DigitalBoost Digital Bites

In this episode of the Business Gateway Connections podcast, our host Danny Gallagher speaks with Rebecca Pick, founder of Pick Protection. He hears about her journey, from being a student at the University of Strathclyde to launching her wearable alarm business, inspired by an incident which happened close to her home. Rebecca also shares how Pick Protection evolved from offering wearable alarms to now being an app-based business, highlighting that a business can be a success even when it changes direction. Join us for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable advice for business owners at any stage of their journey.

Starting up and succeeding in business is an exciting and challenging journey that requires a combination of vision, dedication and practical skills. Join our host, Danny Gallagher, as he speaks with Andy Haddon of Lost Shore Surf to find out the challenges and triumphs of Andy’s own journey as he launches his unique business. Andy shares valuable insights and advice on the value of thinking outside the box, exploring why innovation is important for all businesses.

In this episode, we speak to Kate Lewis, Co-founder of Wild Harris, offering guided wildlife walks and activities on the Isle of Harris.   Our host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager delve into the inspiration behind the business, shed light on the year-round outdoor activities showcasing the awe-inspiring island for residents and visitors, and discuss the challenges of rural tourism operating. 

In the wake of covid-19, the energy crisis, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, there has never been more pressure on businesses. For small businesses, many of whom operate alone, the challenge is even greater as owners often play the role of business leader, HR, marketing, finance and more. So, it’s unsurprising that failure is front of mind. We want to help to eradicate some of the fears around failure and encourage business owners to tackle the subject head on, and we’re delighted to be joined by start-up entrepreneur and successful businesswoman, Vicky Brock, to discuss why we struggle to speak about failure, how to spot challenges ahead, and how to bounce back.

Learn more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week, why it was first launched, and the benefits of shining a light on apprentices. The discussion is angled towards SMEs, highlighting how digital skills learnt during apprenticeships can support the future growth of the business landscape.  The podcast will also be used to discuss the new Digital Economy Skills Action Plan, which launches during SAW ’23. This plan recognises the need for digital skills cuts across all sectors, the DESAP will take a whole economy approach, examining commonality in the digital economy skills requirements across sectors.

In this episode, we speak to Liz Barclay from the Office of Small Business Commission (OSBC), an independent public body set up by the UK Government to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector. Liz is also a small business and consumer affairs broadcaster, producer and writer with an in-depth understanding of the issues facing small businesses. Our host Danny Gallagher chats with Liz about the important topic of cashflow; discussing what it really means, how to create better financial practices, navigating the challenges surrounding cashflow from late payments to working with third parties, and tips for addressing issues head-on. Liz offers important advice on financial planning which leads to a more stable business model, making it possible to pay suppliers and other expenses on time.

In this episode, we speak to Mark Gallacher and Gordy Macdonald from Police Scotland’s cybercrime division. Police Scotland is on a mission to help businesses improve their cyber security and reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber incident which take place in many, sometimes unsuspecting, forms. As part of CyberScotland Week, our host Danny Gallagher chats with Mark and Gordy, both experienced experts in the field, to explore the latest threats facing people operating online, discuss how businesses in Scotland can improve their online security, along with tips on the best practices to protect your business.

In this episode of our Business Gateway’s Connections podcast, we speak to Jamie Newall, Managing Director of eyebright Utilities. eyebright, a utilities management firm, builds sustainable energy solutions services such as carbon reporting and green procurement guidance for businesses across Scotland.  Our host Danny Gallagher discusses how businesses can navigate the challenges of the ongoing energy crisis, and Jamie offers an insight in the work involved in starting your own business, as well as some advice on how businesses can tackle the crisis and manage their utilities.

The practice of hybrid working has accelerated in the past couple of years due to the pandemic. In this episode, we chat to Helen Denny, Learning & Development Lead at Flexibility Works, about how you can make hybrid working a success for both your employees and your company. Helen develops training programmes for leaders and employees on how to get the best out of hybrid working and she shares her valuable insights and advice on best practices. We talk about how you can build bonds and unity amongst teams when they are spread out in various locations, and how you can make sure you are being inclusive to your team members that are working remotely. We also discuss productivity, employee wellness, the danger of burnout, the creation of team charters, and how to deal with difficult conversations over video calls, among other useful topics that will help give you the tools to make hybrid working work for you.

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Senior User Experience Designer, Amy McCrae, to talk about all things web accessibility. Join us to find out how to improve your website’s accessibility using in-depth descriptions and functional features, what tools are out there to help you develop your accessibility, and what your company can gain from an inclusive online presence. We also consider the reliance on accessible features of non-disabled users and how implementing these features can optimise your search engine performance.

