The SOSE Spotlight

How to be a successful female entrepreneur with Alex Feechan of Findra Clothing

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In the final episode of this series of the SOSE Spotlight, we speak to Alex Feechan, owner and founder of Findra Clothing, an Innerleithen-based company which specialises in outdoor clothing for women.

Alex discussed how a new hobby of mountain-biking with friends 14 years ago led to the creation of Findra, the importance of being based in Innerleithen, the challenges still faced by female business leaders, and her company’s sustainability efforts.

Listen now at your usual podcast platforms.

Useful links

Findra - findraclothing.com

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Teviot Knitwear - how to start a business during COVID-19 pandemic

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This week we travel to Hawick to speak to Allan Godfrey, Managing Director of Teviot Knitwear.

Allan talks about:

Teviot Knitwear's rapid growth, after overcoming the challenge of being set up in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
The continued importance of the textile industry to Hawick
Its collaborations with celebrities
Advice for budding entrepreneurs
And the support its received from South of Scotland Enterprise.

Useful links

Teviot Knitwear - teviotknitwearhawick.co.uk

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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From hay shed to thriving business: Iron & Pine's journey

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This week we speak to Alistair Fell, of Dalbeattie-based Iron & Pine about how the business he co-founded with school friend Luke Mazs, converting shipping containers into offices and wedding venues, has rapidly grown - from starting out operating in a friend's hay shed to employing over 20 skilled people in Dumfries & Galloway.

Alistair discusses how Iron & Pine have embraced Fair Work and circular economy, challenges of recruiting staff in a rural location, advice for budding entrepreneurs and their ambitions to help tackle housing issues in the South.

Useful links

Iron & Pine - ironandpine.co.uk

Fair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-work

Net Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zero

Circular Economy - zerowastescotland.org.uk/topics/circular-economy

Transcription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Julia Muir Watt of Building Futures Galloway

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

We travel to Whithorn for the latest episode of the SOSE Spotlight, to find out more about the fantastic work of Building Futures Galloway.

Julia Muir Watt discusses how the organisation prides itself on providing young people with the opportunity to protect the local history while shaping their futures through learning traditional construction skills.

Julia discusses Building Futures Galloway's efforts around inclusion, diversity and sustainability, and how it has led to recognition on a national level.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.

Useful links

Building Futures Galloway - buildingfuturesgalloway.com

Fair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-work

Net Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zero

Transcription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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The revival of Rowan Glen

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:37:27 GMT

This week's episode of The SOSE Spotlight travels to Palnure on the edge of the Galloway Forest, to hear from Alan Baxter of Rowan Glen.

Rowan Glen is one of the longest established yoghurt manufacturing sites in Scotland but faced an uncertain future in 2022 when the site was closed by its previous owners.

Alan discusses how he and his team led the purchase of the factory and brand, as well as how Fair Work and sustainability have been key to Rowan Glen's revival since.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.

Useful links

Rowan Glen - rowanglen.com

Fair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-work

Net Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zero

Transcription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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James Gaffney of JagArt 82

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Series three of The SOSE Spotlight is focussing on the stories of some of the inspiring businesses, social enterprises and community groups we have worked with in the first five years of South of Scotland Enterprise.

In the first episode of the series, we speak to James Gaffney of JagArt 82.

James is a neurodivergent artist whose motto is inspire to be inspired.

With his team, he offers workshops and personalised mentorship in creative fields for various groups, including children.

James tells us about the opportunities and challenges being neurodivergent presents while running a business, and about JagArt 82's move into the Scottish Borders.

Useful links

JagArt 82 - jagart82.com

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Ruth O'Malley's Pathways experience

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The final episode of this Pathways-focussed series hears the inspiring journey of Ruth O'Malley, who has set up her own business while at the same time being a nurse in the Scottish Borders.

Discover how Pathways has supported Ruth, offering support, guidance and friendship.

Useful link

Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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Being a Pathways coach with Martina McKinnel

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:49:48 GMT

The latest episode of our Pathways-focussed series see us chat with the incredible Martina McKinnel, one of our Pathways coaches.

Gain insights, inspiration and motivation in this must-listen episode.

Useful link: Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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Derek Chisholm's Pathways story

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:23:01 GMT

The latest episode of our Pathways-focussed series.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Derek Chisholm, one of our amazing Pathways clients. Hear how he has overcome challenges to find his way to success.

Useful link: Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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Holly Young on being a Pathways coach

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:15:55 GMT

This week on The SOSE Spotlight we are chatting with Holly Young, a Pathways coach and hearing all about her Pathways journey.

Useful link: Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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Beverley Vining discusses her Pathways journey

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Beverley Vining, talks about the support she has received from Pathways, which has helped her open a new bridal boutique in Hawick.

