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You’ll often hear it said that no two days are ever the same in business support – and I can confirm that’s especially true in the world of food, drink and tourism.
It’s a fast-moving, people-centred sector driven by passion, seasonality, and the ever-changing needs of visitors. It’s also one of the most rewarding areas to work in – not just because of the stunning locations or the delicious samples (though they are a definite perk), but because of the inspiring people behind the businesses.
I’ve worked with everyone from artisan producers and pop-up restaurants to luxury lodges and heritage tour guides. Each has their own story, ambitions, and challenges – and my job is to support them in bringing their vision to life. Even though no two days are ever quite the same, here’s a little glimpse into what a typical one might look like.
Morning – Pouring the First Tea and Checking In
I usually start my day around 9am, after the school run, with a tea in hand and a quick scan of my diary. Mornings tend to be admin-heavy – catching up on emails, reviewing funding opportunities and checking in on client action plans. I often have follow-ups from businesses I’ve been supporting, whether it’s reviewing a draft business plan, helping with a funding application or simply being a sounding board for a new idea.
We also get a steady flow of new enquiries coming through STEP and Business Gateway. Many people in this sector are highly skilled in what they do – whether it’s creating beautiful guest experiences or brewing the perfect beer – but they might not have formal training in diversification, business strategy or marketing. That’s where I come in.
I usually schedule a few 1:1 sessions in the morning. These are free and fully tailored to the business – whether it’s someone starting out with a food truck idea or a well-established venue looking to diversify or attract new markets.
Late Morning – Hitting the Road
By mid-morning, I’m often on the move. I try to get out and visit clients on-site as much as I can. There’s nothing quite like seeing a business in action – watching how a customer interacts with the space, getting a feel for the setting and understanding the passion behind the product or service. It brings context to everything we’re working on.
A recent visit took me to a family-run glamping site just outside the city. They wanted to explore collaborations with local makers to enhance the visitor experience. Within an hour, we’d sketched out a potential “Taste of Stirling” welcome hamper, connected with some local suppliers, discussed social media content ideas and even mapped out an autumn retreat package.
Other times I’ll visit cafés, B&Bs, wedding venues, micro-distilleries or agritourism sites to explore opportunities for growth, troubleshoot operational challenges or look at ways to access funding and support.
I also spend time researching trends – everything from experiential travel to sustainability in food production. Right now, there’s growing demand for authentic, local and ethical experiences – and that’s something Stirling is well-positioned to deliver. It’s exciting to help businesses tap into these trends in a way that works for them.
Afternoon – Collaboration, Workshops and Bigger Picture Thinking
Afternoons are typically spent either planning or delivering sector-wide support. This can involve working on workshops or events, creating toolkits or collaborating with partners like VisitScotland, Forth Valley Food & Drink or Scotland Food & Drink.
It’s not just about supporting individual businesses – a big part of my role is also about creating connections between them. I’m a huge advocate of collaboration, especially in tourism and hospitality. Visitors don’t just come for one attraction or one meal – they come for an experience. If we can help businesses work together to create something more cohesive and compelling, everyone benefits.
The STEP Advantage – Wraparound Support at Your Fingertips
One of the best parts of being based at STEP is the wider team I have around me. Although I’m here to support businesses in the tourism, food and drink sector, I’m never working alone. If a client comes to me with an HR or recruitment issue, I can connect them directly to our in-house HR team, who offer a range of services – from fully funded support to retainers or pay-as-you-go advice.
If a business needs help promoting themselves, I can arrange a session with our marketing team for a ‘meet the expert’ consultation. They’re brilliant at helping businesses get clarity on their messaging, channels and campaigns. Equally, if a client needs help with their website, systems or digital tools, I’ve got our IT team just a few steps away – ready to jump in with practical support.
We also work closely with a fantastic network of local professionals – including lawyers, accountants, designers and branding experts – who generously offer free 30-minute advice sessions to our clients. It means that businesses aren’t just getting a one-off chat with me – they’re gaining access to a whole ecosystem of support.
Evening – Family Time First
After a busy and often on-the-go day, evenings are firmly dedicated to home life. I’ve got a five-year-old who keeps me on my toes, so once I’m through the front door, it’s straight into family mode – dinner, homework help (or at least trying!) and maybe a bit of LEGO building or a story before bedtime.
More Than a Job
What I do isn’t just about giving advice – it’s about nurturing ideas, removing barriers and helping people grow in confidence. The food, drink and tourism sector is full of entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats and pour their hearts into what they do. Being a part of their journey, even in a small way, is an absolute privilege.
Whether it’s helping a new food brand launch their first product, supporting a venue through a tough trading period or helping a tourism business pivot toward a new market, the common thread is that I’m here to support their success.
And if I’m honest? There’s no better feeling than driving past a business you’ve supported and seeing it busy, buzzing and thriving – knowing you played a small part in making that happen.
If you’re working in food, drink or tourism in the Stirling area and need advice, guidance or just a fresh perspective – I’d love to chat. Sometimes the first conversation is all it takes to unlock the next chapter of your story. Get in touch with me at lletford@stepscotland.co.uk.
