I’ve always believed in the power of a strong business network and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been inspiring to see the community spirit of both local businesses and SMEs across the country as they came together to help each other out in various ways.
In sharing ideas and resources, they have not only been able to overcome the mountain of challenges we’ve faced, many have capitalised on the recent tough business landscape and have positively thrived.
There is so much we can learn from each other and in this modern digital age, the world is such a small place, enabling us to connect with people from all over the globe.
Businesses need to tap into this further, utilising it for their own education and development, whilst also using it as a springboard for their business ventures.
The private sector is an important cog in the wheel of Scotland’s recovery and therefore businesses need to come out of this lockdown in a position to grow and invest.
In my many years of business, I’ve worked incredibly hard and have been fortunate enough to enjoy a wealth of experience through both my triumphs and challenges faced within my various chosen industries.
I want to share these with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs, to help them learn both from my achievements and mistakes, which is why I’m proud to be part of the Bank of Scotland and Scottish Sun Lockdown Learnings webinar.
The one hour online event was focused on the theme of bouncing back, which is very apt for this current business climate.
I was joined by a fantastic panel, including Brie Read, the Founder and CEO of Snag, Gareth Oakley, Managing Director for Business Banking at Bank of Scotland and Janette McAllister, the Managing Director of McAllister Litho Glasgow Ltd.
Brie is a passionate believer in the power of digital technology and has an impressive track record of successful campaigns with Start Learning, Peoples Postcode and Diet Chef, as well as founding a number of digital economy start-ups, the most recent being Snag.
Janette has worked in the printing industry for over 30 years, progressing to MD and is renowned throughout the industry.
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Finally Gareth has over 30 years of experience in banking and has run a number of large businesses within many of the Bank’s divisions including Retail Banking, Wealth Management and Commercial.
He was also formerly Chairman of the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) and Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for the East.
Together, we discussed how SMEs can be prepared for a strong, sustainable, fair and green economic recovery. Our panel also shared lived examples from their various careers and also how to overcome barriers that many will face in their business journey.
I love seeing businesses on a roll
It’s always warming to wake up to a fresh batch of business success stories, especially for independently owned Scottish companies who have withstood the tests of time.
One great story from last week saw a Glasgow-based bakery business ‘roll’-ing in the dough, with a fantastic six figure deal with their long-standing partner – UK supermarket giant Lidl.
As one of the retailers longest-standing Scottish suppliers, bakery firm Mortons Rolls announced the ‘half a baker’s dozen’ sum, which commemorates over 17 years of providing fresh morning rolls, tattie scones and other sweet bakery treats for the supermarket.
With over 260 employees, the independent business originally rose to fame thanks to their traditional morning rolls, which date back to Mortons founding back in 1965.
They’ve gone on to provide a huge heap of treats from cakes, biscuits and even the humble Scottish delicacy, the potato scone.
Knowing ‘morning rolls inside and out’, Mortons Rolls managing director, Alastair Sherry, is proud of the supermarket partnership, but insists that the business will maintain the traditional methods of baking that the company holds dear, as they continue to produce one million rolls a week.
It will also see the company take on a whole new savoury standpoint moving forward, creating a range of steak bakes, cheesy bean bakes and chicken curry bakes.
Even sweeter, the new contract and subsequent funding will allow the group to make a significant investment into new machinery at their bakery, as well as create a number of new jobs within the company for budding bakers keen for a new career opportunity.
It’s great to see a Scottish business continue working for a retail giant such as this, and here’s hoping that every ‘Lidl’ helps Mortons keep their company on a roll.
Our focus was offering advice and providing tangible takeaways that would really benefit those who attended the session.
I personally believe many companies should be in a position to invest and grow imminently, but other businesses may have cancelled or delayed recent investment plans.
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A recent study has also suggested small and independent retailers may be set for a post-pandemic boost, so we also talked about changes in the consumer landscape as shopper’s habits and needs have adapted over the past year.