Archived News
WiRE- July 2010 Newsletter - 08/07/10
WiRE E-Newsletter July 2010
Make the most of your member benefits…Local Network meetings: Networking is great for your business! So why not meet up with likeminded business women in your area- List of Networks
Rural Marketplace: A listing of your business in a highly optimised directory. Add contact details, information on your business and photos. Log in to edit your rural marketplace.
WiRE Noticeboard: Keep WiRE members up to date, a virtual village noticeboard lets you ask quick questions or promote your offers. Take a look.
Business Help: Do you need to know how to write a perfect press release, how to market, how to trade online, exhibit at shows? A range of articles available to you!
WiRED Magazine: Our bi annual magazine is the only magazine tackling issues faced by rural business women. Be featured or pick up new skills it’s your magazine! If you have not received your latest edition contact tory@wireuk.org
E-Newsletter: Events, information, news and offers to members every month by email or post and online. Send 75 words to tory@wireuk.org by the 23rd of each month to be featured in the newsletter.
Business Offers: Working with BIG businesses WiRE has secured offers to help your business and bank balance such as preferential card processing rates with HSBC and deals with other WiRE sponsors.
PR, Media & Stories: WiRE members are frequently featured in the national press- so let us know about your business so that we are able to spread the word!
WiRE NetworksNottinghamshire WiRE Network Meeting-Wednesday 14th July
Brackenhurst 
Inspiration from Business Woman of the Year
Asha Khemka OBE, Midlands Business Woman of the Year, will be speaking at the meeting on Wednesday 14th July 2010 at the Brackenhurst Campus of
North Cotswolds WiRE Meeting-Thursday 29th July 2010
The Kings Hotel, The Square, Chipping
Have you ever wondered why, when you have a perfectly adequate desk, your mind goes blank when you sit at it? Behind (or around) every effective woman is a workspace, study, office that works FOR her rather than against her. This session with Kay of Welcome Space will guide you through a series of interactive exercises to help you discover what works for YOU. Kay will help you to pick up some tips and tricks to make vital effective changes to your current workspace, simply and easily. No architects or builders necessary!
Did you know?
This is not the only way we communicate with you; we update our website daily with news, information and opportunities of interest to members as they happen. We also disseminate this information via the WiRE Website, Twitter and Facebook and if you’re not online we will send you a copy of this newsletter by post. It’s up to you to choose which communication suits you best, choose one, we don’t want you to miss this opportunity!
You can also receive news and opportunities from WiRE directly into your inbox by signing up to our RSS news feed. Find out more here. You can now view back copies of WiRED online click here to view our Autumn/Winter 2009 issue
A goodbye to Hannah!
Hannah Redfern joined the WiRE team just over a year ago as a graduate intern and will be leaving at the 
end of August. Hannah has been involved with running events such as the Yorkshire Conference, National Conference and all of the shows along with helping Julie with the networks. She is currently looking for a job in marketing so if anyone has or knows of any vacancies she does come highly recommended! From everyone at WiRE we would like to say a HUGE thank you and to wish her all the best for the future!
Funding and Training - Women and Work Programme Phase 4
Available to women working or self-employed in
Join us on Facebook, visit our page to see what’s going on www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8561171654
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/WiREUK , we currently have 832 followers. It’s easy and free!
The WiRE Twitter and Facebook pages are now starting to appear on the first page on Google – don’t miss out on this fantastic marketing opportunity!
WiRE Opening Doors – FREE business starter courses for rural businesswomen in the
WiRE – KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE
Do you know someone that has beaten the odds and started their own business?
The Barclays Trading Places Awards seeks individuals with an inspiring story to tell, whose grit and determination has turned tragedy into triumph. People who might have started working for themselves as a means of beating long-term unemployment or a life on benefits. We also want to hear from people who were already running a business when they experienced an event that changed their life in an instant. For example, a serious illness or personal tragedy that could have had the power to ruin their business dreams.
The closing date for entries is 16 July 2010. More details on how to enter and all the terms and conditions can be found at; www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces Alternatively, telephone the Awards Office on; 020 8673 2020 during weekday business hours.
Why you must network face-to-face!
Social networking brings many business benefits but there is still great value in having personal contact with potential customers and clients, says Mark Dixon chief executive, Regus. In case you haven't noticed, the latest business buzzwords are social networking. Small and medium-sized businesses are writing 140-word Tweets and logging on to discussions on forums like LinkedIn every day. A recent survey suggests one in four small firms in the
Small firms- NOT going green.
Small companies are not investing in green practices as the difficult economic environment means that their priorities are to continue trading, according to data released by GE Capital. Just 9% of small businesses say they are putting significant investment into environmentally-friendly practices, while 37% admit they are doing little or nothing to make their workplaces greener, up from 30% in 2007.
“There is no doubt that the recession has had a major impact on SME's attitudes and strategies towards green investments.” To read more visit: http://www.newbusiness.co.uk/news/small-firms-not-going-green
Government's rural watchdog – the Commission for Rural Communities – is to be axed.
