In Chamber Shoes - Angie Foreman

Coca-Cola 5by20 Business and Enterprise Training initiative for women is embarking on the 2nd phase of its strategic plan which involves scaling up its existing programme. From 1st January 2018, Coca-Cola are delighted to be working in partnership with Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC).  Angie Foreman, Coca-Cola 5by20 Programme Director transfered to DACC at the start of 2018, and will work with the team to roll out an ambitious 2018 programme of training and events.

New Beginnings

Beep Beep Beep Beep….., sound familiar, yip that’s the intrusive sound of my 6:30am alarm clock! I faff about trying to find the stop button, but it’s too dark and I’m too tired to find it… found it, thank goodness!  It’s been over two weeks since this unwelcome noise has woken me but today is a great day. I jump out of bed, put the kettle on and have my morning brew.

Next stop, shower, its so cosy and I’m taking advantage of all my fab Christmas smellies.  “mum, hurry up” yip that’s another unwelcome sound…. This is the voice of my youngest daughter (19) who, like me is struggling with that ‘first day back’ syndrome! Time to get out and get my smoothie made -  nope, its not a new year resolution, it’s just part of my routine.

I’m so excited as today I transfer over to Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce. This means the Coca Cola 5by20, Business and Enterprise programme will be fully supported by DACC’s amazing team, board and stakeholders– what a great start to 2018.

It’s my first day, I’m met by DACC CEO, Alison Henderson who introduced me to the team.  The morning was spent getting my IT systems and Laptop set-up  – a few choice words were used at times, just as well Alison and the team know me. The rest of the day was spent playing catch up, answering e-mails and sorting out my to do list.  5:30 arrived quicker than I hoped, home, walk dog, tea, telly, book, bed – in that order zzzzzz.

What Shall I Wear?

Early start again, this time it was a littler easier to wake up! On with the BB2 breakfast show then straight in to my morning routine rituals.  So what will I wear today? Usually this doesn’t cause too much stress, however my clothes seem to have shrunk!  On with the comfy trousers and baggy top – note to self… check washing machine!

Arrive at work for 9am, the whole morning is spent co-ordinating the next Fast Track to Business Success Programme, this begins on the 12 Feb, an intensive week-long business programme designed to get women off the best start. I’m about to e-mail eight ambitions women to offer them a place on this popular programme. The next few hours are spent doing some digital media planning and working with Wendy at the Malting House Design to finalise my business card.  3pm, I had a lovely meeting with a 5by20 participant who has just been offered a great business opportunity.  We spent a few hours creating a checklist and a short term action plan.  5pm, drive home, take dog out, tea, telly, book and you guessed it….. bed.

3am Download

Ok, back to reality, yip the holidays are over, my brain decided to notify me of this at 3am! Yes, a 90m min download took place, eyes wide open while my brain reboots! Not best amused. By the time I fell asleep, it was time to waken up.  I roll out of bed only to realise that my dog (Missy) had departed the contents of her stomach right where my foot was about to land.  Once again, a few choice words were used.  Carpet cleaned, shower, smoothie, you know the rest.

My first meeting of the day was in Henry’s Coffee Shop, as I was about to leave, my daughter calls to inform of major traffic congestion on the Dundee/Broughty Ferry Road.  Thankfully by the time I get there the traffic is moving, and I actually arrive on time. What a great meeting, the 5by20 Programme is receiving such positive feedback and a huge amount of support.

Back to DACC, my fingers are getting tired from all the typing and e-mails. I decide to take a break to meet the Business Gateway Team (they are based in the same unit as DACC) After a lovey chat about how we can support each other better I got back to the laptop and circulated a 5by20 update to all 70 graduates. 

Check Opening Times

Thankfully no dramas this morning, off to a good start.  It’s a busy day with four meetings scheduled. First stop DCA 9:30.  I arrive via the back entrance only to find out that it opens at 10am, Do’oh!  This is when you realise how technology really does make life that little bit easier – I quickly contact my 9:30  to suggest another  venue.  We choose TONIC only to discover that its closed for refurbishment, so over we go to the Queen’s Hotel. Next stop, Double Tree by Hilton where another great meeting takes place.

Back to DACC, where I respond to further enquiries about the Coca-Cola 5by20 Fast Track to Business Success Programme, then I meet with DACC’s marketing manager to discuss 5by20 Website content.  Last stop of the day is at the Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry, here I’m meeting one of 5by20’s first graduates and her husband to discuss some great opportunities that are unfolding for them.  5:45pm, off home to take Missy out and, well you know the rest.

Teddy Bear Throw

OMG, why is it so dark and cold?  You’d think after a fairly long period on this earth one would get used to the winter months, nope, not me, it always comes as a complete shock to the system. Also, it doesn’t help getting a teddy bear throw from Santa – cosy zzzzz…. “No, get up Ang, you have another day of meetings and calls”, yes, that’s my inner voice of reason.

First meeting is with the Elevator Team.  Wow, I’m so impressed by their facilities, which is open to all and snuzzled next to the Dalhousie Building at Dundee Uni. They offer a fantastic range of support to Business entrepreneurs and it’s great to see how the 5by20 programme compliments their offer. I realise that there has never been a better time to start a business in Dundee, with such  an abundance of support and advice to access, all at no financial cost, it really does make success possible.

Next stop Empire State Coffee House where I have two meetings, the first is a coaching and catch-up session with an amazingly talented 5by20 graduate and the other is with V&A Think Design team. To end the day I have three calls to make and some admin tasks to complete.

All in all, its been a great start to 2018, I’m so excited to be part of the DACC team and even more excited for all Dundee’s business start-ups and entrepreneurs! Dundee is THE place to be.

If you would like any information on the Coca-Cola 5by20 Business and Enterprise programme contact me – angieforeman@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk