Ross-shire business leaders fly the flag as ambassadors for women
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LEADING women business leaders from across the Highlands are amongst the latest names to join the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Ambassador programme.
Women’s Enterprise Scotland, the community interest company which focuses on the contribution women's enterprise makes to the Scottish economy, has announced a major expansion of its WES Ambassador Programme with a cohort of 22 ambassadors being unveiled.
The appointees include: Jennifer Mackenzie of TEFL (Inverness); Nathalie Agnew of Muckle Media (Inverness ); Mel Macintyre of Find Your Flow (Isle of Eriskay); Lindsay Ritchie of Kilts Wi Hae (Newmachar) and Jennifer Robertson of Spey (Aberlour).
Jennifer Mackenzie and Nathalie Agnew both started their businesses in Dingwall.
Nathalie is a former pupil of Dingwall Academy.
Research undertaken by WES in early 2017 showed that accessible role models were seen by business advisors as valuable in supporting women led businesses to overcome challenges.
The WES ambassador programme seeks to inspire, motivate, engage and connect with women-led start-up and growth businesses, by providing a network of accessible role models leading businesses throughout Scotland.
The new intake takes the WES Ambassador cohort to over 60 female business owners, representing industries and sectors throughout the country.
Carolyn Currie, chief executive officer at Women’s Enterprise Scotland said: “There is a wealth of evidence showing the importance of role models for the development and aspirations of women-owned businesses."
She added: “Currently, just 20 per cent of SMEs in Scotland are majority owned by women and research continues to show that women face specific challenges when starting and growing a business.
"These challenges include gaining credibility for the business; childcare/caring commitments; discrimination and access to markets and access to networks. We are delighted to be expanding our Ambassador programme as it is these accessible, relatable role models who inspire other pioneering women to start and grow their own businesses.”
Nathalie Agnew of Muckle Media said: “I am really excited to become an ambassador for Women’s Enterprise Scotland.
"I can’t wait to share and support the work that WES does, strengthening the Scottish economy by creating an environment where women-led businesses can flourish and grow. Supporting female entrepreneurship isn’t a moral decision, it’s economic one.”
