WiRE
May 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

Show Time - A fantastic opportunity to exhibit under the WiRE umbrella.
Stafford Show - 27th/28th May 2009 - 2 days  - £115 + £20 for electricity if required. If you would like to exhibit -  for one day only this can be arranged - please call Sheila on 01952 815473 or 07870 562405 to discuss.
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

Canwell Show - Sutton Coldfield - 8th August 2009
The Canwell Show is one of the largest one day Agricultural shows in the Midlands. The Canwell Agricultural Society have offered to sponsor a Marquee especially for WiRE members.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). For full details and  booking forms contact sarah@wireuk.org. 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. 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! 

Opening Doors Workshops – Free to New Businesses in the West Midlands
Opening doors (part of WiRE) are holding a range of workshops available to any new businesses or any women looking to set up in business in the West Midlands. The next workshop available is:

  • Understanding Websites & New Business Technology Thursday 14th May            Evans Easy Space, Vincent Cary Rd, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6FE - 10-2.30pm

One-to-one business mentoring is available across the West Midlands. Business Advisors are available to talk to you regarding starting your business or to advise you on the initial stages. To book onto this workshop or reserve a mentoring slot call Emma on 01952 815451.

     


WiRE Keeping you up to date

Business Growth fund launched in South West
Small businesses in the South West can now access a new £10 million fund to help them grow during the economic downturn. The South West Regional Development Agency announced that the initiative will be targeted at growth-orientated firms which have drafted viable business plans. Half of the fund has been earmarked for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, while the remaining £5 million will be used throughout the rest of the region. The agency says that small businesses are a core element of the economy and says it is important to support them through the current difficult. Last week, the £1 million Inspire Gateshead project was launched to target resources and services at entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing companies, as well as helping those from disadvantaged areas establish their own enterprises.

Zopa-PRIME olderpreneur Scheme lends a helping hand to older entrepreneurs
PRIME ( The Princes Initiative for Mature Enterprise) has teamed up with Zopa Ltf and Bank of America to create a peer- to-peer loan scheme to help people aged 50+ to raise the capital to start a business. It allows someone to borrow anything from £1,000 to £15,000, as long as they have a strong viable business plan and clean credit history.  If you are 50+ and would like to apply for the scheme, please visit www.primebusinessclub.com where you can see all the details and request an application pack.

 
Prime Business Club
 


WiRE Member News and Events

Accelerate Associates - Two Years and Counting..! - Staffordshire
After two years building a successful marketing business and after having two children, things haven’t been quiet for the partners of Accelerate Associates. Philippa Bevan and Katherine Bourne founded their marketing agency, Accelerate Associates in April 2007 from Katherine’s home, a farm based in Standon, Staffordshire. Philippa and Katherine worked for a number of years for larger organisations before deciding to go it alone. “It was a daunting task,” said Philippa, “but we knew we could offer something truly unique by providing a completely flexible service.” The flexible working practices of Accelerate have ensured the company has profitably weathered the current economic downturn. “We have provided the perfect solution for many companies,” comments Katherine. “Many of our clients use our services for just a few hours a month. Our flexible approach has had to apply to ourselves as well as our clients but we know how lucky we are to have this fantastic opportunity.” To contact Accelerate Associates please call 01782 791199 or email enquiries@accelerate-associates.co.uk

WiRE member publishes her first book - Essex
WiRE member Wendy Dashwood-Quick, Personal Development and Career Coach, and founder of Resolution Coaching has just published "Discover Yourself On the Yellow brick Road - 7 Core Principles of Career Success". Told through the eyes of three familiar modern heroes searching for personal and professional fulfilment, this book is packed with timeless wisdom, guiding principles plus a wealth of coaching tools and tips for anyone looking for a more rewarding, enjoyable and meaningful career.  Wendy's book will be published on Amazon at the end of May. For more information contact Wendy on 01376 334692 or email wendy@resolutioncoaching.co.uk.

