Klin Group CEO confirms new sponsorship of businesswomen with Ayrshire Association of Business Women
14 January 2014
The Ayrshire Association of Business Women (AABW) today announces further extension of the ‘Women in Enterprise’ initiative, launched in August 2013, by providing sponsorship for eight new female entrepreneurs.
Led by entrepreneur Marie Macklin, Chairwoman of the Klin Group, the scheme commits to helping businesswomen develop their business networks and provides access to expert, practical advice and guidance.
In 2013, Marie funded membership of the AABW for six women and has acted as a sponsor, providing mentoring sessions and advice throughout the year. She will fund a further eight women this month, and aims to welcome 25 women in total in the first year of this successful initiative.
A diverse range of women has been selected for the scheme, with businesses ranging from a mortgage and financial services business to a designer home furnishings boutique. The women receiving sponsorship are:
- Angela Fisk - Mortgage Services
- Isabel McNicoll - The Business Timesaver Ltd
- Louise McCarron - Get2Grips with Grants
- Debbie Hay - The Dust Fairy
- Fiona Ritchie - HouseShape
- Carol Spier - Many Thanks Gift Shop
- Amy O’Farrell - Amy’s O'florals
- Sandra Patterson - KidsBeeHappy
The ‘Women in Enterprise’ scheme is currently being piloted in Ayrshire. However, Marie hopes that the concept will be adopted by other established entrepreneurs and replicated across Scotland. She said:
“I am delighted to continue sponsorship of the Women in Enterprise initiative with the AABW and look forward to welcoming eight new entrepreneurs this month. The six women who joined the scheme last year are going from strength to strength and I know they appreciate the benefits of being involved. I am pleased to confirm that by August this year, I will have welcomed 25 women in total to the Women in Enterprise initiative. I strongly believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities to help individuals, their businesses and ideas to flourish, and the ‘Women in Enterprise’ scheme provides the support network and advice to effectively encourage this.”
Liz Cooper, President of the Ayrshire Association of Business Women, said: “The Ayrshire Association of Business Women is proud and delighted to be part of this pioneering initiative, and we warmly welcome the eight new Women in Enterprise participants to our group. Marie’s vision and dedication to supporting fellow women entrepreneurs is reflected in AABW’s own determination to support and encourage Ayrshire businesswomen and we are thrilled to see the initiative enter its second phase. Each and every member of AABW, be they long standing or new, greatly enriches our association and in this, our 20th year, we look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to our varied programme of events.”
Ends
Contact:
For Klin Group
Spreng & Co
Kirstin Stevenson Rachel Gordon
Tel: 0141 548 5191 / 07803 970 106 Tel: 0141 548 5191
E: kirstin@sprengandco.com E: rachelg@sprengandco.com
For AABW
Create Communications LLP
Carol MacInnes
Tel: 01563 595001 / 07739 774091
Email: carol@create-communications.co.uk
About AABW
The Ayrshire Association of Business Women is Ayrshire’s leading business, entrepreneurial and professional women’s group, with members from a wide range of industries, sectors and backgrounds. The Association meets monthly with a diverse programme of inspirational speakers, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year.
About Marie Macklin
Marie Macklin is an entrepreneur and Chairwoman of The Klin Group, which engages in economic and social transformation in Scotland and manages a portfolio of international property investments. Since 1988, Marie has progressed the company from property construction into land investment and property regeneration. Engaging local communities in planning transformation is fundamental to Marie’s business philosophy. Marie has also recently been appointed Board Member of Ayrshire College and works with local schools and aspiring young business people to encourage new generations of entrepreneurs, sharing business knowledge and providing advice and financial support for initiatives which motivate young people.
Biogs for the new Sponsored Women in Enterprise
Angela Fisk – Fisk Mortgage Services
Based in Stewarton, Fisk Mortgage Services is renowned for giving excellent financial advice on mortgages, loans, debts and insurance. Angela runs her business from home and is a loyal member (and former committee member) of the Ayrshire Association of Business Women.
Isabel McNicoll – The Business Timesaver Ltd
Based in Kilmarnock, The Business Timesaver offers all the services you could possibly need to ensure smooth running of the administrative side of your business while you concentrate on other matters. Isabel has 25 years’ experience in retail banking and a good understanding of how offices and how to help you get the most out of your business.
Louise McCarron – Get2Grips with Grants
Based in Largs, Get2Grips with Grants specialises in helping small businesses secure funding via the Lottery, Government and private trusts for grants. Louise has found her feet with the assistance of Entrepreneurial Spark and began her business after recognising that the process of applying for grants can be confusing and time-consuming. Get2Grips with Grants currently has a dedicated team looking after over 50 clients across the UK.
Sandra Patterson – Kids Bee Happy
Based in Troon, Kids Be Happy create fantastic sand-art parties for children. The business is continuing to grow as a franchise, and also has a wholesale function selling sand art supplies. Sandra was a finalist in the 2012 Mumsclub Business Awards and was nominated for a Mumpreneur award in 2011.
Fiona Ritchie – House Shape
Based in Symington, House Shape provides distinctive designer products, without paying a designer’s fee. It also showcases the work of designers who are struggling to establish themselves in the competitive design world. Fiona is a fully-qualified interior and garden designer and has won awards for her work in garden design. House Shape was founded in 2013.
Carol Spier – Many Thanks Gift Shop
Based in Mauchline, the Many Thanks gift shop offers high-quality gifts, all of which are made in Scotland. Carol was a buyer at Caledonian Paper, before being made redundant in 2002. The Many Thanks Gift Shop was opened in 2003. Carol also owns the neighbouring store and hopes to convert it into a coffee shop in 2014.
Amy O’Farrell – Amy’s O’Florals
Based in Newmilns, Amy’s O’Florals was opened in Winter 2013. The business was originally founded in Kilmarnock in May 2013, which Amy ran from home on a freelance basis. Amy’s designs and creates a range of floral products to suit any occasion and has built a loyal clientele through her social media networks.
Debbie Hay – The Dust Fairy
If you want to come home and find your house spotlessly clean, then Dust Fairy can save you the time and stress to clean your home.
Based in Kilmarnock and established in July 2013 by entrepreneur Debbie Hay, the Dust Fairy team have the magic touch to make your housework happily ever after.
Debbie is a part qualified accountant and currently employs a team of highly skilled cleaners which cover the Ayrshire area. Maintaining high standards is crucial in the future success and growth plans of the Dust Fairy team.