Results, prize winners, and a conversation with Ailsa Stinson, President of Moray Business Women, who were our Top Referrers

The REDS Spring Recruitment 2023 concluded in March. This was the first time we had tried a recruitment drive and we were really pleased with the results. REDS grew by 10% from the start of 2023. We saw significant increases in our social media engagement that we can build on. We were really excited to be inundated with prize donations so a huge thank you to all those who offered prizes. Rest assured we’ll be in touch for our next recruitment drive.

The prizes were won by Donna Smith of Thystle Ltd, Jane Glue of Jane Glue Art, Scott Sandison from J Sandison Insurance Consultant and Nadia Fyvie-Feldmann from Dhow Consulting. Thanks to Yarrow Cookery School, Perthshire Artisans, Kirsteen Stewart and Sheila Roberts for kindly donating the prizes this time.

The person or organisation who referred the most new businesses to REDS was Moray Business Women (MBW). We spoke with Ailsa Stinson the President of MBW and founder of REDS listed branding consultancy B is for Brand.

Ailsa said, “The core purpose of MBW is to support and connect women in their business lives so it made sense for us to support the REDS Recruitment Drive. MBW share a vision to build a community of women with a willingness to work together, collaborate, share ideas and support each other’s businesses. Our events are aimed at helping women grow in confidence, both personally and professionally.”

Women are often at the heart of rural communities and they can use their networks and relationship building expertise to advocate for community needs. MBW membership is open to any woman who considers herself to be a ‘woman in business.’ You don’t have to be a business owner but there are a large number of small and micro-business owners in the membership.

MBW was happy to support REDS and share the Directory with their members because they believe that growing the number of women-led micro-businesses is helping to stimulate the diversity and vibrancy of rural areas across Scotland.  Furthermore, they’ve observed over the years that empowering women to take control of their economic future can lead to the twin benefits of increased mental well-being and quality of life.

Ailsa said, “When you join MBW, you’ll be able to meet and collaborate with like-minded business women and combine business with pleasure.  We aim to help you expand your local knowledge and connections and find opportunities to develop and grow.”

This summer, MBW is aiming to bring their values to life at the Action Stations conference, taking place on 28th June at the Eight Acres Hotel in Elgin.

The conference is open to members and non-members alike and they would love REDS business owners to join them for a day of ‘getting stuff done’ to move the needle forward in your business!

Tickets for the conference and also the pre-conference dinner ‘An evening with Poonam Gupta’ are on sale now via Eventbrite.

Please subscribe to the MBW newsletter via their website or follow Moray Business Women on Facebook or Instagram.