WiRE News and Opportunities

WiRE is pleased to announce the following:

WiRE join forces with Lantra - ‘Women and Work Initiative’ WiRE has joined forces with Lantra in supporting the ‘Women and Work Initiative’, which provides funding towards training courses in raising skills and unlocking potential. The project is targeting women, employed and self employed, who work in England in the land based sectors, such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental conservation, engineering, game and wildlife management (if you are unsure as to whether or not you qualify, please ask).

The training is tailored to the individuals needs and is for a minimum of 15 hours, costing at least £650. Lantra will refund £450 with the employer contributing £200. You will have the support of our Skills Coach and receive ongoing mentoring. All training is to be completed by 12th February 2010, so if you have staff that would benefit from developing their skills or you want to increase/update your own knowledge or skills, please enquire asap, as places are limited. Contact: Helen Allen on 07870 562404 or email: helen@wireuk.org

Employment Matters Conference – Monday 14th September – The Feathers Hotel, Ludlow
Is your business at bursting point? Are there areas of your business that you accept you are actually not that good at? What difference would it make to you and your business success if only you have some-one else who could just... handle the finances,  just...run a marketing campaign, just... make a cup of tea and do the filing! If you are thinking about employing a member of staff in any capacity WiRE's focus on employment matters is the place for you to be! WiRE are excited to have joined forces with Penisula (Leading Employment Law specialists) to deliver a one day Employment matters conference which include lunch and networking time.  Three separate presentations will help you through the confusing array of things to think about when you become an employer including Business Coach Marie Claire Carlyle will ask the questions you need, Peninsula Employment specialist Amanda Chadwick will talk you through employment law and Sandra Garlick will share with you an inspiring and amusing insight into her journey as an employer .The day will run from 9.30-2.30. Cost £20.00 cheques made payable to HAUC To book ( send to WiRE, HAUC, Edgmond, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB) or call the team on 01952 815338.

Exciting Exhibiting Opportunity! Simply Christmas Fair 2009
Harrogate International Centre – 27th-29th November 2009
WiRE members are being given the fantastic opportunity to exhibit at the Simply Christmas Fair in Harrogate at a discount price of £180 per sq/m instead of £230 per sq/m. This will include: wooden shell scheme, power, lighting, storage, sign and maintenance. The organisers are delighted to bring this magnificent event to the North of England, which has been long-anticipated and eagerly awaited by exhibitors and visitors alike. With similar events in London attracting tens of thousands of visitors, Simply Christmas in Harrogate is expected to attract 250+ exhibitors and in the region of 15,000 - 20,000 visitors. Visitors - The customers we target for Simply Christmas are predominantly ABC1’s, and research shows that the vast majority will be women between 30 - 60 years of age, i.e. those who have both the means and the desire to buy quality Christmas gifts. For more information or to book your stand please contact Stewart Taylor on 01323 472467. The website is full of useful information http://www.simply-christmas.co.uk/

WiRE's Facebook Page Over 380 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?  Then visit www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8561171654 and let your friends know!

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 Keeping you up to date

Women of the Future Awards
Fantastic Awards programme for younger women (under 35), great prizes, loads of publicity. Entering awards is a fantastic exercise, even if you don't win, and is a great morale booster. Entrepreneurial Woman of the Future - This award identifies and celebrates younger entrepreneurs who are really going places. The judges are looking for candidates who have already started to build a business (or businesses), and who can show they have the ambition, energy, skill and vision to scale the heights. For more information or to nominate a women of the future please visit the website  www.womenofthefuture.co.uk

Enterprise Nation - Home Business Uncovered
Home business website, Enterprise Nation, is going on a national road trip to produce a documentary on the rise of home business in the UK.  Starting in Scotland on Monday 14th September, a crew of three will travel south to interview home business owners and talk to experts and politicians, with the team expecting to meet over 400 businesses at events and meet-ups over the course of the week. The documentary will also take a closer look at what Enterprise Nation has termed the 'Working 5 to 9' trend that is seeing millions of people hold down a day job and build a business at nights and weekends. It's a way of easing out of insecure employment, into self-employment. The documentary will be aired on Friday 20th November - a date that marks the UK's first ever Home Enterprise Day, held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The documentary will be aired at the Enterprise Nation Conference on Home Enterprise Day, Friday 20th November. Home Enterprise Day is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week www.gew.org.uk

