Argyll gears up for this year’s enterprise week

THIS year’s Argyll Enterprise Week, which runs from November 6-10, will bring a host of free events, designed with feedback from local businesses, to towns across Argyll and Bute.

From Oban to Campbeltown and from Inveraray to Dunoon, a range of events has been organised to meet the needs of key industries in the area with themes that support growing businesses.

This second Argyll Enterprise Week will be delivered, like the first of 2016, in partnership by Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the business community.

Councillor Aileen Morton, leader of the council, said: ‘Argyll Enterprise Week 2016 was hailed a huge success, but we continually strive to make things better. The businesses and social enterprises involved took the time to give us their feedback and we listened.

‘As a result, we have worked with industry partners to target what’s most important to them, increased opportunities for informal networking and, most importantly, we’ll be letting you hear from people who have made a real success of their business in Argyll and Bute. This is all about supporting our local businesses to grow and prosper.’

David Smart, HIE’s head of special projects in Argyll and the Islands, said: ‘Argyll Enterprise Week will focus on areas of potential expansion such as tourism, food and drink and the creative industries.

‘We will also take a look at how to help your business grow through funding streams, making the best use of digital technology and exporting opportunities.

‘There are also workshops planned for groups interested in community-led development. All these events are free to attend.’

Last year, more than 400 participants representing at least 150 businesses or organisations took part in events across the week. Attendees came from across the area, including Bute, Dunoon and Tiree.

In feedback, 95 per cent of respondents confirmed they had learned something new, 97 per cent said they had made new connections and 96 per cent said they had been inspired by the event, in keeping with its aim to connect and inform.

For more information on what is on offer during Argyll Enterprise Week go to www.argyll-bute.gov.org.uk/argyll-enterprise-week-2017 or phone the Business Gateway team on 01546 604555.