Scotland’s local food and drink marketing advisory service
Welcome to Connect Local
- Do you run a Scottish food or drink business?
- Are you a member of, or thinking of setting up, a common interest or regional group or network?
- Are you working collaboratively to help promote local and regional food and drink?
- Are you looking to develop your capabilities and grow your business?
If any of the above apply, then you’re in the right place!
Delivered by our expert team of food and drink specialists, Connect Local is a free service that can help with advice on:
Some of Our Latest News
Regional Food Fund: £95k to Support Local Produce
Local food and drink initiatives are toasting their success this New Year after being awarded grants totalling £95,700 from the second round of the Regional Food Fund. The funding has been awarded to 21 projects across the country ranging from smaller-scale, localised programmes to larger collaborative initiatives.
read moreIn numbers: growth in local food and drink across Scotland
Connect Local is happy to announce the release of a new series of infographics, showing the growth of the local food and drink Sector, and how Connect Local has supported these efforts.
read moreFunding for collaborative local food and drink projects in Scotland
Applications are being accepted for grants of up to £5,000 as part of an initiative to help drive collaborative projects that celebrate and promote locally sourced and produced food and drink in Scotland. £65,000 has already been awarded to 15 projects across Scotland, providing vital funding when these initiatives need it most.
read moreUpcoming Workshops
Aberdeen Workshop 1 – Upscaling & Upskilling
Wed, 13 March 2019
Topics covered include: knowing your market, branding and product development distribution, meeting and managing expectations
Aberdeen Workshop 2 – Selling for Success
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Topics covered include: pitching, buyer expectations, visual merchandising, exhibition practice and negotiation
Dundee Workshop 3 – Sustainable Growth
Tuesday 26 March 2019
Topics covered include: Cash Flow & Resource Management, Market Opportunities & Key Trends, Range Development
Building Your Business at Connect Local Workshops
Connect Local has produced a new infographic flyer, demonstrating what you will learn by attending a Connect Local workshop. You can access the flyer here.
read moreThe Connect Local workshops, led by expert trainers, with years of commercial and practical experience, are designed to equip delegates with tangible skills and knowledge to help their business grow. Here’s what some of our delegates have had to say:
Fantastic course. Useful and relevant information. Both course trainers were excellent.
Jonathan SharmanReally interesting and useful day. Great environment to ask questions and not made to feel daft for doing so. Recommend!
Kathryn BakerEnjoyable, relevant and engaging. Relaxed atmosphere – felt comfortable asking questions.
Carole SomervilleI have found the conversations really beneficial and [they] have made me consider how we move forward.
John Walsh