The inaugural everywoman Conference Scotland was a great success, providing delegates with rare access through presentations and workshops to some of the UK’s most successful women in business – women who have taken an idea and through hard work and determination made it into a successful business.

This what some of the delegates had to say...

'Interesting speakers, friendly atmosphere, well organised'

'Excellent event - good value - great contacts. Fantastic speakers'

'Very professionally put-together.  Inspirational and motivational.'

Polly Murray – adventurer – kicked off the day. No stranger to challenges – she was the first Scottish woman to scale Mount Everest – she was perfectly placed to talk about how she has overcome adversity and the status quo to achieve success. In her inspiring talk entitled 'Peaks, Penguins and Polar Bears', Polly told tales of her remarkable travels and achievements across the globe and how her techniques for survival are so useful for surviving in business.

This was followed by a lively panel discussion on ‘Growing a successful business’.

The panel included Sandra McClumpha and Deirdre Kinloch Anderson. (Read our panellists top tips for maximising business growth >>)

Sandra brought Fake Bake – a fake tan product - to the UK following her mother having a benign melanoma removed. Starting out with only a staff of two people and on a very limited budget, Sandra set about converting the salon industry to her product, salon by salon. Five years on, Fake Bake is adored by many celebrities including pop stars and actresses and considered one of the leading fake tan brands in the UK.

Deirdre joined the family business Kinloch Anderson in 1990 as a 'leaflet delivery girl'. In 1995 she became the first ever female director in the company and today heads up the Corporate Identity Division, as well as playing a significant role in the development of the Kinloch Anderson brand in the Far East. The company is world renowned for its expertise in tartan and Highland dress and proud holders of three Royal Warrants as tailors and Kiltmakers to the Royal Family.

 
Delegates had the chance to attend two great workshops. ‘Winning techniques for winning clients’ where we found out how to build a stronger identity to stand out from the competition. We learnt the secrets of building a reputable brand and how to raise visibility and awareness. ’Discover your brand and marketing potential’ where we found out how to take the fear out of selling and make it of fun, gratifying, and most importantly it is vital for business.

The day was also a great opportunity to network. 'Great to meet so many different and interesting women, made me feel confident in my abilities', said one delegate.

If you missed this conference, why not come along to The National everywoman Conference 2008, held on 19th November in London. Find out more >>

Read our panellists top tips for maximising business growth >>