East Lothian Means Business

On Wednesday 4 October, people from all types of businesses can get together to exchange ideas and talk to representatives from a range of council departments and partner agencies – at Eskmills Venue, Musselburgh, from 8.45am to 1.30pm.

The council’s Economic Development team has organised a morning packed with information and opportunities.

Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, who is hosting the event, said: “We have held ‘Meet the Council’ events and conferences in previous years which were hugely popular. This is the first time since the pandemic that we’ve been able to combine both into a much bigger and better event format. We’re particularly looking forward to welcoming partner agencies along and there will be talks from existing businesses as well as representatives from major economic development opportunities such as the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, the former Cockenzie Power Station site and Blindwells new town. I hope to see as many people as possible come along to find out how to start and grow their business here in East Lothian. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get support and inspiration at this relaxed and informal event.”

Following a programme of presentations and case studies, there will also be a panel discussion and Q&A. 

Hear from:

Edinburgh Innovation Hub

Catherine Molloy of East Lothian Council and Steve Scott of Queen Margaret University will be giving a presentation on the Edinburgh Innovation Hub and Edinburgh Innovation Park, talking about the proposal, the facilities and the opportunities for East Lothian businesses.

Blindwells

Jonathan Graham of Hargreaves Land will be talking about the new town of Blindwells, the development plans for the area and the potential it brings to businesses and the county.

Cockenzie

Graeme Marsden of East Lothian Council will be sharing the council’s vision for the former Cockenzie Power Station site, the current and emerging proposals and the long term economic land opportunities the site presents to provide employment and net zero opportunities.

Business Gateway

Caroline Wylie, Programme Executive Edinburgh and Lothians, will run through the support available for start-up and established businesses in East Lothian from Business Gateway, including plans for future workshops and Expert Help programmes.

Jabberwocky Softplay

Judith Warren, Director at Jabberwocky Softplay, will talk us through the various steps they have taken on their path to Net Zero, including the installation of 46 solar panels funded by East Lothian Council’s LA-CER Grant Programme.

DTP Southfield

Alun Joseph, Managing Director of Musselburgh based printers DTP Southfield, will be talking about taking over and successfully growing a family business and the support received from Business Gateway and East Lothian Council’s Estates since relocating to East Lothian.

Musselburgh Racecourse

Philip Duncan, Operations Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, will be giving an overview of their work with Stirton Consulting as part of East Lothian Council’s Net Zero Pilot project sharing the improvements they have and will make to save energy and become more sustainable.

Exhibitors:

Council Teams

• Climate Change
• Business Rates
• East Lothian Works
• Environmental Health
• Trading Standards
• Estates
• Planning
• Visit East Lothian
• Procurement
• Regeneration
• Active Travel
• Business Gateway
• East Lothian Gift Card
• Digital Connectivity

External Partners

• East Lothian Investments
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Bright Green Business
• Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce
• Skills Development Scotland
• Credit Union
• Edinburgh College
• Capital City Partnership
• Queen Margaret University
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Love to Ride
• Stantec (for our Local Economy Strategy update) 

Plus some of our speakers will be exhibiting too:

• Cockenzie
• Blindwells
• Edinburgh Innovation Hub

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance through EventBrite.