In 2023 we joined the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to be a part of the community of small companies across the United Kingdom, to share our experience, and to learn from others. On Friday 26th April at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club we attended the #FSBBusinessbootcamp for the Highlands, Islands and Moray.
This curated event was brimming with insights, inspiration and opportunities and was opened by Scot Gardiner the CEO of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club. Marketing and promotion approaches were discussed in panel format between Richard Carson of Planit Scotland, Darrel Paterson of Highland News & Media Ltd and David Richardson – FSB Highlands and Islands.
Neil Sykes and I really enjoyed the discussion that followed about staff retention and development – and the approaches taken by Catherine Bunn of Highland Campervans were role modelling, with advice and approaches shared from Michelle Denoon from Skills Development Scotland and John Johnston from Scottish Enterprise.
There was a personal story of start up to global export from ‘Candles from the Croft’ and young entrepreneur Sandie Gordon.
The big story for growth in the region though can from Tim Hartley of Scotland CAN B, and Calum MacPherson who is CEO of Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport – which will be the catalyst for extraordinary change in the region – mandating ethical practices and sustainability actions from anyone seeking to do business here.
It was great to see friends and contacts, particularly our home from home Impact Hub Inverness 😊
All in all a brilliant day, and one that really did need a sea view of the Moray Firth and a car picnic of fish & chips Inverness favourite The Redshank.
