HE became known as “Firework Phil” for organising lavish pyrotechnic displays and entertainment before rugby internationals at Murrayfield during his time as CEO of Scottish Rugby.

Such innovative marketing techniques – dismissed by some critics as gimmicky - were at the heart of a motivational address by Phil Anderton, guest speaker at the first in a series of masterclasses organised by Business Gateway Scottish Borders The tour, which continues throughout the summer, aims to give new and established local companies the chance to tap into free advice from leading experts in marketing, sales and social media.

The European funded masterclass tour moves to the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre in Peebles on Thursday, May 21, when the guest speaker will be social media guru Liz Melville.

Now a full-time consultant, Glasgow-based Ms Melville has, since leaving a high-powered job in financial services in 2007, built three thriving businesses using social media.

Her talk, which begins at 6pm, will attempt to take the “fear of the unknown” out of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other social media platforms.

“Putting in place the correct social media strategy can transform the fortunes of a business, but, as many will have discovered, it takes more than just having a social media presence to reap the rewards,” said Business Gateway manager Phil McCreadie.

“Liz Melville is an experienced social media consultant and strategist who has helped business of all sizes transform their results through the use of social networks. I am certain that local businesses will greatly benefit from her expertise.”