Orkney is a place famous for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, subjects that are now set to be celebrated at a festival with a difference this spring.
The Orkney Business Festival returns on 10-12 March with a packed programme featuring talks, workshops and drop-in sessions – all of them free of charge.
“We want this year’s event to be energetic, thought-provoking and fun,” says Business Gateway Orkney manager Claire Kemp. “However, we also want to make sure that people can go away with some practical advice and ideas on how they can help their business grow and succeed, no matter what stage they’re at.”
The festival, now in its third year, has its usual mix of speakers covering a wide variety of topics. There will be sessions focusing on vital business subjects like exporting, sustainability, finance and digital marketing. Speakers include representatives from the local business community and visiting experts.
The opening day will see motivational speaker Gavin Oattes entertain and enlighten the audience in equal measure. Attendees will also get the chance to find out more about marketing and branding, and the importance of getting finances in order.
The second day will focus on subjects like social media, strategy and exporting. Both days will also include an informal lunch and networking opportunity, and one-to-one sessions with some of the speakers.
The festival will come to a close on its final day with a free ‘New Business Essentials’ workshop, a day-long course aimed at anyone thinking of setting up a business, or those that have just taken their first steps into running a new business.
“There are plenty of bite-sized sessions and opportunities for those to connect with our speakers and learn new skills,” says Claire. “Even small changes can lead to big results so we hope people can come along, get some really useful ideas and go away inspired to put them into practice.”
The Orkney Business Festival 2020 will be held at the Pickaquoy Centre between 10-12 March and all events are free. Book your place online, and view the official programme. You can also follow Business Gateway Orkney on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information.
The festival is co-ordinated and funded by Business Gateway, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council.
The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020