2nd - 20th Sept
6th, 13th & 20th Sept
11th Sept
13th Sept
21st Sept
27th Sept
4th, 11th, 18th Oct
6th October
11th & 12th October
11th October
25th October
Mentoring Match Programme
Edinburgh Hub (Every 1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesday) The Garden, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Power Hour - Zoom
bookings can be made via www.bwcedinburgh.co.uk
Wine Wednesday - Tigerlily Edinburgh
Corporate Lunch - Malmaison Edinburgh City
8:45 BWC Business Connections - Grand Cafe, The Scotsman Hotel
Edinburgh Hub –The Garden, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Power Hour - Zoom
bookings can be made via www.bwcedinburgh.co.uk
Programme for Growth
Wine Wednesday - Tigerlily Edinburgh
8:45 BWC Business Connections - Grand Cafe, The Scotsman Hotel
Welcome how has your summer been so far, are you ready for the new season? It will desfinitely be one filled with promise, growth, and fresh opportunities. As we reflect on the fantastic moments that the summer brought us and the immense success of our inaugural Power of Inspiration Awards, we are humbled by your unwavering support and enthusiasm.
The Power of Inspiration Awards was a day that will forever be a special day. The event was a true celebration of the spirit of women in business, a testament to their remarkable achievements, and a shining example of what can be accomplished when like-minded individuals come together to share and uplift each other. To each of you who joined us on that inspiring day, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the cause.
With a new season dawning, we are thrilled to unveil our latest initiatives that are designed to take our collective journey to new heights: Introducing the Power Hour Sessions: We recognize that our thirst for knowledge knows no bounds. Hence, we present the Power Hour Sessions – a unique opportunity to engage in hour-long online sessions with experts who have carved a niche for themselves in their respective fields. These sessions promise to be a wellspring of insights and inspiration that will fuel your personal and professional growth.
The Anticipation of the Leadership Event 2024: we are sharing our excitement about the upcoming Leadership Event in the coming year. This event promises to be a confluence of visionary minds, a hub of transformative ideas, and a stepping stone towards even greater accomplishments. Keep your calendars at the ready as ticket details will be coming your way soon.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to our monthly events. These connections continue to be a ground for fostering connections and nurturing collaborations
As we embark on this new season, we invite you to be a voice and ideas to further enrich our shared experience. Your perspectives are invaluable in shaping the trajectory of our collective journey, and we eagerly await your insights.
BWC isn’t just an organisation; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of women supporting women. Thank you for being a vital part of BWCEdinburgh, here’s to a season of growth, empowerment, and boundless potential.
Warmest regards,
Kay Anderson Editor – BWC Edinburgh magazineJoining the BWCEdinburgh membership is a strategic step towards advancing your business journey, personal growth, and professional success. The membership offers a multitude of benefits that are thoughtfully designed to empower you in various aspects of your business and career. Here’s why you should consider becoming a part of this thriving community:
1. Supportive Community of Women in Business:
At the heart of the BWCEdinburgh membership is a tightly-knit community of women who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a businesswoman. This community is built on trust, shared experiences, and a genuine desire to uplift each other. By joining, you’re gaining access to a group of like-minded individuals who can offer advice, insights, and a supportive network to lean on. Collaboration and mentorship within this community can provide guidance during tough times and amplify your successes.
2. Expand Your Network:
Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth. The BWCEdinburgh membership opens the door to a diverse range of women in various industries and at different stages of their careers. The opportunities for meaningful connections are endless, from potential business partners and clients to collaborators and friends. Networking within the membership can lead to partnerships that can drive your business forward, as well as provide you with a broader perspective on industry trends and best practices.
3. Access to Valuable Resources and Courses:
Business success often hinges on access to knowledge and expertise. The BWCEdinburgh membership offers a curated selection of resources and training that are tailored to the needs of women in business. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your leadership skills, master strategies for growth, or stay updated on industry trends, the resources provided can serve as a springboard for your continuous learning and development.
