I've been a member of Women in Business right from those early days in 2001. I've seen the network develop and go from strength to strength in terms of its professionalism, but above all, in terms of offering innovative support to its members. Just last week, an old friend from the early days of the network, whose daughter is now the member for their family-run business, Leadlines Stained Glass Studios, rang me to ask if I would do some PR to help them publicise their business relocation to exciting new premises. Just one example, of how I've worked with other members over the years!

Having spent almost 40 years in the corporate world, I realise now how much I had missed by not joining WIB back in 2002. Now that I am running my own business I am really glad that I joined WIB towards then end of last season. I have enjoyed every event I have attended and met loads of women with whom I have enjoyed excellent conversation about their particular business and who are equally interested in what I have to offer as a company. The networking at each event is invaluable and an enjoyable and inexpensive way of promoting your business. THANK YOU WIB.

We at Beat 'n' Track specialise in bringing inspiration and innovation to their clients, by providing them with a total Sound & Music Solution. Our professional, innovative training & mentoring services, motivational team-days & music design for events, are tailored to suit your needs and we deliver our services on an all-ireland basis. I would like to thank Nicki Bayes from Women in Business for connecting Beat 'n' Track with the Clic Sargent Charity to provide sound and music solution for their recent Fashion Show Event at the La Mon Hotel.

Being a photographer is not just about taking pictures. Sometimes it's important to leave the camera behind and to listen to what the marketplace is telling you. One of the ways I address this is by utilising as many of the Women in Business services as I can. By attending the workshops and seminars, I find that I am able to forge the relationships - which are fast becoming friendships - as it is vital to connect with potential clients and suppliers. It's all about listening and finding out what we can do for each other. As this goes to press, I am preparing for my two minutes of fame at the next WIB event - which is another springboard to make people aware of who I am and what I stand for. Personally I feel, particularly in Northern Ireland, referrals and personal contact are very prevalent in business and the WIB website and eZines are ideal for keeping your business on other peoples' radar. Like most things in life - the more you put in - the more you get out - and this is why I am finding Women in Business invaluable to the survival and growth of my business. Thank you everyone for your continued support. T : 02891853478 E : info@caigrahamphotography.co.uk W : www.caigrahamphotography.co.uk B : www.caigrahamphotography.blogspot.com

Mobile Pampering was established in March 2007 to satisfy the growing demand of the modern woman. Joanne Easthope knew that with today´s hectic lifestyle there weren’t enough hours in the day for busy women, (especially to pamper themselves!), & so she set up Mobile Pampering after undertaking East Belfast’s Start a Business Programme. Joanne joined the Women in Business network a short time after launching Mobile Pampering & has since built a strong and loyal client base, her achievements to date stemming from providing the best professional service together with using the very best products. Joanne’s success has been built on her level of customer care, "I want my clients to enjoy the whole pampering experience which exceeds their expectations each and every time I visit". Her policy definitely works! She was thrilled when she managed to secure more than 20 new clients from the Women in Business membership. "Being a Women in Business member has been invaluable to me – I have a lot of clients from the membership itself but what is really great is that they then recommend me to their friends! WIB gave me the contacts, lots of confidence as my business grew & lots of new customers! I have really seen how the network works!" Joanne also offers bespoke pamper packages including Evening "Socialise"; Pamper Hen Party, Holiday Countdown & more & comes highly recommended! "I have never felt so relaxed and de-stressed, Thanks again". Helen (Belfast)

I have been a member of Women in Business for over 4 years and through out this time WIB has helped to promote my business, I have received numerous referrals from members, gained business as a result and more recently a luxury cruise was booked as a result of a connection made at WIB... an excellent network and great value for money. T: 0845 0587054 W: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/andrea.kirkpatrick

Jacqui Neill formerly a teacher, who in April 2005, resigned from teaching and began trading as Photography by Jacqui Neill. Jacqui worked on a freelance basis for the Ulster Tatler and its associated publications as well as local press. This offered the opportunity to learn about press photography whilst making contacts with business and influential people across NI. Ulster Tatler sent Jacqui to cover a meeting of Women in Business in 2005. At this meeting, she met members and in November joined WIB. In 2007, Jacqui tendered for and successfully won the opportunity to be the official photographer for Women in Business. This had a positive impact on her business. Jacqui commented, 'The key to success is self belief' and she added 'my new found confidence has come through talking with other like-minded women who are members of Women in Business. These women have been open and honest in sharing their specialist knowledge and their business know-how. I owe them more than I can say for what they have already helped me to achieve and in what lies ahead. Photography by Jacqui Neill opened its first photographic studio in Ballyclare on 1st June 2008.