Designs on knitwear
Kate’s business takes off
A knitwear designer based in Blanefield, who overcame major health issues to succeed in business, has is taking part in a campaign to encourage more women to startup their own enterprises.
Kate Davies has been profiled by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) who were making the case for more female entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day yesterday (Thursday).
The FSB highlights research showing that female-led businesses in Scotland currently contribute £5 billion to the economy. But the Scottish economy would be given a £7.6 billion if rates of women-led businesses equalled that of men.
Kate, who won FSB Microbusiness of the Year Award in 2016, said: “I built my business completely from scratch, with few resources, very little capital and no external investment.
“I developed projects very slowly and, when they proved profitable, reinvested in new ventures.
“Starting small meant that my business was responsive and flexible from the very beginning, and that it was able to grow organically.”
She added: “I faced my biggest barrier right at the moment my business began. I had a stroke, aged 36 and had to abandon my career as an academic lecturer. My business started from a hobby, then supported me (in ways that went beyond simple economics). My business grew slowly with me, as I recovered.
“Coping with sudden disability and managing my health while developing work in a completely new field was difficult, but in the end, incredibly rewarding.
“Having faced such a serious personal challenge, many day-today business hurdles can seem pretty insignificant.
“I’ve been enjoying taking my writing in new directions over the past year, and would like to develop the publishing side of the business further, producing books that complement our existing offerings in design, photography and textiles.”
Leader of FSB Forth Valley Catriona Cripps, who runs business consultancy Wildcat Solutions in Stirling and is also showcased in the campaign, stressed the importance of networking.
She said: “Network as much as you can, to find the events that suit you and your circumstances best. Women’s networks are a great place to start to build confidence, but you need to get out there and meet as many people as you possibly can, so ask for recommendations.”
More details at: https://www.fsb.org.uk/ standing-up-for-you/ our-campaigns/100-fsbwomen-for-iwd
Responsive and flexible from beginning