Business women unite to thrive and survive the financial storm
Last updated 05:14, Friday, 21 November 2008
WOMEN in business across North Allerdale have united to share tips in a bid to survive the credit crunch.
Members of the Network of Enterprising Women in the Solway (NEWS) met this week at a Survive and Thrive conference.
Chairman Jennifer Gillet said: “People have seen a general slowdown in their turnover. And some have started to experience bad debts which can have a huge impact on a small business.”
According to Mrs Gillet, increases in fuel costs, overheads and utilities have proved devastating for some, but the credit squeeze has also proved profitable for others. “People in human resources are probably seeing an upturn because their services are needed much more.”
Monday’s conference at Wigton’s Greenhill Hotel saw business coach Zoë Dawes of Chartwell Coaching address members on how strong leadership could help keep their businesses above water.
The 50-strong NEWS group formed to support women in the Silloth, Wigton and Aspatria areas after the Rural Women’s Network folded.
“A lot of businesses have similar problems and we found that particularly for women there were not many support networks. Those that are there tend to be male dominated,” said Jennifer.
“Some women feel intimidated by this and are less likely to speak out.”
Being rurally based in market towns and their hinterlands can also make business women feel more isolated. “There aren’t the same support networks as there are in cities,” added Jennifer.
Members of NEWS include caterers and photographers.
The key is to work together according to Jennifer.
“We meet once a month. It’s also an opportunity for networking.”
The NEWS seminar came as part of national Enterprise Week which saw Cumbrian Women in Business Network groups across the county attend events to boost skills.