WiRE Member News and Events

WiRE member Internet Business for sale
For sale is an award winning internet business selling artisan made West Country cheese. The Website has full e-commerce facilities, membership system, customer review system, potential to add new products and categories and as a content managed site can be easily edited by the owner. It has 1000 entry customer database and info and images for 50 West Country Dairies and 150 cheeses. Web sales were up by 20% in 2008/9. Attracts around 1500 unique visitors each month. There is great potential to grow as a stand alone business, with added product lines or as a ready made on-line shop for existing business. Please visit the website www.thecheesegig.com and call Kath on 01460 234581 for more info.

Ochre and Ocre beautiful house features in interior magazine Whilst working full time setting up a new online business and managing a self build may sound like a recipe for disaster, for WiRE member Tess Heslop owner of the chic homewares brand Ochre & Ocre, it has paid off. The house that she & her husband built in their back garden will be in the October edition of House Beautiful, (on sale September). The house is decorated in soothing Ocre shades, and with an abundance of Ochre & Ocre textiles the house is a fantastic advertisement for how the brands products can transform your home. The feature is a testament to a woman's ability to multi task! For more information on Ochre & Ocre please visit the website www.ochreandocre.com

Image success for WiRE network leader!
WiRE member and Network Leader Ann Skidmore is thrilled to have been elected as Director, Learning, Development and Events for the International Federation of Image Consultants (IFIC). The IFIC was set up in 1988 as the professional body for the personal image industry.  Its mission is to promote best practice in the industry by developing standards for the profession and promoting the industry in the UK and overseas. Ann is an award winning image consultant in Lichfield and excited about this new opportunity to provide seminars, master classes and the annual conference. For more information on Ann please visit her website www.annskidmore.com

WiRE Member makes nation final and is the only woman!!
With thanks to your support and votes Jules Wyman Confidence Coach from York is in the final four of Britain's Next Top Coach! To enable her to win and reach 1,000’s of women with the message that confidence can be theirs today vote for Jules now by logging on to  www.britainsnexttopcoach.tv/contestants/jules-wyman/final. The winner is the contestant with the highest aggregate scoring and will be announced at a gala dinner on 10th October 2009.

One Years membership for the East Midlands Trade Association up for grabs!
WiRE member Sue Breedon would like to offer a WiRE member her unwanted raffle prize of One Years membership for the East Midlands International Trade Association.Sue would like to offer the prize to a member who would benefit from it. Included in the prize:-
Free attendance to all EMITA seminars for 2 company delegates for 1 year, A free one hour legal consultation, A free one hour business consultation, Discounts on training courses run by the Institute of Export, A free 30 mins website evaluation. If any WiRE member would be interested in this please contact Sue Breedon 01949 851260  / 07970 390233 or email suebreedon@telecomplus.org.uk

Win £500 FREE Software Development Costs
Software Matters is holding a competition with a difference – entrants have to justify why they are worthy of the prize! They are offering you the chance to win £500 worth of software development services, whether this be for an admin system, a database system or website software. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants will need to write a brief piece using their skills of persuasion, creativity and influence to present a case to the team and convince them of why they should be selected. Owner, Philippa Turnbull, says that “with the current economic climate businesses are turning to us to save money.” To enter visit www.software-matters.co.uk/competition.asp. For more information, or to arrange a free consultation call 01747 822616

Alternative Meats launch their first cookbook
Alternative Meats Directors,  Jeanette Edgar and Rachel Godwin (both WiRE members),  are excitedly looking forward to this October when their new book is published by Harper Collins, "The Exotic Meat Cookbook, A-Z Antelope to Zebra", which will be launched in such well known book stores as Waterstones, W H Smith, Borders and is already on Amazon for pre-orders. You can also buy a signed copy from their website, www.alternativemeats.co.uk.

