Last updated 17:20, Friday, 03 October 2008

WEST Cumbria Rural Women in Business might be a name most people will be unfamiliar with, but this successful networking group, made up of local business women, is set to achieve big things.

With just over 30 members, the WCRWiB has steadily grown since its creation in January 2007 and now works with other self-established network groups in the area.

The group was originally the Cockermouth division of the Rural Women’s Network but after various funding sources fell through, the group decided to formally establish itself separately. Its aim is to bring together everyone from self-employed one woman businesses operating in West Cumbria to companies that operate in the international market.

With some support from local organisations such as Voluntary Action Cumbria, Cockermouth Partnership and Northern Rock, the group have been able to highlight themselves and their achievements on the Rural Women’s Network website and have held numerous county-wide promotional events including the most recent at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith.

Meeting on a monthly basis has guaranteed members a support network and continued business development opportunities along with other benefits.

Some of the women have said being a member of the network has offered them friendship with like-minded people, personal support and business specialists, referrals and recommendations.

Women in the process of starting-up a business are also welcome. The group gives an ideal place to ask for advice, discuss ideas with women already in the local marketplace and to promote themselves.

The meetings are open to all West Cumbrian women keen to benefit from a dynamic local business group, to help enhance business skills, meet with others running enterprises and make useful contacts.

The group meets every second Monday of each month at Hundith Hill Hotel at 7.30pm.

There is an annual fee of £20 per year to become a member of the West Cumbria Rural Women in Business

For more information on the WCRWiB group visit www.ruralwomen.org.uk