Business Show Bonanza!
There were two business shows in Aberdeen this month: the Elevator “Transform Business Festival” and the Granite PR “Winter Granite Expo”. Both events play an important role in the annual FSB calendar, as they’re a great way to catch up with existing members and recruit new ones.
We play a big role in shouting about the local business support network that’s open to our members, and it’s fantastic to play our part at these large events alongside organisations we continually work in partnership with.
The “FSB Fireside Chat” I hosted with Membership Advisor, Colleen Joss, was a particular highlight for me.
Giving Evidence in Parliament
In a first for me, I spent an hour being questioned by the Economy & Fair Work Committee at the Scottish Parliament. This group of influential MSPs are consulting on the progress of the “Just Transition” in the North East and Moray.
The main thread of my argument was that local small businesses are being left behind. The majority of them are not willing to take out loans from the Scottish National Investment Bank to start their Just Transition journey. I asked for generous grant funding to be allocated, on more preferential terms than the standard 50/50 match funding. We’ll see what happens…
Shouting about FSB Members
This was another great month featuring interesting people in my Small Business Focus articles in the Press and Journal, and now, also in The Courier
Chloe Lawson, of Chloe’s Kitchen Creations, Alford, was first up, and we asked her: What was your biggest mistake?
“Taking criticism to heart. I have put my whole life into the business and at the start I took even the littlest of criticism very harshly. But now I realise my team and I are only human. We can learn from any mistakes we make and criticism we receive.” Chloe Lawson, Chloe’s Kitchen Creations
New FSB member, Colin Duncan, was next to feature in Small Business Focus. Colin does some amazing promotion of his exciting products at CMD Coatings, but he has his dad to thank when it comes to getting orders in:
“I don’t think I’d be where I am today without the support of my dad, George Duncan, who still lives up in Banff. He’s a one-man sales team and definitely has the gift of the gab.” Colin Duncan, CMD Coatings
Stephen Finn is a great ambassador for FSB in Dundee. It was a pleasure to give him my first Small Business Focus slot in the Courier to shout about his Dundee Photo Walks business. I even played a part in making Stephen’s business idea a reality:
“In 2022, I met Mike Duncan of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for a wander and a chat around Dundee waterfront. At the end of our walk, Mike asked if I’d ever thought about doing a guided tour. I started Dundee Photo Walks [a few months later].” Stephen Finn, Dundee Photo Walks
Aboyne Networking
The shop and café of the Corner House Aboyne was the perfect location for our latest in-person networking event (see video clip). Owner, Ashleigh Davidson, was the perfect host, and was able to showcase her fantastic family business to everyone who came along. We had a real range of folk in the room, from sign-language training providers, to property sales and lettings directors, to marketing professions. A clear example of the breadth of FSB member-businesses in any local area
Whisky Tasting Event
Join FSB Scotland and friends, for a fun and festive virtual whisky-tasting tour.
Event details
We’ll sip our way across the country: From Speyside to the Highlands, to the Lowlands and over to Islay, before heading south into England and Wales.
Six whiskies have been hand selected by expert Mike Stuart, Inverurie Whisky Shop, representing the UK’s finest independent distillers.
As joint hosts of our Festive Whisky Extravaganza, Mike Stuart will be joined by FSB’s very own distiller-in-residence, Development Manager, Mike Duncan. You don’t have to be called Mike to host this event, because Development Manager, David Richardson, will also be joining the party
Other FSB Networking & Events In December
Scotland Virtual Networking - 6 December
Scotland Women in Enterprise Virtual Networking - 12 December
Spirit of Christmas: A Festive Whisky Extravaganza! - 21 December
We wish everyone a fantastic Christmas trading period and hope you are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities in 2024!