Creative Women Mini Showcase – Monday 14th September at 8pm- Stoke Prior Village Hall, Bromsgrove
Creative Women mini showcase supporting small businesses starts on Monday 14th September at 8pm. Come along for an Indian Cuisine demonstration and taster with Anita Sharma James. Many other associated food exhibitors including Red Kite Organic and Health foods. A really enjoyable evening for all, whilst supporting local business women! Tickets are £5, buy five tickets in advance and get one free. To book your tickets please contact Sue on 07970 747808 or Donnah 07786 065390.

		Dare to Blossom Life Coaching Workshops –  26th Sept & 24th October - South West WiRE member Mary Lunnen of Dare to Blossom Life Coaching has two workshops coming up in the autumn: 'Embracing Abundance with Passion', Dunkeswell Business Park, near Honiton, Devon on 26th September and 'Coaching for Connection', Chacewater Village Hall, near Truro, Cornwall on 24th October. Both will be with a friendly and supportive group exploring how life  coaching processes can be used in all areas of your life. Contact Mary via www.daretoblossom.co.uk for details, or to arrange an event in your area.

Pregnancy, baby & toddler fair- Saturday 17th October - Bromsgrove
A Pregnancy, baby and toddler fair will be held at Chessgrove spa & nursery, Bromsgrove between 10.00-2.00pm on Saturday 17th October. Dedicated to pregnancy, birth and beyond the fair is a great place to buy and gain information about maternity, nursery, baby & toddler equipment, toys & gifts. There will be a free goody bags for the first 200 visitors. Childrens activities and refreshments available for all throughout the day. Free photo shoot for children and families on the day (booking advisable). For more information on the fair please visit the website www.babyfairbromsgrove.co.uk

Made in Worcestershire – October 17th - 24th – Worcestershire
Madeinworcestershire.com is a recession busting event that takes place throughout the county from October 17th to 24th, 2009. Events will include an arts, crafts and garden produce sale and exhibition of work to show how proud we are of Worcestershire and the work we produce. It will take place in the makers own home, workshop, shed, garage, tent on the lawn or wherever creativity can take place. To find out more please visit the website for the latest information www.madeinworcestershire.com

ILPH Christmas Fayre – 31st October – Norwich
The International League for the Protection of Horses near Norwich, (ILPH) is holding a Charity Christmas Fayre on Saturday 31st October and WiRE members are invited to sell their crafts or showcase their businesses from 10.00am onwards. It is a great venue, off the A11, easy to find, plenty of parking space, lovely restaurant and play area for children. If you are interested please contact Sue Brewer on 07747861243 or e-mail sue@ribrewer.co.uk

Other News and Events

Increase Traffic to your website event- Tuesday 8th September 2009- Shropshire
The event will be held at the e-Innovation Centre, Telford and will focus on how to increase traffic to your website. This exciting seminar will show you how you can increase traffic to your site through simple and low-cost techniques. The IT Futures consultants will help you understand exactly how to improve the volume and quality of traffic to your website. The event will run from 10.30am to 2pm and will cost £30.00 per place (which will include lunch). All delegates will be giving an exclusive 'Introduction to Google Analytics' so you can monitor your website traffic. For more information or to book your place please visit the website http://www.it-futures.com/index.php/component/option,com_fabrik/Itemid,76/

Free IGD Workshop for small food businesses – 9th September – Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire
Harper Adams will be hosting an IGD workshop named “Sell More and Waste Less” Programme for Small Businesses in Food and Farming.  The events goal is to help farmers who add value and small food producers to increase sales and reduce their costs Delegates who attend will be: shown how to increase value and reduce waste drawing on tried and tested business practices; provided with simple tools and techniques that can be used in their businesses; supported by experts over two-months who will help ensure maximum benefit can be secured and encouraged to grow. Each workshop will be based around real case studies and provide delegates with tools that can be adapted to their own circumstances.  The workshop will start at 10.00 hours on 9 September at Harper Adams University CollegeTo reserve your free place contact Vikki Colman: tel 01923 857141 vikki.colman@igd.com. (to be eligible all you must have a turnover of less than £10m per annum and have less than 50 employees). The workshops are fully funded by IGD and free to attend but all delegates will be asked to submit a cheque for £20 which will be refunded in full on attendance. 

