Business Gateway Connections Podcast

In this episode of the Business Gateway Connections podcast, our host Danny Gallagher speaks with Rebecca Pick, founder of Pick Protection. He hears about her journey, from being a student at the University of Strathclyde to launching her wearable alarm business, inspired by an incident which happened close to her home. Rebecca also shares how Pick Protection evolved from offering wearable alarms...

Starting up and succeeding in business is an exciting and challenging journey that requires a combination of vision, dedication and practical skills. Join our host, Danny Gallagher, as he speaks with Andy Hadden of Lost Shore Surf to find out the challenges and triumphs of Andy’s own journey as he launches his unique business. Andy shares valuable insights and advice on the value of thinking outsi...

In this episode, we speak to Kate Lewis, Co-founder of Wild Harris, offering guided wildlife walks and activities on the Isle of Harris.   Our host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, delves into the inspiration behind the business, sheds light on the year-round outdoor activities showcasing the awe-inspiring island for residents and visitors, and discuss the challenges of rural to...

In the wake of covid-19, the energy crisis, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, there has never been more pressure on businesses. For small businesses, many of whom operate alone, the challenge is even greater as owners often play the role of business leader, HR, marketing, finance and more. So, it’s unsurprising that failure is front of mind. We want to help to eradicate some of the fears arou...

Learn more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week, why it was first launched, and the benefits of shining a light on apprentices. The discussion is angled towards SMEs, highlighting how digital skills learnt during apprenticeships can support the future growth of the business landscape.  The podcast will also be used to discuss the new Digital Economy Skills Action Plan, which launches during SAW ’23....

In this episode, we speak to Liz Barclay from the Office of Small Business Commission (OSBC), an independent public body set up by the UK Government to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector. Liz is also a small business and consumer affairs broadcaster, producer and writer with an in-depth understanding of the issues facing small businesses. Our host Danny Ga...

In this episode, we speak to Mark Gallacher and Gordy Macdonald from Police Scotland’s cybercrime division. Police Scotland is on a mission to help businesses improve their cyber security and reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber incident which take place in many, sometimes unsuspecting, forms. As part of CyberScotland Week, our host Danny Gallagher chats with Mark and Gordy, both experienc...

In this episode of our Business Gateway’s Connections podcast, we speak to Jamie Newall, Managing Director of eyebright Utilities. eyebright, a utilities management firm, builds sustainable energy solutions services such as carbon reporting and green procurement guidance for businesses across Scotland.  Our host Danny Gallagher discusses how businesses can navigate the challenges of the ongoi...

The practice of hybrid working has accelerated in the past couple of years due to the pandemic. In this episode, we chat to Helen Denny, Learning & Development Lead at Flexibility Works, about how you can make hybrid working a success for both your employees and your company. Helen develops training programmes for leaders and employees on how to get the best out of hybrid working and she share...

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Senior User Experience Designer, Amy McCrae, to talk about all things web accessibility. Join us to find out how to improve your website’s accessibility using in-depth descriptions and functional features, what tools are out there to help you develop your accessibility, and what your company can gain fr...

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is in conversation with journalist, and communications and marketing expert, Fraser Allen. Fraser currently hosts a podcast for the Scottish Business Network and will be sharing his advice on harnessing podcasts to promote your small business. Join us as we examine the opportunities to build rela...

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Patrick Flanagan, Content Manager at Hydrogen, Scotland’s largest social media agency. Join our discussion to explore what tools are available for your brand’s social media campaigns and how to tailor your content to various platforms. We will also discuss the benefits of using algorithm-based platforms...

In this episode of our DigitalBoost Digital Bites series, our host Danny Gallagher is joined by Alex Porter-Smith, Head of Production at High Tide, an Edinburgh-based production company that specialises in creating high-end online film and video content. Join us to hear all about the processes behind developing video content for your business, from planning and preparation to execution and analyti...

In episode 8 of our Business Gateway Connections podcast, we speak to Amee Ritchie and Jake Elliot-Hook, founders of S’wheat, who have created the world’s first reusable bottle made from plants.  Our host Danny Gallagher discusses the opportunities and challenges of being a young person in business, covering topics such as branding, funding opportunities, marketing, and sustainability.

Listen to this episode of our latest Business Gateway Connections series, where host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager is joined by Geoff Leask, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Scotland, a Scottish charity dedicated to inspiring young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. Every year Young Enterprise Scotland supports around 16,000 young people, from all backgrounds,...

In this episode, we explore the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT can provide businesses with time saving processes and valuable information as many devices from all aspects of life get connected to the digital world. We are embracing devices such as Alexa and Google Home or central heating systems in our day-to-day lives. In a similar way there is a host of IoT technology that can make...

In this episode of our Business Gateway Connections series, host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Gareth Claase, Founder of Gecko Glazing, for an in-depth discussion exploring sustainability and the story of their secondary glazing which reduces heat loss, and in turn reduces heating emissions.  Tune in for insight into the advantages and challenges of making y...

In this Digital Bites episode we talk with Alex Hamilton, Head of Innovation at Isobar UK, about the current buzzword Metaverse. We explore the term Metaverse and get under the skin about what it means and how it differs from other virtual reality technology. The Metaverse is in its infancy and, much like the internet in the 70s and 80s, it’s hard to predict its future. It’s filled with lots of po...

Listen to our Business Gateway Connections series where we interview well-known Scottish brands to explore their story and gain insight into what it’s like to run one of Scotland’s most iconic businesses. Host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Ross Lamond, Founder and Owner of Bug Bakes, which is the UK’s first dog food brand to use insects as a sustainable source of...

Listen to our Business Gateway Connections series where we interview well-known Scottish brands to explore their story and gain insight into what it’s like to run one of Scotland’s most iconic businesses. Host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Simon Cotton, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin, Scotland’s second oldest family business and home to one of the most prominent mills...

In this Digital Bites episode, host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, talks to Sarah Johnson, Director of Digital Marketing Agency IndigoLeap, about the importance of a creating a clear social media strategy and 7 key steps to consider: 1. Take stock and assess where you are and how you compare to competitors 2. Setting objectives that will help drive your business forward 3. Get...

In this Digital Bites episode, host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, talks to Nicola Gandy, Director, Azacus.io, about the measures small businesses can take to increase their cyber security and prevent/combat any potential attacks. They also discuss the effect COVID-19 has had on cyber-crime and cover employee training, securing employee devices, securing your online systems, a...

In this episode, Danny talks to UX Designer Sam Selbie about finding simple ways to make your business website more sustainable. We look at ways of reducing your website’s carbon footprint through some small changes, such as image sizes and hosting, as well as exploring how a sustainable website can also benefit your customers and their experience of your brand online! Find out how you can start b...

In this episode of our Connections Podcast series we have partnered with Skills Development Scotland to talk through the importance of modern apprentices in the workplace and discuss why more Scottish businesses are continuing to invest in apprenticeship schemes. Host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, is joined by Neil Cunningham, Employer Engagement Adviser at Skills Development...

In this Business Gateway Connections Podcast episode, host Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland Manager, chats with Simon Howie, founder and owner of Scottish leading butcher brand. Founded in 1986 in Dunning, Perthshire, Simon Howie has become the UK’s best-selling haggis brand and in 2021 the business reached new heights by launching the first ever haggis into space. Throughout the podcast...