-sectoral technology event.  This one-day showcase provides a fantastic opportunity to promote key technologies from the ICT sector in Scotland and will help connect ICT companies with customers across the broader industrial base. 

Building on the sucess of previous years, the Scottish Technology Showcase 2011 will be bigger and better than ever, giving you the opportunity to:

• Accelerate business developement by meeting national and international companies looking to buy, partner and collaborate.
• Network with over 700 businesses
• Access the latest technology from Scottish companies and universities
• Rasie the profile of your business
• Hear from leading keynote speakers on the impact of technology on the business landscape
• Participate in informative workshops focusing on the latest technology challenges and opportunities. 

The expert panel of speakers,will be exploring local and national procurement policy and the opportunities and challenges for Social Enterprises in winning public sector contracts.

If you are a staff or Board/ Management Committee member of a social enterprise; a procurer or commissioner in any public sector service; an intermediary or business support organisation working with social enterprises on tendering… Then this event is for you!

The conference is free. If you would like a stall in the market place, just indicate this when you book. It is also free and a great opportunity to promote your work.

 

The programme includes presentations on:

- funding opportunities

- new technologies

- commercialisation of ideas

- case studies

Speakers at the event include:

Brian J. McCarthy - Technical Textiles, Materials KTN - 'Current developments in technicals textiles'

Peter Duffield - Beyond Surface Technologies - 'Surface technologies and beyond'

Dr Neil Bowering - University of Glasgow - 'Glasgow's Knowledge Transfer Account - working with industry partners'

Prof. George Stylios - Heriot-Watt Univerisity - 'Wearable on-line health monitoring'

Dr Tim Gibson - Univeristy of Leeds - 'Electronic nose technologies and textile applications'

This two-hour briefing, delivered by an Acas adviser, is essential for those who need to understand the changes and how they will impact on existing policies, procedures and practices in the workplace.

Programme includes:

For a booking form and more information click here

Do you have to plan for the future of the business with regard to who will run it when you wish to retire?

Do you struggle with the legal and financial issues linked to succession?

Are you affected by the emotional side-effects of succession planning?

If these questions are relevant to you perhaps you should consider participating the the Success Through Succession (STS) project that is delivered by the Caledonian Family Business Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University in partnership with the University of Ulster and Dundalk Institute of Technology. This project  is designed to help second and third generation family-owned businesses prepare for and move through the challenges of succession planning. through Succession is aimed at family business owners (and family members) who are committed to actively working towards a planned succession for their business within the next 10 years.

To find out more an information session has be organised in Dumfries where you can meet Fiona Kennedy, Project Manager, and learn more about this fantastic opportunity to help to secure the future of your family business.

• IP Ownership
• Patents and Patenting
• Copyright
• Design Right
• Registered Design and Design Registration
• Trade Marks and Trade Mark Registration
• Licensing

• IP Ownership
• Patents and Patenting
• Copyright
• Design Right
• Registered Design and Design Registration
• Trade Marks and Trade Mark Registration
• Licensing

Dr Olga Kozlova, Enterprise Creation Manager, co-ordinates a monthly seminar series aimed at providing budding entrepreneurs with useful advice and tips on starting a company.

As well as guiding participants through the exciting and challenging world of high tech start-ups, it assists potential Converge Challenge applicants formulate their business ideas and plans.

Sessions are open to postdoctoral research and academic staff, and PhD, MSc, MRes and final year degree students from Heriot-Watt University or research pools of which Heriot-Watt University is a member.

Registration

This event is free but spaces may be limited, so please register to book a place. Online registration will be available closer to the event date.

Further to recent events held by Destination Dumfries & Galloway, this will afford an opportunity to discuss current issues, and to suggest ways in which the proposed Solway Centre for Environment and Culture, part of the University of Glasgow in Dumfries, can assist you, as key stakeholders,  in addressing and framing these issues, on both sides of the Solway.  Information on the Solway Centre is attached to this invitation.

The seminar will take place at the Solway Suite in DG One, Hoods Loaning, Dumfries DG1 2HT.

The seminar will be the first in a series of training and networking events to support local businesses win public sector contracts.

To register to attend please contact: Gemma.brown@drs.glasgow.gov.uk tel: 0141 287 7277

The programme of workshops can be used as a platform for the ongoing development of people management skills as well as a short sharp injection of ideas. The workshops encourage and develop managers to adopt new thinking, behaviours and habits and ensure that all staff development links into the strategic goals of the business, leading to a positive impact on the bottom line.

Through participating in the workshops delegates will discover and explore a range of practices and processes proven to deliver results for companies. Each of the workshops has been carefully designed to cover all key areas of managing people that will result in higher performance for your company.