SHE Magazine Business Networking Event – 1st October 2009 –London
SHE Magazine are hosting a business Networking event called ‘SHE means Business’ in partnership with HSBC between 6-9pm on 1st October 2009, at HSBC offices St James Street, London.  Hosted by Esther McVey, MD of Making It, a media consultancy and training firm, we've lined up four speakers - all highly successful businesswomen - who will give their insight. Carol Bagnald, HSBC's Regional Commercial Director, will also be giving advice on how to survive the recession. "We're all aware that we live in a challenging climate for business," says Carol. "But for many small businesses these challenges can be a force for good and a time to rethink, take a step back and focus on what they want to achieve." Tickets cost £35 each and are available by calling 0844 249 0483. For more information visit the website http://www.allaboutyou.com/lifestyle/she-business-network-hsbc-event/event

Holly Farm Nurseries 30th Anniversary Fun Day and Farmers Market This year sees us reach our 30th Anniversary and to celebrate we are holding a fun day on Saturday 5th September.  During the day we will be supporting a charity that helps to provide education in Africa. We are looking for local producers to take part in our farmer's market.  Stalls will cost £20.00.You can find further information about Holly Farm Nurseries by visitng our website www.hollyfarmnurseries.co.uk or call 01948 840630

Whats Stopping You? One day Events – South East
If you’re interested in working for yourself, or have started trading in the last 12-months, come to Business Link’s What’s Stopping You?  This free informal one-day event for women is packed with essential information, support and advice to help you start, survive and thrive in the current economic climate. Make working for yourself work for you!  The events are being held for women across the South East including Hampshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire. Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Kent and Sussex. Book now! To be inspired, motivated, supported and informed go to www.whatsstoppingyouevents.co.uk or telephone 01732 878 007

Big Swish, Little Swish – Clothes Swapping Party – Cheshire
Do you have new or hardly worn items of clothing or accessories in your wardrobe? You could exchange them for a item of clothing at the Wychwood Park Golf Club, Weston, Nr Crew Cheshire on Friday 25th September, arrive at 7pm, for an 8pm ‘Swish’. The evening will include celebrity donations, drinks receptions, style consultation, beauty products and treatments and various stalls. Tickets £3 each or two for £5, so why not bring a friend? To book you tickets please contact Sharon Corbett on 01782 729072 or email Sharon@pingoart.com.

Jesse Highlights New Government Threat To High Streets And Shops
Shops campaigner Jesse Norman has strongly criticised the Government’s new proposed changes to planning rules, which will reduce local planning powers to control out-of-town retail development. A new report from the cross-party House of Commons Communities Select Committee has warned that the Government’s proposed changes to planning rules on retail development will result in “many more out-of-town superstores”. This comes as a separate nationwide survey by the British Retail Consortium has found that 1 in 10 of all town centre shops are now vacant--three times as many as last autumn. The Government is proposing to scrap the ‘needs test’, which requires developers to prove the ‘need’ for additional out-of-town development.  Herefordshire Council will be forced to observe the new rules when assessing planning applications. Copies of the Small Shops of Herefordshire directory can be obtained from Jesse at 49 Broomy Hill, Hereford HR4 0LJ.

Rallying Call for Pink Cars The 2nd Annual Pink Car Rally will take place on Sunday 6th September.  A plethora of pink cars will snake their way from Hereford Hospital to Birmingham Children's Hospital, to raise awareness of (and funds for) the Little Princess Trust.  This fledgling charity provides 'real hair' wigs for children who have lost their hair, primarily through cancer treatment.  To join the Rally, or to make a donation, see www.pink-car-rally.com

The Alternative Business Awards 2009
The Alternative Business Awards 2009 featuring ‘Opportunity Knackered’ talent show returns to haunt the great and good from the region’s businesses on Friday 18th September at the Journal Tyne Theatre. Doors open 7pm for 7.45pm show. Fun awards show the region’s business community has a sense of humour whilst raising money for Percy Hedley Foundation working with disabled children and adults. Tickets £40 available from Sheila Coltman. Please call 0191 2381302 or email s.coltman@percyhedley.org.uk

