Ladies at E11even
Ladies at E11even have just contacted TSN to tell us about their new women only business networking club to launch in Gatwick, Sussex.
Here's the skinny: With a portfolio of networking groups across the Surrey and Kent, Ladies at E11even will be looking to launch a series of new venues across the Sussex area with a launch at Gatwick as one of many groups to invite local women in business to maximise their networking opportunities.
The Gatwick launch comes at a time when the market has an abundance of female entrepreneurs, from those looking for the right work/life balance, to those who have set up in business after redundancy. With a combination of social and economic factors leading to the escalation in female entrepreneurs and the reduction in funding from the Government support agencies such as Business Link, means there is a very clear gap in the marketplace. Ladies at E11even was launched in 2009 and has rapidly grown in response to demand filling the gap which is proving essential in providing the support and tools to drive these businesses forward.
The Gatwick group launches on Wednesday 6th April at Alexander House Hotel, East Street Turners Hill, West Sussex at 11am, a proven popular time for many members, from those new to business, working mums and those with more established businesses. Structured, focussed meetings last up to two hours and will be the first Wednesday of every month.
Sue Brown, founder of the Coaching Zone and an established member at Ladies at 11 comments:
“Attending a Ladies at 11 meeting provides an instant shot of motivation, support, encouragement and friendship. There’s a genuine warmth, interest and enthusiasm from other members to help you to grow your business. Ladies at 11 is great for building your business, gaining new clients, growing your network and making worthwhile contacts. I have been a member of Ladies at 11 since the summer of 2009 and it has worked for me, this is a networking group that goes beyond the basic networking concept and I recommend it to any woman who is serious about growing her business”.
Founder of Ladies at E11even, Sarah Lockhart-Martin plans to push the business to the forefront of Women’s networking, what drives her is her own experience of setting up in business, “I wasn’t particularly confident, had no business background, encountered a few situations where people have taken advantage of my lack knowledge and I feel that this is where Ladies at E11even fills a real gap in the marketplace. I want to reach out to people, and let them know we can all be successful; we just need a bit of help along the way”, comments Sarah.
My own experience of networking groups was that the mixed groups I did attend were heavily male dominated, very expensive and with too much pressure on passing referrals. The women’s only groups weren’t business focussed enough. The true essence of networking seemed to be lost. For me it’s about people, learning not only about their businesses but who they are as individuals and building solid relationships which could potentially lead to business.’
A common question asked is, Why Ladies only? Sarah’s response is, ‘Women communicate and run businesses very differently to men. They are more supportive, offer encouragement, inspiration and have a genuine interest in helping one another. It is very much about relationships being formed.’
For further information, visit www.ladiesat11.com or ring Sarah Martin on 07855 465 202.
You can follow Sarah on Twitter at @ladiesat11