EUROPEAN FUNDS HELP SMART WOMEN BOOST CORNISH BUSINESS

Rhowen Yoki has just completed a unique course designed to enhance the management and entrepreneurial skills of Cornish businesswomen.

Truro College’s Empowering Smart Women programme, which is supported by the Skills Funding Agency through the ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence Programme, is leading the way in motivating women to break through the ‘glass ceiling’ and fulfill their true potential. Rhowen, 39, from Polzeath, was already a successful businesswoman when she started the course but, far from being complacent, she saw the programme as a means of building on what she had already achieved and passing on her new skills to her staff. “It’s been an amazing experience,” she said. “I never realised it would make such a difference or how much it would improve the business. I learned not only from the programme itself but from other students as we shared ideas and experiences. My attitude and improved motivation has inspired my staff - as have all the changes I have introduced as a result. “I’ve re-structured the way the business is managed, begun to delegate more and included the team in decision making. I am fine tuning what I do and planning far more.” Rhowen originally graduated with an English degree before spending eight years working for investment banks in London. Ten years ago she opted for a complete career and life change by buying a clothes shop, called Above Board, in Polzeath. It had the perfect location - directly opposite the resort’s main beach - selling surf-style clothing and beach accessories like buckets and spades. The business boomed and within five years she expanded into a second shop almost next door. This business, called Fusion, was more of a boutique. Again trade was good and, by 2008, she had opened Fusion boutiques in Wadebridge and Padstow. Last year Rhowen approached Truro College about updating her staff health and safety qualifications. Whilst organising that, it was suggested she consider joining the Empowering Smart Women course to enhance her own skills. Rhowen said: “I had never done any retail training but, when I looked into Empowering Smart Women, it looked like there were some modules that might help improve both me and my business.” She began the programme in December 2008 and completed her final assignment in June this year. Tailor-made to meet her needs, the course began with two days personal skills development followed by an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 qualification which included modules such as leading teams, management styles and managing efficiency. Additional networking opportunities were also opened up at the Empowering Smart Women Conference. The programme introduced Rhowen to Unlocking Cornish Potential and, as a result of that connection, she has now recruited a graduate as a business operations manager. She was also put in touch with Business Link to help look at environmental improvements that are not just socially responsible but can also save her company money. Because all the changes have given Rhowen more time she has also been able to work on updating the Fusion website and on creating an on-line shop which she hopes will go live in September. “Rhowen’s experience on the Empowering Smart Women programme shows just how important it is in helping women to hone their business skills and enhance their contribution to the Cornish economy,” said Mark Williams, Head of Provider Accounts for the Skills Funding Agency. “The course provides an excellent opportunity for women in Cornwall and I would highly recommend it.” For more information about Empowering Smart Women, call Truro College on 01872 242711 or email businesscentre@truro-penwith.ac.uk Ends 9 July 2010 PHOTO (by Bernie Pettersen) One of Cornwall’s smart women – Rhowen Yoki