George Logan (pictured) lifted a GrowBiz leaflet from its stand at a Farmers Market in Blairgowrie. He writes: “I thought it an intriguing concept, helping small businesses in a more holistic way, rather than the usual ‘must do this, must do that, business plans, yet more business plans, etc’, commands set out by ‘suits’ in cities.
“If, like myself, you aren’t particularly business minded and have a more casual manner, then you need another approach, a different model to take things forward.
“I had actually been self employed off and on since 1995 as picture editor and photographer, following on from a degree in Photographic Studies and time as an arts officer on Skye.
“More recently work had slowed and then come to a halt when I had to look after my parents full time after my father suffered a stroke.
Two years on I felt I needed a new drive to get back into, and expand, awareness of my business.
“Though principally a photographer I had been throughout the previous years learning web design to a point I could offer a professional service and it was this web design service I wished to promote. .
“The first step was to phone Fiona McPhail, the GrowBiz facilitator. At a first, very helpful meeting she quickly saw were I was coming from, giving excellent advice. She put me in touch with others who could possibly help with specific ideas for marketing etc. which is what I was looking for.
“This approach to networking and connecting you to specific professional advice is, I feel, at the core of GrowBiz and where ‘facilitator’ is the perfect title; Fiona makes it happen.
“All going well, your name and skills will be passed on and ricocheted around the county, GrowBiz having helped with the first push. Your name and services can be put forward along with others to startup businesses that might need your services.
“So, in my case, it would be to someone looking for a web design(site) or photography. (I can be contacted on 01250 883211 www.scottish-photography.co.uk )”

GrowBiz Contact
GrowBiz is funded through the Leader Programme with help from P&K Council. Fiona McPhail, is delighted to discuss any aspects of her own and her organisation’s experience with interested folk from any part of Highland Perthshire.
She can be contacted on 07912 786 864 or CLOAKING