Networking group, York WiRE, helps women start new businesses (From York Press)

Networking group, York WiRE, helps women start new businesses

10:24am Tuesday 8th September 2009 in Features By Charlotte Percival

LAUNCHING her own business was a shock for former chemist Rana Harvey. The 32-year-old, who gave up her high-flying career with a large salary and fantastic perks to sell mannequins, was not used to working alone, worrying about the mortgage or employing staff.

“It was a real shock when I left my job,” says Rana, whose business, Dazzling Dummies, is based in York. “Everything went back to the company; the mobile, the laptop, the car, everything. When I handed my notice in, they couldn’t believe I was giving everything up to sell mannequins. They thought it was a joke.”

Yet Rana was serious and, despite her initial teething problems, including having to quickly train up staff to cover her maternity leave, the gamble paid off.

Dazzling Dummies is now based in Bull Commercial Centre off Stockton Lane, York and she has another business, Display Divas, which sells shop fittings.

But there have been plenty of lows to go with the highs, which is where support from networking support group Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) has been invaluable.

WiRE was set up by a group of farmers’ wives in Shropshire in 1996 to offer support and advice to women in business. Members benefit from a quarterly magazine, regular e-newsletters and can take part in an online forum and an annual conference. Support for the Shropshire group spawned smaller meetings around the UK, and the York branch was established in 2006.

Now, about 40 local women running businesses from all walks of life meet in York once a month, including Rana and the group’s co-leaders Angela Sherwood, who runs a copywriting business, and Lucy Amos, who teaches French to toddlers.

Meetings usually involve speakers, networking – sometimes speed networking – and refreshments.

It can inspire, help and support women, says Angela, whose business, CopyCat Copywriting, was set up over two years ago, especially those for whom networking can be a daunting experience.

“I think some women are a bit apprehensive about going along to networking, especially if they are new to it,” says Angela. “They are not quite sure what to expect. Women have said that at some networking events there are lots of men in grey suits and they feel intimidated.”

Suits and attitudes are not the only barriers women can face at networking events, says Rana. The timing of late or early meetings can exclude women too.

“Women can find it difficult to attend, especially the breakfast meetings, if they have to go on the school run, or children have evening classes.”

Rana contacted WiRE so she could meet like-minded women.

“I went to the very first meeting WiRE ever had,” she says. “I had literally just left my job then. Dazzling Dummies was my first job on my own and it was definitely a big decision. Somebody told me I would never look back and I haven’t.”

That said, it was a very stressful time. After giving birth to her daughter, Summer, she was constantly on the phone to her staff, and struggled to cope with juggling.

“Looking back I was very naïve about it,” she says.

Co-leader Lucy Amos, who took over the running of York WiRE with Angela earlier this year, joined the group to win back her confidence.

“I was a teacher, but had a break to have children and I had lost confidence about entering the workplace,” she says.

“It was very helpful finding out what other people do and I gained confidence from seeing like-minded women and learning how they did business differently, just from doing things like sending out newsletters. I thought if they can do it, I can do it.”

As well as learning new ways of doing business from other women, they have made new contacts who can help them with their own businesses, such as doing their accounts or designing flyers.

“There is a theory that women like to do business with women,” says Angela. “They feel they can trust other women.”

Angela started her copywriting business when she was made redundant.

It has been difficult this year, because companies are trying to save money, but she has managed to keep afloat so far.

“I’d find it hard to go back to a nine-to-five job in an office now,” she says. “You have so much freedom working for yourself and organising your own time.”

Some people have even been inspired to start a business by coming to the meetings, says Lucy, and like her, never looked back.

“I wish I’d gone to WiRE years before I did,” she adds. “I tell everyone to be self-employed now.”

• York WiRE’s next meeting is tonight at St Olave’s Hall, Marygate, York, between 7pm and 9pm. For more information, email yorkwire@hotmail.co.uk or log on to wireuk.org