First meeting for new networking group

Thursday 22nd September witnessed the launch of a new networking group for the Western Isles.
The Western Isles – Women in Business group was set up by two local business women, Sharon MacRury of Island Dreams Uist and Lindsay Robertson of Long Island Retreats & Larder. From launching the event and Facebook group just over two weeks ago the group now has over 70 members from across the Western Isles and has surpassed all expectations.

The first meeting held at the Dark Island Hotel on Benbecula, was attended by a very diverse group of business women, from hoteliers to yoga instructors to photographers and confectioners. The group is open to both women in business and professional businesswomen across the Western Isles and the locations of meetings will change each month to allow as many women to access the network as possible.

The group were joined by Joanna Peteranna, Area Manager for the Outer Hebrides with Highlands and Islands Enterprise who said: “It was really fantastic to spend time discussing business with such a talented and enthusiastic group of women.  I look forward to future events and the development of the network throughout the Outer Hebrides to provide more opportunities for business women to come together to learn and create new business connections.”

Co-Founder Lindsay Robertson said: “Joanna set the tone of the event from the outset by saying ‘women network very differently’ and that’s exactly what we did. As the speed networking session commenced the volume of chat within the room grew, with everyone making new connections and developing ideas of how they could work together in the future. It was great to witness the energy within the room and the positivity from the first meeting about how we could develop the group going forwards.”

Future events will include a mix of both in person and virtual events to be accessible to as many as possible across the islands. Ideas for events include Inspirational Speakers, Gin Tastings, a Christmas Party, January Planning & Goal Setting, Summer BBQ, Lunch & Learn with topics such as Social Media, Video for Business, Gaelic for Business and Business Growth.

Women who are interested in joining the group can sign up to the facebook group “Western Isles – Women in Business” or contact Sharon MacRury (islanddreamsuist@gmail.com) or Lindsay Robertson (info@longisladretreats.co.uk) to sign up to the mailing list and find out more about future events.