The Country Monkey secures selection for the Real Food Festival 2009
The Country Monkey from the Cotswolds has successfully made it through the final round of selection for the Real Food Festival 2009.  Set to take place at London’s Earls Court 8-10th  May 2009 this hugely prestigious event bills itself as the largest Farmers’ Market in the country where the very best producers are hand-picked to show off their wares.  The Country Monkey is an award-winning, independent, artisan producer of great tasting breakfast products. These include unique hand-baked granolas, healthy muesli’s and cereal snack products. Claire Jeffery of The Country Monkey, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to take part in this exciting festival. The Real Food Festival recognises the passion and dedication that goes into making superb food and drink.” Over 500 small producers who follow the Festival’s remit of producing delicious, healthy food and drink ethically, fairly and sustainably have been hand-picked by the Real Food selection committee and are subsidised to take part.  The Real Food Festival is an ideal day out for food lovers, families and those that really care about the future of our food:  it is unique in bringing the producer and the consumer closer together. Visit the Festival’s website www.realfoodfestival.co.uk to find out more about The Country Monkey and their participation in this fabulous food event.

 
Real Food

Jules Wyman reaches the semi-finals of Britains Next Top Coach
Jules Wyman who runs ‘Positive Belief Coaching’ based in North Yorkshire is thrilled to have reached the semi-finals of Britain’s next top coach. Jules comments ‘It was with great delight and surprise too that on Easter Monday I was voted through to the semi finals of Britains Next Top Coach. This is the first in a four year project which has two main aims -- to raise the profile of coaching in the UK as a profession and to inspire a nation to greatness. Coaches from across the UK were offered the opportunity to submit a coaching tip video which was placed on the website for public voting, from which the 12 semi finalists were selected. The semi finalists have now been filmed delivering a 10 minute presentation to a live audience, which will again go back to public voting on 13th May. This has been an exciting journey. I have learnt that when nerves come up -- which they did -- I can deal with them and use that energy positively. Thank you for the continued support from WiRE and all the members - I am aiming for the finals so please make sure you vote! www.britainsnexttopcoach.tv. For more information contact Jules by email jules@positive-belief.co.uk.

WiRE members join together to deliver Aromatherapy and Yoga Workshops –
West Midlands
Struggling to survive in the recession? Learn to CALM DOWN, RELAX, and HAVE FUN!  Invest in our HALF-DAY workshop, or enjoy a TWO-HOUR consultation tailored to personal needs. Using the twin technologies of Aromatherapy and Kundalini Yoga, Justine de Cesare and Barbara Lyndley show you different ways to support everything you have to do and enable you to cope with life healthily. Call or email Justine on 01785 225798  aroma@sky.com or Barbara on 01785 710888 barbara@simplyByoga.co.uk.

Online Sports Underwear business for Sale
WIRE member, Jayne Wilkinson (JW Business Solutions), is selling her online sports underwear shop/website, limited company name, customer database and small amount of stock. Jayne is selling as she no longer has time to run her two companies! The business is ideal for someone looking to fit a business in around the children. Please enquire via Advent Business Sales, 01509 815138 or email Jayne at jaynewilkinson63@btinternet.com.

WiRE member’s rapid growth drives Associate Expansion - Merseyside
WiRE member, Elaine Clark, who started her on line accounting practice CheapAccounting.co.uk less than two years ago, is growing so fast that she is delighted to announce that Steve Kettle has joined the organisation. Steve, a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant and member of the exclusive VAT Practitioners Group brings with him a wealth of experience in the SME market place, where CheapAccounting positions itself. Elaine Clark, who started her on line practice in her converted garage in Wirral said "Bringing Steve into the firm allows us to continue the high quality, competitively priced service that we provide to the SME market place which is were I see many WiRE members being placed. “In fact over the last couple of years I have been delighted to welcome many WiRE members as clients. I believe that Steve’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be a great asset to both new and existing clients. To contact Elaine please email elaine@cheapaccounting.co.uk or call 0844 884 2399.

