LEADING BUSINESS FIGURES BOOST WES AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME DURING GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

A host of Scotland’s leading female business leaders have joined Women’s Enterprise Scotland’s prestigious Ambassador programme, following funding announced last month by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

The announcement of 25 new Ambassadors joining the programme is being made during Global Entrepreneurship Week (13-17 November) and brings the total number of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) Ambassadors to 39. WES Ambassadors represent businesses of all sizes, sectors and locations across Scotland, providing accessible, relatable role models for women who are considering starting a business or are growing an existing business.

Names who have joined the Ambassador programme include Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne (Genius Foods), Justine Mitchell (Chamomile Sanctuary), Jo Macsween (former CEO of Macsween Haggis) and serial entrepreneur Vicky Brock.

Commenting on the new intake of Ambassadors, WES Chair Lynne Cadenhead said; “The Ambassador programme is a core element of the Scottish Framework and Action Plan for Women’s Enterprise. Research consistently shows that women entrepreneurs seek out and are inspired by accessible role models and we are delighted so many inspiring women have stepped forward to inspire, engage and connect with women-led start-up and growth businesses.”

New WES Ambassador Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, Founder of Genius Foods said; “Scotland is a terrific place to start a business and there is a wealth of business support out there. I’d like to use my own experiences to inspire and support other women on their business journeys. Scotland really needs these women to step forward if we are going to drive our economy forward.”

Nicola Sturgeon MSP announced funding of £60,000 for the WES Ambassador programme at the collaborative Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland Business Awards last month.

Also marking Global Entrepreneurship Week, WES invited Dr Margo Thomas to address the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Women in Enterprise at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 14 November. Dr Thomas is the former Chief of Secretariat for the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment

WES Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Currie, concluded; “There is a recognition during this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week that addressing the gender gap in enterprise is now absolutely crucial to our future prosperity. Scotland can no longer afford to allow to leave the talents and skills of enterprising women on the table.”