BWC Memberships
Enjoy a full annual membership with access to all areas of BWC Edinburgh. Plus access to the Business Start-Up Toolkit.
Business Start-Up Toolkit PDF guides containing everything you need to know about starting a business.
BENEFITS
You will receive the APP connecting you to BWC Edinburgh
20% Discount off advertising in the magazine
10% off all tickets for meetings and events
Mentor Match
Programme for Growth
10% Discount on Federation of Small Businesses membershipBWC have teamed up with our friends at FSB to offer a 10% discounted membership & access to their market-leading services. Click to learn more.
Enjoy a full annual membership with access to all areas of BWC Edinburgh.
BENEFITS
You will receive the APP connecting you to BWC Edinburgh
20% Discount off advertising in the magazine
10% off all tickets for meetings and events
Mentor Match Programme for Growth
10% Discount on Federation of Small Businesses membershipBWC have teamed up with our friends at FSB to offer a 10% discounted membership & access to their market-leading services. Click to learn more.
Corporate memberships to employees of companies (up to three members).
BENEFITS
You will receive the APP connecting you to BWC Edinburgh
1 Half page advertisement in the magazine
10% Off all tickets for meetings and events
Priority for Awards sponsorship opportunity
Company Logo added to the BWC Edinburgh website as a partner
10% Discount on Federation of Small Businesses membershipBWC have teamed up with our friends at FSB to offer a 10% discounted membership & access to their market-leading services. Click to learn more.
Welcome to the BWC Edinburgh – November Edition!
What a whirlwind year it has been! As I celebrate six months at the helm of BWC Edinburgh, I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown. It’s been a true pleasure getting to know so many new members, and I’m thrilled to see our community grow stronger and more vibrant each day.
Over the past months, we’ve introduced numerous new benefits for our members, designed to enhance your experience and provide even more opportunities for connection and professional development. With 2025 already on the horizon, we’re planning an exciting year ahead—one that promises to be filled with learning, growth, and recognition. One of the highlights will be the BWC Edinburgh Athena Awards, where we’ll shine the spotlight on outstanding women in business who are making waves in their respective fields.
BWC Edinburgh is your platform to thrive, connect, and share your voice. I encourage you to provide feedback and let us know how we can continue to support you. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing how we can make this community even more engaging and impactful for all.
Here’s to the final stretch of 2024 and to the exciting opportunities ahead! Warm regards,
Alvina Menzies Editor – BWC Edinburgh magazine
edit@bwcedinburgh.co.uk
Alvina@bwcedinburgh.co.uk
www.bwcedinburgh.co.uk
Edinburgh
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BWC - Edinburgh
Season of Festive Spirit
Found at Edinburgh’s
Private Gatherings
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Christmas Day
Come
Joining the BWCEdinburgh membership is a strategic step towards advancing your business journey, personal growth, and professional success.
membership offers a multitude of benefits that are thoughtfully designed to empower you in various aspects of your business and career.
why you should consider becoming a part of this thriving community:
Member Spotlight Vicky Hunter
One of the many benefits of being a BWC Edinburgh member is the opportunity to speak at our monthly 8:45 Business Connections Group, where members can share insights, inspire, and connect with other dynamic professionals. We were delighted to welcome Vicky Hunter, founder of The Growth Dynamic and certified High-Performance Coach, as our guest speaker: Transforming Lives Through Coaching and Empowerment.
Vicky Hunter, a multi-award winner at the 2024 Power of Inspiration Awards, is on a mission to change lives through her high-performance coaching. With over two decades of experience in public service and a deeply personal journey that shaped her career, Vicky’s work has become a beacon of inspiration for those seeking personal and professional transformation.
A PASSION FOR CHANGE
Vicky’s career began in the public and third sectors, where she spent more than 20 years working across addiction programs, child protection, and behaviour change initiatives. She always had a passion for helping people and a deep desire to understand the dynamics of personal growth. But as she led these life-changing services, a major challenge in her own life redirected her professional path.
