… to build a ‘valuable company’
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, SkyeConnect and Inverness Chamber of Commerce will combine to host a series of Entrepreneurial Masterclasses to foster business growth, in Inverness, Portree, and Fort William over three consecutive evenings between Tuesday 07 and Thursday 09 February 2023. Serial entrepreneur, Angus MacDonald, will deliver the keynote speech at each event.
The series will start in Portree on the Isle of Skye, hosted at the Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, followed by an evening at Eden Court, Inverness, and finally at the Highland Cinema in Fort William.
This evening event series, sponsored by Saffery Champness and Brodies LLP, is aimed at anyone looking to build a business, whether it is currently an idea, start-up or already established. Any intrapreneurs, those within existing companies who are responsible for stimulating growth, are also encouraged to attend.
Angus MacDonald will deliver a keynote address around ‘Building a Valuable Company’, that will be followed by a chaired panel discussion, featuring businesspeople from the Highlands. Attendees will hear how each identified an opportunity, the challenges they have faced and what it was like to scale up their business. The formal session will be followed by hors d’oeuvres and networking. [List of speakers outlined in Notes to Editors]
Angus MacDonald, Serial Entrepreneur, owner of Fort William’s Highland Cinema, Highland Bookshop and event speaker, said: “There are fantastic opportunities out there, the speakers are very excited to be showcasing their journey and sharing the key insights into how to identify opportunities to then maximise the potential.”
“It is incredibly important for the Highlands to have a network of capable business folk with real ambition. The hope is these Masterclasses will stimulate people to drive their companies forward.”
Mark Gibbings, Commercial Manager, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, commented: “As part of building a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest, we are presenting an excellent opportunity for those looking to take the next step, build their business and learn from real, local and successful business inspiration.
“The strength of resolve within the Highlands, particularly when we can look to collaborate on projects as part of the Highland Chamber network, is very encouraging and we’re looking forward to being part of bringing together people to network, learn and grow.”
Paula Nicol, Deputy Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “As part of the Highland Chamber network, Inverness Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be supporting Lochaber Chamber with this exciting series of events.
“Whether you’re looking to grow your business or start a new venture, these masterclasses will provide an invaluable opportunity to be inspired by and learn from other local entrepreneurs, as well as the chance to connect and network with like-minded businesses.”
Commenting on the opportunities Gary Curley, Chair of SkyeConnect, welcomed the Masterclass coming to Skye, saying: “This is a great opportunity for the Skye business community to learn from the experience of other successful entrepreneurs in our area. We all know how tough it is just now with challenges coming at us on many fronts.
“I hope the content of the Masterclass will help inspire local businesses to take the next step in their development and growth as well as providing a valuable networking opportunity.”
Image – Angus MacDonald – Credit Highland Cinema
Event Information:
All events will commence at 16:30 and finish at approximately 19:30. Tickets are available at £25 per person and more information and booking details can be found online at www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/events/entrepreneurial-masterclasses/
Venues and Dates:
- Tuesday 07 February – Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Portree, chaired by Coll Murchison-Macdonald of Saffery Champness.
- Wednesday 08 February – Eden Court, Inverness, chaired by Kirsty Macpherson of
Brodies LLP
- Thursday 09 February – Highland Cinema, Fort William, chaired by Susie Swift of Saffery Champness
Speaker Highlights:
Angus MacDonald (speaker at all three events)
While based in the highlands, built businesses with a value of £150m employing several hundred people in financial publishing, online education, recycling and renewables. He was a UK entrepreneur of the year in 2017 and has an OBE for services to the Highlands. He owns the Highland Bookshop and Highland Cinema in Fort William and is a Highland Councillor.
Stewart Graham (GaelForce) speaking at Eden Court, Inverness
With 40 years of business experience and professional acumen, Stewart Graham, founder and owner of Gael Force Group, is a former UK Finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year and past Highland Business Leader of the Year.
