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    <title>Designated News</title>
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      <title>Take Part in a Global Entrepreneurial Challenge!</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/take-part-in-a-global-entrepreneurial-challenge.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:36:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/take-part-in-a-global-entrepreneurial-challenge.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/take-part-in-a-global-entrepreneurial-challenge.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The competition is open to all people over the age of 18. This is a global competition therefore it is open to people from any country. </p>
<p><i><b>Please circulate this far and wide through you contacts and networks.......! </b></i></p>
<p><b>Your Big Year</b> Is seeking enthusiastic, adventurous and enterprising individuals who are free to explore the globe from January 2011.  </p>
<p>The competition, which is free to enter and open to all adults worldwide, will test entrants’ skills in communication, charity fund-raising and entrepreneurial spirit.  </p>
<p>This is an amazing opportunity to support enterprise and entrepreneurship, to support social responsibility and key charities and todevelop self-awareness, global awareness, and global citizenship. </p>
<p><b>Interested? </b></p>
<p>For more information visit <a href="http://www.yourbigyear.com">www.yourbigyear.com</a> or <a href="http://www.designatedassociates.com/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/yourbigyearreleasecalltoaction.pdf">click here to download a pdf version</a></p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/take-part-in-a-global-entrepreneurial-challenge.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Gender Specific Coaching &amp; Mentoring Available</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/gender-specific-coaching-mentoring-available.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:09:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/gender-specific-coaching-mentoring-available.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/gender-specific-coaching-mentoring-available.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Gender specific coaching &amp; mentoring available if prefered.</p>
<p>Commercial &amp; funded opportunities for business leaders to work with a coach or mentor of their choice.</p>
<h4>Terrie Johnson - Fruit to Suit</h4>
<p><i>“Although I have only met my mentor twice, I have already seen the benefits to myself and fruit to suit. The matching process was obviously very thorough as the match between my own personal needs and my mentor were excellent. Spot on! Setting up and running your own business can be a very lonely and frustrating experience. You have to learn and develop new skills that are way out of your comfort zone. Family and friends, with the best will in the world, do not really understand and tell you ‘Oh, you’ll be fine!’ before their eyes start to glaze over! It’s when they start to dribble - I know I’ve lost them!! It’s fantastic to be able to talk with someone who does understand as they has already been through the problems and issues themselves. It’s not necessarily that I am looking for answers - quite often just talking something through with someone makes everything clearer. I do think that the Mentoring Program is excellent and I would love to be able to return the favour and be a mentor one day in the future.”  </i></p>
<h4>Liz Howard - Sensory Toy Warehouse</h4>
<p><i>“Yes I met up with Cathy in December for the first time and the experience was nothing short of wonderful. I know that I am going to benefit so much from our relationship. We are due to meet up again this month and I’m really looking forward to it..” </i></p>
<p>For more information contact Designated Associates on 0151 653 3338 or emma.jones@designatedassociates.com</p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/gender-specific-coaching-mentoring-available.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Attends Round Table Discussion</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-attends-round-table-discussion.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:07:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-attends-round-table-discussion.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-attends-round-table-discussion.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Elaine attends round table discussion on 7th July to discuss 'Current policy directions and influences upon women's entrepreneurship'. </p>
<p>Facilitated by Professor Helene Ahl (Jonkoping University: Sweden) and Professor Susan Marlow (De Montfort University: Leicester) who are currently engaged in research focused upon institutional influences upon gender and entrepreneurship.</p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-attends-round-table-discussion.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Owen is an award-winning businesswoman and an inspirational figure in the region’s women’s enterprise arena</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-is-an-award-winning-businesswoman-and-an-inspirational-figure-in-the-region’s-women’s-enterprise-arena.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:04:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-is-an-award-winning-businesswoman-and-an-inspirational-figure-in-the-region’s-women’s-enterprise-arena.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-is-an-award-winning-businesswoman-and-an-inspirational-figure-in-the-region’s-women’s-enterprise-arena.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Read Elaine Owens article in the latest eddition of <b>Inform North West</b> <i>issue 05</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.designatedassociates.com/Services/FileService.ashx?cmd=download&amp;path=pdfs%7Cinform5-northwest.pdf">Click Here</a></p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-is-an-award-winning-businesswoman-and-an-inspirational-figure-in-the-region’s-women’s-enterprise-arena.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>ELAINE OWEN WINS “OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO WOMEN’S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT” AT WOMEN ON THEIR WAY AWARDS 2010</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-wins-“outstanding-contribution-to-women’s-learning-and-development”-at-women-on-their-way-awards-2010.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:38:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-wins-“outstanding-contribution-to-women’s-learning-and-development”-at-women-on-their-way-awards-2010.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-wins-“outstanding-contribution-to-women’s-learning-and-development”-at-women-on-their-way-awards-2010.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">On the Friday 19<sup>th</sup> March, Elaine Owen of the Wirral based Designated Associates won <i>outstanding contribution to women’s learning and development award</i> at the Women on Their Way Awards held at <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aston Villa Football Club, </span></strong>Birmingham.