Ninth National everywoman Conference for female entrepreneurs

“Is your business worth a single day of your time”?

On Women’s Enterprise Day, Wednesday 18 November, everywoman is hosting the UK’s must-attend event for female entrepreneurs wanting to spend just one day focusing purely on the bigger picture in order to achieve business success. Hundreds of women in business are anticipated to attend this annual event run by everywoman, the leading organisation that campaigns to engage more women in the economy and supported by NatWest, BT Business and Business Link. Keynote speaker for the event includes broadcaster and chef Allegra McEvedy MBE, star of the current TV series ‘Economy Gastronomy’.

There has never been a better time for business owners to take just one day out of the office in order to refocus and refresh their business ideas, and plan for future growth. The National everywoman Conference is a valuable day of learning and networking that will make a tangible difference to delegates’ businesses. With corporate jobs not offering the stability they once did, the alternatives of self-employment, or developing a portfolio career have become more appealing, yet many women are unsure where to look for guidance. The National everywoman Conference provides the opportunity for them to learn about all aspects of growing a business, in a fun and friendly environment.

Gill and Benson work closely with Government to encourage more women to launch businesses. It has been suggested that female enterprise will be one of the key elements in the economic recovery of the UK. Research carried out in late 2008 by everywoman, in association with NatWest, ‘The Hidden Growth of Female Enterprise’ found that women were more driven than their male counterparts, with 88% of female small business owners surveyed predicting growth over the next five years, compared with 74% of men. Regrettably women are still side-lined in business because of their gender and many such individuals have turned to business ownership as a means of gaining control and flexibility.

In addition to Allegra McEvedy, other successful, high profile entrepreneurs will share their journeys to business success and offer inspirational tips on how to generate fresh ideas and drive a business forward, including motivational speaker Heather White of Smarter Networking, who will advise on how to network effectively to get ahead. A panel discussion entitled ‘Winning Ideas’ will feature insight from a number of successful female business owners who will reveal their tips on how to innovate in order to gain a competitive edge. Participants include Perween Warsi, founder and CEO of S & A Foods, Liz Jackson MBE, founder of Great Guns Marketing, Emma Wimhurst, serial entrepreneur and founder of EMpwr and Cary Marsh, founder of MyDeo and winner of the BT Iris Award at the 2007 NatWest everywoman awards. Motivating master-class workshops are available for those wanting to expand their business, including ‘Leadership for Breakthrough Results’, led by Mitzie Hoelscher, Gap International Inc and ‘Key Steps to Promoting Your Business’, hosted by Antonia Chitty, Director of ACPR.

Co-founder of everywoman Karen Gill comments, “The National everywoman Conference is one of the most important events in the business calendar for female entrepreneurs, providing an opportunity to learn and network with their peers. Many business owners fail to invest in their own personal development, but this event is a one-stop-shop offering expert advice and business growth opportunities for anyone wanting to take their business to the next level.”

The 2009 everywoman Conference will take place on Wednesday, 18 November at the Hotel Russell, London. Tickets can be purchased for £95 + VAT for members of everywoman, and £120 + VAT for non-members. For further information and to book a place please go to www.everywoman.com/national2009

Win one of two free tickets to this year's event, courtesy of everywoman, in this exclusive competition.