WiRE
June 2009
Wire

The dynamic UK networking and business club for rural women in business - WiRE, Women in Rural Enterprise

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WiRE News and Opportunities

WiRE online skills sessions coming to a computer near you!
Thanks to all who took part in the first WiRE Online Skills Session with Anna Farmery (www.theengagingbrand.com) it was hugely successful. Feedback from the session was very positive and the WiRE members who took part felt it was a beneficial and flexible learning experience. Learning without even leaving your desk/kitchen table is surely a winner!  Anna has contacted us offering to put on a series of sessions on the topics below - cost will be £10, they will be online usually over lunchtime, groups will be limited to 15 on a first come first served basis - we will try to repeat the courses if there is enough demand. Watch this space! The topic areas will be: Twitter (tweeting again), Free Google Tools for Small Business, Creating a Blog, Creating a podcast, Introduction to Facebook, What is search engine optimisation?  (in plain English)! Anna hopes we are "still changing the world - the more we know the more we can change it”.

FIRST TWO DATES NOW AVAILABLE!!!
18th June 1PM-2PM - Twittering
25th June 10AM-11PM - Free Google toolbars for small business.
THESE ARE ONLY BOOKABLE ONLINE www.wireuk.org  4 DAYS BEFORE - £10 per person

BOOK NOW! Inspirational visit to the Emma Bridgewater Factory,
Hanley - Stoke-on-Trent- Thursday 25th June
An inspirational networking event for WiRE members including:- A tour of the Emma Bridgewater factory, an inspirational presentation  on the why and how of growing a business from home to factory and networking over lunch. The day will run from 10.30 am - 1.00 pm. Cost £10.00. It is set to be a fantastic day! Places are limited. To book please send payment (cheques payable to HAUC) to the following address: Emma Bridgewater Visit, WiRE, Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB

Show Time - A fantastic opportunity to exhibit under the WiRE umbrella.
Newport Show - 18th July 2009 - 1 day - £65 +£20 for electricity if required.
Burwarton Show - 6th August 2009 - 1 day - £95 + £20 for electricity if required.
Few places left - allocated on a first come first served basis! For further information email emma@wireuk.org

An opportunity to Exhibit at Canwell Show - Sutton Coldfield - 8th August 2009
The Canwell Show is one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the Midlands. This years show which is based near Sutton Coldfield will be on 8th August 2009 and the Canwell Agricultural Society have very kindly offered to sponsor a Marquee especially for WiRE members to exhibit and sell goods and services to the visiting public. The show opens from 8.00 am - 6.30 pm and we will be able to set up the day before. Thanks to the sponsorship we can offer 16 (10ft x 10ft) stands at a subsidised rate of £40.00 pp (+ electricity if required at £10.00). Full details and booking forms are available from WiRE. Stands will be allocated on a first payed first allocated basis and the type of business will also be considered to avoid too much duplication. Please contact sarah@wireuk.org for a show pack. More info about the show is available at www.canwellshow.co.uk

WiRE's Facebook Page
Over 220 of you have already joined the WiRE Facebook page to gain access to up to date information, photos, reviews, event information, discussion boards and much more.  Want to join WiRE on Facebook and become a keen online networker?  Join WiRE at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8561171654 and let your friends know! 

 
Facebook

WiRE Opening Doors Workshops – FREE to New Businesses in the West Midlands
WiRE Opening doors hold a range of workshops available to any new businesses or any women looking to set up in business in the West Midlands. Business Advisors are also available to talk to you regarding starting your business or to advise you on the initial stages. For more information call Emma on 01952 815451.

WiRE in Yorkshire  Events
Last year and early this, Business Link asked WiRE to host 3 events for rural businesswomen across Yorkshire. The events were so successful that they have asked us to do 4 more this year. The previous events were sold out and we expect the same to happen again. WiRE members will have priority booking and advance notice. We will be looking for inspirational speakers. We are delighted to see more activity across Yorkshire - tell all your friends and colleagues WiRE is still the only organisation supporting Rural Businesswomen and at £40 per year it's great value.