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Woman on Their Way Awards have been running two years and aims to connect women through the UK, to inspire and to increase their self belief.&#160;Celebrating and recognising those women who mobilise, those who contribute and those who don’t always realise the incredible impact that they have on others.</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaine won this incredible award despite intense competition from three fantastic finalists. She received the award from <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">LSC (<i>Learning and Skills Council)</i></span></strong>, who was the official sponsor of this award category.</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaine comments on her achievement, </span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m so chuffed – this is a great honour.&#160;All at Designated Associates are delighted to be acknowledged in this way”.</span></i></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaine has a strong passion for encouraging women into business and for raising the skill set of local people.&#160;Designated Associates under Elaine’s management, seeks to support enterprise growth in the North West via Women in Business NW and by providing low cost or <i>pro bono</i> services to third sector organisations and fledgling businesses. </span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Lead Judge Gill Fielding from the Secret Millionaire said, </span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Women make great businesswomen as they follow formulas that work, more than men do”</span></i></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>For more information on the awards <a href="http://www.womenontheirway.co.uk/2010winners.htm">www.womenontheirway.co.uk</a></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To see photographs from the event <a href="http://www.designatedassociates.com/women-on-their-way-awards.aspx">click here</a> </span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">or to see all of the photos from the fabulous awards follow the link below</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/womenontheirwayltd/NationalWomenOnTheirWayAwards2010?feat=directlink#">http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/womenontheirwayltd/NationalWomenOnTheirWayAwards2010?feat=directlink#</a></span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<p>&#160;</p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-wins-“outstanding-contribution-to-women’s-learning-and-development”-at-women-on-their-way-awards-2010.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Owen invited by Gordon Brown to Global Investment Conference</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-invited-by-gordon-brown-to-global-investment-conference.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:58:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-invited-by-gordon-brown-to-global-investment-conference.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-invited-by-gordon-brown-to-global-investment-conference.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Elaine Owen Managing Director of Designated Associates &amp; Designated Design was personally invited by Gordon Brown to Global Investment Conference on Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> February.</span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Gordon Brown, commented on the conference,</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“I have convened this Conference, to bring together a unique mix of though-leaders, investors and decision-makers from around the world to debate the issues that will influence business and investment in the years to come, and discuss how we can ensure that international investment continues to play a vital role in the new global economic landscape”.</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In attendance were, Prime Minister, Lord Mandleson, Lord Davies, Alistair Darling</span> Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Drayson.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Speakers included Jonathan Ive Senior Vice President Apple, Lord Sebastian Coe and Angela Ahrendts CEO Burberry.</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Elaine said,</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with international business leaders, the whole day was extremely valuable and stimulating”.</span></div><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-invited-by-gordon-brown-to-global-investment-conference.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Owen attends St James Palace</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-attends-st-james-palace.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-attends-st-james-palace.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-attends-st-james-palace.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">At the personal invitation of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, KG, Elaine Owen Managing Director of Designated Associates &amp; Designated Design was invited to attend the reception at St James Palace on Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> February.</span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Elaine said,</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“To attend the palace was an inspirational and most enjoyable opportunity and to network with like minded business leaders was fabulous.&#160;No Photos were allowed unfortunately, but it is a memory that will stay with me forever”.</span></div><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-attends-st-james-palace.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>ELAINE OWEN SHORTLISTED AS A LEADING WOMAN IN HER FIELD</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-shortlisted-as-a-leading-woman-in-her-field-.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:13:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-shortlisted-as-a-leading-woman-in-her-field-.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-shortlisted-as-a-leading-woman-in-her-field-.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Although women-owned businesses are on the increase there still aren’t enough female role models, is the claim of the leading women’s organisation, Women on Their Way.</p>
<div>
