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Greetings!
 Stop Press!' Valerie keynote talk at 2009 Working Woman Conference with Entrepreneurs' Ladder
Come and find out why Valerie believes that 'Everything is Possible' and what has earned her accolades of "most inspiring woman I have ever met in my life....." and " I credit Valerie with my success" Hear her speak from the heart in a way not always possible when speaking officially in her leadership role representing her many Boards, Charities, UK Women's Enterprise Taskforce and other committed causes.
Hear from other inspiring women, including their 'TopTwenty Lessons' and enjoy this rare opportunity to meet, network with and sample the delightful products of some of the world's most creative women's enterprises....be prepared to treat yourself.....
We've lots more news updates plus opportunities below so you may want to come back and revisit. Your thoughts are always welcome and Valerie's here to help. Need a one to one into developing your business potential? Just email to discuss...find solutions now Whatever you are doing - have a fantastic week and exceptional year !' Until next time...
Oh! and of course you can Skype(tm) speak free to valerie.dwyer from any UK Skype(tm) phone....Best wishes
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JUST IN.....HOT OFF THE PRESS....CALL NOW IF INTERESTED!
PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE OFFICE SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN RURAL LEICESTERSHIRE
Professional, relaxed and creative office space for exclusive daytime use in rural Leicestershire. Near to market town of Melton Mowbray. Large 28ft x 18ft space furnished with leather sofas and low coffee tables making this the ideal location for your office space whether you are just setting up or more established, but needing to move out of home.
Kitchen facilities and ample free car parking both off and on-road. Available on an informal, flexible basis to suit your needs - please call Bernie on 07879 415599 to discuss in more detail. Photographs available. back to top... |
JUST IN....HOT OFF THE PRESS..FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL
DEN BUILDING FOR DAD'S!!! Sunday 21 June 2009 at Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary, East Leake
If you're facing that age-old dilemma - What on earth can I(we, the children) buy Dad for Father's Day? - here's an unusual and fabulous idea they will thank you for - you and the children can join in too!
If you go down to the woods today - Goose Woods at Manor Farm that is - you're sure of a big surprise.. Supervised Den Building and Rope Bridge creation.....Go on, you can all have a go in a great family fun activity!! It's a Father's Day he will never forget, neither will you! For more information call 01509 852 525 or visit Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary back to top... |
SPOTLIGHT ON..Celia Pontin, Contemporary Cool Canvas and her Celebrations Canvasses(tm)
STOP PRESS - Meet Celia at the Working Woman Conference Expo - Sheffield - 23 June 09
Celebrate Treasured Moments, Occasions and Memories
Rural Mum Celia Pontin is the creative inspiration for this new young business producing the most amazing treasured memories art and images on canvas. Your own personal work of art(tm). She has the ability to create collections of magic moments or treasures onto a single canvas - from a variety of materials including photographs and even childrens' original artwork (clear up the fridge door then!) Visit Celia's website to see what is possible and think about those past, present and future occasions and memories that you want to preserve and celebrate. Contemporary Cool Canvas And visit the Working Woman conference |
TV Opportunity - Channel 4 -The Secret Millionaire
is the award-winning and BAFTA nominated documentary series about philanthropy. After four hugely successful series, Leonie Hutson tells us that she is now looking for people with the means to take part in the next hit series.
 Our Women's Enterprise Ambassadors Kavita Oberoi and Hilary Devey have both found this to be a life-changing experience.
In each episode a different benefactor is given the opportunity to live 'undercover' in some of the country's most deprived areas. They do not reveal their full identity and immerse themselves in the community for ten days; meeting the local residents, making new friends, taking on jobs or doing voluntary work - all with a view to deciding who they believe is most in need of their support. At the end of their visit, these modern day philanthropists reveal their true identities to those they 'd like to help and offer their time, their skills and their financial assistance to help make a positive change to people 's circumstances. This programme offers philanthropists a rare opportunity to meet the people that benefit from their assistance. It also allows our benefactors to highlight and explore specific social issues that may be close to their heart.