Women Ambassadors
 

Women Ambassadors in Yorkshire
A woman’s experience of running a business in the early years can be very different from their male counterparts, making it more important for them to have peer group contact, access to networks and high quality pre-start up support. A key element for Ambassadors is to help build the confidence and self-belief amongst women to believe they can successfully start and run a business. It is recognised that successful female role models act as an inspiration for many women considering starting a business. Yorkshire Forward are very keen to recruit some rural women ambassadors -  if you think you could spare some time and help encourage and inspire the next generation of rural businesswomen please drop us an email fiona@wireuk.org  and we'll put you in touch with the right people. www.womensenterprise.co.uk/ambassadors.asp

Business Link Women's Events - Yorkshire
Business Link Yorkshire is holding a series of short inspirational events for woman across the whole region. There will be a motivational speaker, short business skills training session and networking. There are 22 events from June to March and they have invited WiRE to come along with a pop up and leaflets. Could any of you spare a couple of hours to represent WiRE? It's a good opportunity to talk about your business and to tell people how great WiRE is (and there is a free lunch). They are also looking for speakers. Please let us know if you would like to be involved fiona@wireuk.org.

     



WiRE Keeping you up to date

uSwitch launches new service to compare business energy suppliers
Leading price comparison site, uSwitch.com, has launched a new service aimed at helping the UK's small businesses get a better deal on energy. The new service, uSwitchforBusiness.com, is expected to help the country's 4.7m SMEs save up to 50% on their energy bills. Just like household energy comparison engines, quotes are based on the company’s actual energy consumption and are given after comparing the latest tariffs provided by a wide range of energy suppliers and selecting the most competitive rates available.

Chambers Awards launched with top prize of £50,000
The BCC has launched this year's Chambers Awards- with the most accomplished UK company winning a £50,000 cash prize. This year’s categories are: Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Achievement in International Business, Excellence in Customer Service, Excellence in People Development, the Most Promising New Business, the Green Award and the Award for Innovation through Technology. The regional winners will be announced in September, followed by the national awards ceremony at the National Maritime Museum in London on November 26th. To enter the awards online go to www.chamberawards.co.uk/2009 and for any further information you can contact the Chamber on 02476 472593 or email awards@chamberawards.co.uk. The closing date for entries is June 26th.

£4.7m Enterprise Hub for rural business at Reaseheath College
A £4.7m enterprise hub is set to support rural businesses across north-west England. The centre will be established at Reaseheath College, Cheshire, after the grant was confirmed by the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA). It will provide a pool of experts and state of the art resources so rural businesses can grow through better information and new technology. Experts will be on hand to support rurally-based businesses across the region – from start-ups to international food manufacturers. David Hunter, NWDA head of rural development, said the hub would meet the knowledge, innovation and enterprise needs of rural businesses. For more information on the enterprise hub please visit http://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/Home/News/CollegeCelebratesBusinessInvestment/tabid/452/Default.aspx

Britain’s Best Local Business Competition - Enter now –
Closing date 6th June 2009!

Helping local businesses boom has never been more vital than it is in these credit-crunched times. To back the best of local British business, The Sun has teamed up with Barclays business banking and Dragons' Den retail magnate star Theo Paphitis to give their support. They have launched a nationwide competition in recognition that local businesses are at the heart of our communities and the backbone of the economy. There is a £20,000 prize for the winning business and the person who nominates them could win £1,000. For more details go to http://www.thesun.co.uk/BBB

 
   
Barclays
 
   


 
 


WiRE Member News and Events

Chi
 

WiRE member seeks Clothing retailer for her website
Sandie Day’s business involves running workshops to teach people how to de-stress and unwind from their busy lives.  To achieve this she teaches the ancient art of Tai Chi and Chi Kung. Sandie would like to sell suitable clothing for Tai Chi as a product on her web-site and seeks a  WIRE member who would be interested in providing/producing these products.  Perhaps you already have a business making clothes or would like to diversify.  Please contact Sandie if you are interested on 07967890969 or e-mail sandie.day@chi-therapies.co.uk

Fashion Jewellery Stock for sale to WiRE members
Annette Della Porta is selling an array of Fashion Jewellery stock. There are some really great pieces in this collection, good quality and right up to date. The stock consists of: 120 pairs of Earrings (pierced), 40 Bracelets/Bangles, 170 Necklaces (medium length), 65 Necklaces (long length), 100 Pendant Necklaces. Most pieces are in multiples of 2. I am willing to sell them either as a ‘Job Lot’ for £460 or will split into categories (Earrings/Necklaces/Pendants etc.) for £1 per piece. These products can be viewed at http://216.119.71.173/scripts/. If you are interested in any of the above products or have any queries at all, please let me know at am.robinson@tiscali.co.uk

Under One Roof – Compass Life Coaching requires your feedback!
Julie Foster of Compass Life Coaching in Hertfordshire has made a discovery that has sparked an idea for a new business venture; she would welcome your views and asks for your help with some market research. How would it be if you could rent a working area, office or therapy room at an hourly rate, commit to a limited amount of hours per month and benefit from being located in a centre for Women? Please e-mail Julie at julie@compass-life-coaching.co.uk or call her on 07970 600710 to ask your questions and to give your comments on this new business venture

