Having just attended my first Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards as Chairperson of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, there is only one word that can adequately sum up how I feel at this moment - pride.

We all know the importance of awards ceremonies in terms of their role in showcasing and celebrating success, and these annual awards, which the Chamber is honoured to organise each year, do just that.

As one of the largest geographical regions in the UK, with one of the smallest populations, our business community is dispersed, which can impact on that feeling of critical mass. However, this community is diverse and innovative and hugely successful, as these awards show. The Scottish Borders certainly knows how to 'do business.'

Read on to find out who your 2019 winners are.

Your 2019 Winners!

Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year

Agricultural Business of the Year

High Growth/Turnover Business of the Year

Innovation in Business

Social Enterprise Business of the Year

Supporting Young Workforce Business of the Year

Manufacturer Business of the Year

Community Impact Award

Micro Business of the Year

Small to Medium Size Enterprise Business of the Year

Speed Networking Success

We hosted another fast-paced, high-intensity speed networking event recently, this time enjoying the wonderful hospitality provided by the team at the Peebles Hydro Hotel.

The morning session was given an extra dimension as two of the ITV Border team were on-site too, interviewing one or two of the participants about their business.

Thank you to GB Technologies and the Peebles Hydro Hotel for sponsoring this event.

A Look Back at the Business Gateway Borders Conference

The annual Scottish Borders Business Gateway Conference once again proved a hit with local businesses. Industry experts from businesses across Scotland took part in the free event at Kelso Racecourse.

The conference, and the guest speakers, aimed to inspire, encourage and support local businesses to grow and adapt. The event also offered a fantastic opportunity to make new connections, share experience and learn about the exciting prospects for the region’s economy.

This conference, which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, included speakers from Harris Tweed, Mackie’s of Scotland, ReTweed of Eyemouth, IndigoLeap and Kelso-based ThermaFY.

More information on Scottish Borders Business Gateway is available at https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/scottish-borders/local-support or phone 01835 818 213.

Great Numbers for the Gin School Tour Networking Event

It's great to see so many of you have already signed up for the Gin School Tour networking event on Thursday 14th of November - but don't worry if you are still to book - we have spaces left!

With members and non-members from the Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth Chambers of Commerce already booked up for the Tour, the event is set to become the region's best networking opportunity of the year.
 

On the Day

This is an ideal opportunity to raise your business profile with those from outwith the region, and hopefully establish more useful business contacts too.

To book your place today, click here.

Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage is coming to the Scottish Borders on Friday 15^th November, 9.30am-12 noon, The Tweed Horizons Centre, Newton St Boswells.

Organised by The Royal Bank of Scotland and Google Digital Garage this will be a wonderful opportunity for any business in the area to learn how to maximise the power of Google.

The event will look specifically at how to increase your business profile using Google and also how to understand and use Google Analytics to help boost your business.

Places for the event are limited and booking is essential. To reserve your place please click here.

Venturing Forward

In partnership with Women's Enterprise Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland are hosting a special event at Gogarburn Conference Centre on Wednesday 27th November, that will focus specifically on securing investment through bringing together women entrepreneurs, investors and funders.

The theme of the day is ‘venturing forward’ as speakers discuss how to break down the barriers preventing women from starting or growing a business, and workshops offering guidance on the entrepreneurship journey, from securing investment to building your team.

There will also be an opportunity to network with speakers and fellow guests.

Employment Law Breakfast Seminar

Commercial law firm Davidson Chalmers Stewart holds regular free seminars and events around Scotland focusing on business and legal issues.

You are invited to join Alan Strain, Employment Law Consultant and Laura Irvine, Head of Regulatory Law and data protection expert at the upcoming Employment Law Breakfast Seminar in Galashiels. This seminar will cover the current law relating to discrimination in the workplace and examine recent developments that impact upon employers as well as Data Protection post-GDPR.

AGENDA

• Discrimination in the Workplace Update.
• Brexit.
• The Right to Request Workplace Modifications.
• Extension of Religion/Beliefs and Harassment.
• Recent Cases.
• Employee Privacy Notices: What, How and Why?
• Data Subject Rights: How Can We Comply?
• Data Sharing: Is It Legal?
• Surveillance: Are There Limits?

Places are limited so make your reservation(s) now by clicking here or calling 0131 625 9191