Karen Brady – chief executive of Birmingham City, vice-chairman of West Ham, a board member of Sir Philip Green’s company Arcadia and a judge on The Apprentice

Laura Wade-Gery – chief executive of tesco.com and Tesco Direct, Britain’s biggest internet retailer

Fiona Shackleton – known as the 'steel magnolia’, the country’s most high-profile and possibly most glamorous divorce lawyer

Hilary Devey – inspirational entrepreneur, business owner and newest 'Dragon'

There is no doubt that women are now a formidable force in the business world.  None of the above names were 'dropped' into their current situations and none of them found it easy.  All of them are undoubtedly aware of the additional scrutiny they find themselves under, simply (even in these so-called enlightened times) because they are female.

1230 The Women's Company Ltd (TWC) is a leading UK network for business women, providing opportunities for business and career women to meet locally and share experiences.  Women’s ability to empower each other and work together to grow their businesses comes to the fore in these regular networking meetings.

The meetings not only prove to be a fun and friendly way of networking and marketing your business, but 1230 TWC members can take advantage of a number of 'member to member' special offers.  Whether you own or run your own business, or simply wish to maximise your career potential, there is a lot to be learned by spending time with other women in similar situations.  During the meetings, you are encouraged to share experiences with the group; you can give a presentation of your business or produce and display your own marketing material.

Successful collaborations formed at 1230 The Women’s Company Croydon have led to many members being able to expand their businesses, share premises and build an excellent business support network.  The meetings offer a lively and diverse mix of women in a broad range of businesses all with the shared aim of helping themselves and each other. You are there to 'big up' your business and appreciate the time, effort and skills of others in theirs. 

Meetings may cover specialist and relevant topics, offer talks from occasional guest speakers, provide the opportunity to brainstorm ideas and are an enjoyable mix of business and pleasure as you share lunch, experiences and advice which could prove invaluable to you.

Meetings are held on a monthly basis at the delightful Bay Tree Restaurant in Croydon, with the next scheduled for January 14th 2012; full details can be found through thebestof Croydon’s Events Page.