Press Release
Inaugural Meeting of Shetland New Business Network
The first meeting of the Shetland New Business Network was held in the Shetland Museum and Archives on Thursday 27 May 2010.
The network provides a forum for new business owners and those wishing to start a business. It offers the opportunity to discuss common issues and problems in an informal atmosphere. It is planned to hold a series of network meetings during the year at approximately three month intervals. Topics to be discussed will be chosen by the network members to reflect their needs and interests. Topics could for example include support facilities that are available to new entrepreneurs in Shetland, professional advice and guidance that is available, best practice in marketing, finance, IT and many other topics of interest to small business.
Speakers at the meeting were:
David Nicol of NB Communication, who described how he had started his web design business from scratch. He gave a frank account of what mistakes he had made, what he had done well and what he would do differently if starting again
Martin Watt of Bon Accord Accountancy Ltd talked about how he went into accountancy. He then discussed the issues involved in growing his business from a two person firm to its present size of 20 staff and partners and the issues involved in managing a company with locations in Aberdeen and Shetland.
Andy Maxtone, from Business Mentoring Scotland, gave an interesting presentation on the benefits to both new and old businesses of using the free services of an experienced business person, acting as a mentor who is able to give unbiased, straightforward advice based on practical experience and a wealth of network contacts. Business Mentoring Scotland can find the right mentor to help any business from its pool of over 600 experienced business professionals, who are willing to share their experience and knowledge.
The next meeting of the New Business Network will be held in the autumn and will be advertised locally.