Those who heard Dr Stuart Burgess speak so passionately at the WiRE Conference will be sad to hear that the role of Rural Advocate and the Commission for Rural Communities has been axed and will be absorbed into a Rural Communities Policy Unit within Defra. The commission would be abolished as part the government’s review of Defra’s arms length bodies, said rural affairs secretary Caroline Spelman. The delivery of public services by Defra would be shaken up to line up with the coalition Government’s commitments on service delivery, she added. Our thanks to him and staff at the CRC for their support for WiRE. To read more visit: http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/politics/axe-falls-on-rural-watchdog.html
WiRE MEMBER to MEMBER
Workshops for
Growing Rural Enterprise has some great one day workshops for
Receive Free Jewellery From Gee Gee Images- Cambridgeshire
Gee Gee Images are continuing their offer of free Sterling silver equestrian themed jewellery with all online orders and a Gee Gee Images £5 money off voucher is also available to use immediately when you sign up to their e-newsletter at www.geegeeimages.co.uk
Time for Celebrations!- Worcestershire
WiRE member Donnah Morgan who has grown 'abfablife' in the last 12 months by adding a Personal & 
Norfolk businesswoman Debi Hanley has launched a new online company-
to its nautical-inspired products and the epitome of Great Britishness, a “Cool Britannia” range. flax & finch products include soft furnishings, kitchen, outdoor items and cool stuff for children, all made from traditional materials like linens and cottons, wood and ceramics. Debi is now looking for new designers and craft producers who wish to promote their own products through flax & finch or who are interested in becoming a designer of exclusive products for the company. To contact Debi call 01692538204 or visit www.flaxandfinch.com Double celebration as Julie wins Adviser of the Year at Business Support Awards
Some of the West Midlands’ best performing business support professionals were recognised this week when the region’s largest Awards ceremony came to a finale in 
Professional Adviser of the Year title to add to an earlier accolade for her work with Women entrepreneurs. It marks what has been an impressive career, which has seen the experienced business mentor play a pivotal role in engaging with hundreds of female entrepreneurs and becoming a trusted speaker on enterprise in the region. She has also been responsible for launching a highly successful WiRE Network, which has recently been recognised as a monthly winner by WiRE
SUPPORT GROWS FOR CAMPAIGN TO ROOT OUT COWBOY ACCOUNTANTS- Merseyside
Support is rapidly growing for an online campaign that aims to prevent small firms from falling foul of bad advice and poor services from rogue and incompetent accountants. A new website www.whatisanaccountant.co.uk – has received thousands of hits since its launch this week, with visitors (mainly business owners) getting their chance to sign a petition and share their horror stories about blundering ‘beancounters’. You can give your support to the campaign – which is simply called “What is an Accountant?” – by visiting www.whatisanaccountant.co.uk For more information please contact Elaine Clark on 0844 884 2399 or email elaine.clark@cheapaccounting.co.uk
Amerton Farm & Craft Centre- Staffordshire has organised wide range of training courses, to see the full list please click HERE . To book on to any of the courses please contact Eunice on office@amertonfarm.co.uk
Raising money for Help for Heroes- Shropshire
Between 14th to 18th July 2010 I'm swimming a total of 16k to raise money for Help for Heroes at The Quarry Fitness Centre,
*Help with your domain name*- 
Webfooted Designs has launched a new service offering Domain Name Management to give you greater peace of mind. For a small annual fee we will take care of your domain name, making sure the registration is up-to-date and informing you of any developments. Sign up for web hosting as well and we’ll offer you £5 off if you pay by standing order. See http://bit.ly/domainmanagement for more details or contact Emily on 01736 786268 or emily@webfooteddesigns.co.uk
Willow and wire sculpture days with Julieann Worrall Hood- Wiltshire
Treat yourself or a friend this Autumn to a fun and relaxing day at the tranquil West Wood studio in rural Wiltshire. Make a sculpture using unique techniques which sculptor Julieann Worrall Hood has developed for her quirky willow and wire hens, hares, heart and hounds. Enjoy a tasty lunch, cakes and refreshments! Visit Julieann’s website www.woho.co.uk to see more of her work. LOCAL B&B AND GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Workshop times: 10 a.m - 4 p.m. To Book: Julieann on j@woho.co.uk or 01672 851664
NEW Jelly events in
Jelly is a casual FREE co-working event, where homeworkers and freelancers who want a change of workplace once in a while can get together with their laptops to have a change from their usual working environment, meet some new people and work together in a social environment. We have monthly '9to5' and '5to9' events in Coalport, Oswestry and
Distance Dieters - Feel good pool and beach side this summer- Warwickshire
Personal one to one weight loss plan that fits with your lifestyle and makes losing weight easy. Why, because you speak with Anna on the telephone and enjoy email back up and support for the 8 week period, helping you over challenges and stumbling blocks to your weight loss goal. 10% discount to all WiRE members. Email: anna@distancedieters.co.uk www.distancedieters.co.uk
WIN STYLISH KIDS SUN HAT FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS- Derbyshire
JustKidsHats was launched April 2010 to provide great looking; functional sun hats kids want to keep on their heads. To launch our Facebook page we have a special summer promotion to win one of our beautiful UPF50+ kid’s sun hats. There will be a free hat for every 50 fans signed up before the school summer holidays. Visit the Facebook page using this link http://tinyurl.com/373v83l and join in with the summer fun for your chance to win a cool hat.
