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Love Enterprise - Women in Business
09/02/2010
Women today have a vital role to play in businesses of all sizes, whether in their traditional roles of secretaries/receptionists or, as is increasingly becoming the norm, in roles as diverse as chemists, production machinists, painters, welders, PR specialists or as managers and accountants.
This week’s focus is on women who are being successful in business in the current recession and on a new initiative we are driving forward in South Cumbria to help women be more successful in business either as an owner or as an employee.
On Saturday, I was talking to Tamara Atkinson at her Green Garth Saddlery by Crooklands in Dalton. Her new business opened in one of the new small business units built by Neil Price Construction. Tamara’s products are targeted at the horse riding community. She has attracted a lot of custom, proving that there is a local gap in the market place for her product ranges which cover riding clothing and footwear as well as animal feed and riding equipment. Despite the recession the business has been extremely busy since opening last year.
Ulverston is developing as a centre for women setting up in business. The Noushka designer footwear and handbag store in Brogden Street led by Tamar Bobbett has seen her reinforce her retail outlet’s offerings with on-line sales by developing a niche market targeting the higher value designer market which might otherwise only be found in places like Liverpool, Leeds or Manchester. LMB Design owned by Laura Barnett, an interior design business (www.lmb-design.co.uk) and Shirley Gillam’s tea room business are other Ulverston success stories.
Our aim to see more women succeed in business including supporting firms like these and encouraging young women to join the Furness Young Professionals Group networking events for young graduates and apprentices, and making Furness Enterprise the choice for business support to women.
On 1 February 2010, Furness Enterprise became one of the first organisations to achieve the new Women’s Business Centre Quality Standard at the NW Women in Business Awards organised by an NWDA funded body, Prowess, which has over 300 members and is there to advance the growth of women owned businesses.
The new award for Furness Enterprise means we are now the place in South Cumbria for women to come to if they are planning to set up in business. The Carlisle based University of Cumbria is the only other place who has met the award standard in the county.
Women considering starting up in business in SW Cumbria should initially take a look at the Furness Enterprise website section entitled “Women in Business” where you will find case studies of businesses we have supported and, through associated links a whole range of advice, support ideas and details of discretionary funding schemes. You can also talk to our team of Women in Business advisors Michelle Doherty, Debbie Burch and Val Robinson on 01229 820611.
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