4. Recognition Through Awards:
Recognition is a powerful motivator and a testament to your achievements. The BWCEdinburgh membership acknowledges your efforts and accomplishments through business awards. Winning or being nominated for these awards not only boosts your professional reputation but also provides visibility within the community and beyond. This recognition can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
5. Exclusive Events Tailored to Your Needs:
The BWCEdinburgh membership exclusive events cater directly to the needs and aspirations of women in business. Whether it’s monthly networking events, leadership courses, or industry-specific panels, these events are designed to help you thrive. The tailored nature of these events ensures that you’re gaining insights and knowledge that are directly applicable to your journey, while also providing unique platforms for connections that can accelerate your growth
The BWCEdinburgh membership champions you by offering a supportive community that understands your challenges, access to a diverse network, valuable resources, and training , recognition through awards, and exclusive events that cater to your specific needs. This membership empowers you to elevate your business, cultivate meaningful relationships, and position yourself for sustained success in the dynamic world of business.
£249 per year
Monthly investment: £20.75
Enjoy a full annual membership with access to all areas of BWC Aberdeen. Plus access to the Business Start-Up Toolkit.
£249 per year
Monthly investment: £20.75
Enjoy a full annual membership with access to all areas of BWC Aberdeen.
£695 per year
Monthly investment: £57.91
Corporate memberships to employees of companies (up to three members).
To find out more about the membership -www.bwcedinburgh.co.uk
mpliance work g Accounts, g.
We also help a lot of landlord clients with their Self-Assessment Tax Returns and Capital Gains Tax Reporting requirements.
But what makes us different is how much we care about our clients’ businesses. We love to hear about your goals and plans and even better, we love when we are a part of these and can work with you to help you achieve them!
We work on a fixed fee basis to give our clients peace of mind. Included in this fee is any help or advice you need throughout the year, we’ll even speak to HMRC on your behalf so you don’t have to.
If you’d like to arrange an initial chat with Hannah to discuss your business and how we might be able to help, we’d love to hear from you.
lothians@taxassist.co.uk
0131 654 1771
Dalkeith, Easter Road, Fairmilehead, Musselburgh
“I’ve used TaxAssist for over 10 years. They are always very helpful, efficient and professional - and they always communicate in easy language, to make the whole tax ‘labyrinth’ simple to understand”
Jeremy Cousins“I have been a client for just over a year and can’t recommend enough! Always efficient and friendly and are frequently in contact and able to help with requests in such a professional and speedy manner! Makes being self employed much easier! Thank you”
Kylie HannayHannah is really passionate about helping small business owners and puts out regular videos on LinkedIn with tips and advice on accountancy and tax matters. You can connect with Hannah by scanning the QR code below:
Can you tell us about your personal journey as a BWC franchisee supporting women in business?
It has been one of the most amazing decisions I have made in a long time! I have met some incredible inspirational and beautiful woman whom make me do what I do everyday fun and exciting as I learn from them too! To be able to help people grow, develop and find the confidence to just do it is the reason I started the franchisee journey.
Can you tell me more about Lynne Kennedy’s journey with BWS and how it inspired you to join the franchise?
Lynne Kennedy’s journey with BWS (Business Women Scotland) was a significant source of inspiration for my decision to join the franchise. I had the opportunity to witness various events organized by BWS and found them to be incredibly exciting and transformative for many women. These events provided a platform for women to connect, network, and empower each other, which resonated with me deeply.
Seeing the positive impact that BWS had on women’s lives and careers made it a clear and compelling choice for me to become a part of BWC franchise. The opportunity to contribute to a community that supports and uplifts women in business was a “no-brainer” for me, as it aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations. Lynne Kennedy’s journey and the work of BWS served as a powerful inspiration for me to join BWC franchise.
How does the BWC mission and values align with your own beliefs and aspirations regarding women’s empowerment in the business world?
My BWCEdinburgh business embodies my commitment to sustainability and innovation. It allows me to contribute positively to society while also pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship. By integrating eco-friendly practices into my business model, I am not only achieving financial success but also creating a business that reflects my values and contributes to a better future.
