McArthur highlights barriers to female entrepreneurship in islands

Speaking during portfolio questions, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has today highlighted the barriers facing women seeking to participate in business and entrepreneurship in the islands.  

Mr McArthur pointed to the success of the Connect to Grow programme and Mums in Business scheme in supporting women in Orkney into entrepreneurship. He went on to recognise the uncertainty over the future of both initiatives, however, and asked the Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn what steps the Scottish Government can take to support female entrepreneurship in the islands.  

Orkney's MSP also emphasised structural barriers including limited availability of childcare, travel costs and difficulty accessing mentoring and networking opportunities.  

Commenting after the exchange, Mr McArthur said:

"Schemes like Connect to Grow and Mums in Business have played an important role in helping women in Orkney to start and sustain businesses. 

"But in order for women-led businesses to thrive, greater certainty is needed over whether that support will be sustained in the longer term.  

"Beyond that, it's clear women in our islands continue to face a number of additional structural barriers when it comes to entrepreneurship, from the limited availability of childcare to restricted access to mentoring and networking opportunities.  

"It's important that the Scottish Government recognises the need for targeted support that reflects the specific circumstances of doing business in our islands and provides women entrepreneurs with the flexibility and practical support they require to succeed."