<div>Most people still think that the majority of businesses are run by men due to the stereotypical images that we see all around us. That’s why Elaine is delighted to be short-listed for the prestigious National Women on Their Way Awards 2010 for Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Leaning and Development Award.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>Women are equally qualified to run businesses as men but also need more opportunities to connect and do business together.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>The competition this year has been particularly tough so it’s a huge honour for Elaine to be short-listed.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>Elaine is an enthusiastic, very approachable business owner &amp; leader, who has a very strong passion &amp; an impressive track record for encouraging &amp; mentoring women into business and into enterprising behaviour.&#160;Elaine’s Wirral based business Designated Associates is a private commercial organisation that has socially responsible aims &amp; objectives to support women in business &amp; encourage and enable enterprising behaviour &amp; skills.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>There are four short-listed candidates for each award and the winner will be announced on Friday 19<sup>th</sup> March at the Women on Their Way Annual Awards Lunch taking place at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham from 11.00 to 15.00.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>The awards event is in its second year and aims to connect women through the UK, to inspire and to increase their self belief.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>The Women on Their Way Awards is the brainchild of former Apprentice Candidate Jo Cameron and her Co-Director Lisa Ibbotson.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>Jo Cameron added,</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><i>“We are delighted that Elaine has been shortlisted. There are so many amazing women in the UK who don’t always recognise the impact they have made and it is my absolute privilege to be inspired by so many incredible women. We are very much looking forward to announcing the winners in a few weeks time”</i></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>This year the judges include Gill Fielding and Caroline Marsh of TV’s Secret Millionaire and other esteemed women from both the public and private sectors. They will be judging the shortlisted candidates over the coming weeks.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>Thereare twelve awards this year including Start Up and High Growth Businesses, Online Business, Woman in Finance, Law, Transportation, Construction/Engineering, Woman in The Community, Public office, The outstanding contribution to Women’s Learning and Development, Young Woman in Business, Outstanding New Product and Woman’s Advocate.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>This year the coveted prize for the overall Woman on her Way is a weekend away for two included flights and accommodation to Milan.</div>
<div>Tickets are priced £65+VAT each or £600 +VAT for a table of ten places. With up to 500 guests it provides opportunities for networking and to meet other leading and aspiring women.</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>Last year’s winner of the Legal Award, Laura Kearesley added,</div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>&#160;<i>“I was thrilled to win the Women in Law award last year; it was a real honour. It was a fabulous day, where I made some really good contacts. Since winning the award and the subsequent publicity I have also been approached by other potential business partners, so it has been really positive for me personally and for business!”</i></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div>For more information on the awards <a href="http://www.womenontheirway.co.uk/default.htm">click here</a></div>
</div><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-shortlisted-as-a-leading-woman-in-her-field-.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Owen Celebrates at No.10 Downing Street</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-celebrates-at-no10-downing-street.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:14:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-celebrates-at-no10-downing-street.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-celebrates-at-no10-downing-street.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elaine Owen Chair of the North West Women’s Enterprise Forum and Managing Director of Designated Associates visited No.10   Downing Street last night to celebrate the success of Britain's small and medium businesses.</span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">At the event the government announced an internship initiative in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lord Mandleson, <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">First Secretary of State</span></strong><strong>,</strong> led the proceedings along with Lord Davies, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small Business.&#160;Sir Alan Sugar also attended the event.</span></div>
<p>&#160;</p><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-celebrates-at-no10-downing-street.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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      <title>Elaine Owen closed the North West Women in Business Awards</title>
      <link>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-closed-the-north-west-women-in-business-awards.aspx</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-closed-the-north-west-women-in-business-awards.aspx</guid>
      <comments>http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-closed-the-north-west-women-in-business-awards.aspx</comments>
      <description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elaine Owen, Chair of the North West Women’s Enterprise Forum and Managing Director of Designated Associates, closed the 2010 North West Women in Business Awards at Ribby Hall on Friday 29<sup>th</sup> January.&#160;</span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elaine Owen, UK Business Mentor of the Year comments,</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“In this current economic climate it is more important than ever to celebrate business success and combat the gloomy outlook created by the economic downturn, tonight has certainly been an evening of celebration from some amazing women-owned businesses being recognised from all part of the North West”.</span></i></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The awards brought together the women behind some of the region’s most innovative and successful companies.&#160;<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Celebrations were in order to all the winners and finalists </span></strong>achieving great success and encouraging future women entrepreneurs.&#160;</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
<div><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Congratulations to all winners and finalists of the 5 categories of the evening.</span></div>
<div>&#160;</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><img width="300" height="240" src="http://www.designatedassociates.com/Data/Sites/1/GalleryImages/97.jpg" alt="" /></span>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><img width="300" height="240" src="http://www.designatedassociates.com/Data/Sites/1/GalleryImages/166.jpg" alt="" /></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: right;">&#160;</p>
</div><br /><a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com'>amykeegan7</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='http://www.designatedassociates.com/elaine-owen-closed-the-north-west-women-in-business-awards.aspx'>...</a>]]></description>
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