Public Speaking and Microsoft Excel Workshops – 11th & 12th May- Shrewsbury
Public Speaking Workshop, Shrewsbury 11 May. Full day including buffet lunch £145 + VAT. Discounts available. Ideal for anyone needing to do presentations, speak in public or just get more confidence in talking to others.  Microsoft Excel Beyond the Basics, Shrewsbury 12 May.  Full day including buffet lunch £165 + VAT. Discounts available.  An ideal course if you are self-taught.  Lots explained, and includes updating charts, lookup functions, formatting and referencing.  Contact ann@pagecommunication.co.uk or telephone 01939 251094 for more information or to book your place. Please visit the website for overview of courses http://pagecommunication.co.uk/.

Wednesday Club
 

Wednesday Club Fashion Show – 13th May 2009 - Worcestershire
The Wednesday Club are teaming up with 2nd Skin Lingerie and are holding a Lingerie and Swimwear Fashion Show at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club in New Road. “Batting” starts at 5pm with welcome drinks and networking followed by a buffet supper and fashion show at 6.15pm.  2nd Skin Lingerie have recently started a new campaign to get women helping other women. Karen Tomalin from 2nd Skin Lingerie said “we are asking women who attend the networking event in May to bring along their old bra's, so we can donate them to local women's charities, to help those a little less fortunate. In return 2nd Skin Lingerie will give £5 off their next purchase”. So don’t burn your bra – recycle it! Please log onto the Wednesday Club website www.wednesdayclub.org.uk for details and a booking form.

What HR Consultants can do for your business - 14th May 2009 – Richmond
Come along to The Station in Richmond on the 14th May to learn what HR consultants can do for your business and how document storage can relieve the hassles around storing certain documents for years. Kirsten Riddell from HR Wizard Ltd will be speaking about what HR consultants do and how they can benefit your business. Hazel Oliver will also be speaking about their document storage facility and how it can help you. The event runs from 9am- 1pm with lunch. All WiRE members are welcome to the event, whether they have attended a meeting before or not, new members are always welcome. See the WiRE North Yorkshire page on the website for more details and booking or contact Katy Wilson or Ros Turner on info@wirenorthyorkshire.co.uk

Ladies Evening for Little Ness – 19th May - Shropshire
Little Ness Village Hall is holding a Ladies Evening on May 19th to raise funds for the Village Hall. They are looking for a wide range of goods and services so there is something of interest for everyone. Stalls are free but we would appreciate a small prize for the raffle. The admission for the ladies is £5.00 to include a glass of wine. Contact Jan on 01939261046 or email janetwakefield@btinternet.com for further details.

Boost Your Business Workshop – 21st  May 2009 - Staffordshire
Due to popular demand The Write Solution has just announced an additional date for its Business Growth Workshops. The Write Solution www.copywritingandpr.com  has teamed up with IntegritUs Ltd for this workshop packed full of tips and advice to help you both survive and grow your business. You will learn how to spot untapped opportunities and plan for success; how to promote your business successfully; the secrets of PR and how it can help you. The day will run from 9am-4pm. The special seminar is just £50 per person. The event will be held at Bannatyne’s Health Club, Centrum 100 Retail Park, Wellington Road, Burton upon Trent.  Book now hannah@copywritingandpr.com  or for more information go to www.businesstipsandadvice.co.uk  

 
Write Solution

Unique Recycling - 7th June 2009 – Worcestershire
Sunday 7th June is your chance to empty those cupboards and recycle all those treasures you have been meaning to get rid of ie: clothes, bags, shoes, household items and turn them into cash for the summer.  Sue Thompson & Donnah Morgan of Creativewomen bring you Unique Recycling at Bromsgrove Market Hall (all under cover). Book your table now £25 for the day 10 - 3 pm. Setup from 8.30am. There is a 10% discount on tables for WiRE members. Please email creativewomenareus@yahoo.co.uk for more information or to book your table.

Exhibitors Wanted for Bolton Abbey Craft Fair – 7th June 2009 – North Yorkshire
In the prestigious Bolton Abbey Village Hall, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire on
Sunday June 7th 2009 (subject to confirmation) from 10am - 4.30pm. This wonderfully refurbished venue is in the heart of the bustling Bolton Abbey village frequented by tourists and day-trippers. We will provide standard (modern) trestle tables at £18.00 each. Limited places. For further details please contact Annette della-Porta 07933 317752 or email am.robinson@tiscali.co.uk.

