The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Showcase to put hidden Angus gems under the spotlight
September’s Business Week designed to demonstrate area’s diversity
The perception of Angus as a purely rural economy is set to be challenged during a week-long series of business events next month.
Alison Smith, head of economic development group Business Angus, said the rural economy was hugely important to the region but said it was only one string to a much wider bow.
The group will use Angus Business Week 2016, which runs from September 12 to 16, to demonstrate some of the county’s other economic drivers.
“Angus Business Week is our chance to show businesses that there is support there for them, that we are keen to help, we are approachable and able to provide practical help to develop their business,” Alison said.
“Angus Business Week also gives us an opportunity to highlight some of our inspiring businesses, to learn from those who are innovating, award-winning and competing successfully in worldwide markets.
“People may be surprised to know the breadth of inspiring businesses there are in Angus and we want to challenge the traditional perception of the county as purely a rural economy.
“We want to speak about the thriving activity at Montrose Port, we want to tell the story of Jack Ellis who design and manufacture ballistic and stab-proof body armour and we want businesses to hear how RR Spink & Sons are winning awards from Marks & Spencer.
“Angus Business Week lets us tell the stories of some of our successful businesses, so that others can learn from their success and become inspired.”
Jack Ellis is part of the historic J&D Wilkie technical textiles group based at Kirriemuir.
Business manager Kate Clark said Business Week was a good opportunity to spread the word.
“People are surprised when they hear that from our base in Kirriemuir, we provide our body armour to a range of ‘blue chip’ clients across the globe,” she said.
“As well as designing and manufacturing body armour, we produce thermal camouflage for the Ministry of Defence.
“Innovation in business is not limited to technology parks and big cities, it can happen anywhere, in any type of business and we are a good example of that.
Various events and workshops on themes including crowdfunding, business planning and digital marketing will take place during the week.
There will also be a high-profile lunch at which Lord Dunlop will discuss the Tay Cities Deal and there will be input from Nik Scott-Gray of Montrose Port and entrepreneur Fraser Doherty of Superjams.
For more details visit www.angusbusinessweek.co.uk.