Tayside Transfer Festival
"...a great opportunity to connect with the local business community, business leaders and forward-thinking entrepreneurs."

Professor Gary McEwan Elevator CEO

Tayside Transform Business Festival announces first Perth event with former UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer as the keynote speaker

The Tayside Transform Business Festival, one of Scotland’s leading business support events, has announced it will visit Perth this month, following its successful launch in Dundee last year, and will include a talk from former UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Sir Jonathan Van Tam.

Taking place at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday, 22nd February, the event will bring together local businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across Tayside for a day of insightful discussions, interactive workshops and invaluable networking opportunities, all designed to encourage growth and collaboration within the business community.

The event is delivered by Business Gateway and Elevator, in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Dundee City Council and Angus Council.

The day will begin at 8am with a Business Breakfast led by keynote speaker Sir Jonathan Van Tam, alongside Elevator CEO Professor Gary McEwan and Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council. The discussion will focus on the importance of collaborative leadership through challenging times.

The Eco-System Village, a dedicated area for attendees to interact and engage with key business support will be open from 9.30am. Exhibitors include Dundee, Angus, and Perth & Kinross Councils, Business Gateway, Developing the Young Workforce, Adult Employability Service, Invest in Angus, GrowBiz, Great Perthshire Food & Drink, Breadalbane Finance, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

A programme of Bitesize Business Sessions will take place throughout the day, including: Marketing versus communications; Using AI in business to work smarter; and Mastering the art of selling - all designed to enhance business owners’ knowledge and confidence.

At 12noon, Michelle Maddox, Founder of Clootie McToot, and Jamie Grant, Founder of Glen Lyon Coffee will host a Networking Lunch. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear their first-hand experiences of being an entrepreneur in the area.

There will also be a series of ‘Fireside Chats’ hosted throughout the day in the speakers’ corner, where attendees can hear local success stories. These sessions will operate on a first come first serve basis.

Fiona McLellan, Contracts Manager for Business Gateway Tayside: Fostering innovation, collaboration and growth within the Tayside business community is essential for its resilience and growth. The Tayside Transform Business Festival is a collaborative commitment between all partners involved to support and equip Scottish businesses with the knowledge, exposure and connections needed for success."

Professor Gary McEwan, CEO at Elevator, added: “I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Tayside Transform Business Festival which is a great opportunity to connect with the local business community, business leaders and forward-thinking entrepreneurs."

Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “We are committed to advancing the success of the region, and I am thrilled to see the Tayside Transform Business Festival come to the city of Perth. Together, we can create opportunities to celebrate innovation, build connections and help business owners as they move forward into 2024.”

Tickets for the Transform Business Festival are free of charge and available to register here.

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