AN Edinburgh businesswomen’s club believes the key to unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of local women lies in the States.
The ESBC (Edinburgh’s Businesswomen’s Club) is an Edinburgh based networking club run by women, for entrepreneurial women in business and management.
Begins a spoksperson: “Originally set up in 1992 by Tessa Simpson, who realised the need for women centered business support, the club rebranded in 2006 and continues to inspire, inform and support businesswomen to enhance their network and their wealth creation potential.
“Encouraged by a recent report ‘Women in Business’ by the Federation of Small Businesses, club president, Angela Hamilton-Geraghty, also believes female mentorship, forums, affordable training, information on funding streams and women specific business networks are the key to increasing the number of women in business in Edinburgh.”
Angela said: “Scotland is way behind the US and other EU countries in terms of nurturing and encouraging female entrepreneurship.
“I believe running a business doesn’t mean giving up on the other important areas of your life and we really need to motivate women to take the leap into a rewarding business environment.
“We can help tackle unemployment, cultivate economic growth and inspire a future generation of female business leaders.
“If women were to set up in business at the same rate as men, an extra 150,000 new business would be created which would help redress the balance between women and men in business in Scotland.”
The spokesperson added: “Female owned businesses make up just 18 per cent of the 300,000 registered businesses in Scotland*, falling drastically short of the UK national average of 29 per cent.
“Despite women representing 46 per cent of the UK working economy, only ten per cent of Scottish women think about setting up on their own**.
“The ESBC is one of ten regional affiliate members of the Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB) offering members access to the only national businesswomen’s network in the UK.
“Run by a voluntary committee and annually-elected president, drawn from the membership, the club organises a series of events throughout the year including networking lunches, training and development and powerful entertaining speaker-led dinners.
“Members can access a wealth of information, support and training via the website (www.esbc.org.uk), regular networking lunches and breakfast meetings. The club runs a series of monthly Business Bites offering training at greatly discounted rates, limiting the numbers to ensure one to one attention.
“Run on a not-for-profit basis, we support and raise money throughout the year for our chosen local charity.
“The ESBC came together with Progressive Partnership and held what they believe to be the world’s biggest Pub Quiz in the Capital on 28 October 2010.
“The mammoth event, in aid of St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, attracted almost 600 quizzers and raised almost £14,500.
“The chosen charity for 2011/12 is It’s Good 2 Give run by Lynne McNicoll and, once again, the club plans to create new opportunities to raise funds, awareness and support for local young people with cancer and their families.
“The ESBC is looking to revitalise its membership for 2011/2012 to continue to inspire, share contacts, exchange views and re-energise the professional development of the Capital’s businesswomen’s community.
“A complimentary launch event for those in business, or simply thinking about it, is being held at Lulu on George Street on Monday 6th June.
“The evening, which kicks off at 18.30, is an opportunity to meet some of Edinburgh’s finest business babes over a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapés.”
Join the ESBC and show your business you mean business.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
* Registered Businesses
** Household Entrepreneurship Study
It’s Good to Give – www.itsgood2give.co.uk
ESBC – www.esbc.org.uk
Booking details:
Monday 6th June 18.30-20.30
Lulu at Tigerlily, George Street, Edinburgh
To register your interest place RSVP to secretary@esbc.org.uk
For additional information or images please contact:
Vicky Pitchers
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