Ruth Jones

The programme is an exceptional opportunity for anyone either setting up in business or looking for advice to grow or head in a new direction.

Crucially, it offers help at a time when women have been shown to be one of the groups worst affected economically by coronavirus.

The mentors include Heather Matthews, managing director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive; Celia Tennant, chief executive of Inspiring Scotland; Yvonne Greeves, head of women in business at NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank and Danielle Kelly, director of strategic development at STV.

Launched last year when the economy was in turmoil, the Mentoring Programme aims to give women in business a helping hand with support on everything from following a career path to providing guidance, motivation, emotional support and role modelling. Together they can explore career goals, develop contacts and identify resources.

In the first Mentoring Programme in 2020, Ruth Jones was matched with mentor David Cochrane, chief executive of Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT).

The general manager of an Aberdeen nightclub, 32-year-old Ruth, who lives in Shorthouse, near Dundee, decided to set up her own company while on furlough last year. Twisted Sisters Drinks is a mixed drinks brand, inspired by a love of cocktails, offering ready-to-drink cocktails and hard seltzers with great flavours. Currently in recipe development, Ruth hopes to start selling in April.

“I wanted a mentor because I knew it was important to surround myself with people who could advise on aspects of business I was not confident in, to allow me the best chance of success,” said Ruth.

“The Business Women Scotland Mentoring Programme was the perfect opportunity to allow me to do this. David has been a great mentor - the experience has been invaluable, it has allowed me to receive constructive criticism on what I am doing and advice on what areas could benefit from help.

“The contacts he provided have been extremely useful and the experience has given me the confidence to keep going.”

Lynne Kennedy MBE, founder of Business Women Scotland, said she wanted to set up the programme because she believes mentoring is one of the key strategies that can help to close the gender gap in leadership.

She added: “Mentoring is a vital lever we can activate to advance more women in work, help them gain access to capital and economic opportunities they might otherwise miss and be better prepared for opportunities when they come.

“We need the support of each other at all levels. That’s what we’re here to offer.”

Applications are open here to members of Business Women Scotland and close at 5pm on 18 January.

To join Business Women Scotland, visit the website.

Annual membership includes access to the Business Women Scotland community, with support and advice from exclusive online tutorials and webinars to training resources and a members’ forum.