The programme consists of a series of four core and four optional workshops, covering the following areas:

Core:

1. The Role of the Manager
2. Business Planning and Goal Setting
3. Managing Individual Performance
4. Managing Teams/Team Building

Optional:

1. Effective Communication
2. Influencing and Assertiveness Skills
3. Coaching and Delegation
4. Dealing with Conflict and Difficult People.

The core workshops must be booked together as a group of four, plus delegates can book as many of the optional workshops as they wish. (Please note: optional workshops can only be booked once the core workshops have been booked). The cost per delegate for the four core workshops is £200 + VAT per person. Each optional workshop is £50 + VAT per person. Each workshop will run from 9.30am-4.30pm at Scottish Enterprise’s offices at Solway House in Dumfries.

The ICT Workshops is a series of 3 workshops designed to help you understand the importance of planning the ICT investments within your business.

The workshops begin by looking at the strategic adoption of ICT and how it can contribute to business growth, increased productivity and competitive advantage. Later you will learn about developing a business case for an ICT project and selecting the most appropriate solution. 

The workshop also examines how to quantify the return on investment from an ICT project. The final workshop will explore gathering requirements, specifying a solution, planning the implementation and managing supplier relationships.

The workshops are all free to attend and open to all businesses across Dumfries and Galloway. Business who wish to attend are required to sign up to all three workshops.

Workshop Three – Successfully implementing ICT in your business

15 March 2011

The objectives of this workshop include:

• Understand the rational in implementing the right ICT solutions that fits business model and industry
• Understand the relationship between successful implementation of ICT solutions and revenue. For example, the right implemented solution will reduce the friction of managing the related functions of the business, such as marketing, sales, and production
• Understand the need to evaluate current and future ICT implementation to ensure that they continue to meet the specified requirements and future business needs
• Understand the need to allow future proof implementation and how it will impact on cost and the flexibility of the business. This will allow the business to respond swiftly to any disruptive technology that could otherwise diminish any competitive advantage
• Comprehend the stages and elements involved in requirement gathering and specification definitions, budgeting of fund, and choosing the right supplier / contractor
• Understand the process of choosing the right supplier that is able to implement the right solution that fits the operations of the business
• Understand the need of ‘Make or Buy’ decision in justifying whether to outsource or make in–house

As well as guiding participants through the exciting and challenging world of high tech start-ups, it assists potential Converge Challenge applicants formulate their business ideas and plans.

Sessions are open to postdoctoral research and academic staff, and PhD, MSc, MRes and final year degree students from Heriot-Watt University or research pools of which Heriot-Watt University is a member.

Registration

This event is free but spaces may be limited, so please register to book a place. Online registration will be available closer to the event date.

The Spring Graduate Fair in Scotland will offer you the chance to speak to talented students and graduates from all over Scotland. The Royal Concert Hall is a prime city centre venue within walking distance of Glasgow Queen Street and Central Train Stations, Buchannan Bus Station and the Underground, making it easily accessible to students from all Universities.

The ICT Workshops is a series of 3 workshops designed to help you understand the importance of planning the ICT investments within your business.

The workshops begin by looking at the strategic adoption of ICT and how it can contribute to business growth, increased productivity and competitive advantage. Later you will learn about developing a business case for an ICT project and selecting the most appropriate solution. 

The workshop also examines how to quantify the return on investment from an ICT project. The final workshop will explore gathering requirements, specifying a solution, planning the implementation and managing supplier relationships.

The workshops are all free to attend and open to all businesses across Dumfries and Galloway. Business who wish to attend are required to sign up to all three workshops.

Workshop Two – How to invest in the right ICT for your business

8 March 2011

The objective of this workshop is to ensure businesses understand the benefits and impact of investment in ICT including:

• The relationship between ICT investment and potential growth. For example, how much of the business revenue could be related to ICT investment
• How to assess and consider ICT budgets. Decision-makers will be able to consider and justify the correct level of spend on ICT due to the ability to quantify the potential benefits and impacts of the investment
• The ability to forecast revenue or cost savings based on the return on investment on ICT systems
• Quantify the benefits of improved ICT in terms of reputation, competitiveness, and customer services

The workshops begin by looking at the strategic adoption of ICT and how it can contribute to business growth, increased productivity and competitive advantage. Later you will learn about developing a business case for an ICT project and selecting the most appropriate solution.

The workshop also examines how to quantify the return on investment from an ICT project. The final workshop will explore gathering requirements, specifying a solution, planning the implementation and managing supplier relationships.

The workshops are all free to attend and open to all businesses across Dumfries and Galloway. Business who wish to attend are required to sign up to all three workshops.

