NEW FACES JOIN WES AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME AS PART OF LARGE SCALE EXPANSION

Women’s Enterprise Scotland, the community interest company which focuses on the contribution women's enterprise makes to the Scottish economy, is announcing an expansion of its WES Ambassador Programme with the appointment of an additional 22 new Ambassadors.

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 of Ambassadors 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. Our Ambassador programme brings together the stories and experiences of over 60 female entrepreneurs from across Scotland, who seek to inspire, motivate, engage and connect with women-led start-up and growth businesses.

She continued; “Currently, just 20% 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.”

Appointees to the WES Ambassador programme include Emma Reid, Director of Edinburgh based Ergo Law; Nathalie Agnew, Managing Director of Muckle Media; Rebecca Pick, CEO of Pick Protection and Amanda Pickford of Shock Innovations.

Emma Reid of Ergo Law said; "Three years ago, my business partner Cathy and I set up our own law firm. I remember many people telling us at the time that was a brave thing to do. I’ve always had my business partner’s support when making decisions and taking steps to grow the business, but many people don’t have that. So I hope that as a WES ambassador I can help women feel comfortable about making ‘brave’ decisions in entrepreneurship as we’ve found that they can very well turn out to be your best decisions.”

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.”

You can find the full list of WES Ambassadors here.