South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Women - Want To Work For Yourself?

17 September 2007

What’s stopping you? That’s the question being asked of women across the South East who may be thinking of working for themselves.

To help provide an answer, Business Link is holding free informal one-day events – entitled ‘What’s Stopping You?’ – across the region. The events are for women who are considering working for themselves but would like to find out more about what’s involved. The informal setting allows attendees to talk to other women who have set up on their own.

Business Link’s Roz Maher said: “You don’t need any business experience at all to come along to these events. Whether you want to turn a hobby into a business and fit it around other commitments or to become a high flyer, you will find the ‘What’s stopping you?’ events informative and inspiring.

“No matter what your circumstances, we can offer you advice and guidance on working for yourself with absolutely no obligation to go any further. Come along and meet women who have already changed their lives by working for themselves. You can talk to them about their experiences and how they dealt with any barriers they came across.”

The events, which are supported by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), include four seminars:

• How did she do it? – the highs and lows of starting your own business including a chance to ask questions;
• Get the figure you want – how to get enough money to start your business and whether being self-employed could affect your tax credits;
• Look good, feel good – no diet involved! – how to create the right image for you, your business and your confidence;
• Be an IT girl – how to make technology work for you and how to use the internet to start and build a business.

The events are being held on:

• Monday 5 November 2007 Holiday Inn, Rochester, Kent
• Tuesday 6 November 2007 Thistle Hotel, Brighton, East Sussex
• Wednesday 14 November 2007 Jury’s Inn, Milton Keynes, Bucks
• Thursday 15 November 2007 Portsmouth Guildhall, Hampshire
• Wednesday 21 November 2007 HG Wells, Woking, Surrey
• Monday 26 November 2007 Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Reading Berks

Six further ‘What’s Stopping You?’ events will take place across the region in February and March 2008.

Roz Maher added: “We would urge anyone who thinks that working for themselves might be for them to come along. The information available and the experiences of others will allow you to make an informed decision that may change your life. The friendly and informal atmosphere will ensure that not only is it an informative day, but it should also be a lot of fun!”

Each event runs from 10am – 3.30pm but attendees are welcome to attend for all or part of the day and can bring a guest if they wish. Free refreshments and lunch are supplied.

Places are limited so early booking is advisable. Each booking received will be entered into a prize draw to win a free makeover. For further information or to book a place, visit www.whatsstoppingyouevents.co.uk or call 01732 878007.