Workshop One – Grow your business with ICT

1 March 2011

The objective of this workshop is to ensure businesses understand how the successful integration of ICT into strategic plans will improve overall productivity and growth performance through:

• The importance and rational in integrating ICT in the business vision and strategic operating plans
• The potential applications within the key functions of the business and how ICT can streamline the process between product manufacture / inventory control to sales and marketing
• How to assess the potential for ICT and potential return and improvements from key applications, including:
• Business Processes
• Communication Processes
• Supply Chain Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• The key enablers to successful ICT deployment in terms of resources, people, skills and technology

Following on from two previous, very successful Food & Drink Clinics run in Dumfries and Galashiels, this event once again provides the opportunity for food and drink producers in Dumfries & Galloway to speak to experts and get some free advice on anything from labelling and product analysis to funding availablity and shelf life testing.

You will have the chance to meet experts from the University of Abertay, Dundee, Robert Gordon University and many others.

You will also have the opportunity to see the facilities of Dumfries & Galloway College's Stranraer Campus and sample local produce.

The experts that will be available on the day are:

Andrew Allsbrook and Jennifer Bryson - Abertay University Food Innovation

Professor Kofi Aidoo - Glasgow Caledonian University

Centre for Design and Innovation - Robert Gordon University

Sheila Scott - Sustainable Food and Drink Carbon Advisor

Antony Bernstein - Scottish Enterprise, IT support

Jim McNair - Targeting Innovation, Knowledge Links project

To make an appointment and be guaranteed some time with the experts please complete and return the attached form by Friday 28^th January or phone Alison Tennant on 01387 245252. Appointments will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Since 2007, when the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) created funding streams to help colleges build capacity to support social and economic development by engaging with public and private sector organisations, colleges have used these funds to widen and deepen engagement with the business community as well as extend and improve systems and activities to increase capacity and capability.

Significantly more SME’s are now being engaged by colleges supported by the funding. The second stage of the Frontline evaluation (which will be discussed in detail at the conference) indicates that the funds have had a positive impact on colleges in terms of:

• the number of new company engagements made by colleges
• generating income from relationships with companies
• staff development
• curriculum development

The report indicates that net turnover impact accruing as a direct result of college engagement over the period 2007-2009, amounts to £21.5 million PV. This shows substantial impact on the economy through business college engagement. The report also shows impact in terms of improved productivity, cost savings, resource efficiency and achievement of strategic objectives.

We look forward to welcoming you to this important event to build on achievements to date and take advantage of existing and emerging opportunities.

Aims

The aim of this event is to focus on strategies to increase opportunities for external income generation and consider developments across colleges and related sectors.

• Learn from researchers and pracitioners about the critical elements of customer service quality and customer satisfaction

• Hear about the findings from research conducted in the South of Scotland of the critical elements of customer service satisfaction in rural businesses

• Learn how to improve your customer service levels and customer satisfaction

• Identify areas for development within your business and develop new processes and action plans to achieve enhanced customer satisfaction levels

Who should attend?
Business owners and managers dealing with consumers and customers on a regular basis.

This interactive, hands-on workshop is brought to you by Knowledge Links for Business and South of Scotland Business Solutions.

When and where?

The half-day workshop will take place at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries. Registration from 9.30 for a 10.00 start.

Heriot-Watt has a reputation in business for innovation, quality, expertise, knowledge transfer and world-class research and the University’s heritage is one of providing solutions to the challenges of the day.

In recognition of this, the Heriot-Watt Risk day will showcase the University as a leader in science, technology and finance by demonstrating the contributions it makes in providing relevant solutions in the area of risk.

Risk management is an integral part of today’s society and encompasses preventative contingencies against the threat of environmental, financial and technological crises. The industry day will bring together Heriot-Watt’s leading research experts and their professional colleagues in industry to demonstrate how the University has responded to business needs by providing innovative solutions for the reduction and effective management of risk. Encouraging a cross-disciplinary approach to risk management will stimulate discussion and debate on how valuable lessons can be learned by drawing from the theory and practice of differing sectors to create a safer society for all.

Programme

• Breakfast & registration: 08:00 onwards
• Conference starts: 09.00
• Lunch: 12:30 - 13:30
• Conference ends: 17.00
• Drinks reception & networking: 17.00-19.30

Timings are subject to change, full programme details will be confirmed autumn 2010.

Exhibitor opportunities

We have a limited number of exhibitor opportunities; please email us at industryday@hw.ac.uk to learn more.