Vicky’s personal struggles with fertility, multiple rounds of IVF treatments, and the pain of miscarriage led her to a breaking point. Therapy provided solace but wasn’t the solution she needed at the time. Instead, Vicky found herself turning to performance coaching. The experience was life-altering. “Coaching helped me take control during a time when I felt utterly powerless,” she recalls. This transformation planted the seed for what would become her life’s work.
THE BIRTH OF THE GROWTH DYNAMIC
Fueled by her personal experiences and passion for helping others, Vicky launched The Growth Dynamic, a coaching business dedicated to high performers seeking to unlock their full potential. In just over a year, her venture has taken off, especially after her participation in the BWC Edinburgh Programme for Growth 2023. Through her business, Vicky has helped clients ranging from corporate professionals to athletes develop winning mindsets, manage stress, and achieve lasting success.
Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that mindset is just as important as skill. Drawing on her background in psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy, she combines technical strategies with deep psychological insight. Vicky emphasizes that the right mental approach can lead to dramatic improvements, not just in performance but in overall well-being.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORTS
Vicky’s work doesn’t stop at the boardroom. She has a deep passion for sports, particularly women’s sports, where she believes mindset and psychological wellbeing are often overlooked. She has worked closely with female athletes, helping them not just improve their game but also develop resilience, confidence, and life skills that transcend the field.
“I see a real shift happening in sports—moving away from a purely results-based culture to one that values personal growth and development. That’s where I come in, helping athletes focus on what’s going to make them better as people and performers.”
In line with her commitment to empowering women in sports, Vicky is launching “The Performance Edge,” a new program designed to improve the mental and emotional well-being of women and girls involved in athletics. She is also working on a leadership training initiative for women in sports and plans to spearhead a UK-wide think tank focused on women’s sports performance, research, and empowerment.
LOOKING AHEAD
Vicky’s future is packed with exciting initiatives, all of which center on her core mission: empowering people to realize their potential through a balance of mindset, rest, and recovery. Whether it’s in the corporate world or on the playing field, Vicky’s influence continues to grow, driven by her belief that true success begins in the mind. Her personal journey has come full circle—from overcoming her own challenges to guiding others through theirs. As Vicky Hunter continues to innovate and expand her work, her story remains a testament to the power of resilience, mindset, and the courage to chart your own course.
In a world where performance is often measured by external results, Vicky reminds us that true growth starts from within.
www.thegrowthdynamic.com
BWC EVENTS 24/25
NOVEMBER 2024
13TH NOVEMBER
20TH NOVEMBER
27TH NOVEMBER
CONNECT & DINE WEDNESDAY 5.00 - 8.30PM THE BOTANIST, EDINBURGH 6.30PM DINE
8.45AM-11AM BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS
8.45 BUSINESS FIFE CONNECTIONS & CO-WORKING 58 BONNYGATE COWORKING & BUSINESS HUB, CUPAR, KY15 4LD. 11AM - 2PM CONNECT & COWORK
8.45AM-11AM BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS
8.45 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS & CO-WORKING HIDE AT THE SCOTSMAN HOTEL, 20 NORTH BRIDGE EDINBURGH. 11AM - 2PM CONNECT & COWORK
JANUARY 2025
31ST JANUARY 2025
LEADERSHIP & WELLBEING CONFERENCE FETTERCAIRN SUITE, THE SCOTSMAN, EDINURGH 10AM - 5PM
FEBRUARY 2025
12TH FEBRUARY
19TH FEBRUARY
26TH FEBRUARY
CONNECT & DINE WEDNESDAY 5.00 - 8.30PM VENUE TBC - 6.30PM DINE
8.45AM-11AM BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS
8.45 BUSINESS FIFE CONNECTIONS & CO-WORKING 58 BONNYGATE COWORKING & BUSINESS HUB, CUPAR, KY15 4LD. 11AM - 2PM CONNECT & COWORK
8.45AM-11AM BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS
8.45 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS & CO-WORKING HIDE AT THE SCOTSMAN HOTEL, 20 NORTH BRIDGE EDINBURGH. 11AM - 2PM CONNECT & COWORK
ALL TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE : WWW.BWCEDINBURGH.CO.UK
Empowering Success:
The Impact of BWC Edinburgh Membership
Discover the game-changing benefits experienced by businesses as members of BWC Edinburgh. From unparalleled networking opportunities to access to invaluable resources, witness the transformative difference that BWC membership makes for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Join us as we explore the vibrant community driving success in Edinburgh’s business landscape.
