PRESS RELEASE

1 October 2008

Women – get the support you need to succeed

Kent women interested in working for themselves, or who have started trading in the last 12-months, are being offered a helping hand with What’s Stopping You? –  a free informal one-day event organised by Business Link.

“We are now in our second year of ‘What’s Stopping You?’ events and I am pleased to say we have received extremely positive feedback from delegates who have attended in the past,” said Business Link’s Janice Sandwell. “The events are very informal so allow women to explore and discuss their ideas without fear of reproach.”

“These are tough times so we want to support those women who are thinking of starting a business or who have recently started trading and may be unsure whether to continue in the current economic climate. Come along and hear from women who are already working for themselves and ask the questions you need answered. No matter what your circumstances, we can offer you advice and guidance on working for yourself with absolutely no obligation to go any further.”

Sandra Ritson, who attended a previous What’s Stopping You? event in Rochester described it as “Inspirational and encouraging, whilst drawing attention to potential pitfalls in a positive manner”.

The Kent event, which is supported by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), includes four seminars:

·         First impressions – how to present yourself and your business, or business idea, to create the maximum positive impact. Plus, practical tips to help you network effectively; 

·         Get the perfect figure! – how to pinpoint your start up and running costs and examine how to budget effectively. Plus, tips to survive times of economic pressure;

·         How she did it – hear from women who run their own successful businesses;

·         Websites that wow – gain an understanding of e-commerce and the know-how to establish a website that will help your business go from strength-to-strength.

There will also be an exhibition area and a networking zone where attendees will have the opportunity to meet other local women in business. In addition, there will be short films on a host of vital business subjects and friendly business advisers on hand for 20-minute one-to-one consultations.

Janice Sandwell added: “As this event is free you really have nothing to lose by coming along. Whether you have always dreamt of working for yourself or you are just interested in making some extra money to get you through the current tough economic conditions, we can help you survive and thrive. And you never know, it may just change your life!”

The event is being held on Thursday 6 November at the Ramada Hotel & Resort, Maidstone. It runs from 9.30am ­– 3.30pm. Attendees can attend for all or part of the day and are welcome to take a friend, provided that they also book a place. Free refreshments and lunch are supplied.

Places are limited so early booking is advisable. For further information or to book a place, visit www.whatsstoppingyouevents.co.uk or call 01732 878007.

ENDS

For more media information, please contact:

Rachel Knight or Philip Jones, Maxim, 01892 513033 or email: first name@maxim-pr.co.uk

Notes to editors:

1.      Women are massively under-represented in UK enterprise and Business Link is keen to amend this. Although women make up approximately 50% of the working population only a small minority of business owners are women. Business Link can help women overcome any barriers that they feel prevent them from setting up a business. e.g. confidence, sourcing finance, achieving a good work-life balance etc.

2.      Business Link in Kent

The Business Link service in Kent and Medway is delivered by Business Support Kent Community Interest Company.