Business Gateway Skye & Lochalsh

14/10/2026

Everyone's talking about AI. But what does it actually mean for your business?

That's exactly what we'll be exploring in our new AI webinar series, led by Gary Ennis, Managing Director of Digital Skills training company NSDesign, as part of AI Scotland's AI Adoption Programme.

Across a series of free sessions, we'll look at practical ways businesses can use AI, share useful tools and techniques, and discuss how to adopt it responsibly, effectively and with confidence.

Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking to build on what you're already doing, these sessions will provide practical insights to help you make the most of the opportunities AI presents.

Find out more and sign up today ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/about-us/ai-adoption-programme

08/10/2026

Whether you're starting out or already up and running, the right support can make all the difference to your business.

Our Business Support Tool takes just 10 minutes to complete and gives you a personalised dashboard with resources tailored to your needs.

We'll also connect you with your local team, so you can access expert one-to-one advice.

Complete the tool ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/personalised-support

01/10/2026

Want to reduce costs, improve efficiency and future-proof your business?

Small changes can make a big difference.

This , we're sharing practical support, events and resources to help businesses turn sustainability ambitions into action.

🟢 Building business resilience: How to better adapt for Scotland's changing climate with Adaptation Scotland: bgateway.com/events/building-business-resilience-how-to-better-adapt-for-scotland-s-changing-climate-32273

🟢 Become a CPD-certified Green Champion with Business Energy Scotland: bgateway.com/events/become-a-cpd-certified-green-champion-32319

🟢 Climate action support guide: bgateway.com/resources/already-running-a-business/climate-action-support

🟢 Local support: bgateway.com/local-offices

Whether you're just getting started or building on existing activity, we're here to support your next steps.

30/09/2026

As Scottish Start-Up Month 2026 comes to a close, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved.

Whether you've joined a webinar, attended an event, pledged your support, shared your experiences, or are simply thinking about taking the first steps towards starting a business, thank you for being part of it.

From hundreds of webinar attendees to 120 businesses and organisations pledging their support, Scottish Start-Up Month has shown just how strong, collaborative and encouraging Scotland's start-up community can be.

We received brilliant feedback on our events throughout the month, including this lovely comment from Deborah of Work Winning Studio:

"Absolutely brilliant session, I came away with some great tips and frameworks for challenging self-hindering thoughts. It was like having a friend, coach and mentor cheering us on while also providing a lot of substantial, practical advice. Thank you so much Coaching by Nic and the BG team. Definitely one of the best BG webinars I have been to."

It's also been inspiring to see businesses across Scotland come together to support people at the beginning of their business journey, sharing practical advice, honest lessons and words of encouragement.

One piece of advice that really resonated with us came from Steph of Steph Briggs Marketing Specialist:

"Start small, stay curious, ask for help when you need it, and keep going. You'll learn far more by doing than by waiting for the perfect moment."

If you're ready to take that next step, we're here to help. And while Scottish Start-Up Month may be coming to an end, our support is available all year round.

From free webinars and events to online resources, our Business Support Tool and one-to-one advice from your local Business Gateway team, we're here to support you every step of the way.

So if you've been waiting for a sign to start your business... this is it 🚀

Take the first step today ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month

And if you're already running a business, here's your final chance to pledge your support ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/pledger-form

29/09/2026

Knowing what to charge can be one of the biggest challenges when starting a business.

Our brand-new webinar will help you understand the key factors that shape your pricing, explore common pricing models, and give you practical steps to develop a pricing approach that works for your business.

Grab your free place here ➡️ bgateway.com/events/a-beginners-guide-to-pricing-products-and-services-32166

28/09/2026

One of the biggest decisions when starting a business is choosing the right structure.

Sole trader? Partnership? Limited company? Social enterprise?

Our brand-new webinar will help you understand the options, compare the benefits and limitations of each, and leave you with a practical checklist to help plan your next steps.

Grab your free place here ➡️ https://www.bgateway.com/events/different-business-structures-what-is-the-right-one-for-you-32165

25/09/2026

What's one thing you wish you'd known before starting a business? 🤔

We asked Scottish business owners to share what they wish they'd known before starting up, and their answers cover everything from building relationships and growing your network to finding balance, seeking support and learning as you go.