This project would require 9 consecutive days out of your schedule between now and September. Please do contact Leonie on 020 7013 4469 or e-mail Leonie to know more. back to top... |
Big Lottery �1million fund opens 'Secret Millionaire' pot
Viewers of Channel 4's hit show The Secret Millionaire will now be able to play a part in helping local community groups secure much-needed funding through the Big Lottery Fund's new Secret Millionaire Fund. Big Lottery Fund and The Secret Millionaire have teamed up to give viewers of the programme a chance to act on the charitable inspiration fuelled by the show. Lottery funding worth �1 million has been lined up to give away in grants across the UK of up to �10,000 from the Fund. You can visit below to find out if your chosen community group is eligible, or nominate a good cause of your choice. Groups then download an application form and apply to BIG's Secret Millionaire Fund. Successful applicants may be selected for filming by Channel 4 and appear on the website or TV programme. Visitors to the website can also showcase their favourite local cause on an interactive map of the UK and get involved by donating time or money. The Secret Millionaire Fund will support projects that give people better chances in life, build stronger communities, improve rural and urban environments or promote healthier and more active people and communities. Contact here.. back to top... |
WIN PRIZES AND SPECIAL OFFERS!!!!
Win �500 worth of Holiday vouchers with Nestl� Whole Grain
Nestl� whole grain cereals are giving away �500 worth of holiday vouchers to spend with English Country Cottages. So enter now and you and your family could be about to explore the English countryside! Thanks i-village! Enter here Win a fantastic family getaway with Ribena! Long school summer holidays just around the corner. Racking your brains for ideas to keep your family entertained? New research* from Ribena reveals that a quarter of mums and dads can't wait to embrace the extended summer break with their children, over a third admit that all the summer celebrations can sometimes leave them feeling slightly frazzled. For Mums looking for fun ways to keep the kids busy all summer long, Ribena has come to the rescue to help families sail through the summer holidays by offering the chance to win a fantastic family break every week in June. All you have to do is visit the competition page Enter here
Win a Wii console and Wii Fit!
Wii Fit is an enjoyable and innovative way to help you and your family stay fit in the comfort of your home. Enter here back to top... | |
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The Womens Business Book Club -
Next meeting Nottingham, Monday 15 June - 7.45pm
Karen Oehme says - 'The book choices are: Anita Roddick - Business as Unusual, and Rachel Elnaugh - Business Nightmares.
Do confirm that you are going and what book you have read! Email
Karen for more information...
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Women Unlimited - London, 17 June 2009
How Clear is Your Vision? Women Unlimited monthly get together for women business owners to meet, network, be inspired, create connections with other women who are in the process of starting or building their own business, and learn from each other. Discover how to define your own positive and dynamic vision - a 50 word statement which really reflects your business and where you want it to be in the future. Your vision should be exciting and motivating - to you and to others - a useful framework to help your business move to the next stage. This session will be run by Emma Wimhurst. Emma is a High-Energy Business Mentor, Entrepreneur, ' Millionaire Mumpreneur', founder of EMPwr and a sought-after International Motivational Speaker & Presenter. She reached millionaire status, sealing her entrepreneurial, business and financial acumen, from the sale of her Diva Cosmetics in 2003; the start-up she founded in 2000 as a young Mumpreneur, initially from home and with her firstborn on her hip. Visit here.. back to top... |
FUNDING UP TO �500,000 EVENT - Connect Midlands Springboard-18 June 2009
The Connect Midlands Springboard is looking for up to 15 early-stage companies seeking investment of up to �500,000 to present at the event. The event provides a platform for businesses to meet investors, as well as professionals who are experienced at brokering corporate finance deals. If you know of a company that is looking for investment, please visit website or email Giovanni for more details. back to top... |
Entrepreneurs Ladder June meeting, 23 June 2009 within Working Woman Conference - details below and also
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WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE AMBASSADORS Friday 18 September 2009, Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth
The last meeting on 14th May 2009 welcomed our youngest ever Ambassador, 15 week old Anastasia Morgan, with mum Joanne of Faveo Limited. There is always room for new Ambassadors, you can find out more, join and sign up for Inspired newsletter here here... back to top... |
CONFERENCES -LEICESTHERDAY CONFERENCE - 12 June 2009
"Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" looks set to be bigger and better than ever before, and with an exciting mix of workshops, entertainment and stalls that guarantees something for everyone. More here.... back to top... |
WORKING WOMAN CONFERENCE with Entrepreneurs Ladder -23 June 2009, new Barclays Bank Centre, Sheffield
Supporting women in business every step of the way Keynote speaker Valerie Dwyer, Tina English, Jill White
We will also be celebrating "Creative talent" as female entrepreneurs demonstrate their products and services plus featuring "20 Things I've learned about Business" contact us here or Book online here back to top... |
| Global Women Innovators and Inventors Network (gwiin)-Conference, Expo and Awards Cardiff 29-30 June 2009
Whether you can make the conference or not, this website has a wealth of essential information for innovators and inventors...