Alasdair Ferguson (Ferguson Transport & Shipping) speaking at Highland Cinema, Fort William, and Eden Court, Inverness
After leaving Lochaber High School his father aged 15, 43 years ago, Alasdair took on the role of Commercial Director in 1994, then Managing Director in 1997. Diversifying the haulage company into port, shipping warehousing and rail. Through organic growth along with company acquisitions, he led Ferguson Transport & Shipping onto being one of the largest well-respected logistics and marine services provider in the Highlands and Islands.
Freda Newton (Jacobite Cruises) speaking Highland Cinema, Fort William, and Eden Court, Inverness
Freda Newton is the owner and managing director of leading cruise tour experience Loch Ness by Jacobite. Since 2002 she has grown the business to become a must-do activity for tourists across the globe.
James Robertson (Isle of Skye Candle Company) speaking at Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Portree
James Robertson is founder and director of the Isle of Skye Candle Co. who specialise in making natural fragranced products using the most sustainable methods possible.
Chris Watts (Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company) speaking at Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Portree
Co-founder and Director of multi-award winning, sustainable sea salt producer, Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company, recognised as having kickstarted the renaissance of the historic Scottish sea salt industry.
Ali Smith (West Group) speaking at Highland Cinema, Fort William
Ali was born and bred in Fort William and is a former pupil of Lochaber High School. Ali has held senior roles in the retail and hospitality sector before running his own pub and restaurant in Fort William High Street. In 2019 Ali launched Lochaber Accommodation Services, a holiday let management business. In 2021 Ali became Managing Director and Managing Partner of The West Property Group. West Property Group brands include West Lettings, West & Peter Murphy Estate Agents, West Holidays, LAS, OPS & MPS.
Anne Gracie-Gunn (Sonas Hospitality) speaking at Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Portree
Anne is a lifelong hospitality professional, renowned for establishing and operating the Sonas Hotel Collection on Skye. Recent roles include founding director of Skye Connect and Highland Tourism Ambassador.
Event Hosts:
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is the business networking organisation working for businesses in Lochaber, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. With a business membership spanning multiple sectors including transport, aquaculture, logistics, construction, energy, public sector, tourism and more, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is also the custodian of the visitor destination brand, Outdoor Capital of the UK, and hosts the employer-led programme Developing the Young Workforce West Highland. https://www.lochaberchamber.co.uk/
Inverness Chamber of Commerce
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to actively connecting and representing businesses across the Highlands to support their growth. Inverness Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most ambitious independent business membership organisation based in the Highlands & Islands. We exist to connect, support and represent members and the region’s business community. https://inverness-chamber.co.uk/
SkyeConnect
SkyeConnect represents businesses and individuals with interests in Skye’s tourism industry and supports the livelihoods of those relying on a robust tourism economy. https://www.skye-connect.com/
Event Sponsors:
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP is a top 50 UK law firm, headquartered in Scotland. It is the largest law firm
in Scotland measured by income, directory rankings, and lawyer numbers. With more than 100 partners and 770 colleagues, its approach to business today is influenced by its long history, which dates back nearly 300 years to the time of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Saffery Champness
Saffery Champness LLP is an accountancy firm with nine UK and five international offices. We support a variety of businesses and entrepreneurs, providing a full range of accounting, tax and business advisory services to help them achieve their personal and business objectives. https://www.saffery.com/
Venues:
Highland Cinema
Highland Cinema’s mission is to become a vibrant new hub of film, creativity and excellence in Lochaber, providing a welcoming destination for local people and West Highlands visitors alike. Our aim is to offer a cutting-edge cinema experience and an outstanding café bar in beautiful surroundings, full of Highland hospitality. https://highlandcinema.co.uk/
Eden Court
Eden Court is proud to be Scotland’s largest combined arts organisation. We present and make work with, by and for the people of the Highlands and Islands and those who visit us. At our home in Inverness, we have two beautiful theatres, two multi-purpose studios, two cinemas and three art galleries. https://eden-court.co.uk/
Isle of Skye Candle Co.
Isle of Skye Candle Co is a family-run business based on the beautiful Isle of Skye on Scotland’s dramatic west coast. We specialise in producing world-class natural, home fragrance products, inspired by our beautiful surroundings. https://skyecandles.co.uk/
More information
For event information please contact Emma Macnaughton – [email protected]
