Scottish Business Network

Send us your news I am delighted to announce that Scottish Business Network is developing a new initiative to help promote Scottish entrepreneurship and innovation globally. If you would be interested in taking advantage of this service then please send news updates, press releases and information on new appointments to jamie@sbn.scot. If you would be interested in partnering in this project, which will go live in November then please DM me today. Our global community cover some 72 countries and includes senior executives, investors, founders, policymakers, advisors, changemakers and elected officials all of whom have an interest in supporting activity in Scotland. I'd also be keen to hear from you if you would be interested in producing original content that would be of interest to our community. #ScotlandIsNow

A trip to Glasgow University A real thrill for me tonight as I have been invited to speak to undergraduates and staff at the University of Glasgow. Based on my interactions with several of those attending this evening, I'm anticipating a lively evening (no PowerPoint!). I've already received a wide range of questions on the subjects of fund raising, mentorship, internationalisation and customer acquisition which I will attempt to address during my talk. And please drop additional questions into the comments section below. My key focus this evening will be to share insight into the mindset of the entrepreneur and in particular, what are the traits I have witnessed in the most successful. But my true goal from the evening is to connect those in attendance with members of Scottish Business Network across the globe who may be able to provide guidance, advice and insight which just might turn an idea into a thriving venture. #Entrepreneur #ScotlandIsNow #Glasgow

We all need mentors and today I got to hang out with Russell Dalgleish for lunch. Building out our networks is critical, and taking the time to meet face-to-face when you can is one of the best ways to build trust, collaboration, and friendships. It’s always a fun to spend time with Russell, whose energy and passion for Scotland never wanes. I took the train from Ayr to Linlithgow and spent a few hours with him, exploring the cathedral at Linlithgow, followed by a chat on the lawn and a nice pizza. Take a listen to what he says about opening up new markets and the importance of partnerships, I couldn’t agree more. When stepping into a new market, building your partner network is the key to success. How else can we truly understand the marketplace, know who to talk to, how to move forward, and scale? As always, our conversation was interesting, varied, and, if you know both of us, you can imagine it moved at a million miles per hour! My key takeaway from today, apart from enjoying the catch-up, was the concept of partnerships and how crucial they are to success. For ourselves at a 1000Steps partnerships have been the backbone of our expansion. Without them we would not have grown as we have. Brilliant catching up Russell. I always enjoy hanging out and after I always feel recharged and ready to go.

So our second festival Borderlands Whisky Festival took place yesterday in Lockerbie and another resounding success. Wonderful feedback and great whisky. I am really grateful and proud as this festival was organised with so many challenges.. new territory, new audience, off the back of Fife Whisky Festival in March and delivered in little over 6 months, whilst letting go of Angels' Share Glass and a million other work pressures. I really am grateful it has all worked out. Now to rest and reflect. Won’t be long till Fife !

A Discussion on Innovation in Dundee If you are in Dundee on Tuesday 15th here is a great event not to be missed. Join Mark Elliott, head of CivTech Scotland who will be in conversation with Cath Strachan of The Scottish GovTech Cluster. The fireside chat will provide insight into Mark's career, explain why Civtech's global reputation is good for everyone, and discuss new opportunities the latest innovation is realising in our society. This event promises to deliver insight, identify new opportunities and offer the opportunity to network with key figures in the innovation ecosystem. Huge thanks to Abertay University for hosting the evening event. Register to attend this free event here: https://lnkd.in/gzwUaWkh The evening session will run fro 5 pm to 7.30 pm. #ScotlandIsNow #Dundee #Innovation