Posted Friday, 19th December 2025
At our December Business Networking event, we welcomed local entrepreneurs, freelancers and early-stage founders into Lockerbie Old School. The atmosphere was open, supportive and full of ideas. A reminder of just how much creativity and ambition exists within our community.
As a place with a rich history at the heart of Lockerbie, we’re proud to see the Old School continuing to bring people together. This session felt like an important step in shaping what that future can look like for local businesses.
What We Talked About
Across the room, similar questions and themes kept emerging. Many of us are navigating how to:
- Build or improve websites and e-commerce platforms
- Approach marketing in a way that feels manageable and effective
- Decide if and when paid advertising (particularly social media) is worth investing in
- Present our businesses professionally online with confidence
Funding and support pathways were a major focus. There was a strong appetite for clear, practical guidance on grants and business support, particularly for those moving from early ideas to sustainable ventures. Some attendees were already engaged with support programmes, while others were keen to explore what’s available next.
We also spent time talking about space and connection. Interest in hotdesking wasn’t just about having a desk, it was about meeting rooms, creative making spaces, visibility and being part of a supportive business community. Lockerbie Old School was seen as a place to connect, collaborate and grow together.
From Q&A to Action
The Q&A session was especially valuable, and we want to be clear about how your questions are shaping what we do next.
Here’s how we’re using what you shared:
Funding and grants
We heard a strong need for step-by-step, jargon-free guidance. This is shaping plans for future workshops and business surgeries focused specifically on funding pathways and applications.
Websites, e-commerce and visibility
Many people are looking for practical, hands-on support. This is informing future training around website basics, e-commerce setup and simple marketing. Designed to feel accessible, not overwhelming.
Confidence and leadership
Beyond technical skills, there’s a real desire for support that builds confidence and helps people take their next step. This is guiding the development of sessions focused on leadership, mindset and sustainable growth.
Flexible, welcoming space
Questions about hotdesking, meeting rooms and creative use of space are helping us shape how the building is used as a place for real work, collaboration and connection.
More chances to connect
The appetite for networking and peer support was clear. This is reinforcing our plans for regular networking events, themed workshops and community-led sessions rooted in local needs.
Everything shared, during the discussion and through questionnaires, is directly informing how we design future training, networking and pilot programmes. We’re building this together, and your voices matter.
Celebrating Our Speakers and Partners
We’re incredibly grateful to the people who helped bring the December session to life.
Katie Nairn, of Nairn Consulting, shared practical insight into business support and funding across Dumfries & Galloway. Her clear signposting helped turn questions into actions, with several attendees signing up for support on the day.
You can connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
The session was facilitated by Leanne Cunningham, consultant for Lockerbie Old School and founder of Impact Growth Academy. Leanne’s people-first approach helped create a welcoming space where ideas, confidence and ambition could grow.
These partnerships reflect what we’re building at Lockerbie Old School. Collaboration, shared knowledge and support that feels human, accessible and rooted in our community.
Looking Ahead: Our Next Business Networking Event
Building on the conversations and momentum from December, we’re delighted to welcome Sarah-Jane to our next Business Networking event, where she’ll be talking about Techscaler.
Techscaler supports ambitious startup founders with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to grow innovative businesses. Sarah-Jane will share what Techscaler offers, who it’s for, and how local entrepreneurs can access support to scale their ideas with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about your next stage of growth, this will be a welcoming, supportive space to learn, connect and explore what’s possible.
You can join, for free, on:
26th January
11am
Lockerbie Town Hall
Help Shape What Comes Next
As Lockerbie Old School continues to grow as a place for ideas, learning and connection, we’re inviting people to be part of our steering groups.
These small, welcoming groups will help shape future training, networking and activity at the Old School. Making sure what we offer reflects real local needs, experiences and ambitions. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, creative, community organiser or simply passionate about the future of the building, your voice is welcome.
You don’t need any formal experience just an interest in contributing ideas, sharing perspectives and helping us build something meaningful together.
If you’d like to be involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more and sign up here: Get Involved - Lockerbie Old School
Useful Support While You’re Waiting
If you’re keen to take action now, here are some trusted resources you can explore in the meantime:
Pathways – South of Scotland Enterprise
https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/services/pathways
Business Gateway Dumfries & Galloway
https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/dumfries-galloway
Funding Scotland
https://fundingscotland.com/