Macduff businesswoman recognised for support to fledgling businesses

As a successful businesswoman, Fiona Mathers knows only too well the trials and tribulations that new ventures can face in the early days of trading. But while other entrepreneurs may keep the secrets of their success a closely guarded secret, Fiona juggles the demands of running her own company with helping others to develop their fledgling business ideas.

Her commitment to mentoring those taking the first steps on the roller coaster ride of setting up their own company has been recognised in the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise 2011. Fiona, from Macduff, has been shortlisted for the entrepreneurial supporter category, which celebrates and recognises those who have provided outstanding or significant support to new businesses.

Fiona was nominated for the award by Christine Ralph, who had her support in developing her natural soap and skin care company, The Gamrie Goat. Three years on and Christine is still benefiting from Fiona’s words of wisdom and has seen her company develop from a small cottage industry to a venture serving a host of international customers.

Fiona says she is honoured to receive the nomination and felt quite humbled that her support had been recognised. She adds, "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Christine as she is so full of energy and ideas. I get an enormous sense of satisfaction from mentoring entrepreneurs and seeing them develop. They have incredible ideas and enthusiasm and the passion is rooted in the idea or desire to create something. These are people who see things differently and want to do things differently."

Christine was showcasing her goat’s milk soap at the Grampian Food Fair when she was approached and asked if she would like a business mentor. She often found running her business alone at her croft in Gamrie a lonely and isolating experience, and jumped at the offer of some support. She says, "A meeting was set up with Fiona and I was immediately struck by her positive attitude and ability to identify both exciting opportunities and possible pitfalls.

"She always looks to the future, and is excellent at reminding me of the long-term business plan as well as being extraordinarily good at problem solving in the present. Fiona has given me unwavering support, encouragement and advice throughout a time of growth in my business involving extreme highs and lows.

"She has inspired me to believe absolutely in the viability of my business and that it has enormous potential. In our monthly meetings she always emphasises the positive strengths and unique qualities that I have to offer. After our meetings I always feel inspired and able to tackle the challenges that in the past I may have avoided."

As well as being a business mentor for the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, Fiona runs her own executive coaching business Four Steps Coaching. She is able to provide coaching for individuals and managerial support, as well as providing companies with policy and strategy development, recruitment and selection, governance and partnership working.

Fiona is chairwoman of Banff, Macduff and District Business Association, a founder member of families’ charity Home Start Deveron and an associate member of Business Know How.

The two other finalists in the entrepreneurial supporter category are Judith Thorpe of Thorpe Molloy Recruitment Agency and Duncan Skinner, chief financial officer of Aberdeen-based Wood Group PSN. The awards, which are organised by Enterprise North East Trust and sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, take place on 30 June 2011 at Mercure Ardoe House Hotel.