WOMEN in Business has officially launched an Essex branch in a move to encourage Essex-based businesswomen to join together to harness the collective potential of women.o

Originally conceived in the early 1990s as a national networking group for women running their own businesses, Women in Business has established itself as an authoritative voice on matters that affect women.

Founded by Pam Gurney, and run by a committee of volunteers, the Essex branch has been set up by businesswomen for businesswomen.

Women in Business Essex chairman Gill Brabner said one of the network's aspirations was to have enough members by the end of the year to offer a strong regional focus within the county during 2003, by focusing on local business issues as well as the wider ones.

Women in Business Medway and North Kent representative Barbara Adams spoke about how she had joined the organisation before starting her business and had received a variety of help and support.

Whatever a woman's role or responsibility, membership is open to any woman living or working in Essex. Whether employed or self-employed, working in the public or private sector, working from home, employing others, returning to the workplace, or considering setting up her own business.

WiBE provides a range of benefits including networking forums, seminars and workshops to help women grow and develop within their business.

From exchanging ideas to sharing skills and experiences, Women in Business fosters an environment for supporting, learning and doing business as well as creating friendships and having fun. Membership also gives women the opportunity to tap into the immediate network of contacts that exists with Women in Business in the south-east.

WiBE aims to promote a professional image of women in business by increasing the understanding of business issues, providing a support network, engendering a culture of self-development within the membership, sharing information and ideas and promoting each other's activities.

Membership is £40 per annum and includes invitations to regular networking meetings with guest speakers, training sessions specifically for businesswomen, opportunities to attend any regional meetings in the south east, PR and publicity through networking activities and events and inclusion in the Women in Business Essex Directory and on the group's website.

For more details about Women in Business ring membership c-ordinator Elaine Jenking on 01279 830972, email elaine@wibessex.org.uk or visit www.wibessex.org.uk

July 9, 2002 11:30