In what ways do you collaborate with other franchisees and the franchisor to create a strong and supportive community for women in business?
We connect on a quarterly basis to discuss ideas and what we can bring to the BWCplatform to
improve what we already offer, we never stand still! Collectively as a group we make changes for the better and to encourage an environment to express your creativity that support the BWC community.
What advice do you have for aspiring women entrepreneurs who are considering joining your membership or venturing into business ownership in general?
My advice would be to cultivate resilience and be prepared to face challenges head-on. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and professionals who can offer guidance and perspective. Surround yourself with people that will help and support you
Can you share any partnerships or collaborations your BWC membership has formed with other organisations or entities that share the same goals of promoting women’s success in entrepreneurship?
Steedman Accountants GSB Solicitors
Malmaison Group Pure Affinity Wealth Taxassist Beaumont Associates
Big Flavour Marketing Barclays
The Old Course Hotel
And many more of the 100+ members and growing every day.
Contact Kay – Kay@bwcedinburgh.co.uk
Begbies Traynor is Scotland and the UK’s leading Corporate Rescue and Recovery practice. We are licensed insolvency practitioners and business rescue experts, specialising in turning around the fortunes of companies and individuals.
There are numerous reasons why a business may face financial challenges, from an economic downturn to the loss of a key customer. If a company’s liabilities start to outweigh the value of current assets, and debts cannot be paid when they fall due, it can lead to a potentially insolvent situation. However, there are several rescue and recovery solutions available to company directors, and our experts can navigate through the potential options to either rescue or exit the business. When acted upon swiftly, there are more options for the business and a greater chance of avoiding liquidation. Our pledge to company directors is simple: if you are worried about your businesses’ finances or your obligations, contact us today as we offer a free initial consultation with one of our advisers.
If an individual is facing personal financial difficulties, then our team of personal insolvency specialists can provide timely and invaluable support to help them stabilise their financial situation. There are several solutions available that can provide a practical, workable solution to debt problems. Which solution is best will depend on the individuals personal circumstances – but the sooner we are involved, the more options we will have to secure a workable financial solution.
We provide various services to accountants, free of charge, to support your clients. Our objective is to work as a strategic partner to ensure that your clients receive the right advice, at the right time, and to deliver a service to the standard expected from all professional advisers. We have a long-standing reputation for working in partnership with independent accountancy practices to improve their profitability and service to clients. We are also no threat to your practice as we have no audit capacity.
• We offer a personal, compassionate, and confidential service;
• Every client is allocated a dedicated point of contact who proactively manages the relationship;
• We provide honest, jargon-free advice that cuts to the root of the matter and, where possible, provides you with all the options available;
• With over 100 offices in the UK, we can offer a speedy, personal, and local service to business owners
Kelly Jones is a member of BWC and a Director at Begbies Traynor, working between our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. She would be happy to be contacted for a free consultation or discussion on services offered, at a time or location convenient to you. Alternatively, contact can be made with our team at: scotlandadvice@btguk.com
Kelly Jones DirectorE: kelly.jones@btguk.com
M: 07785 298 880
T: 0131 222 9060
T: 0141 222 2230
Running a business is never smooth sailing, especially navigating post pandemic changes and a cost of living crisis which may have impacted trading patterns and income stream.
In this issue we chat with BWCEdinburgh member Belinda Belli owner of Belli International Real Estate. Belli International Real Estate specialises in connecting you with the world’s most extraordinary properties in the most sought-after destinations including our capital cities here in the UK.
What inspired you to work in real Estate?
I have always had a passion for property since buying my first home. I have been lucky enough to live in some beautiful homes and countries. I love looking at different styles and periods of architecture. I have hands on experience of investing and feel I have a lot of experience to offer in the selling and marketing process, having come from a consultancy, negotiation and sales background. At the end of the day, I want to help others to sell or purchase their dream homes, whilst providing a professional and personal service. I work with a team that also provide services required to complete your sale process both for the UK and international sales market.
