Creating Business Opportunities

The Membership Team Be informed, inspired, involved Fiona our Manager Julie looks after the networks Sarah edits the magazine & organises events Tory is our placement student- and manages the members! We start by introducing ourselves not because we love these photos, but because people think we are a huge organisation, but it is just us -and none of us work full time! We are all hugely enthusiastic about what we do and we punch well above our weight. Between us we provide all of the benefits to 1500 members, support the growing number of WiRE Networks (currently 64) Be informed, inspired, involved

Background WiRE started in 1996 when research by senior lecturer at Harper Adams University College Izzy Warren-Smith identified a significant number of farm diversifications were established by women.  The women were, coming up against a number of barriers, including lack of access to finance, lack of confidence, not being taken seriously, rural isolation, and lack of rural business support. The first WiRE conference attracted some 500 women and showed that the Countryside was alive with business often driven by entrepreneurial rural women – it opened the floodgates. Be informed, inspired, involved

Sustainable Support Phoenix funding and support from HAUC Delivery of business support through ESF and RDA projects Support in area not funded Support when projects end Need for sustainable long term support Be informed, inspired, involved

Local WiRE Networks Run by volunteer members for members Offer a friendly and supportive environment Enable women to overcome the isolation of working on their own Offer a place where working together is encouraged but not expected Enable women to share and gain information and experience Provide an opportunity to support others & ‘give back’ Provide opportunities for collaboration Provide business opportunities Be informed, inspired, involved

Support for WiRE Networks WiRE offers a package of support to Local Network Leaders which includes: Mentoring and support to set up the group Advertising all meetings to potential and current WiRE members in the area Page on the WiRE website to advertise meetings, news, information and events ‘Network Leader’s Pack’ which contains information, meeting tips, WiRE leaflets, signs, WiRE pencils, name badges etc. On going support and Network of the Week Access to other Local WiRE Network Leaders regionally and nationally to share ideas and support Be informed, inspired, involved

Lessons Listen to your customers Digital will not “do it” Have a process and some rules Cherish and support Learn to let go Engage everybody Be informed, inspired, involved

Membership Be informed, inspired, involved WiRE membership costs just £40.00 per year per individual and includes: WiRED our quarterly magazine e-newsletter & monthly member business directory Local WiRE Networks listing on www.wireuk.org ‘Rural Marketplace’ Business Help Articles HSBC card processing services National WiRE Events Be informed, inspired, involved

More information 01952 815338 Thank you! www.wireuk.org info@wireuk.org 01952 815338 Thank you! Be informed, inspired, involved