Argyll and Bute businesses offered chance to ‘Thrive and Transform’

Entrepreneurs and businesspeople across Argyll and Bute are being offered the chance to attend a free event designed to help them expand their business activity.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have teamed up to host a series of ‘Thrive and Transform’ events, with dates across the patch over the next few months.

Each event starts with an informal buffet lunch, where attendees can exchange ideas, and form valuable connections with industry peers and experts.

Representatives from Business Gateway and HIE will provide insight into the different types of support each organisation can offer, including new funding and specialist advice available from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Each event will also include a selection of expert partners able to offer advice on reducing costs, minimising waste and optimising operational efficiencies in a business. 

Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with these organisations through an interactive Q&A panel.

The "Thrive and Transform" series kicks off in the Burgh Hall Dunoon at 12.30 on 20^th September, followed by Tobermory 4^th October, Oban 26^th October, Helensburgh 2^nd November, Campbeltown 29^th November and Lochgilphead 7^th February.  There will also be a virtual event on 24^th January 2024 for anyone unable to get to an event in person.

Booking is essential. Full details and registration are available online and interested parties are advised to register as soon as possible.

“Local businesses are integral to Argyll and Bute’s long-term economic success. We know that the last couple of years have been incredibly challenging for many business owners. The Thrive and Transform series is a great opportunity to network and hear from industry experts on the range of support available,” explains Councillor Liz McCabe, Policy Lead for Islands and Business Development. “Plenty of support can be provided virtually but these events are a great excuse to get together and meet face to face and share ideas and best practice.”

Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:

“It’s crucial that we work together to support people who are identifying and pursuing business opportunities and improving productivity across Argyll and Bute. This is particularly important in rural locations, where entrepreneurship and productivity increase business profitability and  strengthen community resilience.

“We look forward to working with Business Gateway to deliver the ‘Thrive and Transform’ programme of events and to meeting people at those events across the patch.”

“Thrive and Transform" is open to Argyll and Bute based entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses looking to take their ventures to the next level.