Women Mean Business Event Returns

Tameside Libraries are celebrating Tameside’s women in business this International Women’s Day, welcoming inspiring local women with experience of leadership, networking, women in engineering and business for creatives. 

Returning for a second year, Tameside Libraries free Women Mean Business Event will take place on Wednesday 8 March, 10am-1pm at Droylsden Library. Refreshments and biscuits will be provided.

The Women Means Business Event is an opportunity for networking plus the chance to find out how Tameside Libraries can support start-ups and existing SMEs.

This year’s speakers include:

• Rachel Craig – Rachel is a content marketing specialist and legal marketing expert based in Manchester. She is the owner and director of Ruche Marketing, and has experience from nearly 30 years working within the legal sector for several leading law firms. Her company Ruche Marketing offers services to Law Firms, Startups and Small Businesses across the UK.
• Lynn Kerfoot MBE - Managing Director of Newland Engineering, market leader in the manufacture of conveyors for the loading and unloading of trucks. Awarded an MBE for services to business in Tameside in 2013 Lynn is a board member of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, has been listed on North West Business Insider’s annual 100 Women of Influence list and was previously the President of the Tameside Local Chamber of Commerce.
• Annie Kèki– Haute couture designer and founder of the Design and Sewing Studio. Annie is a fashion designer specializing in couture garments for women and children. She founded The Design and Sewing Studio in 2021 with the intention of providing studio space for emerging and established fashion designers incorporating garment manufacturing. She is a graduate of Tameside Library’s Build a Business program and her business is going from strength to strength.

Attendees will also discover more about the value of networking, plus an opportunity to meet and mingle. People can make connections, spark ideas, seek support, find inspiration; regardless of whether they are already self-employed, running a successful business, involved with a community group or just interested in what women can achieve.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member - Culture, Heritage & Digital Inclusivity said:

‘’I’m proud to support the Women Mean Business event for International Women’s day, it is an exciting opportunity to connect, guide and empower each other. If you are a women who’s in business or would like to kick-start a business, please take advantage of this free event. ‘’

‘’Those who attend will benefit from listening to successful and inspiring female business owners and will be given the opportunity to network. Don’t forget, this event is a taster of the business support available through our libraries, as they hold workshops and networking events regularly.’’

This event is free but booking is essential. Please book via Eventbrite at https://women-mean-business-tameside.eventbrite.co.uk  or contact 0161 342 2031 or information.direct@tameside.gov.uk  for further details.

Tameside Libraries is part of Build a Business in GM Libraries, a project part funded by the European Union, with a grant of £1.3 million from ERDF funding, and managed by Manchester City Council. The project will run from January 2021-June 2023. For more information go to: www.buildabusinessgm.org. Ashton Library is a Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC), part of the Greater Manchester BIPC Hub.