WiRE News and Opportunities
WiRE online skills sessions coming to a computer near you!
Over the next few weeks, Anna Farmery is running a series of online skills sessions covering various different topics. The sessions will be an hour long and will cost £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, so 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 and What is search engine optimisation? All in plain English!
Anna hopes we are "still changing the world - the more we know the more we can change it”.
Next three dates available:
9 July - Creating a podcast
16 July - Intro to Facebook
23rd July - What is SEO in plain English
THESE ARE ONLY BOOKABLE ONLINE www.wireuk.org 4 DAYS BEFORE
- £10 per person |
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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 or call 01952 815338.
The New WiRED directory
Thank you to all the members that have been a part of the new look quarterly directory, it has been a great success. In order to make the directory an even better marketing tool for members we have decided to incorporate it into the WiRED magazine. The WiRED magazine is currently undergoing a makeover, with re-launch expected in September. The new magazine will have two issues a year, with the directory being a key integral part. Listing your business in the directory will cost £15 per issue, which will include your logo, link and 60 words on your business. If you are interested please email claire@wireuk.org or call 01952 815338. It is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!
WiRE members exhibiting at the Great Yorkshire Show- We need you!
Radio York have contacted us and are very interested in interviewing WiRE members at the Great Yorkshire Show, which takes place 14th-16th July. If you are exhibiting at the show and are happy to be interviewed please email Claire@wireuk.org asap to let me know. I will collate a list of all the WiRE members together and pass on the details to Radio York. I hope you enjoy the show!
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. 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 330 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!
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Emma Bridgewater- A big thank you!
Thank you to the WiRE members that came along to the Emma Bridgewater visit on 25th June. It was a truly inspirational day and provided a fantastic opportunity to network and see behind the scenes of a such a successful, yet ethical business. Thank you to the Emma Bridgewater staff for being so accommodating and to Plinkfizz for helping to organise the morning. A most enjoyable day was had by all and the shopping at the end was truly the icing on the cake!
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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.
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WiRE Network of the Week
The WiRE team is having lots of fun promoting a different WiRE Network
each week. We have been writing press releases, designing leaflets,
blogging, and tweeting till the cows come home, and next week we we'll
pick another lucky network out of the hat!
We are hugely proud of our networks and our fantastic volunteer
Leaders, we love to hear about the great speakers, business
collaborations, PR opportunities and personal success stories that
happen through the networks. We have campaigned for Stafford, Wiltshire
and our Brackley network on the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border. It
is clear that all of the groups are hugely appreciated as one member put
it, "WiRE get the enthusiasm going!".
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WiRE Keeping you up to date
Women entrepreneurs use smart thinking to fight recession
New research suggests that women entrepreneurs are facing the recession more positively than male counterparts, thanks to their use of innovative and flexible ways to avoid debt and reduce overheads. The report by Delta Economics, commissioned by the Women's Enterprise Task Force (WETF), reinforces recent claims that women are not currently being disproportionately affected by the economic downturn compared to their male counterparts. WETF calls for recognition of women's enterprise as an enabler for economic recovery, and urges both the public and private sectors to provide clearly targeted support through access to finance and procurement opportunities. Find out more at www.womensenterprisetaskforce.co.uk/wetf_recession_research.html
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Competition to kick-start community enterprise
The Big Lottery and the BBC have launched a £3 million competition aiming to use business and enterprise as a means to revitalise rural communities in the UK. Village SOS is seeking
the six most enterprising and visionary villages with ideas for successful enterprises that will help revive their communities, create new jobs and improve the quality of life of local people.
Rural villages with fewer than 3,000 people are eligible to apply. Find out more at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_village_sos.htm. |
Rural Development Programme for England-Investment Grants
The Strategic Investments Grants which are funded through the Rural Development Programme for England have been extended and re-launched. The Strategic Investment Grants (for grants of £62,500 and above) are available to land based businesses and can fund large scale and collaborative projects to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector, and improve the quality of life in rural areas, and diversification of the rural economy. The areas are: Agriculture and Horticulture, Organic Farm Wastes, Farm
Diversification, Forestry, Livestock, Fruit & Vegetable Packing & Processing. For more information contact the WiRE office on 01952 815338 or contact your local rural
Hub for more details.
