Michelle Ferguson, director of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company will be sharing her experience and expertise in a new mentoring programme launched by Business Women Scotland.
The head of a hugely successful social enterprise that supports veterans and others with disabilities said it is a privilege to have the opportunity to offer support to women running their own businesses.
This help couldn’t come at a more important time as women have been shown to be one of the groups worst affected economically by coronavirus. For women who have recently set up in business or are looking for advice on the way forward, this new initiative offers vital help.
“I have held senior management positions in the media and the third sector, leading teams to achieve success. This programme couldn’t have launched at a more appropriate time for woman who want to develop their brand and set a path for the future.”
She added: “Mentorship is a two-way thing. Both people involved invest in each other, cultivating a relationship as you grow together. I'm excited that this project will be bringing people together who want to do the work that will help them achieve success.”
The mentoring programme run by Business Women Scotland, in media partnership with STV, matches business owners with experienced mentors who can share information about their own career path as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support and role modelling.
Working together, they can explore careers, set goals, develop contacts and identify resources.
There will be four intakes of the programme over the course of the year, with the first on 3 August for two weeks.
“With the economy in turmoil following the coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a more crucial time to give women in business a helping hand,” said Lynne Kennedy MBE, founder of Business Women Scotland.
“I believe mentoring is one of the key strategies that can help to close the gender gap in leadership, not just in Scotland but around the world. Mentoring is a vital lever we can activate to advance more women in work, help them gain access to capital and economic opportunities they might otherwise miss and be better prepared for opportunities when they come.
“One of the responsibilities of being a woman committed to working towards a more just world is being willing to be a mentor when and where needed. We need the support of each other (both mentors and mentees) at all levels. That’s what we’re here to offer.”
Mentors taking part in the programme come from the worlds of leadership coaching, finance, hospitality, marketing and public relations.
The first two sessions are free to Business Women Scotland members. To become a member of Business Women Scotland, visit www.bwsltd.co.uk. Annual membership costs £100+VAT and includes networking and learning benefits.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The full list of mentors includes:
Michelle Ferguson of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
Yvonne Greeves of NatWest, the Royal Bank of Scotland & Ulster Bank
Celia Tennant of Inspiring Scotland
Heather Little of Little’s Chauffeur Drive
Dale MacPhee of Waldorf Astoria, Edinburgh – the Caledonian
June Walker of Strathblair
Barbara Brown of Positive Momentum
Yvonne Webb of Engage & Grow
Leadership expert Fiona McNeill
Alan Morrison of ASM Media & PR
Business Women Scotland is an organisation dedicated to helping women find support and networking opportunities to allow them to strengthen their business. A bi-monthly digital magazine supporting women in business, it also runs a series of events and awards to celebrate and empower women in business while tackling the gender gap in enterprise.
For more information, please contact Angela McManus, who deals with press and PR, on angela@bwsltd.co.uk or call 07803 970312.
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