Scottish Business Network begins its next chapter with new membership model

Scottish Business Network (SBN) is entering a new chapter, introducing a paid membership model that will enable the organisation to invest further in its global community and create more opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and support one another.

Founded in 2016 by Russell Dalgleish and Christine Esson, SBN has grown into a community of more than 20,000 people, with over 65 Ambassadors and connections spanning more than 70 countries. Through events, introductions and international activities, the network has established itself as a place where people with a shared interest in Scotland can build relationships and discover opportunities.

The introduction of membership fees marks an important step in SBN's development, providing the resources to take a more proactive approach to supporting its members.

The ambition is to build a community where people don't simply join a network, but actively benefit from being part of it. That means helping members access expertise, make meaningful connections, share what they're working on and find opportunities to work together.

It's about making more of the relationships and international reach that have been developed over the past decade, while continuing to bring together people who want to contribute to Scotland's success.

A new approach to membership

To support this next stage, SBN is introducing a paid membership model that will allow the organisation to invest more in its community, develop new opportunities for members and build something that delivers genuine, ongoing value.

The focus is on helping members make greater use of the network, with more opportunities to connect, collaborate and benefit from the knowledge and experience of others.

Membership will provide:

• Meaningful connections: Opportunities to build relationships with people across Scotland and around the world.
• Personal introductions: Support from the SBN team to identify and connect members with people who can make a difference.
• Knowledge and expertise: Access to insights, experience and advice from people across different industries and international markets.
• Opportunities: A community where members can share what they're working on, discover opportunities and support one another.
• Events and networking: Regular opportunities to meet, exchange ideas and develop relationships.
• Member visibility: Opportunities for members to share their expertise, businesses and activities with the wider community.

The aim is to make SBN a more active part of its members' professional lives, helping them access the relationships, knowledge and opportunities that can support their ambitions.

Making membership personal

A central part of this approach is ensuring that members receive support from the moment they join.

Everyone who becomes an SBN member will be invited to a personal onboarding conversation with the SBN team.

These conversations will help SBN understand what members are looking to achieve, explore how the network can support them and identify people who could make a difference.

Members will also have opportunities to get involved through regular online sessions, including Meet the Chairman, where members can connect with SBN Chairman Russell Dalgleish, share ideas, ask for support and benefit from his experience and network, and SBN Spotlight, which explores international opportunities, emerging trends and developments that could create new possibilities for members.

Alongside these activities, SBN will continue to bring people together through its wider programme of gatherings and international initiatives.

As part of these changes, SBN is also introducing and improved version of SBN Family, its existing online members' platform, making it easier for members to connect, communicate and participate in the network.

Investing in the future

Introducing membership fees will provide the resources and infrastructure needed to support this more active approach.

It will enable SBN to invest in events, communications, personal introductions, opportunity matching, member promotion and the continued development of its international Ambassador network.

"We've spent nearly ten years building an incredible community of people who share a connection to Scotland and a willingness to help one another.

We've seen first hand what can happen when the right people are brought together, whether that's a business opportunity, an introduction to a new market or simply someone sharing their experience to help another person move forward.

We now want to build on that and do more for the people who are part of SBN.

Our new membership model will allow us to be more proactive, create more opportunities for members and develop a community where people are genuinely engaged in helping one another.

We've always believed that Scotland's greatest strength is its people, both at home and around the world. This next chapter is about bringing more of those people together and making those connections count."

Be part of SBN's next chapter

SBN membership is now open to individuals and businesses in Scotland and internationally, as well as anyone with an interest in connecting with and contributing to Scotland's success.

Individual membership is available for £37 per month, with corporate and lifetime membership options also available.

Members will have access to SBN's online community, regular events, opportunities to connect and personal support from the SBN team.

Whether you're looking to develop your business, explore international opportunities, share your expertise or build relationships with people who have a shared interest in Scotland, SBN offers a community built around helping one another.

Find out more about membership and join Scottish Business Network here.