'Been There Done That Got the T-shirt'

After lunch the Conference programme continued with an interactive panel discussion facilitated by Janet Torley. The panellists introduced themselves and responded to questions from the audience. This year's panellists were:

Tony Banks

www.balhousiecare.co.uk

Tony Banks is the Chairman of Balhousie Care Group, Scotland's fastest growing residential care home provider, and a philanthropist who passionately supports issues such as the long term care of the elderly and mental health of war veterans.

He is a member of the executive board of the Entrepreneurial Exchange, Scotland's leading members' organisation for ambitious, growth orientated entrepreneurs, and a Millionaire Mentor for the Entrepreneurs' Business Academy.

Twice finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the National Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, Tony has also appeared in a number of popular television programmes including Channel 4's " Secret Millionaire".

Gillian Dick

www.findmeglasgow.com  

Gillian Dick is the Managing Director of On Track Advertising and has a wealth of experience working for companies including BT and YELL.

She founded the award-winning website, Find Me Glasgow, in 2009 and through effective use of Facebook and Twitter, won the Glasgow Business Award for Best Use of Social Media in 2010.

In addition to running the Business Directories, Gillian now spends a large amount of her time consulting and working with companies to create effective social media strategies and is Chair of Communications for the Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB).

Karen Farquhar

http://www.befriendachild.org.uk

Karen Farquhar has been with Befriend A Child for 15 years, and in that time the organisation has achieved the Queen's Award For Voluntary Service, gained Approved Service Provider status with Befriending Network Scotland and Aberdeen City Council Social Work and has been accredited by Investors In Volunteers.

Karen was admitted as Burgess of Guild in 2010; was runner-up in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010 and 2011; won the Grampian Business Award - Alick Buchanan Smith Spirit of Enterprise 2011 and was the joint winner of the Association of Scottish Businesswomen's Outstanding Contribution to Business award 2011.