Newbury District’s hidden assets is given a boost, as a Programme of events is launched ...

The Newbury branch of the networking organisation Ladies Who Latte is springing into action in an attempt to attract more members, increase awareness of its activities and establish satellite groups in some of the district’s villages.  Over the coming months the group will be working closely with a number of other Newbury based organisations to not only raise its own profile but also to emphasise the importance of these small businesses in the local economy.

Fiona Grindrod, co-ordinator, explained more; “There is an ever increasing number of women establishing and running small businesses, often from their homes, within Newbury and the surrounding villages.  These are Newbury’s hidden assets and their value to the local economy has never been really recognised.  We believe that by helping them to develop and promote their services, LWL will establish itself as a key stepping stone for any woman wanting to establish and develop her business in the area. Unlike many other networking groups we have no restrictions on the type of business or the number of exponents within our group.  The provision of a forum like this for the exchange of ideas and information can be a catalyst that propels a business from an idle dream to a real, income generating concern.”

The first event is taking place on Thursday June 24th at the Carnarvon Arms, Highclere, starting at 10am.  This will be open meeting where anyone interested in either promoting their business, learning more about the opportunities that exist locally or even considering setting up a similar group in their own village can come along and meet like minded individuals.

“We will also be showcasing some of members’ businesses at a MacMillan Coffee Morning that we are hosting on Friday September 24th at St Nicholas Church Hall from 10am to 12 noon, “continued Grindrod.  “The group really does work and some of original members are no longer able to come on a regular basis as they are too busy running their businesses!  That has to be an indicator of our success.”  Anyone interested in having a promotional stall for their business at this event should contact Sharon Morris, Monarch Events on 07576 249 814 or email her at info@monarchevents.co.uk

The Group offers a friendly and understanding forum for women to discuss and obtain valuable advice on the challenges they are facing within their businesses, whilst also offering the opportunity to build new relationships that may lead to other commercial opportunities.  

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month from 10am at the Carnarvon Arms, Highclere and costs £3.  After an initial introduction highlighting forthcoming local business events and training opportunities, each guest is invited to spend a minute presenting their business or sharing a recent success.  The remainder of the morning can then be spent talking to group members on a one-to-one basis.

Anyone interested in coming along to the next meeting or finding out more about Ladies Who Latte should contact Fiona Grindrod, Director of Just Wills Ridgeway on tel 01635 31540 or email: fiona@justwillsridgeway.co.uk

For media enquires please contact:

Avril Chaffey, MCIPR 

Tel: 07765 343565     Email: avril.chaffey@btinternet.com