What sets you apart from other real estate companies, and how does that benefit your clients?
We offer a consultancy approach to each client taking the time to understand each clients needs, timeframes and requirements. We will then research all the options available to ensure the best outcomes for you. The benefits to our clients is a bespoke, personal service.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest real estate trends and market changes, and how does that knowledge benefit your clients?
We follow industry news sources, attend industry events, are part of the top industry organisations, we monitor local, national and international conditions, trends and changes. We keep on top of industry news, newsletters, blogs, podcasts and magazines along with all social media channels.
Can you describe your typical client and the type of properties you specialise in?
There is no typical client for us, we work with buyers, sellers, investors, first time buyers and seasoned commercial property professionals as well. We sell locally here in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, as well as London, UAE, Mauritius, Malta, The french Riviera, Portugal, Italy and Spain. We sell everything from starter homes through to high end villas and luxury homes. From new builds, to off plan, re-sale and period properties.
How do you market your properties, and what strategies have been successful for you in the past?
We use the marketing portals including
Rightmove, Rightmove international, on the market, Zoopla. We also have investors, and a large network of potential investors and developers. The strategies that work best for us is finding the right investor, buyer or seller to meet the client brief, a flexible approach to finding the best solution. We also market privately to wealth managers looking to enhance their clients portfolios.
What is your approach to handling client concerns or complaints, and how do you work to resolve any issues that arise?
Communication is the most important approach in everything we do. In the first instance, listening to any concerns and dealing with those first to ensure a concern doesn’t become a complaint. Where a complaint comes from somewhere without our control, to manage that efficiently and effectively and to find a resolution for everyone involved.
What are your long-term goals for your real estate business, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our long term goals are to become the Estate agency of choice here in Edinburgh and internationally. To grow a sustainable business helping to create a network of local and international agents. To empower my team to create the future they want for both themselves and their families. One of our main goals is to enable home owners, buyers, investors and sellers to find, build and live in their dream homes. This will be achieved by providing exceptional service, by caring about each client and always exceeding their expectations in their property journey.
Belinda is offering a referral incentive to BWC members and non members, to include a gift card to the value of £250 for any referral that leads to the completion of a property sale or house purchase.
Please use code BWC 250 to the following email with the referral. belinda.belli@belliinternationalrealestate.com
In a world where the strength and resilience of women continue to shape industries, economies, and societies, it is imperative to acknowledge and celebrate their remarkable achievements. We are thrilled to share the incredible success of the inaugural “Power of Inspiration” awards, an event that not only honoured the accomplishments of women in business but also ignited a beacon of hope for countless aspiring entrepreneurs.
In June, a wave of inspiration swept through the business landscape as we witnessed the birth of an extraordinary platform. The “Power of Inspiration” awards, a celebration of women in business, was a resounding triumph that left an indelible mark on everyone involved. The event not only recognised the unparalleled contributions of women but also provided a space for them to share their journeys, insights, and aspirations. We celebrated the power of women coming together to uplift and support each other on their paths to success.
These awards encapsulate the essence of progress, resilience, and empowerment. They highlighted the stories of trailblazing women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied expectations, and revolutionized industries. From innovative tech start ups to sustainable fashion ventures, the breadth of achievements showcased at the awards painted a vivid picture of the limitless possibilities that await when women are given the opportunities they deserve.
The success of the inaugural “Power of Inspiration” awards serves as a testament to the transformative influence of recognizing and celebrating women’s accomplishments. By highlighting the remarkable achievements of women in business, we not only honour their hard work but also inspire future generations to aim for greatness. The event has fostered a powerful network of mentors, role models, and allies, driving home the message that when women support one another, they can accomplish truly remarkable feats.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the momentum generated by the awards continues to fuel the fire of progress. By consistently promoting gender diversity and equality in the business world, we can create an environment where women’s talents can truly flourish. Mentorship programs, investment opportunities, and inclusive workplaces are just a few of the many ways we can continue to foster the growth of women in business.
