Humble brags incoming for January 2025

What an amazing start to the year! Many members of our community had lots of news to share in our Humble Brag section at the January meeting.

It's important to share what we've been up to when we're out and about, meeting people we know and getting to know new people too.

You've possibly been there yourself? All set to network, got a new thing you want to tell everyone and there just doesn't come a break in the conversation to tell anyone...

That's why people love coming to our meetings. We not only make sure you get that all important announcement made but you get the opportunity to introduce yourself to the whole room!

The introductions always include an element of fun when the Headlines are read out. We get to hear those who have updated their core message to those who realise they need to have one to start with. Being memorable is part of the world domination plan.

So, what's in store?

We've published articles, a podcast, awards, music releases, sponsorship, support and events and workshops. Let's dive in shall we?

Ayrshire Magazine

The lovely Lawren Finlay is a regular and has made great relationships with many of our members who not only advertise in the magazine but are also adding real readership value in their articles.

First up is Lorraine Eivers FCIPD who helps you find the work you love.

Our Derek Dunlop regularly shoots the front cover and shares his photography journey.

Fiona Campbell Arrand gives real insight into how our behaviour and language changes our relationships and reality.

Plus, our Host, Wendy Harris asks if the art of authentic conversation lost in business?

Make sure you head over to ayrshiremagazine.com to read online or better still, grab a copy for all the other wonderful features.

Podcast episode (with an old pal of Wendy's!)

Our very own self titled 'techno dinosaur' Willie Nicol - Life Coach got together on a LinkedIn Live with Heidi Medina (who has been on Wendy's podcast moons ago).

They discussed how to get your Mojo back in your marketing. Two big personalities talking about their passion.

Head to this link to watch and listen for yourself.

Winning awards

Newest member Janet Martin shared how she has recently won 'Best Historical Tour Provider'. If you know Janet, you will know she brings lots of energy and fun to her tours. Well done!

Download or Stream music for Charity

'The Patriarchy' is a new release for local lass Kirsty Louise Millard who has written this song following her personal journey.

As a nod to the two charities that supported her most when she relocated back to Scotland with her two young daughters, Kirsty is donating a percentage of the sales to Megan's Space and Scottish Women's Aid

Please grab your copy here!

Our resident photographer was introduced to Kirsty to help with the promotional work and video and we're pleased as punch that Chloe Candlish and Kirsty have become firm friends too.

Sponsorship

Which brings us on nicely to a show of support from 惠普企业服务 Erskine who have selected Megan's Space as a nominated charity.

Already they have been seen douking Loch Lomond raising funds for this much in demand charity. We'll be cheering on their efforts this year!

Events, Webinars & Workshops

Tomorrow! You can join Jonathan Mitchell at the FSB Free Networking event from 10.30am at CentreStage . The link to register is this one.

Fiona Taylor is hosting International Woman's Day #IWD25 It plans to be a day to celebrate women and accelerate action is the theme.

There is a full program of interesting speakers sharing thoughtful and inspirational stories.

You can book using this link.

Andrew Aitken is part of the team at St Andrew's First Aid and will be hosting webinars to support the business community.

His first was all around Mental Health and was attended by 30+ people who gave great feedback.

Here's to seeing more events like this in the future.

Fiona Campbell Arrand is a legend who lives by her own teaching. She has shared with the group how she envisioned the exact view from her now window plus the furniture she was going to have.

All from the power of a Vision Board.

We're delighted that Fiona is running her first Vision Board workshop on Saturday 1st March at The Mill, Stewarton. Places are Limited to 10!

Find out more and Book your place for ￡45

Last but by no means least, Hazel Griffin from CEIS Ayrshire has put together some more information around the support and services they offer in the local business community.

Here goes:

"CEIS Ayrshire Making Scotland a Better Place to Live and Work

CEIS Ayrshire, established in 2007, is a community social enterprise based in Scotland. We support individuals, communities, and businesses by providing services that boost employability, develop skills, and strengthen community engagement. Whether you're an individual looking for your ideal job or a business seeking top talent, CEIS Ayrshire is equipped to support you.

Business Services

We offer expert guidance, recruitment support, and tailored training to help your business grow. Whether building a strong team or upskilling your workforce, we provide the tools and support you need.

Job Seeking Services

From CV help to interview prep and personalised training, we’re here to guide you at every step of your employment journey.

Funding

We offer funding to support working parents seeking personal development and career growth. This funding covers training to help participants upskill and advance in their roles. Businesses can also benefit by using this fund to provide training opportunities for parent employees, helping them grow and contribute more effectively.

Your employees must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

· Reside in North Ayrshire

· Be a lone parent

· Be a parent with a disability or have a child with a disability.

· Be a young parent (aged 25 or under)

· Be from a minority ethnic background

· Have three or more children

· Have a youngest child under 1 year old

Specialist Training Services

Our Skills and Training team are capable of delivering the below services for our clients.

· CSCS Certification: Accredited by CITB, we deliver full-day courses, including training, testing, and certifications for CSCS Labourer Cards.

· Emergency First Aid: We provide REHIS-accredited HSE-approved 1-day and 3-day first aid courses, customised for businesses.

· Personal Licence Training: We deliver SCQF Level 6 certification for Personal Licence Holders in Scotland, vital for managing licenced premises.

· TrainMe: Our online training platform features a wide range of cost-effective courses covering business skills, health and safety, health and social care and more.

CEIS Ayrshire is committed to supporting your success—helping individuals thrive and businesses grow. Learn more at https://ceisayrshire.co.uk "

What's next?

Told you it had been a busy one.

So, what have you been up to that you can shout about in our February Edition?

Please mark your calendar with our next meeting date 20th February and come along to tell us all about it. Click here to register along with the other 95 here!

We always meet on the 3rd Thursday, we always network, make connections, drink lots of coffee and laugh plenty.

Be great to see our online connections grow stronger through real life conversations.

See you soon,

Wendy Harris

LinkedIn Local Ayrshire Host

PS If you'd like to leverage LinkedIn, grab Wendy for a ChinWAG to see how she can help you.