New head of business growth keen to support more businesses
Liam Orr is to focus on expanding the agency’s portfolio of business clients.
W-Power was established in 2018 by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of the Northern Periphery Arctic (NPA) programme.
The network aims to overcome the challenges of remoteness and rurality faced by women-led businesses in sparsely populated areas.
Many of the 50-plus member businesses have been adversely affected by Covid-19 and are either on hold or working creatively to find new ways of trading, particularly online.
The W-Power network is helping them stay connected, share information and ideas about how to get through the challenges, as well as providing moral support to each another.
There are three live online catch-up sessions every week and a programme of webinars and interactive sessions with experts to help develop key skills.
Tailored online training sessions, meanwhile, are helping to meet demand for new skills development, particularly around social media and taking business online.
Cathy Higginson, W-Power project manager with HIE, said:
“The online nature of the W-Power network is proving extremely valuable in supporting members across Argyll.
“The ethos of mutual support and collaboration is a particular source of strength and moral support to businesswomen as the region faces unprecedented challenges.
“We’re very pleased that W-Power is able to play an important role during this extremely difficult period and would like to thank all our members for keeping the network active and supporting each other.”
W-Power network member, Rachel MacNeill of Islay Whisky Academy, has had to halt her bespoke face-to-face whisky experiences on Islay. She has branched out instead into a new online whisky course (‘WHISKY AFFINITY’) delivered via e-books and webinars, as well as creating bespoke video tours to maintain engagement with customers during travel restrictions. She said:
“The W-Power network has been a lifeline, before and since the COVID lockdown. It has helped me develop my approach to social media and online marketing. I do it all from home and it works around me.”
Related Articles
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel
The project by Oban based Tritonia Scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.
Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Scottish aquaculture industry gears up for Aqua Nor 2025
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will return to Norway to host the Scottish Pavilion at Aqua Nor 2025.
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood
Argyll's new £8.1m building will strengthen marine industries
The project is expected to continue to attract innovative marine businesses, creating new well-paid job opportunities, particularly for young people, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Kintyre distillery to expand product range
Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is investigating the development of two new canned ready to drink (RTD) cocktail recipes.
Community building certified carbon neutral
A new building to house facilities for visitors and local residents of a growing rural community on a west coast island has been certified as a net zero carbon building.
Powering up science skills for pupils in rural Scotland
Industry and public sector collaborate to inspire future workforce