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EVERYWOMAN CONFERENCE - 18th November, London
Are you doing enough to set yourself apart from your competitors? If you feel you could be doing more to gain a competitive edge, then join the National everywoman Conference, where to help you create the space in your mind to innovate and come up with fresh ideas. Four successful female entrepreneurs will offer their tips and advice on creating 'Winning Ideas' during an interactive panel session. You will have the chance to ask questions and hear how they set themselves apart and add value in their own companies.
Line up includes Perween Warsi, CEO & Founder - S & A Foods and Emma Wimhurst Entrepreneur - EMpwr visitwebsite.. b ack to top.. |
UK's first ever Home Enterprise Day, Friday 20 November 2009 - Diary it now!
Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones has done it again!!!
This year Enterprise Week is Global Entrepreneurship Week, with activities taking place in over 75 countries, involving more than 3 million people. It is also the first year to see a day dedicated to the 8 million people who are starting and growing a business from home in the UK.
Home Enterprise Day will be run by Enterprise Nation, the home business website - to encourage more people to start a business from home and inspire existing businesses to grow, recognising all those who are turning ideas into action, hobbies into business, and spare rooms in to fully functioning workspace.
The highlight of the day will be the Enterprise Nation annual conference featuring inspiring business figures Doug Richard and Mark Dixon, meet media contacts from the BBC, Country Living and Sky, network with peers and be the first to congratulate winners of the 2009 Home Business Awards, announced on the day.
Activities are planned up and down the UK including regional home business get-togethers, announcements on home business products and services, and online meet-ups. In the lead-up to the day, Enterprise Nation is starting a race to follow every home business owner on Twitter. Updates of activities taking place on the Day will appear at Enterprise Nation and Global Enterprise Week To join the home business Twitter race, please visit Twitter/Enterprise Nation back to top... |
LAUNCHES AND OFFICIAL OPENINGS -HOOTS HOLLOWS at Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary, East Leake -
100 acres of fresh air, animals, plants, and nature!
This attraction is a constantly changing nature wonderland and activity centre for children - and opportunity to relax for parents - we encourage you to visit!
 
Jo with 'Dinky' the little Burrowing Owl..
We had a wonderful time with the delightful Jo Healey, BBC TV Presenter, our VIP guest who officially opened this world owl centre and got up close to some intriguing owls in the flying arena. Visitors will find a host of new attractions to explore, including the Red Room, the Gallery with outdoor seating area and catering adjacent to the Children's Play Barn, changes to the Pirate Ship with Rocking Rowboat, the twists and turns of the Castle and Dungeons to perches on the Climbing Wall. Outdoors - spot what's new, scout around Goose Woods - and so much more...For the gallery and more go to - Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary back to top... |
RESEARCH AND REPORTS -WOMEN'S BETTER BOTTOM LINE
Two organizations have delivered the first studies suggesting a link between gender balance and performance, Catalyst, the US research organisation and McKinsey & Company. Taking very different approaches to the data, they both came up with very similar results: that having more women in leadership is correlated with stronger financial returns. (And they are not the only ones to show the link. Besides another study of North American companies, similar proof is available for France and Vietnam, among others.
