N N EE WWSSLLEETTTTEERR August 2021
CCOONNTTEENNTT LLIIINNKKSS KEY KKEEYY DATES: DDAATTEESS
SBN Thoughts from the Chair th SBN meeting dates Thursday 12 August 2021:
Coffee Catch-Up at the Curio Lounge in King Street Stroud SBN Announcements - 9.00 am – 11.00am. Open to both SBN Members and
Members’ news & offers Friends for a chat over a coffee. Courses
Information, resources, Please note we are not holding an August Members’
funding & support Networking meeting.
About Us 30th September 2021 Join Us! Members’ Networking meeting on Zoom with inspirational
speaker Sabrina Pace-Humphreys plus a Member shout out.
SSEENNDD UUSS YYOOUURR NNEEWWSS
We welcome your news, offers and any Guests who would like one free meeting are also welcome other local resources or information you to try us out. Contact us on the email below. wish to share with other members via our newsletter which is issued 10 times a year. Feel free to submit your CCOONNTTAACCTT UUSS articles during the month so that we have your news in good time for our next issue. Members articles may be [email protected] news submissions : [email protected] shared to our Facebook group. Please send less than 200 words in plain text without any images. CCOONNNNEECCTT WWIIITTHH UUSS Ensure that you include your contact details and please check all details Facebook Group – Our closed group for Members carefully and that your links are Facebook Page- SBN Business info, events and information correct! Send submissions to [email protected] Twitter – Keep in touch with SBN conversation and events
Disclaimer: Stroud Businesswomen’s Network (“SBN”) accepts no responsibility or liability with regard to the information provided in this newsletter. The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the individual contributing members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SBN or its committee members. Information is intended to be of a general nature only and is not necessarily comprehensive. Where there are links to external websites, SBN assumes no responsibility for the information contained in those entries or on those websites.
Personal Data: Stroud Businesswomen’s Network takes data very seriously. You have received this newsletter because you are registered as a member or friend of SBN. If you would like to see a copy of our privacy statement please click here. If you would like to opt out of receiving this newsletter please email [email protected]
Stroud Businesswomen’s Network Chair Beth Whittaker Stroud Busiinesswomen’s Network Chaiir Beth Whiittaker
Thoughts from SBN Chair Beth Whittaker…. One of the many unanticipated discoveries of this pandemic was the way our communication methods have morphed – whether for business or pleasure - with online meetings becoming an accepted alternative.
Once your SBN Committee knew we couldn’t continue meeting face to face, we embraced the concept and have held our monthly Members’ meetings on Zoom.
We were very gratified to welcome up to 30 Members every month to our ‘virtual’ meetings – attracted no doubt by the quality of the amazing speakers who gave up their time to inform and entertain us.
As you will know, we are continuing to meet on Zoom for the rest of the year (although our coffee and chat at the Curio Lounge will be 'face to face'), so let’s take a moment to remember the wonderful women we have welcomed in
2020/21 – worth every penny of your annual SBN Membership, we hope you agree!
· Karina Methven from Magic Bean Media who gave us essential advice on how to make our social media work harder
· Roz Savage MBE, the first woman to row solo across THREE oceans, after giving up her job as a management consultant
· Julie Wickham told us about the extraordinary work of the Stroud Valleys Project protecting and enhancing our local environment
· Natalie Ferrari from Gloucestershire’s Start and Grow Enterprise outlined the initiative’s FREE support for freelancers, entrepreneurs and new businesses
· Our MP, Siobhan Baillie, gave us an insight into her first year juggling being an MP and a mum!
· Abi Wood and Delia Parnham Cope opened our eyes to the challenges faced by the new Trustees of the Stroud Subscription Rooms and a tantalising glimpse at its future
· Lotte Lyster Connolly, landlord of The Prince Albert pub in Rodborough, shared how the pub’s fortunes have been transformed thanks to being part of the ‘Saving Britain’s Pubs’ TV series with (Gloucester-born) top chef Tom Kerridge
· Emily Gravestock from the UK Space Agency took us on a journey out of this world looking at the positive impact of satellites and drones on every part of our day to day lives
· Stroud Book Festival’s Louise Brice and Caroline Sanderson told us about the history of the Festival (they have welcomed more than 200 authors over the years) and about this year’s fantastic celebrations due to take place in October!
This Autumn, we have another winning streak of speakers including Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, former owner of an award-winning PR agency and now a force in ultra-running and a sought-after motivational speaker; Emma Hall, founder of Silver Spot Ceramics, who will share her experience of growing an online business and Shalize Nicholas, clothes designer and founder of unique luxury clothing label Madia and Matilda, specialising in upcycled and sustainable fabrics.
Looking forward to seeing you (online for the time being) in September!
Beth Chair
Back to contents
SSttrroouudd BBuussiiinneesssswwoommeenn’’ss MMeeeettiiinnggss
SBN meetings 2021
*Earlier in the month due to school holidays
Download your copy PDF with 2021 dates here.
What’s happening with SBN meetings for the rest of the year?