How Would You Like to Help Save the Planet & gain extra income?
There’s a simple way to begin called Wikaniko an innovative company providing a vast range of wonderful eco-friendly products from makeup so good you can actually eat it to rubbish bags that totally degrade! In fact, there are almost 700 products to choose from. All in all, it is something that every family should explore, from using greener products themselves, through to showing others the products and gaining an extra income. For further information call Ruth on 07957 893287 or email ruth@wikaniko.co.uk. Or visit www.wikan.co.uk

Does Your Business Need an IT Diagnostic? – East Midlands
Last month Gain Time IT successfully tendered to provide IT Diagnostic services for SME’s in the East Midlands through the Business Link eBusiness programme. This service provides an independent diagnostic report and action plan to enable small businesses to understand and define their IT requirements more clearly. Once the report is completed it is used to support applications for grant funding via the eBusiness programme to implement the IT solution. Contact Kathleen Rigg to see if an IT Diagnostic could help your business deliver more effective IT solutions. Visit www.gaintime.co.uk for more information or email Kathleen@gaintime.co.uk.

WiRE member in final 12 of Britain’s Next Top Coach
Jules Wyman has made it to the Final 12 of Britain’s Next Top Coach and was thrilled when she headed to Cheltenham a few weeks ago to give a presentation in front of cameras and a live studio audience. Jules now needs your votes to help her become the winner. To vote please follow these simple steps: Click the link to the website  http://www.britainsnexttopcoach.tv/contestants/jules-wyman/semi-final-presentation, log in/ register and vote. Jules would greatly appreciate your support!
  
Anna Wilson – Patterson open Studio Event – 5th to 21st June - Sussex
Artist Anna Wilson-Patterson invites you to visit her studio on Wednesdays to Sundays 9am - 5pm between June 5th and 21st as part of the annual South East Open Studios event. Highlights of her summer exhibition include Lurcher portraits (having recently adopted Finn a long dog of great elegance and charm from Southern Lurcher Rescue). Also on sale are Sussex Landscapes, cattle and hen portraits and mono printed pigs. For more information visit the website at www.annawilsonpatterson.com

Creative Women Showcase Unique Recycling Event - Sunday 7th June
Well the time has come for you all to clear the physical clutter from your wardrobes, closets, cupboards and make some money  for your summer hols (or other creative ventures!!!!) We know you have those little designer numbers sitting in there doing nothing as well as other good quality clothes, household items and unwanted presents (Christmas and otherwise-  the ones you are always meaning to re-gift!)  - So why not join us at our next event to be held at Bromsgrove Market Hall, Tables (8ft x 4 ft) £25, Book now - to avoid disappointment. Free parking for exhibitors (all under cover) - Market Cafe Open all day. Admission £1.50 or £1 for WiRE members. A donation will be made to Primrose Hospice. Contact Donnah 07786065390 or Sue 07970747808 or see www.creativewomenshowcase.co.uk for further details.

“On an Island” – Derbyshire – 3rd July to 30th August
"On an Island" The Studio 61 Summer Open Event – 3rd July to 30th August 2009 An exhibition of contemporary art to be held at Studio 61, Nr Matlock, Derbyshire. The exhibition will be by painters and artists in all mediums whose work is inspired by places, people, flora or fauna of the British Isles. The event will run from 3rd July - 30th August 2009. STUDIO 61, GALLERY BOUTIQUE, Main Road, Lea, Nr Matlock DE4 5GJ. Open Thur-Sun 12pm -4.30pm. For more information please call 01629 534532, email karinagoodman@btinternet.com or go to www.karinagoodman.com.  

Craft Event at Fillongley, Coventry –  9th August 2009 - West Midlands
WiRE members are invited to have a stand at the Fillongley Show in Coventry on 9th August 2009.  The cost is £20 per 6ft trestle table (including table) inside (if you have a craft to show/demonstrate to people), or £39 for any other type of business. If interested please contact Cheryl Brookes, the show secretary on 02476 460287/07779558257. Cheryl plans to group WiRE ladies together, each with their own table. If there are more than 20 WiRE members, then WiRE members will have their own marquee. Places at the show are in high demand, so please contact Cheryl quickly. The website for the show is  http://www.fillongley-show.org.uk

