FIFE Business Week has completed its tenth anniversary after delivering yet another fantastic week full of events aimed at inspiring and supporting Fife’s business community, whilst providing opportunities for Fife’s businesses to come together to exchange ideas. From 4th to 8th November, around 500 businesses attended 30 seminars and workshops were on offer, covering important issues for the local economy.
Innovation in Manufacturing was showcased at Fife College along with a masterclass on Industry 4.0 from German multinational automation company Festo. The existing manufacturing innovation and digital technologies and training capabilities currently in the College were highlighted as well as technologies for the workforce of the future. The session allowed people to see how embracing continuous improvements could positively benefit their business. Andrew Bowie, director of Peachykeen, specialists in human energy systems commented: “It was a really inspiring opportunity to experience the knowledge and enthusiasm of the Fife College staff - fantastic.”
Pamela Stevenson, Enterprise & Business Development Manager, Fife Council said:
“The ever-changing economic climate means businesses need to be fully aware of all the opportunities out there as well as the challenges. Fife Business Week offered businesses the chance to meet up and network with like-minded people in business and share opportunities and experiences.
“This year we wanted to focus particularly on the quality of programmes delivered while covering the most appropriate themes that matter to businesses from using new advanced manufacturing technologies thereby helping businesses to gear up for achieving growth.”
She added: “Continuing our aim to develop a Culture of Enterprise in our schools and colleges, an inspiring Dragon’s Den event featuring school-based social enterprises showcased the entrepreneurial skills of Fife pupils at Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline. It was particularly impressive to see the maturity of the pupils’ in their pitch to judges and their entrepreneurial skills in a social enterprise.”
At a ‘Banging’ business breakfast, local employers gave students at Fife College the chance to register for potential work experience opportunities while learning how to enhance their employability. Employers were also able to promote their current vacancies to students.
Fife Chamber hosted four events during the week including Fife Learn: Parting Company with Talent, Recruiting Talent and Developing Talent. The Third Sector was spotlighted as Fife Voluntary Action provided an insight into the contribution it makes to the local economy and included a session on the five core principles of governance.
Hosted by Fife Council’s Economic Development Team and the Business Gateway services, Fife Business Week is designed to support businesses to succeed and flourish whilst making Fife the best place to do business.
