The nominations for the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards are now in full swing and over the past fortnight I have been fortunate enough to meet with a couple of our esteemed sponsors. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Margaret Simpson MBE at the Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber AGM.  Speaking at the AGM was a wonderful Community Interest Company (CIC) called Bird Gardens Scotland, who are effectively breeding rare birds and aim to be a leading conservation and visitor centre. Who knew that Emus were related to the Tyrannosaurus Rex?

On Tuesday, I attended Entrepreneurial Skills and Back Her Business hosted by our main event sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and had a chat with Criona Courtney, Director of Commercial Banking, Keith Crombie, Business Growth Enabler and Fiona Corbett, Relationship Manager. I was enthralled to learn about the Accelerator Hub based at their Headquarters in Edinburgh and the exciting work that they are doing to support Scottish Entrepreneurs in their goals of developing and growing their businesses. Back her Business is an initiative launched by the Bank directed at supporting more women in starting up their business and who want to turn their business ideas into reality.

I met with Siobhan Petrie from GB Technologies, sponsors of our Speed Networking Event and Emily McGowan from McGowan Marketing, to agree on dates for our future events and discuss exciting and unusual locations throughout the Borders to host the events. So, watch this space for details of the next event!

I have another busy couple of weeks ahead, visiting more sponsors and attending the Border Union Show on 26th and 27th July. So, if you are attending the event, please feel free to pop by and introduce yourself. We will be actively encouraging visitors to our stand to provide feedback on the Chamber and how we can best represent your business.

The Border Union Show - 26th and 27th July 2019

We are once again hosting a Business Hub at this year's Border Union Show. Why not pop along to say hello? Find us at stand 23, block 1. This year we are joined by Business Gateway Borders, Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, BCCA and George F White. Join us for a chat and one of our famous hog-roast rolls.

The Clock is Ticking

Competition Time

We have two tickets to give away for the Border Union Show.

If you'd like to attend this year's Border Union Show on Saturday 27th July, along with a friend or a member of your family, we have two tickets to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is:

1. Like our Facebook Page @scotborderscc and our LinkedIn profile
2. Post a comment telling us what you'd like to see offered by your Chamber
3. Share your post

We will gather all of the names from each channel, pop them all in the proverbial hat and select one lucky winner by 12 noon on Thursday 25th July 2019.

Terms and conditions apply. Please email communications@borderschamber.com for full details.

An Opportunity to Make a Difference

These are exciting times for the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and we are now actively seeking to appoint four new members to our Board of Directors, joining our recently appointed Chairperson, Moira Wilson, and our current Board members.

This voluntary role would be ideal for any professional keen to secure a voice for their sector at the Chamber's table, and influence change at a local and national level. It is also an opportunity for anyone looking to add Board level experience to their CV.
 

If you would like further information, please email the Chamber Chairperson, Moira Wilson.

Out of the Box Communication

We are always delighted to hear about business partnerships that come about as a result of the work we do, so when members GB Technologies and McGowan Marketing identified an opportunity to work together, following a conversation at our Speed Networking Event at the Heart of Hawick, we were thrilled to have played our part in making this happen.

Having recently launched a new service called Brand in a Box, a total marketing solution for small businesses, Emily McGowan, from McGowan Marketing, told Siobhan Petrie, from GB Technologies, all about the product. Siobhan quickly identified that the businesses Emily would be working with would also need an IT Communications support package, so why not offer both at the same time?

Emily said: "I was thrilled to be approached by GB Technologies because a lot of what is provided within our Brand in a Box is mar-tech and this needs IT infrastructure. GB offer just what is needed for my small business clients which means we are able to deliver our product much more effectively."

Siobhan said: "As an independent communications company providing complete communication products and services to SME and start-up clients has been something we have been very passionate about in our 31 years of trading. Having the opportunity to work with McGowan Marketing was the perfect fit and the start of a fantastic partnership for many years to come."

Speed networking might be quick, but it's clearly effective! We have a full programme of Speed Networking Events scheduled, with more information coming soon. Don't delay in booking your space when the events go live!

Let's Get Social

Chamber Chairperson, Moira Wilson, continues to meet with many of our strategic partners. Moira recently spent time with Margaret Simpson of the SBSEC, attending their AGM and hearing about the excellent work the organisation does in supporting social enterprises within the region.

Entrepreneurial Acceleration

It was inspiring to see so many of the region's entrepreneurs in attendance at this week's Royal Bank of Scotland Back Her Business & Mindset Event, hosted at the Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso.

The Bank continues to support Borders businesses through their events and programmes.  Stuart Dearden, Entrepreneur Development Manager, gave an insightful presentation on mindset and detailed the Bank's Accelerator programme, which is tailored to empower entrepreneurs at any stage. Stuart said: "It’s an amazing journey that is fully funded for any entrepreneur who wants to grow. You don’t even have to be a Royal Bank of Scotland customer to join."

In addition to supporting all entrepreneurs, the Royal Bank also provides a wealth of support for females, including the Back Her Business scheme, where women can access crowdfunding and a financial top-up from the Bank for their business.

For further information on these initiatives, click the links below:

• Entrepreneur Accelerator
• Back Her Business