Our Zoom meetings have been a great success and so for now we are holding our 2021 meetings on Zoom for September, October and November 2021.
We have a fantastic line up of inspirational speakers coming up – Sabrina Pace-Humpreys 30th September, Emma Hall 21st October and Shalize Nicholas 25th November – full details for these events can be found here. For a full list our past and future speakers for 2021 click here.
Back to contents
TThhee SSBBNN CCoommmmiiitttteeee ooff VVoollluunntteeeerrss
Our Committee left to right below: Chair: Beth Whittaker [email protected]
Training: Sam Collins ([email protected])
Training: Kirsty Preece ([email protected])
Events & Technical: Tammy Kwan [email protected]
Website: Karen Blaylock [email protected] Finance: Stella Jensen [email protected]
Photo courtesy of Tammy Kwan – TammyLyn Photography
WWhhaatt hhaappppeennss aatt tthhee SSBBNN mmeeeettiiinnggss??
We run three different types of main MEETINGS at suit all tastes!
We have a rolling programme of different styles of meetings.
Meeting style 1: Local interest speaker: recent speakers include Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie, Lotte Lyster Connolly of the Prince Albert Pub & Stroud Book Fesival’s Louise Brice and Caroline Sanderson.
Meeting style 2: Dedicated to learning new business skills and networking: helping members meet each other using structured and informal networking techniques, so people get to know each other better, and gain more confidence in networking generally.
Meeting style 3: Inspirational businesswomen: one keynote business speaker, usually a successful and inspirational businesswoman from in and around the Stroud district, sharing ideas and aspirations.
Recent examples are Emily Gravestock from the UK Space Agency and extreme ocean rower Roz
Savage MBE.
Shout Outs - Within these meetings according to time we offer member 'shout outs' when members get the chance to tell everyone about their business and, hopefully, share some tips and useful information.
Back to contents
SSBBNN mmeeeettiiinnggss –– PPllleeaassee JJooiiinn UUss!!
The Stroud Businesswomen’s Network meets twice a month for two very different types of meetings.
Our get-togethers have been very successful and well attended on Zoom over the past 12 months+.
Members report feeling very welcome and supported during the meetings, and the sense that they are not alone coping in the current crisis which is hitting many businesses very hard.
Our Members’ Networking Meeting (usually on the last Thursday of the month) usually welcomes an inspirational guest speaker and encourages networking and the sharing of information and business knowledge and skills. Everyone has a chance to introduce themselves and their businesses. Member benefits include attending main meetings with a variety of speakers, individual shout outs, newsletter articles posted online, promotion of your business on our Facebook group and SBN Page along with subsidised training events. Find out more details here.
The Networking meeting is for SBN Members only, but if you are interested in joining the Network, you are welcome to try us out for one meeting, as a Guest. Just email admin here [email protected].
Our informal Coffee Catch-Up (usually the second Thursday of the month) is open to anyone for support, social and business chat!
If you’d like to become an SBN Member please Join online - https://www.stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk/Join-now
SSBBNN AAddmmiiinn –– CCoonnttaacctt UUss
If you have a query or question for us please contact our Administrator. Admin : Diane Young [email protected]
Photo courtesy of Tammy Kwan
Back to contents
MMeemmbbeerrss’’ NNeewwss aanndd OOffffeerrss
New at Severnbites ! – Article submitted by Danielle Ellis
Breadmaking at Severnbites from the autumn will offer both online and in person classes and now you can help me plan! It’s been a remarkable time for me adapting my business from purely in person classes to online as well. Please take a few minutes to complete my survey by 10 August https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5AIS43/
How about short online sessions covering a breadmaking technique with the chance to ask questions?
Or perhaps you have a holiday letting business and would like to add a new activity for your guests?
Or organise a personalised In person classes for 4 people to learn tips and techniques to make bread successfully at home. Classes are held in my kitchen with a great view over the garden. We'll use locally milled flour and other local ingredients.
I’m located in Cambridge near WWT Slimbridge and travel all over the Cotswolds.
Check out the courses at www.severnbites.com/classes
Danielle Ellis 1 Ryalls Court Ryalls Lane Cambridge Gloucestershire GL2 7AH 07901 854981 / 01453 899230 @breadbakerdani on Twitter and Instagram Severnbites.com
Set up a one-to-one online breadclass or Rofco oven chat from wherever you live.
Looking for Homesharers! Article submitted by Ramona Amuza
Homeshare brings together older people who have spare rooms, with people who need affordable accommodation and are happy to chat and lend a hand. Homeshare Gloucestershire carefully match people, oversee the arrangements and provide professional ongoing support.
We have been running for around two and a half years and to date we have made 16 matches. We currently have six Homeshare opportunities, including in/near Stroud. A typical Sharer would give up to 10 hours a week of their time to the Householder, mostly consisting of companionship with a bit of helping around the house (there is no personal care involved at all).
Not sure what being a Sharer is all about? Please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire/our- services/homesharing and listen to Emma’s story.