Perfect present for a new born- Derbyshire
Spring baby consists of fun print babywear made of 100% cotton. The company was set up as I believed 
affordable, practical and fun print newborn clothing was missing from the market. Therefore we have designed a selection of pieces with easy access poppers for quick and efficient changing. We sell a number of products from newborn babywear including bodysuits & t-shirts extending into baby toys, baby bags and gifts for both mother and baby. To see the collection: www.springbaby.co.uk/product/list/category/9
Jewellery Making Workshop- Staffordshire
A fun evening on Tuesday 20th July 7pm in
Dogs Trust National Photographic Competition- Staffordshire
The national photographic competition organised by The Dogs Trust was reported in the canine press, but few readers would have been aware of the success for a numerically small breed the Australian Terrier, within one of the competition categories. Not only that, but the dog in question was the first Australian Terrier owned by Janie Hugnall of
Just opened Bow Barns Holidays- Shropshire
Three grade II listed, self catering barn conversions, just opened. Be one 
of the first to try them out. They are Visit Britain 4 star rated, and are ideally situated for exploring
WiRE PARTNERS- Bringing you the best professional services
It’s a competitive world out there so here we’re pleased to offer great deals from WiRE partners."Business insurance if you work from home”- BiB Insurance
If you work from home, you may need a specialist insurance policy. Household insurance will not cover any loss of office equipment, nor will it provide public/employers' liability cover. Your standard household insurance may even be invalid if you work from home, although some household policies can be extended to cover this. If in doubt check your policy or contact WIRE insurance partner BIB Insurance on 01325 353888 and ask for Vicki Lancaster. Cloudnet Internet Telephony recognise that putting a mobile number on your business stationery is not brilliant for business, it can makes you look unprofessional and says you are happy for your customers to pay lots to talk to you! It is far better to give out a land line number. Cloud Net's handsets are free and plug straight into your broadband and come with your chosen land line number. When the phone rings you can answer on either your mobile or the handset. You look more professional and benefit from free calls to other local land lines. All this for £6.50 a month. More information on our website www.cloudnetuk.com
Dyke Ruscoe and Hayes- www.dykeruscoe.co.uk We're accountants, yes - but hopefully something a bit more than the usual - so please read on…..Based in the beautiful country towns of Ludlow, Tenbury Wells and Craven Arms we look after a wide range of small and medium sized businesses, 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. Most of all, we're interested in our clients, the large ones and the small ones - after all, if they prosper, then so should we.
Midland Computers understand your reliance on computer systems to drive your business, the need for a personalised professional service and comprehensive support to assist your business in being successful. Our knowledge and experience provides you with all this, supplying impartial advice hardware, software, consumables, email, domain, website and hosting services along with remote back up and data recovery (and plenty more). Whether you need a printer cartridge or a fully managed server solution WiRE members have a dedicated contact: Rachel Davies, who will be pleased to discuss your requirements 01952 588 688 email: rachel.davies@midlandcomputers.com website: www.midlandcomputers.com Davies & Co www.daviesandco.co.uk - specialists in business rates, visitor attraction planning, farm diversification, rural diversification
OTHER NEWS AND EVENTS
Millions of people want to travel the world and return with new skills. But how would you like to do it for free?
Your Big Year is seeking enthusiastic, adventurous and enterprising individuals who are free to explore the globe from January 2011. The competition, which is free to enter and open to all adults worldwide, will test entrants’ skills in communication, charity fund-raising and entrepreneurial spirit. The best 24 people will spend a week in
WiRE Likes…
Debi Hanley
flax & finch
flax & finch is a new interiors and lifestyle company offering "inspirational ideas for aspirational living". Launched by Debi Hanley, the web-based company is a showcase for British talent and all goods are British-made, mostly near Debi's home in north
The company sells beautiful things for the home, from cushions to toasting forks, garden items, gifts for children and one-off pieces – this is one website that is definitely worth a very long look!
The WiRE e-newsletter is distributed to all WiRE members and partners on a monthly basis and all news is featured on our website too. This newsletter is one of the WiRE membership top benefits- why miss out? Make sure that you get your offers, events and news into the newsletter- it’s FREE.
Send your 75 words to tory@wireuk.org Remember to include your contact details and web address.We do not edit or proofread your entry.
PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL NOT BE AN AUGUST NEWSLETTER BUT PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND NEWS, OFFERS AND EVENTS FOR THE BUMPER SEPTEMBER EDITION!
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