What our Members Say

WiRE members share their experience...

Helen Barden from Ivy Rural on "What I get out of WiRE"

This is a personal view – what you get out of WiRE may well be different.

Speakers

OK so some speakers are better than others, some are more relevant than others but all are worth listening to. You might find a better way of doing something or a different way of thinking about something. Sometimes it is a case of being prompted to do something you know needs doing but maybe have been putting off or being reminded of a skill or knowledge that you have but have parked away somewhere in your brain. Sometimes it is a case of experiencing something a bit left field and unusual but hey, what’s wrong with that. Sometimes it is a case of listening to someone else’s experience and taking inspiration. And just sometimes a light bulb may go off in your head!

Like minded business women

However nice the cup of tea my client makes, however friendly your customer is, when at work you have to be professional – you can’t say “this bit is hard” or “it feels scary at the moment”. At WiRE you can because nobody minds, they might have had the same experience and be able to offer a solution or an idea or at the very least empathise with you.

Those water cooler moments

I spend enough of my life sat in front of a computer in other people’s dining rooms (and my own with just the dog for company.) Sometimes it is nice jut to have a chat about the normal events and trivialities of everyday life.

Business opportunities

I am not going to use the dreaded “n” word here. I get most out of WiRE from informally chatting with people, connecting on a personal rather than a business level. Forget the “one minute elevator pitch” listening to someone talk about their own interests, lives and businesses can help you understand their issues and needs. I have had more than one piece of business from WiRE, either from another WiRE member directly or by them referring me to someone else. 

Tea and biscuits

Yes, I am a girl, with a sweet tooth, and the lure of homemade biscuits cannot be ignored.

So give the meetings a try ....... surely you and your business are worth two hours and a fiver a month.

Helen Barden Ivy Rural Business Services

“Pennine Lavender has grown from being a hobby into a viable family business selling globally. From my first WiRE conference I was inspired by the stories of ordinary women doing extraordinary things. WiRE has been a continuing support with advice, help and a genuine understanding of women's trials and triumphs.” Barbara Poisson, Pennine Lavender South Yorkshire

“I have attended several networking events in my area to get an idea of who and what is available in North Yorkshire and have to say that WiRE beats the rest hands down! The other networking events, that were not Women only were quite formal, sales orientated and not a particularly friendly environment for a new kid on the block. I look forward to attending WiRE events in North Yorkshire and York for many years to come. Thank you” Jennifer Feltham, Personal Coach North Yorkshire

“Just wanted to drop you a line to say how great yesterday was and how much I enjoyed the event. The staff at the venue were lovely and the food was great. Both speakers - Sue, Sue Tonks and Caroline - were fabulous. I found the workshops a great taster introduction and will be looking at taking my skill levels online to the next level!” Jules Wyman, Inspirational Speaker & Confidence Coach North Yorkshire

“Thank you for the great day yesterday. It was just what I needed after the slow, cold month of January to get me motivated and spurred on. It was so nice to meet so many new members of WiRE but even better to see some of the faces that I’ve met on so many great occasions since I joined WiRE six years ago. Sue Tonks was as great as ever, offering sound advice. But the best workshop award has to go to Anna Farmery. She delivered the invaluable information in a clear and concise way, full of humour and I can’t wait to go to her session in York in March. Thanks to you all at head office for organising it, it was a brilliant day and I’ve come away with loads of ideas and things to do on my to-do list! Lucy Scott Paul, Bah Humbugs North Yorkshire

“As a start up WiRE has been fantastically supportive and I know it will continue to do so going forward for me. Our Network Leader is outstanding; she puts so much effort in to make out meetings go with a fizz.” Jane O’Riordan, Personalised Towels and Gifts Suffolk

“I am on a high and its all down to WiRE! I have always wanted to work for myself but never had that light bulb moment…well not until I went on the WiRE open doors course. I went on the 3 day Open Doors course in Nov 2008. By the end of day one I was convinced I definitely wanted to setup my own business. By the end of day two I had come up with my idea and by the end of day three I had written my business plan and I was on my way to my first sale. Well that first sale or should I say sales has now happened in the WiRE marquee at the Burwarton show. My website will be up and running in September 2009 and is looking great. Thanks WiRE team you are brilliant.” Barbara Steadman Another Gorgeous Day Shropshire

“Of all the conferences I've ever been to (including those during my years of 'real' work in HR) I would say this was the most authentic. Strange word to use, but it sums up my impressions - that there was no hype, no 'padding' with irrelevant sessions and tedious addresses, and a very clear impression that every aspect of the conference had been carefully targeted to deliver exactly what the delegates most needed. I'm the world's worst networker, but found myself drawn into conversation with so many interesting people, and I made some really useful contacts.” Katie Carr, Avon Ancestry Worcestershire

“Anna Farmery is absolutely fantastic and inspired me to set up my Blog immediately.” Maggie Hollinshead, The Coachman’s House Studio Gallery Shropshire

“Great day yesterday, I have to say Wire really know how to put on an event, the only feedback I got from the event was how much people had enjoyed the day...so well done.” Anna Farmery, The Engaging Brand North Yorkshire

“Being a WIRE Member has been of such benefit to me, both personally & professionally so I just wanted you to know what a great organisation you are. Keep up the good work!!” Pavlenka Small, Small Steps to Success Suffolk

“My role as network co-ordinator is on a voluntary basis, with no remuneration, but being passionate about bringing women together and building good solid business relationship I see WIRE and other networking groups as a vital part of our business life. Not only has it built good businesses I have made some fabulous friends.” Karen Tomalin, 2nd Skin Lingerie Ltd Worcestershire

“Thanks so much for the mention; I have had quite a few visits to my site as a result! Keep up the good work, my WIRE membership is certainly the best £40 I have ever spent.” Linda Garrould, I Adore Your Gifts Norfolk

“Just a quick email to say what an awesome conference it was this year! Absolutely amazing! I also wanted to let you know that out of all the ladies there I had 6 of the ladies who are already clients, plus 2 which signed up for websites on the day! It was absolutely amazing and I really had a good day, it was definitely well worth the trip up. May I please book a stand and a place for every year, this is an event which is booked into my calendar without a doubt!” Lee Ann Smith, W3 Web Designs Carmarthenshire