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WiRE Member News and Events
German-British Chamber welcomes new Chair in the Midlands
WiRE member Chris Everall of Integra Project Management Ltd has been made honorary Chair of the German British Chamber of Commerce in the Midlands – the first woman to take on the role in the region. Having started her career in Germany and then working in the City of London, Chris returned to the West Midlands in 1997 to specialise in international trade. For three years she managed “Passport to Export”, UK Trade & Investment’s flagship programme for new and inexperienced exporters in the region. For more information on this fantastic achievement, please contact Chris Everall on c.everall@integraprojects.com or Tel: 01527 871844.
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Prestigious Honour for Annmarie Hanlon of Evonomie
WiRE member Annmarie Hanlon, owner of marketing consultancy Evonomie based in Lichfield, Staffordshire has been awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This is a prestigious honour with only 254 women in the UK and just 15 in the West Midlands holding the title. Annmarie has run her own marketing consultancy for almost 20 years and the award is testimony to her strong marketing expertise. Annmarie is also releasing her first book “Quick Win Marketing” in Summer 2009. For more information please visit the website www.evonomie.net. |
The Dream PA’s Book Success
Nadine Hill owner of the Dream PA has recently launched her first published book on Amazon last month and went straight to the number one+ slot for business books on Amazon's Best Seller list! The book is still holding a place in the Top 40 business books on Amazon. To read Nadines Blog and book reviews please click the following link
http://thedreampa.wordpress.com/shop-how-to-become-a-virtual-pa/reader-comments-for-the-virtual-assistant-handbook/
‘Swap skills not bills’ say two Shropshire networkers
Two WiRE members decided to swap skills after meeting at the WiRE conference. Jill Ming of Building Beginnings and Sam Hatton of Blackstone PR were so interested in each other’s services that they decided to swap skills for a day. Jill researched the history of Sam’s house and in return Sam wrote Jill’s new brochure. Sam said, “The skill swap was a great success for me. Jill really brought the history to life. It was so fascinating.” Jill said, “I’m delighted with Sam’s work. Her expert marketing knowledge meant that she was able to create an effective vision of my business.” For more information please contact Sam Hatton: 01630 657533 or Jill Mind 01694 722261 / www.buildingbeginnings.co.uk.
Wyldwoods In semi finals of The National Lottery Awards
Wyldwoods, based in Shropshire, is delighted to have reached the semi-finals of The National Lottery Awards. The Awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects, and they aim to celebrate and recognise the difference that these projects have made to people, places and communities across the UK. Wyldwoods is competing against nine other projects for the title of Best Education Project in the UK. The winner will receive £2,000 to further help their work. |
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Please take a minute to vote, voting closes at midday on July 10th. Just visit http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards . From here, click on the Best Education Project category and then vote for us. For more information on Wyldwoods please visit www.wyldwoods.co.uk. |
Networking News from Countryside Connection Village
There are so many exciting connections being made between members of the Countryside Connection Village. Debbie Bamford ‘The Mulberry Dyer’ is in touch with Isobel Davies of ‘Izzy Lane’ about providing her naturally dyed yarns; Artist Penny Lindop is designing a range of alpaca cards which are of interest to both Sandra Morton of ‘Perilla’ and Hilary Shenton of ‘Zarza Alpacas’ whilst a growing number of members are exploring ways to gather together at one of Hilary’s alpaca workshops to exhibit their wares; Cally Smart ‘Country Gate Gardens’ is promoting Sara Ridsdale’s Herb Book to clients and workshop participants and is in discussions with Play Anthropologist Morgan Leichter-Saxby about ways they can combine their skills in workshops for children. Morgan is also exploring connections with Jinsy Robinson of Penyrallt Farm who hosts open farm days for children and their families. Not a member? Discover what you are missing. Mention WiRE membership and receive a Special Membership Offer: email Heléne at: enquiries@countrysideconnection.co.uk
WiRE Member Jo Hampson’s TV appearances
Both TV programmes 'The One Show' and 'This Morning' have featured WiRE Member Jo Hampson recently in stories about changing your life. Jo downshifted from a high flying job in the city to running her own business. The programmes highlighted how you can use all your skills to generate income by doing a variety of different jobs. Jo currently runs two businesses ‘Smoky Jo’s’ and ‘Stepping Off’, both businesses run courses. Smoky Jo’s is a well established food smoking course and ‘Stepping Off’ focuses on life changing workshops. Jo is a motivation speaker, an author, a business mentor and even runs a B&B, a very busy woman! For more information on what Jo calls her ‘personal diversification’ visit the website www.steppingoff.co.uk /www.smokyjos.co.uk.
