Business development clinics - meet the experts in Brora, Thurso or Lochinver

12th August 2014

Three Business Gateway advisers specialising in helping businesses to develop through accessing finance, winning public contracts, and recruiting staff will be available for one-to-one clinics in Brora, Thurso or Lochinver on 26 August, 2 September and 3 September, respectively.

Local small to medium sized enterprises can book one-hour meetings with these advisers throughout these days to get advice and practical guidance tailored to their business. Each of the advisers specialises in one of three topics: access to finance, public contracts, and HR/ recruitment. Attendees can book appointments with one, two, or all three of the advisers.

Having SME experts covering three core business areas under one roof for one day is designed to give people easy access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that can really help their business develop.

Advisers will also stay in touch with attendees and can provide ongoing assistance after the clinics to support local businesses as they start to apply for funding, tender for public contracts, or take on staff.

Robin Jackson, Adviser - Business Growth Programme, specialises in access to finance support. He said: "These one-hour clinics will allow me to work with a client - to really begin helping them identify what finance they need, and look into the funding best suited to their business and plans. I can also offer tips on ways to source and pitch for investment."

April Conroy, Adviser - Business Growth Programme, specialises in helping businesses looking to tender for public contracts. She said: "The public sector in Scotland alone procures over nine billion pounds of goods and services from commercial businesses every year. My role, in conjunction with our Enterprise Europe Network team, is to help local businesses improve their access to, and chances of winning, these contracts.

"During the one-hour clinics, I will be helping businesses make sure they are ‘tender ready' before applying for contracts, providing practical tips to improve businesses' tender scores, and helping clients understand the tender process.“

Marianne Ross, Business Gateway Recruitment Adviser for the North Highlands, said: “Taking on staff can be daunting, but during these one-hour clinics, we will be able to advise new employers on how to make sure they have all the right pieces in place – such as paper work and legal requirements. We can also work with attendees to help them identify the best role and right candidate for their business."

For more information, or to book a place, please contact:
Brora (26 August) and Lochinver (3 September) clinics:
David Knight, Business Gateway Senior Area Business Manager, Sutherland – 01863 766128 or david.knight[AT]highland-opportunity.com

Thurso (2 September) clinics:
Jennifer Irvine, Business Gateway Area Business Manager, Caithness – 01955 605360 or jennifer.irvine[AT]highland-opportunity.com