Overbury Farm Open Sunday - 7th June 2009 – Gloucestershire
Visit Overbury Farm on Open Farm Sunday 7th June and discover the story behind their food. A day to meet the people who grow our food and care for our countryside. The day will be held at Overbury Farms, Manor Farm, Conderton, Nr Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Activities will include scenic tractor and trailer rides, a nature trail,  Folly Gardens Veterinary Clinic, Chris Tallis farm machinery (including the John Deere 30 series tractor, will full satellite navigation), falconry display, local food, sheep shearing and ferret racing. A great day out for all the family! Open from 10am- 4pm with talks and displays throughout the day. No need to book but please call 01386 725111 for more details or visit www.overburyfarms.co.uk.

"On an Island" The Studio 61 Summer Open Event – 3rd July to 30th August 2009
“On an Island’- 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 3 July to 30 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.  

Dream PA
 

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

Moda Jewellery featured in Woman & Home
Last month Julie Young from moda jewellery was invited to London for a photo shoot with Woman & Home. The magazine contacted WIRE last year to ask if any member had recently changed her career and set up a jewellery company. Julie applied and was chosen to feature in the magazine. So in April Julie set off for London and enjoyed an exciting and wonderful day where she enjoyed having her hair and make up done and lunch at W&H Studios. Wonderful publicity for moda! As a WIRE member you can receive 10% discount on any gorgeous jewellery from moda. www.modajewellery.co.uk

Roots Farmshop & Cafe - East Rounton - North Yorkshire
Looking for members selling local crafts, jewellery, pottery etc that would be interested in selling their wears at our Open Farm Sunday (7th June), you would need to bring your own table etc and each place is £10.  If anyone is interested please phone Katherine on 01609882480

B2010 Enhancing Your Website to Grow Your Business Workshop - Norwich
WiRE Member Liz White of E-Design Consultancy is presenting a one day workshops for Enterprising Women.  Date: 19 May – Norwich. This one day workshop explores the key issues of a successful website and is available for women business owners in the East of England. This training is supported by Beyond 2010. Eligible participants can apply for a 50% subsidy towards the course fee of £191.91, reducing it to £95.95. http://www.enterprising-women.org/19thmay to find out more.

     


Other News and Events

The Three Counties Show is looking for 2009’s entrepreneur- Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire
Do you have what it takes to be the Three Counties Show 2009’s Entrepreneur? Win a £1000 prize PLUS business mentoring. Your business must be less than two years old and based in Worcestershire, Herefordshire or Gloucestershire in order to enter. Five finalists will be selected and will present their case to a panel of judges on Friday 19th June. Application forms are available from Cathy Meredith at the Herefordshire Rural Hub on 01432 870 033.All applications must be received by Friday 29th May. For more information please visit www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties
 
Three Counties Show

Lifelong Learning Network Survey of Women in Business - West Midlands
Dr Sharon George has been commissioned to conduct a research to better understand the needs of women in terms of business start up in the West Midlands region and would like to invite WiRE members to participate in this survey. The survey is particularly focused on North Staffs, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, but you may complete the survey if you live anywhere in the region.  Women are the largest under represented group in terms of participation in enterprise. This important market research will attempt to find out why and what needs to happen to change this -so that this untapped talent can be unlocked. The survey can be accessed at: http://www.novasci.co.uk/limesurvey/index.php?sid=22796&lang=en. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. If you have any questions about this please contact Sharon at sharon.george@novasci.co.uk. The closing date on the survey is Friday 8th May 5pm.

