NEW is about connecting 'like minded' women who have an interest in business.  It does not matter what stage of business you are at, NEW can offer many benefits - not least it reduces the isolation that many women in business experience.

In this current challenging economic environment, being able to connect and confer will colleagues in a similar position is a great mechanism to spark off new ideas and approaches, gather feedback and identify relevant and beneficial contacts.  

Government research in recent times has indicated that women do not make use of networks in the same way as their male counterparts. This may be because women more often take responsibility for the family caring role and so have less time to attend regular networking events, sometimes tratitional networking events are at unsuitable times for many women who have caring roles, it may also be due to a lack of networking confidence among women or the fact of being in the minority at male dominated networks.

Whatever the reasons, here are 10 really good reasons for you to take action and get connected.

10 good reasons to join NEW: 

1. Make a large number of new contacts at regular networking events;

2. Promote and raise awareness of your business;

3. Access support and advice;

4. Be inspired by other women in business;

5. Learn new tips and tools;

6. Understand that you are not alone;

7. Increase your motivation;

8. Receive regular updates on relevant events and news which impacts on your business development;

9. Access a sounding board for new business plans and ideas

10. Develop new ideas and solve problems

Member benefits:

1) NI Chamber of Commerce Membership – 15 months for the price of 12
The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce (NICC) has over 1000 members from manufacturing, services, retail, distribution and the professions. Through their programme of trade activities, networking events, strategic alliances, the Chamber web site and Business First Magazine, they can reach in excess of 5,000 businesses in Northern Ireland.The Chamber would like to offer NEW members a special rate of 15 months membership for the price of 12.To avail of this offer please contact Oonagh O’Reilly at Oonagh.oreilly@northernirelandchamber.com or visit www.northernirelandchamber.com for further information.

2) Private Healthcare Plan with Westfield Health for NEW Members
Voluntary cover from £15 per month
Check out :- www.health365.co.uk

In addition to the above, member benefits currently include:

Investment

Membership of the network is £50 per year effective from 1st Jan 2010.  Members will receive reduced delegates rates to all events, so you will have saved your members cost over the seven regular NEW events in Fermanagh andTyrone. 

How to join NEW? 

Just download a membership form (you can download by clicking on the link above 'Contact Us' on the right hand side of this page), fill it out and attach a cheque for £50 made payable to 'Network for Enterprising Women' and post to Shelly McCaughey, Happy Wrappers, 124 Aughnagar Road, Galbally, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 2PP.