Businesses across East Lothian are encouraged to save the date as East Lothian Business Month returns this October, offering a packed programme of events designed to inspire, connect and support businesses across the county.
Organised by East Lothian Council, the month-long programme will feature a range of networking opportunities, workshops, seminars and business support events aimed at businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Building on the success of last year, East Lothian Business Month 2026 will showcase the wealth of expertise, opportunities and business support available across East Lothian. Alongside council-led activity, the programme will highlight events delivered by strategic partners, celebrate local business success stories and help connect businesses with the support services that can help them grow and thrive.
One of the first major events in the programme will be Meet the Buyer South 2026, taking place at the Corn Exchange, Haddington, on Wednesday 7 October. Delivered by the Supplier Development Programme in partnership with East Lothian and Scottish Borders Councils, the free event provides businesses with the opportunity to meet procurement teams and buyers from public and private sector organisations, explore future contract opportunities and learn how to become tender-ready and compete for new contract opportunities. The event is open to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders and SMEs to larger organisations.
The month will culminate with Business Connect & Showcase 2026, a new collaborative finale event organised by East Lothian Council in partnership with the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce. The event will bring together East Lothian Council's popular Meet the Council and Strategic Partners exhibition with the Chamber's established Business Expo, creating one of the region's largest business networking and support events, giving businesses the opportunity to connect, collaborate and access expert support from across Eastt Lothian and beyond.
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said:
"East Lothian Business Month has become an important opportunity to bring our business community together and showcase the support, expertise and opportunities available across the county.
"The programme is designed to be valuable for businesses across all sectors, from sole traders and start-ups through to larger employers. Whether you are looking to build new connections, develop skills, explore funding opportunities or learn more about support services, there will be something for everyone.
"We are proud to work alongside a wide range of strategic partners to deliver an exciting and varied programme throughout October. I would encourage businesses to get involved, attend events and make the most of the opportunities available. We look forward to welcoming businesses to these events."
Full details of the East Lothian Business Month 2026 programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
To stay up to date, businesses are encouraged to follow Invest East Lothian on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the Invest East Lothian newsletter to ensure they don't miss any event announcements, booking information and business support updates.
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