The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Army wives create enterprise hub at Leuchars Station
COMMUNITY: IT hub created to benefit military family in Fife
A group of enterprising women are breathing new life into a building at Leuchars Station by creating a shared working space for the military community.
The hub, which offers a fully IT-enabled working environment, was initially developed by Sarah Stone, who runs community benefit consultancy Samtaler, and Emma-Jane Kerr, who runs SmartPA.
Both are army wives and mothers who have been successful in their own careers.
While working from home was an option, they agreed a hub would not only create a better working environment, it would also provide a networking opportunity for all military spouses to come together, share skills and build friendships.
“As a military family we have moved around a lot and it is really important to integrate wherever you are.
“When we realised that so many wives and partners were working from their dining tables without the proper resources, we asked if we could take over the community hall.
“Over the last few months we have grown and now have women who were working for employers from home as well as women who are studying.
“Anyone connected to the military who wishes to use the space can become a member and we have a hot desk arrangement.”
Like many of the women, Emma-Jane was based at Fallingbostel in Germany before the move to Leuchars.
With two small children to look after she said some women can feel isolated in a new place.
She said she enjoys the support and friendship from others in the hub, yet still has the flexibility of working from home if she needs to.
During a visit North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins met Dee Bola from Fiji, who came to Leuchars from Fallingbostel with her husband and young family in 2015, and is using the hub for her studies at St Andrews University.
He also heard from Charmaine Kelly, who was enjoying the hub after months of working for her employer in Slough from a cupboard-like space in her military accommodation.
When we realised that so many wives and partners were working from their dining tables without the proper resources, we asked if we could take over the community hall