Thinking about starting a business? Scottish Start-Up Month is packed with free webinars, practical tools and expert advice to help you take your next step.

Already running a business? Pledge your support and help inspire the next generation of Scottish businesses.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month



💙🩷

25/09/2026

A huge thank you to Aidan from Interval Running, Mhairi from Wild Dook Sauna and Nicola from Collymooncraft for sharing their experiences yesterday as part of our StartSMART webinar during Scottish Start-Up Month 💙🩷

Their honesty, insights and advice made for a fantastic discussion, with plenty of valuable takeaways for anyone starting a business in Scotland.

Missed it? You can watch the recording here ➡️ https://youtu.be/2wtwi3-zaYE

With just six days of Scottish Start-Up Month left, there's still plenty of time to get involved and access free support, events and resources.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month

24/09/2026

Want to start a business?

Our local teams are here to help you get started and build confidence from day one.

This Scottish Start-Up Month, find the tools, guidance and expert support to help make your business idea happen.

And if you're already running a business, you can get behind the campaign by pledging your support.

Find out more and get involved ➡️ bgateway.com/start-up-month



💙🩷

23/09/2026

110+ businesses and organisations have already pledged their support for Scottish Start-Up Month 🥳

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far 💙🩷

Whether you’re a business owner sharing what you’ve learned, or an organisation supporting Scotland’s start-up community, we’re so grateful to have you involved.

And tomorrow at 12pm, we’re very excited to be hearing directly from three Scottish business owners as part of our StartSMART panel webinar, with 150 people already signed up!

Join host Danny Gallagher, Manager at Business Gateway Highland, alongside Nicola Finney, Founder & Owner of Collymooncraft, Mhairi Burnett, Founder of Wild Dook Sauna, and Aidan Thomson, Director of INTERVAL, as they share the highs, lows and lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Sign up here ➡️ bgateway.com/events/startsmart-navigating-the-first-steps-in-business-32167

And if you haven’t pledged your support yet, there’s still time to join the 110+ businesses and organisations backing Scottish Start-Up Month.

Pledge your support ➡️ bgateway.com/about-us/pledger-form

03/03/2026

Join the Highland Chambers Network and The Highland Council Council for a must-attend online information session designed to strip away the complexity of Non-Domestic Rates — and give you clear, actionable steps to protect your business.

Chamber Members – FREE
Non-Members – £10 + VAT

Your Zoom link will be sent directly from Eventbrite with your ticket (link to book your spot in comments).

Don’t miss this opportunity to get clarity, ask questions, and make informed decisions for your business.

North Highland Chamber of Commerce Inverness Chamber of Commerce Cairngorm Business Partnership The Highland Council

24/02/2026

Ofcom is exploring how early‑stage businesses experience innovating in the sectors they regulate. This includes Online Safety Act, Telecommunications, Broadcasting & Spectrum Licensing. To support the activities there are a series of virtual focus groups to better understand the challenges when engaging with regulatory processes and how Ofcom can provide further support for innovators.
If you’re part of a small business, start‑up, or entrepreneurial venture and would like to participate, just click the link https://ofcom.eventogy.com/.../registration-all-sectors
Sign‑up closes 27 February
For those in the online video games sector, please register via the sector‑specific link here https://ofcom.eventogy.com/.../focusg.../registration-gaming Sign‑up closes 13 March

28/11/2025

Calling all Highland businesses!
Is a lack of housing making it harder to recruit or keep staff? We want to hear from you!
The Highland Council has launched a short Workforce Housing Survey to understand the challenges businesses face and help shape future housing plans. Your feedback will guide action to support economic growth and ensure enough homes for our workforce.
✅ It only takes 10 minutes
📅 Survey closes 8th December
👉 Take part now: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/HighlandWorkforceHousing
Your voice matters - help us build a stronger Highland economy.

14/10/2025

By joining the Highland Trusted Trader scheme now, means you'll save 50% on your first 12 months membership. This is a limited offer for new members. If you want more info on the benefits to your business go to www.trustedtrader.scot/Highland

24/09/2025

Looking for the perfect business space to let on Skye?

