Want a real‑world look at how a regional business community turns conversations into jobs, contracts, and momentum? We sit down with Lynn Harris, CEO and President of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and head of Stirling University Innovation Park, to unpack the systems and habits that make local networks work. From frequent events to national lobbying, Lynn shows how a focused chamber can be both a frontline connector and a clear voice to government.

We explore the scale and impact of the Scottish Chambers network—28 chambers representing thousands of businesses—and how that reach filters down to practical support for local members. Lynn explains why engagement beats vanity numbers, how she designs events that people actually attend, and why the new “Let’s Network After Dark” opens doors for founders who can’t make early starts. She also shares a powerful talent pipeline: bringing students into real roles so they gain experience while helping the chamber sharpen its digital and operational edge.

As head of the Innovation Park, Lynn outlines how flexible lab and office space, strong customer service, and a collaborative campus support high‑growth firms like Symbiosis and Peacock Technology. We hear how one company scaled from a tiny room to a 140‑person operation, and how trust built through repeated touchpoints led five members to form a collective that now wins projects together. It’s a grounded playbook for local economic development: targeted events, consistent communication, cross‑agency partnerships, and a culture where people know each other well enough to act.

If you’re considering membership, curious about better networking, or looking to grow in Forth Valley and beyond, this conversation offers ideas you can use right away. Subscribe, share with a colleague who values community over cold outreach, and tell us: which event format helps you build the strongest ties?

We dig into how Business Improvement Districts turn collective business funding into real services that change a city centre, from festive lights and free Wi‑Fi to safety radios and secure crime intelligence. Danielle shares her path from hospitality to national leadership and how Stirling is preparing for its next five-year plan.

• what a BID is and how ballots mandate five-year plans
• how Stirling partners with council, chamber and STEP
• festive lighting as a footfall driver and city signal
• free city Wi‑Fi and member advertising on the network
• nighttime safety via PubWatch, radios, CCTV and police link
• secure retail crime reporting and cross‑city intelligence
• training platform delivering 10,000+ certificates
• Independent Stirling as a consumer brand and directory
• consultation ahead of renewal and possible zone changes

Neil Munday from The Stirling Business Podcast talks  with the Lord Provost to explore how Stirling’s people, SMEs, and creative industries are shaping a confident, fast‑growing local economy. From community wealth building to a major film studio, we unpack how civic vision translates into jobs, skills, and pride.

• career path from senior tax manager to Lord Provost 
• Why SMEs are the backbone of local growth 
• practical community wealth building pillars and impacts 
• Stirling’s rising profile for liveability and investment 
• film studio plans and skills pipeline with the university and college 
• screen tourism and supplier opportunities for local firms 
• rural business hubs reducing isolation and sharing support 
• success stories from food, cooperage, and cottage industries 
• the role of Chambers, Business Gateway, and STEP in advice 
• closing reflections and charity room naming initiative

Stirling Business Podcast, Studio King Street, BID, CodeBase, Forthvalley Chamber of Commerce, Stirling University

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Studio-King-Street/61581099163683/

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://studiokingstreet.com

Host: Neil Munday - Studio King Street

Producer: Iain Johnston - Johnston Media Podcasts

#StirlingBusiness #BusinessGateway #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSupport #Podcast

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Produced by Johnston Media Podcasts