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She's Ingenious! Launches and Wins Women's Innovation Award
Hot on the heels of its launch, the online club and support network for women with new products and inventions, She's Ingenious! has won a special recognition award from the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GWIIN). The community has been set up by coach and product development specialist, Cally Robson, to give women practical support and inspiration in developing their own innovative products and services. With membership comes access to online recordings and info, mentoring and opportunities to connect with other women who have successfully developed award-winning products and ideas. To find out more visit www.ShesIngenious.org |
The Well Hypnotherapy- Personality Types Event – 11th July & 3rd October
If you understood more about personality types - yours and your clients, wouldn’t communication be easier? Communication is an important aspect of therapy. This event is designed to give you the knowledge and tools to enhance your communication skills. It will particularly benefit complementary practitioners. You will be introduced to personality types and learn how to recognise and identify traits in yourself and others. The event will run on 11th July and 3rd October in Llanelli. The cost is £40.00 to AOR members and £50.00 to non members. To book or for more information please call Alison on 01554 820 943
Quit Smoking Effortlessly Event- July 26th- Pembrokeshire
Something incredible is happening in Pembrokeshire on Sunday July 26th. Do you know anyone who would like to quit smoking effortlessly in three hours? On Sunday 26th July Tessa Kirby, the UK's smoking cessation expert will conduct a group quit smoking session for 200 people. I bet you know people who have told you they want to quit. Please do anyone you know that smokes a favour & pass this link on to them right now http://www.QuitSmokingEffortlessly.com. For more information on the event please contact Rachel Eyles of Pure Energy Performance Ltd on 01348 837 351 or email rachel@pureenergyperformance.com
Dearnford Lake- Car Boot and Collectors Fair- Sunday 9th August- Shropshire
Come and beat the credit crunch at Dearnford Lake. Cash in your collectables, spring clean your attics and recycle unwanted items Dearnford Lake car boot and collectors fair! Stallholders can set up between 7.30 - 8.30am. The cost is as follows: Cars £8, Estate cars & 4x4s £10, Small vans/trailers £10 and Large trailers/vans £12. Gates open to the public at 8.30am and parking is free. Admission: Adults £1, Under 16s free. No dogs please. Booking form available on the website www.dearnford.com. For more information please call 01948 662934 or email jane@dearnford.com. The site is located in Whitchurch, alongside A41/A49/A525 (postcode is SY13 3JQ).
Brompton Cookery School Launches in glorious surroundings- Shropshire
Food lovers stand by for the exciting launch of Brompton Cookery School - the first of its kind on a National Trust property - located on the Attingham Estate, near Shrewsbury. Founder Philippa Home has already established a successful deluxe B&B, Brompton Farmhouse, and has converted a series of outbuildings into the state-of-the-art cookery school. Chris Barber, Chef to HRH Prince Charles for 11 years and creator of countless award winning restaurants and food businesses, has helped Brompton to develop the courses and recipes. He will be on hand during the season to keep an eye on things. Whet your appetite by visiting www.bromptoncookeryschool.co.uk |
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Go Wild in Wales this Summer!
JULY 24th - 26th £235 per person
AUGUST 28th - 30th £250 per person
Need a break? Join us for a girly adventure. Guaranteed laughter and lashings of food at our Mid-Wales location. Try climbing and abseiling, cycle around a beautiful lake and take a short expedition in a tandem canoe. Suitable for novices. Fully catered with shared rooms in smashing 4* accommodation. A personal chef prepares your Friday welcome meal, full breakfast and evening
barbeque. Picnic lunches included. All safety equipment provided. See our Photo Gallery at: http://www.womengowildoutdoors.com/Gallery/viewGallery.asp?id=36. More information: 0845 094 8486 or email info@womengowildoutdoors.com
Congratulations to Cotswold Chutney!
