Perth Hosts Major Scottish Business Festival

Businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across Tayside gathered in Perth yesterday for Scotland’s leading business support festival.

Around 300 business representatives registered for the Tayside Transform Business Festival at Perth Concert Hall, with a programme featuring high-profile speakers, discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities.

Delivered by Business Gateway and Elevator, in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Dundee City Council and Angus Council, the event was designed to encourage growth and collaboration across the business community.

The event began with a business breakfast on the theme of collaborative leadership through challenging times., led by keynote speaker Sir Jonathan Van Tam, who was at the heart of the UK response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The former UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer discussed the importance of leadership, teamwork, and communications in managing major challenges in government and in business. 

He was joined by Elevator CEO Professor Gary McEwan, who gave his insights and reflections on his own business journey.

The festival – which followed a successful launch in Dundee last year - was opened by Perth and Kinross Council Leader, Councillor Grant Laing. 

Councillor Laing stressed the importance of partnership in delivering economic growth and pointed to the opportunities for the region from the opening of the new £27million Perth Museum next month.

“We are committed to advancing the success of the region, and I am thrilled to see the Tayside Transform Business Festival come to the city of Perth,” he said. “Together, we can create opportunities to celebrate innovation, build connections and help business owners as they move forward into 2024.”

Festival delegates were able to access sessions covering sales, finance, employee support, growing a business, and managing net zero, as well as specialist topics on marketing and communications, cyber security, and AI.

An Eco-System Village, a dedicated area for you to interact and engage with key support partners. One-to-one support and free informal advice is also available from the team of Business Gateway advisers.

The Eco-System Village provided a dedicated area for attendees to interact and engage with key business support.

Exhibitors included Perthshire Chamber of Commerce,  Dundee, Angus, and Perth & Kinross Councils, Business Gateway, Developing the Young Workforce, Adult Employability Service, Invest in Angus, GrowBiz, Great Perthshire Food & Drink, Breadalbane Finance, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Michelle Maddox, Founder of Clootie McToot, and Jamie Grant, Founder of Glen Lyon Coffee, also hosted a networking lunch to discuss their first-hand experiences of being local entrepreneurs.

Fiona McLellan, Contracts Manager for Business Gateway Tayside, said: “Fostering innovation, collaboration and growth within the Tayside business community is essential for its resilience and growth. 

“The business festival is a collaborative commitment between all partners involved to support and equip Scottish businesses with the knowledge, exposure and connections needed for success."

Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our region has a fantastic track-record of producing forward-looking entrepreneurs and new business ventures. It was great to see such a buzz at the event with both new and existing businesses sharing their experiences to help each other grow.”