Let us carry forward the spirit of celebration and empowerment, nurturing an environment where every woman’s potential can thrive.
Congratulations to all the award recipients and participants. Your achievements are not only a testament to your individual brilliance but also a testament to the power of inspiration itself.
If you would like to be involved for next years awards please contact Kay to discuss opportunities
Playing the character of a business owner, ‘SME City’ requires you to navigate your way through a series of everyday company hurdles - from piled up paperwork to demanding clients. Inspired by the retro 80s arcade scene, the aim of the game is to get from start to finish without being caught out by any of these tricky realities, and it’s much harder than it seems.
Those in the top three positions on the leaderboard will receive prizes, including up to £200 in ‘life:style’ gift vouchers - with a choice of over 125 brands - which can be won on a quarterly basis starting from Friday 8th September. Its creation comes after expert, Kate Hardcastle, revealed the pitfalls of running a small business - from being a huge time commitment to the social impact.
Unrealistic expectations of running a business were also cited as something to watch out for, as she emphasises the reward is not just in results and finances – but also how you feel. It’s also likely that startups will overstretch themselves during the early days with over-investing in things like equipment, staff or stock, so it’s important to keep this under control and stay sensible.
Kate has partnered with business insurance company, Superscript, which also commissioned research of 500 SMEs revealing the top stresses they faced at the start of their journey. She also stated the fear of failure is real but surrounding yourself with a ‘dream team’ of experts in all areas of the business will help release pressure and protect your company on all levels.
Mai Fenton, CMO for the brand said: “Starting your own business is never easy and we wanted to bring this to life through this retro-inspired SME City game. “Our research shows that while work admin can be the bane of every business owner, the majority of small business owners are positive that technology can provide a helping hand in making their business admin chores easier.
“There are indeed plenty of obstacles to overcomesome of which can be unexpected - but the results are so rewarding that it’s all worth it in the end.” The study found a third don’t have enough hours in the day to complete all the necessary business admin.
As a result, 43 per cent typically end up taking their work home with them each evening. The average business owner claims they would need an additional four hours to get it all done, but in reality, only have 90 minutes to get through their daily admin to-do-list.
When it comes to specific tasks, dealing with tax (29 per cent), managing cash flow (20 per cent) and supply chain issues (18 per cent) were cited as the most time-consuming. A fifth wish the process of hiring staff was made simpler while 14 per cent would like help with managing and buying insurance.
However, for 88 per cent of those polled via OnePoll, technology has helped make doing business admin a lot easier for them. The toughest challenges of running your own business include working long hours (24 per cent), keeping on top of paperwork (13 per cent) and chasing payments (14 per cent).
Despite this, 86 per cent claim that becoming a business owner is the best decision they’ve ever made.Kate Hardcastle said: “Running your own business with all the highs and lows that go along with being your own boss can still be one of the most rewarding journeys - hard work and long hours are undeniable, but the rewards can be multifaceted.
“Seeking external expertise and advice for business helps you focus on the areas you are passionate about and eliminate the fear and concerns of potential pitfalls.
“Setting up your own business isn’t for the faint hearted and certainly the economic climate ahead indicates there are more challenges to come but by listening to your customers, thinking outside in and looking at ways to collaborate with other is the best road to success.”
1. Cashflow
Keeping close to your cashflow, understand terms of payment agreements and possibly look into rewarding clients for early payments.
2. Investment
Once you have learned to keep costs lean and low you will be able to invest with confidence in the areas that will serve the greatest reward.
3. Sales
New growth will come from testing an unknown audience before launching products and then identifying a target list of potential new customers.
4. Overworking
Having time to reflect will stop you becoming too ingrained in the minutia of the business and help you to see the bigger picture which will ultimately benefit you and the business.
5. Mental health
It is always good to find an outlet for your stress or someone to talk problems through with and even seeking out advice from other business owners can be enlightening.
