Liz Walsh (39) is an entrepreneurial business woman with particular experience in Retail, Ecommerce, Property Development and Management Consultancy. Liz is a tenacious and motivated individual with a strong drive and energy to succeed.
From 1999 to 2005 Liz over saw the successful turnaround of what became one of the UKs most successful Independent DIY stores culminating in being placed as runner-up to Focus DIY (the multiple DIY chain store) in the title award Britain’s Best DIY store in 2004. Liz took over the business in 1999 when it was effectively bankrupt and increased turnover and profitability substantially. Liz became a key player within the industry and was invited to sit on the ICI Dulux Independent Retailers Council and Kalon Leyland Retailers Association. She also worked closely with ICI Dulux at their Slough headquarters acting as an independent Marketing Consultant advising on Marketing of new product.
In 2005, she sold the business and started an ecommerce fine food business called Wildfoods selling Foraged and Fine Foods from around the world.
From 2006 to 2008 Liz focused on property development whilst looking for other business opportunities
Since January 2009 Liz has worked as a self-employed business consultant within the private and public sectors. Her work with one of the five Glasgow Regeneration Agencies established a project to help local SMEs trade more successfully through the credit crunch with a remit to find low cost business solutions to assist in saving jobs.
In September 2009 she successfully set up and project managed the launch of a new Business Club on behalf of GWRA for small businesses in the West of Glasgow.
Liz is currently MD of Blue Ocean Solutions a Scottish Business Development Company delivering Cash Raising and Cost Saving Assistance to SMEs. Blue Ocean helps clients’ businesses to develop and grow through grants, loans, and bank funding, and equity investment delivering genuine commercial understanding and strategic solutions to ensure business growth to the investor, lender and the clients. Key to Blue Ocean success is the commercial experience of the directors enabling them to understand both client and funders objectives to ensure solutions to meet both parties requirements. Blue Ocean also offers Cost Savings assistance through its unique Spend Analysis and Financial Improvement programs as well as offering Re-financing and Finance Team Restructuring Services.
Liz is also currently CEO of Resource for Business which is a not-for-profit Business Support and Development Club for owners and directors of Scottish Businesses offering practical support and solutions to extend Business knowledge and networks. Resource offers a unique and creative approach to helping businesses help themselves through the facilitation of 40 events over the course of the year. As Strategic Partners with Glasgow City Council, Resource enables business owners to increase their knowledge and skills and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit within Scottish companies.
