A YORK business built on empowering women through face-to-face networking has been relaunched to create an online club for female entrepreneurs.

The new MPWR Business Club aims to support the growing numbers of women business owners throughout the UK and internationally as an online community.

Previously known as Women Mean Business, MPWR has spent the last seven years organising successful in-person events and exhibitions in York.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, founder Tracy Burleigh realised that her face-to-face business model would not survive.

She said: “Facing the loss of seven years hard work, I knew I needed to adopt a new approach.

“I began working with Kerry Perks, of Perks Marketing, in summer last year as she was an active member of the group, and between us we decided to take the business online to a global platform of women who can connect anytime, anywhere. Kerry is an established marketeer and between us we have transformed the business, offering a complete digital model.”

The new club creates a private space where women can connect, collaborate, learn and develop professionally and personally.

Everything is under one virtual roof with members now having access to masterclasses, workshops, talks and an ever-growing resource library, created by industry experts.

Online networking is also available in an informal setting, with no 60 second intros or dress codes.

With almost 100 members from all business sectors, women in the group can learn from CEOs of multinationals yo founders of start-ups who have turned a passion into an income.

Practical training workshops dive deeper into key topics such as positive mindset and marketing to finance and 90-day planning, with all members taking a hands-on approach to learning and development.

Tracy added: “Our goal is to encourage women to fulfil their passion and dream, even though times are tough. Our guest speakers, inspirational talks and workshops encourage women to create their own income and do it in a way that suits them and their lifestyle, making a positive out of this pandemic.”

With members joining virtually from as far as South Africa, MPWR is recruiting for managers in towns and cities to spread the word and create new communities of female business owners. These managers will become brand ambassadors to extend the MPWR network nationally.

Plans are in place to offer a hybrid model with the virtual business club supplemented by face to face networking and events when safe to do so.