Being a member of BWC Edinburgh has been a game-changer for me. Not only have I made valuable business connections, but I’ve also built genuine friendships. In business, I truly believe that friends buy from friends, and this group embodies that perfectly. The support, advice, and opportunities that come from networking are invaluable - especially when running your own business. So if you’re looking for a welcoming community of like-minded women to grow with, I highly recommend BWC Edinburgh. Networking really is the key to success!
CLAIRE LINDSAY - CALME MARKETING
I have been a member of BWC Edinburgh for over two years and love being part of this community. I have met so many inspirational women and have been lucky enough to work and collaborate with so many of them.
Our monthly network meetings always leave me feeling supported and uplifted and that is why I love promoting the network to others as a community ambassador. This is networking that always feels like a treat rather than a chore. The network has so much more to offer as well with training support, exciting events, business awards, a leadership conference and so much more. It’s a great way to really build friendships and access an incredible community of business women Scotland wide.
ALICE NISBET - BUSINESS CONSULTANT, COACH & MENTOR
I’ve been a member of BWC since the very early days of the Edinburgh group, and love the collaborative and supportive nature of everyone in the group. It really does feel like we are championing and celebrating one another. I was always worried in the past that female only networking groups wouldn’t be for me, and that they would be very cliquey. This hasn’t been my experience with BWC whatsoever and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a supportive networking group to join.”.
HANNAH CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR TAXASSIST ACCOUNTANTS
Friday 9th May 2025
Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD
BWC Edinburgh Athena Awards are a celebration of the incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a significant impact in the business community of Edinburgh, Fife & East Lothian. We firmly believe that their accomplishments deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. By recognising these women, we hope to inspire others and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in business.
The Awards will take place on Friday 9th May 2025 showcasing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of outstanding women entrepreneurs and leaders in the region. Together, let’s honour the achievements of women in business and pave the way for a brighter future.
Nominations open 6th December, keep an eye on our socials for more information.
The Hospitality, Food, Drink and Tourism Award
This Award showcases women who work in the broadest hospitality industry sector.
Women in Finance Award
This Award celebrates the achievements of women in the financial advice community as well as those in the financial services sector.
Hair, Beauty and Fashion Award
This award recognises and showcases the creative talent in Scotland and recognises a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland.
women in legal & property award
This Award recognises women who are both excelling in their areas of practice and are using their positions as role models to shape the legal and property professions, pressing for the changes needed to ensure women working in the law and property are able to thrive, grow, develop and lead this industry.
The Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Award
This Award showcases women who work within the health, fitness, personal coaching or supports everyone in their lifestyle (eg., interior design, home staging, etc.)
The Rising Star Award
This Award showcases a young woman who is taking the local area by storm and is one to watch
Women in Business Support and Consultancy Award
This Award showcases women who work as self employed Consultants supporting individuals in areas such as IT, Business Coaching, etc).
Women in PR, Marketing and Communications Award
This Award showcases women who work hard to ensure their clients or stakeholders have excellent PR, Marketing and Comms across all media platforms.
Women in the 3rd Sector Award
This Award showcases women who work in the challenging 3rd Sector environment.
Inspirational Woman of the Year
This Award showcases creative talent and celebrates a woman who has made an outstanding impact on the business landscape in Scotland. The nominated woman will have to display outstanding achievements in their field of work along with evidence of supporting the community she works within.
Welcome to BWC EDINBURGH Futures Group
Business Women Connections is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of women in business. With our new initiative, BWC Futures Group, we aim to provide vital support to young women under the age of 25 who are eager to start their own businesses. Recognising that university is not the only path to success, we also engage with 6th-year school pupils who may choose entrepreneurship and seek organisational support.
Supporting the next generation
BWC Futures Group is committed to nurturing the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs. We offer a safe platform for 16-25-year-olds to network and grow within a community that shares their values and understands the unique challenges they face.