Business Analysis Case Studies:

Both Jacquie Browne, from Jacquie’s Premier Beauty Salon in Dumfries and Ian McAndrew from Blackaddie House Hotel in Sanquhar have been encouraged to review some of their business practices and to assess what they do well and what they could do better. With so many small rural businesses facing similar challenges, both businesses have agreed to share their experiences of the 'UWS Inside your Business' project in the hope that more businesses will benefit from their experience.

Question Time with the UWS Panel:

Representatives from UWS will include:

• Professor Malcolm Foley, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
• Prof Alex De Ruyter, Head of HRM Subject Development Group
• Dr Sandra Hill, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship
• Mr Geoff Whittam, Reader in Entrepreneurship
• Mrs Anne Hill, Lecturer in HRM
• Mrs Joan Scott, Lecturer in Enterprise
• Mr David Moyes, Lecturer in Marketing

As a member of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce you are invited to attend the 'UWS Inside your Business' meeting in Browne House at the Dumfries Campus on 2nd December 2010 at 5.30pm for 6pm. Please confirm your attendance with Amanda Hannah, Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce by Friday 26th November on admin@dgchamber.co.uk or 01387 270866

This event is aimed at companies from all sectors interested in ways to improve their business through business process efficiencies, product development and training.

You will have the chance to speak to a number of experts (see list of exhibitors) and will also arrange an appointment for a short, initial one-to-one meeting.

Exhibitors:

• Innovation and Research Office (IRO) – the portal to accessing UWS expertise and facilities as well as working with businesses to collaborate with UWS and apply for grant assistance.
• Inspired - funded initiative offering up to £5k support for product/idea feasibility studies . Access to well equipment laboratories and grant application advice.
• Scottish Centre for Enabling Technologies  (SCET) – free support, guidance and feasibility studies  to exploit latest technologies to develop new products, services and systems.
• Thin Film Centre – unique service in research and development of thin films. Providing free advice, feasibility studies, training, testing, deposition and characterisation of substrates from this world-class facility. Help also offered with prototyping and smaller-scale production runs of thin film coating processes which can be scaled-up.
• UWS Skillset Media Academy – providing expertise and practical support in creative media solutions from filming and editing, digital art to script writing, music and animation.
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – enable businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance by accessing skills and expertise within the University with funded support (SME 67%, large company 50%).
• CeeD – a community of businesses and academics, pooling expertise, experience and resource to improve operational efficiency/effectiveness that will impact the bottom line.
• Interface - is an impartial, matchmaking service connecting businesses quickly and easily to world class expertise, knowledge and research facilities available in all Scotland's Universities and Research Institutes.
• West of Scotland Management Centre – Services include management training and development, consultancy, conference, seminar and meeting venues , Diploma in Public Service Leadership and Executive MBA.
• IT Academy - one of the top UK education-based providers of current industry certification with over 2000 individual registrations each year for official training courses from vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, Oracle or SAP certification.

Format of Event:

Events have been developed by VisitScotland with European Regional Development Funding

You are cordially invited to a People 1st engagement meeting at Dumfries and Galloway College on the 18th November. This will be an opportunity to find out more about the activity that is taking place, on your behalf, in the alignment of hospitality skills development needs with the supply of training.

The meeting will cover three main areas:

• Tourism collaboration and partnership - Industry working with Trade associations and professional bodies such as the Federation of Scottish Chefs, the UK Housekeepers Association, Springboard and Association of Scottish Colleges to set provision and funding for the future.
• Hospitality Modern Apprenticeships - the new Hospitality frameworks and the implementation and monitoring of these going forward.
• Projects - There are a number of projects kicking off in Professional Cookery and in Housekeeping. Also the focus is on the advanced craft level ie Higher level continual professional development.

If you are passionate about skills development and would like to contribute please come along to the meeting.

Please email kate.tetley@people1st.co.uk to indicate your attendance or if you have any questions.

Click here for Agenda and further information

It's FREE to attend.

The Science Fair provides an opportunity for our students, here at the University of Glasgow, to meet key employers and find out about different companies and their career opportunities. Your attendance will help us deliver another successful event! 

Exhibitors currently booked are: BAE Systems, Charles River, Covance, Institute of Nanotechnology, Institute of Physics, Matchtech Group, Society of Biology and Teach First.

This event is open to undergraduates & postgraduates. Last year we had 20 exhibitors, along with 450 students! For more information visit:

Univerity of Glasgow Science Fair 2010

The theme of the evening will be "10 tax saving tips." We will be looking at and discussing how these tax saving tips could benefit you and your business.

We will be joined by Graham Poles and Nigel Holmes, Tax Directors for Armstrong Watson. Nigel and Graham will provide a one hour presentation with their "10 tax saving tips", followed by a chance to network with like minded business people. Both speakers will share their experience and expertise with you to bring real benefits for both you and your business.

