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. Please circulate this far and wide through you contacts and networks.......! Your Big Year Is seeking enthusiastic, adventurous and enterprising individuals who are free to explore the globe from January 2011. The competition, which is free to enter and open to all adults worldwide, will test entrants’ skills in communication, charity fund-raising and... read more

Gender specific coaching & mentoring available if prefered. Commercial & funded opportunities for business leaders to work with a coach or mentor of their choice. Terrie Johnson - Fruit to Suit “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... read more

Elaine attends round table discussion on 7th July to discuss 'Current policy directions and influences upon women's entrepreneurship'.

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.

Read Elaine Owens article in the latest eddition of Inform North West issue 05

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On the Friday 19th March, Elaine Owen of the Wirral based Designated Associates won outstanding contribution to women’s learning and development award at the Women on Their Way Awards held at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham. 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. Celebrating and recognising those women who mobilise, those who contribute and those who don’t always realise the... read more

Elaine Owen Managing Director of Designated Associates & Designated Design was personally invited by Gordon Brown to Global Investment Conference on Monday 22nd February. Gordon Brown, commented on the conference,   “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 ... read more

At the personal invitation of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, KG, Elaine Owen Managing Director of Designated Associates & Designated Design was invited to attend the reception at St James Palace on Monday 22nd February. Elaine said,   “To attend the palace was an inspirational and most enjoyable opportunity and to network with like minded business leaders was fabulous. No Photos were allowed unfortunately, but it is a memory that will stay with me forever”. read more

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. 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.   Women... read more

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. At the event the government announced an internship initiative in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)   Lord Mandleson, First Secretary of State, led the proceedings along with Lord Davies, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small... read more

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 29th January.  Elaine Owen, UK Business Mentor of the Year comments,   “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 ... read more