Dorset Womankind Network – Volunteers Wanted!
WOMANKIND Worldwide is an international Charity working through groups of courageous women in developing countries. It aims to provide local solutions for women on claiming their rights e.g. to education, healthcare and freedom from violence. More details are available at www.womankind.org.uk . We are setting up a network of women in Dorset to talk to community groups about WOMANKIND’s work, to inform people about issues faced by women across the world and to inspire groups to support and raise funds to help WOMANKIND. We would also welcome supporters to help with fundraising, publicity and organisation.  Training will be provided by WOMANKIND’s fundraising & communications team. Speakers will also be provided with support materials and advice on public speaking. If you might be interested, want more details or would like to discuss your possible involvement please contact Jo on 01308-897295 or e-mail apple.loft@btinternet.com

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.

Footrails
 

Tales from the Bluebell Wood, Guided day walk - Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May 2009 - South Wiltshire
A relaxing and inspiring day out in rural Wiltshire. Come and discover the counties wild bluebells and spring flowers, on this enjoyable paced 7 1/2 mile walk in the company of Foot Trails co-founder David Howell. Lunch included at an award-winning riverside cafe. Fair-Trade refreshments on route. Maximum 12 places available. Tickets and further details from Foot Trails 01747 820 626 or www.foottrails.co.uk  £29 person including walk, lunch, refreshments and transport.

Askham Bryan College –- 14th May, 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

SummerFest - 20th June 2009 - 10am - 5pm - Church Stretton Chamber of Trade - Shropshire
Free event to be held in the town with Stalls, events in the Square, Music and Children's activities in the Rectory Field during the day. An evening musical event with Band & BBQ (entrance £3 under 16-s free) Spaces left for Stallholders - £15 - bring your own 6ft tables/chairs or small gazebo. Contact Eileen on 01694720086 for more details.

Stamford family fun day- Cancelled
Stamford Family Fun Day 2009, one of Lincolnshire’s largest family events, has been cancelled.  The event hosts Stamford & District Kiwanis have confirmed that a lack of funding has made it impossible to continue with the plans for this year’s event.   In spite of an excellent history of successful Fun Days it cannot be run in this present economic climate without the support of grants and sponsors. This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make and I am sure that many families in Stamford will be saddened by the news. The organisers hope for better success in attracting Funding for the Stamford’s Family Fun Day 2010.

     


OFFERS

Free Website healthcheck for all WiRE Members
Web27 is a new service provided by CK Services, aiming to provide high-quality low-cost websites to individuals and businesses. Throughout May, we're offering a free website health check to all WIRE members, enabling you to find out if your website is performing effectively for you. Also, any orders for new websites in May will qualify for free Google Analytics installation and SEO treatment! Find out more at www.web27.co.uk or call Kelly on 01845 527949.
 
Free Factfile from Distance Dieters- Reach your desired weight and stay there!
One-to-one weight loss programmes with Anna Mason by telephone, email and online. The most convenient way for busy people to take control of their weight. No faddy foods, never feel hungry. For free factfile or to find out more call Anna on 07778 218009 or email anna@annamason.co.uk

One months free trial of the Virtual Receptionist Service
WiRE member Nadine Hill has a business building offer which gives you a one month FREE TRIAL of her popular Virtual Receptionist service.  She says "Don't lose business through missed calls - simply divert your phone to my team and we'll answer in the business name and email you the message!  Cover starts from just £25pm www.dontlosebusiness.co.uk. Plus if you a VA, find out how you can expand your service offering and increase turnover: http://tinyurl.com/bpj5tr


 


and Finally

Keystone Law


 


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

Sarah’s Choice –

Keystone Law - Legal Services for Small Businesseswww.keystonelaw.co.uk
Anna McKibbin – Found on the Rural Marketplace -
http://www.wireuk.org/directory.aspx?member=3376

Everyone always chooses the beautiful things that you can buy on the Rural Marketplace so just to be different I purposely looked for a page offering a really useful service! I choose Anna McKibbin of Keystone Law. Her photo is so smiley, open and approachable and the information about what she offers in terms of value to your business operations are very clear and precise. Based purely on a people buy from people ethos - if I needed a legal mind to look at my business - I would have no hesitation in approaching Anna and we have never even met!

Sarah Roberts
WiRE Growth - Business Development

     


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