Working in Partnership

WiRE started in 1996 with a piece of research into falling farm incomes and diversification. Over the years and in response to feedback from rural businesswomen WiRE has developed a full business support package for women across the UK wanting to develop and grow their rural business.

Harper Adams University College (HAUC) HAUC played a vital part in the initial establishment of WiRE and continues to support and encourage WiRE projects

	Business Link WiRE works closely with Business Link to provide rural business support in all regions

Business in the Community (BitC) "Seeing is Believing" visit to Harper Adams for HRH the Prince of Wales in 2001 at which Izzy Warren-Smith presented the WiRE project. HRH suggested that the WiRE project should launch nationally.

The Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) HEIF funding for WiRE as an outreach project in the higher education sector.

Partners/Sponsors

BiB Insurance

Dedicated and highly experienced rural underwriting team and a clear understanding of the needs of rural business. BiB have a Rural Retail Scheme which truly reflects the needs of the rural community. Call 01325 353888 and ask for Vicki for informal, friendly rural advice (make sure you mention WiRE).

Davies and Co

Advise farm and rural businesses on all areas of planning and legalities and are specialists in leisure, tourism and visitor attractions. Speak to their specialist advisors on 01536 524808

HSBC Merchant Services

Offer WiRE members preferential rates on card processing services: no set up fee, reduced rate terminal rental and lower transaction charges. Call the Business Team on 0800 731 8921 (you'll need your WiRE Membership number).

Dyke Ruscoe and Hayes

Accountants based in country towns of Ludlow, Tewnbury Wells and Craven Arms who look after a wide range of small and medium sized businesse, as well as individuals from all walks of life.

We do accounts and tax returns, audits and VAT work. We also help with fund raising for growing businesses, and we have a special expertise in computer accounts packages, especially Sage and Quickbooks.  

Evans Easyspace

Free venues across the UK for networks and other events

Research

Being based at a land-based university, Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, means that reasearch underpins all of our work. The college was recently awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize, recognising the significant contribution that the Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) programme has made to developing and supporting women-owned rural businesses.