More women are starting their own business than men in the UK for the first time ever with 14 per cent looking to hire more staff this year, according to Official National Statistics during the period of 2008-2015.
Figures reveal there are now nearly one million women-led SMEs in the UK that could mean around 140,000 new jobs. However, many are less likely to survive and grow because they are not accessing the same level of support compared to men’s businesses.
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Award-winning Wenta have been providing a wealth of business start-up advice and support to local people for the past 32 years. Within this time, they have delivered a large number of successful programmes specifically aimed at helping women in business. This includes the current Women and Broadband Programme, a free scheme in Central Beds, Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes which helps ladies to start or grow their business by getting online and taking advantage of faster broadband.
Wenta have also recently launched a women’s business networking group at Champney’s Tring called ‘Sapphire’, practical initiative to close the gender gap. It offers a unique mix of advice, networking events, training, mentoring and online support. The Charter for Women in Business is a practical initiative to close the gender gap.
Sharon Gaffney, Head of Training and Skills at Wenta, said: “We are excited to have now become a member of The Charter for Women in Business. Here at Wenta, we continually encourage and support local business women and we feel proud to be a part of this initiative.”
The Charter for Women in Business, launched by Prowess, aims to close a business development gap costing the UK economy billions each year by equipping companies with effective online training and marketing tools.
Prowess Director Erika Watson, who was awarded an MBE for services to women’s enterprise, said: “The Charter builds on international best practice and more importantly the women we’ve surveyed give it their full approval. We’re inviting business support and services providers to join Wenta by signing up to the Charter themselves and letting their staff and clients know that they are serious about sharing in women’s business success.”
Wenta’s ‘Sapphire’ women’s business networking takes place on the first Thursday of every month and the next one is on Thursday 3rd December at Champney’s Tring. For more information visit: www.wenta.co.uk/sapphire-business-networking.
