Around 60 business owners and managers turned out on Thursday January 15 at the Mansefield Hotel, Elgin for the first in a series of masterclasses held by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Moray Chamber of Commerce.

Behavioural change expert, Philip Allen was on hand to encourage business leaders to adopt the winning attitude in order to succeed in business.

After leaving the army, where Philip served as an officer with the Parachute Regiment, he entered the corporate speaking industry as a consultant and has worked with some of the top motivational speakers as well as celebrities, business leaders, politicians and sportsmen.


During the evening, Philip explained how to develop a winning attitude and encouraged the audience to share their goals. He then produced two blocks of wood and challenged anyone to apply their confidence and self-belief in order to smash the blocks. Two volunteers stepped up, including Jim Walker, from Walker Business Solutions, who successfully broke the wooden blocks in two.

A networking opportunity followed the speaker with attendees having the chance to speak to HIE staff including area manager, Martin Johnson, as well as Moray Chamber of Commerce chairman Ron Taylor and events and marketing manager, Lesley Ann Parker.

Martin Johnson, HIE area manager for Moray, said: "We hope Philip's presentation inspired those who attended to adopt winning behaviour and their confidence has received a boost from tonight. HIE is always keen to help local businesses reach their true potential and these workshops should certainly help".

A series of further events are planned between HIE and the Moray Chamber over the next 12 months, with the next one planned for March. Further details will be available through advertisements in the local media.