Launched in September 2017, Co-Innovate, is a €16.6 million five year cross-border research and innovation partnership programme supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, and delivered locally by HIE. The overall programme aim is to increase the number and capacity of SMEs engaged in cross-border research and innovation collaboration in the eligible region from 22% to 33%. Led by InterTradeIreland, partners include HIE, Scottish Enterprise, Enterprise Northern Ireland/Local Enterprise Organisations (CBLEP) and East Border Region.Specifically for SMEs in the HIE eligible areas of Argyll and the Islands, Lochaber, Skye and the Outer Hebrides, the programme is designed to promote the benefits of innovation; strengthen innovation capabilities through support tailored to each company’s needs; increase business expenditure on research and innovation, and the number of companies innovating; enhance cross-border linkages and help overcome issues arising from the existence of borders; and complement existing research and innovation resources in the target area.

The Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS) is the independent voice of economic development in Scotland and is the country’s foremost membership driven association for all organisations and individuals with an interest in economic development.I was one of eight authors who contributed essays to the EDAS Culture, Outlook and Scottish Internationalisation publication, which was published in April 2016.Find out more here: http://www.edas.org.uk

Strategy, innovation and brand communications for growing businesses; development from ‘sketch to sales floor’. Affordable business advice, support and troubleshooting.I am a designer of products and services. I am a creator of sustainable strategies for new and growing businesses. I am a trusted adviser and troubleshooter. I am an entrepreneur and innovator. I am a writer and contributor.I believe we achieve our best when we’re authentic and I don’t believe authenticity is a barrier to doing good business. I am a committed promoter of purposeful business, especially in respect of achieving sustainable growth while mitigating environmental impacts. I understand the infinite value of connection and collaboration with others. I love disruptive ideas. I’m passionate about harnessing creativity to solve all manner of problems.

Our mission is to help shape a world where all digital content is gender balanced. The first Global Certification Standards for Gender Balanced Digital Platforms offer a route map towards achieving gender balance in organisational perception, policy and performance. Through a process of conversation, audit, bespoke consultancy, training and support, we guide participating companies and organisations to Certified status. Digital Gender Balance is brought to you by Women’s Enterprise Scotland, a global leading organisation with an excellent track record of delivery for public, private and third sector clients. http://www.digitalgenderbalance.com

On a consultative basis, I acted as Businesse Development Manager for Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES). Women’s Enterprise Scotland works to create an entrepreneurial environment where women-led businesses can flourish and grow. Because more women-owned businesses in Scotland means more money for the economy. The stats speak for themselves. If the numbers of women-led businesses increased to equal those of men, our national bank balance would be at least 5% better off. That’s equivalent to a £7.6 billion boost to the economy, minimum. To make the most of this opportunity for economic growth, and to improve the gender gap in Scottish entrepreneurial activity, Women’s Enterprise Scotland aims for nothing less than the creation of a new norm for women in business. To do that, we at WES inspire and support women to start their own businesses, and grow them too. We advise and educate external partners, and advocate for gender-specific enterprise support. We seek to influence policy-makers and movers and shakers to recognise the economic contribution women-led business could make. And we champion women’s enterprise in the media, in Scottish society, and across the wider world. Alongside our partners, Women’s Enterprise Scotland aims to create a commercial culture where women-led business ownership is not simply an aspiration, but becomes a truly attainable, attractive and achievable option for women everywhere.

In 2011, living on a croft in the Scottish Highlands and immersed in the world of farming and deerstalking, I embarked on a new challenge; to create a Scottish luxury lifestyle brand with a story that was directly connected to the way of life of Highland people, and most importantly, would shine a light on traditions and craftsmanship considered ‘luxury’ but borne from ‘necessity’.I wanted to contribute towards the sustainable future of deer stalking, shepherding, tanning, spinning and weaving, and leatherwork, by creating sustainable luxury goods from the products of each of these crafts. I began by designing a small number of travel bags, made with wild Scottish red deer hide and 21oz sporting tweed, which quickly turned into a full collection, with each piece telling its own story about people and activities on the land.As MD and Design Director, I developed ‘in-market’ knowledge and experience, partnerships and collaborations with other Scottish luxury businesses, the media and Scottish international trade organisations, as well engagement with industry stakeholders, including the Scottish Government.Within 18 months, we sold our first collections to Saks 5th Avenue in New York, and FB was featured in publications such as Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Financial Times, Women’s Wear Daily, Press and Journal, Daily Mail, Scotland on Sunday, and the Scottish Herald. I led the company to a Scottish Fashion Award 2012 nomination for Accessory Designer of the Year.The natural next step for the business was to offer discerning consumers the chance to become immersed in the Fraser Balgowan brand, in Scotland, in person. With an understanding of the economic potential of ‘experiential travel’, I developed ‘The Fraser Balgowan Experience,’; a bespoke journey into the world of luxury, heritage, craftsmanship and community, to discover the story behind the story. It was subsequently covered by Forbes, Huffington Post Stylelist, About.com, Luxos and Ahalife.

I led a strategic review of the organisation, which enabled the Board to agree on their vision for the development of a new, multi-million pound forest centre and mountain biking facility. Engaging with a range of public, private and third sector stakeholders, I prepared a business development strategy and was successful in raising in excess of £250,000 in funding to cover a 3 year period. This funding has employed a development team, who are now working to deliver the Trust vision.

In 2007, I was appointed as (electoral) Ward Manager for Aird and Loch Ness, with responsibility for economic and community development across the area, directly supporting four elected members and sixteen communities.Working in a geographic area famous the world over, supporting sixteen distinct communities in a diverse range of activities, was a real privilege. As well as the obvious tourism benefits associated with Loch Ness, the Great Glen Way and others, the Ward has a long history with energy generation that has evolved in modern times to include Scottish and Southern Energy Glendoe Hydro Scheme and a number of wind farm developments. Its stunning scenery also provides the backdrop to the award winning Rockness music festival, and these commercial activities have resulted in the opportunity for local communities to identify and secure benefits from development, for which I was responsible.This work required a lateral yet detailed focus across a breadth of complex services, organisations and issues. First and foremost, business development and communication skills, relationship management, problem solving, negotiation and facilitation were critical to delivering any kind of real progress here.Although I was fortunate to gain experience of high profile activities such as staging a major concert or contributing to a World Heritage Site Bid, my real highlight was working with the community of Cannich to improve their village hall through creating a public/private collaboration that provided the finance and technical input required, where traditional public service and funding delivery had failed.

Working in support of the Angus Community Planning Partnership, I was responsible for preparing the Angus Rural Strategy and providing rural and sustainable development policy advice and support to various government bodies and elected members. This role involved preparing official responses to draft Government legislation such as the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-13, consultations and public inquiries, and submitting advisory papers on specific rural issues to various national and international organisations e.g. European Commission, Carnegie Commission for Rural Community Development. I was also required to influence and network in the UK and internationally.

- Development and management of communications and marketing strategy, brand identity and communication tools (including 3000+ page website, monthly magazine, advertising campaigns, press releases, training programmes)- Management of contracts with external agencies and suppliers including web development and PR companies- Organisation and delivery of corporate eventsPreviously:Personal Assistant to the Oil and Managing Director, Aberdeen, U.K. Personal Assistant to the New Business Development Director, Aberdeen, U.K.Duties included diary management, conference and hospitality management including travel, accommodation and catering, preparing briefing packs for visits and meetings with Government Ministers, other oil company executives, Shell Group conferences and members of the local community.