Most Important Event of the Year for Rural Business Women

Posted 1 February 2005

Women in Rural Enterprise (WIRE) is staging its sixth Annual Conference this month. The theme will be Strategies for Success - How to Make Your Rural Business Grow.

This national event has grown steadily over the years and the latest event, on February 10, 2005, is expected to attract 500 rural business women.

Produced in association with Country Living Magazine the conference will take place at Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire. It will provide all female rural entrepreneurs with the tools to help their businesses take the world by storm yet still remain true to their rural roots. From initial business ideas, through to start-up, and business growth, the conference will feature a wealth of information on all the business topics needed to make a rural business fly.

This action packed business day will include: • Inspirational Speakers. Hear how Jimmy Doherty, from BBC’s Jimmy’s Farm, started the Essex Pig Company and his vision for the future of rural businesses. WiRE member Liz Scambler, who started small and now runs thriving rural business. • Motivational and Business Speakers to give you that lightbulb moment. • The Right Hon Jacqui Smith, MP, Minister of State at the Department of Industry. • Susy Smith, the editor of Country Living Magazine, will the launch the 2005 Country Living Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

And much more… • Delegates can attend two from a choice of 10 fantastic workshops; from Gorilla Want Bananas to Grow Your Own Network, to What Are You Worth? to Impress the Press • A special workshop specifically for Young Female Entrepreneurs (bring your daughter to the conference) at a reduced rate. • Business Information Points to take the opportunity to talk to the experts. • Networking, Networking and more Networking • WiRE members’ locally sourced produce as part of the buffet lunch.

Costing just £35 for members and £50 for non members, Female Entrepreneurs can’t afford to miss out - this is what previous delegates have said:

“When we came to our first conference it was with a little trepidation because we still felt very much that we were novices at running our company, we thought we might stick out like sore thumbs at a meeting of business women of the world!! Instead of that, we were welcomed into the "bosom" of the organisation and found so many like-minded women striving to get their own businesses off the ground that it was pure inspiration. We sat and listened to the women on the platform at that first conference and were actually moved by their enthusiasm for what they were doing in their lives, and the feeling that we could all do so much more with each others support and help”. Jeanette Edgar Alternative Meats www.alternativemeats.co.uk

“The conference in February is usually just the kick start I need to get me back on track for another year” Alice Gardiner – Goosey Graphics.

Visit the WiRE Conference website for more information and to and book online http://conference.wireuk.org - Ends -

Notes to Editors

1. WiRE is a national organisation, with over 2000 members, which helps women in rural areas either to start up or expand a business. It offers its members training, mentoring, online information, a grant finder, newsletters and the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs. This helps members share ideas and learn from one another. WiRE has also developed a unique package with HSBC giving its members preferential rates.