Host of events
Rugby star to give talk
A number of events are scheduled to take place as part of Stirling Business Month.
Business support agency STEP have arranged programme of business-related events on the theme of ‘Investing in Our Future’.
The event was held for the first time last year and organisers are hoping it will once again act to celebrate entrepreneurial talent and boost opportunities in the area.
Gordon Bell, STEP chief executive, said: “We’re really looking forward to a stimulating and varied programme of businessrelated events this May.
“From start-up companies to SME’s and entrepreneurs, Stirling Business Month’s range of events have been designed to celebrate business from all sectors.
“This is an exciting time for the Stirling area, and there are a lot of plans in place to drive investment and create more jobs.
“That’s exactly why we felt it was only right to give Stirling Business Month 2017 the theme Investing in Our Future.”
He added: “Feedback from those who attended 2016’s Stirling Business Month were very positive, and this year we expect to attract around 1000 delegates from Stirling and around Scotland.
“We are also thrilled to have secured sponsorship from French Duncan – Professional Chartered Accountants.”
The programme begins with an opening conference on Tuesday May 2 when Steven Dorst from CodeBase will be among those speaking.
Following on from the announcement that they will open an office in Stirling, Steven will explain what progress has been made on the city’s Digital District.
Former Scottish rugby international Iain Milne will also talk to those in attendance along with Alan Mahon, founder of social enterprise Brewgooder, Dr Tanya Ewing who received an honorary degree for her contribution to innovation and entrepreneurship and Stirling Council Chief Executive Stewart Carruth who will talk about the new ‘Stirling: Alive with Scotland’ brand.
The business month programme features several events and workshops – from a Women in Enterprise conference to workshops about business rates.
Rural businesses will be the focus of an event in Drymen on May 23 – with an emphasis on family businesses and diversification.
STEP’s charity of the year, The Ripple Retreat, will be officially opened by Lorraine Kelly on May 12 and the 2017 programme of events will conclude with the Enterprise Festival on May 31.
To book a place for the opening conference, which was sold out last year, go to stepscotland. co.uk or call 01786 463416.
The full programme of events will be available on the STEP website later this month.