Dress4Dignity Event – 3rd October 2009 – Bath
Dress4Dignity is an event to enable women at every age and stage to find their personal style in clothes, shoes, hair and make up in order to enhance their God given natural beauty and instil confidence, comfort, grace and dignity.Dress4Dignity is a fundraising campaign run by Catherine Webster and Rebecca Hannan for Robin Hood Ministries, a UK charity working to relieve poverty. The funds raised through Dress4Dignity will be channelled into overseas projects creating dignity through poverty relief. The Bath event will be a fun and informative all day event culminating in a sparkling Ball at The Royal High School, Bath. The day holds a good opportunity for make up artists, style consultants, colour consultants, fashion designers, accessory makers, especially WiRE members located in the South West. To find out more please visit the website www.dress4dignity.com or email Catherine Webster at catwebster@hotmail.co.uk

  Dress4Dignity
     


Other News and Events

Marie Curie Cancer Care – A Blooming Great Tea Party!
Join in the fun - Turn a social get together into something special and hold a Blooming Great Tea Party between June 12th and July 12th.  Hold your party wherever and whenever you like: at home with friends and neighbours, at your workplace with colleagues or customers or socialise with members of your local club. If your tea party is open to the public, you can also advertise it on the Marie Curie Cancer Care website. Every tea party, however big or small, will help Marie Curie Cancer Care nurse someone with terminal cancer, giving them the choice to be cared for at home. Sign up now and receive a fundraising pack bursting with fabulous ideas to help you create your perfect party. Call 08700 340 040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty.

YorkStJohn
 

Askham Bryan College –- 11th June & 9th July - Bedale, North Yorks
“Learning through Business Leaders” is a programme aiming to enable peer-to-peer learning and development, with focus on strategic problem solving. If you are willing to be challenged, stretched and moved outside of your comfort zone to form a group of like-minded individuals working together on solving problems and issues within your business with total honesty, respect and understanding, then Learning through Business Leaders is for you. For more details go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/businessschool or email business.school@yorksj.ac.uk

The North West Social Enterprise Trade Fair 2009 – 16th June – Liverpool
Social Enterprise North West present the North West Social Enterprise Trade fair on the 16th June at Aintree Racecourse Equestrian Centre, Liverpool. The day titled ‘In Business for Good’ will celebrate and showcase North West Social Enterprise. This is your chance to find out more about the increasing opportunities for social enterprises and participate in the essential learning and trading experience. Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities available. For further information or to register your interest email info@senw.org.uk

Contect Midlands Amber Workshop – 16th-17th June- East Midlands
This two day Amber workshop, on 16-17th June in Derby, is aimed at early stage businesses, particularly those seeking seed, start-up or early stage funding. Delegates are given the chance to understand what investors are really looking for, to build a sound business case and a winning investment proposition, and to learn how to undertake that all important pitch for finance.  Places are always in demand. The day will run from 8.30am-5.00pm.  To apply for your fully subsidised place call 01509 228702 or click here www.connectmidlands.org/web/cm/showevents.cfm?id=411 for more information.

 
ConnectMidlands

Shifting Perceptions in Information security: What Should SME’s be doing?
17th June - Worcester Business School
Worcester Business School invite you to a seminar which addresses the crucial area of information management. There will be presentations given by two leading practioners in this field: Bruce Hallas and Dale Pearson. The event will commence with registration and light refreshments at 4.30pm, followed by presentations at questions at 5.00pm. If you would like to book a place on this event, please contact Vicky Lancy on v.lancy@worc.ac.uk.

Women in Business Conference – 19th June- Birmingham
A day dedicated to supporting, empowering and honouring women in business. A range of interactive workshops; take away the skills to boost their business! – Instant results for your business. What is blogging? What is a social media? Access to Finance for women entrepreneurs. Cold calling made easy ... and more. Tailor the day to suit your business and to work around your schedule. Want to learn more or discuss your issues further? – arrange one-to-one informal surgeries with the experts on the day. Set in a relax and an informal environment at the Pavilion in Perry Barr, Moor Lane. Limited places so book now. Please visit the website for more information http://www.wibconf.co.uk/

Connect Midlands Amber Workshop – 25th June - West Midlands
This one day workshop on 25th June at the University of Warwick, Coventry, is aimed at early-stage companies looking for investment. The workshop will give you an understanding of what an investor is looking for and how to pitch for finance.
As places are limited, please apply if your company is based in the West Midlands. Places are fully subsidised. For more information and to apply, please call 02476 323323 or click here http://www.connectmidlands.org/web/cm/showevents.cfm?id=410 for more information. 

