Business group welcomes numbers boost

President Faith Simpson welcomes a strong start for Moray Business Women in 2012.

A NETWORKING group for businesswomen in Moray has welcomed a surge of new interest in 2012.

The rise has been put down to a fresh optimism in the local economy after 18 months of stagnation, caused by uncertainty over the future of the area’s defence bases.

President Faith Simpson said 17 new members signed up to Moray Business Women in January alone, bringing total numbers up to about 70.

“There has been a right buzz about it so far this year. I think people are thinking that it has been a difficult time up here in the last 18 months and that they want to just get out there and get going.

“People are just really keen to start the New Year differently,” she said.

Part of the Association of Scottish Business Women, the Moray branch formed in 2006 and has held monthly meetings since.

The gatherings feature food as well as motivational speakers – from local success stories to leading politicians and national entrepreneurs.

Survey results showed that women involved appreciate the face-to-face networking opportunities provided.

“Because of that, we are going to start the meetings at 7pm and the first half-an-hour is purely a chance to network,” said Faith, who was named Moray Business Woman of the Year 2011.

“That will be followed by a meal and a speaker, and I’ve been working very hard to get some excellent speakers this year.”

Everyone is welcome, so long as they are professional...and female.

“Women in business have a lot of qualities that men might not have. I think women are very good at networking and I think we support and empathise with each other.

“People say, ‘You know what, I know someone and they could help you with x, y, or z’,” she said.

At the moment, members range in age from 20 to retirement and come from all kinds of business backgrounds. “It is not like you have to have your own business; you could be employed or self employed. A warm welcome awaits.

“You’ve got teachers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, someone who runs Anne Summers parties in her spare time. There really is such a wide variety of women that come along and it is just great fun,” Faith said.

As well as talks, Moray Business Women offers a mentoring service, runs an annual charity ball, holds an awards event, and hosts special outings such as champagne and chocolate tastings and Burns Night celebrations. Members have selected the Out of the Darkness Theatre Company and Moray Riding for the Disabled as their 2012 charities.

An added bonus is that firm friendships can be formed. “I went along knowing only a few people. A year-and-a-half down the line and I’ve got some brilliant friends. They are not just business associates, but really good friends. If you needed something you could call on them,” the President said.

Anyone interested in going along to a meeting, held on the first Thursday of the month at varying locations across Moray, or who would like to find out more should contact secretary Moira Hickey on 01309 611771 or visit the Moray Business Women page of Facebook.