If you’re working in the financial industry in Scotland, or considering moving here, then it helps to be in the know when it comes to networking groups in the industry. These groups will help you to meet new people working in finance, be more sociable and improve your business skills – if you’re self- employed you can also receive valuable business advice and support. Our handy guide to Scotland’s financial industry networking groups will tell you all you need to know about the best groups in your area.
Scottish Enterprise
The formula for Scottish enterprise works by supporting Scottish companies and by creating a world-class business environment, with an emphasis on helping them to compete with companies from across the globe. They offer business support and advice as well as sector information on the financial industry and many other industries, and run a number of events related to the finance sector in Edinburgh, Dumfries and other Scottish towns and cities on a regular basis. They can provide advice on funding and grants available for businesses as well as improve awareness of potential career opportunities in the financial sector.
Business Network Scotland
You can join the Business Network Scotland for an annual membership fee, which gives you access to BNS events taking place across the country and a range of social events, from go-karting to BBQs. Included in the cost of membership is the opportunity to be listed in the BNS directory as well as taking advantage of marketing in BNS newsletters. The BNS is dedicated to networking, and operates in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland’s three major cities, with monthly networking sessions taking place over lunch allowing members to mingle and chat about business. You don’t have to have an insurance job in Scotland or be working in the financial services sector to join – one of the beauties of the BNS is that there will be people present from various industry sectors.
Scottish Charity Finance Group
The Scottish Charity Finance Group or SCFG provides networking for finance professionals in Scotland who work for charities or voluntary organisations, and it’s a great place to meet other like-minded individuals. With over 140 members to date, the SCFG launched in 1994 and provides opportunities to exchange views and discuss how to solve industry related issues, as well as the chance to attend network lunches and seminars on a regular basis. Seminars cover a wide range of financial topics from pensions to fund raising and data protection issues.
There are other financial industry networking groups in Scotland that it’s well worth joining – why not try the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) or Women in Banking and Finance Scotland (WIBF)? All of these groups offer the opportunity to meet professionals working in your field, enjoy networking and find out about future opportunities in your industry. If you’ve recently moved to Scotland, joining one of these networking groups is the perfect way to widen your social circle whilst discussing work and industry issues with like-minded professionals working in the world of finance.