I’ve always believed in the power of a strong business network and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been inspiring to see the community spirit of both local businesses and SMEs across the country as they came together to help each other out in various ways.
In sharing ideas and resources, they have not only been able to overcome the mountain of challenges we’ve faced, many have capitalised on the recent tough business landscape and have positively thrived.
There is so much we can learn from each other and in this modern digital age, the world is such a small place, enabling us to connect with people from all over the globe. Businesses need to tap into this further, utilising it for their own education and development, whilst also using it as a springboard for their business ventures.
The private sector is an important cog in the wheel of Scotland’s recovery and therefore businesses need to come out of this lockdown in a position to grow and invest.
In my many years of business, I’ve worked incredibly hard and have been fortunate enough to enjoy a wealth of experience through both my triumphs and challenges faced within my various chosen industries.
I want to share these with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs, to help them learn both from my achievements and mistakes, which is why I’m proud to be part of the Bank of Scotland and Scottish Sun Lockdown Learnings webinar.
The one hour online event, which takes place today (Monday 28 June) from 12.30pm, will be focusing on the theme of bouncing back, which is very apt for this current business climate.
I’ll be joined by a fantastic panel, including Brie Read, the Founder and CEO of Snag, Gareth Oakley, Managing Director for Business Banking at Bank of Scotland and Janette McAllister, the Managing Director of McAllister Litho Glasgow Ltd.
Brie is a passionate believer in the power of digital technology and has an impressive track record of successful campaigns with Start Learning, Peoples Postcode and Diet Chef, as well as founding a number of digital economy start-ups, the most recent being Snag.
Janette has worked in the printing industry for over 30 years, progressing to MD and is renowned throughout the industry.
Finally Gareth has over 30 years of experience in banking and has run a number of large businesses within many of the Bank’s divisions including Retail Banking, Wealth Management and Commercial. He was also formerly Chairman of the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) and Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for the East.
Together, we’ll be thinking about how SMEs can be prepared for a strong, sustainable, fair and green economic recovery. Our panel will share lived examples from their various careers and also how to overcome barriers that many will face in their business journey.
Our focus will be on offering advice and providing tangible takeaways that will really benefit those who attend the session. Guests will also have the opportunity to ask myself and the panel questions directly, enabling much more personalised advice.
I personally believe many companies should be in a position to invest and grow imminently, but other businesses may have cancelled or delayed recent investment plans – so we’ll be discussing both sides of that viewpoint today.
A recent study has also suggested small and independent retailers may be set for a post-pandemic boost, so we’ll also be talking about changes in the consumer landscape as shoppers’ habits and needs have adapted over the past year.
Lastly, we’ll be getting to the heart of what the pandemic has meant for businesses and also touching on SMEs’ use and demand for external finance, alongside what obstacles they still might be facing and ways in which they may be able to overcome the various challenges ahead.
I’m really looking forward to engaging in a lively debate and informed discussion with my fellow panellists on how businesses can bounce back stronger than ever. Lockdown has been a learning curve for all businesses but together I believe we can build a thriving economy.
For anyone keen to join the event, you can sign up from the following link: www.lockdownlearnings.co.uk/bos and I look forward to welcoming you.
Alternatively, if you’re unable to attend, you can still join in with the conversation on social media by following Lockdown Learnings with @thescottishsun. Here people will be sharing their own bouncing back stories to inspire and inform others.
It’s always warming to wake up to a fresh batch of business success stories, especially for independently owned Scottish companies who have withstood the tests of time.
One great story from last week saw a Glasgow-based bakery business ‘roll’-ing in the dough, with a fantastic six figure deal with their long-standing partner – UK supermarket giant Lidl.
As one of the retailer’s longest-standing Scottish suppliers, bakery firm Mortons Rolls announced the ‘half a baker’s dozen’ sum, which commemorates over 17 years of providing fresh morning rolls, tattie scones and other sweet bakery treats for the supermarket.
With over 260 employees, the independent business originally rose to fame thanks to their traditional morning rolls, which date back to Mortons’ founding back in 1965. They’ve gone on to provide a huge heap of treats from cakes, biscuits and even the humble Scottish delicacy, the potato scone.
Knowing ‘morning rolls inside and out’, Mortons Rolls managing director, Alastair Sherry, is proud of the supermarket partnership, but insists that the business will maintain the traditional methods of baking that the company holds dear, as they continue to produce one million rolls a week.
It will also see the company take on a whole new savoury standpoint moving forward, creating a range of steak bakes, cheesy bean bakes and chicken curry bakes.
Even sweeter, the new contract and subsequent funding will allow the group to make a significant investment into new machinery at their bakery, as well as create a number of new jobs within the company for budding bakers keen for a new career opportunity.
It’s great to see a Scottish business continue working for a retail giant such as this, and here’s hoping that every ‘Lidl’ helps Mortons keep their company on a roll.
It Made Me Laugh
A Scottish strawberry farmer from Arbroath has been making the rounds online thanks to his juicy patter, as part of a fresh fruit marketing campaign by Marks & Spencer.
With parts of his highlight reel for their production going online, Allen Innes from East Seaton has left social media fans howling as he highlights the secret benefits of his farm-grown strawberries.
Answering a question on how strawberries can be a ‘natural aphrodisiac’, Allen’s jolly response centred around how he’s always been ‘lucky with the ladies’ and his blunt marketing standpoint that his strawberries simply “taste good, what more do you want?” has left viewers begging for more.
The video has been viewed by M&S’s 1.8 million followers on Instagram and has been shared numerous times.
Credit to Allen for being so honest, when others may have simply blushed a shade brighter than his sexy strawberries.
It Made Me Weep
We all know it’s been a rough time for the Tartan Army after the Croatia game last week, and I’m sure there were many left in tears throughout the country.
Unfortunately a Glasgow chippy had to relive the heartbreak all over again, thanks to some trolling England fans.
Hooked Fish and Chips in Mount Florida fell victim to the prank call, a video of which is making the rounds, as the English fans celebrated the Scottish team’s departure from the Euros by making the usual ‘battered haggis’ jokes.
It’s always irritating to hear the delight from our Southern rivals whenever they have footballing success over Scotland, so unsporting banter is expected.
I just hope it’s not another 23 years before we can enjoy such an experience once again.
