The Scots businesswomen going it alone despite the credit crunch

MEET the Scotswomen who are determined to beat the credit crunch.

Hard working, bold and ambitious, all three have launched their own business in the past 12 months, just as the world economy slides in to recession.

It's a brave move, especially after the latest news reveals increased costs, customer confidence nose-diving and crisis-hit banks refusing to lend money means one in 10 small business owners can no longer afford to run their firm.

But a winning combination of skill, self-belief and fabulous service makes these three self starters positive they will buck the trend.

Here, they reveal the secrets behind their success and explain why they don't fear the future.

They were helped by DSL Business Finance, a not-forprofit business support agency which runs a £1.5million loan fund for small and start-up businesses.

They were set up with money from the Body Shop 15 years ago to help create jobs and investment in disadvantaged communities and can lend up to £50,000 to a small business.

They ran a Government scheme called Small Firms Loan Guarantee, which means that DSL get 75 per cent back if abusiness defaults on the loan.

Any money it does make is pumped back into making loans to new businesses.

Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all