Behind the Business: Planner Bee

Q. Take us back to the beginning. Did you always want your own business?
Yes, since secondary school. I picked a local farm shop for work experience, just to see how it was run.

Q. What's been the biggest challenge so far?
There isn't just one. New challenges come up all the time. I get so much out of running this business that when things don't go to plan, it's hard not to take it personally. But I try to step back and get some perspective. If it won't matter in five years, I try not to spend more than five minutes on it. Easier said than done and still a work in progress.

Q. What difference has Business Gateway made to you?
Business Gateway has supported me for years, since my first business. I've worked closely with my business advisor, including the Business Boost programme, twice. Having impartial advice and someone to talk things through with has been invaluable.

Q. A lot of women get early support but don't go on to structured growth support like you. What was different?
I've always wanted to build something bigger than just me, so growth felt like the natural next step. None of it is a solo effort. A lot comes down to help along the way, from other business owners and Business Gateway. Asking for help when you need it matters. There's more support out there than people think.

Q. Having changed the shape of your business more than once, how do you know if pivoting is the right move?
You can never really be certain. But if an opportunity feels aligned with your goals, that's usually a good sign. Being small means we can pivot fast, but it's a balance and you can't chase every shiny new thing. I sense-check every opportunity against my goals and ask what I'd be giving up to say yes.

Q. How do you make peace with not having it all figured out?
One of the best things about running a business is that every day is different. I do love a plan and part of me would love to have everything mapped out to the last detail. But that's not realistic and it can hold you back. I remind myself it's okay to take the first step and work out the rest as I go.

Q. You spoke at Building Female Founders about imposter syndrome. Tell us more.
As my business has grown, so have the challenges, and I still feel like an imposter regularly. I still doubt myself and I don't know if that ever fully goes away. But you feel the fear and do it anyway. And each time you prove to yourself that you're capable, even when the voice in your head says otherwise.

Q. What's one thing you wish you knew before you started?
Get out there and build your network, sooner than I did. It's been one of the biggest reasons Planner Bee has grown. Running a business can be lonely, and it's so much better when you've got people around you who get it and who you can learn from.

Q. You’re outwith the city. Does your rural location hold you back?
We work completely remotely with one in-person coworking day a month in Aberdeen. That means we can take on clients across the UK, which gives us more resilience. But there are huge opportunities locally — the turnout at the Building Female Founders launch event says everything about the businesswomen already here.

Q. What would you say to a woman who's got an idea but hasn't taken the leap yet?
Go for it! What's the worst that can happen? My first business (a sustainable gifting company) didn't work out in the end. But starting it is still one of the best things I've done. I learnt so much and it set me on the road that got me here