CATALYST REPORT: Linking Performance and Gender Balance on the Board. RETURN ON EQUITY: Fortune 500 companies with 3 or more women on the Board gain a significant performance advantage over those with the fewest � + 73% return on sales � + 83% return on equity � + 112% return on invested capital Catalyst research- Read report back to top... |
McKINSEY REPORT: Women Matter: Gender Diversity, a corporate performance driver
Similar findings come from the McKinsey Report, with those companies with the most women on their senior team showing superior growth in equity, operational results and share price. If at least a third of the senior team is made up of women, then companies outperform those with no women on 9 criteria of organisational excellence. Click here for full study. back to top... |
SHOUT OUT! SURVEY Equality & Diversity -Closes 23 June 09
Vanessa Boon, founder of energise - people development & diversity, a fellow Women's Enterprise Ambassador, suggests that you may want to take part in - or pass on - a short parliament consultation (online) which asks for your views on why groups such as women, disabled people, minority ethnic communities and LGB&T groups are under represented, what you think should be done to remove barriers and what would make you consider representing your community in parliament?
To see what other people are saying & to take part, see the online forum Click here.. Visit Energise back to top... |
| WWW Websites we love!
WOMEN-OMICS - After the book by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox
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FUNDING AND FINANCE
ENTERPRISE CAPITAL FUND - �2.5 billion Fundto encourage investment in the 'high skilled jobs of the future'.To address under-provision of venture capital for technology and high-growth businesses, the Government launched Enterprise Capital Funds. Over the last decade providers of development capital moved further away from smaller investments. As set out in Building Britain's Future: New Industry, New jobs, the government will launch a review to consider whether, and in what form, further intervention could increase the supply of long-term growth capital to small and medium sized businesses. Read more... back to top... |
�6m East Midlands Transition Loan Fund (TLF)
available to businesses across the region. The TLF will provide small to medium sized businesses with individual loans of between �50,000 and �250,000 for up to three years. For more details, contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit website back to top... |
�25 million potential Aspire Fund for women's enterprises
To help businesswomen access finance, my colleagues and I on the Women's Enterprise Taskforce lobbied Government for a women's investment fund, which was announced in the Enterprise Strategy and launched in November 2008. It is being run by Capital for Enterprise Ltd (CfEL).
The Aspire Fund, is a co-investment fund that is not designed to be accessed directly by businesses. CfEL are only looking for approaches from either lead investors or investment readiness providers. All direct enquiries from businesswomen should therefore be directed to Business Link (phone 0845 600 9006) in the first instance.
Aspire Fund applicants will either need to be directed to the fund through an investment readiness programme (which can be accessed via Business Link), or first secure private funding which the Aspire Fund could potentially match. To enquire further into the fund itself, please contact Melanie Perkins at CfEL on 0114 206 2145 or visit the taskforce website..
If you have any feedback on Aspire which you would like to share with the WETF, please contact Elizabeth Heritage back to top... |
ARTICLES OF INTEREST... The 10 Men a UK Female Internet Entrepreneur Should Know when Starting and Growing a Business
'Its not what you know, but who you know' (Paul Arden). This is true for entrepreneurs growing their business and forming their teams and advisory boards. Alicia Navarro, CEO of Skimlinks recently told The NextWomen about the great value a diverse board has given to her company. At best, women should surround themselves with male...to read more go to the next women...
The 13 Most Important Conclusions on Twitter
All the UK top Twitterati came together this week to talk about Twitter and The future of real time news, a day before it was announced by The Guardian that Twitter has overtaken sites as Linkedin, Digg and Bebo in popularity. Journalists, bloggers, social media advocates and publisher shared and discussed the effects and impact.. the next women
Women and the Vision Thing - Harvard Business Review by Herminia Ibarra and Otilia ObodaruWomen are judged to be less visionary than men in 360-degree feedback. It may be a matter of perception, but it stops women from getting to the top. Harvard Business Review link to article
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About Us
Founded by inspirational serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, with ten enterprises under her belt and over 2,000 others assisted to start and grow, Valerie Dwyer Group incorporates Strategic Business Development, a unique Visioning process, Coaching, Mentoring, Networking, Seminars and Workshops. Valerie Dwyer is a passionate UK and international advocate and Champion for Women's Enterprise and member of the UK Women's Enterprise Task Force, lobbying, speaking and writing on this topic. Every day clients achieve more success, our testimonials say it best!
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