Lochaber Ideas Week
Invigorating business in the Highland 16-20 NOVEMBER 2015 Ideas + action = SUCCESS
Entrepreneurs will gather in Lochaber from November 16-20 for the third annual Ideas Week. The event spans a number of locations, and includes competitions, talks, workshops and networking events. Lesley Benfield, Chief Executive Officer for the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said: ‘We've learnt from past Ideas Weeks that when people share ideas and work together, amazing things start to happen. Ideas Week is for everyone – businesses from one man bands, electricians, web designers working from home and inventors, to retailers, visitor attractions, accommodation providers, food and drink producers or larger businesses with many employees. There's also lots going on for young people and communities.’ The week kicks off on Monday, November 16, with ‘Creating New International Markets for Textiles, Craft and Fashion,’ at Ben Nevis Hotel starting at 10am. At 3pm at the Moorings Hotel ‘Around Lochaber in 80 Tables’ will feature 15- minute power meetings. Motivational speaker, quadruple amputee, mountaineer, marathon runner and author Jamie Andrew will present ‘ Nothing is Impossible’ at the Moorings at 7pm.
On Tuesday, the focus is maximising income in a world of fast changing technology in a session from 1.30 to 3.30pm at the Moorings entitled ‘ Booking Success in a Changing World,’ run by Fort William Accommodation Marketing Groups in association with FreeToBook. Also on Tuesday, doll designer Corrine O’Hagan of Croft Bears will present ‘21st Century Crafts.’
On Wednesday at 9.30am, The Alexandra Hotel will host ‘ The Science of Communication: The Psychology Behind Influencing Change.’ Another interactive workshop will be held at The Alexandra at 1pm, entitled ‘ Leading Change: Using Positive Psychology to Create An Engaged, Creative Workforce.’
Thursday continues with more exciting workshops, beginning at 10am with ‘Community Currencies’ at Ben Nevis Distillery. Meanwhile, at 10am at the Moorings Hotel, the short, interactive workshop ‘ How Volunteering can benefit you and your business’ will look at the third sector. Also at the Moorings, at 1pm, Colin Kelly presents ‘ Hot 100 Digital Marketing Tips,’ in a fast- paced session about online business.
Thursday afternoon sees the much-anticipated Dragon’s Glen competition. Inspired by the popular television show, the competition is open to budding entrepreneurs over the age of 16 with an aspiration to start a business venture in Lochaber. Beginning at 2pm at West Highland College UHI, four finalists will pitch their ideas for a chance to win the £7,500 Foundation Scotland prize, plus £600 worth of free recruitment and business support from Hijobs.
On Friday, November 20, at West Highland College, the Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC will present the Inaugural Charles Kennedy Memorial Lecture, following a reception at 5pm. All are welcome. The week will culminate in the formal Ideas Week Dinner and Awards evening at the Alexandra Hotel at 8pm, featuring a three- course meal with locally sourced produce. The guest speaker is Christian Macleod, 23-year- old ‘Accessory Designer of the Year’ and professional golfer. Awards will be presented in the categories of Local Hero, Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Most Promising New Business and Producer of the Year. To book for this and all other events, visit www. Eventbrite.com and search ‘ Ideas Week.’
‘ Ideas Week aims to be Lochaber's annual platform for sharing ideas and building long- lasting business and community relationships’ Lesley said. ‘ We are staging some terrific events, as well as building long- lasting business and community relationships. Come along and enjoy friendly, relaxed sessions and learn some top tips along the way’.
Lochaber Ideas Week runs in parallel with Global Entrepreneurship Week and Scotland’s Towns Week. Many of the sessions are free. Visit the Lochaber Ideas Week Facebook page for information and updates.