Business ladies step forward

A regional networking group could prove to be a useful resource for businesswomen considering trading overseas, according to the group manager.

Forward Ladies has come a long way since it began in Leeds with a few business colleagues meeting up for lunch. The ladies soon realised how much they benefited from these occasions and believed that there must be lots of other business women in the region who would love the opportunity to network on a regular basis.

Word of the networking group soon spread and these days the group has almost 3,000 members, and in 2005 held 62 events, attended by around 4,000 local businesswomen.

Etta Cohen, manager of Forward Ladies, says that the group could prove useful for women who are hoping to take their product or service overseas.

“Anybody who becomes a member of Forward Ladies would probably meet a lot of ladies who already do trade overseas,” says Etta. “They might also meet ladies who are interested in getting together on a business level to trade overseas jointly.”

The gatherings held by the group are very informal and as well as being fun and informative, they provide the opportunity for women of all ages and walks of life to come together in a productive environment. Many friendships and mutually rewarding business relationships have been formed.

However, the social events organised and attended by the members are not just about networking, but about sharing experiences and helping each other to overcome obstacles or barriers in business.

One of the events organised by Forward Ladies has been a business trip to Paris, and the region will be welcoming the return visit in November. The group is also planning several overseas visits during 2007, in partnership with UK Trade & Investment.

The benefits of membership with Forward Ladies include not only the networking and business events but also access to business opportunities, job vacancies and other services – including business promotion – through the website. 

Membership is currently free, but there are plans to introduce a membership fee soon.

The only membership requirements are that the individual is a female, and is in employment/ business, returning to the workplace or in pre-start up.

To find out more about Forward Ladies, visit the website, www.forwardladies.com