Business Gateway Caithness & North Sutherland

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

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

16/12/2025

🚗🌍 NC500 Business Survey – Have Your Say

NC500 has commissioned a survey to help develop an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework. This will assess the route’s sustainability and ethical impact.

If you’re a business operating along the North Coast 500, they’d love to hear from you. Your response will help create a snapshot of how things currently stand for local businesses.

⏱️ The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
🗓️ Responses are open until midnight on 23 December 2025.• Survey for NC500 Businesses – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BusinessesSurveyNC500

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

29/07/2025

🧩 Are you ready to power business growth?

💡 Join us for a session designed to help businesses harness the potential of artificial intelligence to boost productivity, enhance products and services and grow their customer base.

Secure your place now!

📍 Shetland, Tuesday 9 September: https://ow.ly/KLj450WlKJy

📍 Orkney, Wednesday 10 September: https://ow.ly/uJ9e50WlKJz

📍 Caithness, Thursday 11 September: https://ow.ly/ew6s50WlKJA

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

08/11/2024

13/08/2024

Planning to start a business? 🚀

This webinar will provide you with the key information and tools you need to get started.

⏰ Saturday, 10th August, 10am - 12pm

Book your free place ➡️ https://ow.ly/Nk3r50SSXnk

13/06/2024

Don’t forget to apply for your chance to be nominated for the Highland Business Awards this year

Applications close on the 30th June!

Enter now through the link below
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XR6TZGC