"Watching them (our members) grow from small beginnings to become successful, drives us forward to celebrate the power of women in business"
What is your current role within the company?
HBW is run by a Board of Directors. The current President is Marie Mackintosh, Vice President is Mairi MacDonald and Immediate Past President is Jillian Sharp. In the last year we have been joined by Gemma Campbell, Jane Hillier, Victoria MacDonald, Hannah Lloyd and Donna Smith who are taking on roles such as finance, membership development, marketing, events, charity champion and governance.
What is your background prior to working for this company or setting up your company?
We all have full-time jobs or run our own businesses and give our time voluntarily to manage and develop the group.
What makes your company and/or your role stand out?
Our members and guests tell us it is the welcoming, friendly and supportive environment created by our networking meetings, events and media channels. We appeal to a broad range of women of all ages and stages of developing their business.
We operate alongside other membership organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce, FSB and BNI. What we offer complements the member services provided by others. Our focus is on relaxed opportunities to network, share information and inspire each other.
Why did you apply, how did you find the process and the awards evening?
We applied to raise the profile of our group and showcase the wonderfully talented and enterprising women of the Highlands. The application process was straightforward but worth taking time over to do justice to each of the criteria. We had a ball at the Awards Dinner and felt very humbled to have won Best Affiliated Group among such strong competition.
What are your plans for the future?
Our ambition is to continue to grow our membership and reputation. We will be looking for new ways to collaborate with our partners and extend our reach. It is not easy covering an area the size of Belgium; we are also looking at digital solutions and other ways to include women in the remoter and rural areas.
What inspires and motivates you?
Our members and their stories are what uplift us. Some have overcome personal challenges or difficulties that have led them to start their business venture while others have just come up with cracking ideas. Watching them grow from small beginnings to become successful drives us forward to celebrate the power of women in business.
Highland Business Women are affiliate members of the Association of Scottsh Businesswomen. If you are part of, or know, a member based group you think may be interested in being affiliated to one of Scotland's leading networks for women, then contact us for a chat.
