Leading women to mentor rising females

Start-up businesses will benefit from innovative programme

A MENTORING programme pitched at women-led businesses has been launched today by Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network and Women’s Enterprise Scotland.

Five leading female business figures, including Liz Cameron and Petra Wetzel, have been unveiled as mentors for the Women’s Business Mentoring programme.

The programme will match mentors with mentees to create a self-supporting, collaborative community who understand the specific challenges faced by women in business, whether it is accessing finance, overcoming gender bias or managing family responsibilities alongside a business.

The mentors are Ms Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce; Carolyn Currie, chief operating officer of Women’s Enterprise Scotland; Jeanette Forbes, chief executive of PCL Group; Poonam Gupta, chief executive of PG Paper; Marie Macklin, executive chairwoman of Macklin Partnerships; and Ms Wetzel, chief executive of WEST Brewery.

Ms Cameron, said: “Our approach is innovative and fresh and is all about tapping into the talents and experience of successful women entrepreneurs and matching them with ambitious, driven and aspiring women in business.

“I am delighted to have Scotland’s most recognisable and talented business women on board, which reflects the strength of female talent in Scotland, but also our commitment to give back to Scotland, grow our economy and contribute to our local communities.”

Scottish Chambers and Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) said the collaborative approach recognised gender-specific barriers women in business face. The aim of the initiative is to enable more women-led businesses to thrive and succeed.

Research by WES found mentoring was cited by 52 per cent of respondents as the leading support area critical to business growth. A further 82 per cent said having a mentor had made a difference to their business.

Ms Currie said: “Research shows women seek out business advice in the form of mentoring and coaching rather than on a consultancy basis and we know there is a clear need for more business women as mentors, since mixed-sex mentoring relationships may not always be of benefit for everyone.

Ms Currie highlighted that only one in five small and medium-sized enterprises are majority-led by women.

“Yet we know if women started businesses at the same rate as men, this would contribute an additional £7.6bn to Scotland’s economy,” she said. “I am honoured to play a part in this inspiring initiative and I look forward to collaborating and creating a lasting impact for women in business.”

Ms Wetzel added that anything that can connect women in business and enable growth in their business is “good for Scotland and good for the economy”.

She said: “From my experience, having a mentor in any aspect of your life can add immense value to personal development. I view mentoring as a valuable asset that can bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight to a business. I look forward to personally mentoring aspiring women in business and giving back to the business community.”

Ms Macklin added: “We’ve all had someone who supported us when we needed it most and showed us the way. It’s only right we find time to give back and help the leaders of the future fulfil their true potential.”

Ms Gupta said: “Mentoring is all about collaboration, unlocking ideas and talents that an add value to your business and to your life. For many women in business, these talents and ideas can often be overlooked, holding them back and preventing contributions to our economy.

“That’s why this campaign is so appealing. It’s led by women in business and is for women in business.”

The programme is open now.