For more information please contact Ramona Amuza, Homeshare Manager at Age UK Gloucestershire on: 07760 419260 or email: [email protected]
Back to contents
Members’ News and Offers Members’ News and Offers
Learning Confidence is key - article by Anna Creed - Science Tutor
It’s been heart-breaking that GCSE and A level exams have been cancelled due to COVID for the second year in a row. Meanwhile students currently part-way through GCSE and A level courses have received far less teaching than they really need for success in next summer’s exams. It’s left many students and their parents concerned about how to make up for lost time, and is the main reason why I have decided to share my experience in launching Anna Creed Tutoring as a business.
With 25 years’ experience teaching sciences in schools and colleges in both maintained and independent sectors across the county, I have significant experience of devising and delivering targeted intervention support to address student’s knowledge gaps and build confidence. Confidence is key: a student’s belief in their own understanding, skills and abilities is of prime importance for success in exams and in later life. Even small gaps in a student’s knowledge and understanding of any topic will negatively impact their confidence and chances of achieving the exam grades they need.
My targeted intervention support helps students achieve their learning goals as each session is personalised to their specific needs and learning styles.
Interested in finding out more?
Email me on [email protected] or call me on 07791538555
CCoouurrsseess aanndd EEvveennttss
Types of Dementia – Virtual Event with The Lakes Care Centre – Article submitted by Penny Carpenter
Date of event - Thursday 12th August at 2.30pm Subject - the lesser known types of dementia including Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal and Young Onset. The Admiral Nurses will also touch on mental health and disabilities. Anyone who may be interested is asked to register via our website: https://www.osjct.co.uk/news/different-types-dementia-virtual-support-session
There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and perhaps share experiences.
Customer Relations Manager The Lakes Care Centre Spine Road East, South Cerney Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5TL Tel: 01285 314141
Back to contents
CCoouurrsseess aanndd EEvveennttss
Stroud Book Festival Programme Announcement! – Article submitted by Louise Brice
Stroud Book Festival is delighted to announce the first names appearing in our 2021 Programme, which will run for 5 days from 3-7 November at venues in Stroud. Tickets for the first events are available via our Box Office at the Subscription Rooms from 1st August.
Back by popular demand, retail guru Mary Portas will be making a bold and persuasive business case for putting people and planet first post-pandemic, as set out in her book “Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy”.
Acclaimed authors Kate Mosse & Madeleine Bunting will join us for an illuminating and compassionate discussion about how we care for others, both within families, and as a nation.
Also on sale: Performance Coach Owen Eastwood, biologist and nature writer Merlin Sheldrake, film maker, photographer, frontline NHS worker and refugee rights activist Hassan Akkad, former Sky TV diplomatic editor, foreign affairs expert and author Tim Marshall, and Ian Dunt of Remaniacs fame will make a welcome reappearance at Stroud Book Festival to discuss his book “How to be a Liberal”.
Louise Brice Stroud Book Festival 3-7 November 2021 Shortlisted for the SoGlos Event of the Year 2021! To vote for us: https://www.soglos.com/awards/vote @BookStroud www.stroudbookfestival.org.uk www.facebook.com/stroudbookfestival
Free Workshops with the Growth Hub Now Available in Stroud at SGS!
We now have an amazing resource on our doorstep! The Growth Hub is now open at Stroud College with an array of workshops. Book now for August, September and October with FREE workshop topics ranging from “How to Solve Any Problem with Your Brand” to “How to Improve your Website and your SEO”.
Find the workshops and details of times and dates here.
Back to contents
IIInnffoorrmmaattiiioonn,, RReessoouurrcceess,, FFuunnddiiinngg aanndd SSuuppppoorrtt
Want to Know more about Start and Grow? Article submitted by Natalie Ferrari
Start and Grow Enterprise has a range of expert advisers to deliver training courses, workshops and 1-to- 1 coaching on a diverse range of subjects, from cash flow and tax requirements to digital marketing and sales strategies. These all have the same aim in mind – to equip today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and freelancers to succeed.
No successful entrepreneur in the UK started off knowing everything about business. They may have a passion for their field, but lack the knowledge as to how to market their business, or how to manage their time efficiently. It can be an isolating, stressful, and competitive experience to start your own business. But with the right advice and community, it needn’t be. Our interactive flip book illustrates the impact our programme can have on businesses, as told by a selection of our clients. Our variety of offerings can make the difference between survival and success, and our clients can attest to how their confidence has increased hugely from working with us.
“Since going through Start and Grow, we’ve got our first premises and hired two full time staff. Our website is 1000x better than it was before and our message is really clear, and we’ve also won awards, which is great.
Anybody starting a new business, anybody with an idea but is unclear on how to start, anybody with an area within their business where they’re really struggling, I would 100% recommend them to go to Start and Grow.” – Carla Maclean, Start and Grow Client.
Find the Virtual Flip Book here.
To benefit from this support, sign up on the website www.startandgrowenterprise.uk or contact [email protected].
Back to Top