Women encouraged to network, innovate and diversify for Growth

More than 140 Businesswomen from across Northern Ireland have heard how networking and leadership are key aspects for growth in business at an event hosted by Women in Business NI (WIBNI) at Hillsborough Castle.

At a time when unemployment figures amongst women are at their highest in decades, those attending the seminar heard from keynote speaker, Rose Mary Stalker, an award winning leader with over 26 years' experience in complex multi-national organisations. She shared her perspective on what she considered to be the key elements of leadership;

"Growth is key to business success and leadership skills are essential for growth. It is important for each of us, as businesspeople, to continually strive for improvement and growth in our businesses. Whether it is doing more with less or finding new customers, new markets or improved products and services, success is largely dependent on the quality of the leadership driving these activities. I was impressed with the passion and the enthusiasm of the delegates, keen to develop their businesses and their leadership capabilities."

Tracey Meharg, Innovation and Capability Development Group Managing Director at Invest Northern Ireland, discussed the importance of innovation, export and business diversification in the current challenging market;

"Leaders and effective leadership are crucial for business growth. Our economy needs them to navigate the challenges ahead. Invest NI is committed to supporting businesses and business leaders like the women here today to continually develop, innovate and perform to their full potential.

"Through our support of networks, like the Women in Business Network, Invest NI is supporting collaboration which we know stimulates innovation and creativity, deepens the skills base and helps develop connections between our companies and the wider global economy - all of which help to drive economic growth."

Also speaking at the event, Women in Business NI Chair and Managing Director of Business Travel Solutions, Edel Doherty, was keen to stress the importance of networking and sharing ideas during this difficult economic time;

"Building business relationships and sharing ideas can be very beneficial to businesswomen from all backgrounds, particularly at a time when there are more women out of work that at any time since the last century," said Edel. "Our members are keener than ever to make use of the networking opportunities we offer and we are doing all we can to support and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of women who are diversifying, innovating and starting their own businesses. 

"Not only are we hosting networking events such as this one but we are celebrating the success of local businesswomen through the Women in Business NI Awards which are open to all businesswomen in Northern Ireland.  Those entering do not need to be members of Women in Business NI and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who feels that their colleague or boss deserves to be recognised to go online to http://www.womeninbusinessni.com/ and nominate them for an award," she added.

Award categories include Best New Start Up and Best Exporter (both sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland); Award for Innovation/ Entrepreneurship (sponsored by Vodafone); Outstanding Management/ Leadership; Best Marketing/ Communications (sponsored by JC Decaux); Saleswoman of the Year; Best in Professional Services; Best Customer Service; Best Sole Trader; Young Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Moy Park) and Outstanding WIBNI Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Deloitte).

Entries are open until 7 October with the gala Awards event scheduled for Thursday 17 November, 2011.  For further information or to make a nomination, go online to http://www.womeninbusinessni.com/

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