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is in conversation with journalist, and communications and marketing expert, Fraser Allen. Fraser currently hosts a podcast for the Scottish Business Network and will be sharing his advice on harnessing podcasts to promote your small business. Join us as we examine the opportunities to build relationships with your listeners, and how to tailor your content to your audience’s interests. We also discuss the affordability and accessibility of podcasting, finding the right format for your show, and learning to host with the editing process in mind.

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Patrick Flanagan, Content Manager at Hydrogen, Scotland’s largest social media agency. Join our discussion to explore what tools are available for your brand’s social media campaigns and how to tailor your content to various platforms. We will also discuss the benefits of using algorithm-based platforms for your ads, being authentic online, and learning from your own success as well as others.

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Alex Porter-Smith, Head of Production at High Tide, an Edinburgh-based production company that specialises in creating high-end online film and video content. Join us to hear all about the processes behind developing video content for your business, from planning and preparation to execution and analytics. We also discuss filming and editing with your mobile phone, featuring your fabulous staff on camera, and maximising engagement with your content through effective campaign strategies.

In episode 8 of the Business Gateway Connections podcast, we speak to Amee Ritchie and Jake Elliot-Hook, founders of S’wheat, who have created the world’s first reusable bottle made from plants.  Our host Danny Gallagher discusses the opportunities and challenges of being a young person in business, covering topics such as branding, funding opportunities, marketing, and sustainability.

Listen to this episode of our latest Business Gateway Connections series, where host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager is joined by Geoff Leask, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Scotland, a Scottish charity dedicated to inspiring young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. Every year Young Enterprise Scotland supports around 16,000 young people, from all backgrounds, to develop business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills & ultimately become more employable. Join us for an in-depth discussion with Geoff as we explore what it takes to run a business as a young person in Scotland as well as uncover the challenges faced by young people in today’s business environment.

In this episode, we explore the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT can provide businesses with time saving processes and valuable information as many devices from all aspects of life get connected to the digital world. We are embracing devices such as Alexa and Google Home or central heating systems in our day-to-day lives. In a similar way there is a host of IoT technology that can make running a business more seamless, efficient, and cost-effective. Speaking to award-winning Augmented and Virtual Reality specialist David Sime we look at technology such as mobile card readers, tracking software and mobile stock inventory and much more.

In this episode of our Business Gateway Connections series, host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Gareth Claase, Founder of Gecko Glazing, for an in-depth discussion exploring sustainability and the story of their secondary glazing which reduces heat loss, and in turn reduces heating emissions.  Tune in for insight into the advantages and challenges of making your business greener, how the business promotes and practices sustainability, as well as guidance on how businesses can reduce their own carbon emissions and ultimately help Scotland achieve net-zero targets.

In this Digital Bites episode we talk with Alex Hamilton, Head of Innovation at Isobar UK, about the current buzzword Metaverse. We explore the term Metaverse and get under the skin about what it means and how it differs from other virtual reality technology. The Metaverse is in its infancy and, much like the internet in the 70s and 80s, it’s hard to predict its future. It’s filled with lots of possibilities but also lots of pitfalls. One thing we know for sure is that as a society we’ll be spending more time in virtual environments and, like the internet, it will be important for all businesses in the future.

Listen to our Business Gateway Connections series where we interview well-known Scottish brands to explore their story and gain insight into what it’s like to run one of Scotland’s most iconic businesses. Host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Ross Lamond, Founder and Owner of Bug Bakes, which is the UK’s first dog food brand to use insects as a sustainable source of protein instead of livestock. Offering a product that is both good for your dog and the planet, Bug Bakes aims to tackle carbon emissions, with insect protein drastically reducing water usage and deforestation for agriculture. Join us for an in-depth discussion that explores the story of Bug Bakes, the challenges Ross faced starting up a business as a young person and advice he would give, how the business adapted to challenges presented by the pandemic, what it’s like to have celebrity investors, his experience on Dragon’s Den, and why ethical sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do.

Listen to our Business Gateway Connections series where we interview well-known Scottish brands to explore their story and gain insight into what it’s like to run one of Scotland’s most iconic businesses. Host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Simon Cotton, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin, Scotland’s second oldest family business and home to one of the most prominent mills in the world producing luxurious woven and knitted textiles from cashmere and fine wools. Join us for this in-depth discussion that explores the story behind Johnstons of Elgin, how the business has adapted to challenges presented by the pandemic, and why sustainability, circularity and slow fashion is at the heart of everything they do.