Business Link Retail Roadshow Comes to Telford – West Midlands
With reports continuing to show a decline in high street sales and a difficult trading period forecasted for the rest of the year, Business Link West Midlands is running a series of FREE roadshows to help retailers work together to increase footfall and sales.  Delivered by a leading retail expert, this session is tailored to your local area so that you and your fellow retailers can outline what issues are impacting your businesses and discuss the solutions available to help address these problems. Each roadshow aims to:  Give you the opportunity to network with retailers in your area,  Help you get an understanding of the problems you all face, demonstrate the benefits of collaborative working  and help you find solutions that can make a difference and increase your profits. The roadshow will be held at  Meeting Point House, Town Centre, Telford, TF3 4HS on Monday 14th September 2009 - 6pm-8.45pm. Don't miss out, book on to your local roadshow today.  Call: 0845 113 1234. Email: events@businesslinkwm.co.uk or visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk.

Student looking  for women who run their own farm shops
My name is Laura Livesey and I am a third year geography student at the University of Leicester. For my dissertation I am conducting an investigation into the effects of farm shops on the lives of farm women. My aim is to understand the changing role of women due to changes in women’s involvement on the farm. I will contrast this with the traditional role of the farmer’s wife. Any input of changes you may have experienced would be greatly appreciated. If you can help at all please email me at lel9@leicester.ac.uk

OFFERS

Free 30 minute Marketing Consultation to help you grow your business! This is a tough time to be in business! How do you market your business in a cost effect way?  What is your toughest marketing question?  Don’t have the budget for a consultant?  Bourne Marketing is offering WIRE members a free 30 minute marketing consultation to the first 4 people who apply per month!  Email Karen Johnson:- kjohnson@bournemarketing.com with the words ‘WIRE’s 30 mins’ in the subject box.

		Celebratory Offer for WiRE members at Cherish Jewels Cherish Jewels of Bromsgrove has been awarded the Best New Business of the Year, 2009, by Go Woman in West Midlands gowoman@go-woman.com In celebration of this prestigious accolade, Michelle is offering the following to Wire members;
1) Special offer for jewellery workshops in your own home. Learn about gems, and make your own special piece with the guidance of Cherish jewels. Parties of 3-12 people @ just £15 per person! (Valid until 30th November.) 2) A free designer necklace, matching earrings and bracelet made especially for you with every jewellery sale party hosted by you. (Valid until 30th November with a minimum of 6 guests.) 3) £20 voucher FREE to any referral that results in a party or workshop. For more information please visit the website www.cherishjewels.co.uk or email enquiry@cherishjewels.co.uk

Personalised Patchwork Presents a 10% discount! Pat Frank is offering members a 10% discount on her unique “Memory” Themed Notice Boards (£39.95) if ordered by 31st September 2009. Themes include Memorabilia for the Elderly, Baby/Bridal Wear, Children’s Activities and Special Anniversaries/Occasions. These boards are just the place for notes, cards, lists and photos and picture a charming  patchwork designed from pieces of favourite clothes, mementos or photos. Tel: 01825 791337 e-mail: pat@pfrank.wanadoo.co.uk - www.elliespoon.co.uk / www.handmadebyme.co.uk

Special offer at Abreakaway! Contact Jan of Abreakaway to receive a 15% discount for WiRE Members. Friends and family mentioning your business as a WiRE member will receive 15% discount plus an additional 5% off for you too.  Capturing delightful, best value choices beyond your imagination, for holidays, short breaks and surprise presents. Wonderful no commitment choice of options, booking process assistance, travel information, individually prepared detailed itineraries, confirmation follow-up. For more information contact your holiday planner Jan on 01785 780494 or visit the website www.abreakaway.biz

and Finally

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

Julie’s Choice –

Pachacuti- www.pachacuti.co.uk
Carry Somers

I love this fair trade website because every item has it's own story.  The Company is founded on Carry's passion for improving the lives of Andean producers and their communities and demonstrate that it is possible to run a successful clothing business which benefits the producers and is environmentally sustainable.  

Julie

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