A message from Lynne Kennedy MBE

Allow me to recount my journey – back in 2013, when I managed my publishing business, I initiated BWS. This venture was sparked by a revelation during the initial financial crisis: a lack of support for women in business. It became evident that countless women held brilliant business concepts but lacked the roadmap to turn those concepts into reality. Some, having faced redundancy, sought avenues to establish their enterprises but found themselves without guidance, a place for advice, or a network of like-minded peers.

Faced with these challenges and more, I embarked on a mission. Business Women Scotland magazine was born, aimed at furnishing women – who, like me at the beginning, were striving – with advice and information. Eminent experts contributed editorial content, spanning a variety of subjects from finance to legal matters and HR, while a lifestyle segment embraced wellness and familial guidance.

The evolution continued, extending into live business events. This concept breathed life into the magazine's features, offering a platform for women to meet, interact with experts, and explore pivotal topics. These events delved into matters of confidence, securing finances, and personal and professional triumphs, featuring business owners who shared their successes.

Our inaugural event unfolded within a Glasgow city centre hotel, featuring 40 exhibitors and hosting 250 guests. The response was resounding, sparking a demand for more. Witnessing the readership of the magazine swell, both prominent corporations and government-endorsed groups began to take notice.

In this journey of perpetual evolution, the need for further support became evident. Statistics confirmed that women flourished through trust-forged connections, spurring the creation of additional BWS events.

And then, in 2013, the inaugural BWS awards marked their debut – an occasion to praise and showcase our women in business, celebrating their contributions and presenting them as inspirations for future generations. This was complemented by a host of network events, business roadshows, and online engagements designed to nurture women in business.

My role, a full-time commitment, involves orchestrating inclusive and vibrant meetings, curating intriguing speakers, organizing business expos, and devising initiatives that empower businesswomen. I conduct these meetings both in-person and online, requiring the ability to captivate an audience. To flourish in this sphere, we need to be approachable, open-minded, tactful, and unflappable – and an element of organisation is paramount. Networking's efficacy is undeniable, and I'm here to guide businesswomen through its intricacies. If you love connecting with people and envision yourself at the helm of a BWC franchise, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

Your BWC franchise is exclusively yours within your designated area – a canvas to cultivate a vibrant community of businesswomen, fostering relationships, cultivating trust, and forging pivotal connections.

My schedule retains some flexibility while adhering to the Monday to Thursday work routine, with a leisurely Friday afternoon dedicated to life's pursuits. My pre-pandemic schedule brimmed with interactions, engaging with sponsors, members, and prospective affiliates, all cantered on setting expectations, providing support, and nurturing confidence among women in business.

The journey isn't without its challenges. Confidence, often elusive, is an obstacle for many women. Even I, in the past, grappled with public speaking apprehension. Yet, stepping beyond my comfort zone was vital for growth; I knew it was something I had to master.

Central to the BWC franchise experience is your bespoke BWC Members website, BWC app to keep in touch with members and a quarterly membership magazine. This platform is your launchpad to build a thriving community and spotlight BWC members. The cherry on top: we manage your website and design your magazine, freeing you to focus on business development. I've made my share of blunders in the early days, entrusting those who didn't deliver on promises. We've simplified this by eliminating potential pitfalls.

Staying connected with members is vital. You'll serve as an encourager, sparking participation, motivation, and enthusiasm. Administrative tasks demand organisation – a capable bookkeeper and potentially an assistant can ease these responsibilities and you can outsource both of these without the stress of directly employing someone. The BWC franchise isn't just a business, it's a community of unwavering support. We provide speakers, training, and a blueprint honed from BWS's journey, ensuring your trajectory remains on course.

A franchise opens doors to intriguing businesswomen, fostering connections that illuminate areas where others excel – a cornerstone of building a remarkable team.

Embark with a firm grasp of the commitment demanded. Your effort shapes your outcomes. I've steered BWS for 14 years, cherishing its diversity and the countless connections formed with remarkable women in business.

A BWC franchise presents multifaceted revenue streams – you can delve deeper into these in the prospectus.

If you're poised to seize the reins of your venture, remember you're never alone. We're only ever a call or Zoom session away, steadfastly supporting you through weekly/monthly meetings. This is the essence of a BWC franchise – a guiding hand plus a shared understanding of the business model.

I hope this narrative encourages you to make that first (or second or third!) leap into entrepreneurship. I could never have anticipated receiving an MBE for championing women in business, thirteen years ago.