Listen to Beverley tell her story about her Pathways journey and how life changing this opportunity has been.

Useful link

Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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What is Pathways and why in the South of Scotland

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Susan Harkins, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SOSE, talks about a new Scottish Government-funded pilot named Pathways taking place in the South of Scotland.

Find out about more about what Pathways is, why the South is the ideal place to trial the programme and how it will help more people in our region take forward their business ideas.

Useful link

Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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Introducing SOSE Spotlight series two - focus on Pathways pilot

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:50:43 GMT

The SOSE Spotlight is back, with a focus on the Pathways programme currently taking place in the South of Scotland.

Over the next six episodes we will be speaking to coaches, clients and staff to tell you more about the Pathways pilot, which is designed to help people with great ideas for a business here in the South of Scotland.

Useful link

Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

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COP29 - How business can make the world a better place – with Indinature’s Sam Baumber

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 01:00:37 GMT

Ahead of the global climate summit COP29, we speak to South of Scotland business, Indinature, who are changing the way we insulate our homes.

Sam Baumber, Indinature’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer tells us more about the Jedburgh-based company, the benefits of being based in the region and what is next for them.

Sam also talks about Indinature’s focus on the future of the planet, and offers his advice to entrepreneurs wishing to get a sustainable idea off the ground.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platform.

Useful links:

Indinature’s website: https://www.indinature.co/

Net Zero information: www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/netzero

Episode Transcript: www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE: www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Our Enterprising Communities team - Who are they?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:12 GMT

Today’s topic is a focus on our Enterprising Communities team, as we speak to Community Development Advisor Lisa Denham and find out:

Who are they?

How important are community groups and social enterprises to the people of the South of Scotland?

And what support can the team provide?

Lisa also discusses one of the first organisations she was assigned to and how it has developed with SOSE's support to provide vital and practical skills opportunities for young people in the South.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platform.

Useful links:

Tweeddale Youth Action’s new pizzeria: https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/news/tyapizzeria

Episode Transcript: southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE: https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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What business support is available to help the South of Scotland to fulfil its potential?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:00:21 GMT

In this episode we speak to Campbell Young of our Enterprise and Business team about their vital role providing business support to help our region to thrive, grow and fulfil its potential.

Who are they?

What type of businesses do they support?

What support could they offer you?

Campbell also discusses the new South of Scotland Space Strategy, which sets out the exciting opportunities the space sector presents businesses in the region.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.

Useful links

SOSE business support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/businesses

South of Scotland Space Strategy – southofscotlandenterprise.com/sosspacestrategy

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Fair Work - why it is important to you and your business

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:43 GMT

We speak to Seonaid Mann, South of Scotland Enterprise's Fair Work and Equalities Manager, about why Fair Work is important to you and your business.

As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we find out how Fair Work can also make a real difference to people and their communities, organisations and the economy.

Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.

Useful links

SOSE Fair Work campaign - southofscotlandenterprise.com/fairwork

Challenge Poverty Week - povertyalliance.org/cpw/

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Entrepreneurship and innovation support in the South of Scotland

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:30:44 GMT

To mark the annual World Podcast Day, we speak to Susan Harkins, South of Scotland Enterprise's Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, about the services on offer which aim to harness the entrepreneurial spirit we have in the South of Scotland.

In particular, how is SOSE supporting female and young entrepreneurs?

What are the range of events and training on offer?

And what is available at the new Hawick Business Centre?

Listen to find out more.

Useful links

SOSE events and training - southofscotlandenterprise.com/events-training

SOSE Pathways coaching pilot - southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways

Hawick Business Centre - southofscotlandenterprise.com/hawickbusinesscentre

Transcription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlight

Contact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us

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Net Zero and the opportunities it presents your business

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:08 GMT

As part of Scotland’s Climate Week, we speak to Martin Valenti, South of Scotland Enterprise's Director of Net Zero, Nature and Entrepreneurship, on the opportunities the journey to Net Zero provides.

Why is it critical to you and your business?

Why now?

What can you do?

And how can South of Scotland Enterprise help?

Listen to find out more.

Useful links

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Introducing: The SOSE Spotlight podcast

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:44:03 GMT

Are you based in Dumfries & Galloway, or the Scottish Borders?

Are you a business, community enterprise or an aspiring entrepreneur?

We are South of Scotland Enterprise, and we have a brand new podcast for you – the SOSE Spotlight.

We will sharing inspiring stories from across the region and putting your questions in the spotlight to help your business or community group to thrive, grow and fulfil your best potential.

Your success starts here.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the new series, subscribe at your usual podcast channels.

Website: www.southofscotlandenterprise.com

Email address: clienthub@sose.scot

Phone: 0300 304 8888.

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