Wilma McDaniel

Glasgow-based leadership consultancy Connect Three – which has delivered four successful women-led leadership programmes in Scotland since the beginning of 2021 – has partnered with North and South Lanarkshire Councils to deliver a Lanarkshire Women in Business programme aimed at boosting the number of women-led businesses in the area.

The programme will offer fully funded workshops and 1-2-1 mentorship from some of the area’s leading female business coaches to build confidence, skills and knowledge for women in business to Start Up or Step Up in business. It will commence on December 1, 2022.

Wilma McDaniel, programme mentor and founder of Lanarkshire-based business consultancy Rise Business Growth, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity that has the potential to create real career-defining moments for women across Lanarkshire.

“When I set my own business up eight years ago, I was very fortunate to have a fantastic female mentor who could offer guidance whenever I needed it. Now, I am delighted to share the skills I have learned with someone right at the start of their career.

“Many of us struggle to ask for help when we’re starting a new business, but schemes like this are designed to help us share knowledge, sharpen our skills and offer guidance that will allow us to all grow our businesses in the best way possible.

“When a group of driven women come together to support each other, amazing things happen. I can’t wait to help grow the number of women-led businesses and help nurture the next generation of female entrepreneurs in the area.

“The prospects are huge. Who knows, the next big global success story might be run right here in Lanarkshire… and even better if it’s led by a woman.”

The programme is open to women residing or working in North or South Lanarkshire who have a business idea or have already set-up their own company, as well as those looking to step into key leadership roles.

The ‘Start-Up’ programme will help women in the early stages of launching a business articulate their vision with confidence, while the ‘Step-Up’ programme will support those who have been in business for more than a year to grow and develop their business and leadership skills.

Barbara Clark

Programme leader, Barbara Clark, is an explorer and coach at Glasgow-based leadership firm Connect Three.

She said: “Scotland’s community of female entrepreneurs is growing, and this scheme will place Lanarkshire right at the heart of it.

“This is a massive opportunity for women across the area to gain expert knowledge and advice from some of the country’s best business leaders.

“Whether you’re a new start-up, or someone who has already launched their business, I’d encourage every businesswoman to grasp this opportunity to help position themselves in the best possible place for success.”

The number of women starting their own businesses in Scotland is at a record high, with nearly 6,000 companies established by female entrepreneurs in 2021 alone.

Councillor Ayeshah Khan, convener of the enterprise and fair work committee at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Lanarkshire Women in Business offers excellent support and advice to women at all stages of their career, from setting up their first business to developing an existing enterprise,” said Councillor Ayeshah Khan, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee at North Lanarkshire Council.

“These new programmes offer local women an opportunity to develop their business ideas, large or small, with the support, experience and expertise of other successful women who share their goals and ambitions.”

Cllr Maureen Devlin, depute chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s community and enterprise resources committee, said: “I’m delighted we are moving forward with this programme and the opportunities it will present to businesswomen across Lanarkshire.

“The knowledge and experience of the women who will be leading the workshops and mentoring will be an invaluable asset for those taking part.

“I would encourage any woman who is looking to launch a business, or has already done so, to sign up and be part of this journey.”