Sisters are doing it for themselves - local women's networking groups join forces to bridge gap left by public sector cuts

• Nicky Rudd (Padua Communications)
• Tuesday 30 November 2010

In response to local public sector cuts, Surrey-based women's networking groups, Elmbridge Women in Business and Ladies at 11 have announced a joint partnership to offer members and visitors added value through shared networking meetings where women can learn from each other in a friendly and supportive environment.

In the new scheme, members of Elmbridge Women in Business will have a pass allowing them 12 visits to any Ladies at 11 meetings at a reduced member rate. Likewise, Ladies at 11 members will be able to attend Elmbridge Women in Business evening networking events at the member rate of £10 per session. The increased numbers will enable members to benefit from additional new contacts from both a networking and knowledge-sharing point of view.

The groups are launching the new partnership by holding a joint Christmas event on the 8th of December at La Casa in Weybridge. The collaboration will then be rolled out in January as a pilot programme, with a view to extend the opportunity to other local networking groups later in the new year.

Sandy Scott, chair of Elmbridge Women In Business, says: "We are extremely excited about this new partnership and hope it will pave the way for more successful collaborations in the future. New and smaller businesses need all the help and encouragement they can get in today's tough economic climate and we hope that by sharing our resources, we will be giving added support where it's needed."

Sarah Martin, founder of Ladies at 11, adds: "There are a lot of synergies with both organisations so by pooling this experience and knowledge we are offering a great source of expertise for businesswomen in Surrey and the surrounding areas. In particular, this new venture means that there is extra flexibility for local businesswomen to network at times that will suit them as we will be sharing resources across daytime and evening networking events. We're hoping to fill a gap that was previously filled by organisations such as Business Link, which has had its services reduced in the recent public sector cuts."

Elmbridge Women In Business is a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1996 to provide mutual support to its members. As a group, it exists to enable women in business to tap into the experience and expertise of other members, develop valuable business skills and make new contacts in a collaborative environment. It meets on a monthly basis at The Ship in Weybridge. More information can be found at www.ewib.co.uk

Founded by Sarah Martin, Ladies at 11 is a networking company that currently operates across Surrey and Kent with plans to open groups nationwide. Its goal is to facilitate an environment for Women in Business to come together, learn from and support each other to become successful. Further details about Ladies at 11 networking meetings can be found by visiting www.ladiesat11.com

www.ewib.co.uk

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