6. Time management
SMEs can get bogged down in the day to day running of their business, but by taking a step back and learning to identify the areas of your business that needs extra help and by practicing good time management will allow you to focus, but also be a catalyst for, growth and development.
7. Unrealistic expectations of running a business
Success in business is rarely overnight and it is a marathon not a sprint. The reward is the not just in results and finances - but also in how you feel.
8. The social impact
It is great having family and friends as your cheerleaders and biggest supporters, but they are not necessarily the best business advisors. Seeking external opinions where there will be less emotion involved in the thought process can do wonders for inspiration.
9. Lack of neutral outside advice
It is important to think ‘outside-in’ – listen to and understand the needs of your customers and this will give the business the best chance of growth with ideas and concepts you may not have previously considered.
10. Fear of failure
Surrounding your business with a ‘dream-team’ of experts in areas in which you feel least prepared or knowledgeable helps to release pressure and protect your business on legal and financial matters.
Dr Slaine Ker -dentist to the stars -has recently moved from Harley Street, London to Albany Street, Edinburgh
With over 10 years of experience as a trusted and accomplished cosmetic dentist, Dr Slaine Ker is one of the leading cosmetic dentists in the country and an expert in non-invasive treatments and is now the Founder of The Row Dental in Edinburgh.
According to a recent survey, 71% of British adults don’t feel confident showing their teeth when they smile for a photo. And with pressure from celebrities and influencers to have the perfect smile, Dr Slaine is using her new practice and her social media presence to encourage influencers to stop sharing unsuccessful dental tricks and hacks to her 28,000+ followers across @therowdental and her personal channel @slainesmiles. Dr Slaine’s interest in creating the perfect smile began at just 9-years-old when an unfortunate poolside injury changed her relationship with teeth forever. Whilst climbing out of a swimming pool, she slipped and smashed her two front teeth which resulted in multiple visits to the dentist.
Today, Dr Slaine’s mission is to make people more positive about their smile but to achieve this safely and correctly by demystifying some of these treatments. Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of a person’s smile and bite, while whitening your teeth is an excellent way to get rid of stains and return teeth to their original colour and can help with anti-aging.
Dr Slaine added;” Aging is just a part of growing up with the classic signs of ageing starting as early as 20 years old. We see consumers spending a lot of money on skincare and beauty products, but less so on their smile, but a major sign of aging can be seen in your teeth.
“A beautiful smile is an important social and professional asset. We work with many reality stars, but we also have many professionals who want to improve their smile to make them more confident in the boardroom, on a date or for special occasions.”
To find out more about the services and treatments at The Row Dental please visit www.therowdental.com
Tigerlily 125 George St Edinburgh
EH2 4JN 0131 225 5005
www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk
@tigerlilyedinburgh
Rabble Taphouse & Grill
55A Frederick St Edinburgh
EH2 1LH 0131 622 7800
www.rabbleedinburgh.co.uk
@rabble_edinburgh
Indigo Yard 7 Charlotte Ln Edinburgh EH2 4QZ 0131 220 5603
www.indigoyardedinburgh.co.uk
@indigoyardedinburgh
Montpeliers Bruntsfield
159-161 Bruntsfield Pl Edinburgh
EH10 4DG 0131 229 3115
www.montpeliersedinburgh.co.uk
@montpeliersedinburgh
Candy Bar 113-115 George St Edinburgh
EH2 4JN 0131 225 9179
www.candybaredinburgh.co.uk
@candybaredinburgh
Eastside 51a George St Edinburgh
EH2 2HT 0131 226 2275
www.eastsideedinburgh.co.uk
@eastside.edinburgh
Lulu Bar & Nightclub
125b George St Edinburgh
EH2 4JN 0131 225 5005
www.luluedinburgh.co.uk
@luluedinburgh
Enjoy 20% off your full bill in some of Edinburgh’s favourite bars and restaurants when you book quoting BWC.Email tammie@montpeliers.co.uk to book your table!
“Financial Planners can
down in the numbers, but what’s most important to us is what you actually want. We look to make your finances work for you rather than the other way round.”