ABOUT WES
Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) is a research-led, not-for-profit Community Interest Company which champions women-led and women-owned businesses.
WES advocates for better evidence-based policy making and believes that delivering expert, needs-based business support will enable women to fulfil their aspirations, and unlock an £8.8bn economic potential to boost the economy. WES works in collaboration with local, national and international partners towards the vision of a gender equal, diverse and inclusive business ecosystem which will allow innovation and productivity to thrive.
WES was established in 2011 to create a voice for women-owned businesses in Scotland and to promote policy and best practice which enables women to successfully start up and grow their own businesses.
The simple fact is that more women-owned businesses in Scotland means more money for the economy. Our research shows that women-owned businesses:
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already contribute a staggering £8.8bn into the economy every year
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have created over 230,000 jobs in local communities across Scotland.
Yet women-owned businesses are just 20% of the business base in Scotland.
Get our regular update on the latest statistics, research and news.
Stay aware and informed on women's entrepreneurship in Scotland and all the activity underway.
Our Ambition
We believe we can encourage more women and girls to try out their business ideas, through the provision of needs-based support co-designed by women-owned businesses and experts in gender techniques. We have an ambition to double the numbers of women-owned businesses, boost the economy by at least another £8.8bn, create a further 230,000 jobs and ultimately consign the current gender gap in enterprise to history.
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Along with our role model Ambassadors, we inspire and support women to start - and then to grow - their own businesses.
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We provide training to create and activate business ideas, to develop leadership skills and to power business growth and scale-up.
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Through our digital Women’s Business Centre we are building a networked community of women-owned businesses from those who are curious about starting a business, or shaping up an idea right through to established and scaling businesses.
Women who support each other and work with the wider business ecosystem to create the diverse, collaborative environment where innovation thrives.
Women's Business Centre
There is no cost to join the digital Women’s Business Centre and you can register here to access all the support and top tips designed to help more women startup and grow their own businesses.
Research and Policy
In parliament we advocate alongside women-owned businesses for gender specific business support and share our research findings with government. And we champion women’s enterprise in the media, in Scottish society, and through our international appointments and networks. We encourage women business owners to join with us in these activities, share their business experiences and advocate for positive change to better support their own businesses and the next generation of women and girls coming through.
Our Board
WES Conflict of Interest Policy for board members.
If you require further information, please contact info@wecotland.co.uk
Fair Work
Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) is proud to be a Fair Work employer. We pay the Real Living Wage and colleagues are involved in influencing our fair work. WES consults individually with colleagues on workplace changes, work delivery and workplace policies. Colleagues have regular access to the CEO and our vision and values statements are shaped by colleagues.
WES recognises trade unions and ensures colleagues are engaged in workplace consultations, team meetings and work programming and delivery.
Carolyn Currie, CEO and Bronwen Thomas, Workplace Representative.
Contact
WES is a non-membership organisation; we’re a virtual business, a community interest company, and our people are positioned all over Scotland. Therefore, in the first instance, making contact by using this form is the best option.
Our admin team, will then direct your enquiry to the relevant team member.
You can also connect with individual team members via LinkedIn by visiting the WES Team section of this page.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Our Address
Registered Address:
2 Atlantic Square
31 York Street
Glasgow
G2 8AS
Press Enquiries
Please contact our PR Manager, Gaynor Simpson
Tel: 07790 104 073
Email: gaynor@wescotland.co.uk