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'Always go that extra mile - it'll pay off' [Evening Times (Glasgow, Scotland)](Evening Times (Glasgow, Scotland) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WHO ARE YOU? Linda McKenna of LMK Events What does your business do? I plan, organise and deliver lots of different events. These include events for charity and events to promote particular issues or services. The business started with the 'Big Over 50s Event', which has become my main event. This is an exhibition which brings together a selection of services, businesses and goods on offer to people aged over 50. Its free for people to attend and it gives businesses and organisations an opportunity to promote services to new customers. I now organise other events, including 'The Fabulous Health and Wellbeing Event' and 'The Big Kids Activities Event'. Where are you based? I work from home, in Colston, in the North of Glasgow. This helps me keep costs down. All I really need is my phone and laptop. Most of my meetings take place in coffee shops or event venues. How did you get started? I had worked for a local authority for 10 years and was looking for a better work life balance, to spend more time with my sons John and Euan and husband William. I'd always loved organising events either for work or for friends, family or charity. My background is in equality and diversity and through this work I noticed that there was a bit of a gap in the market for promoting services and companies to older people. I decided to have a small event in a local hall, invite some local companies and it all took off from there. The first Big Over 50s event was a great success with 22 companies exhibiting their services. What is your background I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2003 with an honours degree in Public Administration and Management - so perfect for my career in local government. I worked f in policy development and equalities. And I feel my experience in engaging with different equality groups has really helped me with the events business. What is your top tip? Always go the extra mile wherever you can - you never know how you will be repaid. How long has your business been running? The first event took place in March 2014. The business started proper in May 2014 when I left my job at the council. Has anyone helped you get started and how? Business Gateway has been a great help. They provided me with great advice on developing business plans and on all the things you need to consider, such as tax. I've found that the best support has been from other women in business, particularly through networking organisations such as Business Gateway's Women into Business, Business Women Scotland and Scottish Women in Business. Where do you plan your business to be in five years time? Running lots of events all of over Scotland, particularly the Big Over 50s Events. I would like to keep them small, making it as easy as possible for older people to come along. Useful contacts: Business Gateway, www.bgateway.com www.scottishwomenin business.org.uk Contact Details www.lmkevents.co.uk, [email protected], www.facebook.com/ lmkevents, @LMKevents1, 07411 771 920. the Evening Times continues to shine the spotlight on another of the dozens of new city businesses determined to succeed. They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and the entrepreneurs behind them are working hard to achieve success as the UK starts to recover from economic hardship. Many new businesses are beginning to take off and this column aims to offer advice and encouragement for potential start-ups. Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday. This week we highlight Linda McKenna, from LMK Events. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |