Celebrating Women’s Achievements: The SWIB Awards and International Women’s Day 2025
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 tomorrow, I find myself reflecting on the incredible success of The SWIB Awards 2024 and looking forward with excitement to what lies ahead for this year’s event. The Scottish Women in Business (SWIB) Awards made a triumphant return last year after a five-year hiatus, and what a return it was! The Corinthian in Glasgow buzzed with energy as we came together to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women making a difference in business and beyond.
The SWIB Awards 2024 shone a well-deserved spotlight on trailblazing women and businesses across Scotland, with our host, the brilliant Jennifer Reoch, leading us through an unforgettable day. From the remarkable achievements of our winners to the inspiring connections made on the day, the event was a true celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership.
MEET THE MEMBER: Eloho Efemuai
Meet Eloho Efemuai, a powerhouse in personal branding, broadcasting, and community building. As a Personal Brand Strategist, Radio Station Manager, and Founder of Heartsong Live Radio & Adelphe, Eloho is on a mission to help women—especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds—amplify their voices, build credibility, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
From breaking barriers as the first woman of colour to run a Christian radio station in Scotland to launching platforms that support women in business and leadership, Eloho’s journey is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the power of visibility.
In this blog, she shares the highs and lows of her career, the values that drive her work, and why visibility isn’t vanity—it’s strategy.
Meet the Member: Marianne McJannett: Head of Employment at Bellwether Green
Meet Marianne McJannett, Head of Employment at Bellwether Green. With a passion for applying the law to real-life situations, Marianne specialises in guiding businesses through the ever-changing world of employment legislation while also supporting employees facing challenging workplace issues.
From overcoming unexpected career setbacks to becoming an accredited Specialist in Employment Law and leading her department, Marianne’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
In this blog, Marianne shares insights into her career, the challenges she’s overcome, and the advice she’d give to those starting in the legal field.
Meet Jennifer McGlone, a creative powerhouse running three businesses!
Meet Jennifer McGlone, a creative powerhouse running three businesses—Braw Wee Craft Club, Braw Wee Emporium, and The Creativity Consultant. With a deep passion for creativity and community, Jennifer’s businesses focus on craft workshops, celebrating Scottish creativity, and supporting cultural organisations to grow and thrive.
From humble beginnings inspired by a community arts project to opening her own creative studio, Jennifer’s journey highlights the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.
In this blog, Jennifer shares her story, the challenges she’s overcome, and her exciting plans for the future as she continues to champion creativity in all its forms.
Tell us about you!
What’s your name, and what do you do?
I’m Jennifer McGlone, and I run three businesses:
- Braw Wee Craft Club: Craft workshops based in my city centre studio, as well as in community groups and businesses.
- Braw Wee Emporium: An online Scottish gift and homeware shop.
- The Creativity Consultant: Supporting creatives and cultural organisations with funding, strategies, and business growth.
What inspired you to start your business (or choose your current role)?
Creativity has always been important to me. When I was young, a local arts project showed me I had a voice and could achieve anything I wanted. My businesses all promote creativity—whether it’s helping people discover their creative side, celebrating creativity, or supporting others in creating space for it.
Your business in a nutshell
How would you describe your business to someone who’s never heard of it before?
There are so many different parts to the businesses but it boils down to creative workshops, events, support and mentoring.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
Seeing people grow in confidence, knowledge, and having fun!
Company values and mission
What values are at the heart of your business?
Creativity, Community, Fun, Adventure.
How do these values show up in your day-to-day work?
Every day, I work within a creative community or support individuals with their creativity. The fun comes from working with people and taking risks, and the adventure is trying new things.
The personal side
What’s something surprising about you or your journey so far?
It all started with a tin whistle lesson in a community centre in Easterhouse. A Celtic Connections gig in 1995 made me realise I wanted to work in the music industry. I’m now on my 25th Celtic Connections Festival!
Who or what inspires you most in life or business?
There are so many! But Rachael Arnold, Co-Founder of Creative Entrepreneurs Club, has been a huge inspiration. Her vision, honesty, and passion for the creative industries and social enterprises are limitless.
Challenges and triumphs
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your business journey?
Opening my new studio in the city centre! Seeing people’s reactions to a space I’ve created is a high. Watching someone leave a workshop feeling confident or with clarity about their creative practice is priceless.
And what’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
Underpricing my services. For years, I was stuck in the mindset that because I loved my work, I didn’t need to charge much. Last year, I reevaluated my fees, and now I’m on the road to savings and holidays again!
The fun stuff
What’s your go-to coffee order (or tea preference)?
A flat white or a big cup of Tetley tea.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or past), who would they be and why?
Patti Smith—to hear about her New York adventures (read Just Kids!); Vivienne Westwood and Pam Hogg—they’re icons of adventure and creativity, and dinner with them would be epic!