How It Works:
AMBASSADORS:
These BWC Futures group ambassadors will serve as the main point of contact and will host quarterly meetings with their respective groups.
SUPPORT:
BWC will assist the Futures Group with event promotions and keep the BWC Futures section of the website updated with relevant information.
MEMBERSHIP:
Bi-monthly meetings run by young entrepreneurs with BWC Edinburgh business support.
Business Gateway helps East Lothian herbalism business share the benefits of nature with the local community
An East Lothian business that aims to heal ailments using herbalism and nature immersion is providing support to young people suffering with anxiety and depression, service users of Women’s Aid and deprived communities through local charities and support groups. The business owner received specialist support from Business Gateway to help start-up.
Karen Jane Brown set up Herb & Soul in February 2024 in order to share the benefits of nature with her local community and beyond.
Karen’s business is focussed on herbalism, also known as herbal medicine, which uses medicinal plants as an alternative to other forms of medicine. She also encourages people to incorporate edible healing plants and flowers into their diets in order to benefit from medicinal properties. She also shows the benefits of nature immersion, which is the practice of fully engaging with and experiencing the natural environment to enhance well-being, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
Karen believes in the power of plants and being surrounded by nature, and often forages for her own supplies. When living in India, she saw the way they used plants for medicinal purposes and decided to do a qualification in nutritional medicine when she returned to Scotland. Karen is qualified as a Community Herbalist and is studying to become a Medical Herbalist - the difference being a deeper medical knowledge and more practicing allowances in Medical Herbalism.
When she started her business running unique educational foraging and healing herb walks, Karen was approached by five separate charities who wanted to get involved and who all had eager interest in providing ‘green therapy’ to their people and in their community hubs. She now works regularly with three of them as well as running her own public Herb & Soul herbalism educational events to provide knowledge, education and workshop sessions to people really in need of this type of healing. This gives them ways of coping with their lifestyles and conditions. Helping the local communities during a time where there is so much struggle and despair and having a charitable aspect to her business, Herb & Soul, was essential to Karen. Karen’s workshops and walks are often socially prescribed to people who would benefit from spending more time outdoors and need the stimulation of being in nature.
Karen turned to Business Gateway when she was setting up her business, in order to get the team’s support in
turning her business idea into a reality.
Karen attended Business Gateway events and webinars, including events in its Planning to Start series, start-up workshops and social media workshops. Karen met her Business Gateway adviser Irene Ramsay to discuss issues such as legal status, tax, marketing, insurance, community involvement and becoming a charitable offering.
Irene signposted Karen to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Start-up grant, which enabled Karen to undertake a first aid course and purchase insurance that was expensive because of the nature of the business. She was also given support promoting the business through leaflets and online marketing methods such as improving her social media use.
Karen Jane Brown, founder of Herb & Soul, said: “My natural healing business is really flourishing and this is largely due to the support I’ve received from Business Gateway. Without Irene’s backing of my ideas and positivity as well as certainty that my business would be received well by many, I don’t think I’d have had the courage to start up a new business. “To be able to help guide people from all walks of life towards ways they can improve their lives in both physical and emotional ways is huge for me and a big part of the reason I set up Herb & Soul. My intention with the work I do is to connect people back to nature and it’s truly rewarding to see this happen.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com
PARTY NIGHTS
SUN TO THU
£55 PER PERSON
Hogmanay Festive
FRI & SAT
£65 PER PERSON
Get ready to celebrate the festive season in style at The Scotsman Hotel. Perfect for your annual office party, kick things off with canapés and a glass of bubbly on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course set menu and our resident DJ keeping the good times going all night long!
GREAT GATSBY HOUSE PARTY
£165 PER PERSON | FROM 7PM Dress code: Gatsby!
Ring in the New Year with roaring 1920s flair at The Grand Cafe! Enjoy live entertainment featuring a Gatsby band, flapper dancers, a saxophonist, and our resident DJ. Your night of glitz and glamour includes a glass of fizz on arrival and a lavish six-course Hogmanay menu.
For further details or to discuss your festive party, please scan the QR code or contact us m 0131 556 5565 k events3@scotsmanhotels.co.uk