 The award categories are:

You have the opportunity to meet this company, to learn how they benefited from implementing Lean and to take a tour of the site to view the improvements first hand. You will also meet the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) and understand how we are working to support manufacturing across the region.

This event is not solely for the chemical industry as continuous improvement techniques are applicable to all industry sectors.

The morning will be highly interactive with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and will deliver practical tips and advice which are applicable to all.

Eligibility Details

Manufacturing/engineering companies only

There are only 25 places available.

One of the keys to Scotland's economic future is our ability to grow exports. Many Scottish companies are already trading internationally and have potential to do more. Others have not yet ventured outwith the UK and are missing out on huge opportunities to grow their sales and bottom lines.

That is why Scottish Development International has teamed up with Scottish Business Insider to run a series of FREE half day events across the country this October to offer expert advice on exporting to businesses of all sizes.

Scottish Development International interim CEO David Smith says exporting is not as difficult as many companies think it is. "At these events we will be showing companies how much help is available to enable them to successfully trade overseas," he said.

The Edinburgh event will feature sessions with Robert McDowell, Vice President for Information Worker Business Value at Microsoft Corp who already trades internationally and can offer advice to businesses looking to start or increase their presence in countries outwith the UK.

Scottish Development International will also be outlining how they can assist businesses who decide to take the plunge. Scottish Business Insider Editor Alasdair Northrop said that the magazine has featured many great examples of successful Scottish exporters over the years and continues to do so.

"We want to do as much as we can to raise awareness of the opportunities open to companies. Some 71 per cent of companies in Scotland with turnover in excess of £500,000 do not trade overseas and there must surely be a lot more who want to take up the challenge."

One of the keys to Scotland's economic future is our ability to grow exports. Many Scottish companies are already trading internationally and have potential to do more. Others have not yet ventured outwith the UK and are missing out on huge opportunities to grow their sales and bottom lines.
That is why Scottish Development International has teamed up with Scottish Business Insider to run a series of FREE half day events across the country this October to offer expert advice on exporting to businesses of all sizes.
Scottish Development International interim CEO David Smith says exporting is not as difficult as many companies think it is. "At these events we will be showing companies how much help is available to enable them to successfully trade overseas," he said.

The Glasgow event will feature sessions with Brian Souter of Stagecoach plc who already trades internationally and can offer advice to businesses looking to start or increase their presence in countries outwith the UK.

Scottish Development International will also be outlining how they can assist businesses who decide to take the plunge. Scottish Business Insider Editor Alasdair Northrop said that the magazine has featured many great examples of successful Scottish exporters over the years and continues to do so.
"We want to do as much as we can to raise awareness of the opportunities open to companies. Some 71 per cent of companies in Scotland with turnover in excess of £500,000 do not trade overseas and there must surely be a lot more who want to take up the challenge."

Have you considered how biofuel or renewable energy sources can make a difference to your business? Would you like to find out more information on how your business can become involved in renewable energy?

Join representatives from the Biofuel Business Programme and RenewNet for a free networking reception on Thursday 30 September to find out how renewable energy can make a difference to your business.

This year's event is hosted by Jackie Bird.

Savour the Flavours is an organisation that supports food and drink related businesses in Dumfries & Galloway. Set up 6 years ago; Savour the Flavours all but ceased activities in 2008 following the reorganisation of the Scottish Enterprise network. Led by businesses from the region's food, drink and hospitality industries, Savour the Flavours regrouped and restructured to create a new project and organisation - new in all but name. The new project was awarded funding from LEADER and from Dumfries & Galloway Council in 2009 for a new 2 year project and a fresh start. Savour the Flavours was originally set up to support food and drink producers, but great food isn't just about the people who make it. It's about the people who sell it, the people who cook it, the people who serve it, the people who talk about it and, most of all, the people who enjoy it.

What do all these businesses and organisations have in common?

• The Houses of Parliament
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Metrik Office Supplies
• Virgin Trains
• Monsoon

They all use Fair-trade products.

The Dumfries Fairtrade Group introduces the local Fairtrade Campaign, showing how Fairtrade benefits communities both here and in the developing world. We will explain how local businesses in Dumfries and Galloway can get involved, and also provide an opportunity to taste Fairtrade Tea and Coffee. and vote on your favourite. There will also be a free raffle to get your hands on some Fairtrade wine and chocolates!

South of Scotland Business Solutions

Roadshow Event

• Meet the team
• Connect with other businesses around the area
• Find out how we can help your business

And have breakfast on us!