Looking ahead
What are you most excited about for your business in the year ahead?
Expanding the craft workshops at Braw Wee Craft Club, collaborating with others, and developing my skills as a fundraiser to grow my Creativity Consultant work.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Do your sums and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Knowing your costs makes life so much easier.
Quickfire round!
Morning or evening person? Morning.
Favourite book or podcast? 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman—an insightful read about productivity. For fiction, Scabby Queen by Kirsten Innes.
Dream holiday destination? The Maldives, or anywhere with sun, white sandy beaches, and good food!
Jennifer’s journey is a shining example of how creativity, passion, and determination can lead to a thriving and fulfilling career. From her beginnings in community arts to running three successful businesses, Jennifer’s focus on creativity and community has been unwavering.
As Jennifer looks to the future, her plans to expand her craft workshops and support creative organisations show her continued commitment to making creativity accessible and celebrated.
Her advice for others? Do your sums, trust your instincts, and don’t undervalue yourself. Wise words from someone who’s made creativity their life’s work!
Meet the Member: Fiona McKee, the dynamic Founder of The HR Practice
Meet Fiona McKee, the dynamic Founder of The HR Practice. From a deeply personal reflection during the pandemic to building a thriving HR consultancy, Fiona’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this blog, Fiona shares her story, her passion for helping businesses navigate the complexities of HR, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Discover what drives her, the challenges she’s overcome, and what’s next for her business as she continues to grow her network and support her clients.
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Tell us about you!
What’s your name, and what do you do?
My name is Fiona McKee, and I’m the Founder of The HR Practice.
What inspired you to start your business (or choose your current role)?
It’s quite a personal story. During COVID, my father-in-law was at the end of his life in hospital, and it made me reflect deeply on how quickly life passes you by. Being busy often means you don’t fulfil your dreams. I’d always known I wanted to work for myself, and in that moment, I decided to make it happen. Within six months, I launched The HR Practice, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Your business in a nutshell
How would you describe your business to someone who’s never heard of it before?
We’re a HR consultancy that provides services to SMEs and entrepreneurial businesses. Essentially, we become their HR department, working with them between one day per month to two days per week, depending on their needs. Our team comprises HR Director-level consultants, which means we provide not only day-to-day support but also strategic advice to help businesses grow.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
I love working with clients to understand their pain points and finding effective solutions. Managing people can be tricky, and CEOs often tell us that we take the headaches of managing people away.
Company values and mission
What values are at the heart of your business?
Agility, being non-judgemental, customer-driven, and outcome-focused.
How do these values show up in your day-to-day work?
In everything we do, we put the customer first. We react quickly and provide a range of options to help clients move forward. We understand that business owners are busy, and employment policies aren’t always their top priority. That’s where we step in, ensuring their policies, processes, and contracts are always up to date. We’re never judgemental because we know things happen—things get said, or missed, that you wish hadn’t. We’re here to make sure those gaps are filled so our clients can focus on running their business.
The personal side
What’s something surprising about you or your journey so far?
I was amazed when I started out by how many people were willing to help me. Their introductions and support were invaluable.
Who or what inspires you most in life or business?
I’m inspired by so many people I work with in business. On a personal level, my husband and kids inspire me every day.
Challenges and triumphs
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your business journey?
Winning new business is always rewarding, but I’d say hitting our financial targets and achieving our best year yet has been a standout moment.
And what’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
When I first started, I had a tough experience with our initial accountant. Making the decision to move to a new accountancy practice was daunting, but it turned out to be the best choice. I now have a great relationship with our accountant, who understands the business and what I’m trying to achieve—and the bit of banter is a bonus!
The fun stuff
What’s your go-to coffee order (or tea preference)?
A coconut milk latte from Starbucks. Although recently, I discovered their coconut milk hot chocolate (thanks to a mentee from Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce), and it’s a game changer!
Looking ahead
What are you most excited about for your business in the year ahead?
We’ve recently added a new consultant to our team to support our growth journey, and working with him on our business growth plan is incredibly exciting.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Build your network, get to know who your customer is and where to find them, and never be afraid to ask for advice. (Okay, that’s three pieces of advice!)
Quickfire round!
Morning or evening person? Evening.
Favourite book or podcast? I don’t read business books, but I do love reading. My favourite author is K.L. Slater.
Dream holiday destination? Australia—though it’s a hard choice because I love so many places!
Fiona’s journey is a testament to the power of reflection, resilience, and determination. By building a business rooted in agility, understanding, and a client-first approach, she’s not only solving problems for her clients but also inspiring others to chase their dreams.
As Fiona looks ahead to the exciting growth opportunities in 2025, her advice to anyone starting their own journey is clear: build your network, know your customer, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Here’s to another successful year for Fiona and The HR Practice—proof that with the right values and a little courage, anything is possible!
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