New hub for Spenbusinesswomen

A new branch of Ladies 4 Networking met in Liversedge on Tuesday to promote their firms and connect with other entrepreneurs in their area.

The Spen Valley branch, hosted by Victoria Harrington of Cleckheaton-based company Harrington Family Law and Dawn Robinson of Dawn Robinson Photography, hopes to offer a supportive environment for women in business.

Members have joined from a range of trades, from accountants to jewellery makers and reiki therapists to solicitors.

Victoria said the group would be a real benefit to the local community and would offer women struggling to set up businesses from home support and encouragement.

She said: “The benefits are huge.

“I have lived in the Spen Valley for 20 years and I’d rather support a local business than go into Leeds or just Google something.”

Tuesday’s meeting at the Healds Hall Hotel in Huddersfield Road featured a lunch with guest speakers Pat Lister of Topaz image Consultancy and Rebecca Firth of Rebecca Firth Marketing.

Members were also encouraged to network with a speed-dating-like table shuffle activity.

“It’s like speed dating with five ladies on each table, so we all get to meet each other and promote our businesses,” Victoria said.

“It’s a very welcoming and friendly group.”

The Spen Valley branch meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 11am and costs £10. The next meeting is on September 10, for more details email [email protected], or call 07922 115707.