DATE: 17th February 2010
HEADING: Recognition for Excellent Support to women Furness Enterprise is one of eight organisations in the country and the only organisation in the south of Cumbria to become an accredited Women’s Business Centre (WBC). Furness Enterprise received the award at the Women in Business Awards at Ribby Hall Village at the end of January 2010. Val Robinson Funding and New Start Manager at Furness Enterprise said: “I am delighted that Furness Enterprise has been recognised for the support we provide to women. It is extremely important that the right business assistance, advice and training are available to women entrepreneurs. National statistics show that women are currently significantly under-represented in business in the Northwest and the UK and it is important that we work to address this. Women already play a significant role in the UK economy and more and more women are starting businesses and become self-employed - currently 44% of all new start businesses receiving support through Furness Enterprise are female owned.” The Women’s Business Centre Quality Standard is a new international standard of excellence for targeted women’s enterprise support being piloted in the North West of England with funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency. It is a three year pilot programme and recognises the importance and potential of Women Business Centres across the region. Notes for Editors: 1. The first phase of the WBC Pilot seeks to identify 15 organisations to be fast-tracked through to achieving the Standard with support from a bursary scheme provided by the NWDA.2. Furness Enterprise is the development agency for the Furness area. It provides total business support packages to companies of all sizes as part of its mission to create a more diverse local economy and increase entrepreneurship.3. The Working Neighbourhood Fund support a range of projects currently being delivered by Furness Enterprise. These include new inward investment into the area, support to local people to access jobs and advice and information to assist local businesses to grow. The Working Neighbourhood Funding are provided by Barrow Borough Council.4. People looking to set up a new business or existing businesses contemplating expansion should call 01229 820611 and ask for a free advice session from the Furness Enterprise team.5. A comprehensive range of business support is available from Furness Enterprise. For further information please contact:Val Robinson Furness Enterprise Ltd., Waterside House, Waterside Business Park, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2HETelephone: 01229-820611 Fax: 01229-827226E-mail: vrobinson@furnessenterprise.co.uk
Here’s a taste of forthcoming events:
April - A day Clay Pigeon Shooting, followed by a presentation/talk from a local young businessman, Cowran Estates who sell rare breed meats and local produce. Venue, Cowran Estates, Pennington.
April/May - Every woman’s guide how to…… Change a tyre, spark plug, etc. Venue to be arranged.
June/July - Presentation by the Wine Guild. Including tasting and advice on new world wines and using local produce. Venue to be arranged
August/September - Pamper and Plonk: An evening with Stylists and Nutritionists, Tarot Card Readers and Crystal Balls accompanied with refreshments. Food@Review, 1a Nelson Street, Barrow-in-Furness
FAB Drinks Party - Next FAB Drinks Party to be confirmed.
Other events to be arranged include: Diva Day- assertiveness and communication, personal presentation, dress to…work and play. Treasure Hunt/ Safari- a driving event, pick up clues along the way and finish off with dinner at a local hotel.
Progress is also being made regarding subsidies for FAB members. We are currently in pursuit of 10% off retail, and we are considering mutual discounts in such areas as insurance etc.
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