Scaling tech companies can now get the help they need to grow their businesses by accessing a brand-new knowledge hub from ScotlandIS.
Scotland’s tech trade body and cluster management organisation, ScotlandIS, has gathered a team of experts to build a comprehensive ‘how-to-guide’, designed to help start-ups and growing tech firms establish a proper business set-up.
Named Future Ready, the free online platform will give guidance on everything from legal planning, governance and compliance, to investor engagement and financial planning. It includes templates and boilerplates, guides on completing essential documentation, as well as business advice, podcasts and in-person events offering networking opportunities.
Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS, said: “Tech companies are built on technical skills, talent, and great ideas, not necessarily a desire to run a company. Businesses often find themselves in a maze of information when trying to bring their businesses to life, with no clear idea of where to begin or how important each requirement might be.
“In order to give companies the best chance of succeeding in scaling their business, we have worked with experts from different disciplines within our membership to put together a comprehensive package that includes everything they need to know.”
Generally, larger organisations require businesses to follow certain processes – such as anti-slavery policies and carbon neutrality commitments – to obtain contracts. Businesses must be adequately prepared to compete effectively for large contracts, otherwise, they risk getting left behind if they fail to meet these requirements.
Karen added: “Not having completed a full and proper set-up can stifle growth and lead to brilliant companies missing out on new business opportunities – and this is something we want to prevent from happening.
“Having worked closely with countless tech start-ups and SMEs, it’s clear that there is a need for more support in this area, and we look forward to offering clarity and guidance to what can be an extremely challenging process.”
The platform will also offer members access to a short Business Blockchain course from Edinburgh Business School and Jump Digital. With the recent Scottish Enterprise Blockchain report highlighting that the technology could be worth over £4 billion to the Scottish economy by 2023, the first ten ScotlandIS members to sign up to Future Ready will receive the course for free. Those thereafter will be offered at a 75% discount.
The platform is live now, with the first phase of business modules available to access.
Find out more about Future Ready and how to sign up here.