I WAS thrilled earlier this month to welcome more than 500 determined and admirable businesswomen and men to the ninth Women in Business Awards.
An evening such as this reaffirms the unrivalled talent this country has to offer. Not only that, but it highlights the significant positive impact that a network such as Women in Business can have on established and budding female entrepreneurs.
The inspiring Edel Doherty, founder and managing director Beyond Business Travel, was delighted to be honoured with Businesswoman of the Year.
With over 30 years in the travel industry, an impressive turnover of £16 million and plans to grow to £50 million in four years, Edel is truly a well-deserved recipient.
In her acceptance speech, Edel proudly exclaimed that she is “a product of this network”. This was a reminder of why we work so hard to support, encourage and inspire our members.
It was obvious that the power of networking is more significant than ever, and re-established that we cannot and must not undervalue the importance of networks such as Women in Business, and the programmes, events and opportunities that enable these women to flourish.
Women in Business offer numerous of exciting and engaging opportunities for networking for all women, and we believe it is never too early to network.
Through our Young Women’s Network, available to women under 25 years of age, we provide a platform to bring together and empower young women, equipping them with the tools, networks and insight to get ahead.
Encouraging young entrepreneurs to begin making useful connections early on opens the door to a multitude of prospects and most significantly, provides support, inspiration, and guidance, through peer mentoring. Gaining invaluable, first-hand knowledge and experience can only motivate and turn thought into action.
The success of Women in Business programmes such as Yes You Can, a three-year female enterprise programme in collaboration with the 11 local councils and Invest NI, demonstrates the value that peer mentoring and networking can provide.
An incredible 408 women registered for Local Female Networks, aimed at all female entrepreneurs, from those who haven’t started trading, to those who want to grow their business.
A further 430 women registered for Imagine It, a boot camp for women at the pre-start stage who have an idea and a vision, see an opportunity and want to make it happen.
And over 258 women from across Northern Ireland applied for the Yes You Can £20,000 pitching competition, with 72 women going on to pitch.
We need to continue to appreciate the endless benefits and added value of networking and peer mentoring. It is evident by the vast number of applicants and registrations for our programmes that ambitious businesswomen are ready to work and ready to be involved.
I glanced around the room at the Crowne Plaza during the awards ceremony and I was genuinely proud to congratulate a host of wonderful women on the work they have done. To take the time to recognise their journey and success was both joyous and humbling.
I will not give up supporting businesswomen, and I urge all women, no matter what stage you are at in your career, to take the leap and get networking.
For more information about Yes You Can email yyc@womeninbusinessni.com or visit www.womeninbusinessni.com/Yes-You-Can.aspx
:: Roseann Kelly (roseann@ womeninbusinessni.com) is chief executive of Women in Business (www.womeninbusinessni.com)