Leigh village festival- Saturday 18th July 2009- Dorset

The Fourth Food Fair and Classic Car Show in the New Village Hall at Leigh, Nr Sherborne on Saturday 18th July from 10am-4pm. You will be able to taste and buy some of the best food on offer from local producersThere will also be a Cookery Demonstration, Wessex Maurice Men and activities for children. Barbecued Hamburgers & Sausages, Refreshments, Ice cream and Beer will be here! This is proving to be a very successful show, AND will be in our amazing new Village Hall.  Please spread the word to your friends and relations – it really is a day NOT to be missed. Entrance £1 (Children 50p) Organiser:  Mrs Elizabeth Turnbull, (Tel: 01935 873846) E mail: julian.turnbull@virgin.net

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 18th & 19th July 2009 – Cheshire
A fantastic family weekend of exhilarating motorsport, air displays and powerboat racing set in the beautiful grounds of Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire. Advance booking - Adult tickets from £13.50. Children Free. Stands are currently available for this event. Stands are currently in 3m frontage with a 6m depth, but if any WiRE members are interested we would be able to provide areas in smaller denominations with the price reflected. Here are just a few facts about this year's Pageant of Power: Bentley and Breitling sponsored who entertain over 800 people, Attendance expected to be in excess of 35,000 people and the chance to be at two events in one venue, potentially two different audiences to sell your goods to, with the renowned Cholmondeley Castle Concert and Fireworks on the Saturday evening. Please visit the website for more information on the event www.pageantofpower.com. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 01829 739 206.

Southburgh African Inspired Festival - Norfolk
Anna Mudeka, African musician and business woman, is hosting an African inspired festival on Saturday 1st August 2009 in Norfolk.  Anna is looking for businesses who would like to have a stall at the festival.  The goods for sale would have an African bias.  If you are interested, please contact Sharon at raggedyangels@hotmail.co.uk.

 

     


OFFERS

Growing success for Staffordshire eco courses.
Eco holiday company, Simply Staffordshire, have seen their new eco courses grow and grow. Their “Grow Your Own Food” days and the “Green Housekeeping” workshops have been so popular that they have now added a range of new titles from residential Life Drawing courses, to Hedge Laying and Jewellery.  Gift vouchers and a 10% discount for all WIRE members. All details and dates are on the website – www.simplystaffordshire.co.uk.

Foxy Logo
 

3 months free membership at FOXY LADY’s
3 FREE months membership at FOXY Lady Drivers Club. Annual membership of FOXY Lady Drivers Club costs £20 plus a one off joining fee of £3 which is donated to the Cancer Buddies charity. WiRE members can claim an extra 3 free months, so 15 for the price of 12. Benefits include FREE quarterly car fitness checks (worth £60), female friendly UK garage offers, a FREE accident assistance service including claims advice & legal expenses plus an online motoring support helpdesk. Find out more at www.foxyladydrivers.com

Free consultation for WiRE members at Design Resolution
Design Resolution would like to offer all WIRE members a FREE no obligation consultation. You may have an existing logo or some marketing material already and would like some feedback or you may have some ideas about how you like to promote or enhance your business and would like some creative input that will out shine your competitors, or you may have no idea at all, maybe you’ve never even considered talking with a graphic designer and would like to know how I help you to get your message across to your target market. Helping people to express their idea’s using my creativity is what I do best and what I enjoy the most. So I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to drop me an email at Julie@designresolution.co.uk or give me a call on 01543 300460.

New Course as Assington Mill – Suffolk
Woodcarving & Letter-Cutting weekend at Assington Mill in Suffolk - a whistlestop weekend introduction to these fascinating subjects, in beautiful surroundings on a small organic farm.  You can choose either but not both as there won't be time.  The course costs £160 including materials and home-made lunch (£140 to WiRE members).  Please contact Anne on 01787 229955 or email info@assingtonmill.com. Visit the website for further details www.assingtonmill.com.


 


and Finally

Keystone Law


 


What’s caught our eye on the WiRE Rural Marketplace this month …

Fiona’s Choice –

www.squeakgiftandparty.co.uk
Lyn Abraham – Found on the Rural Marketplace -
www.wireuk.org/directory.aspx?member=3510

I admit it was the cute picture that first attracted me then I was intrigued by the name of the business - SQUEAK, was it a mouse catching service? No, this lovely business based in Staffordshire has at its heart the desire to get children cooking by providing all the tools of the trade - but in miniature, with environmentally friendly ethics. The website tells us that Squeak is “Inspiring children and their families to Make, Bake and Create” what is there not to love?

And I know this is greedy but just a quick mention to my favourite online card shop “Squashed Tomato”
www.wireuk.org/directory.aspx?member=1724 the name never fails to make me smile, and thanks to “Gifts for Boys” for the great choice of funny mugs www.wireuk.org/directory.aspx?member=2832

Fiona

     


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