About us

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 History

WiRE is a national business support orgnaisation; promoting, supporting and developing its membership of rural businesswomen. WiRE offers a package of practical business support which includes access to online and in person networks across the UK where women in business share expertise and knowledge, build new skills, help boost confidence and support each other to build better businesses.

The WiRE membership is diverse and varied, including businesses that are just starting and others growing and employing people.

WiRE businesses offer a multitude of products and services and they operate from the remotest rural locations and the busiest market towns.

WiRE membership is £5.00 per month and we welcome all women in business regardless of business type, maturity or location.

Since its inception in 1998, WiRE has grown from an academic research project based in Shropshire, base at Harper Adams University,  to a national membership organisation, widely recognised as a dynamic and positive force within the economy of rural areas and as the voice of rural women’s enterprise in the UK. WiRE has members in every part of Britain and aspires to provide business support and networking opportunities to rural women in every region of England. We have delivered regional development contracts for rural enterprise support and training to rural women; we carry out research and advocacy, and contribute to the teaching and learning of Harper Adams University.

Networking continues to be the most important business benefit to women running rural businesses and we firmly believe that networks are by far the best vehicle for enabling business improvement. Networking is especially appropriate for female led, rurally based, businesses in enabling business improvement, collaborations and innovations.