Fife Business Week 2022 has wrapped up its 13th year, giving hope and encouragement to businesses in a year that has presented many challenges. Over 30 events were held for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors and these attracted 700 registrations from businesses.
Arm in Arm Accounting ran a session on Strategic Business Planning for SMEs on Tuesday, showing how to help grow a business by creating a value-added strategic plan with five simple steps for the leadership team to use to translate their business ideas into a set of financial projections. Attendees also learned how to create a strategic business plan that communicates the long-term vision and the strategies to achieve it. Neil McKinnon of Arm in Arm commented: “We had really positive comments from participants, and they now have the confidence and the tools, to enable them to move forward and create their three-year business plan for their businesses.”
On Wednesday, Young Enterprise Scotland (Bridge 2 Business) brought the Enterprise Roadshow to Fife College with inspiring workshops, support organisations and networking opportunities. Students also had the chance to learn more on how to get into business and how they can use business to develop their skills in the future. Megan Douglas of Young Enterprise Scotland said: “The event was a real success and it certainly helped having our event within the Fife Business Week brochure. I am grateful for the help and support from the organisers.”
The Meet the Buyer event on Thursday is always in great demand with almost 300 registrations this year. Local suppliers were able to discuss contract and supply chain opportunities with public and private sector buyers. Suppliers also had the chance to hear about requirements for businesses bidding across a wide range of sectors. A programme of presentations was delivered throughout the event, allowing businesses to learn about existing/upcoming contract and framework opportunities, developing management systems and top tendering tips to identify opportunities and become tender ready to bid.
Lee Hall of Modern Standard Coffee said: “There was clearly an awful lot of work that went into the organisation and scheduling, thanks for all their efforts! It was a very useful day, lots of interesting chats with a variety of people, and with a bit of luck we'll be well-placed for a good 2023 with the various frameworks that are opening.” From Levenmouth Rail Link, Kirsty Ryder added: “It was a really great day with fantastic opportunities to chat with businesses and also to make other really important connections for the Levenmouth project.”
Councillor Altany Craik, Spokesperson for Fife Council’s Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning commented:
“We are delighted that Fife Business Week 2022 has been so well supported by our business community, once again, especially in the light of the many challenges that businesses have had to face over the last few years through post pandemic, EU Exit, and the cost of doing business. We are determined to continue our support to local businesses throughout these difficult times, to help them sustain and be resilient.
“On behalf of our partner organisations and agencies, I would like to thank all the event organisers for their continued support and valuable contribution to Fife Business Week. I am hopeful that businesses will reap the benefit of participation in the wide range of sessions delivered, allowing them to move forward with confidence in the future.”
Hosted by Fife Council’s Economic Development Team and Business Gateway team under the InvestFife brand, Fife Business Week is designed to support businesses to succeed and flourish whilst making Fife the best place to do business.