Welcome to MSQ’s new enterprise manager
Midsteeple Quarter has appointed Emma McDowall as the community benefit society’s new enterprise manager.
Emma will play a key role in providing support for emerging enterprises and in creating more opportunities for the use of our community-owned Dumfries High Street spaces, especially The Standard.
She will have a special focus on working with young people, helping them to take their first steps in the world of business.
It’s a role for which she has a true understanding, having herself been a successful young business owner.
Emma, a graduate of Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, began her professional life by establishing her own material-led design studio, making artwork using experimental concrete. This led to collaborations across the United Kingdom and internationally. They included those with the likes of Liberty London, the V&A Dundee and Tate Liverpool to create bespoke pieces for their retail spaces.
She was also previously enterprise development lead with WHALE Arts, a community-led arts charity in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. That included delivering Empowered Enterprise, a Scottish Government-funded programme for women.
Speaking about her new appointment, Emma said: “I’m really excited to be here in a role that brings so much of my past experience together.
“Midsteeple Quarter is bringing change to the town centre. It’s all about innovation and designing something new - all things that really interest me.
“We can work with people and support them to bring enterprise ideas to life that help drive that change. There’s so much potential in Dumfries.
“I think there are real opportunities to develop by working more with younger people, really harnessing their energy and vision to make a difference.”
Emma McDowall in The Green Room at The Standard, one of our community-owned spaces available for hire
Emma’s role is supported financially by The Holywood Trust.
A key part of her job will centre on The Standard and developing opportunities that exist for people, enterprises and organisations to use The Green Room events space, as well as The Front Shop.
Midsteeple Quarter executive director Tim Cowen said: “We’re delighted to welcome Emma to our small team.
“Her experience and enthusiasm will be put to great use as we encourage even greater use of our community-owned buildings, encouraging and nurturing the enterprises that will lie at the heart of a stronger future for Dumfries town centre.”
Emma’s diary is already filling up with meeting organisations in and around Dumfries.
To find out more about the opportunities, advice and support available by partnering with Midsteeple Quarter, you can get in-touch with Emma by emailing enterprise@midsteeplequarter.org.