Women in Business NI Ltd The network came about when 10 business women met on a training programme. Pictured left to right are: Christine Boyle, chair of Women in Business NI Ltd, Rachel Lomax, Deputy Govenor of Monetary Policy at the Bank of England, Mary-Jo Lynch from Barclays Bank Established in October 2002, Women in Business NI Ltd is the largest and fastest growing network for business women in Women in Business NI Ltd, currently has over 250 members from the public, private and voluntary sectors and is growing year on year and continues to deliver real benefits and value for money to its members. The network came about when 10 business women met on a training programme. Christine Boyle, the Chair of Women in Business explains: ŇWe bonded immediately and benefited greatly from sharing business experiences and ideas together and agreed that it would be beneficial to continue to meet on occasion, as we all valued the support network. We subsequently discovered that there was the possibility of funding available from DEL through the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and Invest NI, to grow Northern Ireland. Women in Business support and empower new and established women-owned businesses and women in management positions, by providing information, ideas and business connections. A Belfast-based body with members throughout Northern Ireland and links to sister networks throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it is a not-for-profit organisation with a written constitution and a Board of Directors of 10 women. The network is supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL). The key aim of Women in Business is to support networking, promote local role models, encouraging best practice and links with other small business organisations. Membership benefits include: Ą Monthly Events/Seminars on topics that are of real benefit and interest to members Ą Informal facilitated networking opportunities Ą Information on business training and support programmes specific to women Ą Free Newsletters Ą Free listing in the members business directory Ą Promotion of your business through our Member Discount Scheme and the Member Communication Service Ą Network website including members only section Ą Opportunities to network with other Business networks including half price membership of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ą Opportunities for free PR/Promotion via NI wide media coverage Ą Up to date information about other events, activities, or, issues of interest to women running their own businesses Ą Corporate discounts. In association with Training for Women Network (TWN), the network annually hosts the Women in Business Conference. In 2007, Margaret Mountford, non-executive Director of Amstrad and judge on the cult BBC business show, ŇThe ApprenticeÓ provided the keynote address. Women in Business NI Ltd have also hosted a range of seminars with well-known entrepreneurs and business experts as speakers, including Felicity Huston, Commissioner of Public Appointments in Northern Ireland and Rachel Lomax, Deputy Governor Monetary Policy with the Bank of England. 2007 was a very significant year, with the launch of a much enhanced website, enabling the network to provide a more professional and efficient service to members. In addition, a targeted recruitment drive has increased Women in BusinessŐ membership across the private, public and voluntary sectors and having recently celebrated their fifth birthday event which was attended by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, Women in Business are thriving. Web. www.womeninbusinessni.com Email. info@womeninbusinessni.com Tel. 0845 6076041