Our brand-new units at Broadford Industrial Estate are filling fast.

Designed for modern businesses, these high-spec spaces offer a mix of:

✅ Glazed office units with mezzanines – ideal for growing teams

✅Workshop units with roller door – perfect for light assembly or manufacturing

✅Energy efficiency, EV charging points, WC and tea prep facilities

We’re planning to move to a closing date soon for new tenants – so now’s the time to get in touch.

👉 Find out more here: https://ow.ly/qh9250X1uhF

15/07/2025

Great opportunity, get in touch with Love from Skye

📢Please help us spread the word 📢
We already had less bookings for this week's mini market day and now someone has just cancelled their 2 tables. Eeek! We have 2 traders booked and they're great products. One foodie and one beautiful accessories. But we don't want it to be a really quiet (or lonely!) day for them! We have space for 6 traders / for 4 more. We don't often ask you to share our posts but we would love if you could share this one in support of small local businesses!

Fridays here have started to become a great day with a fab vibe between the mini market in the pop-up room, our jewellery showroom and G.T's cafe here in the building and we would love to keep that going.

It's just £15 which includes use of a table & a section of wall space and WiFi. (Traders must have their own Public Liability Insurance).

We're on the main road through Broadford with lots of parking so it's a great spot! Have a look at our previous posts for videos of our mini market days and other things held in our pop-up space.

Please send us a message if you'd like to join us!

14/05/2025

Funding for Active Travel Infrastructure Projects in the Community and Workplace We now have two funding opportunities available – the Workplace Active Travel Infrastructure Grant, and the Community Cycle Parking Grant. The funds open for applications on 21st April 2025, with an application deadli...

30/04/2025

Kennedy Accountancy are hosting a local Business Community Open Day on the 24th May, you can book online below

Our first speaker announcement for our 2025 Open Day is a familiar face. Rene Looper from Tuminds Social Media spoke at last year's event and was such a hit that we are delighted to have him back with us!

Rene's talk this year will be 'Save hours in your day with AI'.

There's lots of talk about AI at the moment, and it's hard to know if it's a gimmick or even something we should be worried about. Rene uses AI on a daily basis so he's the expert we need to tell us all about it.

Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot can streamline your daily tasks, boost productivity, and free up valuable time. In this short and educational session, Rene will demonstrate practical ways to integrate AI into your business workflows. Whether it’s automating emails, generating content, or simplifying decision-making, you will learn how to make AI work for you and reclaim hours in your day!

Rene has, for many years, been regarded as the go-to person in the Highlands for digital marketing consultancy and training. His talk last year was so valuable and I have no doubt that 2025 will be the same.

Tickets are available to book now on the link below. Entry is by donation to our chosen charity - Skye and Lochalsh Foodbank.

Saturday 24th May - come and join us.

https://kennedyaccountancyopenday.eventbrite.co.uk

18/03/2025

🚨 Highland Businesses and Employers 🚨

⭐️ Highland Council on behalf of Work Life Highland and Business Gateway are delighted to welcome Nikki Slowey from Flexibility Works to deliver a FREE interactive workshop to Highland Employers to promote the Benefits of Flexible Working in your Business! ⭐️

🗓 Date : 30th April 2025
🕑 Time: 12.30pm - 14:00

Benefits of attending

✅️ Discuss how to attract and retain a diverse talent pool, boost work force participation and drive regional economic growth.
✅️ Gain up-to-date knowledge of flexible working legislation, ensuring you remain compliant and competitive in a changing market.
✅️ Promote flexible working in your business and enhance employee work-life balance, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce.

👉Find out more contact [email protected]

👉Secure your free ticket here

https://lnkd.in/gfSSwTRj

29/11/2024

Visitor Levy Consultation – Impact on Businesses

Before publishing a proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, local authorities must assess the impact on businesses collecting and remitting a levy. Information on business impacts including costs to businesses and VAT requirements can be found at: www.highland.gov.uk/visitorlevyconsultation