Learning from others a recurring theme as business leaders gather
from the experience of others was a recurring theme as Argyll and Bute business leaders gathered for a two-day conference.
Around 40 beneficiaries of the SJ Noble and Kilfinan trusts joined funders and trustees at the Portavadie resort last month.
As Christina Noble welcomed guests to an opening dinner on Thursday February 15, she explained that the S J Noble Trust, set up in memory of her brother Johnny of Loch Fyne Oysters, began in 2004. Since then, with assistance of the Kilfinan Trust, it has now distributed nearly £700,000 in grants and increasingly in loans to 140 Argyll businesses.
Nick Ferguson, chairman of the Argyll and Bute Economic Forum, explained the forum’s role and how the trusts’ aims fitted this.
Award-winning chef Tom Lewis of the Monachyle Mhor Hotel in the Braes of Balquhidder followed, delivering an inspirational speech to delegates. The programme on Friday was introduced by trustee Virginia Sumsion, a founder of the Food From Argyll brand. As a trustee, she outlined the trusts’ operation, emphasising the importance of accounts and cash flow.
Ms Sumsion said: ‘The programme was set up to illustrate the different types of business we support, to give an idea of the variety operating in Argyll, and to make sure that the audience could learn from the personal experience of others.’
Delegates included Sam Coley of Samteq, Craig Cameron and Neil MacDonald of Midton Acrylics and Iain Jurgensen from the host business at Portavadie.
MacKay Smith of The Islay Boys and Flatnose Whisky said: ‘I enjoyed the company, made some good contacts and learned from others.’