Is 2025 the year for a new you?

As we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to refresh, rethink, and revitalise our businesses. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers, stand out from the crowd, or better connect with your audience, your branding is the key to unlocking growth and success.

Growing your Instagram – part 2

You may remember that back in October we issued a newsletter aimed at creating a bit of two-way support – you follow our Instagram handles and in turn we’ll share yours in a future newsletter and encourage our database to follow you too. All this with the aim of boosting all of our accounts and making rural businesses better known.

2025: The Year Ahead

We've summarised some of the key events and anniversaries coming up in 2025, many of which present great opportunities to showcase your rural business and form new partnerships.

WARNING: May Contain Snakes! 🐍

The Chinese Spring Festival/Lunar New Year will be celebrated this year on 29 January by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. This auspicious event presents a significant opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings to China's rapidly expanding middle class. As the appetite for Scottish luxury goods, including whisky, salmon, cashmere, and tourism, continues to rise in China, the time has never been better to explore export opportunities.

What's Your Life Cocktail?

I listened to the Pause for Thought segment on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2 recently and the American gentleman (his name escapes me now) hosting the segment really made me stop and think. He was talking about his ‘Spiritual Cocktail’ – the blend of religions and beliefs that make him who he is. As someone who is not religious, I still think that what he said is relevant to me – and I believe it’s relevant to us all.

Predictions for 2025: Navigating the Digital and Rural Landscapes

I hope this finds you well-rested and ready to tackle a new year! I enjoy the festive season immensely although I'm glad to be back in a routine. As the holiday cheer fades and the reality of a new year sets in, I can't help but wonder what surprises 2025 has in store. Despite the unexpected twists and turns life often throws our way, I'm optimistic about the year ahead. So much so, I'm going to make some predictions...

Merry Christmas and some significant news….

As we near the end of 2024, I wanted to share some important news with you all. My business partner and friend, Ross (Monty) Montague, has made the tough decision to step down from Scene & Herd due to ill health.

Rural Gift Guide 2024

Have yourself a merry rural little Christmas Let your heart be light Next year all our troubles will be out of sight As promised, here is the 2024 Rural Gift Guide, which showcases the talents and expertise of those who live in the countryside.

Looking for a speaker for your 2025 events?

I would like to introduce regenerative farming consultant William Houstoun as a potential speaker at any farming discussion groups or rural events you might be planning over the next few months. An Angus farmer passionate about driving progressive change in agriculture and the business and political environment in which it operates from Scotland to South Africa, William has worked with farm businesses around the world and spoken at global regenerative farming forums.

The Power of Online Reviews for Businesses

First Impressions Matter, Especially Online. In today's digital age, online reviews have become a cornerstone of a business's reputation. They influence everything from consumer decisions to investor confidence. Their significance in shaping your online presence is undeniable.

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