A woman making waves
Meet Anne Duncan, Chief Executive, Yellowfin Ltd
Anne Duncan runs Yellowfin Ltd, a company based in Southampton pioneering a revolutionary propulsion system for motorboats. She has run other successful businesses in the past and is passionate about helping start-up businesses and young entrepreneurs.
She was recently awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion, in recognition of her role in promoting enterprise in the local area over many years.
"Women have many qualities, which make them ideal business leaders. Their emotional intelligence can make them excellent managers and strategists. They often offer a different perspective on strategy and are multi-taskers too."
The inspiration
While running a motorboat company in France, Anne realised that marine propulsion technology was surprisingly basic and set up Yellowfin to develop a revolutionary new propulsion system called Variable Surface Drive (VSD). "VSD makes boating more fun, more efficient and more economical," says Anne.
As an innovator Anne believes it's important to take risks: "Ideas without action are worthless. I'm known for my ability to harness the power of people to realise the full commercial potential of innovation. My consuming passion is championing business issues and entrepreneurs."
What are Anne's views on succeeding as a woman?
"I have an in-built determination which is key to women who want to succeed in a male dominated world. Although I've never been aware of a glass ceiling as such, I've always had to outperform my male colleagues to be recognised for my business acumen."
Anne is actively involved with various business organisations including the Institute of Directors and Confederation of British Industry (CBI). She also chairs the Innovation and Enterprise Group for Hampshire Economic Partnership, has set up an Entrepreneurs Club in Hampshire and mentors new businesses.
