ONE of Scotland’s leading sports business figures will kick start the Borders Business Masterclass Tour later this month.

Organised by Business Gateway Scottish Borders, the five event tour will see experts in the fields of marketing, social media, motivation, innovation and sales touchdown in towns throughout the region over the next six months.

Leading the pack of speakers will be a former CEO of Scottish Rugby, Phil Anderton. The marketing expert, who has held senior positions with the likes of The Coca-Cola Company, Heart of Midlothian FC and the ATP World Tour, will use his insight to help attendees update their own marketing strategies at the first event in Abbotsford House, Galashiels, on Thursday, April 30.

Mr Anderton said: “I hope business leaders will benefit in the same way as I have from events like this - learning from other industries how to tackle issues and opportunities common to businesses large and small. I will be focusing on how businesses can accelerate their growth by developing a powerful customer proposition.” The European funded events, which are free to attend and all start at 6pm, will also provide local business owners in Galashiels, Peebles, Hawick, Duns and Earlston with an ice breaking 'speed networking’ event alongside general networking opportunities.

Phil McCreadie, Business Gateway Manager, said: “The tour is a great way to provide business owners’ across the region with an opportunity to listen to, and learn from, seasoned experts whose advice transcends a business’ size and sector. Listening to an inspirational talk will also give entrepreneurs greater confidence when it comes to our two networking opportunities. We know networking can bring great benefits to a business and have devised two opportunities – the first to help break the ice; the second to form lasting contacts and partnerships. We are extremely excited about the tour and believe local businesses will be just as enthusiastic, not only because of the calibre of speaker on offer but because these events are taking place on their doorstep.” On May 21, in the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, one of the first Scottish business owners to harness the power of Facebook will help take 'the fear of the unknown’ out of social media. Liz Melville, whose three businesses have grown thanks to her clever use of social media, will talk attendees through how best to use the different platforms for the greatest business benefit.

The first Scottish woman to conquer Everest, Polly Murray will take to the floor on June 25 in Mansfield House Hotel, Hawick. Drawing on her own determination to overcome adversity, Polly will help business owners develop their own techniques to deal with stressful situations.

Then on August 27, in Duns High School, Philip Oldham, the first ever CEO of Lyle & Scott to be recruited following a three month social media campaign, will talk about the use of innovative business practises that can help ignite company fortunes.

Closing the tour in Earlston High School, on September 24, will be international sales expert Jackie Wade. To reserve your space, or to find out more information, visit www.bgateway.com/scottishborders or call 01835 818315.