BID LAUNCHES NEW DROP-IN SESSION FOR STIRLING’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.

The first Go Forth Connects: Business Hour begins at 11am on Wednesday December 3 at Colessio on Stirling’s Spittal Street.

Business owners can drop in to chat to Go Forth’s Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith and her team and network with fellow traders.

There will also be a chance to hear from Michael Dogan, of Eyebright Utilities, on how he can find energy cost savings for companies. Mr Dogan is commissioned by Go Forth to work with BID zone businesses to secure them the best deals for utilities, water and telecoms.

Ms McRorie-Smith said: “The drop-in sessions offer a new opportunity for the business community to engage directly with the BID team and board members and talk to us about any concerns they may have or ideas they would like us to take forward.

“As the voice for the business community in Stirling, we are keen to consult and engage with our members on a regular basis and hear about the matters which affect them most.

“Go Forth Connects: Business Hour will also provide an opportunity to network with fellow business owners and hear from partners who collaborate with us and can offer valuable support and advice in their particular field.

“I’d urge interested city business owners to come along to the first meeting and chat with us to see how we can help them achieve their goals.”

The inaugural session will be attended by Business Support Adviser Simon Orr, a member of Business Gateway’s Stirling team, who will be available to speak with BID (Business Improvement District) members and help with any guidance or resources they need.

And Mr Dogan, from Eyebright Utilities, will advise business owners on how he can help them cut energy costs by analysing their current utility bills and identifying savings.

The Business Hour will continue monthly providing a regular hour-long occasion for business owners to meet, share insights and work together to strengthen Stirling’s business community.

Ms McRorie-Smith added: “We use feedback from our members to shape our priorities going forward and we really hope our business community will engage and use the sessions as a platform to make their voices heard.”

The first Go Forth Connects: Business Hour takes place in The Lounge at Colessio on Wednesday December 3 from 11am until 12 noon.

Anyone planning to come along should register via Eventbrite – Go Forth Connects: Business Hour Tickets, Wed, Dec 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Go Forth Stirling is the city’s BID representing more than 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.

For more information visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

Written by

Rachel Blackburn

Based in Stirling, Rachel specialises in working with small and medium-sized companies across Central Scotland to raise their profile through targeted media relations. She finds the newsworthy stories every business has to tell and delivers them to the right audience in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. Rachel worked as a newspaper reporter and in various roles, including feature writer, Los Angeles correspondent and Scottish News Editor, for wire service The Press Association before founding Blackburn Communications in 2012. She works on a one-to-one basis with clients getting to know their business and finding the best outlets to share their news with current and potential customers, staff and stakeholders. It is very much a personal and flexible service tailored to their needs and budget. Rachel, a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, also offers bespoke writing services for firms including help with business awards application forms and copywriting for Blogs.