Congratulations to WiRE member Sarah Giles of Cotswold Chutneys who's Garlic
Chutney got through to the 2nd round of the Country Living / Waitrose Made
in Britain 2009 awards. Unfortunately it did not get through to the final,
but still a fantastic achievement! Sarah is over the moon to have got this
far considering she has only been in business 9 months! For more information
on Cotswold Chutney please contact Sarah on 01386 438391.
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Other News and Events
SHOP UNIT TO LET – Skipton
Stunning Shop unit to let, with a great position in Skipton's popular Craven Court. The
Shop unit covers two 2 floors, ground floor approx 25m2. Upstairs could be used
for sales or stock. Shop was previously a high-end children's boutique and comes with all rails
and units. However, the premises are suited to a wide variety of uses. For more details please contact Candy Squire-Watt at candy.squirewatt@sky.com tel:07816 492742. Also being let by Dacres, Skipton Tel: 01756 701010.
Smile@Work Digital and Information literacy Project- West Midlands
Katy Wrathall from the University of Worcester is offering WiRE members the opportunity to take part in a scoping project for Digital and Information Literacy in the workplace, called SMILE@work. The project aims to create an online training programme to develop and enhance the information and digital skills of all members of an organisation. The initial phase of the project would entail a brief investigation into information use and understanding in the organisation (to be undertaken at no cost to the organisation by the Project Team) and identification of requirement in a variety of organisations within the Worcester area. This phase will run from the end of June until mid-August 2009. If you are within the Hereford and Worcester areas and may be interested in participating in the project, please contact Katy on 01905 542021 or email k.wrathall@worc.ac.uk.
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 is being held on Saturday 18th July from 10am-4pm. You will be able to taste and buy some of the best food on offer from local producers. There 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). For more information contact the organiser: Mrs Elizabeth Turnbull, (Tel: 01935 873846) E mail: julian.turnbull@virgin.net
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OFFERS
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10% off bespoke Framing Service for WiRE Members.
Mynd Art & Toys based in Church Stretton are offering WiRE members 10% off picture framing in July. Come and discuss your needs with me for a bespoke framing service. There is also an art competition for children (under 12 years). Owner Sarah is looking for talented young artists to create an exhibition to be displayed in the shop during August. Entries should be A4 size in any media. The theme is ‘all creatures great and small’. Every entrant will receive a 10% discount to be spent in the shop. Please put your name, age, address and telephone number on the back of the picture. Please contact Sarah for more information on
01694 723055 or visit www.myndart.co.uk . |
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Free Consultation -Help Get Your New Idea Off The Ground
Test the She's Ingenious! trial membership for £1 and get an extra half-hour one-to-one help about your new product or business idea for free. Offer open to WIRE members only and closes 31 July 2009. Sign up at www.shesingenious.org/join.html She's Ingenious! is an online club and support network for women developing innovative new products and services. www.shesingenious.org |
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Rural Pictures birthday offer - Help us celebrate our 6th birthday
WiRE member Ruth Downing of Rural Pictures would like to offer all WiRE members a discount of 25% on any photography work booked during the month of July. For more information please contact Ruth on 01335 324645.
Visit the website for a taster of Ruth’s work www.ruralpictures.co.uk
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and Finally
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What’s caught our eye on the WiRE Rural Marketplace this month …
Claire’s Choice –
Love from Flo - www.lovefromflo.com
Dawn Critchley – Found on the Rural Marketplace -
www.wireuk.org/directory.aspx?member=1742
Whilst looking through the Rural Marketplace Love from Flo caught my attention because of the lovely name and logo. Love from Flo is a greeting cards company where all the cards are made in the Cheshire countryside by the owner Dawn. There are some beautiful girly designs, unusual scented cards and best of all cards which contain a guide to shopping CD! Dawn has teamed up with fellow WiRE company ‘ What can I wear’ to produce a series of cards with a CD-ROM of tips on how to make the most of the body you have, which I thought is a fantastic idea. There are so many beautiful designs and a card for all occasions, Dawn has even bought a range out for men. The cards can only be bought online on the exquisitely feminine Love from Flo website, so I know where I will be going next time I need a birthday card!
Claire
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Past Issues of E-Newsletter
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Past Issues of Wire Directory
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