How would you
describe Edinburgh’s
entrepreneurial scene?
Because Edinburgh is like a
big village, everyone looks out
for each other and there’s a
lot of collaboration that goes
on between small businesses,
startups and freelancers. I was
lucky enough to be accepted
into Entrepreneurial Spark,
which is a business incubator
supported by entrepreneurs
such as Ann Gloag, Sir Tom
Hunter and Sir William
Haughey. It was great at
helping me test and shape my
proposition, and I can honestly
say that the business wouldn’t
be where it is now without their
help and support.
With regards to other offerings
for startups, there’s
also TechCube, which
is
a
technology
focused
incubator,
and there are some
fantastic networking
opportunities
supported
by
Edinburgh-based
companies such as
Skyscanner and MBM
Commercial. Edinburgh
has a rich history of
ent repreneuri a l i sm
and the more well
established companies
are great at supporting startups
- we are working closely with
FreeAgent, the accountancy
software providers, to integrate
our solutions so that small
businesses benefit from an
end-to-end process, from the
initial booking being made to
reporting it to HMRC. They have
been so generous with their
time, support and advice.
What advice would
you give someone
considering striking out
on their own?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself
out there. There is so much
Quickfire Questions
Describe Edinburgh in three words.
It’s an epic, vibrant village.
When you’re not working, where in Edinburgh do
you head to relax and unwind?
I love to be by the sea and I can often be found on Portobello
beach looking windswept and interesting. And there’s
nothing better than a lazy afternoon in the pub with my best
pals. My favourite bar at the moment is Devil’s Advocate on
Advocate’s Close - the food is amazing!
What’s your mantra when it comes to work?
Work hard and be nice. It’s a recipe for success (I hope!)
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informededinburgh.co.uk
what’s on: business & legal
what’s on: business & legal
that some of the crazy highs
and crashing lows have been
recorded for posterity. I got
such a fab response following
the show - lots of women got
in touch to say that they had
been inspired by seeing a sole
female founder and I even got
recognised ‘off the telly’ by
Carol Smillie at the launch of
Pout Edinburgh!
what’s on
hightlights:
business
From networking to workshops, Edinburgh is buzzing with business events
for those looking to get ahead in the workplace.
support and so many people
who are willing to go the extra
mile to help you out. That
said, don’t underestimate the
impact it will have on your
life. You need a really strong
network of people who
understand what you’re going
through. Entrepreneurial Spark
was invaluable for that and I
now work out of a co-working
space that we set up with
two fellow Espark companies,
Mallzee and Desk Union. I
don’t know how I’d get through
some of the ups and downs
without the support of other
startup founders.
Practical Online Marketing
Date 23 April
Venue Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association
Ltd
Tickets £166.80 plus £10.66 fee
Info This is a highly successful workshop that
brings together all forms of digital marketing,
providing helpful advice and exercises that will
allow you to create a digital marketing strategy
that works for you.
Nth Degree Edinburgh Lunch
Date 25 April
Venue To be confirmed upon booking
Tickets £40 plus VAT
Info Join in this structured business networking
event consisting of 60 second business
pitches followed by lunch at a stylish Edinburgh
restaurant.
Business Startup Bootcamp
Date 20 and 27 May
Venue David Hume Tower
Tickets Free
Info This free course is for University of
Edinburgh students and recent alumni who have
business ideas. In two days, they’ll help take you
from a back-of-the-envelope business idea to a
fully-fledged elevator pitch.
Essential Skills: Conducting
Investigations and Hearings in
Disciplinary Matters and Grievances
Date 20 May
Venue Simpson & Marwick
Tickets £195 + vat
Info Taking place as a one-day intensive training
session, Essential Skills Training will give
attendees a comprehensive understanding of
the technical legal background in difficult areas of
HR practice.
Edinburgh Tourism Action Group 1:1
Digital Surgeries
Date 27 May
Venue Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue
Tickets £30
Info This is your opportunity to get 1:1 support
on a specific digital issue. Attendees can book
a 45-minute session with a Digital Marketing
Specialist where they can seek advice and
practical, hands-on support to resolve their
digital marketing challenges.
informededinburgh.co.uk
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